News
Suspected Terrorist Killed As Guard Brigade Troops Rescue 19 Kidnap Victims In FCT
Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a coordinated security operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, Lieutenant Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted around Gidan Dogo in the Bwari Area Council following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.
The troops carried out the operation in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the bandits, leading to a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Security operatives recovered one AK-47 and a locally fabricated firearm during the operation.
“Additionally, all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” the Army spokesman added.
The rescued victims are said to be currently receiving attention, while troops have returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari and are continuing patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies for their bravery and professionalism.
He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and safeguarding Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.
“The Guards Brigade will continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” the statement added.
Security Concerns
Mounting insecurity and kidnapping incidents have continued to raise concerns across Nigeria, with armed bandits and criminal gangs targeting communities, travellers, and unsuspecting Nigerians for ransom.
In recent years, kidnappings have grown into a major security challenge.
Despite the persistent threat, security forces have recorded several successes through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated raids.
Troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have repeatedly rescued victims during operations targeting criminal hideouts and forest enclaves.
In August 2025, the state government said that troops of the Nigerian Army killed seven armed bandits and recovered four motorcycles at Baba in the Kankara Local Government Area of the state.
It said the operation, which lasted for over two hours, was carried out after credible intelligence revealed the movement of criminal elements terrorising farming communities in the area.
The government stated that the troops engaged the bandits in a decisive operation, neutralising seven of them while the rest fled with gunshot wounds.
Four motorcycles used for their operations were also recovered during the mission.
Also in August, 76 kidnapped victims were reportedly rescued as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) struck again in its ongoing manhunt for the notorious bandit kingpin Babaro and his gang, the masterminds behind the recent da deadly attack on Gidan Mantau Community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The state government said that NAF carried out a decisive air operation this morning at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area and rescued the victims, including women and children.
It also said the precision air interdiction specifically targeted Babaro’s stronghold at Pauwa Hill—one of his most notorious bases that has long been a source of terror to surrounding communities.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Serving and Former Forum has tasked all stakeholders especially the Judiciary on projection of Nigeria’s democracy.
The forum gave the charge on Tuesday at a news conference in Abuja while reacting to comments allegedly made by some top politicians and public officials that do not advance Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ms Nnenna Ukeje, a member of the 8th House of Representatives said that as patriots, the forum is committed to national interest and have defended democracy on many fora.
According to her, their intervention stands for the defence, stability, protection of democracy and preservation of our beloved country.
“We must reiterate that there is a clear difference between the tyranny of the majority and true democracy; between illiberal civil rule and a system grounded in democratic contestation; between constitutional governance and authoritarian subjugation.
“Nigeria must remain firmly on the side of democracy, resisting overreach by any arm of government is not subversion; it is a constitutionally given right and duty.
“To the judiciary, we reiterate: this is a defining moment; the tipping point, the nation’s eleventh for survival.
“Your independence must remain sacrosanct. Your integrity must be unquestionable and your patriotism unapologetic. Your decision will determine the drift,” she said.
Ukeje said that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by the very forces that once fought to build it saying that the preservation of democratic space is not a favour to the opposition but a duty owed to the nation.
The former lawmaker said that Nigerians must be very vigilant as democracy does not defend itself but survives only when citizens, institutions, and leaders commit to its protection.
“In conclusion, Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law, not expediency; by robust institutions, not strong individuals; and by the will of the people, not predetermined outcomes.
“Let the judiciary act without interference. Let opposition thrive without intimidation. Let citizens participate without fear.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people, and it must be protected and defended by all.
We remain committed to defending it through all lawful means; through the courts, through civic engagement, and at the ballot box,” she said. (NAN)
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…..Oyedele elevated to Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.
According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.
Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.
Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.
The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.
The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”
Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.
The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
A United States lawmaker has accused Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of attempting to bribe a U.S. official in a bid to suppress a report alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Kimberly Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, made the allegation in a video posted on her official Facebook account on Monday. The video has since gained traction online, sparking debate across political and diplomatic circles.
In the video, Daniels claimed that the alleged bribe was intended to influence the narrative surrounding a report by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), which accused Nigerian authorities of failing to address what it described as targeted killings of Christians in parts of the country.
“A U.S. elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN-WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” Daniels said.
The lawmaker, who also serves as chairperson of the UN-WCD, maintained that she would not be intimidated or silenced, insisting that the issue of violence against Christians in Nigeria must be addressed transparently.
Daniels had earlier called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Matawalle from office, alleging his complicity in violent incidents reported in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna.
As of the time of filing this report, Matawalle has not publicly responded to the allegations. The Nigerian government has also not issued an official statement addressing the claims.
The development adds a new dimension to ongoing international scrutiny over security challenges in Nigeria, particularly concerning communal and sectarian violence in parts of the country.
Forum of legislators calls on Judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy
Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle, sacks Edun, Dangiwa
US Lawmaker Accuses Tinubu’s Minister Of Bribery To Cover Up Genocide Report
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