ECOWAS Condemns Deadly Terror Attack in Benin, Pledges Stronger Regional Security Cooperation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in the Republic of Benin, calling it a senseless act of violence aimed at destabilizing the region. The tragic event, which took place on April 17, 2025, resulted in the loss of multiple lives and left several individuals wounded, prompting widespread outrage throughout the West African subregion. In an official statement from Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray expressed profound sorrow over the attack and offered condolences to the victims’ families, the government, and the people of Benin. Dr. Touray also wished the injured a quick recovery. “The ECOWAS Commission stands united with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Benin, as well as the Government and citizens of Benin, during this difficult period,” the statement read. Dr. Touray reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting Benin in its ongoing battle against terrorism. He stressed that collaboration and unity within the region are essential to combat the rising security threats that continue to challenge West Africa. Acknowledging the complex and persistent nature of terrorism in the region, ECOWAS called for enhanced cooperation among member states, particularly those sharing borders or experiencing direct threats from extremist violence. The Commission emphasized the need for collective action, including joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to provide a coordinated response to terrorism. “ECOWAS remains steadfast in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy,” the statement continued, urging international partners to continue supporting both national and regional efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability across the region. BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel

Troops Repel Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack on Darak Base, Neutralize 10 Insurgents

In a decisive operation, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), under Sector 1 in Mora, successfully defended the Darak military base in Cameroon against a coordinated assault by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of December 18, 2024, was swiftly repelled, resulting in the elimination of 10 terrorists. According to Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer, the terrorists launched a multi-directional assault at dawn. MNJTF troops responded with precision, neutralizing six attackers during the initial engagement and forcing the rest to retreat, many with severe injuries. In the aftermath, five soldiers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care. However, the troops maintained momentum, launching a follow-up operation that ambushed the fleeing terrorists near Mazogo, a village between Zamba and Djibirilli. Four additional terrorists were eliminated in the ambush, bringing the total neutralized to 10. Assorted supplies, including food items left behind by the attackers, were recovered during the operation. Lt. Col. Osoba emphasized that the success underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

DHQ Confirms Emergence of New Terrorist Group in North-West

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group, known as ‘Lukarawas,’ which is worsening security challenges in northwestern Nigeria. This revelation was made by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing on military activities held in Abuja on Thursday. Maj.-Gen. Buba stated that the group emerged from the Republic of Niger following a coup that disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. He explained that the terrorists began to infiltrate northern Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and the Mali region, with their activities increasing after the coup in Niger. Before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces helped prevent terrorist activities. However, the lack of collaboration post-coup created opportunities for the terrorists to exploit challenging terrains and penetrate remote parts of the northwestern region, spreading their extremist agenda. Maj.-Gen. Buba noted that the group’s presence was initially accepted by local communities, who mistakenly believed the group had good intentions and did not report their movements to security agencies. He assured the public that military forces were maintaining Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to weaken the terrorist group. He added that the group continues to use vast, under-governed areas as hideouts to avoid detection, harass residents, and evade troops. However, he emphasized that the military is tracking down and neutralizing the threat. READ ALSO: GeneralRector of Catholic Seminary in Edo Kidnapped, Now Freed

Troops Arrest Wanted Cross-Border Terrorist, Foil N1.2bn Crude Oil Theft

The Nigerian Army has reported the capture of a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, in the North West. This success, achieved as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, marks a significant step in weakening the operational capacity of terrorist groups across the country, as noted in a statement from Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. Habu Dogo, who is on the watch list of security agencies in both Nigeria and Niger for his cross-border activities, was arrested in Rumji Village, located in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Additionally, in the South East, security forces apprehended seven commanders and members of the IPOB/ESN, including individuals such as Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, known as Chapet, in Anambra State. Others detained include Ngozi Chukwuka and Oyekachi Ohia in Abia, as well as Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba in Umunneochi, Abia. Another individual, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was captured in Orsu, Imo State. Throughout this period, 187 insurgents were neutralized, and 262 individuals were detained. Additionally, 39 oil thieves were apprehended, and 147 kidnapped individuals were rescued. In the South-South region, troops prevented oil theft valued at approximately N1.2 billion and recovered a variety of weapons and ammunition, including 205 firearms and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition. READ ALSO: EndBadGovernance Protest: Nigerians condemn treason trial of minors, labels Tinubu “brutal dictator A detailed breakdown of the recovered weapons includes G3 rifles, AK47s, pistols, and several types of locally made firearms, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Troops also seized communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones. Operations in the Niger Delta region led to the destruction of 49 illegal oil cooking ovens, numerous storage facilities, and 98 unauthorized refining sites. The recovered items in this region include boats, vehicles, and significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), totaling over a million liters. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our WhatsApp Channel Here