Some Nigerians and armchair analysts are often quick to criticise the Federal Government for perceived shortcomings in security, highlighting isolated incidents such as kidnappings, improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and attacks in parts of the country.

Such perceptions, however, tend to downplay and discount the heroic exploits of members of the Nigerian armed forces, saddled with the responsibility of countering the evil machinations of God-forsaken non-state actors, who operate like guerrillas.

My position is reinforced by the security reports I receive daily from Zagazola Makama, a journalist who has emerged as a counter-insurgency expert in Nigeria. This past week alone, Zagazola inundated me with reports from multiple theatres, indicating that our troops are making significant gains in the asymmetrical war against insurgents, terrorists, ISWAP, Boko Haram, IPOB, bandits, kidnappers, and crude oil thieves.

Let’s begin with some heartening news that made headlines on Monday.

A few days ago, some newspapers sensationally reported that gunmen kidnapped 14 passengers of a Benue Links bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo. Seventeen passengers were in the bus, among them eight youngsters going to write the UTME.  Three of the passengers escaped from the clutch of the abductors.

On Sunday, April 19, troops of Sub-Sector 1B, OPWS rescued the remaining 13 passengers following a search-and-rescue operation conducted in a forested area in Ohimini Local Government Area.

“Security sources,” according to Zagazola, “clarified that the perpetrators were local criminal elements in Benue and not Fulani bandits as initially speculated in some quarters. The media hastily attributed the attack to external groups without proper verification”.

Those rescued include Hycent Oko (56), Elaiguli Joshua (25), Orili Raphael (29), Sunday Augustine (18), Emmanuel Elaicha (21), Gbile Nguyor Daniel (18), Ukacha Tersoo (18), Nyikwagh Aoridakator (22), Iornav Ngukuhan (18), Nyikwagh Benjamin (18), Buker Agatha (19), Paul Wende (29) and Akor Jessica (19).

The victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Otukpo for medical attention, as some of them sustained varying degrees of injuries during their captivity. Later, some of the victims had a photo-op with Governor Hyancinth Alia, who appealed to JAMB to set another examination for the traumatised youngsters.

The incident illustrated a growing trend of locally grown criminality, where local elements exploit familiar terrain and community networks to carry out abductions.

On Saturday night, April 18, troops were alerted by gunshots along the Kpashio-Ansa Road in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. They rapidly responded and found three wounded victims of the gun attacks by the roadside. They were travelling on a motorcycle when they came under a burst of gunfire. The gunmen stole the motorcycle. The troops evacuated the three victims to a nearby hospital. One died, and two survived.

On the same April 18, troops under Sector 1 of Operation Enduring Peace arrested two suspects in Jos North Local Government, one of them, Khalid Usman, for stabbing a police inspector. The other suspect, Ali Izang, was arrested at about 0615 hrs near the Correctional Centre. He had a round of 7.62mm ammunition.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace also arrested nine ethnic militiamen responsible for targeted killings. They recovered arms and ammunition following an operation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid ongoing security concerns linked to recurring attacks and cycles of violence in the area.

The suspects were arrested at about 0135 hours on April 18, 2026, when troops deployed at Ganawuri responded to reports of the suspects moving towards the Danwal area.

The troops intercepted and apprehended the suspects, who were found with blood stains on their bodies, raising suspicion of recent involvement in silent killings.

Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items.

The arrest came amid sustained insecurity in parts of Plateau State, where communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and surrounding areas have witnessed repeated incidents of violent attacks and reprisals. Across these flashpoints, the patterns are consistent, which suggests that perpetrators of violence are not faceless outsiders operating in isolation.

“Sources said that the suspects were currently in custody, providing information, and are responsible for carrying out a series of attacks in recent months, which have escalated violence and reprisal attacks in Plateau State,” Zagazola reported.

In recent months, security reports have indicated a pattern of violence involving Fulani bandits and armed elements of the Berom operating within local communities.

The most recent development occurred on April 13 at about 0700 hrs, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) conducted a search-and-rescue operation in Ariri and Kwasha villages of Bassa LGA following reports of a missing herder. During the operation, troops discovered the corpse of the herder and recovered 32 cattle alive, while three others were found dead. The troops handed the remains of the herdsman and livestock to community leaders.

On the same day, troops responded to intelligence on an illegal settlers’ camp in Ungwan Doki, Riyom LGA, where four suspected migrants were arrested. On April 12, at about 1440 HOURS, troops restored calm after a clash between farmers and herders in Rakum village, Barkin Ladi LGA. Five locals, two herders, and a police officer sustained injuries after being attacked by the Berom Militia. The troops arrested one suspect.

Earlier, at about 1222 HOURS in Rasa village, troops foiled another attack on a herder by suspected armed Berom elements and evacuated the injured victim to the hospital. At about 2100 HRS, troops responded to sporadic gunfire along Hukke–Rewienko road in Bassa LGA, repelling attackers and rescuing an injured civilian.

In a related development, at about 1800 HOURS, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling incident in Kpashio village, recovering 92 cattle reportedly abandoned by fleeing suspects.

Within the same period, armed Berom Militia engaged troops of Operation Enduring Peace in a heavy gun battle in Barkin Ladi. The troops killed five of the attackers. Later that same day, the corpses were hastily buried by the community to avoid the determination of the identity of the attackers.

On April 11 at about 2145 HOURS, troops responded to an ambush in the Tanjol community, where a 21-year-old resident, Joseph Irmiya, was attacked by Fulani bandits. The victim later died from injuries.

Shortly after, troops intercepted an attempted attack on the Rim community by Berom militants, where one youth sustained gunshot wounds. Separately, troops conducting stop-and-search operations in Kuru, Jos South LGA, at about 2030 HOURS, arrested two suspects in possession of a pistol and ammunition.

Troops have continued operations across flashpoints in Riyom and neighbouring LGAs, with authorities maintaining that sustained patrols, arrests and recovery of arms are aimed at restoring lasting peace in the area.

Still in Plateau, troops of Operation Safe Haven reported the suspected poisoning of nine cattle in Rakum Village, Kassa District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The cattle belonged to one Dauda Jalo. Some Berom youths were suspected of poisoning the grazing field. An incident like this is usually the precursor of a reprisal attack in the community, as the cattle owner wants to take the blood of humans as a form of revenge for his dead cattle. This is one incident, along with cattle rustling, that has made peace elusive on the Plateau for decades.

In Borno state, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised two terrorists on April 18 as they foiled an attempted attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP along the Kirawa-Pulka axis. The insurgents, riding on bikes, along with others,  were trying to infiltrate the Ngoshe axis when the troops of 153 Task Battalion confronted them. The others escaped, as their comrade in arms fell to our troops’ superior firepower. The troops recovered a walkie-talkie radio set from the neutralised insurgents.

In Yobe, troops arrested three ISWAP logistics suppliers during an operation in the Damaturu Local Government Area. The suspects, believed to be linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram elements, were apprehended at about 3:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026, by troops of 233 Battalion in collaboration with members of a local hunters’ group.

Also in Borno on 16 April, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on April 16, 2026, when the terrorists launched an assault on troops of Headquarters 29 Task Force Brigade, the second time in recent days.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to retreat in disarray. The soldiers pursued the fleeing insurgents but did not make further contact.

On April 17, troops of Operation Hadin Kai discovered and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Mairari town along the Gajiram axis of Borno State.

The device was detected at about 9:00 a.m. by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and route-scanning team deployed from a Forward Operating Base in the area. The IED, found at the edge of the town’s exit gate, raises concerns about potential threats to both civilians and security personnel using the route.

In Auchi, Edo state, troops of 195 Battalion, responding to a distress call, foiled a kidnap attempt on the morning of August 16 at Iyuku in Jattu. Before the troops arrived, three of the kidnapped victims had overpowered one of the kidnappers and seized his Ak 47, loaded with nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The troops pursued the rest of the kidnappers. They rescued other kidnapped victims,  arrested five of the kidnappers, and handed them to the DSS for justice.

In the North West,  soldiers of 8 Division repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Garin Hillo Village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 17, when troops deployed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gatawa responded to reports of terrorist activities in the area.

On arrival, the troops made contact with the attackers and engaged them in a shootout, forcing the attackers to retreat.

Further inquiry revealed that about 30 armed terrorists had stormed the village on foot, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents. As a result of the attack, six civilians sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Sabon Birni for medical attention. Troops continue to dominate the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of residents.

In central Nigeria,  troops of 12 Brigade under Operation MESA destroyed a suspected terrorist camp and intercepted a logistics courier in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation on April 16 was carried out in the early hours following credible intelligence on the presence of a suspected terrorist camp between Ejiba and Ofi communities. The troops, in conjunction with Police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), mobilised from their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe and advanced to the location.

During the operation, the troops intercepted a suspected courier on a motorcycle who was delivering food items to the camp. However, the suspect fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the motorcycle and the items.

The troops proceeded to locate and destroy the suspected camp. No firefight between the troops and the terrorists. Again, this incident shows how civilians collaborate with the terrorists.

In the East, on April 16, Joint security forces comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, and Civil Defence Corps conducted a fighting patrol in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, leading to the discovery and safe disposal of improvised explosive devices.

The operation took place at about 9:50 a.m. within the Uda general area. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team discovered two improvised explosive devices during the patrol and safely defused them.

On the international front, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, participated in a high-level counterterrorism panel at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Türkiye, where leaders and experts discussed strategies for countering violent extremism, stressing international cooperation and intelligence sharing.

I have taken the time to present this comprehensive account of the recent heroic exploits of the Nigerian armed forces to underscore that our troops are resolutely prosecuting this asymmetric war, fearlessly defending us all, and making sacrifices—some paying the supreme price. Challenges remain, and the battle is far from over. However, what the armed forces and government deserve from us is appreciation and commendation, not condemnation and vilification.

*Onanuga is Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

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Operational report made available on Monday revealed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, intercepted a truck conveying large quantities of medical supplies suspected to be meant for terrorist elements in the North-East.

The report said the interception occurred at a checkpoint in Nguru, Yobe, where the driver initially presented a waybill for beverages and household items.

According to the report, a detailed search revealed hundreds of cartons of drugs, including antibiotics, injections, bandages and other medical items.

The report said the driver and three occupants were apprehended, adding that the suspect later confessed the consignment was bound for the Republic of Chad through Geidam.

“In a related development, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist in Ngamdu, Borno, who confessed he was sent from Jilli to procure food items for insurgents.

“The suspect disclosed that terrorists were currently converging around Gubio and Magumeri areas.

“Troops also arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Monguno, who were allegedly facilitating movement of a terrorist’s family members.

“Items recovered from them included mobile phones, cash and other personal effects, while a woman and her three children linked to a terrorist kingpin were later apprehended,” the report said.

It also revealed that troops foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists in Askira Uba local government area of Borno.

The report added that troops engaged the insurgents during an ambush, forcing them to flee and abandoning weapons and other items, adding that follow-up operations led to rescue of three kidnap victims from a terrorist enclave.

“In Bama Local Government Area, troops destroyed a terrorist camp during clearance operations, forcing insurgents to withdraw under pressure.

“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven recovered weapons from suspects during stop-and-search operations in Plateau.

“They also arrested a suspected gunrunner and rescued additional kidnap victims in Bauchi following exploitation of earlier airstrikes.

“In the Federal Capital Territory, troops conducting anti-illegal mining operations raided a site in Gwagwalada, recovering mining equipment, while suspects fled,” it added.

In the Southern part of the country, the report said troops of Operation Delta Safe responded to a communal clash in Delta, restoring normalcy after one person was killed.

It said troops also intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations in Rivers, destroying illegal refining sites and recovering large volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products.

Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations, disrupting logistics networks and ensuring security across the country.

Source: NAN

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The warning was sequel to a recent operation conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, in the Jilli general area of Gubio local government area on Saturday.

Jilli is a border community between the Gubio local government area of Borno and the Geidam local government area of Yobe.

Zulum, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr Dauda Iliya, described Jilli market as a notorious hub, allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe.

“Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago.

“I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Zulum said that the Borno Government had maintained close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling any community or reopening markets, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.

He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and sustaining collaborative efforts with security agencies to restore lasting peace and stability across the state.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing military operations.

Source: NAN

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The president also expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the attack and the tragic loss of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.

President Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect.

While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The Federal Government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace.”

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The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, saying the attack targeted the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade at about 12:30 a.m.

Onoja said the insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the formation but were met with “exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower” by the troops.

He said the soldiers, under the leadership of the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah, swiftly mounted a coordinated counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and compelled to abandon their mission, leaving behind traces of their failed assault,” he said.

The defence spokesman described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements following sustained military pressure and significant losses recorded in recent operations.

“This attack clearly reflects the desperation of terrorists who continue to embark on futile offensives against well-defended military positions,” he said.

He added that the swift response by troops underscored the high level of combat readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai.

Onoja, however, disclosed that the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had paid tribute to the fallen heroes, honouring their sacrifice and commitment to national defence.

“Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation,” he said.

Onoja added that the military high command had extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased personnel.

He urged the public and media to allow due process in notifying next of kin before further details were released.

He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing operations and national security.

Onoja said additional clearance and exploitation operations were ongoing in the area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents.

He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, to sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute and undeterred in restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country,” he said.

The defence spokesman called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to provide credible information to support security operations.

Source: NAN

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Court sentences four terrorists to life imprisonment, convicts 14 others

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Justice James Omotosho handed down the judgment after they pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them by the federal government and a witness from the Department of State Services, DSS, gave evidence accordingly.

Justice Omotosho, on Tuesday, also convicted and sentenced 14 others to different jail terms, ranging from 20 to 25 years in each of the counts filed against them.

Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, led the federal government’s lawyers, including Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, in the proceedings.

The confessional statements of the convicts and  investigation reports were tendered by the prosecution through the DSS witness and were admitted in evidence and marked as exhibits.

Those convicts, who bagged life imprisonment, are Ali Abiso, Bakura Abah Kabiru, Ado (a.k.a Luka Garba) and Babagoni Masawai.

In one of the charges, marked: FHC/KNJ/CR/509/2026, the federal government sued  Abiso as sole defendant.

After the counts were read to him, Abiso pleaded guilty to all the four counts.

Justice Omotosho, who sentenced Abiso to life imprisonment in counts two and four, committed him to 25 years jail term in each of counts one and count three, totalling 50 years.

The judge, however, directed that the sentencing in counts one and three must run concurrently.

“The plea of guilty made by the defendant corroborates his confessional statement and the court is of the irresistible view that the defendant is guilty as charged of the four counts charge.

“In final analysis, this court is satisfied that the prosecution has established the charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is convicted as charged,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

In count four, the convict, a 30-year-old man from Bama local government area of Borno, was alleged to have, on or before July 8, 2022, aided and participated in Boko Haram attacks carried out in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza and Aulari.

The offence, the prosecution said, was contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Also, Bakura Abah Kabiru, who actively participated in the terror group’s activities, was sentenced to life imprisonment in count two and given a 25-year jail term in each of counts one and three.

For Ado (a.k.a Luka Garba), the judge committed him to life imprisonment in count two and 25 years in count one.

Babagoni Masawai was sentenced to life in jail in counts six and seven; 20 years imprisonment in counts one and two while the judge committed him to 10 years in each of counts three, four and five respectively.

Justice Omotosho equally sentenced 14 other convicts to various jail terms.

The judge delivered the judgment after they all pleaded guilty to the charges and their confessional statements with investigation reports tendered through the DSS investigator who testified as prosecution witness.

The convicts are Ali Mustapha, who bagged 20 years in count one and 10 years in each of counts two to seven, making 80 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the sentencing shall run concurrently after a plea for mercy.

Other defendants who were convicted and sentenced by Justice Omotosho for terrorism-related offences are  Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu and Mohammed Abdullahi.

Others are Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu and Ali Musa.

Source: NAN

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Justice Binta Nyako, in a judgment, also convicted Bello of paying tax of N20, 000 to Boko Haram contrary to Section 21 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Justice Nyako, who found Bello guilty of the offence after he pleaded guilty to the two-count charge preferred against him by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, ordered that the sentencing shall run concurrently.

The federal government in the charge, marked: FHC/KNJ/CR/563/2026, sued Bello as sole defendant.

In count one, Bello of Mantari Village in the Bama local government area of Borno was alleged to have in 2023, rendered support by facilitating Nigerian currency notes of N750, 000 to Boko Haram contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013, and punishable under the same act.

In count two, he was accused to have paid a N20, 000 tax to the terrorist organisation contrary to Section 21 of Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Bello, who pleaded guilty to the charge, begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Nyako ordered that Bello be rehabilitated and deradicalised.

In another case involving Hamat Modu, who pleaded guilty to being a member of Boko Haram group, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years jail term in each of the four counts bordering on terrorism offences, following his guilty plea.

The judge, who directed that the counts must run concurrently, also ordered that Modu should undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

Also, Isah Ali, who was 18-year-old at the time of his arrest, pleaded not guilty to count one but pleaded guilty to count two of the two-count charge.

M. Jibo, lawyer to the federal government, applied that the court should strike out count one and accordingly convict Ali in count two.

She urged the court to also admit his confessional statement and investigation report as exhibits.

Ali, while pleading for mercy, said he was young when he was drafted into the terror group.

The defence lawyer, Aliyu Abubakar, the Director General, Legal Aid Council, also pleaded for mercy.

“The defendant was 18 years when he was arrested and had been in detention since three years now.

“It is another case of terrorism by association. We pleaded that the court should take this into consideration in sentencing him,” he begged.

Justice Nyako, who struck out count one, sentenced the defendant to 10 years imprisonment in count two and ordered for his rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

The judge, in another case, sentenced Shehu Bukar to 20 years imprisonment in count three in which he pleaded guilty out of the five counts preferred against him.

Count three accused him of rendering support as livestock rustler by selling goats to Boko Haram group contrary to Section 5 of Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Bukar, however, pleaded not guilty to other counts, including count two where he was alleged to have participated in a terrorist attack at Konduga in Borno where scores of people were killed.

A 43-year-old Alhaji Kulle was sentenced to a five-year jail term in count one and three of the three-count terrorism charge which must run concurrently.

The prosecution had, in the count three, accused Kulle of paying the sum of N6,000 to Boko Haram weekly, knowing that the money would be used to finance terrorism activities.

Justice Nyako equally jailed Tasiu Yakubu seven years in a one-count charge preferred against him by the federal government.

The AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led other lawyers including Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions, in the trial, tendered Yakubu’s confessional statement and investigation report as evidence before the court, urging the court to convict Yakubu in accordance with the law.

Abubakar, DG of Legal Aid, did not object but prayed the court to temper justice with mercy since the defendant had been remorseful.

But Fagbemi argued that based on Section 5 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, Yakubu ought to be given 20 years imprisonment though his sentencing might run from his date of arrest.

According to him, sentencing guidelines must follow what the law says.

After listening to the parties, Justice Nyako sentenced Yakubu to seven years jail term from the date of his arrest and ordered for his rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

In another development, Justice Nyako sentenced Abdullahii Ali to a 20-year imprisonment in a one-count charge filed against him.

Ali, who was alleged to have rendered support to the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, by assisting through logistic supply of fuel to the terror group, admitted committing the offence.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 13 and 13(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Fagbemi urged the court to sentence him in accordance with the law.

The judge, in his judgment, sentenced Ali to 20-year jail term beginning from November 20, 2023, which was the date of his arrest.

Source: NAN

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There is a kind of fear that does not announce itself with gunfire. It does not arrive on motorcycles or through midnight phone calls demanding ransom. It settles quietly, reshaping how people think, what they believe, and even what they dare to hope for. This is the fear that outlives the bullet.

In April 2014, the world woke up to a phrase that would become both a rallying cry and a haunting reminder of Nigeria’s vulnerability: Bring Back Our Girls. In the quiet town of Borno State, over 270 schoolgirls were taken from their dormitories in the dead of night by fighters loyal to Boko Haram.

But the abduction was never just about the girls. It was about what they represented.

Books. Classrooms. The idea that a young girl in Northern Nigeria could sit behind a desk, learn, and imagine a future beyond the boundaries imposed by fear or tradition. In the logic of terror, that idea itself was a threat.

Years later, in February 2018, history echoed in Dapchi, where more than 100 schoolgirls were again abducted. Most were eventually returned. One was not.

Leah Sharibu remained in captivity—her continued detention reportedly tied not to ransom, but to refusal. Refusal to renounce her faith. Refusal to submit.

In that moment, the nature of the conflict became unmistakably clear. This was no longer about money. It was about belief.

From Violence to Ideology

In the third edition of The Sunday Stew, we launched The Insecurity Triad, beginning with kidnapping —the marketplace where human lives are traded. In the second, we confronted banditry—the siege on Nigeria’s land and food systems.

But beneath both lies a deeper, more enduring force. One that does not merely extract wealth or occupy territory, but seeks to capture the mind itself.

This is terrorism—not just as violence, but as ideology. Not just as conflict, but as a competing vision of order.

Across parts of Northern Nigeria, the authority of the state is no longer the only voice. In its place, groups like Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram have attempted to construct an alternative reality—one governed not by constitutional law, but by rigid interpretations of belief, enforced through fear.

Unlike banditry, which is driven largely by profit, terrorism is anchored in ideology. Its objective is not simply to coerce—but to convert, to dominate not just territory, but thought.

Where the bandit demands payment, the terrorist demands submission. Where the kidnapper negotiates, the extremist dictates.

This distinction explains why terrorism is often more enduring—and more difficult to dismantle. You can disrupt a supply chain. You can block financial flows. But dismantling an idea—especially one rooted in identity—is infinitely more complex.

By the Numbers: The Expanding Terror Footprint

The scale of terrorism in Nigeria is no longer anecdotal—it is measurable.

Nigeria is now ranked among the four most terrorism-affected countries globally, reflecting a sharp deterioration in its security environment.

In 2025 alone:

• Over 170 terrorist incidents were recorded;
• Fatalities climbed to approximately 750 deaths;
• Nearly 80% of these deaths were linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Even more revealing is the global contrast. While terrorism-related deaths declined worldwide, Nigeria recorded one of the sharpest increases, signaling a crisis that is not just persistent—but intensifying.

Geographically, the crisis remains concentrated—but not contained.

Borno State alone accounts for the majority of attacks and fatalities, yet the pattern is shifting.

The trend is clear: fewer but deadlier attacks, and a widening operational footprint.

The War Against Education

One of the clearest expressions of this ideological war is the sustained attack on education.

The very name Boko Haram loosely translates to “Western education is forbidden.” But beyond semantics, the message is unmistakable: knowledge itself is seen as subversive.

Schools are not just buildings; they are symbols. They represent mobility, empowerment, and the possibility of a future that exists outside extremist control.

To attack a school is to attack the future.

From Chibok to Dapchi, and in numerous smaller incidents across the North-East, the targeting of students has been both strategic and symbolic. It sends a message to communities: education carries a cost—and that cost may be too high to bear.

Parallel Sovereignty

Terrorism thrives where the state recedes.

In many affected regions, extremist groups have moved beyond hit-and-run attacks to establish systems of governance:

They collect levies;

They enforce rules;

They adjudicate disputes.

In doing so, they create what can only be described as parallel sovereignty—a competing structure of authority that challenges the legitimacy of the Nigerian state.

With millions displaced across the North-East, terrorism has already begun reshaping not just territory, but population patterns and governance realities.

The New Frontier: From the North-East to Kwara State

For years, the epicentre of terrorism has been the North-East. But the geography of terror is no longer static. It is expanding.

Increasingly, attention is turning to Kwara State—once considered relatively stable—as a potential new frontier.

Bordering pressure zones and sitting along critical transit corridors, Kwara offers the kind of terrain where non-state actors can establish footholds and expand influence.

Recent intelligence patterns suggest growing movement across the North-Central corridor, linking parts of Niger State, Kogi State, and Kwara.

What begins as sporadic incursions can evolve into:

Embedded cells;

Supply networks;

Ideological penetration.

This is how insurgencies spread—not always through conquest, but through incremental penetration.

The danger is not just isolated attacks, but normalisation.

If the North-East was the birthplace of insurgency, then Kwara represents its next testing ground.

Terrorism in Nigeria is no longer confined to a region—it is becoming a pattern.

Mazrui and the Fracture of Identity

To understand the depth of this conflict, we return to Ali Mazrui. In The Africans: A Triple Heritage, Mazrui described African identity as a synthesis of three forces: Indigenous, Islamic, and Western.

His thesis was one of harmony.

What we are witnessing now is rupture.

Terrorism represents an attempt to violently reorder this balance—rejecting pluralism and imposing a singular worldview.

Where Mazrui saw convergence, the extremist sees contradiction.

Where he envisioned coexistence, the terrorist enforces exclusion.

This is not merely a security crisis. It is a civilisational contest.

The Psychology of Fear

Terrorism operates not only through violence, but through psychological dominance.

The goal is not just to kill—but to condition.

Not just to destroy—but to reshape behaviour.

Communities begin to self-censor.

Parents withdraw children from school.

Expression becomes cautious.

Over time, fear becomes internalised.

This is the true victory of terror: when society begins to regulate itself according to fear.

The Sovereignty Question

At its core, terrorism poses a fundamental question:

Who governs?

Is it the constitution?

Is it elected authority?

Or is it the actor that can most effectively project fear?

A nation does not lose sovereignty only when borders are breached. It loses it when its authority is contested from within.

Breaking the Cycle

Confronting terrorism requires more than military force. It demands a multidimensional response:

• Security Presence: Intelligence-driven, sustained operations;
• Education Protection: Safeguarding schools as national assets;
• Counter-Ideology: Promoting pluralism and coexistence;
• Community Trust: Rebuilding confidence between citizens and the state.

This is not simply a war of weapons. It is a war of ideas, legitimacy, and identity.

Closing Argument: The Final Pillar

If kidnapping commodifies life, and banditry captures the land, terrorism seeks to colonise the mind.

And a nation that loses control of its mind risks losing everything else.

The Insecurity Triad is not just a framework—it is a warning. Each pillar reinforces the other—financially, territorially, and ideologically.

But the urgency has deepened.

What was once a regional crisis is now a national drift. From the classrooms of the North-East to the forests of the North-Central, the geography of terror is widening.

The frontlines are no longer fixed.

The war for Nigeria’s soul is no longer distant. It is moving—quietly, steadily—into new spaces, new communities, and new consciousness.

The question is no longer whether the threat exists.

The question is no longer where it exists.

The question now is whether we have the clarity—and the will—to stop its spread.

As The Insecurity Triad concludes with this edition, new vistas begin to emerge. Chief among them is the need to interrogate the concepts developed in this series within the context of Nigeria’s evolving insecurity—now a single, interlocking system of money, land, and mind, eroding sovereignty, fracturing identity, and placing the nation under siege.

Next week, we will confront it fully.

Don’t miss it.

Happy Easter

Trust is Sacred. Stay Seasoned.

*Dr. Amuchie is the founder and CEO of Sundiata Post and the developer of The Insecurity Triad analytical framework. He writes The Sunday Stew, a weekly syndicated column on faith, character, and the forces that shape society, with a focus on Nigeria and Africa in a global context. X – @MaxAmuchie | Email: max.a@sundiatapost.com | Tel: +234(0)8053069436.

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The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference on military operations.

Onoja said the sustained offensive targeted remnants of Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe.

He said troops, supported by air components, carried out precision strikes on insurgents’ enclaves in remote and border areas.

