ISWAP attacks army base in Borno, kills soldier, burns police post

Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have launched a fresh assault on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a Nigerian soldier and setting several public facilities ablaze in one of the latest attacks highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East.

The late-night attack, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted troops of Operation HADIN KAI stationed in the border community, with residents reporting that the insurgents also razed a police outpost, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and two classrooms after clashing with security forces.

Confirming the incident, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the military base but were eventually repelled after troops mounted a fierce counteroffensive.

According to the military, the insurgents briefly breached part of the Forward Operating Base’s defensive perimeter during the intense exchange of gunfire before soldiers regrouped, inflicted casualties on the attackers and forced them to retreat.

Despite successfully defending the base, the military disclosed that one soldier was killed in action.

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement,” the statement said.

The military added that reinforcements had since been deployed to the affected base, while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures were ongoing to prevent another attack.

The latest assault comes as Operation HADIN KAI continues sustained offensives against ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. In recent weeks, the military has reported the rescue of kidnapped civilians, the surrender of insurgents, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during clearance operations.

However, residents of Logomani said the insurgents extended their attack beyond the military base by targeting civilian infrastructure after the gun battle.

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A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said many villagers fled their homes as the heavily armed attackers entered the community and torched a police outpost, the local Primary Healthcare Centre, and two classrooms in a nearby school.

“We all left the community during the attack. The terrorists were heavily armed. After the fighting with the soldiers, they entered the school and burnt down two classrooms. They also attacked a police outpost and a hospital, which they burnt down,” the resident said.

While the military did not confirm claims that troops were overwhelmed, it acknowledged that the attackers temporarily breached part of the Forward Operating Base’s defensive perimeter before they were pushed back.

A local security source also disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) immediately launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing insurgents in a bid to prevent further attacks on surrounding communities.

On Wednesday, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, Mala Ngala, visited the affected community to assess the level of destruction.

During the inspection, the council chairman visited the burnt police outpost, healthcare centre and damaged classrooms, assuring residents that the findings would be submitted to the Borno State Government to facilitate urgent intervention and reconstruction of the destroyed public facilities.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The latest attack has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of frontline communities around the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgent groups continue to exploit difficult terrain and cross-border routes to launch surprise attacks despite years of sustained military operations.

Security analysts believe that while Nigerian troops have recorded significant gains against insurgent groups in recent months, including eliminating terrorist commanders, recovering sophisticated weapons and disrupting logistics networks, the attack in Logomani demonstrates that ISWAP still retains the capability to carry out coordinated assaults on both military formations and civilian infrastructure.

The incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger intelligence gathering, increased deployment of surveillance technology, enhanced border security and greater protection for vulnerable communities as Nigeria continues its long-running campaign against terrorism in the North-East.

ISWAP attacks army base in Borno, kills soldier, burns police post

US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerian nationals who are currently facing deportation. The list, unveiled on the DHS website, is part of a high-profile register of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, designated by the administration as the “worst-of-the-worst.” This action forms part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, which has prioritized the removal of non-citizens with criminal records as part of a broader mass deportation policy.

Details of the Crackdown and Publication

This publication is a direct result of executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day back in office on January 20, 2025, which declared illegal immigration a national emergency and directed federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate deportations. The DHS defended the move, stating that the hard-working men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling the President’s promise by carrying out mass deportations starting with the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. While US authorities have made the list and photographs public, they have not provided a specific timeline for when these deportations will occur, nor have they disclosed detailed information about the specific offences committed by each individual. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the crackdown, stating the administration remains committed to enforcing US immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with the President’s immigration agenda.

Scope and Broader Context of the Crackdown

The latest action is part of sweeping immigration enforcement measures that have seen the United States expand deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Official US immigration data show that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny under the administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has also reminded citizens that Presidential Proclamation 10998 remains in effect, partially suspending visa issuance for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas to nationals of Nigeria and 18 other countries as of January 1, 2026. The 124 Nigerians named are part of a broader West African deportation list that includes 374 people from 16 countries, with Nigeria having the highest number, followed by Liberia with 94 individuals and Ghana with 32.

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Complete List of Nigerian Nationals Named for Deportation

https://www.dhs.gov/wow?combine=&field_country_of_origin_target_id=12290&field_state_value=All&page=8

The published list includes the following individuals, who have been identified by DHS as foreign nationals with criminal convictions subject to removal proceedings:

Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, and Oriyomi Aloba.

Also named are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, and Omotayo Akinto.

The list further includes Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba, and Akeem Adeleke.

Completing the list are Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer, and Chibuzo Nwaonu.

Current Status and What Happens Next

As of now, US authorities have not indicated when the affected Nigerians would be deported, and no timeline for their removal has been announced. The DHS has instructed officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. While the publication of names and photographs marks a significant step in the enforcement process, the actual deportation of these individuals will depend on various factors, including legal proceedings, diplomatic coordination with Nigeria, and the availability of deportation flights. The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the publication of this list, but the development is expected to spark discussions between Abuja and Washington regarding the treatment and rights of Nigerian nationals in the United States.

US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown

Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for orders

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed military personnel and other security operatives to take immediate action against terrorists and armed bandits, warning that officers who hesitate to engage criminals while waiting for directives from superior officers risk being treated as collaborators.

The minister issued the warning on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.

Addressing troops and other security personnel at the event, Musa said every officer deployed to combat zones has a responsibility to protect lives and eliminate threats without unnecessary delays.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit,” the minister said.

The directive comes as Nigeria intensifies military operations against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in parts of the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions, where armed groups continue to attack communities, security personnel and critical infrastructure.

The minister said the Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in military hardware and operational logistics to ensure security agencies are adequately equipped to confront criminal groups.

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According to him, troops must make effective use of the newly acquired assets to improve mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response during security operations.

He noted that improved operational capability would significantly enhance efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts, rescue kidnapped victims and restore peace to affected communities.

While urging security personnel to be decisive in the field, Musa also warned against misconduct, stressing that officers must respect the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.

He cautioned against extortion, harassment or intimidation of residents, reminding security personnel that they were deployed to protect communities and build public confidence.

“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured. You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.

The minister commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his administration’s continued investment in security, describing the procurement of operational vehicles and tactical equipment as a demonstration of responsible leadership and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He said Sokoto State has remained relatively stable because of the cooperation between the state government, security agencies and local communities, adding that sustained collaboration remains essential to defeating insecurity across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu disclosed that the state government procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and ballistic vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal imaging devices and other tactical equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion.

The governor said the latest investment forms part of broader efforts by his administration to strengthen security institutions and improve their operational effectiveness.

According to him, Sokoto State has spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions since he assumed office, including the construction of military and police barracks, support for the Nigerian Air Force Base, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, and the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

Aliyu also revealed that a bill establishing a State Security Trust Fund is currently before the Sokoto State House of Assembly and would be signed into law immediately after its passage to ensure sustainable funding for security operations.

He further announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre, which will enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies across the state.

The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that defeating banditry and terrorism requires collective action from both government and citizens.

The newly commissioned operational vehicles and equipment were subsequently distributed to the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and security personnel assigned to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project to strengthen ongoing operations across the state.

Although the minister’s remarks underscored the government’s determination to intensify the fight against insecurity, no changes to the military’s rules of engagement or operational procedures were announced during the event.

Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for order