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Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected kingpin of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militant wing Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State.

The troops killed the kingpin and arrested two other notorious terrorists during multiple raids of IPOB hideouts in the state, the army said in a statement on X on Monday.

One of the operations was conducted at a suspected IPOB hideout in Ezeinyen Okwe Umucheke, a community in Onuimo Local Government Area of the state. The operation was targeted at the suspected IPOB kingpin identified as Chinemerem, popularly known as “Bam Bam” in the community.“The operation led to the neutralisation of Chinemerem, as he attempted to reach for his weapon and the arrest of several of his accomplices,” the army said on X.

“A substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and IPOB/ESN paraphernalia were seized, and the hideout was subsequently destroyed.”

The statement said the troops subsequently intercepted other suspected IPOB/ESN members at another hideout in Ama Hausa in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. “Overpowered in the ensuing shootout, the (suspected) terrorists were forced to flee in disarray, abandoning a cache of ammunition and motorcycles,” it said.

Seventy-two rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (special), three rounds of 5.56mm, one FN rifle, a pair of military desert boots and one green beret were recovered from the hoodlums, according to the army. The arrest of two other ‘notorious terrorists.’

Though the army did not identify the security operatives who took part in the operations, it said the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.

A similar operation was conducted in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, which targeted two other notorious kingpins – Izuchukwu Emejuru, otherwise known as “Kingkong,” and Chibuzor Chikwe, also known as ‘’Onyema.”

During the operation, some valuables reportedly belonging to Ugonna Iriele, the traditional ruler of Ogberuru in the Orlu Council Area, were recovered by the troops.

Iriele’s palace was razed by gunmen who attacked the area in September 2023. “The raid resulted in the arrest of these suspects and the confiscation of a variety of weapons, including a Semi-automatic pump-action gun, a locally made gun, and a pistol,” it said.

IPOB, a group seeking the independent state of Biafra to be carved out of the South-East and some parts of south-south, Nigeria, has been linked to the deadly attacks in the regions.

Source: Channels

A dead human body was found floating in a stream, near Alama community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday. A resident, John Philip, who spoke to our correspondent said the corpse was stuck on a wood in the middle of the stream with the victim’s head and shoulder afloat while the rest of his body was buried beneath the stream.

Philip disclosed that the attention of other residents of the community was drawn to the floating dead body by some women working close to the stream.

Philip said, “We are still in shock over the discovery of a corpse in our Alama community today, Monday. It was some women splitting stones in the area near the satellite market that raised the alarm when they first saw the corpse in the morning. Behold, it was a man’s dead body floating in the stream. We can’t tell what happened or how the dead body got there.“The whole place was even smelling and people avoided coming very close but standing on the road, one could see that the corpse was that of a man with what looked like wound on his shoulder. But I learnt that some policemen who were alerted later came and evacuated the corpse ”

The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred said he was yet to get the report of the incident when contacted

“I’m not aware. It is not every incident that gets to my office. If such an incident actually happened, I’m sure the DPO in charge of the area might have commenced an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is after they are done with their investigation that they can inform us,” the PPRO stated

The PUNCH reports Monday’s discovery of the floating corpse was not the first such gorry incident that occurred in the community. On 20th March 2024, a sack bag containing human parts was found near the same stream in the Alama community. An eyewitness said it was street cleaners who discovered the bag that contained the dismembered human body in the morning and raised the alarm.

Source: Punch

At least 39 people have been killed in recent anti-government protests in Kenya, says the national rights watchdog, as activists gear up for a new round of protests this week.

The toll, announced on Monday by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), is almost double the figure previously disclosed by the government for those killed while demonstrating against a raft of unpopular tax increases that have now been withdrawn.

KNCHR records indicate 39 people have died and 361 have been injured “in relation to the protests countrywide”, the state-funded body said in a statement, adding that the figures covered the period from June 18 to July 1. It added that there had been 32 cases of “enforced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests of protesters.

Largely peaceful anti-tax rallies – led by mostly young Gen-Z protesters – descended into shocking scenes of deadly violence last Tuesday when lawmakers passed the contentious legislation.

After the vote was announced, crowds ransacked the parliament complex in central Nairobi and it was partly set ablaze as police fired live bullets at protesters.

It is the most serious crisis to confront the government of President William Ruto since he took office in September 2022 following a deeply divisive election in a nation often considered a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.

In a televised interview on Sunday, Ruto said that 19 people had died in the protests, but insisted that he did not have “blood on my hands” and pledged an investigation into the deaths.

The KNCHR “continues to condemn in the strongest terms possible the unwarranted violence and force that was inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists and on safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centres and ambulances,” the rights body said.

“We maintain that the force used against the protesters was excessive and disproportionate.”The watchdog also said it “strongly condemns the violent and shocking acts of lawlessness that was exhibited by some of the protesters” including the parliament and other government buildings.

Fresh protests have been called by activists starting from Tuesday despite Ruto announcing last week that he would not sign into law the bill containing the tax hikes. Leaflets have been posted on social media with the hashtags “Occupy Everywhere”, “Ruto must go” and “Reject Budgeted Corruption”.

Kenya’s cash-strapped government had said previously that the tax increases were necessary to service the massive public debt of some 10 trillion shillings ($78bn), equal to roughly 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

The International Monetary Fund has urged the country to implement fiscal reforms in order to access crucial funding from the Washington, DC-based lender. Ruto had already rolled back some tax measures after the protests began, prompting the treasury to warn of a gaping budget shortfall of 200 billion shillings ($1.6bn).

In Sunday’s interview, Ruto had warned that the government would have to borrow heavily following the decision to scrap the finance bill. Analysts say the president’s U-turn on the tax laws has left him severely weakened domestically with his administration divided in its response and his opponents rejuvenated.

“Enslaved and supported by foreign interests, and never pro-people in its outlook and interests, [Ruto’s administration] was bound to face the consequences of its priorities,” Willy Mutunga, Kenya’s former chief justice, told Reuters news agency. “As long as the material interests of the youth are not addressed, the chasm grows bigger and bigger,” Mutunga said.

Source: Aljazeera

The death toll in the Saturday suicide bombing attacks in the Gwoza area of Borno State has hit 32. While 14 of the victims have been discharged, 26 remain in the hospital receiving treatment.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, gave the update on Monday while speaking with journalists after paying a condolence visit to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the suicide bombings.

The attacks, carried out on Saturday by suspected female suicide bombers, struck a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral in Gwoza, a town near the border with Cameroon.

According to the Borno State Police Command spokesman, Nahum Daso, on Sunday, three blasts took place on Saturday in Gwoza.

Shettima described the incident as pathetic, rehashing the words of the late Dele Giwa saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.” The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the VP’s visit in a statement titled, ‘VP Shettima in Maiduguri, consoles victims of Gwoza suicide bombings’.

Shettima spoke to journalists immediately after meeting and commiserating with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, conveying the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza.

He said, “It was a very pathetic scene. Our hearts go out to the victims. So far, we have recorded 32 deaths; 42 of those injured were brought in from Gwoza and about 14 have been discharged, while about 26 are currently receiving attention.

“I want to use this forum to most sincerely register our profound gratitude to the Borno State government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and ICRC for rising to the challenges of the times and giving their best in terms of support.”

The Vice President, who made a personal donation to all the victims of the attacks and condoled with the families of those killed by the multiple explosions, said the heart of the President was with them.

“The heart of President Bola Tinubu is with the victims and he specifically instructed us to come and offer our condolences and commiserations to the victims of this incident.

“We are here with the Director General of NEMA, with the Minister of Agriculture, with the Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Chief Whip of the Senate, a son of the soil from Gwoza, who was here since yesterday (Sunday), and the Acting Governor. They have been working round the clock to provide succor and support to the victims,” VP Shettima stated.President Bola Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by the Presidency, said his administration would redouble its efforts “to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.”

While in Maiduguri, the Vice President also attended the funeral prayer for the late mother of former Borno Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajiya Aisa, at the family residence of Late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road.

Also, the Southern Senators Forum, on Monday,  condemned the tragic suicide bombing attacks that took place in Tashan Mararaba, Gwoza town, Borno State.

In a statement on Monday and by its Chairman, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Secretary, Senator Barinada Mpigi,  the forum expressed profound shock and sorrow over the barbaric incident, extending their thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by the  of violence.

The lawmakers said, “These heinous acts of terrorism are a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing our nation. “The despicable act once again highlights the urgent need for a collective, collaborative, and robust response to terrorism in our country.

“We call upon the Federal Government and all security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. Those responsible for this atrocity must be swiftly brought to justice.”

The forum, however, commended President Tinubu for his prompt condemnation of the attacks and his administration’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. Similarly, opposition political parties, under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties,  condemned the Borno bombings.

The CUPP, in a statement by its National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, described the attacks as “evil works of formidable enemies who take advantage of government’s lack of proactive actions to wreak havoc on innocent Nigerians.”

The opposition parties said they received the new of “with a deep sense of grief.” CUPP claimed that “over the years, it has become clear that the war against terror has been compromised by all those involved in dealing with the menace, with the government having no answers to the challenges posed by the terrorists that have been ravaging many parts of the country.

“The corruption enterprise surrounding the war efforts and absence of creative ideas on the part of government and the consistent failure of intelligence has contributed significantly to strengthening of the various terrorist groups terrorising the country for about two decades now.”

Source: Punch

The death toll in the Saturday suicide bombing attacks in the Gwoza area of Borno State has hit 32. While 14 of the victims have been discharged, 26 remain in the hospital receiving treatment.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, gave the update on Monday while speaking with journalists after paying a condolence visit to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the suicide bombings.

The attacks, carried out on Saturday by suspected female suicide bombers, struck a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral in Gwoza, a town near the border with Cameroon. According to the Borno State Police Command spokesman, Nahum Daso, on Sunday, three blasts took place on Saturday in Gwoza.

Shettima described the incident as pathetic, rehashing the words of the late Dele Giwa saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the VP’s visit in a statement titled, ‘VP Shettima in Maiduguri, consoles victims of Gwoza suicide bombings’.

Shettima spoke to journalists immediately after meeting and commiserating with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, conveying the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza.

He said, “It was a very pathetic scene. Our hearts go out to the victims. So far, we have recorded 32 deaths; 42 of those injured were brought in from Gwoza and about 14 have been discharged, while about 26 are currently receiving attention.

“I want to use this forum to most sincerely register our profound gratitude to the Borno State government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and ICRC for rising to the challenges of the times and giving their best in terms of support.”

The Vice President, who made a personal donation to all the victims of the attacks and condoled with the families of those killed by the multiple explosions, said the heart of the President was with them.

“The heart of President Bola Tinubu is with the victims and he specifically instructed us to come and offer our condolences and commiserations to the victims of this incident.

“We are here with the Director General of NEMA, with the Minister of Agriculture, with the Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Chief Whip of the Senate, a son of the soil from Gwoza, who was here since yesterday (Sunday), and the Acting Governor. They have been working round the clock to provide succor and support to the victims,” VP Shettima stated.President Bola Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by the Presidency, said his administration would redouble its efforts “to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.”

While in Maiduguri, the Vice President also attended the funeral prayer for the late mother of former Borno Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajiya Aisa, at the family residence of Late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road.

Also, the Southern Senators Forum, on Monday,  condemned the tragic suicide bombing attacks that took place in Tashan Mararaba, Gwoza town, Borno State.

In a statement on Monday and by its Chairman, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Secretary, Senator Barinada Mpigi,  the forum expressed profound shock and sorrow over the barbaric incident, extending their thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by the  of violence.

The lawmakers said, “These heinous acts of terrorism are a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing our nation. “The despicable act once again highlights the urgent need for a collective, collaborative, and robust response to terrorism in our country.

“We call upon the Federal Government and all security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. Those responsible for this atrocity must be swiftly brought to justice.”

The forum, however, commended President Tinubu for his prompt condemnation of the attacks and his administration’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Similarly, opposition political parties, under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties,  condemned the Borno bombings. The CUPP, in a statement by its National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, described the attacks as “evil works of formidable enemies who take advantage of government’s lack of proactive actions to wreak havoc on innocent Nigerians.”

The opposition parties said they received the new of “with a deep sense of grief.” CUPP claimed that “over the years, it has become clear that the war against terror has been compromised by all those involved in dealing with the menace, with the government having no answers to the challenges posed by the terrorists that have been ravaging many parts of the country.

“The corruption enterprise surrounding the war efforts and absence of creative ideas on the part of government and the consistent failure of intelligence has contributed significantly to strengthening of the various terrorist groups terrorising the country for about two decades now.”

Source: Punch

Suspected terrorists have killed five mobile police officers in an ambush in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. Residents said the attack occurred Sunday morning as the officers travelled to Jibia, the council headquarters, from their base in Zandam village.

Four of the officers reportedly died at the scene of the attack, which occurred around 6 a.m., while the other died while receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina.The terrorists reportedly stole five AK-47 rifles after killing the officers.

The police spokesperson in the state, Abubakar Aliyu, briefly said he would communicate later with our reporter but did not do so as of the time of filing this report.

However, a security report seen by PREMIUM TIMES confirmed the incident. The security report rated the location of the attack as a high risk area and cautioned police personnel against using the highway.

Attacks by terrorists are frequent in the Jibia area of Katsina and adjoining areas in neighbouring Kaduna and Zamfara States.

Terrorists have turned Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States into a war zone and made lives difficult for residents, mostly agrarian farmers, with impudent attacks on roads, farms and homes.

Source: Premium Times

The Nigerian Air Force said on Sunday that it intercepted a group of terrorists in Niger State and freed some cattle earlier rustled by the criminals. NAF said also destroyed several illegal oil refining sites in Rivers State and eliminated scores of terrorists in Niger State in recent coordinated air strikes.

