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  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Tinubu Signs New NIMC Act into Law

    President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the 2007 legislation with a new legal framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity system. The law is expected to improve identity verification, cybersecurity, public service delivery and national security.

    The Federal Government said the upgraded identity system is already supporting security operations. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed that seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders were recently identified through the NIMC database and arrested upon returning from Hajj. The government says implementation guidelines will now be rolled out to deepen integration across public institutions.

    2. Death Toll Reaches Nine in Lagos Building Collapse

    The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Satellite Town, Lagos, has risen to nine after emergency officials concluded rescue operations. Twenty-seven people were rescued alive and are receiving medical attention.

    The tragedy has once again raised questions about compliance with building regulations in Lagos. Authorities have begun investigations into the cause of the collapse, while residents and safety experts continue to call for stricter enforcement against substandard construction across the state.

    3. Seven Suspected Terror Commanders Arrested After Hajj

    Security agencies have arrested seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina after they returned from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

    Government officials said the suspects were identified through Nigeria’s integrated digital identity platform before being handed over for further investigation. The arrests are being viewed as a major intelligence breakthrough in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

    4. Troops Rescue 53 Hostages in Borno Operation

    Nigerian troops have rescued 53 kidnapped victims during an operation against terrorist groups in Borno State. Security forces also recovered eight vehicles believed to have been used by the insurgents.

    Military authorities say the operation forms part of sustained offensives aimed at weakening terrorist networks across the North-East. The latest rescue has brought relief to affected communities as security operations continue across the region.

    5. Oyo Moves to End Teachers’ Strike with N8.7bn Education Package

    The Oyo State Government has appealed to striking teachers to return to classrooms after approving N8.7 billion for the procurement of learning materials and other educational improvements.

    The strike has disrupted academic activities across public schools, leaving thousands of students out of class. The government says negotiations with labour leaders are continuing, expressing optimism that the funding commitment will help resolve the dispute.

    6. Naira Records Slight Loss at Official Foreign Exchange Market

    The naira weakened marginally against the dollar in the official foreign exchange market as traders continued to monitor liquidity and demand conditions.

    Financial analysts say the movement reflects ongoing market adjustments under Nigeria’s economic reforms. They note that stronger foreign exchange inflows from oil exports and remittances will remain critical to improving currency stability and easing inflationary pressure.

    7. British-Nigerian Creatives Receive Oscars Academy Invitation

    Several British-Nigerian filmmakers and creatives have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as part of its 2026 membership class.

    The recognition highlights the growing influence of Nigerian talent in global filmmaking and follows increased international attention on African stories. Industry stakeholders believe the invitations could create more opportunities for collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s creative sector.

    8. Wizkid Unveils Title of Seventh Studio Album

    Afrobeats star Wizkid has revealed the title of his forthcoming seventh studio album, generating excitement among fans across Nigeria and beyond.

    Although a release date has not yet been announced, the announcement has dominated entertainment conversations. Music industry observers expect the project to build on the global success of his previous albums and further strengthen the international reach of Afrobeats.

    9. World Cup Continues to Capture Nigerian Football Fans

    The FIFA World Cup continued with Belgium’s emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand as the race for the knockout stage gathered momentum.

    Despite the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament, many Nigerians remain actively engaged with the competition, particularly through the performances of African teams and players of Nigerian heritage. The tournament has also revived discussions about the future of Nigerian football.

    10. Owerri Explosion Kills Two Suspected Scrap Metal Scavengers

    Two suspected scrap metal scavengers were killed after an explosion inside a drainage channel along Old Nekede Road in Owerri, Imo State.

    Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast, while forensic experts continue to examine the scene. The incident has raised fresh concerns about public safety and the dangers associated with illegal scavenging activities.

  • DHQ: Nigerian, US Forces Kill 175 ISIS Militants in Major North-East Offensive

    The Defence Headquarters has announced that no fewer than 175 ISIS militants have been killed in ongoing joint counterterrorism operations involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command in the North-East.

    The military said the coordinated offensive has significantly weakened the terrorist group’s operations across the region.

    Joint Air and Ground Strikes Intensify

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the operations began a few days ago and involved coordinated air and ground assaults on ISIS strongholds.

    According to him, the strikes destroyed multiple checkpoints, logistics hubs, weapons storage facilities, financial networks and operational equipment used by the terrorists.

    He described the operation as a “devastating blow” to ISIS activities in the region.

    Top ISIS Commanders Neutralised

    The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the killing of several senior ISIS commanders during the operation.

    Among those neutralised was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the military as one of the group’s most important global operatives.

    Uba said al-Minuki played a major role in terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics coordination and planning attacks against civilians.

    His death, according to the military, has severely disrupted the operational structure and coordination of the extremist network.

    Other Key Terror Figures Killed

    The military further identified other senior figures killed in the offensive, including Abd-al Wahhab, said to be an ISWAP commander linked to attacks and propaganda operations.

    Also killed were Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, who was reportedly involved in ISIS media production activities.

    Military Vows Continued Offensive

    The Defence Headquarters said the latest success reflects the sustained efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and international allies in dismantling terrorist networks operating within the country.

    Uba assured Nigerians that operations would continue until all extremist threats are neutralised.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, will continue to hunt down and destroy terrorists wherever they operate,” he stated.

  • ISWAP Suffers Heavy Losses As Bomb Blast Kills Six Fighters In Borno

    No fewer than six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) they were assembling exploded in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday in Jubilaram village.

    The information was contained in a report by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, which quoted security sources familiar with the development.

    IED Explosion Hits Bomb-Making Cell

    According to the sources, the group was led by a suspected bomb expert identified as Abu Umar, who also died in the explosion alongside five other militants.

    Three additional members of the group reportedly sustained serious injuries in the blast.

    The affected cell was said to be part of ISWAP’s IED-making network operating within the Marte–Kerenoa–Wulgo axis, a known corridor for insurgent movement in the Lake Chad Basin.

    Operational Impact On Insurgents

    The explosion reportedly destroyed the site and left several casualties, disrupting ongoing bomb-making activities in the area.

    Security analysts quoted in the report said the deaths of Abu Umar and other operatives could deal a setback to ISWAP’s improvised explosive device operations in the region.

    The affected hub, located between Arinna Maimasallaci and Arinna Ciki, was described as a key manufacturing point for explosive devices used in attacks across parts of Borno State.

    Possible Follow-Up Military Action

    Military sources also suggested that the incident may trigger further air and ground operations aimed at exploiting the disruption and targeting remaining insurgent cells in the Marte axis.

    Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Lake Chad region, where security forces continue to pressure ISWAP and other extremist groups.

  • Presidency Defends Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki Amid Doubts

    The Presidency has defended reports surrounding the killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, insisting that the joint Nigerian-American operation was credible and backed by extensive intelligence gathering.

    In a statement shared on X, Bayo Onanuga said the controversy trailing the operation exposed the gap between public scepticism and the realities of modern counterterrorism operations.

    Presidency Addresses Public Doubts

    According to Onanuga, critics quickly questioned the authenticity of the operation after reports emerged that the ISWAP leader had been eliminated.

    He noted that Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had previously appeared on lists of insurgent commanders reportedly killed in 2024 during operations around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    However, security officials now believe the earlier report was a case of mistaken identity or inaccurate battlefield assessment.

    “Importantly, intelligence now confirms that the Birnin Gwari theatre was never within Al-Manuki’s established operational sphere, which negates the accuracy of the earlier assessment,” the statement read.

    Months Of Surveillance Before Operation

    The Presidency disclosed that the latest operation followed months of coordinated intelligence efforts involving surveillance, phone intercepts, digital tracking and human intelligence.

    According to the statement, the operation was built on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts that reportedly started in December 2025.

    Security sources said authorities initially attempted to capture the ISWAP commander alive before the mission eventually shifted to a final strike operation.

    The statement further revealed that Al-Manuki had allegedly been tracked across different locations, including Abuja and Maiduguri, shortly before the operation.

    ‘This Time, There Is No Ambiguity’

    Onanuga stated that unlike previous cases, security agencies applied multiple layers of verification before approving the operation.

    Officials reportedly insisted that the latest strike was carried out with a higher level of precision and target validation.

    “In their assessment, this time, there is no ambiguity,” the statement added.

    The Presidency also acknowledged that global counterterrorism operations have sometimes produced mistaken reports regarding the deaths of major insurgent leaders.

    It referenced previous uncertainty surrounding the reported deaths of insurgent leaders such as Abubakar Shekau and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

    Warning Against Undermining Security Operations

    The statement warned that dismissing military operations without evidence could weaken public confidence and affect morale among security operatives.

