Several Fighters Killed As NAF Air Strikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Sambisa

BORNO STATE, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered a devastating blow to insurgent networks operating in Nigeria’s North-East region, conducting precision air strikes that destroyed key terrorist hideouts and logistics structures at Biramiri in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State.

The coordinated military operation, carried out on May 26, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, followed credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports that pinpointed the exact locations of terrorist camps and support facilities within the notorious Sambisa Forest axis.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated precision strikes successfully destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several insurgents operating within the targeted area.

“The coordinated attacks destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several fighters, further crippling the operational capacity of the insurgents,” Ejodame stated.

The NAF spokesperson further revealed that the sustained air offensives have continued to generate fear and confusion among terrorist elements operating across the Sambisa axis.

Sustained Bombardments Deny Terrorists Freedom of Movement – According to Ejodame, intelligence assessments indicate growing apprehension and disorientation within the ranks of the insurgents as continuous bombardments deny them freedom of movement and access to safe havens. The relentless aerial campaign has significantly disrupted the ability of terrorist networks to plan, coordinate, and execute attacks against civilian and military targets in the region.

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Military’s Commitment to North-East Peace – The NAF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s crisis-ridden North-East region. “The NAF, in concert with troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, remains resolute in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks while reinforcing its commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East,” the statement added.

Pre-Sallah Offensive Intensifies – The latest air strikes form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to intensify counter-terrorism operations in the North-East region ahead of the Sallah celebration, ensuring that insurgent groups remain on the back foot during the festive period. Military analysts note that such timing is strategic, as terrorist groups often attempt to launch high-profile attacks during major holidays to maximize psychological impact.

Strategic Significance of Sambisa Forest – Sambisa Forest has long served as a notorious hideout for insurgent groups operating in North-East Nigeria, providing dense cover for terrorist activities and serving as a critical logistics and command hub. The forest has also recently witnessed internal power struggles, with reports indicating violent clashes between rival factions Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) for supremacy and control of territory within the forest.

According to security intelligence sources, the latest air strikes mark a significant blow to these networks, further restricting their operational capabilities and denying them critical infrastructure. The successful operation demonstrates the Nigerian military’s enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities and precision-strike proficiency, as well as its determination to flush out insurgents from their remaining strongholds.

Impact on Terrorist Operations – Intelligence assessments suggest that the continuous aerial bombardments have created a state of disarray within insurgent ranks. The destruction of logistics structures at Biramiri has disrupted supply chains, making it increasingly difficult for terrorist fighters to access weapons, food, and medical supplies. This degradation of operational capacity is expected to reduce the frequency and intensity of insurgent attacks in the coming weeks.

Several Fighters Killed As NAF Air Strikes Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Sambisa

Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a heartfelt display of leadership and spiritual solidarity, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, joined the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a solemn prayer session on the plains of Mount Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — the most critical day of the annual Islamic pilgrimage. The Governor and his Deputy made separate video calls to the state’s pilgrims as they gathered at the sacred site, marking the spiritual climax of Hajj 2026. The Day of Arafah, observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, is when pilgrims seek divine mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who initiated the first video call, congratulated the pilgrims on successfully reaching Mount Arafah and prayed for a rewarding and accepted Hajj. He also offered prayers for their safe return to Nigeria after the completion of all religious rites. “May Allah accept your prayers and grant you all a safe journey back home,” the Governor was quoted as saying during the call. Dr. Hamzat, in his own video address, prayed for the pilgrims and urged them not to take the privilege of performing Hajj for granted. He described the pilgrimage as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual opportunity that must be guarded jealously. “This is a rare blessing. Use it wisely to pray for yourselves, your families, and the peace of Lagos State and Nigeria,” Hamzat told the pilgrims.

Pilgrims Pray for Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Victory, Tinubu Re-Election – In a touching show of reciprocity, the Lagos pilgrims expressed deep appreciation for the video calls. They offered prayers for the continued success of the Sanwo-Olu administration, for Dr. Hamzat’s anticipated victory as the incoming Governor of Lagos State, and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections. The pilgrims, many of whom were moved to tears by the gesture, described the calls as unprecedented and a clear demonstration of a leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens even in the Holy Land.

Governor’s Gift: 200 Saudi Riyals for Each Pilgrim – In a related development that further underscored the state government’s commitment, the Lagos State Government gifted each of the 1,600 pilgrims 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately N70,000). This was disclosed on Saturday by the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a pre-Mina-Arafah special prayer session organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Makkah. Hon. Layode informed the pilgrims that, apart from paying for their Hady (sacrificial ram) and Ziyarah (visitation to historical sites in both Madinah and Makkah), the monetary gift from the Governor and his deputy would cover the refund for Ihram clothing and provide a stipend for the Arafah Day observance. “The Governor ensured the money was released and brought to the Kingdom. This is proof of his love and commitment to your comfort and well-being,” Layode stated.

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Officials Praise Pilgrims’ Good Conduct – Speaking on the overall conduct of the state’s contingent, Amir-ul-Hajj Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for connecting with the pilgrims virtually, stressing that the gesture showed their compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the 1,600 Lagos pilgrims. Layode also commended the pilgrims for their exemplary good conduct throughout the Hajj operations so far. Layode further confirmed the return schedule for the pilgrims. According to him, the airlifting of Lagos pilgrims back to Nigeria will begin on June 6, 2026, in strict compliance with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) timetable. He assured that all 1,600 pilgrims would be airlifted within one week, with no pilgrim left behind.

Saudi Authorities Commended for Improved Facilities – The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, praised the Lagos pilgrims for being orderly, law-abiding, and maintaining the high standards expected of them. He also thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat for finding time to call and pray for the pilgrims, noting that the gesture had significantly boosted their morale. Dr. Jebe also commended the Saudi Arabian authorities for notable improvements at the Arafah camps this year. He highlighted the provision of more functional air conditioners, additional toilet facilities, and adequate water supply as key upgrades that made the pilgrims’ stay more comfortable despite the intense heat.

Hajj Operation Seamless, Says Board Secretary – On his part, the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, appreciated the State Government for making the entire Hajj operation seamless and convenient for the pilgrims. He listed several programmes put in place by the government to ensure a stress-free exercise, including free medical screening for all pilgrims before departure, inoculation against infectious diseases, payment for Ihram clothing, payment for Hady ram (sacrificial animal), visa processing, and other logistical arrangements. Mr. Ajomagberin added a strong endorsement for the state’s Hajj services, saying: “For us in Lagos State, we are very proud of the Governor and the Deputy. We are encouraging those who want to perform the 2027 Hajj to patronise Lagos, because we have the expertise and the record is there for everyone to see.”

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Lagos Hajj Operation – The Lagos State Government’s comprehensive support for the 1,600 pilgrims included full coverage of Hady ram, Ihram clothing, visa processing, and medical screenings. The pilgrims observed the spiritual climax of Hajj at Mount Arafah on May 26, 2026, and are scheduled to return to Nigeria beginning June 6, 2026. Each pilgrim also received a cash gift of 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately N70,000). Facility upgrades at the Arafah camps, including improved air conditioning, additional toilets, and adequate water supply, were also noted by state officials.

Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Join 1,600 Lagos Pilgrims in Arafah Prayer 

“Retract or Face Lawsuit”: Adeyanju Demands Apology from Onwuka Over Defamatory Posts

ABUJA – Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to a social media user, Chimezie Princewill Onwuka, popularly known as “Mezie,” over alleged defamatory publications accusing him of murder. The ultimatum was contained in a three-page pre-action notice dated May 26, 2026, and signed by his lawyer, Zainab M. Otega Esq. , of Deji Adeyanju & Partners. The legal team described the publication as false, malicious and damaging to Adeyanju’s reputation and professional standing.

