Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Terrorism

  • Borno operation: troops disrupt suspected ISWAP logistics with vehicle interception

    Borno operation: troops disrupt suspected ISWAP logistics with vehicle interception

    Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria
    2025-12-20 12:30:00

    In a report carried by Punch, Nigerian troops in Borno intercepted vehicles allegedly transporting logistics meant for ISWAP, highlighting how insurgents still depend on supply lines and local procurement networks.

    Targeting logistics can have outsized impact: cutting fuel, tyres, parts and food flows can degrade mobility, reduce operational tempo and force insurgent cells into riskier behaviour.

    The incident was described as intelligence-led, with seizures that may help map facilitators, routes and financiers supporting terror activity.

    Even where no high-profile commanders are caught, interdictions like this can provide leads for follow-up raids and arrests.

    The Nigerian Army’s official updates described the action as part of efforts to cut terrorist resupply and degrade operational capacity.

    TheCable also reported the interception and noted it formed part of intensified pressure on insurgent logistics networks.

    Echotitbits take: Sustained interdictions matter more than one-off seizures. Watch for rapid exploitation of seized items (phones, receipts) and for any retaliation attempts on affected routes. Long-term success hinges on surveillance, informant protection and follow-through arrests.

    Source: Daily Post Nigeria— December 20, 2025 https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/20/troops-intercept-vehicles-carrying-suspected-iswap-supplies-in-borno/

  • U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    According to The Punch, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore described his recent trip to Nigeria as “heartbreaking,” saying he encountered accounts of killings and insecurity that he believes deserve stronger attention from international partners.

    Punch reported that Moore linked his comments to broader debates about how violence in Nigeria is framed globally, and urged greater focus on protecting civilians and addressing the drivers of attacks.

    Daily Post also reported Moore’s remarks, repeating the “heartbreaking” description and situating it within ongoing discourse in the U.S. about Nigeria’s security challenges and religious/communal violence narratives.

    The comments add to a growing pattern of Nigeria-related security issues surfacing in U.S. political debate, often influencing advocacy, hearings and policy proposals.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: External commentary can amplify pressure—but it can also oversimplify complex conflict dynamics. The key is whether Nigeria’s security agencies and political leaders can show measurable progress that undercuts “genocide” or “state failure” narratives. Watch for diplomatic engagements, any new U.S. legislative moves tied to Nigeria, and local conflict-prevention steps in flashpoint states.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/my-trip-to-nigeria-heartbreaking-us-congressman-moore/)

     

     

    Photo: Riley Moore image — AFP

  • Tinubu Insists There Is No Christian or Muslim Genocide in Nigeria

    Tinubu Insists There Is No Christian or Muslim Genocide in Nigeria

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected claims at home and abroad that Christians are facing genocide in Nigeria, insisting that both Christians and Muslims are victims of terrorism and criminality rather than targets of state-sponsored religious cleansing.

    Speaking at a NASFAT event in Abuja, Tinubu said Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by historical, economic and governance problems which extremists exploit, not by official hostility to any religion. He warned that inflammatory genocide narratives risk deepening divisions and damaging the country’s international reputation.

    The president pledged to protect all Nigerians regardless of faith and asked religious leaders to help de-escalate tension rather than amplify sectarian framing of violence. The comments come after international voices, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, described attacks on Christians as genocide, a label Abuja strongly disputes.

    Source: Punch – “No Christian, Muslim genocide in Nigeria – Tinubu”.

  • Heavy security in Sokoto prison over Nnamdi Kanu

    Heavy security in Sokoto prison over Nnamdi Kanu

    Security around the Sokoto Correctional Centre has reportedly remained unusually tight weeks after the transfer of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Punch states that Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, after being found guilty on terrorism-related counts, and that the court raised concerns about his safety at Kuje, given past jailbreak incidents. The report describes a visible security buildup including armoured presence and heavily armed personnel, with journalists denied access without clearance from national headquarters. The paper also notes that only family, lawyers, and select high-profile visitors are reportedly permitted limited access. Source: Punch, December 7, 2025.

  • Emefiele Denies Terror-Funding Claims, Labels Report “Fabricated”

    Emefiele Denies Terror-Funding Claims, Labels Report “Fabricated”

    Former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele has rejected reports alleging he is among those financing terrorism in Nigeria. He described the allegation as fake and baseless, saying it was designed to tarnish his reputation and mislead the public. 

    Emefiele said he has never been involved in terrorism financing, has not been invited, questioned, or investigated over such claims, and has no connection with the person referenced in the allegation. He urged Nigerians to disregard the report and called on the media to verify sensitive claims before publication. 

