Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cultists in Imo

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected cultists following a distress call from a community vigilante group in Imo State.

Security sources Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on April 20 by troops of 24 Support Engineer Regiment deployed at a location in Onicha.

The sources said the troops responded to reports from members of the Onichibueze community vigilante, who raised alarm over suspected cultists allegedly harassing residents of the area.

“On receipt of the distress call, the troops swiftly mobilised to the community and apprehended three suspected cultists,” a source said.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police in Isu for further investigation and necessary action.

Military authorities commended the vigilance of community members and reiterated the importance of timely information sharing with security agencies.

They assured residents of continued collaboration with other security agencies to maintain peace and security across the state.

Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cultists in Imo

ISWAP Buries 30 Fighters After Devastating NAF Airstrikes in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly buried about 30 of their members following devastating airstrikes by the Nigerian military in parts of northern Borno state.

Credible military sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists conducted burial rites in the Mallam Fatori axis after a series of precision air interdiction missions carried out by the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI.

The sources said the strikes were executed after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) reports confirmed the movement of ISWAP fighters along waterways around the Kaniram Island area.

An ISR platform had earlier observed a large number of boats estimated at over 30 positioned along the riverbank, with associated human activity indicating the presence of terrorists coordinating logistics and movement.

Following positive identification, air assets conducted multiple precision strikes on the targets.

“The initial strike disrupted and destroyed several of the boats used by the terrorists for transportation and logistics,” a source said.

Subsequent strikes targeted fleeing and regrouping elements within nearby vegetation, leading to further neutralisation of fighters.

According to Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), more than 30 terrorists were killed across the engagements, while several others were seen escaping into adjoining hideouts.

Further intelligence, including post-strike imagery and intercepted visuals, later confirmed that ISWAP members conducted mass burial rites for those killed during the operation in the Mallam Fatori axis.

“The burial activities observed serve as clear confirmation of the scale of losses inflicted on the terrorist group,” the source added.

In a related development, additional strikes were carried out at nearby locations, including Sowolwolo, where a separate group of terrorists was engaged and eliminated.

Military authorities noted that the sustained air operations have significantly degraded the operational capability of ISWAP elements in the Lake Chad region, particularly their mobility and ability to coordinate attacks.

The Nigerian military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and consolidating gains recorded in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North East.

ISWAP Buries 30 Fighters After Devastating NAF Airstrikes in Borno

Bandits abduct two, escape with motorcycles after gun duel in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have abducted two persons and carted away two motorcycles after blocking the Sado–Gidan Kano road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 4:30 p.m. when the attackers barricaded the road and halted movement along the axis.

According to the sources, a joint security team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Area Command and 78 PMF Squadron was swiftly mobilised to the scene following a distress call from a vigilante member.

The sources said on arrival, security forces engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.

However, the attackers succeeded in abducting two persons and escaping with two motorcycles during the exchange.

The identities of the kidnapped victims were yet to be confirmed at the time of filing the report.

Security sources said the area had been cordoned off, while search and rescue operations were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted persons.

They added that further updates would be communicated as investigations continued.

Bandits abduct two, escape with motorcycles after gun duel in Zamfara