Metro
Borno: Fate of 404 abductees unclear as Boko Haram deadline elapses
As the 72-hour ultimatum issued by Boko Haram over the fate of 416 abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State expired, uncertainty has continued to grow, with no official response from either the insurgents or government authorities.
DAILY POST gathered that 12 of the abducted victims have escaped captivity, leaving the fate of the remaining 404 victims hanging in the balance.
The insurgents had demanded a ransom of N5 billion from the federal and Borno State governments, warning that failure to comply could endanger the lives of the captives.
They also threatened to relocate the victims and resist any military rescue attempt, heightening concerns about the safety of those still in captivity.
Sources in Pulka said the escape followed a military operation targeting insurgent hideouts in the area.
One of the escapees reportedly revealed that the insurgents fled during the operation, abandoning some captives while escaping with others.
The victims were abducted during a March 4 attack on a military base and Ngoshe community, where several residents were killed and hundreds taken hostage.
A statement by the Borno South Youth Alliance confirmed that the 12 escapees, comprising 10 females and two males, are now safe in a nearby community. However, the group stressed that a larger number of victims remain in captivity.
The abduction drew wider attention after a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, released a video on April 20 demanding a ransom from the government.
Observers say the silence following the expiration of the ultimatum has heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom fear for the safety of their loved ones still in captivity.
Residents in affected communities are said to be living in fear, uncertain about the next move by the insurgents, especially amid threats to relocate the captives or harm them.
Security analysts warn that the situation highlights the persistent vulnerability of rural communities in Borno, where attacks and mass abductions continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
They note that beyond the immediate concern for the abductees, the incident has deepened mistrust and fear among residents, with many calling for more proactive and decisive measures to prevent further attacks and secure the release of those still held.
As uncertainty lingers, attention remains fixed on the response of authorities and the next steps that could determine the fate of hundreds still in captivity.
Metro
NAF airstrikes eliminate 27 terrorists in Borno enclaves
Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Southern and Northern Tumbus areas of Borno.
The operational report of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Sunday indicated that the strikes were conducted following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, missions across the theatre.
According to the report, air assets comprising Dragon and ISR platforms conducted an air interdiction mission at Dawoshe, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbus area, at about 12:40 a.m. on June 10.
The report stated that terrorists’ vehicles were sighted during aerial surveillance and subsequently engaged by the aircraft.
It added that Battle Damage Assessment, BDA, revealed that the vehicles were destroyed while 12 terrorists were neutralised during the operation.
The report further disclosed that the air component conducted a precision strike on terrorist positions at Metele in the Northern Tumbus area of Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno on the same day.
It stated that post-strike assessments, supported by BDA and Human Intelligence, confirmed that 15 terrorists were neutralised during the operation.
According to the report, the successful strikes dealt a significant blow to terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad fringes and Tumbus hideouts.
It noted that the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre.
The report added that a total of 27 terrorists were neutralised in the two air operations conducted within the period under review.
It reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist strongholds until lasting peace and security are restored in the region.
Metro
Four arrested as police bust suspected cult cell in Kwara community
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Kwara police command, have dismantled a suspected cult cell in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state, DAILY POST reports.
Those arrested included a suspected leader of Eiye confraternity, Idowu Akorede and three other associates.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Sunday, disclosed that the members of the notorious cult group were arrested “during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the State.

”Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected cultists and violent criminals operating within the area, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on Thursday, 11th June 2026, carried out a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo.
”During the operation, one Idowu Akorede, male, of Ijagbo, identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, was arrested at a hideout in Ijagbo. Further operations led to the arrest of three others.”
The spokesperson said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes.
“The group has been linked to incidents in which residents were reportedly attacked and dispossessed of their valuables in broad daylight, thereby creating fear and insecurity within the community.
”Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly resisted arrest and launched an attack on the officers with broken bottles in a bid to evade capture.
” The operatives, however, exercised restraint, professionalism, and tactical superiority in subduing the suspects and taking them into custody without injury,” the statement added.
The suspects have since been transferred to Ilorin and are currently in police custody while investigations continue. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
He further reassured residents of the command’s unwavering determination to confront all forms of criminality and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and useful information that will aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.
Metro
Three die as bandits raze houses in Niger attack
The Niger Police Command has confirmed the killing of three people by suspected bandits in Pissa village, Borgu Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident on Saturday, noted that the bandits attacked the village at about 9:00a.m.
Abiodun said some houses were set ablaze during the attack, and that the bandits were engaged by the military. However, details of the encounter remained sketchy.
“The report received indicated that suspected bandits invaded Pissa village in Borgu LGA.
“Three persons were reportedly killed during the attack and some houses were set ablaze.
“However, the military responded and engaged the terrorists, but further details are still sketchy,” he said.
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