How security forces foil ISWAP’s attempt to establish base in Oyo from where they wanted to spread to South-West

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2025

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How security forces foil ISWAP’s attempt to establish base in Oyo from where they wanted to spread to South-West

In a major security breakthrough, operatives have thwarted a plot by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) to set up a strategic base in Oyo State aimed at coordinating terrorist activities across the South-Western states of Oyo, Osun, and Kwara.

The foiled plan was uncovered as ISWAP militants, fleeing the conflict zones in Borno State, attempted to consolidate their forces in the region.

Sources revealed that fleeing insurgents had made contact with a known ISWAP member operating around the Oke-Ogun axis in northern Oyo State.

This individual, already linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area, was reportedly scouting locations for a new base to launch operations in Oyo, Osun, and Kwara.

The group’s plans began to unravel when security agents intercepted a meeting between the insurgents in Osun State, leading to a series of arrests.

The plot, initially aimed at setting up a stronghold in Afijio local government area of Oyo, was disrupted after authorities received critical intelligence.

However, it is believed that the mastermind of the operation managed to evade capture and fled to the Old Oyo National Park.

This area, known for its proximity to the Kamoko Forest, which stretches across Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States, is seen as a key route for insurgents seeking to infiltrate the South-West.

Security personnel in Oyo and Osun States were quick to act, resulting in the seizure of several AK-47 rifles and the apprehension of numerous militants. Authorities are continuing their efforts to track down and neutralize the remaining insurgents involved in the plot.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the developments on Monday, revealing that the insurgents had intended to establish a camp near Fashola Farms in Oyo.

However, security forces swiftly blocked the site, preventing further escalation. According to sources, the area in question was located just five kilometers from the farms, and efforts to establish a base in the region have now been halted.

Intelligence sources revealed to the Nigerian Tribune that the site initially identified by terrorists as a potential base—located about five kilometers from Fashola Farms in Oyo State—has been successfully blocked by security forces, preventing the establishment of a militant stronghold.

Terrorist groups, particularly those linked to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), had been utilizing the Kamoko Forest route, which stretches from Kaduna, through Niger, Kwara, and connects to Oyo State via the Old Oyo National Park.

This forested corridor was being used by insurgents to move deeper into the South-West, with plans to set up operations in the region.

Security forces quickly acted on intelligence about the terrorists’ intentions, launching an intensive pursuit that led to multiple arrests. A source close to the operation revealed, “The terrorists were actively working to establish a base in the South-West, but once we received intel, we moved swiftly, and efforts are ongoing to dismantle their plot.”

Further sources confirmed that an ISWAP linkman operating in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State had been scouting potential sites for the group’s planned meeting and coordination.

However, security forces successfully intercepted and disrupted these plans, scattering the insurgents and forcing them to abandon their efforts to set up a base in the region.

In response to the foiled plot, security agencies in the North-West states of Kaduna, the North-Central states of Niger and Kwara, as well as the South-Western states of Oyo, Osun, and Ogun, have been placed on high alert to prevent any further attempts by terrorists to infiltrate and establish a camp in the region.

In a separate security incident, a traditional worshiper in Iseyin, Oyo State, was arrested for attempting to incite religious discord. Sources revealed that the man had been making inflammatory statements about the Holy Quran and planned to target the Holy Bible in a bid to provoke religious conflicts in the region.

Although the man fled to Lekki, Lagos State, security agencies in Oyo and Ogun States worked diligently to track him down, ensuring that his attempts to spark unrest were thwarted.

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282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos

Published

2 hours ago

January 17, 2026

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282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos

A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.

The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.

He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.

“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.

“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”

“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.

Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.

“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.

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80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

Published

3 hours ago

January 17, 2026

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80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State under the amnesty programme of the state government.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Sokoya said that the militants surrendered in the early hours of Friday, at Atimbo Rear Area, following Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, within the area of responsibility of the 13 Brigade.

According to him, the repentant militants emerged from two camps, with one group led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters.

He said that the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.

Sokoya added that assorted arms, ammunition and other items, were also voluntarily surrendered during the exercise.

He said that these included: rifles, pump-action guns, single-barrel weapons, magazines, ammunition, speed boats, boat engines and other military-related equipment.

The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Paul Alimikhena, described the development as a major confidence-building milestone.

He attributed it to sustained military operations, constructive engagement and effective collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.

He said that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment, while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths, and ensuring lasting peace across in the area.

The commander said that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the state’s Department of State Services (DSS).

He commended the State Government, under Gov. Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. (NAN)

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My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

Published

4 hours ago

January 17, 2026

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My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

A Harare woman, Melocia Gwata, has successfully obtained a court-issued protection order against her husband, George Kusotera, following allegations of excessive sexual demands and physical abuse.

The case was heard at the Harare Civil Court before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga, where Melocia detailed the severity of her ordeal. She told the court that her husband had coerced her into sexual activity up to eight times a night, resorting to violence whenever she refused.

“He wants to have s3x every day and wakes me up in the middle of the night, even after we’ve been intimate countless times on the same day,” Melocia stated.

She further described how the abuse extended beyond physical coercion, with George allegedly threatening divorce and verbally assaulting her in front of their children.

“He has been assaulting me in front of our children, shouting obscenities and telling them I don’t deserve to be called their mother,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll the behaviour has taken on her and the family.

In response, George acknowledged his actions, apologising to his wife and attributing his conduct to love. “I did not realise I was making her uncomfortable. I apologise and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he told the court.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Taruvinga granted Melocia a protection order, legally preventing her husband from further abuse and ensuring her safety.