FAKE NEWS MERCHANT ARRESTED IN ANAMBRA STATE
A man deliberately generated and circulated a false video alleging that a military helicopter delivered supplies to Fulani herdsmen and urged Igbos to share it, claiming the Nigerian military was preparing to attack Igbo communities. The video sparked panic in Adazi, Nimo, and nearby areas of Anambra State, prompting police deployment to restore calm.
FALSE INFO ARRESTED
NIGERIAN ARMY REPOSITIONS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff appointments within the Nigerian Army (NA) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen national security and consolidate the Army's capacity to address emerging security challenges across the country. The appointments affected some field commanders, school commandants and principal staff officers at Army Headquarters.
In the new posting, Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, replacing Major General EF Oyinlola, while Major General EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka. Major General JR Lar has been appointed Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola assumes office as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri remains in the Office of the COAS as Chief of Staff.
As part of efforts to deepen operational leadership and force readiness, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade. Major General SA Emmanuel has been appointed Commander Nigerian Army Space Command, reinforcing the Army's growing focus on emerging domains of warfare and technology-driven security operations. Major General O Adegbe has also been appointed Director Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.
In the area of professional military education and institutional development, Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College while Major General SD Makolo is appointed Commandant Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General SO Adejimi becomes Commandant Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA). Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited (PHDL) and Major General AI Allison as Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited. The COAS charged the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army's constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria's sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security across the nation.
The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of effectively addressing contemporary and future security challenges in pursuit of Nigeria's national security objectives.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
27 June 2026
BREAKING
The FG has arrested of seven commanders of terrorist group who were intercepted at the Katsina airport while returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
NIGERIAN ARMY NEUTRALISE IPOB/ESN OPERATIVES, RECOVER ARMS AND IEDS IN ANAMBRA
Troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies, have recorded a major operational success against members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State.
Acting on credible intelligence on armed criminals reportedly masquerading in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to perpetrate violent attacks, the joint security team swiftly mobilised and tracked the suspects along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area on 23 June 2026. The suspects were intercepted while moving in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a fierce firefight during which three ESN operatives were neutralised.
Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and recovered PKM machine guns with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication devices, a laptop and the vehicle used by the criminals. Troops also recovered identification and financial documents belonging to suspected members of the group.
The operation highlights the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven and joint security efforts aimed at dismantling criminal and terrorist networks threatening peace and stability in the South-East. Troops are currently exploiting the general area to track and apprehend fleeing and wounded members of the group.
The Nigerian Army reassures citizens of its unwavering commitment, alongside other security agencies, to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure a secure environment for law-abiding residents. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies as collective vigilance remains critical to sustaining operational successes and safeguarding national security.
9 (Nine) lives were saved, but the mission claimed 2 (two) officers.
On 24 June 2026 at 12:45 PM, 15 (fifteen) armed bandits invaded Unguwan Sa'idu Village near Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, abducting farmers from their fields. The Area Commander and DPO Birnin Gwari responded without delay.
PMF and KADVIS personnel mobilized immediately and engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation. Outnumbered, the criminals fled into the bush on motorcycles, leaving their captives behind.
The following nine victims were rescued: Hudu Rabiu, 31; Yusuf Sagir, 20; Sagir Rabiu, 17; Muhammad Kabir, 23; Kabir Lawal, 20; Idris Abubakar, 17; Mustapha Zayyanu, 18; Kabiru Rabiu, 18; and Usman Lawal, 18.
The victims were found tied with ropes but were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families. However, the mission came at a devastating cost. While returning, the team was ambushed by bandits who had been lying in wait along the route.
2 (Two) police officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds. They gave their lives to save 9 (nine) others.
The leadership of the force extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers, honoring their courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice in service to Nigeria. Tactical operations to apprehend those responsible are ongoing.
To the 9 (nine) families reunited today, your loved ones were saved because 2 (two) officers showed unwavering commitment.
To the families of the fallen, Nigeria will always remember your sons' sacrifice.
BREAKING
Again, Kidnappers Arrested by DSS Convicted, Bag Death Sentence in Ekiti State
Two men arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) have been sentenced to death by an Ekiti State High Court, following their conviction for kidnapping a staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
While the kidnappers, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar, were convicted and sentence of to death, the third defendant, Usman Abubakar, was discharged after the Court found insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.
The case bordered on the 22nd April 2022 abduction of Omoboade Adesina, a female staff member of the NYSC in the state. Both convicts were subsequently arrested and prosecuted by the DSS.
Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Lekan Ogunmoye, sentenced both defendants to death by hanging, but discharged the third.
The Chief Judge commended the diligence of DSS prosecutors in proving the case beyond reasonable doubt. He specifically highlighted the identification parade conducted by the Service and the analysis of call data records during investigation as pivotal to the conviction.
The conviction marks yet another major courtroom victory for the DSS. This comies on the heels of a death sentence handed down by a Sokoto High Court against three men convicted of terrorism and cross-border arms proliferation, as well as the conviction a kidnapper in Kogi State earlier secured by the Service among others.
The string of successful prosecutions further underscores the effectiveness of the DSS's intelligence-driven approach to investigating and prosecuting violent crimes. This also reaffirms the commitment of the Service in ensuring that perpetrators of kidnapping, terrorism, and related offences do not escape the full weight of the law.
Senate approves increase in police trust fund share of federation account from 0.5% to 1%
The senate has passed a bill seeking to increase the statutory allocation to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) from 0.5 percent to one percent of revenue accruing to the federation account.
The legislation, titled the Police Trust Fund Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, was passed after lawmakers considered and adopted the report of the senate committee on police affairs.
https://t.co/57eUFqo8KO…
What will the operational relationship be like between the newly established Forest Guards and State Police?
Now that we have State Police, isn't it about time the process of demobilizing Armed Militia Groups started, with the possibility of of such groups absorbed into the new Force?
Also, how can the State Police Force be insulated from becoming inevitably a dominant ethnic force where a majority would be represented and a minority excluded?
RE: 'REMAND' OF OMOYELE SOWORE
The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted concerns of some citizens over events at a Federal High Court in Abuja on 22nd June 2026, leading to the remand of Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison. Of more concern, is the scene depicting Sowore's altercation with an official of Custodial Center and a seeming scuffle with operatives of the Service. Although at the end of the saga, he curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service, the Director General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident. Notwithstanding, it is expedient to set the records straight.
On 25th August 2025, Omoyele Sowore, made a post on his personal X and Facebook handles, wherein he stated "this criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly." Thus, disparaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and embelishing his statement. Rather than resort to arrest, the Service, in a letter dated 4th September, 2025 demanded a retraction within one week. This is in line with the practice of the current DG-DSS to resolve such issues without use of force, failure to which it may resort to judicial interpretation.
Specifically, in the case of Prof. Pat Utomi's Shadow Government, the Service sought a judicial explanation even without any arrest or invitation. The Federal High Court thereafter declared the Shadow Government unconstitutional. Also, the false publications on Lagos State House of Assembly invasion by Service operatives and a similar report by Order Paper, alleging a barricade of the National Assembly Complex, the Service demanded a public apology rather than apprehend anyone in both instances. It is on record that, DSS withdrew all charges immediately after the defaulting media houses made a redress.
In the same vein, two Service operatives sought judicial redress and won their cases against SERAP for defamation and libel on their false alarm of an invasion by the said operatives. In this case also, the Court delivered judgment in favour of the said operatives. In all these, the Service maintained its hygiene and adherence to rule of law.
Therefore, in line with SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999, made pursuant to NSA Act of 1986, the Service filed charges against Sowore for contravening section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Amendment Act, 2024 in a suit FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025 seeking a judicial interpretation of his right or otherwise to disparage and cyberbully the President. The public may wish to note that, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commemcement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose and even Sowore applauded the development.
From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on the court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail. DSS therefore assures of sustained priority to professionalism, with emphasis on civility in its operations, even at the face of provocation.
Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
National Headquarters, State Services.
Abuja
June 23, 2026
NDLEA UNCOVERS ANOTHER INDUSTRIAL-SCALE CLANDESTINE METH LABORATORY IN OYO FOREST
…Arrests Mexican, 4 others; recovers multi-billion-naira worth of illicit substances
….We’ll find you in the cities, track you into the forests, and dismantle your infrastructure of death, Marwa warns drug cartels
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have struck yet another decisive blow against transnational drug syndicates following the discovery and dismantling of a fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operated by a Nigerian-Mexican cartel deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The breakthrough comes barely four weeks after the Agency dismantled a similar massive meth laboratory in a forest in Ijebu East, Ogun State, signaling a desperate attempt by drug barons to turn the Southwest axis into a synthetic drug manufacturing hub.
Speaking on the development at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who was represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi at a press briefing on Wednesday 24th June 2026, commended the gallantry, dedication, and clinical professionalism of the officers involved in the operation.
According to him, “On Wednesday, 17th June 2026, tactical operatives of the NDLEA stormed a highly fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operating deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.
“This was not a rudimentary setup; it was a sophisticated, highly organized transnational syndicate. During the raid, our operatives successfully arrested five key members of the cartel on-site. They include a 56-year-old Mexican Methamphetamine expert, Jose Villa Ochoa, brought in specifically to provide the technical expertise for large-scale synthesis and four Nigerian collaborators providing logistical support, cover, and local operations. They are: Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43.
