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Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack Victims Must Be Rescued – Buhari

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As the Federal government continues to review the issue of the kidnapped railway passengers and makes all efforts to trace and bring back the 51 or more still being held in custody, President Buhari has directed increased efforts, kinetic and non-kinetic, be employed to bring the case to a closure.

Upon the President’s approval, the Government is continuing on the two-lane approach, kinetic and non-kinetic to secure the passengers’ safe release.

A statement released by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, says the kidnappers made a demand for the release of their own children and upon the settlement of that issue, they let go eleven of the victims, even though more were expected. The setback notwithstanding, the Government is not leaving any stone unturned in the efforts to bring all of the hostages back.

“The Defence, Security and Intelligence Agencies have given assurances to intensify operational engagements geared towards securing the rescue of all hostages and restoring peace to all parts of the country. Government is also mindful of efforts of some patriotic and influential persons and institutions that are helping in securing the safe release of the hostages.

President Buhari welcomes the return of the recently released passengers back to their families and loved ones, while expressing his solemn commitment to the families of those still in captivity, assuring that there will be no let-up until they are reunited with their families in the shortest time possible.”

Garba added that the President’s clear directive on the issue is that the hostages must be brought home alive.

“The country’s military and security agencies are aware of their duty to the nation and are determined to give effect to the President’s charge with increased urgency.”the statement added

As the Federal government continues to review the issue of the kidnapped railway passengers and makes all efforts to trace and bring back the 51 or more still being held in custody, President Buhari has directed increased efforts, kinetic and non-kinetic, be employed to bring the case to a closure.

Upon the President’s approval, the Government is continuing on the two-lane approach, kinetic and non-kinetic to secure the passengers’ safe release.

A statement released by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, says the kidnappers made a demand for the release of their own children and upon the settlement of that issue, they let go eleven of the victims, even though more were expected. The setback notwithstanding, the Government is not leaving any stone unturned in the efforts to bring all of the hostages back.

“The Defence, Security and Intelligence Agencies have given assurances to intensify operational engagements geared towards securing the rescue of all hostages and restoring peace to all parts of the country. Government is also mindful of efforts of some patriotic and influential persons and institutions that are helping in securing the safe release of the hostages.

President Buhari welcomes the return of the recently released passengers back to their families and loved ones, while expressing his solemn commitment to the families of those still in captivity, assuring that there will be no let-up until they are reunited with their families in the shortest time possible.”

Garba added that the President’s clear directive on the issue is that the hostages must be brought home alive.

“The country’s military and security agencies are aware of their duty to the nation and are determined to give effect to the President’s charge with increased urgency.” the statement added.

 

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Abuja Court Jails Boko Haram Food Supplier, Hamatu Modu For 40 Years

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Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Hamatu Modu, a major food supplier for Boko Haram terrorists, to 40 years imprisonment for his involvement in terrorism activities.

Modu, who confessed in the open court to supplying food items and information to terrorists, was put on trial by the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

He was slammed with 4- count charges and instantly pleaded guilty to them.

The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the prosecution.

In his judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years on each of the count but due to the plea of the defense counsel, the judge ordered that the 40 years imprisonment should run concurrently, giving the convict opportunity to spend only 10 years.

In another development, Isah Ali, another food supplier also in Borno, was jailed 10 years by Justice Nyako.

His jail term will, however, start three years ago when he was arrested and clamped into detention.

The convict confessed to committing the offence as charged.

Justice Nyako ordered that the convicts be made to undergo rehabilitation and radicalization at the end of their service of the jail terms.

The Federal Ministry of Interior was ordered to determine where the two men will serve their jail terms.

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Just In: Kebbi Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ankwai Passes Away

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The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwai has passed away in the late hours of Monday, 6 April 2026.

Ankwai, who represented Zuru Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected Speaker at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly on June 8, 2023.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report.

His death has, however, triggered an outpouring of condolences from fellow lawmakers, political associates, and residents across Kebbi State, many of whom have described him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to legislative development in the state.

Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected to be made by his family soon.

 

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Scores Of Terrorists Neutralised As Military Foils Major Borno Offensive

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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralized scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during foiled attacks across several communities in Borno State.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, on Sunday.

The statement reads: “In sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) recorded significant successes, including the neutralisation of insurgents, arrest of suspects and disruption of logistics networks across the theatre of OPHK between 31 March and 4 April 2026.

“In a major operational breakthrough, troops of OPHK under Sector 2, deployed at Geidam, in conjunction with operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), acting on credible intelligence, engaged terrorist logistics suppliers near Geidam.

“Following a fierce encounter, three terrorists were neutralised while a logistics-laden vehicle was disabled. Recovered items included food supplies, mobile phones and other materials intended for terrorist camps.

“Similarly, troops of OPHK successfully ambushed terrorists attempting to emplace Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Konduga–Kawuri axis.

“The troops engaged the insurgents with decisive firepower, triggering an explosion that neutralised two terrorists.

“Weapons and ammunition were recovered during exploitation. In continuation of counter-IED operations, troops have discovered and safely detonated an IED planted along the Ngoshe–Pulka road, thereby preventing potential casualties and ensuring safe movement along the route.

“Troops also recorded notable successes in counter-terrorism operations in Adamawa State.

“In Mubi North Local Government Area, troops of OPHK under Sector 4, in conjunction with local hunters, conducted an offensive operation, leading to the arrest of three Boko Haram/ISWAP members.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of them had previously gathered intelligence on troops’ locations and activities.

“The terrorist further confessed to participating in a recent attack where they suffered heavy casualties. All the arrested persons are currently in custody for further investigation. In another development, troops of OPHK operating in Mainok market arrested three terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered livestock, mobile phones and cash, further weakening the supply chain supporting terrorist operations.

“Additionally, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying terrorist elements in Yobe State. Two of the occupants were identified with gunshot wounds linked to earlier engagements with troops.

“The BHT/ISWAP members, along with recovered communication devices, are in custody for further investigation. Further operations across the theatre led to the arrest of BHT/ISWAP informants and collaborators attempting to cross into neighbouring areas, as well as the apprehension of a foreign national at a checkpoint under suspicious circumstances.

“Meanwhile, troops of OPHK have maintained aggressive operations within the Area of Responsibility, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action. All operations were conducted without incident, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.

“The Military High Command commends the troops for their resilience, vigilance and utmost professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations in the security and economic interest of the North East region,” Uba explained.

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