A kidnapped Israeli national was rescued within 24 hours through a coordinated operation involving Nigerian military forces and Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The incident occurred in the northeastern Taraba State, an area frequently affected by security issues and kidnappings for ransom. The kidnapped Israeli, identified as Gil Itamar, an employee of SCC—an engineering company operating in Nigeria—was freed without violence or ransom payment on April 4. Initial police reports claimed he was kidnapped despite having a military escort, a statement strongly refuted by the Nigerian Army, which clarified that he was traveling alone without security at the time. The rescue was led by the commander of the Nigerian Army's 93rd Battalion, who coordinated closely with local leaders from the communities of Kofai Ahmadu, Apko, and Chanchangi. The Nigerian military attributed the successful rescue to "strategic pressure" applied to village elders and local youth leaders, yielding crucial intelligence. Israeli officials highlighted that rapid coordination significantly improved the chances of the hostage's safe return. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the successful rescue, stating that the citizen was safe and unharmed. (ynetnews.com, 6 April 2025)

At least six police officers were killed and four injured in an attack on a police camp in eastern Garissa County, near the Somali border. The attack, which occurred in the early morning hours, was carried out by suspected al-Shabaab militants from Somalia. According to a police report, the attackers stormed the police reservists' camp around dawn, using various weapons, and managed to overrun the facility. Following the attack, the U.S. Embassy issued an advisory cautioning Americans against traveling to Garissa and other border counties due to ongoing terrorism threats. Al-Shabaab frequently conducts cross-border assaults targeting both military and civilian targets in the region due to Kenya’s past military support for the Somali government.

Islamist militants killed at least 44 civilians and wounded 13 others in an attack targeting a mosque in southwestern Niger. The assault occurred during Friday afternoon prayers in the village of Fombita, located within the rural commune of Kokorou, near the volatile tri-border region shared with Burkina Faso and Mali—an area regarded as the epicenter of jihadist violence in West Africa, linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Niger's defense ministry attributed the massacre to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) Heavily armed militants reportedly surrounded the mosque, where worshippers had gathered for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. After the attack, the militants set ablaze a local market and several homes before fleeing the scene. In response, the government announced three days of national mourning.

Armed individuals intercepted a bus traveling from Addis Ababa to Debre Markos near Ali Doro town in the Degem district, located within the North Shewa zone of the Oromia region. According to witnesses, the gunmen shot the bus tires, forcing it to stop. Subsequently, they forcibly kidnapped at least 56 passengers, subjected them to beatings, and took them to an unknown location. The attackers exchanged gunfire with regional security forces during the incident. A representative from the Felege Ghion bus company confirmed the attack, stating that one driver was shot and numerous passengers, including the driver's assistant, were kidnapped. The current whereabouts of the passengers remain unknown. This incident is part of an alarming pattern of kidnappings in the region. In July 2024, more than 100 university students were kidnapped near Garba Guracha town in the North Shewa zone while traveling from the Amhara region to Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has highlighted a surge in kidnappings, with both insurgent groups and criminal elements targeting civilians for ransom, affecting both the Oromia and Amhara regions. The kidnappings are frequently linked to the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). (allafrica.com, 19 March 2025 & bbc.com, 20 March 2025)

A-Shabab militants stormed the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, located about 335km/ miles 209 miles north of Mogadishu, triggering an ongoing siege. The attack began with a VBIED explosion, followed by gunmen entering the hotel and engaging in fierce clashes with security forces. Police reported at least four fatalities, but eyewitness accounts indicate the death toll has risen to 10. The assault occurred during a meeting of politicians, security officials, and elders discussing an offensive against al-Shabab. Security forces have cornered several attackers inside the hotel. Parts of the hotel have collapsed due to intense fighting. Witnesses described multiple explosions and gunfire as the battle continued. Authorities are organizing medical evacuations to Mogadishu for the wounded.

