Nigerian Army decimates bandits, rescues captives in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has successfully neutralised armed bandits and rescued numerous captives in a recent operation across Eriya and A’ure communities of Mariga Local Government Area, as well as border areas of Magama LGA in Niger State.

According to sources, the operation targeted bandits who had migrated from the Ibbi–Zugurma sector of Kainji National Park. While relocating from their former camp in Ibbi Forest, the criminals reportedly attacked civilians along their route, killing some and abducting others, while transporting previously kidnapped victims.

Troops from Warari Forward Operating Base (FOB) and Gulbin Boka FOB, Kontagora Barracks, engaged the criminals in a series of coordinated assaults, neutralising a significant number of terrorists. Several fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries, diminishing their capacity to regroup or carry out further attacks.

The operation also led to the successful rescue of men, women, and children who had been held in captivity. Military officials described the intervention as a demonstration of superiority, discipline, and unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives.

The military sources lauded the bravery and professionalism of the troops, highlighting their contribution to restoring peace and confidence in the affected communities.

Efforts to sustain operational pressure on bandits in the region continue, with the sources urging communities to cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability.

Nigerian Army decimates bandits, rescues captives in Niger State

JUDGE’S INTERVENTION SAVES IGP EGBETOKUN FROM COMMITTAL TO KUJE PRISON

By: Michael Mike

The committal proceedings instituted against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun by Mrs Nnena Anozie, the traumatized and frustrated wife of abducted and missing Mr. John Anozie came up for hearing on Tuesday, the 17th February 2025 before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

At the beginning of the proceedings, Mrs Anozie’s Counsel, Vincent Adodo, recounted the facts of the case from the abduction of Mr. John Anozie from his Lekki Lagos residence on 15th June 2017 by police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Akwuzu, Anambra State, two separate orders made by the Anambra State High Court directed at the Police to charge Mr. Anozie to court or release him unconditionally, and another directing the police to release his corpse for burial following the claim by the police that Mr. Anozie had died in their custody.

Following an investigation conducted by the IGP X-Squad of the Police Force Headquarters based on a petition presented by Mrs Anozie in 2018, the investigation report indicted four officers in the crime whose names are: ASP Anthony Ikechukwu Obiozor, Sgt. Emeana Uzozhukwu, SP. Sunday Okpe, John Eze and Oriole all from SARS, Akwuzu, Anambra State.

Investigation also revealed that the named officers made heavy withdrawals from Mr. Anozie’s bank account just about 4 days after his abduction.

Despite the issuance of a legal opinion by the then Commissioner of Police in Charge of Legal, CP Tuesday Emienbo recommending the named officers for dismissal from service, arraignment and prosecution, nothing was done to bring the culprits to justice. Another petition written in 2023 by Falana and Falana Chambers led to the re-opening of investigation in the matter which was led by one Chinedu from the IGP-Monitoring Unit.

The refusal of the police authorities to arraign and prosecute the culpable officers despite the avalanche of evidence indicting them in Mr. Anozie’s disappearance prompted Mrs Anozie to request under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 for the certified true copies of the two investigation reports and the legal opinion of Mr Emienbo and for same to be forwarded to the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. The request also included a demand to the IGP to handover the officers to the AGF for prosecution. The police authorities failed to honour the request, further prompting the institution of an action before the Federal High Court under the Freedom of Information Act in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/865/2025: Mrs Nnena Anozie v. Inspector General of Police to compel the release of the case files and the officers for prosecution.

On 24th September 2025, the Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice B.F.M. Nyako delivered judgement in the case ordering the IGP to, among others, release the investigation reports and legal opinion to Mrs Anozie and the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation while also awarding the sum of #2,000,000.00 as damages against the police.

Despite service of the judgment with Form 48 on him, the IGP failed to obey the judgment, prompting the service on him of form 49 and subsequently a motion to commit the IGP to Kuje prison for contempt.

At the proceedings on Tuesday, the 17th February 2026, Stanley Nwodo appearing for the IGP informed the court of the receipt of the judgment and that he filed a counter Affidavit to the committal motion. The presiding Judge, Justice Nyako after listening to Mrs Anozie’s story offered to intervene in the matter with a view to obtaining a lasting result on the case. Consequently, the court adjourned the contempt proceedings to the 23rd April 2026 for hearing.

JUDGE’S INTERVENTION SAVES IGP EGBETOKUN FROM COMMITTAL TO KUJE PRISON

IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing

By: Michael Mike

As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.

In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.

IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.

The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.

According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.

“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.

IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing