metro
Dozens Killed in Renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP Clashes in Sambisa Forest
Dozens Killed in Renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP Clashes in Sambisa Forest
Dozens of terrorists were reportedly killed during a week-long bout of violent clashes between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions along the Sambisa Forest corridor in Borno State.
Security sources told counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama that the hostilities began on January 3, 2026, following a coordinated ISWAP raid led by commanders Jundullah and Ibn Hataf against Boko Haram camps near the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains.
The offensive reportedly met stiff resistance as Boko Haram fighters, under field commander Abu-Rijal (Ba-Sulhu), executed a counter-ambush. Dozens of ISWAP fighters were killed, with many captured alive and weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), an anti-aircraft gun, and ammunition, seized by Boko Haram forces.
Footage obtained by Makama resurfaced during the week, allegedly showing captured ISWAP fighters executed before other combatants, highlighting the brutality of inter-group rivalries in the Lake Chad region.
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The balance of power reportedly shifted on January 6, when ISWAP launched a retaliatory assault on a Boko Haram stronghold at Sabil Huda, triggering prolonged heavy gunfire. ISWAP forces eventually overran the position, killing at least 12 Boko Haram fighters and seizing additional weapons.
The clashes forced the relocation of Boko Haram families, women, and children from contested camps to perceived safe havens near Yale General axis. Night operations were reportedly conducted to track fleeing fighters, although no further confirmed engagements were recorded as of Wednesday.
Analysts say the renewed clashes are part of a long-standing rivalry between the factions, rooted in ideological differences, leadership disputes, and competition over territory, resources, and fighters. Both groups are reportedly re-arming and repositioning for potential further attacks in the Sambisa Forest region.
Dozens Killed in Renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP Clashes in Sambisa Forest
metro
Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor
Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor
The Nasarawa State Police Command on Sunday disclosed the arrest of one Pastor Asonye Isaiah, 37, of Rock of Love and Adoration Ground, Old Karshi, Abuja, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Karishi Division on Saturday, 18th April, 2026, at about 8:00pm.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “possessed” and required cleansing at a river.
According to the Command spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, Isaiah instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, Nasarawa State where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.
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He said, “The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her.
“The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.
Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor
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metro
Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid
Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Police Station in Warri, Delta State, has been accused of ordering officers to brutally assault, strip naked, and force confessions from 15 women during a controversial police raid.
The allegation was made public by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and one of the victims, Janet James George, in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), which has since sparked widespread outrage.
According to the victim’s account, the women were arrested during a raid around the Delta Mall area and taken to the Ugborikoko Police Station, where they were detained overnight before the alleged assault occurred the following day.
She alleged that the DPO personally supervised the operation and instructed officers—reportedly dressed in plain clothes—to flog the women with wires and force them to confess to prostitution.
“They flogged us naked… they used wire to flog us… if you say you are not a prostitute, they will slap you and beat you until you agree,” she alleged.
She further claimed that the women were beaten for several hours, forced to sign statements admitting to prostitution, and filmed during the ordeal.
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The victim also alleged that some of the women sustained injuries to sensitive parts of their bodies, making it difficult for them to walk or use the toilet after the incident.
The alleged abuse has drawn strong reactions from rights advocates, who have called for a transparent investigation into the conduct of officers at the station and accountability if the claims are verified.
The incident is said to have occurred on April 10.
Reacting to the viral video, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State, DSP Bright Edafe, condemned the allegations, describing them as “painful and very sad.”
He confirmed that the command has begun reviewing the case and assured that appropriate action would be taken.
“The command has received this report… no human being should be given this treatment no matter what. The command is presently giving it all the attention it deserves,” Edafe said.
He also urged the victim to formally reach out to the command to assist ongoing investigations.
The case adds to growing scrutiny of alleged misconduct within police divisions in Nigeria, with renewed calls for reforms, improved accountability, and adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement operations.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to verify the claims and determine the next steps.
Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid
metro
Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack
Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack
Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another resident following a late-night attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The monarch, Oba Salman Aweda, who was recently elevated by the Kwara State Government, was among those kidnapped when armed attackers stormed his palace around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, firing sporadically to scare residents before whisking away the monarch, his wife, and one other victim to an unknown destination.
A resident who spoke on the incident said the attackers operated freely despite the late hour, leaving the community in fear.
“It happened around 1 a.m. in Olayinka. His wife and one other person were also taken. The monarch is one of those recently graded,” the source said.
Another resident described the raid as swift and terrifying, noting that no resistance could be mounted against the heavily armed attackers.
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“The bandits came heavily armed around 1:40 a.m. and took the monarch away. There was fear everywhere,” the resident added.
Confirming the attack, the Olora of Ora, Oba Rilwan Yekini, said the incident reflects worsening insecurity in neighbouring communities, warning that rural settlements are increasingly under threat.
“Just yesterday before dawn, kidnappers struck at Olayinka village and abducted the monarch and two others. Even Ora is no longer safe,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to strengthen security operations in the area, stressing that local vigilante groups and security personnel need more support to respond effectively.
The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Abdulrasheed Yusuf, described the incident as distressing, confirming that a joint search-and-rescue operation had been launched.
According to him, security operatives, local vigilantes, and forest guards have begun combing surrounding forests and communities in efforts to rescue the victims.
“We are deeply concerned and are taking swift and decisive action in collaboration with security agencies,” Yusuf said.
He urged residents to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command said efforts have been intensified to track down the kidnappers. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, noted that security operatives are closing in on the suspects, although he expressed concern over possible insider collaboration.
“The kidnappers have gone into hiding because of the ongoing onslaught against them. The challenge is the activities of local collaborators, but we are on their trail,” he said.
The incident adds to a growing wave of abductions in parts of Kwara North and South, where rural communities and traditional institutions have increasingly become targets of armed groups.
Authorities say operations are ongoing as security forces intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Wife, Aide in Overnight Palace Attack
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