The development is contained in an operational report made available on Saturday in Abuja.

The report revealed that the operation, conducted by troops of 82 Division in collaboration with other security agencies, took place on Friday along the Ubaha-Orsu axis of Orsu local government area.

According to the report, the mission was part of ongoing clearance and search operations aimed at flushing out IPOB/ESN elements and locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew.

“The two personnel were abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding,” it said.

The report stated that troops advancing on the suspected hideout came under heavy attack from armed criminals but responded with superior firepower, repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the attackers to flee.

It noted that the encounter highlighted the desperation of the criminal group, which continues to target both security personnel and innocent civilians.

“Following the clearance of the camp, troops conducted a detailed search and discovered shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel.

“The remains were subsequently exhumed and secured for forensic examination, including DNA analysis, to confirm their identities.

“Efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and facilitate dignified burial arrangements,” the report said.

It added that the operation underscored the Army’s commitment to justice for fallen personnel and the continued dismantling of criminal networks in the South-East.

“The discovery further exposes the atrocities of IPOB/ESN elements and their disregard for human life,” the report stated.

The Army reassured the public of its resolve to sustain operations until all criminal elements are neutralised and lasting peace restored in the region.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

Yoruba ronu!

N’West, Central: Army intensifies offensives, intercepts explosives

Forget the propaganda, Amosun’s influence is unmatched

EFCC arrests Cameroonian over alleged N1.5bn bank fraud

INTIMATE AFFAIR: Assisted fatherhood, By Funke Egbemode

US negotiators to go to Islamabad, but Iran says no direct talks

Troops neutralise 31 terrorists, rescue victims

Sanwo-Olu swears in seven new permanent secretaries

Police confirm abduction of medical doctor in Niger

The post Suspected remains of army couple recovered in IPOB camp appeared first on Frontpageng.

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.

READ ALSO: 

Labour Party fixes national convention for April 28

COVID-19: Govt confirms case in Cross River

US positive on Iran deal but talks still uncertain

Bad habits that don’t change as you age

Poetry: NLNG prize for literature draws 223 entries

I-G restructures Police Monitoring Unit, gives reason

Troops destroy bandits’ enclaves in Bauchi

UTME: How woman died after taking child to exam centre -Police

NCC, CBN sign MoU for consumer safety, inaugurate committees against fraud

The post Celebrating our military’s heroic actions across multiple theatres appeared first on Frontpageng.

The announcement was made in an operational report released to on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report said troops of 82 Division Garrison, with 103 Battalion and the Air Component, conducted clearance operations in Ajali Forest, Ezeagu local government area.

It said the troops targeted enclaves of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

According to the report, troops discovered an anti-tank improvised explosive device along the axis during the operation.

“The IED was recovered to a safe area by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team after three failed detonation attempts,” the report stated.

It added that troops continued forest clearance using bulldozers and chainsaws to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“In a related development, troops at Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, conducted a raid based on actionable intelligence.

“Security information indicated that ransom for a kidnap victim was electronically tracked to a location near the troops’ deployment area.

“Troops swiftly mobilised and apprehended a suspect’s brother at the scene,” it said.

The report added that further exploitation led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle and N2 million from the suspect’s residence.

It said the suspect and recovered items had been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and action.

“All operations were conducted successfully without incident,” the report added.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO:

Ogun guber: Why I’m still consulting with critical stakeholders on APC consensus candidate –Sarafa Isola

MCDN: 150 journalists to benefit from career devt programme

EXTRA: Onoruwo ibn Ambali: The garri trafficker @60

Police arrest 146 suspects in Sagamu

Supreme Court to hear PDP leadership appeals April 22

Oyo: Olubadan reacts to alleged plot to unseat Makinde

Nigerians reserve right to be angry over hardship under Tinubu’s govt —Bwala

2,102 PhD candidates jostle for PTDF overseas scholarship

Police arrest 188 suspects, rescue 12 kidnap victims in Katsina

Police arrest two security guards over alleged murder of traveller

Stock market gains N443bn

The post Troops recover IED, ransom cash in Enugu raids appeared first on Frontpageng.

In the last five years in the five South Eastern states of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi, Mondays have been declared sit-at-home days, meaning a no-work day. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in 2021, ordered that Mondays be observed as a no-work-day in those states in solidarity with their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested in Kenya, and ferried back home to face prosecution over his agitation for the creation of Biafra Republic out of Nigeria.

The sit-at-home protests, enforced by IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, since 2021, has transformed from a symbolic act of dissent into a protracted crisis, with devastating socio-economic and security consequences for the region. There are reports that more than 776 lives have been lost to the activities of unknown gunmen during these times. Imo and Anambra states hold the record for more than half of these deaths. Besides this, the region has suffered staggering losses, including N7.6 trillion in economic damages and systemic disruptions to education, governance, and livelihoods.

Initially rooted in legitimate grievances over marginalisation and the detention of Kanu, the movement has been hijacked by violence, criminality, and internal fragmentation, eroding public support and deepening instability. Small businesses, according to SBM Intelligence, lost about N4.6 trillion every year since its commencement, while transport companies lose between N10 billion and N13 billion every Monday when violent groups enforce the shutdown. These losses stem from widespread market closures, disrupted supply chains, and the inability of businesses, particularly SMEs, to operate effectively. The impact is evident in both urban and rural areas. Large commercial hubs like Onitsha Main Market, one of Africa’s largest, has been repeatedly forced to close, resulting in missed transactions and financial strain for traders and consumers.

Even with the absence of Nnamdi Kanu, Simon Ekpa, became the self-styled second in command, and from his base in Poland, continued to direct the enforcement of the sit-at-home order. His eventual arrest and prosecution outside the shores of the country did not bring an end to the sit-at-home, as many of the local enforcers had succeeded in instilling fear into the minds of the locals back home. Any trader that tries to open their stall on Mondays for business was dealt with. Some were killed, while others had their businesses destroyed. There seemed to be little or nothing many of the state governors in the region could do, as most of them were sympathetic to the cause of Kanu. But after more than two years and with the crisis still dragging, some state governors now feel that the time is ripe to nip the crisis in the bud. The economic toll it is having on their states’ economies is enormous and the idea is no longer sustainable.

However, they are having a tough time convincing their people on the need to shelve the strikes and bring things back to normal. States like Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia are doing all within their power to put a stop to the sit-at-home order. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu state, imposed penalties for compliance with the sit-at-home order, which helped bring some normalcy back to Enugu. He ensured that civil servants that did not show up for work on Mondays went home with a pay cut at the end of the month; provided security for market men and women that are willing to work on Mondays, whilst also sealing shops that remained closed, all in a bid to resuscitate economic activities by showing that it was safe and mandatory to return to normal Monday routines.

The proponents of the order should realise by now that they have done more harm than good with the directive, and a great damage to the economy of the region.

In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti implemented a combination of strong security measures and public engagement to reduce the impact of the Monday sit-at-home order. He directed all security agencies to deploy at all flashpoints and conduct regular patrols to protect law-abiding citizens and deter any enforcer of the order. He also engaged directly with various stakeholders in the state including IPOB and community leaders on why the sit-at-home order should be discarded, emphasising that it has no legal backing and that it is economically destructive. Again, civil servants were lured back to work and those who failed to show had their salaries deducted.

In Ebonyi State, both the former Governor, Dave Umahi and the current Governor, Francis Nwifuru took the fight to militant groups by directing security agents to deal with miscreants fomenting trouble in the state. Umahi, now Minister of Works, established the Ebubeagu Security outfit to maintain daily patrols to prevent harassment of citizens by IPOB enforcers. This has led to improved security across the state as he charged the Nigerian Army to intensify efforts to end the order, whilst approving a reward system to boost the morale of security personnel.

To address the root causes of youth restiveness, his administration has launched vocational training and entrepreneurship support programmes to create sustainable jobs within the state.

On his part, the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, in an attempt to kick-start the economy of the state, directed an end to the sit-at-home order few weeks ago. However, traders at the Onitsha Main Market felt otherwise. On Monday last week, majority of them stayed away from their stalls and a shocked Soludo ordered the closure of the market for one week. Prior, he ensured that he addressed the concerns of the traders by meeting Nnamdi Kanu in prison, who assured him that he did not order the sit-at-home. Again, he said that 150 security men were posted to the market to ensure that hoodlums did not attack any trader that chooses to open for business. In addition, Soludo noted that the Onitsha Main Market was opened throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities without any incident. He wondered what went wrong and why the traders started closing their stalls again after the New Year. ‘’If they are willing to listen to the proscribed IPOB not to work on Monday, I will add another six days to it to make it one week so that they could have adequate rest.’’ It was at this point that all hell broke loose. Rather than abide with the directives of the Governors, the traders took to the streets to protest what they termed forced closure of the market and dared Soludo to do his worst.

The following day, the traders again took their protest to the Onitsha Head bridge, where they blocked vehicular movements of those travelling in and out of the state. It took the intervention of the police led by the Anambra Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, to disperse the traders from the bridge.

Soludo has now threatened to shut down the market completely if the traders remain recalcitrant, saying that he could revoke the market title and convert the space to a public school.

If there is one person that should know more about the economic implication of the Monday’s market closure, it should be Soludo. A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Soludo has told whoever cared to listen that the economy of the state is bleeding and that drastic measures had to be taken to get the economy back on track.

Indeed, the extensive economic haemorrhage of the aforementioned states is multiplied by the fact that most people in the Southeast operate in the informal sector as traders, shop owners, artisans, craftsmen, transporters, industrialists, wholesalers, and retailers of motley merchandise. Shutting down the economic space and closing schools in the entire zone has become counterproductive to whatever point IPOB may be making. On several occasions, students have had to miss external examinations fixed for Mondays as nothing could be done to salvage the situation. Many students in the zone have lost countless schooling days. This has created significant educational disadvantage for an entire generation, jeopardising their future and long-term development of the region.

Access to healthcare and other essential services have also become perilous on the enforced lockdown day. Apart from that, the sit-at-home order is also indicative of a larger erosion of political authority and serial failure of the State to restore law, order, and security. If non-state actors can order the closure of markets throughout the region and state governors are having a tough time reversing such directives, it goes to show where authority actually lies.

Foreign investors are no longer willing to operate in the South east region due to the spate of insecurity occasioned by the mindless killings of innocent Nigerians. Now, Soludo has vowed to make sure that economic activities return to the state on Mondays. “We are determined in the fight. We are prepared, enough is enough. I am concerned because the people have given me permission to be their chief servant, it is for the sake of our children, the poor people who depend on the market for daily survival. This fight is to secure Anambra and reassure our investors that Anambra is not a four-day work week; there is a full working week in this state. People; civil servants, and traders must come out on Mondays. For us, this is a moment of reckoning. The calculated economic sabotage to bring down Onitsha must be tackled and on behalf of the Anambra people, we will tackle it head-on. We have exercised enough restraint. Anybody saying he didn’t open for business because of insecurity is just delusional. Insecurity allows you to go to the stadium to play, it allows you to do workouts on the streets, but it doesn’t allow you to open your shop.”

The proponents of the order should realise by now that they have done more harm than good with the directive, and a great damage to the economy of the region. It is quite clear that the sit-at-home order won’t force the federal government to release Kanu. It is the local economy that has taken a hit and now is the time to bring the whole charade to a stop. Those canvassing for the release of Kanu should come up with another strategy, as the sit-at-home has actually set back the economy of the region by several years. In the part of the country where I came from, it is said that you do not cut your nose to spite your face. The south east region must be allowed to grow. The people are hardworking and their progress should not be limited or curtailed by the mindless sit-at-home order that further impoverishes the people. Governor Soludo should be supported by all right-thinking individuals in the state to get the economy of the state back on track. Ending the Monday’s retrogressive sit-at-home order is a step in the right direction.

See you next week.

READ ALSO: 

Family announces burial programme for Princess Nwamaka, Abuja-based lawyer killed by kidnappers

FG to arraign suspects in Benue killings

Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake to headline Afro Nation 2026 in Portugal

Zamfara: Troops neutralise scores of bandits in raid on camp

Grammy award: Fela lives, By Bola Tinubu

SNEPCo begins turnaround maintenance at Bonga to extend asset life

Brazil returnee caught with cocaine hidden in private part, footwear

Nigeria prizes open entries for 2026 on AI, poetry, documentary filmmaking

Niger: Bandits abduct five, set police station, church ablaze

The post IPOB’s sit-at-home order and the south east economy appeared first on Frontpageng.

A three-member panel of justices, in a unanimous judgment, held that the appeal lacked merit and had become academic following Kanu’s conviction for terrorism offences.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, FHC, in Abuja, on November 20, convicted and sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of terrorism offences charged by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Kanu had claimed, in the instant appeal, that his fundamental rights to human dignity, right to quality healthcare and religion were being breached by his continued detention in the facility of the DSS.

He had prayed the appellate court to upturn the judgement of the FHC in Abuja delivered by retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo on July 3, 2022, which dismissed his suit against the Director General, DG, of the DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, on the grounds that he failed to prove his case.

The convicted IPOB leader had named the DG DSS and AGF as 1st and 2nd respondents.

Justice Boloukuromo Ugo, in the lead judgment, held that the appeal was no longer feasible since his conviction, life imprisonment sentence and remand in prison correctional centre.

Justice Ugo held that the substance of the case had become academic because, since Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, confirmed at the proceedings on Friday, that his client was being held in Sokoto Correctional Centre, the court could no longer order him to be moved to Kuje Correctional Centre to which he had sought to be relocated from the DSS custody.

Justice Ugo further held that, having earlier exhibited preference for prison custody, the court could no longer grant his prayers since he had been convicted and sent to the correctional centre where he had wanted to be kept.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO:

The barracks, the Twitter mob and digital dissent: Deconstructing Nigeria’s viral standoff  

FirstBank introduces Vybe Hub to elevate customer experiences for DecemberIssaVybe

Nigerian Navy promotes 127 senior officers

WEATHER FORECAST: NiMet forecasts sunshine, dust haze

Police recall 11,566 personnel from VIPs

Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy, kill woman recording the shooting

Guinea-Bissau military announces General as leader of new junta

Police debunk alleged bandits invasion of Lokoja metropolis

Requiem for a friend and brother…, By Bola Bolawole

The post A’Court strikes out Kanu’s rights breach case against DSS, AGF appeared first on Frontpageng.

The verdict was given on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho at about 4.23 p.m.

The judge said Kanu was supposed to be sentenced to death, but the court decided to be lenient.

His words: “I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for the set count 1, 4, 5 and 6 instead of death sentence. This life is sacred to God…”

He spoke generally on the case before giving the verdict and why the court decided to be lenient.

Said he: “No doubt, the convict has not acted well throughout. He has caused delay severally and started crying unlawfully that he was held without trial. And also, his unruly behaviour from the beginning even till today was noticed.

“However, this court will not consider that as the Lord Himself is merciful.  This court is only being merciful to him because we have to be merciful as enjoined by our lord Jesus Christ.  The court is minded to sentence the convict to death due to the sins he committed. The convict did not show any remorse whatever for his actions.

“He remained arrogant, cocky and full of himself, not realising the magnitude of his crime and effect of what he had done against his people in the South East.

“I’ve listened to the alocutus made by the member of the House of Representative representing the constituency of the convict. Although I’m not really persuaded, but I must temper justice with mercy…

“It is on that note that the court will follow this admonition and show mercy to the convict. In addition, the death penalty is globally being frowned upon  by the international community.

“Consequently and in the interest of justice, I hereby sentence the convict to life imprisonment for the set count 1, 4, 5 and 6 instead of death sentence. This life is sacred to God…”

Meanwhile, before the judgement was given, Kanu, who was returned to court having been earlier ordered out for being unruly, again insisted that he must be given the opportunity to make a final written statement.

When he started shouting, the judge ordered that he should be taken out for the second time.

He suspended the sitting and said he would come back for the judgement.

Shortly after, the judge returned and gave the judgement, but without Kanu allowed in court.

The judge directed Kanu’s consultant to take the judgement to him upon delivery.

Recall that the court had earlier in the day found Kanu guilty of terrorism.

Justice Omotosho declared that the judgement followed the incontrovertible evidences that Kanu made series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings in the country.

Kanu was found guilty of all the seven counts charge against him.

While the first count charge is on terrorism, the second is enforcement of illegal sit at home order while count three is being a member of a proscribed organisatioin.

He is also guilty of the fourth and five counts bordering on inciting people to take up arms against security personnel and their families.

Kanu was also guilty of counts six and seven.

It would be recalled that earlier, Justice Omotosho, ordered Kanu to be removed from the courtroom.

The order followed Kanu’s repeated insistence that the judgement would not be delivered in the terrorism case against him by the federal government.

Kanu argued that the court could not go ahead with the delivery of the judgement which was to be scheduled for Thursday.

His reason was that he was yet to file his final written address.

The IPOB leader accused the judge of being bias.

He also alleged that the judge did not know the law.

Following the order of the judge, Kanu was taken away from the court room.

The judge continued the delivery of the final judgement in his absence and it was broadcast live.

READ ALSO: 

Police arrest man for allegedly killing wife, hiding corpse in sack

Judgement day: Judge orders Kanu out of court for being unruly

Why every Nigerian must wake up to their digital rights

IPI Nigeria to unveil ‘Book of Infamy’ at annual conference

Kebbi girls: Tinubu shares your anguish, Shettima tells victims’ families

FAAC: FG, states, LGCs share N2.094trn revenue for October

Malala Fund injects $1.7m to support girls’ education in Nigeria

Nnadozie wins third straight CAF goalkeeper award

Market dips further, investors lose N216bn

Hakimi, Chebbak lead Morocco’s Golden Night at CAF Awards

Insecurity: DAWN commission seeks urgent action on state police

Sultan, Sarafa Isola, others honour Alake on 20th coronation anniversary

Boko Haram leader jailed 20 years

How UI V-C, Adebowale, honoured me at convocation ceremony

Wadata Wahala and the One-day wife, By Funke Egbemode

The post BREAKING: IPOB leader, Kanu, sentenced to life imprisonment appeared first on Frontpageng.

The verdict was given on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho while delivering judgement in the case of terrorism against Kanu.

Justice Omotosho declared that the judgement followed the incontrovertible evidences in count one that Kanu made series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings in the country.

Kanu has been found guilty of all the seven counts charge against him.

While the first count charge is on terrorism, the second is enforcement of illegal sit at home order while count three is being a member of a proscribed organisatioin.

He is also guilty of the fourth and five counts bordering on inciting people to take up arms against security personnel and their families.

It would be recalled that earlier, Justice Omotosho, ordered Kanu to be removed from the courtroom.

The order followed Kanu’s repeated insistence that the judgement would not be delivered in the terrorism case against him by the federal government.

Kanu argued that the court could not go ahead with the delivery of the judgement which was to be scheduled for Thursday.

His reason was that he was yet to file his final written address.

The IPOB leader accused the judge of being bias.

He also alleged that the judge did not know the law.

Following the order of the judge, Kanu was taken away from the court room.

The judge continued the delivery of the final judgement in his absence and broadcast live.

READ ALSO: 

Police arrest man for allegedly killing wife, hiding corpse in sack

Judgement day: Judge orders Kanu out of court for being unruly

Why every Nigerian must wake up to their digital rights

IPI Nigeria to unveil ‘Book of Infamy’ at annual conference

Kebbi girls: Tinubu shares your anguish, Shettima tells victims’ families

FAAC: FG, states, LGCs share N2.094trn revenue for October

Malala Fund injects $1.7m to support girls’ education in Nigeria

Nnadozie wins third straight CAF goalkeeper award

Market dips further, investors lose N216bn

Hakimi, Chebbak lead Morocco’s Golden Night at CAF Awards

Insecurity: DAWN commission seeks urgent action on state police

Sultan, Sarafa Isola, others honour Alake on 20th coronation anniversary

Boko Haram leader jailed 20 years

How UI V-C, Adebowale, honoured me at convocation ceremony

Wadata Wahala and the One-day wife, By Funke Egbemode

The post BREAKING: IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, found guilty of terrorism appeared first on Frontpageng.

The order followed Kanu’s repeated insistence that the judgement would not be delivered in the terrorism case against him by the federal government.

Kanu argued that the court could not go ahead with the delivery of the judgement which was to be scheduled for Thursday.

His reason was the he was yet to file his final written address

The IPOB leader accused the judge of being bias.

He also alleged that the judge did not know the law.

Following the order of the judge, Kanu was taken away from the court room.

The judge continued the delivery of the final judgement in his absence and broadcast live.

READ ALSO: 

Why every Nigerian must wake up to their digital rights

IPI Nigeria to unveil ‘Book of Infamy’ at annual conference

Kebbi girls: Tinubu shares your anguish, Shettima tells victims’ families

FAAC: FG, states, LGCs share N2.094trn revenue for October

Malala Fund injects $1.7m to support girls’ education in Nigeria

Nnadozie wins third straight CAF goalkeeper award

Market dips further, investors lose N216bn

Hakimi, Chebbak lead Morocco’s Golden Night at CAF Awards

Insecurity: DAWN commission seeks urgent action on state police

Sultan, Sarafa Isola, others honour Alake on 20th coronation anniversary

Boko Haram leader jailed 20 years

How UI V-C, Adebowale, honoured me at convocation ceremony

Wadata Wahala and the One-day wife, By Funke Egbemode

The post Judgement day: Judge orders Kanu out of court for being unruly appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice James Omotosho had, on November 7, fixed November 20 for judgment in the trial of Kanu on alleged terrorism offences.

