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Troops Eliminate 25 Terrorists, Arrest 18 …As 377 Surrender In N’East

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In continuation of its efforts to end insecurity in the country, the military have neutralised 25 terrorists, while 377 of them and their family members surrendered within the last three weeks in the North–East zone.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Musa Danmadami, made this known at the bi-weekly briefing held, yesterday inAbuja.
Danmadami, who noted that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, within the period under review, conducted kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the mountains, villages in Borno State, Maiduguri metropolis and some parts of Adamawa State with significant results, equally disclosed that troops also arrested 18 terrorists and rescued 47 adopted civilians, among other notable achievements in the zone.
He also disclosed that large cache of arms and ammunition, as well as cash, among other things were equally recovered from the terrorists.
He said,”Troop of Operation HADIN KAI have sustained and continued to dominate their general areas of operation. Operational activities were conducted in villages, forest, mountains, towns and cities of Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Mafa, Monguno, Biu, Kukawa, Damboa, Ngala, Nganzai, Tarmuwa and Magumeri local government areas as well as Maiduguri metropolitan city of Borno State.
“Operations were also conducted at Nguru, Karasuwa and Gujbalocal government areas of Yobe State as well as Madagali and Song local government areas of Adamawa State in the North-East region of the country geared toward denying Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their other criminal elements freedom of actions and restore normalcy to the zone.
“Between December 23 and 30, 2022, troops on fighting patrols, ambushed Boko Haram /Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at different locations within the theatre of operation. During the encounter with the terrorists at Kwatara village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following the fire fight troops neutralised five terrorists while their admin leader at Guduf identified as Umate Usman was captured with gunshot wounds.
“Troops also had a meeting engagement with terrorist close to their deployment at Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area. During the engagement troops neutralised five terrorists while other fled. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 rounds of locally fabricated 7.62mm special, 10 refilled ammo, two hand grenades, among other items.
“Equally, troops made contact with terrorist along Gamboru-Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area. During the encounter, troop neutralised 3 terrorists while other fled with gunshot wounds. Troops exploited the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, one RPG tube and bomb, 94 rounds of 7.62mm belted NATO, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special, 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and six motorcycles.
“Also, following an encounter with terrorists at Bulge village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, troops neutralised four terrorists while other fled. Troops recovered two PKT machine guns, two FN rifles, 15 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and a belt link containing 60 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition.
“Furthermore, troops also had meeting engagement with terrorists while on patrol at Ngalzama village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and Hymbula in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During these encounter troops neutralised seven terrorists while other fled in disarray. Troops exploited the general areas and recovered 4 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special.
“Also, on December 28, 2022, troops acting of human intelligence conducted cordon and search operation at a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists POL storage point at Gamboru town in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operation, troops recovered 19 drums of Automotive Gas Oil and five drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Also, on January 2, 2023, troops acting on credible information and raided Major Ali village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operations, the abductors fled on sighting the troops, consequently, troops rescued 35 kidnapped civilians comprising of seven adult males, 12 adult females and 16 children.
“Cumulatively, within the last three weeks troops recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, four FN rifles, three locally pump made action guns, five locally made pistols, three PKT machine guns, 124 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 139 rounds of 7.62mm special, 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 140mm bomb, one UXO 81mm mortar bomb, three RPG tubes and bombs, 5 x 36 hand grenade, five Dane guns and five FN magazines.
“Other items recovered are, 19 drums of Automotive Gas Oil, five drums of Premium Motor Spirit, 10 bags of assorted grains, 10 crates of soft drinks, 150 pieces of used clothing, 50 pieces women fabrics, 50 children wear, 30 pairs of women foot wears, textiles materials, medical supplies, 21 motorcycles, 16 bicycles, 2 grinding machines, one tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, 30 rustle cattle, the sum of N938,580.00 and other sundry items.
“Troops equally neutralised 25 terrorists, arrested 18 terrorists as well as 21 terrorist logistics suppliers two terrorist foreign informants and five kidnappers. Troops also rescued 47 abducted civilians while a total of 377 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families, comprising of 52 adult males, 126 adult females and 199 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatres of operations.
“All recovered items, apprehended criminals; rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while the captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.
“Equally, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted series of air interdiction operations at terrorists’ hideout, enclaves and camps. Notably, on December 22, 2022, an air interdiction operation was conducted at terrorists’ enclaves at Suwa, ArinaWoje and Amchile in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. The battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised with their structures destroyed in the strikes.”
He added,”In related development, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Mazuri in Southern Lake Chad region and Gabchari located in Gazuwa area of Borno State on January 7, 2023. The air interdiction operation was conducted base on credible intelligence that revealed that good a numbers of terrorists had relocated to the area following recent flooding of the Tunbuns in the Lake and the current infighting between the terrorist factions.
“Consequently, the location was bombarded and feedback revealed that scores of the terrorists were neutralised with all their structure destroyed. Similar operation was also carried out at Gabchari located in Gezuwa area following credible information that the location was a Boko Haram hideout. Information revealed that some terrorists who survived the air strikes at Mantari on December 20, 2022, were receiving medical treatment at the location. Accordingly, the location was equally bombarded with confirmed information that several of the terrorists were neutralized in the strikes while their facilities were also destroyed.”
Danmadami stressed that troops also recorded significant achievement in the fight against insecurity in the North-Central, North-West, South-South, and South-East zones of the country.
He conveyed the commendation of the military high command to troops efforts in the various theatres of operation across the nation, urging them not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that insecurity is brought to an end across the troubled zones of the country.
He also commended the general public for their support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies,while urging them to continue to cooperate with the military by providing prompt and credible information that would lead to the defeat of insurgency and other sundry security challenges in the country.

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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