By Usman Abdullahi Koli

At a time when many are engulfed with fear of impending internal rancour that is probably capable of causing disunity and despair among key players, a time of reorganisation of the political landscape at both the national and subnational levels, comes a unifying figure who brings solutions to the upheaval experienced, particularly in the recent electoral outing.

The political atmosphere, particularly in Bauchi State, is known for turbulence and vested interests. As the state faces numerous challenges that demand more urgent structural readjustment, this is pertinent, and it raises the question of who can deliver these set goals. That is why Bala Wunti matters.

Among the political players who roll up their sleeves in aspiration to win elections, one critical issue is the unity of purpose. Unity against the monster of poverty, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and others that are clogging the wheel of our development.

There are individuals whose presence answers questions that institutions struggle with and whose conduct reassures even the most cynical that character still matters in public life. Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti belongs to that rare category. His story is not merely one of rise, but of formation. It is a journey shaped by early trials, sharpened by discipline, and guided by a clarity of purpose that has endured across decades.

Born into circumstances that offered little advantage, early life required resilience and self-reliance. Throughout his life, it has been punctuated by uncertainty. Yet, instead of breeding bitterness, these experiences shaped restraint, empathy, and a steady internal discipline that would later guide his every choice. Where others might have faltered, he remained composed. Where others might have hardened, he stayed measured.

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His pursuit of education must be seen in that light. It was not a smooth path through institutions, but a determined journey through obstacles. From his studies in Chemistry at Ahmadu Bello University to advanced training in management at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and beyond, each step reflected commitment, not convenience. What emerged was not simply an educated man, but a prepared mind, one that understands complexity, respects structure, and values clarity over noise. In a world that often rewards speed, he chose depth. In a system that often tolerates shortcuts, he insisted on process.

When he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in 1994, he entered one of the most demanding environments in the country. He did not arrive at prominence; he earned it. From his early role as the Production Programming Officer to his eventual position as Chief Upstream Investment Officer, his trajectory shows a rare pattern in public service: steady progress built on competence rather than visibility. He learned the system from within, understood its contradictions, and positioned himself not as a spectator but as a contributor to its reform. While others chased recognition, he built relevance. While others pursued titles, he mastered responsibility.

His contributions to the oil and gas sector are best measured through results. He was part of efforts that strengthened investment frameworks, restored operational discipline, and brought structure to systems long plagued by inconsistency. Initiatives such as Operation White did more than fix technical inefficiencies. They proved that accountability was possible, even in the most complex spaces. In a sector where decisions carry national consequences, his approach has always been cautious, forward-thinking, and committed to long-term value over short-term applause. That distinction separates those who merely manage systems from those who shape them.

Yet reducing his life to professional milestones would miss the larger picture. What distinguishes Bala Wunti is not only what he has done within institutions, but what he has done beyond them. The memory of hardship has stayed with him, not as a weight, but as a compass. It informs his giving, shapes his interactions, and explains the consistency of his interventions in others’ lives. His philanthropy is not occasional; it is part of who he is. Students have been supported, communities uplifted, and individuals in distress assisted through actions that are rarely announced but widely felt. The recent support for students across tertiary institutions is not a single act; it is part of a pattern that reflects a deep conviction: opportunity should not be determined by circumstance alone. Many give when it is convenient. He gives because it is necessary.

There is also a discipline in his personal conduct that deserves attention. He does not champion causes he does not believe in. He does not bend for advantage. In a political and professional culture where flexibility is often mistaken for wisdom, this restraint is rare and powerful. It gives his actions credibility and his decisions weight. His faith, central to his life, reinforces this clarity. It is visible not only in words, but also in choices that remain steady under pressure.

When he stepped out of public service on May 30, 2025, he did so quietly. There was no spectacle, no fanfare. The moment felt calm but confident, the kind of confidence that comes from knowing your work speaks for itself. Influence does not depend on the office, and in his case, it had already moved beyond it. What he carries into the next phase is not a title, but a reservoir of experience, credibility, and trust. These qualities are far more valuable than any position could ever be.

The emerging political conversation around Bauchi State must be seen through this lens. The state is no longer at a point where familiar patterns can be recycled without consequence. The challenges are deeper, expectations sharper, and the margin for error thinner. This is not a time for comfort; it is a time for deliberate choice. What is required is not just political skill, but administrative depth, economic understanding, and the ability to translate intention into results.

Bala Wunti presents a compelling case, not because he seeks attention, but because his life commands consideration. He understands systems at a level that allows him to engage governance beyond slogans. He has managed scale and complexity in ways that meet the demands of statecraft. He carries a social awareness rooted in lived experience rather than abstract empathy. Most importantly, he stands outside the entrenched rivalries that have defined political competition in the state. That distance is not detachment; it is clarity. It allows him to be seen not as a continuation of old conflicts, but as a bridge beyond them.

The argument for his consideration is therefore not emotional, even though his story moves the heart. It is rational, grounded, and difficult to dismiss. It rests on capacity, consistency, and a record that proves he can think, act, and deliver. In a context where trust is scarce, his credibility becomes stabilising. In a climate where division is costly, his neutrality is strategic. At a time that demands both firmness and thoughtfulness, his temperament aligns perfectly with the responsibility ahead.

This is not to suggest perfection. Leadership is not shown by ambition; it is revealed by preparation. In his case, the evidence is alive. From a childhood shaped by absence to a career defined by impact, his path is intentional, tested, refined, and sustained.

Bauchi faces a choice deeper than personalities. It is a choice between repetition and recalibration, between what is familiar and what is necessary. If the state is to move toward a future defined by stability, competence, and inclusive progress, it must recognise preparation when it sees it.

In Bala Wunti, experience, character, and capacity converge in a rare combination. He does not need to declare his worth. It is evident in the systems he has strengthened, the lives he has impacted, and the consistency he has maintained. The question, therefore, is not whether he has something to offer. The question is whether Bauchi is ready to choose what it truly needs.

If so, the answer is already in front of it.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com. 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s military has suffered another devastating loss after a senior army officer was killed in a coordinated attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commander of the 242 Battalion, died when his convoy was ambushed by fighters in the Moguno area, near the town of Boron. According to military sources, the troops were reinforcing a military camp under attack when their formation was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy gunfire from insurgents hidden along the route.

Several other soldiers also lost their lives in the attack. Casualty figures have not been officially released, but a military source confirmed that the death toll includes the commanding officer and other ranks.

Colonel Mohammed’s death marks the fifth loss of a top-ranking military officer in Nigeria in 2026 alone — all within the first four months of the year. The repeated targeting of senior commanders has raised urgent questions about operational security and the resilience of the military’s command structure in the northeast counterinsurgency campaign.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement, but an internal security briefing described the incident as a “well-planned ambush with high-grade explosives.”

The insurgency in Borno, which has persisted for over a decade, continues to exact a heavy toll on both combatants and civilians, despite repeated government claims that Boko Haram has been largely defeated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has removed a controversial social media post that portrayed him in a Christ-like image after facing strong criticism from supporters, including members of his religious base.

The post, which appeared late Sunday on his Truth Social platform, featured an AI-generated image of the 79-year-old president depicted as a messianic figure. In the image, Trump was seen laying a hand on a patient in a hospital bed in a gesture of divine healing, flanked by a nurse, a soldier, and a praying woman.

The scene also included prominent American symbols such as the national flag, the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and several bald eagles.

The post came shortly after Trump launched a sharp online attack against Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as a “weak” leader serving the “Radical Left.”

Reactions from his followers were swift and critical. Many described the image as inappropriate and offensive to Christian beliefs. Some supporters expressed disappointment over what they viewed as a misuse of religious symbolism.

A supporter, Leroy Brookens, said, “I am a solid Trump supporter and fan, but Trump is not Christ and this art is blasphemous.”

Another follower, identified as Kiwi Ellis, wrote, “God values humility and this is the opposite of that. The blasphemy is real.”

Several users also referenced biblical teachings in their criticism. Some went as far as accusing the president of presenting himself as a false religious figure.

One user, Jhelton50, asked, “The book of Revelations speaks of this, are you literally depicting yourself as a savior or messiah? The Book of Revelation tells us the Antichrist will claim he is.”

Others reacted more strongly. A user named Philosophical posted, “Disgusting. Sad… we elected the Antichrist,” while another account, For God and Country, wrote, “FALSE GOD. BLASPHEMY!! ANTI CHRIST.”

The controversy also drew comments from prominent conservative figures. Right-wing influencer Riley Gaines questioned the motive behind the post.

“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? A little humility would serve him well; God shall not be mocked,” Gaines wrote.

MAGA podcaster Michael Knowles also urged caution, stating, “It behooves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”

Beyond religious concerns, the backlash included expressions of regret from some former supporters and calls for political action.

A user, Joe_88, said, “I’m officially 100% done with you at this point; mocking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is beyond ridiculous. I cannot believe I voted for you three times!”

Another commenter, whatfreshhelltoday, added, “I deeply regret voting for you! Your ego won’t let you see it, or are you truly a sociopath? 25th Amendment!!!”

By Monday morning, the post had been taken down from Trump’s account without any formal statement.

Although the image has been removed, the episode has raised fresh concerns about Trump’s relationship with sections of his religious supporters.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) on Monday disowned viral social media reports alleging that it had directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the claims as false and provocative.

In a strongly worded press statement, the Council said the reports, traced to anonymous and unofficial online platforms, were “misleading and unsubstantiated,” warning that they could incite tension and draw the organisation into partisan politics.

“At no time did the Council issue any such directive or threat regarding the conduct of elections,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, the SCSN said it remains committed to justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence and will not be used for political manipulation.

However, the Council restated its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be removed from office, citing concerns over what it described as prejudicial dispositions against Islam and Muslims. It maintained that its stance was rooted in the need for neutrality and integrity in public office.

The Council urged the public and the media to disregard unofficial statements and rely only on its authorised communication channels.

The statement was signed by the Secretary General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, and issued on April 13, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that it has yet to obtain a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours before its planned national convention, raising concerns over alleged obstacles facing the party.

A senior member of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known on Monday through a post on his X account. He outlined what he described as repeated setbacks, including refusals from both government-controlled and privately owned facilities.

Ologbondiyan explained that the party formally requested the use of Eagles Square and submitted an application to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that although the letter was acknowledged, approval has not been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He also said efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful despite several engagements with officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

The party further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have declined its requests due to fear of possible harassment or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the ADC maintained that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The development follows earlier claims by the party that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities. The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that access to Eagles Square was ignored, while the Velodrome was denied on the grounds of a scheduled sporting event.

The venue challenge comes at a time when the party is dealing with internal leadership disputes involving factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala. This followed the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not recognised either faction, pending a court decision, which has added to the party’s difficulties in organising the convention.

Prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola have also raised concerns. They recently staged a protest at the INEC headquarters, where they accused the federal government of undermining opposition parties.

However, the Presidency has rejected the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that all political parties are entitled to equal rights under the law.

With time running out and no confirmed venue, the ADC’s resolve to proceed with its convention points to possible tensions between the party and relevant authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Nigerian troops in Monguno, Borno State, involved the use of armed drones, a military source has revealed.

The assault targeted soldiers under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai. It led to the death of several personnel, including Colonel I.A. Mohammed. The incident followed an earlier report that troops were ambushed by fighters linked to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram.

The soldiers had set out on a patrol mission to clear insurgents from the area after receiving intelligence reports. According to a serving Major, the attackers struck around 2 a.m. on Monday and deployed drones against the advancing convoy.

The officer explained that the drones used in the operation are similar to those seen in conflict zones such as Israel and Ukraine.

“The 242 Battalion Commander and soldiers were ambushed around 2 a.m. this morning by terrorists in Monguno Sector 3. The Commander was with some soldiers, and we don’t know the number of casualties yet,” the source said.

“They were going for reinforcement; it was drones that they used on them. The terrorists sent bombs with drones; those things shelled them. It’s very unfortunate.

“I could remember the Army explaining last year how these terrorists have been deploying weaponised drones, similar to those used in Israel and Ukraine. These drones are hard to detect with conventional radar.”

Earlier accounts had suggested that the senior officer died after an Improvised Explosive Device detonated along the route. Sources said the attack began on Sunday night and focused on a Forward Operating Base under the 242 Battalion in Monguno.

“One of our senior commanders, Colonel I.A. Muhammad, was killed last night when Boko Haram attacked Monguno. They also killed some soldiers during the attack,” a soldier on the front lines said.

Monguno serves as a key military location in the North-East. It hosts several units under the supervision of senior commanders. During the incident, insurgents reportedly concentrated their firepower on a smaller but vital position, which prompted a call for reinforcement.

“The Colonel got information that troops at the FOB were under heavy attack. As a committed commander, he mobilised to lead reinforcement to the location,” another source said.

According to the accounts, the Colonel did not reach the embattled troops. His convoy ran into an ambush along the way. Insurgents had planted a remotely controlled explosive device on the route.

“He did not die inside the camp. He was on his way to support his men when Boko Haram fighters ambushed them with a controlled landmine. It was not the type you step on; it was detonated remotely at the exact moment his vehicle approached,” the source added.

The explosion killed the Colonel on the spot. It also claimed the lives of an unspecified number of accompanying soldiers.

In 2025, a lawmaker from Borno State, Ahmed Jaha, raised concerns about the growing use of drones by insurgents. He claimed that Boko Haram fighters were deploying more advanced weapons than those available to Nigerian forces.

Nigeria has faced insurgency in the North-East for more than two decades. The latest attack highlights evolving tactics by militant groups in the region.

The academic and Islamic communities in Nigeria are celebrating a significant milestone as Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar has been officially elevated to the rank of Full Professor of Hadith at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The promotion, recently ratified by the University Council, recognizes decades of rigorous scholarship, prolific research, and a profound commitment to the preservation and teaching of Prophetic traditions.

Professor Umar, a globally respected authority in Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith sciences, currently serves as the President of the Supreme Shari’ah Council of Nigeria (SSCN) and the Chief Imam of the landmark Al-Furqan Mosque in Kano.

Professor Umar, a scholar-statesman whose elevation to Full Professor of Hadith at Bayero University Kano marks a pinnacle of academic excellence in the service of faith and society.

Professor Bashir’s journey to the peak of the ivory tower is viewed by many as a natural progression of a career spent bridging the gap between classical Islamic scholarship and modern academic rigour.

At BUK, he has been a pillar of the Department of Islamic Studies and Shari’ah, mentoring hundreds of postgraduate students and producing seminal works that analyze the authenticity and application of Hadith in contemporary life.

As the President of the Supreme Shari’ah Council, he has been a vocal advocate for justice, social reform, and the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria’s diverse religious groups.

Through his sermons at Al-Furqan Mosque, he has translated complex theological concepts into actionable guidance for the people, focusing on ethics, family values, and civic responsibility.

The rank of Full Professor is the highest academic honor bestowed by a university, requiring a “contribution to knowledge” that is recognized internationally. In the field of Hadith studies, this involves not just memorization, but the critical analysis of chains of narration (Isnad) and the contextual application of the text (Matn).

Colleagues at Bayero University describe the promotion as timely, citing his influence on the national curriculum for Islamic studies and his role in various international Fatwa committees.

The elevation of its leader is expected to bolster the intellectual weight of the Supreme Shari’ah Council of Nigeria. By rooting the Council’s advocacy in the highest levels of academic discipline, Professor Umar provides a robust framework for Shari’ah-based solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

At Al-Furqan Mosque, congregants expressed joy at the news, noting that their Imam’s new title is a testament to the quality of “the University and the Pulpit” which the Sheikh has led for years.

Millions of Muslim faithfuls and even some non-Muslims are benefitting from the sermons, lessons and peace advocacy, especially on social justice as it relates to the vulnerable societies in Nigeria and beyond. His intellectual discourses were mainly on Islam, jurispuridence, peace, banking and finance as well as social justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Pope Leo XIV has addressed recent criticism from United States President Donald Trump, stating that he will not be drawn into political arguments and will remain focused on his religious mission.

The pontiff spoke to journalists on Monday aboard the papal plane on his way to Algeria. He made it clear that he does not see himself as a political figure, despite rising tensions following remarks from the U.S. leader.

“I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions,” the Pope said. “I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him.”

He stressed that his role is rooted in faith and the teachings of the Gospel, not political confrontation.

“I speak about the Gospel, I am not a politician,” he said, adding that he would continue to speak against violence and advocate for peace.

“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems,” he stated.

Pope Leo also warned against the use of religion for political purposes. He said such actions distort the message of the Church.

“I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing,” he said.

He reiterated that the Church’s message remains centred on peace and compassion.

“The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel, blessed are the peacemakers,” he added.

The Pope further stated that he is not intimidated by political pressure from Washington, even as he avoids direct confrontation with the U.S. president.

“I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” he said, while maintaining his stance against engaging in debate.

“I do not see my role as that of a politician, I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world,” he said.

His comments followed a recent attack by President Trump, who criticised the Pope’s leadership on issues such as crime and foreign policy. Trump also questioned the pontiff’s views on global conflicts and nuclear matters, and suggested that his emergence as Pope had political backing.

Despite the criticism, Pope Leo adopted a measured tone. He called on world leaders to prioritise dialogue and peaceful solutions over conflict.

The position aligns with his earlier message at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he cautioned against rising global tensions and the misuse of religion to justify violence.

“To them we cry out: stop! It is time for peace!” the Pope had said, as he urged leaders to embrace negotiation instead of war.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ and launching a series of attacks on Pope Leo XIV over his recent calls for global peace.

The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, shows him dressed in flowing robes with radiant light around him. It presents him in a healing pose, while figures resembling angels or soldiers appear to float nearby. The background includes fighter jets flying across the sky, fireworks, and the Statue of Liberty, combining religious imagery with symbols of American military strength and national identity.

The post came shortly after Trump reacted strongly to statements made by Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called for an end to escalating global conflicts.

In his criticism, Trump described the pontiff in harsh terms over his position on crime and foreign policy.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote.

“He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the fear that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian organisations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else for holding church services.”

Trump also rejected the pope’s comments on international security issues, including nuclear weapons and recent military actions involving the United States.

He further questioned the legitimacy and background of Pope Leo’s election, suggesting political motivations behind his selection as the leader of the Catholic Church.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States,” he said.

“And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.

“Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican. Unfortunately, Leo’s Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons, does not sit well with me.”

Trump later reinforced his criticism in remarks to journalists, where he made it clear he was unimpressed with the pope’s leadership.

“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess. He’s a very liberal person,” he added.

The dispute escalated after Pope Leo delivered a message during evening prayers at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he urged global leaders to pursue peace amid rising tensions across several regions.

The pope warned against what he called a dangerous mindset driving conflict worldwide.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life,” he said.

In earlier comments shared on X, Pope Leo also appealed for an end to conflicts involving major global powers, including the United States, Israel, and Iran. He stressed that peace must be built through dialogue and coexistence rather than violence.

“God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs,” the pope had written.

The disagreement between both leaders has continued to widen since Pope Leo’s election in 2025 as the first American pope. While Trump initially welcomed the development as a national honour, tensions later emerged over foreign policy, migration, and public statements on global conflicts.

The latest AI-generated image shared by Trump adds another layer to the growing dispute between the White House and the Vatican.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has destroyed a major terrorist logistics hub and enclave near the abandoned village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, following a precision air strike on April 11, 2026.

Military authorities said the operation was driven by sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis—a known corridor for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and their collaborators.

The strike came after a series of deadly attacks linked to the same network. In January 2026, troops moving from Gubio toward Damasak suffered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack at Bindul, killing eight soldiers and wounding several others. More recently, on April 9, coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheik were traced back to the same logistics cell.

On the day of the strike, surveillance spotted multiple gun trucks and motorcycles moving toward Jilli, with additional vehicles converging at the same point. Human intelligence sources confirmed the gathering included terrorists, logistics handlers, and collaborators. Following a rigorous targeting process, precision strikes were launched while surveillance aircraft monitored the scene in real time.

Post-strike assessment confirmed the enclave was destroyed with high accuracy. Scores of terrorists were neutralized, and their vehicles and technicals were wrecked. Survivors were seen fleeing in multiple directions. Intelligence later revealed the group was finalizing logistics for coordinated attacks on military positions in the Gubio axis.

In a related development, on April 12, a terrorist logistics courier named Turja Bulu was arrested at Ngamdu Town. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to participating in the April 9 attack on 29 Brigade location at Benisheik. He also stated that ISWAP had dispatched him from Jilli—where many of his fellow terrorists were hiding—to deliver food to another terrorist group around the Magumeri-Gubio area.

The Theatre Command reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains strictly prohibited across the North East operational theatre, especially in Borno and Yobe States, due to their role in terrorist movement and attacks.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), assured residents that operations would continue with renewed intensity until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored.