Terror Strikes Again: Soldiers Feared Killed as Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno

A yet-to-be-confirmed number of Nigerian soldiers were feared killed on Monday as Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly attack on a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to local sources, the attack unfolded in the evening when heavily armed insurgents stormed the military formation, firing indiscriminately and causing massive casualties. While the exact number of dead and injured soldiers remains unclear, witnesses confirm that the assault led to significant losses.

Reinforcements Caught in Deadly Explosion

Amid the chaos, tragedy struck again when military reinforcements rushing to the scene hit a landmine, triggering a deadly explosion. A resident of Damboa, Abba Usman, recounted the harrowing moment:

“I do not have much information, but I can confirm that there was an attack and soldiers were killed. We also heard that reinforcements stepped on something like a bomb, and it exploded.”

A military source also confirmed the attack, stating:

“Many soldiers were killed, but the figure is currently not known.”

Conflicting Reports on the Incident

While some reports indicate a coordinated insurgent attack, officials have offered a slightly different account. The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, confirmed an explosion but insisted it was an accidental detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED), not a direct attack.

“I can confirm there was an IED attack in a place called Wajiroko (under Damboa). Our military personnel stepped on an IED. We lost one, and one sustained an injury. It was not an attack; it was an IED our soldiers stepped on,” Tar stated.

Despite these official claims, eyewitness accounts and military insiders suggest the incident was far deadlier than authorities are acknowledging.

Army Chief Calls for Stronger Counterterrorism Strategy

As the security situation in Borno continues to deteriorate, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military commanders to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders to combat terrorism effectively. Speaking at the First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Nasarawa State, Oluyede emphasized the need for joint efforts between the military, security agencies, and local communities.

“These stakeholders are pivotal to addressing the prevailing security threats within your areas of responsibility. A strategic and integrated approach is essential for long-term national stability,” he stated.

With rising insurgent attacks and growing concerns over military casualties, Nigerians are demanding greater transparency and stronger action from security forces. Will the military rise to the challenge, or is Boko Haram gaining the upper hand once again?

Nigeria on the Brink: Unpacking the Looming Collapse and the Quest for Liberation

By George O. Sylvester

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is teetering on the edge of collapse. Decades of systemic corruption, mismanagement, and entrenched inequality have pushed the country to the precipice. Nigeria’s downward spiral necessitates a critical examination of the nation’s struggles and the imperative for liberation.

*Historical Context: A Legacy of Turmoil*

Nigeria’s post-independence era has been marred by military rule, civil war, and authoritarian regimes. The Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, established in 1999, uncovered widespread abuses and recommended reparations, but the government’s inaction has perpetuated the cycle of violence.

*Economic Woes: A Ticking Time Bomb*

Nigeria’s economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, is facing a decline in global demand. The country’s inability to diversify its economy and address endemic corruption has resulted in stagnant growth, crippling unemployment, and widespread poverty.

*Social Unrest and Insecurity*

The rise of separatist movements, Boko Haram’s insurgency, and rampant banditry have created a climate of fear and instability. The government’s heavy-handed response has only exacerbated the crisis, displacing communities and fueling further resentment.

*The Way Forward: Liberation Through Accountability*

To avert collapse, Nigeria must confront its demons:
– *Institutional Reforms*: Strengthen democratic institutions, ensure accountability, and promote transparency.
– *Economic Diversification*: Invest in agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital to reduce dependence on oil exports.
– *Social Justice*: Address historical grievances, promote inclusivity, and ensure equitable resource distribution.
– *Security Sector Reform*: Overhaul the security apparatus to prioritize community policing and human rights.

Nigeria’s collapse is not inevitable, but it requires a concerted effort from citizens, civil society, and the government to address the systemic flaws that have brought the country to this juncture. Liberation will only be achieved through a collective commitment to accountability, justice, and equality.

12 Inmates Escape in Kogi Jailbreak, Government Launches Manhunt

Kotonkarfe, Kogi State – A wave of panic swept through Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, on Monday morning after twelve inmates escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in a daring jailbreak.

The shocking incident, which has raised serious security concerns, prompted an immediate response from the Kogi State Government and law enforcement agencies.

Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, assured the public that security forces have launched a manhunt for the fugitives and are working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence.

“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” Fanwo stated.

“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, apprehend the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.”

In a glimmer of hope, one of the twelve escapees has been re-arrested, though the whereabouts of the remaining eleven fugitives remain unknown. Security agencies have intensified their search efforts, setting up surveillance and deploying personnel across key exit routes and neighboring communities.

Governor Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to strengthen measures at the facility and ensure that such a security breach does not occur again.

As the search intensifies, the Kogi State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals who may attempt to harbour or assist the escapees.

“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.

Despite the alarming development, authorities assured residents that there was no cause for panic.

“We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.

The jailbreak has raised critical concerns about security lapses within Nigerian correctional facilities, with many questioning how a dozen inmates managed to escape undetected.

This is not the first jailbreak in Kotonkarfe Prison, which has witnessed similar breaches in the past, underscoring persistent security challenges in the country’s correctional system.

As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on authorities to apprehend the fugitives swiftly and address systemic failures to prevent future occurrences.

The Kogi State Police Command, Nigerian Correctional Service, and other security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities.