Boko Haram attempts to attack ajilari area of Maiduguri

By: Bodunrin kayode

Heavy gunshots accompanied with explosives were heard in the Ajilari area in the outskirts of Maiduguri, during the early hours of today putting residents at the nearby Ngomari airport and Njimtilo axis at red alert.

The attack which caused panic at that axis of the state capital actually caused confusion to the immediate residents of ajilari some of whom started fleeing their homes to avoid being caught in the cross fire between the terrorists and the military.

Eye witnesses told this reporter that the joint military team immediately took charge to counter the move of the criminals even as the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets were seen hovering around that particular area and supporting ground troops in the counter exercise.

The attempt to infiltrate the city through ajilari occurred shortly before muslim faithfuls were billed to come out for the continuation of the last ten days prayers which they usually embark upon before “sahari” which is usually followed up by final morning prayers for the day.

Responding to the attempt, the Borno State Police command spokesperson Daso Nahum confirmed the incident but added that details were quite sketchy during that wee hours of the day.

In a short release he went on “Following reports of an attack by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists around Ajilari cross/kofa area of Maiduguri, Joint Security operatives have been mobilized to the scene and efforts are ongoing to assess the situation and restore normalcy.

” Members of the public are advised to remain calm, avoid the affected area, and cooperate with security agencies as further updates will be communicated in due course.”

Boko Haram attempts to attack ajilari area of Maiduguri

Troops repel series of attacks by ISWAP in Borno, terrorists suffer casualties, as Borno residents celebrate

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian troops have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on multiple military positions across Borno State, including Maiduguri, Damboa, Baga, and Buratai, early Saturday, security sources confirmed.

At about 12:00 a.m., ISWAP attempted to attack troop positions on the outskirts of Maiduguri near Dala Ajilari Cross. The incursion was met with swift resistance by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with joint forces from Police Crack Squad, CJTF, NSCDC, and local hunters. Residents reported sporadic gunfire and significant military activity on the city outskirts.

At about 1:10 a.m., insurgents launched an assault on the 135 Special Forces Battalion in Buratai, Biu LGA, engaging troops in heavy gunfire for nearly two hours.

The attackers reportedly attempted to breach the military facility using multiple assault groups supported by heavy weapons and technical vehicles. Troops mounted a robust defence, forcing the insurgents to withdraw. A fire broke out in one of the military facilities after a projectile struck the building.

Simultaneously, ISWAP targeted the Brigade Headquarters and positions in the Baga–Mile 4 axis, including locations linked to the Special Boat Service (SBS), which secures Lake Chad waterways. Insurgents employed gun trucks, motorcycles, and rocket-propelled grenades in attempts to overwhelm defensive positions. Troops responded with coordinated firepower, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists and forcing them to disengage.

A source in Baga said, “We inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists. The battle began at about 1:10 a.m. and lasted nearly two hours. Many of them were killed. They tried to remove some of their dead, but several corpses were left behind.”

The successful defence has sparked celebrations among Borno residents, who came out in large numbers to cheer troops in Maiduguri.

Residents expressed relief and renewed confidence in the military’s ability to secure their communities. The Youths joined in spontaneous celebrations and chanting support for the troops.

Troops repel series of attacks by ISWAP in Borno, terrorists suffer casualties, as Borno residents celebrate

Usman Takes Over as Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary, Seeks Stronger Collaboration

By: Michael Mike

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Salihu Aminu Usman, has officially assumed duty, pledging to strengthen collaboration within the ministry and across the nation’s environmental sector.

Usman made the call during a brief handover ceremony, where he urged staff, agencies and stakeholders to work together to advance environmental policies and programmes aimed at sustainable national development.

He stressed that the ministry’s mandate cannot be effectively achieved without collective commitment and teamwork, noting that cooperation among all actors in the sector is critical to delivering meaningful results.

The new Permanent Secretary assured staff that he would build on the achievements and institutional structures established by his predecessor, while focusing on staff development, professionalism and improved welfare.

According to him, strengthening the capacity and motivation of workers in the ministry will remain central to achieving the ministry’s environmental protection and sustainability goals.

In his remarks, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, described the Federal Ministry of Environment as an institution blessed with experienced and dedicated personnel.

He thanked the management and staff for the support and cooperation he received during his tenure and encouraged them to extend the same level of commitment to the incoming Permanent Secretary.

Kambari expressed confidence in Usman’s leadership ability, describing him as a professional with strong credentials and an amiable personality capable of sustaining the progress made in the ministry.

He also commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, describing him as an inspiring leader and mentor whose guidance contributed to the successes recorded during his time in office.

Speaking on behalf of the ministry’s management and staff, the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Adenopo, expressed appreciation to Kambari for his leadership and contributions to the ministry.

She noted that his tenure witnessed important achievements that strengthened the ministry’s profile and institutional capacity.

Adenopo welcomed Usman to the ministry and assured him of the unwavering support and cooperation of the workforce.

She expressed confidence that his leadership would consolidate existing gains and guide the ministry toward greater progress in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges.

Usman Takes Over as Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary, Seeks Stronger Collaboration