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Militants kill six Pakistani soldiers during a shootout in the country’s northwest

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Militants killed six Pakistani soldiers during a shootout in the northwest, the army said Saturday. It’s the latest unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan and is a base for armed groups including the Pakistani Taliban.

The troops died in an overnight operation in North Waziristan on Saturday, according to an army statement. The statement also said six militants were killed.

The army said a separate operation killed two militants in Swat, also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Oneof them was said to be involved in an attack on a convoy of foreign ambassadors in the area earlier this month.

Also Saturday, cellphone services remained suspended in Islamabad as it entered a second day of a lockdown aimed at thwarting rallies in support of ex-leader Imran Khan. He is in prison on multiple charges.

Shipping containers have blocked off the city’s entry and exit points, but videos from Khan’s political party showed his supporters piled into vehicles and attempting to head toward Islamabad.

The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, and others in the convoy worked throughout the night to remove shipping containers from the road, the party said.

Khan’s PTI party said it plans to hold a rally in Lahore.

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Obi Cubana Receives Opulent 50th Birthday Prelude with Gift of 50 Rams

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Renowned entrepreneur and socialite Obi Cubana has been treated to an extraordinary early birthday surprise as he counts down to his 50th birthday on April 12. His associate, Dr. Frank, presented him with a stunning gift of 50 rams, setting the tone for what promises to be a spectacular celebration.

Obi Cubana shared a video of the generous gesture on Instagram, expressing his heartfelt gratitude. In a playful post, he hinted at a grandiose celebration, jokingly suggesting that the livestock would be used to feed the nation.

The unexpected gift has sparked excitement online, with fans eagerly awaiting how the nightlife mogul will commemorate this milestone occasion. Many speculate that the upcoming celebration will be a dazzling extravaganza, given Obi Cubana’s reputation for hosting extravagant parties.

Photo source: X

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Suspected kidnapper of priest church member, not mass server – Bishop clarifies

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The Bishop of Yola Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, has debunked claims that Taledo Damian, the recently arrested kidnapper of two Catholic priests, was a mass server or cleric within the diocese.

Speaking at a press conference in Yola, Bishop Mamza clarified that while the suspect was a church member, he held no official role.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the kidnapper is not a mass server, nor is he a cleric. There has been a lot of misinformation about his identity, and it is important to correct this,” the bishop stated.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding the reputation of the church’s clergy and mass servers, emphasizing that false information could damage their image.

The bishop commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante operatives for their roles in rescuing the kidnapped priests.

“I sincerely appreciate the security agents who secured the release of the priests, particularly the DSS and the vigilante group in Numan. Their professionalism and swift action were commendable,” he said.

The priests—Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami of Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman of Jalingo Diocese—were abducted on February 22, 2025. Bishop Mamza revealed that the DSS and vigilante operatives worked tirelessly to track and rescue them.

According to him, security forces stormed the location where the priests were held and successfully freed them.

The suspect initially escaped arrest but later had an accident while fleeing on a motorcycle.

“He tried to surrender to the DSS, but somehow ended up in police custody instead,” Bishop Mamza explained.

Following their rescue, the two priests underwent medical examinations and were confirmed to be in stable condition. All evidence recovered from the suspect is now in DSS custody.

The bishop reaffirmed the church’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the safety of clergy members and worshippers.

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Imo: Police, other security agencies intensify actions against criminals

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The Imo State Police Command, alongside other sister agencies, in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guards, has stormed forests within Avu, Irete, Ihiagwa, and Obinze, all in Owerri West LGA, in search of suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements ravaging the areas.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the operation became imperative following recent criminal activities witnessed in those areas, ranging from kidnapping to armed robbery attacks.

He further stated that the operation has also been extended to Ngor-Okpala LGA, where reports indicate that suspected kidnappers have taken over the area.

Some villagers, who preferred to remain anonymous, told our correspondent that suspected criminals engaging in attacks on travelers along the busy Aba-Owerri Expressway—shooting and killing passengers—are on the rise.

A driver of one of the attacked buses revealed that he was forced to stop by masked men wielding guns and speaking with a foreign accent.

The villagers added that the most affected area is the bushy and lonely spot between Ihitte Ngor and Umuechem Umuhu, immediately after the Navy checkpoint at Airport Road Junction.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command has urged members of the public to support security agencies by reporting any criminal activities in their respective areas.

He also stated that the ongoing combined operation is aimed at flushing out criminal syndicates threatening the peace and security of the state.

 

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