By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), Operation HADIN KAI, have taken into custody a man suspected of being a member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after he reportedly surrendered in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Security sources said the suspect approached troops at about 6:47 p.m. on July 14 in the Cashew Plantation area during routine security operations.

According to the sources, the suspect told troops during preliminary interrogation that he was an ISWAP member from Warabe in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, and had voluntarily surrendered. He also allegedly said he disposed of an AK-47 rifle in a river before making contact with the troops.

The sources further claimed that the suspect admitted to participating in three attacks on Delwa alongside other members of the armed group.Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, a bicycle repair solution, a bicycle pump, a spoon and ₦6,500 in cash.

Military sources said the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing further investigation to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Operation HADIN KAI has continued efforts to encourage the surrender of insurgents while conducting operations against armed groups in Nigeria’s North-East.

The Bayelsa State Government has unveiled Abdul Maikaba as the new Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Football Club, charging him to lead the team back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season. Maikaba was presented alongside his assistant, Elechi Ngozi, on Thursday at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe, who represented Governor Douye Diri.

Akpe said Bayelsa United remains a key sporting institution in the state and noted that Maikaba’s appointment followed a merit-based selection process. He expressed confidence that the club could secure promotion within one season.”Our target is within this one season: go back to the Premier League,” the deputy governor said. Chairman of the club’s Interim Management Board, Dr. Peter Singabele, disclosed that Maikaba signed a one-year performance-based contract, describing him as an experienced coach with a proven record in Nigerian football.

In his remarks, Maikaba thanked the state government for the opportunity and pledged to work with the club’s management and supporters to achieve promotion. He highlighted previous achievements, including winning the 2013/14 NPFL title with Kano Pillars, lifting the FA Cup with Akwa United and guiding several clubs to promotion. He also said Bayelsa United would organise a pre-season tournament featuring 12 teams, including the eight quarter-finalists of the 2026 Prosperity Cup, to identify emerging talent.

By Abigail David

A close friend and colleague of Mary Habila, the nurse who died in Ebonyi State, has provided investigators with an account of the events leading up to her death.

In a sworn affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday, Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist, said she travelled with Habila and other officials of the Federal Ministry of Works from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for an official assignment.

Baaki stated that they were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet within the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the chalet was designated for ministry staff and associates.

According to the affidavit, Baaki last saw Habila on the evening of June 26 after she returned from a hair appointment. She said they spoke briefly before Habila said she intended to take a shower and retire for the night.

Baaki said she became concerned the following morning when Habila did not respond to repeated phone calls or knocks on her door. After staff were alerted and the room was forced open, Habila was found unconscious and taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Baaki said her statement was made voluntarily to assist investigators. Police investigations are ongoing, while lawyers representing the minister have requested a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death before the body is released for burial.