Latest Developments In The Gaza Ceasefire

Hamas handed over the 20 surviving Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in two separate groups, as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel for a trip which will also take him to Egypt, where he will co-host a Gaza summit with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The following are the latest key developments:

Hostage-prisoner exchange

Vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) arrive in the south of Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip to receive the second batch of hostages expected to be released, on October 13, 2025. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)

The Gaza peace deal hinges on both sides adhering to an agreement to exchange hostages seized from Israel in Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

The initial stage of the ceasefire deal includes the release of 47 Israeli living and dead hostages taken on October 7, 2023 in exchange for 250 prisoners and 1,700 Gazans held by Israel since the war broke out.

Hamas is also expected to hand over the remains of a soldier killed in 2014 during a previous Gaza war.

Israel’s public broadcaster reported Hamas handed over all 20 surviving Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives with a second group of 13 hostages transferred in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, the broadcaster said.

Hamas’s armed wing on Monday published a list of 20 names, and shortly afterwards militants handed over the first seven hostages to Red Cross representatives in Gaza City.

People hold placards during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, outside the Israeli Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv on January 18, 2025, a day before a ceasefire approved by Israel and Hamas is set to take effect. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP).

The Israeli army later confirmed the first group were in their custody.

Israel’s foreign ministry posted on X, identifying the first group of released captives as Guy Gilboa Dalal, Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Gali and Ziv Berman and Omri Miran.

Hamas had until a midday (0900 GMT) deadline to release the living hostages under the terms of the ceasefire agreement proposed by Trump.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson said the Palestinian detainees would be “released once Israel has confirmation that all of our hostages set to be released tomorrow are across the border into Israel”.

Israel does not expect all of the dead hostages to be returned on Monday.

“Our struggle is not over. It will not end until the last hostage is located and returned for proper burial,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

Gaza summit

File Photo of US President Donald Trump and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi/AFP

Trump and Sisi will chair the Gaza summit of more than 20 world leaders on Monday in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh.

The US leader arrived in Israel aboard Air Force One ahead of the meet Monday, to be greeted on the red carpet at Ben Gurion airport by Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, before travelling on to give a speech at Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.

The gathering aims “to end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and usher in a new era of regional security and stability”, the Egyptian president’s office said.

On Sunday, the Egyptian foreign ministry said a “document ending the war in the Gaza Strip” was expected to be signed during the “historic” gathering.

According three diplomatic sources, mediators the US, Egypt, Qatar and likely Turkey would sign a guarantee document during the summit.

But neither of the warring parties will attend, with Netanyahu’s office saying no Israeli officials would take part, following earlier confirmation from Hamas that it would not send representatives.

Among those expected to attend are UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Canada will also be represented by its Prime Minister Mark Carney, while Macron said Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas would be present.

Egypt has said 21 nations will take part, with representation also expected from the EU and Arab League, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan, Indonesia, India and Germany, among others.

Iran said Monday that neither its President Masoud Pezeshkian nor foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will attend, after confirming that it received an invitation.

Hamas post-war role

Palestinians make their way past destroyed buildings in Gaza City on October 12, 2025. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to a devastated Gaza City, after an Israel-Hamas ceasefire came into effect, and as both sides discuss implementing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war, which calls for Hamas’ disarmament and for the group not to be involved in running post-war Gaza. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)

A Hamas source close to the group’s negotiating committee told AFP on Sunday that it would not participate in governing post-war Gaza.

The source, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the Islamist movement has “relinquished control of the Strip”, but stressed it “remains a fundamental part of the Palestinian fabric”.

“Hamas agrees to a long-term truce, and for its weapons not to be used at all during this period, except in the event of an Israeli attack on Gaza,” the source said.

Another Hamas official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, earlier told AFP the militant group’s disarmament was “out of the question”.

Aid heads for Gaza

Palestinians make their way to Gaza City through the so-called “Netzarim corridor” from Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on October 11, 2025. Photo by EYAD BABA / AFP

More than 200 trucks carrying aid destined for Gaza, including six diesel fuel trucks and five carrying cooking gas, were unloaded on Sunday at the Kerem Shalom crossing with the Palestinian territory, according to an AFP reporter who also saw the empty vehicles return to the Egyptian side.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians poured back into a shattered Gaza City on Saturday, a day after the guns fell silent.

VIDEO: Amupitan As INEC Chair Best Appointment Tinubu Has Ever Made – Okutepa

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has praised the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as the best appointment President Bola Tinubu has made.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okutepa said that Professor Amupitan possesses considerable credibility and integrity to lead the electoral body following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.

