News

Fallout and Controversy Trail US-Nigeria Joint Airstrikes on Terror Cells

Published

10 months ago

January 11, 2026

Summary:
A high-stakes joint military operation targeting the emerging Lakurawa group has sparked intense debate after unexploded missiles were discovered in local farmlands. While political leaders hail the precision strikes as a victory, security analysts question the tactical success as militants reportedly embed themselves deeper within civilian populations.

The battle for stability in Nigeria’s North-West region escalated dramatically over the holiday season as the skies above the Bauni forest in Sokoto State became the theater for a sophisticated international military intervention. In a coordinated effort spanning late December 2025 and early January 2026, the United States and Nigerian military forces launched a barrage of precision airstrikes aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of the newly emerged Lakurawa extremist group and foreign ISIS-affiliated infiltrators.

The Anatomy of the Strike
The operation represented a significant escalation in the use of high-tech warfare in the region. According to defence sources, the U.S. military deployed approximately 16 precision-guided munitions. This arsenal included Tomahawk cruise missiles and strikes from MQ-9 Reaper drones, launched from maritime platforms situated in the Gulf of Guinea. The objective was clear: to decapitate the leadership and logistics of terror cells that have migrated from the Sahel.

Political Narratives and Diplomatic Context
The operation has drawn varied reactions from political heavyweights. U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the offensive with his trademark rhetoric, describing the strikes as a “Christmas present” aimed at eliminating “terrorist scum” accused of persecuting Christians. Conversely, the Nigerian government offered a more unified narrative. Officials emphasized that the mission was a joint operation explicitly approved by President Bola Tinubu, designed to neutralize threats facing both Muslim and Christian communities in the volatile region.

Tactical Outcomes vs. On-Ground Reality
While U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported successful hits on “multiple” terrorists, emerging local intelligence paints a more complex picture. Reports from January 10 suggest that intelligence leaks or tactical awareness may have allowed militants to vacate several camps prior to the bombardment. Consequently, rather than being neutralized, many insurgents reportedly fled, integrating themselves into civilian settlements or crossing the porous border into Niger to evade detection.

The Danger of Unexploded Ordnance
Perhaps the most concerning aftermath of the operation is the discovery of dangerous remnants of war. As of January 11, farming communities near Jabo in Sokoto and Offa in Kwara State have reported finding unexploded ordnance and missile debris in their fields. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has since issued urgent warnings to civilians to avoid handling these hazardous materials.

Strategic Implications
Security analysts are currently weighing the long-term efficacy of such high-profile strikes. While the operation undoubtedly disrupted the logistics of the terrorist enclaves, experts argue that the resulting panic has forced militants to embed deeper into civilian populations, potentially complicating future engagement rules and risking higher collateral damage in the ongoing war against insurgency.

Related Topics:CounterTerrorismOperations LakurawaInsurgency SokotoSecurityCrisis USNigeriaMilitaryRelations

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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu (Tomato Jos)

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2026

Phinadon Mag

With heavy hearts, total submission to the divine will of God, and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, the entire family of the Late Mr. Raphael Iwuagwu of Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State, announces the passage of their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, and sister, *Late Mrs. Roseline Nwaibari Iwuagwu* (affectionately known as *”Tomato Jos”), who passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes from Her Loving Daughters

From Her Second Daughter, Hope Anoma

“What can I say about a lady who lived most of her years devoted to the church? I spoke with my sister Chiaka and she told me about your condition. I couldn’t bear it; I rushed down from Abuja to the hospital (F.M.C) where you were admitted. You didn’t see me when I came in, only to spend two days in the hospital with you, thinking that you will wake up so that we can go home together. But mama, you left a space in my heart that can never be occupied. Who will welcome me whenever I am back? Who will make me laugh? Death, why now? Why did you take Nda’m away? Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator. My love for you is forever.”

Tribute from Chiaka Nnanna Amajirionwu

“Tribute to my lovely mom… She will call me Chiaka Nga Raphael and I will call her Chiaka Nga Nnanna—that is what we normally call each other. Who will ever call me that name again? Who will ever remind me of Orieobibi market days again? I never knew that a day like this will come that I will call her and she won’t answer me again. I know you have gone to a better place. Rest in peace Nda’m (my tomato Jos).”

Funeral Arrangements

The family warmly invites relatives, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers to join them in honoring her memory and bidding her a final farewell. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Friday, October 30, 2026

4:00 PM — Christian Wake Keep

Venue: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, held at her husband’s residence in Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

9:00 AM — Departure from Hospital

The body leaves Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, for her hometown, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

10:00 AM — Lying in State
At her husband’s compound, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze.

11:00 AM — Funeral Service
At St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A.

12:00 PM — Interment
Committal follows immediately after the funeral service at her husband’s residence.

1:00 PM — Reception
Reception follows immediately after interment at her husband’s residence, Umuemeribe Ezeagu Amaeze Obibiezena, Owerri North L.G.A., Imo State.

May Her Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.

News

TCN Arrests Over 30 Suspected Vandals Along Kumbotso–Zaria Corridor.

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has arrested more than 30 suspected vandals of electricity infrastructure, particularly along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line corridor.

The Kano Regional General Manager of TCN, M.K. Bello, disclosed this during a sensitisation campaign against infrastructure vandalism and encroachment in Paki community, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Bello attributed the arrests to the cooperation of traditional rulers, residents, the police and other security agencies. He also revealed that approximately 10 transmission towers had been vandalised within four to five months, while five related cases were currently before the courts.

He warned that vandalism could disrupt electricity supply and impose significant replacement costs on the company. Bello further expressed concern over excavation, construction and pit-digging near transmission towers, noting that such activities could weaken the structures and cause them to collapse.

According to him, the towers support transmission lines carrying electricity over distances of between 200 and 300 kilometres. He urged residents to avoid activities that could endanger the infrastructure and to promptly report suspected vandalism or encroachment to the relevant authorities.

TCN appealed for continued community cooperation to protect critical electricity facilities and ensure reliable power transmission.

News

TCN restores power to Karu, Keffi, and Akwanga after the collapse of transmission towers.

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2026

Emmanuel Ikechukwu

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored electricity supply to the Karu–Keffi–Akwanga Transmission Line following the repair of three collapsed transmission towers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, TCN said power supply was restored at approximately 5:31 p.m. The restoration also reconnected the 132/33kV Keffi and Akwanga Transmission Stations.

The three transmission towers reportedly collapsed on October 7, 2026, after heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted the line.

TCN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the nation’s transmission infrastructure to support the reliable and efficient delivery of bulk electricity across Nigeria.