Arewa

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and forest guards, have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted man in Edo State.

The operation took place on Sunday at Sasaro Forest in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, following intelligence reports about suspected kidnappers operating in the area.

Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 4 Brigade in Benin City, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

According to Anyanwu, troops of the 195 Battalion (Rear) encountered the suspected kidnappers during the operation. The suspects allegedly opened fire when they sighted the advancing security team, triggering a gun battle that left three of them dead.

The troops rescued the abducted victim, identified as 44-year-old Prince Michael Akao.

Items recovered from the scene included three locally fabricated firearms, nine live cartridges, five mobile phones, two power banks, two cutlasses and two torchlights.

Other items were foodstuffs, two cooking pots, three food plates, a bottle of oil, two pairs of shoes, three pairs of bathroom slippers, a head warmer, three packs of cigarettes, suspected illicit drugs, charms, a bucket and clothing materials.

Anyanwu said Akao was taken to a hospital for medical attention and was confirmed to be in stable condition.

He added that the recovered items had been handed over to the DSS command in Igarra, while the remains of the three suspects were transferred to the Igarra Division of the Nigeria Police Force for further necessary action.

The Army said the operation demonstrated its commitment to intelligence-led operations and efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.

Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of the 4 Brigade, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage, professionalism and prompt response during the encounter. He also praised the cooperation among the participating security agencies.

Balogun assured residents that the brigade would sustain operations against suspected kidnappers and other criminal groups in its area of responsibility.

He urged members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation was essential to preventing crime and protecting lives and property.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerians arrested by immigration authorities over alleged criminal offences as the country continues its deportation operations.

According to the department, the individuals were arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in different locations across the country.

The allegations listed against them include wire and mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related offences, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and cruelty towards a child.

According to TheCable newspaper, DHS said the publication was intended to highlight non-US citizens with criminal records who had been arrested by immigration enforcement officers.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement reads.

“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”

The department listed the following Nigerian nationals, the alleged offences associated with their cases and the locations of their arrests:

1. Emmanuel Omowaiye — mail fraud, Richmond, Texas.
2. Laurene Onwuka — fraud and impersonation, Chantilly, Virginia.
3. Olusegun Shonekan — wire fraud, Newark, New Jersey.
4. Olusegun Olaseni — amphetamine sale, Greencastle, Indiana.
5. Peter Ude — wire fraud, Atlanta, Georgia.
6. Newton Jemide — wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud, Fort Dix, New Jersey.
7. Shedrack Umukoro — money laundering, Yazoo City, Mississippi.
8. Olasoji Akinbode — fraud and impersonation, Kearny, New Jersey.
9. Oluwatosin Afolabi — fraud, Conroe, Texas.
10. Alameen Adetunji Tokosi — drug possession, Chicago, Illinois.
11. Joshua Ipoade — wire fraud, Atlanta, Georgia.
12. Michael Orji — weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering, Oxford, Wisconsin.
13. Ahmadu Apooyin — drug-related offence, Baltimore, Maryland.
14. Teslim Kiriji — money laundering, Yazoo City, Mississippi.
15. Onomen Uduebor — identity theft, Seattle, Washington.
16. Charles Ochi — money laundering, White Deer, Pennsylvania.
17. Daniel Eta — wire fraud, White Deer, Pennsylvania.
18. Ifeanyi Ibennah — cruelty towards a child, Tampa, Florida.
19. Kazeem Runsewe — wire fraud, Thomson, Illinois.
20. Fatiu Lawal — wire fraud, Lompoc, California.
21. Justin Akubueze — money laundering, Orem, Utah.
22. Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo — larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property, Orlando, Florida.
23. Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi — assault, Alden, New York.
24. Bright Eigbedion — money laundering, Lompoc, California.

The announcement comes amid the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement and deportation efforts.

However, the DHS announcement does not establish that all the individuals have been convicted of the offences listed against them. The allegations and the circumstances of each case would need to be assessed individually.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A youth political support group in Cross River State, the Evidence Group, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Friday during the unveiling of the group in Ogoja Local Government Area, where its Ogoja working committee was also inaugurated.

The group said it planned to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu, Otu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state.

Speaking at the event, the group’s Director-General, Eyoma Bassey, said its mobilisation drive would cover campuses, villages, wards and polling units.

“The group is a youth based support group that rallies support for Mr President, our Governor and the APC candidates. With this initiative, we are going to different campuses, villages, wards and polling units to mobilize people to vote for the APC.”

Bassey directed the newly inaugurated committee to begin mobilisation at ward and polling-unit levels. He added that the group’s structures would require approval from its central leadership before they could be publicly announced.

He said the organisation would also promote the achievements of the Tinubu and Otu administrations as part of its campaign for their re-election.

“This gathering demonstrates the readiness of Cross River youths to mobilise support for the APC-led administration at both the state and federal levels. Therefore, we will remain proactive in selling the achievements of both President Tinubu and Governor Otu administrations to the people”, the DG said.

The group’s Ogoja Coordinator, Jude Fingha, said the chapter was prepared to work towards the APC’s victory in the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that the group had adopted the slogan “5 over 5” as part of its drive to secure electoral victories for the party’s candidates at different levels in the state.

Fingha described the initiative as an effort to mobilise support for the current administrations and urged young people to participate peacefully in politics without resorting to violence or intolerance.

“The entire purpose is to galvanise support once again and bring back the governor and others who are in line back to office by 2027,” he said.

The group’s Director of Women Mobilisation, Precious Bessong, called on women to take an active role in encouraging their families and communities to support the APC.

Bessong argued that empowering women benefits families and the wider society, urging them to promote continuity in government.

The endorsement forms part of early political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties and support groups begin efforts to build grassroots backing for their preferred candidates.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Gombe State High Court has sentenced two men, Buhari Sule and Muktari Ali Hilami, to death by hanging for armed robbery and the murder of a 35-year-old man, Murtala Rabi’u.

Justice Muhammad-Auwal Haruna, who presided over Court No. 5 on Wednesday, found the two defendants guilty of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide.

The case followed the September 18, 2025, attack on Rabi’u at Garin Galadima village, near Pindiga in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The prosecution alleged that Sule and Hilami conspired before arming themselves with dangerous weapons, including sticks and hoes, and attacking Rabi’u.

According to the prosecution, the men robbed the deceased of his mobile phone and N7,400 before inflicting injuries that resulted in his death. His body was later dumped in a maize farm.

Presenting the case, the state counsel, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, told the court that the offences violated Sections 97, 297 and 221 of the Penal Code Law.

“The defendants agreed among themselves at Garin Galadima village, armed themselves with dangerous weapons and attacked the deceased, Murtala Rabi’u.”

The prosecutor further said the defendants took the deceased’s Itel keypad phone without a SIM card and “the sum of N7,400 cash, which they shared among themselves after dumping his corpse in a maize farm.”

The charges were read and explained to the defendants, who pleaded not guilty.

During the trial, the prosecution presented two witnesses, while the defence called one witness. All the witnesses were cross-examined by the opposing sides.

In his judgment, Justice Haruna said he had examined the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defence.

“The court has gone through all the charges brought by the prosecution, the evidence of the witnesses and the testimony presented by the defence.”

The judge held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, with particular reliance on the testimony of the first prosecution witness.

“The prosecution has established its case and proved the allegations against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.”

Justice Haruna further ruled that the defendants “failed to establish their defence against the charges brought against them.”

The court consequently convicted both men on the charges.

Justice Haruna sentenced Buhari Sule and Muktari Ali Hilami to death by hanging, ordering that they be “hanged by the neck until they are dead.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday reportedly disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Benin City, Edo State.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on its way to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am.

A senior Air Traffic Controller familiar with the aircraft’s final journey disclosed that communication with the aircraft was established shortly after take-off before contact was lost.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the incident, said attempts to re-establish communication with the aircraft failed.

“I must tell you that this is looking somehow shoddy. When the aircraft took off, we were in touch with it shortly afterward, but it disappeared from the radar. Efforts to reach it were unsuccessful,” the source said.

According to the source, personnel at reporting points around Okitipupa later heard a loud sound believed to have come from the crash.

The disappearance of the aircraft prompted the military to commence search-and-rescue efforts.

The air traffic controller said the circumstances remained unclear and that further details would emerge after the rescue and recovery operations.

“But it was strange. Almost immediately after it took off, we lost communication with it. There was no communication, nothing. And that makes it suspicious. The aircraft just vanished until the crash.

“Even as we speak, the search-and-rescue operation is still ongoing, and when that is concluded, I should be able to get more information,” the source said.

He further described the loss of communication as suspicious but expressed hope that the circumstances would become clearer.

“The loss of communication is very suspicious, but God will help us anyway. It is very possible for us to get clearer information as things unfold,” the source added.

Keyamo Confirms Aircraft Disappearance

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed that air traffic controllers had alerted him about the missing aircraft.

“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said.

The minister later announced that the wreckage had been found close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

“Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.

Keyamo disclosed that 32 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.

At the time of filing this report, the identities of those on board had not been officially released.

Difficult Terrain Hampers Rescue

The aircraft reportedly crashed into a swamp within the creek, which made access to the wreckage difficult.

Military personnel from a nearby base took charge of the rescue effort, while local fishermen joined the operation because of the difficult terrain.

An eyewitness told The PUNCH, “I could see the military men in the area while some local fishermen too were helping out, but it seems difficult to remove the wreckage because the plane forcefully entered into the swampy area.”

Another resident, who identified himself as Sola, said the incident occurred during rainfall.

Sola said, “It happened this (Monday) morning, when it was drizzling. We heard a very loud sound at the area where the incident happened, but we couldn’t get there because the place is a swampy area inside the creek. We were just looking at it from afar.

“However, the police and the military people later came around for rescue, but the occupants of the aircraft may have died inside because up till this time I’m speaking with you, nobody has been removed from there, dead or alive. Initially, we thought it was a helicopter, but later we learnt that it is an aircraft.”

NAF Launches Search And Rescue Operation

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it had activated a search-and-rescue operation.

The statement partly read, “The NAF has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”

Police Commence Investigation

The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed that an investigation into the crash had commenced.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the police were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026. Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue.”

Jimoh appealed to residents in Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid the spread of unverified information.

“The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” he stated.

Monarch Reports No Survivor

The monarch of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, described the crash as unfortunate and said he instructed palace officials to proceed to the site after receiving information about the incident.

“I was in court when the incident happened, and I directed some of my palace officials to visit the site. At that time, nobody could determine whether it was an aircraft or a helicopter.

“I was worried because it must not be a plane, because the number of casualties would be just too high. Our first thanks to Almighty God is that it did not happen inside the town; otherwise, the casualties would have been too many.

“The aircraft crashed into the river and a swampy area. It was raining when the incident happened, and the place was waterlogged. The aircraft did not catch fire, but a substantial part of it has gone into the water. We cannot describe the exact situation for now, but from my investigation and what we have gathered so far, there was no survivor.”

Aiyedatiwa Expresses Sadness

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed grief over the crash and said relevant state agencies had been activated to support the rescue operation.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor said he had communicated with the Nigerian Air Force leadership, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies at the scene.

“The governor has received with deep sadness the news of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of today, Monday, October 5, 2026.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

“The governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on the ground.”

The governor also said no survivor had been found after the crash.

Speaking on Channels Television, Aiyedatiwa said he received information about the incident at about 10:30am after the local government chairman contacted him.

“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So, they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people.

“But from the information we got, no single life was saved up to this moment. They could not see any living soul that was in that aircraft. But they saw the ruins, some of the wreckage from the wings of the aircraft, you know, some ID cards, I was told, and then uniforms. That was when they knew it was a military aircraft,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa described the incident as painful, particularly because the crash occurred in his home state and local government area.

Tinubu Orders Investigation

President Bola Tinubu also expressed sadness over the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos before it crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.

The President sympathised with the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search-and-Rescue operation following the accident. I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.”

Black Box, Weather And Aircraft Condition Under Scrutiny

Attention has now shifted to the aircraft’s flight recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, which had not been recovered as of the time of filing this report.

The device could provide investigators with important information about the aircraft’s final moments, including flight parameters and cockpit communications.

The National Safety Investigation Bureau has indicated its readiness to support the recovery and analysis of the flight recorder if requested by the military.

Investigators are expected to examine several sources of evidence, including the wreckage, air traffic control records, weather information, maintenance records and eyewitness accounts.

Some witnesses claimed that the aircraft made several circles before it went down as the rainfall increased. That account has not been independently verified and has not been confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force.

Weather conditions are expected to form part of the investigation. Authorities may also examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, technical condition, flight path, communication with air traffic controllers and the actions of the crew.

The location of the crash also created initial uncertainty about the type of aircraft involved. Igbokoda is a coastal and oil-producing community in Ilaje Local Government Area, where aircraft are sometimes used for offshore and oil-related activities.

Some residents initially described the incident as a helicopter crash.

The Nigerian Air Force, however, confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 fixed-wing military aircraft. There is no official information linking the aircraft to an oil-related operation.

Military personnel, police officers, emergency responders and local fishermen remained at the crash site as efforts continued to recover the victims and secure the wreckage.

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. Authorities are expected to provide further information after the search, recovery and investigation processes make progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two people from armed terrorists during a patrol along the Anka–Gadan Manya Road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue occurred on October 4 after the soldiers encountered armed terrorists attacking two people who were travelling on a motorcycle.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment officially on the operation, said the troops responded immediately after sighting the attack.

“The troops were on routine patrol when they spotted armed terrorists attacking two people travelling on a motorcycle,” the source said.

According to the source, the soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat, leaving the two victims behind.

“The soldiers immediately moved in and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims.”

The troops subsequently evacuated the victims to safety.

Following the operation, security personnel reportedly increased patrols along the Anka–Gadan Manya axis to prevent further attacks and restrict the movement of terrorists in the area.

“The troops have intensified patrols in the area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents,” the reliable source added.

The successful intervention comes amid continuing security concerns along some roads in Zamfara State, where armed groups have carried out attacks and abductions.

The rescue also highlights the role of routine military patrols in responding to attacks and protecting civilians travelling through vulnerable areas.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has asked political appointees who are dissatisfied with his administration to resign from their positions.

Lawal made the remark on Saturday during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

The governor was responding to complaints from some party stakeholders, including political appointees, youths and women, who expressed concerns about alleged neglect and inadequate welfare.

“There are some political office holders who complain that they have not gotten anything. That is not true. Even among the commissioners, anyone who feels he is not getting anything should resign,” Lawal said.

The governor also called on members of the APC in Zamfara to put an end to factional politics and unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“From today, please, let us stop the politics of so-and-so’s houses. Let us come together as one party with the same vision. The talk of Dauda’s house, Matawalle’s house or Shehi’s house should stop,” he said.

Lawal further disclosed that he would meet with former governors of the state as part of efforts to harmonise and compile the names of members for the APC campaign council ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned Nigerians against a fraudulent website falsely claiming that nationwide online voter registration is currently ongoing.

INEC identified the website as pvc-inecnigeria-org.blogspot.com, which reportedly advertises a supposed registration window from September 28 to October 27, 2026.

In an advisory issued on Saturday, the commission urged Nigerians not to visit the platform, click its links or submit personal information through it.