The senior lawyer, however, advised the professor of law not to allow himself to be corrupted, urging him to restore Nigerians’ trust in INEC.

Watch the video below:

Cardoso Leads Nigeria’s Delegation To World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings In Washington

The Governor of the Central Bank, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meeting in Washington DC, which opens on Monday, October 13.

This was disclosed in a statement by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, made available to Channels Television.

According to the statement, Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who is indisposed.

The Nigerian team will also comprise the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.

According to the World Bank, key elements of the Annual Meetings include the Development Committee Plenary session on October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee meetings on October 17.

Tinubu Jets To Rome For Counter-Terrorism Meeting

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday departed Abuja for Rome, the capital of Italy, to participate in the Aqaba Process heads of state and government level meeting.

Disclosing this in a statement, presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the Aqaba Process meeting is a counter-terrorism initiative launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015.

It is co–chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Italian government which focuses on security crisis in West Africa.

“The meeting, which will begin on October 14, will bring together heads of state and government, senior intelligence and military officials from African countries, and representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations to discuss the evolving security challenges in West Africa,” Onanuga stated.

“It recognises the complex security challenges confronting West Africa, including the expansion of terrorist networks, the growing crime-terror nexus and the increasing overlap between land-based terrorism in the Sahel and the maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.”

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According to the statement, participants at the meeting will exchange assessments of the current security landscape in West Africa and foster collaboration between regional and international partners to address cross-border security challenges.

Participants will also develop strategies to counter the terror threat on land and the sea.

The meeting will discuss ideas on how to coordinate efforts to combat online radicalisation and disrupt digital networks that facilitate terrorist propaganda and recruitment.

In addition to attending the plenary sessions of the Aqaba meeting, Tinubu will hold bilateral talks with other leaders to explore ways of addressing the rising security challenges across the subregion.

Another Police Officer Allegedly Gunned Down By Soldier In Bauchi

A Police Constable known as Ukasha Muhammed has been allegedly shot and killed by a military personnel in Bauchi state.

The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, launched an investigation into the tragic incident, as he calls for calm among personnel and members of the public

A press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, CSP Ahmed Wakil. said, ”on October 10, 2025, at approximately 22:35 hours, a distress report was received by the Bauchi State Police Command regarding a violent incident involving a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila, which occurred during a routine patrol in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi.”

“The patrol team encountered an assault on one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), by two individuals in front of Padimo Hotel. The remaining members of the team responded swiftly, resulting in the apprehension of one suspect, while the other escaped the scene,” the statement reads.

The apprehended suspect was identified as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to the Special Task Force (STF) Operation Safe Haven, based in Jos, Plateau State.

Following that incident, at approximately 23:05 hours, two additional individuals identified as Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654) arrived at the scene. Both were partially dressed in military uniforms and armed with rifles.

“They reportedly opened fire on Constable Ukasha Muhammed, shooting him in the left chest before fleeing the area.”

In August, a Police Inspector attached to the Mobile Police Unit (MOPOL) was allegedly shot and killed by a soldier in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The victim was immediately rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

His remains have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

“Private Yakubu Yahuza and Private Godspower Gabriel are currently held in police custody, and investigations into the incident are ongoing,” Wakili said.

A dedicated team of homicide investigators, composed of seasoned detectives, has been constituted by the Command to carry out a professional, transparent, and expeditious investigation.

The Commissioner has since ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, stressing the need for a thorough and discreet investigation.

Two Suspects Arrested As NRC Raises Alarm Over Equipment Vandalisation Across Country

Two suspected vandals have been arrested as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Saturday decried increasing incidents of vandalisation of its electrical and signaling installations across the Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Warri–Itakpe corridors.

A statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, noted that the Corporation described the attacks as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.

The suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi (22 years old) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24 years old) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa, were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

They were arrested in Kaduna in connection with the recent vandalisation of its equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.

The arrest followed the discovery on Friday, at about 12:30 p.m., that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.

Acting on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects, according to the statement.

“During interrogation, the duo confessed to committing the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as “Musa Major,” for ₦90,000. Each suspect reportedly received ₦30,000 as his share, while another member of their syndicate, Abdulwahab Yakubu of Rigasa, is currently at large”, the statement read in part.

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The NRC said efforts are ongoing by the Nigeria Police, Railway Command (AKTS), to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.

It commended the Command for its professionalism and swift action, assuring that all culprits involved in acts of vandalism will face the full weight of the law.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signaling infrastructure, describing them as Critical National Assets.

He stated that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such offences as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.

Dr. Opeifa further appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.