A Maiduguri-based businessman, Umar Bashir, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without option of fine for terrorism financing.

The convict who claimed to be a major dealer in oil perfumes and also a Point Of Sales, POS, operator, was found guilty of using his account number 2213629628 with the United Bank of Africa, UBA, to transact money transfer for members of the Boko Haram sect.

He specifically admitted using the bank account to accept a cash amount of N5 million from a Boko Haram member, Ibrahim Modu, and later transferred same into the Access Bank account of the terrorist, with number 1834250967.

The convict admitted committing the offence at Maiduguri in 2025, adding that he got a commission of N20,000 from the deal.

Upon his arraignment by the Federal Government on Monday, Bashir pleaded guilty as charged.

Based on his admission of guilt and his confessional statement, Justice Binta Fatimah Nyako subsequently pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment without option of fine.

Justice Nyako ordered that the sentence should begin from 2025 when he was arrested and detained.

The judge turned down the convict’s request for leniency, stressing that the law must take its course.

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered rocket-propelled grenade launchers, explosives and other items during a clearance operation in Kebbi State.

According to a military report released on Monday, the operation was carried out by troops of the 8 Division under Sector 2 around Dogon Daji in Dandi Local Government Area on Sunday.

The report said the troops encountered the suspected terrorists during an offensive operation, leading to a firefight in which the assailants were overwhelmed by the military’s superior firepower and forced to flee.

Following the encounter, troops pursued the fleeing suspects and carried out exploitation operations in the area.

Items recovered during the operation included rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launch tubes, rocket-propelled grenades, several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two motorcycles, a charger and other personal belongings allegedly abandoned by the terrorists.

The military said no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.

It added that the mission formed part of ongoing efforts by Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North-West.

According to the report, sustained offensive operations have continued to disrupt the activities and logistics of criminal groups, while further operations are underway to track down the fleeing suspects and consolidate gains recorded in the area.

The Nigerian Army has announced that its forces, in collaboration with the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, have detained 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State.

In a statement issued by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 35 Artillery Brigade, it was reported that the operation, which began on June 11, 2026, resulted in the apprehension of the suspects at various sites within Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese, and nearby communities during a focused security initiative.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals had reportedly been living in the state for around six months without valid immigration documentation.

“During questioning, the suspects asserted that they were merchants and workers associated with QNet, an online marketing platform engaged in the sale of diverse commodities,” the statement noted.

It further detailed that the arrested individuals included 18 nationals from Burkina Faso, 23 from Côte d’Ivoire, 4 from Togo, and 1 from Senegal, comprising 36 males and 10 females.

The statement confirmed that the suspects have been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate administrative measures in line with existing laws.

Commenting on the operation, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, praised the troops and the cooperating security agencies for their professionalism and alertness. He also encouraged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the appropriate security authorities.

The army emphasized that this successful operation highlights its dedication, along with that of other security agencies, to addressing illegal migration, improving internal security, and protecting national interests.