Military commanders increasingly targeted in terror attacks amid troop shortages and welfare concerns
via Punch Nigeria12 min read
Military commanders are increasingly vulnerable to terror attacks due to troop shortages and poor welfare, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH. Soldiers, security analysts, and retired military officers suggest these attacks aim to disrupt the military's command structure and instill fear. The Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP intensified its campaign in 2025, leading to the deaths of at least 10 senior military officers, including two brigadier generals, between October 2025 and April 2026. Incidents include the deaths of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and Captain Ismail in Benisheikh, Borno State, on April 9, 2026, and a commanding officer and six soldiers in Monguno on April 12, 2026, due to an improvised explosive device. A soldier in the North-East attributed declining morale to poor welfare and manpower shortages, stating that many units lack adequate personnel and that insufficient compensation affects motivation. The Nigerian Army faces challenges in attracting new recruits, with low enlistment figures in some regions. Security experts link the targeting of senior officers to a deliberate strategy by insurgents to exploit inadequate troop strength and the increased exposure of commanders on the frontlines. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Abdulwahab Ademola, explained that while commanders operate close to combat zones for coordination, the dynamics of asymmetric warfare and the use of ambushes and IEDs make this risky. He noted that insurgents target the mil
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Maria Abdulkadir, CEO and founder of Bon Bread, explained the company's decision to take legal action against a TikTok user. The lawsuit follows a viral video where the user, identified as "Love," expressed concern over a loaf of bread that she claimed remained fresh for two months after purchase. The TikToker later alleged that Bon Bread served her a N50m lawsuit, despite her claim of not mentioning any company name or displaying a logo in the video. Abdulkadir stated that the company resorted to legal action after attempts to engage the content creator and verify the claims reportedly failed, leading to reputational damage. She mentioned trying to contact the TikToker to understand the source of the bread and how it could have lasted two months, but was unsuccessful. Abdulkadir maintained that their bread, which is freshly baked and typically does not last beyond a few days without preservatives, could not remain fresh for such a period. She added that the legal action was not to intimidate but to compel substantiation of the allegations. Social media reactions from Nigerians varied, with some cautioning about bread quality and others debating the legal implications, particularly regarding defamation even without explicit brand naming.
Must ReadOperatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, have uncovered a baby factory in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, Lagos. The operation led to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children, and the arrest of the facility's operators, Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu. The victims, aged 18 to 30, reportedly subscribed to the facility through an offer on Facebook. Upon delivery, their children were sold for N500,000 to N1.8 million, with the mothers receiving payment. Some rescued women had also brought their existing children to be sold. Commandant Adedotun Keshinro stated that the NSCDC acted on three weeks of intelligence, describing the operation as targeting a "grievous crime against humanity." The operators allegedly entice pregnant women with offers of payment for their babies. One of the 18 rescued women had a miscarriage, leaving 17 still pregnant. The operators will be handed over to the police for prosecution, and the victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. Okeke, the chief operator, claimed she adopted children for childless individuals and had moved from Ikorodu for a larger apartment. Agwu stated that the center offered an alternative to abortion and helped childless couples, with agents on online groups proposing the arrangement. He mentioned that women came to the facility already pregnant and signed agreements for their babies to be sold in exchange for compensation, often around N1 million. The women claim
An operative of the Department of State Services DSS, Michael Jego, testified in a Federal High Court in Abuja regarding the arrest of John Agbo, accused of sending threat messages to elite schools in the Federal Capital Territory. Jego, the first prosecution witness, stated that the DSS received petitions from three schools in 2024 concerning text messages threatening students, teachers, and property. The affected schools were identified as Premier International School, The Regent Secondary School, and Oakland International British School. The DSS alleged that Agbo used multiple mobile phone numbers to send these threats, claiming attacks would take less than a minute. Jego testified that his team began an investigation after a petition from Oakland International British School dated November 28, 2024. Forensic analysis led to Agbo's arrest in Otukpo, Benue State, where a Techno Android phone and SIM card were recovered. Agbo was arraigned on March 17, 2026, on a two-count charge under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc Amendment Act, 2024. The prosecution tendered the recovered phone, school petitions, a compact disc with audio-visual recordings of Agbo's interview, and his extra-judicial statement, which were admitted as exhibits. While Agbo admitted familiarity with the phone, he denied ownership. Under cross-examination, Jego confirmed the petitions did not name Agbo, but maintained Agbo admitted involveme
The Federal Government has released emergency hotlines for reporting school bullying, following a consultative dialogue in Abuja organized by International Alert Nigeria. The event, attended by students, parents, school owners, and government officials, addressed the widespread issue of bullying in Nigerian schools, with studies indicating that 70 to 85 percent of students have experienced it. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, represented by Assistant Director Gender Augustina Apakasa, announced two hotlines: 09012660044 for calls and 08052536133 for WhatsApp messages, along with an email address, antibullying@education.gov.ng. Additionally, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, represented by Director, Violence Against Persons Prohibition, Rebecca Enwusoyele, provided a toll-free short code, 627, and an email address, @naptip.com.gov. NAPTIP stated that while bullying is not explicitly mentioned in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, sections on intimidation, threat, and willfully placing someone in fear provide a legal basis for intervention. The National Safe School Response Coordination Centre, represented by Special Assistant Adebola Adeoye, also shared its hotline: 09131232323. Programme Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Jimoh, indicated that a communiqué and advocacy note would be produced to engage policymakers on the implementation of an existing anti-bullying Bill.