Category: News

Security forces in Zamfara State have recorded a significant victory, neutralizing two suspected terrorists during a recent patrol. The counter-insurgency operation, carried out by the 1 Brigade Quick Response Unit from Forward Operating Base Bagega, took place in the early hours of May 4.

According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a security analyst specializing in the Lake Chad region, the troops conducted a sweep through several villages, including Maikwanuga in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, and extended their operations to Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji in Maradun Local Government Area.

The confrontation occurred at Tungar Magaji village when the patrol team encountered armed suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the clash, two terrorists were neutralized, while the remaining assailants escaped, believed to be wounded.

The operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle. Authorities have confirmed that troops are currently combing the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent any further security threats.

The Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, supported by the 1 Brigade Combat Team and other tactical units, launched a major offensive against suspected terrorist camps in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operation, which began around 9 a.m. on May 4, targeted several known militant strongholds in Kamara, Dan Gwandi, Manawa, and Katsira villages.

The news was shared by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst specializing in counter-insurgency operations in the Lake Chad region. According to him, troops engaged the militants in a fierce firefight at Katsira village, resulting in multiple enemy casualties. However, three soldiers suffered gunshot wounds during the clash and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Under sustained military pressure, the terrorists were forced to retreat toward the Fakai high ground. The army maintains control of the area and is pursuing the fleeing fighters to prevent them from regrouping. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the security of the region and deny the militants any freedom of movement.

The Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) has voiced strong condemnation over the reported kidnapping and coercive religious conversion of a 17-year-old girl, Jinkai Yusuf Simon, allegedly by a Muslim man named Abdulsamad in Kaduna State. The council is urging state authorities to intervene and secure the minor’s immediate release.

In a statement issued on Monday, jointly signed by PYC Chairman Panan Gongden Dapar and Public Relations Officer Bahal Nanpyal Mark, the group detailed that the incident took place in Kuregu, Zaria, where the teenager, originally from Pankshin LGA of Plateau State, had been residing with her elder sister while attending St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School in Wusasa.

The PYC characterized the abduction as a clear case of child trafficking and called on both the Plateau and Kaduna state governments, along with security agencies, to do everything possible to rescue the girl, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure they face justice.

According to the council, Jinkai left for school on an unspecified date and never returned. After days of searching, her school bag was discovered with a minor allegedly connected to a neighbor named Rukkaya. Initially denying knowledge of Jinkai’s whereabouts, Rukkaya later admitted the teenager had been in contact with a man identified as Abdulsamad.

The PYC revealed it had obtained disturbing photographic evidence showing the minor wearing a hijab alongside Rukkaya. Even more alarming, they claimed to have court affidavits from Kano State indicating that Jinkai’s name had been changed to “Aisha Sani” and “Aisha Abdulsamad,” with her age also falsified.

“The Plateau State Youth Council condemns the forceful abduction and religious coercion of a 17-year-old student, Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon, and hereby calls for immediate intervention from security agencies to secure her release,” the statement read.

The council argued that this act violates several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Section 38 (freedom of religion), Section 34 (human dignity), and Section 35 (personal liberty), as well as Section 27 of the Child Rights Act 2003, which prohibits the unlawful removal of a child from parental custody.

“As a minor, Miss Jinkai cannot legally give informed consent. The Council is therefore demanding a thorough investigation by the Plateau and Kaduna State governments, the Department of State Services, NAPTIP, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure her rescue, rehabilitation, and safe reunification with her family. We also call for the prompt identification, arrest, and prosecution of everyone involved because this case bears the clear markings of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse,” the PYC added.

The council vowed to continue pursuing justice until Jinkai is safely returned to her family.

During a meeting held at the police headquarters in Maiduguri on Monday, the Borno State Police Command issued a firm directive to its officers regarding the prohibition of torture and human rights violations. Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid addressed tactical commanders, department heads, and divisional police officers, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for human dignity in all law enforcement activities.

Abdulmajid underscored that any form of torture, excessive force, or abuse is strictly illegal and contrary to the Police Act and operational guidelines. He stressed that such misconduct not only damages the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force but also erodes public trust, which is critical for effective policing and intelligence gathering.

The commissioner specifically noted that officers must comply with Force Order 237 regarding the use of force and maintain professionalism in every operation. He warned that any officer found guilty of rights violations will face disciplinary action as per existing procedures.

The warning comes at a time when police conduct across the country is under increased scrutiny, following recent incidents that have sparked demands for stricter enforcement of rules on the use of force and greater protection of citizens’ rights. Abdullahi also encouraged the public to report any misconduct through the Police Complaint Response Unit or other official channels, assuring that all complaints will be handled seriously and confidentially.

The command reiterated its dedication to safeguarding lives and property while upholding human rights and professional policing standards.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a forward-looking emergency response initiative while reinforcing its partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS). This move underscores the agency’s dedication to mitigating disasters through proactive measures.

Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized this commitment during a meeting with a delegation from the DSS’s Simulation and Crisis Management Directorate at NEMA’s headquarters in Abuja. She highlighted that the agency is ramping up efforts to reduce risks and enhance community resilience via early warning systems, preparedness activities, and coordinated response strategies.

“Our focus remains on advancing a proactive and risk-informed approach to disaster management, with emphasis on early warning dissemination, preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response to emerging threats,” Umar stated.

She noted that after the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by NIHSA, NEMA activated measures to lessen the impact of anticipated flooding during the rainy season. The agency has increased stakeholder engagement, convened technical coordination platforms, and launched sensitization campaigns targeting state governments and vulnerable communities.

Umar assured the DSS delegation of NEMA’s readiness to bolster cooperation in disaster preparedness, simulation planning, and emergency response. “We are ready to continue working closely to enhance coordinated emergency response across the country,” she added.

Acting Assistant Director General of the Directorate, Safiya Yusuf, stated that the visit aimed to strengthen institutional cooperation and improve national crisis response mechanisms. She noted the Directorate’s role in providing support before, during, and after emergencies, and affirmed its commitment to working with NEMA to improve preparedness nationwide.

The statement was released on NEMA’s official page on May 4, 2026.

The Nigerian Army has reported a series of successful operations in the Southeast region under the auspices of Operation UDO KA. Troops, working alongside other security agencies, captured a suspected arms trafficker in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State. Initial inquiries indicate the individual was implicated in channeling firearms to criminal networks through an intermediary based in Bayelsa State. Authorities are actively pursuing the recovery of the weapons and the identification of additional network members.

In a separate incident, soldiers were attacked while inspecting a charred vehicle along the SPDC–Etekuru road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State. Despite the ambush, personnel secured the area and retrieved two burned vehicles and two bodies, which were removed for further investigation.

Additionally, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, military forces joined with local vigilantes to storm a suspected cult hideout, resulting in the detention of five individuals. One detainee has volunteered to guide troops to a potential weapons cache in the vicinity. These operations highlight ongoing efforts to break up illicit groups and bolster safety across the Southeast.

In the wake of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s transition from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), the Obidient Movement has announced its next steps. The organization is rallying its supporters to consolidate their efforts under the NDC banner.

Yunusa Tanko, the National Director of the movement, issued a statement explaining that this shift is a calculated move towards national rejuvenation. He emphasized the necessity of a cohesive and robust political vehicle to champion the aspirations of Nigerians effectively.

The directive calls on all Obidient Movement members to register with the NDC at their local wards. A digital registration platform has been launched to streamline the process for Nigerians both at home and abroad.

Tanko reinforced that this is more than a mere political realignment—it is a continuation of a shared commitment to transformative governance. The movement remains steadfast in its vision of a New Nigeria built on accountability, competence, and public service.

He urged members to stay united and focused, leveraging this platform to truly mirror the will and desires of the Nigerian people.

In a bold move signaling a fierce political battle ahead, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, has officially obtained her Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 senatorial election. This action comes just two days after former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello secured his own forms under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the same constituency.

The senator has made it clear that she will not step aside for Bello, vowing to contest and emerge victorious in her re-election bid. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday, Natasha expressed gratitude to her husband, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, for his unwavering support. She noted that without his encouragement, she might not have taken this decisive step. “You looked into my heart and understood the depth of my purpose for our people. By purchasing my nomination form, you did more than support a political ambition,” she wrote.

The race for Kogi Central is shaping up to be a high-stakes confrontation, with both major parties fielding strong candidates. Natasha, a vocal advocate for her constituents, is banking on her record and grassroots support to retain her seat amid the challenge from the former governor.

The Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri Federal Constituency have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to respect a Supreme Court order regarding the redrawing of polling units and electoral wards in the area. They warned that this could disrupt the 2027 elections in the constituency.

During a press conference in Effurun, Delta State, representatives expressed frustration over INEC’s delay in publishing and implementing the final delineation report, which was presented as a draft to stakeholders in April 2025. The group, led by Chief Victor Okumagba and High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, argued that the commission’s inaction undermines the apex court’s directive in Suit No. SC/413/2016, which mandated a fresh delineation to address irregularities like fictitious wards and imbalanced voter distribution.

The stakeholders noted that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, without the delineation being finalized, violates the Supreme Court judgment. They asserted that any electoral activities based on the current flawed structure could be rendered invalid. The group also highlighted that the dispute traces back to historical grievances, including flaws in the 1999 electoral framework that sparked past conflicts among Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri communities in Warri.

They pointed to INEC’s own 1998–1999 report, which acknowledged lapses in ward delineation. The delay in implementing the report raises suspicions of external interference and institutional compromise, they said, warning that this could erode public trust and disenfranchise indigenous people in the 2027 elections. The group called on INEC to release and implement the report immediately to ensure fairness and compliance with the Supreme Court. They also urged the federal government, civil society, and the international community to intervene to protect democratic processes and prevent renewed conflict.

INEC had not responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.

A prominent figure within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has leveled accusations against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the party is fundamentally averse to fair electoral contests. His comments came during a Monday interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program.

Galadima was weighing in on the recent departures of influential political figures Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He argued that the APC administration has actively worked to dismantle opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party (LP), both of which Kwankwaso and Obi used as platforms for their 2023 presidential bids.

According to Galadima, the APC’s strategy is to create a scenario where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces no serious challenger in the 2027 elections. He stated, “They are determined to ensure that the only viable candidate is President Tinubu, as they cannot stomach genuine competition.”

The NDC chieftain emphasized that the APC’s actions reflect a deep-seated fear of losing power through a truly democratic process. He concluded that the ruling party’s aversion to competition threatens the very essence of Nigeria’s democracy.