Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Nigeria’s Defense Minister Resigns as Security Emergency Confronts New Mass Kidnappings

Security forces face a surge of kidnappings despite emergency measures.

Image
Emotions remain raw in the religiously mixed and liberal central Nigerian state of Niger following last month's kidnapping of more than 300 school children
Nigeria has been suffering a spate of kidnappings, including of schoolchildren
The central state of Niger is religiously mixed with Muslims and Christians living side by side

Overview

  • Presidency officials said Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigned as defense minister on health grounds shortly after the nationwide security emergency was declared.
  • President Bola Tinubu ordered rapid recruitment of police and military personnel, redeployment of officers from VIP details, and DSS forest-guard operations to target armed groups.
  • The Nigerian Army reported an intelligence-led operation freed 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP in Borno, with the victims receiving medical and psychological care.
  • More than 300 people were seized from St. Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri on November 21, about 50 escaped, and hundreds remain missing as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu pledged their return during a visit.
  • Fresh attacks were reported over the weekend, including a pastor and worshippers taken from a Kogi church, 14 people including a bride and 10 bridesmaids abducted in Sokoto’s Chacho village, and additional kidnappings in Kano and Borno highlighted in security reports, while US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention over alleged anti-Christian violence.