By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Clash with Armed Biafran Group Leaves 2 Soldiers Dead in Nigeria
Two Nigerian soldiers were killed, and one is missing after a clash with suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Southeastern Imo State, according to the Nigerian Army.
Joseph Akubo, spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade, said the incident happened Friday when troops responded to an attack by ESN fighters during a routine patrol. The ESN is the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
“The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray,” Akubo said, as quoted by The Guardian. “Regrettably, two security agents were killed in action, while another remains missing. Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were seized by the terrorists.” Troops later intercepted the suspects, killing one and recovering weapons.
Soldiers Arrest Bello Turji’s Female Ammunition Courier in Zamfara
A 25-year-old suspected female ammunition courier, Shamsiyya Ahadu, has been arrested in Zamfara State alongside her accomplice, Ahmed Husaini, a motorcyclist.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Ahadu was arrested on December 28 in the Badarawa area of Shinkafi County, as reported by The Punch.
She was reportedly found with 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six magazines intended for delivery to a notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji.
“Her arrest followed an intelligence report regarding the movement of the terrorists’ logistics,” the statement read. “In response, troops promptly established a roadblock leading to the apprehension of the suspects. Both are currently undergoing investigation.”
148 Terrorists Killed in Nigerian Military Operations
The Nigerian military killed 148 terrorists and arrested 258 suspects, including two ammunition couriers, during operations last week, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations.
Additionally, 291 kidnapped hostages were rescued, and 146 assorted weapons along with 2,599 rounds of ammunition were recovered. “Troops neutralized a total of 148 and arrested 258 persons. Rescued 291 kidnapped hostages,” Buba said in a statement Saturday.
In the Niger Delta, 51 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and crude oil worth ₦798 million ($514,938.37) was recovered. Troops also destroyed 68 illegal refining sites and confiscated 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil.
Between January and early December 2024, the military reportedly killed 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 suspects, and rescued 6,376 hostages across the country, The Punch reports.
Vice President Shettima on Sokoto Tragedy: ‘We’re Sorry for the Civilian Losses’
Vice President Kashim Shettima has apologized for the death of 10 civilians during a military airstrike targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto State on December 25.
In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima expressed regret over the incident, describing it as “one of those rare sad moments when innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terror.” He said, “We are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times.”
The Defense Headquarters insists the deaths of 10 civilians resulted from a secondary explosion triggered by the airstrike, not direct bombardment.
Shettima urged continued public support for the military, stating, “On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologize for this great loss. The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country.”
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
