Suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have launched a deadly assault on a police formation in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, killing one officer and destroying police property.

According to sources, the insurgents stormed the station around 1:30 am on Wednesday, moving on foot and opening fire indiscriminately.

During the 45-minute attack, they set two patrol vehicles on fire and made off with a third.

“In what appeared to be a well-planned operation, the attackers killed one officer, freed detainees, torched two patrol vans, and took away another,” a security source said.

Intelligence indicates that ISWAP members are gathering in nearby communities, including Sukdu, Buhari, Mattati, and Bulabulin in Yunusari Local Government Area.

Yobe State Police spokesperson SP Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the incident, noting that the assault may have been aimed at seizing police vehicles.

“We are still investigating the full circumstances,” he added.

The attack comes amid a resurgence of violent incidents across Nigeria, prompting President Bola Tinubu to postpone international trips to focus on security.

Recent weeks have seen terrorists kill soldiers and security personnel, and target schools and churches. In Kebbi State, gunmen attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, killing one official and abducting 25 students.

In Kwara State, a church was attacked, resulting in multiple casualties and 30 abductions.

Reacting to the spate of attacks, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said that the President has placed Nigeria’s security apparatus on its “highest alert.”

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the youth arm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has condemned the life imprisonment verdict issued against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a grave miscarriage of justice.

In a statement issued on Friday, the National President of OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, said the ruling appears to serve the interests of “certain political oppressors and profiteers,” adding that it has further damaged public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Igboayaka said Kanu’s conviction on November 20, 2025, was “extremely provocative to Ndigbo,” comparing the implications of the judgment to events that preceded the 1967–1970 civil war.

“The verdict of Justice James Kolawole Omotosho implies that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra, and Ndigbo are regarded as terrorists,” he said.

“But we want to inform the government that the Igbo people are not terrorists. It is common knowledge who the real terrorists are, and the world, including the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump, is aware of their identity.”

He added that OYC shares Kanu’s earlier question to the trial judge: “Where is the law? Where lies the legal foundation?” insisting that “the prosecution did not substantiate any claims against Ndigbo or Nnamdi Kanu.”

According to him, the judgment “suggests that Justice Omotosho was carrying out a national assignment to uphold a predetermined decision influenced by the Federal Government and certain British agents or individuals in Nigeria.”

He alleged that the ruling was “orchestrated to silence Ndigbo because of the voice of Nnamdi Kanu,” noting that many known individuals have used inflammatory rhetoric to incite violence, yet have never been prosecuted or convicted.

“The likes of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai, Gumi, and others are protected by the same law that was allegedly used to convict Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.

“Indeed, Ndigbo are potential victims in the Nigerian justice system.”

He also argued that advocating for self-determination or calling for a referendum “does not radicalize anyone into becoming a terrorist,” warning the Federal Government to avoid actions that could push the younger generation of Igbo people “to the limit.”

“The events of 1967–1970 will not be repeated against the Igbo people in this era; rather, any sudden provocation against them will be met with formidable resistance,” he cautioned.

Igboayaka maintained that Kanu’s conviction lacked constitutional backing and was “a politically written judgment designed to victimize Ndigbo through Nnamdi Kanu.”

He urged Kanu and his legal team to pursue every constitutional remedy available, including appealing the verdict at the Court of Appeal.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for restraint and constructive dialogue following the life imprisonment sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu was convicted on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who found him guilty on multiple terrorism-related offences.

The judge imposed life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five, and six of the seven-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

For count three, which involved belonging to a proscribed terrorist organisation, the court sentenced him to 20 years without an option of fine.

Count seven, relating to the illegal importation of a radio transmitter used for Radio Biafra, attracted an additional five-year term, also without an option of fine.

Justice Omotosho said that although the law permitted him to impose a death sentence for terrorism offences, he chose not to do so “as a Christian.”

He also described Kanu as unruly throughout the proceedings and ordered that he be held in protective custody outside Kuje Prison, with the radio equipment forfeited to the Federal Government.

Reacting in a post on her X account after returning from a five-day NTAC monitoring assignment in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Ojukwu expressed disappointment at the judgment but urged the public to remain calm.

She wrote: “This is not the outcome we anticipated, nor prayed for, but a reality that is now upon us.”

Calling for restraint, she added:
“There comes a time in the history of a people when there is need for calm. I therefore advise Ndigbo, and Nigerians as a whole, that such a period is now! There is utmost need to exercise restraint in response to this situation.”

She warned against actions that could escalate tensions at home or abroad:

“All actions which could be deemed incendiary, and which might escalate the situation at home or in the diaspora should be curtailed. A word is enough for the wise.”

Ojukwu emphasised the need for broad consultation among Igbo leaders and stakeholders:

“This situation requires careful reflection and constructive dialogue involving all Igbo stakeholders, Governors, senators, Members of the House of Representatives, clergy, traditional rulers, politicians and business people to engage with government authorities collectively.”

She cautioned against anger-driven responses, saying:

“Beating the drums of fury and sabre rattling will only generate diminishing returns, and in the worst case scenario, yet another wasteland.”

The minister insisted that dialogue remains the most effective path toward resolving the crisis:

“The quest for mutual coexistence of Ndigbo in Nigeria with justice, equity and dignity is a commitment which requires our collective resolve, and maintaining peace and order is essential to ensuring the security of all citizens, regardless of tribe or creed.”

Reassuring the public, she added:

“I would like to reassure Ndigbo, Nigerians and our foreign partners that there are still prospects of resolving this impasse in a manner that reduces national anxiety and societal trauma. I oblige everyone to remain calm and patient.”

Ojukwu said she has consistently engaged stakeholders on issues concerning the region and called for a united approach:

“Over the years I have continued to engage on these issues with several stakeholders. Now is the time for us all in Ala Igbo to put all hands on deck, and to have a joint engagement, sincerely, involving all the South Eastern States, to seek a political resolution to this matter.”