Welcome

Category: Breaking News

  • AFRICOM Releases Footage Of Joint Nigeria–US Strike That Killed Senior ISIS Leader Al-Minuki

    The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has released footage of a coordinated military operation in northeastern Nigeria, saying the mission led to the killing of senior Islamic State leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other top ISIS figures.

    In a statement on Saturday, AFRICOM said the strike was carried out on May 16, 2026, under the direction of the United States President and the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria.

    Multiple ISIS Leaders Killed In Operation

    According to AFRICOM, initial assessments indicated that several terrorists were eliminated during the operation, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s director of global operations.

    The command added that no United States service members were injured during the mission.

    It said the operation targeted a “significant presence of ISIS fighters in Northeastern Nigeria,” describing it as a coordinated effort between Nigerian and American forces.

    US Military Details Intelligence-Driven Strike

    U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM, said the mission reflected strong cooperation between both countries.

    “As President Trump shared last night, AFRICOM, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, bravely and valiantly conducted a successful mission that resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and multiple other ISIS leaders,” he said.

    He added that the operation was the result of months of coordination and intelligence sharing between both militaries.

    According to him, the partnership underscores a growing commitment to counterterrorism cooperation in the region.

    Role Of The ISIS Commander

    AFRICOM described al-Minuki as a key operational figure within ISIS, allegedly involved in strategic planning, media operations, weapons development, explosives production, drone manufacturing and hostage-taking coordination.

    He was also said to play a central role in directing global ISIS-linked activities.

    Tinubu Hails Joint Operation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier described the mission as a “daring joint operation” that inflicted significant losses on ISIS networks operating in the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas.

    The latest development adds to ongoing military efforts by Nigerian forces and international partners aimed at weakening insurgent groups in the North-East.

  • Confusion Trails Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki After 2024 Death Claim

    Confusion has continued to trail the reported killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, after Nigerian authorities previously announced his death in 2024.

    The controversy intensified after Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian forces had carried out a successful joint operation targeting the terrorist leader.

    Trump, Tinubu Confirm Operation

    In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump described Al-Manuki as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.

    He added that the operation would weaken ISIS operations globally and reduce threats against both Africans and Americans.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the operation in a statement issued from the State House.

    According to Tinubu, Nigerian troops worked alongside United States forces in a “daring joint operation” targeting terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants,” Tinubu stated.

    The President also thanked the United States government for its support in counterterrorism operations.

    Military Had Earlier Declared Him Dead

    However, findings have shown that the Nigerian military had already announced Al-Manuki’s death in 2024.

    In April 2024, the Defence Headquarters listed Abu Bilal Minuki among terrorist commanders allegedly neutralised during military operations conducted between January and March 2024.

    The announcement was made by then Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba.

    At the time, Buba identified Minuki as the “Head of IS-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP)” and said he was killed during military operations around the Birnin Gwari forest axis and Abuja-Kaduna corridor.

    According to the briefing, the insurgent commander was allegedly eliminated on February 21, 2024.

    The military also announced that thousands of terrorists had been killed, arrested or displaced during the period under review.

    Who Is Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki?

    Security reports identify Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki or Abubakar Mainok, as a senior ISIS-linked commander operating across West Africa and the Sahel.

    According to the Counter Extremism Project, Al-Manuki was born in Mainok, Borno State, in 1982 and later became a major figure within ISIS-aligned structures in the Lake Chad Basin.

    The United States government designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023 over alleged involvement in ISIS operations.

    Authorities linked him to ISIS’s al-Furqan network, which coordinates extremist activities across Nigeria, the Sahel and parts of West Africa.

    He was also reportedly involved in weapons manufacturing, explosives development, drone operations and ISIS propaganda activities.

    Questions Continue Over Contradictory Claims

    The conflicting reports surrounding his alleged deaths in 2024 and 2026 have continued to generate debate online and within security circles.

    While Nigerian and US authorities insist the latest operation was based on months of intelligence gathering and target verification, sceptics have questioned why his death had previously been announced by the military.

    Security analysts, however, argue that mistaken battlefield identification and conflicting intelligence assessments are not uncommon in counterterrorism operations involving insurgent groups that use aliases and operate across difficult terrains.

  • El-Rufai’s Family Accuses ICPC Of Blocking Doctor, Denying Food Access In Custody

    The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of violating his constitutional rights by allegedly denying him access to medical care and restricting food deliveries while in custody.

    In a statement released on Saturday, Mohammed Bello described the actions of the anti-graft agency as a serious attack on his father’s basic rights.

    Family Raises Alarm Over Medical Access

    According to Bello, El-Rufai’s personal doctor visited the ICPC office on Friday to discuss the outcome of medical tests recently conducted on the former governor.

    “Our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai, is still being held by the ICPC. Today, 15 May 2026, we witnessed two distinct yet equally serious attacks on his basic rights,” the statement read.

    “First, his personal doctor visited the ICPC at about 3pm to discuss the results of medical tests recently conducted on our father.

    “Officials at the agency blocked the doctor from seeing him, claiming that written permission from the ICPC chairman was required.”

    Bello argued that the decision directly violated an existing court order granting El-Rufai unrestricted access to his doctors.

    Wife Allegedly Denied Access To Deliver Food

    The family also alleged that El-Rufai’s second wife, Assab Aichatou Djibril, was prevented from delivering his dinner at the detention facility.

    According to Bello, ICPC operatives reportedly informed her that food deliveries were not allowed after 6:30pm.

    “This arbitrary rule is no less offensive than blocking his right to medical care,” he stated.

    He described the development as an assault on the rule of law and a violation of the former governor’s constitutional and human rights.

    “No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC. Shame on them as an institution,” he added.

    El-Rufai’s Wife Speaks Out

    In a separate post shared on X, Assab Aichatou Djibril also accused the agency of ignoring a court directive.

    “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s doctor was at the ICPC today, to follow up on medical tests recently taken by his patient,” she wrote.

    “The doctor was prevented from seeing him by operatives who insisted that the doctor must present written approval by their chairman. This is a brazen violation of an explicit court order.”

    She added that she was also denied access when she attempted to deliver dinner to her husband later that evening.

    Background To The Case

    El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

    In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering, while calling for investigations by anti-graft agencies.

    On April 13, 2026, the ICPC arraigned him before the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.

  • Tinubu Confirms Killing Of Senior ISIS Leader In Joint Nigeria-US Operation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

    In a statement released from the State House on Saturday, Tinubu described the overnight operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and praised the collaboration between both countries.

    Tinubu Praises Joint Military Strike

    According to the president, the Nigerian Armed Forces worked closely with U.S. military personnel to execute what he described as a daring operation against the terrorist group.

    “Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu stated.

    “Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.”

    Tinubu also thanked Donald Trump for supporting the operation.

    “Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” he added.

    Trump Calls Terrorist ‘Most Active In The World’

    Trump had earlier confirmed the operation in a statement shared on Truth Social on Friday.

    The U.S. president described Al-Manuki as “the most active terrorist in the world” and claimed he was the second-in-command of ISIS globally.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission,” Trump wrote.

    He further stated that the terrorist leader believed he could hide in Africa without detection.

    “Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” he said.

    Renewed Offensive Against Terror Groups

    The operation comes amid intensified military offensives against insurgent groups operating across the North-East and Lake Chad region.

    Islamic State-linked factions have continued to launch attacks on military formations and civilian communities in the region despite ongoing security operations.

    Trump also noted that Al-Manuki had been placed under U.S. sanctions in 2023 because of his links to the Islamic State group.

    “With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” he stated.

  • Trump Claims US, Nigerian Forces Killed Top ISIS Commander In Joint Operation

    Donald Trump has claimed that American forces and the Nigerian military carried out a joint operation that allegedly eliminated a top ISIS commander in Africa.

    In a statement shared online, Trump said the operation targeted Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally and one of the terror group’s most active operatives.

    Trump Praises Nigerian Military Partnership

    According to Trump, the mission was conducted alongside the Nigerian Armed Forces after intelligence reportedly tracked the suspect’s movements and activities across Africa.

    He claimed the operation was highly coordinated and would weaken ISIS operations globally.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission,” Trump stated.

    He further alleged that the deceased terrorist had been involved in planning operations capable of targeting both Africans and Americans.

    “ISIS Global Operation Greatly Diminished”

    Trump said the operation would significantly reduce the capabilities of the terrorist organisation.

    “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” he said.

    “With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”

    The U.S. president also thanked the Nigerian government for cooperating in the operation and praised the forces involved.

    No Official Nigerian Confirmation Yet

    As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian military authorities and the Federal Government had not officially confirmed the operation or the reported killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

    The statement has, however, generated widespread reactions online amid ongoing security concerns surrounding extremist groups operating across parts of Africa.

  • Nigeria Approves 30-Day Visa-Free Entry For Rwandans After Tinubu-Kagame Meeting

    Nigeria has approved a 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of Rwanda, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic and travel relations between both countries.

    The development was announced on Friday by the Nigeria Immigration Service, which confirmed that all arrangements had been concluded for the implementation of the directive approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Tinubu, Kagame Deepen Bilateral Talks

    The decision comes shortly after Tinubu’s visit to Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum held on Thursday.

    Ahead of the summit, the Nigerian President held a bilateral meeting with Paul Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa.

    According to reports, both leaders discussed areas of cooperation including trade, tourism, regional integration and security collaboration.

    During the meeting, Tinubu reportedly hinted that Nigeria was considering adopting a visa-free policy similar to Rwanda’s existing 30-day entry arrangement for Nigerians.

    Push For African Integration

    The President described the move as part of broader efforts to encourage Pan-Africanism and strengthen relationships among African nations.

    Officials believe the new policy will improve movement between both countries while boosting tourism, business activities and diplomatic exchanges.

    The visa-free arrangement is also expected to further deepen economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Rwanda as both countries continue to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

  • Terrorists Invade Borno School, Many Children Feared Abducted In Askira-Uba Attack

    Many schoolchildren are feared abducted after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The attack reportedly occurred on Friday morning when the armed men stormed the school on motorcycles shortly after troops had left the community.

    Terrorists Strike Minutes After Troop Movement

    According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the attackers arrived barely 15 minutes after military personnel left the area, raising concerns that the movement of troops may have been monitored.

    In a post, Mr Solomon Mussa said schoolchildren were affected and called for urgent prayers as the situation unfolded.

    The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdullahi Askira, who hails from the area, also confirmed the incident.

    “Yes, I can confirm to you that some suspected terrorists riding on motorcycles invaded primary and junior secondary schools in Mussa village this morning,” he said.

    Students Flee Into Bush Amid Chaos

    The lawmaker noted that many students reportedly fled into nearby bushes during the attack, although the exact number of those abducted remains unclear.

    He added that the timing of the invasion, shortly after troops withdrew, suggests the attackers may have been tracking military movements before striking.

    “It is also disheartening that the incident took place barely some few minutes after troops on patrol left the community,” he said.

    The police in Borno State were yet to issue an official response at the time of filing this report.

    Mussa village, located near the border of Sambisa Forest, has long been considered vulnerable due to its proximity to known insurgent hideouts.

    Growing Security Concerns in North-East

    The latest attack adds to ongoing concerns about renewed insurgent activity in parts of the North-East, especially in rural communities with limited security presence.

    Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue into the possible abduction figures and the current status of the affected students.

  • NDLEA Uncovers Underground Drug Tunnels, Arrests 19 Suspects In Kano

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered and dismantled underground tunnels and caves allegedly used for illicit drug trade and storage in Kano State.

    The agency disclosed that 19 suspects were arrested during the operation, while various quantities of illicit substances were recovered from the hidden structures.

    NDLEA Reveals Underground Drug Network

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

    According to him, the tunnels and caves were discovered in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out by officers of the Kano Strategic Command.

    Babafemi described the underground structures as a concealed criminal network allegedly used for drug consumption, storage and distribution.

    “These videos and pictures capture the moment NDLEA officers uncovered and dismantled a network of caves and tunnels used by criminal elements for illicit drug use, trade and storage,” he said.

    Operation ‘Sharar Mafaka’

    The anti-drug agency disclosed that the operation was code-named “Operation Sharar Mafaka.”

    According to the statement, officers acted on intelligence and surveillance before storming the area and dismantling the underground structures.

    Babafemi praised the officers involved in the operation, describing the discovery as unusual and alarming.

    “It’s indeed a different life underneath the earth,” he added.

    Suspects In Custody

    Authorities confirmed that the 19 suspects arrested during the raid are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.

    The NDLEA also stated that the recovered substances have been taken for forensic analysis as investigations continue into the full extent of the alleged drug network and possible collaborators.

    The agency said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking activities and dismantle hidden drug hubs across Nigeria.

  • “Woman Wey Go Leave You Go Leave You” — Geh Geh Speaks Amid Frank Edoho, Chike Drama

    Social commentator Geh Geh has reacted to the ongoing online conversations surrounding media personality Frank Edoho, his ex-wife Sandra and singer Chike.

    In a lengthy video shared online, Geh Geh spoke about emotional attachment, heartbreak and how men handle failed relationships.

    Geh Geh Shares Relationship Advice

    According to the commentator, emotional commitment often gives partners power over each other in relationships.

    He argued that some men become emotionally unstable because of the level of attention and love they invest in their partners.

    Geh Geh further stated that distancing oneself emotionally and physically could sometimes help preserve peace of mind after a relationship turns unhealthy.

    “The only power and control a woman has over you is your love and commitment for her,” he said in the viral clip.

    He also claimed that some men react emotionally online after breakups because they struggle to detach from failed relationships.

    References Frank Edoho, Chike Discussions

    While reacting to the trending allegations involving Frank Edoho’s ex-wife and Chike, Geh Geh said people should understand that relationships sometimes end regardless of effort or sacrifice.

    He praised Frank Edoho for maintaining silence online despite the discussions surrounding his former marriage.

    “You need to understand say as a man, woman wey go leave you go leave you. But your life after she leave na the most important thing,” he said.

    The commentator also advised men to prioritise emotional stability and avoid public emotional breakdowns after relationship issues.

    Video Sparks Mixed Reactions

    The video has since generated reactions online, with social media users debating Geh Geh’s opinions on relationships and emotional detachment.

    While some users agreed with parts of his message, others criticised his comments and accused him of generalising women and relationships.

    The discussions surrounding Frank Edoho, his ex-wife and Chike have continued to trend across social media platforms, although the parties involved have largely remained silent on the allegations.

  • World Bank Restricts Instagram Comments Amid Backlash Over Fresh $1.25bn Nigeria Loan

    The World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page following widespread backlash from Nigerians over plans by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to secure a fresh $1.25 billion loan facility.

    The reactions followed reports that the Federal Government had intensified discussions with the World Bank over a new loan package aimed at supporting economic reforms and job creation.

    Debt Concerns Trigger Reactions

    According to figures released by the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt for both federal and state governments rose to ₦159.27 trillion as of the fourth quarter of 2025.

    President Tinubu also disclosed on Tuesday that Nigeria would spend about $11.6 billion on debt servicing in 2026.

    The figure represents a sharp increase compared to the $5.21 billion reportedly spent on external debt servicing in 2025, based on data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The president stated that almost half of Nigeria’s projected revenue for 2026 would go toward debt servicing under the current global financial structure.

    Nigerians Flood World Bank Page

    Following the development, Nigerians stormed the World Bank’s Instagram page, urging the institution to stop approving loans for Nigeria.

    Many social media users accused government officials of mismanaging and diverting borrowed funds meant for economic development.

    Screenshots circulating online showed hundreds of comments from Nigerians lamenting rising inflation, economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.

    “Dear @WorldBankGroup, why did you lock your comments section on Instagram? Nigerians are telling you to stop giving our criminal leaders billions in loans that only gets stolen,” one user wrote.

    Others warned that continued borrowing could push Nigeria deeper into a debt crisis while allegedly empowering corrupt political elites.

    “They want to give so much loan that the country won’t be able to pay back, so they can control our resources,” another user wrote.

    “Stop giving Tinubu loans, he is not using it for the citizens,” another comment read.

    World Bank Yet To Respond

    As of the time of filing this report, the World Bank had not issued any official statement addressing the backlash or confirming whether the comment restrictions were linked to the reactions from Nigerians.

    The development comes amid growing public concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the economic impact of ongoing reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.