A major security breach has hit the Nigerian military after nine soldiers reportedly escaped from a guardroom at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri — headquarters of the Army’s 7 Division.

Military sources said the incident occurred around 2:15am on Monday.

Most of the escapees were said to have been detained for alleged links with Boko Haram and involvement in arms trafficking in the North-East.

“There was a jailbreak on Monday around 0215 hours at Maimalari Cantonment. Nine personnel detained mostly for dealing in arms running with terrorists escaped,” a source, according to some media reports, confirmed.

One of the fugitives has since been recaptured, while a manhunt is underway for the remaining eight.

The military has reportedly launched an internal probe to uncover how the soldiers succeeded in breaking free from the high-security facility.

Meanwhile, a pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group – Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) of Nigeria has condemned the criminal activity of letting out such high value suspects at a time that the nation is gripped by the threats of the United States of America government’s threats to unleash military airstrikes targeting Islamic Terrorists like Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP.

HURIWA believes that if the report is factually accurate, then there is more to it than meets the eyes. It means that there is a high network of conspiratorial plots from the topmost echelons of the command structures and these collaborators and saboteurs of the war on terror must be identified, arrested, prosecuted for treason and jailed for life.

HURIWA tasked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu to take the matter as a high priority case and to go after the escapees just as the commander charged with securing their detention should be immediately suspended and all those who participated in aiding and abetting their disappearances must be arrested and prosecuted for sabotaging the counter terrorism war in Nigeria.

“If this is true, it means that the claims made by the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, of the existence of saboteurs of the war on terror within the Nigeria Army is much deeper than we are all contemplating.”

The Rights group stated that although the Nigerian Army is yet to react to the development at the time the media filed this report, the escapees were alleged to be involved in arms trafficking to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East just as it was gathered that reports of the jailbreak have led to serious concerns within Nigeria’s security sector.

HURIWA expressed disappointment that saboteurs embedded within the nation’s military circles orchestrated the ugly development just few days after President Bola Tinubu appointed new service chiefs as a way to pass a message that they are invincible but the civil rights advocacy group stated that allowing these important and strategic suspects who sabotaged the war on terror to escape without being caught on time, it therefore means that there is the urgency of the moment to review the entire spectrum of military operations against Boko Haram terrorists given that their informants and suppliers of weapons have successfully penetrated the military institution, which is a very big shame.

“When we call for heads to roll, we truly mean that many bad eggs must be immediately weeded out of the Army given that they are actually undermining the National security of the corporate entity of Nigeria. It is time for a transparent overhauling of the security operations against terrorists in the country.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to viral photos showing his sons accompanying him on local and foreign trips, saying he has the right to carry them along.

He argued that his sons, as master’s degree holders, need the exposure.

“What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel? Let the FCT say where they paid ₦1.

“What official matter? Did they sign any document? It doesn’t need to be a personal trip.

“What’s wrong? So, I can travel with anybody from the FCT. I can travel with anybody in Nigeria. I have that right.

“Oh, come on, they have to know how Nigeria is. They have to learn about government,” Wike said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

Asked whether he was teaching them to become politicians, he said, “No, that’s not correct. My first son is a lawyer. He said, ‘No, I’m not going to practice. I want to be a farmer.’

“I said, ‘What do you mean by this? He said, ‘No, this is what I want to do.’ I said, ‘Okay’. What do you do?

“They’ve gone for training in Spain. They’ve gone for training in Lisbon.

“My second son finished from King’s College — a master’s degree in Economics. He said he wants to be in real estate.”

The former Rivers State governor also said he is happy that his sons behave responsibly and give him comfort.

“I’m so happy that I have children who have given me comfort, who have not given me problems.

“Assuming they were somewhere smoking. You would have said, ‘Oh, look at these children now. Who are they? I will not travel with my enemy’s children,” he added.

Wike has been spotted with his sons at official events, including the commissioning of projects in the FCT.

Last week, he was criticised by some Nigerians for taking them to a summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

By Eric Elezuo

Atlanta based Eko Club has partnered the Hon Seyi Jakande-led government of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area to provide medical solutions to the teeming residents of the council.

The outreach, which is holding at the premises of the Council, attracted thousands of residents, who trooped out to receive free medical attention and concerning various ailments and challenges.

In his address at the meet, the Council Chairman, Hon Jakande expressed satisfaction at the collaboration with Eko Club, who came all the way from Atlanta for the humanitarian gesture.

“What we are witnessing today is a promise fulfilled in connection to our ‘HEWA’ agenda. It is the beginning of more beautiful things to come as we promised the residents during our campaign.

“I appreciate members of the Eko Club, who have taken it upon themselves to arrange the logistics for this affair,” Jakande said.

Responding, the Chairman person of the Eko Club Atlanta, Hon. Wunmi Isiotan, noted that the outreach is a beacon of hope for those in need, informing that the Club is equipped to cater for as many that will turn out for the outreach.

Below is her full speech:

“Good morning, Honorable Chairman, Honorable Councilors, community leaders, citizens of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, esteemed guests, and members of the press.

“Today, we, the members of Eko Club Atlanta and our dedicated volunteers, gather with a shared commitment to improving healthcare and wellbeing in our communities.

“Our medical mission outreach is a beacon of hope for those in need, and we are honored to have you all here to witness its kick-off.

“Over the next few days, our team of dedicated medical professionals will provide critical healthcare services to thousands of individuals in Lagos State, starting with Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye today. Tomorrow, November 4th, 2025, we’ll be hosted by the Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Hon. Segun Odunbaku, at the NIJ Compound in Ogba.

“On Wednesday, November 5th, we will be crossing over to Lagos Island to continue our outreach at the Elegbata Sport Complex, graciously hosted by the Iyalaje of Holloway Market Oke-Arin, Rotarian Chief Mrs. Ogundele.

“Our mission is to bridge gaps in healthcare access and empower communities through quality medical care. I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Seyi Jakande, for partnering with us, and to all our other sponsors, partners, and volunteers. Your support makes this mission possible.

“To the people of Lagos State, we’re here for you. We’ll listen, care, and provide the best possible treatment. This mission is about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a healthier future. Join us on this journey of compassion and service. Thank you, and

“God bless you all.”

Responding, the Vice President of Eko Club Atlanta, Mr. Wale Jafojo, reiterated the club’s mandate to see to the wellbeing of Lagosians for a start for the impressive corporate social responsibility, noting that no one will be left behind.

Among personalities present at the event were President of Eko Club Atlanta, Hon Deji Abisoye, Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Council executives, top hierarchy of Eko Club Atlanta, Chairman and members of All Progressives Congress at the council level, Chairman, House Committee on Health and others.

The outreach continues in other locations of Lagos State all through the week.