Army detains surrendered terrorist kingpins in Borno

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its counter-insurgency campaign after two senior terrorist commanders voluntarily surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State, providing valuable intelligence expected to strengthen ongoing military operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East.

Military authorities described the surrender as another significant setback for terrorist groups operating in the region, saying the information obtained from the suspects is already helping security forces identify operational cells, logistics routes and remaining insurgent hideouts.

The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the two commanders—identified as Munzirs, a senior rank within the terrorist hierarchy—surrendered to troops of Sector 2 in Geidam, Yobe State, on July 4, 2026. They were subsequently transferred to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on July 5, where they are currently in military custody undergoing extensive screening and interrogation.

The military disclosed that the surrendered commanders are undergoing comprehensive profiling, debriefing and intelligence exploitation as part of efforts to obtain strategic information that could accelerate the fight against terrorism.

According to the Army, preliminary interrogation indicates that the two suspects occupied influential leadership positions within the terrorist organisation and possess extensive knowledge of its command structure, operational strategies, logistics network and support systems.

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Military authorities said intelligence already extracted from the suspects has provided critical insights into how the group sustains its operations, moves personnel and weapons, and coordinates attacks across the North-East.

The Army believes the intelligence will significantly improve ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at locating, disrupting and dismantling the remaining terrorist enclaves operating across the region.

The military described the surrender as another indication that sustained military offensives are weakening terrorist organisations and forcing their leaders to abandon the insurgency.

According to the statement, coordinated land and air operations conducted by Operation HADIN KAI, supported by improved surveillance and intelligence gathering, have continued to restrict the movement of insurgents, destroy logistics bases, eliminate command structures and reduce their operational capacity.

The Army noted that increasing pressure from troops has made it difficult for many terrorist fighters and commanders to remain on the battlefield, compelling them to surrender.

“The latest surrender further reinforces the growing disintegration of the terrorist organisation,” the statement said.

Military officials added that sustained offensives have continued to deny terrorists freedom of movement while disrupting their ability to recruit fighters, transport weapons and launch coordinated attacks.

The surrender of the two senior commanders follows a series of similar developments recorded by the military in recent months.

Only days earlier, Operation HADIN KAI announced that more than 76 suspected ISWAP fighters, alongside members of their families, voluntarily surrendered following sustained military offensives across parts of the North-East.

The military attributed the growing wave of defections to relentless air strikes, coordinated ground assaults and intelligence-driven operations that have destroyed terrorist camps, disrupted supply routes and isolated several insurgent leaders.

Security analysts say the surrender of senior commanders is particularly significant because they often possess strategic information capable of exposing hidden camps, financing networks, recruitment channels and planned attacks.

Counter-insurgency experts have repeatedly emphasised that intelligence obtained directly from surrendered commanders provides information that cannot always be gathered through aerial surveillance or electronic monitoring.

Military sources believe the intelligence obtained from the latest surrender will help security agencies identify remaining terrorist strongholds, recover illegal weapons and rescue civilians still held captive in remote camps.

The information may also assist troops in preventing future attacks by exposing operational plans and identifying collaborators supporting insurgent activities.

Despite recording significant gains, the Nigerian military insists that operations against terrorist groups remain ongoing.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current operational tempo until all terrorist networks operating across the North-East are dismantled.

The military said troops will continue to leverage actionable intelligence, intensify offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and relevant partners to restore lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

The latest development adds to a series of operational successes recorded in recent months, including the rescue of kidnapped civilians, the destruction of terrorist camps, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the surrender of dozens of insurgents.

Although security experts acknowledge the progress made by the armed forces, they caution that lasting peace will require sustained military operations, strengthened border security, effective intelligence sharing, community engagement and post-conflict stabilisation programmes to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping.

The Federal Government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism and restoring normalcy across Nigeria’s North-East, maintaining that military operations will continue until all remaining terrorist cells are dismantled and displaced communities can safely return to their homes.

Army detains surrendered terrorist kingpins in Borno

Tragedy in Benue as Woman Allegedly Sets Boyfriend’s Two Daughters Ablaze Over Suspected Infidelity

ZAKI-BIAM, Benue State – A wave of shock and grief has engulfed the quiet community of Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area following the gruesome death of two young sisters, aged 4 and 6, who were allegedly set ablaze by their father’s girlfriend in a fit of jealousy.

The suspect, identified as Mbalumen Ikyenge, is currently in police custody after she reportedly locked the victims inside a hut and set it on fire late Sunday night, believing that her boyfriend, Aondoyima Ierkwagh, was harbouring another woman inside the premises.

According to eyewitness accounts, trouble began when Ikyenge visited her boyfriend’s residence and was asked to leave. She allegedly refused, insisting that another woman was hiding in the house. An argument ensued, but the boyfriend reportedly dismissed her claims and retired for the night.

However, around midnight, neighbours were jolted from sleep by the sight of flames and the sound of crackling fire coming from a thatched hut within the compound. It was later discovered that Ikyenge had set the structure ablaze, unaware that the only occupants inside were the boyfriend’s two young daughters—not the alleged rival she had been hunting for.

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The victims, whose names have not been released by authorities, suffered severe burns. They were immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility by sympathisers, but were pronounced dead on arrival due to the degree of their injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command said the suspect was arrested shortly after the attack and has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for interrogation. A police source revealed that Ikyenge has made “statements implicating herself,” but has not yet offered a clear motive beyond suspicion of infidelity.

“We are treating this as a case of culpable homicide and arson,” the source said. “It is heartbreaking that two innocent children lost their lives because of an adult’s unfounded suspicion.”

The father of the deceased, Mr. Ierkwagh, was said to be inconsolable at the scene, wailing and blaming himself for the relationship that led to the tragic outcome. Community elders have condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric” and “unacceptable,” and have called for the full weight of the law to be brought against the suspect.

Local leaders have also urged the police to ensure a speedy investigation, while women’s groups in the area are using the tragedy to counsel couples on resolving disputes without resorting to violence.

As of press time, the police have not stated whether the suspect would be arraigned in court, but sources confirm that murder and arson charges are being prepared.

The bodies of the two sisters have been deposited at a morgue, pending autopsy and burial arrangements.

This tragic incident has once again cast a dark shadow over the growing spate of domestic violence in the region, leaving the community to mourn what many have called a “senseless and avoidable” loss of innocent life.

Tragedy in Benue as Woman Allegedly Sets Boyfriend’s Two Daughters Ablaze Over Suspected Infidelity

Police Arraign Visa Agent Over Alleged N7.6 Million Fraud in Ibadan

IBADAN — The police on Monday arraigned a 36-year-old visa agent, Lawal Idris, before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding an intending emigrant, Atinuke Adeoso, of N7.6 million under the pretence of procuring Canadian or Spanish work visas for her, in a case that highlights the growing epidemic of visa fraud in Nigeria, where unlicensed agents exploit the desperation of citizens seeking to travel abroad in search of better opportunities. The defendant was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty, and the prosecutor, ASP Sikiru Ibrahim, alleged that between November and December 2025, the defendant fraudulently obtained N7,660,000 from Ms Adeoso, knowing that the offer of procuring foreign work visas was false, and fraudulently converted the money to his own use, thereby defrauding the victim of her hard-earned savings.

According to the prosecutor, the offence was committed at No 48, Taiwo House, Sango area of Ibadan, and contravenes Section 383 and is punishable under Sections 390(9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which criminalise stealing and fraudulent obtaining of property. The magistrate, M. Mudashiru, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be his close relative and must possess a voter’s card or driver’s licence, and he adjourned the matter until August 10 for a hearing, giving the prosecution time to prepare its case and the defence to respond to the allegations.

This case is far from isolated, as visa-related fraud has quietly grown into one of the fastest-rising sources of financial loss among middle-income Nigerians desperate to relocate abroad, with the EFCC reporting that it received more than 1,200 complaints regarding fake US visas and job offers in 2025 alone, with victims losing an estimated N4.7 billion to these scams. Between 2020 and 2024, Interpol Nigeria estimates that Nigerians lost at least $60 million to migration scams, though the true figure may be significantly higher, as many victims refrain from reporting due to embarrassment or fear, which enables criminal networks to persist and continue defrauding unsuspecting citizens. Experts have warned that Nigeria risks creating a shadow fraud economy worth as much as N50 billion as fraudsters prey on citizens’ desperation to travel abroad, and between 2022 and September 2023 alone, an estimated 3.68 million Nigerians left the country, with Afrobarometer reporting that 56 per cent of Nigerians have considered emigrating, up from 36 per cent in 2017, creating a fertile ground for scammers.

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This soaring demand has opened the door for scammers who operate without any licensing framework to regulate migration services in the country, and authorities acknowledge the explosion in such crimes, with the EFCC reporting that petitions on travel and visa scams jumped 48 per cent in early 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the sharpest spike on record. Scammers have intensified their tactics, using fake websites, unsolicited social media messages, and urgent calls to pressure applicants into making payments, often promising fast approvals or guaranteed visas in return, while leaving victims stranded after they have paid substantial sums of money that they can ill afford to lose.

Lawal Idris is not alone in facing such allegations, as police and anti-corruption agencies across Nigeria have recently intensified efforts to tackle a growing wave of visa fraud and travel scams. In Lagos State, the police recently arrested a syndicate that allegedly defrauded more than 100 victims of over N500 million by falsely claiming to facilitate Canadian and Australian work visas, and the suspects, aged between 23 and 36, operated under the guise of an educational consultancy, collecting money from applicants through personal bank accounts and unofficial channels while never submitting legitimate applications. Similarly, in Osun State, police arrested a 54-year-old man over alleged visa fraud involving N8,410,000, where the suspect presented himself as a travel agent but allegedly absconded with the money and became unreachable, leaving his victims without recourse. In a related case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating a travel agent and visa consultant, Chukwujindu Goodness Nchekwube, for allegedly defrauding about 24 persons of approximately N68 million under the pretence of processing work visas, with some victims reportedly receiving forged visas and offer letters after making substantial payments. Additionally, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently arraigned a woman in Ekiti over an alleged N159 million visa fraud, demonstrating the scale and geographical spread of the problem across the country.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a formal warning to Nigerians planning international travel, emphasising that visa application fraud is on the rise and urging strict adherence to official procedures to avoid falling victim, and the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) has been at the forefront of these efforts, investigating and prosecuting offenders. According to police and anti-fraud experts, applicants should be wary of several red flags, including requests for payment into personal bank accounts, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, promises of guaranteed visa approval or “fast-track” processing, pressure to act quickly to secure limited slots, agents operating solely through social media without physical offices, demand for upfront fees without proper documentation, and instructions to submit false information, all of which are common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Experts advise Nigerians to take ownership of their travel plans and verify all information directly from official embassy websites or government-approved agents, and immigration strategist Joseph Dangana advises that before engaging anyone, Nigerians should verify through the Nigerian Immigration Service’s official registry, as people have been known to land abroad only to be deported instantly for travelling with forged papers. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced the Nigeria Certified Immigration Agent (NCIA) initiative to professionalise visa facilitation services by certifying and regulating authorised agents, providing a framework for identifying legitimate service providers. Police urge victims of visa fraud to report suspicious activity to law enforcement without delay, noting that many victims refrain from reporting due to embarrassment or fear, which enables criminal networks to persist and continue defrauding other unsuspecting citizens, and they have set up a dedicated Immigration Fraud Section with offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, working closely with the Nigerian Immigration Service and foreign embassies to dismantle visa rackets and fake travel document syndicates.

Police Arraign Visa Agent Over Alleged N7.6 Million Fraud in Ibadan