The Nigerian Army has intensified its counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East with a successful aerial reconnaissance and clearance operation in the notorious Sambisa Forest, resulting in the neutralization of several Boko Haram terrorists and the destruction of weapons intended for large-scale attacks.

The operation, which took place on Monday, May 13, 2025, was part of Operation HADIN KAI, the ongoing military campaign aimed at eradicating terrorist elements from the region. According to a statement posted on the verified Nigerian Army Facebook page, troops identified enemy positions around Garin Baaba during an aerial surveillance mission.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in their continued efforts to flush out terrorists from the Sambisa Forest, conducted aerial reconnaissance which led to the identification of enemy positions at Garin Baaba,” the statement read.

Following the reconnaissance, ground troops engaged the terrorists in a swift and coordinated attack, leading to the elimination of several Boko Haram fighters. The operation also led to the recovery of arms and ammunition believed to have been stockpiled for major attacks.

Among the recovered items were bomb containers for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), various Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and pressure plates, typically used in the assembly of deadly roadside bombs.

The Army confirmed that its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams successfully neutralized the threat by detonating the explosives on-site, ensuring safety for advancing troops and nearby communities.

“Clearance operations in the area are ongoing,” the Army added, signaling a continued military presence in the area to prevent regrouping by terrorist factions.

Sambisa Forest, once a stronghold of Boko Haram, has been the focus of sustained military campaigns in recent years. This latest operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s resolve to maintain pressure on insurgent groups and restore security to affected regions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly sent a letter of invitation to former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over allegations of naira abuse and financial misconduct.

Sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that the letter was delivered earlier this week, and the Commission is currently awaiting Tompolo’s response.

The sources clarified that the invitation is procedural and not an arrest warrant but stressed the EFCC’s expectation of his cooperation.

“An invitation letter has been sent to Tompolo,” one source told Sahara Reporters.

The development follows public outrage over a viral video that emerged in April showing Tompolo celebrating what appeared to be his 54th birthday.

In the video, which trended widely on social media platform X, Tompolo was seen dancing while being sprayed with bundles of ₦1,000 notes.

The EFCC came under heavy criticism after the footage surfaced, with Nigerians accusing the agency of double standards.

Many pointed out that while celebrities like Bobrisky, E-Money, Iyabo Ojo, and comedian AY had faced interrogation or prosecution for similar offences, Tompolo appeared to have been ignored.

Politics Nigeria

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has raised alarm regarding reports that over 75% of Nigerian-bound imported goods are being offloaded in the Benin Republic.

The Speaker raised the alarm while addressing a delegation of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) at his office on Wednesday, according to a statement by his media aide, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.

He called for reforms in the Nigerian economy to address bottlenecks in the import and export chain in the maritime sector.

“Speaker Abbas raised the alarm over reports that countries are avoiding shipment to Nigeria, noting that some reports indicate over 75 percent of imported goods offloaded in the Benin Republic are actually meant for Nigerian destinations,” the statement partly reads.

At the meeting with PEBEC, the Speaker decried that Nigeria is losing huge revenue to neighboring West African countries due to administrative issues at the borders.