Justice Omotosho fixed the date after Kanu’s defence was foreclosed following his insistence that he would not enter his defence under a repealed law.

However, in the motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, and personally filed by Kanu, the IPOB leader sought seven reliefs.

In the application dated November 10 and filed same date, Kanu is seeking for an order arresting the delivery of judgment in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 scheduled for Nov. 29.

He alleged that the proceedings were conducted under a repealed and non-existent statute and in disobedience to the Supreme Court’s directive contrary to Section 287(1) CFRN 1999.”

He sought a declaration that by virtue of Section 287(1) CFRN, the trial court was constitutionally bound to give effect to the Supreme Court’s finding that Count 15 (now Count 7) “does not exist in law,” and its failure rendered all subsequent proceedings null and void.

He sought a declaration that the court’s failure to take judicial notice of the repeal of the 2013 Terrorism Act, contrary to Section 122 Evidence Act 2011, vitiates all steps taken thereunder.

He also sought a declaration that by virtue of Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of the Terrorism (Prevention. and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him in the absence of proof that the alleged conduct constituted an offence under Kenyan law or of any Kenyan judicial validation or extradition order.

Besides, Kanu sought “a declaration that the plea purportedly taken on 29th March, 2025, under a repealed and non-existent statute and in violation of Section 220 ACJA 2015 is void and incapable of conferring jurisdiction.

“And forged materials amount to constructive denial of fair hearing under Section 36(6) CFRN.

“An order setting aside all proceedings and orders made by Hon. Justice Omotosho in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 for want of jurisdiction and violation of constitutional supremacy.”

Kanu, who disengaged his lawyers, had opted to represent himself in the charge before Justice Omotosho

Kanu had queried the jurisdiction of the court to try him based on the charge, which he claimed was invalid on the grounds that it was based on repealed laws.

Kanu submitted that the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap C45 LFN 2004 on which the charge was hinged, had been repealed.

He further argued that the failure of the court to take judicial notice that the laws had been repealed rendered the proceedings so far conducted in the case a nullity.

Kanu claimed that his trial was a conspiracy and had been pre-determined, accusing the British authorities of wanting him to be convicted and jailed.

He alleged that he learnt of the British authorities’ intention about his fate about one and half years ago.

But Justice Omotosho said he was unaware of Kanu’s claim.

The judge, who said that he had no relationship with the British authorities, also clarified that he was not the judge during the period Kanu referred to.

The IPOB leader insisted that he would only enter the witness box to give his testimony after he must have been told under which law he was being tried.

Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, held that Kanu, having exhausted the six days allocated to him by the court to conduct his defence, had waived his right to do so.

The judge said he would have extended the days allocated to Kanu to conduct his defence if he had opted to open it.

He said Kanu, having failed to utilise the opportunity given to him to conduct his defence, could not claim to have been denied the constitutionally guaranteed right to fair hearing.

“This court has given opportunity to the defendant under Section 36 as requires by the constitution and I will not allow this to continue.

“It is based on this, without hesitation, that I say that the defendant has waived his right,” Justice Omotosho said and adjourned the matter until November 20 for judgment.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO: 

DSS files charge against man for allegedly calling for coup

How insurance firms are competing with ‘African Insurance Incorporated’

OPC to Tinubu: Forge collaboration to defeat terrorism in Nigeria

Mind your phone manners at public functions

Criterion’s 2025 conference, Eko Akete, opens Wednesday

ICPC chairman to deliver Realnews 13th anniversary lecture

The post Alleged terrorism: Kanu files motion to stop court judgment appeared first on Frontpageng.

Kanu’s was not the first agitation for Biafra. As a fall-out from the unfortunate events of January 15, 1966, Nigeria’s first coup, seen by many as an Igbo coup because of the dominant role played in it by Nigerian military officers of Igbo extraction, and the counter-coup that swiftly followed six months later in July of the same year, widespread violence and the killing of Igbos erupted in the North. In retaliation, Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the Igbos in their quest to exit Nigeria and form their own Republic of Biafra, which he declared on May 30, 1967. In a counter move, the then Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, declared a “police action” against the run-away Biafrans, which was merely a euphemism for the declaration of war. The war raged for two-and-half years, until the Biafrans were defeated by Federal forces. They officially surrendered on January 15, 1970.

Twenty-nine years after, with the return to civilian rule in 1999, a renewed agitation for Biafra led to the formation of MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra) led by one Ralph Uwazuruike. Unlike Ojukwu before him and Nnamdi Kanu that came after him, Nwazuruike adopted a non-violent approach to his agitation for Biafra; nevertheless, the irritations and security risk that his agitations portended led to brushes with the authorities, as a result of which he tasted arrest and detention on a number of occasions. He was also charged with treason at the Federal High Court, Abuja by the Federal Government before MASSOB and its agitation eventually petered out.

Nnamdi Kanu: A different kettle of fish

Enter Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with IPOB, which he founded in 2012! He has toed a radically different line from Uwazuruike. He lived abroad from where he dictated directives to his followers and poured invectives on his perceived opponents. He actively encouraged the use of violence to achieve his stated political goal of forcibly creating Biafra out of Nigeria. He demanded that his followers commit acts of violence against governmental as well as non-governmental facilities and personnel. Ordinary citizens were not spared. Of note was the “stay-at-home order” imposed by IPOB on the entire south-east states every Monday, imperilling the livelihood of millions of people and dislocating the economy of the states concerned. An uncountable number of those caught on the wrong side of IPOB’s “stay-at-home” order are known to have lost life, limb, and livelihood. At the height of his influence, Kanu’s word was law in the entire south-east. Even duly elected leaders of the area quivered at his command. Kanu also reportedly ordered, directed, monitored and supervised from his safe haven abroad the wanton destruction of life and property, especially in Lagos state, during the #ENDSARSNOW protests of 2020.

Enter Simon Ekpa

Rather than bring an end to the atrocities ordered by IPOB against its perceived opponents, the 2021 arrest and detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, further inflamed passions, and the atrocities of his rag-tag “army” became intensified. In 2022, Finland-based Simon Njoku Ekpa, a self-declared disciple of Kanu, stepped into the IPOB leader’s shoes and declared the formation of what he called the Biafra Government-in-Exile. In 2023, Ekpa upped the ante by announcing the coming into force of the Biafran Republic Government-in-Exile, with himself at his head. He bestowed upon himself the title of Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile.

Ekpa’s theatrics and self-amusement, however, came to an abrupt end when he was arrested by the Finnish authorities at the promptings, obviously, of the Nigerian Government and was charged for attempting “to promote the independence of Biafra by illegal means.” The ‘illegal means” referred to were acts of violence and terrorism. The Nigerian army authorities had earlier announced that Ekpa and 96 others were wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats. Nigerian government officials had also stated their wish to have him extradited to Nigeria to face trial.

On many fronts, Nnamdi Kanu has a case to answer! He cannot run away from it!

In September 2025, after a trial that lasted for less than a month, the Biafran “Prime Minister” was found guilty as charged and was handed a six-year jail term. Forty-year-old Ekpa cut a pathetic and pitiable sight on Monday, 1 September this year as cameras caught him crying like a baby after his conviction and sentencing! Ekpa’s trial began on 30 May and ended on 25 June, 2025, with the court sitting for a total of 12 sessions.

Justice delayed…

And that is where the problem lies with the trial of Kanu, who has been facing his own trial this time around since 27 June, 2021, a period of over four years. A maxim of the justice system all over the world says justice delayed is justice denied. There is no beating about the bush on this matter, Kanu’s trial has been delayed; therefore, justice may justifiably be deemed to have been denied him! That is not to say that he did not commit the offences that he has been charged with. Or that he, too, has not been partly instrumental to dragging his case in court. But the Government ought to have been wiser, more prudent, and more diligent. They ought to have understood what Kanu was aiming at. They should have prevented his antics instead of playing along with them. The authorities have been tardy with Kanu’s prosecution, in the typical Nigerian way of carelessness and indifference. There has evidently been a lack of diligent prosecution in this matter. Governments ought not to treat the fundamental rights of citizens with levity. It is a travesty of a citizen’s natural rights to keep him restrained perpetually while government functionaries take time to amuse themselves, fiddling while the same citizen languishes in detention. That is unconscionable! And a travesty of justice!

Let the government make up its mind whether or not to bring Kanu to justice. Four years is enough time for them to have gathered all the evidence they have against him and proceed with his prosecution – or else, let him go, like the protesters led by perennial protester and serial presidential candidate, Sowore Omoyele, have demanded! My Owo (Ogho) people have a saying: “If you waste 10 years preparing to get mad; how many years will you have left to exhibit the madness proper?” Between Finland and Nigeria, the difference in the justice system – and not only in that but also in how governments and institutions function and take their duties and responsibilities seriously – has been laid bare with the way both countries have handled two similar cases, one involving Kanu and the other involving Ekpa.

