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Army Troops Rescue Three Kidnapped Women in Zamfara’s Anka LGA, Seize Weapons

Victims held for three months freed during routine patrol; military recovers arms and motorcycles in fresh operations

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Victims held for three months freed during routine patrol; military recovers arms and motorcycles in fresh operations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) rescued three female kidnap victims during a military operation at Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday, 22 June 2026. The rescue comes amid ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist camps and improve security across North-West Nigeria.

According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force Northwest OPFY, the three women were freed after troops on routine offensive patrol encountered the victims abandoned by their abductors. The kidnappers reportedly fled the area due to increased military pressure.

The rescued victims were identified as Zainab Muhammadu, 28, from Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State; Hafsat Ibrahim, 20; and Halira Usman, 17—both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State. All three had spent approximately three months in captivity before their release.

Military authorities disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of a high-calibre weapon, ammunition, motorcycles used by the kidnappers, military uniforms, and other operational items. “The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” Lieutenant Colonel Danja said in the statement issued to journalists in Gusau, Zamfara State capital.

The rescue is part of intensified measures by security agencies to tackle banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara and neighbouring states. Security sources maintain that continued operations will target remaining criminal hideouts in both Zamfara and Sokoto States. As at press time, there was no immediate comment from state government officials or opposition parties regarding the incident.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/opfy-troops-rescue-3-female-kidnapped-victims/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Supreme Court of Nigeria Set to Launch Electronic Filing and Case Management Platform

Digital transition aims to improve case handling speed and transparency across courts; lawyers, litigants to access services remotely

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June 25, 2026

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Digital transition aims to improve case handling speed and transparency across courts; lawyers, litigants to access services remotely

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce an electronic filing system and case management platform, marking a significant step towards the digital transformation of the country’s judiciary. The new system, expected to be rolled out in Abuja before the end of June 2026, will allow legal practitioners and litigants to file cases and track proceedings electronically.

According to officials familiar with the development, the electronic filing platform is designed to reduce manual paperwork and improve efficiency in handling legal matters at the apex court. The move comes as part of broader efforts to address longstanding complaints about delays in case processing and limited access to court services.

The planned launch follows calls from legal stakeholders for greater transparency and faster adjudication of cases within Nigeria’s judicial system. The adoption of digital tools by the Supreme Court is expected to set a precedent for other courts nationwide. Legal experts have noted that such reforms are crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring timely justice delivery.

While no official statement from the Chief Justice had been released as at Thursday, judiciary sources said training for court staff and lawyers on using the platform is underway. The Nigerian Bar Association has previously advocated for digitalisation as a means of reducing congestion in courtrooms and cutting costs associated with physical filings.

The introduction of electronic filing at Nigeria’s highest court could pave the way for similar innovations at lower courts across all geopolitical zones. Observers say successful implementation may help modernise legal practice in the country, though some have cautioned that adequate infrastructure and user training will be essential for sustained impact.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890615-supreme-court-to-launch-electronic-filing-system-case-management-platform.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Army Chief Shaibu Pledges Stronger Role for Veterans in Tackling Nigeria’s Security Threats

COAS receives Royal College of Defence Studies Alumni in Abuja, commends retired officers’ impact on military strategy

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June 25, 2026

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COAS receives Royal College of Defence Studies Alumni in Abuja, commends retired officers’ impact on military strategy

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced that the Nigerian Army will deepen its engagement with military veterans and defence professionals to address the country’s complex security challenges. The declaration came on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) Alumni Association of Nigeria at Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Shaibu, who received the RCDS delegation led by Major General O.O. Oshinowo (Rtd), said the Army would continue to draw on the “wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and strategic perspectives” of retired officers. He expressed appreciation for the association’s sustained interest in national security matters and acknowledged the critical role played by veterans in shaping military strategy and national defence over the years.

The move comes as Nigeria faces persistent security threats across several regions, ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and kidnapping in other parts of the country. According to Shaibu, leveraging veterans’ expertise is part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration with strategic stakeholders and international partners for sustainable solutions. “Our commitment remains unwavering towards building robust partnerships that can support lasting peace and security,” he said.

Major General Oshinowo (Rtd), President of the RCDS Alumni Association, assured Shaibu of ongoing support from retired senior officers. He noted that their collective experience could help inform current operational strategies and policy decisions within the military establishment.

The Nigerian Army is expected to roll out new initiatives aimed at integrating veterans into advisory roles and strategic planning processes. Observers say this approach could help bridge generational gaps within the force while boosting morale among serving personnel. The Army has also reaffirmed its resolve to enhance capacity building programmes with input from both local and international defence experts.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/coas-army-to-leverage-veterans-experience-in-addressing-security-challenges/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Cape Town to Host First African Qualifier as World Schools Chess Championship Expands Continental Reach

Nigeria Chess Federation urges schools to register for July event; winner to join Asia, Americas, Europe at global final

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June 25, 2026

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Nigeria Chess Federation urges schools to register for July event; winner to join Asia, Americas, Europe at global final

The Nigeria Chess Federation has called on school teams nationwide to prepare for the first-ever African qualifier of the World Schools Team Chess Championship, set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 6th to 11th July. The move follows FIDE’s decision to expand the championship’s format to include separate continental stages ahead of the grand final in December.

According to organisers, school teams across Africa must register through their national chess federations for a chance to compete in the Cape Town event. The winner will represent Africa at the December grand final, joining continental champions from Asia, the Americas, and Europe. This marks a significant shift from previous editions, which did not feature a distinct African qualifying stage.

The 2026 cycle began in April with the Asian Continental Stage held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where 26 teams from 19 countries participated. Wisdom School of Tashkent emerged victorious and secured a slot at the grand final. Kurchatov School of Moscow and Velammal MHS School of Chennai placed second and third respectively. The Americas qualifier is scheduled for August in San José, Costa Rica, while a European tournament will be held before December’s global showdown.

Chess stakeholders say the new format is expected to deepen school-level competition across Nigeria and increase opportunities for young players to compete internationally. Officials at the Nigeria Chess Federation have welcomed FIDE’s decision and are urging interested schools to complete registration promptly through official channels.

With Africa now included in the path to global chess honours, attention will turn to Cape Town next month as Nigerian school teams aim for a historic qualification spot. Further details on fixtures and team lists are expected from organisers ahead of the July kick-off.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/school-chess-goes-continental-as-wstc-adds-an-african-qualifier/

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