40 Years On: NDA 27th Course Veterans Celebrate Legacy, Renew Bonds in Abuja

By Musa Garba, Kaduna

Former members of the 27 Short Service Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Saturday gathered in Abuja to commemorate four decades since their commissioning, using the occasion to reinforce unity, promote wellbeing, and strengthen lifelong friendships.

Speaking at the reunion, President of the alumni association, retired Major General Okechukwu Ugo, expressed appreciation for the privilege of witnessing the milestone, describing it as a moment of reflection and gratitude.

He recalled that the group’s previous reunion took place in 2022 at the National Defence College, noting that this year’s event offered another opportunity for members to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate years of dedicated service to the country.

Ugo paid homage to colleagues who have passed on and extended prayers for those dealing with health challenges, urging members to continue supporting one another in all circumstances.

He explained that the anniversary programme featured a range of activities, including medical awareness sessions, leadership elections, and a gala evening designed to foster relaxation and camaraderie.

Highlighting the importance of health education, Ugo urged participants to take the sessions seriously, particularly those focused on ageing and wellness, stressing that continuous learning is key to maintaining good health in later years.

In a show of compassion, spouses of the alumni visited an orphanage in Kuje, where they provided assistance to vulnerable children. Ugo described the outreach as a reflection of the group’s enduring commitment to humanitarian values and social responsibility.

On leadership succession, he noted that the current executives would hand over to a new team, expressing confidence that the transition process would be transparent and credible.

He added that the gala night would serve as a fitting conclusion to the celebrations, giving members the chance to unwind and honour the shared journey that has kept them united over the years.

The event also featured a health lecture themed “Geriatric Health: Mind and Body,” delivered by Professor Ehiz Odigie-Okpataku and Dr. Okiobeya Davidson, who provided insights on maintaining physical and mental wellbeing in later life.

Brigadier General feared killed in fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

A brigadier general of the Nigerian Army has been feared killed in coordinated Boko Haram terrorist attacks in four communities of Banki Ruwa, Ngamdu, Benisheik and Pulka, a border area with Cameroon.

According to a credible military source on Thursday in Maiduguri, the multiple attacks simultaneously occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting four communities located on the south fringe of Sambisa Forest.

According to reports, the first wave of assaults began at about 10:30 p.m. in Pulka and Bakin Ruwa, both in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The terrorists reportedly overran a military base in the area, adding that several military assets were also set ablaze at dawn.

ablaze. The attack also destroyed construction equipment belonging to the Borno State Government.

The attackers, according to the source, further looted food items from shops at Pulka village before withdrawing.

The military further revealed: “Hours later, by midnight, the insurgents launched another set of attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu, 100 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

In Benisheikh, the terrorists reportedly overran the 29 Task Force Brigade, destroying multiple military vehicles.

The military explained that during the attacks, the Brigade Commander of an army base, Brig-Gen. O.O. Braimah, was killed while reportedly leading efforts to defend the base, his troops, and the civilians in the affected area.

The attackers also set several vehicles in transit along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Motorway on fire and continued to operate in the Ngamdu community for more than three hours.

Other security sources indicated that the assault on Ngamdu, located near Benisheik, may have been a diversionary tactic designed to delay reinforcement efforts. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets were involved in the operation.

Similarly, the Pulka operation may have used the attack on Bakin Ruwa as a decoy.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military is yet to issue an official statement regarding the attacks on the four communities in Borno State.

Plateau Raids: Troops Kill Terror Suspects, Recover Ammunition in Wase, Qua’an Pan

By Musa Garba, Jos

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, have intensified security operations in Plateau State, killing suspected terrorists, recovering ammunition and dismantling criminal hideouts in coordinated raids across Wase, Qua’an Pan and Shendam local government areas.

The latest operations were disclosed in a press statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, on April 6, 2026.

According to the military, one of the major offensives took place on April 4 in Wase Local Government Area, where troops, working alongside local vigilantes, launched clearance operations around Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages in the Dutsen Zaki forest, an area identified as a corridor for armed groups.

The statement said the joint team came under attack while advancing along the Babangida–Adua road, triggering a gun battle with suspected terrorists.

“The superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralisation of two suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

After the encounter, troops reportedly combed the area and recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.

In a separate operation on Sunday, April 5, troops stationed in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area acted on intelligence about the movement of armed men suspected to be involved in illegal arms trafficking and kidnapping activities.

The military said the troops moved swiftly and intercepted four suspected terrorists at about 7:45 a.m., adding that a search on the suspects led to the recovery of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

According to the statement, troops later moved to locate and destroy the suspects’ hideout but came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be their associates.

The military said the situation became chaotic during the exchange, and three of the four arrested suspects, who allegedly attempted to escape, were killed in the crossfire.

The statement claimed they were hit by gunfire from their fleeing accomplices.

In another operation carried out the same day, troops in Shendam Local Government Area, in collaboration with residents, arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village around 9:35 a.m.

The suspect is believed to be connected to a kidnapping incident reported in the community on April 3, according to the military.

Security officials said the suspect is currently in custody and will face further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military described the operations as part of a broader push to weaken armed groups and restore stability in Plateau communities affected by violent attacks, kidnapping and illegal arms movement.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible intelligence to help sustain the gains recorded in the ongoing operations.