US, Nigerian Forces Kill 20 ISWAP Terrorists in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that joint military operations involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East region.

The coordinated offensive, which involved multiple precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves around Metele in Borno State, reportedly led to the elimination of more than 20 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and ISIS terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.

The latest military action forms part of intensified counterterrorism operations targeting insurgent strongholds across North-East Nigeria following the recent killing of notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) after intelligence reports revealed renewed movement and concentration of terrorist fighters within the Metele axis.

According to the DHQ, surveillance operations detected the migration and convergence of insurgents attempting to regroup after previous military offensives against their camps and operational bases.

“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wishes to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional airstrike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.

“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple airstrikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.”

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Military authorities explained that the sustained bombardments are aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics structures, disrupting insurgent mobility, destroying weapons stockpiles, and denying terrorists safe havens anywhere within Nigerian territory.

Security sources disclosed that several terrorist hideouts, logistics hubs, and suspected command centres were destroyed during the latest air raids.

The operation is believed to be a continuation of coordinated offensives launched after the recent neutralisation of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also identified as one of ISIS’ senior commanders operating across West Africa and the Sahel region.

International security reports indicated that Al-Minuki was eliminated during a separate joint operation involving Nigerian troops and US military support within the Lake Chad Basin area of Borno State.

The United States government had previously designated the slain commander as a global terrorist over allegations linked to the coordination of extremist activities, recruitment, financing, and attacks across parts of West Africa.

Military intelligence sources revealed that advanced aerial reconnaissance, surveillance technology, and intelligence-sharing between Nigerian authorities and international allies contributed significantly to the success of the latest strikes.

AFRICOM also reportedly confirmed that the operation was successfully conducted in support of Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and stabilise the region.

The Nigerian military stressed that the ongoing operations are part of broader efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of insurgent groups threatening national security and civilian populations in the North-East.

Major General Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining aggressive offensives against terrorists until all insurgent enclaves are dismantled.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated,” he said.

“There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”

The renewed military operations come amid growing concerns over the activities of extremist groups across the Lake Chad region and the wider Sahel, where terrorist organisations have continued to exploit porous borders, weak governance structures, and regional instability.

For more than a decade, Borno State and surrounding areas in North-East Nigeria have remained major flashpoints of insurgency involving Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, resulting in thousands of deaths, mass displacement of residents, and widespread humanitarian crises.

However, Nigerian security forces have intensified both aerial and ground offensives in recent months, targeting terrorist camps, supply routes, and leadership structures as part of efforts to restore peace and stability to affected communities.

Security analysts believe the increasing collaboration between Nigeria and international allies, especially in intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance, has improved the effectiveness of military operations against terrorist groups operating within the region.

Residents in conflict-affected communities have also continued to call for sustained military pressure, increased humanitarian intervention, and stronger security presence to prevent fleeing insurgents from regrouping.

US, Nigerian Forces Kill 20 ISWAP Terrorists in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

Police Confirm Two Gruesome Family Murders Within Hours in Enugu

ENUGU— Residents of Ukehe and Agu-Ekwegbe communities in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have been thrown into shock and mourning following two gruesome murder incidents involving family members. The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that the incidents occurred on May 15, 2026, and involved alleged beheadings carried out by two male suspects, leaving three women—two mothers and a young daughter—dead.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the first incident occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. in the Nkporogwu Ukehe community. A 40-year-old man, Anikwe Onyebuchi, allegedly used a cutlass to behead his 60-year-old mother, Anikwe Felicia. Operatives from the Igbo-Etiti Police Division responded to a distress report and recovered the corpse alongside the severed head. Medical personnel confirmed the woman dead, and her remains were deposited in a mortuary for preservation and possible autopsy.

Local sources revealed that the tragic attack followed a dispute over food. According to accounts from the community, Onyebuchi had returned home and demanded a meal, but his mother was unable to provide one at that moment. The argument escalated, and the suspect allegedly picked up a cutlass and killed her. A viral video circulating on social media reportedly shows the victim’s lifeless body in a pool of her own blood, while an angry mob descended on the suspect.

Further investigation revealed a more disturbing history: Onyebuchi, described as a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had allegedly been battling psychiatric challenges for some time. A villager told reporters, “But you will never know he’s having any psychiatric problems when you see him within the village. He behaved normally most times but charges at the family members like a mad dog.” The source further disclosed that he had in the past allegedly stabbed and killed his brother, Kingsley Anikwe, in a separate incident that heightened fears among residents over his mental condition. The suspect was severely beaten by an angry mob before police arrived. Officers rescued him in critical condition, and he was taken to a hospital for medical treatment before being rearrested and detained as investigations continue.

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Barely eight minutes later, at approximately 3:18 p.m., tragedy struck again in the Agu-Ekwegbe community, also within Igbo-Etiti LGA. Operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad stationed at Ekwegbe Junction along the Ugwuagu/Opi/Nsukka Road responded to a distress call alleging that one Joshua Eze had used a cutlass to sever the heads of his sister, Nwabuche Eze, and her young daughter, Favour Eze. Police responded swiftly, recovering the remains of both victims. Medical personnel confirmed them dead, and their corpses were deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

However, preliminary investigations into the second incident revealed chilling details pointing to possible ritual motives. Police disclosed that after allegedly murdering the victims, Joshua Eze buried their remains in a shallow grave alongside a dead white cock—an act that strongly suggests ritualistic intentions. As in the first incident, an angry mob descended on the suspect before police could arrive. Joshua Eze was rescued in critical condition and rushed to a hospital, but he later died while receiving emergency treatment. His corpse was also deposited in the mortuary.

Reacting to the two horrific incidents, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric.” He has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to immediately commence comprehensive investigations to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding both incidents. The police commissioner also used the opportunity to urge residents of the state to refrain from taking the law into their own hands through jungle justice, regardless of the provocation. He advised citizens to report criminal suspects to the police or other lawful authorities for appropriate action.

Police Confirm Two Gruesome Family Murders Within Hours in Enugu

Oyo School Attacks: Afenifere Urges South-West Govs To Tighten Security

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged governors in the South-West to strengthen security measures across the region following the recent Oyo school attacks in Oriire Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists and bandits killed a teacher and abducted several others.

The appeal comes after coordinated attacks on three schools in the area, which have heightened concerns over rising insecurity in South-West Nigeria and the growing vulnerability of rural communities, schools and highways.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group said its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was deeply saddened by the incident, noting that it occurred during the same week he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Afenifere said Fasoranti expressed sympathy with the victims and their families and prayed for the safe return of those abducted as well as the recovery of those injured.

The organisation stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the core responsibility of government, urging state authorities to take more proactive steps to prevent further attacks.

According to Afenifere, repeated incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and armed attacks in rural communities show the need for stronger coordination among South-West states and improved deployment of security resources.

The group called on governors in the region to prioritise community security, enhance intelligence gathering, and ensure better coordination between formal security agencies and local security outfits such as the Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes.

It warned that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal groups, especially amid concerns that armed elements displaced from other parts of the country are increasingly shifting operations towards the South-West.

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Afenifere also commended the swift response of the Inspector-General of Police, noting that security agencies acted quickly by visiting the affected communities and launching intensified operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.

The group described the establishment and deployment of specialised police response units as a positive step, expressing hope that such measures would help curb violent crimes, school kidnappings, and rural attacks across the region.

While acknowledging that national security remains the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government, Afenifere maintained that state governments must also maximise their resources and political authority to secure their territories.

The organisation further urged governors to move beyond periodic security meetings and adopt sustained, intelligence-driven strategies capable of preventing attacks rather than merely reacting to them.

It recommended increased investment in surveillance systems, improved monitoring of forest corridors, and stronger inter-state collaboration to track and neutralise criminal movements across boundaries.

Afenifere also extended condolences to victims of the Oyo attacks and called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

The group warned that continued attacks on schools and rural settlements could disrupt education, displace communities, and worsen fear among residents if urgent steps are not taken.

The recent Oyo incident has continued to draw national attention, with stakeholders calling for urgent reforms in school security, rural protection strategies, and inter-agency coordination across Nigeria.

Oyo School Attacks: Afenifere Urges South-West Govs To Tighten Security