By David Torough, Abuja

Professor Ikechukwu has cautioned media practitioners against the indiscriminate reporting of military activities, warning that the publication of sensitive operational details could undermine national security and embolden criminal elements.

Speaking on the relationship between the media and national security, the academic noted that irresponsible journalism has increasingly manifested in the dissemination of false or unverified information, sensational coverage of security incidents for attention or commercial gain, and the disclosure of confidential military information.

He also identified the use of inflammatory language capable of heightening public anxiety and ethnic tensions, as well as politically motivated and unbalanced reporting of security issues, as practices that pose serious risks to national stability.

According to him, the rapid growth of online journalism and social media has accelerated the spread of both information and misinformation, enabling inaccurate reports to reach millions of people within seconds before proper verification can take place.

He warned that such reports could compromise military operations by exposing troop movements, operational locations, and strategic plans.

“That is why we teach budding journalists that national security information is not a media scoop and should not be treated as such,” he said. “You cannot publish details of everything that goes on in the military because doing so may assist and empower criminal groups, insurgents, and terrorists.”

Prof Ikechukwu further observed that the repeated circulation of inaccurate reports could erode public confidence in the Armed Forces and other security agencies, while also undermining the morale of personnel serving under difficult and dangerous conditions.

He added that false and misleading reports often create confusion and panic among citizens and can reinforce hostile propaganda exploited by terrorist and criminal groups to advance their objectives.

He therefore stressed the need for responsible, balanced, and ethical journalism when reporting matters related to national security.

By David Torough, Abuja

Nigeria’s security forces recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping as troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued 360 abducted civilians in Borno State, while the Nigerian Air Force intensified efforts to secure the release of teachers and pupils kidnapped in Oyo State.

The development came as President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would not surrender to terrorists, bandits, or other criminal elements, pledging continued support for security agencies to protect lives and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country.

In Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside Special Operations Forces, rescued 360 women and children who were abducted by terrorists during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area in March.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said the rescue followed a coordinated operation conducted around the Mandara Mountains on June 6. He explained that Special Operations Forces first carried out missions that disrupted terrorist camps before ground troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade moved in to extract the captives.

Abubakar, however, disclosed that the operation suffered a tragic setback as two infants died during the difficult evacuation process through the rugged terrain. He added that the rescued victims received immediate medical attention, food, and other humanitarian support before being moved to a secure facility for reunification with their families.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has deployed an aerial surveillance platform to aid the rescue of 46 teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that the surveillance aircraft was deployed immediately after the abduction was reported and has since been providing intelligence crucial to ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

According to the governor, intelligence gathered from the aerial missions has helped security agencies track developments and coordinate efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities, kidnapping 39 students and seven teachers. The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of schools and educational institutions in parts of the country.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at a National Inter-Denominational Church Service marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations in Abuja, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s determination to confront insecurity and ease the economic burden on Nigerians.

The President acknowledged the pain caused by insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement across several communities but assured citizens that the government remained committed to addressing the challenges.

“The government will never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” Akume said on behalf of the President.

He stressed that the safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority and noted that security agencies are being provided with the necessary resources to strengthen operations against criminal groups.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians to reject violence, hate campaigns, and divisive politics as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, while urging citizens to uphold democratic values and national unity.

The President commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation and maintaining democratic stability, expressing confidence that ongoing military and intelligence operations would further degrade criminal networks across the country.

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja and Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

The nation’s worsening insecurity came into sharp focus on Wednesday,   as separate incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks in Oyo and Zamfara states raised fresh concerns over the safety of citizens and public institutions.

In Oyo State, gunmen abducted Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 a.

m. in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school.

Confirming the incident, the Adelabu family said security agencies had been alerted and rescue efforts were underway. The family expressed confidence in the ability of security operatives to secure the safe release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The abduction adds to growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping in Oyo State. In recent months, more than 40 teachers and students were reportedly kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area, while an APC chieftain, Wale Oriade, was abducted in Ibadan in December 2025.

In another security breach in the state, suspected gunmen attacked an office of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Ogbomoso on Tuesday night, overpowering security personnel and making away with firearms belonging to officers on duty. The attack, which occurred around 10 p.m., reportedly caused panic among residents. Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, suspected bandits abducted seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, after invading their off-campus residence on the outskirts of the town’s Low-Cost area.

Local authorities and the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that one of the abducted students later escaped, leaving six others — three males and three females — still in captivity.

According to police authorities, the bandits gained access to the residence after a student allegedly left the door open while stepping outside during the night. Security operatives, including personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit and troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, have launched rescue operations.

The latest abductions have drawn criticism from community groups, who lamented what they described as persistent bandit activities in the area despite repeated security interventions.

The incidents in Oyo and Zamfara underscore the continuing security challenges confronting the country, with kidnappings, attacks on public institutions and armed raids remaining major threats despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to contain criminal activities.

Meanwhile, the senate has warned that the growing wave of attacks on schools poses a grave threat to the nation’s future, urging the federal government to as a matter of urgency immediately rescue scores of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims kidnapped recently by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State

The Senate also urged the Federal Government to strengthen and expand the Safe Schools Initiative through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering and improved security deployment around vulnerable schools and communities across the country.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo Central), who drew attention to the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele and neighbouring communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

Leading the debate, Buhari said the victims, including schoolchildren and teachers, were abducted from what should have been a safe learning environment, while several lives were lost during the attack.

He described the incident as a direct assault on the nation’s future, warning that insecurity around schools could undermine public confidence in education and deepen fear across rural communities.

The senator expressed concern over reports that a toddler was among those abducted, saying the development underscored the brutality of the attackers.

He also lamented the killing of a teacher during the incident, describing it as a tragic reminder of the security challenges confronting many communities.

According to him, the attack has heightened anxiety in Oyo State and renewed concerns over the safety of schools and residents in vulnerable areas.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence for those who lost their lives and sympathised with the affected families, the people of Oyo State and the state government.

Lawmakers further directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of those still in captivity and prevent similar attacks in other parts of the country.

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) called for a comprehensive review of funds appropriated to security agencies, arguing that the National Assembly must intensify oversight of security spending to ensure greater accountability and effectiveness.

Also contributing, Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) urged state governments to play a more active role in supporting security operations, noting that ungoverned spaces across the country continued to provide opportunities for criminal activities.

The Senate acknowledged recent efforts by a Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside other top security officials, who visited the affected community to sympathise with victims and assess the situation.

Speaking with journalists after the plenary, Buhari appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the tragedy, stressing that ongoing rescue efforts required caution because of the number of children involved.

He said security agencies were working to secure the safe return of the victims and warned that the disclosure of sensitive operational details could jeopardise ongoing efforts.

According to him, the focus should remain on ensuring the safe release of the abductees and restoring confidence in the safety of schools and communities across the country.