WHAT’S NEWS TODAY FOR APRIL 9, 2025?
Nigerian Governor Warns of Escalating Boko Haram Threat…Military Says Ransom Report for Release of Kidnapped Retired Army General False…Military Raid in Northwest Nigeria Ends with Death of Terror Kingpin Mati…Nigerian Government Warns Public Against Paying Kidnappers
● Deadly Boko Haram Attacks Surge in Nigeria’s Northeast, Governor Says
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned Tuesday that Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings are resurging across northeastern Nigeria, undermining recent security gains.
Speaking at a security meeting with military officials and local leaders, Zulum said the dislodging of military formations in some areas has allowed near-daily assaults in communities such as Wajirko, Sabon Gari, Wulgo, and Izge, where civilians and security personnel were recently killed. He called the renewed violence a “significant setback” in the fight against insurgency, warning that Borno is “losing ground.”
Zulum urged Nigeria’s federal government to strengthen military capabilities, including the deployment of advanced technology to border regions near Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. Despite commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for ongoing support to push back the jihadist militants, he stressed that more action is needed to stop the growing threat.
● Nigerian Military Denies Claims of Fundraising to Free Kidnapped Retired General
Nigeria’s military has denied reports that senior officers raised ransom money to secure the release of Brig. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (ret.), former director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a program that deploys university graduates for national service. Tsiga was abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State on February 5 and freed after 56 days in captivity.
Defense spokesperson Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau stated Monday that Tsiga’s rescue resulted from a targeted military operation.
“The disparaging online report is therefore nothing but presumably an act of mischief which is calculated to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military,” Gusau said, noting that air and ground forces pressured the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives.
The rebuttal follows a message by retired officer Brig. Gen. Ismaila Abdullahi, who claimed military colleagues and civilians raised funds via a WhatsApp group after a ₦400 million ransom (approximately $275,000 USD, based on the exchange rate at the time) was demanded. The message, which has since gone viral, came after Tsiga regained his freedom last week.
● Nigerian Troops Kill Terror Leader, Dozens of Fighters in Zamfara Raid
Nigerian troops launched ‘Operation Munzo’, a counterterrorism raid in Zamfara State, killing terror kingpin Mati and dozens of fighters, according to Lake Chad security analyst Zagazola Makama.
The operation targeted Mati’s camps in Tibuki and Sabuwar Tunga villages. Troops faced heavy resistance but overpowered insurgents with superior firepower, the report stated.
Mati, accused of orchestrating attacks across Zamfara, was reportedly killed during the firefight. His camp’s infrastructure was razed.
Recovered items included six rifles, nearly 600 rounds of ammunition, military uniforms, radios, and combat gear. Three motorcycles and rustled cattle were destroyed. A soldier was wounded during the operation but is in stable condition.
● NSA Urges Nigerians to Stop Paying Ransom Following Military Rescue of 60 Kidnapped Victims
Sixty people held hostage by radical Islamic terrorists for over a month were rescued Sunday by Nigerian troops in Southern Kaduna, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Among the victims were Ishaya Kuka, brother of prominent Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Adesanya Michael, a deputy director at Nigeria’s National Assembly Commission.
Military authorities handed the victims, 35 men and 25 women and children, to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja.
Ribadu warned families to stop paying ransom. “Let me urge families and communities to stop paying ransom to these criminals,” he was quoted as saying. “Each payment only encourages them to keep going. The more you give, the more they demand.”
His comments reflect growing concern as kidnappers increasingly demand large ransoms, often threatening to kill hostages if families don’t pay. In some cases, victims are murdered even after payments are made. However, the security chief assured that authorities “will continue to pursue these perpetrators and ensure they face justice.”
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
