The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has identified informants as one of the greatest threats undermining the military’s operations against insurgency and banditry, especially in the northeastern and northwestern regions of the country.

Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau, Director of Defence Information, made this known during a media engagement in Birnin Kebbi.

The visit was part of a wider directive by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, aimed at strengthening ties with the media, traditional leaders and the general public to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the northwest.

According to General Gusau, while the military continues to confront terrorists daily, the activities of informants, who often live within communities and covertly assist insurgents, have become a major stumbling block.

“They are everywhere, in every place. Their presence severely hampers our operations,” he said.

He stressed the importance of public support in the ongoing fight, noting that while the military contributes only about 30% to the counter-insurgency effort, the remaining 70% depends on civilian cooperation.

“Without the support of the people, our mission cannot succeed,” he stated.

Gusau appealed to journalists to help by publishing stories that would uplift the morale of soldiers on the frontline, rather than content that might demoralize them.

He also revealed that, beyond the existing military presence in Kebbi State, there are plans to establish a full brigade to enhance security in the area.

On the issue of surrendered insurgents, Gusau clarified that the army is not involved in brokering peace deals.

However, when agreements are reached through appropriate channels, insurgents surrender themselves to the military.

“So far, 120 fighters have surrendered through the Safe Corridor programme,” he added

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has identified informants as one of the greatest threats undermining the military’s operations against insurgency and banditry, especially in the northeastern and northwestern regions of the country.

Brigadier General Tukur Ismail Gusau, Director of Defence Information, made this known during a media engagement in Birnin Kebbi.

The visit was part of a wider directive by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, aimed at strengthening ties with the media, traditional leaders and the general public to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the northwest.

According to General Gusau, while the military continues to confront terrorists daily, the activities of informants, who often live within communities and covertly assist insurgents, have become a major stumbling block.

“They are everywhere, in every place. Their presence severely hampers our operations,” he said.

He stressed the importance of public support in the ongoing fight, noting that while the military contributes only about 30% to the counter-insurgency effort, the remaining 70% depends on civilian cooperation.

“Without the support of the people, our mission cannot succeed,” he stated.

Gusau appealed to journalists to help by publishing stories that would uplift the morale of soldiers on the frontline, rather than content that might demoralize them.

He also revealed that, beyond the existing military presence in Kebbi State, there are plans to establish a full brigade to enhance security in the area.

On the issue of surrendered insurgents, Gusau clarified that the army is not involved in brokering peace deals.

However, when agreements are reached through appropriate channels, insurgents surrender themselves to the military.

“So far, 120 fighters have surrendered through the Safe Corridor programme,” he added.

In a swift joint operation, Nigerian Army troops, working alongside the police and local vigilante groups, successfully rescued eight abducted commuters on the Okene–Auchi Highway in Kogi State.

The abduction occurred on Friday at Tyre Village in Okene Local Government Area, when nine gunmen disguised in military camouflage ambushed a Toyota Hiace bus operated by Big Joe Ventures Ltd, with registration number FUG 13 XY.

The bus was reportedly traveling from Abuja to Benin City, Edo State, with 12 passengers on board when it was intercepted.

The attackers forcefully led the passengers into the nearby bush.

Responding swiftly to distress calls, troops and local vigilantes launched a coordinated operation, engaging the abductors in a firefight.

During the confrontation, security forces recovered ammunition and successfully rescued eight individuals, including the bus driver, all unharmed.

A source familiar with the rescue confirmed that efforts are still ongoing to locate and free the remaining four passengers still held captive.

Security operatives are said to be combing the surrounding forest in search of the kidnappers and their victims.

The incident highlights the growing security challenges on major highways, as well as the importance of rapid response and collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service will resume next week, marking the end of a month-long suspension following a derailment incident near Asham.

Operations on the route were halted on August 26, 2025, after a section of the track was damaged, prompting safety concerns and a full suspension of service.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Callistus Unyimadu, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, the Corporation confirmed that repairs and safety evaluations on the affected track have been successfully completed.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation is pleased to announce that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service is set to resume operations next week, following the successful completion of repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham,” the statement read.

Unyimadu noted that NRC engineers and technical teams had worked “tirelessly” to restore both infrastructure and rolling stock to international safety standards and emphasized the Corporation’s commitment to passenger safety and service quality.

As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the disruption, the NRC disclosed that refunds have been issued to 512 passengers out of the 583 onboard the train at the time of the incident.

The Corporation said it is working to reach the remaining passengers to complete the refund process.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued passengers during this period,” Unyimadu said.

“Safety, comfort, and satisfaction remain our top priorities.”

The NRC also acknowledged the role played by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, and the media in supporting the recovery process.

While no specific date was provided for the resumption of services, the Corporation assured the public that train schedules and operational details will be announced in the coming days.

The derailment, which occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja en route to Kaduna, caused panic among passengers.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic,” with travelers scrambling for safety.

A preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) identified multiple lapses that contributed to the derailment.

Key findings included poor maintenance of the track, with previously damaged sleepers only patched rather than fully repaired, a faulty track switch that had to be manually operated using a broken point clip, lack of refresher training for NRC personnel, raising concerns about operational preparedness and limited access to essential maintenance tools and spare parts from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

The NSIB’s report has raised fresh questions about NRC’s safety protocols and its preparedness for emergencies.

An Edo-based activist, Precious Oruche, popularly known as “Mama Pee,” has been taken into custody following a heated confrontation with Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The incident, which has drawn widespread attention, reportedly escalated further upon arrival in Benin.

Eyewitnesses say the confrontation began as Abure prepared to board a Max Air flight to Benin.

According to several accounts, Mama Pee approached him and accused him of being responsible for the hardships Nigerians are facing.

“Is this not Julius Abure? You’re the one frustrating Nigerians,” she reportedly said.

When Abure asked, “How can?” she replied, “In case nobody has told you, you’re the one frustrating Nigerians. What are you doing with the Labour Party? Police are looking for you. You’ve destroyed the Labour Party.”

The tension reportedly intensified in Benin. Videos circulating online show a physical scuffle near the airport exit, with individuals attempting to restrain or drag Mama Pee before security and immigration personnel intervened.

In one recording, Mama Pee claimed:

“Look at them! They want to beat me after I told Julius Abure he’s frustrating Nigerians. He brought thugs to harass me.”

She added that she saw Abure on the plane and accused him of using his connections to have thugs wait for her.

Following the arrest, Peter Akah, also known as “Peter for Nigeria,” released a video call for her immediate release.

He appealed to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebolo and Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika to intervene, alleging that she is a victim of political violence.

Meanwhile, the Abure-led faction of the Labour Party issued their own response.

The party described Mama Pee’s actions as an unprovoked attack and claimed that she continued recording videos even after the confrontation.

In a statement, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said:

“Abure was forced to be escorted to safety by security agents, while Mama Pee was handed over to police for questioning.”

The party also accused her of boasting in videos about connections to police, and vowed that she would continue targeting party executives.

The LP statement further called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate what they termed political provocation and cyberbullying, and asked party members to remain calm pending the outcome.

As of this report, attempts to reach SP Moses Yamu, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, for comment were unsuccessful.

However, a video published Saturday night shows that Mama Pee has been released from custody.