Intelligence Report Uncovers 1,801 Bank Accounts Funding Boko Haram Across Nigeria and Abroad A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast domestic and international network funnelling money and logistical support to Boko Haram through 1,801 bank accounts linked to individuals and companies across 18 financial institutions. The investigation identified 96 Nigerian suspects, dozens of businesses—including multiple Bureau De Change operators—and foreign collaborators spanning the UAE, India, Rwanda, Niger, Benin, Uganda, Cameroon, and Dubai. The network also connects to known kidnappers, bandits, and informants, illustrating the deep overlap between terrorism and organised crime. This intelligence provides a crucial blueprint for disrupting Boko Haram’s financial lifelines and strengthening national security operations.

BREAKING: Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has described the kidnapping of schoolchildren as a “lesser evil” compared to k!ll!ng soldiers, insisting that Nigeria must negotiate with bandits to prevent greater bloodshed.

Bandits Shoot Prominent Resident As Zamfara Community Suffers Second Attack in One Week Bandits launched a midnight attack on Bakura town in Zamfara State, marking the second assault on the community within a week. The gunmen shot a respected resident, Alhaji Kabiru Daket, before fleeing into the night, sparking fear and unrest among locals. The attack comes amid broader security concerns as investigations reveal that bandit networks linked to kidnapping, terrorism, and cattle rustling have migrated from Niger Republic and Nigeria’s North-West into Kwara and Niger forests. Security forces recently intercepted seven fleeing suspects from the Gbubu Forest enclave, disrupting their operations but highlighting the spread of organised criminal camps across multiple states. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the Bakura incident.

Retired Gen. Ali-Keffi: Buhari Govt Halted Major Offensive Against Bandits, Sabotaged Anti-Terror Operations Retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi has revealed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration halted a crucial 2021 military offensive that was close to crushing major bandit networks across the North West and North Central. The former GOC 1 Division and commander of the covert Operation Silent War (OSW) detailed internal sabotage, intelligence conflicts, alleged illegal-mining-linked complicity, and an attempt to frame him for treason. Ali-Keffi described clashes with then Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, including an encounter where he was told to hand over intelligence so the Army could bypass OSW. He also alleged assassination attempts, noting that U.S. officials intervened during his detention. According to him, coordinated operations in Niger and Kaduna had cleared key bandit camps and rescued over 100 victims before a presidential directive abruptly suspended offensives following negotiations with Fulani leaders. Both he and the GOC 8 Division were removed before the ceasefire window ended, derailing what he said could have been a decisive victory against banditry.

Rescued Niger Pupils Reveal Bandits Forced Them to Sleep on Trampoline in Bush A rescued pupil from Niger State, Florence Michael, has recounted the harsh conditions she and other abducted schoolchildren endured while held by bandits. She revealed they were forced to sleep on a trampoline in a bush near a river and were threatened with beatings if they made noise. The 100 pupils, abducted from St. Mary’s School in Papiri on November 21, were handed over to the Niger State Government by the National Security Adviser’s office after a joint rescue operation involving the DSS, Armed Forces, and other agencies. The federal government announced new protection measures for schools in high-risk areas, while Governor Umaru Bago described the rescue as a major relief. The children were released by the kidnappers near Lumma and Wawa and transported to Minna for safety.

How Bandits Relocated From Niger Republic to Kwara–Niger Forests Before Police Intercepted Their Escape An investigation has uncovered how armed bandits migrated from Niger Republic into forest corridors in Kwara and Niger states, establishing fortified bases used for kidnapping, robbery, cattle rustling, and cross-border operations. The criminals, pressured by intensified military and police raids, attempted a coordinated escape from Gbubu Forest but were intercepted by the Nigeria Police IRT, leading to the arrest of seven suspects from Nigeria and Niger Republic. The suspects confessed to belonging to multiple syndicates and described how porous borders, forest networks, and local collaborators aided their activities. Authorities say more arrests are expected as operations continue.

Kwara Police Arrest Kidnapping Kingpin After DSS Detains Doctor Treating Bandits The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Aliu Abubakar, just hours after the DSS detained a medical doctor accused of providing drugs and medical treatment to armed groups operating in the Kwara–Niger forest belt. Abubakar was apprehended at Oro-Ago Motor Park following community intelligence, with digital forensics reportedly revealing photos of him wielding an AK-47, posing with gang members, and displaying cash believed to be ransom proceeds. The arrest is linked to an ongoing security sweep that recently intercepted ammunition couriers tied to the same network. Authorities say the coordinated crackdown is exposing the financial, logistical and medical support systems sustaining kidnapping operations in rural communities. The suspect is in custody and providing actionable intelligence expected to lead to more arrests. #KwaraSecurity #KidnappingKingpin #DSSArrests

Sad News💔: Bandits Attack St. Andrews Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Ihiala, Anambra – Two Killed With Priest Wife, Burnt Priest Building And Cars

Dalung Lauds Tinubu’s Benin Airstrike but Questions Failure to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria Former minister Solomon Dalung has praised President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria’s swift military intervention in Benin Republic, describing the airstrike against coup plotters as decisive and effective. However, he criticised the government for failing to apply the same urgency to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Dalung questioned why operations against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers at home lack the coordination displayed in Benin, citing unanswered attacks such as the killing of Brig. Gen. Musa Uba and mass school kidnappings. He warned that Nigeria’s inability to protect its citizens fuels international calls — including past remarks by Donald Trump — for external intervention. Dalung urged Tinubu to deploy equal military strength to Sambisa, Niger, Zamfara, Plateau, and Kaduna, insisting that national strength must be proven within Nigeria’s borders. #NigeriaSecurity #TinubuAdministration #SolomonDalung

GOOD NEWS: This afternoon, around 2PM, bandits attacked Fadamar Tarah in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. The residents put up strong resistance and members of the vigilante group responded quickly, forcing the bandits to retreat and leaving some of them injured. Kudos to the residents and vigilante members of the Tarah community. Hopefully, the necessary authorities will take further action to ensure better protection for the people of Sokoto East District.

FG Secures Release of 100 Abducted Niger Catholic Schoolchildren After Months in Captivity The Federal Government has secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State. The students were part of the 303 children and 12 teachers kidnapped by armed bandits who invaded the school on November 21 at 2 a.m. The mass abduction triggered nationwide outrage and led President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security and order large-scale recruitment into the police and military. Authorities continue efforts to rescue the remaining victims still in captivity.

Four Travellers Abducted in Broad Daylight as Bandits Strike Again in Kogi’s Yagba East Four travellers were abducted on Sunday afternoon in the Odo-Ogbe area of Yagba East, Kogi State, after bandits ambushed them around 2:00 p.m. The victims, who were riding on a motorcycle, were overpowered and dragged into the surrounding forest by the armed attackers. One of those taken has been identified as Oju Lari, whose image is circulating locally in search efforts. Residents say the area has become increasingly dangerous due to recurring kidnappings and violent raids. Community leaders are urging security agencies and the state government to take immediate and sustained action to restore safety, as fear and insecurity continue to worsen. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.

BREAKING: This morning, armed bandits attacked Yalwa community in Masari district of Guri LGA, Jigawa State, abducting several residents and setting parts of the community on fire. Security forces later arrived and engaged the attackers, eventually forcing them to flee. With Jigawa State now coming under pressure after earlier flare-ups in Kano State, are we seeing a dangerous new phase in the Northwest’s insecurity?

Now that the man Nigerians admire and trust, General Musa, has been appointed Minister of Defence, one uncomfortable question refuses to leave my mind: Will he truly be able to work with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle? Before anyone answers that, let us remind ourselves who Oga Bello really is. In 2021, when he was still Governor of Zamfara State, he boldly declared in a now-viral interview: “Not all bandits are criminals.” According to him, bandits only became violent because vigilante groups had cheated them. But that is not even the most troubling part. In November 2025, one of his former senior aides granted an explosive interview, alleging that Matawalle supplied 36 brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to notorious bandit commanders. Not only that, the aide claimed he maintained communication with these commanders even after becoming Minister. And then came the most shocking accusation of all. His successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, publicly accused Matawalle of harboring bandit leaders inside the Government House and diverting the resources of the state to enable banditry. He even went further to call for Matawalle’s removal from the Defence Ministry if the Federal Government is truly serious about ending terrorism and banditry. So I ask again General Musa may be ready to fight for Nigeria but is everyone around him ready to fight the same enemy? And how exactly are these appointments made without any background checks whatsoever? This leads to the question I keep asking: can we truly separate our government from the terrorists killing us? -KAA✍️✍️ #kaa_truths

Insecurity: Kano gov gathers 4,444 Qur’an reciters for prayers against banditry Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has warned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the growing threat of banditry demands collective action from all citizens regardless of political affiliation. The governor made the remarks on Saturday night during a special prayer session at the Government House, where 4,444 Qur’an memorizers (Huffaz) gathered to recite the Holy Qur’an and offer prayers for lasting peace in the state following recent attacks by armed bandits. The event drew notable figures, including the 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, top government officials, clerics and community leaders. Governor Yusuf emphasised that insecurity affects everyone equally, urging Nigerians to unite in confronting the menace. “Insecurity does not know politics or party affiliations. This is why everyone, regardless of their leanings, must join hands to fight the monster of banditry. We want to see everybody working together to free Kano,” he said. According to him, the government is working round-the-clock with security operatives to protect Kano and its environs. Describing the mass prayer session as a vital spiritual effort, the governor noted that such initiatives should be appreciated by all well-meaning residents. The prayer session drew Islamic scholars, Qur’an reciters and participants from all 44 local government areas, all united in seeking divine intervention and an end to insecurity in the state.

BREAKING: Bandits Kill Worshippers, Abduct Residents in Fresh Attacks on Sokoto Communities Bandits launched coordinated attacks on multiple communities in Sokoto State’s Sabon-Birni Local Government Area, killing several residents and injuring others. In Gatawa community, gunmen invaded at night, shooting indiscriminately, causing deaths, injuries, and abductions, though official casualty figures are still pending. Earlier the same morning, armed men attacked worshippers observing Subh prayer in Kiba Ruwa, killing two people, including the imam, and abducting several congregants. The renewed violence has deepened fears over worsening insecurity in Sokoto, which has witnessed frequent bandit raids targeting rural communities.

U.S. House Committee Warns Nigeria Is Becoming One of the Most Dangerous Places for Christians The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has raised fresh concerns over the escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, warning that the country is becoming “one of the most dangerous places on Earth to follow Christ.” In a statement posted on its official X account, the Committee highlighted increasing attacks by extremist groups, bandits, and armed herders, which disproportionately affect Christian communities across the Middle Belt and northern regions. Rep. Robert Aderholt and other American lawmakers urged the White House to take firmer action, accusing Nigerian authorities of failing to protect vulnerable populations. The Committee’s warning signals renewed legislative pressure that could influence U.S. policy, including foreign aid, sanctions, and security cooperation. The development reflects rising international alarm as Nigeria’s security crisis becomes a major global concern.

Bandits Attack Sokoto Mosque, Kill Imam and Worshipper, Abduct Several Others During Dawn Prayers Bandits launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on a mosque in Kiba Ruwa, Sabon-Birni LGA of Sokoto State, killing the imam and one worshipper during the Subh prayer. Several congregants were abducted, with the exact number still unknown. The incident comes amid heightened insecurity in the Northwest, following a recent attack on a Kebbi girls’ school where 26 students were kidnapped after soldiers reportedly withdrew from the area shortly before the assault. Authorities have been alerted as rescue efforts begin.

Nigerian Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims After Fierce Shootout in Orokam Forest, Benue Nigerian Army troops under Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated assault on a criminal camp in Orokam Forest, located between Enugu and Benue States. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers and local vigilantes stormed the hideout, engaging armed bandits in a heavy firefight that forced the criminals to flee and abandon their captives. The victims—abducted while returning from a burial—were freed unharmed and handed over to the Udenu Police Division. The forest corridor has long been identified as a hotspot for cross-border kidnapping, and fresh surveillance operations are underway to prevent regrouping of the fleeing gunmen.

Marginalisation of Herdsmen Fueling Insecurity — Gov. Yahaya The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, says insecurity across northern Nigeria has worsened largely because the country failed to understand and address the grievances that pushed many armed bandits to take up weapons. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna, Yahaya disclosed that the 19 northern governors have agreed to form a joint regional security coordination agency. Under the new arrangement, each state will contribute ₦1 billion monthly to boost collective efforts against k+dnapping, b@nditry, and the rising wave of school closures. The decision was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following renewed att+cks that have resulted in mass abd¥ctions and the shutdown of schools in several states. Yahaya noted that part of the region’s escalating security challenges stems from the historical marginalisation and unjust treatment of pastoralist communities, which he said created anger and frustration later exploited by criminal groups. He stressed that resolving insecurity would require confronting these root causes, including issues of exclusion, lack of justice, and deepening economic hardship. The governor added that the new regional security framework will enhance intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and preventive strategies across all affected states, marking a major shift in how the region coordinates its response to v#olence and instability.