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  • Borno Govt Shuts School, Relocates Students After Terrorists Abduct 42 Children

    The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students and children by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

    The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community on Monday.

    School Relocated Over Security Concerns

    According to a statement issued by Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, the school has now been relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, under the state’s Safe Schools Initiative.

    The government said the relocation became necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff amid worsening security threats in the area.

    “As part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner directed the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba,” the statement said.

    The state government added that students would continue their education in safer and more secure conditions.

    Government Meets Parents, Community Leaders

    Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation reportedly paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.

    In Mussa, officials were received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted children.

    During an interactive session with parents, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy of the Borno State Government and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted students safely.

    Details Of The Abduction

    The abduction occurred on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.

    Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed that the abducted victims included four students from the secondary school section, 28 pupils from the primary school and 10 children taken from nearby homes.

    The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity and repeated attacks on schools in parts of northern Nigeria.

  • Borno Indigene Alleges ₦3m Payments, Monthly Salaries for “Repentant Boko Haram” After Rehabilitation

    A Borno State indigene, Enoch Yohanna, has sparked fresh controversy after alleging that repentant Boko Haram members are being paid up to ₦3 million after rehabilitation and placed on monthly stipends by the Federal Government.

    Yohanna made the claims during a public event, expressing anger over what he described as the use of taxpayers’ money to compensate individuals linked to violent insurgency in the North-East.

    Allegations Against Rehabilitation Programme

    According to him, individuals who pass through rehabilitation under the government’s deradicalisation framework are reportedly given financial support and monthly allowances after completion of the programme.

    He linked his claims to the Operation Safe Corridor initiative introduced in 2016 under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which focuses on deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former insurgents.

    Yohanna also alleged that different categories of ex-combatants are processed based on their level of involvement in the insurgency.

    Claims On Payments And Reintegration

    In a viral video, he further claimed that rehabilitated individuals receive about ₦50,000 monthly and are integrated into civilian structures, including security-support roles in some communities.

    He also alleged that some of them are deployed to various locations across the country under government supervision after rehabilitation.

    However, these claims remain unverified, and there has been no official confirmation from the Federal Government or security agencies regarding the specific figures mentioned.

    Operation Safe Corridor Background

    Operation Safe Corridor is a federal deradicalisation programme aimed at reintegrating low-risk ex-combatants back into society through education, counselling, and vocational training.

    Authorities have previously maintained that the programme is designed to support peace-building efforts and reduce the cycle of insurgency in the North-East.

    Growing Debate Over Rehabilitation Policy

    The allegations have reignited public debate around Nigeria’s approach to insurgency rehabilitation, with many citizens questioning transparency, accountability, and the long-term impact of reintegration programmes.

    The video of Yohanna’s comments has continued to circulate online, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians.

  • Military Raises Terror Alert Ahead Of Eid-El-Kabir, Warns Of Possible Boko Haram, ISWAP Attacks

    The Nigerian military has raised fresh security concerns over possible terrorist attacks ahead of the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, warning that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remnants may attempt isolated strikes.

    The alert was contained in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

    Intelligence Warns Of Possible Attacks

    According to the statement, credible intelligence suggests that terrorist groups may target civilian locations during the festive period using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in crowded public spaces.

    The military said the threats are being closely monitored, with security forces already activating countermeasures.

    Troops Deployed Across Vulnerable Areas

    Lt. Col. Uba said the Theatre Command has deployed troops to strategic and vulnerable locations across all operational sectors in the North-East.

    He added that surveillance systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, have been activated, while patrols have been intensified across key areas.

    Security agencies are also working in coordination with sister services, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilance groups to prevent any breakdown of security during the celebrations.

    Call For Public Cooperation

    The military urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to denying terrorist groups freedom of action and ensuring a peaceful festive period for residents across the North-East.

  • 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.

  • Troops Kill 24 Terrorists, Repel Midnight Attack on Kukareta in Borno

    Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, have neutralised 24 terrorists after repelling a coordinated midnight attack on Kukareta community in Borno State.

    Midnight attack repelled after fierce gun battle

    Security sources said the attack began around midnight and lasted until about 3:00 a.m. on Thursday before troops overpowered the insurgents.

    The troops engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing them to retreat.

    At least 24 terrorists were confirmed killed during the operation.

