By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

Not fewer than seven Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SANs) are expected to participate at the Minna Branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2026 Law week which commenced with special Juma’at prayers.

The Chairman organizing Committee of the Minna Branch NBA 2026, Law Week Mallam Mohammed Abdukadir Waziri Esq, disclosed this at a media briefing in Minna in preparation to the Law Week.

He stated that the a Week- long programme of the Law Week is dedicated to professional development, Knowledge sharing,networking and promotion of the ideals of the legal profession.

According to the organizing Committee Chairman,the Minna Branch of the NBA is set to host a variety of activities “ carefully designed to engage members of the Bar,deepen legal discourse and strengthen the bonds of fellowship within the legal community”.

The Bar week, with the theme “ Law,Governance and Politics: The role of the legal Profession in Advancing the rule of Law in Nigeria’s Democracy”, which will also discuss intellectual sessions, sporting engagements, social events and opportunies for interaction among legal practitioners and stakeholders.

He disclosed further,that members of branch will participate in Health Walk while the evening will feature a BBQ and indoor Games session at the High Court Complex while on Monday,the 8th of June, members will collect Law Week materials and the Chief of Niger State Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik will host members for Cocktail.

Abdukadir Waziri pointed that the event proper will formally be declared open on Tuesday,the 9th June 2026 with the Grand opening ceremony,which is expected to attract eminent members of the Bench,Bar government officials and other distinguished guests.

Speaking further,Waziri stated that keynote speaker will be a reknown legal luminary in the North Abdul Muhammad Rafindadi,a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ,while the Chief Judge of Niger State will chair the session and the Attor- General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State will be host

While commending member local organizing Committee of the 2026 Minna Law Week, Abdukadir Waziri noted that the NBA Minna Branch remains Committed to advancing professional excellence,promoting continuos learning and fostering unity among members.

By Our Correspondent

The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY V, has continued to sustain operational momentum across the Theatre, recording significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-criminal operations.

This was contained in the statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

These include the arrest of terrorists and their collaborators, disruption of logistics supply networks, recovery of arms and ammunition, and consolidation of overall security gains in the North East.

In a series of intelligence-led and surveillance operations across Borno and Yobe States, troops recorded multiple breakthroughs against terrorist logistics networks and criminal elements. At Benisheikh Market, troops of OPHK, in conjunction with the Forest Guards, arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko (40 years), who had been on the watchlist.

The suspect was intercepted while attempting to convey 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in a vehicle. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements. Similarly, troops of 7 Division Provost Group, under OPHK, while on surveillance duty within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier and informant, Mohammed Bulama (25 years), at Ngawom, Muna Garage. Preliminary investigation confirmed his links with terrorist elements, and the suspect has indicated willingness to provide further intelligence to aid ongoing operations. In a related development, troops also apprehended an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of 50 Task Force Battalion, who deserted his unit with his personal weapon. The suspect was arrested within Maiduguri, and preliminary findings revealed his involvement in criminal activities, including robbery, during the period of absence. His rifle and magazines have been recovered, while he remains in custody for further investigation and necessary military action.

Earlier operations also led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and criminal syndicate member in Biu Local Government Area. The suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities across several locations, while also revealing links between criminal networks and terrorist elements through the use of weapons recovered from neutralised insurgents. Additionally, troops of OPHK arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Gubio axis while transporting large quantities of food items intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, further disrupting supply chains sustaining terrorist activities.

In Adamawa State, troops of OPHK in conjunction with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Borno and Adamawa States. Troops also recorded progress in ongoing disarmament and surrender processes, as a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered with two children in Kukawa axis due to sustained military pressure. Furthermore, troops of OPHK conducted offensive operations in Damboa axis, where several terrorist enclaves were discovered deserted. Recovered during the operation were rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition, further degrading terrorist combat capability. In line with ongoing stabilisation efforts and respect for due process, troops handed over 13 detainees to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Theatre Command notes that the cumulative impact of these operations has significantly disrupted terrorist networks, weakened their logistics base, and reduced their capacity to operate freely. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, with sustained offensive actions to deny terrorists freedom of action. The Joint Task Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, sustaining operational gains, and restoring lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region.

By Our Correspondent

Abomination: A 16-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped by eight men, including her guardian, in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State has been rescued by a Catholic priest from community after learning of the incident.

The teenager, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, was said to have been taken to the office of the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi.

The Commissioner who received the victim on behdlf of the state government vowed that government will ensure justice for the girl.

She condemned the act and said the state would ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

She said, “The state government condemns this act in strong terms, and the ministry will ensure that all perpetrators in the dastardly act are brought to justice.

“We express deep outrage over the level of trauma the young girl has endured at the hands of adults who were entrusted with her protection.

“This is unacceptable. We urge men to protect women and young girls, rather than take advantage of their vulnerability.”

Onyekesi assured the victim of her safety and pledged to follow the case diligently to ensure justice is served.

The victim told the commissioner that her guardian had been forcing himself on her every night before other men joined in the sexual assaults.

According to her, a good Samaritan facilitated her rescue last week, after which some arrests were made before she was brought to the commissioner’s office for safety.

She further disclosed that her guardian’s wife is a stroke patient and was unable to intervene in the abuse.

Police at the Nawfia Division have arrested two of the eight suspects, while the remaining six are on the run.

Sources said the case is currently being handled at the Nawfia Police Station.

Meanwhile, medical report presented to the commissioner confirmed that the girl is two months pregnant as a result of repeated sexual assaults.