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Lai Mohammed Lied, FG Paid ‘Large Ransom’ To Free Dapchi Girls – UN Report

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Contrary to the claim by the Nigerian government through the Information Minister Lai Mohammed, the government paid a “large ransom” to free scores of female students kidnapped by the Boko Haram from their school in Dapchi, Yobe State, earlier this year, the United Nations has said.

Over 100 girls were kidnapped from the Dapchi school by a Boko Haram faction in February this year with about 105 of them later released by the terrorists. One of them, Leah Sharibu, who reportedly refused to denounce her Christian faith, is still with the abductors.

Following the release of the girls, about a month after they were kidnapped, Mr Mohammed told journalists that it was not true ransom was paid for their release.

‘’It is not true that we paid ransom for the release of the Dapchi girls, neither was there a prisoner swap to secure their release,” Mr. Mohammed told journalists in Maiduguri with his statement circulated by his office to media organisations including PREMIUM TIMES.

“What happened was that the abduction itself was a breach of the ceasefire talks between the insurgents and the government; hence it became a moral burden on the abductors. Any report that we paid ransom or engaged in prisoner swap is false.”

A UN report has now shown Mr Mohammed’s claim to be false.

The report recently submitted to the UN Security Council on Boko Haram and related terrorist organisations, said such ransom and the predominance of cash economy was providing oxygen for the insurgency around the Lake Chad region.

The UN report is titled “22nd Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team”, related to Resolution 2368 (2017) regarding “Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – ISIL – (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities.”

“In Nigeria, 111 schoolgirls from the town of Dapchi were kidnapped on 18 February 2018 and released by ISWAP on 21 March 2018 in exchange for a large ransom payment,” the report stated.

The UN report negating the Nigerian government’s stance reflects the manner of propaganda the Nigerian government and its military have been using to fight the war against Boko Haram.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Nigerian military has repeatedly lied about military casualty in the war and, along with the government, claimed the Boko Haram sect was already defeated.

The government’s stance appears to be that suppressing information, or as in this case lying about it, would reduce the efficacy of the insurgents and thus limit their ability to carry out their terrorist acts.

The Dapchi girl’s ransom would not be the first by the Nigerian government to free victims held by Boko Haram. Huge ransom was also paid by the Buhari administration to free many of released Chibok girls kidnapped in 2014, senators including the leader of ruling party in the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, said. Although the move is largely welcomed by many Nigerians as it ensures freedom for the victims, experts fear it has helped fuel the insurgency by ensuring the Boko Haram has access to funds to buy more weapons and sustain themselves; a stance shared in the UN report.

OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING

Apart from ransom, the UN also listed other ways the Boko Haram group is being funded.

“…extortion, charitable donations, smuggling, remittances and kidnapping as parts of ways Boko Haram is funded,” the report stated as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The report also stated how some “doctrinally based non-governmental organisations” were funding Boko Haram and other terror groups.”

“The number of doctrinally based non-governmental organisations sending funds to local terrorist groups was growing, and Member States were concerned that radicalisation was increasing the threat level in the Sahel.

“Meanwhile, Boko Haram (QDe.138) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have had a similar impact in their areas of control, including the Lake Chad basin.

“The predominance in the region of the cash economy, without controls, is conducive to terrorist groups funded by extortion, charitable donations, smuggling, remittances and kidnapping.”

According to NAN, “the report was signed by Edmund Fitton-Brown, Coordinator, Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, who said the report was “comprehensive and independent”, and Kairat Umarov, Chair, Security Council Committee.

SANCTIONS ON BOKO HARAM

The UN Security Council committee on al Qaeda sanctions blacklisted and imposed sanctions on the Boko Haram in 2014 after the insurgents kidnapped more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls.

The designation, which came into effect after no objections were raised by the Security Council’s 15 members, subjected Boko Haram to UN sanctions, including an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban.

The UN Security Council had last week said it remained concerned over the security and humanitarian situation caused by the Boko Haram terrorists and other armed groups in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.

In a presidential statement, the 15-member body regretted that Central African countries were beset by terrorist activity, instability and the effects of climate change, and asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to review the work of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), and recommend areas for improvement.

The presidential statement read: “The Security Council strongly condemns all terrorist attacks carried out in the region, including those perpetrated by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Daesh).

“These attacks have caused large-scale and devastating losses, have had a devastating humanitarian impact including through the displacement of a large number of civilians in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, and represent a threat to the stability and peace of West and Central Africa.

“The Council notes with particular concern the continuing use by Boko Haram of women and girls as suicide bombers, which has created an atmosphere of suspicion towards them and made them targets of harassment and stigmatisation in affected communities, and of arbitrary arrests by security forces.

“The Council emphasises the need for affected States to counter-terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including by addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, in accordance with obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law”.

The Security Council welcomed the support provided by UNOCA and the UN Office for West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) for the development of a joint regional strategy to address the root causes of the Lake Chad Basin crisis through regular contact with regional leaders.

The Council encouraged partners to increase security assistance to Lake Chad Basin Commission countries, and humanitarian and development support across the region for those affected by Boko Haram activities.

“The Security Council remains deeply concerned at the grave security situation and related violations and abuses of human rights in parts of Central Africa, in particular, the continuing terrorist activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin,” it said.

“The Security Council expresses its ongoing concern at continued tensions linked to disputed electoral processes, social and economic difficulties, and conflicts between farmers and herders,” the statement added.

The 15-member Council noted that UNOCA’s priorities would include to work closely with UNOWAS to address trans-regional issues such as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, conflict between farmers and herders, and combating Boko Haram.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/280418-lai-mohammed-lied-nigerian-govt-paid-large-ransom-to-free-dapchigirls-un.html

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IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity

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IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday closed a Squadron Commanders’ Training Programme at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training College in Ende-Hills, Nasarawa State, vowing to strengthen leadership and operational effectiveness across the force.

At the ceremony, the IGP inspected training facilities including the simulation ground and shooting range, where he personally took part in tactical exercises. He told cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy undergoing training at the college to remain disciplined and focused, stressing that their effectiveness on the field would depend on the quality of their training.

“Resilience, professionalism, and strict adherence to human rights principles must guide your conduct,” Disu said.

Addressing the graduating squadron commanders, he urged them to apply their newly acquired skills in leadership, operational discipline, and tactical efficiency. He described the PMF as a “highly disciplined, responsive, and reliable tactical arm” of the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP further reaffirmed his commitment to improving officers’ welfare and boosting operational capacity, assuring that formations would be adequately equipped to tackle evolving security challenges nationwide.

 

IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

 

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.

 

The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.

 

Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.

 

“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.

 

He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.

 

“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.

 

Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.

 

“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.

 

Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.

 

Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.

 

“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.

 

Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”

 

Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.

 

Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.

 

With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.

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Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dYjCMS/

This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dj5UL5/

This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

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