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Army Neutralises Dozens of Terrorists in Borno, Confirms Death of Officer and Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of several Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a fierce encounter in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, even as it mourned the loss of a senior officer and a number of soldiers.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out the successful operation on October 17, targeting terrorist camps in the Kashimiri general area.

“During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries,” Anele stated.

She added that the troops destroyed several identified Boko Haram hideouts, thwarting planned attacks on civilian populations and preventing further disruption of socio-economic activities in the region.

However, Anele confirmed that the operation came at a cost.

“The encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle,” she said.

She described the fallen personnel as heroes who fought selflessly for peace and national security, noting that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

“These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever,” she affirmed.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, honouring their courage and commitment.

“They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief,” the COAS was quoted as saying.

Lieutenant General Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s determination to sustain its counter-terrorism operations until total peace and normalcy return to the North East and the nation at large.

The Army spokesperson further appealed to the public to avoid sharing images of fallen personnel, stressing the importance of respecting their dignity and the privacy of their families.

“This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protect the privacy of their families,” Anele added.

Troops Arrest 28 Suspected Oil Thieves, Seize 290,000 Litres of Petrol in Niger Delta

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in joint operations with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspects and recovered over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during coordinated anti-crude oil theft missions across the Niger Delta region.

The operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, also led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites in Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States, according to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma.

He said the operations were part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage undermining national development.

“The troops of 6 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, have continued to consolidate their efforts in the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.

PMS and Gas Oil Recovered

In Rivers State, troops recorded multiple breakthroughs during operations in Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading at a jetty.

Two additional boats — one loaded with 33,000 litres and another with 5,000 litres of stolen fuel — were seized.

Following a tip-off on illegal bunkering activities at Elele Alimini in Emohua, troops impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, suspected to be carrying 90,000 litres of stolen products. Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested.

In Abua/Odual, troops recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), while in Abia State, two illegal refining sites along the Imo River were destroyed. Soldiers seized drum pots, receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in Obuzor and Asa Asa, both in Ukwa West LGA.

Six suspects were also arrested after troops intercepted two boats carrying over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) at the Orashi River waterside.

Delta, Bayelsa Operations

In Delta State, troops apprehended a suspect along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East, recovering vandalised pipes, hoses, and a lorry transporting 1,650 litres of stolen petroleum products.

At Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West, a Mercedes-Benz truck carrying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders suspected to have been stolen from SEPCO Oil and Gas installations at Kwale was intercepted, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Another operation in Ughelli North led to the seizure of a Toyota Hiace bus containing 10 drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates, with the driver taken into custody.

In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, troops intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to secure vital oil routes and deter further criminal activity.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting national assets, quoting the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, who commended troops for their “resilience and operational effectiveness.”

“The Division remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo and ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action,” the statement added.

#FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Grounds Movement In Abuja

Massive traffic gridlock hit parts of Abuja on Monday as protesters demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took to the streets under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement.

Led by activist Omoyele Sowore, the demonstration began early in the day in front of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, drawing large crowds and prompting the closure of several major roads, including Shehu Shagari Way and adjoining routes leading to the city centre.

Videos circulating online showed long queues of vehicles stuck in traffic around Nyanya and Karu, as motorists struggled to navigate through blocked roads.

Security operatives were heavily deployed to key protest locations, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone, where they fired tear gas and, reportedly, live rounds to disperse demonstrators. Access to the Federal Secretariat and surrounding areas was completely barricaded, with both motorists and pedestrians denied entry.

Witnesses also reported a clash near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Utako, where security agents fired tear gas at a crowd believed not to be part of the protest.

Earlier, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court had issued an interim injunction restricting protests around the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Police authorities warned that any violation of the order would lead to arrests, adding that digital surveillance tools would be used to identify individuals inciting unrest through social media.

However, Sowore dismissed the legality of the injunction, arguing that no similar order had been issued against groups opposing Kanu’s release. He said more than 100 lawyers were ready to challenge the order once it was formally served.

Kanu, who has led IPOB since its founding, was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges and later released on bail. He fled the country during his trial but was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges.

Tinubu Congratulates Oba of Benin on 9th Anniversary of Ascension

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on the 9th anniversary of his ascension to the historic Benin throne.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media office, President Tinubu joined the government and people of Edo State, the Benin Traditional Council, and the royal family in celebrating the monarch for nearly a decade of distinguished leadership and service.

The President praised Oba Ewuare II for his unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and social harmony within the Benin Kingdom, as well as his strong advocacy against human trafficking and illegal migration among the youth.

Tinubu also commended the Oba’s efforts in reviving cultural heritage, preserving traditional values, and championing the repatriation of looted African artefacts from Western nations.

“As the Oba of Benin marks nine years on the throne of his forebears, His Majesty’s leadership continues to inspire pride in our cultural heritage and strengthen the identity of future generations,”
President Tinubu stated.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the monarch, wishing him long life, good health, and greater accomplishments in the service of his people and humanity.

Ned Nwoko Accuses Wife Regina Daniels Of Drug Abuse After Viral Domestic Violence Allegation

Senator Ned Nwoko has denied allegations of domestic violence made by his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, following a viral video in which she appeared distressed and accused him of abuse.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday, the lawmaker claimed Regina was battling drug and alcohol addiction, which he said was the root cause of their marital problems.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety,”
Nwoko stated in the post titled ‘Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage And Rampage In My House And In My Absence’.

He alleged that the actress turned violent in his absence, slapping and attacking three members of his staff within 48 hours, and vandalising cars and windows in their residence.

“I have other wives, and none will ever accuse me of violence. Regina is the violent one here, slapping and hitting three staff in the past 48 hours and destroying property, including cars and windows, for no just cause,”
he added.

Nwoko further stated that he had offered to sponsor her rehabilitation in Asokoro or abroad, including in Jordan, where “she will not have access to drugs.”

He also alleged that Regina threatened a nurse for “exposing her drug abuse” and named two alleged suppliers, identified only as Sammy and Ann, accusing them of enabling her addiction.

The senator’s post was accompanied by a video showing damaged property within his home.

The controversy erupted after a viral video surfaced online showing Regina Daniels in tears, saying:

“In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house I am a queen. Not again, I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother also reacted via Instagram, accusing Nwoko of physically assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

As of the time of filing this report, Regina Daniels has not publicly responded to her husband’s allegations.

New Wave of Bandit Attacks Tests Peace Efforts in Zamfara

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Fresh bandit attacks have shattered the fragile calm in parts of Zamfara State, leaving several security personnel and civilians dead, despite ongoing peace initiatives and community engagement efforts.

On Thursday afternoon, October 16, 2025, suspected bandits launched coordinated assaults in Tsafe Local Government Area, including an ambush along the Tsafe–Funtua highway, where they attempted to abduct travellers.

Police operatives swiftly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel at Gidan Giye village, but tragically, five officers lost their lives while foiling the abduction attempt.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the team, led by ASP John Dogara, was on routine patrol when it was ambushed by heavily armed bandits.

In a separate attack that same afternoon, another group of armed men targeted workers of a road construction company behind the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe. The assault left three members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, known as Askarawa, and an excavator operator dead.

Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed both incidents in a statement on his verified social media page, offering condolences to the families of the fallen officers and other victims.

Elsewhere, bandits reportedly abducted three housewives and a man in Bula community, while residents of Kekun-Waje in Bungudu LGA were also kidnapped in a separate raid.

Residents have identified notorious gang leaders “Black” and “Standard” as being behind recent assaults across Kaura Namoda and Zurmi areas. Meanwhile, Sarki Dan-Alhaji, son of the wanted bandit warlord Kachalla Ado Aleiro, has been linked to violent operations along the Gusau–Tsafe axis, including attacks on Mada village and its surroundings.

