Nation

Troops Kill 73 ISWAP Terrorists, Capture 44 AK-47 Rifles, 14 Others

Published

5 years ago

July 2, 2021

Following a ferocious land and air operation in the North-East involving troops of the Nigerian Army, backed by airstrikes on one hand and naval clearance operations along the fringes of Lake Chad on another hand, the Nigerian military has killed a total of 73 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 44 AK-47 rifles as well as seven anti-aircraft guns.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen Bernard Onyeuko, who made this known, yesterday, also disclosed that two PKT guns, seven gun trucks, several ammunition of different calibre as well as weapon cleaning materials, vehicles, generators, IED materials, religious scripts and other items were recovered in the process.

Onyeuko said that, “In another operation a total of 55 escapees from terrorists’ camps comprising 15 adult males, 12 adult females and 27 children surrendered to own troops at Darajemel in Borno State.

“During the operations, troops consistently struck BHT/ISWAP strongholds throughout the theatre of operation. Some of the feats were achieved at Bula Village in Yobe State and Banki Town in Borno State on June 27 and 28, 2021, when troops repelled terrorists’ attacks. Troops also conducted offensive deep penetration operations into villages of the Timbuktu Triangle.

“Similarly, troops conducted ambush operations as well as responded to distress calls, repelled BHT elements attacks on troops’ locations and dominated the theatre of operations. Equally, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted series of Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and air interdiction missions to reveal and destroy terrorists’ enclaves as well as their logistic supplies and equipment.

“The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, also in coordinated multiple airstrikes, destroyed some terrorists’ commander’s strongholds at the Lake Chad axis of Borno State. The air strikes were targeted at various terrorists’ camps in Sabon Tumbu, Jibularam and Kwalaram Towns in the state.

“During the air operations, the spiritual base and training camps of the terrorists in the North-East part of Borno State and the fringes of Lake Chad were destroyed by air bombardments. These came on the heels of credible intelligence report which revealed that, some top ISWAP/BHT commanders were holding a meeting at the said locations”.

In the South-West, Onyeuko said troops acting on intelligence report on ongoing illegal oil bunkering activity at Alimosho NNPC pipeline, arrested one Mr Oyeshola Saheed acting as the illegal bunkerers’ supervisor.

“Me Saheed, however, named one Mr Akanbi as the sponsor and financier of the illegal bunkering activities in the area. Both vehicles and equipment used for their operations were recovered and handed over to appropriate agency for necessary action”.

Operation Awatse operational activities also sustained routine patrols to forestall activities of vandals on NNPC pipelines at Gaun, Akute, Wawa 1 and 2 and Mabgero areas.

“Additionally, troops carried out standing patrols and raid operations at strategic areas in the Zone including Majidun area, during which one Mr Ibrahim Musa, an ISWAP member was arrested at No 31, Abartura Street in Sango-Ota, Ogun State. Intelligence report revealed that Ibrahim was on a mission to Lagos to acquire certain items for ISWAP’s operations in Maiduguri”.

On banditry, he said troops of operation Hadarin Daji and other security agencies conducted raid, ambush, cordon and search, rescue and clearance operations in North-West with several aerial patrol, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and air interdiction missions.

“Following credible intelligence report on criminals’ activities, operations were conducted on bandits and kidnappers’ hideouts as well as against drug peddlers at Gusau – Magami Road in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State; Makuku in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi State; as well as Batsari and Jibia LGAs in Katsina State.

“Other locations include Unguwar Kade village in Tsafe LGA and Bingi village in Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State. The operations led to the repelling and arrest of kidnappers and drug peddlers who confessed to supplying illicit drugs to miners as well as other criminal elements.

“The operations also led to the neutralization of some armed bandits; peaceful resolution of farmers/herders’ clashes; recovery of arms and ammunition as well as recovery of rustled livestock.

“The operations also resulted in the rescue of kidnap victims in various locations including a teacher and some students kidnapped at the Federal Government College in Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State as well as arrest and rescue of some trucks of rustled livestocks in different locations of the theatre.

“Some gunrunners and bandits logistics suppliers, including one Lawali Na Habu was also intercepted with trucks loaded with large quantities of AGO at Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State and one Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu, a wanted notorious bandit was also arrested.

“The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji also conducted series of air operations, provided Close Air Support for ground troops and dominated the air space. Troops also conducted aggressive fighting and confidence building patrols to reassure citizens of the commitment of AFN to end all of form criminalities in the zone”.

Regarding Operation Delta Safe, Onyeuko said, “Troops sustained anti-crude oil theft, anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-smuggling and anti-militancy operations.

“These operations led to the deactivation of illegal oil refining sites and disconnection of illegal oil pipelines. Troops also arrested several criminal elements, intercepted and confiscated large quantities of contraband vessels and items as well as recovered weapons and stolen items between June18 and 30.

“These operations were conducted at Sara Creek in Warri South West LGA and Ikpoba Community in Okha LGA of Delta State. Operations were also conducted on a compound at Lagos bus stop by Railway Station in Port Harcourt; Jokri, Opuadakiri and Jombosco areas; as well as Asapama Creek and Kaa Community Market in Khana LGA of Rivers State.

“During the operations, several illegal oil refining units with ovens, metal storage tanks, coffer dams and dugout pits were deactivated, while large quantities of illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil were recovered.

“Troops also arrested kidnappers and other persons along with several trucks laden with large quantities of illegally refined oil products in tanks and nylon sacks. On the whole, troops remained on high alert to effectively respond to threats and deter any form of unpredictable criminal activities in the theatre of operation within the period”.

Onyeuko said, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven had contact and engaged criminal elements in some cases and subdued them with superior firepower in Plateau State.

“Operation Safe Haven also engaged in non-kinetic operations by holding peace and security meetings with various community and youth leaders as well as other stakeholders.

“These operations were executed against bandits and other criminal elements’ enclaves in communities at Jos South LGA and Gidan Daabat along Lafia – Shendam Road in Plateau State. Others were conducted at Kadunu Forest, Kasai and Naphan villages in Barkin Ladi LGA, as well as Barkin Kaya in Wase LGA of Plateau State.

“In the course of the operations, troops neutralized scores of armed bandits and armed herdsmen, arrested or apprehended bandits’ informants, gunrunners, political thugs and kidnappers. Troops also rescued kidnap victims as well as recovered hoards of livestock and assorted arms and ammunition within the period.

“Furthermore, troops held multiple security and peace meetings with youth/community leaders as well as stakeholders at Agwatyap Place in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State; Wase Emir’s Palace in Wase LGA; Tenti Area Command in Bokkos LGA; Barkin Ladi LGA Headquarters as well as Jos South LGA in Plateau State.

“The meetings were to sensitize stakeholders on the need to embrace peace and pave way for peaceful coexistence amongst them. Issues discussed during the meetings were centred on measures required to curtail farm destruction, night and underage grazing, livestock rustling, farm encroachment as well as other security challenges.

“The meeting also discussed on how to proffer solutions to tackle the incessant isolated killings and kidnappings in the various areas.

“In the North Central, troops conducted clearance operations at some armed herdsmen, bandits’ enclaves and kidnappers’ hideouts at Egba Village in Agatu LGA, Tse Ndever in Mbayongo Council Ward and Gborgbor Village in Katsina Ala LGA.

“Other locations includes; Dyom Village and Saeyongo Village in Utange Council Ward; Katsina Ala and Donto Village in Otukpo LGA of Benue State.

“The operations resulted in the neutralization of scores of armed bandits, gang members and other criminal elements. It also resulted in the recovery of caches of arms and ammunition including several AK-47 and FN rifles, assorted rounds of different calibers of ammunition and rescue of large numbers of rustled livestock.

“In addition, troops successfully quelled crisis between the Ezza Tribe in Odoke Ulanyi Council Ward in Ado LGA of Benue State and Effium Tribe in Akparata in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.”

“Troops of Operations Whirl Punch and Thunder Strike conducted the raid, rescue and ambush operations, land and aerial patrols as well response to distress calls. These were executed on the heels of credible intelligence reports on criminal activities in the area.

“These operations were conducted at Kankomi Village in Kachia LGA, along Jaka Da Rabi-Rugan Wakili Junction in Chikun LGA and Angwan Rukuba Mariri in Lere LGA of Kaduna State as well Kugiya Area of Bukuru in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.

“During the operations, scores of criminal elements including, Mr Rotji Yowel (aka Castro) and Mr Manji Yamani alongside their cohorts as well as some armed herdsmen were arrested. Relatedly, troops swiftly intervened and rescued kidnap victims on various occasions and in the course of the operations, caches of AK-47 rifles, Dane guns and ammunition were recovered and hoards of livestock rescued.

“Furthermore, troops of Operations Whirl Punch and Thunder Strike within the period in focus held security and peace meetings with Fulani Community leaders and Miyetti Allah Excos from Zango Urban in Zango Kataf LGA as well as other stakeholders at Kafanchan and Dangwa Village in Jama’a LGA in Kaduna State.

“The meetings were aimed at sensitizing the leaders on the need to take responsibility for security in their respective areas and build peace amongst them. Issues discussed were centred on the incessant farm encroachment and measures to curtail farm destruction, the proliferation of prohibited firearms and attacks on innocent people amongst others issues.”

Nation

Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

Published

13 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.

Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.

Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.

The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.

On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.

The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.

Nation

Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

Published

13 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Nation

OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

Published

13 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.