Oriire Kidnap: FG Arraigns Ansaru Commanders, Mahmuda, Abu Baraa and The Three New Suspects Arrested By DSS On Fresh Charges of Terrorism, Murder of Teachers

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal government, on Wednesday, arraigned two commanders of the Ansaru terrorist organization captured by the Department of State Services (DSS),
and their three foot soldiers, for terrorism, kidnapping and murder of two teachers of schools in Orire LGA of Oyo State.
The five suspects were arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahin of the federal high Court, Abuja.
In August 2025, DSS operatives captured Mahmuda top commander, Abubakar Abba Mahmuda Abu Bara’a and his deputy, Abubakar Abbas aka Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri.
According to security sources, after the capture, Ansaru made two attempts- one in December 2025, and another in February 2026, to free their commanders. However, the attempts were reportedly foiled by DSS intelligence to the state security council, after which the secret police continued to update intelligence on the group’s activities.

On May 15, 2026, several armed men belonging to Ansaru terror group stormed some schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, kidnapping 46 people made up of 39 students and seven teachers. Apparently, to mount pressure on government to release their two captured commanders in DSS’ custody, the terrorists killed two of the teachers.
On July 10, 2026, however, security forces from the DSS and the military, police and other security agencies, stormed the forest where the terrorists were holding the abductees, freeing the hostages.
During the rescue operation, DSS operatives captured three more members of the Ansaru terror organization- Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani.
On July 23, the three men pleaded guilty to concealing information regarding the Oriire school kidnapping and for membership in the proscribed Darul Salam/Ansaru group. They were promptly handed life imprisonment.
Relatedly, a Federal High Court in Abuja, last week, sentenced Mahmud Usman (Abu Bara’a) and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after they both pleaded guilty to some charges in the 32-count charge of belonging to a terrorist organization, among other charges.
After the sentencing, feelers from the DSS suggested that the secret police was dissatisfied with the judgement and was going to appeal.
However, in a fresh twist, the DSS, on Wednesday, changed strategy, opting to arraign the terrorist commanders and three of their foot soldiers on fresh charges of terrorism, kidnapping and murder of persons in Oriire LGA.
Justice Salim adjourned the matter to September 24 for the commencement of trial. He ordered that the five suspects remain in the custody of the DSS.

Oriire Kidnap: FG Arraigns Ansaru Commanders, Mahmuda, Abu Baraa and The Three New Suspects Arrested By DSS On Fresh Charges of Terrorism, Murder of Teachers

Scores killed as JAS, ISWAP Clash escalates in Lake Chad Islands

By: Zagazola Makama

Fresh intelligence has revealed a renewed outbreak of violent clashes between rival terrorist factions, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in parts of the Lake Chad Islands, pointing to the persistent internal conflict that continues to shape the insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.

According to intelligence sources, the fighting occurred around Mangari and Tumbun Allura, where the two factions engaged in a fierce confrontation over control of strategic locations within the Lake Chad basin.

Preliminary reports indicate that JAS fighters gained the upper hand during the initial stages of the battle, reportedly killing dozens of ISWAP fighters and seizing two boats belonging to the rival group before withdrawing to their stronghold at Kurnawa.

Security sources said the clashes form part of the longstanding rivalry between the two extremist groups, both of which have repeatedly engaged each other in violent confrontations over territorial control, access to logistics routes, recruitment networks and influence across the Lake Chad Islands.

The reported seizure of the boats is considered significant, as watercraft remain a critical means of transportation for fighters, weapons, food supplies and other logistics across the difficult terrain of the Lake Chad waterways.

Zagazola sources warned that the confrontation could trigger wider security implications for communities and military formations operating around the Lake Chad axis.

Troops deployed in Mallam Fatori, Baga, Cross Kauwa, Kukawa and other locations surrounding the lake have been placed on heightened alert amid concerns that fleeing ISWAP fighters could disperse into surrounding areas.

Security assessments also suggest there is an increased likelihood of terrorists attempting nuisance attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) ambushes, or isolated assaults as surviving fighters seek to evade pressure or re-establish operational momentum.

There are also expectations that the infighting may encourage additional defections and surrenders by fighters disillusioned with the ongoing conflict between the rival factions.

Military authorities are understood to be considering intensified offensive operations to exploit what is viewed as a temporary weakening of ISWAP’s posture. Plans include increased offensive patrols, precision fire missions and enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities across the Lake Chad Islands to track the movement of fleeing fighters and prevent their regrouping.

While such internal clashes may temporarily weaken one or both groups, they also carry the risk of creating unpredictable security challenges, including retaliatory attacks, shifts in terrorist movement patterns and renewed threats to civilian populations and military positions across the region.

Scores killed as JAS, ISWAP Clash escalates in Lake Chad Islands

Fubara Swears in 12 Permanent Secretaries, Tasks Them on Integrity, Service

By: Michael Mike

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday swore in 12 new Permanent Secretaries, charging them to uphold the oath of office, demonstrate integrity, and provide selfless leadership as they assume the highest managerial positions in the state civil service.

The governor said the appointments were not rewards or avenues for personal enrichment but a call to serve the people of Rivers State with fairness, professionalism and unwavering loyalty to both the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara reminded the appointees that the oath they had just taken should remain the guiding principle of their conduct throughout their tenure.

“I do not have any other charge. The charge is the oath you’ve taken. The oath spells it out. Do right to all—every man and woman. Do right to your state and do right to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor declared.

Those sworn in included Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, Mrs. Fortune Akpila, Dr. Promise Oguzie, Mrs. Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs. Ibiyemibara Joseph Uzoma, Mrs. Mercy Dagogo Iboroma, Dr. Vincent Worgu Wachukwu, Mr. Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr. Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Mr. Henry Uzor, Mr. Chimenum Anebo Mpi and Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru.

The oath of office was administered by the Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration) of the Rivers State High Court, Magistrate Betty Sunny-Hart.

Fubara described the appointments as an elevation to the pinnacle of the state’s civil service hierarchy, noting that permanent secretaries occupy strategic positions that determine the efficiency and effectiveness of government ministries.

According to him, the appointees must provide the leadership needed to improve governance and strengthen public service delivery across the state.

“It is a call to service. You are the heads of your ministries, wherever you may be sent. You are at the peak of the managerial cadre of the civil service, the highest of our service. You are at the head, so you need to do the work as somebody who is at the head.

“So, I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,” he said.

The governor further urged the officials to build institutions that would endure beyond the lifespan of his administration, stressing that effective governance is measured by continuity and the ability of successive administrations to build on established foundations.

“When we are done with our own, I believe that your good work will help whoever is coming to take over from us to also continue with the good work in our dear state,” he added.

He congratulated the newly appointed permanent secretaries and wished them success in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The appointment comes as the Fubara administration continues efforts to reposition the Rivers State civil service for greater efficiency amid ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance, policy implementation and service delivery. Permanent secretaries, as accounting officers and chief administrative heads of ministries, play a pivotal role in translating government policies into programmes and ensuring continuity in public administration irrespective of political transitions.

Fubara Swears in 12 Permanent Secretaries, Tasks Them on Integrity, Service