Despite these renewed assaults, reports indicate a decline in attacks in some areas such as Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda, and Maru, attributed to ongoing local dialogue and peace efforts with community stakeholders.

Governor Lawal, however, reiterated his firm stance that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists. He emphasized that lasting peace in Zamfara can only be achieved through justice, stronger security operations, and active community cooperation.

Zamfara State has faced relentless insecurity for over a decade, marked by banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence, which have devastated livelihoods and forced the federal government to ban mining activities in the region to curb criminal exploitation.

Earlier, in January 2024, troops of 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Hadarin Daji, killed a notorious terrorist leader, Saani Rusu, in one of the state’s major counter-terrorism operations.

Air Force To Temporarily Close Abuja Road For 10km Fitness Walk

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a temporary two-hour road closure in parts of Abuja on Saturday to allow for its annual 10-kilometre Walk/Jog Exercise aimed at boosting the physical fitness and operational readiness of its personnel.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the exercise would take place between Karu Bridge and Mogadishu Cantonment Bridge along the Abuja–Nyanya–Keffi expressway.

The activity is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. and end by 8:00 a.m., during which period vehicular movement along the affected service lane will be temporarily restricted.

Ejodame said the exercise underscores the importance of physical fitness to military efficiency and overall mission readiness, noting that all necessary security and traffic management arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of participants and residents.

He assured that normal traffic flow would resume immediately after the exercise and appealed for the cooperation and understanding of the public as the Air Force continues to promote the health, discipline, and effectiveness of its personnel in the discharge of national duties.

ASUU Urges FG To Improve Funding For Public Universities To End Strikes

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise sustainable funding for public universities as the only lasting solution to the recurring industrial strikes in the education sector.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund at the National Assembly on Friday, ASUU President Professor Chris Piwuna said improved investment in education would enhance the global ranking of Nigerian universities and ensure stability in the system.

“We engaged the Federal Government for eight years without tangible results. The Yayale Ahmed Committee report, submitted in December 2024, was ignored until this industrial action began,” Piwuna said.

He explained that the union’s ongoing two-week warning strike was rooted in unresolved issues dating back to 2011, noting that the government’s neglect had left the sector underfunded and demoralised.

According to him, ASUU’s key demands — including improved conditions of service, revitalisation of public universities, sustainable funding, and academic autonomy — remain unchanged.

“Try us. Push government to fund universities adequately and you’ll see the end of strikes and the improvement of our universities in global rankings,” Piwuna told the lawmakers.

He revealed that although ₦150 billion was approved by the National Assembly for universities, only ₦50 billion had so far been released. Even that amount, he alleged, remains stuck at the Ministry of Education, where the minister intends to share it among universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, despite separate allocations for those institutions.

Piwuna insisted that the ₦150 billion approved for universities must be used strictly for that purpose.

ASUU Cautions Wike Over University Land

The ASUU president also raised concerns about alleged plans by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to acquire part of the University of Abuja’s 10,000-hectare land.

“We are worried because the University of Abuja is located in the FCT. Anyone serious about higher education should be focused on developing it. If the minister wants land, he should look in the opposite direction,” ASUU stated.

The union appealed to the Senate to intervene and prevent any encroachment on the university’s property.

ASUU had on October 13 declared a two-week warning strike to protest the government’s failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release withheld salaries, and adequately fund the revitalisation of public universities.

The Federal Government, however, maintains that it has met the union’s major demands and remains open to dialogue, while enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy on striking lecturers.

Dozens Injured At State Funeral Of Kenya’s Opposition Leader Raila Odinga

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Dozens of mourners were injured, many seriously, during the state funeral of Kenya’s opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday after a stampede occurred as crowds rushed to view his coffin.

The tragic incident came a day after at least three people were killed when security forces opened fire to disperse a crowd gathered at a separate ceremony to see Odinga’s body.

Odinga, aged 80, died on Wednesday from a suspected heart attack at a health clinic in southern India, prompting a nationwide outpouring of grief. Fondly called “Baba” (Father) by his supporters, Odinga was widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

President William Ruto, speaking at the funeral, paid tribute to Odinga, describing him as “a movement for change, a movement for justice… for a better and greater Kenya.”

Moments after Ruto’s remarks, a surge of mourners attempting to reach the coffin on the pitch caused chaos, leaving many crushed or collapsed. Emergency responders and ambulances rushed to treat the injured, several of whom suffered broken bones and breathing difficulties.

Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was instrumental in restoring multi-party democracy in the 1990s. Despite contesting the presidency five times without success, he was hailed as a national figure who shaped the country’s political evolution and the 2010 Constitution.

“I have freedom of speech because of Raila… I’m here because he is the father,” said Paul Oloo, a supporter at the funeral.

On Thursday, violence erupted when Odinga’s body was brought back from India and displayed at another stadium in Nairobi. As large crowds surged toward a VIP gate, security forces opened fire, killing at least three people. A human rights group, VOCAL Africa, reported the deaths based on information from the city morgue, where bodies bearing gunshot wounds were seen.

“The excessive use of force against mourners is totally unwarranted,” said Hussein Khalid, head of VOCAL Africa. “We are calling on the police to exercise utmost restraint… We don’t want to see more deaths associated with this funeral.”

Odinga’s body will be taken to his family’s home region in western Kenya on Saturday for final tributes, followed by a private burial on Sunday.

His death has left a leadership vacuum in Kenya’s opposition ahead of the country’s next general elections in 2027.

Otti Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Partnership With Abia Judiciary

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the state judiciary to enhance effective justice delivery across the state.

Speaking after a church service organised by the Abia State Judiciary to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year in Umuahia, Governor Otti announced that construction work on new judiciary complex buildings in Aba and Umuahia would commence within a month.

According to the governor, each complex will feature 15 court halls and modern internet facilities to improve the efficiency of judicial operations.

He also commended the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, for maintaining transparency and merit-based standards in the recent selection of judges.

“The judiciary in Abia has shown integrity and fairness in its processes, and my administration remains committed to supporting it to achieve greater efficiency in justice delivery,” Otti stated.

In her remarks, Justice Abai highlighted the need for continuous reform within the judicial sector to ensure that the justice system remains rooted in equity and fairness.

She emphasised that the reform of the justice sector “is a responsibility too great for the judiciary to bear alone” and called for collective commitment from the executive, legislature, and other key stakeholders.

The Chief Judge later inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force as part of the event’s proceedings.

Romania Housing Block Explosion Kills Three, Injures 13

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At least three people have been killed and 13 others injured following a powerful explosion that tore through a residential building in Bucharest, Romania, on Friday. Authorities say the blast, which devastated multiple floors of the structure, was likely caused by a gas leak.

The explosion severely damaged two floors of the eight-storey block, leaving the building at risk of collapse. Emergency officials evacuated residents, along with pupils and teachers from a nearby high school in the southwest area of the capital.

Rescue teams continued to search the wreckage for survivors and confirmed that one person had been found trapped under rubble on the sixth floor.

“The most likely cause of the explosion is gas,” said Raed Arafat, head of Romania’s rescue services. “The building is at risk of collapse, which is why it is being completely evacuated by firefighters.”

Authorities have sealed off the surrounding area, citing safety concerns.

Residents described scenes of chaos and confusion as the explosion shook the neighbourhood. “I thought we were being bombed,” one witness said, while others initially feared an earthquake.

Two of the injured victims are reported to be in serious condition.

The blast also shattered windows at the nearby school, where several students sustained minor injuries. According to the Bucharest school inspectorate, the affected pupils “received medical attention at the school and were subsequently picked up by their parents.”

Emergency services remain at the scene as investigations continue into the exact cause of the explosion.