Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno FOB, Kill Terrorists

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Borno State, killing several insurgents and preventing major destruction.

According to counter-insurgency reports by Zagazola Makama, the attempted assault occurred on Friday but was thwarted through a coordinated counter-operation by troops of Sector 3 Stabilisation Operations, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Force, the Nigeria Police crack team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

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During the operation, troops neutralised two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) deployed by the terrorists, causing damage to the road at two separate locations. Several ISWAP fighters were killed, while others sustained injuries and fled the area.

Military sources disclosed that follow-up exploitation led to the recovery of assorted items, including five motorcycles, AK-47 rifles, two Android phones, AK-47 magazines, 165 rounds of PKT ammunition, and 7.62mm special ammunition. Other items recovered were a hand grenade, flak jacket, combat boot, blankets, engine oil containers, a stretcher, a camel bag, spinners, a wristwatch, and a motorcycle pump.

Importantly, no casualties were recorded among the troops, highlighting the effectiveness of the military’s response and continued efforts to degrade terrorist activities in the North-East.

The operation underscores the sustained commitment of the Nigerian military and allied security forces to maintaining security and denying ISWAP insurgents freedom of action in Borno State.

Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno FOB, Kill Terrorists

Turji: I Took Part in Zamfara Peace Talks, But Never Collected ₦30 Million

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has confirmed that he took part in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the administration of former governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, but strongly denied claims that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement.

The denial comes after Musa Kamarawa, a former peace mediator, alleged in a viral video that Turji and other bandit leaders met with state officials at the Government House in Gusau, where cash and vehicles were allegedly distributed. Kamarawa claimed Turji collected ₦30 million during the negotiations.

In a separate video widely circulated online, Turji dismissed the allegations as false, insisting the peace talks were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring security in Zamfara, with no personal financial gain involved.

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“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” Turji said. “We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about.” He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust established during the negotiations and spreading “false and malicious testimony.”

Turji further blamed past political leadership in Zamfara and Sokoto states for laying the foundation of insecurity in the region. He alleged former governors Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara) armed vigilante groups, known as ‘Yan Banga’, which he claimed disproportionately targeted Fulani communities. He called for their arrest and investigation.

The bandit leader emphasized that he is not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group. “We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us,” Turji said, asserting that he speaks “before Allah alone.”

Despite Turji’s claims, Nigerian security agencies continue to classify him as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders in the North-West, and the military has previously declared him wanted for terror-related activities.

Turji: I Took Part in Zamfara Peace Talks, But Never Collected ₦30 Million

Trump’s Renewed Focus on Nigeria Driven by Oil, Minerals, Tech — Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, has said the renewed attention of the Donald Trump administration on Nigeria is largely motivated by strategic interests in the country’s oil wealth, mineral resources and role in emerging technologies.

Bakare made the assertion on Sunday while delivering a State of the Nation Address in Lagos, noting that Nigeria’s natural endowments align with what he described as President Donald Trump’s transactional leadership style.

His comments followed the United States’ redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom concerns, as well as recent remarks by Trump on violent attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

According to Bakare, shortly after Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election, he sensed what he termed a symbolic indication of Nigeria’s growing relevance in global geopolitics and the international economy.

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“Nigeria’s oil wealth and other mineral resources will be critical to the Trump presidency, as will our role in the value chain of emerging technologies,” Bakare said.

He warned that international pressure linked to religious fault lines could worsen internal tensions if poorly managed, urging the Federal Government to respond with a clear economic and security strategy rather than confrontation.

Describing Trump as a leader who uses pressure as a negotiating tool, Bakare said, “His threats are usually invitations to the negotiating table.”

The cleric lamented Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly in the Middle Belt, North-West and South-East, saying persistent attacks have deepened feelings of abandonment among affected communities.

He criticised the National Assembly and foreign affairs officials for what he described as reactive responses driven by political considerations instead of national security priorities.

Bakare called for a holistic approach to stabilising the country, combining decisive military action with reconciliation efforts, including the creation of a victims’ register and a national apology led by President Bola Tinubu.

Other recommendations he outlined include community-based policing under federal coordination, expanded deployment of veterans and paramilitary personnel, increased investment in surveillance technology, and deeper security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

Trump’s Renewed Focus on Nigeria Driven by Oil, Minerals, Tech — Bakare