    Weapons recovered from insurgents

    Following the encounter, troops recovered a cache of weapons, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, and two PKT anti-aircraft guns.

    Other items recovered include three Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, and 18 AK-47 magazines.

    A large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition used for anti-aircraft weapons was also recovered at the scene.

    Casualties recorded among troops

    Two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment.

    Military sources described the operation as a significant success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.

    Rising attacks across the region

    The development comes amid increased attacks by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, targeting military formations in recent weeks.

    Some of the attacks have resulted in casualties among security personnel, including senior officers.

    Security analysts say the renewed assaults may be aimed at weakening military operations and looting weapons from bases.

    Ongoing operations intensify

    The latest operation adds to recent military actions in Borno, including airstrikes in parts of the Sambisa Forest targeting terrorist hideouts.

    Troops continue to intensify efforts to contain insurgency activities across the region.

    The incident is part of ongoing security developments featured in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • Boko Haram Suspect Alleges Link to Senior Military Figure in Abuja During Interrogation Video

    A man identified as a suspected Boko Haram member has made explosive claims during interrogation, alleging that the terrorist group operates under the influence of a senior military figure based in Abuja, in a video now circulating widely online.

    The suspect, who was seen tied to a tree and questioned by security operatives, repeatedly referenced an unnamed individual he described as “Manga Manga” and “Baban soja,” a Hausa phrase meaning “big soldier.”

    “My oga dey work for big soldier in Abuja”

    Speaking in a mix of Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin English, the suspect alleged that his immediate commander reports to the said figure in Abuja.

    “My oga dey work for that big soldier for Abuja,” he said, insisting that the group’s operations are linked to a high-ranking officer.

    He further claimed that his commander’s family is also with the same individual in Abuja, adding that he could lead security forces to the person if released.

    “If una loose me, I go show everything,” he said, repeatedly requesting to be untied during questioning.

    Denies possession of weapons

    When pressed on his involvement in armed activity, the suspect denied carrying any firearm.

    “I no get gun,” he stated.

    Despite further questioning, he maintained his position but refused to provide additional details unless his demand for release was granted.

    Claims unverified, authorities silent

    The allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response has been issued by security agencies regarding the claims or the identities mentioned in the video.

    The circulation of the footage has, however, triggered fresh debate online about infiltration claims and the credibility of statements made by suspects under interrogation.

    Security experts urge caution

    Security analysts caution that statements obtained under duress or during field interrogations must be treated carefully until independently investigated and confirmed.

    They stress that misinformation and coerced confessions can sometimes complicate ongoing counter-terrorism operations if not properly verified.

  • Boko Haram Splinter Group Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum, Threatens to Kill 416 Captives in New Video

    A faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, has issued a chilling 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, threatening to execute 416 captives, mostly women and children, if its demands are not met.

    The threat was contained in a video circulating online, where a masked spokesperson announced that the countdown had begun, warning that any failure to comply would lead to mass executions.

    Ultimatum announced in video

    In the footage, the spokesperson identified the group and its leader, declaring that the message was directed at the Nigerian government and other stakeholders, including the Borno South Youth Alliance.

    He insisted that prior negotiations had already been communicated and warned that no modifications would be tolerated.

    “We are giving you seventy-two (72) hours… if you do not fulfil what we have told you, do not add or change anything,” he said.

    The group added that the ultimatum took effect from April 19, 2026.

    Threat to execute captives

    The insurgents warned that failure to comply would result in the killing of the hostages, claiming they would be “shot” if demands are ignored.

    They also cautioned against any military rescue attempt, insisting such action would worsen the situation.

    “If you attempt to recover them by force… it will only make matters worse,” the spokesperson added.

    The group further stated, “This is not a bluff… we act on what we say.”

    Government yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not issued any official response to the ultimatum.

    The development has heightened concerns over the safety of the captives, though the exact location and condition of the victims remain unclear.

    Local mediation efforts

    Reacting to the situation, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Sama’ila Ibrahim Kaigama, confirmed ongoing efforts to engage authorities for intervention.

    He appealed to top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, to act swiftly.

    “I am only a mediator… I went to places a lot of youths like me will never go to because I want to save lives,” he said.

    Kaigama also called on influential individuals and stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to secure the release of the captives.

  • NCS Raises Alarm as ISWAP, Boko Haram Plot Attacks on Abuja Airport, Prison

     

    Nigeria’s security forces have been placed on high alert following intelligence that sleeper cells linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram are planning coordinated attacks on key infrastructure in Abuja and parts of Niger State.

    What intelligence reveals

    According to a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the planned targets include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a prison facility in Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger State.

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) warned that the threat is credible, prompting heightened vigilance across security agencies.

    Planned targets and strategy

    Authorities say the suspected terrorists aim to attack strategic locations and free detained fighters.

    “Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo stated.

    Security analysts also noted a worrying pattern in the planned attacks.

    “An analysis of the report reveals a concerning correlation between the potential targeting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja and recent large-scale attacks on aviation facilities in Niger Republic,” the report added.

    Link to Niger attacks

    The alert follows a similar incident in January in Niamey, Niger Republic, where terrorists attacked an air force base, injuring four soldiers and damaging an aircraft.

    Experts believe the latest plot may be an attempt to replicate those attacks within Nigeria.

    “This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria,” the report noted.

    Security concerns deepen

    Nigeria has continued to battle multiple security threats in recent years, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry, and mass kidnappings.

    Data from the Global Terrorism Index released on March 19, 2026, shows the country ranked fourth globally, with a 46 per cent rise in terrorism-related deaths in 2025.

    US advisory and FG response

    The development comes days after the United States issued a travel advisory authorising non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Abuja over security concerns.

    However, the Federal Government dismissed the move as routine.

    Officials described the advisory as a “precautionary measure based on internal protocols,” insisting there is no cause for panic.

  • How Three Teenagers Hid a Bomb in a Food Flask to Attack Maiduguri Hospital

    Fresh details have emerged about the March 16 coordinated bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, revealing how three teenage suspected suicide bombers disguised explosives inside a food flask and attempted to pass themselves off as relatives visiting patients at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital — a plan that was foiled by an alert security officer at the entrance gate.

    The attacks struck three crowded locations at approximately 7:05 p.m. — the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital entrance, the Post Office area, and Monday Market — at the height of the Ramadan evening rush. At least 23 people were killed, and 108 others were confirmed injured.

    How the hospital attack unfolded

    A security officer at the hospital, Ali Musa, said the three suspects arrived at the facility in a commercial tricycle, posing as relatives bringing food to patients. Musa said he had already tightened security at his post after receiving word of the earlier blast at the post office, and immediately noticed something was wrong when the suspects drove in at high speed rather than slowing down for the standard security check.

    “They were three in number — two boys and one rider of the tricycle. I think they were around 13 or 14 years old. They looked very unkempt. I suspected something was wrong with the way they drove in,” Musa said.

    When Musa ordered them to reverse, one of the suspects threw the food flask containing the concealed explosive device directly at him. Musa kicked the flask back toward them — and the device detonated. “I heard a loud explosion and immediately lay flat on the ground,” he said. A second explosion followed shortly afterwards near the hospital entrance.

    Musa sustained injuries in the blast and found his female colleague on the ground with a broken leg when he went to check on her. He also saw a young Almajiri boy lying nearby on the ground. A shop owner near the hospital entrance, speaking anonymously, confirmed the attackers’ intent. “They wanted to blow up parts of the hospital,” she said.

    The Monday Market blast

    Investigations revealed that the Monday Market explosion was likely carried out by a separate attacker wearing an explosive vest. An eyewitness, simply identified as Fati, who works near the market, said the night was unlike anything she had experienced. “I later heard that they found a boy whose body was completely destroyed. The impact on that boy was worse than on others, so they suspected he was the bomb carrier,” she said.

    Government response

    President Tinubu directed service chiefs to relocate to Borno State following the attacks. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, arrived in Maiduguri on the morning of Wednesday, March 18, to coordinate security operations on the ground.

    Background

    Maiduguri is the birthplace of Boko Haram and has been at the centre of Nigeria’s insurgency for over 17 years. The city had experienced relative calm since 2021 before a mosque bombing in December 2025 killed five people and raised early concerns about renewed attacks. The March 16 bombings are the deadliest to hit the city in several years. No group has formally claimed responsibility, though the Nigerian Armed Forces have attributed the attacks to Boko Haram-affiliated elements.