Notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Maha, has boasted that he has the ability to kidnap top government officials, including governors.

The terrorist leader also claimed to have deep access to confidential security information, alleging that he receives advance notice of military operations before they are launched.

The bandit kingpin spoke in a recorded audio message that surfaced on Sunday and was shared by verified X user, Abdool Moh.

Maha, in the audio, accused authorities of refusing to release his arrested associates and seized cattle, insisting that the government’s actions had pushed him into escalating violence across affected areas.

He said repeated efforts to secure the release of his men were ignored by authorities, leaving him with no intention of backing down.

“You arrested my men, and I asked for their release. You refused. I promised that I would abduct many people, and I already have targets.

“I asked why my men and Aminu were arrested. Since they were not released, I don’t care if they send thousands of soldiers. I am not tired, and I will not stop until I leave this world. I can kidnap top government officials, even a state governor.

“I swear to Almighty God that all the security forces sent to attack my camp are my boys. They inform me whenever they are coming. I receive information about security strategies, including those involving the President. It is only because I allow them to operate. Otherwise, they would not even be able to use the roads,” he said.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has condemned what it described as unethical practices by some tertiary institutions accused of withholding tuition refunds from students and arbitrarily increasing school charges despite benefiting from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.

The Fund, in a public notice issued on Monday by its director, strategic communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said it had received reports that some institutions were refusing or delaying refunds to students who had paid their tuition fees before NELFUND later disbursed the same fees directly to their schools.

NELFUND also expressed concern over what it described as arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges by some higher institutions, warning that such actions undermine the objectives of the student loan programme.

The agency stressed that the Student Loan Scheme, introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was created to eliminate financial barriers to higher education and not to impose fresh financial burdens on students.

According to NELFUND, it has commenced engagement with the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that all eligible students receive their refunds without further delay.

It also said steps were being taken to ensure that tuition and other institutional charges remain fair, transparent and in line with the objectives of the scheme.

“NELFUND remains committed to protecting the interests of students and preserving the integrity of this landmark national intervention,” the agency stated.

The Fund reiterated its resolve to safeguard the credibility of the student loan programme and ensure that beneficiaries are not denied the full benefits of the federal government’s education financing initiative through exploitative practices by institutions.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that citizens’ concerns over illegal immigration are legitimate but warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated during planned nationwide protests on June 30.

In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise their constitutional right peacefully and within the confines of the law, stressing that no grievance justifies unlawful conduct.

The president said South Africans had raised genuine concerns over undocumented immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration system.

While affirming that the right to protest is guaranteed under South Africa’s Constitution, he cautioned that such freedom does not permit threats, intimidation, vandalism or violence.

It partly reads, “South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard.

“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.

“South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law.”

Ramaphosa disclosed that his government had accepted the need for substantial reforms to the country’s immigration system, including strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of asylum and visa systems, and tackling corruption that has weakened immigration controls.

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve,” it reads.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen support for these measures and for government’s stance from across society. We have held meetings with the country’s traditional monarchs and other traditional and Khoi-San leaders, with trade union and business leaders, with the religious community and with other formations in society.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.”

The South African leader warned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, describing such actions as vigilantism that have no place in a constitutional democracy.

“The authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution—not to private individuals,” he said.

Ramaphosa further noted that many foreign nationals residing in South Africa were lawfully in the country, contributing to the economy through work, education and investment, and remained entitled to the protection of the Constitution.

He welcomed assurances from organisers that Tuesday’s protests would remain peaceful but warned that anyone engaging in criminal acts would be held accountable.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” the president said.