Month: June 2026

By Uzair Adam

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has claimed responsibility for an attack that left soldiers dead and others injured in Sokoto State.

The attack occurred on Saturday when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on a military vehicle carrying troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area.

The soldiers were reportedly responding to a distress call after bandits attacked the village in the early hours of the day.

Residents said the assailants stormed the community between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing villagers to seek military assistance.

A resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that the attackers planted the explosive device along the Isa–Bargaja road before the arrival of the troops.

In a video released after the incident, Turji expressed satisfaction over the attack, claiming that members of his group had successfully targeted those conducting operations against them.

He said his fighters had recovered livestock allegedly seized during security operations and described the development as a victory.

Turji further claimed that some of those involved in operations against his group in Isa, Sabon Birni and surrounding areas had been killed.

However, the claims contained in the video could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, fresh security concerns have emerged following allegations that Turji is expanding his fighting force and acquiring new weapons along the Sokoto–Zamfara border.

The allegations were made by Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, in a Facebook post on Saturday.

He claimed that Turji’s fighters were holding gatherings and conducting weapons training exercises in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja.

According to him, the group has acquired new weapons, some of which were allegedly used during recent clashes with security forces.

He also alleged that newly arrived fighters with suspected links to Boko Haram had joined the group to provide combat and weapons training.

Basharu further claimed that intelligence reports indicated that a night-vision device recently purchased by Turji was among the equipment delivered to his camp.

He also linked the movement of the weapons to two alleged bandit commanders, Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo.

The activist expressed concern over what he described as a growing alliance between Turji and Chimo, warning that it could strengthen bandit operations across eastern Sokoto and potentially lead to coordinated attacks on local government headquarters in the region.

Hours after making the allegations, Basharu shared another video on Facebook which he claimed showed some of the newly acquired weapons in Turji’s possession.

He alleged that the footage was released by Turji on June 20 and was intended to showcase successes recorded against security forces operating along the Isa–Bargaja axis.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two elderly men, aged 84 and 75, for allegedly supplying illicit drugs to secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State.

The suspects, identified as Godfrey Orji, 84, and Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora, 75, were apprehended in separate operations following intelligence reports and investigations by the agency.

According to the NDLEA, Obiora was arrested on Friday, June 19, 2026, after intelligence revealed that he was allegedly selling illicit substances, including opioids, from a patent medicine store on Club Road in Umuahia.

A search of the shop led to the recovery of 4.64 kilograms of drugs, including tramadol and diazepam.

In a separate incident, Orji, a pensioner, was arrested after security personnel at Saint Silas Secondary School in Old Umuahia reportedly caught him supplying drugs to two teenage students.

He was initially handed over to the police before being transferred to the NDLEA on June 18 for further investigation.

The agency said one of the students, a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) student, confessed that Orji supplied him with drugs, which he in turn distributed to other students within the school.

NDLEA said both suspects would face prosecution, while the students involved have been enrolled in counselling and rehabilitation programmes.

Elsewhere, the agency intercepted a 9.5-kilogram consignment of ADB-Chminaca, a synthetic cannabinoid classified as a dangerous psychoactive substance, at a courier company in Lagos.

The shipment, which originated from China, was concealed inside a carton.

Operatives also recovered 300 grams of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside ladies’ handbags at a logistics company in Lagos.

In another operation, NDLEA officers raided the residence of a wanted drug dealer, Lukman Badmus, in the Ogombo area of Ajah, Lagos, where they recovered codeine syrup and skunk.

A follow-up raid at his wife’s shop led to the seizure of additional drugs and related items. The agency said attempts to destroy evidence were thwarted by operatives.

In Kogi State, officers intercepted a suspect transporting methamphetamine concealed in custard containers along the Okene-Lokoja highway.

Meanwhile, a couple who had been on the run following the seizure of 117 kilograms of cannabis in Ekiti State were also arrested.

In Oyo State, three suspects were arrested during a raid on a building in the Dangote area of Oyo town, where operatives recovered 1,416 kilograms of skunk concealed in jumbo sacks covered with sawdust.

The agency further disclosed that several forest operations in Edo State resulted in the destruction of large cannabis plantations and the arrest of suspects linked to drug cultivation and trafficking.

NDLEA said it has continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign across schools, places of worship and communities nationwide as part of efforts to combat substance abuse.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged them to sustain the ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

By Uzair Adam

Security operatives in Kebbi State have killed a suspected kidnap gang leader and arrested one of his accomplices during an operation in Bagudo Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out by the Kebbi State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the death of the suspected kingpin, identified as Jiji Mujugu.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, a suspect who had earlier been arrested provided information that led operatives to the gang leader’s hideout.

Usman said the suspect attempted to flee and opened fire on security personnel during the operation, prompting the operatives to return fire and neutralise him.

He added that another gang member, Bube Tukur, was arrested at the scene.

The police spokesman disclosed that investigations revealed that Mujugu and Tukur were members of an eight-man kidnapping syndicate responsible for a series of attacks and abductions in communities across Bagudo Local Government Area.

The affected communities include Geza, Adawa, Matsinkai, Sharabi, Illela, Suru and Dakin Gari, among others.

Usman further stated that the gang was linked to the abduction of a resident, Alhaji Abu Geza, from Geza Village.

He said security operatives recovered a locally fabricated pistol and a live cartridge during the raid, while the kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed from the gang’s hideout.

The police assured residents of their commitment to sustaining efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has detained one of its personnel after an accidental shooting left another soldier injured at a military base in Borno State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident in a post on X, citing military sources.

According to the report, the incident involved a soldier attached to the Army’s 25 Brigade. It reportedly happened around 6:00 a.m. on June 20 at Sierra 7, a military defensive position in Damboa Local Government Area.

Sources said the soldier mistakenly fired his weapon while inside the military facility, which resulted in a gunshot injury to a fellow soldier.

“According to the sources, the soldier negligently discharged his weapon while within the military position, resulting in a gunshot wound to a fellow soldier,” Makama said.

The injured personnel reportedly received immediate medical attention before he was moved to a field ambulance facility for additional treatment.

Military authorities also confirmed that the soldier involved in the incident was quickly disarmed and taken into custody.

Sources added that he remains under detention as investigations continue and possible disciplinary measures are being considered.

The Army stressed the importance of strict compliance with weapons-handling procedures and established safety measures to avoid similar incidents in operational areas.

According to military authorities, adherence to safety protocols is necessary for the protection of personnel and to prevent avoidable accidents during operations.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging over his involvement in the 2014 bomb attack at Nyanya Motor Park, Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment during the conclusion of a mass trial involving terrorism suspects in the Federal Capital Territory.

Garba faced a five-count charge related to terrorism, which was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. He was convicted after pleading guilty to the charges.

The Nyanya explosion occurred in April 2014 on the outskirts of Abuja. The attack claimed at least 70 lives and left many others injured. It remains one of the deadliest terrorist incidents recorded in the nation’s capital.

In the judgment marked FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026, the court handed different punishments to the defendant on the five counts.

Justice Omotosho sentenced Garba to 35 years imprisonment each on counts one and two. The court also sentenced him to life imprisonment on count three and death by hanging on counts four and five.

The judge ruled that the defendant’s guilty plea, alongside evidence presented before the court, confirmed his role in the attack, which led to heavy loss of lives and destruction.

The conviction is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to prosecute individuals linked to terrorism offences and provide justice for victims affected by attacks across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three women suspected of collaborating with ISWAP terrorists during an operation carried out in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post shared on X.

According to Makama, the arrest followed intelligence reports and intercepted communication that suggested plans to move a woman into a terrorist-controlled area.

He explained that troops of the 222 Battalion (Mechanised) conducted the operation at an Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Konduga, where the suspects were apprehended based on intelligence findings.

Makama stated that the women were suspected of assisting communication and movement between civilians and terrorist groups operating in the region.

He added that military authorities had placed the suspects in custody for further investigation and other necessary actions.

“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt support networks and dismantle collaboration channels aiding terrorist activities in the North-East.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement and possible connections to other elements within the network,” Makama said.

By Muhammad Abubakar

A renowned mathematician and infectious disease modeller, Professor Abba B. Gumel, has been elected President-Elect of the Society for Mathematical Biology (SMB), becoming the first African to attain the prestigious position.

The announcement was celebrated by academics and researchers across the world, including Dr Salihu Sabiu Musa, who described the achievement as a major milestone for mathematical biology and African scholarship.

The Society for Mathematical Biology is one of the world’s leading professional organisations dedicated to advancing research and education at the intersection of mathematics and the life sciences.

Professor Gumel is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to infectious disease modelling, particularly in the study of epidemics and public health challenges. His work has influenced scientific understanding of disease transmission and informed public health responses globally.

