DHQ: Troops Rescue 398 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 31 Terrorists in One Week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that coordinated military operations across the country have resulted in the rescue of 398 kidnapped victims, the arrest of 31 suspected terrorists and collaborators, and the neutralisation of 10 criminals within the last week. The update was given in Abuja on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said the Armed Forces recorded significant operational gains across all six geopolitical zones. Onoja explained that troops operating under various missions intensified offensive and intelligence-driven operations in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-East, and Niger Delta, targeting criminal networks and disrupting their supply chains, with the military continuing to urge members of the public to provide credible and timely information to support ongoing security efforts.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters through raids, patrols and clearance operations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, with a major breakthrough occurring when military operations in the Mandara Mountains led to the rescue of hundreds of civilians abducted by terrorists. According to Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of the Northeast Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, the rescue followed a coordinated special operation conducted on June 6 across multiple fronts around the Mandara Mountains, with Special Operations Forces initially carrying out preliminary missions that created confusion within terrorist camps, paving the way for ground troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade to extract the captives successfully. Major General Michael Onoja stated, “This daring manoeuvre induced widespread chaos within the terrorist networks, enabling ground troops to successfully rescue 360 civilians, predominantly women and children, who had been held since their abduction during an attack on the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026.” Tragically, two infants died due to the harsh terrain during the evacuation, but the surviving 358 victims were evacuated to the hospital, treated, provided with food and water, and later handed over to the relevant authorities for reunification with their families. The military also confirmed the arrest of informants and logistics suppliers linked to insurgent groups, alongside the recovery of communication gadgets, cash, and other materials used to support terrorist activities, while additional tactical victories in the North-East included the surrender of a 20-year-old terrorist, Fannami Ali, in Monguno town, and the arrest of suspected informants in Yobe and Adamawa states. Troops also foiled an attack in Mallam Fatori, forcing the adversaries to flee and leaving behind an AK-47 rifle bearing Arabic inscriptions, further demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing military operations in the region.

READ ALSO:

• Rapper Mystikal Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Rape Charge
• Floyd Mayweather Faces Felony Charges Over Alleged $200,000 Watch Theft
• Mbappé Scores Brace as France Beat Senegal 3–1 in World Cup Opener

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamna recorded decisive gains against terrorists and criminal elements in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States, with one of the most significant operations occurring on 5 June 2026 at a snap checkpoint en route from Gusau to Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops intercepted a vehicle and recovered a locally fabricated 9mm pistol, 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 10 rounds of 9.4mm ammunition, all concealed in a sack of millet, with the suspect, Mallam Mustapha Abubakar, arrested with the items and believed to be an arms dealer. Preliminary interrogation revealed the weapons were destined for an unidentified contact in Shinkafi LGA; troops subsequently tracked and arrested the intended recipient at Tupa village in Shinkafi LGA, with the suspect identified as 42 years old and allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating within the region. Troops also neutralised terrorists during separate operations in Birnin Magaji and Maru Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, recovering motorcycles, communication gadgets, uniforms and other logistics items, while in Tudun Wada village, eight suspected terrorists were arrested, and seven motorcycles were recovered along with 30 phone batteries, 19 mobile phones, 41 power banks, seven phone chargers, four Baofeng handheld radios, four pairs of camouflage uniforms, and three pairs of boots. The DHQ also recently launched “Operation Clean Sweep III” in Katsina State following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by suspected terrorists alongside his wife, with the operation targeting terrorists operating in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.

In the North-Central region, troops conducted intelligence-based operations across Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Taraba states, leading to the rescue of kidnapped travellers and the arrest of suspected kidnappers and informants, with firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, and other incriminating items also recovered during the operations. Troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested a high-value terrorist informant at Kara Market, Wawa, who had been on the watch list, with investigation of a recovered mobile phone revealing a photograph of a beheaded individual dated 2 May 2026, indicating possible links to terrorist networks. Operation Enduring Peace troops rescued six passengers along the Hawan Kibo – Rafin Sayin road in Riyom LGA of Plateau State after responding to reports of kidnappers blocking the road, while troops also arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant at Mungi village in Mangu LGA and recovered a concealed pistol from his residential compound. In Kogi State, troops rescued two kidnap victims, including a bar manager and a sales girl abducted on 6 June 2026 at Ikoyi in Ijumu LGA, and reunited them with their families, while security forces also disrupted kidnapping networks in the state, preventing the movement of victims across criminal routes.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka conducted joint operations targeting suspected IPOB/ESN hideouts, with one of the most significant operations occurring on 9 June 2026 when troops in conjunction with Department of State Services (DSS) operatives arrested six suspected IPOB/ESN members at Nenwe community in Aninri LGA of Enugu State. A follow-up operation to a suspected arms hideout disguised as a piggery led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one RPG-7 tube, three AK-47 rifles, two hand grenades, a tear gas gun, 2 tear gas cartridges, six AK-47 magazines, and 748 rounds of assorted ammunition, representing a significant blow to the operational capacity of the proscribed group. On 10 June 2026, at a suspected IPOB/ESN safe house at Agbani in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State, troops recovered eight AK-47 rifles, 12 AK-47 magazines, a tear gas gun, 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 10 pairs of IPOB uniforms, with all suspects and recovered items handed over to DSS Enugu State Command for further action.

In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified anti-oil theft operations, dismantling illegal refining sites in Rivers and Delta states and recovering stolen petroleum products, with one notable operation occurring on 7 June 2026 along Road Eket–Etinan in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Troops recovered approximately 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) valued at approximately ₦2,256,000, with the suspects fleeing into the bush while their vehicle and product were appropriately handled. In Edo State, troops arrested five suspected kidnappers who confessed to involvement in kidnapping activities over the past two years, while in Delta State, troops discovered a trampoline tank containing approximately 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil, along with other illegal refining infrastructure, all of which were appropriately handled. Major General Onoja said the successes reflect the military’s sustained pressure on criminal elements and the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations across the country, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property nationwide.

