IGP Deploys DIG Operations To Kaduna, Records Rescue Of Kidnap Victims Over Ariko Village Attack

Ariko village attack. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to deploy to Kaduna State in response to the recent attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam.

On 5 April 2026, armed bandits attacked ECWA and Catholic Churches in the community, firing indiscriminately. Five people were killed, and approximately fourteen others were abducted.

In response, the IGP ordered immediate operational intervention. The DIG Operations was deployed to assess the situation on site and coordinate security efforts to restore order and secure the release of the abducted victims.

During the operation, the team led by DIG Nadada, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), rescued seven kidnapped victims. They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical care and are in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families.

IGP Disu

The IGP affirms that operations continue to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible. He urges the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
6th April, 2026

CAS Sustains Counter-Terrorism Momentum, Strengthen Frontline Morale At Easter Luncheon In Kaduna

Counter-terrorism. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended personnel of the Nigerian Air Force serving under the Air Component, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, for their professionalism, resilience, and steadfast commitment to ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Speaking during the Easter Luncheon held on Sunday, 5 April 2026, at the Headquarters, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 in Kaduna, the CAS, represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal SA Bukar, described Easter as a solemn season of sacrifice, hope, and renewal, values that closely mirror the ethos of military service.

He noted that the troops’ unwavering dedication, sustained operational tempo, and readiness posture continue to deliver tangible effects in degrading terrorist elements and reinforcing security and stability within the theatre.

The CAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining counter-terrorism momentum through continuous mission-oriented training, intelligence-led air operations, enhanced logistics support, and deliberate prioritisation of personnel welfare. He urged the troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and resolute in the discharge of their duties, while paying tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, as well as personnel still deployed across demanding operational environments. Earlier, the Air Component Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, Air Commodore OA Okpara, expressed appreciation for the CAS’s unwavering support and commended the troops for recent operational gains. He noted that ongoing precision strikes, armed reconnaissance, and surveillance missions have continued to degrade terrorist and criminal elements, while significantly restricting their freedom of movement within the joint operations area.

Kelvin Aneke

The luncheon also featured cultural dance performances, musical displays, and other recreational activities designed to provide relaxation and further strengthen esprit de corps among personnel. In a notable demonstration of leadership presence and humility, the Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Esen Paul Efanga, and other senior officers, personally served meals to troops, reinforcing unity, camaraderie, and mutual respect across all ranks.

The Easter Luncheon once again underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to troop welfare, frontline morale, and sustained counter-terrorism momentum in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

ADC: Youths Threaten Protest, Give INEC 72-Hour Ultimatum To Recognise Mark-Led Leadership

The youth wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a three-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to restore the party’s leadership recognised after its July 2025 NEC meeting.

The ultimatum was issued on Monday during a press conference at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

On Wednesday, INEC announced that it would no longer recognise the factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala after reviewing a court of appeal judgement.

Balarabe Rufa’i, national youth leader of the ADC, said the directive by INEC undermines the party’s internal processes and democratic norms.

Rufa’i said the ADC held a national executive committee (NEC) meeting on July 29, 2025, which produced a new national working committee led by David Mark.

According to him, the meeting was monitored by INEC officials, and the outcome was later recognised by the commission.

He said the commission subsequently uploaded the new leadership on its portal on September 9, 2025.

“There was no dispute. No objection. No ambiguity. So what changed? Power, pressure, and political interference,” he said.

Rufa’i alleged that INEC later disregarded due process by interpreting a court order regarding the party’s leadership dispute.

“Let it be stated unequivocally: INEC has no constitutional authority to interpret court orders,” he said.

“That duty belongs strictly to the courts. What INEC has done is not neutrality. It is complicity, partisanship, and institutional sabotage.”

The youth leader questioned the basis on which the commission acted on letters and pending court motions.

“On what legal basis did INEC act on letters and an ex parte motion that has neither been heard nor determined by a court of competent jurisdiction?” he asked.

“Why did INEC act on pending motions, rely on letters instead of binding court orders, and assume the powers of the judiciary? This is not a mistake, but a violation of the constitution.”

The group also asked the national assembly to investigate the actions of the electoral commission.

Rufa’i said lawmakers should exercise their constitutional oversight powers and consider appropriate measures, including the recall or removal of the INEC chairman.

He also called on the judiciary to clarify its orders in order to prevent misinterpretation and manipulation.

The ADC youth wing urged the armed forces to remain neutral in matters concerning democratic participation.

“We commend the Armed Forces for defending Nigeria. However, we state clearly that the military must remain neutral and stay away from civic democratic actions. This is a civil and constitutional matter,” he said.

The group insisted that the leadership inaugurated at the July 29 NEC meeting remains the legitimate leadership of the party.

According to Rufa’i, any attempt to alter the leadership without a final court judgment is illegal.

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He said the youth wing is demanding that INEC restore the Mark-led leadership on its official portal.

The group also asked the commission to apologise to Nigerians and stop taking actions based on letters or pending motions without court orders.

Rufa’i said the youth wing is also demanding the resignation or removal of the INEC chairman.

Youths Threaten Protest

He warned that the group would mobilise nationwide civic action if the commission failed to comply with the ultimatum.

“If INEC fails to comply within 72 hours, we will initiate nationwide, peaceful, and lawful civic action across all 36 states and the FCT,” he said.

“ADC youths and concerned Nigerians, including civil society organisations, will lawfully occupy INEC offices nationwide and sustain civic resistance until full restoration of democratic order.”

Rufa’i also cautioned against attempts to weaken opposition parties, adding that Nigeria must not be turned into a one-party state.

“Restore democracy or face the resolve of the Nigerian people,” he added.