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Terrorism: Court Jails Bandit Kingpin Battujo’s Mother, Sister for 40 Years Each
By Abigail David
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of late bandit leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to 40 years imprisonment each for offences linked to terrorism.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi pleaded guilty to three counts of a five-count terrorism-related charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The court found the two women guilty of aiding and abetting the activities of the late bandit kingpin by passing information to him through telephone conversations, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Prohibition) Act, 2022.
They were also convicted for concealing information about Battujo’s activities and failing to alert law enforcement agencies, despite allegedly visiting his forest camp and seeing him in possession of firearms.
Justice Yilwa, however, discharged the defendants on two other counts relating to the alleged receipt of ₦490,300 and sponsorship for the Hajj pilgrimage, after the prosecution applied to have those charges struck out.
The prosecution had alleged that the women ought to have known that the funds and sponsorship were proceeds of terrorism, but the court did not convict them on those counts.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had urged the court to convict the defendants on the remaining charges after withdrawing the two financial-related counts.
According to court documents, the offences were committed in Katsina State, where the convicts allegedly maintained communication with Battujo and failed to provide information that could have aided his arrest.
Battujo, a notorious bandit leader, was killed by security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
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Tinubu Orders Security Agencies to Hunt Killers of 30 Kaduna Residents
By Abigail David
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the deadly attack on Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State that claimed about 30 lives.
The President’s directive followed the early Monday assault on the community, where gunmen reportedly killed residents, including women and children, and set several houses ablaze.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the incident, describing it as an unprovoked act of terrorism against innocent civilians.
He said those behind the attack would be held accountable, stressing that efforts to undermine the peace and improved security recorded in Kaduna State would not succeed.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture by improving security infrastructure, equipping personnel and dismantling criminal networks threatening lives and property.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, as well as to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the state government and residents affected by the tragedy.
The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to support security agencies in pursuing those responsible for the attack and preventing similar incidents across the country.
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Eight Killed in Attack on Benue Community After Burial, Police Launch Investigation
By Abigail David
Eight people were killed and five others injured after armed assailants attacked the Otukpo Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State shortly after a burial ceremony, the Benue State Police Command has said.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said in a statement on Monday that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday following the burial of Adaje Okoh, an octogenarian.
According to the police, the attackers opened fire on residents, killing eight people and injuring five others. Some thatched houses and a motorcycle were also set ablaze during the incident.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu led tactical teams to the community after receiving reports of the attack. The command said security personnel restored calm, while the injured were taken to a hospital in Otukpo for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.
The police said an investigation is underway and assured residents that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. Additional security personnel have also been deployed to the affected community and other vulnerable areas following a protest by some youths.
Meanwhile, the Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has publicly distanced its members from the attack.
Metro plus
Gunmen Attack NIPSS Again as Security Operatives Kill One Assailant
By Abigail David
Security operatives at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, on Wednesday night repelled another attack by suspected gunmen, killing one of the assailants during a gun battle.
The attack occurred at about 11 p.m. when the armed men allegedly attempted to breach the institute’s security perimeter but were met with resistance from security personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NIPSS Head of Public Affairs, Osime Samuel, said the attackers were forced to retreat following a swift and coordinated response by security operatives.
According to the institute, one of the suspected attackers was killed during the exchange of fire, while others fled with varying degrees of injuries.
NIPSS said there was no breach of its security perimeter and confirmed that all participants, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.
The institute added that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects while strengthening surveillance and other proactive security measures within and around the facility.
NIPSS reassured participants, staff, their families and the public that the protection of lives and property remains its top priority and urged residents to disregard misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The latest incident comes less than two weeks after suspected gunmen attacked the institute and nearby communities, leaving three people, including security personnel, dead and prompting enhanced security around the country’s premier policy and leadership training institution.
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