Troops foil ambush attempt, recover supplies linked to terrorists in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), as part of Operation Desert Sanity V, have foiled an attempted ambush by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Bulayobe–Darel Jamel axis in Borno.

Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 5:35 a.m. on Feb. 13 when troops, in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force volunteers, were on night ambush duty at Papa 4, approximately 4.1 kilometres from the Forward Operating Base.

The troops reportedly sighted elements of Boko Haram attempting to cross the Main Supply Route from the Cameroon axis toward the Nigerian axis.

On sighting the insurgents, the troops engaged them with heavy gunfire, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.

During exploitation of the area, troops recovered two sacks bearing inscriptions with phone numbers and names of alleged senders and receivers.

According to the sources, one of the sacks was marked with a sender’s details traced to Kano, while the receiver’s contact was traced to Maiduguri.

Items recovered from the sacks include 28 scarves, 10 Kampala materials, three praying mats, three copies of the Qur’an and other religious books, four cashmere materials, 40 bicycle parts, one sewing machine, one machine oil, one measuring tape and screwdriver, three eye drops, and four packs of ampicillin medication.

Further exploitation of the area yielded no additional items.

Military sources said troops have continued to maintain an aggressive posture, heightening surveillance and vigilance to deny terrorists freedom of action within their area of responsibility.

They added that the general situation within the area remains under control, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory.

Troops foil ambush attempt, recover supplies linked to terrorists in Borno

NIMC to Launch Nationwide Ward-Level NIN Enrollment February 16

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that it will commence nationwide ward-level enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The commission said the initiative follows a presidential directive mandating NIMC to expand NIN registration to the grassroots in order to capture more Nigerians and legal residents in the National Identity Database.

In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said the ward-level exercise is aimed at ensuring comprehensive registration of all citizens and legal residents, including children and adults. The enrollment will be conducted free of charge.

According to the commission, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive governance, national development and broader access to identity services.

NIMC described the ward-level rollout as a strategic step toward decentralising identity services and improving accessibility, particularly for residents in rural and underserved communities. By taking enrollment centres closer to communities, the commission said it hopes to reduce travel burdens and encourage wider participation.

As part of preparations for the exercise, NIMC said it has begun engaging key stakeholders at national, state and local government levels. Sensitisation and awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate the public on the importance and benefits of obtaining a NIN.

The commission disclosed that state governments, local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations and faith-based organisations are being consulted to ensure seamless implementation across wards nationwide.

NIMC urged Nigerians and legal residents who are yet to enroll to take advantage of the opportunity, calling on families to register their children, parents and wards during the exercise.

The ward enrollment schedule, which will guide the rotational movement of licensed front-end partners and NIMC staff, is available on the commission’s website, www.nimc.gov.ng.

Adegoke said for inquiries, assistance or complaints, members of the public can contact NIMC through its toll-free line: 08000616462.

The commission reiterated its commitment to expanding identity coverage across the country and strengthening the national database as a foundation for effective planning, service delivery and economic inclusion.

NIMC to Launch Nationwide Ward-Level NIN Enrollment February 16

US senator’s Nigeria bill risks religious disharmony, analysts warn

By: Zagazola Zagazola

Security Analyst have cautioned that a newly introduced bill in the United States targeting Nigeria could exacerbate religious tensions in the country, even as expanded military cooperation between the two nations is welcomed.

The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, sponsored by US Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks to impose sanctions on Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over alleged religious persecution.

Critics, however, argue that the bill mischaracterizes Nigeria’s security situation and risks deepening sectarian divides. “The senator’s narrative of ‘Christian persecution’ and ‘genocide’ is selective and dangerously misleading,” said Zagazola Makama.

“Just last week, 167 Muslims were killed in Kwara State, for refusing to accept the ideologies of Boko Haram terrorists, yet there was no condemnation from the US lawmakers. This selective framing feeds a divisive agenda rather than genuine accountability.”

Since Nigeria was designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the US, attacks by insurgents, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, JNIM, and Ansaru, have continued with increasing lethality. The inflammatory statements by these foreign lawmakers provide terrorists with propaganda tools to incite further violence and devision through attacks.

While we welcome the US deployment of 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical support to Nigerian security forces, what Nigeria needs is actionable support against terror networks, not legislation targeting political figures for past disagreements.

Nigeria is guided by its constitution and does not require empty rhetoric or selective campaigns of condemnation. Instead of legislating against Kwankwaso, the US should focus on helping Nigeria target the most ruthless terrorist networks like, ISWAP, Boko Haram and Bandits destabilizing the country.”

Cooperation with international partners should focus on strengthening intelligence, operational capacity, and border security.

US senator’s Nigeria bill risks religious disharmony, analysts warn