NAF Bombs Bandit Camp…FBI Arrests Nigerian King Found in FBI Custody Over $4.2M COVID-19 Fraud…Lawmakers Replaces Life Imprisonment with Death Penalty for Kidnappers…Nigeria Prepares to Reinstate Nearly 800 Former Jihadists into Society
● Nigerian Air Force Strikes Terrorist Hideout, Investigates Civilian Casualty Claims
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike on Saturday, targeting a bandit hideout at Yauni Hill in Katsina State. The operation was launched after intelligence confirmed an attack on a police unit, which left two officers and four vigilantes dead.
“In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged,” said NAF spokesperson AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, according to TheGuardian.
Reports of civilian casualties following the strike have surfaced, but Akinboyewa stressed that they would “remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded.”
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has ordered an inquiry into the claims. “The NAF operates under strict rules of engagement,” Akinboyewa said, assuring the public of the military’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
● Missing Nigerian King Found in FBI Custody, Faces $4.2M COVID-19 Fraud Charges
A Nigerian traditional ruler who disappeared nearly a year ago has been found in FBI custody. Joseph Oloyede, the king of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria, is facing a 13-count fraud indictment in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for allegedly defrauding the U.S. government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
Oloyede, who is also a U.S. citizen, was arrested on May 4, 2024, after the FBI accused him of submitting false loan applications for his six businesses and helping others do the same.
Court records show that in June 2020, he secured over $100,000 in loans for four companies. Peoples Gazette reported that Oloyede was unaware of his indictment when he returned to the U.S., where he was immediately arrested.
● State Lawmakers Approve Death Penalty for Kidnappers
The Edo State House of Assembly, Nigeria’s legislative body responsible for making laws at the state level, has passed a new law mandating the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping. The move comes as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of abduction in the state.
Previously, under the 2013 Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law, those found guilty of kidnapping faced life imprisonment and confiscation of property used in committing the crime. However, lawmakers argued that the existing penalties were not strong enough to deter kidnappers.
On Tuesday, the Assembly passed the 2025 Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law, replacing life imprisonment with the death sentence while maintaining the provision that properties used in carrying out kidnappings be seized.
Lawmakers say the stricter law is necessary to address worsening insecurity and protect citizens from violent criminal groups operating in the region.
● Nigeria’s Military Rehabilitates 789 Former Terrorists Under Reintegration Program
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, announced Tuesday that 789 former terrorist fighters are undergoing rehabilitation through Operation Safe Corridor, a government initiative aimed at reintegrating ex-militants into society.
Launched in 2016, Operation Safe Corridor is a de-radicalization program designed to rehabilitate former members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) who voluntarily surrender. Participants receive vocational training, psychological counseling, and education before reintegration.
The ex-terrorists are expected to graduate this year, according to Gen. Musa. He urged benefiting state governments to facilitate the seamless reintegration of the ex-combatants by providing additional support to ease the transition process.
Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, who oversees the program, noted that it has processed 2,190 individuals, including foreign nationals. Officials are now finalizing reintegration plans for 391 ex-combatants set to graduate in March.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
