FG to Terror Victims: Justice Will Be Served

•Troops kill 24 terrorists, recover weapons in north-east 

•Peace Corps tasks FG on strategic, inclusive, multi-sectoral approach 

•NAF airstrikes hit convoy of migrating terrorists in Kebbi, Zamfara, kill scores

•Army chief urges national ban on open grazing, pushes for ranching policy

Alex Enumah, Linus Aleke and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The federal government has restated its determination to ensure that justice was served for both victims of terrorism and terrorist suspects within a framework that would respect the rule of law and human rights.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, restated this commitment at the official flag-off of Phase seven of the Kainji mass trials of terrorist suspects.

Represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, the minister commended the collaborative efforts of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

A statement by the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), said the mass trial was part of the federal government’s continued commitment to combating terrorism, violent extremism, and strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system in line with international best practices.

Also, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, stated that the trials represented Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and a reaffirmation of its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

He said, “It is truly encouraging to see the convergence of the judiciary, law enforcement, legal practitioners, and partners, once again united in purpose and duty. These trials are a cornerstone of our national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism.”

Troops Kill 24 Terrorists, Recover Weapons

The Nigerian Army has said troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with its Air Component, Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters, have killed no fewer than 24 Boko Haram/Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-east operational theatre during coordinated kinetic operations.

A statement by Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, also revealed troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during the joint kinetic operations.

He stated the kinetic operations which took place between 4-9 July 2025 were a continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North-east theatre of operations.

“In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of three terrorists.

“Similarly, following intelligence on the movements of the insurgents around the Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter. On exploration of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items.

“Relatedly, troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government Area. During the deliberate operations, the resilient troops came into contact with the insurgents.

“Consequently, two terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items.

“In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025 intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area.

“The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorist, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds.”

Peace Corps Tasks FG on Strategic, Inclusive, Multi-sectoral Approach

The Peace Corps of Nigeria, has called on the federal government to adopt a more strategic, inclusive and multi-sectoral approach in tackling the worsening insecurity in the country.

According to the Corps, the increasing crime rate including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping was a consequence of widespread youth unemployment and socio-economic exclusion.

National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Ambassador Dickson Akoh, who made this assertion said it was high time the federal government recognised the role of youth empowerment in preventing violence and building peace.

He spoke at a media interaction in commemoration of the 27th Anniversary / 2025 Founder’s Day Celebration of Peace Corps of Nigeria, which held on Thursday in Abuja.

“As we gather to celebrate this 27th anniversary, we are not only reflecting on our legacy, but also reaffirming our commitment to the future. This moment is a call to action, to rededicate ourselves to the values that brought us this far and to strengthen our resolve to serve Nigeria with even greater passion and purpose.

“We are still standing because we believe in this country. We are still serving because we know that peace, unity, and progress demand more than words; they require action, sacrifice and collective goodwill”, Akoh said.

NAF Airstrikes Hit Convoy of Migrating Terrorists in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kill Scores

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said precise air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma hit a convoy of terrorists, who were migrating from Kebbi to Zamfara State on 150 motorcycles, with each carrying at least two terrorist fighters.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that scores of terrorist fighters were killed during the air interdiction.

“In a major offensive under Operation Fansan Yamma, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised scores of armed bandits in a series of precision airstrikes conducted on 9 July 2025, targeting a migrating convoy along the Kebbi–Zamfara axis.

“The strikes were based on real-time intelligence, which revealed the movement of close to 150 motorcycles in batches, each carrying about two armed terrorists near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State,” Air Commodore Ejodame said.

The NAF Spokesperson noted that after positive identification confirming the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy.

Survivors, he said, were seen fleeing on foot and on motorcycles, as air assets maintained persistent overwatch and executed follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting enemy withdrawal routes.

Army Chief Urges National Ban on Open Grazing, Pushes for Ranching Policy

The Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt ranching as a national policy to tackle the country’s worsening food insecurity, arguing that open grazing was no longer a viable practice.

At the National Summit on Food, Nutrition, and Food Security in Abuja organised by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Oluyede, represented by the Executive Director of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited, Major General Olufemi Dare, appealed to the National Assembly to pass legislation that would outlaw open grazing and offer ranching options to herders as a replacement.

He explained that, “Food insecurity is a mutual responsibility. Even if all security agencies were stationed at farms, they still wouldn’t be able to monitor every farmland.”

He urged that ranching be adopted, modern technology be integrated, and that all levels of government state and local actively participate.

He added that security agencies should be enabled to concentrate on their core constitutional roles.

General Oluyede also highlighted that the Nigerian Army has created specific formations dedicated to mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders.

In a related address, Rear Admiral Yusuf Sani Idris, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, outlined the Navy’s role in bolstering food and physical security through Admiralty Farms Limited, which has active operations in nearly all of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He noted that these farms support food production and protect farmers, with expansion plans underway for additional regions.

Assistant Commandant General Besong Michaels Ogar, speaking for the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), emphasised the importance of real-time intelligence sharing to prevent and respond to farm-related security threats.

His Royal Highness Dr. Emeka Ilouno, the Eze Dunu of Ifitedunu in Anambra State, advocated for grassroots education and government-backed support for local farmer cooperatives.

Finally, Hon. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to building a safer and more food-secure nation.