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ANALYSIS: While NSCDC in Borno battles vandals, Yobe command caught escorting them — sabotage or systemic rot?
ANALYSIS: While NSCDC in Borno battles vandals, Yobe command caught escorting them — sabotage or systemic rot?
By: Zagazola Makama
Let’s not mince words: something stinks in Yobe, and the stench is coming from a scandal that cuts to the heart of national security and institutional credibility.
On July 8, 2025, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe intercepted a truck stuffed with vandalised railway iron sleepers. Alongside it, a shiny NSCDC-marked Hilux van, yes, an official vehicle of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was caught red-handed escorting the stolen goods. And who was in it? Five NSCDC officers.
This wasn’t a case of mistaken identity. This wasn’t a situation where officers were tricked or “unaware of the content.” No. A total of ₦128,500 in bribe money was found hidden in one officer’s inner clothing. This was collusion. This was betrayal. This was sabotage.
And while the NSCDC in Borno State is cracking down on infrastructure vandals, parading suspects, and backing Governor Zulum’s bold efforts to protect public assets, their counterparts in Yobe were busy escorting criminals to Damaturu, enabling the theft and dismantling of Nigeria’s fragile railway infrastructure.
Let’s talk about Borno for a moment. In July 2023, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum banned metal scavenging entirely, citing clear links between scavengers, terrorism, and sabotage. People were trekking deep into forests Boko Haram territory not to farm or trade, but to dig up abandoned government property: street lights, cell towers, even military scrap. There were cases where scavengers picked up Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) thinking they were scrap metals. Some died instantly. Others caused massive panic.
And now, what happened in Kano just this week? An IED exploded inside a scrap pile, killing five people and injuring many more in the Hotoro area. Preliminary intelligence? The metal came from the North-East, most likely Yobe. The Kano State Government didn’t wait for another disaster; they immediately banned all scrap metal imports from the North-East. They’re connecting the dots.
So why are we not doing the same? Let’s break it down: In Borno, scrap scavenging is banned because it risks lives and national security. In Yobe, NSCDC officers are allegedly collecting bribes to escort stolen metal infrastructure potentially including explosives from forest zones undergoing military operations. In Kano, people are dying from explosives hidden in scrap metal traced to Yobe.This isn’t just corruption, it’s a national security threat from same NSCDC that is meant to protect these installations? The same agency tasked with defending our national infrastructure? The ones who take an oath to secure our communities?
Let’s ask the hard questions now, not when the next bomb explodes: Who licensed the scrap operators in these zones? Who signed off on the movement of tonnes of metal from remote forests to cities under NSCDC escort? Are scrap yards being monitored for IED contamination?Why are there no nationwide protocols between NSCDC, the military, and state governments on scrap metal movement?
The time for lip service is over. The time for “we will investigate” is done. The dots are connected, and the picture is disturbing.
It is not enough for Yobe NSCDC to remain silent while their officers are in custody. Nigerians demand answers. Governor Zulum was right to act in 2023. Kano has followed suit. Yobe must now take a stand before more blood is spilled over a business that is fast turning from petty theft into mass murder.
And for every officer who chooses bribes over duty, you’re not just sabotaging infrastructure. You’re sabotaging the very country you swore to protect.
ANALYSIS: While NSCDC in Borno battles vandals, Yobe command caught escorting them — sabotage or systemic rot?
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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