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Fact Check: Claims of 26 Soldiers Killed in ISWAP landmine is FALSE, Only 2 Soldiers Confirmed Died with one injured

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Fact Check: Claims of 26 Soldiers Killed in ISWAP landmine is FALSE, Only 2 Soldiers Confirmed Died with one injured

By; Zagazola Makama

Recent reports suggesting that 26 soldiers were killed in a landmine attack in Borno State on April 29, 2025, have been debunked following a detailed investigation. According to military sources and verified accounts, only two soldiers lost their lives in the explosion, with one sustaining injury.

The initial reports, which claimed that 26 soldiers were killed and 20 others injured in the incident, circulated widely, causing confusion and alarm. However, a thorough fact check reveals that the true nature of the event is far less devastating than what was initially reported.

The repoter may have mistaken, the figures of the IEDs attack on Civilians along Kalabalge with the attack on troops along the Damboa Road.

The incident occurred around 10:05 AM on April 29, 2025, while Nigerian military personnel were carrying out a routine Military Supply Route (MSR) dominance and escort duty for civilians traveling from Damboa to Komala XP. The explosive device detonated along the route, killing Corporal Hassan Mohammed (NA/66/9990) and Private Victor Nwite (NA/85/10829). Additionally, Private Jatto Mukhtar (NA/86/2851) was injured in the blast.

Subsequent to the explosion, military personnel acted swiftly to evacuate the casualties to the 25 Brigade Field Ambulance, where they were treated before being airlifted to Maiduguri for further medical care.

Contrary to the claims of 26 soldiers being killed and 20 soldiers with serious injuries, who were transported to the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army hospital in Maiduguri.

In the aftermath of the IED attack, another incident occurred when one of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which was deployed to assist with the casualty evacuation, caught fire. The fire, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical or mechanical fault, spread quickly and ignited the vehicle’s ammunition. Despite efforts to control the flames, the explosion forced troops to retreat to a safe distance. After the fire was put out, the damaged vehicle was recovered and returned to base.

The situation remains highly volatile, and troops have been advised to maintain maximum alertness as the security situation continues to evolve.

However, the official figures confirm that the casualty count remains at two fatalities, not the 26 soldiers reported earlier.

This fact check serves to clarify the misinformation surrounding the tragic attack and provide the public with accurate information regarding the incident.

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1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

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1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

By: Michael Mike

A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.

The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.

Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.

He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.

“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.

“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”

He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End

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Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

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Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

By: Zagazola Makama

A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.

According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.

Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.

The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.

Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

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Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

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Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

By: Zagazola Makama

A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.

However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.

“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”

Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.

Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.

“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”

The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.

While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.

It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.

Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.

Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

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