Nigerian troops under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have achieved significant operational successes, rescuing three kidnapped victims and disrupting a planned terrorist attack in separate operations across Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The operations, part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks in the North West region, led to the recovery of a PKT machine gun, ammunition, motorcycles, chains used for restraining captives, military accoutrements, and other items.

On June 22, 2026, troops on routine offensive patrol in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescued three female kidnap victims who were abandoned by their captors due to intense military pressure. The victims, who had been held for approximately three months, were identified as:

• 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu from Gara Zaima Village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State;

• 20-year-old Hafsat Ibrahim from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village, Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State;

• 17-year-old Halira Usman, also from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village, Zuru LGA, Kebbi State.

The rescued women were promptly evacuated and provided with medical evaluation and care.

In a separate intelligence-driven operation on June 23, 2026, troops of the 8 Division Garrison ambushed suspected terrorists at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The terrorists, who were reportedly heading to carry out attacks, came under heavy fire from the troops and fled in disarray, abandoning their weapons and equipment.

The successes highlight the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations and credible intelligence in denying criminals freedom of action in the region.

The Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that troops will continue to maintain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements until peace and normalcy are restored across the North West.

The statement was issued on June 24, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering involving $2.53 million.

In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency revealed that it has filed a 12-count charge against Bodejo on June 22, 2026. He is accused of receiving and possessing large sums of foreign currency suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The charges allege that Bodejo received multiple cash payments — ranging from $100,000 to $980,000 — from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant General of Bauchi State, without routing the transactions through any financial institution as required by law.

The EFCC further claims that portions of the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, thereby violating Nigeria’s money laundering statutes. The case also involves allegations of terrorism financing.

Bodejo, who has been linked to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, is expected to be formally arraigned in the coming days to take his plea as court proceedings commence.

The alleged offences are punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The EFCC stated that further proceedings will follow once an arraignment date is fixed by the court.

A former British Airways pilot has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison after admitting to raping a 12-year-old girl he groomed on social media and drove nearly 200 miles to meet.

Kwame Yeboah, 30, from Reading, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault of a child under 13. The court heard that the Ghana-born pilot initially met the victim on the online chat platform Omegle before continuing to groom her via Instagram.

Prosecutors described Yeboah as a dangerous predator who travelled in his Mercedes from Reading to the Wirral in Merseyside, covering over 200 miles, with the intention of sexually abusing the schoolgirl. He raped her twice in his car after arranging the meeting.

Yeboah was sentenced to eight years and four months in custody, with an additional year on extended licence upon release. He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life, given a 15-year restraining order, and was dismissed by British Airways following his arrest.

The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about online grooming and the exploitation of children on social media platforms. Sentencing judge described the premeditated nature of the offences as particularly serious.

This conviction comes amid broader efforts by UK authorities to tackle child sexual exploitation facilitated through the internet.