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Troops kill over 50 terrorists in Borno, Yobe – Military

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations across Borno and Yobe States.

The Nigerian military said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 4am on Thursday when terrorists launched assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and Katarko, situated within Sectors 1 and 2 of the Joint Operations Area 1.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri, said the troops fought gallantly and professionally, repelling the attacks and inflicting devastating losses on the terrorists.

The statement reads “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) with renewed vigour successfully defeated terrorist attacks on multiple locations across the Joint Operations Area in the early hours of today, 23 October 2025.

“Between midnight and 0400 hours, the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, situated in Sector 1(Borno State) and Sector 2 (Yobe State), respectively.

“In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive and bloody blow.”

Uba further explained that the coordinated ground and air operations, backed by precision strikes from the Air Component of OPHK, led to the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations.

“The coordinated offensive response was supported by air platforms of the Air Component Command of OPHK. The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by Theatre Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force

“The combined ground and air efforts resulted in the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations”, he said.

According to him, troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG tubes, two GPMGs, hand grenades, and thousands of assorted rounds of ammunition after the clashes.

“The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by the Theatre’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force,” Uba added.

He disclosed that over 70 wounded terrorists were being pursued by ground troops, with the Air Component maintaining close coordination to ensure total clearance of the fleeing remnants.

Intelligence reports, he said, indicated that the attackers who stormed Dikwa and Gajibo manoeuvred from the Cameroon axis, while those who attacked Katarko emerged from the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist enclave.

Uba said some gallant troops sustained injuries but were in stable condition, while some vehicles and buildings in Mafa and Dikwa were gutted by fire following RPG and drone attacks by the terrorists.

“Some of the gallant troops were wounded in action but are in stable condition. Some vehicles and buildings were also gutted by fire from the terrorists’ armed drones and RPG fire during the battle, especially in Mafa and Dikwa, where a part of the defences were momentarily breached”, he stated.

He noted that despite the heavy onslaught, the troops maintained control of all their positions and repelled the coordinated strikes with renewed strength and professionalism.

“The Military High Command has commended the gallantry, doggedness and renewed charge of the troops. Their steadfast performance once again reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve and capacity to defend the nation’s territorial integrity,” he concluded.

Stray bullet kills tricycle rider outside Lagos brothel

A yet-to-be-identified tricycle rider has been killed by a stray bullet outside a brothel in the Badore area of Ajah, Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

It was gathered that the deceased had gone to the brothel to relax after the day’s work, but later stepped out to purchase an item from a nearby shop.

The assailants, whose number could not be ascertained, thereafter stormed the area and began shooting sporadically.

A police source in the area, who spoke to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said one of the stray bullets struck the tricycle rider, killing him on the spot.

“We were told that the man had just finished work that evening and went to the brothel to relax and have fun. Shortly after, he stepped out to buy bottled water since the one sold inside was a bit expensive. While he was at a nearby shop, some men believed to be cultists drove past the area and started shooting aimlessly. One of the bullets hit him, and he died instantly,” the source narrated.

A resident who was privy to the incident but did not want his name in print due to the nature of the incident told our correspondent that the attack was carried out by suspected cultists.

According to the resident, the shooting was allegedly targeted at a rival in the community.

“We discovered that the shooting was cult-related. Although we did not know their numbers, those who witnessed it said they were in a blue Toyota Corolla when they drove past the area while shooting anyhow before the man was hit by a bullet.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos police command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

According to her, the lifeless body of the deceased was found on the spot in the morning.

“The attention of the police was called to the incident the following morning, and his corpse was found where the incident had happened. His body was taken to the morgue. His family was contacted, and the body has been handed over to them for burial.”

PUNCH Metro reported on October 2 that a fresh graduate of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, simply identified as Taoreed, was struck by a stray bullet during a clash between rival cult groups in the community.

The killing adds to a growing list of cult-related shootings that have been witnessed in some parts of the state in the past few months.

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers withdraw from case

Kanu Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation and lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, applied to withdraw his representation in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu is facing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, filed against him by the Federal Government.

When the matter was called on Thursday, Agabi informed the court that he would no longer be representing the IPOB leader, adding that the defendant had decided to take back the case from them.

In the same manner, all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in the case also announced their withdrawal from the case.

Kanu, confirming the development, told the court that he would be representing himself for now, but noted that the position might change later.

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, asked whether he should assign a lawyer to represent him, but the defendant (Kanu) declined.

Meanwhile, addressing the court orally to open his defence, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

Recall that Justice Omotosho, on October 16, granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence in view of the accelerated hearing earlier granted in the case.

Kanu had listed former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd); a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), and others as part of his witnesses.

More details later…

Reps to probe harmful substances use in preserving frozen foods

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives for frozen foods across the country.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought before the Green Chamber in plenary by the member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, Imo State, Hon Chike Okafor, on Wednesday.

Some non-governmental organisations operating in the health sector have been consistent in their outcry over the alleged use of dangerous chemicals, including formalin, sodium hydroxide, snipers, kerosene and carbide as preservatives in frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, meat, and other food items in Nigerian markets.

There are reports from regulatory bodies, health experts, and media investigations revealing that some of the chemicals used for embalming corpses, industrial processes, and ripening fruits are now being used to prolong the shelf life of perishable foods.

These chemicals pose serious health risks to consumers, including the potential for developmental disorders (autism) in children, cancer, organ damage, and other life-threatening health conditions for countless Nigerians, as documented by the Nigerian Medical Association.

Drawing his colleagues’ attention to the significance of the motion, Okafor expressed concern over the alleged reckless use of dangerous chemicals in the preservation of perishable food items in Nigeria.

He said, “The House is concerned that most frozen products imported into Nigeria are preserved using carcinogenic substances. These are substances or radiations that are agents directly involved in causing cancer. Some eateries use certain harmful substances, including Dimethylpolysiloxane (a silicon-based polymer used in various applications like lubricants, conditioning agents and de-foamers) to prepare chicken.

“Some also use Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone, a chemical preservative so deadly that just five grams can kill a human being.”

He expressed worry that relevant agencies saddled with this responsibility have been accused of surface complicity and sometimes “Often overlooking the dangerous menace that despite previous resolutions and warnings, the illegal practice persists due to weak enforcement, corruption, and lack of public awareness.”

Okafor added that with Nigeria’s Food Safety Bill, 2023, and the mandate of agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health to safeguard public health, the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security will do everything possible to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

With the adoption of the motion, the House called on the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant agencies to appear before the investigative Committee to “Provide valued information on their effort to curb the dangerous trend.”

It also mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, NAFDAC and Safety Standards to conduct “An investigative hearing on the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives of frozen foods and importation of frozen foods preserved with carcinogenic substances and report back to the House within six legislative weeks.”

US pushes plan to disarm Hamas, rebuild Gaza

United States Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.

Vance met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the second day of a trip to Israel, part of a diplomatic blitz in support of the US-brokered plan to end the fighting, recover hostages and, eventually, rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.

“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said.

Vance had kicked off the three-day visit on Tuesday by opening the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in southwest Israel, where US and allied troops will work with Israeli forces to monitor the truce and to oversee aid to Gaza.

Turkish troops?

“A lot of our Israeli friends working together with a lot of Americans to actually mediate this entire ceasefire process, to get some of the critical infrastructure off the ground, ” Vance said, after talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Vance cited an “international security force” as one of the bodies that would have to be set up. Under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, this military mission would keep the peace in Gaza as Israel withdraws.

Several US allies are considering joining the force, but no American troops would be on the ground inside Gaza, instead coordinating from the CMCC in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

Reports that Israel’s outspoken critic and regional rival Turkey could provide troops have rattled Israeli opinion.

Netanyahu said decisions on the new security force would be made in discussion with the United States, but on Turkey’s role he said: “I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?”

‘Great optimism’

Despite an eruption of violence on Sunday, when two soldiers were killed and Israel responded with a deadly wave of air strikes, Vance expressed “great optimism” that the ceasefire would hold and the plan to end the war proceed.

Netanyahu and his wife Sara welcomed Vance and the US Second Lady Usha Vance to his office and the couples sat down for breakfast, followed by a working meeting and a televised news conference.

The Israeli leader, who has been criticised by some domestic opponents for accepting the US-backed ceasefire before Hamas was fully destroyed and before all the remains of deceased hostages are returned, defended the deal.

“We’ve been able to do two things. Put the knife up to Hamas’s throat. That was the military effort guided by Israel,” he said, thanking Trump for his diplomatic efforts in the broader Middle East, smoothing relations with Israel’s neighbours.

“And the other effort was to isolate Hamas and the Arab and Muslim world, which I think the president did brilliantly with his team. So those two things produced the hostages,” Netanyahu said.

Vance also championed the Gaza deal’s role as a “critical piece in unlocking the Abraham Accords” — a Trump administration plan to build relations between Israel and its former foes in the Arab world.

‘Very, very fragile’

Israel responded to its soldiers’ deaths on Sunday with an intense wave of bombings that the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said killed 45 Palestinians. Hamas denies any role in the killings.

Despite the violence, Hamas has continued to hand over the remains of deceased hostages in small numbers as part of the ceasefire deal, and Palestinians have welcomed the truce, their cities lying in ruins.

Displaced civilian Imran Skeik, 34, living in a tent in Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, told AFP: “The situation is much better — the war has stopped, and there are no sounds of bombs and shelling like before.

“We hope the ceasefire continues and that Israel and Hamas both stick to it. We’ve started to get some rest, but there are still many problems. Will we have to stay in tents — another kind of suffering?”

Hostage remains

The Israeli military said Wednesday the remains of two more hostages returned the day before had been identified as Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar.

Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from his home in kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on November 17, 2023, the military said.

The soldier Adar, 38 when he died, was killed while fighting to defend Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken captive, it said.

The militants have now released 15 of the 28 hostage bodies pledged to be returned under the deal, but Hamas has said the search is hampered by the level of destruction in the territory.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,229 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN considers credible.

Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

AFP

Tinubu approves two-year tenure extension for Surveyor-General

President Bola Tinubu has approved a two-year tenure extension for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. AbuduGaniyu Adebomehin.

The move is aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s geospatial data systems and national land administration, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement released on Wednesday.

The extension will take effect from January 5, 2026, and follows the recent transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to the Presidency.

The transfer places geospatial intelligence and national surveying operations directly under the executive arm.

Adebomehin’s two-year extension will see him serve until January 2028.

According to Onanuga, “The President expects Mr Adebomehin to consolidate the reforms within the next two years, focusing on national land management and administration, highways and abutting land infrastructure coordination, reclamation and erosion control programmes, and other related matters of strategic national importance.”

Adebomehin was appointed the Surveyor-General of the Federation by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, effective January 5, 2022.

Reps to probe green energy projects in MDAs

The House of Representatives is set to investigate the domiciliation of green energy projects in inappropriate government entities to prevent substandard implementation and loss of public funds.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi.

The Federal Government, through its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, is currently funding numerous green and renewable energy projects aimed at promoting sustainable power generation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving access to clean energy, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

However, reports indicate that some of these projects, including solar mini-grids, wind farms, and other renewable energy initiatives, have been domiciled with entities and institutions that lack the technical expertise, professional competence, or statutory mandate to effectively execute or supervise them.

Speaking on the motion, the Labour Party lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as “the misplacement or inappropriate domiciliation of projects,” noting that it undermines the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

He said, “The House is concerned that this encourages duplication of efforts, delays implementation timelines, and often results in substandard or abandoned projects, thereby wasting public funds and eroding public trust.

“The House is worried that the lack of due diligence and proper inter-agency coordination in assigning such projects has led to inefficiency, poor monitoring, and loss of value in the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in rural electrification and public sector energy efficiency programmes.

“The effective management and domiciliation of green energy projects with competent and appropriate agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, among others, are critical for ensuring technical quality, sustainability, and accountability in project delivery.”

Onuakalusi further warned that the continued mismanagement and misplacement of green energy projects could derail Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and the Paris Climate Agreement, with grave consequences for environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Renewable Energy to investigate the reported domiciliation of green and renewable energy projects across MDAs to determine compliance with due process, capacity standards, and statutory mandates.

The Committee is also to identify cases where renewable energy projects have been misplaced, mismanaged, or underperformed due to domiciliation with inappropriate entities and recommend corrective measures, including sanctions where necessary.

Additionally, the House directed the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Bureau of Public Procurement, to ensure that future green energy projects are domiciled strictly with competent, legally mandated, and technically qualified institutions, as recommended by the Committee on Renewable Energy.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Power and the Energy Commission of Nigeria to develop a clear framework for inter-agency coordination and delineation of responsibilities in implementing renewable and green energy initiatives, and to report back to the House Committee on Renewable Energy within four weeks.

