Tag: terrorism

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Friend of a Thief is a Thief, Musa warns Gumi, others sympathising with terrorists

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has warned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others sympathetic to terrorists and bandits to stop their subversive endeavour, saying, “a friend of a thief is a thief.”

Musa cautioned against providing overt or covert support to criminal elements seeking to destabilise the country.

Speaking yesterday during an official visit to Maiduguri, the minister said those engaged in acts of terrorism and banditry did not represent any form of regional, ethnic, or religious brotherhood.

The warning came as the Nigerian Army said it had taken a significant step towards strengthening its manpower development and national security framework with the construction of a new training depot at Amasiri-Edda, located within Afikpo and Edda local government areas of Ebonyi State.

In another development, Poland identified Nigeria as a key pillar of stability in West Africa, acknowledging the decisive role played by the Nigerian Armed Forces in counter-insurgency operations and regional security initiatives.

Musa explained that his remarks were deliberate and purposeful, not merely symbolic. He stressed that Nigerians must refrain from supporting or justifying criminal activities in any form.

He said the warning directly responded to narratives previously advanced by Sheikh Gumi, who had referred to bandits hiding in forests as “our brothers” and suggested that society could not function without them.

Musa made a distinction between compassion and complicity, stating that while empathy for fellow citizens is important, excusing or normalising terrorism only emboldens criminal networks.

He said the criminal groups had ravaged communities, displaced thousands of families, and claimed countless innocent lives across the country.

He emphasised that portraying bandits as “brothers” neither reduced violence nor promoted peace; rather, it legitimised criminal behaviour and undermined ongoing national security efforts.

The defence minister warned that terrorism did not thrive on weapons alone but also on moral and rhetorical cover.

He stressed that individuals, who defended, excused, or shielded criminals—whether through words, influence, or silence—must recognise that they shared responsibility for the consequences of such actions.

Musa stated that Nigeria could not defeat terrorism and banditry while dangerous narratives blurred the line between victims and perpetrators. (ThisDay)

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Troops arrest eight suspects, seize fuel in Adamawa anti-terror operations

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested eight suspected members of a suicide bombing network and intercepted a large cache of suspected terrorist logistics during separate operations in Adamawa State.

The arrests, according to the information provided by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, on Monday, followed intensified cordon-and-search operations targeting those linked to the recent Gamboru Market Mosque suicide bombing.

According to the military, OPHK troops conducted a coordinated operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area in the early hours of January 5, 2026, after sustained surveillance of identified locations.

Among those apprehended were two principal suspects believed to be key facilitators in the bombing network. A search of the residence led to the recovery of cash, mobile phones, identification documents, ATM cards, jewellery and other personal items. Military sources said the items are undergoing forensic analysis to support ongoing investigations.

During identification procedures, a suspect already in custody reportedly identified the two principal suspects as individuals who supplied materials used in preparing the improvised explosive device. Other occupants of the residence were also linked to the network.

All suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing interrogation to aid further intelligence gathering before being handed over for continued investigation.

In a related operation on January 4, 2026, OPHK troops intercepted a consignment of suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area. The troops seized 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, estimated at about 1,125 litres, believed to have been smuggled for terrorist use.

The military said the suppliers fled on sighting the troops, abandoning the fuel. No casualties were recorded during the operation, and the seized items are now in military custody pending further action.

OPHK said the operations demonstrate its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting supply chains and preventing future attacks.

The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and security across the North East. (Guardian)

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Nine arrested in Italy for allegedly raising millions for Hamas

Italian police have arrested nine people accused of raising around €7m (£6m) for Hamas over more than two years.

The money was ostensibly collected as humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, a police statement said, but was instead sent to the militant group via a “complex fundraising system”.

Alongside the arrests, police say they have seized more than €8m (£7m) in assets as part of the investigation.

Police say the suspects are “specifically accused of carrying out financing operations believed to have contributed to terrorist activities”.

The arrests were made as part of a joint initiative between Italy’s counter-terror police and financial police.

The investigation began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel.

Police say they analysed “a series of reports of suspicious financial transactions” involving some of the suspects in the lead up to the attack.

Investigators uncovered a “complex” system of fundraising, which was headquartered in Genoa with branches in Milan, the statement adds.

“The suspects collected donations intended for the civilian population of Gaza, however, it emerged that over 71% of these funds were diverted to Hamas’s coffers to finance its military wing and support the families of suicide bombers or those detained for terrorism,” the police statement says.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the most well-known of the arrested suspects was Mohammad Hannoun, the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy.

Piantedosi thanked police for their work in a post on X, but also noted that “the presumption of innocence… must always be recognised at this stage”.

Mr Hannoun said that he is “neither closely nor remotely” related to Hamas but has always supported them.

“I have always declared with utmost transparency that I am a Palestinian citizen and publicly support the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people,” he told reporters. (BBC)

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Trump says US launched strike against ISIL in northwest Nigeria

The United ‍States ‍says that it has carried out an air strike against ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria that residents say caused buildings to shake and the sky to glow red.

“Tonight, ⁠at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and ​deadly strike ‌against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” ‌President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday evening.

Trump, who has previously threatened greater US intervention in Nigeria over dubious claims that a “genocide” of Christians is taking place there, said ISIL fighters had been “viciously” killing and targeting Christians at levels unseen for “centuries”.

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump said.

The US military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM), which is responsible for operations in Africa, said in a post on X that the air strike was carried out “at the request of Nigerian authorities” and had killed “multiple ISIS terrorists”.

Residents of Jabo have said that the strikes caused alarm and that their village has never experienced an attack by ISIL.

“As it approached our area, the heat became intense,” Abubakar Sani, who lives just a few houses from the scene of the explosion, told the news service Associated Press.

“Our rooms began to shake, and then fire broke out,” he said. “The Nigerian government should take appropriate measures to protect us as citizens. We have never experienced anything like this before.”

Another resident, 40-year-old farmer Sanusi Madabo, said that the attacks made the night sky glow red and appear “almost like daytime”.

“Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation,” US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on social media, warning also of “more to come”, without providing details.

In a statement, AFRICOM said the strike occurred in “Soboto state,” an apparent reference to Nigeria’s Sokoto State.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar confirmed on Friday that the strike had been carried out in coordination with the country’s authorities, but said it was not aimed at targeting members of any particular religious community.

“Nigeria is a multi-religious country, and we’re working with partners like the US to fight terrorism and protect lives and property,” Tuggar told Nigeria’s Channels Television.

The US military action comes weeks after Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following claims of Christian persecution in the country.

Nigeria’s government had dismissed Trump’s assertions, saying armed groups target both Muslim and Christian communities in the country, and US claims that Christians face persecution ‌do not represent a complex security situation and ignore efforts by Nigerian authorities to safeguard religious freedom.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement shortly after Trump announced the US strike, confirming early on Friday that Nigerian authorities were “engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism”. (AlJazeera)

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UK police say train stabbings carried out by lone attacker

A 32-year-old British man was the sole suspect accused of a mass stabbing on a train in England, after another man arrested in the case was released on Sunday with no charges.

British police said the knife attack that put 11 people in hospital was not a terrorist incident. A 35-year-old man who had been arrested earlier was released after officers concluded he was not involved in the attack.

By late on Sunday, five of the injured had been discharged from hospital. Among those still being treated was a member of the train crew who tried to stop the attacker and was in a life-threatening condition, police said.

“Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives,” police said.

Counterterrorism police had helped with the initial investigation after the mass stabbing of passengers on a train in eastern England on Saturday, but police later said there was nothing to suggest that the incident was terrorism.

Work was now ongoing to establish the events leading up to the attack and the suspect’s background, police said. A knife had also been recovered from the scene.

“Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident,” Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said in a statement.

Police described the sole suspect as a Black British national from Peterborough, 160 km north of London, who had boarded the train there.

The suspect was arrested by armed police after the train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon around 80 miles north of London.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it an “appalling incident” which was “deeply concerning”, while King Charles said he was “truly appalled and shocked”.

Knife crime in England and Wales has risen 87% over the past decade, with 54,587 offences last year alone, a 2% rise from 2023 and among the highest rates in Europe, according to figures from Britain’s interior ministry.

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened”, while urging people to avoid speculation about the incident.

The government is keen to stop rumors spreading on social media following an incident in Southport in northwest England in 2024, when internet claims over the murder of three young girls sparked days of rioting across the country.

Witness Olly Foster told the BBC that he was on the train which was heading towards London on Saturday evening when someone ran past him saying a man was stabbing “everyone, everything”.

“I put my hand on this chair…and then I look at my hand, and it’s covered in blood. And then I look at the chair, and there’s blood all over the chair. And then I look ahead and there’s blood on all the chairs,” he said.

Another witness told Sky News that a suspect was seen waving a large knife before being tasered by police. (JapanToday)

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Trump says he will designate anti-fascist ‘Antifa’ as a “terrorist organization”

US President Donald Trump early Thursday said he would designate “Antifa” – a shorthand term for “anti-fascist” used by Trump allies to describe diffuse left-wing groups – as “a major terrorist organization”.

Trump, who is on a state visit to the United Kingdom, made the announcement in a social media post, calling Antifa a “SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER”. He also said he will be “strongly recommending” that funders of antifa be investigated. 

Trump and his supporters have, without evidence, ascribed blame to Antifa for various actions Trump dislikes, from violence against police to the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

It’s unclear how the administration would label what is effectively a decentralized ideology as a terrorist organization, and the White House on Wednesday did not immediately offer details.

Trump’s previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in testimony in 2020 that Antifa is an ideology, not an organization, and lacks the hierarchical structure that would usually allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.

While federal law enforcement includes combating domestic terrorism under its purview, the United States does not have a list of designated domestic terrorist organizations.

Senior White House official Stephen Miller has vowed the administration would dismantle an alleged “vast domestic terror movement” that he linked to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The political leanings of the suspect in Kirk’s death remain unclear. 

After Trump’s post, Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised the announcement, saying: “Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.”

Cassidy and Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a July 2019 resolution in the Senate to condemn “Antifa” and designate it a domestic terror organization. (France24)

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Owo church attack: Court denies Al-Shabab terrorists bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday refused a bail application filed by five men accused of being members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and of carrying out the deadly attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Recall, on June 5, 2022, during Pentecost Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in State, which claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left over 100 others injured.

On August 11, 2025, five suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on nine terrorism charges. The men were alleged to belong to the Al Shabaab terrorist group and accused of plotting additional attacks. They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services.

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, dismissed the application, holding that the terrorism charges against the defendants were capital offences and that releasing them on bail would pose a significant security risk.

The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — had, through their lawyer, Abdullahi Awwal Ibrahim, filed a bail application dated August 11, 2025 and argued on August 19.

Their counsel argued that the defendants had secured “reliable and responsible sureties” to stand for them if granted bail.

However, the plaintiff – the Department of State Services, represented by Dr Callistus Eze, opposed the application, warning that the men might abscond due to the gravity of the charges and the strength of evidence against them.

The DSS also argued that admitting them to bail could intimidate witnesses and jeopardise the trial.

Justice Nwite agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the defendants had failed to provide cogent and verifiable reasons for their release and had not presented credible sureties. He added that granting them bail would amount to “judicial risk”.

The judge also noted procedural defects in the bail application, pointing out that the names of the five defendants were not listed on the motion paper as required by law. In addition, the application was supported by a joint two-paragraph affidavit, contrary to the requirement that each defendant must provide a separate affidavit.

The five accused are facing multiple terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including Membership of Al-Shabab’s Kogi State cell, participation in meetings where the Owo church attack was planned.

Possession of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles, detonating explosives at St Francis Catholic Church in June. 5, 2022, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people and injuries to over 100 others.

The horrific attack at St Francis Catholic Church shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation both locally and internationally. It was one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Nigeria in recent years, raising concerns about the spread of extremist networks beyond the North-East, where Boko Haram and ISWAP have been most active.

Justice Nwite ordered that the accused remain in DSS custody and granted an accelerated hearing of the case, fixing October 19, 2025, for the commencement of trial. (Punch)

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CDS hails Finnish Court verdict on Simon Ekpa

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has welcomed the judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that it demonstrates that those who incite violence or fund terrorism will be held accountable, irrespective of their location.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS said:

“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state. The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”

The CDS also expressed appreciation to Nigerian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, as well as the country’s diplomats, for their collaboration in providing actionable evidence that contributed to Ekpa’s conviction.

He noted that the outcome underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational threats.

General Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks, while assuring Nigerians of sustained efforts to secure peace across the country.

He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements. (Vanguard)

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US, UK hail Nigeria over arrest of Ansaru terrorist kingpins

The United States and the United Kingdom on Monday commended the Federal Government and its security agencies for the successful arrest of two senior leaders of the terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru.

The arrests were confirmed by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who described the development as the result of a “high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation” carried out between May and July 2025.

The individuals apprehended include Mahmud Usman, identified as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru.

According to the NSA, Usman served as the coordinator of numerous terrorist sleeper cells across the country and was behind several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund the group’s activities.

His deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell, which was said to be active around the Kainji National Park area, spanning Niger and Kwara states and extending into neighboring Benin Republic.

Following the arrests, the US Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement via its official X handle, describing the operation as a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

The embassy praised the Nigerian security forces and described the arrests as a significant achievement.

The post read, “We commend the Nigerian government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).

“This is a significant forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”

Similarly, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also took to X to describe the operation as an extraordinary and very significant success, commending the security agencies and their leadership under the NSA.

“An extraordinary & very significant success. A major step forward in the fight against terrorism. Congratulations to the security agencies & officers involved under the leadership of NSA Ribadu,” Montgomery noted.

According to the Federal Government, the arrested terrorist leaders, who were internationally wanted, are now in custody.

Ansaru, formed in January 2012 as a splinter group from Boko Haram, presented itself as a more “humane” alternative but quickly turned to violent attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure. The group aligned ideologically with global jihadist movements, particularly Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and established a presence in urban cells and forest enclaves, especially around Kainji National Park.

Two key figures from Ansaru, long on Nigeria’s most-wanted list, led several major attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, a uranium facility attack, and high-profile kidnappings such as that of French engineer Francis Collomp and traditional leader Alhaji Musa Uba. They also had strong ties with terrorist groups across the Maghreb. (Punch)

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MI6 appoints first female chief in 116-year history

MI6 will be led by a woman for the first time in the foreign intelligence service’s 116-year history.

Blaise Metreweli, who joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, will become the 18th chief of the organisation and take over from Sir Richard Moore later this year.

She is currently responsible for technology and innovation at the service and said she was “proud and honoured” to have been asked to lead.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the appointment “historic” at a time “when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital”.

MI6 is tasked with gathering intelligence overseas to improve the UK’s security, with its core aims being to stop terrorism, disrupt the activities of hostile states and bolster cyber-security.

Its chief, commonly referred to as “C”, is the only publicly named member of the service.

Ms Metreweli, 47, is currently Director General “Q” – head of the crucial technology and innovation division that aims to keep the identities of secret agents secret, and come up with new ways to evade adversaries like China’s biometric surveillance.

“MI6 plays a vital role – with MI5 and GCHQ – in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”

Ms Metreweli, who studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge, has previously held director level roles in MI5 – MI6’s sister, domestic security agency – and spent most of her career working in the Middle East and Europe.

On the King’s overseas and international birthday honours list in 2024, she received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for her services to British foreign policy.

Speaking to the Telegraph in December 2021 when she was at MI5, under the pseudonym of “Director K”, Ms Metreweli said threats to UK national security “really are diverse”.

“The threats we are looking at primarily exist around protecting government, protecting secrets, protecting our people – so counter-assassination – protecting our economy, sensitive technology and critical knowledge,” she said.

She added that “Russian state activity – not Russia itself – remains a threat” and that China was “changing the way the world is and that presents amazing opportunities and threats for the UK”. (BBC)