The trial of SunTrust Bank Managing Director, Halima Buba, and the Chief Compliance Officer, Innocent Mbagwu, took a critical turn on Thursday, July 17, 2025, as the first prosecution witness (PW1) provided comprehensive testimony before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Both bank executives are currently facing a six-count charge for money laundering, with allegations surrounding the unlawful movement of $12 million, as prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Details of Foreign Exchange Deals Uncovered in Court During the court session, the prosecution witness, identified as a bureau de change operator, narrated the complex foreign exchange transactions that allegedly linked him with the first defendant, Aisha Achimugu, and the implicated bank officials. Under cross-examination led by the prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, the witness disclosed: “In March 2025, Aisha Achimugu reached out to inform me about certain foreign exchange transactions being executed through SunTrust Bank branches in Abuja and Lagos. I subsequently contacted the first defendant, who verified her awareness and involvement in these transactions.” The witness testified that on March 13, 2025, a representative of Achimugu, identified as Iliya, approached SunTrust Bank in Abuja to execute a $1 million cash swap. The funds were intended to be deposited into the Zenith Bank account of Ocean Gate Energy Oil and Gas. The transaction was authenticated with the first defendant, after which cash collection was coordinated via intermediaries. Purpose of Transactions: Oil Block Acquisition Further insights from the witness revealed: “Aisha informed me that she needed dollar inflows into her Ocean Gate Energy account to facilitate the purchase of an oil block. I became acquainted with her in 2021, courtesy of the first defendant, and our initial meeting occurred at SunTrust Bank.” The witness added that transaction confirmations and related communications were shared via WhatsApp, including evidence of conversations between the first and second defendants. Screenshots of these chats were reportedly provided, especially when the Chief Compliance Officer initially refuted any knowledge of the transactions. Breakdown of Cash Transactions He further detailed the sequence of cash collections: These dollar inflows were subsequently converted through swaps and credited to the Ocean Gate Energy Oil and Gas account at Zenith Bank. Additional Naira-to-Dollar Transactions Beyond the oil block purchase, Achimugu reportedly conducted multiple Naira-to-dollar exchange transactions. The witness confirmed that all these deals were validated with the first defendant, with naira sums paid into local accounts and the dollar equivalents wired to Ocean Gate Energy. Current Status of the Case The case remains ongoing as the EFCC continues to present evidence in its bid to substantiate the $12 million money laundering allegations. The outcome of this high-profile trial could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s financial regulatory space. For the official statement from the EFCC on related money laundering cases, refer to their official portal.
A disturbing accusation has emerged from Jebbu Binde village in Ta-Hoss District, located within the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Rev. Davou Musa, a prominent community leader and Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Riyom, has alleged that soldiers stationed nearby actively supported Fulani militias in the attack that left over 30 villagers dead. Rev. Musa made this serious allegation during a visit by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who came for an immediate, on-the-spot evaluation of the devastating incident and to extend his condolences to the grieving community. The RCC Chairman emphasized that the attackers, who operated in large numbers, freely invaded the village and carried out their violent assault for several hours. Shockingly, military personnel positioned a mere 200 meters away failed to intervene. He stressed that such an extended operation could not have occurred without some level of military collusion or direct support. Rev. Musa further lamented that despite multiple urgent and desperate pleas for assistance during the attack, the military refused to come to their rescue. He criticized the soldiers’ inaction and labeled their conduct as complicity, especially as no suspects were arrested following the massacre. In his statement, Rev. Musa directly blamed the military for abandoning their constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property. He demanded the federal government immediately withdraw the special military task force deployed to the community, stating their presence offers no protection to the locals. “I have communicated this clearly to the GOC (General Officer Commanding), and I’m repeating it again: his men are openly siding with the Fulani, even assisting in the destruction of farms and grazing fields,” Musa asserted. He elaborated that the attackers destroyed homes, looted food supplies, and even burned down a church during their onslaught. Many villagers sustained serious injuries, adding to the community’s anguish and losses. Rev. Musa also accused the military of being compromised, alleging that soldiers prioritized the safety of Fulani cattle over human lives. He pointed out a disturbing pattern: whenever Fulani herders report incidents like cattle rustling, security forces respond promptly, deploying several armed personnel in Hilux trucks to recover stolen cattle and apprehend suspects. Conversely, Rev. Musa noted that when local villages suffer fatal attacks and widespread destruction, the military’s response is either sluggish or entirely absent. This inconsistency has fueled widespread suspicion and concern about the true motives and loyalties of the security forces in the region. “The military’s selective response makes it evident they are shielding the attackers instead of protecting our people. Human lives should be paramount, yet our attackers are given more security coverage than the communities under siege,” Rev. Musa alleged. This alarming claim has intensified public outrage over the perceived partiality of security forces operating in conflict-prone areas of Nigeria, especially in Plateau State, where clashes between local communities and Fulani militias have repeatedly resulted in mass casualties.
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Tragedy struck along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as armed bandits fatally attacked and killed two innocent travelers. This was officially confirmed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who detailed the sequence of events that unfolded on July 11th, 2025. According to Adejobi, the bandits had laid an ambush for unsuspecting commuters traversing the notorious route. Following an urgent distress call about the criminal activity, police operatives in conjunction with local security groups swiftly mobilized to launch a search-and-rescue operation. Their efforts were concentrated around the Obe Hill region, situated near the Ajaokuta axis. During the operation, law enforcement officers confronted the heavily armed criminals in an intense gunfight near Obe Hill. The bandits, overwhelmed by police firepower, retreated into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. The coordinated mission successfully led to the rescue of 14 individuals who had been held captive by the kidnappers. Adejobi assured that law enforcement agencies are intensifying manhunt efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice. In a separate but similarly troubling development, another kidnapping incident was recorded on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, along the Wukari highway in Taraba State. The incident occurred just after the Federal University Wukari area when a white Toyota bus ferrying 17 passengers from the eastern region to Yola, Adamawa State, was ambushed by kidnappers. Security operatives, upon receiving an alert, coordinated with other agencies and immediately moved to the crime scene. The presence of security personnel prompted the kidnappers to flee hastily into the nearby bush, abandoning all 17 abducted passengers, who were rescued unharmed. The Force PRO further mentioned that comprehensive efforts are ongoing to track and capture the assailants responsible for these heinous acts, ensuring that justice prevails. These incidents underscore the persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria, particularly the rising spate of kidnappings and banditry. The police and other security agencies have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
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A devastating fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday at Damboa Motor Park in Maiduguri, Borno State, leaving six shops completely destroyed alongside goods and assets worth approximately N4.95 million. The inferno, which began around 4:00 a.m., impacted several local businesses. Among those affected were a POS transaction point, a barbershop, a cosmetics retail outlet, a shoe repair stand, and a motor spare parts shop. These businesses provided daily services to residents within the motor park vicinity. In a report shared on Thursday by renowned security expert Zagazola Makama via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, he identified the victims as follows: Preliminary assessments by local authorities have linked the origin of the fire to a possible faulty electrical connection, a common hazard in many commercial hubs where wiring standards are often compromised. Fortunately, personnel from both the Federal Fire Service and the Borno State Fire Service acted promptly, successfully containing the fire and preventing further spread to nearby shops and properties. In addition, officers from the Nigerian Police Force were deployed to the location to prevent theft and maintain public order as recovery efforts commenced. The appropriate authorities have since launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze and evaluate further risks to the area. This tragic incident underscores the recurring threat of fire outbreaks in densely populated business districts, especially where electrical safety protocols are not strictly adhered to.
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In a recent ruling, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, officially declared that the international passport of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, is not held by the FCT High Court. Instead, the court confirmed that the document is currently in the possession of the Federal High Court, Abuja. This clarification emerged during the latest proceedings in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bello. Presiding over the case, Justice Maryann Anenih emphasized that the FCT High Court could not deliberate on the former governor’s application for the release of his passport since it is not within the court’s jurisdiction or custody. Justice Anenih made this observation on Thursday, explaining that even if the court was inclined to grant Bello’s request, it would hold no legal weight because the passport is already with the Federal High Court, specifically under the purview of Justice Emeka Nwite. Multiple Trials in Abuja Courts Yahaya Bello faces parallel criminal charges in both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja. His application for the release of his international passport was premised on the need to travel abroad for medical reasons. Representing Bello, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joseph Daudu, pointed out that the requested travel document was not in the possession of the FCT High Court. He referred to prior court records which revealed that Bello had initially been instructed to submit his international passport and other travel credentials to the court’s registry. However, Daudu further explained that upon a detailed review and inquiry by the court, it was confirmed that the passport was no longer in the FCT High Court’s custody but had instead been deposited with the Federal High Court in connection to an earlier bail condition. He highlighted that Yahaya Bello himself had sworn an affidavit affirming that his passport had already been lodged with the Federal High Court. This fact establishes that a single document cannot physically reside with two different courts concurrently. Court Declines to Issue Futile Orders Justice Anenih, relying on this clear evidence, concluded that issuing an order regarding the passport from the FCT High Court would be redundant and legally ineffective. “Courts do not issue orders in vain. Since the document in question is confirmed to be with the Federal High Court, this court declines to make any such order,” Justice Anenih stated. Bello had also reiterated in his application that his travel documents are with the Federal High Court, further corroborating the court’s findings. Adjourned Dates for Continued Hearing Following the court’s ruling, Justice Anenih scheduled further hearings for October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025. It is expected that these dates will see continued deliberation on the EFCC’s case against the former governor. Notably, the court had previously postponed its decision on Bello’s application for passport retrieval to July 17, after the initial session on July 8, 2025. Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the application seeking the release of Bello’s passport was formally dated June 19, 2025, and officially filed on June 20, 2025. The purpose, he noted, was to enable the first defendant/applicant to seek critical medical attention abroad. On its part, the EFCC opposed the motion via a counter-affidavit, asserting that permitting the request might cause unnecessary delays in the ongoing judicial process.
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has officially confirmed the apprehension of one Yahaya Saleh, who allegedly tried to bribe police officers to secure the release of a suspected kidnapper currently under investigation. In a formal statement released by Josephine Adeh, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), it was revealed that Yahaya Saleh approached the police investigators handling the kidnapping case with a bribe of ₦1.5 million. His intention was to unlawfully influence the investigation and facilitate the suspect’s freedom. The police narrated that Saleh made direct contact with the investigation team, proposing the ₦1.5 million bribe to compromise the integrity of the ongoing inquiry. However, the officers handling the case rejected the illicit offer without hesitation and proceeded to activate the appropriate legal mechanisms. As a result, the suspect, Yahaya Saleh, was immediately arrested by the authorities for attempting to obstruct justice. PPRO Josephine Adeh emphasized that investigations are still underway as law enforcement intensifies efforts to track and apprehend other individuals linked to the criminal syndicate involved in the kidnapping operations. It is noteworthy that the FCT Command had recently captured several kidnappers who have been terrorizing various parts of Nigeria’s capital city. The security operatives remain committed to eradicating kidnapping and other forms of criminal activities in Abuja and its environs.
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In a tragic development, a young woman from Benue State has been brutally murdered and her corpse dumped by the roadside in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The victim’s lifeless body was discovered along Abubakar Street, located off Alex Ekwueme Street within the Jabi district of Abuja. Sources close to the deceased revealed that she hailed from Ekaida community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. According to reports, the unfortunate incident occurred when the young woman encountered notorious “one chance” criminals while she was returning from work. These criminal gangs, commonly operating in Nigeria’s cities, are known for luring unsuspecting commuters, robbing, and sometimes killing them. A relative and community member, Adanu Andrew, confirmed the victim’s identity. He stated, “She was our daughter from Ekaida, Agatu Local Government. She boarded a vehicle while returning from work and, unfortunately, it was operated by one chance criminals.” Andrew further disclosed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million naira from the family. However, while family members were in transit to negotiate her release, they stumbled upon a disturbing post circulating on Facebook that revealed her demise. He described the deceased as a well-disciplined and cultured young lady who was committed to earning a legitimate living. “She was genuinely hustling to make ends meet. Sadly, she became a victim of ruthless individuals driven by greed. May God grant her soul eternal peace and give her family the strength to bear this loss,” Andrew lamented. This heinous crime underscores the growing insecurity in Nigerian cities, particularly the FCT Abuja, where cases of “one chance” kidnappings and violent crimes are on the rise.
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In line with the zero-tolerance stance of Governor Mai Mala Buni towards drug-related offenses and antisocial behavior in Yobe State, a powerful enforcement action has been carried out in Damaturu, the state capital. This initiative, led by Alhaji Bukar Adamu, the Executive Chairman of Damaturu Local Government, saw a coordinated raid of key drug hotspots and brothels operating within the city and surrounding areas. The sweeping operation was disclosed in a press release on Thursday by Yusuf Ali, the Focal Person for Digital and Strategic Communications to the Yobe State Government. Ali stated that the raid was based on solid intelligence and executed in full cooperation with various security and anti-narcotic agencies. Officers from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) took part in the action. Among the targeted locations were Zango, YBC, Bakin Kasuwa, Maduri, and Daki Goma—areas that have been identified as notorious hubs for drug trafficking and abuse. The enforcement yielded results as numerous individuals were arrested, many of whom were found in possession of substances suspected to be illegal drugs. According to the statement from Ali, Alhaji Bukar Adamu reaffirmed that the raids were part of a much broader objective to disrupt criminal enclaves that enable the distribution and open usage of controlled and banned substances within Yobe. “This operation strictly follows the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, who has made it clear that there will be no tolerance for drug abuse,” Adamu emphasized. “Local governments and traditional leaders have been instructed to take immediate steps to curb this growing concern.” A follow-up statement from the NDLEA confirmed the success of the raids, indicating that several drug joints and criminal hideouts were dismantled during the coordinated exercise. The agency stressed that the arrests signal the beginning of an ongoing, aggressive campaign aimed at purging Damaturu of drug-related offenses and restoring peace and order in the affected communities. “We are addressing both the distribution and consumption aspects of illegal drug activity,” the NDLEA explained. “From low-tier street dealers to users, all violators will be held accountable. We are extending surveillance and enforcement efforts in the coming days.”
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In a determined effort to strengthen electricity distribution and uplift small-scale enterprises, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, has officially flagged off the rollout of 500 transformers, beginning with the first phase, for the benefit of rural communities spread across all 44 local government areas of the state. During the unveiling ceremony held on Sunday, Governor Yusuf emphasized that this initiative targets the ongoing challenge of erratic electricity supply, which has negatively affected grassroots economic activity and slowed broader socio-economic development throughout Kano State. He elaborated that delivering these transformers forms a critical component of his government’s wider development blueprint, which is focused on redefining industrial capacity and revitalizing entrepreneurial activities, especially in rural regions where infrastructure gaps have been most severe. Governor Yusuf explained that investing in reliable electricity networks fits directly into his administration’s policy objectives of ensuring lighting for both rural and urban environments. He underscored that enhancing illumination is a strategic tool to counteract security threats often associated with darkness in underserved neighborhoods. The governor made a public appeal to all relevant stakeholders, urging them to take full responsibility for these newly distributed facilities. He also gave clear instructions to the local government chairpersons to form dedicated committees charged with safeguarding the installations and guaranteeing that they are well maintained. Speaking further on the importance of the initiative, Governor Yusuf highlighted: “This marks only the first phase of our ambitious plan, and it represents another significant step toward fulfilling our pledge to expand rural electrification across the state. Beyond serving as a vital infrastructure project, this rollout is a courageous move aimed at boosting electricity supply for our citizens.” He added with confidence that dependable energy access would act as a catalyst for industrial advancement, raise the overall quality of life for Kano residents, and drive sustainable economic growth. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to reconstruct Kano’s power infrastructure and guarantee long-term energy security for communities in the state. Also addressing the gathering, Hon. AbdulKadir Abdulsalam, who serves as the Commissioner for Rural Community Development, offered high praise for the governor’s devotion to uplifting people’s lives and advancing the microeconomic environment of rural Kano. The commissioner described the transformer distribution program as a remarkable landmark, echoing the governor’s clear determination to address the structural and development challenges holding back rural settlements. According to Abdulsalam, “The delivery of these transformers represents a huge accomplishment and an extraordinary leap that will transform livelihoods, enhance economic viability, strengthen the microeconomy, and unlock fresh investment prospects. This singular act will rekindle hope and renew the confidence of residents.” A memorable highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of the transformers to the local government chairpersons, signifying the formal transfer of ownership and responsibility for these critical public assets.
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Benue State’s Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, has firmly dismissed claims that the persistent attacks ravaging communities in the state are rooted in religious differences. Speaking on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, Ode clarified that the violence is a well-planned effort orchestrated by armed herdsmen, designed to take over ancestral lands belonging to indigenous people under the misleading cover of open grazing practices. He made these remarks while hosting a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), accompanied by staff from the United States Congress, during their courtesy visit to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, the state capital. In his explanation, Deputy Governor Ode asserted that the recurring violence targeting rural communities has a strategic motive: the forceful displacement of native inhabitants to enable unrestricted grazing activities. He argued that such grazing patterns are outdated and no longer sustainable in a modern society. “These clashes are not about religion,” Ode emphasized. “They are carefully planned efforts to uproot indigenous residents from their traditional lands. The ongoing land pressure, combined with backward grazing techniques, lies at the very core of this crisis,” he explained. Furthermore, Ode maintained that ranching remains the only modern, workable, and globally accepted approach to addressing these clashes. He pointed out that ranching would help resolve disputes and foster peace and stability across the affected communities. “Our administration is strongly dedicated to partnering with federal agencies to secure peace and guarantee the safety of our people,” Ode added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property. Meanwhile, LMSINT MEDIA reports that the joint delegation from the UNHCR and the United States Congress paid a humanitarian visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp located at the Makurdi International Market. The Deputy Governor commended the delegation, describing their visit as a sincere display of compassion and a genuine willingness to grasp the true scale and severity of the humanitarian situation in Benue State. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Jessie Ainslie, an official with the UNHCR in the United States, extended heartfelt condolences to the Benue State government over the tragic loss of lives and the worsening displacement crisis in the area.
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Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum, has expressed grave concern over the relentless wave of terrorist attacks ravaging Nigeria’s North-Central zone. Speaking during an interview with LMSINT MEDIA, Bitrus laid out potential strategies to put an end to these horrifying assaults on both the region and the nation as a whole. Below are excerpts from the discussion. Can you share your views on the unending insecurity affecting the North-Central region? Firstly, the description of these incidents as “farmers-herders clashes” is something we completely reject. What we are facing is the systematic onslaught by Fulani terrorists on farmers as well as innocent civilians living in Nigeria’s North-Central geopolitical region. These current attacks are among the most horrific ever seen, because in the past, terrorists would merely shoot their victims, but now they go so far as to burn people alive inside their own homes. This level of brutality marks a new and terrifying escalation in terrorist tactics in Nigeria. It is absolutely horrifying, utterly intolerable, and deeply shocking. Even more appalling is the fact that, despite years of repeatedly informing security forces and fellow Nigerians about the precise locations of these terrorists, nothing has been done. These attackers are known to be based in Nasarawa, from where they launch strikes into Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Taraba. It is completely unacceptable that in a sovereign nation with a functioning security apparatus, the authorities can simply stand by while distress calls go unanswered and taxpayers continue to fund their operations. Security forces are fully aware of where these criminals are hiding, yet they fail to neutralize them, effectively giving them a free pass to slaughter innocent civilians. Given how long these attacks have persisted in the North-Central region, how would you assess the federal government’s handling of the crisis? The government has refused to permit people to possess arms as they should, or to empower communities with adequate weaponry to protect themselves. Consequently, countless innocent citizens have been murdered with no ability to defend their lives or property. This is totally unacceptable. If there is a government in place, this wave of terrorism must come to an end. Let’s address a topic people often shy away from: Who occupies the office of National Security Adviser? A Fulani. Who holds the post of Minister of Defence? Another Fulani. And who is the Minister of State for Defence? Again, a Fulani. Even the second-in-command to the National Security Adviser is reportedly a Fulani. Considering Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, where Fulanis account for about 20 percent of the population, these appointments are disturbing. It raises fundamental questions about the direction of governance and whether these appointments are deliberate, intended to provide easy passage for those destroying lives and property. We see the pattern clearly, and it must end. Enough is enough. Some people believe these attacks on North-Central communities amount to an orchestrated genocide. What is your perspective? That is a completely accurate observation. I agree entirely. These coordinated attacks are no longer confined to Benue; they are ravaging Plateau and other states in the North-Central zone in exactly the same way. There is a clear pattern of targeted violence against certain ethnic groups while terror is also inflicted on other innocent civilians. Anyone who visits the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps can witness the suffering of people who have been driven from their ancestral homes by these Fulani terrorists. What is even more troubling is that the government seems far too sympathetic to their cause. For instance, on the Plateau, large tracts of land have been allocated to these attackers rather than to their rightful owners. The authorities failed to consider other northern states like Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of the far North, where Fulanis traditionally live. Instead, the focus has been on the North-Central region, with people being raped, maimed, and slaughtered in their homelands. Nigeria faces an enormous crisis, but silence must not be mistaken for weakness. Our silence is not stupidity. Do you think the Benue anti-open grazing law is what triggered these constant attacks? The law against open grazing was a direct response to these attacks, not the other way around. These terrorists were already terrorizing Benue long before the law was enacted. For many years, they targeted Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and parts of Taraba, murdering hundreds with impunity. After each tragedy, people would mourn, and then it would fade away, only for a worse massacre to occur later. The anti-open grazing legislation was meant to address this. The only genuine solution to this conflict is ranching. However, the Fulanis have brought in their brothers from Mali, Niger, Togo, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and elsewhere to occupy Nigerian territory. We have insisted that ranching must be developed at the community level, yet they reject this, preferring instead to see these foreign elements dominate local demographics and claim ancestral lands in the Middle Belt, which is unacceptable. People should remember that Middle Belters historically resisted colonial subjugation and maintained independence from the Borno Caliphate. We will remain resilient. We will continue to protect our people, our land, our educational systems, and our heritage. What, in your opinion, is the best way forward to permanently end this insecurity? Since the federal government has woefully failed to safeguard citizens, every local government area should have state-controlled police forces. If people wish to defend their territory, it must happen within a structured, lawful framework to avoid anarchy. While some communities have tried to establish vigilante groups, these have proven inadequate. Moreover, the protocol document signed by the former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, which gives Fulanis unrestricted movement across the country, should be repealed. Foreign Fulanis must be returned to their home countries to conduct their activities there instead of destabilizing Nigeria. Community-based ranching remains the best, globally recognized model for animal husbandry, and should be adopted throughout Nigeria. Every Nigerian community should know exactly who their local Fulani residents are—people who have lived peacefully with them since independence. Those people can
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An Israeli air assault struck the Al-Baqa Cafeteria, a popular seafront cafe in Gaza City, killing a Hamas fighter while simultaneously taking the lives of dozens of innocent civilians — including artists, students, and children. Before the attack, the cafe was a hub of normal life, bustling with visitors enjoying their tea, scrolling through social media on their phones, or celebrating birthdays with family and friends. According to sources speaking to journalists, a Hamas militant in civilian clothing had quietly arrived and taken a seat in a corner of the cafe moments before the tragedy unfolded. Soon after his arrival, an Israeli aerial strike hit the cafe, blasting through the walls and creating a massive crater while unleashing horrific destruction. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes in the aftermath, with survivors desperately searching for missing loved ones amid the chaos. One witness shared with reporters, “The scene was horrific, there were bodies, blood, screaming everywhere.” Another described the damage in raw terms: “It was total destruction. A true massacre at Al-Baqa Cafeteria — a massacre that tears the heart apart.” Among the deceased were women, young teenagers, and skilled professionals, including a female boxer, a footballer, and several staff members of the establishment. The youngest victims were students and children. Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, where most of the wounded and deceased were transported, confirmed at least 40 fatalities as of Thursday, with several more dying later from their injuries. A hospital official described heartbreaking scenes of dismembered and severely burned victims arriving for emergency care. The facility admitted 72 injured people, many of whom required urgent surgical intervention. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the strike and explained that its target was “terrorists” located at the cafe. They claimed measures had been implemented to “reduce the risk of civilian harm using aerial surveillance,” and noted that the incident was currently under review. However, they did not directly address the high civilian death toll or confirm the identity of the targeted individual. The Al-Baqa Cafeteria itself, overlooking the Mediterranean coastline, had separate seating for families and men and had remained a busy meeting point despite the ongoing war, partly because of its stable internet connection. Employees told journalists the cafe maintained a strict admission policy to prevent known militants from accessing the premises. On the day of the attack, the Gaza City port district, where the cafe is located, had not been placed under any Israeli evacuation notice. Families of those killed expressed that they believed the cafe to be a relatively safe haven. According to defense analysts speaking to reporters, the munitions used appeared to be a bomb delivered by a warplane, rather than a smaller missile fired from a drone — a detail that suggests a deliberate decision to ensure the target was hit. One of those killed was 27-year-old Hisham Ayman Mansour, identified by Hamas sources as the probable intended target. A former member of Hamas’s military branch, he had been described by certain informants as a field commander, though his current role was not fully clear. Conflicting reports suggested his reasons for being there ranged from handling financial arrangements to simply stopping by for coffee. Images shared on social media appeared to show Hisham at the cafe a day before the bombing, and again on the day of the attack, wearing the same clothing. Two of his relatives, including a child, also perished in the explosion. The IDF did not confirm whether Hisham was the primary objective or if other Hamas figures were present. A former senior Israeli security source said that multiple Hamas members were struck in the attack, though only Hisham’s name was officially released by Hamas sources. The greatest share of casualties were civilians. Among them was 17-year-old Sama Mohammad Abu Namous, who had gone to the cafe with her brother to study, relying on the venue’s internet connection. Sama died instantly, while her brother survived but suffered serious injuries. Several cafe staff were also killed. A manager explained that they had gathered in a shaded outdoor area when the strike happened. A regular customer, Saeed Ahel, reported that six staff members had been killed. A mother’s heart-wrenching cries echoed as her two sons, both cafe employees, were carried lifeless from the wreckage. Other victims included Malak Musleh, a young female boxer admired for her efforts to promote gender equality in sports. Her coach, Osama Ayoub, described her passion and perseverance: “She had a fire in her eyes and her words.” Artist Amina Omar Al-Salmi, also known as Frans, was among the dead. Her paintings — including one depicting a blood-covered woman — have circulated widely after her death, drawing chilling comparisons with postmortem images of her. Her sister, speaking from Sweden, recalled Amina’s last words: “She was happy and told me, ‘We’ll meet soon. You’ll see me at your place.’” Because Gaza remains sealed off to international journalists, independent confirmation of details has been challenging. However, fragments of lives lost litter the cafe’s ruins — blood-soaked playing cards, a child’s shoe, and a ripped teddy bear lying among charred beams and shattered chairs, silently testifying to a human tragedy that unfolded in seconds.
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Troops attached to Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) on Wednesday apprehended two individuals suspected of being armed, during a well-coordinated security patrol designed to counter rising criminal activities within Benue State. The arrest took place along major access corridors leading into Makurdi, the state capital, as part of ongoing security measures. The two suspects were later identified as Mr. Felix Agbako, aged 42, a farmer who hails from Abiam Village in Gwer East Local Government Area, and Mr. Tsekaa Kyaan, also aged 42, a driver residing in Tse-Adam Village within Makurdi Local Government Area. This coordinated patrol mission formed part of persistent efforts by security forces to dismantle unauthorized roadblocks and to disrupt the mobility of armed criminals operating within the troops’ designated Area of Responsibility (AOR). While conducting a thorough stop-and-search procedure, the security personnel discovered an AK-47 assault rifle accompanied by a magazine loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition. Both the firearm and ammunition were cleverly concealed within a blue Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos FST 733 GL. The mission was executed under the operational oversight of Captain Miri-Dashe from the 401 Special Forces Brigade, who received strategic support from Captain Iyamba during the operation. The exercise was carried out through the collaboration of multiple security agencies, including officers from the Department of State Services (DSS), Keystone operatives, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Presently, both arrested suspects, alongside the seized weaponry, are being held in custody pending the outcome of further investigation and legal processes as stipulated by relevant security authorities. In response to this successful mission, the Force Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, praised the promptness and professionalism displayed by the security team throughout the operation. Major General Gara also reiterated the consistent commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke towards eliminating criminal elements and enhancing the safety and security of communities across Benue State and adjoining areas. Additionally, Major General Gara extended his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for their unwavering support and continued provision of critical resources, which have empowered OPWS to fulfill its security mandate effectively.