According to the letter, addressed to Onwuka through his social media handles — Facebook @Mezie and Instagram @mezie_abia — the controversial publication was made on May 24, 2026, via Onwuka’s verified Facebook account. In the post, Adeyanju was allegedly accused of killing a fellow student during his university days and being helped to evade justice by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN. The lawyers reproduced the allegedly defamatory statement as follows: “This guy, Adeyanju Deji allegedly murdered his fellow school mate while in the University. Reports say he was helped to evade Justice by Tinubu’s current minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo.” The publication further stated: “I just heard this character is VDM’s lawyer and I couldn’t stop laughing. Well, everything reminds me of the sarcastic words of my grandpa, ‘The evil bird does not ever perch until an evil tree is found.'”

In the notice, Adeyanju’s legal team said the publication falsely portrayed him as “a murderer, a criminal and someone lacking integrity.” The letter read, “By the above publication, you falsely and maliciously portrayed our client to the general public as a murderer, a criminal and someone lacking integrity.” The lawyers argued that the inclusion of Adeyanju’s photograph in the post left no doubt about the target of the allegations and was intended to ridicule and malign him before members of the public. “These allegations are entirely false, defamatory and were clearly intended to tarnish our client’s hard-earned reputation and expose him to public hatred, ridicule and professional embarrassment,” the letter stated.

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The legal team described Adeyanju as “a legal practitioner, widely recognized in the legal profession” and “a prominent human rights advocate” who has built a reputation through years of dedication to justice and human rights advocacy. According to the notice, the publication had already triggered insulting and degrading reactions against Adeyanju on social media. “As a direct consequence of your defamatory publication, our client has been exposed to ridicule, insults and degrading comments from members of the public, particularly within the comment section of your publication,” the lawyers said. The letter further stated that the publication had damaged Adeyanju’s personal and professional reputation. “Your reckless and malicious publication has not only lowered our client’s reputation in the eyes of well meaning members of the public, but has also caused damage to his personal and professional standing,” the notice added.

While affirming support for freedom of expression, the lawyers maintained that such rights do not extend to false and damaging allegations. “While our client firmly supports and respects the constitutional right to freedom of expression, such freedom does not extend to the publication of falsehoods or defamatory statements capable of destroying the reputation, integrity and dignity of another citizen,” the letter stated. Adeyanju’s legal team demanded an immediate retraction of the publication through the same Facebook platform and in several national newspapers and online media platforms, including Punch, Vanguard, The Sun, Daily Trust, Sahara Reporters and Premium Times. The lawyers also requested “a written and unequivocal apology” to be published on the same platforms and directed the Facebook user to stop making further statements about their client.

The notice warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would result in legal action. “Please note that if these demands are not met within 72 hours of the receipt of this letter, we have our client’s further instruction to seek legal redress without further recourse to you,” the letter stated. As of the time of this report, Onwuka had not publicly responded to the allegations or the legal demands. The notice was issued from the offices of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, located at Terrace Block D4, White Diamond Estate, Makuru Street, Off Embu Street, Off Amino Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

The development comes amid heightened legal scrutiny of Adeyanju’s social media activities. In a separate but notable case, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has filed a ₦1.5 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeyanju over alleged defamatory social media posts. The suit, filed before the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, under writ of summons marked O/254/75, accuses Adeyanju of making false and malicious statements that damaged Obi’s reputation and integrity. Reacting to that lawsuit, Adeyanju confirmed the development, saying, “Finally, Peter Obi has sued me. I am actually happy and relieved that he didn’t chicken out in the end. Interestingly, he dragged me all the way to Anambra State, even though he is almost always in Abuja where I reside. But no shaking, we move. I will prove in court that Peter Obi is corrupt, a bigot and a fraud.”

“Retract or Face Lawsuit”: Adeyanju Demands Apology from Onwuka Over Defamatory Posts