9News Nigeria

By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad (9News Nigeria Northeast)

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has delivered 36 new family housing units for soldiers in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, as part of activities marking his one-year anniversary in office.

The 36 units, built as 3 blocks of 12 two-bedroom flats for Corporals and below, were commissioned on Thursday by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General I.A. Ajose, who represented the COAS.

According to the project brief, the contract was awarded in February 2025 by the office of the COAS, with the contractor mobilizing to site in early March 2025.

The quarters were upgraded with modern facilities, including POP ceilings, electricity fittings and kitchen cabinets.

In his welcome address, the Acting General Officer Commanding, GOC, 7 Division, said the project is another milestone that reflects the COAS’s commitment to improving troops’ welfare and working conditions in the theatre.

He said improved accommodation will enhance operational readiness, working effectiveness and morale of troops engaged in protecting lives and property.

A beneficiary, who gave a vote of thanks, said the intervention will improve their welfare and comfort.

“We sincerely appreciate your unwavering commitment to troops welfare and thank you for this remarkable gesture,” he said.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar.

Also present were the Deputy Theatre Commander, the Acting GOC 7 Division, the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, and other senior military officers and dignitaries.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have foiled an alleged arms movement in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering two AK-47 rifles and other military-related items from a vehicle.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 29, 2026, when troops conducting a stop-and-search operation in Zak Village intercepted a Volkswagen Golf car.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops became suspicious after discovering a concealed compartment inside the vehicle’s dashboard.

The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee but was pursued and apprehended by the troops.

The Army said the suspect, while being restrained, attempted to disarm one of the soldiers, resulting to the troops neutralizing him.

A search of the concealed compartment subsequently led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, one mobile phone and one ATM card.

The recovery is believed to have disrupted an illicit arms movement and prevented the weapons from potentially reaching criminal elements.

The Nigerian Army emphasized its commitment to maintaining security and protecting communities across Plateau State and other parts of the country.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer, Squadron Leader AM Sanda, has emerged as the Best Allied Graduate at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) Course 47.

Sanda was among seven NAF officers and two Nigerian Navy officers who represented Nigeria at the course, which brought together 90 officers from Ghana and 14 allied African countries.

The course, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the GAFCSC, featured participants from countries including Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Togo.

The Best Allied Graduate award is presented to the allied participant who demonstrates outstanding academic performance, wide military knowledge, professionalism and leadership ability.

The achievement highlights the professionalism and intellectual capacity of NAF officers, as well as the Service’s emphasis on professional military education, strategic leadership and capacity development.

Nigeria’s participation in the course also signifies its commitment to regional security cooperation, and stronger professional ties among African armed forces.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to immediately commence a rescue operation for victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.

The President, in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity.”

The mass abduction occurred on Friday, 21 August, 2026, during Friday prayers in Dikera/Dekera village and nearby communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. 

Tinubu condemned the attack as a cowardly assault on defenceless Nigerians and vowed that those responsible would not escape justice.

He extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, praying that God grant the deceased eternal rest and give their loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” the President said.

Tinubu also directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all the abducted victims are accounted for.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would not allow acts of terrorism to undermine the country.

Tinubu stressed that the Federal Government would continue to defend citizens, protect communities and uphold the sanctity of human life.

The President further expressed solidarity with the people and government of Niger State.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria,” Tinubu declared.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army have intercepted vehicles conveying about 8,500 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products. 

The operation, conducted by troops of the security agencies, along the Ejemekru-Obudi-Agwa axis of Imo State, also led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the transportation of the products.

The suspects and the intercepted vehicles have been taken into custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to identify other individuals connected to the illegal petroleum activities.

The interception remains part of continued operations by security agencies to curb the illegal refining, and distribution of petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad
(9News Nigeria Northeast)

The Air platforms of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have sent about 36 terrorists to their afterlife in a series of precision airstrikes across Borno State between the night of August 21 and the early hours of August 22.

According to Captain Mohammed Goni, spokesperson for the command, the operations were guided by credible intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions that tracked terrorist movements and concentrations.

In the Aduwa axis of Monguno LGA, an armed reconnaissance aircraft first tracked suspected terrorists before detecting a larger group inside a settlement.

Following operational authorization, the aircraft conducted two precision strikes.

A subsequent battle damage assessment showed that about 16 terrorists were killed.

The aircraft continued surveillance and detected another group of about 10 terrorists attempting to regroup away from the initial target.

A follow-up strike engaged the group and all were neutralized.

In a separate operation around Buratai in Biu LGA, another Operation Hadin Kai aircraft tracked terrorists gathered at a location.

After sustained surveillance and authorization, the aircraft conducted a precision strike that killed about 10 terrorists.

The three engagements brought the total number of terrorists killed to about 36.

The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate the impact of its ISR capabilities in detecting and disrupting terrorist movements before they can threaten troops and communities.

It added that the strikes will put further pressure on terrorist command structures, logistics and fighting formations while limiting their ability to move and regroup.

The military noted that air operations are being supported by non-kinetic measures including community engagement, strategic communication, counter-messaging, humanitarian coordination, and efforts to encourage surrender.

Operation Hadin Kai urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security forces with timely and credible information to aid early threat detection and restore peace and normal economic activity across the Northeast.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Office of the Minister of Defence has dismissed reports circulating online that the Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, plans to resign from his position.

In a public disclaimer issued on behalf of the minister on Monday, his Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the rumour was a product of “complete mischief” and urged Nigerians to disregard the report.

The statement reaffirmed that General Musa remains committed to his responsibilities as Minister of Defence and is focused on advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives.

“General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy,” the statement read.

The minister’s media aide also cautioned media organisations and social media users against sharing unverified information, advising them to seek clarification from the minister’s office before publishing claims concerning his activities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Fatima Haruna (9News Nigeria Maiduguri)

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday conducted official state duties from the Zonal Monitoring and Evaluation Office in Biu.

This marked the first time he has operated from the facility since it was commissioned in 2022. The visit formed part of the Governor’s working tour of Southern Borno.

It was aimed at bringing government services closer to the people and improving project oversight in the zone.

The Biu Zonal Office operates under the Governor’s Office. It was set up to strengthen accountability, monitor projects, and accelerate development across Southern Borno.

Similar offices exist in Monguno and Bama for the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts.

While in Biu, Governor Zulum held strategic security meetings with the Sector 2 Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Edet Effiong.

He also met with the Commander of 29 Taskforce Brigade, Benishiekh.

The discussions focused on sustaining gains in the fight against insurgency in the region.

The Governor’s grassroots approach has been a hallmark of his administration since 2019.

Beyond the Government House in Maiduguri and his second office at Musa Usman Secretariat, Zulum has consistently toured all 27 LGAs.

He does this to assess projects and interact with communities directly.

As part of interventions during the tour, Governor Zulum flagged off the 2026 Wet Farming Season in Kwaya Kusar on Wednesday.

He launched the distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at 50% subsidy.

He also distributed free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps and 10,000 bicycles for small holder farmers.

In Biu, the Governor announced the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from the LGA.

This is part of measures to address youth unemployment and political thuggery.

The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II.

He also engaged members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Biu.

There, he approved a ₦50,000 welfare package for each corps member. Nursing mothers among them will get an additional ₦200,000.

The NYSC Zonal Inspector received ₦250,000.

Other NYSC officials, including the Liaison Officer, got ₦100,000 each.

Officials said the series of engagements reflect the administration’s focus on security, agriculture, youth empowerment and inclusive governance across Borno.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa has directed security personnel deployed to combat insecurity to take immediate action against bandits and terrorists without waiting for any sort of orders.

Speaking on Wednesday in Sokoto, Musa warned troops against hesitating to engage criminal elements, stressing that any officer who fails to act under the guise of awaiting instructions would be treated as an accomplice.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. 

“Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit,” he said.

The Defence Chief said the directive was aimed at strengthening ongoing military operations against armed bandits and terrorist groups threatening lives and property across the nation.

He then urged security personnel to remain committed to their constitutional responsibility of protecting Nigerians.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigerian troops have recorded significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations, recovering a cache of weapons, explosives, and other combat equipment from fleeing criminal elements.

Military authorities disclosed that troops operating under various security formations intensified offensive operations against terrorist and bandit enclaves, forcing several suspects to abandon arms and logistics items during encounters with security forces.

In Kebbi State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly launched a coordinated assault on suspected Lakurawa terrorist hideouts in Dandi Local Government Area. 

The operation compelled the insurgents to retreat, leaving behind rocket-propelled grenade launchers, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), motorcycles, battery chargers, and other items. 

Security officials said the troops suffered no casualties during the operation. 

The military described the offensive as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny criminal groups freedom of movement across the North-West.

Meanwhile, in the North-East, troops sustained pressure on terrorist elements through intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting insurgent activities and supply chains. 

Recent operations led to the recovery of explosives and ammunition, while suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers linked to terrorist groups were apprehended for further investigation. 

Security authorities said the latest recoveries demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing military operations designed to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups threatening peace and security across the country.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai and U.S. Africa Command have killed a senior Islamic State leader in a coordinated air and ground operation in Metele, Borno State.

Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, spokesman for OPHK, said the operation neutralized Abu Bilal al-Muniki and several of his lieutenants in the early hours of May 16, 2026.

The mission ran from about 12:01 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. It began with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance that located a fortified enclave in the Lake Chad Basin.

Precision airstrikes hit the stronghold first to destroy defenses and target high-value individuals inside.

Special forces were deployed simultaneously to block escape routes and secure the area, creating an air-land pincer movement.

The military said there were no casualties or equipment losses on the side of friendly forces. Battle damage assessment and follow-up clearance operations are ongoing.

The killing is described as a major blow to ISWAP’s command structure in the North-East.

Some confusion surrounds the commander’s identity. The military initially named him Abu Bilal al-Muniki, who was previously reported killed in 2024. U.S. sanctions documents list the individual as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Mainuki, with “Abu Bilal al-Minuki” as an alias.

Experts say variations in transliteration often lead to multiple spellings for the same target.

The individual was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. in June 2023 and is accused of coordinating funding and operations for extremist networks across the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

Operation Hadin Kai said the strike degrades ISWAP’s operational capacity, even as identity records are being reconciled across intelligence databases.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Abubakar H. Muhammad (9News Nigeria, Northeast)

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have rescued six abducted women and children from Ngoshe community after intercepting them around Mandara Mountain.

The victims were rescued in the early hours of 1 May 2026 as troops returned from an overnight offensive operation.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted the six escapees around Amuda, a deserted area between Ngoshe and Gava known for terrorist transit activities.

The rescued victims were identified as Mrs. Zainab Idris, 18; Fatima Abubakar, 17; Maimuna Abdulrashid, 24; Muhammad Idris, 1; Sadiq Abdullahi, 7; and Fatima Abdulrashid, 5.

Preliminary debriefings revealed they were abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on 3 March 2026 and had been held in a terrorist enclave in Gava before escaping.

During the rescue, troops came under sporadic enemy fire as fleeing terrorists attempted to pursue the escapees.

The troops responded decisively, engaging the terrorists in a brief exchange of fire and forcing them to withdraw into the mountainous terrain.

The operation followed sustained offensive actions, including recent air interdiction missions targeting terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.

Intelligence indicates that intensified operational pressure has degraded terrorist cohesion, leaving them increasingly desperate and paranoid after sustained losses and the escape of captives.

Among recent escapes was a 16-year-old girl who had been forcefully married to a terrorist commander.

The rescued victims received first aid and medical checks at a military facility before being handed over to community authorities.

At about 1400 hours the same day, they were reunited with their families through the Wali of Ngoshe, Alhaji Shuaibu Dabawa, in an emotional ceremony witnessed by community members.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reassured the public of their commitment to securing communities, rescuing abducted persons, and eliminating terrorist elements from all enclaves across the North East.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain aggressive operations to dominate the battlespace.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on 1 May 2026.

He encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing military operations.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has recounted Nigeria’s historical foreign policy contributions to African liberation movements, revealing the extent of support extended to countries such as Angola and South Africa during the military era.

Speaking during a live television interview on Sunday, Obasanjo said Nigeria, under the leadership of the late General Murtala Muhammed, made significant financial and logistical sacrifices in solidarity with liberation struggles across the continent.

“During Murtala’s regime, we gave Angola $20 million, which was equivalent to about N12 million at the time. Nigerian Airways helped them have access to the outside world. We did the same with South Africa,” he said.

The former president highlighted that Nigeria played a strategic role in supporting African nations fighting colonialism and apartheid, describing the interventions as part of the country’s commitment to continental unity and freedom.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists after repelling an attack on Kukareta, a town along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.

According to security sources and a military statement, the terrorists struck after midnight, with the assault on Kukareta lasting until about 3:00 a.m. The town is also a few kilometres from Benisheikh.

Troops under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai responded with an offensive-defensive action that contained the attack and forced the insurgents into a retreat along the highway axis.

Battlefield Gains

Military authorities confirmed at least 24 terrorists were killed, with field reports indicating bodies were abandoned as the attackers fled under fire.

One terrorist who sustained a leg injury was captured alive.

Exploitation along the highway corridor has led to the recovery of 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, hand grenades, magazines, and quantities of ammunition.

Two soldiers were wounded in action but have since been stabilised. One armoured vehicle was damaged after sustaining impact during the fighting.

Retaliation Thwarted

Security analysts believe the Damaturu highway attack may have been retaliation for airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai that killed a terrorist commander and fighters in Sambisa Forest earlier this week.

The attempt failed as troops had anticipated attacks across locations, including Kanamma, Pubagu, Musa, and Leho, and were prepared.

Pursuit Continues

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said the operation reflects the troops’ resilience, combat readiness, and fire superiority in denying terrorists freedom of action along the Damaturu highway.

Exploitation operations are ongoing to track terrorists, recover bodies and equipment, and consolidate control of the area.

The military has been urged to sustain the momentum through air support and offensive pressure to defeat terrorist elements threatening the Damaturu highway and the region.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government has declared that any armed group involved in the kidnapping of children, attacks on farmers, or the terrorisation of communities across the country will henceforth be treated as a terrorist organisation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known while addressing concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the country in his end of the year media briefing today.

“Henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organisation,” the minister stated.

According to Idris, the government’s decision signals a tougher stance against criminal elements whose activities have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, and national stability. 

He stressed that the classification would empower security agencies to deploy stronger legal and operational measures against such groups.

The minister noted that the persistent targeting of schools, farmlands, and rural communities by armed groups has not only disrupted education and food production but has also deepened insecurity and displacement across several states.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace and protecting citizens, adding that security agencies have been mandated to act decisively within the framework of the law.

Idris further urged communities to cooperate with security forces by providing timely intelligence, emphasizing that defeating terrorism and banditry requires collective effort.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting legislative approval for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a peace-enforcement mission.

The request which was read at Senate during plenary on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, follows reports of an attempted coup in Benin, prompting and the need for swift stabilisation efforts. 

In his letter, President Tinubu said the deployment is necessary to support the restoration of constitutional order and prevent further escalation that could threaten regional security.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on the request, as Nigeria positions itself to play a leading role in maintaining peace within the West African sub-region.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for certain categories of officers.

This new development comes as part of efforts to respond to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

The directive was contained in an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff. According to the memo, the temporary suspension is intended to preserve manpower, retain critical expertise, and strengthen operational readiness while the Armed Forces expand rapidly to address escalating security threats across the country.

The directive takes effect immediately.

The memo cited the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) 2024, which ordinarily requires officers to retire once they reach the age limit for their rank, complete 35 years of service, or fail promotion or conversion assessments after several attempts. 

However, it noted that Paragraph 3.10(e) of HTACOS permits the extension of service when it is deemed to be in the interest of the military.

“Military service of a commissioned officer entails a period of unbroken service in the AFN from the date of enlistment or commissioning to the date of retirement,” the memo stated. 

It added that despite the established criteria guiding retirement, exceptional circumstances allow for service extensions.

It further explained that President Tinubu’s declaration of a security emergency on November 26 placed a mandate on the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to expand their manpower. 

In line with this directive, the Army said it had become necessary to halt statutory and voluntary retirements “with immediate effect.”

The suspension affects officers who have reached the age ceiling for their rank, completed 35 years of service, failed promotion examinations or been passed over for promotion on three occasions, or failed conversion boards multiple times.

While officers who wish to continue serving may apply for an extension beyond their scheduled retirement dates, the memo made clear that such extensions do not come with career progression. 

Those granted the extension will not be eligible for promotion, career development courses, Army-sponsored or self-sponsored training, secondment opportunities or extra-regimental appointments.

Officers who do not wish to remain in service are allowed to proceed with the normal retirement process.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria’s security and political landscape entered a new phase of speculation after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.).

The meeting, held on Monday, 2 December 2025, came just hours before the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, formally resigned from office.

Although the Presidency has yet to comment officially, the coincidence of Musa’s high-profile visit and Badaru’s sudden exit has triggered intense analysis within defence, intelligence, and political spheres.

Could it be a  “strategic turning point?”

It is Strategic at a Critical Moment 

General Musa’s meeting with President Tinubu is particularly significant given his recent retirement as CDS, a position from which he oversaw ongoing counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and internal security operations. 

Notably, it is typical for retired service chiefs to return to the Villa for formal valedictory engagements, courtesy visits, or after being shortlisted for new national assignments.

However, sources within the presidency note that Musa’s visit was neither ceremonial nor routine.

Instead, it was a “purposeful” meeting. 

The Villa source confirmed that consultations had begun earlier, adding that that “something is being recalibrated”.

9News Nigeria reports that Mohammed Badaru Abubakar’s resignation as Minister of Defence adds another layer to the unfolding narrative. 

Regardless of the absence of official reasons, his abrupt exit creates a vacuum in one of the most sensitive positions within the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

With Nigeria facing persistent threats—from banditry in the North-West to insurgency in the North-East and rising violence in the South-East, there’s an urgent need for assertive defence leadership.

Badaru’s departure therefore raises the possibility that the administration may be seeking a more experienced, security-focused figure to reposition the ministry.

Is Gen. Musa the Next Defence Minister?

Given Monday’s developments, Gen. Musa is possibly the next prime contender. His tenure as CDS was marked by what security observers describe as discipline, operational steadiness, and improved synergy among the services.

According to the source, Musa’s sudden presence at the Villa, on the very day the defence seat became vacant, tells the obvious.

“An official announcement will be announced soon”. He said.

General Musa’s background and profile align closely with these priorities.

For now, the nation waits for President Tinubu’s official statement. But Monday’s back-to-back developments; Badaru’s resignation and Musa’s closed-door visit—have already set Abuja abuzz.

It is now evident that a major defence recalibration may be underway.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has defended the actions of Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, the naval officer who recently clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a heated confrontation over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred on Plot 1946, Gaduwa District on Tuesday, 11 November, 2025, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), has generated widespread public debate.

In reaction to the altercation, Defence Minister Badaru stated that Yerima acted within the scope of his official duty and would be fully protected by the military.

“We are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly. We will not allow anything to happen to him so far he is doing his job, and he is doing his job greatly well,” Badaru said.

His comments appear to justify Yerima’s handling of the confrontation, despite Minister Wike’s public outburst at the scene. 

The Defence Minister emphasized that the military would not condone indiscipline but would equally safeguard officers performing legitimate assignments.

9News Nigeria reports that the confrontation unfolded when Wike, accompanied by his security aides and the FCT Commissioner of Police, visited the disputed land reportedly fenced off by naval personnel. 

The FCTA maintains that the property falls within a designated buffer zone where no approved development is allowed, while the naval authorities insist that the land was legally acquired and duly documented.

In a widely circulated video, both Wike and Yerima were seen in a heated exchange over the legality of the construction and authority to enforce the Abuja master plan. 

Wike accused the naval officer of obstructing FCTA enforcement, while Yerima maintained he was acting under superior orders.

The Defence Ministry has since pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to establish the facts surrounding the land ownership and determine whether any rules were breached by either side.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

On Tuesday, 11 November, 2025, a heated confrontation erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer, identified as Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, over an alleged illegal construction on a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja.

The altercation, which has since gone viral, occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd). 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) maintains that the land falls within a designated buffer zone and that no development approval had been granted for construction on the site.

According to the FCTA , field officers were prevented from carrying out an enforcement exercise by armed naval personnel who insisted they were acting on “superior orders.” 

This obstruction prompted Minister Wike, accompanied by his security team and the FCT Commissioner of Police, to personally visit the site.

Upon arrival, Wike was denied access by uniformed naval officers led by Lt. Yerima, who claimed the land was lawfully acquired and that the relevant documents had been submitted to authorities.

The standoff quickly turned into a heated verbal confrontation. 

Wike demanded that Yerima produce legal documents authorizing the development, insisting the structure was illegal.

“You cannot continue to act with impunity. You will never develop this plot. I will never allow it,” the minister declared.

Lt. Yerima, however, stood his ground, replying, “I am an officer. I take orders from a three-star General.”

Wike fired back, “There is no order greater than mine here. You are taking an illegal order.”

However, under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act, Cap U2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), all developments within the FCT must receive prior approval from the Department of Development Control. 

Any construction on land without a valid building permit constitutes an offence and may be subject to demolition, sealing, or prosecution under Section 60 of the Act.

Furthermore, Section 7(1) of the FCT Act, 1976, vests all lands within the Federal Capital Territory in the Federal Government of Nigeria, to be administered by the FCT Minister on behalf of the President. 

This legal framework gives the Minister exclusive authority to approve or revoke any allocation or development within the capital.

By that provision, Minister Wike’s intervention is legally backed by statutory powers. 

However, the presence of armed naval officers at a civil construction site introduces a potential breach of jurisdiction under the Armed Forces Act, as military personnel are not permitted to engage in civil disputes without express authorization from the Defence Headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Military Veterans has condemned Wike’s outburst, describing his words as “unbecoming of a public officer” and urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call him to order.

In response, the Minister maintained that his duty is to uphold the FCT master plan, irrespective of status or rank.

“The law is the law. Whether you are a minister, a soldier, or a civilian, once you violate the master plan of the FCT, we will take action,” Wike said.

He confirmed that he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff to ensure that the matter is handled through proper administrative and legal channels.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has condemned the conduct of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

He described his recent altercation with a uniformed naval officer as a “clear threat to national security and institutional integrity.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Buratai said Wike’s public disparagement of a serving officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces “transcends mere misconduct” and “strikes at the core of the nation’s command and control structure.”

The statement comes in response to the altercation between Minister Wike and a naval officer in Abuja.

According to the retired general, “A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that deliberately undermines the chain of command, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and grievously wounds the morale of every individual who serves under the Nigerian flag.”

He warned that such actions could erode the foundation of discipline upon which the country’s national security architecture rests, emphasizing that the incident “cannot be dismissed as political theatre” but rather “a reckless endangerment of national order.”

Buratai further demanded that the FCT Minister tender “an immediate and unequivocal public apology” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as well as to the Nigerian military and the officer involved.

“Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not the politics of military bashing. The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less.” Buratai said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By 9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced another major success in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued 86 kidnapped victims and foiled a terrorist ambush in Borno State.

According to a military statement obtained by 9News Nigeria, the gallant troops—operating under the Joint Task Force North East (JTF-NE)—pursued fleeing terrorists towards Mangari, where they engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle. The terrorists were overpowered and forced to abandon their makeshift camps.

In the course of the operation, 86 captives, comprising men, women, and children, were rescued. The troops also discovered and destroyed 11 makeshift terrorist camps used as hideouts and logistics bases by the insurgents.

The Defence Headquarters further confirmed that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing debriefing at a secured military facility before being handed over to relevant authorities for reunification with their families.

Arrest of logistics suppliers

In a related development, troops deployed at Mangada successfully intercepted and arrested 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route Chilaria. The suspects were conveying large quantities of fuel, vehicle parts, and essential commodities meant for insurgent use.

Recovered items from the operation include:

• 2 pickup vans and 1 tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol
• 4 gallons of engine oil and 2 new gun truck tyres

Large quantities of food items and medical supplies

Further search operations led to the recovery of:

• 1 AK-47 rifle with 5 magazines containing 73 rounds of ammunition
• 4 PKT ammunition belts
• 5 civilian vehicles, 5 motorcycles, and 8 bicycles
• 2 logistics tricycles

All recovered items and suspects are in custody for further investigation, while the terrorists’ camps were completely destroyed to deny them any operational foothold in the area.

The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their gallantry, reiterating the Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining momentum in the fight against terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability to the North East region.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), Major General Adewale Collins Adetoba, has emphasized that the success of Peace Support Operations (PSO) in the West African region largely depends on effective logistics planning and deployment.

He made this known during a week-long Operational Level Training in Logistics for ECOWAS PSO, jointly organized by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and NACOLM at the Ogomudia Auditorium, Moloney Campus, Lagos, from November 3–7, 2025.

The training, which drew participants from the Armed Forces, Police and civilian sectors across ECOWAS member states, aimed to strengthen the capacity of logistics officers in planning and managing operations.

Major General Adetoba also announced the introduction of new leadership courses at NACOLM and commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for supporting the college’s collaboration with ECOWAS.

He further appreciated the ECOWAS Peacekeeping and Regional Security Directorate for their partnership.

Acting Head of Peacekeeping Operations, Dr. Sani Adamu, and ECOWAS Civilian Component Head, Mr. Bekaye Coulibaly, both lauded the initiative, stressing that improved logistics capacity remains vital to sustaining peace and security efforts across West Africa.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has ordered all Air Component Commanders across the country to intensify air strikes against insurgents, terrorists and other criminal elements.

The directive was given during a high-level strategic session with Theatre Commanders in Abuja, where the Air Chief emphasized the need for smarter, harder and intelligence-driven operations to ensure a decisive victory over insecurity across Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Aneke charged commanders to sustain the tempo of air operations with greater agility, accuracy, and professionalism.

He noted that every mission must be executed with a clear sense of purpose and patriotism, reflecting the Nigerian Air Force’s renewed focus on intelligence-led dominance and operational precision.

Reaffirming his commitment to personnel welfare, training, and professional development, the Air Chief pledged continued investment in innovation, cutting-edge technology and advanced operational capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness.

Air Marshal Aneke also restated the Nigerian Air Force’s continuous support for the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and security across the country.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

Speaking today, Gen. Oluyede said there is no organized religious persecution taking place in the country, emphasizing that security challenges are primarily driven by terrorism and criminality.

“There is no Christian persecution in Nigeria. I want to assure Nigerians that, going forward, we are going to add more to what we are doing to checkmate this act of terrorism within Nigeria.” He said.

The Defence Chief reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to intensifying operations against terrorist groups and ensuring peace across all regions of the country. 

He also urged citizens to remain united and avoid spreading divisive narratives that could undermine national cohesion.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria’s prolonged battle with Boko Haram and the nation’s broader security strategy took center stage at the public presentation of “SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum”, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd).

The event, which also commemorated General Irabor’s 60th birthday, held in Abuja on 4 October 2025, gathered a distinguished audience of political leaders, military chiefs, clerics and scholars, quickly turning into a thought-provoking debate on how best to address the country’s enduring insecurity challenges.

“The account in this book is the painful truth as I see it. I hope it will elicit a national conversation aimed at focusing attention on credible solutions to our challenges,” Irabor stated . He emphasized that the book was intended to inspire empathy, reflection, and ultimately hope, adding that “collectively, we can turn our scars into victories of nationhood”. He said in his address. 

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, stirred discussions when he argued that Nigeria’s war against terrorism cannot be won by bullets alone.

“You cannot bomb your way out of an idea. Boko Haram is not just a military problem; it is a symptom of failed governance, moral neglect, and the manipulation of religion for political ends.” Bishop Kukah said.

In response, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, defended Islam from being associated with extremism, insisting that criminals should not be mistaken for believers.

“Boko Haram does not represent Islam. We must separate the actions of violent individuals from the teachings of the faith. Religion should be a tool for peace, not division.” The Sultan said firmly. 

The event also featured remarks from General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the current Chief of Defence Staff, who expressed regret that successive governments failed to “nip the insurgency in the bud” during its early stages, noting that the crisis might have been averted if decisive action had been taken at the onset.

SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum” is structured as a 330-page memoir divided into 14 chapters across three distinct parts.

The sections explore: Nigeria’s historical context and the roots of its security challenges, the devastating impact of Boko Haram insurgency and Paradigm shifts necessary to restore peace amid ongoing security threats.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have intensified their offensive against Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements.

They intercepted critical logistics and arrested suspects in recent operations across Borno and Adamawa States.

According to military authorities, the operations, conducted between September 19 and 24 under Operation Desert Sanity IV targeted the insurgents’ supply networks, disrupting fuel and fertilizer smuggling routes commonly used to sustain their activities.

In Adamawa State, soldiers of the 232 Battalion and Sector 4 Special Forces seized 21 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Vintim, Tsamiya, and Fillin Ball–Gella axis of Mubi. 

At the Mubi Central Market, large quantities of urea fertilizer, often used by terrorists in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), were abandoned by suspected suppliers who fled the scene.

In Borno State, troops of the 73 Battalion, supported by Civilian Joint Task Force and Hybrid Forces, ambushed terrorists at Kolori Karumi near Alau Dam on September 22, killing a Boko Haram scout during a night encounter.

The following day, soldiers of the 112 Task Force Battalion at Forward Operating Base Ngwom arrested a 54-year-old suspect, Thomas James, while attempting to transport 23 bottles of PMS concealed in a bag to Gamboru Ngala. Preliminary investigations linked him to insurgent fuel supply lines.

Similarly, on September 24, troops working with local hunters apprehended a 31-year-old Boko Haram fighter, identified as Ahmadu Buba, in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. 

Buba, a native of Sabon Gari Kimba in Damboa, confessed to joining Boko Haram in April 2025 and admitted involvement in attacks on Mandaragirau and the destruction of Mandahuma Bridge earlier this year.

Military spokesperson, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, described the recent breakthroughs as a significant disruption to insurgent operations.

“These consistent interceptions have dealt a blow to terrorist logistics and IED-making capacity. The troops’ gallantry and alertness continue to sustain operational successes in the North East,” he said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government has signed one-year performance contracts with para-military agencies, mandating them to deliver on key reforms within the next 12 months.

The contracts, sealed on Saturday at the close of a three-day retreat at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State, cover the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which now operates under the Ministry of Interior.

In view of the agreements, the agencies are expected to implement sweeping reforms in areas such as passport and visa processing, prison decongestion, inmate reformation in line with global standards, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure and modernizing firefighting services.

Those who signed the performance contracts included Prof. Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC; Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, Controller General of Corrections; and Mr. Samuel Adeyemi, Commandant General of the Federal Fire Service. 

The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, was absent as she was out of the country at the time.

Supervising the exercise, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, charged the agencies to ensure 100 percent implementation of the reforms, stressing that their success would align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasized the importance of capacity building to enhance the efficiency of personnel and specifically tasked NIMC’s Director General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, to sustain reforms toward a foundational identity system that is verifiable, authentic, and fraud-proof.

On the Nigeria Correctional Service, Tunji-Ojo maintained that correctional centres must evolve from being “places of condemnation” into genuine rehabilitation facilities. 

He also directed the Federal Fire Service to undergo a complete reorientation and broaden its scope of operations.

“By this time next year, I want to see a Fire Service that will be custodian of emergency medical services, that will be liberalized, and that will allow for private sector participation. I want to see a Fire Service that can regulate and enumerate the sector, and one that will be judged by the number of assets saved,” he declared.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the creation of a permanent forum for African Chiefs of Defence Staff.

The President made the proposal on Monday, August 25, 2025, while declaring open the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja. 

The gathering, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration,” brought together top military leaders from across the continent.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa could no longer afford fragmented or ad-hoc approaches to insecurity, which he listed as terrorism, banditry, maritime piracy, cybercrime and political instability.

“We must establish a permanent forum for our Defence Chiefs to regularly exchange intelligence, harmonize strategies, and evaluate emerging threats.

“Such a platform will ensure continuity of dialogue, deepen trust among our militaries, and guarantee that Africa speaks with one voice in security matters.” He said.

He emphasized that sustainable peace is a prerequisite for development, warning that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without security. 

Tinubu also urged African countries to develop indigenous defence industries and protect homegrown technologies from foreign control, cautioning against over-reliance on external powers.

“Defence is the first expression of love for one’s people. If we fail to secure our nations, we compromise the future of our citizens,” he noted.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and host of the summit, General Christopher Musa, echoed the President’s call for continental unity. 

He said Africa faces more than 1,000 terror-affiliated groups operating across porous borders, exploiting weak governance, and fueling instability.

“No single country can confront these challenges in isolation. Our enemies are networked, adaptive, and transnational. Therefore, our response must be equally coordinated, innovative, and continental,” General Musa said.

The CDS stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated operations to disrupt terrorist financing, arms trafficking, and cross-border crime. 

He also highlighted the need for non-military solutions, such as community engagement and development programmes, to address the root causes of insecurity.

“While we strengthen our militaries, we must also win hearts and minds. Security is not just about weapons, it is about trust, justice, and the confidence of our people in their governments,” he said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded successes against Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a series of counter-terrorism operations across Borno and Yobe States.

On August 22, 2025, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled a large-scale night attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kumshe, Borno State. 

The insurgents, armed with heavy weapons, were met with stiff resistance as Nigerian Air Force (NAF) surveillance and precision bombardments supported the ground offensive.

Military sources confirmed that the operation inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers. 

A subsequent exploitation of the battlefield revealed more than 20 terrorist corpses, some buried hastily in shallow graves, along with a cache of recovered weapons.

In a separate operation the same day, troops from Sector 1 engaged insurgents during an offensive at Dipchari, near Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area. 

Several terrorists were neutralised in the encounter. Recovered items included one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.

The momentum continued on August 23, when Sector 2 troops, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a long-range tactical raid around Ndoksa, near Buni Gari in Yobe State. 

The operation resulted in the elimination of more terrorists, with troops recovering one AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.

Commending the troops, the military high command hailed their courage and professionalism, urging them to sustain the tempo of the offensive until insurgents are completely subdued.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to learn basic combat and self-defence skills as part of survival measures in the country’s increasingly insecure environment.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the Defence Chief likened self-defence training to essential life skills such as swimming and driving, stressing that they should no longer be regarded as optional.

“Learning combat skills should be seen as a survival instinct, like swimming or driving.

“It is important whether or not a country is at war.” Musa said. 

General Musa noted that in parts of Europe, swimming is made compulsory, while security awareness is treated as a critical life skill. 

He suggested that Nigeria should adopt similar practices to strengthen citizens’ preparedness.

He particularly recommended that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) integrate unarmed combat and self-defence into its curriculum, arguing that the three-week orientation programme could be more impactful if it focused on equipping youths with practical survival skills.

“The NYSC has been reduced to three weeks, but it should focus on training youths in self-defence.” He said.

The CDS further advised Nigerians to cultivate situational awareness and acquire additional survival skills such as driving and swimming. 

He cautioned that the present security climate demands greater personal responsibility.

“Self-defence is very important—unarmed combat, swimming, driving. These are critical for human endeavours. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future. The world we live in is dangerous, with individuals who do not mean well and sometimes kill for no reason,” he warned.

Musa also urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that security should not be left entirely in the hands of the military or law enforcement agencies.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has retired from the Federal Civil Service after 22 years of what colleagues described as “distinguished and reform-driven service” to Nigeria.

The announcement, contained in a statement signed by Patience Ituke, Principal Superintendent of Press, on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations, confirmed that Aduda officially bowed out on Monday at the age of 53.

Aduda, who made history as the youngest Nigerian to be appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary, concluded his mandatory eight-year tenure seven years ahead of the statutory retirement age of 60.

Throughout his career, he served in several ministries, but his impact at the Ministry of Defence was particularly notable. 

His tenure was marked by policy reforms, institutional innovations, and initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.

Among his major contributions was the revitalization of Nigeria’s Defence Industry, including the push for a Defence Industry Regulatory Department to boost indigenous production and align operations with international standards; a proposal now under review by the Office of the Head of Service.

He also championed the revival of the long-abandoned Veterans’ Hospital project through discussions with Afreximbank on financing and Mayo Clinic, USA, on potential management. 

Additionally, he advocated for humanitarian demining, leading calls for the establishment of a National Mine Action Centre under the Ministry of Defence.

Aduda earned the goodwill of staff unions after implementing welfare reforms, including the restoration of official staff buses that had been grounded for decades, thereby easing transportation challenges for employees.

According to Ministry officials, Aduda’s tenure will be remembered for its emphasis on innovation, discipline, and results-driven governance.

In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to staff for their cooperation during his service. 

He described his career as “an honour and a privilege,” adding that contributing to nation-building across different ministries gave him deep fulfillment.

“Whatever we sow, we shall surely reap,” he told staff, urging them to uphold integrity, teamwork, and excellence in the discharge of their duties.

Aduda formally handed over to Dr. S. M. Attah, Director of Army Affairs Department, who has assumed office as Acting Permanent Secretary.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has extended warm felicitations to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), on his 84th birthday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kalu described the former Head of State as a mentor and political father whose influence has been pivotal in shaping his own political journey.

The lawmaker and business mogul commended Babangida’s leadership style, courage, and vision for a united Nigeria, noting that his contributions to peace, stability, and national integration remain indelible.

“General Babangida is a rare leader whose wealth of wisdom and fatherly guidance have inspired me and many others in the political space. His unwavering belief in the unity of our great country, Nigeria, and his ability to nurture younger leaders stand him out as a statesman of inestimable value.

On this special occasion of his 84th birthday, I celebrate him deeply and pray that God continues to grant him sound health, peace of mind, and many more years of fruitful service to humanity,” Kalu stated.

He further urged Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides to continue drawing from Babangida’s wealth of knowledge and experience, describing the Minna-born elder statesman as a symbol of hope, resilience, and national pride.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

More than 1.9 million Nigerians have applied for the ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and Federal Fire Service (FFS).

The recruitment exercise, covering the four paramilitary agencies, aims to fill only 30,000 positions nationwide.

Data from the application process reveal significant regional interest, with Kogi State recording the highest number of applicants at 116,133, followed closely by Kaduna (114,507) and Benue (110,536). 

Kano received 89,362 applications, Niger 79,510, and Kwara 78,423.

