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Niger Airstrikes: DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties, Confirms 70 Bandits Killed

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Nigera Defence Headquarters
Defence Headquarters (DHQ)

Niger Airstrikes: DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties, Confirms 70 Bandits Killed

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports alleging that civilians were killed during recent military airstrikes in Niger State, insisting that the operation successfully targeted armed bandits operating in Shiroro Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the Nigerian military carried out coordinated aerial strikes after receiving credible intelligence that a large number of armed bandits had assembled at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.

According to the DHQ, the operation was executed by the Nigerian Army UAV Command between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m., targeting suspected bandit camps in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru communities.

The military explained that intelligence gathered from surveillance operations and local informants confirmed that the strikes accurately hit identified terrorist hideouts in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko villages.

Major General Onoja disclosed that no fewer than 70 bandits were killed during the aerial bombardment in Kusasu alone, while surviving fighters were reportedly seen evacuating bodies from the area after the operation.

The DHQ stated that the operation formed part of ongoing counter-banditry operations in Niger State aimed at stopping planned attacks on vulnerable communities and security formations within the Shiroro axis.

“In line with the Armed Forces of Nigeria mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA,” Onoja said.

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The military further revealed that aerial surveillance detected more than 200 armed bandits riding motorcycles and moving toward Zango, while another group reportedly departed Bokko heading in the same direction to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi and nearby security locations.

According to the DHQ, another armed cluster was also observed gathering at Kopa, east of Mongoro, suggesting what officials described as an imminent threat to communities and military formations within the region.

“The military took necessary steps to neutralise all these threats in a timely manner,” the statement added.

The clarification followed widespread reports earlier on Sunday alleging that civilians may have been killed during an aerial bombardment in Guradnayi settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Some residents and local sources claimed that residential structures were affected during the operation, raising fears of civilian casualties following the bombardment targeting suspected criminal hideouts.

However, the Defence Headquarters strongly rejected the allegations, insisting that the operation was based on “credible and actionable intelligence” confirming terrorist activity within the targeted locations.

The military also stated that many residents in nearby communities had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the strikes commenced due to fears of imminent attacks by armed groups.

“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” Onoja stated.

The DHQ added that post-strike intelligence assessments suggested that movements observed after the bombardment were linked to fleeing criminal elements rather than civilians.

Despite maintaining that the operation was successful and precise, the military disclosed that relevant formations had been directed to investigate reports of civilian casualties, if any, as part of standard operational assessment procedures.

Security analysts say Shiroro Local Government Area has increasingly become a major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping activities due to its vast forests and difficult terrain, which provide safe havens for criminal gangs operating across parts of Niger State and neighbouring regions.

In recent months, the Nigerian military has intensified aerial offensives and ground operations against armed groups across the North-West and North-Central regions as part of broader efforts to combat insecurity, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.

Major General Onoja urged journalists and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining troop morale and ongoing military operations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to the protection of all law-abiding citizens and conducts all operations in strict accordance with the rules of engagement and applicable laws,” he said.

Niger Airstrikes: DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties, Confirms 70 Bandits Killed

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Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property

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Nigerian-born cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu

Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property

 

Police uncover coffin buried 1.5 metres underground as investigation into Nigerian pastor’s properties deepens

 

A Nigerian cleric has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after security operatives uncovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.

 

The shocking discovery has plunged Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian-born cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, into the centre of a widening investigation by Cameroonian authorities.

 

The latest discovery was reportedly made on September 19, 2026, at a property in Nkoabang, Yaoundé, during an investigation into activities allegedly linked to the cleric.

 

According to reports from Cameroon, police discovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres underground beneath a concrete slab.

 

Inside the coffin was what investigators described as a mummified human body.

 

The remains were reportedly dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery and appeared to be those of a woman.

 

But authorities have not yet publicly established the identity of the deceased, when she died or how she came to be buried beneath the property.

 

The discovery has therefore raised a string of unanswered questions as investigators intensify their probe.

 

Secret burial uncovered

 

The discovery reportedly followed an examination of the property after part of the structure was damaged, exposing an underground section.

 

Police subsequently conducted a search and allegedly found the coffin concealed beneath the concrete.

 

Investigators are expected to carry out further forensic examinations to establish the identity of the remains and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

 

Authorities have also reportedly sought permission to conduct additional searches of the premises amid concerns that further evidence could be hidden within the property.

 

The latest discovery comes barely days after investigators reportedly made another disturbing finding at a different property linked to the ministry.

 

On September 6, security operatives reportedly raided a property in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé, where they allegedly found 20 people inside a basement.

 

The group reportedly comprised 10 women, eight men and two children, aged six and seven.

 

The discovery triggered further investigations into the activities taking place at properties allegedly associated with the ministry.

 

30 rooms, underground pit discovered

 

The investigation subsequently moved to the Nkoabang property.

 

According to reports, investigators found about 30 rooms, five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food and functioning freezers on the premises.

 

An underground pit measuring approximately two metres deep was also reportedly discovered.

 

The purpose of the pit has not been established publicly.

 

The discovery of the mummified remains has now added another disturbing dimension to the investigation.

 

Cameroonian authorities are reportedly examining whether there is any connection between the body and the other findings made during their operations.

 

However, there is currently no established evidence publicly showing that the cleric caused the death of the person whose remains were discovered.

 

Cleric reportedly disappears

 

Kenechukwu, who has reportedly been operating in Cameroon since 2018, is said to have disappeared as authorities intensified their investigation.

 

Cameroonian security agencies are reportedly searching for him and have taken steps to alert relevant authorities as efforts to locate him continue.

 

The cleric is reportedly being sought over allegations arising from the broader investigation, including claims concerning human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping.

 

The allegations have not been proven in court.

 

Authorities are expected to question Kenechukwu over the discoveries and establish his relationship with the properties and the people found there.

 

Investigation deepens

 

The case has generated considerable concern in Cameroon because of the nature of the discoveries reportedly made at properties associated with the ministry.

 

The finding of 20 people in a basement, the existence of numerous rooms and an underground pit, and the subsequent discovery of a coffin containing mummified remains have all intensified scrutiny of the ministry’s activities.

 

Investigators are expected to focus on establishing whether the different discoveries are connected or merely occurred at properties belonging to the same religious organisation.

 

Forensic experts will also be expected to determine the identity of the deceased, establish the cause and approximate time of death, and examine the circumstances surrounding the burial.

 

Until those investigations are completed, several critical questions remain unanswered.

 

Who was the deceased?

 

How did she die?

 

Why was her body placed inside a coffin and buried beneath a concrete slab?

 

Who buried the remains there, and when?

 

And perhaps most importantly, what connection, if any, does the discovery have with the activities under investigation at the church properties?

 

For now, those questions remain with Cameroonian investigators as the search for the Nigerian cleric reportedly continues.

 

The case is expected to generate further developments as security agencies conduct additional searches and forensic examinations.

 

Cameroon Horror: Nigerian Pastor Flees As Mummified Body Is Found Under Church Property

 

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Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested

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Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested

Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four men over the alleged killing of a 45-year-old farmer, Garba Abdullahi, who was reportedly attacked after being accused of causing a woman’s illness through witchcraft.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Dunari Village, Atahowa District, when Abdullahi was returning from his farm.

The suspects were identified by the police as Shitu Dahiru, 25; Magaji Dahiru, 42; Sabi’u Auwalu, 20; and Abbah Abdulzahar, 19.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly accused Abdullahi of being responsible for the illness of a woman identified as Sawaida Dahiru before attacking him at about 11:40am.

The suspects allegedly used knives and machetes to inflict multiple injuries on different parts of Abdullahi’s body, leaving him unconscious.

His 35-year-old younger brother later reported the incident at the Gadau Divisional Police Headquarters at about 12:35pm.

Police operatives who responded to the report evacuated Abdullahi to the General Hospital, Azare, where he was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

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His remains were released to his family for burial, while the four suspects were taken into police custody.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice or violence based on unverified and superstitious allegations.

The police commissioner stressed that no person had the right to take another person’s life and urged residents to report disputes, suspicions and suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.

He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could help security agencies prevent crime and protect lives and property.

The incident has renewed concerns over violence arising from witchcraft allegations in parts of Bauchi State. Another woman, Habse Ubale, was reportedly hacked to death in the state in an earlier incident after she was accused of being a witch.

Police had arrested one suspect in that case and launched a search for two others.

The latest killing highlights the dangers of acting on unverified claims of witchcraft and other forms of superstition. Security authorities have repeatedly urged communities to seek lawful intervention when disputes arise rather than resort to violence.

The four suspects remain accused persons, and their alleged involvement in Abdullahi’s death will be determined through the investigation and judicial process.

Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested

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Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants

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Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche

Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, Chibudom Nwuche, has appealed to the Federal Government to establish an amnesty programme for repentant cultists and militant youths in the Orashi region of Rivers State who are willing to renounce violence and surrender their weapons.

Nwuche said individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, robbery, assault and other violent activities should be given an opportunity to abandon criminality through a structured process of rehabilitation, reorientation, skills acquisition and reintegration into their communities.

He made the appeal through his representative, Chief Kingdom Ajugo, during the opening of the 2026 Upata Folklore (Ele) at Ula Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Orashi region comprises Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

Nwuche expressed concern over the security challenges confronting parts of the region, particularly Ahoada and neighbouring communities, where residents have continued to face killings and other forms of violent crime.

He cited the 2023 killing of SP Bako Angbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, who was killed during an operation against criminal elements in the area. The incident triggered intensified security operations and investigations in the region.

According to Nwuche, repeated calls had previously been made for the Rivers State Government to introduce an amnesty initiative for youths willing to abandon criminal activities, but such a programme had yet to materialise.

He therefore urged the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, to consider a comprehensive amnesty framework for individuals who genuinely renounce violence.

He said such a programme should include the surrender of weapons, proper identification and screening of participants, rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegration into society, alongside mechanisms for monitoring beneficiaries.

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Nwuche also urged youths still involved in violent activities to take advantage of any genuine rehabilitation opportunity provided by government rather than continue on a path that threatens lives and undermines the economic prospects of their communities.

He said insecurity had affected economic activities across the Orashi region, making it difficult for residents to farm, trade and carry out other legitimate businesses without fear.

The former deputy speaker called for greater cooperation among government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

He also appealed to traditional rulers in Ekpeye land to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, urging them to work together in addressing issues affecting their communities.

The remarks were made during the Upata cultural festival, which attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women, youths, students and other members of the Ekpeye community.

The Eze Igbu Upata III, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, declared the festival open and described it as an important platform for preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Upata people.

The monarch said the annual celebration, traditionally held after the harvest season, provides an opportunity for the community to promote unity, hospitality and peaceful relations while passing its traditions and history to younger generations.

Nwuche further encouraged young people in the region to reject criminality and pursue legitimate economic opportunities, stressing that sustainable development could only take place in an environment where lives and property are protected.

He also urged the traditional institution to maintain constructive engagement with government authorities and oil companies in order to protect the interests of local communities.

The call for an amnesty for repentant cultists and militants comes amid wider debates over how to address youth involvement in cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities in parts of Rivers State.

If adopted, any such initiative would require clearly defined eligibility conditions, verification of participants, weapon surrender procedures and sustained rehabilitation and monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries genuinely abandon violent activities.

For communities in the Orashi region, the proposed approach would combine security measures with rehabilitation and economic opportunities for youths willing to renounce violence, while those who continue to commit crimes would remain subject to existing laws.

Rivers: Nwuche Urges FG to Grant Amnesty to Repentant Cultists, Militants

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