No fewer than 37 students are still missing following Monday’s terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, parents of the affected children have said.

The attack occurred while students were writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, leaving two teachers dead and several students abducted.

Earlier, the Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed that troops, supported by air assets, rescued 10 victims unhurt during a rescue operation.

He also confirmed that a soldier and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed while engaging the attackers in the Daggu area of the local government.

However, parents of the students said many children remain unaccounted for despite the rescue efforts.

One of the parents, Mr. Mbula Bura, whose 19-year-old daughter, Esther, was abducted during the attack, said the Borno State Government had opened a register for families to report missing persons.

According to him, 37 students have so far been officially registered as missing.

“Parents who could not find their children were invited to come and register. I discovered that 37 names have been registered so far as missing. My 19-year-old daughter, Esther Mbula, is still missing. She is in SS2,” he said.

Another parent, Emmanuel Dari, said his 16-year-old daughter, Lucy Emmanuel, who is also in SS2, was among those abducted from the classroom.

“My daughter was in the classroom when the terrorists took them away. Since yesterday, we have not been able to sleep.

“When I heard about the attack, we were confused. Later, I became happy when I heard about the rescue. However, when I got there, neither my daughter nor many other parents’ children could be found,” he said.

Dari disclosed that a delegation from the Borno State Government, led by the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, visited the community to assess the situation and meet with affected families.

“The state Commissioner for Education is currently here. They came to see us and assess the situation,” he added.

A resident of Lassa, Bitrus Milnda, also confirmed that two of his relatives were among those abducted during the attack.

“Two victims, both related to me on my mother’s side, were abducted. Their names are Martha Wajau and Abori Ujulu. They are both in SS1,” he said.

The attack has thrown the community into panic, with families anxiously awaiting news about their missing children.

Efforts to obtain an official update from the Borno State Government were unsuccessful, as the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of schools in the North-East and the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region.

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The terrorist group Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government over hundreds of abducted persons in Borno State.

In a video released on Monday, the group warned against any attempt to rescue the victims through military action, stating that such a move could complicate efforts to secure their release.

The insurgents claimed responsibility for the abduction of over 400 individuals, including women and children, and indicated that the victims could be relocated if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.

Although the full details of their demands were not disclosed in the video, local sources involved in mediation efforts said the group had earlier requested a ransom running into billions of naira.

The message, delivered in Hausa and translated into English, also suggested the group is prepared for confrontation if authorities pursue a forceful rescue operation.

President of the Borno South Youths Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed that communication had been established with the insurgents during ongoing mediation efforts.

He called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Kaigama appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to prioritise efforts aimed at resolving the situation.

Security analysts say the development highlights the persistent security challenges in the North-East region and underscores the need for coordinated intelligence and rescue strategies.

The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.

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The Nigerian government has defended the recent airstrike on Jilli, a border community between Yobe and Borno states, insisting the operation was deliberate and targeted at terrorist elements, not civilians.

The Presidency said intelligence reports had long identified the area, commonly referred to as Jilli Market, as a major operational base for insurgent groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Senior presidential aide Tope Ajayi described the location as a “legitimate military target,” arguing that it had evolved from a civilian trading hub into a logistics and coordination centre for insurgents.

The airstrike, carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI on April 11, has sparked widespread concern following reports of civilian casualties.

However, the Yobe State Government backed the Federal Government’s position, maintaining that the operation was intelligence-driven and intentional.

In a statement issued by Dahiru Abdulsalam, security adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, authorities insisted the strike was aimed at dismantling a known terrorist enclave in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

“It must be clearly stated that the airstrike was not a mistake,” the statement noted, even as it acknowledged that some civilians, including traders from Geidam in Yobe State, were inadvertently affected.

Injured victims were reportedly evacuated to medical facilities for treatment.

The Presidency also responded sharply to criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had questioned the operation and raised concerns over civilian deaths.

Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare described Atiku’s remarks as “misleading and detrimental,” warning that such comments could undermine military morale and embolden insurgents.

He argued that referring to the location purely as a civilian marketplace misrepresented its current status, insisting it had become part of the insurgents’ supply chain network.

Despite the official stance, calls for an independent investigation have continued to grow.

Former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan expressed concern over reports that more than 100 civilians may have been killed, urging a transparent probe into the incident.

Lawan said the victims deserve justice and called on authorities to provide medical support for survivors and compensation for affected families.

Similarly, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi condemned the loss of civilian lives, stressing the need for improved military capacity and coordination.

He noted that such incidents often reflect operational challenges, including gaps in intelligence coordination and limitations in defence equipment.

Obi urged the Federal Government to invest in modern military hardware, enhance training for personnel, and strengthen collaboration among security agencies to prevent future occurrences.

The incident has once again highlighted the delicate balance between aggressive counter-insurgency operations and the protection of civilian lives in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.

While the government maintains that the strike was justified, public scrutiny is likely to intensify as more details emerge.

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The United States has praised the Nigerian government for securing 386 convictions in terrorism-related cases, describing the development as a major step toward strengthening justice and accountability in the country’s fight against insurgency.

The commendation was delivered by Massad Boulos, who highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate long-delayed terrorism trials and reinforce the rule of law.

According to the U.S. official, the convictions mark a significant milestone in addressing cases that had stalled within the judicial system, noting that swift and transparent legal processes remain critical in tackling extremism and restoring public trust.

The latest development follows disclosures by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who confirmed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi explained that aside from the convictions, eight suspects were discharged, two were acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of the trials.

He noted that the proceedings, which ran from April 7 to April 10, involved over 500 suspects arraigned under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, with 10 judges presiding over the cases despite the Easter vacation period.

The minister added that the outcomes reflect the government’s commitment to due process, stressing that the inclusion of acquittals and discharges underscores adherence to judicial fairness.

The next phase of the trials has already been scheduled for mid-June, as authorities continue efforts to clear pending terrorism-related cases.

The U.S. government also emphasised that upholding the rule of law remains essential for ensuring long-term security and stability in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to face threats from extremist groups.

The commendation comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape, with global partners closely monitoring efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen institutional accountability.

In 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing concerns over violence linked to extremist activities.

However, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected the classification, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are driven by broader criminality and insurgency rather than targeted religious persecution.

Analysts say the latest convictions could help improve Nigeria’s global image and demonstrate progress in addressing terrorism through legal and institutional frameworks.

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No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead after an airstrike hit a busy weekly market at Jilli Market, along the border of Borno State and Yobe State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, also left several others injured, with victims receiving treatment at a hospital in Geidam.

Residents said the strike happened during peak trading hours, when the market was crowded with buyers and sellers from nearby communities.

Sources indicated that the airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to have been operating in the area. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target and hit civilians instead.

An eyewitness said explosions rang out shortly after fighter jets were sighted over the area.

According to the source, at least 56 bodies were counted at the scene, with fears that the death toll could rise as more victims are recovered.

The witness added that several injured persons were evacuated to a medical facility in Geidam for urgent treatment.

Local authorities also confirmed the incident, though casualty figures varied.

A ward councillor in the area said more than 20 injured victims were admitted to the hospital, with some later succumbing to their injuries, pushing the death toll higher.

The Special Adviser on Security to the Yobe State Governor confirmed that the incident occurred around the border community but noted that the affected location falls within Borno State.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force on the incident.

The market, which serves as a major trading hub, attracts people from several surrounding communities, making it particularly busy on market days.

Residents said panic broke out as the strikes continued, forcing traders and buyers to flee in different directions.

The development has raised fresh concerns over civilian safety during military operations in conflict-affected regions.

Security analysts have repeatedly stressed the need for improved intelligence and precision in operations targeting insurgent groups, especially in areas where civilian activities are ongoing.

The latest incident is likely to intensify calls for accountability and clearer operational safeguards to prevent civilian casualties in future operations.

Further details are expected as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the strike.

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The United States military has confirmed the deployment of a small team of troops to Nigeria to support efforts against Boko Haram, banditry and other terrorist threats, marking the first official acknowledgement of US forces on Nigerian soil since recent American airstrikes.

The confirmation came from General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), who spoke to journalists during a briefing in Dakar. He said the deployment followed bilateral discussions in which both countries agreed that stronger action was needed to address rising insecurity in West Africa.

According to Anderson, the decision has led to increased cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, including the deployment of a limited US military team with specialised capabilities.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” he said, without disclosing the size or specific mandate of the force.

The deployment follows airstrikes ordered by former US President Donald Trump in December, which he said targeted Islamic State elements operating in Nigeria. Trump had also warned that further military action could follow.

Reuters had earlier reported that the US military had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November, suggesting heightened monitoring of militant activity in the region.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), confirmed that a US team was currently operating in the country but declined to give further operational details.

A former US official familiar with the situation said the American personnel were largely focused on intelligence gathering and providing support that enables Nigerian forces to carry out operations against terrorist-linked groups.

The development comes amid increasing pressure from Washington, following accusations by Trump that Nigeria had failed to adequately protect Christian communities from Islamist militants, particularly in the northwest. The Nigerian government has rejected claims of systematic persecution, maintaining that security forces are targeting armed groups that attack both Christians and Muslims.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks in recent months, targeting military convoys and civilian populations. While the northeast remains the historic base of the insurgency, the northwest has emerged as a major hotspot for terrorist violence and banditry.

AFRICOM also disclosed that a recent US-coordinated strike in Sokoto State, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, killed several Islamic State fighters. The strike, the command said, was part of broader efforts to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups threatening regional stability.

The US military presence highlights growing international concern over Nigeria’s security challenges, as militant violence continues to spread across parts of the country more than 17 years after the Boko Haram insurgency began.

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Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has denied supporting bandit groups in northern Nigeria, insisting his involvement is strictly humanitarian and aimed at peacebuilding.

His statement comes amid renewed kidnappings, school closures, and heightened Federal Government security measures across the region.

Speaking on Frontline on Eagle 102.5 FM, Gumi defended recent calls for his arrest, emphasizing that he is a peacemaker, not a spokesman for armed groups.

“I am absolutely a peacemaker. I don’t want bloodshed. Nigerians often forget that our military personnel also risk their lives daily. We recently lost a Brigadier General in a Boko Haram operation,” Gumi said.

He highlighted the influence of international networks supporting terrorist activities and warned against misrepresenting the crisis as a religious conflict. “There is no Christian-Muslim war in Nigeria. Anyone pushing that narrative is misinforming the public,” he added.

Gumi explained that many armed herders lack legitimate channels to express grievances, which can drive violent confrontations. “Understanding their side is the only way to propose a cure,” he said, stressing dialogue as the only sustainable solution.

He defended his visits to bandit camps, saying they were conducted under the knowledge and invitation of government authorities, including Zamfara State officials, to hear grievances and facilitate peace.

The cleric also called for structured amnesty programs similar to those in the Niger Delta to encourage bandits to surrender and integrate peacefully. He recommended phased ranching projects and model grazing routes to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers.

Gumi cautioned against foreign military involvement, emphasizing that Nigeria must resolve its security challenges internally. He clarified that his interventions are not financially motivated, saying, “If I wanted money, I would join politics. I am a medical doctor and former military captain; I do not need money from this.”

Sheikh Gumi’s statements underline a growing call for dialogue, structured reintegration programs, and local solutions as Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity in the north.

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President Bola Tinubu has come under renewed pressure to confront escalating insecurity as two major incidents, the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno, have sparked nationwide concern over the country’s security architecture.

While reacting to the events on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the mounting anxiety across the country, describing the tragedies as distressing and calling them a reminder of the “urgent need for decisive action.”

In a message posted on X, the President said he was “depressed” by the loss of military personnel and the abduction of students, promising accelerated efforts to retrieve the victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Kebbi school attack occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, killing a staff member before abducting 25 students.

Police said the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, breached the school fence and escaped before reinforcements could arrive, raising questions about response time and the vulnerability of rural schools.

The incident revives grim memories of the 2014 Chibok abduction, which triggered global outrage but failed to halt a pattern of student kidnappings that has since spread across several northern states.

Compounding public frustration was the military’s conflicting communication regarding the fate of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was ambushed alongside his troops by ISWAP fighters two days earlier.

Initial claims by the Army suggested the General was safe and that no soldiers had been killed; however, ISWAP later released photos confirming his capture and execution, forcing a reversal of the earlier military statement.

Security analysts say the contradictory accounts have further eroded public confidence and highlight coordination gaps within the system.

Tinubu, acknowledging the growing unrest, directed security agencies to act with “urgency, clarity, and decisive action,” insisting that violent groups will face the full force of the state. He also urged communities to share information that could help in protecting schools and preventing further attacks.

With the schoolgirls still missing and security personnel among the casualties, the latest incidents underscore a broader pattern of renewed extremist activity in several regions. Stakeholders warn that without strengthened intelligence networks and community partnerships, rescue operations may become more difficult — and more frequent.

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The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a fresh travel advisory cautioning British nationals against visiting six Nigerian states due to escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings.

The affected states are Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara, where threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa remain high, particularly around transport hubs, religious sites, and public gatherings.

The advisory also recommends avoiding all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and the outer suburbs of Abuja.

British nationals were advised to exercise extreme caution, monitor local media, avoid protests or large gatherings, and follow instructions from local authorities.

The FCDO highlighted risks across Nigeria’s North-East, South-East, South-South, and South-West regions, citing active militant groups, secessionist activity, and rising violent crime in major cities including Lagos.

The advisory notes that while foreign nationals are not usually specifically targeted, travelers could be caught in attacks or criminal incidents.

Residents and visitors in the North-East, particularly in Maiduguri, were warned that worsening security could make leaving the city extremely difficult.

The FCDO emphasizes the importance of contingency planning and heightened vigilance for anyone traveling to affected areas.

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PFN President Urges Tinubu to Work With Trump to End Christian Killing

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has called on President Bola Tinubu to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump in addressing what he described as an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, Oke said the scale of attacks on Christian communities across northern and central Nigeria could no longer be denied.

“There is Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no other name to call it. No Christian group is attacking Muslims. The patience of the church is being stretched,” he stated.

The cleric cited incidents such as the killing of Deborah Samuel, the abduction of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls, and multiple assaults in Benue, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Owo, Niger, and Plateau States as evidence of widespread violence targeting Christians.

He explained that the perpetrators were radical groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, not the Muslim community, adding that their violent campaigns had cost hundreds of innocent lives, including pastors and worshippers.

Oke commended President Trump for his outspokenness on the issue, recalling that he previously listed Nigeria among countries of concern over religious persecution. However, he stressed that diplomatic cooperation — not confrontation — remained the best path forward.

“President Tinubu should ask for the cooperation of President Trump instead of opposing him. The President should root out radical groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. Work together so Nigerians can live in peace,” he said.

He urged the Tinubu administration to take decisive action to protect citizens regardless of faith, noting that while the current government inherited the insecurity challenges, it must not allow them to persist.

“Government should not play politics with this matter. It is a cancer that needs urgent attention,” Oke added.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu is currently holding consultations with religious leaders following Trump’s recent threat of possible military action over alleged human rights abuses in Nigeria.

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