A major in the Nigerian Army has died following an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military patrol in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State.
Sources said that the officer, who commanded the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol of approximately 30 soldiers early on Friday when the team came under explosives and gunfire from the insurgents.
“From what I gathered the commander of the Damasak base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attack from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse. Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 are unaccounted for, including the commander, a major,” a source said.
Reports indicated that attempts to reach the major by phone were answered by an unknown individual, leading to speculation that he might have been captured. “Someone answers his phone each time his base tries to reach him, indicating he is in the hands of ISWAP,” the source added.
However, another security source disputed the claim of abduction, asserting that the officer was killed during the ambush.
The incident follows a similar attack last year when Brigadier General M. Uba was killed by ISWAP fighters after they ambushed a convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives along Damboa Road in Borno while transporting military equipment.
This attack shows the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP in the region and the continuing risks faced by Nigerian military personnel in the northeast.
The first group of Gwoza community refugees has returned home from the Republic of Cameroon.
The Daily Reality gathered that the group, consisting of 300 individuals, arrived in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, after spending nearly 11 years in a refugee camp in Cameroon.
The return was confirmed in a statement issued by the Borno State Governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya.
The statement explained that the repatriation program follows the visit by Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, to the refugee camp in Cameroon on December 8, 2025. During that visit, Governor Zulum pledged to facilitate their safe, orderly, and dignified return home.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have recorded another breakthrough in efforts to weaken terrorist logistics and criminal support structures in the North East.
This is contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information OfficerHeadquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on January 25, 2026.
The success followed actionable intelligence received on January 23, 2026, which led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer, Hauwa Abulazeez, aged 65, in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect is believed to be a major supplier of cannabis sativa to Boko Haram elements operating in Askira Uba, Rumirgo, Gwahi, Wamdiyo, Uvu and Gaya communities, and is also accused of serving as a key link in the distribution chain across several locations within the theatre of operation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the illicit substance was allegedly sourced from Sarti Baruwa Local Government Area of Taraba State before being transported through established routes for distribution.
During the operation, troops recovered 14 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, with an estimated weight of about 30 kilograms.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while further operations continue to track and dismantle the wider network involved in the trafficking and distribution of the drug.
The military noted that disrupting such illicit supply chains plays a critical role in reducing violence, criminal activity and instability across the region, while strengthening lawful authority and security.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to confronting all forms of criminal activity in the North East, stressing that intelligence-led operations and sustained pressure will continue until lasting peace and stability are restored.
Amid the widespread circulation of fictitious conspiracy theories alleging a so-called Christian genocide in Nigeria by Muslims, narratives often promoted by a few self-interested actors for personal gain and the advancement of narrow agendas, to the detriment of national cohesion and Nigeria’s sovereignty, one would expect a media house of Channels Television’s standing to exercise heightened objectivity and sensitivity.
Such care is essential, particularly given how these narratives were weaponised to invite foreign hostility under the guise of protecting Christians.
In reporting the same incident, Al Jazeera English headlined: “Explosion rocks crowded mosque in Nigeria, killing at least five.”
The BBC World Service reported: “Bomb blast in packed Nigerian mosque kills five.”
Sadly, Channels Television chose the headline: “BREAKING: Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve.”
This choice is troubling, particularly given the well-known reality that casual or “lazy” readers far outnumber those who read beyond headlines. To such readers, and to warmongers or actors with selfish interests, the dominant keywords become “dead,” “bomb blast,” and “Christmas.”
These are easily stripped of context and repackaged to advance dangerous and divisive narratives.
Even international outlets such as The Times of Israel reported the incident as a mosque bombing, yet a Nigerian media organisation that prides itself on being Nigeria’s most awarded television station for over fifteen years failed to appreciate that, in this environment, headlines often matter more than the content beneath them.
This may not have been deliberate. However, it was reckless, and it was insensitive, especially in a country already grappling with deep religious fault lines and the harmful consequences of misinformation.
A media house of Channels Television’s stature ought to lead in restraint, precision, and contextual responsibility, particularly at moments when careless framing can inflame tensions and deepen existing harm.
It is within this context that the media is regarded as the Fourth Estate. This designation is not in a vacuum. Rather, it reflects the media’s role in filling the gap of accountability, transparency, and public awareness left by the three arms of government in a democracy.
As a watchdog, the media observes, questions, exposes, and informs the public. While it does not exercise the powers of governance, legislation, or adjudication, it carries the grave responsibility of ensuring that the successes and failures of the three arms of government are accurately, responsibly, and sensitively presented to the people, especially in a society where careless framing can inflame tensions and deepen existing harm.
