Army Reunites Rescued Women, Children with Families in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has successfully reunited nine rescued captives, comprising women and children, with their families following a recent rescue operation in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were earlier rescued by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Ngoshe under Operation Hadin Kai, as part of ongoing operations tagged Desert Sanity.

The reunification ceremony took place at about 4:00 p.m. on April 22 in Ngoshe community, where families and residents turned out in large numbers to receive the victims.

The event was witnessed by representatives of the District Head of Ngoshe and other community stakeholders.

Sources said the atmosphere was marked by visible relief and joy, as residents celebrated the safe return of the women and children who had been held in captivity by terrorists.

The rescued victims include Mrs Zainab Umar (22), Aisha Abubakar (20), Aisha Audu (20), Aisha Idris (17), and another Aisha Abubakar (16), who was reportedly forced into marriage by a terrorist commander.

Others are Aisha Musa (10), Musa Umar (6), and two toddlers.

Following the reunification, the victims were documented and taken to a community clinic for medical examination and further care.

Military authorities said the successful rescue and reunification illustrates ongoing efforts to protect civilians and restore normalcy in conflict-affected areas.

Army Reunites Rescued Women, Children with Families in Borno

Troops Foil Boko Haram Attack, Rescue Nine Captives in Mandara Mountain in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted terrorist attack and successfully rescued nine captives, including women and children, in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out by troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Ngoshe, as part of ongoing offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity.

The sources disclosed that the troops had earlier conducted a successful rescue mission in the Mandara Mountains, freeing nine captives held by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

However, at about 10:20 a.m. on April 22, an unconfirmed number of terrorists launched a follow-up attack from the Gava axis in an apparent attempt to re-abduct the rescued victims.

The troops responded with what was described as disciplined and coordinated firepower, decisively repelling the attackers and foiling their attempt.

Military authorities said the swift response ensured the safety of the rescued captives, preventing a potential reversal of the successful rescue operation.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that one of the rescued victims, a 16-year-old girl identified as Aisha Abubakar, had been forced into marriage by a terrorist commander known as Dabbaba.

The suspect was reportedly formerly in Ngoshe and later returned to terrorist ranks in the Mandara Mountains.

All rescued individuals were administered first aid and are currently in the custody of the troops for further care and debriefing.

Sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational effectiveness.

The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, rescuing hostages, and denying terrorists elements freedom of action in the North East.

Troops Foil Boko Haram Attack, Rescue Nine Captives in Mandara Mountain in Borno

Earth Day 2026: HOMEF Calls for Urgent Climate Action as Nigeria’s Environmental Crises Deepen

By: Michael Mike

As the world marks Earth Day 2026, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called for urgent and sustained action to confront accelerating environmental degradation, warning that humanity must urgently shift from rhetoric to responsibility in addressing the climate crisis.

This year’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” underscores the need to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels, drastically cut carbon emissions, and adopt holistic strategies that protect biodiversity and restore damaged ecosystems.

HOMEF said the mounting environmental challenges facing the planet—including erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, deforestation, oil pollution, and biodiversity loss—can no longer be addressed through gradual or fragmented responses.

According to the organisation, environmental protection is no longer optional but a survival imperative tied directly to public health, food security, economic stability, and national security.

The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, called for bold investments in ecological restoration and stronger global commitment to environmental justice. He stressed that humanity already possesses the capacity to reverse environmental decline, but lacks the political will to act decisively.

He noted that Earth’s ecosystems remain the foundation of all life, providing essential resources such as clean air, water, and fertile soil. Their continued destruction, he warned, threatens the future of both current and coming generations.

Bassey urged a shift away from extractive systems he described as environmentally exploitative, calling instead for a renewed relationship with nature rooted in stewardship, sustainability, and respect for ecological limits.

He further warned that failure to protect the planet amounts to “destroying the home we all depend on and leaving nothing but ruins for those who come after us.”

HOMEF used the occasion to encourage citizens and governments to adopt practical climate actions such as tree planting, reducing single-use plastics, supporting zero-waste systems, and promoting indigenous conservation practices.

The organisation also highlighted ongoing environmental hazards in Nigeria, particularly persistent oil-related disasters. It drew attention to the continued burning of the Ororo-1 oil well off the coast of Awoye in Ondo State, which has reportedly been active for several years, as well as the ongoing wellhead fire at Ofiomina-Ama community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

HOMEF described these incidents as long-standing ecological emergencies that demand immediate government intervention, including decommissioning of hazardous sites, environmental cleanup, and comprehensive community rehabilitation.

The group stressed that Earth Day should go beyond symbolic celebration, insisting it must serve as a global moment of accountability and renewed commitment to protecting the planet.

“This is a defining moment,” the organisation said in its message. “We either act decisively to defend the Earth, or we accept a future shaped by irreversible environmental decline.”

As Earth Day 2026 is observed worldwide, HOMEF is urging governments, industries, and individuals alike to move beyond awareness and embrace urgent, concrete action to secure a livable planet for future generations.

Earth Day 2026: HOMEF Calls for Urgent Climate Action as Nigeria’s Environmental Crises Deepen