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Shiroro Airstrikes: DHQ Reports Heavy Casualties As 70 Bandits Are Eliminated.

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has defended the recent air interdiction operations carried out in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes were aimed strictly at armed bandits and not civilians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the clarification comes after residents of the Guradnayi community near Kusasu alleged that an early Sunday airstrike may have hit civilian areas, destroying houses and causing panic.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the operation was carried out based on “credible and actionable intelligence” indicating that armed bandits had gathered at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.

According to the DHQ, the Nigerian Army UAV Command conducted coordinated airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, targeting identified locations in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.

The Defence Headquarters maintained that the strikes were carefully planned and directed at confirmed terrorist hideouts.

“The operations were meticulously planned and executed based on credible, actionable intelligence confirming the convergence of terrorists at those specific locations,” the statement said.

It added that the mission successfully neutralised about 70 armed bandits in Kusasu alone.

“These are armed groups who had been tracked and confirmed as hostile elements actively planning attacks on civilian communities and military assets,” it stated.

The military further explained that the targeted areas had been under surveillance prior to the operation, describing the airstrikes as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in troubled parts of the state.

It also dismissed claims that civilians were present in the affected locations, arguing that many residents had already relocated to Sarkin Pawa due to insecurity in the region.

According to the DHQ, this made allegations of civilian casualties unlikely, while post-strike assessments reportedly showed heavy militant losses, with surviving fighters fleeing toward Zango on motorcycles.

However, residents of Guradnayi claimed that parts of their community were affected during the operation.

A resident, Kasim Abbas, alleged that explosions rocked the area during the night raid, damaging some houses.

“The military first dropped a bomb near the river in Kusasu, while the second bomb was dropped at Guradnayi,” he said, though he could not confirm casualty figures.

The claims have raised concerns among locals about the impact of aerial operations in communities affected by banditry.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, said the state government had not yet received full details of the incident, noting that such operations are typically coordinated from Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters said it had directed relevant military units to verify reports of possible civilian casualties, but insisted the primary objective of the operation—to eliminate armed bandits threatening communities—was achieved.

The DHQ also urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic or disrupt ongoing security efforts, stressing that operations in the region are focused on dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring stability in Niger State.

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Accord Party Condemns Brutal Killing Of LG Woman Leader’s Son In Osun Attack.

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The Accord Party has condemned the killing of Kolade Eluyera, the son of its Woman Leader in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, who was reportedly murdered on Friday near Onireke Mosque in Ikire.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden, the party described the incident as a devastating loss and the “cruel murder” of a promising young man.

The party extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and comfort in what it described as a difficult period.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, trusting God to console and strengthen them at this trying time,” the statement read.

It added that Kolade Eluyera “has paid the supreme price” in the struggle for a better Osun State, insisting that his death would not be in vain.

Accord called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, including alleged sponsors of the attack.

The party also expressed concern over what it described as growing insecurity and alleged attacks on its members, accusing security agencies of failing to prevent violence and destruction of campaign materials across the state.

It alleged that thugs linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were behind attacks on its members and the destruction of billboards belonging to both Accord and the Imole Campaign, urging security agencies to act decisively.

Accord reaffirmed its opposition to violence in politics, stressing that it would resist any attempt to destabilise the state or undermine democratic processes.

The party also criticised what it described as the poor governance of the previous APC administration, while praising Governor Ademola Adeleke as a “servant-leader” whose administration has delivered democratic dividends to the people of Osun State.

It maintained that the people of Osun have continued to support the governor and expressed confidence in his re-election bid, urging citizens to remain committed to democratic participation ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Accord further called for issue-based politics, rejecting what it described as violence, intimidation, and vote-buying, while insisting that the electorate must be allowed to freely choose their leaders.

The party concluded by urging voters to protect their mandate and ensure that their votes count in the upcoming election, describing credible polls as essential to strengthening democracy.

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Soludo Declares Zero Tolerance For Fake Pastors, Native Doctors In New Clampdown.

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Governor Charles Soludo has reiterated his administration’s resolve to clamp down on fake pastors and self-proclaimed native doctors operating in Anambra State, warning that such activities will no longer be tolerated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Awka on Monday, May 11, Soludo said the government is determined to sanitise both the religious and traditional sectors in order to restore public confidence and order.

He noted that some individuals, under the guise of religion and traditional practices, are allegedly misleading desperate youths with false promises of quick wealth and protection from law enforcement agencies.

“We will not allow fake pastors and criminal native doctors to continue deceiving our people. Anyone found promoting criminality or preparing charms for illegal activities will face the law,” he stated.

The governor added that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance across communities and ensure that offenders are arrested and prosecuted.

Soludo also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, stressing that the fight against crime requires collective effort.

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Tragic End: Kidnappers Release Body Of Ex-Jigawa Lawmaker After Ransom Payment.

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The lifeless body of former Jigawa House of Representatives member and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Abba Anas Adamu, has been released to his family by kidnappers after ransom was paid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Adamu was abducted alongside another politician, Ali Tukur Gantsa, while travelling to Abuja to attend an ADC congress. The kidnappers initially demanded N200 million but later negotiated down to N50 million, which was reportedly paid for Gantsa’s release, while Adamu’s body was handed over.

The incident has thrown the ADC family in Jigawa and other political stakeholders into mourning, with many describing Adamu as a grassroots politician known for his kindness and integrity.

According to a family source, the victims were kidnapped last Wednesday along the Kano–Abuja route while heading for a political meeting. They were taken into a forest area in Jere, where the abductors demanded ransom before negotiations led to the agreed payment.

It was further gathered that Adamu, who suffered from asthma and hypertension, had been without his medication for several days during captivity, which worsened his condition under severe stress.

Despite efforts by Gantsa to comfort him, Adamu’s health reportedly deteriorated until he died in captivity. The abductors initially did not disclose his death, but later confirmed it indirectly.

An insider revealed that Adamu’s driver and son delivered the ransom, after which Gantsa was freed and the family was shown the deceased politician’s body.

As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Jigawa ADC, while arrangements are reportedly underway to move his remains to Kano for burial.

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