Mother and Sister of Deceased Terrorism Kingpin Receive Landmark 40‑Year Prison Sentences

Troops repel ISWAP attack and inflict heavy losses on insurgents in Buratai counter‑offensive

Shettima visits NIPSS and orders a comprehensive security overhaul after a deadly attack

Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah, and Linus Aleke were in Abuja, while Yemi Kosoko was in Jos.

The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister of the late terrorism kingpin Battujo, to 40 years in prison after finding them guilty of terrorism‑related offences. The ruling marks a significant step in the judiciary’s commitment to holding those connected to extremist activities accountable.

The judgment was issued on the same day that troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State, before launching a decisive counter‑offensive that inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also visited the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, and ordered an immediate and sweeping reinforcement of security following a deadly breach that left two soldiers and a police officer dead.

In the Federal High Court, Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the sentences shortly after convicting both women on terrorism‑related charges. The court noted that Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi are the mother and sister, respectively, of the late terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo.

Battujo was reportedly killed by Nigerian security forces on 10 June 2026 in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. After their arraignment, both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4 and 5 of the five‑count terrorism‑related charge read to them in open court.

The court acquitted them on Counts 1 and 3, which involved receiving N490,300 from Battujo—proceeds of terrorism—and sponsoring a holy pilgrimage with those proceeds. During the proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, urged the court to strike out those counts but convict on the others.

Under Count 2, the women aided and abetted Battujo, a known bandit kingpin, by passing information through telephone conversations, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Safiya also pleaded guilty to Count 5, which involved concealing information about her son’s terrorist activities.

Halima, the sister of the eliminated terrorist kingpin, pleaded guilty to Count 2 and Count 4, the latter involving the concealment of information that her brother illegally acquired firearms, which she witnessed when visiting his forest camp.

Each count carries a 20‑year penalty, but Justice Yilwa ordered the sentences to run concurrently, after which the convicts will undergo rehabilitation.

Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Inflict Heavy Losses on Insurgents

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully repelled coordinated attacks by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, before launching a decisive counter‑offensive that inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents. The operation, which took place in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area, highlighted the growing effectiveness of the synergy between ground troops and air assets in ongoing counter‑terrorism efforts across the North‑East.

In a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed that the terrorists launched multiple attacks on military positions at Dusten Kura and along Chara Road in the early hours of 19 June 2026. According to him, the troops swiftly detected the attempted incursion through actionable intelligence and responded with overwhelming force.

“In the early hours of 19 June 2026, ISWAP terrorists launched multiple attacks on troops’ locations at Dusten Kura and Chara road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The alert troops, supported by robust intelligence, promptly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower in a well‑coordinated air and ground counter‑attack,” he said. Captain Goni attributed the success of the operation largely to the timely intervention of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and the effective deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities, alongside precision‑strike platforms of the Nigerian Air Force.

“The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of OPHK, particularly Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strike platforms from the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive. The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion. It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded on own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” he added.

The military spokesperson said the latest operational success underscores the high level of preparedness of OPHK forces and reinforces the Theatre Command’s determination to sustain relentless pressure on terrorist elements operating within the region. He further assured that troops would continue aggressive offensive operations aimed