The Nigerian government has filed terrorism-related charges against three men accused of involvement in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, as authorities intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and extremist-linked crimes across the country.
The suspects, Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar , were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja following investigations by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.
According to court documents, the three men face a 10-count charge that includes terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining. Prosecutors allege that between January and May 2026, the defendants conspired with three other suspects to abduct schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, in southwestern Nigeria.
The government further alleges that the accused knowingly assisted the abduction and concealed information about the identities and activities of the alleged masterminds despite having prior knowledge of the plot.
Investigators also claim that the defendants professed membership of Darul Salam, which prosecutors described as an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a group proscribed under Nigerian law and linked to extremist activities in parts of the country.
In separate counts, Abdulrazak Umar is accused of providing guidance and training to suspected terrorists through a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” and of encouraging members to engage in terrorist activities, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s Terrorism Act and Cybercrime Act.
Prosecutors have additionally charged Umar with unlawful gold mining, alleging that he carried out mining activities without legal authorisation in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area in Niger State between 2024 and 2026.
The three defendants, who are all from Suleja in north-central Niger State, are expected to be arraigned next week after the completion of preliminary investigations by the DSS.
The case highlights Nigeria’s continuing efforts to address the nexus between kidnapping, terrorism financing and organised criminal activity. School abductions have drawn international concern in recent years, prompting authorities to strengthen counterterrorism measures and pursue more aggressive action against individuals suspected of supporting extremist networks.
The DSS said investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to pursue other suspects linked to the alleged offences, describing the inquiry as comprehensive and diligent.
