News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) alongside an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in several violent attacks and killings in Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested on Friday in the Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area after what security operatives described as months of intelligence monitoring.

Security sources explained that the operation followed extensive surveillance of the suspects’ activities.

According to the sources, “the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on the activities of the suspects. The arrests came on the heels of a series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026.”

Authorities later identified the suspects as Sabastine Odo Odam, who is believed to be a prominent ESN commander, and Ejike Daniel, said to be a member of IPOB.

Security officials said the suspects admitted their roles in a number of attacks on police formations in the area. During those incidents, weapons were reportedly stolen and several security personnel lost their lives.

A source said, “Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away weapons, including the killing of 11 labourers in February 2026, two policemen in January 2026, two policemen in December 2025 and another officer in 2024, among others.”

The arrests are seen by security agencies as an important step in addressing the security challenges facing communities in the South-East region.

“The arrests represent a significant success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the South-East and the country at large,” the source added.

Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly welcomed the development. Many said they hope the arrests will help restore calm to communities that have suffered repeated attacks in recent years.

The two suspects are currently being held by the DSS. Security authorities said they will face prosecution once investigations are completed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Emirates Airline has halted all flights to and from Dubai indefinitely due to security concerns linked to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The Dubai-based carrier announced the decision on Saturday. It said the measure aims to protect passengers and crew as the regional security situation continues to change.

The airline urged travellers not to go to the airport while the suspension remains in place. It also said additional information will be released when more details become available.

The disruption comes as rising conflict and missile activity in parts of the Middle East have led several countries to shut or limit access to their airspace. The development has disrupted both regional and international air travel.

Airlines across the Gulf region have altered flight paths and cancelled services because of safety concerns.

Dubai serves as one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world. Emirates operates thousands of weekly flights from the city to destinations across six continents. The suspension has affected passengers travelling to Dubai as well as those who planned to transit through the emirate to other parts of the world.

Passengers with existing bookings have been advised to follow updates from the airline and contact Emirates for options related to rescheduling or refunds.

Officials said flight operations will resume once authorities determine that the situation is safe.

The suspension also comes amid reports of a major explosion at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, the Iranian capital.

Eyewitnesses said several loud blasts were heard in western Tehran early on Saturday. They reported seeing flames and thick smoke rising from areas near the airport.

Videos shared on social media showed fires burning in parts of the airport. Reports also suggested that air defence systems were activated across the city.

The explosions are believed to be connected to a series of air strikes that targeted sites in Tehran. Some reports said aircraft parked on the tarmac caught fire after the blasts. However, the extent of the damage and possible casualties remained unclear.

Israeli authorities said their forces had launched extensive strikes on what they described as high-priority targets in Tehran.

Iranian media also confirmed that a large explosion occurred in the western part of the capital. Residents described hearing multiple powerful blasts across the city.

Mehrabad Airport is among Tehran’s busiest aviation centres and handles both civilian and military flights. The facility has been targeted in earlier incidents during the ongoing conflict.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has played down reports that Russia provided intelligence to Iran about American military targets across the Middle East amid the ongoing war involving the US, Israel and Iran.

The report was first published by The Washington Post. It claimed that Moscow had supplied Tehran with information about the location of US military assets in the region.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the issue during an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Friday. He said the US military is closely monitoring developments and incorporating any relevant information into its operational planning.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Russia has reportedly passed details to Iran about US military positions, including warships and aircraft. Three officials who spoke anonymously told The Washington Post about the alleged intelligence sharing.

“It does seem like it’s a pretty comprehensive effort,” one of the sources told the newspaper.

However, other unnamed officials who spoke to The Associated Press said US intelligence agencies have not found evidence that Moscow is instructing Iran on how to use the information. The conflict has continued with US and Israeli forces carrying out air strikes while Iran responds with attacks targeting American assets and allies in the Gulf region.

Hegseth dismissed concerns that the reported intelligence sharing could endanger US citizens.

“The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who,” Hegseth said.

“And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or back-channelled, is being confronted and confronted strongly.”

He added: “We’re putting the other guys in danger, and that’s our job. So we’re not concerned about that. But the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think they’re gonna live.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also responded to the report on Friday. She told journalists that the alleged intelligence sharing has not affected US military operations in Iran.

“[the report] clearly is not making any difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them,” Leavitt said.

She declined to comment on whether President Donald Trump had discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin or whether Russia might face consequences. She said the president would address the issue himself if necessary.