“The arrest of a foreign cartel specialist on Nigerian soil underscores the transnational nature of this threat, but more importantly, it underscores our Agency's world-class intelligence capability to track, intercept, and neutralize them. Following the successful raid, a specialized team from our Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring moved in on June 18th, 2026, to conduct a rigorous forensic examination of the facility. What they uncovered is a massive, factory-level production line of poison.
“The laboratory was fully stocked with a frightening array of precursor chemicals, industrial catalysts, and heavy-duty processing equipment. Chemicals and Materials recovered include: Phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), which is the the main, highly controlled precursor required for methamphetamine synthesis; 1800-litre drums containing Phenylacetic acid (the primary precursor used to synthesize P2P); Two 180L drums containing a staggering 300 litres of whitish crystalline substance; Four 180L drums containing dark liquid undergoing synthesis.
“Others include: 101 bags (25kg each) of Caustic Soda; 17 containers (25L each) of Sulphuric Acid; 19.5 containers (25kg each) of Tartaric Acid; 5 containers of Reniso Ultracool 68 (three 50L and two 25L capacity; 25 bottles (500ml each) of 80% Thioglycolic Acid; 2 containers (25L each) of Ethyl Phenylacetate, and 25 cartons of aluminum foil.
“The Industrial Processing Equipment discovered at the site include: One (1) Reactor Pot, which is the heart of the chemical synthesis; Two (2) mounted distillation units and three (3) fabricated mixers and condensers; as well as Two (2) vegetable dehydrator machines used for the rapid drying of the crystals.
TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI RESCUE CAPTIVES IN KANGARWA
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026.
The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region. The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity.
The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration.
This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will. The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region.
MOHAMMED GONI
Captain
Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI
22 June 2026
TROOPS RAID TERRORIST HIDEOUT IN KATSINA, ELIMINATE TWO SUSPECTED TERRORISTS
Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, under Operation CLEAN SWEEP, have conducted an intelligence led raid on a suspected terrorist enclave in Ginchawa village, Matazu local government area of Katsina state.
A statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Abayomi Adisa, says the troops stormed the hideout in the early hours of Monday, forcing the terrorists to abandon their position and flee into nearby bushes.
According to the statement, two suspected terrorists were neutralized during the operation, while several others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently carried out further exploitation of the area and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment and other logistics items.
Items recovered include two PKT machine guns, one Dane gun, one AK47 magazine, seventy five rounds of 7.62 millimetre linked NATO ammunition and three motorcycles.
Other items recovered are two mobile phones, one Motorola radio set, a pair of camouflage uniforms, two cows and four goats.
The statement notes that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
It reaffirms the commitment of the Nigerian Army to denying terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to operate in Katsina state and neighbouring communities.
Cameroon Troops Hand Over Escapee, Infant to Nigerian Forces in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A female escapee and her infant have been handed over to troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion by personnel of the Cameroon Rapid Intervention Battalion.
The handover took place at about 1742 hours on June 20 under Sector 1 Area of Responsibility of the Operation HADIN KAI.
Security sources said the woman was reportedly abducted in Zamga in 2014 but later escaped and made her way to Vreket, where she surrendered to Cameroonian troops.
She was subsequently transferred from Cameroonian forces and handed over to Nigerian troops at Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The escapee and her infant are currently in military custody and are expected to be transferred to the transit camp in Pulka for further processing and humanitarian support.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to ensure proper documentation and reintegration procedures in line with established protocols.
Heavy military losses recorded in Niger as attacks claim 265 security personnel
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 265 members of Niger’s Defence and Security Forces (FDS), including senior officers, have reportedly been killed in a series of coordinated attacks across different parts of the country between June 17 and June 19.
According to security sources, one of the deadliest incidents occurred in Inates, where 101 soldiers were reported killed during an attack attributed to fighters of the Islamic State in the Sahel.
The sources said 52 of the victims had been buried in the Tillabéri Region, while 49 other soldiers who were initially declared missing had subsequently been presumed dead.
They added that 20 soldiers were reportedly taken captive during the attack.
The security sources further disclosed that the attacks formed part of a broader wave of violence that targeted several military positions across the country.
According to the sources, 107 soldiers were killed in Banibangou, while 24 others lost their lives in an attack in the capital, Niamey.
They also reported that 33 security personnel were killed in an attack on a military position in Madama, in northern Niger.
The cumulative death toll from the four attacks stands at 265 security personnel, making it one of the deadliest periods for Niger’s armed forces in recent years.
The attacks underscore the persistent security challenges facing Niger and other countries in the Sahel region, where armed groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda continue to intensify operations despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerien authorities had not issued an official statement confirming the casualty figures reported by the security sources.
The country has witnessed a surge in attacks against military.
@DHQNigeria@HQNigerianArmy