Fresh Terror in Borno: Insurgents Kill Civilians in Ngoshe, Burn Konduga Military Base

By Umar Ahmad

Communities in Borno State have again been shaken by fresh attacks from suspected Boko Haram insurgents, with deadly assaults reported in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, and Konduga Local Government Area.

In Ngoshe, residents were jolted awake around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday when armed insurgents launched a surprise attack on a military position in the town before turning their assault on civilians.

Local sources said the attackers overwhelmed the soldiers during the confrontation and then moved into parts of the community, shooting sporadically and setting houses on fire.

Several civilians were reportedly killed during the chaos, while a number of women were abducted by the insurgents.

Many residents fled their homes in fear as the attackers wreaked havoc across the town.

Preliminary reports also indicated that about nine soldiers may have lost their lives during the fierce exchange of gunfire, although security authorities have yet to officially confirm the casualty figure.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, confirmed that the attack resulted in deaths and abductions, adding that many residents are still unaccounted for.

Early reports suggest that more than 300 people may be missing or abducted following the raid.

Meanwhile, a separate security incident was also reported in Konduga Local Government Area.

According to security updates from local sources, armed opposition groups (AOGs) attacked a military base in Konduga on March 5, 2026.

During the assault, the attackers reportedly overpowered the troops and dislodged the base.

Tragically, the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Konduga formation was said to have been killed while attempting to escape after the insurgents gained control of the base.

Sources further disclosed that the attackers set the military facility on fire, leaving the base completely destroyed.

Although the insurgents have reportedly withdrawn from the area, the security situation in Konduga remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments.

Security forces have since taken control of the affected areas while efforts continue to track the attackers and provide humanitarian assistance to residents displaced by the violence.

The latest incidents have renewed concerns over security challenges in parts of Borno State, with residents calling for stronger military operations and improved protection for vulnerable communities across the region.

Buni Approves Law School Scholarships for 148 Indigent Yobe Students

Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved immediate scholarships for 148 indigent students from Yobe State to study at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus, for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The approval, aimed at easing the financial burden on the beneficiaries, was disclosed in Damaturu during the disbursement of funds to the selected students drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Bello Kawuwa, said the decision followed a joint meeting of the Yobe State Scholarships Board and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

Kawuwa explained that the administration remains committed to expanding access to quality education, particularly for students pursuing professional careers.

“The approval was granted during a joint session of the Scholarships Board and the Ministry. This intervention is to ensure that our students proceed to the Law School without financial constraints,” he said.

He added that the state government would continue to prioritise education service delivery by supporting Yobe indigenes in higher institutions across the country.

“The Buni administration is determined to invest in our human capital. We will continue to support every qualified student from the state in their academic pursuit,” Kawuwa stated.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and disciplined throughout their programme at the Law School, noting that the gesture reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening education, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) development.

He emphasised that the students’ success would justify the state’s sustained investments in education and professional training.

Fintiri’s Cabinet Swings Behind Him as 22 Commissioners, Advisers Dump PDP for APC

By Jamila Muhammad

A major political realignment unfolded in Adamawa State on Friday as 22 commissioners and special advisers formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring unwavering support for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s new political direction.

The mass defection came shortly after Governor Fintiri officially registered with the APC, signalling a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum, Mr Alloucious Babadoke, announced that members of the State Executive Council had collectively resolved to follow the governor into the ruling party.

“On behalf of the 22 executive council members, we affirm our total loyalty and commitment to the administration’s vision by aligning with the APC,” Babadoke stated. “We believe the governor’s leadership has steadily transformed Adamawa into a reference point for development, and we stand firmly behind his political decisions.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Commissioner for Information Mr James Iliya pledged to galvanise widespread support for the party across the state. He said efforts were already underway to mobilise residents at the grassroots level to register and actively participate in the APC’s activities.

In a related development, the governor’s special advisers also announced their collective resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequent defection to the APC.

The Forum of Special Advisers, through a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Bala Jada, explained that the decision followed broad consultations with critical stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, and professional associations.

According to Jada, the move was driven by conviction rather than conflict.

“Our decision is not rooted in bitterness or division,” he said. “It is a carefully considered step taken after deep reflection and wide consultations with key segments of our society.”

The defectors expressed appreciation to the people of Adamawa for their continued trust and support, assuring them of intensified mobilisation efforts to strengthen the APC’s base throughout the state.

They further noted that the new political alignment would position Adamawa more strategically at the national level, enhancing the state’s ability to attract opportunities and effectively advance its interests within the federal structure.