News
Soldiers Kill 20 Boko Haram Suspects In Maiduguri
Security forces yesterday killed 20 suspected Boko Haram
militants in a shootout as they raided an Islamist hideout in Borno State, a
security officer said.
One soldier was also killed in the shootout in Maiduguri,
the Borno State capital, the officer said.
Boko Haram, an Islamist group styled on the Taliban
template, is waging an insurgency against the government with a view to
creating an Islamic state in Nigeria, a country of more than 160 million split
roughly equally between Christians and Muslims.
Security forces had intelligence that some members of the
group were holding a gathering at a location in Maiduguri, said Colonel Victor
Ebhaleme, Field Operations Officer of the military and police mixed Joint Task
Force (JTF) in Borno.
“When we approached the venue of their meeting, the
terrorists opened fire on the JTF, which led to the killing of 20 terrorists
while we lost one soldier and two others sustained injury,” he said.
Boko Haram did not comment and it was not possible to
independently confirm the report.
The Islamists have killed hundreds in gun and bomb attacks
in Nigeria, Africa’s top energy producer, since they launched their uprising in
2011.
The violence has centred on Borno State and other areas of
the predominantly Muslim north, although it has spread outwards across central
Nigeria and struck the capital Abuja in the past year.
Suspected sect members opened fire on Christian worshippers
in the central state of Kogi last Monday, killing 19.
A military crackdown on the sect in the past few months has
had mixed results, apparently weakening it but also fuelling resentment against
President Goodluck Jonathan’s government in a poor region that has often felt
left out of the country’s oil wealth, concentrated in the south.
On Saturday, Nigerian security forces discovered a
bomb-making factory in Kano, the north’s biggest city.
The death of Boko Haram’s leader in police custody in 2009
is largely seen as what triggered the uprising.
In a related development, gun battle between security forces
and suspected members of the Boko Haram sect ensued yesterday in Damaturu, the
Yobe State capital.
The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Patrick Egbuniwe,
who confirmed the incident, said intelligence reports brought to the attention
of security operatives the presence of the sect members at the Bundigari-
Powari ward of Damaturu.
The police, however, said that apart from the area, no other
place has been affected as normal activities are going on in some parts of the
state.
Mr Egbuniwe added that the extent of destruction cannot
presently be ascertained.
This gun battle in Damaturu is happening a week after a
suicide bomber ran into a military convoy, killing ten members of the Joint
Task Force (JTF) in the state capital.
It would be recalled that the convoy of the Yobe State
Deputy Governor was last Saturday mistakenly aimed at and shot by a police at
Maisandari checkpoint in Damaturu.
The incident came weeks after police on guard at the
Government House gate Damaturu shot at a driver attached to the Government
House Protocol Department while trying to enter his office.
He is still battling to survive from the three gunshots in
hospital.
It was gathered that the Deputy Governor, Engr Abubakar
Aliyu was coming back from his farm around 12:00noon when the police officer
stationed at the checkpoint opened fire at the second to the last vehicle
carrying security operatives, a development that created serious panic.
A source explained what happened: “The bullet brushed the
tyre of the security details (SSS’s) vehicle in the convoy which was directly
in front of the pilot vehicle. No life was lost and the vehicle tyre didn’t
burst.”
Yobe State Police Commissioner, Patrick Egbuniwe confirmed
that the police officer shot at the vehicle.
“The vehicle was at some distance from the Deputy Governor’s
convoy. This made the police officer suspect them and eventually shot to stop
them. We later discovered that it was an SSS vehicle,” he said.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol