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DHQ Clarifies Katsina Border Clash as Nigeria, Niger Strengthen Security Cooperation

Published

2 months ago

December 2, 2025

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja

DHQ Clarifies Katsina Border Clash as Nigeria, Niger Strengthen Security Cooperation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained the circumstances surrounding a recent border incident involving local vigilantes and Nigerien troops in Mazanya Village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, assuring that the situation has been fully resolved.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated in Abuja that new measures have been adopted to prevent a recurrence.

According to Onoja, the incident occurred on November 29 around 3 p.m. when a convoy of Nigerien soldiers entered Mazanya to fetch water—a long-standing practice permitted between the two neighbouring countries. However, the unusually large size of the convoy, comprising four gun trucks and a Toyota Jeep, was misinterpreted as a hostile movement by local vigilantes who opened fire.

He noted that the misunderstanding was swiftly addressed through dialogue between Nigerian security officials and the Nigerien commander.

“The Nigerien troops eventually fetched the required water and returned to their side of the border without further incident,” he said.

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Onoja added that the Nigerien commander emphasized the need for prior notification before future cross-border water-fetching missions, especially those involving senior officers or large troop formations. Both sides committed to improving communication.

To reinforce cooperation, the Armed Forces of Nigeria convened a Joint Border Security Meeting on December 1, focusing on strengthening liaison structures, enhancing communication channels and preventing similar misunderstandings.

The DHQ reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong bilateral ties with the Republic of Niger, noting shared cultural, economic, and security bonds, as well as common challenges including terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, and transborder crimes.

“The Defence Headquarters remains committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and seamless coordination with the Republic of Niger,” Onoja said.

He assured residents of Mazanya and other border communities that the situation is under control, with both countries pledging to ensure civilian safety. Onoja urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, noting that lessons from the incident are being taken seriously and concrete steps are underway to prevent future occurrences.

DHQ Clarifies Katsina Border Clash as Nigeria, Niger Strengthen Security Cooperation

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EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.

Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

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When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.

The EFCC said Babafemi acted in concert with Mompha and other co-accused — Ridwan Momodu Allison (Osama) and Richard Ugbah, who are currently at large — to facilitate the alleged money laundering scheme. This latest prosecution comes as part of broader EFCC efforts to tackle financial crimes and fraud networks linked to high-profile figures in Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

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Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.

Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

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Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.

Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.

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The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.

Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.