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Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2023

Nigerian military Troops

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in 9 different operations across the length and breath of the country. Accordingly, there are operational theatres within the 6 geopolitical zones aimed at addressing various security challenges.

2. This brief will cover significant operational activities across the 6 geopolitical zones for the period 13 – 20 July 2023. The brief will begin with the North East and North Central zones. Then, the North West, South South and South East zones.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
3. During the period under review troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized some terrorists in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops also arrested high profile terrorist collaborators in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Owing to troops onslaught, some active terrorists fighters also surrendered to troops. They claimed that they have lost interest in the terrorist ideology. This is not unconnected with media operation of the military
a. Troops Neutralized terrorist. On 13 Jul 23, Troops conducted fighting patrol to Awada in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and captured 2 others as well as rescued one victim.

b. Arrest Terrorist collaborator. On 11 Jul 23, troops arrested a high-profile terrorist collaborator identified as Bulama Suri. He is a terrorist spy and collaborator residing at Gaulawa and Gwazari villages in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Items recovered from the terrorists were generally food item and 2 cows.

c. Surrendered of BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 12 Jul 23, following troops onslaught, 9 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre operations. The surrendered terrorists claimed to have lost interest in the terrorist ideology arising from troops operations. Items recovered from the terrorists include; 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones.

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4. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations against terrorist enclaves and their logistics bases in order to degrade them. Notably, the air component conducted air reconnaissance and intelligence at terrorist’ hideouts in Hyawa in Borno State. The location was active with terrorists activities, acquired and subsequently attacked with bombs. After action review revealed that many of the terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

5. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, 2 Cow, food stuffs, condiment, one cart and the sum of Two Million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N2,104,000.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 8 suspected terrorists collaborators. Troops rescued10 kidnapped civilians during these operations.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided criminal hideouts and recovered weapons. Troops also got ambushed along Road Mangu – Pushit while responding to distress call about assailants attacking citizens in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops charged though and overcame the ambush. Troops also neutralized 3 of the assailants in the process, while others fled.
a. Troops Raid Criminal Hideout and Recover Weapon. On 10 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided students rented accommodation at Haske village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected criminals and recovered a fabricated pistol, cartridge, machete and axe.
b. Troops Ambushed in Mangu
(1). On 12 July 23, troops while responding to a distress call on criminals attack at Mangu village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State were ambushed along Rd Mangu – Pushit by suspected criminals. During the ambush, troops neutralized 3 of the criminals while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Motorcycle and a fake NP officer ID Card. Investigation on going.
(2). On 11 July 23, troops of 176 Guards Bn arrested one suspected criminal at Gbau Village in Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory with one locally made pistol, one mobile phone and one Pump action ammo. Suspect was handed over to NP Gwagwalada Div for further action.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE raided kidnappers’ hideouts at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State. In a separate operation, troops rescued kidnapped victims at Chinkai Forest in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
a. Troops Raid Kidnapper Hideout. On 11 Jul 23, troops deployed at Giza raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Following the raid, troops arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered one mobile phone and the sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00). Investigation ongoing.

b. Rescue of Kidnapped Victim. On 11 July 23, troops deployed at Sondi and Kente responded to information on suspected kidnapping activities at Chinkai Forest axis in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State but the criminals fled before troops arrival. Troops however exploited the general area and rescued one victim with injuries. The rescued victim was evacuation to a nearby Hospital for medical attention.

8. Summary. In the course of the operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Pump action ammo, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 motorcycle, cartridge, 1 mobile phone, machete, axe, fake Nigerian Police ID card and the sum of N35,000.00 only. Troops also neutralized 9 bandits and arrested 10 suspects while rescuing 9 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
9. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI raided bandit hideouts in 5 separate operations conducted during the period. Troops fighting patrol conducted operations around villages, towns and mountains at Batsari, Tangaza and Maru Local Government Areas of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara State respectively

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a. On 10 July 23, troops responded to information on terrorist attack at Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles and one Dane gun as well as destroyed the terrorist camp and storage facilities.

b. On 11 July 23, troops at FOB GWADABAWA responded to info from the Commander Niger Republic Border patrol team on terrorists’ hideout at Tapkin Taramna general area in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State and arrested 6 suspected terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed that all suspects are Nigeriens.

c. Similarly, On 13 July 23, troops at FOB TANGAZA responded to information at Chekeihi village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State that terrorist placed levy of One Million Naira (N1,000,0000) on the village or risk being attack. On arrival, troops apprehended 2 suspected terrorists.

d. On 13 July 23, following a tip off, troops at FOB DANJIBGA arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator tasked by a notorious terrorist kingpin Nagala Jabbi to move livestock from Magami general area to Danjibga Cattle Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered the sum of One million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N1,104,000) only. Suspect and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

e. On 14 July 23, troops at FOB FANGALTAMA responded to info of terrorists rustling animals in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State enroute Sububu Forest. On arrival, the terrorists fled abandoning 33 cattle and 188 sheep. Recovered livestock is being handed over to the Committee on Recovered Rustled Animals in Zamfara State.

10. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted several air operations to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, on 10 July 23, following INTEL and confirmatory ISR a terrorists enclave was uncovered. Thereafter, air interdiction was conducted at Babban Gida in Kankara and Sola in Jibia Local Government Areas. The targets were acquired and successfully engaged with rockets dislodging the terrorists.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

11. During the period under review, troops ambushed and neutralized terrorists in Igabi Local Government Area. In a separate operation, troops fighting patrol made contact and neutralize some terrorists in Birni Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
a. Ambush. On 11 July 23, troops ambush for suspected terrorists moving with rustled cattle made contact at Foundation Diversion in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones. Recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

b. Troops Fighting Patrol Neutralize Terrorist. Between 10 and 12 July 2023, troops fighting patrol at Damari, Saulawa and Mai Jakana general area in Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists, recovered 3 Motorcycles, 72 cows and 29 sheep.

12. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted several air interdictions to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdictions at Shalupe, a newly uncovered Boko Haram Terrorist location in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The targets were acquired and successfully attack with rocket which destroyed some of their huts, damaging buildings and dislodging the terrorists.

13. Summary. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 dane gun, 5 motorcycles, 2 phones and 322 livestock. Troops also arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued 20 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
14. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intercepted and destroyed a vessel involved in crude oil theft. Troops also destroyed several illegal refining sites. While the air component conducted air interdiction to destroy active illegal refining sites.

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a. Interception and Destruction of Vessel
(1). On 7 July 23, troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanian and 11 Nigerians). The vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo State. The vessel, MT TURA II reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named ALI RITA BEY.

(2). Close inspection on the vessel revealed that only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres. This quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel. The vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

(3). The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years. On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft.

b. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles. Troops also arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs.

(2). On 10 Jul 23, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE with Pilgrims Security Service personnel responded to criminal activities around Chinese Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Troops pursued the criminals and arrested 5 suspects as well as recovered 4 motorcycles, stolen cables and casted steel conveyor bearing balls.

15. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted several air interdictions to degrade and restrict the activities of oil theft. Notably, on 10 and 11 July 23, the air component Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction missions at Samkri and Elem Kalabari, respectively. Overhead the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets and some eqpt were destroyed.

16. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of weapons, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 vehicles, 19 motorcycles and 1 dagger. Troops equally destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. While a total of 60 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. it is noteworthy to state that an estimated sum of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira (N202,788,300.00) was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
17. During the period under review, troops neutralized Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen. Troops also raided hideouts of Eastern Security Network criminals located in Ohaozara, Aninri, Calabar South and Ikwo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi, Enugu and Cross River States respectively.

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a. Troops Neutralize IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 10 July 23, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to info of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals firing indiscriminately at Okposi Junction in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals on sighting troops fled. Troops pursuit and made contact with the criminals at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Uburu in same Local Government Area. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the criminals and recovered one Pump action gun, 11 live cartridges as well as one vehicle.

b. Troops Arrest criminals
(1). On 11 July 23, troops of OPERATION UDO KA raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals’ hideout at Udoma Community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Following the raid, troops arrested 2 suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.
(2). On 13 July 23, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout within Umoh Orok Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State and arrested 10 suspected criminals.
(3). On 14 July 23, troops with DSS operators raided suspected high profile ESN criminals’ hideout/shrine at Nsukka in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Suspects on sighting troops fled while troops searched the hideout and recovered 3 Pump action rifles, one Dane gun and 75 live cartridges.
(4). On 14 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals fled on sighting troops. Troops searched the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle.
18. Summary. In the conduct of the operation, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 4 pump action gun, 1 dane gun, 86 live cartridges. Troops also neutralized 1 criminals and apprehended 12 suspects. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)
19. Troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a lorry with 2 occupants conveying concealed ammunition cartridges that originated from Mali and were to be delivered to Onitsha. Troops also arrest an impostor with fake military ID cards.

Troops Arrest Truck Conveying Ammo Cartridges. On 15 July 23, troops of Operation AWATSE during stop and search op along Rd Ajilete – Owode in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State intercepted and arrested a truck with 2 occupants (a Ghanian and a Nigerian). A search on the truck led to the discovery of 720 cartons of 12 caliber Red Star Cartridges. Each carton contains containing 25 cartridges. Also, arrested were 250 packets containing 10 cartridges of black pellets. All the items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card belonging to one Mr Eric as well as the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Five Thousand One Hundred Naira (₦245,100.00), 125,000 CFA, and 60 GHA Cedis only. The arrested suspects Eric Seworvor a Ghanaian and Lukman Sani (Driver) from Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State claimed the exhibit was conveyed from Mali via Idiroko and were heading to Onitsha in Anambra State to deliver the items to the owner.

Arrest of Impostor. On 11 July 23, troops at Owo check point in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State arrested an impostor with one round of 7.62 mm special ammo, one vehicle, 2 cam vest, 2 cam shorts, one jungle hat, one cam bag, one Nigerian Army emblem, 3 Military ID cards and the sum of Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦37,800) only.

20. Summary. In the conduct of the operations, troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a truck with 720 cartons of Red Star Cartridge of 12 caliber containing 25 cartridges each and 250 packets of live cartridge of Black Pellets containing 10 Cartridge each. These items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card. Troops also apprehended 2 arms trafficker and 1 impostor.

CONCLUSION
21. During the cause of the brief, I repeatedly mentioned offensive action of the military in the ongoing operations that cut across various theatres. These actions range from rescuing of civilians held hostage by terrorists, gunmen or criminals to other actions namely: terrorists neutralized, gunmen neutralized and bandits neutralized. Others include, raid on hideouts belonging to kidnappers, bandits and gunmen. It also includes destination destroyed of illegal refining sites and arrested of terrorists collaborators.

22. These actions buttress the war mode of the military to crush these threats decisively. The offensive posture indicated by ongoing operations would surely cause the perpetrators of this challenges to reconsider the position.

23. The military received support such as tip off, intelligence, cooperation and synergy amongst others. Base on these which many of the operations were conducted. This is indicative of the fact that the security challenges confronting us require a collective effort and therefore a collective responsibility.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

Related Topics:illegal refining Military troops Terrorists

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Igboho, Iru Èkùn: Act Now Before Parallel Authority Emerges — Agunbiade

Published

3 hours ago

August 30, 2026

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Igboho, Iru Èkùn: Act Now Before Parallel Authority Emerges — Agunbiade

‘No individual, group should be above law’

A member of Al-Rabwa Islamic Propagation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently investigate the reported confrontation involving Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, members of Iru Èkùn and the attempted arrest of Tani Olohun.

Agunbiade warned that Nigeria must not wait until resistance to state authority becomes entrenched before taking action, stressing that the rule of law must remain supreme.

He made the call in a statement issued on Sunday, titled, “Before the Leopard’s Tail Metamorphoses into the Leopard: Igboho, Iru Èkùn and Tani Olohun: Why Nigerians Must Speak Before Parallel Authority Takes Root.”

According to him, the reported incident raises a fundamental question: whether a private group should be allowed to prevent the police from executing a lawful court order simply because its members disagree with an arrest.

He said the issue should concern all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

“This is not about whether Igboho is popular or unpopular. It is not about whether Tani Olohun is guilty or innocent. Every accused person deserves due process and a fair hearing.

“But due process also means allowing lawful institutions to perform their duties,” Agunbiade stated.

He advised anyone who believes that an arrest warrant is defective to challenge it in court, while those who believe the police have acted unlawfully should seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.

“If a warrant is defective, challenge it in court. If the police act unlawfully, seek redress through the courts. If an allegation is false, defend it before the appropriate authority,” he said.

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Agunbiade warned that the use of organised groups to obstruct law enforcement could gradually undermine state institutions and create what he described as “parallel authority.”

He said dangerous developments often begin with genuine grievances and popular movements, but could eventually evolve into situations where loyalty to a group becomes stronger than respect for established institutions.

“A movement may begin with genuine grievances. A popular leader emerges. Followers rally around him. With time, loyalty may become stronger than respect for institutions.

“Eventually, the group may begin to determine which laws it will obey and which government officers it will recognise. That is where the danger lies,” he said.

However, Agunbiade was careful to distinguish his concerns from any allegation that Iru Èkùn or Igboho was associated with terrorism.

“Let me be clear: I am not saying that Iru Èkùn is Boko Haram, nor that Igboho or its members are destined to become Boko Haram. Such a claim would be irresponsible,” he said.

He argued that Nigeria should nevertheless learn from the evolution of violent extremism in the country, particularly the emergence of Boko Haram, by addressing early signs of the erosion of respect for lawful state authority.

According to him, the country should not wait until a group becomes powerful enough to challenge the authority of the state before responding.

“If a group can stop an arrest today, what happens tomorrow when another group decides to stop an investigation, resist a court order or establish its own rules of enforcement?

“That is how parallel authority takes root,” he warned.

Agunbiade also called for equal application of the law, stressing that no individual should be above the law because of his popularity, political influence or social standing.

“No individual should be above the law, not an activist, politician, traditional ruler, religious leader or social-media influencer,” he said.

On the case involving Tani Olohun, Agunbiade said the allegations against him should be tested through the judicial process.

“If Tani Olohun has committed an offence, let the evidence be tested in court. If he is innocent, let him be cleared.

“If Igboho or any member of Iru Èkùn unlawfully obstructed the police, the allegation should equally be investigated and, where established, prosecuted.

“Justice cannot be selective,” he said.

The Islamic scholar also cited Qur’an 5:2, which urges Muslims to cooperate in righteousness and piety but not in sin and aggression.

He said the principle demonstrated that Muslims could defend an individual’s legitimate rights without supporting unlawful conduct.

Agunbiade urged the Federal Government and security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, respect lawful judicial orders and protect the rights of all persons involved.

He said Nigerians should speak up now to protect the rule of law rather than wait until private groups become powerful enough to challenge state authority.

“We must speak now, not because we have concluded that anyone is a terrorist, but because the rule of law must never become negotiable,” he stated.

Agunbiade concluded by calling for stronger institutions and lawful activism, rather than what he described as mob power and parallel authority.

“Let us not keep silent until the leopard’s tail metamorphoses into the leopard.

“Nigeria needs strong institutions, not private armies. We need justice, not mob power. We need activism within the law, not parallel authority.

“The gavel must remain stronger than the crowd. The Constitution must remain stronger than the personality. And the law must remain stronger than the group,” he said.

Igboho, Iru Èkùn: Act Now Before Parallel Authority Emerges — Agunbiade

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After Communal Clash Kills Four, Lagos Moves to Clear Ikola Power-Line Shanties

Published

6 hours ago

August 30, 2026

Trends Admin

After Communal Clash Kills Four, Lagos Moves to Clear Ikola Power-Line Shanties

The Lagos State Government has launched a controlled demolition of shanties and other illegal structures beneath high-tension power lines in Ikola, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, barely two days after a communal clash in the area claimed four lives.

The demolition, being led by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in partnership with the Lagos State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), is aimed at removing structures located within the statutory right-of-way of high-voltage electricity transmission lines.

The government said the deadly violence had exposed not only the security challenges confronting the community but also the potentially fatal environmental hazards created by the proliferation of informal settlements under the power lines.

In a statement on Saturday, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the recent confrontation between members of the Hausa and Yoruba communities had heightened concerns over the safety and security of residents in the area.

According to him, the extensive informal settlements beneath the high-voltage lines posed serious risks, including electrocution, fire outbreaks and structural collapse, and violated applicable national and international safety standards.

He said emergency and security agencies were immediately deployed to Ikola following the unrest to restore order, protect lives and prevent further escalation.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the demolition operation commenced only after residents affected by the exercise had been given adequate notice to evacuate and remove their belongings.

“The operation was preceded by adequate notice to affected residents. Communities were granted ample time to safely evacuate and recover personal belongings before the commencement of any demolition activity,” he said.

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LASEMA said heavy recovery equipment was deployed to ensure that the structures within the power-line corridor were removed in a controlled and coordinated manner.

The agency also stressed that the operation was not directed at any ethnic group, despite the communal nature of the violence that preceded it.

“This intervention is therefore not targeted at any ethnic group or community, but at a dangerous structural reality that threatens everyone living in its path,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

The state government acknowledged that residents had legitimate needs for shelter and means of livelihood, but maintained that such considerations could not override the obligation of authorities to prevent avoidable deaths.

The government argued that no development could be regarded as sustainable where it exposed residents to foreseeable and preventable dangers.

The intervention followed a deadly clash at the Power Line Bus Stop, Ikola, on Thursday, in which four adult males were killed after a disagreement reportedly escalated into communal violence.

LASEMA had also reported that several makeshift structures were burnt during the unrest, while a number of people sustained injuries.

The Lagos State Police Command subsequently confirmed that calm had been restored in the area.

The state government said it would continue consultations with community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Ikola to strengthen peaceful coexistence and enforce urban planning and safety regulations.

It urged residents to cooperate with the demolition exercise, stressing that the objective was to eliminate dangerous structures, restore order around the power-line corridor and prevent another avoidable loss of lives.

After Communal Clash Kills Four, Lagos Moves to Clear Ikola Power-Line Shanties

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DSS moves to halt Sowore’s cybercrime trial until after 2027 election

Published

10 hours ago

August 30, 2026

Trends Admin

DSS moves to halt Sowore’s cybercrime trial until after 2027 election

The Department of State Services (DSS) has directed its private counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek an adjournment of the ongoing cybercrime case against Omoyele Sowore until after the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is scheduled to contest the presidential election on January 16, 2027.

The proposed move would allow Sowore to participate fully in the 2027 election campaign without the pending court proceedings becoming an obstacle to his political activities.

The DSS has not withdrawn the case, and the proposed suspension has not yet been granted by the court. Rather, the agency is expected to formally ask the Federal High Court to defer further proceedings until after the election.

The development followed a reported meeting on August 20 between DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi, Kehinde and senior officials of the agency’s legal directorate.

According to a source familiar with the meeting, the DSS leadership considered the implications of the commencement of the presidential campaign on the case and concluded that Sowore should be allowed to exercise his constitutional right to contest the election without the pending proceedings hindering his campaign.

The meeting reportedly took place shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaigns for the 2027 presidential election.

The source said the DSS considered the case to have already been before the court for almost a year and believed that postponing further proceedings for several months would not materially affect the matter.

The DSS is expected to formally communicate its position to the Federal High Court when regular proceedings resume following the annual judicial vacation.

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Kehinde subsequently confirmed the proposed move, saying the decision reflected what he described as the “civilised approach” of the current DSS leadership.

He said the agency was committed to providing a level playing field for political candidates and confirmed that the legal team would seek the court’s indulgence to adjourn the proceedings.

The case originated from social media posts made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, on his X account and Facebook page.

In the posts, Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”, prompting the DSS to challenge the publications.

The security agency subsequently demanded that Sowore remove the posts.

When he declined to do so, the DSS approached the Federal High Court in September 2025, asking the court to determine whether the publications amounted to cyber-bullying and whether describing the President or another individual as a criminal without a court conviction was legally permissible.

The agency maintained that its action was intended to obtain judicial clarification rather than simply restrict Sowore’s political activities.

The DSS also argued that its statutory responsibilities include protecting the President from threats beyond physical attacks.

In a September 6, 2025 communication to Meta, the agency reportedly argued that its mandate extended to protecting the President from what it described as psychological attacks.

The security agency approached the court without initially arresting or inviting Sowore for questioning, seeking judicial determination of the issues raised by the publications.

The case has since generated controversy over freedom of expression, cybercrime laws and political rights, particularly because Sowore is a prominent opposition figure and presidential candidate.

Sowore has consistently denied wrongdoing and criticised the prosecution, while the DSS has maintained that the case raises legitimate legal questions surrounding online publications and the protection of public institutions.

The proceedings have also experienced several delays.

In May 2026, the Federal High Court dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for him to enter a defence.

The ruling paved the way for the defence stage of the trial.

The proceedings subsequently became subject to further disagreements between the prosecution and defence over adjournments and other procedural matters.

The proposed DSS request therefore represents a significant development in the case because it would effectively place the proceedings on hold during the crucial months of the 2027 presidential campaign.

The agency is also reportedly reviewing other cases involving candidates contesting elective positions.

The review is expected to determine whether similar considerations should apply where ongoing prosecutions could interfere with candidates’ participation in the electoral process.

The development comes as political parties and presidential candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 election.

Sowore is expected to campaign on the platform of the AAC and challenge President Tinubu and other presidential contenders.

The decision to seek an adjournment could consequently remove an immediate legal distraction for the AAC candidate during the campaign period.

However, the proposed adjournment does not amount to an acquittal, dismissal or withdrawal of charges.

If the Federal High Court grants the application, the case would remain pending and could resume after the presidential election.

This means the underlying legal dispute over Sowore’s social media posts would remain unresolved until the proceedings recommence.

The case has also renewed debate over the appropriate treatment of political candidates facing criminal proceedings during election campaigns.

Supporters of a postponement may argue that candidates should be allowed to participate fully in elections without avoidable legal distractions, while critics could question whether election participation should affect the normal progression of a criminal case.

The DSS’s position is that allowing the case to continue after the election would not prejudice the prosecution, particularly given that the matter has already spent considerable time before the court.

The final decision, however, rests with the court.

The Federal High Court will determine whether the circumstances justify postponing further proceedings until after the 2027 presidential election.

Until that ruling is made, the Sowore cybercrime case remains active and pending before the court.

The next stage will therefore depend on the formal application by the DSS and the response of Sowore’s defence team.

If granted, the adjournment would give Sowore a temporary legal reprieve as he campaigns for the presidency, while leaving the substantive issues raised by the DSS to be determined after the election.