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Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over
Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the worst of Boko Haram insurgency is over, even as he acknowledged recent surges in attacks by the terrorist group.
Governor Zulum made the statement on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.
Zulum, while delivering his remarks at the meeting, further explained his statement by reflecting on the more escalated security situation the state had previously endured. He stated that compared to the peak of the crisis years ago, the current security landscape, despite recent setbacks, shows significant improvement.
Zulum also called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their necessary cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies. He emphasised that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort, urging residents to be vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security operatives to prevent attacks and ensure a lasting return to peace in the state.
“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.
“The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he added.
Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent tactical setbacks across the theatre. He praised the sacrifice and bravery of the officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who, in some cases, pay the ultimate price for the nation’s security.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi, while giving the assurance of the Army headquarters to provide necessary logistics to the troops, also commended Governor Zulum for his support to the armed forces.
He said, “I want to most sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno.”
He added, “We have confidence in our society here in the theatre and from the Army headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure they achieve their mission.”
The meeting was attended by the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullaho Ishaq (Rtd) and other senior government officials.
Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over
Gunmen kill five, abduct passengers in attack on Abuja–Ilesha bus in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that five persons were killed and several others abducted in a deadly attack on a commercial bus along the Oshokoshoko/Agbede Highway near a military checkpoint in the state.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, when heavily armed hoodlums blocked the highway and opened fire on vehicles in transit.
According to the source, an 18-seater Toyota bus with Jigawa State registration number HJA 687 YD, conveying passengers from Abuja to Ilesha, was riddled with bullets during the attack.
“Five unidentified corpses with gunshot injuries were recovered at the scene,” the source said.
The sources added that one of the passengers, identified as Naziru Aliyu, was rescued with gunshot wounds and rushed to Fisayo Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital mortuary in Lokoja.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Obajana was said to have mobilised joint security teams to the area for assessment and rescue operations.
Further bush-combing and intelligence-led operations later led to the rescue of 14 additional passengers. They were identified as Qorib Akere, Hamsatu Umar, Maryam Abubakar, Alpha Abdullateef, Alpha Uammi Adamu, Sanni Yahaya, Engr. Wojuola Olajide, Ademola Ibrahim, Fidelis Ajeh, Musa Muhammed, Nehemiah Gyang, Kanini Moses and Simon Obadiah.
Some of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at Fisayo Hospital.
The police said about four passengers from the bus are still unaccounted for.
The sources Investigation has commenced, while strategies for further rescue operations and the arrest of the perpetrators are being intensified.
The command assured residents and road users of its commitment to restore safety along the highway and bring the attackers to justice.
Gunmen kill five, abduct passengers in attack on Abuja–Ilesha bus in Kogi
Troops repel terrorist ambush attempt in Borno, neutralise one fighter
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have engaged and repelled suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an ambush operation in Borno State, neutralising one fighter and recovering arms and ammunition.
Sources said that the encounter occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, when the troops made contact with the terrorists.
The sources said the terrorists fled in disarray after the troops opened fire, leading to immediate exploitation of the area.
“One terrorist was neutralised. One AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered,” the sources stated.
It added that troops expended 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement, with no casualties recorded on the side of the military.
Troops repel terrorist ambush attempt in Borno, neutralise one fighter
Islamic State claims attack on Niamey airport
By: Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State’s media arm, Amaq News Agency, has claimed responsibility for an overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, marking a rare strike close to the heart of the city.
In a statement circulated on Friday, Amaq said fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) carried out a “surprise and coordinated” operation on the night of Jan. 29–30, targeting Air Base 101 located within the airport complex.
The group alleged that the attack caused “significant damage” and “heavy losses,” though Nigerien authorities have not released official casualty figures. Airport operations reportedly continued after the incident, while damage assessment was ongoing.
Zagazola report that the assault, which lasted several hours on the night of 28–29 January, was carried out by armed assailants mounted on motorcycles who switched off their headlights to infiltrate the city undetected.
The attackers reportedly targeted military installations co-located with the civilian airport, including drone platforms, air defense systems, and commercial aircraft belonging to Air Côte d’Ivoire and ASKY Airlines. Mortars, drones, and small arms were used in the attack.
The Nigerien Defense and Security Forces, with the support of Russian African Corps personnel, repelled the assault, sustaining four injuries among security personnel. Twenty assailants were neutralized, 11 apprehended, and several motorcycles destroyed or seized. Civilians were unharmed.
Reacting to the incident, Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of backing the attackers, while commending Russia for its support to Niger’s defence efforts. ISIS had now came out to claim responsibility for the attack dismissing the initial claims of Niger’s Junta.
Islamic State claims attack on Niamey airport
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