Crunch Times News

By Blessing Bature 

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed at least seven soldiers and abducted 13 others during a deadly attack on a military formation in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. 

The security sources said the troops were on patrol in the Damasak area of the State around 2pm when they encountered the terrorists.

Another sources added that at last seven soldiers were killed in a gun battle, 11 soldiers managed to escape but another 13 including the commanding officer, a Major were captured.

“The Major fought hard, but in the end, he was captured and his phone was taken by Boko Haram,” said a security source who was briefed on the incident .

According to the source when the troops returned to their camp and tried to call the number, it was answered by someone who said he was a member of Boko Haram and that the major and other troops were in the group’s custody, 

They said a military rescue team had since found the bodies of the seven dead soldiers but has not located the missing troops.

As of the time of felling this report no any officially statements both police and military personnel to the killings and capture of its soldiers.

Says trial process will follow fairness, due process

Insists move is to protect professionalism and operational strength

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja

The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that an internal investigation has uncovered evidence linking some of the 16 detained officers to an alleged plot aimed at toppling the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

This confirmation comes nearly three months after the military publicly dismissed reports suggesting a failed coup, insisting at the time that the officers were being held strictly for acts of indiscipline and violations of service rules.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the investigation panel set up by Defence Headquarters has completed its assignment and submitted its final report to the appropriate authorities.

According to Uba, officers against whom substantial evidence was established would now face formal trial before a military judicial panel, in line with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant regulations governing military conduct.

He recalled that in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers over alleged breaches of military codes, assuring Nigerians that a thorough and transparent investigation would be carried out.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded, and the report has been forwarded to superior authorities for necessary action, in accordance with established military procedures,” the statement read.

Uba explained that the probe was conducted with strict adherence to military investigative standards, carefully examining both the conduct of the officers and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to undermine the government.

The findings, he said, indicated that several of the officers were involved in activities considered incompatible with the core values, ethics, and professional obligations of the Nigerian military.

“Those found culpable will be tried by a duly constituted military panel, ensuring accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” Uba stated.

The Armed Forces also stressed that the disciplinary steps being taken are part of broader efforts to safeguard the institution’s integrity and sustain its operational effectiveness.

Reaffirming its loyalty to Nigeria’s constitutional order, the military said it remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and national stability.

“These measures are intended to reinforce discipline and preserve the readiness of the force in line with the AFN’s core principles,” the statement added.

The military had previously rejected claims of a coup attempt, noting then that the detained officers were undergoing routine internal investigation. At the time, the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said the probe was a standard process to ensure discipline within the ranks and promised that the outcome would be made public upon completion.

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

The Save Nigeria Group USA (SNGUSA) has welcomed the formal inauguration of the U.S.–Nigeria Working Group in Abuja, describing it as a critical step in addressing Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, particularly the targeted persecution of Christian communities.

The statement, signed by Stephen Osemwegie, President, and Victor Onyeka Ben, Media Director, Save Nigeria Group USA, commended the United States Government under President Donald J. Trump for prioritizing Nigeria and acknowledging the worsening plight of Christian populations under attack by radical Islamist terrorist groups, including the notorious Fulani Islamist militia. 

These groups have carried out repeated attacks across Nigeria’s Middle Belt states, leaving communities devastated.

Stephen Osemwegie called the inauguration “a moment of cautious hope for millions of persecuted Christians, who have waited far too long for global action.” 

He added: “We thank President Trump and the U.S. Government for demonstrating moral clarity and leadership at a time when prolonged silence has cost countless innocent lives.”

The Working Group, led on the U.S. side by Under Secretary Allison Hooker and hosted by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is tasked with advancing bilateral cooperation on security, counterterrorism, and religious freedom.

Osemwegie emphasized the need for immediate, tangible results:

“This Working Group must not become another diplomatic exercise. Its priority must be the safe rescue of the 177 Christians abducted on January 18 in Kajuru, Kaduna State. Every passing day places their lives at greater risk.”

The group reiterated its call for joint U.S.–Nigeria military intervention to secure the release of abducted worshippers and dismantle terrorist networks targeting vulnerable communities.

“No one should fear attending a church or mosque anywhere in Nigeria. Freedom of worship is a fundamental human right, not a privilege granted by terrorists,” Osemwegie stated.

While skepticism remains regarding the political will of the current Nigerian government, SNGUSA expressed confidence in the leadership of the Trump Administration, particularly U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing his longstanding advocacy for international religious freedom.

“Secretary Rubio’s unwavering commitment gives us reason to believe that this Working Group can turn concern into action. Accountability, protection of civilians, and justice for victims must be non-negotiable,” Osemwegie added.

Despite this development, the humanitarian crisis continues. More than 11 million Nigerians remain internally displaced, and communities across the Middle Belt require urgent attention.

Osemwegie stressed that justice includes restoration, safe return of displaced families, rebuilding of destroyed communities, and compensation for lost livelihoods.

SNGUSA affirmed its commitment to ongoing advocacy and monitoring of the Working Group’s progress:

“We welcome this partnership with bated breath and prayerful hope. 

The world is watching. History will judge us not by statements made, but by lives saved.”

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

An Inspector of Police, Aliu Oluwole, has been killed after gunmen attacked police operatives at the Budo Masalasi Border Post in Oyo State, prompting an intensive manhunt and a comprehensive investigation by the Oyo State Police Command.

The tragic incident is coming weeks after suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service office in Oloka Community, Oriire Local Government Area, where five forest rangers were murdered, raising fresh concerns over security in the state.

Sources said the late Inspector lost his life while courageously repelling the attack. 

During the incident, the assailants reportedly made away with his AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition (Breach Number: 4516).

Confirming the development on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered an aggressive operation to track down those responsible.

“Preliminary findings reveal that some of the attackers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently being pursued by security operatives,” DSP Olayinka said.

The police command assured residents that security has been strengthened across Oyo State, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

Members of the public were advised to report individuals with gunshot wounds, those seeking suspicious medical treatment, or anyone displaying unusual behaviour to the nearest police station.

Describing the attack as heinous, the police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

Investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify the manhunt.

By Blessing Bature 

The Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has decorated one of the highly trained Commandants of Corps, OBASA Ayodele Babajide to the rank of Assistant Commandant General of Corps in a brief decoration exercise at the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja on Friday.

NSCDC's Commandant General Ahmed  Abubakar  Audi congratulated Ayodele  along others on his well deserved elevation to the enviable rank and urged him to realize that his promotion is in accordance to his contributions to the security management of the country and charged him to continue to channel his wealth of experience to tackling security challenges in the country.

 

Assistant Commandant General Obasa Ayodele  until his appointment was a Zonal Commandant at the Zone O Abuja Zonal Command of the Corps.

He has very robust International and local service records in various sensitive world class capacities defending the Corps mandates and showcasing its vast intellectual human resource capacities, integrity, and humility in service delivery as follows: International Civil Defence Organization Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019, International Civil Defence Organization General Assembly Meetings in Doha-Qatar 2019, Bishkek-Kyrgyzstan 2016. 

International Civil Defence Organization (African Heads of Civil Defence Meetings) in Algiers-Algeria 2020,  Cotonou-Benin Republic 2018,  Lome-Togo 2017, Abidjan-Cote D’Ivoire 2016. 

Integrated Safety and Security Exhibitions, Minks-Belarus 2017, Moscow-Russia 2016, Tel-Aviv Israel 2016, Moscow-Russia 2013, Moscow-Russia 2012. 

Working Visits to International Civil Defence Organization with House Committee Members on Interior, Geneva 2011. 

Inspection tour of Security and Disaster Management Equipment Factories in Europe; Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovenia 2018.   

ACG OBASA local appointments, few amongst others includes: Head International Cooperation Unit Office of the Commandant-General, Special Assistant, Commandant General Office, Head Foreign Training Unit-Training Department, Head Protocol Unit, Servicom Officer among others.

Career progression overseas training/courses attended includes: Countering Violent Extremism: Executive Management Training 2019 Roswell, New Mexico, United States, Security and Identity Management Course 2018 Windhoek-Namibia, Regional Diplomacy Training Course 2011 Accra-Ghana, Critical Incidence Course 2011 Singapore. Essential Management Skills Course 2010 London United Kingdom. Leadership and Team Building Course 2009 London, United Kingdom. Strategic Management Course 2007 Johannesburg, South Africa.

 Ayodele was born on the 31st of March, 1969 in Jos, Plateau State to the famous Obasa family of Ijero LGA of Ekiti State. Ayodele joined the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as graduate pioneer staff on the 1st January, 2004 with Masters of Art degree in International Law and Diplomacy (1997) and rose through the ranks until the year 2018 that he became a Commandant of Corps preceding His current appointment.

He is a lover of God, happily married with  children.

Troops Eliminate Terrorist Commander Abu Illiya

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai alongside members of the civilian joint task force have reportedly annihilated a top Boko Haram commander, Abu Illiya alongside his 32 fighters.

The feat was said to have been achieved during an intelligence-led aggressive fighting patrol in some identified Boko Haram enclaves in Kayamari, Habasha and Yuwe villages in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in Lake Chad, multiple intelligence sources indicated that the troops’ superior firepower forced the surviving terrorists to flee in disarray thereby abandoning their property and weapons.

The troops also recovered and destroyed 50 bicycles from the terrorists’ hideouts.

The newly appointed Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali shortly after taking over the command pledged to sustain efforts towards ending the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

To achieve this, according to the new commander, all hands must be on deck.