Connect with us

Defence and Security

Army Says ‘No Cause For Alarm’ As Explosions Rock Maiduguri

Published

on

Nigerian-Army Logo
Nigeria Army Logo
Share

The army has said there was no need to panic after explosions rocked some communities in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army described the attack as a “security breach by suspected Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who made futile attempt to maintain potency early this morning, 4 December 2021, with explosions in the outskirt of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.”

The explosions reportedly hit Gomari community and 1,000 Housing Estate in Maiduguri but no deaths were reported.

“This unfortunate incident has caused some level of damage and apprehension in residential areas. Although, no life was lost, sadly a minor sustained injury,” the army said.

“Ground troops in conjunction with the Air Component of OPHK responded swiftly and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions that successfully neutralized the threats and infiltration attempt by the terrorists.

“The general public are urged not to panic as troops are on ground and aggressively dominating the city to effectively take out any perceived threat.

“The good people of Maiduguri are equally enjoined to go about their normal socio economic activities and provide actionable information on the movement of these criminal elements.”

Saturday’s attack comes a day after seven soldiers were reportedly killed by ISWAP jihadists near a base at Rann, close to the Cameroonian border.

In February, at least 17 people were killed and 43 others injured when ISWAP fighters fired multiple rockets on Maiduguri.

The terrorists have also blown up electricity towers on several occasions, plunging the city into darkness for months.

On February 23, 2019, a soldier was killed and 20 others wounded when Boko Haram launched 13 rocket attacks on Maiduguri hours before voting began in Nigeria’s presidential election.

Over 40,000 people have been killed since the Boko Haram insurgency began 12 years ago and more than two million are displaced from their homes.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, visited the scene of the explosions on Saturday and sympathised with those affected.

“It seems the insurgents came very close to the town, the military has to wake up and ensure adequate surveillance,” Zulum said.

This is something that we can avert its occurrence. For the insurgents to have come such close to fire rockets, I think there is something wrong that we should have to check.

“We have to fortify Maiduguri town, we have to ensure adequate patrols on a daily basis to avert future attacks.

“It is very sad and unfortunate we have to witness this kind of attack at this time.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Defence and Security

Defence Minister Orders Operational Recalibration After Emergency Security Meeting

Published

on

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa in meeting with Service Chiefs
Share

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has directed an immediate recalibration of military operations across multiple theatres following an emergency combat audit with the country’s Service Chiefs.

The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, reviewed the recent wave of brazen terrorist attacks and assessed the current military strategy against insurgents, bandits and other armed groups.

Speaking after the meeting, the defence minister said the Service Chiefs had been mandated to intensify and reorganise operations nationwide to dismantle the networks of terrorists and criminal gangs threatening national security.

He disclosed that commanders have been instructed to exercise direct, on-site leadership in various operational theatres to improve coordination and maintain sustained pressure on armed groups.

According to him, the meeting also carried out a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national military strategy aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and ensuring that ongoing missions deliver measurable results.

While noting that details of troop movements and tactical adjustments would remain classified for security reasons, Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces are taking decisive steps to confront emerging threats.

He said the military has already recorded progress in recent operations, including the neutralisation of key terrorist commanders and the disruption of several insurgent networks.

The defence minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing military operations until terrorist and bandit groups are completely dismantled.

Musa assured citizens that the armed forces would maintain relentless pressure on criminal elements to restore stability and protect lives and property across the country.

Continue Reading

Defence and Security

Tinubu Swears in Tunji Disu as 23rd Inspector-General of Police

Published

on

Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu
Share

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP), formalising his appointment as head of the Nigeria Police Force.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on March 4, 2026.

Disu’s inauguration followed his confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday, March 2. He succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, who recently resigned from office.

At the ceremony, President Tinubu also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

Dignitaries in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Esther Walson-Jack, among other senior government officials.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over the course of his career, he has served in several operational, investigative, and strategic command roles across the country.

Prior to his appointment as IGP, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex, Lagos.

He holds multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security studies, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship, reflecting a career anchored on professional development and modern policing strategies.

Continue Reading

Defence and Security

Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearm at Ibadan Polytechnic

Published

on

Nigeria Police Force
Police Logo
Share

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm on the campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan following a tip-off from a concerned citizen.

The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Lawal Opeyemi, popularly known as “Aiki,” and 29-year-old Olaniyan Opeyemi, alias “Bojan,” both residents of the Apete area of Ibadan, were apprehended while allegedly planning an attack on a rival cult group within the institution.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alayande Olayinka, said a Good Samaritan alerted authorities to the presence of some young men reportedly moving around the campus with violent intentions. Operatives from the Sango Division responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of the two suspects.

Items recovered from them include a locally made double-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to involvement in cult activities and identified themselves as members of the Eiye Confraternity. Preliminary investigations suggest they may have been linked to previous cult-related clashes within the institution.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He commended members of the public and officers involved for their prompt action and urged parents and guardians to discourage their wards from joining secret cult groups.

The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crimes, stressing that continued collaboration between the police and the community remains vital in maintaining security.

Continue Reading