News
Boko haram insurgents dare the Governor’s convoy
Boko haram insurgents dare the Governor’s convoy
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Early this week, precisely on Tuesday, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum was to return to maiduguri after a working visit to Gamboru Ngala but delayed the journey due to some state exigencies.
And that saved his entire convoy from running into a morning disaster if he had chosen to return to Maiduguri early on Tuesday morning.
Zulum had gone days earlier to Gamboru Ngala as usual to distribute palliatives of food and non food items to the residents and was to return that fateful Tuesday.
The insurgents had assessed wrongly that since he had finished sharing the food stuffs and cash, for the vulnerable, he would leave first thing that day but he never left early to fall in line with the spies of the insurgents.
In his characteristic style, Zulum rather left in the evening and arrived Maiduguri safely without encountering the improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) planted on the highway that fateful day.
Impeccable sources told this reporter that in place of the convoy, another set of commuters carrying food stuffs ran into the buried trap and some of them lost their lives in the process with others sustaining severe injuries.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Daso stated that the deadly IED planted along the Gamboru Ngala road killed seven commuters on the spot.
His words, “an Isuzu pick up van coming from Gamboru and going to Maiduguri ran into the IED explosive along kinoba and mosuseni road at Gamboru Ngala axis of the road.
” The driver and 6 others died on the spot after the explosion while 3 others in the vehicle sustained various degrees of injuries.
” Police Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit and joint security operatives have visited the scene to access the situation.”
The entire trunk A road is scanned daily before it is plied by commuters because it is closed daily to traffic at specific hours of the evening.
Boko Haram insurgents have been badly degraded in the north east war theatre of operation Hadin Kai but the iswap faction has remained a thorn in the flesh of security agencies of late.
They have always come out with their trade mark asymmetrical surprises within the three sectors of the theatre sometimes kidnapping people as they did in Yobe recently.
Recently also, Borno elders have regretted the lapse in the security of the state and have called on the government to do something before the state is returned to the dark days.
All the trunk A roads in Borno actually need security escorts to ply except for that of Damaturu Maiduguri which can be plied by commuters without escorts.
The only people who dare to ply the roads are commercial vehicles who are sometimes stopped to pay tolls to the insurgents depending on which direction the insurgents control.
The road is constantly plied by a joint security team of the RRS squad which also escorts vip’s in and out of the state capital for fear of being kidnapped.
Heavy ground and air operations have been taking place recently to back up the major kinetic support being received from the theatre commander, operations Hadin Kai Major General Gold Chibuisi into
Insurgents recently targeted and attacked the convoy of the governor of yobe state in a commando style attack but unfortunately, Governor Buni was not in the convoy which lost one police man to the attack”
Boko haram insurgents dare the Governor’s convoy
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
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
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