Crime
PHOTOS: DHQ confirms d3aths of terrorists and soldiers in Borno attack
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that terrorists and a few soldier were k!lled when insurgents launched a coordinated attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
The statement said the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded to the attack with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.”
According to Onoja, the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.
“In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State,” the statement read.
“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.
“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission.
“The attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions.”
The military acknowledged that the encounter resulted in casualties among troops.
“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement noted.
It added that the High Command had extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media.
The Defence Headquarters also disclosed that clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency. Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents,” the statement concluded.
FOLLOW US ON:
Crime
27 suspected hoodlums arrested for breaking pillars on Festac-Alakija bridge and harvesting the metals used for the bridge’s reinforcement
The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026 said 35 mobile phones were recovered from the men.
According to the PPRO, three of the suspects, Younas Mohammad, Ahmad Nunil, and Aslam Muhammad, were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
The suspects claimed that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets.
However, the police said none of the claimed products was found in their possession, raising questions about their activities and movements.
In a separate operation on August 5, police arrested two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif and Muhammed Sharif, at a hotel in Ugbokolo.
The two suspects reportedly claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones.
Further investigation resulted in the recovery of 23 additional Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total to 35 mobile phones.
“The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered thirty-five (35) mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas,” the statement read.
“On 4th August 2026, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three Pakistanis at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46, were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
“During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets none of which were found in their possession. This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring more clarification.
“In a separate operation on 5th August 2026, two other Pakistanis, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence received by the Police.
“The two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven (11) Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.
“Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional twenty-three (23) Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one (1) Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to thirty-five (35).
“The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, where discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements within the State.
“It is strongly suspected that the possession of those mobile phones is a decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state. This is even more probable as they hardly speak or understand english.
“The Benue State Police Command reassures members of the public that the operations form part of its proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, preventing criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across the State.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP CLETUS C. N. NWADIOGBU, psc(+), mnips, PhD, commends the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests.
“He further urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the Police.
“The Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State. The public will be updated as the investigation progress.”
FOLLOW US ON:
NLC demands N500k minimum wage, says current N70k minimum wage is no longer sustainable
PHOTOS: Security operatives rescue kidnap victim in Rivers
Canada updates Visa processing times for Nigerians as study permit wait rises
‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
How A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
2027: Atiku delays ADC membership card collection amid rumoured Jonathan comeback
-
Crime7 hours ago27 suspected hoodlums arrested for breaking pillars on Festac-Alakija bridge and harvesting the metals used for the bridge’s reinforcement
-
News6 hours ago
PHOTOS: Security operatives rescue kidnap victim in Rivers
-
Lifestyle16 hours ago
Favoritism Among Children
-
Crime7 hours ago
Customs intercepts 140 Rifles, Cannabis-infused snacks worth N373.8m at TinCan Port
-
Lifestyle17 hours ago
Bad parenting, how does it affect the children
-
Crime7 hours ago
PHOTOS: Police arrest five Pakistan nationals in Benue communities, recover 35 phones
-
Lifestyle18 hours ago
SIBLING RIVALRY
-
Lifestyle17 hours ago
Discussion about single mother palaver
