Nigeria Prepares to Launch First Indigenous Helicopter…ISWAP Attack Humanitarian Facility in Borno…Bandits Killed After Walking Into Ransom Trap…Boko Haram Burns Churches, Schools in Nigerian Village
● Nigeria Nears Completion of First Locally Made Helicopter
Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says engineering work on the country’s first locally made helicopter is almost complete.
Project Manager Kareem Aduagba announced the progress during a focus group event in Kaduna, according to The Nation. Aduagba said, “Very soon, we are going to do the first test. Everything is nearing completion now. Very soon, we will fly the first made-in-Nigeria helicopter.”
The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss policies promoting local manufacturing. Abdulfatai Ambali, a NASENI official, highlighted the agency’s push for homegrown technology, saying, “Many Nigerians are not aware of NASENI and its activities.”
The project is part of a broader effort to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign imports. Officials believe strengthening local manufacturing will not only boost the economy but also create jobs and drive technological advancement across the country.
● ISWAP Attack Aid Facility in Borno, Burn Buildings, Seize Hostages
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram known for violent attacks across Nigeria’s northeast, has claimed responsibility for a recent unreported attack in Borno State, one of the terror group’s hotspots. The group, which operates primarily in the Lake Chad region, said it targeted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) headquarters in Monguno County, 85 miles from the state capital Maiduguri.
However, Nigerian military sources disputed the claim, informing SaharaReporters that the attacked building belongs to a different unnamed international humanitarian organization. A source reported that two of the organization’s staff were kidnapped. “They are demanding ₦50 million to release them,” they said.
The attack, which lasted over two hours, left several buildings and military vehicles destroyed. Nigerian authorities have not officially commented on the latest attack.
● Security Forces Lure Bandits with Ransom, Eliminate All
Bandits in Zamfara walked into a deadly trap while attempting to collect a ransom payment, only to be ambushed and eliminated by security forces.
The Joint Task Force (JTF) had received intelligence about an attempt to deliver ransom money for a kidnapped victim. As the bandits emerged to collect the money, they ran into security personnel.
“The JTF operatives strategically held their ground, allowing the assailants to expend their ammunition before engaging and neutralizing them,” Zagazola Makama reported. In Nigeria, security forces use “neutralize” to indicate eliminating threats, often by lethal force.
During the operation, troops recovered two motorcycles and weapons from the slain bandits. The kidnapped victim was safely rescued and has since reunited with his family in good health.
● Boko Haram Militants Attack Village in Northern Nigeria, Destroy Homes and Churches
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Kwapre village in Hong town, Adamawa State, on Tuesday night, looting properties and setting homes, churches, and schools on fire.
According to local leaders, the attack began around 7:30 p.m. local time. “Fortunately, no lives were lost in this latest assault, as residents, forewarned by the escalating threat, fled their homes before the attackers arrived,” Joel Kulaha, the village head, told Pilot News.
The attack marks the tenth reported incursion by Boko Haram into villages near the Sambisa Forest since last year. Residents say they have lost everything. “We are helpless and at the mercy of the government to protect us from these evil men,” said Mal Aliyu, the district head of Yadul.
Local officials have not commented, but an aide to Hong town Chairman Usman Inuwa Wa’aganda confirmed the incident, stating that security measures have been implemented to restore order.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
