News
Mali’s defence minister killed in coordinated terror attacks
Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, has been killed in a coordinated wave of attacks by jihadist and separatist forces who struck many locations including the country’s capital on Saturday.
The Tide source reports that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated outside the residence of Mr Camara in a rare collaborative attack by fighters of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate in the Sahel, and members of the Azawad Liberation Front otherwise known as FLA.
Mr Camara reportedly died after sustaining injuries in the VBIED attack. Al Jazeera quotes Malian sources as confirming his death.
His death represents a major blow to Mali’s military government as he was central to the coup that brought the junta to power.
The Malian military confirmed the attacks in a statement, saying the assailants “suffered immediate setback” and that many were “neutralised.”
In the capital region, gunfire and explosions were reported in Kati, home to Mali’s main military base, as well as near Bamako’s airport and other key installations. Authorities shut down Airbase 101 as a precaution, while unverified reports suggested a military helicopter may have been downed.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, even as the United States Embassy in Mali advised against all travel due to the deteriorating security environment.
The latest offensive underscores the entrenched presence of jihadists across the Sahel, including in Mali. JNIM— arguably the most violent extremist group in the Sahel—has demonstrated its ability to blockade key supply routes, mount complex assaults on military bases, and exert influence over rural populations.
Apart from JNIM, Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) is also active in Mali and other Sahelian states. While the two groups have at times clashed, their parallel campaigns have collectively strained Mali’s security architecture, particularly in the north and central regions where state presence remains limited.
Despite the Saturday attacks, analysts caution against drawing premature conclusions about state collapse.
Philip Brant, a researcher focused on the Lake Chad region and the Sahel, said: “Nothing indicates that there will be an imminent collapse of the Malian state so far.
The attacks lasted for several hours with observers saying peace has since returned to parts of the country.
“As expected, after several hours of fighting, calm has returned to Bamako and its vicinity (Kati and Senou) after the intervention of the Malian Air Force and the Africa Corps,” Mr Brant posted on X, noting that several JNIM militants were killed while others were reportedly lynched by crowds.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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