Security forces stormed the train, ending a day-long standoff with the militants. The military reported that all 33 attackers were killed, along with Security forces successfully stormed the train, ending a day-long standoff with the militants. The military reported that all 33 attackers were killed, along with 23 soldiers, three railway employees and five passengers. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, initially stating they had killed 50 passengers and were holding 214 hostages, mostly security personnel. The group demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours. Rescue efforts were complicated by militants wearing suicide vests among the hostages. The military deployed air and special forces, eliminating the bombers before engaging other insurgents. Survivors reported that militants checked identities, seemingly targeting security personnel. Relatives of passengers questioned the government's preparedness and demanded answers about railway security. The BLA, the largest separatist group in Balochistan, has intensified attacks in recent months, citing grievances over resource distribution and alleged military oppression. In the early morning of March 12, officials confirmed that 190 of the 440 passengers had been rescued and estimated that approximately 150 hostages remained in BLA custody, with an unknown number taken by the militants into the surrounding mountainous terrain. The attack on the Jaffar Express began when militants blew up railway tracks and launched rockets at the nine-car train. . The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, initially stating they had killed 50 passengers and were holding 214 hostages, mostly security personnel. The group demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours. Rescue efforts were complicated by militants wearing suicide vests among the hostages. The military deployed air and special forces, eliminating the bombers before engaging other insurgents. Survivors reported that militants checked identities, seemingly targeting security personnel. Relatives of passengers questioned the government's preparedness and demanded answers about railway security. The BLA, the largest separatist group in Balochistan, has intensified attacks in recent months, citing grievances over resource distribution and alleged military oppression. In the early morning of March 12, officials confirmed that 190 of the 440 passengers had been rescued and estimated that approximately 150 hostages remained in BLA custody, with an unknown number taken by the militants into the surrounding mountainous terrain. The attack on the Jaffar Express began when militants blew up railway tracks and launched rockets at the nine-car train.

Security forces launched a rescue operation after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants attacked a Peshawar-bound passenger train from Quetta near Balochistan’s Bolan district. Reports indicate that the militants, allegedly in contact with foreign facilitators, took passengers hostage, including women and children. The Jaffar Express was targeted in the Dhadar area, prompting an immediate response from security personnel. State media later reported that 80 hostages—43 men, 26 women, and 11 children—were successfully rescued. As the operation continued, security forces killed 13 militants and injured others. The attackers reportedly split into small groups, and injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals. Additional security personnel were deployed to secure the area. The incident began around noon in a remote area. Security forces managed to free some passengers early on, but others were taken into the mountainous terrain, with militants using women and children as human shields. The operation was conducted cautiously to ensure the safety of those involved. Authorities declared an emergency at Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta. Officials reported that the train, carrying over 400 passengers, was halted by armed men outside Tunnel No. 8. A blast was also heard near the tunnel, intensifying the confrontation between security forces and militants. Balochistan has seen a sharp rise in terrorist attacks, with the region experiencing 171 insurgent incidents in 2024—a 119% increase compared to previous years. A security report highlighted that over 95% of Pakistan’s terrorist activity last year was concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, signaling an alarming security trend.

At around 12:00 p.m. local time, militants attacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers from Quetta, the provincial capital, to the northern city of Peshawar. In a statement, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating that its Majid Brigade, Fateh Squad, and Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) carried out the assault, killing six military personnel and taking hundreds of passengers’ hostage while warning against military retaliation. Although the Pakistani military has not yet commented, the provincial spokesperson confirmed that an emergency was declared at a hospital in Sibi, 160 km southeast of Quetta, and reported intense gunfire near Pehro Kunri and Gadalar. This attack, the BLA’s most ambitious to date, occurred just months after train services resumed in October following a previous BLA-claimed attack. Balochistan has long been a battleground between the government and Baloch separatists seeking independence. The region has also witnessed repeated attacks targeting Chinese investments in the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).