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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have achieved notable operational successes across the North-East, following sustained intelligence-led military actions against terrorist groups and criminal elements in the region.

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on January 31, 2026.

According to the statement, intelligence sources confirmed the killing of JULAIBIB, a senior ISWAP commander operating along the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorist leader was killed during a clash with troops around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.

Further intelligence reports indicated that the development threw ISWAP fighters in the area into confusion, as several of them were also eliminated during the encounter. The development dealt a significant blow to the group’s command and control structure in the area.

In another operation, OPHK troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a carefully planned ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of insurgents within the area. Troops positioned themselves along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower. Three insurgents were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene. The military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to restrict terrorist movement and weaken their operational capacity across the theatre.

Similarly, on January 29, 2026, troops deployed on an ambush at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State encountered Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. The troops engaged the terrorists, which forced them to retreat. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualty was recorded among the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered at the scene.

Troops also recorded several successes in Adamawa State. On January 29, 2026, soldiers responded to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, where they foiled an armed robbery attempt. Two suspects who attempted to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound on the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for medical treatment. The suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered from them included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and one power bank.

Earlier, on January 28, 2026, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, the troops encountered terrorists and engaged them with heavy fire, which forced the attackers to flee in confusion. The troops also rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists. Weapons recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.

According to the military, the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable. Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working closely with local communities and relevant security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Anxiety has reportedly gripped Nigerian communities across the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up its enforcement drive under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The aggressive campaign has pushed some Nigerians off the streets, caused many to lose jobs, and in some cases, prompted quiet, self-arranged returns to Nigeria. Others have gone into hiding to avoid arrest.

Heightened ICE raids, including door-to-door operations, have disrupted daily life for numerous immigrants. Reports indicate that many Nigerians are avoiding work, limiting their movement, and relying on informal or home-based businesses to make ends meet, according to PUNCH.

President Trump launched a renewed effort to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants shortly after his inauguration in January 2025. The policy, which he has consistently defended, has drawn strong criticism from civil rights groups and immigrant advocates. Critics accuse ICE of using excessive force and mistreating detainees.

The enforcement actions have led to deadly incidents. Official figures show that at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, marking the deadliest year for immigration detention deaths in more than twenty years. In 2026 alone, The Guardian of the UK reported that at least eight people have died during encounters with ICE officers.

Recent shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have further escalated fear. Public outrage followed the death of 37-year-old Renée Good, who was shot by an ICE agent on January 7 during an operation. A medical examiner later ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. Weeks later, 37-year-old Alex Pretti was also killed during a federal immigration operation in the same city.

Since the crackdown began, about 70,000 people have reportedly been detained by ICE, while roughly 540,000 immigrants have been deported. Sources across the U.S. indicate that the climate of fear has led some Nigerians to abandon regular jobs and make discreet plans to return home.

Social media has captured the human toll of the raids. A Nigerian woman described the panic and grief among immigrants, saying she was traumatised by Pretti’s death, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. She said ICE agents often ignored legal status during operations.

“It is very traumatising the way these (ICE) people are treating immigrants,” PUNCH quoted her as saying. “President Trump, if you want the immigrants to leave America, tell us. Just come out and say, ‘All immigrants, we want you out, whether you are criminal or not.’”

She added, “These (ICE) people don’t even care. There are a lot of immigrants who are treated like animals, and these people will be telling them, ‘we are citizens’, but they don’t care.”

The woman, who requested to be identified as senior Immigrant, said fear of arrest has driven many Nigerians into online trading and home-based work. She recounted a shop assistant who stopped coming to work in mid-December and a family who left factory jobs after ICE activity in their area.

“My girl, who was working with me in my shop, stopped coming in mid-December. The reason was that she was scared for her life because ICE came to my area,” she said. “The most unfortunate thing was that they came to her area in New Jersey. Since then, she has had anxiety and fear.”

She added, “People are staying indoors because of the fear of ICE. They get family support from those who work. Two weeks ago, someone called me to say that they were donating to support some families, and they requested that I contribute, which I did.”

She said some families now sell goods from home or prepare meals for online orders that customers pick up privately. “There are many people with other serious experiences,” she noted.

Mrs Chris Ademiluyi, President of the Nigerian community in Maryland, confirmed that many Nigerians have chosen to go into hiding rather than return home.

“They are in hiding instead. Nigeria is not any better,” Ademiluyi said. “Some people affected may want to talk anonymously, but they are not talking because of fear.” She added that Nigerian-Americans are largely shielded and that community organisations are providing support where possible.

The situation has also sparked online debate. The Lead Pastor of Lighthouse/Rejuvenation Church in Rosenberg, Texas, Shola Adeoye, cautioned Nigerians against fear-driven decisions in a Facebook post.