The Director, Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. He said following a tip-off, NAF swooped on terrorists hibernating at Dandunu after rustling cattle from communities around the Kuchi-Kapana axis in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger.

Gabkwet said the NAF intercepted the terrorists on nine motorcycles leading the rustled cattle.

According to him, the motorcycle-riding terrorists were struck by the aircraft in several passes with most of them eliminated in the process. “The feedback from locals around the location has so far been positive, with most of them being able to recover the rustled cattle and returning to their livelihoods,” he added.Gabkwet said as the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs had become sophisticated, so had the NAF and other security agencies re-strategised to checkmate their activities and be ahead of their game.

He said that the oil thieves had in most cases continued to find new ways of concealing their overhead tanks used in storing stolen crude oil products from burst pipelines in the Niger-Delta region. According to him, they also continued to infuse the use of fast speedboats to convey their stolen goods.

Gabkwet said in response, NAF and other security agencies had upped their game with modern technology and hardware that enable them to detect and deter the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs.

“In Willcourt, a riverine settlement within the creeks of Niger Delta Region, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe sighted and destroyed three illegal refining sites.”

“The site has a total number of seven overhead tanks concealed under thick mangrove vegetation.

“Similarly, about five kilometres downstream, four boats were also sighted moving southwards with suspected illegally refined products. Our men attacked and destroyed the boats.

“While heading back, the crew spotted a speedboat with five suspected oil thieves fleeing the area.

“Upon sighting the aircraft, the criminals increased speed, hoping to evade the aircraft but the air component then pursued the speedboat until they arrived at the blocking zone of ground troops where they were arrested,” he said.

Source: Punch

A Delta State High Court sitting at Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area has sentenced two men, Mr Ojerbo Solomon and Mr Ola Babatunde, to death after eight years of trials.

The court presided over by Justice M.O. Omovie convicted and sentenced the two men for murder, armed robbery and rape offences.

The prosecution led by Mr. E.H. Edema had, through its five witnesses, led evidence to show that on February 8, 2016, the two defendants, while armed with guns, cutlasses, and knives broke into the house of the victims.

“In the course of the armed robbery, the defendants raped the victims and thereafter slit their throats.“One of the victims, Mr Praise Sunday, survived the attack, but his mother and sister died from the attack.

“After committing the attack, the two defendants escaped on the victim’s motorcycle to Ewohimi in Edo State, from where they were later apprehended by the police,” he said

During the trial, the two defendants gave evidence in their defence and denied the allegation in their testimony but called no witnesses.

Justice Omovie in his judgement stated that after carefully evaluating the evidence presented at the trial, he concluded that the prosecution had proved the case against the two defendants beyond reasonable doubt, and accordingly convicted both defendants as charged.

“The two defendants are hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” he held.

Source: Punch

A rice farmer identified as Taiwo Paul has been murdered by some suspected herders in the Kata Area of Ewekoro Local Government of Ogun State.

PUNCH Metro further gathered that while Paul was allegedly hacked to death by the suspects at his rice plantation in the community, another farmer identified as Peter Danjuma died of electrocution in the Isoyin area of Atan-Ijebu.

The state Police Command confirmed the two deaths in separate telephone conversations with PUNCH Metro on Saturday.

Our correspondent gathered that 26-year-old Paul was found battling for his life in a pool of blood on Thursday after he was allegedly attacked by the suspects.

The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, told our correspondent that the rice farmer had left his house at Yobo Village to check the crops owing to suspicions of some herders who they suspected had been roaming the area in the past.

When Paul did not return home on time, our correspondent learnt that his twin brother, Kehinde, went to the rice farm to look for him.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Kehinde heard a faint groan from a distance and discovered his twin brother dying in a pool of his blood, bleeding uncontrollably from severe cuts on his hands and right leg.PUNCH Metro further gathered that all efforts by the deceased’s brother and other villagers to rush Paul to the General Hospital in Ifo failed, as the victim reportedly died on the way.

Odutola further stated that a doctor on duty at the hospital confirmed Paul’s death on arrival.

She noted that a preliminary investigation had begun to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous crime. She said, “Detectives from Ewekoro Police Division have visited the crime scene and the hospital for assessment, and photographs have been taken. The deceased’s body was later released to the family for burial.

“Preliminary investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators, and the case will be transferred to the State Crime Investigation Department at Eleweran for further discreet investigation.”

Meanwhile, another farmer in the Isoyin area, identified simply as Danjuma, was electrocuted to death on Friday morning while feeding birds at a poultry farm. PUNCH Metro also learnt that he was rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, where a doctor on duty confirmed him dead.

Source: Punch