ISWAP attacks army base in Borno, kills soldier, burns police post

Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have launched a fresh assault on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a Nigerian soldier and setting several public facilities ablaze in one of the latest attacks highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East.

The late-night attack, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted troops of Operation HADIN KAI stationed in the border community, with residents reporting that the insurgents also razed a police outpost, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and two classrooms after clashing with security forces.

Confirming the incident, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the military base but were eventually repelled after troops mounted a fierce counteroffensive.

According to the military, the insurgents briefly breached part of the Forward Operating Base’s defensive perimeter during the intense exchange of gunfire before soldiers regrouped, inflicted casualties on the attackers and forced them to retreat.

Despite successfully defending the base, the military disclosed that one soldier was killed in action.

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement,” the statement said.

The military added that reinforcements had since been deployed to the affected base, while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures were ongoing to prevent another attack.

The latest assault comes as Operation HADIN KAI continues sustained offensives against ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. In recent weeks, the military has reported the rescue of kidnapped civilians, the surrender of insurgents, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during clearance operations.

However, residents of Logomani said the insurgents extended their attack beyond the military base by targeting civilian infrastructure after the gun battle.

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• Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance
• Presidency Slams Peter Obi’s ‘False Intimidation Claims’

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said many villagers fled their homes as the heavily armed attackers entered the community and torched a police outpost, the local Primary Healthcare Centre, and two classrooms in a nearby school.

“We all left the community during the attack. The terrorists were heavily armed. After the fighting with the soldiers, they entered the school and burnt down two classrooms. They also attacked a police outpost and a hospital, which they burnt down,” the resident said.

While the military did not confirm claims that troops were overwhelmed, it acknowledged that the attackers temporarily breached part of the Forward Operating Base’s defensive perimeter before they were pushed back.

A local security source also disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) immediately launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing insurgents in a bid to prevent further attacks on surrounding communities.

On Wednesday, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, Mala Ngala, visited the affected community to assess the level of destruction.

During the inspection, the council chairman visited the burnt police outpost, healthcare centre and damaged classrooms, assuring residents that the findings would be submitted to the Borno State Government to facilitate urgent intervention and reconstruction of the destroyed public facilities.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The latest attack has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of frontline communities around the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgent groups continue to exploit difficult terrain and cross-border routes to launch surprise attacks despite years of sustained military operations.

Security analysts believe that while Nigerian troops have recorded significant gains against insurgent groups in recent months, including eliminating terrorist commanders, recovering sophisticated weapons and disrupting logistics networks, the attack in Logomani demonstrates that ISWAP still retains the capability to carry out coordinated assaults on both military formations and civilian infrastructure.

The incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger intelligence gathering, increased deployment of surveillance technology, enhanced border security and greater protection for vulnerable communities as Nigeria continues its long-running campaign against terrorism in the North-East.

ISWAP attacks army base in Borno, kills soldier, burns police post

Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance

Fresh concerns have emerged over the fate of the 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo State, following a chilling revelation by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that the bandits have threatened to kill the hostages if security forces attempt a rescue operation.

The minister disclosed that the kidnappers are using the schoolchildren as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody, placing security agencies in a delicate position as they work to rescue the victims safely.

Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, Badaru said the Federal Government is under pressure from the terrorists but remains determined to secure the victims’ release without surrendering to criminal demands.

“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.

“Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids,” the minister said.

The latest disclosure sheds more light on the difficult choices confronting the military and other security agencies as they continue intelligence-driven operations to free the abductees while avoiding actions that could endanger their lives.

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The Oyo school abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers in one of the most disturbing attacks on educational institutions in the South-West.

Nearly two months after the incident, the victims remain in captivity, with families anxiously awaiting their safe return and public concern growing over the prolonged ordeal.

Security sources have indicated that rescue operations are being complicated by the difficult terrain of the Old Oyo National Park, where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding. The vast forest, coupled with the terrorists’ frequent movement between locations, has made precision military operations more challenging.

The Federal Government has, however, maintained its stance against negotiating with terrorists by exchanging detained commanders for the abducted children, warning that such concessions could encourage more kidnappings and embolden criminal groups across the country.

To strengthen rescue efforts, the Nigerian Air Force has sustained aerial surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions over suspected hideouts, while ground troops and other security agencies continue coordinated operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their freedom.

The prolonged captivity has already taken a tragic turn. Reports indicate that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers, while another hostage appeared in a distress video appealing to the government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held.

Security agencies have also arrested several suspected collaborators believed to have provided logistical support and information to the kidnappers, as investigations into the criminal network continue.

Beyond the ongoing rescue efforts, the Defence Minister renewed his call for tougher punishment for those involved in kidnapping and terrorism, throwing his weight behind the death penalty for convicted offenders.

According to him, stronger sanctions are necessary to discourage criminality and restore public confidence in the country’s justice system.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” Badaru stated.

His position echoes recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, as well as Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, both of whom have advocated capital punishment for convicted kidnappers and bandits.

The continued captivity of the abducted Oyo pupils has reignited national debate over school security, particularly in rural communities where educational institutions remain vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. Parents, education advocates, religious organisations and civil society groups have urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts while strengthening security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

Although security authorities insist that operations to rescue the victims are ongoing, the latest threat by the kidnappers underscores the urgency of the mission and the high stakes involved. Nigerians continue to hope for the safe return of the children and their teachers as security agencies pursue every available option to end the crisis without further loss of life.

Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance

US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerian nationals who are currently facing deportation. The list, unveiled on the DHS website, is part of a high-profile register of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, designated by the administration as the “worst-of-the-worst.” This action forms part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, which has prioritized the removal of non-citizens with criminal records as part of a broader mass deportation policy.

Details of the Crackdown and Publication

This publication is a direct result of executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day back in office on January 20, 2025, which declared illegal immigration a national emergency and directed federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate deportations. The DHS defended the move, stating that the hard-working men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling the President’s promise by carrying out mass deportations starting with the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. While US authorities have made the list and photographs public, they have not provided a specific timeline for when these deportations will occur, nor have they disclosed detailed information about the specific offences committed by each individual. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the crackdown, stating the administration remains committed to enforcing US immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with the President’s immigration agenda.

Scope and Broader Context of the Crackdown

The latest action is part of sweeping immigration enforcement measures that have seen the United States expand deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Official US immigration data show that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny under the administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has also reminded citizens that Presidential Proclamation 10998 remains in effect, partially suspending visa issuance for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas to nationals of Nigeria and 18 other countries as of January 1, 2026. The 124 Nigerians named are part of a broader West African deportation list that includes 374 people from 16 countries, with Nigeria having the highest number, followed by Liberia with 94 individuals and Ghana with 32.

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Complete List of Nigerian Nationals Named for Deportation

https://www.dhs.gov/wow?combine=&field_country_of_origin_target_id=12290&field_state_value=All&page=8

The published list includes the following individuals, who have been identified by DHS as foreign nationals with criminal convictions subject to removal proceedings:

Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, and Oriyomi Aloba.

Also named are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, and Omotayo Akinto.

The list further includes Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba, and Akeem Adeleke.

Completing the list are Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer, and Chibuzo Nwaonu.

Current Status and What Happens Next

As of now, US authorities have not indicated when the affected Nigerians would be deported, and no timeline for their removal has been announced. The DHS has instructed officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. While the publication of names and photographs marks a significant step in the enforcement process, the actual deportation of these individuals will depend on various factors, including legal proceedings, diplomatic coordination with Nigeria, and the availability of deportation flights. The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the publication of this list, but the development is expected to spark discussions between Abuja and Washington regarding the treatment and rights of Nigerian nationals in the United States.

US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown