Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Airport: Federal Government Arrests Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning From Hajj
Interior Minister credits NIN verification system for high-profile arrests; DSS begins investigation into suspects’ travel history
Interior Minister credits NIN verification system for high-profile arrests; DSS begins investigation into suspects’ travel history
Seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested by federal authorities at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina State on Thursday, after returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The arrests were made possible through Nigeria’s integrated National Identification Number (NIN) verification system, according to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The minister revealed that the suspects were flagged immediately upon arrival at the airport, following a cross-check of their details with national and international security watchlists linked to the NIN database. Security operatives promptly handed over all seven individuals to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Tunji-Ojo stated, “I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina Airport and were handed over to the DSS.”
The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen border security and digital identity management, especially following President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law. The Act is expected to deepen biometric verification for public service delivery and immigration management. Government has described this incident as one of the first major successes for its integrated approach to combating terrorism and criminal movement across borders.
Explaining how the system works, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria’s NIN database is now fully linked with the Nigeria Immigration Service, INTERPOL and other international intelligence platforms—enabling security agencies to instantly flag individuals on watchlists attempting to enter or leave through official border posts. “The NIN has become more than just an identity number. It is now a major security tool that helps us identify and intercept persons of interest,” he said during a briefing following Tinubu’s assent to the NIMC Act.
Despite these successes, questions remain about how individuals designated as Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders were able to obtain travel documents and depart Nigeria undetected before their eventual interception on return. The minister did not provide details on whether the suspects travelled independently or under sponsorship, nor did he disclose their identities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment as at press time.
Security analysts have welcomed the arrests but say they highlight persistent gaps in document vetting and border controls prior to departure. Government maintains that improving identity management remains central to its wider strategy against terrorism, organised crime and cross-border threats across all zones.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.
Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.
SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.
The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.
The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
Liverpool World Cup Star Faces Tragedy as Wife Suffers Miscarriage
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
Late Crash Hands George Russell Shock Pole as Verstappen Drama Rocks Austrian GP Qualifying
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Abacha’s Ex-Security Chief Says He Has Nothing to Apologise For
Chelsea Set to Seal £48m Move for Super Eagles Star After World Cup Campaign
Japan Star Claims Team Can Eliminate Brazil at 2026 World Cup
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Over 8,000 Unemployed Nigerians Withdraw ₦12.1bn Pension Savings Amid Rising Economic Hardship
CBN Kwupụtara Nnweta Ego Ọhụrụ ₦2.09trn OMO Na ₦464.6bn NTB N’ime Ụlọ Akụ N’izu a
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Lagos Stock Exchange Sheds ₦1.02trn as Banking and Oil Shares Plunge
NBS Reports Nigeria’s Q1 2026 Trade Surplus as Exports Hit ₦34.8trn Nationwide
