At least eight people have been confirmed dead after a deadly explosion rocked the Maiduguri-Damboa Road on Saturday. The blast, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), is believed to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.

The tragic incident occurred on a section of the highway that was recently reopened after years of closure due to insurgent activity. The route, which cuts through the notorious Sambisa Forest, has long been considered one of the most dangerous in Borno State.

Eyewitnesses and local sources confirmed the attack, including Maiduguri resident Lawan Maigana, who revealed that both civilians and military personnel were among the casualties.

According to reports from Channels TV, the explosion struck a convoy of vehicles under military escort, transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri.

Speaking on the incident, Maigana said:
“The road to my hometown in Damboa has always been perilous. Over the years, we’ve lost brave soldiers and innocent residents to Boko Haram. Today’s attack claimed eight lives and highlights the urgent need to strengthen security measures. May Allah protect us all and grant peace to the souls of the departed.”

The federal and Borno state governments are yet to issue official statements on the attack at the time of filing this report.

Credit: Umar Audu | April 12, 2025

OPERATION UDO GA CHI – ZERO KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU SETS UP A MONITORING TEAM TO ENSURE OPERATIVES ARE CIVIL AND COMPLIES WITH THE OPERATIONAL ORDER; ALSO THANKS THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES OF POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES

Following the launch and deployment of the Joint Security Team to enforce Operation Udo Ga Chi – Zero Kidnapping, few days ago, the Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD.* today 16th April 2025 set up a monitoring team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigations Department Awka *DCP Mantu Chong mni* to ensure that Officers are civil and are complying with the Operational Order. He can be reached on 07030871026.

The *CP* on behalf of other security agencies expresses gratitude to the State Government and some good-spirited Anambraians for their support. He also appreciates the coordinated approach and sacrifices of the Police and other Security Agencies to nip in the bud serious crimes like Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within this Easter period and beyond.

The *CP* notes that alongside our strong resolve to fight all forms of violent crimes, the Operations have a window of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community policing principles where applicable. This will be open for those desirous of taking advantage of such avenues to resolve specific problems and issues.

Anambra Police Command shall continue to review the operations as it progresses and explore strategies to improve safety and security in the State.

In the event of request for any security services, members of the public are encouraged to call the Command Control Room number on 07039194332 or PPRO 08039334002 for a prompt response. The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively. They can also call the various Area Commanders or DPOs in their various areas of concern as attached, please.

*SP Tochukwu Ikenga*
*Police Public Relations Officer*
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

16th April 2025
Admin Nibo

History has been made in the Nigerian Army as Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyechi Appolonia emerges as the first female Army spokesperson. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the quest for gender inclusion and representation within the military’s top public affairs ranks.

Lt Col Onyechi, a trailblazer in her own right, is a proud member of the prestigious DRC Course 15, and her elevation to this key position reflects both her professional excellence and the evolving role of women in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Her colleagues and the wider Defence community have extended heartfelt congratulations on this achievement, describing it as well-deserved and inspirational.