    Source credit: Vanguard News — “Emefiele rejects terrorism funding allegation,” published December 7, 2025.

    URL: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/emefiele-rejects-terrorism-funding-allegation/

  • Insecurity in Nigeria: President Buhari Replaces Service Chiefs

    Insecurity in Nigeria: President Buhari Replaces Service Chiefs

    Amidst rising insecurity in Nigeria and the clamour by citizens for the sack of heads of the nation’s security agencies, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service.

    Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

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    Presidency spokesman, Femi Adesina in a statement Tuesday afternoon said: “President Buhari thanks the outgoing Service Chiefs for what he calls their “overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country,” wishing them well in their future endeavours”.

    The new Service Chiefs are: Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

    The President congratulates the new Service Chiefs, and urges them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.

  • Nigerian Army Shakeup Formation to Intensify War on Terrorism

    Nigerian Army Shakeup Formation to Intensify War on Terrorism

    The Nigerian Army Saturday night announced a major redeployment of senior officers to intensify the war against terrorism and other forms of criminality that is ravaging the peace of the country.

    The Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Sagir Musa, while disclosing the redeployment said the move was to rekindle the spirit of professionalism and enhance productivity of the army.

    According to General Musa, the new Army architecture will now have Major General FO Agugo move from Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Corps Apapa Lagos to Defence Headquarters Department of Communications as Chief of Defence Communications, while Major General M Mohammed leaves the Nigerian Army Resource Center Abuja for Pronto Tech Nigeria Limited and appointed Managing Director.

    Also, Maj Gen AR Owolabi is transferred from Defence Headquarters Abuja (Department of Communications) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Corps as Commander.

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    The General notes that Major General A Bande remains as General Officer Commanding 8 Division Sokoto.

    According to Musa ,Major General E Akerejola leaves Army Headquarters Department of Logistics for the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin as Commandant “Major General UM Mohammed to remain in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu and Vice Chairman Nigerian Army Property Limited, Abuja, Major General CV Eze from Office of the Chief of Army Staff ( Nigerian Army Special Projects) to Army Headquarters, Department of Army Logistics and appointed Director Engineering Services.

    “Major General OF Azinta from Defence Space Agency, Abuja to Defence Headquarters as Director Psychological Warfare, Major General AM Dauda from National Defence College, Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans and appointed Director Policy, Major General AL Dusu from Army Headquarters, Department of Policy and Plans to Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia appointed Commandant and Major General H Ahmed from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police to remain as Provost Marshal (Army).

    “Others include: Major General TA Gagariga from Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia to Defence Space Agency, Abuja appointed as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency, Major General JO Iwara from Army Headquarters Department of Standard and Evaluation to Department of Army Logistics appointed Director of Logistics Planning, Major General PI Eze to remain at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri and appointed Theatre Logistics Component Commander,

    “Major General OO Oluyede to remain in Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Damaturu as Commander, Major General BR Sinjen to remain in Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations, Abuja as Director Operations, Major General R Abubakar to remain in Defence Headquarters as Defence Liaison Officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Major General OO Soyele from Defence Hedquarters, Abuja to Nigerian Army Resource Center, Abuja as Senior Research Fellow.

    “Major General AK Ibrahim to remain in Headquarters 7 Division/ Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri as General Officer Commanding/Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General SI Igbinomwanhia to remain in Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno as Commander and Major General IM Jallo from Headquarters 63 Brigade, Asaba to Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt appointed General Officer Commanding.

    “Brigadier General AIM Lapai from 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Kontogora appointed Director Field Defence, Brigadier General Kawugana from Warrant Officers’ Academy, Jaji to Hedquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja Lagos appointed Commander, Brigadier General MO Jimoh from Defence Headquarters to Defence Space Agency, Abuja and appointed Deputy Director, Launch Vehicle Systems.

    “Brigadier General MA Bolarinwa from Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport Benin to Defence Headquarters(Annex), Lagos and appointed Deputy Director Supply, Brigadier General SM Uba to remain in 401 Special Forces’ Brigade as Commander, Brigadier General WM Dangana from Army War College Nigeria, Abuja to 3 Division Garrison, Jos appointed Commander, Brigadier General AGL Haruna to remain in 7 Division Garrison, Maiduguri as Commander, Brigadier General AM Garba from Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri to Headquarters 23 Brigade, Yola appointed Commander.

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    “Brigade General AG Laka from Army War College Nigeria, Abuja to Nigerian Army Operations Centre, Abuja and appointed Coordinator, Brigadier General IA Ajose from Training and Doctrine Command, Minna to 4 Special Forces Command, Doma as Chief of Staff, Brigadier General DK Zirkushu from Headquarters 1 Brigade, Gusau to Headquarters 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok and appointed Commander.

    “Accordingly, Brigadier General M Ibrahim from Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, Gombe to 14 Brigade Ohafia appointed Commander, Brigadier General A Idris from Army Headquarters Department of Administration Army to Headquarters 63 Brigade, Asaba appointed Commander, Brigadier General RT Utsaha from 34 Brigade Garrison, Owerri to 32 Brigade, Akure and appointed Commander, Brigadier General MA Sadiq from Headquarters Operation DELTA SAFE, Yenagoa to Headquarters 4 Brigade, Benin and appointed Commander, Brigadier General IH Daniel from 304 Artillery Regiment Maiduguri to 34 Brigade Garrison Oweri as Commander, Brigadier General EO Ojabo from Defence Headquarters, Abuja to 81 Division Garrison, Lagos and appointed Commander, Brigadier General SS Tilawan to remain in Headquarters 5 Brigade as Commander.

    “Colonel FD Babatunde from Headquarters 81 Division, Lagos to Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos appointed Sector Commander, Colonel OJ Majebi from Operation SAFE HAVEN, Jos to 31 Brigade Garrison, Minna appointed Commander, Col JC Mbanefo from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery to 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) and appointed Commander, Colonel MA Maaji from Depot Nigerian Army Zaria to 4 Operation DELTA SAFE and appointed Commander amongst others.

    “All the postings and appointments take effect from the 18th of January 2021. While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the nation and the Service.”

  • U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AfriCom) conducted two airstrikes in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021.

    According to a statement by AfriCom, both strikes targeted al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia. Current assessments indicate the strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.

    The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. We take significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict during the course of our operations while we continue to disrupt and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab terrorist network.

    “This action clearly demonstrates our continuing commitment to Somalia and our regional partners,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations for U.S. Africa Command. “We retain the means and the will to strike the al-Shabaab terrorist network when necessary to protect the region and ultimately, our own nation.”

    U.S. Africa Command and its international partners recognize the importance of stability in Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional security interests.

    “Al-Shabaab remains a threat to Somalia’s future and U.S. interests, and we will continue to disrupt their efforts to terrorize innocents,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander. “Our strikes help keep these terrorists off balance to help our partners then address deeper problems such as governance and development.”

    U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with East African countries to help provide political, economic, and physical stability in the region and to work with international and African partners to achieve long-term security goals in Somalia for the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

    See video of the mission strike posted at: https://go.usa.gov/xA9ZV

  • Terrorists in Nigeria can no Longer Hide

    Terrorists in Nigeria can no Longer Hide

    Following the release of kidnapped 344 Kankara schoolboys in Katsina State Nigeria, the momentum for a new push against violent forces and their sponsors by military forces will now dominate the war against insurgency in the nation’s North-West.

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu made this known in an article titled Five Takeaways from the Safe Return of 344 Kankara Schoolboys, published on his Facebook page Sunday evening.

    According to Shehu: “Terrorists have lost the lead narrative with the military and our security personnel’s excellent performance in rescuing the boys without any incident. They can run, but they can no longer hide”.

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    Giving no sign of letting the victory of securing the release of the Government Science Secondary School boys from Boko Haram terrorist kidnappers slide off without due recognition, Garba Shehu on Sunday evening said the administration has demonstrated unquestionable capacity to protect Nigerians

    Apparently reacting to the many criticism thrown at the administration despite the safe release of the kidnapped schoolboys, Shehu lamented that: “The safe return of all 344 boys kidnapped from the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State would be celebrated in any decent part of the world where empathy overrides cheap politics. And for a good cause.

    “The outpouring of sighs, cries of relief and joy over the return of the boys reverberated beyond their immediate families. As the news spread far and wide, the global community is cheering the boys’ reunion with their families.

    “This moment is a watershed for Nigeria. It holds out hope that Nigerian citizens can feel safe wherever they are.

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    “It is precisely as President Muhammadu Buhari described it: “A big relief to their families, the entire country and international community.”

    “We are glad that the UN Secretary General, Antonio Gutteres just sent a thank you message, appreciating what Nigeria has achieved”, Shehu stated.

    Read Garba Shehu’s Five Takeaways from the Safe Return of 344 Kankara Schoolboys

    1. The Buhari Administration has the will and has demonstrated unquestionable capacity to protect Nigerians. Those who doubt this Government’s resolve are mischievous. It is an administration empowered to draw enormous resilience from innate reservoirs of human resources, a network of reliable intelligence sources, and demonstrated expertise in scenario building and mediation.

    Under enormous pressures from local and international sources, those charged with coordinating the boys’ safe return held tight, stayed focused, refusing to succumb to doubts, taunts, and conspiracy theories. They eventually got the job done most transparently and brought back the boys.

    1. Our Security Forces often do not get the accolades they deserve. Once more, the Nigerian Military has delivered on the big stage. They had a plan, kept to it, and got the job done without firing a single shot. This is important because one casualty, one dead schoolboy, could have traumatized President Buhari and the parents. One dead student would have tainted the rescue mission. The President wanted the boys back alive and delivered to their parents. As a compassionate father figure, he would have been pained if one life had been lost in the rescue process. Bravo to the Nigerian Military and our security agencies for a well-coordinated and professionally executed mission to the President’s order reuniting the boys with their parents. There are not enough words to thank our gallant men and women in uniform, the military that continues to make sacrifices for many of us to enjoy and express our freedoms in its various forms and shapes. Millions of appreciative citizens applaud the success of the Army in bringing back the Kankara Schoolboys. Well done, boys!
    2. Terrorists have lost the lead narrative with the military and our security personnel’s excellent performance in rescuing the boys without any incident. They can run, but they can no longer hide. The momentum now lies with our forces, and one should expect a new push against violent forces and their sponsors.
    3. One must never take for granted the Nigerian spirit of brotherhood or their love for their President. Nigerians are far more united than it would seem, reviewing news reports and social media pages. Nigerians also love this President and have absolute trust in his ability to protect them. The outpouring of solidarity and support for the administration cuts across all divides, from far and wide, from expected and unexpected quarters. Nigerians have shown that in moments of national grief, they are truly their brother’s keepers and the events of the last few days have clearly demonstrated this residue.
    4. There will always be profiteers from other people’s misfortune. The lack of patriotism shown by few unnecessary elements in a moment of national distress was crass, shameful and despicable. If they are not directly affected by a tragedy or no immediate family member involved, it is fair game for them and time to gloat or even make a few fast bucks. Indeed emergency activists thought they could cash in on these schoolboys and their parents’ misfortune devoid of their conscience. While patriotic Nigerians prayed for the boys’ quick return, these merchants of fortune were renting crowds, creating certain suspicious hashtags, opening bank accounts for the sole aim of soliciting funds for a cause they thought would linger. What will they do now with the one million T-Shirts they have produced? This is hugely shameful. These scavengers should now be honourable enough to refund the monies they have so far collected for the now futile campaign to discredit their fatherland.
  • Nigeria: ‘Bandits Have Direct Lines of Northern Governors’, Ex-Health Insurance Boss Claims

    Nigeria: ‘Bandits Have Direct Lines of Northern Governors’, Ex-Health Insurance Boss Claims

    A former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme on Wednesday said bandits terrorising northern Nigeria have the direct lines of the governors in the region.

    While speaking on insecurity in Nigeria, Prof. Usman Yusuf, who was a guest on Arise TV’s The Morning Show Wednesday described politicians in the country as being worst than bandits who loot the country and provide guns for northern youths to rig elections and dump them afterward.

    According to Mr. Yusuf, negotiations between state governors and bandits are “the governors of the states importing from the bandits and a sign of failure in governance.”

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    Mr. Yusuf said who appeared on ARISE News said in some instances, governors of the states buy cattle for the bandits and even give them money as ways of pacifying them.

    “Many of these bandits have direct lines to these governors, calling them. I know Nasir el-Rufai refused to negotiate with them. The governors negotiate with them, they buy them cattle, they buy them birds, it is all signs of failure of governance from the centre to the states.

    “We are negotiating with bandits and giving them the money of the people they are killing,” the Professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation said.

    He added, “you know there are two or three types of bandits, there are bandits in the forest that carry arms and we have a lot of bandits in government.

    “All those people that loot people’s money are worse than bandits. All those politicians that loot the people money are worse than bandits and they winning elections.”

    Mr. Yusuf said the insecurity being experienced in the country is a result of the enmeshed corruption and bad governance.

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    “It is politicians that imported to these kids to make them their political thugs. They give them arms all across the country, politicians give thugs arms and when they are done with them, they dump them.

    “These kids have the guns, they become bandits and thugs and cultists and armed robbers, so yes there are bandits stealing our money and there are bandits getting our money ransomed,” he said.