“Members of the public are strongly advised not to click on the link or submit any personal information on the website, as doing so may expose them to the risk of having their sensitive personal data harvested or misused,” the advisory read.

INEC clarified that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise had ended, and that claims of a new online registration exercise through the fraudulent website were false. The commission’s official voter registration portal also currently states that the CVR exercise has ended.

“The commission further wishes to clarify that the voter registration exercise closed on July 26, 2026. Any information suggesting that a new nationwide online voter registration exercise is currently ongoing through the above-mentioned website is false,” it stated.

The fake platform reportedly advertises what it describes as the “Final Phase of Nationwide Online Voter Card Registration” and offers services including updating voter details, transferring polling units and replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards.

It also falsely claims that voter registration and PVC delivery are free.

INEC urged Nigerians to verify electoral information through its official communication channels and avoid submitting personal details to unauthorised websites.

The commission’s official website provides access to voter services and other election-related information.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A United States-based advocacy firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being desperate to retain power ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The firm made the allegation in a statement published on its verified X account on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

It also alleged that the police, courts and electoral institutions could be used by the President’s administration to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.

The statement followed reports of the arrest of five men in Borno State over their alleged use of T-shirts bearing the inscription, ‘Tinubu Must Go’.

Von Batten-Montague-York stressed what it described as the importance of the United States supporting Nigerians in their efforts to defend democracy and the rule of law.

The firm said, “Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is desperate to remain in power for many self-beneficial reasons, including something called head-of-state immunity, a doctrine that can protect sitting heads of state from the jurisdiction of foreign courts while they remain in office.

“Tinubu is now fully aware that the only thing standing in the way of a possible official re-examination of his alleged role in the trafficking of heroin from Nigeria into the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, and a possible new criminal indictment, is his current status as President of Nigeria,” the firm tweeted.

The allegations come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists during a coordinated ambush on a terrorist enclave in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Nigerian Army also recorded the death of three soldiers after terrorists launched simultaneous attacks on military positions in Garkida and Garaha.

The incidents occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni said the operations produced several results, including the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the prevention of attacks on military positions.

According to him, troops first engaged the terrorists in the Boima general area of Gombi LGA.

“The operational momentum commenced in the Boima general area of Gombi Local Government Area, where troops conducted a well-coordinated ambush against a terrorist enclave.

“The swift tactical action resulted in the neutralisation of 16 terrorists.”

He said troops later recovered three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines and a belt of pump-action cartridges from the area.

The Army spokesman also disclosed that an Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a separate air strike on a group of terrorists in the early hours of October 1.

“Reinforcing the ground operations, the Air Component of OPHK delivered a precision strike in the early hours of 1 October 2026.

“At approximately 4:40 am, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a concentration of about 16 terrorists assembling alongside 15 motorcycles beneath a tree canopy in Sector 4,” he added.

Goni said the target was subsequently engaged after identification and target acquisition.

“Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the successful destruction of the target, while a few surviving elements scattered in disarray,” he said.

Meanwhile, terrorists also launched coordinated attacks on military positions at 226 Battalion, Garkida, and 232 Battalion, Garaha.

Goni said the troops responded with heavy firepower and forced the attackers to abandon their operation and retreat.

“Regrettably, three brave soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the fierce battle, while wounded personnel were swiftly evacuated and are currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment,” he stressed.

He added that troops had commenced further exploitation and mop-up operations across the affected areas.

According to Goni, the latest operations form part of efforts by the Theatre Command to improve coordination among land, air and other supporting components involved in counter-terrorism operations.

“Building on the strong foundation laid by the previous leadership, the renewed approach is already yielding operational dividends through enhanced coordination of land and air components and other supporting elements,” he said.

Goni said the theatre command would continue to rely on intelligence, technology and joint military capabilities to restrict terrorists’ operations across the North-East.

“As Nigerians commemorate the nation’s Independence anniversary, the troops of OPHK remain resolute in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and creating the conditions for lasting peace, security and socio-economic development across the region,” he stated.