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Nigerian Army Kills Nine Terrorists, Frees 37 Hostages In Nationwide Operations
The Nigerian Army has recorded another major success in the ongoing onslaught against terrorists and other non-state actors across the country.
In coordinated ground and joint operations the troops neutralised nine terrorists, including five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram splinter group, in Borno.
They also neutralized two terrorists in a border between Ekiti and Kogi state, and one in Delta State.
A military source told The Nation on Wednesday that troops recovered several weapons and logistics items from criminals in the operations that were conducted between October 2 to 6.
Providing details on the operations, the source said 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, and in the firefight that ensued five terrorists were killed.
“Similarly, 148 Battalion operating around the Iyemero community on the Ekiti–Kogi border neutralized two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles. While 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale attack on its location, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, with one confirmed killed and several others escaping with gunshot wounds,” the source said.
“Trroops also arrested 8 criminal suspects for various offences including terrorism, kidnapping and illegal possession of weapons across Borno, Katsina, Imo and Plateau States.
“Among the arrests were an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kukawa in Borno State, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo State, and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State.”
According to the military source, troops rescued 37 kidnap victims across Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta and Kebbi States, in ongoing clearance operations.
“Notably, 28 locals were freed from terrorist captivity in Sakaba, Kebbi State, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue,” the source said.
“In separate missions, troops in Kaduna and Delta States rescued a total of seven kidnapped civilians, while another two victims were freed in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following a swift response by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE.”
The source said troops have continued to intensify anti-smuggling and anti-oil theft operations in the South South, noting that in Imo State, combined forces of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered multiple illegal refining sites, and destroyed over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.
“Troops equally recovered one dane gun, one fabricated pistol, three AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO and several motorcycles used for criminal activities,” he said.
The source acknowledged the contributions of sister services, security agencies and local vigilantes, whose cooperation it said have continued to enhance the success of ongoing military onslaughts against terrorists and other non-state actors.
He assured Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of the Army to “create a safer environment that will boost economic and agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.”
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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