SGF: B’Haram is Systematically Degraded

• Military air interdiction destroys 30 ISWAP boats in Lake Chad, eliminates many terrorists

• Troops overwhelm insurgents in gun duel, kill many, rescue kidnap victims

•IGP vows to equip police formations to respond to evolving security threats nationwide

Olawale Ajimotokan and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the security situation in the country has improved, with a significant degrading of the Boko Haram sect.

He made the assertion yesterday when he received members of the Renewed Hope Fulbe Campaign Organisation (RHFCO), a grassroots Fulani mobilisation platform, at his office in Abuja.

According to the SGF, the attacks of Boko Haram have become sporadic and ineffective following sustained military onslaughts, coupled with the non-kinetic measures that have blunted the capacity of the terrorist elements.

He assured them that the country’s current security challenges were temporary, adding that the federal government was strengthening the nation’s defence architecture through the acquisition of more arms and ammunition, alongside improved operational strategies by security agencies.

“The problems we are having are temporary problems that will certainly go away. Things are already beginning to pick up,” Akume said.

Meanwhile, the visiting RHFCO has pledged total support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general election.

The group led by its National Coordinator, Hon. Abdullahi Ahmad Tibbo, vowed to mobilise Fulani pastoralist communities across Nigeria to deliver massive votes for the administration.

“We hereby declare that the Fulbe are fully behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term. We will galvanize our people to deliver massive support at the polls,” Tibbo said.

Military Air Interdiction Destroys ISWAP Boats in Lake Chad, Eliminates Terrorists

The precision air interdiction conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, has destroyed no fewer than 30 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) boats in the Lake Chad region, disrupted a key logistics hub along the waterways, and eliminated several terrorist fighters.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops carried out sustained offensive operations in the night of 21 and 22 of April 2026.

It said it delivered precision air strikes that dismantled ISWAP logistics networks along the Lake Chad waterways around the Kaniram Island axis in northern Borno State.

Acting on credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs, OPHK air assets maintained persistent aerial surveillance and confirmed the concentration of over 30 terrorist boats, alongside fighters coordinating movement and resupply activities.

Target validation and positive identification were carefully undertaken to ensure high targeting accuracy before engagement.

Following confirmation in line with the Rules of Engagement, the operation executed coordinated precision strikes that destroyed several boats and severely disrupted the terrorists’ logistics hub.

The strikes significantly degraded their mobility and ability to sustain operations.

Real-time ISR further enabled follow-up strikes on fleeing and regrouping terrorists within nearby vegetation, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 fighters.

Surviving elements were observed fleeing in disarray, indicating a breakdown in cohesion and command structure.

In a related engagement at Sowolwolo in the Sambisa Forest axis, additional precision-guided strikes were conducted following confirmed target acquisition with partners.

The strikes destroyed three terrorist gun trucks and neutralised further fighters within the vicinity.

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), supported by post-strike intelligence, confirmed significant enemy losses, with indications of mass burial activities by ISWAP elements in the Mallam Fatori axis, further underscoring the scale of attrition inflicted.

Ground forces have been exploiting the impact of the strikes to dominate adjoining areas and prevent any regrouping by fleeing terrorists.

Troops Overwhelm Terrorists in Gun Duel, Kill Many, Rescue Kidnap Victims

Troops of the Nigerian Navy have overwhelmed terrorist fighters in gun duel, killing several insurgents and rescuing victims of forced abduction during operations under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West.

The Naval High Command disclosed that personnel deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibira responded effectively to emerging threats, demonstrating operational success against violent extremist elements.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodum Folorunsho, said the Nigerian Navy has continued to show strong operational effectiveness in joint internal security operations, recording significant successes against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

He explained that, in a series of coordinated operations, naval troops carried out multiple engagements that led to the neutralisation of Violent Extremist Insurgents (VEIs) and the rescue of abducted victims.

According to him, “On 18 April 2026, troops deployed at FOB Ibira responded swiftly to distress calls after hearing gunshots along the Doka–Ibira axis.

“Upon rapid mobilisation, troops made contact with VEIs who opened fire. A decisive counter-fire forced the attackers to retreat, leaving their victims behind.”

He added that five victims were rescued during the operation, four of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot wounds and were immediately taken to the General Hospital in Idon for treatment, while one later died from injuries.

The victims’ vehicle was also recovered, while further exploitation of the area is ongoing to track the fleeing insurgents.

In a related operation on 20 April 2026, troops of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated ambush at Anguwan Haske, resulting in the neutralisation of one insurgent and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, with no casualties recorded among the troops.

Similarly, personnel deployed at FOB Dokan Karji responded to a distress call from Kushere Village, where terrorists had abducted civilians.

The troops engaged the attackers in a gunfight, overpowering them and forcing their withdrawal, leading to the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims unharmed.

Folorunsho noted that these operations underscored the Nigerian Navy’s continued contribution to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability.

IGP Vows to Equip Police Formations to Respond to Evolving Threats Nationwide

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving officers’ welfare and strengthening operational capacity across the Police Mobile Force, assuring sustained efforts to adequately equip formations to respond effectively to evolving security threats nationwide.

Disu made the pledge while declaring closed the Squadron Commanders’ Training Programme at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training College, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the training formed part of ongoing efforts to enhance leadership capacity and operational effectiveness within the Nigeria Police Force.

During the visit, the IGP inspected key training facilities, including the simulation ground and shooting range, where he participated in tactical exercises.

His involvement, the statement noted, demonstrated leadership by example and underscored the importance of continuous, scenario-based training in modern policing.

Addressing cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy currently undergoing training at the college, the Inspector-General urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the demands of their training.

He emphasised the importance of resilience, professionalism, and strict adherence to human rights principles, noting that the quality of their training would ultimately shape their performance and conduct in the field.