Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno - Newstrends
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Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno

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Nigerian soldiers at checkpoint

Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno

The killing of a truck driver by a soldier at a military checkpoint at Dikwa along the Maiduguri – Gamboru -Chad Republic road in Borno State over extortion on Tuesday is brewing a serious crisis between the military on one hand and the state government and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers on the other.

The truck driver, Mohammed Bello, of Bulsbulin ward, Maiduguri metropolis, was reportedly conveying humanitarian goods from Maiduguri to N’jammena, the capital of Chad, when he met his death at the military checkpoint.

“The driver was carrying humanitarian goods to N’jammena, Chad, not even anywhere in Nigeria,” the Borno State NURTW Secretary, Ahmadu Miss, disclosed at a news conference in Maiduguri, Thursday, saying, “The goods had been cleared by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and he was carrying the clearance papers.”

Musa narrated further: “The soldiers at the checkpoint asked for the papers; he promptly presented them; but in receiving the papers, a soldier asked: ‘Are we going to chop papers? Take your paper and bring out money’. The driver said nobody gave me any money to give you.”

He went further: “The soldier then started beating him and his assistants even when they were right inside the truck. When he alighted, the soldier continued beating him until he breathed his last.”

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Addressing newsmen over the matter, the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, said: “The Borno State Government sees this as a heinous incident, and a brutal one for that matter. It is an incident which the government of Borno State and its people cannot condone.”

He continued: “We also condemn such an incident and hope that it does not happen again. It is condemnable in strongest terms and we hope it does not recur” stressing that, “Anything that will prevent the free movement of our people doing their lawful business must be avoided.

“Let me assure the NURTW leaders that the Borno State Government will take all actions to ensure that anyone found culpable will be brought to book under the laws of Borno State and Nigeria.”

Tijjani said already, the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army headquarters and the state government were deepening discussions to ensure that the NURTW members and other travellers plying the Borno routes were not extorted of their lawful earnings and also to ensure that the free movement of motorists, traders, farmers, herders and other travellers was not hindered by any security agent over any extortion.

Speaking on behalf of the NURTW, its Secretary, Ahmadu Musa, complained that, “The extortion of our members on this road (Maiduguri-Gamboru-Chad road) is just damn too much.”

In a swift response, the 7 Division confirmed in a statement issued to newsmen, on Thursday, that “The alleged incident occurred on December 26, 2023, along Dikwa-Gamboru Road at a checkpoint where soldiers are deployed for their routine duties.”

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The statement, signed by Lt. Col. Ajemusu Jingina, the Division’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, said: “On receiving a complaint of the unfortunate incident, the Division swiftly swung into action and commenced investigation.

“Furthermore, engagement has been established with the NURTW towards a peaceful resolution to the incident. The Division has assured both the family of the deceased and the NURTW of its commitment towards ensuring that justice is served to the family and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.

“In the Division’s effort towards ensuring that the family of the victim gets justice, the soldier in question has been arrested, and an investigation has commenced.

“It’s also worthy to mention that the Division does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct from any personnel as we operate within the ambit of the law.

“The Division wishes to once again reassure the members of the general public that we will remain resolute and professional in the joint effort  to tackle insecurity in Borno State.”

Investigations by PUNCH Metro reveal that there are no fewer than 33 roadblocks/checkpoints along the about 200-kilometer Maiduguri – Gamboru road; and a out 20 along the 180-kilometre Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak (Niger Republic border) road.

Soldier kills truck driver for resisting extortion in Borno

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Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument

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Rivers State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko
Rivers State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko

Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument

A tragedy occurred in Amaji Village, Umuoyoro Community, Omuma Local Government Area, Rivers State, when a man allegedly slit his wife’s throat during an argument on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The victim, a mother of two, reportedly died from a deep cut inflicted by her husband while they were at their farm, sources said.

According to witnesses, a domestic dispute escalated into violence after the suspect, identified as Mr. Abuchi, reportedly grabbed a kitchen knife and attacked his wife. Her screams attracted nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene, overpowered the suspect, and handed him over to the Rivers State Police Command.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe‑Koko, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a detailed investigation to ensure timely justice.