President Trump also reacted sharply when asked about the report later on Friday. During a White House meeting focused on college sports, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy raised the issue during a question-and-answer session.

“I have a lot of respect for you, you’ve always been very nice to me,” the US president said to Peter Doocy, the Fox News reporter.

“What a stupid question that is to be asking at this time. We’re talking about something else.”

The intelligence report marks the first indication that Russia may have taken steps to involve itself in the conflict that began about a week ago.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tehran has not requested military assistance from Moscow. He noted that Russia continues to maintain communication with Iranian leaders.

“We are in dialogue with the Iranian side, with representatives of the Iranian leadership, and will certainly continue this dialogue,” he said.

When asked directly whether Russia had provided military or intelligence assistance to Iran since the start of the war, Peskov declined to comment.

Russia and Iran have strengthened their ties in recent years. Moscow has relied on Iranian missiles and drones during its ongoing war in Ukraine. Both countries have maintained cooperation even as Iran faced long-standing Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme and its support for armed groups across the Middle East.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm reassurance to Nigerians and the country’s armed forces that the nation will ultimately triumph over insecurity, declaring that the sacrifices of gallant servicemen and women will never be wasted.

Speaking during an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) with members of the Armed Forces at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, the President commended the courage and professionalism of troops battling insurgents and bandits across the country.

“I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff on my recent approvals to the Nigerian Armed Forces. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well that many times you are without your families and that you stay away from them. Some of you are facing attacks by bandits and terrorists,” President Tinubu said.

He continued: “I commend your courage, sacrifice, and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. You have been working to serve the country deeply and protect our sovereignty. This nation will always be grateful to you, and your sacrifices will not be in vain, I assure you.”

The President highlighted that the relentless efforts of security forces have continued to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups and criminal elements operating in various parts of the country. He assured troops of sustained investment in modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and logistics to enhance their operational effectiveness.

In a significant boost to military morale, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyode (represented by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu), revealed that the President had approved an upward review of salaries for all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as increased allowances for the elite Brigade of Guards.

“I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable President for the various approvals for the upward review of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the upward review of allowances of the Brigade of Guards,” the CDS stated.

“These various approvals also extend to the areas of equipment procurement as well as the provision of decent accommodations for the members of the armed forces. These laudable approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you that they are well-received by all members of the armed forces.”

President Tinubu also used the occasion to thank Nigerians for their endurance during the ongoing economic reengineering of the country, offering a message of hope and resilience.

“I am happy to inform you that your sacrifices and that of fellow citizens, all the sacrifices are not in vain. We are now out of the dark tunnel,” the President declared.

The Commander-in-Chief extended his heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Borno State following the recent terrorist attack in the state, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens.

The interfaith gathering provided a unique opportunity for the President and military leadership to break bread together across both faiths, symbolising unity of purpose in the fight against insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States economy recorded an unexpected decline in employment in February after official figures showed that thousands of jobs were lost across several sectors.

Data released in the latest labour report indicates that payrolls dropped by 92,000 during the month. The unemployment rate also increased slightly to 4.4%. Analysts had predicted that the labour market would remain steady.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the strength of the US job market. Economists now question whether the labour sector could be entering a period of weakness.

The report shows that job losses affected nearly every major sector of the economy. The healthcare industry also recorded losses despite its reputation as a stable source of employment. Strikes in the sector contributed to the decline in February.

The drop represents the largest monthly job loss since October. At that time, the United States government shutdown disrupted economic activity.

Economic observers also point to rising oil prices as another potential challenge. The increase followed tensions linked to the US-Israel war in Iran. Analysts warn that the surge in energy costs could place additional pressure on economic growth in the coming months.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a viral graphic circulating on social media that claims the electoral body fixed March 26 as the deadline for government officials seeking elective office to resign.

The commission described the message as false and misleading. It said the information did not come from INEC.

INEC clarified its position in a statement issued on Friday through its official X account. The commission warned the public against relying on the circulating graphic.

According to the statement, the message has no connection with the electoral body and should not be taken as authentic information.

INEC advised the public, media organisations, and political actors to ignore the message completely.

The commission also explained that it releases official information only through verified communication channels. These include its official website at inecnigeria.org, its verified social media accounts, and official press statements.

INEC urged Nigerians to confirm election-related updates through these platforms before sharing them with others.

The electoral body added that the spread of unverified content can create confusion among citizens.

It restated its commitment to providing the public with clear and reliable information about electoral matters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across the world and to the United Nations.

The list includes 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees. The Senate had confirmed the nominees in December last year.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the postings cover several strategic countries and international organisations.

Among the non-career ambassadors, Senator Grace Bent was posted to Lome in Togo, while former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang will serve in South Africa. Former Abia State governor Victor Ikpeazu was assigned to Spain, and Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu will represent Nigeria in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Other notable appointments include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to Qatar, Reno Omokri to Mexico, and former Minister of Health Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole to Canada. Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve in Germany, while former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, was posted to China.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was named Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Lateef Kayode Are was assigned to the United States, while Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji will represent Nigeria in Russia. Aminu Dalhatu was posted to the United Kingdom.

The career ambassadors were also deployed to various countries. Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka will serve in Cote d’Ivoire, while Besto Maimuna Ibrahim was assigned to Niger. Other postings include Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt, and Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India.

Additional assignments include Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal, Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana, Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia, Abubakar Musa Musa to Chad, and Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya.

According to the statement, some host countries have already granted diplomatic approval for the appointments.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.”

The presidency added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has forwarded the nominations of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries for the necessary diplomatic clearance.

“The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.”

President Tinubu also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for the ambassadors before they assume duty.

“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.”

The induction programme is expected to prepare the envoys for their diplomatic responsibilities before their deployment to various missions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Bugun Karkanda III have forced armed terrorists out of Mansur Village and nearby settlements in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

During the operation, soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and re-established government control in the affected communities.

Military authorities described the development as “a major breakthrough.”

The army explained that the mission targeted locations where armed groups had attempted to establish influence. According to the military, the action weakened the fighters and disrupted their activities in the area.

Officials also said the operation forms part of a wider campaign to improve security and allow residents to return to their normal daily activities. The exercise followed the formal launch of the security initiative by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola.

In a statement released on Thursday in Jos, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, said troops moved strategically against the armed groups.

The statement said, “Following a deliberate and well-coordinated offensive, troops of 3 Division rapidly advanced into identified flash points, establishing dominance over key areas and successfully dislodging armed terrorists who had attempted to assert control over Mansur Village.”

The army added that soldiers conducted a detailed search of the area after pushing out the attackers.

“A thorough clearance of the village led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, further weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity.”

According to the statement, troops have maintained their presence in the area after the operation.

“Troops have since consolidated gains and intensified aggressive fighting patrols alongside confidence-building patrols across Alkaleri LGA to sustain presence, maintain law and order, and prevent resurgence.”

The army also said the strengthened security activities have already produced positive outcomes in the local government area.

“The renewed military posture has yielded tangible results: disrupting criminal elements, rebuilding public confidence, and creating a safer environment for citizens to resume socio-economic activities without fear,“ he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted more than 100 women and children after attacking Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, as opposed to an earlier report that stated only 9 people and an imam were abducted.

Sources said the attackers also killed several soldiers, the chief imam of the town and some community elders during the assault. The incident happened shortly after Muslims broke their fast on Wednesday.

Security and community sources told reporters that the terrorists first targeted a military base operated by the 82 Division Task Force Battalion. After confronting the troops, they moved into the community and later stormed an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

One of the sources said the attackers outnumbered the soldiers, which enabled them to overpower the troops before advancing into the town where the mass abduction occurred.

“The militants invaded a military base of 82 Division of TF Battalion. They also launched an assault on the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in the community,” the source said.

He added that the attackers pursued fleeing soldiers and later searched houses and nearby bushes.

“We cannot ascertain the actual number of soldiers and civilians killed but nine bodies of soldiers have been recovered so far,” he said.

The source also alleged that the assailants destroyed military assets during the raid.

“Residents have fled Ngoshe town to the adjoining town, Pulka. The attack is very devastating considering that refugees have started returning from Cameroon,’ one other source said.

He also suggested that internal informants might have aided the attackers.

“It’s not possible to carry out such an attack without information from within us.

“The chief imam and some elders were slaughtered by the terrorists, and over 100 women and children were abducted or missing”, he said.

Residents who escaped the attack have reportedly moved to Pulka town in search of safety.

A resident, Malam Umar, described the emotional situation among survivors.

“You will see a mother crying, searching for her children and husband or children looking for their parents.

“The trauma of losing their homes and loved ones during this difficult time is quite devastating.” he said.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Nigerian military launched air strikes against the fleeing terrorists after the attack.

According to the security platform Zagazola Makama, surveillance aircraft tracked the insurgents along their escape routes. The Nigerian Air Force then carried out targeted strikes which reportedly killed more than 50 of the fighters.

