Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade, Counter-Terrorism Operation 6, have rescued three kidnap victims who escaped from a terrorist hideout after spending about three months in captivity in Zamfara State.

This was made known in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

Makama said the victims were rescued at about 8:45am on June 22, 2026, by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of the state.

He disclosed that the victims managed to escape from their captors’ hideout before making contact with military personnel in the area.

“The troops immediately secured the victims and provided initial assistance before evacuating them for medical attention,” he said.

Makama further stated that the rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and treatment following their time in captivity.

He said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops to dismantle terrorist enclaves and secure the release of abducted persons across Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West region.

The report added that military operations against terrorist and criminal groups remain ongoing in the area.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has uncovered and dismantled an industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory concealed in a forest in Oyo State, leading to the arrest of a Mexican national and four Nigerians allegedly linked to the operation.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the agency through its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

According to the statement, the clandestine drug facility was discovered on June 17, 2026, at Tapa Village in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State during a special operation carried out by NDLEA tactical operatives.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the laboratory as a sophisticated and heavily fortified facility allegedly operated by a transnational drug cartel with the capacity for large-scale production of methamphetamine.

Marwa disclosed that five suspected members of the syndicate were arrested during the raid, including a 56 years old Mexican national, Jose Villa Ochoa, who was alleged to have been brought into Nigeria to provide technical expertise for methamphetamine production.

Other suspects arrested were identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30 years old, Olatunji Yusuf, 37 years old, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45 years old and Ganiu Monsiu, 43 years old.

According to the NDLEA chairman, the arrest of the foreign suspect highlights what the agency described as the increasing transnational dimension of illicit drug production and trafficking activities in Nigeria.

“The facility was a highly fortified and sophisticated clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operated by a transnational drug cartel,” Marwa stated.

The agency further disclosed that following the operation, officials from its Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring visited the site on June 18 to conduct a detailed forensic examination of the laboratory and surrounding area.

The NDLEA said investigations into the operation and activities of the suspected syndicate are ongoing.

Friends of late Kitan Oyesiku have appealed to the Ogun State government, the state police command, relevant security agencies and justice stakeholders to intensify efforts, apprehend her killers and ensure that they are brought to justice.

Late Kitan Oyesiku was well known in media circles, having served with Ogun State Television (OGTV) before her retirement. 

She was murdered in cold blood alongside with her security guard at her home in the Kobape area of Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital. 

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed on Sunday that her corpse was found inside her apartment while that of the security guard was discovered within the security post.

Babaseyi added that her vehicle was also missing and an investigation had commenced.

Following the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni on Monday, visited the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment and to personally evaluate the progress of ongoing investigative efforts.

During the visit, Ojajuni inspected the premises and received briefings from detectives handling the case. 

He reiterated the Command’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

The Police boss noted that the vehicle, Lexus RX300, earlier reported missing from the residence, was recovered by police operatives during the night hours operation.

The command assured members of the public that intensive investigation is ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to track down the perpetrators. 

However, friend of the retired broadcast journalist, in a statement signed by Oluwaseun Boye on Wednesday, stated that the deceased was a peace-loving and kind-hearted woman who didn’t deserve such painful death.

They insisted that her murder must not be swept under the carpet, saying, “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Bringing the perpetrators to justice will reassure the public that no life is insignificant and that criminal acts of this nature will not go unpunished.”

They also appreciated the Ogun State Police Command for steps taken so far in the investigation and encouraged them to to sustain the momentum until every individual connected with th heinous crime is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Part of the statement reads, “Following our public appeal yesterday urging anyone with useful information to come forward, we, the Friends of Kitan Oyesiku, once again call on the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command, and all relevant security and justice stakeholders to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of our dear friend, Kitan Oyesiku.

“Kitan was a peaceful, kind-hearted, and compassionate woman whose life was cut short in a cruel and senseless manner. She did not deserve such a painful end. Her death has left her family, friends, and everyone who knew her devastated.

“We respectfully appeal to the Ogun State Government and all relevant authorities not to allow Kitan’s murder to be swept under the carpet. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Bringing the perpetrators to justice will reassure the public that no life is insignificant and that criminal acts of this nature will not go unpunished.

“We also renew our appeal to members of the public: if you know something, please say something. Any credible information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be the breakthrough investigators need to ensure justice for Kitan.”

The friends of the deceased, however, expressed hope that truth will prevail and all those responsible for the horrific act will be brought to book.