Suspected vandal killed as 330kV transmission tower collapses in Delta

By Okey Muogbo
A suspected vandal has been crushed to death following the collapse of a vandalised 330kV transmission tower along the Ughelli-Benin transmission line in Delta State.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in statement signed by it’s management on Saturday, said the victim was discovered on Saturday, August 8, 2026, by its linesmen during an intensive patrol of the transmission corridor.
According to TCN, the patrol was launched after the Ughelli-Benin 330kV transmission line tripped on earth fault.
The patrol team from the Delta Sub-Region, Lines Maintenance Department traced the fault to Tower 101, which had collapsed.
The body of the suspected vandal was subsequently found trapped and crushed between the collapsed tower members.
Further inspection by the TCN team revealed that Tower 101 on the adjacent Ughelli-Sapele 330kV transmission line had also been extensively vandalised, although it remained standing as of the time of the report.
TCN condemned the incident, describing the vandalism of power infrastructure as a serious threat to national assets and public safety.
The company urged host communities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around electricity infrastructure to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.
It stressed that the fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure requires the collective efforts of government agencies, host communities and the general public.
The company also warned that tampering with transmission infrastructure could result in loss of lives, damage to critical national assets and prolonged power outages.
TCN urged Nigerians to see the protection of power infrastructure as a civic responsibility and called for greater community vigilance to prevent further incidents.

INEC extends deadline for upload of Guber, State Assembly candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to upload the names of their governorship and State House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The commission shifted the deadline from Saturday, August 8, to Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following appeals by political parties for additional time to complete the submission process.

Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, who made the disclosure in a statement issued over the weekend, added that the submission window, which was originally scheduled to close on August 8 in line with the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the general election, would now remain open until August 11.

He said the extension was granted in response to appeals from political parties seeking more time to conclude the upload of their candidates.

In a related development, INEC announced the suspension of the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The commission said voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs had until midnight on Sunday, August 9, to print downloadable copies of their cards.

Haruna explained that the deadline was necessary to enable the commission to compile data on downloaded PVCs and produce final statistics on the total number of collected voter cards ahead of the election.

INEC also disclosed that downloadable replacement PVCs had been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas whose cards were reportedly carted away by hoodlums during an invasion of two collection centres.

The commission, however, clarified that the stolen physical PVCs could not be used to vote.

The commission recalled that PVC collection in Osun commenced at the Registration Area level on July 22 and was initially scheduled to end on July 28.

According to Haruna, the commission extended the exercise to July 31 following complaints about large crowds and difficulties encountered by voters at collection centres.

The collection subsequently moved to the local government level from August 1 to August 7.

INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Osun State on August 15. Authority.

Osun Guber: INEC suspends PVC collection

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The commission announced the suspension in a statement issued over the weekend by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

INEC said the decision would enable it to compile data on downloaded PVCs and prepare the final statistics of voters who collected their cards ahead of the election.

The commission also announced that voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs have until midnight on Sunday, August 9, to print downloadable copies of their cards.

According to INEC, the deadline is necessary to allow it to compile the data of downloaded PVCs for the final statistics of PVCs collected in the state.

The commission recalled that PVC collection in Osun commenced at the Registration Area level on July 22 and was initially scheduled to end on July 28.

It said the exercise was extended to July 31 following complaints from voters over large crowds and difficulties encountered at collection centres.

The collection subsequently moved to the local government level and continued from August 1 to 7.

INEC further disclosed that replacement downloadable PVCs had been made available to voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas whose cards were allegedly carted away by hoodlums who invaded the two collection centres.

The commission, however, clarified that the stolen PVCs could not be used to vote, urging affected voters to obtain their replacement downloadable copies within the stipulated period.

INEC reiterated its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Osun State on August 15. Authority.

Peter Obi’s anticipated presidency and Nigeria’s seemingly ineradicable culture of corruption

By Chiedu Uche Okoye
Nigeria’s underdevelopment is attributed to  the culture of corruption, which pervades the entire country. Is she not blessed with abundant human and material resources? Doesn’t she have large arable land? And is Nigeria not a country that has many waters (rivers, lakes, ponds, and rivulets), and equable weather conditions? A country that possesses the aforementioned things ought to be a developed nation-state.
But the obverse obtains in our polity. Why? Over the years, our successive political leaders have continued to deepen our egregious and despicable culture of corruption, which is the cankerworm that is destroying our country’s moral fabric and stultifying our national development. And Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, who are not occupying political offices, have embraced the culture of corruption that prevails in our country.
Consequently, every system of doing things in Nigeria has been compromised and corrupted. For example, in today’s Nigeria, educational certificates, ranging from FSLCs to university degrees, can be secured through underhand and corrupt means. And while our judges accept financial inducement so as to  pervert the course of justice, our  politicians rig electoral polls to access political power at different governmental strata.
Again, our politicians, who perceive their occupation of political offices as opportunities to become rich by dipping their hands into our collective financial tills, have caused the ruination of our national economy. They are wont to divert public funds earmarked for the execution of projects into their private bank accounts. The trial, conviction, and imprisonment of Joshua Dariye and Rev. Jolly Nyame, who are former governors in Nigeria, are proofs that corruption has been encumbering our national development. That Nigeria is hobbled by official corruption is beyond question; and it is an incontrovertible fact.
But sadly, and incredibly, too, parents, who ought to provide the moral compass for their children and wards, are socializing and initiating them into the culture of corruption. When parents hire surrogate candidates to sit such examinations as SSCE and NECO for their impressionable children, they are socializing and initiating them into the culture of corruption. Are the personalities of human beings not formed during their formative  years?
Now, Mr. Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election is riding on the crest and coat tail of his possession of probity to wrest power from President Bola Tinubu. But would Mr. Peter Obi, who is believed to be incorruptible and morally upright, be able to extirpate corruption in Nigeria if he became the president of Nigeria in 2027? We have  no doubt that he is a man of probity, who is well-intentioned. But freeing Nigeria from the chokehold of corruption is an arduous task that requires the collective efforts of millions of Nigerians.
If he became the president of Nigeria in 2027, he would be surrounded by party members, who do not share his philosophy of life and political ideologies. Most of his political acolytes and supporters are hypocritical and sycophantic politicians, who are set in their evil and duplicitous ways. So Mr. Peter Obi and they would work at cross-purposes. Their working at cross-purposes would undermine his efforts at cleaning our country’s Augean stable.
But Nigeria is not past redemption. The panacea to the culture of corruption, which causes our country’s economic strangulation, technological underdevelopment, and infrastructural rot and deficit, is effecting moral regeneration among us. The agents of socialization, which are family, religion, and school, should be used in reforming  the youths’ characters.
In this regard, parents should inculcate good morals into their children instead of socializing them into the culture of corruption. They should adopt this biblical saying in raising their children: spare the rod and spoil the child. And the mosques and churches should preach messages that border on holiness, chasteness, faithfulness, honesty, perseverance, and love. Such messages would mould their personalities and transform them to morally-upright and god-fearing people.
When an army of patriotic, morally-upright, and well-adjusted young people are raised in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Obi, who is honest and well-intentioned, could deploy them in the arduous task of revolutionizing Nigeria and nation-building if he became the president of the country.
But without effecting moral regeneration among us so as to raise a young demographic of patriotic, morally-upright, and god-fearing Nigerians, Nigeria will remain hobbled by corruption. And economic, technological, and infrastructural development will continue to elude us. As a result, the eradication of corruption in our country will remain a mirage.

Governor Idris to commission Lead 91.1 FM Radio in Kebbi, marks 61st birthday

 

 

Arrangements have been concluded for the commissioning of the newly established LEAD 91.1 FM Radio Station in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State even as the Governor marks his 61st birthday.

The station, owned by Optimal Image Media Services under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Shuaibu Yusuf Mungadi, is scheduled to be commissioned by Comrade Governor Dr. Nasir Idris on Monday, 11th August, 2026.

This was contained in a statement by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Governor.

With the establishment of the Birnin Kebbi station, Optimal Image Media Services now operates five media outfits across the region. These include stations in Gusau, Zamfara State; Katsina; Abuja; and 3rd Eye Africa Television in Abuja, an addition of LEAD 91.1 FM that marks the organization’s continued expansion and commitment to credible broadcasting in Northern Nigeria.

LEAD 91.1 FM becomes the sixth privately owned FM radio station* in Kebbi State and is expected to provide quality programming and news coverage to a wide audience across Gwandu and Argungu Emirates in Kebbi State, as well as Yabo and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

Ahead of the commissioning, the management has completed the installation of state-of-the-art digital broadcasting equipment and facilities

In line with sustainable energy practices, the station will be powered by solar-generated sources*.

The establishment of LEAD 91.1 FM is also in direct response to Governor Nasir Idris’s consistent appeal to indigenous entrepreneurs to return home and invest in various sectors of the economy. The initiative is expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of Kebbi State and create employment opportunities for the people.

Members of the press, government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the media industry are expected to grace the commissioning ceremony.

Meanwhile, the statement disclosed that Governor Idris has clocked 61 years.

According to the statement, at 61, Comrade Nasir Idris( Kauran Gwandu) has proven to be a special gift and blessing to the people of Kebbi State.

From his days as an internationally recognized labour unionist, to serving our country in different capacities, and now as the democratically elected Executive Governor of Kebbi State, his commitment to transforming the socio-economic well-being of our people is clear.

As we celebrate his 61st birthday, may Allah SWT continue to grant him sound health, more courage, and abundant wisdom to continue his purposeful and impactful leadership for the people of Kebbi State beyond 2027.

Congratulations to a God-sent messiah.

PDP knocks Hamzat’s “2027 Agenda”, says it’s admission of APC’s 7-year failure in Lagos

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dismissed the policy document unveiled by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as “nothing but a public confession of the All Progressives Congress, APC’s seven years of failure.”
The PDP was reacting to the document titled “Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat 2027 Agenda: The Plan to Organise Lagos” which was widely circulated this week.
In a statement signed by Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, the party said the blueprint exposes the APC’s inability to deliver on basic governance despite controlling the state since 2019.
“Dr. Obafemi Hamzat is not an opposition candidate. He is the incumbent Deputy Governor of Lagos State,” the statement read.
“If indeed he possesses such a comprehensive blueprint capable of transforming Lagos into a safe, organised, water secure, flood free, and prosperous city, Nigerians are entitled to ask: What has stopped him and his principal, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, from implementing these ideas over the last seven years?”
The PDP accused the APC of “repackaging yesterday’s failures as tomorrow’s promises,” noting that every election cycle the party unveils “glossy documents filled with attractive slogans” while daily realities remain unchanged.
The opposition party listed issues the APC agenda now promises to address but which remain unresolved:  Running water, flood control, waste management reform, organised public transportation, affordable housing, technology-driven security, and ending street harassment.
“Lagosians still endure chronic flooding after every rainfall. Residents continue to spend fortunes purchasing water because pipe borne water remains a luxury,” the PDP stated.
“Traffic congestion has worsened, environmental sanitation remains deplorable, housing remains beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.”
The party argued that instead of presenting a scorecard, the Deputy Governor has presented “another catalogue of promises that could and should have been fulfilled during his tenure in office.”
The PDP urged Lagosians to “judge political parties not by beautifully written manifestoes but by their record in office.
“Governance is not about producing attractive policy documents. Governance is about implementation, accountability, and measurable results,” the statement added.
The statement further stated, “No amount of media spin or political rebranding can conceal the truth. Lagos deserves competent, transparent, compassionate, and accountable leadership, not another chapter of recycled promises from those who have already had every opportunity to perform.”
The party concluded that “the time has come for genuine change” and that “Lagosians cannot and will not be deceived again.”

Tinubu’s undelivered confessional to real Bishops

By Ike Abonyi

“The main difference between the Church and Politics is that the Church promises heaven later, while politicians promise it before the next election” – Anonymous

 

After the July 22, 2022, fake bishops controversy that dogged President Bola Tinubu’s unveiling of his Muslim -Muslim ticket Vice Presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, in Abuja, many political watchers anxiously looked up to his first meeting with real bishops. Many envisaged such a meeting to be an intriguing confessional encounter. Why? Because the prior event had led many to expect a significant, perhaps confessional, dialogue between the President and genuine religious leaders.

