DEFENCE
Borno Govt, Stakeholders Deliberate on Surrendered Boko-Haram Members
The Borno Government and stakeholders including security agencies on Sunday deliberated on ongoing surrendering by insurgents in the state.
Speaking at the meeting in Maiduguri, Gov. Babagana Zulum said the forum was to reach a common ground by the people of Borno on how to handle the situation for lasting peace in the state.
Zulum said so far about 3,000 insurgents had surrendered, adding that reports from Cameroon indicated that about 900 surrendered to the Cameroonian authorities.
He explained that a team, comprising security agencies and other relevant organisations, had been constituted to profile the surrendered insurgents in line with international best practice.
The governor observed that over 200 farmers with thier families held hostage by the insurgents were among those that surrendered.
“They (insurgents) forced such farmers to farm while they buy the produce from them at subsidised rate.
“There are also under aged children and others conscripted by the insurgents,” Zulum explained.
The Theatre Commander of “Operation Hadin Kai”, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, lauded the development, assuring that the military will continue to use the kinetic and non-kinetic approach in prosecuting the figth against insurgency.
Musa said the success of the exercise in Borno would play a vital role in finding solution to conflicts in other parts of the country.
“If we get it right here, others will take cue from us,” Musa said.
He urged the people of Borno to make maximum use of the opportunity which he described as a golden one to make the development work.
Also speaking on behalf of National Assembly members from Borno, Sen. Ali Ndume and Rep. Tahir Monguno, lauded the development and declared the support of members to make it work, including moving a motion or law if necessary to support it.
They noted that there is a United Nations law bordering those that surrendered in a conflict that would be observed in handling the issue.
They urged the Federal Government to assist Borno, particularly in funding the process of rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of victims.
A victim of the insurgents who spoke, Alhaji Modu Gujja, who lost his parents, wife and children with some of his relations still missing, said he leave vengeance to God, and would support any process that would bring lasting peace to Borno.
Others who spoke at the occassion including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai, representatives of Muslims, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), organised labour, NBA, NUJ, CSOs and Women groups, welcome the development.
The stakeholders also called for a commission of truth and reconciliation in affected communities to facilitate reconciliation. (NAN)
DEFENCE
NAF Names Crew, Passengers on Board ill-fated Flight
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has released the names of personnel and passengers in the crashed NAF 931 aircraft.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The crew members and passengers lost their lives in the crash involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
Ejodame listed the crew members as Sqn. Ldr MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Sqn. Ldr AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flt.-Lt. IS Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician) and Cpl.
Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician).He said the passengers included Flt.-Lt. TL Lazarus, Flt.-Lt. M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others he said were Sgt. Ani AE, Sgt. Izibenikien SI, Sgt. Alafuka C, Sgt. Mbadugha AN, Lance Cpl. Ugwuba FC, Lance Cpl. Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF director of public relations and information also said that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke had expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers.
He quoted Aneke as describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation.
The CAS expressed heartfelt sympathies to families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
He assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period, while also directing a comprehensive investigation to establish circumstances surrounding the accident.
He also assured that the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified updates as investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information, while respecting privacy and dignity of affected families.
“A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay respects and convey messages of sympathy to families of the deceased and the NAF,” he said.
25 persons comprising five crew members and 20 passengers were onboard the aircraft which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.
It was reported that search and rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Nab 32 Suspects, Recover 10 Firearms, 43 Vehicles in September
The Police Command in Lagos State says it apprehended 32 suspects and recovered 10 firearms, 43 vehicles and N2.5 million during various operations across the state in September.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police(CP), Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements for the month at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
Tijani said the command also impounded 43 vehicles during an early-morning enforcement operation on Monday against vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles, adding that further checks were ongoing.
He said the command arrested the suspects in connection with armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, breaking and entering, public disturbance and other violent crimes.
The CP said the command recovered 20 live ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms and other incriminating exhibits.
He added that the firearms comprised five pump-action guns and five locally made pistols.
Tijani said a 32-year-old suspect was arrested during a routine patrol along Oko Oba Road after some suspected hoodlums allegedly fled on sighting the police.
“A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size pistol, radiator, car jack, engine block and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools,” he said.
The commissioner said a 29-year-old suspected armed robber was also arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of a man at Ghost and Spirit Lounge, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.
“The suspect was arrested at the Toll Gate, Lagos-Ogun boundary, following investigation into the Sept. 26 incident, in which armed men allegedly robbed the victim of his gold wrist chain and rings.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining exhibits,” he said.
He said police also arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged conspiracy and stealing case involving a gang that reportedly travelled from Idi-Oro, Mushin, to the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah.
According to him, the suspect led operatives to a hotel room in Idi-Oro, where N2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered.
The CP said three suspected robbers were also arrested in Idi-Oro, while intelligence obtained during investigation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
He added that another suspect was arrested in Olorunsogo, Mushin, where a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm ammunition were recovered.
Tijani said the suspect allegedly confessed to membership of the Eiye Confraternity, while two other suspected cultists, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard.
He said 12 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were also arrested in Imeke, Badagry, with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, two vehicle keys, a locally made cut-to-size gun and suspected criminal charms recovered.
According to him, seven of the suspects had been charged to court, while investigation continued to apprehend other members and recover additional arms.
The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested a 15-year-old suspected arms courier at Capa, Oshodi, while allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition concealed inside a loaf of bread.
He said a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of unexpended 9mm ammunition and a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun were recovered from the suspect, while further investigation led to the recovery of an additional cut-to-size gun and 11 cartridges.
Tijani said the command also arrested a 53-year-old man in Ojo for alleged unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and six suspected hoodlums over alleged breaking, looting and destruction of property along Ejigbo–Idimu Road.
He said another suspect was arrested in Badagry for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and public disturbance, adding that two victims had so far made statements against him.
Tijani said the command would continue to protect police personnel lawfully carrying out their duties while holding accountable officers whose conduct fell below expected standards.
He commended the officers and operatives for the breakthroughs and appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Troops Foil Two Abduction Attempts, Rescue 10 Victims in Zamfara
By David Torough, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 people in operations across Zamfara State.
The military said the incidents occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.
In Maru, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba Village in Kanoma District.
The troops engaged the attackers and rescued three victims, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total rescued at the location to four.In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua road, troops conducting a picketing operation near Kwanoni heard sporadic gunshots and moved towards the area. They encountered terrorists withdrawing through surrounding high ground and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee.
According to the military, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants. The occupants escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.
Six other people were rescued from another vehicle that reportedly lost control as a result of the gunfire. The vehicle was later towed away from the road to restore traffic flow.
The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying their actions helped protect civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.
The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained operations against terrorists in the North West and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels.


