The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has expressed concern over what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s silence following the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.

The party called on the President to demonstrate greater urgency in addressing the incident and ensure that security agencies intensify efforts to rescue those still being held by their abductors.

The APM, through the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO), said the failure of the President to publicly address the latest incident was troubling, particularly given the concerns of affected families.

The abduction occurred on October 1, when gunmen reportedly attacked two buses conveying prospective corps members and other passengers from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The vehicles were intercepted around Umunoha along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.

Following the attack, the Imo State Police Command announced that 10 victims had been rescued, while search-and-rescue operations continued to locate the remaining abductees.

The campaign organisation described the incident as another indication of the security challenges facing the country and accused the Tinubu administration of failing to take sufficiently proactive measures against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

It argued that Nigerians, particularly young graduates travelling to fulfil their national service obligations, should be able to move across the country without fear of abduction.

The group also called for a more coordinated and intelligence-driven security strategy, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, preventive operations and faster responses to threats.

The APM further contrasted the Federal Government’s approach with the security model it said was being implemented by its presidential candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

It maintained that improved intelligence gathering, coordination and rapid response should form the foundation of efforts to tackle insecurity.

Meanwhile, the abduction has triggered anxiety among the victims’ families, with reports that the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million for each victim.

The party urged the Federal Government to treat the safe recovery of the abducted prospective corps members as an urgent national priority and provide the necessary support for ongoing rescue operations.

The allegations against the President represent the APM’s political position on the government’s handling of insecurity. Security agencies have continued their operations following the attack.

The Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against suspected sea robbers and kidnappers in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.

The operation was carried out on September 30 by the Maritime Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE in Ibeno, following intelligence reports about criminal activities targeting fishermen in the area.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that the suspected criminals had been attacking fishermen, taking away their boats and stealing their outboard engines”

Suspects Flee as Navy Launches Pursuit

According to the Navy, its personnel encountered two boats believed to have been operated by the suspected criminals during the operation.

The occupants reportedly fled into nearby creeks after sighting the naval team, prompting the personnel to pursue them.

During the chase, the suspects abandoned one of their boats, which contained several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.

The naval team subsequently rescued the victims and escorted them to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further necessary action.

Navy Intensifies Efforts to Track Suspects

The Navy said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that the operation reflected its commitment to protecting lives and securing legitimate maritime activities across the country’s waterways.

Folorunsho also emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation with coastal communities in tackling maritime crimes.

He urged fishermen, residents of coastal communities and other maritime stakeholders to report suspicious activities and provide timely information that could help security agencies respond to threats.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustained patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to protect lives and property along Nigeria’s waterways.

Barely hours after football legend; Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure from the national team camp, his iconic number 7 shirt has officially been given to Rafael Leão in a move that has set social media alive.

The No. 7 is among the most closely watched shirts in world football, and the speed of the handover is what has fans talking. There was no long gap between one chapter ending and the next beginning, and Leão is now the face of that change.

Leão, a left winger who plays his club football in Europe, has been a regular in the national setup in recent years. Taking over the shirt places him at the centre of Portugal’s attacking plans and gives him one of the biggest responsibilities in the squad.
Supporters are already debating whether he can carry the weight of the number.

Reactions online are split between excitement and nostalgia. Some see the announcement as a bold statement that Portugal is ready to move forward with a new generation. Others say it will take time to accept anyone else in the shirt. Either way, all eyes will be on Leão the next time he steps onto the pitch wearing it. 👀
Neither the Portuguese football federation’s full statement nor any comment from Leão himself had been widely reported at the time of writing, and further details are expected.
Is Leão the right man to inherit the No. 7 shirt? Tell us in the comments.