Nigeria Records Highest Arrests as Interpol Cracks Down on Cyber Crime…Nigeria Slips in World Cup Qualifying Race…Nigeria Trains 800 Special Forces to Tackle Security Challenges…Troops Retreat as Boko Haram, ISWAP Overrun Military Base
- Nigeria Tops Interpol’s Cyber Crime Crackdown in Africa with 130 Arrests
Interpol has arrested 306 suspects linked to cybercrime across Africa, with Nigeria recording the highest number of arrests in the international crackdown known as ‘Operation Red Card’,
Conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, the operation, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in seven African nations, targeted mobile banking fraud, investment scams, and phishing schemes.
Nigerian authorities detained 130 individuals, including 113 foreign nationals, for alleged involvement in online scams. Some suspects were reportedly victims of human trafficking, forced into cyber fraud.
While Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia also saw arrests, Nigeria accounted for the largest number of suspects.
The Guardian reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), parallel of the FBI in the U.S., had earlier seized 26 vehicles, 16 houses, and 685 devices in a separate raid on cybercrime rings in December 2024.
- Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Dented After 1-1 Draw Against Zimbabwe
Nigeria’s aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup faced a setback as the Super Eagles drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo city, Nigeria.
The team, led by head coach Éric Chelle, appointed in January 2025, sought to capitalize on their recent 2-0 victory over Rwanda but encountered a resilient Zimbabwean defense.
The deadlock was broken in the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen, a 26-year-old striker currently on loan at Turkey’s Galatasaray from Italy’s Napoli, headed in a cross from defender Ola Aina, who plays for Nottingham Forest in England’s Premier League.
Despite leading, Nigeria conceded a last-minute equalizer in the 90th minute to Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa, leaving the home crowd in disappointment.
This draw places Nigeria fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing group leader South Africa, who has 13 points following a 2-0 win over Benin Republic. With only a few matches remaining, the Super Eagles face a challenging path to secure World Cup qualification.
- 800 Nigerian Troops Begin Intensive Special Forces Training for High-Impact Missions
Nigeria has launched the first phase of training for 800 special forces personnel to enhance the military’s ability to conduct high-impact operations. Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru inaugurated the program on Monday at Camp Kabala in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
The elite unit will specialize in counterterrorism, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions. Badaru stressed that Nigeria’s security threats—ranging from Islamic State insurgency in the Northeast to banditry, kidnapping, and transnational crimes—demand a highly trained force capable of unconventional warfare.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop 2,400 special forces personnel to strengthen national security. Defense Chief Gen. Christopher Musa and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State pledged their commitment to supporting the initiative to combat terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges.
- Boko Haram Attacks Nigerian Military Bases, Kill 3 Soldiers
At least three Nigerian soldiers were killed when Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants attacked a military base in Wajiroko town, Borno State, on Monday night.
According to a military report obtained by SaharaReporters, the attackers struck around 10 p.m. local time, forcing troops to retreat. A surveillance drone detected fire at the base, suggesting it may have been overrun.
A reinforcement team sent to assist encountered an improvised explosive device (IED), killing three soldiers and injuring Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. UF Abubakar and two others.
Meanwhile, Daily Trust reported a separate Boko Haram attack on another military base in Wulgo, near the Cameroon border, but details remain unclear.
The Nigerian military has not issued an official statement, but troops are on high alert, and reinforcements have been deployed.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
