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Terrorists Bomb Maiduguri, Boy Injured, Cars, Houses Destroyed
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Saturday called on the Nigerian military to wake up to its responsibility of protecting the country territorial integrity following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the state capital, from rockets fired by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
The explosions which occurred on Saturday morning were reported to left a little boy injured and several properties destroyed.
Zulum, who described the attack as unfortunate, expressed displeasure that the terrorists came close to Maiduguri in a manner that could have been averted if the military had provided adequate surveillance.
“It is very sad and unfortunate that this kind of attack and others are happening at this time. It seems the insurgents came very close to Maiduguri. Our military have to wake up and ensure adequate surveillance. This is something we should be able to avert. For the insurgents to have come so close to fire rockets, I think there is something wrong that we have to check.
“We have to fortify Maiduguri, as we will continue to do around other cities and towns across the state. We have to ensure adequate patrols on daily basis to avert future attacks.
“I wish to sympathize with those affected by today’s attack, I will constitute a small committee to ascertain the level of damage and advise government on how to avert future occurrence,” the governor said during a visit to the 1,000 Housing Estate that was hit by the insurgents.
Some residents said two rockets exploded at Gomari while the third explosive landed in a building in the housing estate near Hajj Transit Camp where the repentant Boko Haram insurgents were being housed.
“I heard the first explosion early in the morning and then the second one, then I came out to see where it was happening before the third one landed in our estate. I saw when it landed and I immediately lay on the ground. The moment it landed in the house, the whole place became dark and dusty.
“The fourth one landed elsewhere but it was not as heavy as the first three. The first two landed in Gomari very close to the Air Force base. The explosion destroyed a house in our estate very close to my house. It didn’t kill anyone but it injured a little boy, a resident of the estate told Sunday PUNCH.
A resident at Gomari airport, Usman Zanna, said the Hajj Transit Camp housing former Boko Haram members could have been the target of the attackers.
“Yes, the explosives landed in our area. We suspect it was launched by Boko Haram terrorists and we assume the target is the Hajj Transit Camp where their former colleagues are being kept in the camp. You know we have been complaining about the continued camping of the former insurgents in the city. If you notice, they have been trying to attack all communities where their ex-colleagues are kept. We complained about this for so long but no one is paying attention,” Zanna disclosed.
A military officer also confirmed that the insurgents had been attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri city since Friday but were repelled by security agents.
“Since yesterday (Friday), they have been trying to penetrate Maiduguri city but the military kept frustrating them with the support of aircraft; they were chased away. So, I think they hid in the nearby bushes around the city and resorted to launching explosives targeting the Hajj camp. But everything is back to normal now,” the source said.
The Nigerian Army said suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists were behind the attack.
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, it said troops of Operation Hadin Kai, however, responded and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions to repel the attack.
The statement titled, ‘Operation Hadin Kai: No cause for alarm, troops on ground to ward-off threats in Maiduguri,’ read in part, “The sound of explosions at Gomari community and 1,000 Housing Estate in Maiduguri was heard in the early hours of today with shots fired into these communities by BH/ISWAP criminals. This unfortunate incident has caused some level of damage and apprehension in residential areas. Although, no life was lost, sadly a minor sustained injury. Ground troops in conjunction with the air component of OPHK responded swiftly and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions that successfully neutralised the threats and infiltration attempt by the terrorists.” ,,
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
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.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
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.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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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