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Fact Check: Claims of 26 Soldiers Killed in ISWAP landmine is FALSE, Only 2 Soldiers Confirmed Died with one injured
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.
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Katsina State have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims after intercepting an armed bandit attack on Yankara-Funtua highway in Faskari Local Government Area.
Sources said on Jan. 24 at about 1:25 a.m., unidentified armed bandits blocked the highway and abducted six occupants of a green Honda Civic, registration number AAA 518 BC, en route from Funtua to Faskari.
The DPO Faskari, on routine patrol, promptly engaged the hoodlums in a tactical gunfight.
The bandits were overpowered and fled into the bush, abandoning their mission. All six victims, Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida, were rescued unharmed and safely returned to their homes.
Intensive patrols continue in the area, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man, Umar Hamza, was apprehended Wednesday night for trespassing and attempting to steal from the Emir of Bauchi’s residence.
Sources said Hamza entered one of the Emir’s son’s rooms carrying a bunch of keys and tried to commit theft around 8:20 p.m. on January 23.
He was intercepted shortly after the act and taken into the Police custody for questioning.
Police said Preliminary inquiries indicate the suspect intended to steal from the palace.
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic mission to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland.
This is just as he said Nigeria has reclaimed a frontline seat in global and regional policy conversations.
VP Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
According to the Vice President, the trip is part of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its determination to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Vice President had departed Abuja for Conakry, where he attended President Doumbouya’s inauguration, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS, while opening new pathways for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea-Conakry, Senator Shettima proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led the Nigerian delegation at the WEF 2026.
One of the highpoints of his engagements in that country was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos, the Nigeria’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade, designed as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled, “When Food Becomes Security,” the Vice President outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar of national security and macroeconomic stability.
Vice President Shettima also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, a forum advocating African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and value chains rather than foreign aid.
On the economic front, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation to 12.94 per cent.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s imminent transition into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, and the growing export of digital talent.
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
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