Chief of Defence Staff warns against aiding terrorists, defends Borno airstrike
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has issued a stern warning that individuals found aiding or collaborating with terrorists will be treated as criminals. This statement was made during an engagement with troops, where he reiterated the military's commitment to ending killings and kidnappings by bandits and insurgents nationwide. Musa defended a recent Nigerian Air Force airstrike near Jilli village in Gubio Local Government Area, stating it targeted a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province. He emphasized that civilians must avoid any association with insurgents, cautioning that such actions could lead to severe consequences. Musa also advised communities to stay clear of identified insurgent hideouts due to the dangers during military operations. The Nigerian Air Force had previously stated the strike was intelligence-driven, aimed at neutralizing terrorists and destroying their equipment. This operation, conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI on April 11, 2026, followed sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis. Despite reports alleging the airstrike may have affected a weekly market and resulted in civilian casualties, Musa maintained that the operation serves as a strong warning to those supporting insurgent activities, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to intensifying offensives against terrorist networks in the North-East.
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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.