22 Soldiers, 70 Terrorists Dead in Clash…22 People Abducted in Kaduna…Rival Terror Groups Battle Over Smuggling Routes…Nationwide Military Crackdown Hits Terrorists
● Jihadist Suicide Attack Kills Dozens of Soldiers in Northeastern Nigeria
At least 27 Nigerian soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing during an offensive against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Northeastern Nigeria, The Guardian Nigeria reported Sunday, citing military sources who spoke to AFP.
The attack happened Friday night near Borno and Yobe states when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into advancing troops. “The suicide attack killed 27 soldiers, including the commander, and left several others seriously injured,” one officer said.
Another officer noted the attack happened around 8:30 p.m. local time, saying, “It was dark, which made it difficult for the troops to have a clear view of the surroundings.” He added that the death toll could rise as some of the wounded were in a “critical condition.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian military authorities have countered the figures. Major General Edward Buba, the spokesperson of Defense Headquarters, confirmed that 22 soldiers died during the encounter while 70 terrorists were killed, according to Daily Trust.
● 22 Villagers Abducted in Fresh Bandit Raids in Kaduna State
Suspected bandits abducted 22 people in separate attacks on two communities in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, late Friday night, according to local sources.
The bandits struck Kitanda and Kugauta in Kumana Chiefdom of Kauru County around 10:30 p.m. local time, abducting 12 people, mostly women and children, in Kitanda and 10 more in Kugauta, resident Emmanuel Johnson confirmed to This Day.
“Our communities are constantly under attack. People are being kidnapped daily,” Johnson lamented. The persistent insecurity has forced residents to flee their communities.
Authorities are yet to comment on the attack.
● ISWAP Wipes Out Over 50 Boko Haram Fighters in Fight for Smuggling Routes
More than 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed in clashes with rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Nigeria’s Northeast, reports Zagazola Makama, a security analyst in the Lake Chad region.
The violence erupted on January 20 when ISWAP launched a major offensive, forcing Boko Haram fighters to retreat in disarray. Some were captured, while others sought refuge in nearby villages. Boko Haram regrouped and retaliated on January 21, escalating tensions.
According to Zagazola Makama, the battle is not just about power. Both groups are locking horns over control of key smuggling routes from Geidam and Diffa (Niger Republic) to the Lake Chad Region Basin Area, which sustain their operations. However, ISWAP, bolstered by support from ISIS-linked foreign mercenaries, has gained the upper hand by establishing camps along these routes.
● 97 Terrorists Killed, 224 Suspects Arrested in Nigerian Counterterrorism Sweep
The Nigerian military has killed 97 terrorists, including notorious commander Abu Mosaje, and arrested 224 suspects in nationwide operations, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations, in a media briefing.
Nigerian media reported that Mosaje was killed in Plateau State, while troops apprehended a wanted kidnapping kingpin, Babangida Usman, in Kaduna State. In the Southeast, seven separatist fighters, including a notorious informant, were detained.
During the operations, 79 terrorists were killed, 67 hostages were rescued, and 28 individuals were arrested for oil theft. Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites and seized over 842,000 liters of stolen crude oil, along with weapons, ammunition, and vehicles.
The military recovered 104 weapons, including 53 AK-47 rifles, and over 1,900 rounds of ammunition. “Troops remain steadfast in the destruction of terrorists across the country and remain committed to creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is guaranteed,” Buba said.
What’s News Today? January 27, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