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Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect has been arrested and a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served,” she stated.

The incident has drawn condemnation from the Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign (CBRAC), which described the killing as the height of man’s inhumanity to man. The group called on the police to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that justice is both served and seen to be served.

Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of CBRAC, said, “There is no justification for anyone to take another person’s life. This is a clear case of murder, and the Rivers State Police Command must ensure accountability.”

Residents of Amaji Village remain shocked and grieving, while community leaders urge peaceful resolution of disputes and enhanced measures to prevent domestic violence.

The case highlights the ongoing risks of domestic violence in Nigeria and the critical role of law enforcement and community awareness in protecting vulnerable family members.

Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument

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Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack

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Armed Bandits

Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack

At least 30 people have been killed and several others abducted following a late-night attack by armed bandits on Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The assault occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026, when gunmen on motorcycles surrounded the community, blocked all exits, and opened fire on residents, witnesses said.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed homes, shot indiscriminately, and kidnapped villagers, leaving many unaccounted for. Bodies were reportedly recovered early Friday morning, while several abducted residents were taken into nearby forests, according to local sources.

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The attack comes just two days after the Zamfara State Government unveiled new security hardware, including drones and armoured vehicles, as part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and rural violence. Despite these measures, the fresh raid highlights the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and property destruction have become recurring threats.

This incident follows a similar deadly raid in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where at least 33 people were reportedly killed, underscoring the escalating insecurity across northwest Nigeria.

Attempts to obtain an official statement from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time. Security experts and residents are calling for urgent government and military intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.

The latest attack is a grim reminder of the challenges facing rural communities in northwest Nigeria, where armed bandits continue to operate with impunity, threatening public safety, livelihoods, and social stability.

Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack

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Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa

Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder

President Bola Tinubu has summoned Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Abuja following deadly violence during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses in Ondo State, which reportedly claimed four lives in Idanre and Akure North local government areas.

The President was said to be deeply disturbed by the killings, which occurred during what was expected to be a routine APC ward congress, especially in a state firmly controlled by the ruling party.

A senior government source in Akure disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa travelled to Abuja on Thursday after receiving the summons, following a series of security reports submitted to the Presidency detailing the violence that erupted during the APC congresses in Ondo State.

According to the source, the governor had earlier lined up activities to mark his one-year anniversary in office, but was forced to scale down the programme due to the presidential invitation.

The governor reportedly left Akure shortly after inaugurating the Igoba and Alagbaka Extension roads, without waiting for the commissioning of the 100,000-litre water supply project at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) complex. His deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, represented him at other anniversary events.

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The source revealed that the summons was issued late Wednesday night, following the President’s review of multiple intelligence briefings.

President Tinubu is said to be very angry over the Ondo killings and wants a clear explanation of what went wrong, particularly as the violence occurred within the APC, where there is no strong opposition,” the source said.

While it could not be independently confirmed if the governor met with the President, Aiyedatiwa was said to have returned to Akure later on Thursday, having been in Abuja ahead of a meeting expected on Friday.


Security Tension Deepens as Traditional Ruler Is Killed

Meanwhile, the security crisis in Ondo State worsened following the killing of the traditional ruler of Agamo Town, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, who was murdered by suspected gunmen inside his palace on February 18, 2026, at about 7:10 p.m.

The killing triggered widespread fear and condemnation, prompting a swift response from security agencies.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, led a high-powered security delegation—including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS)—to the community.

Lawal assured residents that the police and military would track down the killers, stressing that justice would be served.

Preliminary investigations revealed that about six masked gunmen allegedly stormed the monarch’s residence, forcibly abducted him, and attacked him violently, leading to his death.

The Commissioner confirmed the deployment of additional security personnel, including tactical teams and operational assets, to Agamo and neighbouring communities, urging residents to provide credible intelligence to aid investigations.

He reassured the people of Ondo State that security agencies would continue to work together to restore peace, maintain stability, and protect lives and property.

Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder

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