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Osogbo Youths Visit Muniru Raji, Seek Unity, Development Ahead of 2030

Published

5 days ago

February 6, 2026

Osogbo Youths Visit Muniru Raji, Seek Unity, Development Ahead of 2030

The Executive Members of the Osogbo Progressive Youth Movement (OPYM) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to renowned political leader and freedom fighter, Alhaji Muniru Raji, at his residence in Ido-Osun, where he charged Osogbo youths to remain united, principled, and focused on the collective development of the ancient town.

The visit, which held in a warm and family-like atmosphere, began with an opening prayer before Alhaji Raji addressed the delegation. He reflected on his long political journey, noting that his past disagreements with some Osogbo indigenes stemmed from his refusal to compromise the truth.

He lamented what he described as foundational governance failures but expressed optimism that Osogbo youths are now rising to take responsibility for the town’s progress. He recounted his role, alongside notable Osogbo sons including the late Ajadi Badmus, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (SAN), the Osogbo monarch, and others, in facilitating the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Base to Osogbo.

Alhaji Raji particularly appreciated the Layiokun family for donating land for the Air Force Base and acknowledged the contributions of retired Air Marshal Amoo, describing him as a proud son of Osogbo.

Speaking further, he decried what he termed inadequate federal representation and appointments for Osogbo in the past, adding that some beneficiaries of political appointments failed to use their positions to empower Osogbo indigenes, choosing instead to favour personal associates.

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The elder statesman disclosed that he had been closely monitoring OPYM and was impressed by the movement’s composition of self-reliant youths with genuine love for Osogbo. He warned the Executive against selling their loyalty to politicians or following any political leader blindly.

Alhaji Raji also narrated how he resisted the appointment of a non-indigene as Caretaker Chairman of Osogbo, stating that he confronted top party leaders and was prepared to resign his political appointment if the decision was not reversed. According to him, the intervention eventually led to the reinstatement of an Osogbo indigene.

He commended Honourable Teslim Igbalaye for his contributions to Osogbo’s development, citing employment opportunities secured for Osogbo indigenes at the University of Ilesa and Osun State University (UNIOSUN). He also spoke on efforts, alongside the traditional ruler, that led to the appointment of Dr. Kamoru Kadiri, an Osogbo indigene, as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, highlighting the rector’s developmental contributions to Osogbo.

The former political appointee further praised Mrs. Titilaoye Tomori, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, for her role in uplifting Osogbo indigenes, noting that she recently facilitated employment opportunities for some youths from the town.

Charging OPYM to expand its membership base, Alhaji Raji urged the movement to mobilize influential, wealthy, and professional Osogbo indigenes across the globe, stressing that unity remains key to achieving meaningful development.

In his concluding remarks, he revealed ongoing efforts to produce an Osogbo indigene as Governor of Osun State by 2030, stating that opportunities would exist within the two major political parties to actualize the goal through collective action. He added that while he plans to retire from active politics next year, he would continue to advocate for Osogbo’s development.

During an interactive session, questions were raised on the absence of a bold “Osogbo” inscription at the State Secretariat. Alhaji Raji explained that the task had been completed to about 75 percent, noting that official state letterheads now carry the inscription, “Osun State Secretariat, Gbongan Road, Osogbo.”

He also addressed concerns on land disputes involving Osogbo, clarifying that the boundary issue with Ede covers only a few metres, while that with Iragbiji spans several kilometres. He described the issuance of Staff of Office to the Alabeere by an Osogbo indigene as unfortunate, adding that he would have rejected such action if he were in office.

Responding on behalf of OPYM, the President of the movement praised Alhaji Muniru Raji for his lifelong dedication to Osogbo’s progress, describing him as a role model and a foremost advocate for the town’s development.

The meeting, described as non-partisan and family-oriented, ended with a call for unity, love, and focus among Osogbo youths, regardless of political affiliations, and concluded with a closing prayer at about 11:00 p.m.

Osogbo Youths Visit Muniru Raji, Seek Unity, Development Ahead of 2030

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Police Arrest Suspect as Youth Suffers Head Injury in Vigilante Custody

Published

4 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu

Police Arrest Suspect as Youth Suffers Head Injury in Vigilante Custody

A 20-year-old man, Aliyu Nuhu, has sustained a serious head injury after members of a local vigilante group in Zaria, Kaduna State, allegedly assaulted him over claims that he stole a chicken.

The incident, which has sparked public outrage and renewed condemnation of jungle justice, reportedly occurred in Anguwar Sirdi, Limancin Kona Ward, within Zaria city.

Confirming the incident, the victim’s father, Mallam Salisu Nuhu, popularly known as Babande, accused two vigilante members of inflicting the injuries on his son during interrogation.

According to Babande, he had asked Aliyu to sell a chicken at the market, but the young man was arrested by vigilantes who accused him of theft.

“They detained him and interrogated him with severe punishment,” Babande said, adding that his son was subjected to violent treatment while in their custody.

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He explained that when Aliyu failed to return home, a vigilante member later asked him to follow him to their office, where he was informed that his son had been arrested for allegedly stealing a chicken.

Babande said the vigilantes demanded ₦5,000 as bail, but eventually allowed him to take his son home after he explained that he had no money.

It was only after returning home, he said, that he noticed serious injuries to his son’s head and was informed that a metal nail had been driven into it during the interrogation.

The family immediately returned to the vigilante office and later proceeded to a nearby chemist in the company of one of the suspects, identified simply as Nuhu. The chemist reportedly referred them to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, after assessing the injury.

Babande said they were asked to obtain a police report before treatment could commence at the hospital.

He further disclosed that the object remained lodged in his son’s head for 13 days before doctors were able to surgically remove it, adding that the family spent over ₦800,000 on medical bills.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Aliyu Nuhu identified Nuhu Dan Banga as the vigilante member who allegedly inflicted the injury during interrogation. He said he lost consciousness during the assault.

Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Zaria City Division, Nura Abubakar, said one suspect has been arrested, while another is currently at large.

The DPO assured that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded, stressing that mob action and vigilante abuse remain criminal offences under Nigerian law.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter regulation of vigilante groups and increased public awareness on the dangers of mob justice, especially in cases involving minor or alleged offences.

Police Arrest Suspect as Youth Suffers Head Injury in Vigilante Custody

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Boko Haram Seizes Four Trailers, Rustles Over 100 Cows in Borno

Published

15 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Borno State Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Abdulmajid

Boko Haram Seizes Four Trailers, Rustles Over 100 Cows in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have intercepted four trailers and carted away over 100 cows in a brazen attack in Borno State, highlighting persistent security threats along major transport and livestock corridors in the North-East region.

The incident reportedly occurred in southern Borno, an area that has witnessed renewed terrorist movements despite sustained military operations by Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

According to local and security sources, the terrorists mounted roadblocks along a key route, stopping the trailers conveying cattle before forcing drivers and herders to abandon the vehicles. The attackers then herded the livestock into surrounding bushes, believed to be heading toward known terrorist hideouts.

Although no deaths were confirmed, the victims were said to have been traumatised, while the economic losses suffered by cattle owners and transporters are estimated to run into millions of naira.

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Security analysts note that cattle rustling has become a strategic source of funding, logistics, and food supply for Boko Haram and ISWAP, enabling the groups to sustain fighters, purchase weapons, and reward collaborators.

The attack is also seen as part of a broader effort by terrorists to disrupt food supply chains, weaken local economies, and undermine public confidence in security arrangements across rural Borno.

In response, security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols along vulnerable routes, while intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track the perpetrators, recover the stolen cattle, and prevent further attacks.

Residents and commercial drivers have renewed calls for the deployment of more troops, establishment of additional military checkpoints, and enhanced air and ground patrols to secure highways and grazing routes frequently targeted by insurgents.

Despite sustained counter-insurgency pressure, security experts warn that isolated attacks, cattle theft, and ambushes remain key tactics used by terrorists to test military presence and maintain relevance.

The latest attack underscores the need for continuous military dominance, improved intelligence sharing, and community cooperation to fully degrade terrorist activities and restore economic stability in Borno State.

Boko Haram Seizes Four Trailers, Rustles Over 100 Cows in Borno

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OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims in Borno

Published

25 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational success after neutralising 16 terrorists, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and dismantling key Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics networks in Borno State.

The successful military operations took place across several flashpoints, including the Maiduguri–Damboa road, Gidan Kaji axis, Konduga Local Government Area, Bukarti, Buratai, and the Chibok–Damboa axis, following actionable intelligence and swift troop deployment.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the latest offensive followed a failed ISWAP attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno on 5 February 2026, which was decisively repelled by troops of Sector 1 using disciplined firepower and tactical precision.

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Capitalising on the failed assault, troops of OPHK, working in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a bold counter-offensive operation on 9 February 2026 along the Komala axis in Konduga LGA.

During the pursuit, the troops engaged retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis along the Maiduguri–Damboa road, where 16 terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled in disarray with severe gunshot injuries.

The operation also led to the recovery of over 20 bicycles, alongside a large cache of weapons, ammunition, logistics items, drugs, and supplies critical to sustaining terrorist operations in the North-East theatre.

In a further blow to terrorist logistics, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers around the Bukarti axis, where a large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists was intercepted.

Relatedly, troops on the same day foiled a terrorist kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya–Biu road at about 5:20 pm. Upon detection, the terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and retreat into surrounding bushes.

Two victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai.

Additionally, following a distress call later on 9 February 2026, troops responded swiftly along the Chibok–Damboa axis, successfully rescuing nine more kidnapped victims, bringing the total number of rescued civilians to 11.

The military said the latest successes have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities, disrupted ISWAP and Boko Haram logistics networks, and reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East region of Nigeria.