News
Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives
Security operatives in Nigeria have come under several attacks by criminal elements in the past few weeks, leading to the killing of scores of them.
Ekwutosblog reports within September alone, over 50 security operatives were killed in different attacks across the country.
While officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilantes, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF and state community watch groups are affected, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army are the worst hit.
Most of the killings in several states are even underreported.
The recent incidents in Benue, Kogi, Edo and Zamfara State are more worrisome.
On Friday, September 19, armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and local militias attacked security operatives at the Agu Center, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and murdered at least 11 security operatives.
The daredevil bandits had targeted a joint security team comprising police officers and operatives of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, locally known as Anyam Nyor, during a clearance operation near the state border.
Ekwutosblog gathered from security sources that the bloodthirsty bandits allegedly worked with an informant within the security team, leading to the deadly ambush.
The latest attack brought the total number of security personnel killed in the state within the last 12 months to over 80.
Recall that prior to the Agu attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia had on September 5 confirmed that no fewer than 76 security personnel lost their lives in the state while discharging their duties “in the last year”.
Barely three days after the Benue incident, gunmen struck in Yagba East and Lokoja local government areas of Kogi State, killing a total of five police officers in separate attacks.
Two weeks before the attack, about three officers were gunned down on September 10, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, also in Egbe, a town sharing a boundary with Kwara State.
The same day some terrorists ambushed soldiers while on patrol in Gusau, Zamfara State and killed at least five personnel.
In another tragic incident that occurred on September 18, at least two soldiers were killed after terrorists raided military barracks at Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borni State.
Recall also that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on September 5, killed eight personnel of the NSCDC attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Another personnel of the corps was also killed on September 15, when bandits ambushed operatives of the NSCDC along the Yantumaki–Danmusa Road at Dafa village, Katsina State.
Last year, it was reported that about 229 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were murdered by the trouble makers between January 2023 and October 2024.
The ugly trend has raised concerns not just among the security agencies but also stakeholders, who are eager to see the end of the wanton killings going on across the country.
In a chat with Ekwutosblog, a security expert, Mr Abayomi Oyelade urged the security agencies to “start the fight from within”, stating that the evildoers may have infiltrated the agencies.
According to Abayomi, “you can’t be fighting your enemies and succeed when the people around you are collaborating with those you are fighting.
“There have been reports where operatives plan to attack either bandits or terrorists in their hideouts but before you know what is happening, the bad eggs among them leaked the information to the bad boys. This is the major issue and the reason this security crisis may persist.
“People are too greedy. How do you sell your colleague to your common enemy and you are enjoying the money even with the guilty conscience?
“The military and the police have been infiltrated since and they know this fact.
“You hear some ex-military men accusing even commanders of collaborating with the bandits all because of money. We are our own problem. Why will the insecurity end when many people are benefiting? But that’s blood money.
“We have been saying this. When you identify their hideouts, work with the telecommunication industry, make sure there is no cell phone service in that area until after the operation. It is a simple thing but are you ready?
“Let’s take for instance, through credible intelligence, you have established that there are bandits around the monkey village in Ushafa, inform Glo, MTN and other telecom companies about the planned operation.
“They know how to switch off the network from the area until the operations are carried out. Once you cripple their ability to communicate, you have defeated them.”
Similarly, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, said that “while both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are employed to combat banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians and the locals should identify and check internal saboteurs and those who are collaborating with criminals.”
He called on the Federal Government to ensure that modern technology equipment was procured and appropriately deployed to end the security crisis.
Ajayi identified some of the needed equipment as drones, close circuit cameras, among others.
He added that security personnel should also be motivated and encouraged.
Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.
Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.
His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.
In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.
In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.
I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
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