“Some Nigerians are moving back home due to fear of this administration. It’s not wise to bury yourself before death,” Adeoye wrote.

Ben Ijeh, a Facebook user, commented, “Whoever that leaves involuntarily by ICE is not psychologically likely to want to come back in the future. The trauma will be too much to bear. God will always make a way for His own.” Another user, Olukunle Durodolu, wrote, “The way ICE agents capture people could be scary; they may not have the opportunity to get themselves together. So, it is preferred to time their return home when they can control themselves.”

Policy changes have compounded the pressure. Mr Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center, a non-profit immigration and cultural organisation in Washington, DC, said the organisation has seen a surge in Nigerians seeking help.

“The problem we are facing is multi-layered. There is a visa ban,” Ogunjimi said. “Before the visa ban, Nigeria was designated as a Country of Particular Concern. That was last year.”

He explained that in December 2025, a partial ban suspended most visa categories, including non-immigrant visas. “What they did not tell those of us in America or Nigerians in America is that the ban will also stop their ability to file for citizenship, green cards, work authorisation, asylum, and things like that,” he said.

Ogunjimi said the Nigerian Center has focused on public education and guidance. “If you go to our website and social media, we put out a policy memo, educating people on the parameters of this ban. We’re just giving information to folks.”

An increasing number of immigrants are considering voluntary departure, Ogunjimi noted. “We’ve seen cases where a lot of people are self-deporting right now,” he said. “Some of them asked if they would be able to come back to the US if they leave.”

In some cases, his organisation advises immigrants not to leave hastily. “They probably came here on a visiting visa… maybe they have overstayed for a couple of days,” he said, adding that waivers may still be possible.

On exact figures, Ogunjimi said, “Do I have numbers of those who have actually gone back, and who have taken the advice? The answer is: I don’t know. I don’t have those numbers.”

As ICE enforcement continues, uncertainty remains the defining reality for many Nigerians in the U.S., caught between fear of arrest abroad and harsh economic and security conditions at home.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has announced plans to incorporate international Islamic finance standards into the Nigerian Financial Reporting Framework (NFRF).

Executive Secretary of the FRC, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, disclosed this development in Abuja on Wednesday, explaining that the initiative seeks to strengthen regulatory clarity, protect investors, and position Nigeria as a leading hub for Islamic finance in Africa.

Dr. Olowo stated that the engagement with stakeholders follows last year’s decision to adopt the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) standards for both Islamic and non-interest financial institutions operating in Nigeria.

He emphasized the differences between Islamic and conventional finance systems, particularly in areas such as interest prohibition, risk-sharing, asset-backed financing, and ethical investment. According to Olowo:
“These differences make it important for us to coordinate closely with stakeholders to effectively integrate the standards and innovations of Islamic finance institutions.”

He added that the updated framework will ensure that financial reports accurately reflect the substance of non-interest transactions, including governance and disclosure requirements. Olowo said:
“Adopting the AAOIFI standards will enhance transparency, accountability, comparability and consistency in financial reporting across Nigeria’s non-interest finance sector, while strengthening market discipline and boosting investor confidence.”

Citing the global growth of Islamic finance, Olowo noted examples such as the issuance of Sukuk and other non-interest instruments in countries like the United Kingdom, highlighting the expanding acceptance of these financial models beyond traditional markets.

He clarified that the adoption of these standards is not intended to disrupt existing financial operations, but rather to improve clarity, credibility, and regulatory certainty for institutions offering non-interest financial products.

Dr. Basheer Oshodi, representing the Non-Interest Finance Institutions of Nigeria, explained that the initiative aims to build Islamic finance deliberately and set clear guidelines. He added:
“More importantly we won’t disrupt the financial reporting framework, but we will enhance it and give it more potency so that by Q1 this year we should start implementing.”

This move is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s non-interest finance sector and provide investors with greater confidence in the country’s financial reporting standards.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Newly unclassified documents from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein reveal that the FBI interviewed a whistleblower regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving Donald Trump. The files contain notes from a whistleblower hotline that mention Trump several times, though officials emphasized that inclusion in these records does not establish proof of criminal activity.

While the FBI dismissed several tips as lacking credibility, one specific entry detailed a serious accusation involving a minor. According to the document:

“[redacted] reported an unidentified female friend who was forced to perform oral sex on President Trump approximately 25 years ago in NJ [New Jersey]. The friend told Alexis that she was approximately 13-14 years old when this occurred and that the friend allegedly bit President Trump while performing oral sex. The friend was allegedly hit in the face after she laughed about biting President Trump. The friend said she was also abused by Epstein.”



Records indicate that federal agents viewed this specific tip with enough seriousness to escalate it. Notes attached to the entry state:

“Spoke with caller who identified [redacted] as friend. Lead was sent to Washington Office to conduct interview.”



It remains unclear if that interview was ever finalized.

Department of Justice response

The Department of Justice issued a firm rebuttal regarding the contents of the public release. In an official statement, the department warned that the cache includes unverified information:

“This production may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos, as everything that was sent to the FBI by the public was included in the production that is responsive to the Act. Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already.”


Massive document release under Transparency Act

This disclosure is part of a broader effort under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This law mandates the government to open investigative records concerning the late financier and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the release of more than 3 million pages, along with thousands of images and videos.

During a news conference, Blanche addressed the intense public interest in the files and the potential for further speculation. He noted:

“Today’s release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance with the act.”


He further acknowledged that the volume of information might still leave some questions unanswered for the public:

“There’s a hunger, or a thirst, for information that I don’t think will be satisfied by review of these documents.”

Blanche also defended the integrity of the process, asserting that the department did not show favoritism toward any public figures mentioned in the files. He stated:

“We did not protect President Trump. We didn’t protect — or not protect — anybody.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Newly released emails attributed to the late Jeffrey Epstein allege that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease after encounters with Russian women.

In a memo Epstein wrote to himself and dated July 18, 2013, the convicted sex offender made a series of claims about Gates. The memo reads: “To add insult to the injury you them [sic] implore me to please delete the emails regarding your STD, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda and the description of your penis.”

Epstein later sent himself another email, which he composed in the voice of a different person. In that message, the writer described alleged tensions in the Gates household and his purported role in assisting Gates. The email states: “I have been caught up in a severe marital dispute between Melinda and Bill…

In my role as his right-hand man, I have been asked and wrongly acquiesced into participating in things that have ranged from the morally inappropriate, to the ethically unsound and have been repeatedly asked to do things that get near and potentially over the line into the illegal…

From helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trusts [sic], with married women, to being asked to provide Adderall for bridge tournaments, as I am a medial doctor, but have no presriptions [sic] writing ability.”

The allegations outlined in the emails have not been independently verified. Gates has not issued any public response to the claims as of the time of filing this report.

The released files also contain undated photographs that show the Microsoft billionaire in the company of Epstein at undisclosed locations. One image includes a woman whose face has been redacted.

The materials were released by the United States Department of Justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, with strong support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have recorded major successes in sustained offensive operations against terrorist elements in Kwara State.

This is contained in a statement signed by Captain Maureen Ogbuka, for the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operations FANSAN YAMMA, on 30 January 2026.

The military said the coordinated actions, carried out within the Joint Operations Area, took place between 23 and 29 January 2026 under Operation Igbo Danu, also known as Operation Forest Flush.

The operations were led by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume. The Army noted that the leadership demonstrated strong operational drive and commitment to dismantling terrorist networks in the area.

During the engagements, troops working with ONSA carried out fighting patrols across several known bandit enclaves. The Army confirmed that one terrorist was neutralised, while others escaped into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot injuries. Their camps and hideouts were destroyed, forcing the criminals to abandon the locations.

In a related operation, troops cleared Garin Dandi, identified as a major bandit enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The action led to the destruction of logistics bases and supply structures used by the criminals.

The military also moved into remote camps that had previously been inaccessible to security forces. Several abandoned camps and logistics facilities were destroyed, a development the Army said significantly weakened the terrorists’ ability to sustain their activities.

Despite difficult terrain, troops maintained an aggressive presence across forested areas and restricted the movement of bandits. Soldiers intercepted fleeing suspects at multiple blocking points, which led to arrests. The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnap victims from different camps across the state.

According to observations from the field, some bandits received assistance from collaborators within nearby communities who supplied intelligence on troop movements. This support, the Army said, allowed the criminals to withdraw early from targeted areas.

The Nigerian Army stated that the outcomes of the operations highlighted the resolve and effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security in Kwara State.

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, appealed to members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations. The Army added that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with troops determined to decisively deal with all terrorist networks operating within the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Federal High Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has dissolved the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

The court, presided over by Justice Uche Agomoh, also voided a major congress the party planned to hold.

Furthermore, the court recognized the caretaker leadership faction led by Mohammed Abdulrahman as the party’s legitimate leadership. This faction is reported to enjoy the support of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, pending the conduct of a proper party congress.

However, the Tanimu Turaki faction has vowed to appeal the judgment.

“We have contacted our lawyers to explore all legitimate avenues to appeal and protect our position,” said Ini Ememobong, the publicity secretary for the faction’s executive committee.

He added that despite the court’s ruling, the Turaki-led leadership remains valid in their view.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits and recovered five firearms with live ammunition in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of armed suspects.

According to Hassan, the first operation was carried out on January 28 at about 5:45 p.m. after security operatives received information that some individuals were in possession of prohibited firearms.

He explained that detectives attached to the Anti–Car Theft Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department promptly acted on the intelligence, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

He said the operation resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with two fully loaded magazines, two Beretta pistols with one fully loaded magazine, as well as a locally fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with seven rounds of live ammunition.

The suspects, he added, are currently in custody while investigations continue to track other criminal networks linked to them.

In a related operation on January 29, Hassan said the Divisional Police Officer of Zaria City Division led a team of 47 Police Mobile Force operatives on stop-and-search duties following intelligence reports on the movement of armed bandits.

“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Lawal and Abdulhadi Lawal, both from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, with a locally fabricated firearm recovered from them,” he said.

Hassan noted that the suspects are cooperating with investigators and providing information that could lead to further arrests.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, while reaffirming the command’s zero tolerance for banditry and other forms of criminality in Kaduna State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command have taken into custody a pastor, Elijah Oro, over an alleged plan to assassinate a rival prophet in the state.

Police sources disclosed that Oro, who hails from Delta State, is accused of contracting a 21-year-old man, Samuel Daniel, to carry out the attack. Daniel is suspected to be a member of a cult group known as the Greenlanders.

The alleged plan was said to have stemmed from a disagreement related to church membership and property ownership.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the arrests followed actionable intelligence received by the command. He noted that the suspects were apprehended in connection with a plot to kill a prophet, whose identity was not disclosed, and that investigations remain in progress.

“On 28th January, 2026, at about 1035 hours, operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, acting on credible intelligence, swung into action and arrested two suspects namely; Samuel Daniel ‘m’ 21 years old, from Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and Pastor Elijah Oro ‘m’, 59 years old, from Ozoro Community, Delta State both involved with an alleged plot to kill prophet name [withheld],” the statement read.

The police spokesman further revealed that initial findings pointed to a direct link between the two suspects and the alleged assassination attempt.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Samuel Daniel ‘m’ 21 year was arrested in the premises of the prophet and have confessed to being a member of the Greenlanders Confraternity and was allegedly hired by Pastor Elijah Oro ‘m’ to assassinate prophet (name withheld). Investigation is ongoing to unravel the motive behind the alleged plot.”

DSP Mohammed reassured residents of the state of the command’s resolve to ensure public safety and called on citizens to cooperate with the police.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command assures members of the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges citizens to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man over the alleged killing of his friend and former classmate following a disagreement linked to internet fraud proceeds.

The arrest was disclosed in a video statement by the police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police. In the clip, the suspect identified himself as Oghenegare and admitted involvement in online fraud, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo”.

According to the police spokesperson, the victim, identified as Courage, aged 25, lost his life after a dispute broke out between him and the suspect during their fraudulent online activities.

“The suspect murdered his friend and former classmate,” Mr Edafe said.

He explained that both men were engaged in internet fraud when a transaction disagreement escalated into violence.

“They went into the business of internet fraud, and somehow, they had a transaction conflict resulting in a fight where he used something that looks like a small shovel or a battle axe on the head of the deceased,” Mr Edafe stated.

Speaking in the video, the suspect openly acknowledged his role in internet fraud. When asked about his occupation, he said, “I am an internet fraudster, Yahoo boy.”

He told investigators that the victim introduced a “job” expected to generate close to $1,000. He alleged that the victim later refused to share the WhatsApp login details connected to the deal, which prevented him from accessing the transaction.

According to a report filed by Premium Times, the suspect said the disagreement led to a physical confrontation. He explained that he used a broken “sharp shovel” kept in his home for security to attack the victim.

“I kept it (the shovel) at home in case a thief visits,” he said.

He further told the police that he cut the victim’s head with the tool and later disposed of the weapon while attempting to evade arrest.

Mr Edafe said the police are still searching for the murder weapon.

The suspect also claimed that both he and the deceased belonged to a cult group known as Black Axe. He said the victim was known within the group by the alias “Vikings”.

When questioned about any benefit from cult involvement, he responded, “Nothing.”

The incident comes amid continued concern over the spread of internet fraud in Nigeria. Law enforcement agencies have sustained efforts to curb the crime across the country.

In September last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin. The operation led to the recovery of luxury vehicles and electronic devices linked to the illegal activities.

Previous reports have shown that internet fraud remains deeply rooted in parts of Nigerian society, with many young people attracted by promises of quick wealth and an affluent lifestyle.