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Court Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 40 Years

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister respectively of eliminated terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in supporting terrorism activities.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences after the two women pleaded guilty to three terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Battujo, a notorious bandit kingpin, was neutralized by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The women were convicted on:

  • Count 2: Aiding and abetting Battujo’s terrorist activities by passing information to him through telephone conversations, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Count 4 (Halima Abdullahi): Concealing information about her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after visiting his forest camp.
  • Count 5 (Safiya Salihu): Concealing information regarding her son’s terrorism activities.

Each count carries a 20-year jail term. Justice Yilwa ordered the sentences to run concurrently. The convicts will undergo rehabilitation after serving their terms.

They were discharged and acquitted on Counts 1 and 3, which involved receiving N490,300 and sponsorship for Hajj pilgrimage from proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, had urged the court to strike out those counts.

The women, both from Dungun Mu’aza Sabuwa LGA in Katsina State, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

This conviction underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to dismantle terror networks by targeting not only operatives in the field but also their family members who provide material support or withhold critical intelligence.

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Crime

More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)

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More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.

The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.

A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.

Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.

The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.

Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.

Watch video below:

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Crime

10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)

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The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Watch the video below:

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Crime

JUST IN: Terrorists kill 4, abduct others in Gorau after boat tragedy

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Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.

The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.

The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.

Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.

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