Military Destroys ISWAP Boats, Kills Over 30 Fighters in Borno Air Strikes

More than 30 fighters linked to the ISWAP terrorists group have been killed in coordinated Lake Chad air strikes carried out by Nigerian troops in Borno State, in what security sources describe as a major blow to insurgent logistics and mobility.

According to counter-insurgency tracker Zagazola Makama, the operation was launched after credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports revealed increased militant activity around the Kaniram Island axis of Lake Chad.

The ISR platform reportedly detected about 31 boats lined along a riverbank, with movement patterns consistent with logistics operations of the Islamic State West Africa Province. The concentration suggested preparations for coordinated attacks or troop movements across waterways in the Lake Chad Basin.

Following confirmation, the Nigerian Air Force air component executed precision strikes targeting the location. The initial bombardment destroyed multiple boats and disrupted what officials described as a key supply route used by ISWAP fighters.

Subsequent aerial surveillance showed insurgents attempting to regroup under dense vegetation. This prompted additional waves of air strikes. A second strike neutralised about eight militants, while a third wave targeted roughly 15 fighters hiding under trees, killing them. Remaining fighters were seen fleeing into surrounding areas.

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In a separate but related operation at Sowolwolo, military aircraft struck another location, reportedly eliminating at least nine additional fighters and further weakening ISWAP’s presence in the area.

Battle damage assessments indicated heavy losses on the insurgents’ side, with destroyed logistics assets, disrupted coordination, and scattered survivors struggling to regroup.

Military authorities said the precision air strikes underscore a broader counterterrorism strategy focused on high-value targeting while minimising civilian casualties. The use of ISR technology has significantly improved target accuracy and operational efficiency in difficult terrains like the Lake Chad region.

Security analysts note that waterways around Lake Chad have long served as critical transit routes for ISWAP, enabling the movement of fighters, weapons, and supplies across Nigeria’s borders with neighbouring countries. The destruction of boats is therefore seen as a strategic setback for the group.

The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated ground offensives to further weaken insurgent networks and restore stability across the North-East.

Despite the gains, authorities warn that remnants of the group may attempt retaliatory attacks, urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Military Destroys ISWAP Boats, Kills Over 30 Fighters in Borno Air Strikes

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died at the age of 50 after a prolonged illness, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the ministry disclosed that Lele passed away on April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, where he had been receiving medical attention before his death.

The ministry explained that Lele was serving as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his nomination and Senate confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It noted that although he had been confirmed for the diplomatic posting, he died before formally assuming duty as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria.

The statement read in part: “The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

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Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, before joining Nigeria’s Foreign Service, where he built a long-standing career in diplomacy.

He served Nigeria in several foreign missions, including postings in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, where he was widely regarded as a disciplined and experienced career diplomat with deep expertise in international relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer with strong intellectual capacity and strategic insight, noting his contributions to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in the Middle East and Gulf regions.

“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the ministry added.

His death has been described as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic service, with officials noting his role in strengthening the country’s international engagements and diplomatic relations.

His remains were received in Abuja by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being moved to Kano State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Further arrangements for condolence visits and official tributes are expected to be announced by the federal government and the diplomatic community.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

CBN Warns Nigerians Over Fake Messages, Rising Cyber Hack Attempts on Bank Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh alert to Nigerians over increasing cyber hack attempts targeting personal and bank accounts through fraudulent messages and emails falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the regulator said it had identified a surge in phishing attacks designed to deceive members of the public and gain access to sensitive personal information.

According to the CBN, the fraudulent communications—circulating via emails, SMS, and online platforms—often contain misleading claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions, while prompting recipients to click on suspicious links.

The apex bank warned that such messages are crafted to trick unsuspecting users into revealing confidential details such as banking credentials, passwords, and verification codes, which can then be used to compromise accounts.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement said.

The CBN urged Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from the bank through its official website and recognised media platforms, stressing that it does not request sensitive information via unsolicited messages.

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It also advised the public to report any suspected fraudulent emails, websites, or messages to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for prompt action.

The warning comes amid a broader rise in cybersecurity threats in Nigeria’s financial sector, as increased digital banking adoption continues to attract cybercriminal activity.

In response, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other regulators to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

Recent developments have heightened concerns over digital vulnerabilities. On April 15, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed a cyberattack on its information systems, raising alarms about data security within critical government platforms.

Similarly, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently launched an investigation into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services Limited and Sterling Bank, alongside other entities.

Experts say these incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger digital protection measures, as cybercriminals increasingly exploit weak security practices and user vulnerabilities.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ financial data and urged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant, adopt secure online practices, and promptly report suspicious activities to prevent financial losses.

CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts