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Soldiers dislodge terrorists from Taraba hideouts, recover weapons

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Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded another major success in the ongoing clearance operations tagged Operation Lafiya Nakowa, aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements from Taraba State.

According to a statement made available on Wednesday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, “On 14 October 2025, troops deployed at Tapga Ngasawa village under Dampar District of Ibi Local Government Area received credible intelligence on the hideouts of suspected terrorists operating around Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages in Ibi LGA. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops conducted a series of clearance operations in the identified areas.”

The statement added that “during the operation at Badekoshi, troops made contact with the terrorists, forcing them to flee towards Fajul village close to the forest.

“The gallant troops pursued the fleeing criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their positions and escape deeper into the forest.”

Muhammad stated that a thorough exploitation of the area led to the recovery of the following items: “One (1) AK-47 rifle, One (1) AK-47 magazine, One (1) round of 7.62mm special ammunition, Five (5) rounds of blank ammunition, Two (2) fragmental jackets, Two (2) military camouflage uniforms, and One (1) Jincheng motorcycle suspected to have been stolen during a previous attack at Tapga village.”

The Commander, 6 Brigade NA/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops “for their professionalism and resilience,” while urging them “to sustain the ongoing momentum until all criminal elements are completely wiped out from Taraba State.”

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens and will continue to work with other security agencies and local communities to achieve lasting peace in the State,” the statement added.

The Brigade had earlier, on October 1, 2025, successfully foiled a terrorist attack and neutralised two suspected terrorists in Taraba.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops on October 1, 2025, advanced to Tor-Ikyeghgba village, where bandits were reported to be converging. On arrival at the general area, the troops made contact with the terrorists along the powerline axis and immediately engaged them with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of two,” the statement said.

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Four arraigned over murder of Osun LG chair

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Four suspects allegedly linked to the murder of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State, Remi Abass, were arraigned on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The defendants — Abubakar Kabiru (also known as Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — all from Ikire and Apomu in Osun State, were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

They were charged with terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and the murder of Abass, who was killed on February 17, 2024, in Ikire, Osun State.

Appearing for the prosecution, A. S. Oyeyemi, represented the Inspector General of Police, while Sunday Adebayo appeared for the defendants.

Muhydeen Adeoye held a watching brief for the nominal complainants.

The amended charge, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025, contained three counts.

In Count One, the defendants were accused of conspiring, aiding, and instigating acts of terrorism in various towns and villages across Osun State, contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1)(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count Two alleged that the defendants conspired to illegally possess firearms and were arrested with three pump-action rifles, contrary to Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count Three charged the defendants with the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, an offence contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre and adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for hearing, in line with the agreement of counsel on both sides.

The killing of Abass is linked to the long-standing political tension between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State over control of local government councils.

In 2022, the then APC-led administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola conducted local government elections shortly before leaving office — polls which the PDP, then in opposition, boycotted and later challenged in court, describing them as unconstitutional.

After the PDP’s Senator Ademola Adeleke became governor, his administration dissolved the councils and appointed caretaker committees. However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal declared that the election of the APC council chairmen and councillors was valid and ordered their reinstatement.

Following that judgment, tensions flared across several local government areas as the reinstated APC officials attempted to resume duties.

In the Irewole Local Government Area, clashes reportedly broke out between rival political supporters, leading to the death of Abass and several others.

The police subsequently launched an investigation into the violence, which resulted in the arrest and arraignment of the four defendants.

An earlier charge involving seven suspects, led by one Jide Jooda, was withdrawn by the prosecution after one of the accused died while awaiting trial.

The matter has now been adjourned to December 4, 2025.

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Five men arraigned for allegedly stealing N30m Lexus in Ondo

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Five men have been arraigned before the Ore Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing a Lexus 350 Black Jeep valued N30 million.

The defendants are Chima Emmanuel, 34, Akintunde Henry, 18, Chidi Iloabachia, 18, Oyeniyi Adewale, 31, and Chuks Obi, 27.

The defendants were charged with a two-count offense bordering on conspiracy to commit stealing.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offense occurred on October 13, 2025, at about 1:00 a.m at Topsight Hotel, Ore, Ondo State.

The prosecutor, Inspector Johnson Okpowodu, alleged that the defendants conspired to steal the vehicle, a Lexus 350 Black Jeep with registration number KJA 945 JM, belonging to Fadoju Alex Temitope.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The offense is punishable under Sections 516(A) and 383 of the Criminal Code Cap. 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.Nigerian fashion brands

The prosecutor requested an adjournment to study the case file and prepare witnesses for trial.

The defense counsels, Mr. V. A. Akinfe, Mr. S. E. Jemine, Mrs. K. M. Lawani, and Mr. A. O. Olamolu, did not oppose the request but applied for bail in liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, O. Fasaanu, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned to November 12, 2025, for mention.

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PHOTOS: Two suspected fake orphanage representatives arrested in Nasarawa

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Two women claiming to represent Children of Mary Orphanage Home, located in G.R.A Otukpo, Benue State, have been arrested in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.

It was gathered that the suspects allegedly traveled from Otukpo to Lafia to solicit financial support for children at the orphanage.

Their activities, however, aroused suspicion among residents, leading to their arrest and subsequent transfer to security operatives.

Authorities have advised members of the public who may recognize the suspects to contact their families or the management of Children of Mary Orphanage Home for clarification as investigations continues.

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