Troops repel terrorist ambush attempt in Borno, neutralise one fighter

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have engaged and repelled suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during an ambush operation in Borno State, neutralising one fighter and recovering arms and ammunition.

Sources said that the encounter occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, when the troops made contact with the terrorists.

The sources said the terrorists fled in disarray after the troops opened fire, leading to immediate exploitation of the area.

“One terrorist was neutralised. One AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered,” the sources stated.

It added that troops expended 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement, with no casualties recorded on the side of the military.

Troops repel terrorist ambush attempt in Borno, neutralise one fighter

Islamic State claims attack on Niamey airport

By: Zagazola Makama

The Islamic State’s media arm, Amaq News Agency, has claimed responsibility for an overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, marking a rare strike close to the heart of the city.

In a statement circulated on Friday, Amaq said fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) carried out a “surprise and coordinated” operation on the night of Jan. 29–30, targeting Air Base 101 located within the airport complex.

The group alleged that the attack caused “significant damage” and “heavy losses,” though Nigerien authorities have not released official casualty figures. Airport operations reportedly continued after the incident, while damage assessment was ongoing.

Zagazola report that the assault, which lasted several hours on the night of 28–29 January, was carried out by armed assailants mounted on motorcycles who switched off their headlights to infiltrate the city undetected.

The attackers reportedly targeted military installations co-located with the civilian airport, including drone platforms, air defense systems, and commercial aircraft belonging to Air Côte d’Ivoire and ASKY Airlines. Mortars, drones, and small arms were used in the attack.

The Nigerien Defense and Security Forces, with the support of Russian African Corps personnel, repelled the assault, sustaining four injuries among security personnel. Twenty assailants were neutralized, 11 apprehended, and several motorcycles destroyed or seized. Civilians were unharmed.

Reacting to the incident, Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of backing the attackers, while commending Russia for its support to Niger’s defence efforts. ISIS had now came out to claim responsibility for the attack dismissing the initial claims of Niger’s Junta.

Islamic State claims attack on Niamey airport

Borno Begins Direct Payment of LG Allocations as Zulum Approves Financial Autonomy

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has authorised the immediate disbursement of monthly statutory allocations directly to the 27 local government councils in the state.

The approval was announced on Thursday by the Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, following the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen in Maiduguri.

Kadafur explained that the decision was taken in line with the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy and President Bola Tinubu’s directive issued in December 2025, calling on state governments to comply with constitutional provisions.

He said the move is intended to strengthen grassroots governance by eliminating delays associated with fund approvals and ensuring councils have direct access to resources for development.

According to him, Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to transparency and accountability, noting that the state will continue to publicly disclose allocations made to local governments to promote responsible use of public funds.

The acting governor charged the council chairmen to prioritise service delivery and remain accountable to their constituents, stressing that every fund received must be used judiciously for the benefit of the people.

He also warned against wasteful spending, urging the chairmen to focus on projects that directly improve livelihoods, security and social welfare at the community level.

Kadafur further directed the council leaders to ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements of local government workers, describing staff welfare as a critical factor in restoring productivity and discipline across councils.

The event attracted several prominent political figures, including the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; the Borno State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello Ayuba; and former Deputy Governors Ali Abubakar Jata’Au and Usman Mamman Durkwa.

Other dignitaries present were the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Engr. Satomi Ahmad; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, represented by the House Leader, Dige Mohammed; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service, Dr. Amini Muhammad Ghuluze; alongside senior government officials and party leaders.

Borno Begins Direct Payment of LG Allocations as Zulum Approves Financial Autonomy