Four NSCDC officers confirmed d3ad in Boko Haram ambush

Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed d3ad after a Boko Haram ambush in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

The attack occurred near the Niger-Kaduna state boundary during an inspection tour of national grid installations on November 18, 2024.

NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, November 28.

Afolabi revealed that of the seven officers initially reported missing, four bodies had been recovered, one officer remains unaccounted for, and two returned to base unharmed.

“Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation,” Afolabi stated. 

“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action.”

The ambush targeted a convoy of NSCDC personnel escorting expatriates who had been stranded in the Dagwachi Village area after returning from a mining site.

The attack reportedly involved over 200 heavily armed insurgents, who opened fire from an elevated position.

Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC officers reportedly repelled the assault, neutralising over 50 insurgents during the exchange

The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a tragic loss.

Audi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and praised the bravery of the officers involved.

As investigations continue into the ambush, Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred by the loss.

He urged the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in combating insecurity and protecting Nigerians’ lives and property.

“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” he said.

Okonjo-Iweala reappointed for second term as DG of World Trade Organization

 

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term. 

In a post on X on Friday, WTO said the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.

The former Minister of Finance assumed office as the seventh Director-General of the World Trade Organization on March 1 2021. She made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Congratulations to her! 

 

President Tinubu and first lady to depart Nigeria for France for a state visit

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday, November 27, to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

A statement released by presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, says the Nigerian leader's three-day visit, will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.

Onanuga said President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

‘’During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.  

Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development. 

Brigitte and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss the latter's passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.''

 Onanuga mentioned that top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.  

You’ll pay huge price for allowing illegal migrants into US’ — Trump vows to punish Canada, Mexico on Day 1 of inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump vowed that he would impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office .

“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump said that on January 20, in one of his first executive orders, he would sign all the necessary paperwork to levy a 25% tariff on all products arriving from the U.S.’s North American neighbours.

“This Tariff will remain in effect until Drugs, in particular, Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” he wrote. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

Trump said in another Truth Social post that he also would levy an additional 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States.

“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” he wrote. “Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through.”

Trump said the additional tariff on Chinese goods would remain in place until it stops allowing illegal drugs to pour into the U.S.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to declare a national emergency and use military assets to deport a record number of immigrants who are in the United States illegally.

Some Economists warn that slapping tariffs on products shipped into the United States could drive up inflation and interest rates and result in higher consumer prices. 

Soldiers clash with unknown gunmen in Abia community

A fierce gunfight between personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen broke out early Monday morning in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.

Reports suggest the clash began around 6 a.m. when over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived in the area. The military operation reportedly targeted suspected gunmen believed to be camped near a river marking the boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.

Soldiers have since secured key junctions leading to and from the village, while others continue to engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. Gunfire has been ongoing as of the time of reporting, creating tension in the area.

No official statement has been released by the Nigerian Army or the Abia State government regarding the operation. The confrontation follows Governor Alex Otti’s recent promise to improve security in the state after a meeting with top security officials.

"Black Sunday" 30 k!lled in fresh attacks in Benue

At least 30 people have allegedly been k!lled after alleged herdsmen invaded several communities across two Local Government Areas of Benue State. 

Rural communities in Kastina-Ala and Logo LGAs were attacked on Sunday, Nov. 24, and in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 25. 

According to locals, 10 corpses have been recovered in the Kastina-Ala while 20 bodies were recovered in Logo area, bringing the total number of d£@ths to 30. 

Commenting on the incident, a community leader in Logo, Chief Joseph Anawah, said, “There was attack on Azege settlement and environ of Tombo Council Ward yesterday, Sunday 24th November 2024 about 7am. Armed men numbering over 300, suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, struck. 

“This invasion was carried out in the morning hours and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals. The security operatives on ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying. It was not until the arrival of a military jet before they were able to subdue them to retreat. Over 20 corpses were discovered while the search for more missing persons is on going.” 

Council Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, also told journalists in Makurdi that many people were k!lled in his area and valuable property destroyed. 

“Yes, another incident of attack by herder marauders was reported to have taken place this morning (Monday) the 25th day of November, 2024 at about 2am. The Information is that many of them heavily armed stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward of Shitile in Katsina -Ala LGA. 

“From reports, they have killed many people, number yet unknown, destroyed valuable properties and looted a lot of household items and left uninterruptedly. Note that Benue State is under serve security threat by herder armed bandits. The level of destruction and scores killed would be forwarded to you in due course, please,” Shaku said. 

His Logo LGA counterpart, Clement Kav, alleged that the attackers claimed ownership of his domain, saying that the Tombo land belongs to them. 

“They attacked the Tombo council ward and killed 17 person and injured 37. The Governor has already mobilised more security to the area and peace has been restored. No case of missing persons for now,” he said. 

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying, however, that five bodies were recovered.

Some locals have gone on Facebook to address the attack.

 

See below.
 

Simon Ekpa is not our member – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has distanced itself from the self acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) Simon Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others by the government of Finland over terror-related activities on Thursday, November 21.

Finnish Police said Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime”.

 “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

The statement quoted the head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen from the Central Crime Police as saying that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels. Four other persons are suspected of financing the activity above. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested at the beginning of the week. International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added

Reacting to his arrest, IPOB in a statement released by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Friday, November 21, accused Ekpa of recruiting violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region.

Emma noted that the infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group known as the Biafra Liberation Army.

