EXCLUSIVE: COAS relocates to maiduguri to rejig counter-terrorism operations

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Olufemi, has relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, along with his strategic commanders as part of renewed efforts to rejig and restrategise counter-terrorism operations in the North East.

Zagazola Makama report that the relocation comes amid heightened operational activities against remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa forest axis.

Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyode, who has spent the past three days in the frontline, is leading a high powered team of senior military officers to conduct on-the-ground assessments and tactical reviews of ongoing operations under Operation Hadin Kai.

A top military source disclosed that Army Chief is also using the visit to interact with commanders, frontline troops, Theartre Commander and members of the military high command to enhance synergy and coordination in the fight against insurgency.

“The COAS is fully on ground. His presence in the theatre is to drive home the urgency of operational recalibration and to ensure our troops are adequately supported in all aspects,” the source said.

Lt.-Gen. Oluyode has also held closed-door sessions with field commanders, intelligence units, and other components of the Joint Task Force to fine tune approaches toward dismantling remaining terrorist strongholds.

His visit is expected to further boost the morale of troops and reassure residents of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army to restore peace and stability across the region.
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Three chinese crew members rescued in Nigeria after pirate attack on fishing vessel in ghanaian waters

By: Zagazola Makama

Three Chinese crew members who were abducted by pirates during an attack on a Ghanaian fishing vessel, MV Menhin-1, have been rescued in Nigeria, the Ghana Police Service has said.

At a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra, The Director-General of the CID, COP, Lydia Yaako Donkor, said pirates, armed with AK-47 rifles, attacked the vessel on March 27, 2025, at about 1930 hours off Yenyano Waters near Tema, using outboard motor powered wooden canoes.

The attackers destroyed the vessel’s communication system before taking three Chinese crew members hostage, the police said.

The Marine Police Command in Tema received the complaint from the fishing company the following morning, on March 28, and immediately launched an investigation in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, National Investigation Bureau, the Ghana Navy, and the Fisheries Observer.

According to the police, the pirates blindfolded the victims and transported them in speedboats for 24 hours to a marshy area later identified as the Delta region of Nigeria. From there, they were moved on motorcycles and taken on foot to a makeshift camp where they were held at gunpoint until April 25, when they were suddenly abandoned.

The victims managed to reach a nearby village where locals assisted them to make contact with the Chinese embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. The embassy confirmed the rescue on April 26 and handed them over to Ghanaian authorities at the Kotoka International Airport on April 27.

A debriefing was conducted at the Police Headquarters in Accra on April 28. While there were no visible signs of physical harm, the victims appeared traumatised and requested medical attention.

The Inspector General of Police engaged with the victims and expressed sympathy and support for their ordeal.

So far, the police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the case. Those arrested include Sueva Victor, Kojo Akweli, Eugene Chibuke, Mwonam, Chinese cook Zhao Lang Hao, and second engineer Zhao Hua. They have been arraigned before the Tema District Court as investigations continue.

Police commended all stakeholders involved in the multi-agency operation for their swift action and coordination that led to the rescue of the kidnapped crew members.

Three chinese crew members rescued in Nigeria after pirate attack on fishing vessel in ghanaian waters

Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

A group of protesters on Monday staged a peaceful demonstration in Abuja demanding the release of social media influencer, Mr Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), who was arrested on May 2 by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It was gathered that the protest began around 9 a.m. at the GTBank branch located at Plot 1072 J.S. Tarka Street, off Faskari Street, Area 3 Garki, where VDM was arrested alongside one other individual.

The protest was sparked by public outcry on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, following the arrest.

Three men wearing T-shirts with the inscription ‘Free VDM’ were first seen at the bank premises before regrouping with over 100 individuals

The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the influencer.

Police operatives from the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) and patrol teams were promptly deployed to the scene to ensure law and order.

The crowd was peacefully dispersed from the bank premises and proceeded to the EFCC Headquarters in continuation of their demonstration, reiterating their demands before moving on to Dantata Bridge along Airport Road, where they finally dispersed.

Police sources said “No untoward incident was recorded during the protest. The situation is under close monitoring,” the police added.

Police sources further assured that the deployment of anti-riot units to flashpoints, strategic locations, and government infrastructure within the FCT remains intact.

Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja