In a disclaimer and public notice issued on Wednesday, the party said the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 and titled Youth Party vs. INEC, as well as the judgment delivered on May 20, 2026, by Justice M. G. Umar, were initiated without the authorisation of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, or any recognised organ of the party.

The party maintained that neither its leadership nor any of its official structures approved the legal action against INEC, stressing that those behind the suit acted independently and without the mandate of the party.

According to the statement, the Youth Party remains committed to complying with the electoral guidelines and timetable issued by INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It added that the party was not in conflict with the electoral body and had no intention of using the courts to undermine or circumvent lawful electoral processes.

“We dissociate ourselves entirely from this suit, its proceedings, and the judgment arising therefrom,” the statement reads in part.

“Furthermore, we wish to state clearly that Youth Party has consistently demonstrated its readiness and capacity to comply with the electoral guidelines and timetable issued by INEC for the 2027 General Elections.

Whilst, the time frame is short and challenging, we do not seek judiciary intervention. We are super focused on our National Convention fixed for Saturday, 23rd May and our primaries scheduled for  Friday, 29th May, 2026. ”

The leadership further warned that any individual or group that filed or prosecuted the matter in the party’s name without authorisation would be held personally accountable.

The disclaimer came amid heightened political activities and legal disputes linked to preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Although the party did not disclose details of the judgment in its statement, the development suggests possible internal disagreements over litigation purportedly undertaken on its behalf.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to lawful engagement with INEC and adherence to Nigeria’s electoral framework.

In the judgment, Justice M. G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained INEC from enforcing portions of its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, holding that several timelines imposed by the electoral body were inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The judge held that INEC exceeded its statutory powers by prescribing deadlines that abridged periods expressly guaranteed to political parties under the Electoral Act.

The suit was argued by J. O. Olotu for the plaintiff, while Sarafa Yusuf represented INEC.

In a series of declarations, the court clarified the scope of INEC’s powers regarding party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign activities.

Justice Umar held that Sections 29, 82, and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 do not empower INEC to prescribe timelines for political parties to conduct primaries for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 elections.

According to the court, INEC’s role is limited to receiving notices of party primaries, monitoring the primaries, and obtaining candidates’ particulars, but does not extend to fixing dates for the conduct of primaries.

The court further declared that under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, political parties were entitled to submit candidates’ particulars up to 120 days before an election and that INEC could not lawfully shorten that statutory period through its timetable.

Justice Umar also ruled that Section 31 of the Electoral Act allows political parties to withdraw and substitute candidates up to 90 days before an election, adding that INEC lacked the authority to impose an earlier deadline.

On the publication of candidates’ names, the court held that Section 32 of the Electoral Act did not permit INEC to publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60-day period prescribed by law.

The judge further ruled that INEC did not have the statutory authority under Section 98 of the Electoral Act to compel political parties to end campaigns two days before an election, as stated in the revised timetable.

The court also clarified that the timeframe stipulated by INEC for the submission of membership registers for party primaries did not apply to primaries conducted to replace candidates who voluntarily withdrew from elections.

Consequently, the court nullified the timelines contained in INEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections relating to party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign activities.

Justice Umar held that the affected provisions of the timetable were inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026, and were therefore unlawful, invalid, and of no effect.

The judgment is expected to significantly impact preparations for the 2027 general elections and may compel INEC to review its timetable to align with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The order was issued in Abuja under the seal of the court and signed by the Registrar, Mu’azu Kasimu.

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The post Youth Party rejects suit against INEC, says action not authorized appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a judgment delivered on a suit brought by Youth Party, held that INEC’s action imposed restrictive timeframes on political parties for the conduct of primaries and other pre-election activities contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Justice Umar held that INEC lacked the statutory power to fix or prescribe the timeframe within which political parties must conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The plaintiff; Youth Party, had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, sued INEC as sole defendant.

The plaintiff, in the originating summons dated and filed March 11, sought six reliefs.

Justice Umar granted all the plaintiff’s six reliefs.

The judge declared that INEC could not lawfully abridge or limit the statutory periods provided under the Electoral Act in relation to submission of personal particulars of candidates, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, among others.

Justuce Umar, therefore, set aside the portions of INEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections which imposed timelines inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

“It is hereby ordered as follows:

“A declaration is hereby made that upon a proper consideration and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the powers of the defendant to receive notice of party primaries and the personal particulars of candidates, and its duty to attend, observe and monitor such primaries, does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections for the purpose of nominating candidates for the 2027 general elections.

“A declaration is made that having regards to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter timeframe in its 2027 election timetable.

“A declaration is made that having regards to Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026 which permits political parties to withdraw and substitute candidates not later than 90 days to the conduct of an election, the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by fixing earlier deadline for the withdrawal and replacement of candidates in its 2027 election timetable.

“A declaration is made that having regards to Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant does not possess the statutory power to publish the final list of candidates for the 2027 general election before the 60 days minimum period prescribed by law.

“A declaration is made that upon a proper construction of Section 98 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant does not possess the statutory power or authority to fix in its timetable for the 2027 general elections for campaign to end 2 days before the elections.

“A declaration is made that upon proper interpretation to Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the time frame prescribed by the defendant for submission of membership registers for the conduct of primary elections is NOT applicable to primary elections conducted for the purpose of replacing withdrawn candidates.

“Order is hereby granted setting aside or nullifying the time-frames imposed by the defendant in its Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for 2027 General Election for the conduct of primary elections by political parties for the 2027 general elections,” the court held.

The court also ruled that the submission of personal particulars of candidates by their political parties for the 2027 general elections and campaigning for the 2027 general elections were inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Source: NAN

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The post Court voids INEC timetable for conduct of 2027 polls appeared first on Frontpageng.

The first request is for the confirmation of Mr Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.

“In compliance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Mr Joseph Tegbe as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The president added: “While I hope this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

Following the reading, Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate legislative consideration.

He assured lawmakers that the Senate would act promptly, noting the importance of executive collaboration in governance.

Presidential aide, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, had earlier confirmed the nomination in a statement.

He described Tegbe as a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience across the public and private sectors.

According to him, Tegbe previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, governance, and institutional transformation.

Onanuga also noted that the nomination followed the resignation of former Minister Adebayo Adelabu, who left office to pursue a governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a separate development, President Tinubu also requested Senate confirmation of Amb. Olusola Enikanolaiye as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 147(2) of the Constitution.

The President, in the letter, wrote:

“In compliance with the provisions of Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Amb. Olusola Enikanolaiye,

Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He urged the Senate to give the request expedited consideration, adding: “Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.”

The request was similarly referred to the Committee of the Whole for urgent action.

In another correspondence, the president also sought confirmation of Mr. Rabiu Umar as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in line with Section 41(6) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The president stated: “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Mr Rabiu Umar as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).”

He added: “Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.”

The nomination was referred to the Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas for further legislative action.

Lawmakers noted that the request would be given urgent attention due to the strategic importance of the petroleum regulatory sector to Nigeria’s economic stability and energy governance.

Source: NAN

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The post Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation of Tegbe, Enikanolaiye, Umar appeared first on Frontpageng.

The entries were submitted by writers across Nigeria and the diaspora, reflecting continued engagement with one of Africa’s most prestigious literary prizes.

Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, disclosed this during the official handover ceremony held on Monday.

Represented by Abdul Umar, NLNG’s Manager, Government Relations, she described the handover as a critical milestone in the Prize cycle.

“This marks the start of a process that demands attention, patience and sound judgement.

“It will ultimately determine the work that defines this year’s Prize and reflects the strength of contemporary Nigerian poetry,” she said.

The 2026 edition focuses on poetry, a genre known for its intensity, discipline and artistic precision.

The 223 submissions highlight the resilience of literary expression despite economic and publishing challenges facing writers across the country.

Although slightly below peak years, the number remains competitive and consistent with recent cycles, indicating sustained interest in the Prize.

Horsfall noted that poetry required clarity of thought, depth of meaning and economy of language to achieve impact.

She added that expectations remained high following the acclaimed quality of entries recorded during the 2022 poetry edition.

She said NLNG remained committed to maintaining a credible and transparent platform that promotes literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

“At NLNG, we have consistently provided a platform that supports excellence and inspires a sustainable future.

“Beyond recognising talent, the Prize has strengthened reading culture and encouraged discipline in creative writing.

“It has also contributed significantly to the growth and global visibility of Nigeria’s literary landscape,” she added.

According to her, the credibility of the Prize rests on a transparent and rigorous adjudication process conducted over several months.

She explained that judges would carefully read, assess and deliberate on each entry before arriving at a final decision.

The process will produce a long list of 11 entries, followed by a shortlist of three finalists.

Horsfall said the eventual winner would emerge after extensive evaluation based on merit, originality and overall literary quality.

The entries were formally presented to the Advisory Board in line with established procedures governing the Prize.

The Advisory Board, chaired by Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, subsequently handed over the submissions to the panel of judges.

Speaking during the ceremony, Adimora-Ezeigbo commended NLNG for its consistency in sustaining the Prize over the years.

“Each edition reflects the evolving depth and diversity of Nigerian writing across genres,” she said.

She noted that the Prize continued to inspire both emerging and established writers to produce high-quality literary works.

Adimora-Ezeigbo also praised writers for their dedication and continued participation in the competition.

She said such commitment ensured the Prize remained relevant and impactful within Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual space.

She urged the judges to uphold integrity, professionalism and critical depth throughout the adjudication process.

She stressed that fairness and objectivity were essential in selecting a winner that truly represents excellence.

Adimora-Ezeigbo noted that the Prize carries a 100,000 dollar award presented annually by NLNG.

She described it as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary honours, attracting global recognition.

According to her, the Prize continues to serve as a benchmark for literary excellence in Nigeria and across the continent.

It also promotes education, cultural development and broader conversations around creativity and national identity.

Source: NAN

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The post Poetry: NLNG prize for literature draws 223 entries appeared first on Frontpageng.

The delegation, scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday will convey President Tinubu’s condolences to the traders who lost billions of Naira in the weekend fire that engulfed the market, marking the second incident in just two weeks.

The delegation will also pledge, on behalf of the government, financial assistance to aid the victims and support Kano State in facilitating the quick reopening of the market.

Members of the delegation include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Sumaila; and Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard M. Doro and Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, are also part of the team.

President Tinubu, who earlier spoke by telephone with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressed his condolences to the traders and the people of Kano State over the devastating fire outbreak.

The fire, which started on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday morning, caused extensive damage to Nigeria’s largest food market.

The president was particularly alarmed that the latest incident occurred less than two weeks after a previous fire destroyed dozens of shops and property at the same market.

He has directed a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the recurrent market fires, which continue to leave traders in despair.

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A younger brother to the traditional ruler of Woro, Mr Ali Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday that the attackers invaded his community shortly after 5:00 p.m.

He said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and surrounded the community before opening fire from different directions.

“They came around 5:00 p.m. and completely surrounded the community.

“They started shooting sporadically from all angles so nobody could escape,” he said.

He explained that residents, who attempted to flee were shot while those who surrendered were gathered at the palace of the village head where they were tied up and shot.

Umar further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler of the community, Hauwa Umar, his mother and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack.

“The chief’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing.

“That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.

Umar said the community was thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes and leaving the town almost deserted.

“The people were scared and the community is now nearly empty.

“What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.

He noted that there had been prior intelligence report of possible attack which was reportedly communicated to the local government authorities and shared with higher levels of government.

Umar added that some soldiers had earlier patrolled the area on the day of the attack, saying that had initially deterred the terrorists.

There were killings in Nuku community in the local government area.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who arrived Kaiama on Wednesday night in company with service chiefs and cabinet members, also confirmed that 75 local Muslims were massacred simply for refusing to surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine.

The governor, who commiserated with the communities, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved immediate deployment of an army battalion to prosecute counter offensives in the area.

He said the security initiative was codenamed ‘Operation Savannah Shield’.

“The injured were later taken to the General Hospital, but some were referred to the Teaching Hospital,” he added.

The governor, who condemned the attack, described the incident as a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state and the successes so far recorded.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to Woro and Nuku communities on the incident, especially the families affected in Tuesday’s attack

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has also condemned the killings in Woro and Nuku communities.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdukadir Shehu, on Wednesday, the speaker called for an immediate escalation of military operations in the axis bordering Niger to flush out criminal elements.

Danladi-Salihu condemned the senseless violence in the strongest terms and expressed condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, Dr Muazu Omar, and the families of those affected in the incidents.

“I commiserate with the Emir of Kaiama and the families of the victims of this horrific attack.

“I am calling for intensified military action against the perpetrators and I urge our communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to bring an end to these killings once and for all,” he said.

The Speaker further issued a note of caution to residents, urging them to remain vigilant and alert.

He noted that as military pressure increased across various parts of the state, “elements of destabilisation” might attempt to divert attention or seek refuge in new areas.”

He, however, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Kwara.

Source: NAN

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The post How terrorists killed 75 in Kwara communities appeared first on Frontpageng.

The DSS operative, who testified as 6th prosecution witness (PW-6) in the ongoing terrorism trial of Mamu, made the disclosure to Justice Mohammed Umar while being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN.

The lawyer had asked the witness, who gave his testimony behind a witness screen for security reasons, “to confirm to court if any of the rescue victims, including the wife of the Commandant in Jaji, made any complaint against the defendant to the DSS.”

Responding, the witness said: “Yes, my lord.”

When Usman further asked the witness if the complaint by the rescued victims was either in writing or oral, he said it was in writing.

The DSS’ lawyer, David Kaswe, however, prayed the court to restrain Usman from delving into questions that might touch on the identity of victims or witnesses in the case since the court had granted protection to all.

Responding, Usman told the court that none of the names he called was a witness before the court.

“Even though my lord had granted an order for trial in camera, a trial in camera is not to prejudice the defendant,” he said.

The witness said he interviewed six victims in the course of the investigation.

When he was asked if the six victims were interviewed in the presence of Mamu, the PW-6 responded in the negative.

The witness told the court that he was not a vocologist, having not studied sound in higher institution.

He, however, confirmed that the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was the extract of the transcribed audio between Mamu and the terrorists.

When he was asked if he interviewed a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), he said the army chief was not interviewed.

The witness, however, admitted that General Abdulkadir Abubakar was interviewed in the course of investigation.

“When you interviewed him, was it in the presence of the defendant?” the lawyer asked and he said: “No my lord.”

“Did you interview Sheikh Gumi?” Usman asked and the witness responded in the affirmative.

“Was it in the presence of the defendant?” Usman asked.

“No my lord,” the witness responded.

“Did you interview Major General Idris Garba?”

“No my lord,” the PW-6 said.

“Did you interview General Jalingo?” the lawyer asked, and he said: “Yes, my lord.”

The witness said Gen. Jalingo was not interviewed in Mamu’s presence.

“Finally, did you interview Hannafi of Defence Military Intelligence,” the lawyer asked and the witness responded in the negative.

“Confirm to court, whether at any time in the course of your investigation, you brought members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee for interview in the presence of the defendant,” Usman asked and the witness responded in the negative.

“Please confirm whether you are aware that the defendant has requested that you bring members of the CDS Committee face to face with him for interview,” the lawyer asked and the witness said: “Yes, he did.”

“Confirm whether the request of the defendant to have the CDS and others involved gathered together for interrogation was granted,” Usman asked, and the witness said: ”No, my lord.”

When Usman asked the witness to confirm that Mamu told him that he is a publisher of a newspaper and magazine, the witness said: “Yes, he said so.”

When the lawyer asked the witness to confirm that Mamu told him his means of income was derived from his journalism business, the PW-6 said: “Yes, he claimed ”

“As investigator, did you investigate this claim,” the lawyer asked.

“Yes, we did,” he responded.

After the cross-examination, Kaswe told the court the prosecution’s intention to close its case.

“So that we can allow the defendant to enter his defence if they are ready,” he said.

But Usman told the court that they would rather apply for a date to open their defence, .

“We will not file a no-case submission so that the world can see it and God can see it all,” he said.

Justice Umar then adjourned the matter until April 23 for Mamu to open his defence.

Source: NAN

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The post Alleged terrorism: Rescued victims filed complaints against Tukur Mamu -DSS witness appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Mohammed Umar struck out the suit following the notice of discontinuance filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, who was prosecuting the case.

The development is coming just a few hours after Justice Chizoba Orji of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, struck out a similar case bordering on alleged defamation.

In the suit at the FCT High Court, the senator was alleged to have defamed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi Governor, Mr Yahaya Bello.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, her lawyers and the prosecuting team were all seated in court when the judge called the parties into the chamber where the notice of discontinuance was moved by prosecuting counsel, Aderonke Imana.

The senator’s lawyer, Mr Ehioge West-Idahosa, SAN, did not oppose the application.

West-Idahosa, however, urged the court to release all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30, on a six-count charge bordering on cybercrimes.

She was granted bail, following which Justice Umar adjourned the matter until September 22, 2025 for the commencement of trial.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, was alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means with the intention to malign, incite and endanger lives and breach public order.

The senator was alleged to have, while addressing a gathering on April 4 in Ihima in Kogi, accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of instructing ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello to have her killed in the state.

She was also alleged to have, in a television interview, repeated similar claims, to the effect that the Senate president and former governor plotted to kill her in Kogi.

The charge was brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024.

Reacting to the withdrawal of the two cases filed by the Federal Government against her, Akpoti-Uduaghan said that the cases were not part of those mentioned by the Senate President in church.

“I will like to mention for clarity that these cases do not form part of the cases the Senate President mentioned in church.

“As at today, he has not instructed his lawyers to discontinue several cases that he and his wife initiated.

“The withdrawal of these two federal government cases against me only proved what we had always known, which is that these cases were maliciously instigated by two individuals who used power to their advantage, to witchhunt an innocent person which is myself.

“But I will like to extend a sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for standing with the truth and in his commitment to justice, ordered the discontinuance of these two cases.

“I have never doubted that Nigeria is a land of possibilities and that the truth somehow would always get one vindicated.”

She said that with the two cases off her neck, she could now rest and resume her legislative work fully.

“No matter how strong and tough one is, for a person like me that has never been invited by the police for anything and does not have any case of financial embezzlement or drug abuse to just be slammed simultaneously with two federal government cases, that was a whole lot.

“But they say whatever does not break you makes you stronger. I will say that I was actually toughened.

“It is not something I would want to experience, and I would not wish it for anybody.

“At the end of the day, justice prevailed,” she said.

Source: NAN

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The post Court strikes out cybercrime charge against Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared first on Frontpageng.

The identification followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted on December 31, 2025, at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested.

Confirming the development on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said investigations revealed that Shariff Umar played a central role in recruiting, preparing and dispatching suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of improvised explosive device, IED, components.

“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” Uba said.

He disclosed that intelligence findings further established that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025, where an accomplice identified as Adamu detonated a suicide vest.

Uba added that the suspect was also linked to a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, noting that Umar personally handed over IED components to the bomber in Maiduguri before the failed attack.

According to him, investigations uncovered additional links within the network, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, while his stepdaughter, Amina, confirmed having previously seen the suspect bomber within their residence.

“These revelations exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators to evade detection,” he said.

Uba said all suspects arrested in connection with the network remained in custody and were undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the entire cell, identifying additional collaborators and recovering any remaining explosives or logistics.

He emphasised that the breakthrough underscored the importance of sustained intelligence operations and strong cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

“Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear or misplaced loyalty. Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives,” Uba said.

The OPHK spokesman urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies, stressing that cooperation and trust between the military and civilians were critical to restoring lasting peace in the North-East.

Source: NAN

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A credible military source, on Sunday, said that the victims, aged between 15 and 20, were abducted on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.

The source said the girls were freed on Saturday following a swift intelligence-driven operation in the southern Borno axis.

He said the rescued girls, identified as Fatima Shaibu; Fatima Umaru; Hauwa Abubakar; Saliha Muhammed; Sadiya Umaru; Amira Babel; Zara Adamu; Nana Shaibu; Zainab Musa; Zainab Muhammed; Jamila Saidu and Hauwa Hamidu, had been evacuated to a military facility for medical care, psychological support and debriefing.

According to him, their recovery has brought relief to the community, which had been tense since the abduction.

“The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and acknowledged the role of local informants whose timely intelligence aided the operation.

“Troops are sustaining aggressive operations to track ISWAP remnants and prevent further attacks on civilian communities.

“We urge residents to continue supporting military operations by providing credible and timely information,” he said.

Source: NAN

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