Security analysts have linked the renewed attacks on military facilities to ongoing operations by troops in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains and areas around Lake Chad.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, condemned the attack and called for stronger military operations in the affected areas.

“I strongly condemn the attack. Let me commiserate with families of those killed and wish the injured quick recovery.

“Unfortunately, soldiers, the chief imam of Ngoshe and some elders of the community were among those slaughtered or killed during the attack.

“The military base was dislodged with some major equipment destroyed, including residential houses and property worth millions of naira set ablaze. I was informed that the General Officer Commanding 7Div, Brigadier-General Ugochukwu Unachukwu and the Brigade Commander of Gwoza are right now in Ngoshe to ensure civil authority is restored.

“We are liaising with Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Chairman of Gwoza LGA to immediately provide relief items to the displaced persons in Pulka community,” he said.

The lawmaker also noted that the absence of stationed attack helicopters or fighter jets in the Northeast has continued to limit the military’s ability to respond swiftly to attacks.

Following the incident, the Gwoza Youth Forum appealed for humanitarian support for displaced residents who fled to Pulka.

The group’s chairman, Malam Idrissa Hamman, made the appeal in a statement.

“We humbly write to seek your urgent support for our brothers and sisters who have been displaced from Ngoshe and are currently taking refuge in Pulka.

“Many of them are living under extremely difficult conditions and lack basic necessities for daily survival.

“In view of this humanitarian situation, we are earnestly appealing for your kind support, either in cash or in kind to assist these vulnerable families.

“As a matter of urgency, we are particularly soliciting the following items: clothes, shoes, blankets, buckets, food items and other essential household items.

“This humanitarian initiative is being coordinated under the platform of the Gwoza Youths Forum.

“The chairman of the committee for this initiative is Mal. Idirisa Hamman, while the secretary is Engr. Aliyu Shehu & BK Glavda as Member,” he said.

The attack adds to a series of deadly assaults carried out by terrorists and bandits across several Nigerian states since the beginning of Ramadan. Security incidents have been reported in Borno, Zamfara, Kebbi, Adamawa, Niger and Kaduna states in recent weeks.

Islamic scholars have also condemned the killings.

A Kano-based cleric, Dr Ibrahim Siraj, said Islam strongly forbids the taking of human life.

Quoting from the Qur’an, he said: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein forever; and the wrath and curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful punishment is prepared for him.”

He said the offence becomes even more serious when it occurs during Ramadan.

“In addition to violating the sanctity of life, it also violates the sanctity of the month itself. Ramadan is a time when Muslims are encouraged to do good, refrain from bad behaviour, and draw closer to Allah. To take a life in this holy month is to show contempt and disrespect for its sacredness,” he said.

Another cleric, Sheikh Halliru Maraya of Kaduna, also stressed that the attacks contradict Islamic teachings.

“One of the reasons these criminal gunmen step up their atrocities against Nigerians during the holy month of Ramadan is that they are not acting in the name of Islam or based on its teachings. They are simply acting on their own whims and caprices.

“These atrocities clearly contradict the faith. Islam does not condone violence, let alone the taking of human life without a just cause. According to the Qur’an, taking a human life unjustly is like killing all of mankind. Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land – it is as if he had slain all mankind,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives have arrested two men suspected of supplying fuel to bandits who operate in parts of Bauchi State.

The arrest took place in neighbouring Gombe State during a security operation. Information about the incident appeared in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Thursday.

Makama said security personnel carried out the operation on Wednesday at about 4:30 a.m. Officers conducted a stop-and-search exercise along the Kashere–Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

He explained that the action followed intelligence about how armed groups in Bauchi obtain fuel from Gombe.

“The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi were sourcing fuel from Gombe,” Makama wrote.

During the exercise, security operatives stopped a red-tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA. The car carried 29 jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit, also known as PMS.

Makama added that the driver managed to escape.

“The vehicle’s driver, 20-year-old Aliyu Usman from Futuk Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi, reportedly fled the scene and escaped,” he wrote.

Two passengers inside the vehicle did not escape. Security agents arrested them at the scene. Authorities identified them as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40. Both men come from Futuk Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The suspects told investigators that they bought the fuel in Billiri town in Gombe State.

Police officers seized the vehicle and the 29 jerrycans as exhibits. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine whether the suspects supplied fuel to criminal groups.

Security agencies also continue efforts to capture the driver who escaped and to uncover other members of the suspected supply network.