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In an impressive achievement by Nigerian military forces, Abu Iklima, a prominent commander of Boko Haram, has been apprehended alive by troops engaged in Operation Hadin Kai. Iklima was notably responsible for orchestrating terrorist operations across several regions within the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, specifically in locations such as Gaizuwa, Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari. The successful operation reportedly led to the elimination of hundreds of his fighters and dismantled his bases. This significant development was confirmed by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama. Earlier reports highlighted the important role played by precise intelligence and surveillance, particularly in successful strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. These operations targeted terrorist activities, including the recent destruction of a bandit logistics hub in Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The NAF's targeted ...

  In times of great peril, some individuals rise to exemplify unparalleled courage, leadership, and sacrifice. Lt. Col. T.E. Alari was one such remarkable figure—a resolute officer who stood as a defense against terror, sacrificing his life so that others could live in peace and safety. On January 24, 2025, during a critical operation in the Timbuktu Triangle—the last and only notorious hub of terrorist activity in Damboa, Lt. Col. Alari once again demonstrated exemplary leadership. Under his command, the 149 Battalion dismantled insurgent strongholds, neutralizing numerous terrorists and forcing them into retreat. However, in a desperate attempt to retaliate, ISWAP deployed a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) against his troops. Although his men destroyed the VBIED, the resulting explosion tragically claimed the lives of those closest to the blast shrapnel, including Lt. Col. Alari who always led from the front, exemplifying unwavering courage even in the face ...

World history is replete with accounts on men and women who brought in their exceptional bravery and guts in the defence of their society and community at critical times of danger and despair. In Nigeria, our primitive history has many hunters, as individuals or in groups, who waved off marauding wild and dangerous animals attempting to invade villages. We do not lack as well those brave warriors and rulers who fought to protect their communities from external aggression and invasion, or imposition of external influence or will by warlords from other distant or nearby community.  The early time narrations of acts of gallantry extensively centred on wars and community defence mostly dominated by the male species of the homo sapiens. In this fold, stories around great men like Napoleon Bonaparte of France were so rampant.  Shaka Senzangakona de Zulu of South Africa and other successful warriors in human history like Ozolua of Benin Empire, and Mirambo and Zaude featured frequent...

The Borno government confirmed that at least 3,000 persons who were members of the armed opposition group have laid down their arms and surrendered to the Nigerian military. Community leaders in Borno State, on Sunday, agreed to the return of repentant' Boko Haram terrorists into their communities. Accordingly, the decision was taken at a stakeholders' meeting to discuss the prevailing security situation in the state. The meeting was organised by the government of Borno State. Governor Babagana Zulum, who presided over the meeting, disclosed that apart from the 3,000 ex-terrorists' currently in the custody of the government, another 900 confirmed members of Boko Haram have surrendered to the Cameroonian forces Zulum said the stakeholders meeting became necessary following the mixed reactions that recently trailed the mass surrender of former Boko Haram fighters The governor said the government needed to involve all stakeholders in Borno in the decision making process on how...

  By Wole Olaoye It is impossible to ignore Sheik Ahmad Gumi’s attempt to divide the Nigerian armed forces on religious lines. There are already so many discordant tunes at play on the national stage, but this undisguised ploy to destroy the only institution believed to still have a modicum of national cohesion is frightening. Gumi, a medical doctor, is a cleric, scholar and former captain in the Nigerian Army. He is the eldest son to late Sheik Abubakar Gumi, who was once Grand Khadi of the Northern Region of Nigeria, and head of Sultan Bello Central Mosque in Kaduna. He is credited with paving the way for the founding of the Izala sect in Jos, Plateau State, in 1978. Izala has since grown in influence and number in most parts of northern Nigeria and spread to countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroon, where Boko Haram also operates. He has, over the years, jealously courted controversies under the pretext of defending the rights of Muslims. When he appointed himself the negotiator-...