The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian forces have carried out additional airstrikes against ‌Islamic State in northeastern Nigeria.

The attack followed the killing of of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was eliminated alongside some of his men, on Friday.

In a statement, AFRICOM said No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes.

Commenting on the operation, the Defence Headquarters said more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were killed.

According to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the operation targeted terrorist hideouts in Metele area of northern Borno, a known flashpoint for insurgent attacks.

In a statement, he said the strikes were based on credible intelligence indicating the movement and convergence of terrorist elements in the area.

The Defence Headquarters explained that the latest offensive is part of sustained counterterrorism operations in the North-East, aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and denying them safe havens.

“The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” the statement read.

The military further reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that insurgents will continue to face decisive action.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” it added.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist Justice Chidiebere aka Justice Crack in the sum of N5 million Naira with one surety in like sum.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, while delivering ruling on Monday, held that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction at a fixed address for at least four years and must provide valid proof of residence, including either a tenancy agreement or certificate of occupancy.

The court further ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with evidence of at least three months’ salary payments, a letter of authentication from the immediate head of department, and proof of pensionable employment.

In addition, the surety is required to depose to an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph, while the defendant is to deposit his international passport with the court.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, stems from his arrest by the Nigerian Army in late April after he posted viral videos criticising the feeding conditions of soldiers deployed to conflict zones.

He was later arraigned by the Department of State Services on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime, breach of public peace and felony, to which he pleaded not guilty. The Attorney General of the Federation later took over prosecution of the case from the DSS.

The ruling followed weeks of legal back-and-forth, including delays in bail proceedings and a clash between members of his legal team over representation, which forced the withdrawal of an earlier bail application.

His arrest sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and activists, who alleged torture and enforced disappearance, while the Nigerian Army denied the claims, insisting the arrest was linked to alleged incitement and conduct capable of undermining military discipline and national security.

The atmosphere was chaotic earlier today, Monday, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Ondo Central Senatorial District as suspected thugs disrupted the exercise with sporadic gunshots at Ward 5, Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Amudipe Street, Akure.

The incident forced party members, journalists and residents around the area to flee for safety while voting was ongoing at the venue, which also serves as the polling unit of incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbonmire.

Other aspirants in the contest include former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, and retired military officer and legal practitioner, Olumuyiwa Adu.

Panic reportedly broke out after armed youths stormed the venue and fired gunshots into the air, forcing teachers and parents within the premises of African Church Primary School and St. Peters African Church Primary School to hurriedly evacuate pupils.

Journalists and party supporters were also seen scaling fences and running for cover as the exercise was abruptly disrupted.

Reacting to the incident, Senator Adegbonmire described the primary election as “a complete charade,” alleging that the violence was deliberately orchestrated to stop his supporters from voting after it became obvious he was leading at the polling unit.

He further alleged that the attackers shot at his vehicle, leaving visible bullet marks on it.

The senator also claimed that similar incidents were recorded in other parts of the senatorial district, alleging that supporters of certain aspirants were openly intimidated and prevented from participating in the exercise.

Adegbonmire called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress( APC) to intervene, describing the development as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome of the primary election.

“The same thing happened last week, where voters were intimidated in the House of Reps primaries. Now we are witnessing this again in the Senate. So clearly, it’s a pattern and something has to be done about it,” he said.

Also reacting, Adu dismissed the exercise as a sham, alleging that armed youths openly threatened delegates during the primary.

He, however, said he restrained his supporters from retaliating in order to avoid violence, stressing that no political ambition was worth bloodshed.

Adu warned that recurring violence during APC primaries in Ondo State could deepen internal divisions within the party and negatively affect its future electoral fortunes if not urgently addressed.