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Troops kill ISWAP leader Khalifa, 2 commanders surrender in Borno

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The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a high-profile terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa and the surrender of two senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders, Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno state.

Acting Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The two commanders surrendered to troops on June 8, 2026, in the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region, where they held strategic positions within the terrorist organisation, Sani stated.

He said, “Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign following the surrender of two high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders to troops on 8 June 2026.

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“The surrendered terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, are currently in military custody and undergoing appropriate profiling and debriefing procedures.”

He explained that Ismail Mohammed was a close associate of senior ISWAP leader, Baa Shuwa, and possessed extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure and operations.

According to him, Abu Umar was widely known within the terrorist network as an explosives expert responsible for the fabrication and maintenance of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and other combat-support equipment used by the insurgents.

Sani further revealed that intelligence obtained during interrogation showed that Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was killed during recent joint military operations.

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“Interrogation revealed that another high-profile terrorist, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralised during joint operations by Operation Hadin Kai,” he said.

The army spokesman described the surrender of the two commanders as a major blow to the terrorist group, citing their influence, experience and technical expertise acquired over several years within the insurgent network.

“Their decision to flee and surrender further underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, complemented by precision engagements conducted with the support of allied partners against terrorist enclaves across the theatre.

“The combined pressure from these operations continues to degrade terrorist capabilities, weaken their operational networks and compel increasing numbers of insurgents to surrender,” he stated.

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In a related development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, has urged 252 graduating officers of Junior Course 101 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji to leverage their training and experience in addressing the complex security challenges facing Nigeria and the African continent.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held Thursday in Jaji, Kaduna state, Abubakar said the changing nature of security threats demands military leaders who are innovative, disciplined and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.

He noted that contemporary conflicts are increasingly driven by terrorism, insurgency, cyber threats and other asymmetric challenges, requiring officers to think beyond conventional approaches in military operations.

According to him, professionalism, integrity and adaptability remain critical attributes for officers entrusted with leadership responsibilities in today’s security environment.

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Abubakar reminded the graduates that leadership is measured not only by authority but also by the ability to inspire confidence, maintain ethical standards and deliver results in difficult circumstances.

He urged them to continue building on the knowledge acquired during the course, stressing that continuous learning and teamwork would remain essential throughout their military careers.

Earlier, the Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Alfred Shokunbi, congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing the rigorous training programme, which he said was designed to prepare them for higher responsibilities in command, staff and leadership positions.

Shokunbi explained that the course exposed participants to contemporary security issues, strategic planning, decision-making processes and joint military operations, equipping them with skills required to operate effectively in complex environments.

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He charged the graduates to uphold the values of professionalism, discipline and selfless service, while applying the lessons learned at the college to contribute meaningfully to national security and the advancement of their respective armed forces.

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DSS intercepts arms shipment bound for bandit kingpin, nabs suspect

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State allegedly transporting weapons intended for delivery to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday said the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.

According to the report, the suspect was intercepted while moving a cache of arms and ammunition from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa to Funtua in Katsina State for onward delivery to criminal elements.

“Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.”

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The report said preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara.

“The suspect confessed that he was contracted to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua and was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery.

“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the arms movement and identify other collaborators involved in the operation,” the report said.

The report described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings and other security threats in the North-West.

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It added that the suspect was in DSS custody and would face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

According to the report, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling logistics networks that sustain banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime across the country.

(NAN)

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Chimamanda Adichie alleges cover-up, negligence following son’s death

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Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital of medical negligence and an subsequent attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding her son’s death by taking her pursuit of justice for her late son, Nkanu Nnamdi, to the public.

In a four-part series shared on Instagram, Adichie detailed a devastating sequence of events. According to her, her son suffered a hypoxic brain injury caused by improper sedation administered by an anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Beyond the medical tragedy, Adichie alleges that the hospital has engaged in a pattern of dishonest practices. These include:

Issuing an inaccurate death certificate that falsely attributed the cause of death to meningitis.

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Failing to provide complete or accurate medical records to her family.

Employing heartless language in legal correspondence, including referring to her son’s death as a “dispute”.

Stalling and attempting to obstruct a coroner’s inquest, which was originally initiated by the hospital itself. Describing the immense toll this has taken on her.

She said, “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing… The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that”.

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The author also recounted an encounter with a senior figure in the hospital’s ownership who allegedly attempted to discourage her from pursuing legal action by suggesting her reputation could be dragged in the mud during court proceedings. Adichie said this was a manipulative and threatening message.

“An inquest is a public judicial inquiry designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death,” she stated.

Adichie explained, that it is not a trial or a claim for damages, but simply a search for the truth. By making these details public, she hopes to demand the accountability and transparency that she feels have been denied to her family.

“I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it”. She stated.

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Tinubu condemns death of retired general Rabe in kidnappers’ custody

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted by armed criminals in Katsina State and later died while still in their custody.

According to a State House statement issued on Saturday, the president said he received the news of the former military officer’s death with “shock and sadness,” describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the security challenges facing parts of the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement read.

General Abubakar, who had retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces after a distinguished career, was said to have been travelling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted by armed men.

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“General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him,” the statement stated.

The presidency also revealed that the late officer’s wife was taken alongside him and is still being held by the abductors, a detail that has further intensified public concern over the incident.

The president extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Katsina State, and the military establishment, describing the loss as painful and unacceptable.

He also reiterated the government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism and kidnapping, warning that the state would not be blackmailed into concessions.

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While condemning the attack, Tinubu declared: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”

He further stressed national unity and resilience in the face of insecurity, insisting that the country would ultimately prevail.

“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” the President said.

On the broader fight against insecurity, Tinubu said the tragedy should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, rejecting any form of negotiation with armed groups.

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“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the statement added.

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