Furthermore, the House proposed an urgent amendment to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to align existing legislation with Nigeria’s renewable energy objectives.

Niger gov mourns as 35 killed in tanker explosion

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a tanker explosion that claimed no fewer than 35 lives and left 17 people hospitalised.

Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday evening, described the incident as “worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic.”

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened at about 2.40 p.m. when the tanker fell on its side in a lone accident.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement sent to our correspondent on Tuesday, disclosed that following the accident, some residents had gone to the scene to scoop the spilt petrol.

He noted that while the residents were scooping the spilt content, fire engulfed the tanker.

Abiodun stated, “Today, October 21, 2025, at about 2.40 p.m., a report was received from the DPO of Katcha Division that there was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside.

“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS, and in the process, the tanker was suddenly engulfed in an inferno.”

He noted that out of the 48 victims affected by the fire, 31 people lost their lives at the spot of the incident, while 17 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“Sadly, forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives, while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals. Three motorcycles were also burnt.

“Teams of Policemen and other security agencies were moved to the scene for a rescue operation. Further investigation is ongoing to identify the driver and the owner of the said tanker,” Abiodun concluded.

Reacting, Bago prayed for the repose of the lives of the victims while expressing displeasure towards the act of petrol scooping.

“The farmer governor prays that Allah will repose the souls of those who died in the explosion and grant quick recovery to the injured.

“He says it is disheartening how people have continued to approach a fallen tanker to scoop its contents despite several sensitisation on the danger of such action.

“The farmer governor enjoins the people to value their lives no matter the situation,” Ibrahim stated in part.

The tragedy adds to the growing list of tanker-related explosions across the country.

PUNCH Metro reported in January that no fewer than 70 persons were burnt to death while scooping petrol from a crashed tanker in Niger State.

Similarly, a recent investigation by PUNCH Metro revealed that more than 400 people have died in tanker explosions nationwide over the past year, prompting the Federal Government to launch a national awareness campaign on the dangers of petrol scooping.

UK cuts post-study work period for foreign students

The United Kingdom on Tuesday cut the post-study work period from two years to 18 months for foreign students, including Nigerians, from January 2027.

This was disclosed by the UK’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14 while explaining the reasons for the need for immigrants to pass an A-level standard of English Language.

According to a statement posted on the UK Government’s website on Wednesday, the time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will be reduced to 18 months from the current two years.

The statement read, “Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.

“The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years. The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.

“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week. To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 years for most from 1 January 2027. It comes after data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”

Recently, the UK announced that an additional fee is expected to be passed on to overseas students, making studying in the UK more expensive than before.

The tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the 2025/26 academic year have already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.

Additionally, stricter English language requirements are being introduced for international students entering the country for study, work, and settlement.

Data shows fewer foreign students opted for the UK as a study option in 2024.

UK immigration rules were modified in January 2024 to prevent students from bringing dependants, except for those studying postgraduate research courses or courses with government-funded scholarships.

UCL: Arsenal apologise to Atletico Madrid after hot water issues

Arsenal have issued an apology to Atletico Madrid after a hot water failure at Emirates Stadium disrupted the Spanish side’s pre-match preparations.

According to BBC Sports on Tuesday, the issue left Atletico players without access to hot showers following their training session on Monday evening.

UEFA regulations permit visiting teams to train at the host stadium the day before a Champions League fixture.

Diego Simeone’s squad took to the pitch at the Emirates ahead of Tuesday’s group-stage clash, but were forced to return to their hotel early after discovering there was no hot water in their dressing room.

The team were due to finish training at 19:30 but finished 15 minutes early and decided to travel back to their team hotel instead.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported the Atletico squad were ‘angry’ with the situation.

Arsenal apologised to the Atletico Madrid staff for the inconvenience caused, with the issue eventually resolved at 19:25.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won their opening two Champions League games without conceding a goal.

Atletico were beaten 3-2 at Liverpool but responded with a 5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Arteta praised Diego Simeone’s side for their willingness to win and having a high level of discipline and organisation on their side.

“First of all [with Simeone’s team], it is the willingness to win. You can sense that in every single ball, in every single yard, the way that they play. It’s about how they compete, and then after how they play. They are two very different things.

“The levels of organisation and discipline are really high, and then they have acquired a lot of talents throughout the years that are very specific for the way they want to play. They are very good at exploiting those opportunities,” Arteta said.