According to Dr Musa, Professor Gumel’s election reflects his outstanding scholarship, leadership, and commitment to mentoring students and early-career researchers. He noted that the professor has inspired and supported countless scientists worldwide through his research and academic guidance.

Scholars have described the development as a significant achievement for Africa, highlighting the growing global impact of African researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Professor Gumel is expected to help shape the future direction of mathematical biology as the field continues to play an increasingly important role in addressing global health and environmental challenges.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A young businessman, Isma’il Makaye, has died under circumstances that are yet to be clarified at the residence of his girlfriend, a popular TikToker known as Fati Cele, in Danbare area of Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

Reports indicated that the deceased, who sold cosmetics in the Hotoro Tishanma area, died in the early hours of Friday. The incident has prompted a police investigation into the cause of his death.

A friend of the deceased, Hassan Mohammed, who visited the scene alongside police officers, said Makaye was already dead before they arrived at the house.

“We met him already dead when we got there with the police. We first went to Murtala Hospital and later to Abdullahi Wase, where his death was confirmed,” Hassan said, as quoted by the Daily Trust.

He explained that the body was initially taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital before it was later transferred to Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, where doctors officially confirmed the death.

Hassan also disclosed that Makaye and Fati Cele had been in a relationship for more than two years before they separated temporarily after the deceased got married. He said they later reconciled.

According to him, the deceased’s phones and car keys were recovered at the residence.

He further alleged that Makaye had injuries on his head. He added that traces of blood were still visible during the burial.

“There were injuries on his head, and we suspected he may have been hit with something,” he said.

Makaye was buried on Friday at Unguwa Uku Yan Awaki in accordance with Islamic rites.

The incident has continued to attract reactions on social media, especially on TikTok, where several users called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Fati Cele, who hails from Borno State, is known for posting TikTok content and solo dance performances in Kano’s Sabon Gari area.

As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, did not respond to telephone calls seeking official comments.

The police have not issued any formal statement on the matter, while investigations remain ongoing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, has died at the age of 69.

Katagum reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday. He served as the deputy governor of the state from 2018 to 2019 under the administration of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

The announcement of his death came through Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, who served as digital and creative media aide to the former governor.

In a statement released on Saturday, Lukman said, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State.

“The deceased passed away in the early hours of today after a life of dedicated service to his community, Bauchi State and the nation.”

He also stated that information regarding the funeral arrangements would be made public later.

Lukman prayed for the deceased and said, “May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this great loss. Ameen.”

Before he became deputy governor, Katagum held the position of Chief of Staff at the Bauchi State Government House. He was also the Wazirin Katagum, a traditional title he inherited from his late father, Alhaji Sule Katagum.

The late Alhaji Sule Katagum was a respected elder statesman and the first chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Public Service Commission.

Many residents and political associates in Bauchi State described the former deputy governor’s death as a major loss to the Katagum Emirate and the state at large due to his role in public service and community development.

He is survived by his wife, children and other family members.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Brazil recorded an emphatic victory over Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scoring twice in a dominant display from Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The result confirmed Haiti as the first country to be eliminated from the tournament.

Brazil entered the match under pressure after criticism followed their opening draw against Morocco. However, the South Americans produced a convincing response in Philadelphia and moved to the top of Group C.

Cunha, who replaced Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix unintentionally kicked the ball against him before it rolled into the net.

The Brazilian striker remained alert moments later after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide pushed out an effort from Vinicius Jr, which forced Delcroix into a hurried reaction.

Cunha completed his brace nine minutes before the break after Vinicius Jr released him with a through pass. The forward then fired a powerful shot into the top corner.

Vinicius Jr also got on the scoresheet in first-half stoppage time. Former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta delivered a lofted pass over the defence before the Real Madrid winger calmly finished past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the competition.

Brazil’s only setback in the encounter came after Barcelona winger Raphinha suffered an injury in the first half. He was later replaced by Bournemouth player Rayan.

Goalkeeper Alisson made an important save in the second half when Ricardo Ade directed a corner toward goal, although Brazil remained in full control throughout the match.

Teenager Endrick thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal late in the game, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The defeat ended Haiti’s hopes of advancing from Group C. The team can no longer catch Brazil or Morocco on points. Haiti could still finish level with Scotland, but Steve Clarke’s side hold the superior head-to-head record.