The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Brigade Commander had participated in a successful joint air–ground offensive against insurgents in the area.
A Nigerian Army top officer and commander, Brigadier General M Uba, has been killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters after the terrorists reportedly intercepted and tracked his location along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State, multiple security sources have confirmed.

The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Brigade Commander had participated in a successful joint air–ground offensive against insurgents in the area.

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly ambushed a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State on Friday night, abducting a serving general and killing several soldiers, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), according to HumAngle.

The abducted general is said to be a brigade commander who was leading the troops at the time of the attack.

If confirmed, HumAngle — a platform focused on conflict and humanitarian crises — notes that this would be the first recorded instance of an extremist group in Nigeria capturing a serving general directly from the frontline.

While insurgents have previously killed high-ranking military officers, reports of their abducting are extremely rare.

Military authorities have yet to release an official statement, and the exact casualty figures remain unknown.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, has also not responded to inquiries about the incident.

President Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for another five-year term.

The announcement was made on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Marwa, first appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, previously served as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse between 2018 and 2020. His renewed tenure means he will lead the NDLEA until 2031.

An Adamawa-born retired military officer, Marwa is a former military governor of Lagos and Borno States and an alumnus of both the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1973, he held several key roles, including brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma, and academic registrar of the NDA. He also served as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Marwa holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

His time at the NDLEA has been marked by major successes, including the arrest of more than 73,000 drug traffickers and the seizure of over 15 million kilogrammes of illicit substances.

The agency has also intensified nationwide campaigns against drug abuse under his leadership.

President Tinubu praised Marwa’s achievements, describing his reappointment as a vote of confidence and urging him to continue pursuing drug cartels and traffickers seeking to endanger Nigerians, especially the youth.

Troops rescue 74 NYSC members from kidnappers hotspot in Borno.

In a dramatic late-night operation, troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, rescued 74 stranded National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from what could have been a major abduction by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Borno State.

According to the Force’s Media Information Officer, Sani Uba, the incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after the corps members 36 males and 38 females were left stranded when their 3 buses broke down near a notorious kidnapping hotspot.

Uba revealed that troops swiftly moved in after a military surveillance system picked up suspicious movement involving the vehicles.

“On arrival, troops discovered the stranded NYSC members and quickly moved to secure them from a likely Boko Haram or ISWAP attack,” he stated.

The rescued corps members are currently being sheltered at the Buratai military base while arrangements for their safe evacuation are underway.

This latest intervention follows a string of successful counterterrorism operations in Borno, where troops recently rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers.

Earlier this week, the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2 OPHK intercepted Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters at Dutse Kura, destroying 11 terrorist structures and recovering a cache of weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles.

Security officials have hailed the swift response as a major success in ongoing efforts to protect civilians and dismantle terrorist strongholds in the North East.

NAF Crushes ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Bandit Camps Across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its nationwide counterterrorism and anti-banditry campaign, carrying out a series of precision airstrikes that eliminated ISWAP fighters and dismantled multiple criminal hideouts across the northern region.

According to a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated strikes targeted ISWAP strongholds in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram in Borno State, as well as bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, and Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. Additional operations were also conducted in parts of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

Ejodame noted that the missions mark a significant phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, designed to degrade terrorist and criminal networks operating across Nigeria’s northern corridors.

He added that the success of these precision-led offensives reflects the renewed operational tempo of the Air Force, in line with directives issued by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

Each strike, he said, reinforces NAF’s commitment to deploying intelligence-driven, smarter airpower to deliver decisive blows against insurgents and bandits, while safeguarding citizens and strengthening national security.

ISWAP Terrorists, Bandits Killed As NAF Raids Hideouts In Borno, Others

NAF Bombs Several ISWAP Terrorists, Bandits To Death In Multiple Airstrikes.

Air strikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have resulted in the killing of several terrorists and bandits across the country and the destruction of their hideouts.

According to a statement on Monday by the NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, as well as bandits’ enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara local government area of Katsina State, were affected by the strikes.

He added that the coordinated missions were carried out on November 9, 2025, based on credible intelligence on the movement and activities of the criminals.

Ejodame said the missions represent a decisive phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed at degrading terrorists and criminal networks across Nigeria’s northern theatres.

News reports that the NAF airstrikes dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns of Borno State.

According to the NAF spokesman, the Air Component guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, the strikes destroyed the insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities.

“Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralizations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area,” he said.

Similarly, NAF aircraft carried out precision air interdiction missions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, striking bandits,’ camps with devastating accuracy based on credible intelligence.

He said the attacks caused panic in the enemy camp and inflicted heavy losses among the criminals.

In a related operation, air assets under Operation Fansan Yamma struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.

Ejodame said the aircraft guided by actionable intelligence and ISR surveillance, executed multiple attack passes, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralizing several terrorists in one of the most decisive strikes in the region.

Furthermore, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (Sector 1) conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.

Ejodame said the locations served as known routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.

“During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralized the targets, with no further hostile activity observed,” he said.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reduced the 2026 Hajj fares following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to make the pilgrimage more affordable.

Under the revised rates, pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa zones will pay ₦7.58 million (down ₦748,104), those from the Northern Zone ₦7.69 million (down ₦760,915), and those from the Southern Zone ₦7.99 million (down ₦792,943).

NAHCON announced December 5, 2025, as the payment deadline for intending pilgrims and advised them to complete payments early for smooth processing.

Troops Rescue 86 Kidnap Victims, Destroy Boko Haram Camp in Borno.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 86 kidnapped victims and destroyed a major Boko Haram/ISWAP camp in the Buratai–Kamuya area of Borno State. 

The operation was carried out on Sunday by the 135 Special Forces Battalion following surveillance alerts of terrorists abducting civilians along the route.

According to a statement by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, the troops at Echo 1 in Dutse Kura came under heavy attack around 3:52 pm. 
A Quick Response Force was deployed to reinforce them, successfully repelling the terrorists and pursuing them toward the Mangari axis.

During the pursuit, the insurgents attempted to flee with kidnapped civilians in two vehicles, but troops ambushed them, forcing the terrorists to abandon the victims. 

A subsequent search led to the discovery of a Boko Haram/ISWAP camp, where 86 captives — men, women and children — were rescued unharmed.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, five magazines loaded with 73 rounds, PKT ammunition belts, five civilian cars, five motorcycles, eight bicycles and two tricycles. The camp was destroyed.

In a separate operation the same day, troops at Delta 1 in Mangada arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers. Eight of them were identified as active couriers. 

Seized items included two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, 38 jerry cans of fuel, engine oil, medical supplies, food items and two new gun-truck tyres.

The suspects and recovered items have been handed over for further investigation. Military sources say the latest operations are part of intensified efforts to cut off terrorists supply chains and limit their movement in the North-East.

Senator Sheriff Debunks Report Claiming He Accused Shettima of Creating Boko Haram.

Former Governor of Borno State and ex-APC National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has denied claims circulating online that he accused his colleague, Senator Kashim Shettima, of creating Boko Haram.

In a statement issued by his media office, Sheriff described the publication, titled “It’s Not Me, It’s Shettima Who Created Boko Haram—Sheriff Reveals,” as entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public and tarnish his reputation.

Sheriff clarified that he never granted any interview or made comments relating to the claims circulating online.

“The story is a total falsehood, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the nation’s political landscape. At no time did Senator Sheriff engage with any journalist on this matter,” the statement read.

The former governor called the publication a “dangerous piece of fake news,” aimed at undermining his contributions to peace, unity, and development in Borno State and across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his commitment to national stability and condemned those spreading misinformation for political gain.

Sheriff also said he has instructed his legal team to identify and prosecute the individuals behind the false report.

“Should the publication not be retracted, the Senator will seek full legal redress,” the statement warned.

He further urged the public and media to disregard the viral story, emphasizing his dedication to truth, justice, and accountability.

UK warns against travel to six Nigerian states over rising insecurity.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCDO said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”

It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

TVC Host Nyma Akashat-Zibiri Faults President Trump’s Threats, Says Nigeria’s Sovereignty Must Be Respected.

TVC’s Your View co-host, Nyma Akashat-Zibiri, has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military intervention in Nigeria, calling it an affront to the country’s sovereignty.

Speaking on the latest episode of the show, Akashat-Zibiri acknowledged Nigeria’s security challenges but insisted that no foreign president has the right to announce military action without first engaging Nigerian authorities.

“There’s insecurity, yes, but how can a president just wake up and threaten our country without even calling ours?” she asked. “Who says we have any treaty that allows the U.S. to enter Nigeria without permission? Are we not a sovereign nation anymore?”

She questioned the sincerity behind Washington’s sudden concern, recalling previous moments when Nigeria sought help and received little support. Akashat-Zibiri also referenced a past U.S. operation in Borno, saying American forces entered the country without proper clearance.

The TV host noted that foreign interference in Africa is often tied to resource interests, not humanitarian motives.

“Look at Congo countries are exploiting them and nobody intervenes,” she said. “Africa keeps getting neo-colonized, and nobody is coming to save us.”

She stressed that what African nations truly need is control over their own resources and an end to external manipulation.

Akashat-Zibiri also lamented Nigeria’s long-standing inability to secure a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, describing it as part of the imbalance in global power structures.

Her remarks add to growing criticism of oversimplified foreign narratives about Nigeria’s crisis, with many insisting the situation demands dialogue not unilateral threats.

Nigerian Army repel assault by Boko Haram and ISWAP, take out six terrorists.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on their base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

According to Lt-Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK, the terrorists launched the assault around 4:30 a.m., targeting the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar with drones and mortar fire. Reinforced by the Main Force from Sector 3, the soldiers fought back with support from Nigerien fighter jets, forcing the insurgents to flee into the Tumbun waterways with their dead and wounded.

Troops recovered six bodies of terrrorists, five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, over 250 rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, drone bombs, hand grenades, and an Android phone. Additional airstrikes by Nigerian and Nigerien air forces reportedly neutralized more fleeing fighters.

Some soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members sustained minor injuries but were evacuated for treatment and are in stable condition. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) praised the troops’ bravery and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North-East.

Meanwhile, the trial of two top Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam), will continue on November 19, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The duo arrested in July during a DSS-led counter-terrorism operation are accused of coordinating terrorist cells across Nigeria and funding jihadist activities through kidnapping and illegal mining. Usman, who pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all 32 terrorism-related charges.

How Tinubu blamed Jonathan for killing of Christians in 2014.

As allegations of an ongoing ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria intensify, a 2014 statement from President Bola Tinubu condemning former President Goodluck Jonathan for failing to protect Christian worshippers has resurfaced, drawing sharp parallels to criticisms now leveled at Tinubu’s administration.

In January 2014, Tinubu, then an opposition leader, lambasted Jonathan over attacks by Boko Haram in Borno and Adamawa states that targeted Christian communities.

“The slaughtering of Christian worshippers is strongly condemnable. It calls into question the competence of Jonathan to protect Nigerians,” Tinubu stated at the time.

By April 2014, amid escalating violence including the Nyanya bombing in Abuja, Tinubu doubled down, emphasising the president’s non-negotiable duty to ensure citizen safety.

“My heart bleeds for our people and the country over the deaths in Nyanya. A government unable to protect its citizens deserves to be queried,” he said.

Eleven years on, Tinubu’s words are being repurposed by critics amid reports of widespread violence against Christians across northern and central Nigeria.

According to a recent report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), at least 7,087 Christians were killed in the first 220 days of 2025 alone—an average of 32 deaths per day.

Ndume Compares Troops’ Wage To Neighbour Nations, Advocates Better Pay.

Former Senate Leader and lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has tasked the newly installed Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede and the Service Chiefs to push for better remuneration for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to boost their motivation.

According to The Nation, Ndume advised in a statement in Abuja following the decoration of the new service chiefs with their new ranks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

General Oluyede and three other service chiefs were screened and confirmed for appointment by the Senate on Wednesday.

Ndume said, “I have identified four pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats at bay.

“This is what I have tagged as TEAM. The first is Training, second is Equipment, Ammunition and Motivations in that order.”

