Crime
Kwara Massacre: Security Forces Unmask Terror Kingpin Sadiku
Tuesday’s massacre in Woro, a remote community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which claimed an estimated 176 lives, was not a random act of violence. Investigations indicate that the attack was the outcome of a carefully planned expansion of a jihadist front that Nigeria’s security architecture failed to stop, despite advance warnings.
At the centre of the carnage is Abubakar Saidu, widely known as Sadiku—a seasoned terrorist commander whose violent footprint stretches across more than a decade and multiple regions of northern Nigeria.
From Shadow Figure to Regional Kingpin
For years, Sadiku operated largely out of public view within Nigeria’s insurgency ecosystem. However, security investigations now trace a 12-year trajectory that saw him evolve from a trusted lieutenant of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in 2014, to what analysts describe in 2026 as the “Shekau of the North-Central.”
As sustained military offensives weakened Boko Haram strongholds in the North-East, Sadiku shifted westward, embedding himself in the vast forest corridors linking Niger and Kwara states. From these hideouts, he coordinated attacks that devastated farming communities, displaced thousands, and ultimately culminated in one of the deadliest mass killings in Kwara State’s history.
Deployed by Boko Haram
Security findings reveal that Sadiku was originally dispatched by Boko Haram to Niger State as a trusted operative charged with expanding the group’s influence beyond its traditional North-East base.
A counterterrorism analyst on X, MobilisingNigeria, linked Sadiku’s rise to his close relationship with Shekau, who reportedly handpicked him to oversee Boko Haram’s interests in Niger State.
“He later worked with Dogo Gide to expand into the North-Central terrain and also collaborated with the Darul Islam terrorist group before the police dismantled it,” the analyst wrote.
Sadiku’s temporary alliance with notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gide enabled him to acquire weapons, intelligence, and local leverage. The partnership later collapsed over ideological differences, triggering violent clashes that left casualties on both sides.
Kainji Forest: A New Base of Terror
Following the split, Sadiku withdrew deeper into forest territories, eventually establishing a major base inside the Kainji Forest Reserve in July 2025. Security observers describe this move as a strategic shift from profit-driven banditry to a more rigid, ideology-driven campaign of terror.
Spanning Niger and Kwara states, the Kainji Forest Reserve has increasingly become a strategic hub linking insurgents from the North-East with remnants of bandit groups in the North-West. Security experts now refer to it as Nigeria’s “new Sambisa,” providing cover for recruitment, arms trafficking, and coordinated attacks across Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna states.
A Kwara-based security expert, Hassan, said Sadiku’s relocation marked a dangerous expansion of Boko Haram-style insurgency into the North-Central zone.
“For over a decade, Boko Haram violence was concentrated in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa,” he said. “But splinter factions are now exploiting forests, weak security presence and porous borders to push westward.”
Links to Al-Qaeda Affiliate
In a separate analysis, MobilisingNigeria described Sadiku as a Boko Haram factional leader who relocated from the North-East to establish new operational bases in the North-West and North-Central regions.
International security tracker Brandon Phillips directly linked Sadiku’s faction to the Woro massacre, noting that the attack occurred less than four kilometres from Nuku, where Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)—an Al-Qaeda affiliate—claimed its first-ever attack in Nigeria in October 2025.
According to Phillips, the proximity suggests either operational collaboration or a non-aggression pact between JNIM and the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction. He added that the Woro killings followed a pattern similar to recent attacks in Papiri, Niger State, indicating a continued southward push toward JNIM-dominated zones around the Kainji Reserve.
Between November and December 2025, Phillips said evidence of cooperation between JNIM and Sadiku’s Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction became increasingly clear, with fighters redeployed into JNIM-controlled areas of Kwara, Niger and southern Kebbi.
He also linked JNIM to the kidnapping of Catholic children in Papiri, noting that some victims were held in JNIM camps after an operation executed by Sadiku’s fighters.
Fighters Converge on Kainji Axis
Another security researcher, Raheem Mutiu, confirmed that JNIM fighters have spread across Kaiama, Baruten, Borgu and surrounding communities near the Kainji Forest Reserve.
He noted that these areas were previously controlled by the Mahmuda group, whose influence declined sharply after the arrest of its leader in August 2025.
African conflict researcher James Barnett observed that the extreme brutality of the Woro massacre distinguished Sadiku’s faction from the Mahmudawa group, which had focused largely on preaching and social control, with violence mostly triggered by military operations.
Following the Mahmuda leader’s arrest, Barnett said some fighters defected to Sadiku’s camp, while others fled into Benin Republic, consolidating Boko Haram splinter dominance around the Kainji axis.
A Warning Ignored
Investigations reveal that Woro was warned weeks before the attack.
The village head, Salihu Umar, confirmed receiving a letter written in Hausa and dated 19 Rajab 1447 (January 8), about three weeks before the massacre. Signed by JAS, the letter requested a “secret” meeting with community leaders for preaching purposes and assured residents they would not be harmed.
Umar said he photocopied the letter and submitted it to the Kaiama Emirate, while also forwarding a soft copy to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Kaiama.
The Night of Bloodshed
On the day of the attack, eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived around 5pm on motorcycles, armed with AK-47 rifles and explosives. They surrounded the community, sealing all exit routes.
By 6pm, the attackers stormed the Emir’s palace, dragged out his family and set the building ablaze as gunfire echoed across the town. Residents reported seeing a white helicopter with markings hover briefly over the area before departing without intervention.
Between 6:30pm and 8pm, survivors said the attackers entered what they described as an “execution phase,” rounding up men, tying their hands behind their backs, and killing them systematically.
A military aircraft reportedly reappeared around 8pm, forcing the assailants to retreat into nearby bushes. Believing the danger had passed, some residents emerged around 9pm. The attackers regrouped, used the call to prayer as a decoy to lure people out, and resumed the killings.
The violence finally subsided around 2am, when the terrorists withdrew into the forest, abducting women and children and leaving behind a devastated community.
The controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal deepened on Monday following the reported arrest of the father of the council’s embattled promoter, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The Federal Government has listed the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 10 others as prosecution witnesses.
The arrest of Adeyemi’s father reportedly took place at the family’s residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday. According to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, police officers stormed the residence and took the elderly man into custody.
“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to appear in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.
Eyewitnesses alleged that police officers arrived in four vehicles, prevented neighbours from intervening, and took the elderly man to a police station. A family friend who was visiting the residence was also reportedly arrested, while Adeyemi’s aged mother was left in a state of shock.
The development has sparked concerns among legal practitioners and human rights advocates over the legality of the arrest.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, cautioned against drawing conclusions without knowing the reasons behind the arrest.
“If a person is arrested solely to pressure a suspect to surrender, such an arrest is unlawful,” Osigwe said. “However, if the father is himself a suspect or a person of interest in the investigation, then the law permits his arrest.”
Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sam Erugo, maintained that arresting a parent for an offence allegedly committed by a child is unlawful.
According to Erugo, Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, expressly prohibits arrest by proxy or in lieu of another person.
He, however, urged the Nigeria Police Force to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stressing that the public deserves a clear explanation from the authorities.
The Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the reported arrest as of the time of filing this report.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday one man was killed in front of his shop in the northeastern city of eMalahleni by unidentified criminals.
It gave no more details on the incident, which it said took place on Sunday, June 28 — on a weekend when tensions were building up ahead of nationwide anti-migrant rallies last week.
Vigilantes have attacked foreign nationals and looted foreign-owned shops on numerous occasions in the last few months, as South Africans blame immigrants for problems such as crime and unemployment. Migrant rights groups say foreigners are being used as scapegoats for deep-rooted problems.
Ghana said last week one of its citizens was fatally wounded in a shooting during the anti-immigrant demonstrations. South Africa said his killing was not related to the protests and accused Ghana of spreading misinformation.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks against migrants. Police said they arrested 900 people during last week’s protests.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday: “We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance… against foreigners is not addressed.”
Crime
Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Native Doctor, Others in Intelligence-Led Operation
A coordinated operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard has led to the rescue of a kidnapped man and the arrest of four suspected criminals, including a man allegedly linked to ritual activities connected to the abduction.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the Ette axis of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area following credible information that a young man, identified as Samson Eleje Abah, had been lured into a forest and abducted by suspected criminals.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Forest Guard stormed the location, rescued the victim unharmed, and arrested three suspects identified as Reuben Okwudili, Reuben Gebechukwu Chinoso, and Reuben Emeka.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Forest Guard said further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of John Agbo, a resident of Ofante Egberi in Kogi State, who allegedly travelled to the community to perform ritual activities believed to be connected to the kidnapping. He has also been transferred to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to the agency, preliminary findings, supported by consultations with community leaders, revealed that residents had previously raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities of some of the suspects and had consistently provided intelligence to security agencies.
Community leaders condemned the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat crime. They also announced the imposition of traditional sanctions on the family of the principal suspects in accordance with local customs, stressing that criminality would not be tolerated in the community.
Describing the operation as another major breakthrough in its intelligence-led security campaign, the Forest Guard reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, violent crime, and other security threats across Enugu State.
The Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and swift response.
“We commend our operatives for their professionalism and prompt action in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” Olasoji said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
“The Forest Guard will sustain aggressive patrols and deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu State,” he added.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, stole more than ₦7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in a midnight cyberattack.
Olukoyede made the revelation during the public presentation of two books authored by retired High Court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
According to the EFCC chairman, the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts from her bank account. She told him that about ₦7.2 million—money she had saved over six years for her child’s education—had been fraudulently withdrawn.
He said the commission immediately swung into action and, despite legal restrictions limiting certain investigative activities in the state where the incident occurred, successfully recovered the entire sum before the close of business that same day.
Olukoyede said the incident underscores the increasing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and warned that many people only appreciate its devastating impact after becoming victims.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary and the public to combat internet-related crimes more effectively.
The EFCC boss also urged the National Assembly and legal experts to review existing laws to accommodate the use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations, noting that current legal provisions make it difficult for AI-generated evidence to be admitted in court.
Also speaking at the event, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts to recover stolen public funds traced to foreign countries.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) has cleared former Minister of Labor and Employment Senator Chris Ngige of allegations of ground to the tune of N80 Million.
Ngige was charged on 5 counts of conferring UNDUE advantage to 5 companies said to belong to his Associates and 3 counts of receiving monetary gifts of N38m ,and N42m through his Sen Chris Ngige Foundation Scholarship scheme and Sen Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation respectively.
Recall that on the strength of this matter the former Anambra state Governor was last year remanded at kuje Correction Center for three days and later granted bail.
Sen Ngige pleaded not guilty to the charges and pleads his innocence. Political observers believes the Minister is being witch hunted.
The EFCC prosecution witness at a Federal capital territory Court presided by Justice Marian Hassan again told the court that there was no undue influence,nor interference by the former Minister of Labour & Employment, Senator Dr Chris Ngige during the 12 months period that the NSITF Procurement was domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment between 2021and 2022.
The Procurement activities in the Parastatal’s Tenders board PTB and the Ministerial Tenders Board MTB performed their activities with due process and no hindrance.
The witness; Dr Maduka Onwusoro,now a Permanent Secretary said he served as Director of Procurement in the Labour Ministry 2019 up to 2023,with his Deputy Ms Joyce Akponor who was later deployed to NSITF on their request to man the needs of the various Departments ,collate bids and forward for PTB and MTB awards between 2021 and 2022.
Under Cross Examination by Lead defence Counsel PIN Ikwueto SAN the witness took a look at an Exhibit tendered by the Prosecution, he then affirmed that the approval annotation made on the document were his and affirmed that all the companies recommended and approval by the MTB in the document were done on merit and that there was no UNDUE interference or influence by anyone.
The Ex -Minister was being accused of conferring undue advantage Messrs Zitacom Ltd,Shale Atlantic ,and Olde English Consolidated ltd were on the list with many other companies.
The witness said as overall supervisor of Procurement activities no pressure was brought on him in connection with the 3 companies.
Earlier during his appearance last Thursday the same witness was emphatic that two other Companies Messrs Cezimo Ltd and Jeff & Xris Ltd also passed through due process and got their contracts on merit because there were pre- qualified and gave lowest bids.
Thereafter the defence sought to tender through the Bar some documents which were approvals and directives given to the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation( SGF )and the former Minister, Ngige by the former President Muhammadu Buhari but the Prosecution opposed and pointed out that the certification of the documents by the Federal Ministry of Labour Human Resources Department were not properly done in accordance with a past Supreme Court ruling on certification of documents.
This prompted the defence team to withdraw the application to tender them ,to enable them do the needful.
Thereafter the Judge adjourned the matter to October 14 2026 for further hearing.
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