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Boko Haram: Soldiers Invade Sambisa Forest
Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on ICT, Engr. GoodLiffe Nmekini (right) presenting ipads to HOD Paediatrics BMSH, Dr. Ajibola Alabi (middle). With them are, Dr Josephine Aiyafo. Photo: Egberi .A. Sampson
The military has commenced an operation in Sambisa Forest in Borno State to flush out Boko Haram insurgents.
The forest is widely believed to host some of the training camps and facilities of Boko Haram in the North-East.
It was learnt that the military high command decided to invade the vast forest in order to make the North-West safe for the general elections.
A reliable source in the Army told our source that Air Force jets started the raid on Monday, adding that surveillance activities and raids were also ongoing as of the time he spoke on Wednesday.
The source, who did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak on the development, said that massive ground operations would follow the aerial bombardments.
He said, “The military started an operation in the Sambisa Forest on Monday. For now, there are no specific cases of arrest; we don’t have that information now. The Air Force has been operating in the area since Monday. It is after that that the ground troops who are on red alert would be moved in.”
Also, a source close to an office strategic to the operations said that a lot of activities were going on simultaneously in the forest and other parts of the North-East believed to host Boko Haram camps.
He explained that the military was combing the forest because of intelligence reports that some of the insurgents who were dislodged from some communities in the North-East were moving back to the forest.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj-Gen Chris Olukolade, could not be reached for comments on the raids as calls to his mobile did not connect.
Meanwhile, 800 children from areas affected by insurgency in Adamawa State are currently undergoing psychotherapy in the state.
Executive Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education, Bello Furo, who made this known, explained that the psychotherapy was to minimise the trauma faced by the children whose parents were either gunned down or slaughtered by Boko Haram insurgents.
He said, ”The process will take some time because most of the parents were slaughtered before their children. Right now, they do not have anybody to cater for them; they lost their parents as a result of the insurgency.”
Similarly, at least seven people were killed and 20 injured when a female suicide bomber blew herself up at a busy market in the town of Biu, northeast Nigeria, witnesses said yesterday.
Zakka Emmanuel, who was at the scene said, “I counted seven people (dead) at the spot and more than 20 others are seriously bleeding. Shops were also affected by the blast.
A trader, Auwal Yusuf gave an identical toll and both said that the bomber may have been disguised as a passenger in a van loaded with goods and people.
“There has been a suicide attack by a female suicide bomber in the market this afternoon,” said Babagani Ali, who lives in the Borno town 180 kilometres (110 miles) south of state capital Maiduguri.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged members of the Nigerian judiciary and political class to place legacy and justice above personal interests, saying the true measure of leaders lies in how their service ends.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, made the call during a state banquet in honour of Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Justice Daniel-Kalio retired from the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, recently.
Addressing a gathering of jurists, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, the governor stressed the need for high standards in public service, noting that despite challenges, excellence can be restored through collective resolve.
“It is about us coming together, believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interest to over-ride the standards, that is the only way that we can restore the good old days,” he said.
The governor who described the retired jurist as a model, charged the younger lawyers and politicians, to always uphold the primacy of truth and integrity in their career and every other endeavour in life.
“The message tonight is about how a career ends. The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state. It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and those of us in politics.
“When we leave the stage how would our story be told? It is not about us winning now, it is how did it end? We must strive to do the right things to defend the most important thing, and that is justice. Always stand on the side of truth so that at the end, you will be remembered for what is right,” he said.
The governor remarked that though Justice Daniel- Kalio may have retired, he was not tired but still strong enough to contribute to the development of Rivers State.
He said the state government would seek further ways to tap from his wealth of knowledge and experience, and urged him to be available whenever the state calls on him to share in his expertise.
Fubara expressed appreciation to the guests for their presence during what he described as a significant period for his administration, and acknowledged their support when it mattered most.
“Our vision and desire here is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel very humbled and opportune to say that those of you that are here today, celebrating one of your own are very special to us in Rivers State. We can’t pay you for doing that, but God will reward you,” he said.
In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, said the event was designed to honour an illustrious son of the State and a jurist of exceptional integrity who served with loyalty, fairness and commitment to the rule of law.
She described Justice Daniel-Kalio’s retirement as both the end of an era and a celebration of a career that upheld justice while impacting many lives.
Mrs Sam-Dike praised the retired jurist’s courage, wisdom and intellect and said the banquet was a token of appreciation and a wish for a peaceful retirement.
Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio thanked the governor for what he called a rare show of love and candour in organising such a state reception in his honour.
He described his years on the Bench as deeply rewarding and stressed that the judiciary remains a stabiliser of any sane and progressive society.
Justice Daniel-Kalio is the immediate past Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.