Archive June 21, 2025

Troops Destroy Bandits Camp, Recover Ammunition In Taraba

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commander of the newly established Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari, led troops of the newly established Forward Operating Base (FOB) Wukari in a successful two-day clearance operation across parts of Southern Taraba in an ongoing effort to eliminate criminal elements that undermine the peace and security of communities in Taraba State.

The intensive operation, which was conducted in Wukari and Takum Local Government Areas between June 19 and June 20, 2025, targeted known bandit communities and alleged criminal hideouts.

On June 19, 2025, troops moved along the High Tension route in Wukari LGA, passing through towns like Lortema, Gudu, Mbayenge, and Teyotima.

Strategic areas like river lines, high grounds, abandoned settlements, and known terrorist hideouts were thoroughly searched, according to an acting assistant director, Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, of the 6 Brigade, Nigeria Army.

To prevent the state’s Wukari Local Government Area from destroying law and order, this operation comes after the Nigerian Army’s forward operating base was established in the state’s Wukari Local Government Area.

[Benue Killings] Go After Attackers, CDS Directs Commanders

Credible information about the location of Teyotima village’s mother, Angba (FNU), is well known as “Yellow.” The suspect is alleged to have a refuge in the village. No weapons or suspects were discovered, despite the cordoned off and searched area.

Further operations expanded to Ikayior village, where Akiki Utiv, alias “Full Fire,” is a known wanted criminal. A bandit camp was discovered and destroyed within the village by soldiers.

14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition loaded in an AK-47 magazine were recovered after conducting a search of the premises. In order to stop criminal elements from using the camp in the future, the camp was later destroyed.

Without making any enemy contact, troops continued clearing operations through Chanchangi, Jam Kaanan, Hingir, Ukum, and Nbaume villages in Takum LGA on June 20.

However, troops encountered hostile fire at Mande Atsager, which was Verior John Gata’s wanted bandit leader’s hideout. The bandits fled into the nearby forest and abandoned their camp after being overrun by the troops’ superior firepower.

A search of the location turned up a building with four in-built detention cells, one of which is thought to have been used to hold kidnapped victims pending ransom payments. A human skull-containing shrine was also discovered by soldiers, which suggests that occult practices are employed to support criminal activity. The camp was completely destroyed, and the entire area was cleared.

Israel-Iran conflict: List of key events, June 21, 2025

On Saturday, June 21, 2018, this is how things are going:

Fighting

    A significant nuclear site in Iran’s Isfahan province was struck by Israeli air strikes. According to a spokesperson for the Israeli army, the air force “struck the central facility along with the buildings used to make centrifuges.”

  • The site had no nuclear material present, and there were no radiological effects, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • Lanjan, Mobarakeh, Shahreza, and Isfahan were targeted, according to the deputy governor of Isfahan.
  • Later, Iranian media reported that Isfahan had been attacked by drones.
  • A military installation in Shiraz was also hit by Israeli forces.
  • According to reports from Fars news agency, “frightening explosions” were audible in the provincial capital of Ahvaz and a large column of smoke rose above Mahshahr, the oil-rich province of Khuzestan, in two cities.
  • Defense systems were activated over Najafabad in other Israeli attacks, and Malard reports explosions. Attacks were reported on Tehran as well.
  • The army was instructed to be prepared for a “prolonged campaign” to destroy Iranian targets, according to the chief spokesperson of the Israeli military.
  • According to a report, “most of the drones hit the intended targets,” the Iranian army reported that the seventh and eighth stages of launching numerous “destructive” drones at Israel had been completed.
  • Iranian military forces threatened to strike any military aid shipments to Israel, warning that “any military or radar equipment delivered by any nation to support the Zionist regime” would be regarded as a “legitimate target.”
  • About 40 drones launched from Iran were shot down, according to the Israeli army.
  • According to the German newspaper Bild, Israel’s foreign minister claimed that “at least two or three years” had passed since Iran’s attacks had delayed the nation’s ability to develop nuclear weapons.
  • Above Tel Aviv, explosions were audible, and buildings were on fire. The emergency services in central Israel released images of a multistory residential building’s roof that showed fire.
  • In a video statement, a Houthi group spokesman in Yemen threatened to attack US “ships and warships” in the Red Sea in the event that Israel joins Israel’s counter-insurgency.

Accidents and turbulence

  • According to Israel’s defense minister, Israeli forces executed three of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) senior commanders.
  • Five of the organization’s members died as a result of Israeli attacks, according to the IRGC.
  • In the Iranian city of Khorramabad, Israeli attacks claimed at least five lives.
  • A 16-year-old was killed and two others were hurt when an Israeli aircraft struck a residential building in Qom.
  • Hussein Khalil, a former bodyguard of Hezbollah’s killed leader Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli attack on Tehran.
  • Health Minister Mohammadreza Zafarghandi claimed that Israel had attacked six ambulances and three hospitals, killing two health workers and a child in the attacks, according to Iranian Fars news agency.
  • In the event that nuclear reactors are targeted, Iran’s deputy health minister said the country was prepared to treat any victims who might be affected by Israel’s continued use of its nuclear arsenal.
  • According to Iran’s information minister, “international” internet access should be fully restored by 8pm on Saturday, according to Tasnim News Agency.
  • According to Iran’s health ministry, at least 430 people have been killed and roughly 3,500 have been injured by Israeli airstrikes in the past nine days.
  • At least 25 people have been killed by Iran’s strikes in Israel.
  • Since Israel’s assault on the nation started on June 12, the head of Qom province’s intelligence police reported that the force had detained 22 people “on charges of being connected to the Zionist regime’s spy services.”

Protests

  • More than 10,000 people gathered in Berlin’s center to support Gaza, gathered in the city center.
  • More than 1, 000 demonstrators gathered in front of Berlin’s Reichstag, the country’s capital, to demand that the Iranian government be ousted.
  • Pro-Palestine demonstrators chanted Iranian flags in a march through London’s center, calling on the UK government to stop allowing arms exports and military cooperation with Israel.
  • In Stockholm, there was also a pro-Palestine demonstration.
  • In Kadhimiya, a Shia district in Baghdad, a mass rally was held under the slogan “Iran is not alone.”
On June 21, 2025, a girl holds an Iranian flag as Iraqis demonstrate their support for Iran in Baghdad, Iraq’s Shi’ite district.

diplomacy and politics

  • In a statement from Iran’s leader and his French counterpart, Iran’s leader warned of “more devastating” retaliation if Israel’s bombing campaign continued, stating that it would “under no circumstances” stop its nuclear program.
  • Macron claimed that the two countries had come to an agreement to “accelerate” Iran’s nuclear negotiations. Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and he commanded that it give every assurance that its intentions are peaceful.
  • Israel, which “has always felt complete immunity from punishment for its crimes,” was cited as a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry as the “nation has ever violated international human rights more than Israel.”
  • Iran’s foreign minister, who was speaking at an OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) meeting in Istanbul, denied Washington’s assertions that the country had been involved in Israel’s “aggression from day one”.
  • Netanyahu was the “biggest obstacle to regional peace,” according to Turkiye’s president, who addressed the OIC summit, and that Israel’s attacks on Iran intended to sabotage US nuclear negotiations.
  • Ambassadors from the Gulf Cooperation Council and Qatar’s state news agency expressed concern about Israel’s “dangerous repercussions” striking Iran’s nuclear facilities close to their nations to UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi.
  • According to a representative from the German Foreign Ministry, the Embassy’s staff in Tehran has been temporarily relocated abroad.
  • India’s embassy in Iran declared that it was “evacuating all Iranian citizens.”
  • Over the past week, hundreds of US citizens have taken off Iran via land-based routes.

EFCC Arrests Benue Gov’s Aide For Alleged Sextortion, Cyberbullying

The Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Documentation, Research, and Planning, Mkor Aondona, has been taken into custody by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly extorting and cyberbullying.

Aondona was detained in Makurdi on Friday, June 20, 2025, after allegations that some female students had accused the governor’s aide of being a victim of unethical and criminal behavior that included blackmail, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation.

The petitioners alleged that Aondona frequently sought out slim, attractive girls for janitorial jobs and demanded that they be given sexual favors as a selection criterion.

Read more about the “Campaign Of Rape” story here.

Based on this, they began to suspect sexual activity with him, but they were unaware that he had sexually explicit videos and threatened to release them if they refused to continue having sex with him.

Aondona is also alleged to have been involved in blackmail, sending explicit videos of the girls that were allegedly hacked into without their knowledge or consent via various messaging services. Some of the videos are said to be available.

Mob Kills Eight Wedding-Bound Travellers In Plateau

Eight wedding-bound travelers were killed by a mob in Plateau State’s Mangun District and Mangu Local Government Area. &nbsp,

The victims were traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Plateau State’s Quan’pan Local Government Area for a wedding on Friday evening when the incident occurred. &nbsp,

However, they mistook their turn and unintentionally entered a tense and volatile Mangun neighborhood, a city dealing with persistent terrorist attacks.

Tragically, the skirmishes that erupted led to the loss of eight innocent lives were carried out by the travelers. At the General Hospital in Mangu, a number of others suffered varying degrees of injuries.

Read more about the  Thirteen killed and homes burned as gunmen attack Plateau communities

Plateau Governor denounces the incident, condoles victims’ families, and condemns it

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State is captured in a photo. X / @CalebMutfwang

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has meanwhile expressed his heartfelt condolences for the tragic mob behavior.

Governor Mutfwang, who had visited the hospital and the scene of the tragic incident, expressed deep grief and said the mob’s actions could be completely justified.

He expressed sadness over coordinated terrorist assaults that have claimed the lives of people in Mangu and the neighboring communities of Chakfem in Mangu Local Government Area and Mushere in Bokkos Local Government Area, as well as causing widespread displacement and mourning among communities.

Governor Mutfwang, however, argued that the ongoing attacks did not support a senseless attack on innocent commuters.

“We in Plateau State are going through a tragic day today. The governor said, “I never imagined such a senseless act of violence could occur within our borders, especially given the commendable efforts of our youths in this community and the nearby districts who consistently rise up to support security agencies in defending against criminal incursions.”

“It is deeply depressing that the same young people who have shown courage and patriotism also turn their heads and enforce the law.” The government won’t sweep it under the carpet because it is completely unacceptable.

We are attempting to create a plateau that is both hospitable and welcoming to visitors. The governor continued, “We have been educating our young people about the importance of allowing free passage on all roads across the state,” and this incident has come as a rude shock to us.

I want to reassure Nigerians that Plateau will remain a safe haven for all travelers, Mutfwang said. The executive governor of Kaduna State, who I am speaking with, has been in touch with.

“I also reached out to his royal highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to express my condolences for this tragic loss of lives. We will be sending a high-level delegation to Kaduna State and the Zazzau Emirate in the spirit of solidarity.

The governor emphasized that such violent acts of violence are unacceptable in a civilized society and expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Kaduna State government, and the people of Kaduna State.

Despite the suffering and frustration of under siege communities, the governor vehemently warned against using mob violence or jungle justice, regardless of the provocation.

The Plateau State Government will cover the full cost of the victims’ treatment, according to instructions from the General Hospital in Mangu and all other medical facilities that treat them.

The governor has also ordered security companies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure justice is served, and take proactive steps to stop any recurrence.

In the interim, the governor has established a high-powered delegation to visit the government of Kaduna state and the deceased’s families in Zaria to offer sincere condolences to Plateau State and the Kaduna state government.

Bellingham Strikes As Dortmund Sink Sundowns In Club World Cup Thriller

In a gripping 4-3 win over the Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday, Joe Bellingham scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund.

The English midfielder made his debut for Dortmund this month by joining the German side in the same way that his older brother Jude did.

South African Sundowns took a surprise early lead, but Dortmund quickly rallied in sweltering Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium to advance to the top of Group F.

I’m pleased we won, but there are many things I can improve on both personally and as a team, Bellingham said to DAZN.

The Sundowns’ 11th minute opener reportedly confirmed Niko Kovac’s assertion that teams from the “south” had an advantage due to the heat, which Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had been making.

The Brazilian ran out of the lead with a fine solo goal to beat Gregor Kobel before Lucas Ribeiro’s excellent solo effort gave the CAF Champions League runners-up victory.

However, Felix Nmecha fired home after Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had given Dortmund their equalizer through a pass that was passed through the ball straight to Felix Nmecha.

Before Dortmund took the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy, both stoppers made good saves in the final exchange.

Dortmund continued his excellent season this year by winning the ball high up the pitch and scoring with a fine leap and header from Julian Brandt.

Dortmund’s third goal came just before the break thanks to Bellingham, who made the move from Sunderland earlier in June for 33 million euros ($37 million).

Williams slammed a cross into his path, and Bellingham fired home after controlling on his chest.

As a midfielder, Bellingham said, “I’ve practiced that so many times, and arriving late on the edge of the box is something you have to be really good at.”

“As a kid, I’ve practiced that at Sunderland so many times, during training, and after training, so I’m really proud of it,” said the Sunderland coach.

His brother Jude left Dortmund for Real Madrid in 2023 after five years of work.

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Fans of Dortmund sang “Hey Jobe” by reviving the Beatles classic “Hey Jude” to Jude Bellingham.

The Dortmund midfielder said, “I didn’t hear that, but it’s really nice.”

Not happy, but very proud.

Dortmund won their fourth consecutive draw against Fluminense despite being toothless in their opening encounter.

The Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up until three minutes later when Iqraam Rayners pulled one back.

Rayners, who had won Sundowns’ first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and quickly nodged the rebound, nodding home.

Lebo Mothiba’s 90th minute save from Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s side, who forced Dortmund to sweat for six more minutes in stoppage time before capturing the victory.

Cardoso told DAZN, “The outcome is not what we wanted, but we created a wonderful game.”

“It’s crucial that people are aware of what was at stake in this game.” We worked brilliantly despite the level of team we faced.

The boys gave a fantastic performance; it was a match made in heaven. I’m proud, but not happy.

In another Group F game on Saturday, Fluminense travels to East Rutherford to face Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium.