Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on July 19 when a large number of terrorists, riding several motorcycles and supported by two gun trucks, advanced on the military position, with additional fighters approaching on foot.

The sources said troops of the 212 Battalion detected the advancing terrorists early and immediately engaged them with overwhelming firepower, frustrating the assault and forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.

A reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer of the 212 Battalion arrived shortly after the initial engagement to reinforce the position and stabilise the situation.

According to the sources, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties during the failed assault, with several bodies reportedly dragged away by their fleeing comrades.

Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and were stabilised before being evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further treatment.

The military also recorded minor equipment damage, as the body and four tyres of a gun truck were damaged by rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fragments during the firefight.

Military sources said exploitation of the battlefield would be conducted at first light to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.

Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For 69th ECOWAS Summit in Freetown

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Senator Shettima will join other political and business leaders across West Africa and beyond at the Summit scheduled to take place at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Freetown, today, July 19, 2026.

The summit is expected to focus on key policy decisions, strategic resolutions, and reaffirm the leaders’ collective commitment to peace, democracy, economic growth, and regional integration.

A part of the ECOWAS Mid-Year statutory meeting, the summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior officials and regional institutions to advance the Community’s shared priorities of security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development.

The Vice President will return to Abuja at the conclusion of his engagements in the West African nation.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For 69th ECOWAS Summit in Freetown

Buni approves N74 billion for projects in Yobe

By: Yahaya wakili

The Yobe State Executive Council has approved the sum of ₦73,323,775,914.05 billion for various projects and services across the state.

In its meeting held today, presided over by His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni. The council approved the sum of ₦28.531 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements for the mega agriculture empowerment program of Governor Mai Mala Buni for the year 2026.

The council has also ratified ₦4.939 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi modern motor park and grains market. In addition, the sum of ₦5.687 billion was approved by the council for external facilities and augmentation of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu modern motor park.

The state executive council also approved 3.945 billion for the construction of a new shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari town. The council also ratified ₦ 652 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Limited.

The sum of 3.424 billion has been approved by the council for the construction of an office complex/HQ for the Ministry of Housing and the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

The council also approved the sum of 1.342 billion for upgrading, remodeling, landscaping, and installing safety barriers for four major roundabouts in the Damaturu metropolis and some upgrades in the ongoing construction of the Damaturu mega shopping mall, respectively.

The state executive council has also approved the sum of 460.828 million for the procurement of beans for distribution to female small business owners as empowerment support. In addition, a total of 1,780 bags of 50 kg of beans will also be distributed to beneficiaries, as well as the sum of 364.475 million for the procurement of 1,000 units of Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines for empowerment support to people across the state.

The sum of 23.974 billion was ratified by the council for two major road projects. These include $21.904 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45 km Kalallawa-Kaliyari road in Damaturu and Tarmuwa local government areas and $2.070 billion for the construction of the 7 km Damagum-Gubana road. The project completes 17 km of road to Gubana town from Damagum.

Buni approves N74 billion for projects in Yobe