Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Nigerian troops have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency after killing a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, alongside 24 other terrorists, while also capturing one fighter alive during a failed attack in Borno State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when ISWAP fighters launched a coordinated assault on Kukareta community shortly after midnight, attempting to overrun the area. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI quickly responded, engaging the attackers in a sustained counter-offensive that lasted several hours until about 3:00 a.m., successfully repelling the assault and forcing the insurgents into retreat.

The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, confirmed that the terrorist commander Abu Umar Bundi Munzir was among those killed during the intense firefight. He also stated that 24 other insurgents were neutralised, bringing the total number of terrorists killed in the operation to 25, while one fighter was captured alive and is currently in custody for interrogation.

Military authorities said the captured suspect is being questioned to provide intelligence on ISWAP operations, including logistics networks, recruitment structures, and possible hideouts used by the group across the region.

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Following the operation, troops conducted a battlefield exploitation exercise, which led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition used by the terrorists during the failed attack. The recovered items include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

Military sources also confirmed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter but have since been stabilised and are receiving medical treatment. An armoured reinforcement vehicle was also damaged after its tyres were hit during the exchange of fire.

Maj.-Gen. Abubakar further stated that troops are continuing clearance and exploitation operations to track fleeing insurgents, recover abandoned equipment, and locate bodies along withdrawal routes reportedly marked by blood trails and medical supplies.

He described the operation as a major success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, adding that sustained military pressure will continue to deny terrorist groups freedom of action in the North-East theatre. Security officials say operations will remain active across vulnerable communities to prevent regrouping and further attacks.

Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Pastor, Wife, One Other Kidnapped in Fresh Kogi Gunmen Attack

A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), his wife, and one other person have been abducted by suspected gunmen in Odo-Eri area of Kogi State, in a fresh kidnapping incident that has heightened concerns over insecurity in the region.

The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday, April 22, when armed men invaded the community and forced the victims away to an unknown location. During the incident, one of the victims sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention, according to local reports.

Residents said the sudden gunmen attack triggered panic across the community, with many people fleeing their homes out of fear of further violence as tension spread through the area.

The spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the abduction, stating that security operatives have been deployed to the area and surrounding forests as part of an ongoing rescue operation.

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She explained that the command is working alongside other security agencies and local vigilante groups to track the movement of the kidnappers and ensure the safe rescue of the victims. She added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible, with intensified patrols and intelligence gathering in suspected escape routes.

The police assured residents that the situation is under control and urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue, promising that updates will be provided as developments unfold.

The latest incident adds to a growing wave of kidnapping cases in Kogi State, where rural communities have increasingly been targeted by armed groups operating from remote and forested areas.

Security analysts say the difficult terrain in parts of the state continues to pose challenges for rapid response operations, although joint security efforts and intelligence-led patrols have been strengthened to counter the trend.

Authorities say operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims and restore calm in the affected community.

Pastor, Wife, One Other Kidnapped in Fresh Kogi Gunmen Attack

Sowore Calls for Protest Against MTN Nigeria Over Poor Network Service

Pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore has called for a “total occupation” of MTN Nigeria, accusing the telecom giant of failing millions of subscribers across the country and benefiting from market dominance without delivering quality service.

In a series of posts on social media, Sowore criticised MTN Nigeria’s stronghold in the telecommunications sector, arguing that its position as the largest mobile network operator in Nigeria has not translated into improved service delivery, network quality, or customer satisfaction.

He alleged that many subscribers continue to experience persistent challenges, including poor network coverage, frequent call drops, slow internet speed, unexplained data depletion, and general service instability despite high subscription costs.

According to him, customers are often left frustrated as complaints to the company reportedly go unresolved or receive inadequate attention, raising concerns about consumer protection and corporate accountability in the telecom industry.

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Sowore further stated that a company playing such a critical role in Nigeria’s communication infrastructure must be held to higher standards, insisting that Nigerians should no longer accept what he described as “substandard service for premium charges.”

He urged citizens to collectively demand better performance from telecom operators, warning that continued public silence could worsen the situation and embolden service providers to maintain poor standards.

The activist’s remarks also formed part of his broader criticism of systemic issues in Nigeria, including alleged inefficiencies across key sectors and what he described as institutional neglect of citizens’ welfare.

Nigeria’s telecom industry has long faced recurring complaints over service quality, billing transparency, and data consumption disputes, even as subscriber numbers continue to grow rapidly across major networks.

While operators often attribute challenges to infrastructure limitations, rising operational costs, and regulatory constraints, consumer advocacy groups have consistently called for stronger oversight and improved service delivery standards from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Sowore’s latest comments are expected to intensify ongoing public debate around telecom accountability, consumer rights, and the quality of digital services in Nigeria’s fast-growing communications sector.

Sowore Calls for Protest Against MTN Nigeria Over Poor Network Service