READ ALSO:

Lagos: Exciting rewards as LASRAB launches quiz competition

Bauchi: Police rescue abducted siblings, nab motorcycle thieves

Gombe: Commissioner, orderly die in auto crash

ABU denies allegations of hidden nuclear weapon project

US to escalate military presence in South America with aircraft carrier group

Truth be told, Kanu’s case ought to have been disposed of long before President Muhammadu Buhari (now late) quit office in May 2023. The incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should never have inherited the case. But since it became his lot to do, then, the two years plus a few months that he has already spent in office is more than enough for him to have disposed of the case. Had that been done; had Kanu been sentenced like Ekpa was sentenced, no one would be asking for his unconditional release and making a fuss about an issue that is as clear as daylight, except that, here, we play all manner of sordid politics, even with very serious issues. Therefore, I put the blame for all the stress, all the embarrassment, and all the losses suffered as a result of the #FREENNAMDIKANU protests squarely at the doormouth of the Federal Government. If there was any loss of life as a result of the protests – because I understand the security agents fired life bullets at protesters (which they should not have done because it is barbaric) – the Government should also bear full responsibility.

No unconditional release for Kanu

That said, I do not accept that Kanu should be released unconditionally. He has to answer, at the very least, for some of his atrocities. I think the protesters also believe so. They merely aggravated the matter by asking for his unconditional release so as to ginger the government to action. So I believe! They also may have used the opportunity of the #FREENNAMDIKANU protests to mark the fifth anniversary of the #ENDSARSNOW protests; which I also think is legitimate. Some have also suggested that the protesters were trying to rub it in:  That if alleged or convicted drug addicts and murderers can be given state pardon, like some were said to have been so pardoned recently, why not Kanu! We have been told, however, that the controversial pardon is undergoing a review. I await the report of the review! But as for Nnamdi Kanu, he must face trial. And since the trial has started, we should let the rule of law run its full course. Yes, the wheel of justice, they say, grinds slowly, but the snail’s speed in this case should be looked into.

My surprise is that a state like Lagos, where Kanu’s incendiary speeches and directives wreaked monumental havoc, leading to loss of life and property, has not brought charges against the Biafra agitator. If the Lagos state authorities didn’t think of doing so before now, they must wake up from their slumber and act as appropriate. On many fronts, Nnamdi Kanu has a case to answer! He cannot run away from it!

Oyebanji’s Ekiti Ring Road project

Different strokes for different folks, as they say. Our people also have a saying, to wit, “What aileth Owa is not the same as aileth the Ooni. While Owa is getting ready for war, the Ooni is preparing to offer sacrifice to Ogun.” Ogun is one of the many deities of the Yoruba people. “Oun t’o n se Owa ko l’o n se Ooni/Owa n mura ogun (re-re), Ooni n mura ogun (do-mi). Despite that both are traditional rulers and neighbours, their concerns differ. That was what played out before our very eyes last week. While Sowore and his ilks were leading protests that caused widespread disruption of social and economic activities and, possibly, avoidable fatalities in some locations across the country , Ekiti state’s Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji aka BAO was inaugurating the Phase One of the Ekiti Ring Road game-changer project.

A national daily’s front page report titled “#FREE NNAMDIKANU: Protest wave hits Abuja, paralyses S’East states” also added: “Abuja protesters tear-gassed, (Presidential) Villa fortified, federal workers barred, S’East locked down” Imagine the dislocation, inconveniences and losses that millions of ordinary citizens, who must work daily to eke out a living, would have been put through for no fault of theirs. Conversely, the Ekiti Ring Road project, which Gov. Oyebanji has now committed himself into executing, will ease traffic flow and save commuters a lot of hassles and reduce time wasted in the perpetual “go-slow” that diminishes the status of Ado-Ekiti as a modern state capital. When governments talk of making their state the destination of choice for investors, one important factor that must be taken into consideration is the ease of moving around, which aids the ease of doing business; not to talk of the pleasure derivable therefrom. The Ekiti Ring Road project, inaugurated last Wednesday, is a project long overdue. It will help open up the largely agrarian and civil service state to rapid socio-economic development. I dare to say that this is a welcome development!

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

The post #FREEKANU protests: Merits and demerits, By Bolanle Bolawole appeared first on Frontpageng.