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Boko Haram Kills Over 300 in Five Weeks Report Warns of Failing Counterinsurgency Strategy

Our Reporters6 days ago6 days ago03 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – Over 300 people, including more than 100 military personnel and 200 civilians, have been killed in renewed Boko Haram attacks over a five-week period, according to a new report by security research firm Nextier SPD. The report, titled “Re-thinking Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Strategy: The Aftermath of the Boko Haram Resurgence”, highlights a troubling increase in both the frequency and lethality of terrorist attacks in northeastern Nigeria between November 2024 and April 2025. Authored by Dr. Ndu Nwokolo and Dr. Chibuike Njoku, the findings reveal that 252 terrorist incidents were recorded during the six-month span. January 2025 alone saw 92 deaths, despite a relatively average number of attacks that month. “Military victories do not necessarily translate to improved community security and stabilisation,” the report notes. The report links the resurgence of violence to the two main Boko Haram factions — Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) — which have ramped up their operations with more sophisticated tactics including ambushes on military convoys, use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and raids on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. In a worrying development, the insurgents have reportedly seized control of three local government areas in Borno State, further undermining state authority and disrupting humanitarian operations. The report also raised alarm over growing military fatigue, deteriorating civil-military relations, and a surge in kidnappings, particularly in April 2025. Despite continued military offensives, Nextier SPD argues that Nigeria’s current approach — heavily focused on military operations — has failed to address the underlying drivers of insurgency, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. The authors call for a comprehensive, people-centred counterinsurgency strategy, combining military efforts with socioeconomic reforms, inclusive dialogue, and community-based interventions. “The current strategy is reactive rather than preventative,” the report warns. “Without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism may continue to flounder, leaving millions vulnerable to extremist violence.” The resurgence of Boko Haram comes as Nigeria faces mounting security challenges across several regions, with many analysts now urging a fundamental rethink of national security policy to address the root causes of violence rather than its symptoms.

Soldier dies, others suffer injuries in Lagos autocrash

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

A private car driver on Friday recklessly ran into troops, killing a solider and injuring several others in Lagos. The tragic incident, according to a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, occured during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State. The Division’s image maker disclosed that tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries. He also informed that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos, assuring that the 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident. “The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State. The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded. He has also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. He added that the Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event. Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.

Nigerian Army raise alarm on online scammers

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

The Nigerian Army has uncovered fake social media accounts created by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians, mainly through recruitment scams. These scammers, according to the Nigerian Army have been using fake accounts to defraud people, and while some have been caught, efforts are ongoing to apprehend more, assuring that the Nigerian Army is committed to protecting the public from these malicious activities. “To clarify, the Nigerian Army doesn’t have any official social media accounts on TikTok. If you come across any suspicious activity or requests for funds related to recruitment, report them immediately to the Nigerian Army’s toll-free number 193 or through our four verified social media handles:“X: https://x.com/HQNigerianArmy, Facebook: https://facebook.com/HQNigerianArmy, Instagram: https://instagram.com/HQNigerianArmy, YouTube: https://youtube.com/HQNigerianArmy, and official website: https://army.mil.ng.”

COAS pledges to elevate training standards for Nigerian Army personnel

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has committed to advancing the training of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to new heights, aiming to enhance professionalism across the force. Lieutenant General Oluyede made the pledge during his visit to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria on Monday, 20 January 2025, where he addressed personnel at the prestigious military institution. In his address, the COAS emphasized the critical importance of robust training at this pivotal time for Nigeria’s national security. He noted that enhanced training will strengthen military operations and security efforts by equipping personnel with the necessary skills and professionalism to carry out their duties effectively. Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to creating an environment that fosters excellence in training and assured personnel of his full support in ensuring they have the resources to perform at their best. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism and expressed his determination to prioritize personnel welfare and well-being. During the briefing, the Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, highlighted the institution’s recent centenary celebration, marking a century of producing skilled manpower for the Nigerian Army. He also shared key achievements and challenges faced by the institution, expressing gratitude to the COAS for his steadfast support.

Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to combate oil theft

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operations against oil theft to ensure a significant increase in the nation’s oil production. The COAS issued this directive during a working visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Condemning the current level of crude oil output as inadequate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to thrive, efforts to protect oil production must be ramped up. He called on the troops to work with greater resolve in creating a secure environment for oil exploration and production. He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any association with criminal elements or activities. The COAS warned that any personnel found colluding with economic saboteurs or engaging in unlawful acts will face severe consequences in line with military and national laws. The COAS also urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their operations and reassured them of his commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. General Oluyede reminded the troops that they are pivotal to the success of the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and therefore must approach their duties with the utmost dedication and integrity.

Army brutality: COAS orders probe into viral video

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation of a video showing the brutality of civilians. In a statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday, the COAS craved to unravel the true circumstances surrounding the altercation. “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing a senior Army officer and 2 other soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis. “The circumstances leading to this incident are not clear at the moment. “The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all law-abiding Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Therefore, we urge the public to be rest assured that due diligence will be applied to reach a logical conclusion on this matter,” the statement read.

President Tinubu mourns General Lagbaja demise

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56 years. The President has directed that National Flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army Chief. He appreciated profoundly the services of the departed to the nation and wished the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Breaking: Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja is dead

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness. Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course. Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States. An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership. Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.