DHQ: Troops Rescue 398 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 31 Terrorists in One Week

Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Stop N110.4bn Fraud Trial

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has suffered a major legal setback after a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, dismissed his application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the alleged N110.4 billion fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Maryanne Anenih, clears the way for the continuation of Bello’s trial over allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving public funds allegedly diverted during his tenure as governor.

The EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds totaling N110.4 billion.

In his application, Bello urged the court to strike out the charges, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter. His legal team maintained that the alleged offences were not committed within the Federal Capital Territory and therefore should not be tried in Abuja.

Counsel to the former governor, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the proper venue for the trial should be outside the FCT, insisting that the court lacked the constitutional authority to proceed with the matter.

However, the prosecution, led by senior advocate Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the application, describing it as lacking merit and aimed at delaying the substantive trial.

Pinheiro argued that the offences contained in the charge are offences under the Penal Code and are therefore properly triable before the FCT High Court. He further submitted that some of the properties and transactions linked to the alleged offences are located in Abuja, thereby establishing sufficient territorial connection for the court to exercise jurisdiction.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih agreed with the prosecution’s arguments and held that the court possesses the legal authority to hear and determine the case.

READ ALSO:

• FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue
• Makinde Vows to Rescue Oyo Abducted Pupils, Declares ‘Oyo Is Not Chibok’
• NLC, TUC Demand New Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites

The judge ruled that the proceedings do not constitute an abuse of court process and subsequently dismissed Bello’s application for lacking merit.

According to the court, the presence of properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences within Abuja provides a sufficient basis for the FCT High Court to assume jurisdiction over the matter.

The decision removes a significant procedural hurdle that could have delayed the high-profile trial and allows the prosecution to continue presenting evidence against the defendants.

Following the dismissal of the application, the EFCC immediately resumed its case and called its 16th prosecution witness, Baba-Isah Usman Baffa, to testify before the court.

During his testimony, Baffa provided details regarding property transactions allegedly connected to individuals linked to the administration of the former governor. The witness reportedly told the court that some of the properties under investigation were associated with Ali Bello, a former Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Government.

The prosecution also presented another witness, Shehu Bello, an estate agent and commodity trader, who testified about his involvement in certain property transactions that later became subjects of investigation by the anti-graft agency.

According to the witness, he was invited by the EFCC in 2023 to provide information concerning properties that form part of the agency’s ongoing investigation.

Since the commencement of the trial, the EFCC has called multiple witnesses, including bank officials, compliance officers, property developers, legal practitioners and real estate operators, who have testified on financial transactions, property acquisitions and other documentary evidence linked to the allegations.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello and his co-defendants diverted and laundered public funds while he served as governor of Kogi State. The defendants have consistently denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

With the jurisdiction challenge now dismissed, attention is expected to shift fully to the substantive issues in the case as the prosecution continues to present witnesses and documentary evidence in support of its claims.

Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.

Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Stop N110.4bn Fraud Trial

FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue

The Federal Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism efforts, securing approximately 150 terrorism convictions within the first 48 hours of the latest phase of mass terrorism trials taking place at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the court premises, where hundreds of terrorism-related cases are being heard simultaneously before a panel of judges.

According to Fagbemi, the ongoing exercise, which commenced on Monday, has already yielded significant results, with about 160 cases heard on the first day alone and roughly 150 convictions secured.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” the AGF said.

He further revealed that proceedings on Tuesday involved approximately 300 additional cases, with another 84 matters expected to be concluded before the end of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added.

The mass terrorism trials are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen accountability, accelerate the prosecution of terrorism suspects, and reinforce national security efforts against insurgency and violent extremism.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from Nigerians as the exercise progresses, noting that the government remains committed to ensuring justice is served through lawful and transparent judicial processes.

The Attorney-General described the ongoing proceedings as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials conducted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that the government is determined to send a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated in any form.

READ ALSO:

• Makinde Vows to Rescue Oyo Abducted Pupils, Declares ‘Oyo Is Not Chibok’
• NLC, TUC Demand New Minimum Wage as Inflation Bites
• Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking,” he stated.

The current phase involves suspects facing charges ranging from terrorism, terrorism financing, conspiracy, aiding and abetting insurgent activities, and other offences linked to extremist groups operating in different parts of the country.

To facilitate speedy hearings, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court constituted a special panel of judges to simultaneously handle cases across multiple courtrooms.

Among the judges presiding over the trials are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.

The prosecution team is being led by Fagbemi alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team representing indigent defendants.

Unlike previous phases conducted in Kainji, Niger State, the latest round of terrorism trials is taking place in Abuja to accommodate a larger number of cases and improve judicial efficiency.

Security has also been significantly tightened around the Federal High Court complex, with armed security personnel deployed across strategic locations to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings.

The latest exercise follows another major round of prosecutions conducted between April 7 and April 10, 2026, during which the Federal Government secured convictions against 386 terrorism suspects out of 508 cases heard before 10 courts.

Government officials say the ongoing trials form part of a broader effort to dismantle terrorist networks, strengthen the rule of law and ensure that individuals involved in acts of terrorism face justice.

The Federal Government has also maintained that the trials are being conducted in accordance with both domestic laws and international legal standards, with provisions made for legal representation and due process throughout the proceedings.

With hundreds of cases still pending, authorities say the current phase of the trials will continue through Thursday, while additional hearings may follow as part of Nigeria’s sustained campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue