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Borno Attacks: “Are We Now Back to the Bad Old Days?” – Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III Queries
The Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is also the leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of bomb attacks in Borno State, raising fears that the country may be slipping back into a period many believed was over.
The monarch voiced his concerns on Wednesday night at the Sultan’s Palace shortly after announcing the sighting of the new moon marking the end of Ramadan and declaring Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr. This was contained in a press statement issued by the Sultan’s media team on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Speaking in his capacity as President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the Sultan condemned the renewed wave of attacks in strong terms and called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward ending terrorism and insurgency.
He stressed that the redeployment of military and security leadership must not be routine, but should involve decisive and proactive strategies aimed at confronting terrorists at their strongholds.
According to the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, security operations must be result-oriented.
“Relocation of Army and other security chiefs should not be ceremonial. Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Do not wait for them to strike before defending or seeking remedies. This must be done so that, as a nation, we can achieve lasting peace,” he said.
The Sultan reiterated his condemnation of the attacks, urging the military and intelligence agencies to step up efforts in tackling insurgency decisively.
“We condemn this new wave of bomb attacks in the strongest terms and call on security agencies to intensify efforts in nipping terrorism and insurgency in the bud,” he added.
He also reaffirmed that such acts of violence are un-Islamic and should not be linked to the religion, emphasizing that Islam does not support the killing of innocent people.
“We have always condemned these acts. They are un-Islamic and must not be associated with Islam. Government must demonstrate the political will required to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and eliminate criminal elements across the country,” he stated.
The Sultan noted that while communities may not always identify the perpetrators, they remain committed to promoting peace, unity, and moral values, while urging the government to fulfill its responsibility of protecting lives and property.
He emphasized that decisive action is necessary to restore peace and stability nationwide.
The Sultan concluded by extending condolences to the government and people of Borno State, the Kanem-Borno Emirate, and families of victims affected by the attacks. He prayed for the repose of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
A traditional ruler in Nigeria has taken major steps to strengthen security within his domain by acquiring a surveillance drone and recruiting 118 security personnel amid rising concerns over safety.
The monarch announced the initiative as part of a broader strategy to tackle criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other threats affecting residents. According to sources within the community, the newly recruited personnel will work alongside existing local vigilante groups and security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
The deployment of a drone is expected to significantly improve surveillance capabilities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as forests and rural boundaries, often used by criminal elements as hideouts.
Community leaders have welcomed the move, describing it as a proactive and technology-driven approach to addressing insecurity. They noted that the combination of manpower and modern equipment could help deter crime and restore confidence among residents.
Security experts say the initiative reflects a growing trend where traditional institutions and local authorities are stepping in to complement government efforts in combating insecurity across various parts of the country.
While the development has been widely praised, some observers have also called for proper coordination with official security agencies to ensure accountability and prevent overlaps in operations.
The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that the safety of his people remains his top priority.
Uber has announced plans to invest up to $1.25 billion in electric vehicle maker Rivian as part of a major push into the fast-growing robotaxi market.
The deal will see Uber and its partners initially acquire about 10,000 fully autonomous vehicles based on Rivian’s upcoming R2 model, with an option to expand the fleet to as many as 50,000 units in the coming years.
The partnership is expected to roll out its first robotaxi services in cities such as San Francisco and Miami starting in 2028, with a broader expansion planned across up to 25 cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe by 2031.
Uber’s investment will be made over several years and is tied to Rivian achieving key milestones in autonomous driving technology. The company has committed an initial $300 million, with additional funding dependent on progress toward full self-driving capabilities.
The move marks a significant step in Uber’s strategy to position itself as a central platform for autonomous ride-hailing services, despite not developing its own self-driving technology. Instead, the company is partnering with multiple firms to build a large-scale robotaxi network.
For Rivian, the agreement represents a major boost as it expands beyond electric trucks and SUVs into autonomous mobility. The collaboration is also expected to accelerate the development of advanced driverless systems and strengthen its presence in the competitive electric vehicle market.
Industry analysts say the partnership highlights intensifying competition in the global robotaxi race, as companies invest heavily in autonomous technology to shape the future of transportation.
A drone has struck a major oil refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, as Iran intensifies retaliatory attacks across the Gulf following recent Israeli strikes on its energy infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the drone hit the SAMREF refinery, a key facility on the Red Sea coast capable of processing about 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Authorities said the impact caused limited damage and no casualties, though the full extent of the disruption is still being assessed.
The attack comes as part of a broader wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting critical oil and gas infrastructure across the region, including facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
The escalation follows an earlier Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field; one of the world’s largest, prompting Tehran to retaliate against energy assets it considers linked to its adversaries.
Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted additional incoming threats aimed at the Yanbu port, highlighting the scale of the coordinated assault.
Despite the attack, oil loading operations at Yanbu have resumed after a temporary suspension, suggesting that the damage may not significantly affect Saudi export capacity in the short term.
However, the strike has heightened fears of wider disruption to global energy supplies. Brent crude prices have surged above $115 per barrel, reflecting growing concerns about instability in one of the world’s most critical oil-producing regions.
Analysts warn that continued attacks on energy infrastructure could trigger prolonged supply shocks, further driving up fuel prices and increasing the risk of a broader regional conflict