Operation Hadin Kai Airstrikes Kill 38 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

About 38 suspected terrorists have reportedly been killed in a series of precision airstrikes conducted by Operation Hadin Kai in different locations across Borno State.

The operations were carried out between the night of Friday, August 21, and the early hours of Saturday, August 22, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities that detected movements of suspected terrorists.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the first operation took place around Aduwa at about 10:23pm on Friday after an armed reconnaissance aircraft received intelligence on the movement of terrorist fighters and vehicles in the area.

The aircraft reportedly tracked the suspects to a settlement where a large number of fighters had gathered.

A precision strike was subsequently conducted on the larger concentration, with an initial battle damage assessment indicating that approximately 16 suspected terrorists were killed.

The operation continued after midnight when the aircraft reportedly tracked about 10 terrorists who had escaped the initial strike and regrouped near a tree.

Another precision strike was conducted against the group, with the assessment indicating that the 10 suspected terrorists were also neutralised.

Makama said the two strikes around Aduwa accounted for approximately 26 suspected terrorists.

In a separate operation around Buratai, another military aircraft reportedly detected about 12 suspected terrorists gathered inside a hut.

The location was struck at approximately 12:31am on Saturday after the necessary operational authorisation was obtained.

According to the report, the strike achieved a direct hit and was assessed to have killed all 12 suspected terrorists at the location.

The reported casualties from the two separate operations therefore brought the total number of suspected terrorists killed to approximately 38.

The latest airstrikes form part of ongoing military operations against terrorist networks operating across Nigeria’s North-East.

Operation Hadin Kai has continued to target terrorist leadership, logistics networks, fighting formations and the ability of insurgents to move and operate freely across the region.

Security sources cited in the report described the overall security situation as “calm but unpredictable”, while the morale and fighting efficiency of troops were said to remain satisfactory.

Makama said the latest operations were expected to further disrupt terrorist command-and-control structures and make it more difficult for insurgents to assemble large groups of fighters without being detected.

He said terrorist groups were increasingly being forced to abandon large gatherings and resort to smaller and more concealed movements.

“Concealment alone may no longer guarantee safety,” Makama said.

He further linked the development to a reported increase of more than 250 per cent in terrorist surrenders over the past month, suggesting that sustained military pressure may be affecting the ability of insurgent groups to operate openly.

The reported strikes come as Nigerian security forces continue efforts to weaken terrorist networks and restore stability across communities affected by insurgency in the North-East.

The figures cited in the report are preliminary battle-damage assessments, and official military confirmation of the reported casualty figures had not been included in the information available for this report.

Lagos TIB Coordinator Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Police Raids, Extortion

The Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, has raised concerns over what he described as the increasing rate of illegal police raids, unlawful detention and extortion in his neighbourhood.

Taofeek made the allegation while recounting an incident involving some police officers who reportedly entered his street about three days ago and allegedly harassed residents.

According to him, a friend called to inform him about the situation, prompting him to switch to a video call with the friend so he could observe what was happening.

He said that while the call was ongoing, one of the police officers approached his friend and allegedly harassed him after assuming that he was recording the officers.

Taofeek questioned why police officers carrying out legitimate duties in a public place would object to being recorded.

He argued that citizens should not be treated as criminals simply for documenting the activities of law enforcement officers, particularly when officers are carrying out their duties in public.

“There is nothing inherently unlawful about recording a police officer while they are carrying out their duties in a public place,” he said.

He further expressed concern that residents could be subjected to raids, detention and extortion without committing any offence.

Taofeek warned that he could also become a victim of what he described as illegal police operations in his neighbourhood, saying he would insist on his rights if such a situation occurred.

“For the record, I may be illegally raided one of these days in my own neighbourhood, and it may get messy because I will stand my ground and insist on my rights,” he said.

He stressed that he had never been involved in any illegal activity and would not accept a situation where innocent residents were criminalised simply because they were sitting in front of their homes.

Taofeek called on Nigerians to speak out against alleged police abuse, unlawful detention and extortion, stressing that anyone could become a victim.

“You may be the victim today; I may be the victim tomorrow. That is why we must all speak up against police abuse, illegal detention and extortion,” he said.

The allegations come amid continued public discussions around police accountability, citizens’ rights and the conduct of law enforcement officers during raids and arrests.

The police authorities have not, however, publicly responded to Taofeek’s specific allegations at the time of this report.

Tinubu Hails Rescue of 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians who were kidnapped in separate attacks across Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major victory in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement disclosed that 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while the remaining 145 victims were kidnapped in Niger State.

Security operatives reportedly located the victims inside the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, where they were rescued during what the Presidency described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever conducted by Nigeria’s joint security agencies.

President Tinubu praised the military, intelligence agencies and police for what he called their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration in securing the release of the victims.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President said.

The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being reunited with their families.

The Presidency said that after medical examinations are completed, the victims will be handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and family reunification.

While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed that more work remains to be done in tackling insecurity across the country.

He directed security agencies to immediately strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria, insisting that government would continue investing in security operations aimed at protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, particularly in parts of the North Central and North West regions, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted rural communities, travellers and schools.

The latest rescue operation is expected to boost confidence in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and organised criminal activities across the country.

Troops Recover Body of Slain Imo Community Leader From Shallow Grave, Suspects to Face Prosecution

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA have exhumed the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang in Imo State, marking another breakthrough in ongoing security operations across the South-East.

The victim, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, was reportedly abducted and killed by the gang before his body was secretly buried in a shallow grave inside Umudike Forest, a location identified as one of the group’s operational camps.

According to the Nigerian Army, the discovery followed intelligence-led operations carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation EASTERN SANITY II.

Security operatives had earlier arrested several suspects linked to violent crimes in the region, including the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the theft of military weapons.

During interrogation, one of the arrested suspects reportedly confessed to participating in Chief Anyadu’s murder and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.

Acting on the information, soldiers on Saturday, August 2, traced the suspects to the forest, where the remains of the late community leader were recovered from the shallow grave.

The exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, local vigilante operatives from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of both Aggah and Umudike communities.

Following the recovery, the family provided a coffin and ambulance to transport the remains for a proper burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.

Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, assuring them that those responsible for the killing would face justice.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating across the South-East and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes before the courts.

Fadairo also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities and strengthening ongoing operations.

Operation UDO KA noted that the recovery of Chief Anyadu’s remains represents another step toward delivering justice to victims of violent crimes while restoring confidence in the military’s efforts to improve security across the region.

Italy Suspends Schengen Free Movement With Spain, Reintroduces Border Controls Over Security Concerns

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the temporary suspension of the Schengen free movement regime for maritime and air travel between Italy and Spain, reintroducing border controls in what she described as an extraordinary measure to protect national security.

In a statement, Meloni said the decision was taken to prevent potential security risks and safeguard Italy while limiting disruption to travel during the peak summer tourism season.

“The Government has decided to temporarily suspend the free movement regime provided for by Schengen in maritime and air connections with Spain, reintroducing border controls,” the Prime Minister said.

She explained that the measure would remain in force only for as long as necessary, adding that authorities would seek to minimise its impact on tourists and legitimate travellers.

The decision comes amid mounting concerns over a fresh surge in irregular migration into Spain through its North African enclave of Ceuta. In recent days, thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish territory from Morocco, with many reportedly swimming around border barriers or arriving by sea in an attempt to enter the European Union.

Regional authorities in Ceuta have warned that the influx has placed significant pressure on local resources and emergency services, prompting calls for Spain’s central government to declare a state of emergency. The latest crossings have renewed concerns across Europe about the security of the bloc’s external borders and the growing challenge of irregular migration.

Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s two autonomous cities on the northern coast of Africa, have long served as key entry points for migrants seeking access to Europe. The enclaves have repeatedly witnessed large-scale attempts by migrants to cross fortified border fences or make dangerous sea journeys into Spanish territory.

Meloni also reaffirmed Italy’s support for broader European Union efforts aimed at helping Spain strengthen control over the bloc’s external borders.

“Italy is ready to support every European initiative to assist Spanish institutions as needed to restore full control of the Union’s external borders and to address the ongoing situation with determination,” she said.

The Italian leader argued that stronger border management is essential to protecting public safety, combating irregular migration and dismantling criminal networks involved in human trafficking.

“Defending borders means defending the safety of citizens, combating irregular immigration, and striking at the criminal networks that traffic human beings,” Meloni added.

The announcement comes as several European governments continue to review their migration policies following increased pressure along the Mediterranean and North African migration routes. While the Schengen Agreement normally guarantees passport-free travel between participating countries, EU rules allow member states to temporarily restore border checks when public order or national security is considered to be under threat.

Italy said the temporary controls are intended to protect national security while supporting European efforts to restore effective management of the Union’s external borders, with the restrictions expected to remain only for the period deemed necessary.

TIB Declares August 5 ‘Festival of the Oppressed,’ Unveils 10 Demands to Tinubu Government

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has officially declared August 5 as the “Festival of the Oppressed,” calling on Nigerians across the country to participate in what it described as a nationwide peaceful mass action against worsening insecurity, economic hardship, repression and the erosion of democratic freedoms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, TIB said the planned mobilisation is aimed at giving ordinary Nigerians a platform to demand accountability and fundamental reforms from the Federal Government.

According to the movement, the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, rising food prices, inflation, unemployment and an increasing clampdown on civil liberties.

“Nigeria is bleeding. Across every region of the country, ordinary people are paying the price for the failures of those in power,” the statement read.

The movement alleged that more than 200 Nigerians remain in captivity while communities across several states continue to experience recurring attacks despite increased government spending on security.

TIB also criticised the country’s economic direction, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy and the continued depreciation of the naira have pushed millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty.

According to the group, soaring food prices, transportation costs and the high cost of living have left many citizens unable to afford basic necessities.

Beyond economic concerns, the movement accused the government of shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space through the use of the Cybercrime Act to intimidate journalists, activists, students, labour organisers and other critics.

It further condemned what it described as political persecution and called for greater respect for constitutional rights and freedom of expression.

As part of the planned August 5 demonstration, the Take It Back Movement presented ten demands to the Federal Government:

• End insecurity and rescue all Nigerians held in captivity.
• Release all political detainees.
• Repeal the Cybercrime Act and stop using it to suppress free speech.
• Implement a ₦500,000 national minimum wage.
• Introduce measures to reduce the rising cost of living.
• Withdraw all charges against Omoyele Sowore.
• Hold Femi Gbajabiamila accountable and remove him from office.
• End xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and protect Africans across the continent.
• Defend Nigeria’s sovereignty against foreign interference.
• Remove DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi and ensure accountable leadership of the agency.

The movement described the “Festival of the Oppressed” as more than a protest, saying it is intended to unite workers, students, traders, professionals, farmers, journalists and other Nigerians affected by the country’s economic and political challenges.

TIB urged Nigerians to mobilise peacefully in their communities and participate in the August 5 action, insisting that sustained civic engagement remains necessary to demand accountability from those in positions of power.

“Our demands are just. Our rights are non-negotiable. Our future must be reclaimed. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.

Final Photos of Ibrahim Mbaya Surface After Friends Beat Him to Death Over iPhone 12 Theft Accusation

The final known photographs of 25-year-old model, Ibrahim Mbaya, have surfaced online as the Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three suspects over his brutal death after he was accused of stealing an iPhone 12.

The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage across social media, reportedly occurred in Jos, Plateau State, after Mbaya spent the night at a friend’s residence following a social gathering.

According to information gathered, Ibrahim attended a campus event on the night of July 25 but decided not to return to his apartment in Rayfield because it was already late. Instead, he reportedly accepted an invitation to sleep at a friend’s apartment located in the Ring Road area of Jos.

The following morning, the apartment owner reportedly discovered that his iPhone 12 was missing. Believing that only he and Ibrahim had slept in the room, the friend accused the young model of stealing the phone.

Sources said Ibrahim initially left the apartment after denying the allegation but later returned after receiving a phone call from the same friend, who reportedly asked him to come back and explain what had happened to the missing device.

On his return, the situation allegedly turned violent.

Eyewitnesses said Ibrahim was surrounded by his friend and several other young men, who repeatedly assaulted him with dangerous objects while demanding that he confess to stealing the phone.

The beating reportedly lasted for hours until he became unconscious.

He was later rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.

Police Arrest Three Suspects

Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said it received a report from a Good Samaritan at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 after the unconscious victim was brought to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.

Police identified the deceased as Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old resident of Rayfield, Jos.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Following investigations, detectives arrested three suspects identified as:

• Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25)
• Emmanuel Newyear (30)
• Nensemka Fwanji (22)

According to the police, investigations revealed that Emmanuel Newyear was captured in a viral video allegedly striking Ibrahim with a large wooden plank during the assault. Investigators also linked him to photographs obtained during the investigation.

The police said the suspects admitted that Ibrahim was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 and, instead of reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities, they took the law into their own hands and assaulted him until he became unconscious.

The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other persons believed to have participated in the attack.

Police Condemn Jungle Justice

The Plateau State Police Command condemned the incident, describing it as another tragic example of the dangers of jungle justice.

The command stressed that no individual has the legal authority to assault or kill a suspect, regardless of the allegation against them.

Police reminded the public that Nigeria’s criminal justice system provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, urging citizens to always report suspected crimes to security agencies instead of resorting to mob action.

The command warned that all those found responsible for Ibrahim Mbaya’s death would face prosecution after investigations are concluded.

The incident has renewed nationwide calls against jungle justice, with many Nigerians demanding greater respect for the rule of law and due process.