metro
Air Force battles Zamfara terrorists, 50 bandits, soldiers killed
• Hoodlums kill 29 in Kaduna communities
Military raids involving Air Force officers have claimed the lives of no fewer than 40 bandits in Malele village, in the Dansadau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the Air Force, during a series of airstrikes undertaken by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, neutralised the terrorists at their hideouts in the village.
A report seen by one of our correspondents on Monday indicated that the military mobilised troops and airplanes for the attack on December 17, 2022.
The report read in part, “There are strong indications that strikes undertaken by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji have recorded a major victory after hitting terrorists in Malele village in the Dansadau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“The security agencies, in particular, the military and the Air Force, have since Saturday, December 17, 2022, mobilised their troops and airplanes to launch attacks and airstrikes against those warring bandits coming from different parts of the country with several terrorists being eliminated.”
The report said the bandits, while attempting to escape from the airstrikes, ran into Mutunji village, adding that over 40 of them were killed.
Angered by the development, the hoodlums, in reprisal, laid a siege to a military convoy en-route to Malele and opened fire.
The report said, “Luckily, no life was lost except a soldier, who sustained an injury. The soldier is positively responding to treatment. Other sources have also confirmed that terrorists’ kingpins — Halilu Jan Buzu, Turji and Adamu Aleiru, are making efforts to reinforce their colleagues on the battlefield after the devastating airstrikes.
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“Halilu Buzu’s boys, in particular, were sighted along Dankurmi on their way to Malele, while those of Adamu Aleiru were seen at Yar Gada, a border between Dansadau and Gusau Emirates, waiting for sunrise to move to the battleground.”
However, an indigene of Mutunji village, in the Maru LGA of Zamfara State, Musa Abubakar, told one of our correspondents that the bandits killed 10 soldiers.
Abubakar said the soldiers were on their way to Mutunji to complement the Air Force in bombarding the bandits, adding that some bandits, who lurked at a spot on the road, ambushed them.
According to Abubakar, immediately the bandits sighted the soldiers, they came out of their hideout and opened fire, killing 10 of them on the spot.
He said, “The bandits, after killing the soldiers, and sighting the fighter jet, rushed to Mutunji village and hid in the market where many people were busy transacting their business.
“When the fighter jet arrived in the village, it dropped a bomb and 68 locals were killed while several others were seriously injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.”
Another resident, Sa’idu Ishaka, said he was in the market when the bomb was dropped by the fighter jet, adding that he narrowly escaped death.
Ishaka, who accompanied some injured persons to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, said bandits came to their village in large numbers.
“When the aircraft approached the village, we just heard a heavy sound in the market and many shops went in flames. I narrowly escaped being killed but I saw several dead bodies in front of me.
“I was among the people who took part in burying 68 persons who were killed by the bomb blast,” he added.
However, PUNCH Metro could not confirm the 68 civilian casualty figure as of press time.
One of our reporters, who visited the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, saw the dead bodies of the 10 soldiers being conveyed to a mortuary by the hospital staff.
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The dead bodies were brought in an ambulance by the military around 3pm on Monday.
The state Commissioner on Security, DIG Mamman Tsafe (retd), who visited the hospital to see the slain soldiers and the injured persons, described the incident as “most unfortunate”.
Tsafe sympathised with the families of the soldiers and those injured.
“The incident happened at the time when security situation is considered to be improving”.
Calls to the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, were not answered, as he did not respond to a text message sent to his line as well.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, could not also be reached to comment on the matter as of press time.
In a related development, hoodlums on Sunday reportedly killed 29 people in separate attacks on Malagum One and Sokwong communities of Kagoro Chiefdom in the Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.
The council Chairman, Mathias Siman, who confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro on Monday, said seven people were killed in Sokwong.
The attack is coming barely five days after an invasion in Malagum, which resulted in the killing of three persons.
According to Siman, all the houses in Sokwong were razed by the terrorists.
Siman urged residents to remain calm as security agencies were carrying out an investigation into the matter.
The Speaker of Kaura LGA, Stephen Atuk, said over 22 people were killed in Malagum One.
Atuk called on the state government and security agencies to redouble their effort in order to curtail renewed killings in the area.
“Attacks in our area have been consistent and multi-dimensional with efforts of security operatives and government not seen or felt,” he added.
The spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammed Jalige, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has said the state is saddened by the killings in the two communities.
The commissioner, who stated that several residents were killed in the attacks and houses razed, added that Governor Nasir El-Rufai had directed the State Emergency Agency to provide relief materials to the communities.
metro
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that he was suspended from the international broadcaster, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
The rumour, which gained traction across social media platforms, claimed that Oseni had been suspended from Arise News following an alleged disagreement with a senior colleague. However, the journalist debunked the claim in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, where he described the report as “APC propaganda.”
