A Brigadier General initially reported as abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters following a deadly ambush on a military convoy in Borno State has safely returned to base.

The ambush, which occurred late Friday along the Biu road, was described as a highly coordinated attack by heavily armed insurgents.

It resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), according to reports from HumAngle.

The platform initially noted that the Brigade Commander had been missing for several hours after the attack, sparking concerns.

In a statement issued by Appolonia Anele, acting Director Army public relations on Saturday, the army debunked the abduction reports, confirming that the Brigadier General successfully led his troops back to base after repelling the ambush with superior firepower.

The Army also acknowledged the loss of two soldiers and two CJTF members during the confrontation, commending their bravery and sacrifice.

The statement reads: Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgents fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

“The patrol team which was led by the Commander 25 Brigade Brigadier General M Uba and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) courageously fought through the insurgents ambush with superior fire power, forcing them to withdraw in dissaray and to abandone their mission.

“During the encounter two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation. While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserates with families and associates of the deceased gallants for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.

“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation. Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe.”

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that ISWAP fighters abducted Brigadier General M. Uba during an ambush in Borno State.

The Army described the claim as false and urged Nigerians to ignore it.

The denial came after widespread rumours circulated across social media on Friday.

However, the Army confirmed that two soldiers and two Civilian Joint Task Force members died in the same attack.

The patrol team had been returning from a successful operation when insurgents opened fire near Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area.

The attack happened during a routine mission to secure nearby communities.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, who released an official statement, the ambush occurred as the team was leaving the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

She explained that the patrol was led by Brigadier General Uba, who was never captured as claimed online.

She said the viral reports were misleading and harmful, especially during active military operations.

She added that the troops fought back with superior firepower.

The soldiers, alongside CJTF members, engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat. She also noted that the insurgents abandoned their plans once they encountered heavy resistance.

Despite the successful response, the Army lost four personnel to the clash.

Anele described the fallen men as heroes who gave their lives in service to Nigeria.

She stressed that the Army deeply values their sacrifice and remains committed to ending terrorism in the region.

She also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine morale.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, praised the troops for their bravery.

He said their courage reflects the spirit of Nigerian soldiers operating in one of the most dangerous war zones.

He noted that their resilience, even under intense fire, shows their dedication to protecting the country.

Shaibu explained that troops in the Northeast confront danger daily. He also said their sacrifices remind Nigerians of the heavy cost of peace.

According to him, the Army will continue to support frontline personnel with resources and intelligence to defeat the insurgents.

Furthermore, he extended condolences to the families of the dead soldiers and CJTF members.

He promised that the Army would stand by them and honour the memory of their loved ones.

Although the ambush has raised concern, the Army maintains that its operations in Borno remain active.

It assured citizens that troops would sustain pressure on ISWAP fighters across the Sambisa axis. The command also appealed for cooperation from residents as operations continue.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly re-arrested Abdulazeez Obadaki, a suspected commander of the Ansaru terrorist group accused of masterminding the deadly 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State.

Obadaki, who had previously escaped custody during the 2022 Kuje Custodial Centre jailbreak, was captured during a well-coordinated DSS operation on Friday morning.

The 2012 attack, which left 19 worshippers, including the church pastor, dead, occurred when three gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles stormed the church during an evening service, opening fire on the congregation.

Obadaki, also known as “Bomboy,” is believed to have played a central role in orchestrating this massacre, as well as other high-profile crimes, including violent bank robberies in Uromi, Edo State, in 2022.

While the DSS has yet to release an official statement on the re-arrest, sources described the operation as a major breakthrough in the agency’s intensified efforts to combat terrorism.

This arrest follows a string of recent successes by the DSS, including the prosecution of suspects linked to the 2022 Owo Catholic Church attack.

A coalition of political leaders, civil society advocates, labor representatives, and pro-democracy activists has launched the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), a new platform aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electoral system.

The initiative was unveiled during the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability of Nigeria, held in Abuja on November 11. Organized by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) and the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), the summit brought together over 600 participants, including representatives from political parties, public institutions, the private sector, diaspora communities, academia, and civic organizations.

Under the theme “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027,” the summit outlined strategies to address Nigeria’s electoral challenges.

Keynote addresses and goodwill messages were delivered by notable figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Other contributors included NLC President Joe Ajaero, Pat Utomi (summit chairman), Oby Ezekwesili, Shehu Sani, and legal practitioner Adewole Adebayo.

Discussions highlighted Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation and its potential impact on the 2027 elections. Participants warned that rising banditry, terrorism, and violent crime have weakened state authority, creating conditions where non-state actors thrive.

They argued that without immediate reforms to improve security, many communities may become inaccessible during the elections. Concerns were also raised about weak internal democracy within political parties, with stakeholders criticizing candidate-selection processes that prioritize transactional politics over leadership quality.

Delegates condemned entrenched electoral malpractices, including vote-buying, ballot snatching, voter suppression, result manipulation, and extensive post-election litigation.

They stressed that these practices erode public trust and discourage voter participation, with outcomes often determined by court rulings rather than the ballot box.

The summit proposed several reforms to overhaul the electoral system, including, granting INEC full financial autonomy by channeling funds directly from the Federation Account, adopting an open budgeting system for INEC to ensure transparency and civil society oversight, empowering INEC to prosecute electoral offenders independently without relying on the Police or the Attorney-General.

Also, legalizing early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results to curb election manipulation. Reforming the process for appointing INEC commissioners, removing it from the Executive and involving diverse national stakeholders, introducing special constitutional seats for women and vulnerable groups to enhance inclusivity in governance and shifting the burden of proof in election petitions from candidates to INEC, requiring the commission to defend announced results.

A key outcome of the summit was the formal launch of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), envisioned as a citizen-driven platform to mobilize Nigerians for clean elections and deter manipulation ahead of 2027.

The movement aims to build cross-regional alliances and make electoral fraud socially unacceptable and politically costly.

To lead the initiative, a 23-member Interim Steering Council was inaugurated. Pat Utomi was named chairman, with Ayuba Wabba as co-chair. Other prominent members include Usman Bugaje (Deputy Chair, North), Nkoyo Toyo (Deputy Chair, South), Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Ankio Briggs, and Bilikisu Magoro.

The council also includes youth leaders, finance directors, and mobilization coordinators, with Olawale Okunniyi heading the secretariat and James Ezema serving as Media Coordinator.

Additional members such as Chris Uyot, Mark Adebayo, and Kamal Ahmed were assigned roles to drive the movement’s outreach and advocacy efforts.

At least 16 vigilantes have been killed in fresh attacks by armed bandits in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to reports, the attackers also kidnapped 42 residents in several raids that forced entire communities to flee for safety.

The assaults lasted from Sunday, November 9, to Thursday, November 13, 2025, and created fear across the area.

Residents said the violence started on Sunday when bandits stormed Dutsen Magaji village. They moved into the community and captured 22 people.

Vigilantes tried to stop them and chased them into the bush. They engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

Three vigilantes died during the fight. Five others sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in the hospital. The gunmen escaped with their captives.

However, the situation worsened on Thursday.

According to residents, the bandits returned at dawn and targeted Magama village during early morning prayers.

They surrounded the mosque quietly. They waited until the prayer started. Then, they moved in and kidnapped more than 20 worshippers.

Vigilantes again pursued them through the nearby forest.

Unknown to them, the attackers had already set up an ambush.

As soon as the vigilantes approached the spot, the bandits opened fire. Thirteen vigilantes died instantly.

Several others sustained bullet wounds and are now struggling for survival.

The Press Secretary to the Mashegu Local Government Chairman, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings in a statement.

He described the slain vigilantes as local heroes.

He said they died while defending their communities. He added that the council appreciates their sacrifice and courage, especially during a difficult time for the region.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incidents and provide an update. Residents, however, said the damage had already pushed many communities into panic.

They revealed that several villages were deserted on Monday as people fled to safer areas.

Many escaped to Mashegu town, Kawo-Mashegu, Manigi and other distant settlements. Some families are now staying with relatives to avoid further attacks.

Communities now deserted include Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa and Magama. Residents fear more attacks because bandits are still active in nearby forests.

Many villagers said they would not return home soon because the security situation remains fragile.

Meanwhile, another security concern continues to trouble the state.

The abductors of the former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have not released him.

His family reportedly paid N70 million in ransom weeks ago. Yet, he remains in captivity.

Niworo was kidnapped on Monday, September 29, 2025, along with the Permanent Commissioner II of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, Barrister Ahmad Mohammed, their drivers and other travellers on the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu.

The residents of Mashegu say life has become uncertain. Many now fear that more villages may fall under attack if urgent action is not taken.

They want stronger security presence. They also want immediate support for displaced families who lost everything while running from the bandits.

Palpable tension has gripped the University of Uyo following revelations that the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, allegedly manipulated the composition of the crucial Screening Committee saddled with interviewing aspirants vying to become the next Vice Chancellor. The move, which unfolded at the Senate session of Friday, November 14, 2025, has provoked outrage within the university community.

With barely two weeks left before the expiration of his tenure, Prof. Ndaeyo is said to have handpicked two junior professors—Prof. Emmanuel Akpabio and Prof. Blessing Irabor—to sit on a panel expected to grade and interrogate senior academics, some of whom have been professors for more than a decade.

Multiple insiders described the development as “a scripted ambush” and “a dangerous precedent meant to tilt the process.”

One highly-placed source told our correspondent: “Let me be very clear: Prof. Akpabio and Prof. Irabor have been told exactly what to do. Their job is not to interview; their job is to eliminate. Anyone considered an ‘enemy of Nyaudoh’ will not score more than ten percent. Take this from me—his preferred candidate will magically score above 100 percent.”

Another insider—who claimed he was planted within the VC’s camp as a pseudo-loyalist—recounted an unsettling conversation he allegedly overheard.
“The VC boasted that just as Prof. Aniekan Offiong helped him during his own screening years ago by scoring him 115 over 100, these two new professors will replicate the favour for his anointed successor,” he said.

The source continued:
“This whole thing is a recycling of favours. He initially wanted Prof. Offiong to succeed him, but when the handwriting changed on the wall, he quickly shifted loyalty. Now he wants to manipulate the process one last time.”

Even veteran academics in the university are furious. One visibly agitated senior professor asked angrily:
“How can a professor who became a professor three years ago, and another who became professor barely ninety days ago, sit in judgment over people who have been full professors for over ten years? What type of insult is this?”

FEARS OF PLANNED VIOLENCE

Perhaps more alarming are credible allegations of a fallback plan involving violence should the manipulation fail.

Highly dependable sources confided that certain actors loyal to the VC are mobilising external groups to disrupt the selection process.

One of them disclosed:
“The plan is simple: if their candidates don’t scale through, they will trigger chaos. They want a fight to break out so the entire process will be annulled. Some cult boys have already been contacted to create mayhem. The goal is to make everyone disqualified so that a neutral candidate— definitely not one of ‘Nyaudoh’s enemies’—will be imposed.”

The growing tension has left staff and students uneasy, with many calling on the Governing Council, security agencies, and the Ministry of Education to closely monitor the unfolding situation.

As one senior staff member put it bluntly:
“If Abuja doesn’t intervene now, we may witness the darkest succession crisis in the history of this university.”

The University of Uyo management has not issued any official response to the allegations as at press time.

There are strong indications that the Vice-chancellorship seat of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka might have been sold to the highest bidder among a retinue of Professors who applied for the position.

The position has been shrouded in controversy since the expiration of the tenure of Professor Esimone.

Recall that the reconstituted Governing Council of the institution had placed a new advertisement for the position after the previous advertisement became scandalous following allegations that it was strewn in favour of a particular candidate.

Diaspora Digital Media understand that the current Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga who had carried on like a sole administrator had been accused severally of collecting huge sums of money from different aspirants, assuring each of them that he would singlehandedly appoint then as substantive Vice-chancellor.

The final interview for the position was originally scheduled for Tuesday 11th of November at the Council Chambers within the university’s campus but our sources alleged that the Pro-Chancellor stopped the process suddenly, and told aspirants that the interview would hold in Abuja on a date and venue to be communicated to them.

However, investigations reveal that the University’s Pro-Chancellor had allegedly placed the position on the table for the highest bidder to take it.

It is alleged that one of the aspirants, known for his access to easy funds paid for the position immediately, hence, the Governing Council’s plans to go ahead with a kangaroo interview in Abuja, tomorrow by 9:am, when most of the aspirants are yet to arrive Abuja.

Already, there is palpable tension within the university community over the fast spreading rumour of plans to impose a money bag as the Vice-chancellor of a prestigious institution like NAU.

Unconfirmed reports allege that as part of the deals entered into by the Pro-Chancellor and his client, whom he wants to foist on the university as Vice-chancellor, a monthly allowance of 200 million Naira shall be paid to the Pro-Chancellor and members of the Council for their upkeep, while huge amounts in contract have been agreed to be funneled to them as part of the settlement.

Already, a huge sum has been allocated to him at the Nnewi campus of the university, with a promise that his company shall be the sole contractor in the University’s medical college.

A strong rebuttal has been issued to dismiss the viral and false report claiming that former Anambra State Governor, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, has died.

The rumour spread widely on social media on Friday, November 14, and caused fear among many residents across Anambra and beyond.

The statement, released by Hon. Chief Nweke Christian Afamuefuna, described the report as false, reckless, and completely baseless.

He said the claim did not come from any credible source.

He added that the story was created by mischief-makers who wanted to stir confusion and exploit public emotions for personal or political reasons.

Chief Afamuefuna stressed that Chief Obiano is alive and in good health. He condemned those behind the rumour and called their actions shameful and insensitive.

He noted that spreading such serious misinformation about someone’s life is morally wrong and legally punishable under Nigerian law.

He said many people forget that death is not a joke and should never be used to score political points or attract online attention.

According to him, the false news caused needless panic among Ndi Anambra and the wider Omambala community.

He said several people reached out in fear, which further proved how far the rumour had travelled before it was debunked.

He warned that those behind the fake report must withdraw their publication within 24 hours.

He also demanded a public apology to Chief Obiano’s family and the Omambala community.

He stated that failure to apologize would lead to immediate legal action, and the case could reach the courts as early as next week.

He urged Nigerians to stop circulating the rumour and rely only on verified information from credible channels.

He reminded the public that social media remains a powerful tool that can damage reputations when abused.

He encouraged people to think carefully before sharing unverified claims, especially those involving someone’s life or death.

A video posted by Ms. Uju Edochie, a former aide to Mrs. Ebele Obiano, further confirmed the truth. In the clip, she said, “Chief Sir Willie Obiano is alive. I just spoke with him. He is very much alive and not even sick.”

Her statement calmed many supporters who had been unsettled by the earlier false report.

Chief Afamuefuna concluded that Obiano remains a respected figure and continues to symbolize leadership and progress in Anambra State.

He said the former governor will not allow false propaganda to tarnish his legacy. He ended by firmly stating again that Chief Willie Obiano is alive.

A fresh crisis has erupted in the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, pitting two pastors, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha and Rev. Isaac Nnaji, against each other in a bitter dispute over a prime church property in Enugu.

The property, located at 35 Nanka Street, New Haven, is at the center of a heated controversy, with both pastors claiming legitimate authority to administer it.

Rev. Nnaji, recently posted to the New Haven District headquarters, believes his new position gives him control over the asset.

However, Rev. Obioha, who has managed the property since 2021, insists he remains the lawful custodian, backed by a Power of Attorney issued by the church’s Incorporated Trustees.

The Power of Attorney, signed in August 2021, authorizes Obioha to manage and superintend the property, collect rents, issue quit notices, and take necessary actions for effective management.

Trouble began on October 30, 2025, when Obioha was allegedly ambushed by men led by Rev. Nnaji while collecting rent from a tenant.

Obioha reported the incident to the police, stating he was threatened and assaulted, and only escaped harm thanks to passersby who intervened.

In a petition to the Commissioner of Police titled “Threat to Life and Malicious Damages”, Obioha narrated that when he demanded to know why he was being confronted, “they enveloped me for the purpose of assaulting me before passers-by intervened to rescue me.”

According to him, his attackers fled after issuing a chilling threat: “If they ever see me again on the property, it will only be my dead body that will be seen.”

The police have launched an investigation, with Obioha interviewed and Nnaji summoned for questioning.

The church’s General Secretary, Rev. Godwin Amaowoh, has backed Obioha, saying Nnaji has no authority over the property.

Amaowoh described Nnaji’s actions as part of “unscrupulous elements” seeking to stir renewed crisis in the church.