“During the quarter, troops neutralised several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 174 suspects and rescued kidnapped victims.

“In addition, 19 insurgents and their families surrendered, bringing the cumulative number of surrendered persons to over 122,800,” he said.

Onoja said ISWAP had confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu Ya’yar al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.

According to him, the development underscores the effectiveness of ongoing operations in degrading the group’s leadership structure.

Providing details of March operations, he said troops neutralised top commanders , including Saddam, Sandy, Gary, Kagu and Baha’i Pembe in a precision strike on Sambisa Forest.

He added that troops repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks in several locations, including Gajiram, Baga, Marte and Monguno.

The defence spokesman said troops also foiled a drone attack at Malam Fatori in Abadam local government area, where 74 terrorists were killed and weapons recovered.

“On March 11, over 20 terrorists, including a high-value target, Abu Yusuf, were neutralised during a night attack in Yobe.

“Fourteen insurgents also surrendered within the period,” he said.

He added that troops disrupted terrorist logistics by intercepting fuel supplies and arresting collaborators aiding insurgents.

Source: NAN

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The 2026 Global Terrorism Index report (GTI), released last week by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), shows that Nigeria experienced the largest year-on-year increase in terrorism-related deaths globally. The surge propelled Nigeria to fourth place on the index, trailing only Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In 2025, Nigeria was ranked sixth, while in 2024, we were eighth in the world.

Nigeria’s ascent in the rankings comes amid decade-long security crisis characterised by an escalation in terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The violence and associated deaths have taken a heavy toll on the nation’s security apparatus, with several senior military officers among those killed in recent operations. Despite the fact that the United States of America recently bombed terrorists’ hideout in Sokoto State and has sent a sizeable number of its troops to the country to train Nigeria’s security operatives, the terrorists seem to be daring America’s President Donald Trump by stepping up their criminal enterprise.

There is no denying the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa remains the global epicentre of terrorism, hosting six of the 10 most affected nations. In contrast, Western nations experienced a paradoxical trend. While global incidents decreased, fatalities in the West rose by a sharp 280%. This spike was primarily driven by political terrorism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.

Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism deaths globally in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent, from 513 in 2024 to 750. Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with a multifaceted security crisis, as extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoots attempt to carve out control of swathes of territory. Various ethnic militia and other criminal elements, including ‘bandit’ groups, are also active, mostly in North and Central Nigeria. Newer threats from emerging terrorist groups like the Lakurawa are also emerging.

In February this year, 162 people were massacred in Kwara state, near the border with the Benin Republic. This was one of the deadliest single attacks in the country’s recent history. On Wednesday last week, the army said troops, backed by air support, repelled a coordinated assault by Islamist insurgents on a military base in the north-eastern state of Borno, killing at least 80 fighters, including senior commanders. The assault comes after multiple suicide bombings last week Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, that killed at least 23 and left more than 100 wounded.

The report stated that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for most of the terror attacks in the country in 2025. Civilians were the most targeted group in 2025, accounting for 67 per cent of victims of the attacks, while the military accounted for 19 per cent.

Boko Haram was responsible for Nigeria’s second most lethal terrorist attack of the year. In May, armed militants raided the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

While Borno remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s terrorism crisis, accounting for more than two-thirds of all attacks and deaths in 2025, together, ISWAP and Boko Haram accounted for 80 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria in 2025. The report revealed that Lakurawa, a relatively new group that surfaced in 2024, recorded 10 attacks and 74 deaths in 2025. However, there has been a growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s South-West region, which has become a major source of concern for residents, community leaders, and security experts.

States such as Ondo, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti, once considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the country, are now witnessing a disturbing rise in kidnappings, armed attacks, and killings.

In many rural communities and along major highways, residents now live in constant fear, as criminal gangs exploit forests and remote areas to carry out violent operations. The situation has heightened anxiety among farmers, travellers, and residents who increasingly feel unsafe in their own communities. Specifically, the region has seen a sharp rise in insecurity over the past two months, with 32 reported attacks across affected states.

In some communities, farmers have abandoned their farmlands, while travellers avoid certain roads for fear of falling victim to kidnappers. The violence has not spared community leaders and traditional institutions, as even traditional rulers have been targeted and murdered by armed attackers. Such incidents have further deepened the sense of insecurity across the region and raised serious concerns about the safety of lives and property.

Amid the growing crisis, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over what it described as the increasing influx of terrorists and bandits into the South-West from the northern part of the country.

Few days ago, the group warned that the region is gradually coming under pressure as criminal groups move into forests and border communities to establish operational bases for kidnappings and violent attacks. According to the organisation, the rising incidents of abduction and attacks on communities indicate a dangerous escalation of insecurity in the region.

But state governors in the South west are still behaving as if nothing is amiss. They issue press statements after any major attack to condemn the act and it ends there. Their docility may end up endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians if they continue to slumber. Agreed that some of them met with former President Muhammadu Buhari before they could establish the regional security network, the Amotekun. The then President Buhari still went ahead to decline to issue licenses to State Governors to purchase sophisticated weapons for the outfit. Will Amotekun operatives, armed with only dane guns be expected to face terrorists with sophisticated weapons?

Even with President Bola Tinubu in power, State Governors in the South west have not met with the President to canvass for more fire power for the security outfit. While Tinubu may have his style of dealing with the security challenges facing the country, the Governors should, as a call to duty, ensure that high calibre arms and ammunitions are bought for the group.

If the State Police now being championed by President Tinubu eventually comes to fruition, security apparatus in the South western states would be strengthened, with Amotekun providing the much needed man power support, while the newly established forest guards would take care of the bushes, which is being gradually taken over by armed terrorists.

The worsening security situation in the region has also sparked public outrage in several communities, particularly in Ondo State, where residents have staged protests against the rising wave of kidnappings. In Akure-North Local Government Area, angry youths and community members recently blocked a major highway to protest repeated attacks and abductions in their area. The protesters expressed frustration over the continued threat posed by armed criminals and called on the authorities to take urgent steps to protect residents.

Ondo State is reeling from a wave of insecurity, with kidnapping, terror attacks, and killings leaving residents in fear. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to tackle the menace, announcing measures like night-time motorcycle ban. Security forces have arrested over 160 suspects, but concerns persist, as ransom payments continue to fuel the crisis.

Recent attacks have also led to the closure of schools, as anxious parents rush to withdraw their children from areas deemed unsafe. The impact on farming communities has been particularly severe, with many abandoning their lands for fear of being attacked or kidnapped.

Time for talk is over. What we desire is peace and the safety of all Nigerians where ever they may reside.

Gunmen also recently invaded the community near Akure Airport and fired gunshots, throwing the community into panic and leading to the hurried closure of schools in the area. The development led to anxious parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children, as rumours of insecurity spread quickly across the communities.

In Osun State, border communities, especially those around Osun/Kwara borders, are living in fear. The fallout of insecurity in Kwara State is responsible for the situation. Villages that were known to be peaceful are now being attacked by terrorists. For example, unknown gunmen invaded Ora-Igbomina community recently, kidnapping residents on two different occasions.

The gunmen, whose identities were unknown during the first attack in January, kidnapped a retired customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state. The kidnapped victim was released after three weeks and payment of ransom to his kidnappers. Another resident, a farmer, was not so lucky, as he was killed.

In February this year, the men of the underworld returned to the same Ora community, located on the Osun-Kwara boundary, and kidnapped two residents, Tayese Adeyeye, and Sunday Adewumi. In view of these happenings, the state government held several security meetings, where it was agreed that the border security should be strengthened.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, after a Security Council meeting, said that his administration would work with all security operatives to tighten security at border towns to curb the spreading insecurity in Kwara State from affecting Osun.

Rising cases of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, have become a growing concern across parts of Oyo State, with residents of several communities expressing fears over their safety.

Areas considered most vulnerable include Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and some parts of Ogbomoso. Suspected criminal elements have reportedly taken advantage of isolated routes and forested areas to carry out abductions.

Ogun State has also had its fair share of insecurity with reported cases of kidnapping and banditry in some local communities. In Lagos, many known kidnappers and bandits have been seen in the state, “cool off” after major operations in the North. Again, local criminal elements have also “cashed in” by staging several kidnappings-for-ransom, although many of them were caught.

The six South west Governors met early this year to collaborate on strategies to nip the crisis in the bud. They spoke about establishing a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team to coordinate security operations across the region, specifically to address kidnapping and activities of criminal groups. They also spoke on deploying advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems (drones) to monitor forests, which serve as kidnappers’ hideouts, while plans are afoot to launch a live digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time exchange of threat alerts.

To fund the initiatives, a South West Security Fund (SWSF) is to be set up, funded by the states, to ensure steady financial resources for security patrols, equipment, and training, overseen by Special Advisers on Security from all the six states. Amotekun is also to be empowered to intensify patrols along vulnerable routes and in forests. There is a renewed emphasis on deploying dedicated Forest Guards to reclaim areas used for kidnapper hideouts.

On the influx of large numbers of people into the region which could lead to criminal infiltration, the Governors said that they would be tightening border monitoring, and also collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for better identification. It is time for them to fast track the implementation of these plans for the safety of the region. Time for talk is over. What we desire is peace and the safety of all Nigerians where ever they may reside.

See you next week.

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