The annual budget of the Armed Forces and Other Security forces should be in the First Line Charge, and it shouldn’t be discretionary. They should be front-loaded,” he added.

Borno Spent ₦2.6bn on “Repentant” Boko Haram Members as Soldiers Warn of Leaks.

A review of Borno State’s 2025 third-quarter budget performance shows ₦2.6 billion was spent on “livelihood support for repentant Boko Haram members” between January and September, with ₦758.1 million disbursed in July–September alone.

The document also reveals limited health capital spending: the Primary Healthcare Development Board received ₦2.076 billion of an ₦8.7 billion budget for the period, while the Hospitals Management Board spent just ₦1.2 billion against a ₦10.5 billion appropriation.

Meanwhile, frontline soldiers in Yobe and Borno told SaharaReporters that some government-backed “repentant” insurgents have been leaking sensitive military information — including troop routines, weapon locations and base alarm points — to their former commanders. 

One soldier said repentant fighters routinely inform terrorists about camp schedules (noting evenings between 4:00pm and 7:00pm) and the location of armouries containing rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, grenades and explosives, making troops “extremely vulnerable.”

The reports note that, despite billions spent on reintegration, attacks by the same sects persist. 

In April, Governor Babagana Zulum warned of Boko Haram regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills and said the state has received more than 300,000 repentants in three years. 

He urged greater military manpower, more air support, sophisticated drones and anti-drone systems, and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to curb the growing threat.

Borno Government Spends N2.6billion On Welfare Of 'Repentant' Boko Haram Members In Nine Months | Sahara Reporters

Senate confirms 6 persons as commissioners for RMAFC.

The Senate, on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of the nominations of six persons as commissioners for the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

This followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs during plenary.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi who presented the report said that the committee was confident that the nominees possessed the requisite knowledge.

“We are convinced of their suitability,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those confirmed are Bello Wamakko, Sokoto; Hadizatu Mustapha, Borno; Sen. Marafa Abba, Taraba; Ahmed Hassan, Adamawa; Bob Inafa, Bayelsa and Gboyega Oladele, Osun.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau who presided over the plenary said that the appointment of the nominees was a call to serve the nation.

Gombe Commissioner Dies In Auto Crash.

The Gombe State Government has confirmed the death of the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), in a car accident on Friday.

The incident occurred along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road as the retired officer was returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he had attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.

According to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the commissioner’s police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, also died in the crash, while his driver sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

Reacting to the news, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the late commissioner as a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant who brought his military expertise to the service of Gombe State.

“Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd) will be remembered as a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service. He carried out his duties with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. His demise is a monumental loss not only to his family and our government, but to Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” Yahaya stated.

The governor highlighted Bello’s role in shaping security policies and fostering collaboration among agencies, noting that his efforts strengthened community safety and reinforced Gombe’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East.

Yahaya extended condolences to the families of the commissioner and the deceased police orderly, praying Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannat Firdaus.

“They died in active service to the state and the nation,” he said, while also wishing the injured driver a speedy recovery.

The state government said details of the commissioner’s funeral would be announced later.

Nigeria Seeks UN Partnership for $10bn Long-Term Fund to Address Internal Displacement.

The Federal Government has appealed to the United Nations for support in accessing a $10 billion long-term financing plan aimed at tackling the country’s growing internal displacement and humanitarian challenges.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the appeal during a roundtable on “Humanitarian Development and Peacebuilding Approaches to Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Bagudu said the government could deploy such financing ideally at a four percent interest rate to create wealth among displaced populations while addressing the root causes of displacement. He noted that donor-based grants were shrinking and urged the UN to help Nigeria tap into the capital market for sustainable, long-term funds.

He added that the government’s fiscal policies were designed to reduce waste, empower subnational governments, and promote inclusive development through programmes like the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan and Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) initiative, which maps economic opportunities across 8,809 wards nationwide.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, stressed that Nigeria’s humanitarian response must transition “from relief to resilience,” focusing on prevention, national leadership, and coordinated accountability.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, pledging continued UN support to help displaced persons “regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.”