Therefore as Nigerians have been awash with the controversy arising from last week’s meeting of the President and the Catholic bishops, I am driven as a journalist by intellectual curiosity and a penchant for observing societal dynamics, to capture imaginatively the humorous confession the President would have wished contained in his address to the Catholic clerics but he squandered the opportunity, as the issues of poverty and hunger dominated the cantekerous discussion, not minding that hunger had existed even before the President was born.

 

In ‘Political Musing’ this week, I therefore present to the readers, in a satirical form, an ‘undelivered’ confessional speech of the President to the bishops that couldn’t be presented because of the hunger lecture from both the host and the visitors. From the Bishops to the President, -‘ Nigeria is bleeding, and hunger is ravaging the land’, the President to the Bishops, -‘the Economy has bounced back; as for hunger, it has been there before I was born, and I am officially 74 years old. Here is the address.

 

“My Lords spiritual, Most Reverends, and Venerable Fathers in God,

 

First, let me welcome you to the Aso Rock Villa. Please, sit down. Rest your robes. I know some of you walked in here with actual ordination certificates, canonical decrees, and apostolic succession. Beautiful credentials! Truly impressive.

 

Now, I know why you requested this emergency audience. All you want to tell me today you have severally very well articulated in your various homilies on Sundays. Perhaps if Nigerians listened to you, they would not be greeting politicians on the way, but thank God you limit yourself and your views in your altar. I also noticed some of you who are friends struggling to serve two masters—your congregation and we the politicians. We understand your predicament of trying to serve two masters at the same time and hoping to satisfy them. 

 

My protocol staff harboured concerns that you might decline our modest contribution towards your travel expenses to Abuja. But I advised them to frame it as an ‘Aso Rock offertory to God, through His Lordship.’ This clarification was intended to prevent any breach of church protocol, ensuring you were treated with the utmost respect, unlike the individuals present at my Vice President’s unveiling on July 22, 2022. Regarding that event, notoriously dubbed the ‘Villa Casting Call’ or, as the media sensationalised it, the ‘Fake Bishops Incident,’ I maintain there was nothing inherently fraudulent about them. They simply operated on a different frequency than your Lordships, but they were undoubtedly attired in clerical garb at that moment.

 

 

Let us be frank with each other. As a seasoned political strategist, I believe in inclusion. When we were assembling the spiritual coalition for our grand unveiling, my team said, “Your Excellency, the ‘real’ bishops were very busy with prayer retreats and diocesan administration” for the success of the elections following tensions created by numerous litigations and uproar over the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

 

So I asked a simple question: “Can we not benchmark the episcopacy?”

 

To heal this seeming rift between the Church and the State, allow me to offer the following official clarifications.

 

The controversial robes were not fake but 100% authentic. We did not skimp on fabric. The silk was imported from Rome, the cassocks were tailored in Lagos by one of the celibate tailors trained in Vatican City, and the mitres were adjusted for maximum grandeur. If the theology was a bit light, the embroidery was heavy! But because of the rush, he gave the fabrics to his apprentice. What you saw as poor finishing was an apprenticeship error. Think of it not as impersonation but as a youth empowerment initiative. We gave young and old, unemployed men a taste of high ecclesiastical office for one afternoon. Is job creation now a sin?

 

Your lordship might have seen ‘actors hired off the street,’ but for me it was a rapid-onset spiritual devotion. Some of those young men held those wooden crosses with so much vigour, I almost asked them to hear my confession right then and there.

 

“If a man puts on the suit of a pilot and sits in the cockpit, does he not fly the plane of faith in his heart? Or if an idle civilian puts on a General’s attire, does he not immediately start feeling like a war commander? Why must we discriminate against artisanal, non-licensed clergy?” Heaven cannot be angry at any joke that tries to recruit more members for it.

 

The media tried to inject bad blood between us by tweaking the whole story, but thank God, at your high spiritual level, you understood the drama.

 

My Lords, I will not say ‘I am sorry,’ because in Nigerian politics, an apology is a sign of weak coalition-building. Instead, I offer you a bipartisan resolution: henceforth, there will be real bishop verification badges.

 

Moving forward, all authentic clergy attending Villa events will be issued a special green-and-white code to distinguish you from our background extras.

 

Next time we need a spiritual audience for a photo op, we will give your dioceses the first right of refusal before we call the Nollywood extras union.

 

We are willing to donate the surplus cassocks from the event to your local parishes for drama night.

 

So, my beloved fathers, let us put this behind us. Let us break garri, share the national cake, and pray for the economy. After all, whether fake or real, the prayers all go to the same heavens—ours just came with a slightly higher production budget.

 

May the Lord bless our pipeline of spiritual manpower.”

 

You Catholic bishops and your priests remain highly respected, not because you do not marry for full, unhindered and non-distracted service. Your views, even in politics, are very highly regarded for their objectives, but I am tempted to say that your passion regarding Peter Obi’s case exposed you, as your inclination toward him is unprecedented and even biased across ethnic and geographical lines. Thank God you are not the only voters, but notwithstanding, your discipline, sincerity, and maturity on national issues, as well as your prayers for this country, remain very glaring, and I thank you for that—especially your not indulging in soothsaying and marabouts’ forecasting to confuse and derail the electorate. Your Peter Obi is popular and desired by both Christians and Muslims in the North and South, male and female, adults and youths, but they need to jump a hurdle that needs a strong iron pole that they don’t have.

Even among my challengers is one experienced war horse in politics who wants to keep running for an elusive position until he dies because you men of God and marabouts have assured him of the job even when the permutations are very glaringly unfavourable.

 

Please, on a final note, my lords, I am very much aware of the marble words of President Bill Clinton’s Spiritual Adviser and influential evangelist Tony Campolo, that “Mixing politics and religion is like mixing ice cream and manure. It doesn’t hurt the manure, but it sure ruins the ice cream.” Religion is dictating politics in Nigeria, which is sad; politicians benefit by using it, but the faith suffers.

Your lordship shouldn’t mind my numerous shortcomings; I most sincerely appreciate your prayers which is actually what is keeping this country one, I urge you never to relent and to always count on my support especially knowing that whenever a politician steps into a church, everyone looks to see if he’s reaching for his wallet or the microphone, I assure you that in my case, I will reach for both. Thanks for the visit, and God bless

 
*Abonyi, Editor-at-Large, is a public affairs analyst and wrote in from Abuja

Osun: Tinubu waging a war against the opposition, not corruption — Atiku

 

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed grave concern over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account days before the governorship election by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ADC Presidential Candidate said that such a reckless action amounts to a dangerous assault on democracy and raises serious questions about the neutrality of institutions entrusted with upholding the rule of law. He insisted that there can be no justification for such an action on the eve of a critical election.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the timing of the action is deeply troubling and capable of undermining public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.
“It is impossible to ignore the implications of freezing a state’s principal operational account on the eve of a governorship election. Such an action could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, impede essential public services and create an atmosphere of intimidation that has no place in a democratic society.
“If there are legitimate concerns requiring investigation, the law provides due process. Anti-corruption agencies must not conduct themselves in a manner that creates the perception that they are being deployed to influence political outcomes or weaken elected governments at critical electoral moments.”
Atiku said Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on free and fair elections but also on public confidence that institutions of state act independently, professionally and without political interference.
“The selective and politically convenient deployment of state institutions diminishes public trust and weakens the democratic order. Institutions established to enforce the law must never become instruments for creating fear or conferring political advantage.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the pattern under the Tinubu administration, where opposition-controlled states appear to be the consistent targets of coercive federal actions. Coming after the prolonged denial of Osun State’s statutory local government allocations, this latest action reinforces the disturbing impression that public institutions are being weaponised to punish political opponents rather than serve the Nigerian people.”
Atiku called on the EFCC to immediately reverse the freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account.
“Freezing the state’s allocation account is not merely an attack on the Osun State Government; it is a direct assault on the people of Osun State, whose salaries, essential public services and daily governance stand to suffer. The anti-corruption mandate of the EFCC must never be distorted into a political weapon against opposition governments.”
He urged all institutions involved in the conduct of the Osun governorship election to act with restraint, impartiality and fidelity to the Constitution.
“The people of Osun State alone must determine the outcome of their election. No external force or institution of government should, by action or omission, cast a shadow over the credibility of that democratic choice.
“President Tinubu is leaving no one in doubt that he is determined to win elections at all costs. Democracy cannot coexist with the systematic weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents. I therefore call on all opposition parties and every Nigerian committed to constitutional democracy to close ranks and resist this dangerous drift before it is too late.”

State Police Amendment Bill: ADC alleges constitutional breach by Reps

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the House of Representatives to recommit the proposed State Police Constitution Alteration Bill to a fresh legislative process, alleging that the current procedure adopted for its passage undermines constitutional provisions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said while it supports the establishment of state police to address Nigeria’s security challenges, it could not endorse a process that allegedly violates the Constitution.

The ADC questioned reports that the constitutional threshold required for the passage of the constitutional amendment was achieved through votes transmitted via WhatsApp by lawmakers who were absent from the chamber and by counting members who had signed the attendance register but were no longer present during voting.

 

According to the party, such allegations raise serious legal and constitutional concerns.

 

“The Constitution is not amended by convenience. It is amended through strict procedures that leave no room for improvisation,” the statement said, stressing that constitutional amendment procedures must be followed irrespective of the merits of the proposed legislation.

 

The party also expressed concern over reports that clause-by-clause consideration of the bill was curtailed during proceedings and that constitutional objections raised by some lawmakers were not adequately addressed.

 

It argued that constitutional amendments require openness, extensive debate and strict adherence to the Constitution as well as the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

 

The ADC further contended that the current version of the State Police Bill had not been subjected to sufficient public scrutiny, despite containing what it described as significant policy reforms capable of reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture.

 

While acknowledging that the concept of state police has featured in previous constitutional review exercises, the party maintained that the latest proposal should undergo a dedicated public consultation process before becoming law.

 

According to the ADC, the objective should not merely be to create another policing institution but to establish a framework capable of addressing the country’s worsening insecurity while safeguarding against potential political abuse.

 

The party warned that without broad public engagement, the legislation risked emerging from what it described as “the echo chamber of the ruling party” rather than benefiting from robust national debate.

 

It also cautioned against repeating the mistakes of previous laws and policies that required amendments or reversals after implementation because they were insufficiently scrutinised before passage.

 

The party urged the House of Representatives to recommit the bill to a legislative process that is constitutional, transparent and inclusive, insisting that Nigeria deserves a state police framework that enjoys public confidence because it has been thoroughly debated and strengthened before being incorporated into the Constitution. Authority.

Troops bust terrorist supply network, arrest collaborators

 

 

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded fresh successes in the fight against terrorism with the arrest of four suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) collaborators, as well as the interception of 20 suspected family members of terrorists in separate operations across Borno and Yobe states.

The operations, carried out through intelligence-led missions, form part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks, cut off supply routes and sustain pressure on insurgents operating in the North-East theatre.

 

Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Tuesday, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of suspected terrorist support structures.

 

According to him, troops of the 159 Battalion under Sector 2 conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Geidam, Yobe State, leading to the arrest of two suspected Boko Haram collaborators believed to be involved in supplying hard drugs and other logistics items to terrorists.

 

Recovered from the suspects were a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, several mobile phones, power banks, torchlights, knives, scissors, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, cough syrup, identity cards, ATM cards and cash amounting to ₦14,530.

 

In a separate operation in Monguno, Borno State, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, working in conjunction with the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers during a raid targeting terrorist supply channels.

 

The suspects reportedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that they had been transporting food items and other supplies to ISWAP fighters operating in Kwatan Dowoshi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area.

 

Items recovered from them included cartons and sachets of assorted biscuits, milk, sugar, sachet garri, soap, headlamps, lighters, mobile phones, an assault knife, herbal medicines, prayer beads, a charm belt and cash totaling ₦6,600.

 

Meanwhile, troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists during a routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

 

The group comprised nine women, two men, eight female minors and one male minor. Preliminary investigations revealed that they fled their settlement following intensified military offensives against terrorist enclaves in the area.

 

Military authorities said the intercepted individuals have been handed over to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for profiling and further action, while the arrested suspects and recovered exhibits are undergoing detailed investigation.

 

The military noted that the latest operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven counterterrorism efforts aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics and support networks. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations and help restore lasting peace and security across the North-East region. Authority.