By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered 50 armoured fighting vehicles to support security agencies in ongoing operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

Speaking while inspecting the first batch of the vehicles at the Government House in Lokoja, the governor said the acquisition is part of his administration’s efforts to enhance security and protect lives and property.

Ododo said the deployment of the vehicles would improve the operational capacity of security personnel, particularly in vulnerable communities facing security threats.The governor disclosed that he recently briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation in Kogi State and received support to intensify efforts against criminal activities.

According to him, security operatives recently repelled attacks by armed groups in parts of the state, while one suspected criminal kingpin, identified as Batijo, was reportedly killed during security operations.

Ododo said he visited Iluke community to assess security challenges firsthand and emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent future attacks. He noted that intelligence reports suggest some criminal groups are adopting more sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance.

The governor commended the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and other security personnel for their efforts in combating crime. “We have ordered 50 armoured fighting vehicles. The first batch of five has been delivered, while additional units will arrive in the coming weeks,” he said.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity and reiterated its policy against negotiating with or paying ransom to kidnappers and bandits.

By IHR Media Monitoring Team

The return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia has reached its 44th flight, raising concerns over the pace and scheduling of operations by participating airlines.

According to an update by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) Media Monitoring Team, while the outbound airlift commenced on May 3 and concluded on May 21, the return phase appears to be progressing at a slower and more staggered pace, prompting calls for improved coordination.

The report noted that Flynas is currently transporting pilgrims who departed Nigeria on May 13, while Max Air is still handling pilgrims from the May 9 outbound group and requires six additional flights to clear that batch before advancing to later schedules.

Similarly, UMZA Aviation is said to be processing pilgrims who travelled on May 11, with three more flights needed to complete that category before moving to May 13 passengers. Air Peace is also reportedly operating on the May 11 batch and requires four additional flights to clear both May 11 and May 12 pilgrims before progressing further.

The monitoring group observed that the current sequencing of flights suggests a backlog in the return operations compared to the outbound phase, which was completed within a shorter timeframe.

It stressed the need for a review of the scheduling framework and closer comparison with the outbound airlift records to ensure a more efficient and timely return of pilgrims.

The group further recommended improved coordination among airlines and relevant authorities to avoid delays and ensure that the exercise is concluded within the expected operational window.

The monitoring team said effective planning remains essential to ensure smooth logistics for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims returning from the Holy Land.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria, has issued a security alert alleging planned attacks on Christian communities in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Southern Borno State, particularly Dille and Lassa districts, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement dated June 11, 2026, Rev. Dikwa alleged that terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, are planning coordinated attacks before, during and after the elections, similar to past incidents in parts of the state, including Gwoza in 2014, which led to displacement of residents.

He further claimed that the planned attacks could involve the burning of houses belonging to prominent individuals and churches previously rebuilt after earlier violence, as well as killings and further displacement of residents.

According to him, the attackers may disguise themselves in civilian JTF or military-style uniforms to create confusion and appear as security personnel. He also alleged that Chibok and Hawul Local Government Areas could remain under similar threat.

Rev. Dikwa also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate responses from some local leaders, alleging that warnings are sometimes dismissed or misinterpreted instead of being acted upon.

He further claimed that international attention had been drawn to the activities of terrorist groups in Nigeria following information he said was shared with foreign authorities, while also alleging that the Federal Government was attempting to downplay the situation.

The cleric called for stronger preventive action to address insecurity in affected communities and expressed hope that urgent intervention would stop what he described as continued threats against residents.

He signed the statement as Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria and provided contact telephone numbers.

Security agencies had not issued an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.