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Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister
Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday said terrorists and bandits operating across the country are suffering heavier losses than government troops as the Nigerian Armed Forces intensify military operations across several conflict zones.
The defence minister gave the assurance after a strategy meeting with service chiefs in Abuja, noting that the meeting reviewed the country’s counter-terrorism strategy across different operational theatres. According to him, the Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring peace and security nationwide despite recent attacks on military formations in parts of the country.
“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all aware of the issues on the ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” Musa said.
The minister acknowledged that the military had suffered casualties in some engagements but insisted that terrorist groups and bandits were recording heavier losses as troops intensify their operations. According to him, the Nigerian military is focusing on eliminating terrorist commanders, destroying their logistics networks, and dismantling operational bases across the country.
“We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,” he stated.
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Musa also warned that misinformation circulating on social media could undermine the morale of troops and distort public understanding of the security situation. He urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by unverified narratives about the war against terrorism, insisting that the Armed Forces remain firmly in control of ongoing operations.
“We know because of the issue of social media, there are a lot of falsehoods being spread. The Armed Forces are on top of their game and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secured,” he said.
The defence minister further appealed to media organisations to exercise caution in reporting security matters, particularly by avoiding the dissemination of terrorist propaganda materials, which he said are often used to promote extremist groups and demoralise security forces.
“Please do not allow your platforms to be used to spread terrorism. When you circulate their videos and messages, you allow them to shine and use them as propaganda against our troops,” he added.
Musa stressed that tackling insecurity in Nigeria requires a collective effort, urging citizens to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
“This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the armed forces’ challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us,” he said.
He warned individuals who provide information, logistics or any form of assistance to terrorists that they would be treated as accomplices and face the same consequences as the criminals.
“A friend of a thief is always a thief. Those supporting these criminals with information or logistics will be dealt with the same way we deal with the terrorists,” Musa stated.
The minister also congratulated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assuring him of the Armed Forces’ readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat insecurity across the country.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and state governors for their continued support to the military, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome its security challenges.
“We want to assure Nigerians that they should remain confident and determined. When you see something going wrong, do not hesitate to report it. Action will be taken as quickly as possible,” he added.
The minister’s remarks come amid renewed attacks by insurgent groups linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in Borno State and surrounding areas.
In recent weeks, terrorists have launched coordinated assaults on several military bases, leading to the deaths of soldiers and commanding officers who paid the supreme price while confronting the attackers.
In one such incident in Katsina State, Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were reportedly killed during an attack by terrorists.
Earlier, on March 3, fighters linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP invaded the resettled community of Ngoshe shortly after residents broke their fast during Ramadan. The insurgents reportedly overwhelmed the military formation with superior firepower, including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns and drones.
Security sources said the assault left at least 14 soldiers dead across the Ngoshe and Pulka military bases—nine in Ngoshe and five in Pulka, including a commanding officer.
Despite the attacks, military authorities say counter-terrorism operations have been intensified through coordinated air and ground offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring stability in affected regions.
Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister
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Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack
Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack
Suspected armed robbers have invaded student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ogun State, in a violent midnight attack that left several students injured and triggered widespread panic across the university community.
The attack, which reportedly began around midnight and lasted into the early hours of Saturday, saw more than 12 armed men storm multiple hostels, firing shots sporadically and dispossessing students of valuables including phones, laptops, and cash.
Eyewitness accounts and student testimonies shared online indicated that the attackers operated for several minutes without immediate resistance, causing chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. An X user, identified as Michael Mabayomije, said the gunmen moved from room to room during the raid, forcing students to surrender their belongings while firing shots into the air to scare victims.
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Some students reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to escape, while others were traumatised by the intensity of the attack. Residents described scenes of panic and confusion following the incident, with reports indicating that blood stains believed to be from injured victims were seen on walls and floors of some affected hostels. The attack left the campus environment tense, with students expressing fears over repeated security breaches in the area.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced immediately after receiving reports of the attack. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Divisional Police Officer of Ibogun Division and the Area Commander were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and restore confidence among students and residents.
Security patrols have since been intensified around the campus and surrounding communities as part of efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents.
The attack has renewed concerns over student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly in satellite campuses and rural areas where security coverage is often limited. Students and residents are calling for improved security measures, including increased night patrols, better surveillance, and stronger collaboration between university authorities and security agencies.
Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack
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Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid reports that his decision went against the initial wishes of the President, who allegedly attempted to dissuade him from stepping down. Multiple Presidency insiders said Adelabu insisted on leaving office to focus on his Oyo State governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite efforts within the Villa to retain him in the federal cabinet.
Tinubu Reportedly Tried to Stop Adelabu’s Exit
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reluctant to accept Adelabu’s resignation, given his role in ongoing power sector reforms. According to insiders, the President had even delayed meetings with the minister for weeks in an effort to prevent an immediate resignation and had sent emissaries to discourage him from quitting.
However, when both men eventually met at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reportedly questioned Adelabu’s chances of winning the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State. The President was said to have asked whether he was confident of securing victory, to which Adelabu reportedly replied affirmatively. Following the exchange, Tinubu allegedly wished him well in his political ambition.
Delayed Exit Beyond Presidential Deadline
Adelabu officially submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His exit came 22 days after the March 31 deadline earlier issued by the Presidency for political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections.
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While several ministers complied with the directive, Adelabu’s late resignation triggered speculation of internal negotiations and possible resistance within government circles. However, Presidency sources clarified that the deadline was administrative rather than strictly legal, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 allows resignation ahead of party primaries.
Possible Elevation to Finance Ministry Role
Further revelations suggest that Tinubu had considered Adelabu for a possible appointment as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following the exit of Wale Edun. This potential promotion, insiders said, contributed to the President’s preference that Adelabu remain in the cabinet.
Power Sector Performance and Presidential Support
Despite public criticism over Nigeria’s electricity crisis, grid collapses, and tariff increases, sources said Tinubu consistently defended Adelabu’s performance. The President reportedly viewed the challenges in the Nigerian power sector as structural issues rather than personal failures of the minister.
Camp Claims Resignation Was Approved
Contrary to reports suggesting a fallout, Adelabu’s aides insist the resignation was mutually understood and not a confrontation with the Presidency. His media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the former minister enjoys Tinubu’s support and had secured his approval before resigning.
He also referenced Adelabu’s past voluntary resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria as evidence of his long-standing pattern of stepping down for personal convictions.
Focus Shifts to Oyo Governorship Race
Adelabu, a former governorship candidate in Oyo State, has now fully returned to state politics, declaring his intention to contest again in 2027. His resignation becomes effective April 30, 2026, allowing for a transition period at the Ministry of Power.
However, political dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West are already shifting, with stakeholders reportedly considering other consensus candidates for Oyo State.
Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
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Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing security operations in the South-East, dismantling a suspected camp linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.
During the operation, troops recovered what are believed to be the remains of two soldiers who were abducted and killed in 2022.
The military operation in Imo State was carried out on Thursday, April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha–Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area by troops of the 82 Division. The mission formed part of a broader strategy to crack down on IPOB/ESN hideouts and restore stability across the South-East.
According to an official statement released on Saturday, the operation was intelligence-led and specifically aimed at locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew. The couple was abducted and murdered in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
The Army disclosed that troops encountered heavy resistance as they advanced toward the suspected camp.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals,” the statement read.
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Despite the ambush, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling multiple assaults and forcing the gunmen to flee.
The Army described the encounter as further evidence of the group’s continued attacks on both civilians and security personnel in the region.
Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to a grim discovery—shallow graves suspected to contain human remains.
The graves were carefully excavated, and remains recovered, which are believed to be those of the slain military couple.
The Army confirmed that the remains have been secured for forensic analysis and DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities. It also stated that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and dignified burial arrangements.
The military emphasized that the operation highlights its unwavering commitment to justice for fallen soldiers and the continued dismantling of criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN in the South-East.
It further noted that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp underscores what it described as the group’s “heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”
The Army reassured Nigerians that operations would continue until all criminal elements are neutralized and lasting peace in the South-East is achieved.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.
Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo
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