“Rufai Oseni suspended by ARISE News? Lies, APC Propaganda,” he wrote, rejecting the viral narrative.
Providing clarity on his absence from the popular breakfast programme, Oseni explained that he is currently in Berlin, Germany, attending a series of international conferences and professional engagements.
He further disclosed that he is scheduled to appear at the Bundestag, also known as the German Parliament, located in the historic Reichstag building, where he is expected to participate in discussions and engagements.
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Oseni noted that his trip is aimed at gaining insights and experiences that could be beneficial to Nigeria, particularly in governance and institutional development.
The suspension rumour was reportedly linked to a social media post attributed to High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro, which alleged that the broadcaster had a confrontation at the station, including claims that he banged his fist on a table during a disagreement.
However, there has been no official statement from ARISE News confirming any disciplinary action against Oseni, further reinforcing his position that the report is unfounded.
Industry observers note that similar rumours have surfaced in the past, often coinciding with Oseni’s temporary absence from television broadcasts due to travel or official engagements.
Known for his fiery and assertive interviewing style, Oseni has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken television journalists, frequently engaging political figures and public office holders in robust debates.
His approach has earned him both praise and criticism, making him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s media and political discourse.
Despite the controversy, Oseni remains part of the core three-man anchor team of The Morning Show, one of the flagship programmes on ARISE News.
The latest clarification is expected to quell speculation, as the broadcaster continues his international engagements with plans to return to Nigeria after completing his scheduled appearances.
Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda
metro
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
Tension erupted on Wednesday in Osogbo as protesters stormed the Osun State High Court over the ongoing dispute involving Osun State local government funds and alleged non-compliance with court rulings on the release and control of allocations.
The demonstrators, who marched from the Government House axis to the court premises at Lameco, demanded strict adherence to judicial pronouncements amid rising concerns over governance and legal authority in the Osun LG funds crisis.
The protest is linked to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations that a commercial bank released funds allegedly used in the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen. The Osun State Government had initiated proceedings at the Magistrate Court over the matter.
However, the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier issued an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.
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Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings were reportedly allowed to continue at the Magistrate Court, a development that triggered fresh protests by reinstated local government officials and their supporters.
Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for respect for court judgments, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of judicial integrity, the protesters accused relevant actors of disregarding valid court decisions.
Security operatives were deployed across the court premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as the demonstration unfolded.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing reinstated council executives, warned that continued legal actions against bank officials despite higher court rulings could escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.
He also disclosed that the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial compliance and institutional integrity.
“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.
Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olayanju Kolapo, also weighed in, stating that aspects of the dispute had already been addressed by earlier rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in December 2025.
He cautioned that continued disregard for court decisions could heighten political tensions and destabilise local government administration in Osun State.
The dispute over Osun local government allocations has continued to generate legal confrontations, competing interpretations of court orders, and political tension across council areas in the state.
Authorities are yet to issue an official response to Wednesday’s protest, but security presence around the High Court remained heavy throughout the demonstration.
Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute
metro
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of successful candidates for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025 selection board, marking the next phase of its ongoing NAF recruitment exercise for new airmen and airwomen.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the shortlist comprises candidates who passed the Zonal General Aptitude Test conducted across 15 Nigerian Air Force bases on December 5, 2025.
The Air Force said only candidates whose names appear on the official recruitment portal have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the process.
Kaduna Selection Interview Begins April 27
NAF confirmed that all shortlisted candidates are invited for the Selection Board Interview for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/Women, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.
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The interview will run from April 27 to June 13, 2026, and candidates must report strictly according to their assigned batch schedules as published on the official portal.
The Air Force warned that failure to report on the specified dates will result in automatic disqualification from the recruitment process.
How to Check NAF BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist
Candidates are advised to visit the official NAF recruitment portal at https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates/ to:
- Confirm their inclusion on the BMTC 46/2025 shortlist
- Check their assigned interview batches
- Access official instructions for the next stage
NAF stressed that only information published on its official platform should be trusted.
NAF Warns Against Recruitment Fraud
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that the entire NAF recruitment process is free of charge, warning applicants not to pay money to individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance.
It urged candidates to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to recruitment scams.
About BMTC Recruitment
The Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) is the entry-level training programme for recruits into the Nigerian Air Force, designed to prepare successful candidates for military service as airmen and airwomen.
The ongoing BMTC 46/2025 recruitment exercise follows a structured process including online application, aptitude testing, and final selection interviews before enlistment.
Final Phase of Screening Begins
With the release of the shortlist, the recruitment exercise has entered its final phase, where candidates will undergo verification and interviews before final selection into the Force.
NAF urged all applicants to strictly follow official guidelines to avoid disqualification and ensure smooth participation in the selection process.
Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates
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