Two additional ISWAP prominent Qaids neutralised in Sambisa air strikes

By: Zagazola Makama

Two additional prominent qaids of the ISWAP have been confirmed neutralised in the recent precision air strikes conducted at Yuwe in the Sambisa general area of Borno.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the two senior terrorist leaders killed in the strikes are Ali G3, identified as the qaid in charge of Yuwe, and Abdullahi Muga, also a qaid within the group’s command structure.

Their deaths come after initial reports confirmed the neutralisation of other key figures, including Saddam and Saleh Garin Kago, both described as senior commanders, as well as Hussaini Ubaida and Ba Alayi Benbem.

The air interdiction mission was carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI at about 6:08 a.m. on Friday following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) on structures identified as terrorist command hideouts and logistics warehouses within the Yuwe axis.

“Upon confirmation of the targets, the aircraft acquired and engaged the selected objectives with precision-guided munitions,” a source said.

Post-strike battle damage assessment indicated that the identified command hubs and logistics facilities were effectively destroyed, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the terrorists in the Sambisa corridor.

The sources added that the earlier-mentioned commanders have also been confirmed dead, while efforts are underway to obtain the identities of other prominent qaids and ISWAP commanders believed to have been neutralised during the operation.

Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist leadership structures and consolidating recent gains in the North-East.

Two additional ISWAP prominent Qaids neutralised in Sambisa air strikes

Troops repels bandits’ attack in Katsina, two injured

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits on Unguwar Sani Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 11:28 p.m. on March 1, following a distress call received from residents of the community.

According to the source, a joint security forces were swiftly deployed to the village, where they encountered the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“The troops intercepted the armed men and engaged them in an exchange of gunfire, forcing the bandits to retreat into the bush,” the source said.

It was later discovered that two residents, identified as Isiya Alhaji Sale, 40, and Rabilu Abdulhamid, 25, sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

The victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Sabuwa, for medical attention.

Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops repels bandits’ attack in Katsina, two injured

12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead

By: Michael Mike

A maritime tragedy has struck off the South African coastline after a Nigerian tugboat, LEO, sank in turbulent waters late Saturday night, leaving one crew member confirmed dead, five missing, and 12 others rescued in a coordinated emergency response.

The vessel, which had travelled to South Africa for repairs, was reportedly heading back to Lagos with 18 persons onboard when it ran into severe storm conditions about 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban. The rough seas forced the tug aground before it eventually went under.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian government.

According to her, one fatality has been recorded, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for five crew members who remain unaccounted for.

“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” the minister said, adding that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is leading rescue efforts. She disclosed that survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them and provide consular support.

Maritime sources indicate that the southern corridor between Cape Town and Durban is notorious for sudden weather shifts and heavy swells, conditions that can quickly overwhelm vessels — particularly those navigating after mechanical servicing.

While the immediate focus remains on locating the missing crew members, questions are expected to arise regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness, the intensity of the storm, and whether distress signals were transmitted in time to facilitate rescue.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is reportedly working closely with local authorities to support survivors and liaise with families back home, as anxiety mounts over the fate of the missing.

As search operations continue against the backdrop of unpredictable seas, the incident underscores the persistent risks faced by maritime operators navigating some of the world’s most volatile shipping routes.

Further details are expected as South African authorities provide updates on rescue efforts and investigative findings.

12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead