By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to play a more active role in combating insecurity, declaring that the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping is a national responsibility and not the sole duty of the military, as organised labour warned of possible nationwide industrial action over the worsening security situation.

In a message to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies on Monday, the President praised troops and security operatives for their sacrifices in protecting lives and communities across the country.

Tinubu also paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and acknowledged the burden borne by their families. He urged citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, insisting that Nigeria would not surrender to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or violent extremists.

His remarks came as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed concern over the persistent wave of insecurity nationwide, threatening industrial action if the situation continues unchecked. Speaking during the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, labour leaders said the growing cases of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping were becoming intolerable and demanded urgent government intervention.

Meanwhile, a new twist emerged in the abduction of the Principal of Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, who appeared in a viral video from captivity to refute reports that her abductors were demanding a N1 billion ransom, weapons or the imposition of Sharia law.

The principal, who has spent 24 days in captivity, said the kidnappers showed her reports carrying the claims and insisted they were false. According to her, the only demand communicated by her captors is the release of certain individuals currently in custody. She appealed to authorities and the public not to politicise the matter and to focus on efforts to secure the freedom of all victims.

The developments underscore growing national anxiety over insecurity, with the President calling for collective action, labour threatening mass protest, and fresh revelations emerging from one of the country’s latest kidnapping cases. As pressure mounts on security agencies, stakeholders continue to demand more decisive measures to restore public confidence and guarantee the safety of citizens.

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.