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Odumegwu-Ojukwu Brokers Release of Nigerian Pastor Detained in Benin
Odumegwu-Ojukwu Brokers Release of Nigerian Pastor Detained in Benin
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has secured the release of a Nigerian cleric, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who had been imprisoned in the Republic of Benin amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health and treatment in custody.
Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and religious leader from Cross River State, regained his freedom on Thursday, following a presidential pardon granted by Beninois President Patrice Talon.
The pardon, which was gazetted in December 2025, came after months of sustained diplomatic engagement by Nigeria.
Egbaji had been in detention for more than two years after being accused of various offences. He was initially held in a hospital in Cotonou under conditions described by officials as degrading, before being transferred to a correctional facility. His situation attracted national attention after images showing him visibly ill and restrained to a hospital bed circulated widely, triggering public outrage and diplomatic intervention.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Magnus Eze, said the release was the outcome of persistent appeals by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including her visit to Egbaji at a Cotonou hospital last year alongside Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
She noted that Nigeria had repeatedly requested that the cleric be allowed to receive proper medical care or be transferred home to serve his sentence.
She attributed the success of the negotiations to President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on citizen diplomacy, noting that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a priority under the administration’s foreign policy framework. The approach, she explained, aligns with the Diaspora pillar of the government’s Four-Ds strategy—Democracy, Demography, Diaspora and Development—under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister disclosed that she spoke with Pastor Egbaji shortly after his release and confirmed that he was in stable spirits, though still in need of medical attention. She added that the government would continue to support Nigerians facing legal or humanitarian challenges outside the country.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Benin Republic, Alhaji Mohammad Munir, commended Odumegwu-Ojukwu for what he described as her hands-on diplomacy and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad. He also praised President Tinubu for prioritising the safety and rights of Nigerians in the diaspora, urging continued diplomatic efforts to assist citizens detained overseas.
The release of Pastor Egbaji has been welcomed by members of the Nigerian community in Benin, who described it as a strong demonstration of effective diplomacy and regional cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu Brokers Release of Nigerian Pastor Detained in Benin
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a heavy weapon and ammunition following a clearance operation and engagement with terrorists in Borno State.
Security sources said the development occurred on April 21, 2026, during follow-up exploitation operations at Nanewa village, where troops had earlier engaged and neutralised several terrorists in a firefight.
According to the sources, troops conducting a mop-up operation along the withdrawal route of the fleeing insurgents discovered an anti-aircraft machine gun, alongside several rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition believed to have been abandoned during the encounter.
The sources added that traces of blood were also observed along the escape route, indicating that the terrorists may have sustained injuries during the earlier engagement.
Military authorities confirmed that weapons and recovered items have been secured for further analysis and documentation.
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 233 Battalion, operating in the Babbangida general area of Yobe state, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised three terrorists during a fighting patrol operation in Nanewa village.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on April 19 when troops on patrol in the area made contact with an ambush laid by suspected terrorists lying in wait along the route.
The patrol team, however, successfully fought through the ambush and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of three terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The operation was completed without casualties to friendly forces, while the patrol team later returned safely to base at about 7:15 p.m.
Security sources described the general situation in the area as calm but unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and operational efficiency remain high.
They added that sustained patrols and clearance operations were ongoing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement within the theatre.
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Chari Kura from Gajiram in Nganzai LGA, was apprehended at about 6:20 p.m. on April 20 at Charlie 19 location in Monguno town.
The arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect was en route to deliver logistics supplies to terrorists at Bindur village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect include 180 mosquito coils, 12 packs of Jolly Jus, one Itel mobile phone and the sum of N500.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Sector 3 for further interrogation and necessary action.
Military authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains and deny insurgents access to logistics support within the theatre of operations.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops arrest suspected intruder at Army school in Plateau
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