    According to security officials, Nigerian forces and their international partners are operating in one of the world’s most difficult insurgency environments where terrorists frequently use aliases and move across borders.

    The Presidency maintained that the operation against Al-Manuki remains a “validated, intelligence-driven success” against the Islamic State network.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ISWAP Fighters Bury 30 Members After Nigerian Airstrikes Hit Northern Borno Hideouts

    Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been seen burying dozens of their members following a series of Nigerian Air Force airstrikes that reportedly struck terrorist positions in parts of northern Borno State, in what security sources describe as one of the most intense recent interdiction operations in the region.

    What happened

    The footage, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama and appears to show ISWAP operatives conducting mass burial rites after sustaining heavy losses from coordinated air operations carried out under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East theatre.

    The development comes shortly after reports that the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision strikes targeting terrorist hideouts along waterways and forested areas, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) monitoring of suspected ISWAP movement in the Kaniram Island axis and surrounding locations.

    How the operation unfolded

    Security sources said ISR platforms first detected unusual movement of approximately 31 boats along a riverbank, with activity patterns consistent with armed terrorist logistics operations. After confirmation of the targets, the Air Force reportedly launched precision strikes in line with established engagement protocols.

    The first wave of strikes disrupted the terrorists’ movement network and damaged several boats believed to be used for transportation and supply operations across waterways in the area. According to the account, follow-up surveillance showed attempts by surviving fighters to regroup in nearby vegetation, prompting additional targeted strikes.

    A second round of precision attacks reportedly neutralised about eight fighters, while a third strike hit another group of roughly 15 militants who had taken cover under dense tree cover. Battle Damage Assessment later confirmed significant casualties, with remaining fighters seen dispersing from surrounding hideouts.

    Burial video and battlefield aftermath

    In the video now circulating online, ISWAP members are seen burying what is believed to be about 30 of their fighters in the Mallam Fatori axis, an area frequently linked to insurgent movement and cross-border activity in Borno State.

    Security sources cited by Makama said the burials followed sustained aerial pressure that left the group with heavy operational losses, forcing them to conduct emergency rites for fallen members in the aftermath of the strikes.

    The Nigerian military has continued its air and ground operations across the North-East, targeting insurgent enclaves and supply routes in a bid to weaken their mobility and logistics capacity.

  • ISWAP Blocks Maiduguri–Damaturu Highway After Deadly Jilli Airstrike Sparks Controversy

    Suspected ISWAP terrorists have blocked the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway following a recent military airstrike on Jilli market, in what security sources describe as a retaliatory move after the operation disrupted insurgent activities in the area.

    The blockade reportedly occurred days after the air operation along the Borno–Yobe border, intensifying concerns over security and civilian safety in the region.

    What happened

    According to security sources, the insurgents moved onto the highway and halted movement shortly after the strike on Jilli market.

    A counter-terrorism expert, identified as @mobilisingniger on X, shared a video showing the development, describing it as a show of defiance by the group.

    “After the airstrike in Jilli market, they started acting aggressively. Today, they blocked the road and stopped movement,” he said.

    Airstrike and casualty controversy

    Last Saturday, the Nigerian military carried out an airstrike on Jilli market during peak trading hours, with reports indicating that at least 56 people were feared dead and 14 others injured.

    The strike was believed to be targeting Boko Haram insurgents and their collaborators, but multiple sources claimed the intended targets were missed, raising concerns about civilian casualties.

    Jilli market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas, is known to attract traders from surrounding communities across Borno and Yobe states.

    Government defends operation

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, however, insisted that Jilli market had been officially shut down five years ago due to its links to insurgent logistics.

    He described the location as a long-standing hub for terrorist activities, stating that its closure was part of efforts to disrupt supply chains used by armed groups.

    Similarly, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, defended the airstrike, rejecting claims that civilians were killed.

    He maintained that the operation was a deliberate move to dismantle a key support base for insurgents rather than a tragic error.

    Rising tension in the region

    The highway blockade has heightened fears among residents and travellers, as the Maiduguri–Damaturu road remains a critical route linking parts of the North-East.

    The development adds to ongoing security challenges in the region, with authorities under pressure to contain insurgent threats and protect civilian lives.

  • 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.