Civilians join police to repel Boko Haram attack in Borno – Newstrends
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Civilians join police to repel Boko Haram attack in Borno

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2 months ago

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Civilians join police to repel Boko Haram attack in Borno

The Nigeria Police Force and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) were at the forefront of repelling the night attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Banki town, Bama LGA of Borno State, at the weekend.

Sources from the community, when Daily Trust visited the town, commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the town for rallying community resilience during the attack.

One of the sources, who prefers a single name, Aminu, said the DPO was asked to flee the town when the insurgents arrived, but he stood his ground instead.

 “He organised his boys to defend their location and the people around them. People celebrated him after the attack.

 “Many people, including the soldiers, had abandoned their positions, crossed to Cameroon and left residents behind, but the DPO encouraged many of us to stay back,” he said.

 Another resident stated that the police, with the assistance of the civilian JTF, secured the Divisional Police Headquarters and Nigeria Customs Service control posts located at the border with Cameroon.

 He also commended residents of the town for resisting displacement despite the Boko Haram threats. “If we leave here, where do we go?”

‘Why soldiers fled’

Speaking to our correspondent, one of the security sources said it was the dashed hope of an Air Force jet that gave the terrorists an edge over them.

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“The Boko Haram movement was sighted around 4pm, but we couldn’t tell their target location. So, a red alert was declared.

 “An hour later, we learnt that the terrorists engaged troops in Bula-Yobe town. We immediately moved there for reinforcement. Midway, another signal came in that we should return to base.

 “The order was, a fighter jet was on its way to dislodge the terrorists, and it could mistake us for Boko Haram.

 “Unfortunately, before we entered Banki, another signal came in that the Boko Haram terrorists were coming into Banki in large numbers.

“Our troops were terrified by the massive number of terrorists that the signaller mentioned,” he said.

 He said, when the insurgents started infiltrating, the long chain of commands that the Commanding Officer was receiving prevented them from responding quickly.

 “They kept telling the Commander to be patient, that the Air Force jet was coming to clear them. It’s after they reached the last point that he commanded us to engage them.

 “It’s an hour encounter, but we fought until none of us could recognise one another,” said one of the soldiers

He said the commanding officer tried to stay back after the soldiers but was overpowered by the terrorists.

 “Thank God for saving his life, because he tried to wrestle the gun truck with the insurgents, but they were too many. It was so dark on that day that one couldn’t identify the person next to him,” he said.

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3 more communities resettled

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has resettled three more communities after residents resisted Boko Haram displacement in Banki.

The governor, who was in Banki on Sunday, where the insurgents attacked military barracks and civilian locations, sympathised with residents and commended their resilience.

“I purposely came to Banki to salute your courage; your act of bravery is really encouraging,” Governor Zulum stated. “We should not allow a few bad elements to displace this town whose businesses and economic activities have been thriving.” He added, “I want to assure you that the insurgents will not succeed, Insha’Allah. We will strengthen the security of this border town and will support our youth volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes to further fortify this area.”

He assured that robust security measures will be implemented to protect the border town from further attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

As part of his ongoing post-conflict recovery programme, the governor also announced the planned resettlement of three communities, Kumshe, Tarmu’a and Bula Yobe in the Bama Local Government Area.

“Kumshe, Tarmu’a and Bula Yobe will be resettled. The people deserve a dignified life, and we are committed to delivering it,” he affirmed.

Zulum confirmed that the rehabilitation of Banki road has commenced, with 30 trucks already deployed to repair the dilapidated route.

He called on the people, particularly the youths, to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise for the betterment of society.

Similarly, Zulum also addressed traders at the Banki Market, where he urged them to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies for sustainable peace in the area.

In an interview with a security expert and former Director of the Department of State Service (DSS), Barrister Mike Ejiofor, he advised that the government must ensure that an area is fully stabilised before returning internally displaced people to the area.

Civilians join police to repel Boko Haram attack in Borno

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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December 7, 2025

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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December 7, 2025

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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December 7, 2025

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Nigerian Army Officers

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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