Troops capture large cache of terrorists’ IEDs, weapons after killing scores in Borno
In a renewed effort to deny Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists freedom of movement and to restore lasting peace in the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, under the command of Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, have intensified offensive operations, resulting in significant gains against insurgents.
The latest operations led to the discovery of approximately 60 heavily primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the neutralization of numerous terrorists, and the recovery of assorted weapons and equipment.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Reuben Kovangiya.
According to the statement: “On 3 July 2025, troops conducting clearance operations around Marte and Dikwa general areas discovered a large cache of IEDs at a bridge linking Marte and Dikwa. These explosives, believed to have been planted by terrorists to target civilians and destroy critical infrastructure, were safely recovered, preventing a potential disaster.”
In a related development, troops on a coordinated fighting patrol to Fulatari in Gubio Local Government Area captured a terrorist fighter and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and a large quantity of ammunition.
Another combat team operating in the Mussini area of Ngala Local Government Area engaged insurgents with superior firepower, forcing them to flee. During the pursuit, troops recovered AK-47 rifles, jerrycans of premium motor spirit (PMS), motorcycles, terrorists’ uniforms, and other items.
Similarly, troops conducting offensive operations in the Salekwa area of Mafa Local Government Area made contact with terrorists, neutralizing some while others escaped. During the exploitation of the area, the soldiers recovered additional AK-47 rifles, magazines, and the body of a neutralized terrorist.
Captain Kovangiya stated that the troops’ resilience and effectiveness have earned commendation from the Military High Command. He added that the operations were carried out with the support of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
“Troops continue to conduct operations in high spirits to restore peace and facilitate socio-economic activities across the North-East,” the statement concluded.
Troops capture large cache of terrorists’ IEDs, weapons after killing scores in Borno
Troops Arrest Father, Son Over Terrorism Suspicions, Recover AK-47 in Sokoto
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a father and his son over suspected links to terrorist activities in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other items during the operation.
The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Ali and his son, Umaru Ali, were arrested at about 12:47 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, during a coordinated security operation in the forest.
The operation involved troops of the 248 Battalion, supported by French Special Forces and the tactical team of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Security sources said the two suspects were allegedly linked to terrorist groups operating in the area. However, the nature and extent of their alleged involvement have yet to be established, as investigations are ongoing.
Items recovered from the suspects included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and the sum of ₦9,760 in cash.
Troops also recovered three motorcycle tubes during the operation.
Following their arrest, Muhammadu Ali and his son were transferred to the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion for further investigation.
The arrests form part of ongoing military efforts to track down suspected terrorist elements and disrupt their activities in Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West.
The investigation is expected to establish the suspects’ alleged connections, identify any possible accomplices and determine whether they played any role in terrorist activities in the area.
Troops Arrest Father, Son Over Terrorism Suspicions, Recover AK-47 in Sokoto
Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadilatul Sheikh Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu
Agunbiade Celebrates Oyo Grand Chief Imam Akeugberu at One, Says His Impact Equals a Decade
A prominent member of the Oyo State Muslim Community (MUSCOYS), Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has congratulated the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadilatul Sheikh Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, on his first anniversary in office, describing his leadership as a period of remarkable achievements and far-reaching influence.
Agunbiade said the Muslim cleric had made an impact within just 12 months that could ordinarily take a decade to achieve, citing his efforts to promote unity, strengthen relationships with Islamic institutions and expand the influence of the Muslim community in Oyo State and beyond.
The Grand Chief Imam marked his first anniversary on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
In a congratulatory message made available to journalists, Agunbiade said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and contributions of a religious leader whose emergence, according to him, had renewed hope and confidence among Muslims in Oyo Land.
He stressed that the anniversary was more than a celebration of one year in office, describing it as a recognition of purposeful leadership, institutional engagement and efforts to advance the interests of the Muslim Ummah.
Agunbiade recalled that Sheikh Akeugberu’s emergence as Grand Chief Imam had raised expectations among Muslims who wanted a leader capable of providing direction, strengthening unity and promoting the collective interests of the community.
He said the cleric began demonstrating his leadership capacity shortly after assuming office, particularly through engagements with prominent Islamic authorities and respected Muslim institutions.
One of the early developments he highlighted was the reception accorded the Grand Chief Imam by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, within the first month of his emergence.
Agunbiade described the meeting as an indication of the recognition and acceptance enjoyed by the Oyo Muslim leader within the wider Nigerian Muslim community.
He added that Sheikh Akeugberu’s engagements had since extended beyond Oyo State, strengthening his relevance across the Southwest and the wider Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
The MUSCOYS member described the Grand Chief Imam as a man of honour, dignity, wisdom and exceptional leadership qualities, noting that religious leadership required more than occupying an influential position.
According to him, the office demands humility, inclusiveness, courage, selfless service and a genuine commitment to the welfare and unity of the faithful.
He particularly praised Sheikh Akeugberu’s ability to engage Muslims across different ideological orientations, saying the responsibility of a Grand Chief Imam was to unite the community rather than deepen divisions.
Agunbiade said the cleric had demonstrated the importance of building bridges, fostering mutual understanding and providing direction for Muslims with different perspectives and affiliations.
“The Grand Chief Imam is a man whose emergence many Muslims had anticipated with great expectations. Alhamdulillah, barely one year into his administration, his impact has given renewed meaning to those expectations,” he said.
He added that the first year of the cleric’s leadership had demonstrated what could be achieved when experience, wisdom, influence and commitment to the Muslim Ummah were combined.
Agunbiade urged Muslims in Oyo Land and beyond to continue supporting the Grand Chief Imam, offering prayers for him and cooperating with his leadership.
He said the continued progress of the Muslim community depended on collective responsibility, mutual understanding and the willingness of stakeholders to work together for the common good.
The congratulatory message also included prayers for the cleric’s good health, wisdom, strength, sincerity and divine protection as he continues to discharge the responsibilities of his office.
Agunbiade expressed the hope that the remaining years of Sheikh Akeugberu’s tenure would bring greater unity, spiritual advancement and institutional development, while strengthening the recognition of Muslims in Oyo Land, the Southwest and Nigeria.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would preserve the Grand Chief Imam, increase him in knowledge and wisdom, protect him from distractions and enable him to serve Islam and humanity with sincerity.
He also expressed the hope that the cleric’s future years in office would build on the achievements of his first year and bring lasting benefits to the Muslim Ummah.
Agunbiade Celebrates Oyo Grand Chief Imam Akeugberu at One, Says His Impact Equals a Decade
Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of 48 Properties Worth N212bn Linked To Malami
By NewsTrends.ng Reporter
ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government.
The properties, initially valued at approximately ₦212.8 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are among 57 assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities during Malami’s tenure in office between 2015 and 2023.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture after dismissing objections filed by Malami, members of his family and several companies claiming ownership of the properties.
The judge held that the respondents failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish that the disputed assets were acquired through legitimate sources of income.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik emphasised that the central issue before the court was not necessarily who owned the properties but the legitimacy of the funds used to acquire them.
She reportedly stated that the respondents had failed to dislodge the reasonable suspicion that the properties were acquired through unlawful activities.
The properties are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states and comprise luxury hotels, duplexes, residential estates, shopping plazas, warehouses, educational institutions and industrial facilities.
Malami’s Family, Companies Lose Court Battle
The forfeiture proceedings followed an investigation by the EFCC, which identified 57 properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
Following an interim forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court on January 16, 2026, Malami, his wife, children and several companies associated with the assets approached the court to challenge the action.
They urged the court to set aside the interim order, maintaining that the properties were lawfully acquired and that the EFCC had failed to establish any connection between the assets and unlawful activities.
However, Justice Abdulmalik dismissed their objections, describing the applications as lacking merit.
The judge maintained that the anti-graft agency had satisfied the legal requirement of establishing reasonable suspicion that the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities.
She relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act in granting the final forfeiture order.
Court Spares Nine Properties
Although the EFCC sought the final forfeiture of all 57 properties, the court excluded nine assets after finding that the commission had not sufficiently established their connection with unlawful activities.
Among the properties excluded were Rayhaan Model Academy, Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School, the Malami Support Organisation Building and some residential properties in Kebbi State.
The judge held that the evidence presented by the EFCC was insufficient to justify the permanent forfeiture of those particular assets.
Consequently, 48 properties were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government, while nine were spared.
Properties Include University, Hotels, Factory
Some of the prominent properties affected by the order include Rayhaan University campuses in Kebbi State, Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, Meethaq Hotels in Abuja, Azbir Hotel and Arena, and Zeennoor Hotel in Kano.
Others include residential buildings, commercial plazas, warehouses, shopping units, filling stations and other business establishments.
The assets are spread across different locations in the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.
While the EFCC initially valued the 57 properties at approximately ₦212.8 billion, Premium Times’ calculation of the values attached to the 48 properties covered by the final order put their combined worth at about ₦180.4 billion.
The nine properties excluded from forfeiture were valued at approximately ₦28.7 billion.
Court Examines Malami’s Earnings
During the proceedings, the court also considered evidence relating to Malami’s earnings while serving as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
Justice Abdulmalik reportedly observed that Malami earned approximately ₦89.7 million in salary during his ministerial tenure and received about ₦12.16 million as severance allowance.
The judge also examined an addendum to his asset declaration in which he reportedly declared official earnings of approximately ₦253.6 million.
The court considered the figures alongside the value of the properties and the explanations offered by the respondents concerning their acquisition.
The respondents had also questioned aspects of the EFCC’s valuation reports, but the judge rejected their objections.
Forfeiture Does Not Amount To Criminal Conviction
The forfeiture order was made under a civil asset recovery process that does not require a prior criminal conviction.
The judge maintained that proceedings under the relevant provision of the law focus on the properties and whether they are reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.
The forfeiture order is separate from the criminal money-laundering proceedings involving Malami and members of his family.
The former minister has consistently challenged the allegations against him.
The EFCC’s action forms part of its efforts to recover assets suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of 48 Properties Worth N212bn Linked To Malami
