Soldier Falls in Ambush by Suspected Separatists…Nigeria’s Security Crisis Prompts Senate Intervention…International Operation Nets Nigerian Drug Suspect…Nigeria to Name Ambassadors After 18-Month Delay
- Soldier Killed in Attack on Nigerian Market
A soldier was killed in an attack on the New Artisan Market in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria, Wednesday evening during an ambush on a military vehicle.
Sources report the deceased, Aaharif Ibrahim, from Borno State, was part of an 82 Division special operation combating pro-Biafra agitation. Masked gunmen opened fire on a military vehicle within the market, which is predominantly populated by northerners.
“Our brother and colleague was killed yesterday by alleged IPOB members during an ambush on personnel in Artisan Market,” a source told SaharaReporters. “He was shot dead while other personnel ran for their lives.”
Violence has escalated in the Southeast region, including Anambra, Imo, and Enugu States, targeting government officials, facilities, and security personnel. The Nigerian government attributes the attacks to the pro-Biafra group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but the group denies involvement.
- Nigerian Senate to Grill Security Chiefs on Rising Insecurity
The Nigerian Senate has scheduled a closed-door meeting with top security officials next week to address escalating national insecurity. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the meeting Wednesday, stating the service chiefs “will be ready in a week.”
Those expected include the Chief of Defense Staff, Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of the State Security Services and National Intelligence Agency.
Nigeria faces multiple security crises, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on farmers by armed Fulani herders. Available reports by The National Bureau of Statistics report over 600,000 deaths and 2.2 million kidnappings between May 2023 and April 2024.
The Senate also plans to address U.S. allegations of USAID funding terrorist groups in Nigeria, following previous summons of the National Security Advisor and intelligence heads.
- Colombia Arrests Nigerian Suspect in International Cocaine Ring
A Nigerian national, Joseph Chinedu Okparaejesi, was arrested at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, on drug trafficking charges, local media has reported. Colombian authorities, working with the FBI, made the arrest.
Okparaejesi, also known as Alen, is suspected of being a transnational drug trafficker. He had resided in Colombia for over 12 years, posing as a beauty industry businessman. He allegedly coordinated large-scale cocaine shipments to Spain, financing drug procurement and using human couriers and concealed suitcases.
Intelligence from a detained drug mule led to his arrest. Authorities also arrested 15 others linked to his network. The Colombian National Penitentiary and Prison Institute confirmed Okparaejesi’s detention, and he has been charged with drug trafficking, production, and distribution.
- After 18 Months, Nigeria to Appoint New Ambassadors
Nigeria is finally moving to fill its diplomatic leadership positions after operating without ambassadors for over a year. Following President Bola Tinubu’s recall of all ambassadors in September 2023, the nation has operated without representation in its more than 100 foreign missions.
The government has started vetting potential candidates to lead its over 100 diplomatic missions worldwide. Government sources indicate that appointments are anticipated “very soon,” with security services conducting background checks on prospective candidates
Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry had previously cited financial constraints for the delay in appointments. However, a government source told Reuters that “the issue is being resolved,” suggesting that the appointment process is nearing completion.
Nigeria has budgeted ₦302.4 billion ($198.30) million this year to operate its foreign missions.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
