Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages

In a significant blow to terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have dismantled a roadblock mounted by ISWAP/JAS terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya highway in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 innocent civilians and recovering eight vehicles seized by the insurgents .

The successful operation, carried out on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2, represents another major victory in the military’s sustained offensive against ISWAP and JAS terrorists in the region . This latest success comes just days after troops rescued 47 hostages, mostly women and children, from ISWAP captivity in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, underscoring the military’s intensified campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the Lake Chad region .

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was launched after troops deployed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists mounting an illegal roadblock through surveillance cameras . The detection prompted the immediate deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the scene, demonstrating the military’s enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities . “A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilised to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion,” the statement read in part .

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During the fierce encounter, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians who had been held hostage by the terrorists . The military also recovered eight vehicles that had been seized by the insurgents before the operation . Security sources confirmed that the rescued hostages comprised 48 adults and five children, with the adults including 20 men and 28 women . The troops advanced approximately 10 kilometres along the insurgents’ withdrawal route to clear the area and conduct further searches, although no additional contact was made . The military confirmed that all rescued persons, recovered vehicles, and other properties were safely moved to Buratai town . The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations at a secure location, with arrangements underway to facilitate their reunion with their families . Military sources confirmed that no casualty or equipment loss was recorded during the operation, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the troops’ rapid response capability .

The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has commended the professionalism and swift response of the troops, describing the mission as another significant success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East region . The command noted that the operation reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the troops’ rapid response capability in preventing terrorists from causing further harm to innocent road users . The military has urged all citizens within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information regarding any suspicious movements and activities to security agencies . The command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks, and restore peace and normalcy across the North-East region . “The general security situation within the general area remains calm as troops continue to maintain an aggressive posture and dominance in the general area,” the statement added . This operation demonstrates the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians while intensifying efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the region .

Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages

‘Disconnected From Reality’ – Nigerians Blast Remi Tinubu Over Akara Business Comments

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has ignited a social media firestorm after encouraging economically disadvantaged citizens to consider small-scale food businesses such as selling akara (fried bean cakes), roasted corn, and kuli-kuli (peanut cakes) as viable means of earning a living .

Mrs Tinubu made the remarks while speaking with State House Correspondents following the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 . A video of her comments, later shared online, quickly went viral and triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms .

Speaking on the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu explained that her office has been providing grants rather than loans to vulnerable Nigerians to help them establish small businesses and improve their livelihoods . She emphasized that such ventures require minimal capital to start and can help families cope with the country’s economic challenges. “We’re trying to give hope, and to start an akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli-kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she stated .

According to the First Lady, her interventions are centred on providing grants to enable beneficiaries to establish small-scale businesses without the burden of repayment . She added that her office has continued to support Nigerians through various empowerment initiatives designed to improve livelihoods and promote self-reliance. “So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I keep giving,” she said .

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The First Lady also outlined significant financial interventions she has personally supported in the health sector, totalling billions of naira . She disclosed that she donated N2 billion to combat tuberculosis, N1 billion for breast cancer interventions, and N500 million to address food malnutrition . “I remember giving for TB. When I heard there were so many TB cases, I gave N2 billion. To breast cancer, I gave a billion. For food malnutrition, I gave half a billion,” she stated . She added that her office has also supported programmes in agriculture, education, social investment, and digital skills development, including scholarships and ICT training in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) . The Renewed Hope Initiative has also provided support for victims of conflict and vulnerable families, including food assistance to 22 states and the FCT .

Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing economic difficulties, emphasizing that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to restore optimism among citizens . “The narrative has really changed, has changed to challenge the average man, whereas the average man is supposed to have hope. So I like the idea that Mr President says this is the Renewed Hope Agenda. We have to renew our hope, and that’s how we renew our hope, you know, and that’s what I have to tell Nigerians,” she said .

However, the First Lady’s comments on small-scale businesses triggered swift and sharp criticism online, with many social media users accusing her of downplaying the severity of Nigeria’s economic challenges and being disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens . An X user, @ADCVanguard_, said the video demonstrated “exactly how disconnected Nigeria’s ruling class has become from the reality of ordinary citizens” . Another user, @ireteeh, contrasted the initiative with private-sector efforts, writing: “The First Lady is empowering people with akara, corn, and kuli-kuli, while an ordinary citizen with limited resources is equipping people to build thriving careers in cybersecurity” .

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Some critics argued that the grants being distributed could not address the broader economic challenges facing Nigerians. PoliticalPhoenix commented: “Remi Tinubu giving small grants for akara and roasted corn while her husband’s policies have destroyed millions of businesses and pushed Nigerians into extreme poverty? This is not hope – it’s crumbs from the table they shattered. Fuel prices, inflation and hardship remain unbearable. Nigerians need real economic recovery, not PR grants” . A user identified as Nefertiti (@firstladyship) also criticised the remarks, saying, “Nigerians are in big trouble. There is fire on the mountain but the people are tired of running” . Another user, @Susan, described the statement as “an insult to Nigerians,” while @MrEazzy wrote: “When your husband fails in 2027, we’ll ensure you and your children start Akara and Kuli-Kuli business on the coastal expressway” .

Popular Nigerian disc jockey, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, professionally known as DJ Switch, also slammed the First Lady over her remarks. In a post on her Instagram, DJ Switch said that while other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly evolving world, Remi Tinubu is encouraging the sale of kuli-kuli . She wrote: “With absolute no due respect Remi! Thunder fire you! While other nations are creating spaces and infrastructure to develop their people for this rapidly developing world, you want us to sell kuli-kuli? And the otondo’s behind you are nodding their greedy necks! I can’t express how much I despise you, people” .

Despite the backlash, some Nigerians defended the First Lady, arguing that there was nothing wrong with encouraging people to engage in small businesses and that such ventures have proven profitable for many . An X user, @Akikanju1568901, described akara as “one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria,” noting that the trade has enabled many families to train their children in universities and acquire houses and cars . He further argued that the profit margin in akara business exceeds 50 percent, and many Nigerian youths lack the drive to explore the opportunities available to them . Another user, @PemiOladapo, wrote: “There’s dignity in labour… these are our local snacks! People should start it and scale it!” .

Meanwhile, some commentators argued that the criticism was not about the nature of the businesses but about the broader economic context. @TossynBankz_ wrote: “Nobody is mocking akara, roasted corn, or kuli-kuli. Those are honest businesses. The problem is that Nigerians are asking for a better economy, more jobs, and lower prices. Telling people to start selling akara in this situation just feels like the government doesn’t understand what people are going through” .

‘Disconnected From Reality’ – Nigerians Blast Remi Tinubu Over Akara Business Comments

MAN disburses ₦5.48 million, empowerment tools to 32 zakat beneficiaries in Ibadan

The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ibadan Branch, has distributed ₦5.48 million in cash grants and empowerment materials to 32 beneficiaries under its 2026 Zakat and Sadaqah Programme, reaffirming its commitment to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment within the Muslim community.

The distribution ceremony, held at the association’s headquarters in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, donors and beneficiaries to celebrate another milestone in MAN’s humanitarian outreach.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of MAN, Ibadan Branch, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Ganiy, said the initiative, coordinated through the Muslim Association of Nigeria Zakat Administration Programme (MANZAP), has disbursed more than ₦28 million to 340 deserving beneficiaries since its inception in 2017.

He noted that the programme has continued to expand despite prevailing economic challenges, stressing that the association remains committed to supporting vulnerable members of society through the Islamic principles of zakat and sadaqah.

Chairman of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ibadan branch, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Ganiy (second right), with, from left, the branch’s Deputy Imam, Alhaji Mubashir Adeleke Lawal; Chairman, Muslim Association of Nigeria Zakat Administration Programme (MANZAP) Management Committee, Alhaji Wahab Adisa Lateef (Olokuta); and the branch secretary, Mr. Tunji Aleem, at the organisation’s 2026 zakat distribution programme held in Oke Ado, Ibadan, last weekend.

Abdul-Ganiy recalled that during the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the association provided relief worth about ₦1.7 million, comprising zakat funds and food palliatives, to struggling households across Ibadan.

He assured members that MAN would continue to strengthen its humanitarian interventions by mobilising more resources to assist widows, orphans, persons living with disabilities, unemployed youths and other vulnerable groups.

“Our commitment remains unwavering. We will continue to strive to support members of the Ummah and other vulnerable people in society through sustainable empowerment programmes,” he said.

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Delivering a lecture at the event, the Deputy Imam of MAN, Ibadan Branch, Alhaji Mubashir Adeleke Lawal, described zakat as one of the fundamental pillars of Islam and a powerful tool for promoting social justice and reducing economic inequality.

He urged wealthy Muslims to faithfully fulfil their obligation of paying zakat, warning that neglecting the religious duty deprives the less privileged of much-needed support and weakens communal development.

Lawal also advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial assistance and vocational tools provided to them, urging them to invest the support in productive ventures capable of improving their livelihoods.

Earlier, Chairman of the MANZAP Management Committee, Alhaji Wahab Adisa Lateef (Olokuta), explained that the committee was established to professionally manage the collection, administration and transparent distribution of zakat and sadaqah contributions.

According to him, the 2026 programme represents the 10th edition of the initiative and the fifth distribution exercise conducted by the current management committee since assuming office in June 2021.

Lateef disclosed that the committee received 54 applications for this year’s exercise, out of which 32 beneficiaries were selected after a comprehensive screening and interview process to ensure fairness and transparency.

He said a total of ₦5,483,629.52, comprising cash grants and empowerment materials, was approved for disbursement to support beneficiaries in establishing or expanding businesses and improving their economic conditions.

The beneficiaries received various empowerment items, including equipment for tailoring, hairdressing, barbing, catering, farming and other vocational trades, alongside financial support to strengthen their businesses and promote self-reliance.

Lateef commended members of the association’s Advisory Council, led by Prof. Dawud Noibi, for their continuous guidance and support, revealing that 308 beneficiaries had received assistance before the latest disbursement, bringing the cumulative number of beneficiaries under the programme to 340.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Moshood Saheed Muhammed expressed gratitude to MAN, donors and members of the zakat committee for the intervention, describing it as timely and life-changing.

He pledged that the beneficiaries would utilise the funds and equipment responsibly to improve their businesses, cater for their families and contribute positively to society.

A former beneficiary, Mrs. Glory Onabade, a widow, also shared her testimony during the programme, recounting how previous assistance from the association helped her survive difficult times, including her battle with cervical cancer.

She attributed her recovery and improved living conditions to God’s mercy and the support received through the association’s humanitarian programme, encouraging donors to continue supporting the initiative.

The association reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the annual zakat and sadaqah programme, noting that economic empowerment remains one of the most effective ways of reducing poverty, promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening social welfare in Nigeria.

MAN disburses ₦5.48 million, empowerment tools to 32 zakat beneficiaries in Ibadan