Metro
PHOTOS: Soldiers Kill 24 Boko Haram Terrorists In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised 24 Boko Haram terrorists in coordinated operations across Borno State.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters, Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, on Thursday said the operations conducted between July 4 and 9 involved a collaboration between land and air components of OPHK, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and Hunters.
According to the statement, the locations where the terrorists were neutralised includes Platari, Komala, Kawuri, Madarari, Leno Kura, Sabsawa, Ngoshe-Gava, Ngoshe-Ashigashiya, Amuda-Gava, Pambula, Tangalanga, Bula Marwa, Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages.
The statement reads, “In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 – 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists.
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“In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralisation of three terrorists.
“Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralising another fighter. On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items.”
The statement further disclosed that troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government, where they came into contact with the insurgents.
“Consequently, two terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items,” it said.
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The statement added, “In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area. The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorist, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area.
“In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions. Accordingly, three terrorists met their Waterloo, while troops continued exploitation of the area.
“Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorist’s crossing point along the roads Ngoshe-Gava and Ngoshe-Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda-Gava areas. Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralised while others fled.”
Accordingly, on July 7 2025, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village.
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During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists’ logistics suppliers and successfully neutralised two insurgents.
On exploitation of the area, the troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items.
“On 8 July 2025, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave.
“In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed.
“Additionally, troops in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted fighting patrols at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray. Consequent upon the firefight, the troops neutralised a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon.
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“The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorist activities.
“In another coordinated clearance operation conducted on 8 July 2025 at Bula Marwa, troops neutralised a terrorist fighter, while others fled. Items recovered included a gun and terrorists’ uniforms. Troops also destroyed the insurgents’ camp.
“On 9 July 2025, troops in joint operations with Civilian Joint Task Force also conducted a clearance operation in JAS/ISWAP enclave at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. After a heavy firefight, 3 insurgents were eliminated. Terrorists’ life-supporting structures in the camp, were also destroyed completely. Troops recovered six AK 47 rifles 47 magazines, and ninety rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during exploitation of the area.
“In furtherance of the offensive operations, troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted an ambush at Ngailda, Manjim and Wulle villages, where contact was made with the insurgents. Following the contact, troops successfully eliminated 6 terrorists while others fled in disarray. Items recovered by the troops during exploitation included motorcycles and bicycles,” it added.
Reuben said the neutralisation of 24 insurgents with close air support underscores the determination, collaboration, and concerted efforts by the troops of OPHK to ensure terrorists are placed on the back foot and create a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the Northeast region.
Metro
Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate In Rivers, Rescue Babies
The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have busted a child trafficking syndicate that manipulates young mothers and vulnerable pregnant women, steals their babies, and sells them to waiting buyers.
The police said the four-member syndicate is led by an ex-convict identified as Blessing Jack, who had previously been arrested, tried, and imprisoned in Calabar, Cross River State, for a similar offence.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday and sent to newsmen.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said Blessing, aged 54, was arrested by men of the Command’s C4i Intelligence Unit on October 9 in Igwuruta, near Port Harcourt, following a discreet probe into the activities of the syndicate.
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She said Blessing’s arrest led to the location of her other three female partners, who were consequently taken into custody.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the activities of a child trafficking syndicate in the state, with the arrest of several suspects.
“The syndicate, allegedly led by one Blessing Jack, a 54-year-old female resident of Timber Road, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, exploits vulnerable young mothers, stealing and selling their newborn babies for significant financial gains.
“On October 9, 2025, at about 1500hrs, operatives of the Command attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit, through technically aided policing, arrested Blessing Jack at Igwuruta in Port Harcourt.
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“A conversation between Blessing Jack and one Marley Oburu ‘m’ revealed the syndicate’s modus operandi. She discussed a recent incident where her associate had taken a woman’s baby, claiming the baby had died, but had been paid the sum of ₦2,000,000 for the transaction.”
She continued, “The transaction suggested that Blessing and her associates use fake scans and manipulate vulnerable pregnant women to obtain their babies.
“Other suspects arrested include: Chinonso Raymond, a 30-year-old male of Igwuruta, Port Harcourt; Chinyere Okorie, a 32-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port Harcourt; and Nkechi Nwankwo, a 50-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port Harcourt.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that Blessing Jack had previously been imprisoned in Calabar for three years for child trafficking, highlighting her long-standing involvement in the illicit business.”
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The state police image maker said all the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime, detailing their individual roles.
“Suspects are currently in police custody, while an in-depth investigation has been launched to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the network,” Iringe-Koko stated further.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their diligence in investigating and apprehending the suspects, saying the Command will continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals and combat human trafficking in the state.
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CP Adepoju appealed to members of the public to report any information that may aid in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases, saying, “Together, we can build a safer and more secure society for all.”
Rivers State Police Command, in September, said its operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed two of their victims after collecting a total ransom of N10.4m.
Earlier in August, the Command said its men busted an armed robbery/kidnapping syndicate terrorising residents of Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state, and its environs.
Metro
BREAKING: Lagos Re-arraigns Kidnapper Evans Over Police Officers’ Killing
Lagos State Government on Monday re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.
The Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja is hearing the case of the murder of two police officers by the billionaire kidnapper.
READ ALSO: Billionaire Kidnapper Evans Seeks Plea Bargain, Says He Now Teaches Prisoners
He and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were arraigned before Justice A. O. Ogala on a five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Details later…
Metro
Lagos Demolishes 17 Houses For Encroaching On Waterways
At least 17 houses have been demolished by the Lagos State Government for encroaching on the right-of-way (RoW) of the Ikota River alignment.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, led a monitoring and enforcement team, accompanied by journalists, to the site on Saturday.
Wahab cautioned residents against actions that threaten the environment, warning that nature inevitably retaliates against human negligence and unlawful reclamation of wetlands.
He disclosed that the ministry had received reports months earlier about illegal reclamation activities aimed at narrowing the river’s natural path.
“We stopped them then, but we were alerted again recently that the encroachment had resumed aggressively, with attempts to sell land to unsuspecting buyers,” Wahab said.
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The commissioner said the government had now taken decisive action to halt the encroachment and clear all illegal structures along the alignment.
He added that those behind the unlawful activity would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Speaking on the perennial challenge of flooding, Wahab noted that while it is impossible to completely prevent flooding in a coastal state like Lagos, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, lagoons, and rivers, the government continues to invest in infrastructure to mitigate its impact.
“What we can do is reduce its effects through resilient infrastructure, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently provided and maintained,” he said.
Despite ongoing efforts to desilt and maintain drainage systems daily, Wahab lamented that some individuals persist in obstructing waterways for personal gain.
READ ALSO:Lagos Closes Adeniji Adele–CMS Lane For Six Weeks Of Repairs
He cited property number 156 as an example, saying it blocked the coastal road alignment and disrupted the natural flow of water.
“That property will be cleared to allow the Ikota channel to discharge freely into the Lagos Lagoon,” he added.
Wahab stressed that demolition was not always the state’s first option, as the government often explored corrective measures.
“Sometimes we ask developers to produce practical designs for stormwater discharge, but they must bear the cost, not taxpayers,” he said, describing it as irresponsible for the government to fix problems created by private developers who profit from violating environmental regulations.
During an inspection tour of the Lekki–Epe corridor, Wahab also decried the massive encroachment on wetlands originally designed to retain excess rainwater.
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He said drone surveillance had exposed extensive damage to the wetland corridor, including the destruction of coconut trees planted for soil stability.
According to him, violators were issued demolition notices on 26 September, ahead of planned transport infrastructure works on the same route.
He explained that the inspection was intended to align environmental preservation with the Ministry of Transport’s Green Line Rail project.
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Additionally, the Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated that the Green Line Rail project, which will run from Marina to Epe, is anticipated to commence in December following stakeholder consultations and feasibility studies.
Osiyemi said some car dealers who were granted temporary approval to use power line spaces had violated terms by constructing permanent structures on wetlands.
“As a state, we must enforce compliance and protect the environment while advancing our transport development agenda,” Osiyemi said.
He added that the Green Line project, which is expected to last approximately three years, forms part of Lagos State’s integrated transport solution aimed at easing mobility across the metropolis.
Other areas visited during the inspection included Chevron Gate off Orchid Road, Partibon Homes, Oral Extension Phase 2, and Park View in Ikoyi.
(NAN)
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