Protesters blocked the Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, on June 22 to demand the release of 46 students and teachers abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area.

The victims were abducted in May from L.A. Primary School, Esiele; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota. The protest began around 10 a.m. and caused heavy traffic disruption along one of Ibadan’s busiest transport corridors, renewing public concern over kidnapping and violent crime across Nigeria.

Members of the Take It Back Movement led the demonstration, causing major traffic disruption along one of Ibadan’s busiest corridors. National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was part of continuing efforts to pressure authorities to secure the victims’ release.

“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free,” Sanyaolu said, accusing government officials of failing to act with sufficient urgency.

Motorists were forced to seek alternative routes, while some commuters trekked to their destinations.

In Kogi State, the government announced the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State following a joint operation involving local security operatives, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the operation, which followed over two weeks of covert surveillance, also led to the interception of weapons allegedly meant for criminal groups in Kogi. The items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, pistols and military uniforms.

“The successful interception of the arms consignment is a clear demonstration that the Kogi State Government remains several steps ahead of those seeking to threaten the peace of the state,” Fanwo said.

Fanwo added that intelligence indicated the weapons were intended to replenish criminal groups weakened by recent operations, including the neutralisation of bandit leader Kachalla Battijo after a failed attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, earlier this month.

Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, the Police Command said 57 suspected members of Shilla gangs were arrested during coordinated raids in Jimeta, Girei and Yola Town. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the raids, led by Commissioner of Police Kabiru Umar Hassan, targeted criminal hideouts and black spots.

Nguroje said dangerous weapons and suspected prohibited substances were recovered. The suspects have been charged to court while investigations continue into their possible involvement in other criminal activities.