IPOB however disowned him noting that Ekpa is never a registered member of IPOB.

Read the statement below:

“The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the news of the arrest and subsequent claim by the infamous Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) Simon Ekpa of being an IPOB member. To set the records and facts straight, Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family movement.

Contrary to the deliberate and malicious misinformation from the Neo colonialist news agency, the BBC, that Simon Ekpa is an IPOB leader. Simon Ekpa has never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB. IPOB has some family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or any other IPOB unit globally. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu established IPOB as a peaceful movement to seek Biafra Independence via a supervised UN referendum. IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to violence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle. Even though the various some regimes in Nigeria have provoked us, we have remained resolutely peaceful.

It was unfortunate that  some innocent Biafrans being passionate for the restoration of the stolen sovereignty of the Biafran Nation, thought that Simon Ekpa was genuinely sympathetic to the Biafra course. Sadly, they had to learn the hard way that he was a destructive agent paid to infiltrate and destroy the IPOB peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination.

He recruited violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region in 2021. He is a self acclaimed prime minister of a small criminally minded group called the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). The infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group that call themselves the Biafra Liberation Army.

They have perpetuated various violent acts against the civilian populace of the Eastern Region in the name of Biafra agitation. IPOB family worldwide repudiated that violent system to achieve Biafra freedom and sovereignty severally through our numerous press statements. His (BRGIE) group and the Nigerian Army are responsible for many kidnappings, rapes, forceful disappearances, killings, and burning of homes in the South Eastern region. Undoubtedly, Simon Ekpa has claimed responsibility for the violent actions of his criminal gang.

The Simon Ekpa led group has no alliance, affiliation or relationship with IPOB family worldwide. He recruited his criminals gangs who have been terrorizing the Biafran territory since 2021. The politicians that contracted Simon Ekpa have been making strenuous efforts to tag the violent crimes of their agent on IPOB just to blackmail and demonize the genuine and peaceful Biafra self-determination struggle of the Biafran people led by the IPOB.

IPOB is by this press release calling on BBC News and Finnish Authorities to note that Simon Ekpa has never and does not have any  relationship whatsoever with IPOB in Finland or any other unit globally. He should not be associated with IPOB because IPOB does not support violent agitation that he represents. IPOB is a peaceful movement that has adopted civil disobedience to press our demand for referendum as the vehicle to achieve our goal of self determination.  No person, group, or institution should link Simon Ekpa and his group to IPOB except such person,  group,  institution, or government is part of the grand plan and conspiracy to perpetually subjugate the Biafran people to a life of servitude and misery.

Simon Ekpa has been shielded from arrest and terrorism charges against innocent Biafran civilians by the Nigerian and the Finnish governments’ diplomatic maneuvering. However, for every crime, there is a day of reckoning. On the purported arrest of Simon Ekpa, all IPOB members, Biafrans and lovers of Biafra freedom should remain calm and focused on our core objective which is the restoration of the sovereign state of Biafra”.

After serving his jail term in Finland, Simon Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his role in enforcing sit-at-home orders - Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad

Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, says after Simon Ekpa serves his jail term in Finland, he should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his role in enforcing the unlawful and condemned sit-at-home orders. 

Ekpa and four others were arrested on November 21 over allegations of “public exhortation to an offence, committed with terrorist intent”. Ekpa is charged alongside four other persons on suspicion of financing a

Reacting to the news via his X handle, Bashir wrote;

‘’The arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland for inciting violence and terrorism in Nigeria is a welcome development. Actions must always have consequences. No one should be allowed to destabilize this great country with impunity.

After serving his jail term in Finland, Simon Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his numerous treasonable offences, particularly his role in enforcing the unlawful and condemned sit-at-home orders on our brothers and sisters.''

Trump announces Pam Bondi as his Attorney General pick to replace Matt Gaetz after he withdrew

Just few hours after former lawmaker Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general, Trump announced that former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is his second choice to fill that role in his administration.

Bondi, 59, was one of the lawyers who defended Trump during his first Senate impeachment trial.

"I have known Pam for many years -- She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!" Trump said in a Truth Social post.

For more than a decade, Bondi has been a key Trump supporter and has been involved in some controversies -- including the "big lie," pushed by Trump in 2020. She publicly espoused the false claim that he rightfully won the battleground state of Pennsylvania.

In 2013, the Trump Foundation sent a $25,000 donation to Bondi's fundraising committee for her attorney general reelection campaign.

Around the same time, Bondi's office had on its desk a lawsuit that probed both Trump himself and Trump University, but it ultimately did not join the suit.

Bondi and Trump both denied allegations that the donation led to her decision to not join the lawsuit, which had been filed by the New York attorney general's office.

She endorsed Trump for his presidential run and spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention, leading a "lock her up chant" against then-Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

She also served as a co-chair of Trump's reelection bid and spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2020.

Bondi was elected attorney general in 2010 and was reelected in 2014. She left the office after reaching her two-term limit in 2019.

A year later, she was selected as part of Trump's defense team for his first impeachment trial. He was acquitted in the Senate.

Again, Vandals attack Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kv Power line – TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which is currently under repair due to previous vandalism, has again been attacked by vandals.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Friday, November 22, the TCN said the attack, which affected towers 29 to 31, resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.

The statement said that a team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed. Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.

Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently underway. Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85% complete,” the statement read partly.

Earlier in November, vandals also attacked transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu Communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines. A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident.

The vandalized towers which suffered significant damage, with critical components removed, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.