Ibrahim Badamasi Abdulrahman wrote in from Borno State, Nigeria.
Channels Television has come under intense criticism following its headline on the Christmas Eve bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which many Nigerians have described as biased and insensitive.
The television station had reported the incident with the headline: “Many Feared Dead As Bomb Blast Rocks Maiduguri On Christmas Eve.”
The blast, however, occurred inside a mosque, with Muslim worshippers as the primary victims.
Critics argue that the omission of both the mosque and the victims’ religious identity from the headline distorted the gravity and context of the tragedy.
A journalism expert and Facebook user, Aisar Fagge, accused the station of deliberately reframing the narrative in a manner that downplayed the victims and their place of worship.
“The bomb blast occurred in a mosque but Channels TV chose to remove the mosque from the headline of the story and replaced it with ‘Christmas,’ showing a lack of sympathy for the people (Muslims) who were killed,” Fagge wrote.
He further alleged that such editorial decisions reflect deeper problems within sections of the Nigerian media.
“In Nigeria, we do not only fight Boko Haram; we also fight what I call ‘Truth Haram’ media outlets — the likes of Channels,” he added.
Another Facebook user, Abubakar Suleiman, also criticised the station, stating that the headline exemplified what he described as “the politics of headline framing.”
According to Suleiman, the editorial choice influenced how the public processed the information by shifting attention from the actual victims and location of the attack.
“The bomb blast happened in a mosque, and the victims were Muslims. However, Channels TV chose to headline the story by removing the place and the victims of the heinous attack, replacing them with ‘Christmas Eve,’” he stated.
He added that although the incident occurred on Christmas Eve, the wording of the headline effectively erased the victims’ identity and dignity.
“Yes, it is true that the bomb blast happened on Christmas Eve, but the presentation of the headline controlled the perception of the targeted audience and eroded the victims of any mention, identity, or dignity,” Suleiman wrote.
Suleiman further alleged that the omission of the mosque was linked to a broader narrative that does not align with the interests of certain ideological groups.
“The exact place where the bomb blast happened — a mosque — also does not matter, because it does not fit into the narrative of Reverend Dachomo, which advances the ‘Christian genocide’ propaganda,” he stated.
Drawing parallels with global media practices, Suleiman said skewed narratives in international media had forced other regions to establish their own independent broadcast platforms.
“When the Arab world grew tired of skewed and silenced narratives, massive propaganda, double standards, and hypocrisy from the likes of Fox News, the BBC, and CNN, they did not stop at complaining; they established competent and reliable broadcast media and employed credible journalists to present their stories,” he wrote.
Quoting Chinua Achebe, he added: “Until the goats learn to write their own history, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Suleiman also warned that sensational reporting encourages division in a multi-religious society such as Nigeria.
“Even if Nigerians choose to live in peace with one another regardless of religion, region, or ethnicity, the Nigerian media will always find a way to sow the seeds of hatred and discord. You know why? Because fear sells much faster and more easily than hope, or than the effort required to deliver a nuanced message,” he stated.
He concluded with a call for responsible journalism and urged Channels Television to exercise greater sensitivity in future reporting.
“Anyway, I hope Channels TV will do better next time because all we wanted is, to quote Ben Affleck: ‘We just want to eat our sandwiches, go about our lives, mind our own business, without being targeted, demonized, or expected to condemn things that have nothing to do with us,’” he said.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have eliminated two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters during an ambush around Hudugum village in the Hambagda area along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno State.
The operation, which occurred on Wednesday evening, was conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV/Diligent Search by soldiers of the 192 Battalion (Main) in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. He explained that the troops encountered the terrorists’ logistics team at about 6:30 p.m. and engaged them with superior firepower.
According to Makama, “two insurgents were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds towards the foothills of the Mandara Mountains.”
He quoted sources as saying, “There was no casualty on the side of the troops, and no equipment was lost during the encounter.”
After the gun battle, the soldiers recovered several items believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
These included three bicycles, clothing materials, mats, food seasoning, salt, and other personal belongings.
The troops reportedly returned to base safely around 7:50 p.m. after what was described as a “hitch-free” mission.
The report added that the army plans to conduct further search operations along the escape routes of the terrorists.
It also noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still considered unpredictable.
The Nigerian military has recorded significant victories against Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters in recent coordinated operations in Borno State.
The raids, carried out through combined air and ground assaults in Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, forced the insurgents into confusion and led to the emergency burial of dozens of their fighters.
The offensive followed last Friday’s attack by ISWAP gunmen on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, where about 60 civilians were killed.Residents reported to Zagazola Makama that the terrorists stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately before retreating toward the forest.
Their movements, however, were detected by military Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, which guided airstrikes against them.
“The ISR platforms picked up multiple terrorist movements. The Air Component swiftly engaged them with devastating precision, instantly neutralising more than 30 fighters,” a senior security source told Zagazola.
Following the air bombardments, ground troops from nearby Forward Operating Bases entered Darajamal to restore calm and provide support to survivors.In another phase of the operation, armed drones targeted terrorist hideouts and movement routes within the Mandara Mountains.
At least four locations were struck, leading to the deaths of several commanders and fighters. Survivors fled in disorder, leaving behind both weapons and corpses of their colleagues.
Intelligence further revealed that the Ali Ngulde faction of Boko Haram, which has been weakened by sustained military pressure in the Sambisa axis, buried not less than 47 bodies of slain members in hurried ceremonies at scattered sites.
Nigerian military forces operating in the restive northeast have killed at least 24 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents during a series of intense offensives conducted between July 4th and 9th, the Army announced Wednesday.
Troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by air power and local forces including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters, executed multiple successful ambushes, patrols, and clearance operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
According to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for the Theatre Command, the operations targeted terrorist movements, logistics networks, and hideouts.
Key engagements included:
1.Ambush at Platari (July 4): Troops killed 3 insurgents on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
2.Ambush near Komala (July 4):One terrorist was neutralized; troops recovered motorcycles, sprayers, pesticides, and food.
3.Night Ambush near Kawuri (July 4): 2 terrorists transporting logistics were killed; salt, seasoning, and detergents seized.
4.IDP Camp Interception, Madarari (July 5): Troops prevented terrorists from accessing a camp, killing one and recovering ammunition.
5.Fighting Patrol at Leno Kura (July 5): 3 insurgents killed during an assault on their enclave.
6.Night Ambush near Ngoshe/Gava (July 6): One terrorist neutralized at a suspected crossing point.
7.Ambush near Sabsawa (July 7): 2 logistics suppliers killed; bicycles, slippers, torchlights, and other items recovered.
8.Clearance Operation at Bula Marwa (July 8): One insurgent killed, gun and uniforms recovered, camp destroyed (air support involved).
9.Joint Patrol at Pambula, Adamawa (July 8): One terrorist killed; four motorcycles and a weapon captured.
10.Tangalanga & Bula Marwa Clearance (July 9): 3 insurgents killed; camp destroyed; six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of ammunition recovered (air support involved).
11.Ambush at Ngailda, Manjim, Wulle (July 9): 6 terrorists killed; motorcycles and bicycles seized.
Captain Kovangiya emphasized the significance of air support and collaboration with local forces like the CJTF and hunters in the success of the operations.
He stated the offensive demonstrates the troops’ determination to cripple the insurgents and restore security for socio-economic activities in the region.
Exploitation of the areas after clashes led to the recovery of significant weapons, ammunition, logistics supplies, and the destruction of terrorist camps and life-supporting structures.
In a decisive blow against terrorism, Nigerian Special Forces under Operation HADIN KAI have eliminated a high-profile Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Amir Abu Fatima, along with several of his lieutenants in Kukawa, Northern Borno State.
The successful operation, carried out on May 30, 2025, followed credible intelligence reports on the terrorists’ hideout.
Abu Fatima, who had a ₦100 million bounty on his head, was fatally wounded in a fierce gun battle with troops. His deputy, explosives experts, and multiple fighters were also neutralized in the encounter.
Military sources confirmed the recovery of AK-47 rifles, ammunition, explosives, and IED-making materials from the scene.
No casualties were recorded among Nigerian forces.
This strike marks a major setback for terrorist operations in the region and underscores the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to restore stability in the Northeast.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released a chilling video confirming its deadly attack on a military base in Gajibo, Borno State, on Thursday.
The footage, published by the Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency, shows two military vehicles engulfed in flames and six motorcycles seized by the terrorists.
Local sources report that six members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in the assault.
The attack appears to be part of a coordinated operation, as another ISWAP unit was simultaneously headed toward Damboa.
Security experts warn that ISWAP is growing increasingly bold, capitalizing on security vulnerabilities in northeastern Nigeria.
The latest assault highlights the persistent threat posed by the terrorist group in the region.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident as tensions remain high in the area.
