News
Mali Protests Saudi Media Reports, Accuses Journalists of Sowing Disinformation
Mali Protests Saudi Media Reports, Accuses Journalists of Sowing Disinformation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Government of Mali has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over recent media reports concerning the security situation in northern Mali, particularly around the Kidal region.
The protest follows broadcasts by Saudi-based media outlets Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, which Bamako described as misleading and damaging to the image of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 17, 2026, the Malian authorities accused journalist Ibrahim Moustapha, correspondent for the two networks, of entering the country “illegally” and operating in “flagrant violation of Mali’s sovereignty.”
The government further alleged that the journalist may have had links with armed groups operating in the region, an accusation the authorities extended to the content of the reports aired by the networks, which Bamako described as “false, unfounded and aimed at undermining national institutions.”
The reports in question reportedly focused on security developments in northern Mali, including the Kidal axis, an area where state authority has faced persistent challenges from armed groups.
The diplomatic note also warned that such reporting could strain relations between Mali and Saudi Arabia, a country Bamako described as a “long-standing friend and partner.”
The development comes amid ongoing debate over press freedom and media access in Mali, where international organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions on journalists and shrinking civic space under the transitional authorities.
Observers note that Mali has in recent years tightened oversight of media operations through regulatory bodies, including suspensions of outlets and prosecutions linked to alleged dissemination of false information.
Bamako’s action has renewed discussion on the role of journalists in conflict zones, with media rights advocates maintaining that independent reporting remains a core element of international humanitarian law, provided journalists do not take part in hostilities.
Tensions reportedly escalated further after Al Arabiya broadcast footage showing Malian soldiers allegedly held captive in the north, a development the government also condemned as an infringement on national sovereignty.
While the Malian authorities maintain that media coverage must respect territorial integrity and security sensitivities, press freedom advocates argue that conflict reporting does not necessarily require prior authorisation from parties to a conflict.
The situation has raised concerns over possible diplomatic friction between Bamako and Riyadh, although no official response has yet been issued by the Saudi authorities or the media organisations involved.
Any prolonged disagreement could carry broader diplomatic and economic implications for Mali, which continues to navigate complex security and international relations challenges in the Sahel region.
Mali Protests Saudi Media Reports, Accuses Journalists of Sowing Disinformation
News
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing offensive operations against armed criminal networks in Plateau State, neutralising two notorious terrorist leaders, critically wounding another and recovering six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The latest developments followed sustained military offensives at Dajin Madam in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on November 8, 2026.

Security sources disclosed that HUMINT reports received at about 8:53 a.m. on November 9 indicated that the intensity of the military operation had resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorist leaders identified as Haruna Balatoni and Black.
Another notorious figure, identified as Dogo Mai Kunkuru, was reportedly shot in the chest and left in a critical condition, with sources indicating that his chances of survival were slim.
In a significant development on November 10, the sustained military pressure reportedly compelled the terrorist network, through an intermediary identified as Ali-Kwara, to return six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The recovered weapons are currently in military custody.
In a related operation, troops of 173 Battalion deployed at Mansur rescued a kidnapped mother and her daughter and recovered 39 cattle.
The developments represent a significant disruption of the criminal network’s leadership, weapons stockpile and capacity to sustain operations in the Wase axis.
The recovery of the six rifles is particularly important as it restores weapons previously lost to the criminal network and provides an opportunity for further intelligence exploitation.
The latest successes underscore the impact of sustained offensive pressure, intelligence-driven operations and military presence in dismantling armed groups operating across Plateau State.
The reported deaths of the terrorist leaders and the condition of Dogo Mai Kunkuru are based on preliminary HUMINT assessments and remain subject to independent military confirmation
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
News
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 114 Battalion (Reinforcement) have dislodged suspected terrorists from their hideouts during a fighting patrol in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, conducted under Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), commenced at about 7:30 a.m. on November 8, 2026, with troops advancing towards Komodoro village, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.
Security sources said the criminals fled upon sighting the advancing troops, prompting the patrol team to extend its operation to Mashigin Kirya village within the same local government area.
At Mashigin Kirya, the troops encountered suspected terrorists believed to have been hibernating in the general area and engaged them, forcing the armed elements to retreat.
The troops subsequently recovered five motorcycles suspected to have been used by the criminal group for mobility and logistics.
To further disrupt the fleeing terrorists, the troops conducted a fire mission using an 81mm mortar along their withdrawal route.
The operation was ongoing as troops sustained pressure on suspected criminal hideouts and movement corridors in the area.
The development point to the military’s determination to deny armed groups safe havens and restrict their freedom of movement across Taraba State.
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
News
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), have launched an investigation into an attack on Fulani herdsmen in Obelagu Umuamba community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, which left two herders and 16 cattle dead.
The incident came to light at about 11:00 a.m. on November 10, 2026, when a joint patrol team comprising troops of the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Reinforcement), alongside police and DSS operatives, visited the community to assess the cause and extent of damage from the recent attack by suspected hoodlums.
On arrival, the security team discovered that two Fulani herdsmen and 16 cows had been killed, while two other persons sustained injuries.
Following the discovery, the troops convened a joint peace and security meeting involving community leaders, representatives of the Fulani herders, neighbourhood watch groups and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, security officials cautioned all parties against taking the law into their hands, warning that reprisals could escalate tensions and further threaten peaceful coexistence.
The troops subsequently recovered the corpses and handed them over to the police for further investigation.
Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, including suspected local collaborators.
The intervention is aimed at preventing retaliatory violence, restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities have urged both farming and herding communities to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
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