The pupils and teacher abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after being rescued by security agencies.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the successful rescue of the victims.

Onanuga disclosed the development in a post on his verified X account, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

He, however, did not provide details of the operation or disclose the identities of those involved in the rescue.

The victims’ release has brought relief to their families, residents of Orire and other stakeholders who had expressed concern over their safety since the abduction.

The incident had sparked widespread anxiety in the community, with parents, traditional leaders and residents calling for urgent intervention to secure the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teacher.

Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities are yet to reveal whether they were rescued during a security operation, released after negotiations or freed under any other circumstances.

It also remains unclear whether any ransom was paid before their release.

Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue to uncover those responsible for the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the victims’ freedom.

The successful rescue comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The return of the pupils and teacher has eased tension in Orire, with residents expressing hope that authorities will strengthen security measures to prevent similar incidents in schools and communities.

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Residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are increasingly paying out of pocket for security as gaps in formal policing continue to widen.

In many satellite towns and fast-growing suburbs, households now contribute monthly fees to sustain vigilante groups and private guards. What started as a temporary fix has evolved into a survival strategy.

Despite the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and property, many residents say local arrangements now offer more reliable protection.

Rising Insecurity Forces Community Action

Communities such as Tungan-Maje, Pegi, and parts of Gwagwalada have experienced repeated security threats, including burglary and kidnapping.

Residents say these incidents pushed them to organise and fund local security systems.

In some areas, tenants contribute between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000 monthly, while landlords pay even higher fees. These funds are used to hire vigilantes, install gates, and maintain patrol operations.

A resident in Tungan-Maje said the initiative has reduced crime significantly, with no reported kidnapping cases in over two years.

Cost of Security Adds to Economic Pressure

While the system has improved safety in some areas, it has also increased the cost of living.

In Kubwa and Bwari, residents contribute between ₦500 and ₦3,000 monthly, depending on the arrangement. In gated communities like Gwarinpa, security fees are sometimes added to annual rent, reaching up to ₦12,000 yearly.

For business owners, the cost is even higher. Some spend up to ₦100,000 monthly on private guards, in addition to community levies.

For low-income earners, these payments come with difficult trade-offs. One resident noted that even ₦1,000 could mean sacrificing basic needs like food.

Vigilante Groups Fill Security Vacuum

Vigilante groups say their operations rely heavily on community funding.

They maintain that their role is to support, not replace, formal security agencies. However, limited funding and poor equipment continue to affect their effectiveness.

Security analysts link the growing reliance on vigilantes to manpower shortages and rapid urban expansion in Abuja.

Concerns Over Accountability

Despite their role, concerns remain about accountability.

Some security officials warn that suspects are not always handed over to the police, with cases of extrajudicial actions raising concerns.

Experts recommend stronger collaboration between communities, vigilantes, and security agencies.

Police Promise Improved Response

The FCT Police Command has acknowledged the concerns and promised better response times.

Officials say emergency calls will be addressed within five minutes, with improved coordination between control centres and field officers.

Authorities also revealed plans to recruit more personnel to improve coverage across communities.

The Bigger Picture

As Abuja continues to expand, security infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.

This has left residents funding their own protection, turning security into a shared community responsibility rather than a government service.

While some residents see the system as effective, others believe it reflects a failure in public security.

Story credit: Dailytrust

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Retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday staged a protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, blocking one of the gates over grievances linked to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The protesters, operating under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, demanded their immediate removal from the scheme, which they described as unfair and detrimental to their welfare.

Leading the demonstration, the National Coordinator of the forum, Raphael Irowainu, said the protest was aimed at compelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill.

According to him, the bill, which was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and transmitted to the Presidency in March 2026, seeks to exempt police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He lamented that while other security agencies have exited the scheme, retired police officers remain included.

Irowainu argued that the continued inclusion of police personnel in the scheme has worsened their living conditions, describing it as unjust compared to benefits enjoyed by counterparts in other security agencies.

The retirees also expressed frustration over what they termed poor pension outcomes, noting that many former officers struggle to meet basic needs under the current structure.

Monday’s protest adds to a series of demonstrations by retired police officers over pension-related concerns.

In July 2025, a similar protest was held at the National Assembly, while others had previously gathered at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to demand reforms.

The development highlights growing dissatisfaction among retired police personnel and intensifies pressure on the Federal Government to address longstanding concerns surrounding pension administration in the force.

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Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday dispersed protesters at the main entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, causing panic among demonstrators.

The protesters had gathered at the complex to express their grievances over the Senate’s approval of both electronic transmission and manual collation of election results.

Tension reportedly escalated when some of the demonstrators attempted to force their way into the National Assembly premises, prompting police officers to fire canisters of teargas to disperse the crowd.

Eyewitnesses said hundreds of protesters, many of them women, scrambled for safety as the teargas spread across the area, leading to confusion and panic.

An elderly woman was said to have fainted after inhaling the gas, while others struggled to move away from the scene.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated that access to affordable and sustainable housing remains central to improving the welfare, morale and productivity of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Egbetokun stated this in Abuja while receiving the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Osidi, and members of his management team during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters. He said decent housing for police personnel was not a luxury but a fundamental welfare issue that directly affects operational effectiveness and professionalism.

According to the IGP, officers who are assured of stable and dignified living conditions are better positioned to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without undue distraction or pressure. He stressed that housing insecurity has long undermined morale within the Force, particularly for junior officers and those nearing retirement.

“Providing affordable housing is critical to boosting the morale of officers who put their lives on the line daily in service to the nation. When officers are confident about their living conditions, it reflects positively on discipline, commitment and overall productivity,” Egbetokun said.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, described the visit by the FMBN leadership as timely, noting that it aligned with the current leadership’s renewed focus on welfare reforms within the Police Force. The statement added that Egbetokun emphasised the need for stronger institutional partnerships to achieve long-term housing solutions for serving and retired personnel.

The IGP noted that collaboration with key housing and financial institutions was essential to bridging the long-standing housing gap affecting police officers across the country. He said the Force was committed to engaging partners that could provide structured, transparent and sustainable mortgage options tailored to the income realities of police personnel.

Egbetokun further reaffirmed that welfare remains a top priority under his leadership, stressing that efforts to improve housing would complement other reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and public trust in the Police Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that ensure the dignity and well-being of its officers, both during and after their service to the country,” the statement quoted the IGP as saying.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Osidi, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its cooperation and consistency in past engagements, describing the Force as one of the Bank’s most strategic institutional partners. He said the Bank was keen on deepening collaboration to ensure that police personnel could access mortgage and housing benefits with minimal administrative obstacles.

Osidi noted that many officers still struggle to navigate mortgage processes, often due to documentation challenges, limited awareness or delays in inter-agency coordination. He assured the IGP that the Bank was reviewing its procedures to make housing finance more accessible and responsive to the needs of security personnel.

According to him, the FMBN remains committed to expanding access to affordable housing for police officers through customised mortgage products, improved service delivery and closer engagement with the Force’s leadership.

“The Bank recognises the sacrifices made by police officers in maintaining internal security. Ensuring that they have access to decent housing is not just a financial issue but a social responsibility,” Osidi said.

The welfare of police personnel, particularly in the area of housing, has remained a persistent challenge within the Nigeria Police Force. Many officers spend their entire service years in rented accommodation, often in substandard conditions, while others face uncertainty after retirement due to the absence of structured housing plans.

In recent years, successive police administrations have acknowledged that poor welfare conditions contribute to low morale and affect the effectiveness of policing. This has led to renewed efforts to strengthen partnerships with institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and other housing agencies.

Observers note that improved access to affordable housing could have far-reaching implications for policing, including reduced stress among officers, better family stability and enhanced public service delivery. They argue that housing reforms, when combined with training, equipment upgrades and accountability measures, could significantly improve the overall performance of the Force.

As discussions between the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria continue, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the renewed commitments translate into concrete housing projects and accessible mortgage schemes for officers nationwide.

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The Federal Government has unveiled a National Task Force on the Recovery of Encroached Federal Lands and Properties, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, announced the move after a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at Force Headquarters, Abuja. He described federal lands as national assets held in trust for all Nigerians, meant to host housing estates, infrastructure, and projects that create jobs and drive development.

Dangiwa warned that illegal occupation of these lands hinders progress, wastes investments, and undermines the future of citizens. He commended the Police for backing the initiative, noting that the task force will include key Ministries, Agencies, and Security Services for a coordinated nationwide recovery effort.

The minister stressed that protecting federal lands aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring these assets serve communities and improve lives.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment, describing housing as central to citizens’ welfare. He praised the President’s directive to allocate over 1,000 housing units to police officers, calling it a step that boosts morale and strengthens service delivery.

According to him, the partnership underscores that federal assets belong to the people and must be preserved and utilized for the good of all Nigerians.

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Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have rejected recent welfare incentives approved by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that only a total removal from the scheme will address their concerns.

President Tinubu on Wednesday ordered the immediate implementation of free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the CPS, along with long-overdue pension increases. He also directed the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to urgently resolve lingering issues related to police pensions.

However, the retired officers, who have long decried the conditions under the CPS, described the reforms as insufficient.

“We are very happy that our cries have reached the President, and we appreciate his directives,” said Buba Danjuma, a spokesperson for the retirees. “However, what we want is our outright exit from the scheme. If we remain under CPS, we will still remain caged.”

The officers have staged a series of protests in recent months, including a demonstration at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where they demanded an exit from the contributory scheme, which they argue leaves them financially vulnerable and excluded from fair benefits.

Danjuma further questioned why the police remain under the CPS while other security agencies, such as the military and the Department of State Services (DSS), have been exempted.

“The DSS and military have all left and didn’t bother to remain under the CPS because of its many disadvantages. Why should we remain?” he said. “We appreciate the President, but we want him to do everything possible to get us out of the scheme. We don’t want to remain there anymore.”

The recent presidential directive is part of broader pension reforms aimed at improving retiree welfare and safeguarding pension funds against inflation and economic shocks. Plans to include Nigerians in the diaspora in the pension system through foreign currency contributions were also discussed during a briefing at the Presidential Villa.

While the reforms signal a renewed focus on social protection, the response from the police retirees highlights ongoing dissatisfaction with the structure and management of the CPS—especially within Nigeria’s security sector.

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This was contained in an official investigative report dated June 13, 2025, with reference number CB:4099/X/ADM/X/ADM/GI/T.A/VOL.6142. The report, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos, was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, CID Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi.

The report followed a petition by Mr. Ochonogor and Mr. Owolabi, who challenged the findings of an earlier investigation that led to their arraignment at the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, over alleged document falsification and illegal demolition. The petition accused the previous investigation of bias, procedural errors, and misuse of public office.

However, the new police findings presented a different narrative. According to the FCID, no evidence was found to support claims that the demolition notice or land ownership documents used by Mr. Ochonogor and his associates were fraudulent.

Highlights of the investigation revealed that:

The land in question, located at Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Peninsula Scheme I, was officially allocated in 1994 by the Lagos State Government to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), then serving as Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

Mr. Ochonogor legally acquired interest in the property through a real estate agent in 2015.

The demolition of a structure on the land was authorised by Lagos State officials and confirmed by relevant documentation. These included a demolition notice co-signed by government officials, as well as its publication in a national newspaper in 2009.

Claims made by the complainant, Dr. Obidigwe Eze, regarding ownership of the same land were found to be unsubstantiated, with police confirming that the deed of assignment submitted by him lacked valid signatures from the supposed grantors.

All relevant government documents, including affidavits of loss and registration of title, were verified as genuine and properly filed.

The report has since been forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for review. As of press time, the DPP has not issued a formal advisory or submitted the updated findings to the court.

The case, which has drawn attention within legal and real estate circles, is scheduled to resume on October 13, 2025.

Legal observers suggest that the recent police findings may have significant implications for the ongoing trial and could potentially lead to a dismissal of charges if adopted by the DPP.

The post Police Exonerate Lawyer and Developer in Lekki Land Dispute appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

As the name implies, housing barracks are intended to address the housing needs of military and paramilitary institutions. Unfortunately, for the many men and women of the Nigeria Police Force, these housing barracks do not offer a decent space to live and could be hurting the inhabitants.

I recall that the National Assembly passed the Police Reform Bill 2020, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on September 16, 2020.

The core issue of the Act was to address the living conditions of the nation’s gallant police officers.

The Nigeria Police Housing Scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing decent and affordable housing for members of the Nigeria Police Force.

READ ALSO: HDAN Advocates Decent Home for Every Police Officer, Commends IGP Egbetokun on New Initiative

The scheme is designed to address the housing needs of police officers and improve their living conditions. It typically involves the construction of housing units or estates specifically for police officers and their families.

The goal is to ensure that police personnel have access to safe and comfortable housing, which in turn can help improve their overall well-being and effectiveness in carrying out their duties.

As of today, the Police Housing Scheme is faced with decaying infrastructure, a negative maintenance culture, years of neglect due to poor budgetary allocation, and the destruction of police facilities resulting from the EndSARS protests, banditry, and Boko Haram/IPOB activities.

According to a former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is facing a gross housing deficit as less than 10 percent of its personnel in barracks have proper accommodation.

Without a dignified place to live combined with poor and inadequate wages as well as poor working conditions in police stations, it’s not hard to see how all of this could affect the physical and mental health of officers and lead them to unsavoury practices of corruption and even a lack of empathy for the citizens they are trained to protect.

Police officers and their families lived in squalor, characterised by large cracks in the wall, bat-infested houses, and leaking roofs, among others.

Between 2019 and 2022, more than N5 billion was spent by the Federal Government on the renovation of barracks, yet all efforts made to rehabilitate the barracks failed.

The deplorable living conditions of the police officers had dampened their morale and productivity.

The deplorable living conditions of the police officers had dampened their morale and productivity, hence the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to convene a maiden summit focused on addressing the critical challenges of police housing in the country.

According to the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the summit is scheduled to take place at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre, Abuja, on the 22nd and 23rd of April, 2024.

According to the statement, recognising the urgent need to elevate the standard of living for officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police has taken proactive steps to initiate this summit with the primary objective of exploring avenues for providing accessible and affordable housing solutions for all members of the Force.

The summit will serve as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and brainstorm innovative strategies to actualize the IGP’s vision of delivering effective and efficient housing, thereby enhancing the welfare of the Force’s personnel.

READ ALSO: Federal Government Reiterates Commitment to Affordable Housing for Civil Servants

The Inspector-General of Police emphasizes that the summit is geared towards ensuring adequate housing for all officers and men, which is paramount to fostering their well-being and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. He reiterates that the summit represents a pivotal opportunity for the force to collectively chart a course towards sustainable housing solutions to boost dignity and self-esteem.

Ensuring adequate housing for Nigeria police personnel is an important aspect of their well-being and overall effectiveness in carrying out their duties.

The government should prioritise investment in building and maintaining housing facilities for police personnel. This could involve allocating a specific budget for this purpose and ensuring that funds are used efficiently.

READ ALSO: Arrest any Parent Who Comes Near CBT Centre During UTME – JAMB

There is also a need for collaboration with private developers that can help in the construction of affordable housing units for police personnel. This can also help speed up the process of providing adequate housing.

The safety and security of police personnel should be a top priority when designing and constructing housing facilities. Measures such as secure fencing, lighting, and CCTV cameras can help create a safe living environment.

It is also crucial to ensure that the housing facilities are equipped with basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. Adequate infrastructure is essential for creating a conducive living environment for police personnel.

Regular maintenance of housing facilities is essential to ensure that they remain in good condition. This can help prolong the buildings’ lifespan and ensure the residents’ comfort.

On a final note, there is a need to establish a feedback mechanism where police personnel can report any issues or concerns related to their housing, as this will help in addressing problems promptly.

By implementing these steps, it is possible to improve the quality of housing for Nigeria police personnel and ensure that they have a comfortable and safe living environment.

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