Other states with high applicant numbers include Katsina (76,809), Nasarawa (76,586), Adamawa (68,305), Oyo (67,200), Plateau (63,393), and Osun (62,356).

In the northeast, Borno recorded 56,907 applicants, while in the south, Ondo (53,920), Akwa Ibom (52,474), and Bauchi (52,068) also saw strong participation. Imo had 48,262 applications, Taraba 45,147, and Gombe 45,023.

The states with the lowest application figures include Bayelsa (11,669), Lagos (14,215), Rivers (22,208), Ebonyi (23,601), and Delta (27,957).

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted contraband materials believed to be destined for terrorist fighters, while also neutralizing multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno State.

The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 3, Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and Operation HADIN KAI, was conducted near Gamboru in Ngala Local Government Area. 

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops were on routine patrol when they intercepted a major movement of illicit logistics suspected to be for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The interception occurred along unauthorized border routes known locally as Gates 3 and 4, situated along the Nigeria–Cameroon border. 

According to military sources, the patrol team observed individuals attempting to ferry assorted goods toward a riverbank that leads into Cameroon. 

Upon sighting the troops, the suspects abandoned the items and escaped across the river.

The recovered items, though yet to be fully disclosed, are believed to include supplies critical to sustaining terrorist activities in the region.

In a separate but related success, troops operating in Gwoza Local Government Area uncovered and safely detonated 14 IEDs planted along commonly used routes. 

The operation was executed without casualties, averting what could have been a deadly attack on the community. 

Military authorities have described the twin operations as a “major stride” in efforts to dismantle insurgent supply chains and safeguard local communities. 

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and ensuring peace returns to affected regions.

The latest success further highlights the effectiveness of coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration under Operation HADIN KAI and the MNJTF framework.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Defence has officially introduced a green curriculum across all Armed Forces Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.

The initiative was unveiled during the flag-off ceremony of the National Green School Program at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School in Kuje, Abuja. 

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, the Director of Education, Mr. Marcus Kura, announced the Ministry’s commitment to embedding sustainability principles into the academic life of military schools.

According to a press release by the Ministry, the new policy seeks to promote environmental stewardship through hands-on, project-based learning. 

“This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our Armed Forces schools must serve as models of sustainability, equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and preserve our environment.” Ambassador Aduda stated.

To ensure effective implementation and accountability, the Ministry is establishing a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to track the program’s progress, measure outcomes, and support continuous improvement.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the National Green School Program, a nationwide effort aimed at mainstreaming environmental education. 

Through this collaboration, students will participate in practical eco-friendly activities such as tree planting, recycling projects, clean-up campaigns and the establishment of sustainability-focused school clubs.

During the ceremony, CDR. J.O. Ibiang, Commandant of Nigeria Navy Secondary School, emphasized the transformative nature of the program. 

“The National Green School Program is not just ceremonial, it is a call to action to instill lasting environmental values in our students.” He said.

The event was attended by top defence and education stakeholders, including the Chief of Defence Staff (represented by COMD Adetunji, Director of Education at Defence Headquarters), senior officials from the Ministries of Defence, Environment, and Education, military education officers, school administrators, teachers, and students.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Plateau State Government has demanded the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from communities repeatedly targeted by violent attacks.

The state government has urged the Federal Government to deploy Mobile Police Squads (MOPOL) in their place to enhance security responses across the state.

The call follows the latest deadly assault on villages in Riyom Local Government Area, where at least 27 people were killed earlier this week. 

During a visit to the affected communities on Wednesday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and accused security forces of failing to apprehend the perpetrators despite receiving prior intelligence.

In a statement issued Friday, Professor Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security to the Governor, expressed the state government’s deep dissatisfaction with the performance of the military, particularly troops under Operation Safe Haven, the multi-agency task force responsible for maintaining peace in the state.

Prof. Kwaja described the military’s failure to prevent Tuesday night’s massacre as a serious lapse in operational efficiency, citing the presence of early warning signals that were allegedly ignored.

“The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, withdraw all military personnel stationed at flashpoints and replace them with Mobile Police Squads.

“This strategic shift is necessary to adopt a more responsive and effective security framework, especially in combating asymmetric warfare, which the MOPOL units are trained and better equipped to handle.” Kwaja said. 

The Plateau State Government argues that MOPOL operatives are better suited for rapid response and community engagement.

The renewed demand comes amid mounting public frustration over the rising frequency and brutality of attacks in the state. 

Civil society groups and community leaders have consistently called for a more accountable and people-centered security strategy, especially in vulnerable areas where residents say they feel abandoned.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Facing growing security threats, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in homegrown defense innovation, championed by Dr. Bright Echefu of EIB Group.

Under his leadership, the company is spearheading a shift toward indigenous defense manufacturing.

EIB Group has emerged as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s nascent defense technology industry, developing cutting-edge solutions such as unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite systems, and advanced combat drone technologies. 

These products, once exclusively sourced from foreign markets, are now being designed and manufactured on Nigerian soil, a feat Dr. Echefu describes as a “patriotic mission.”

“Local manufacturing is more than a business opportunity; it is a national duty,” he emphasized.

He added that the group’s focus aligns with broader efforts to achieve industrial self-reliance. 

According to him, Nigeria’s past success in reducing dependency on imported machinery like tractors offers a blueprint for replicating similar achievements in security infrastructure.

At the heart of this initiative is EIB Stratoc, the group’s defense subsidiary, which is fully Nigerian-owned and employs over 1,000 skilled professionals. 

The company works directly with the Nigerian military on research, product development, and the supply of mission-critical hardware.

Dr. Echefu believes that robust collaboration between the private sector and the armed forces is key to building a resilient national defense system. 

However, he cautions that the growing demand for locally made defense tools has begun to outstrip supply. 

He is calling on the federal government to intensify support for indigenous manufacturers through policy reforms, financial backing, and official patronage.

“The opportunity to transform Nigeria’s security architecture is real, but it requires bold investment and belief in local capacity.

“Our vision is clear: a Nigeria where surveillance drones, combat support tools, and critical systems are built by Nigerian hands, using Nigerian resources.” He said.

Beyond national security, the impact of EIB Group’s innovations is reverberating across Nigeria’s industrial landscape. 

The company’s operations have created jobs, fostered technical training, and facilitated technology transfer, offering new career paths for young engineers and technicians.

Dr. Echefu’s message is unequivocal: “We must believe in our ability to defend and develop our nation. Local innovation is not a backup plan, it is the future.”

As Nigeria searches for lasting solutions to its security and economic challenges, the EIB Group’s efforts stand as a compelling model of what is possible when vision, innovation, and national interest converge. 

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Tuesday, paid its final respects to one of its most influential leaders, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London clinic.

Following a solemn state funeral held in Abuja, the late president’s remains were flown to his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites. 

The ceremony was marked by a deep sense of national loss and reflection on the life of a man whose leadership shaped Nigeria’s modern history.

Buhari, who first ruled as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later returned as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was remembered for his austere discipline, anti-corruption stance, and steadfast commitment to national unity.

The funeral was attended by a cross-section of Nigeria’s political elite, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar. Also in attendance were former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and prominent former governors such as Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto).

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Ali Modu Sheriff, a former PDP National Chairman and Borno State Governor, were also present.

In his tribute, President Tinubu described the late statesman as “a nationalist whose unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, security, and anti-corruption war has left a lasting imprint on the nation’s conscience.”

The interment took place at the late president’s private residence and was attended by the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, who hailed Buhari’s legacy of dedicated service to the emirate, Katsina State, and the entire nation.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honour the memory of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away on Sunday in London.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday. 

According to the statement, the holiday is to allow Nigerians to reflect on the legacy of the late former president, who served the country both as a military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead tributes during a national memorial service scheduled to hold in Abuja on Tuesday, alongside former leaders, heads of state, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82 at the time of his death, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential and controversial political figures.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PRNigeria, Yushau A. Shuaib, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, over alleged cybercrime and breach of digital rights involving senior officials of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

In a petition dated July 1, 2025, and addressed to the IGP with attention to the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Shuaib called for a full investigation into what he described as unauthorized access to a private editorial email belonging to PRNigeria; a media platform renowned for national security reporting and fact-checking.

According to the petition, Shuaib was a participant in the NIPSS Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) before what he described as his “questionable and vindictive” withdrawal from the programme. 

He narrated that during a meeting with Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha and Professor Elias Wahab, both directing staff of NIPSS he was informed of a pending query. 

To his shock, the subsequent official query, issued on behalf of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, contained an attachment: a confidential PRNigeria email titled “Understanding the ‘Blue’ in the Blue Economy: A PR Perspective.”

“This email was never sent to, copied to, or shared with any NIPSS official.

“Its appearance in an internal disciplinary proceeding indicates an alarming breach of digital privacy and suggests unauthorized surveillance.” Shuaib stated.

Shuaib warned that the breach threatens PRNigeria’s editorial independence and endangers the safety of its anonymous sources.

He cited potential violations of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), referencing Section 24, which prohibits the unlawful interception of electronic communications. 

Shuaib disclosed that he is in possession of both the original email and the official NIPSS query where it was cited and pledged full cooperation with police investigators. 

He also suggested that forensic analysis of the incident could reveal digital footprints identifying those responsible for the intrusion.

The petition urged the police to invite Barrister Mann, Rear Admiral Mustapha, and Professor Wahab for questioning, and to conduct an impartial investigation into the unauthorized access and use of PRNigeria’s internal email system. 

Shuaib also called for the identification and prosecution of any officials found culpable, as well as the implementation of safeguards to protect digital privacy in public institutions.

“I want you to use your good office to cause a dispassionate investigation into my complaint and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law,” Shuaib concluded.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ms. Grace Morenike Henry as the new Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion. 

The appointment, effective June 7, 2025, marks the first time a woman and notably, a non-commissioned officer will lead the country’s foremost veterans’ organization.

The announcement was conveyed through an official letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. 

Ms. Henry succeeds Maj. Gen. AbdulMalik Jibrin (rtd), bringing a new wave of leadership to the Legion at a time of growing national attention to the welfare of ex-servicemen and women.

Born on October 5, 1964, Ms. Henry served in the Nigerian Army until her retirement in 2000, with a service record spanning more than 25 years. 

Her post-military career has been equally impactful. She most recently served as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s national headquarters in Abuja, and currently holds the position of National Coordinator of Female Military Veterans of Nigeria, a role in which she has consistently advocated for increased visibility and support for women veterans.

Her appointment has been widely hailed as a bold and forward-looking decision by the Tinubu administration, underscoring its commitment to gender equality and institutional renewal. 

The President, in his message of endorsement, expressed confidence in Ms. Henry’s ability to reposition the Nigerian Legion and enhance its relevance as a support structure for retired military personnel and their families.

“This appointment is not only well-deserved but symbolic of our administration’s commitment to inclusivity, reform, and improved welfare for all those who have served the nation,” the President reportedly stated.

The Nigerian Legion, established by law, serves as a statutory body responsible for advancing the welfare of ex-service members and their dependents. 

Its mandate includes supporting the rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of veterans, many of whom continue to face significant challenges after their service.

Ms. Henry’s emergence comes at a critical time for the Legion, as public discourse increasingly centers on the need for improved veteran welfare, institutional transparency, and expanded opportunities for retired military personnel. 

Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era of transformation, advocacy, and strategic direction for the organization.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a registered humanitarian and social organization, has issued a strong condemnation and called for urgent, coordinated action to restore peace and justice to the region.

In a statement signed by its International President, Engr. Chidi Anokwu, the organization expressed deep sorrow over the killings in communities such as Yelewata, Gwer West, Apa, and the Sankera axis. 

According to reports, more than 270 lives were lost between April and June 2025, with hundreds more injured or displaced.

Describing the attacks as a “grievous assault on humanity,” DNKI emphasized that the persistent violence, fueled by land disputes, armed herders, and criminal gangs, reflects a serious threat to national unity and regional stability.

“No community should live in fear, and no family should endure the pain of losing loved ones to such brutality,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its commitment to “Service to Humanity,” DNKI outlined key areas of intervention and advocacy, urging: Swift Government Response, emphasizing the need to sustain and expand such efforts to fully secure vulnerable communities, Also Community Empowerment: urging the inclusion of local youth and stakeholders in efforts to safeguard lives and property.

Humanitarian Support: DNKI pledged to mobilize its flotillas and chapters nationwide to provide direct support to displaced families.

The organization also called on dialogue and peacebuilding efforts to tackle the root causes of the crisis and promote sustainable peace.

“DNKI stands in solidarity with the people of Benue State during this trying time,” Anokwu said.

He reaffirmed the organization’s resolve to champion peace, equity, and the protection of all Nigerians.

“As an organization dedicated to fighting injustice and uplifting the less privileged, we urge all Nigerians to join hands to end this cycle of violence and ensure that every community in our nation can thrive in safety and harmony.” He added.

The killings in Benue State have drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for a national strategy to address the complex security and humanitarian crisis.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has publicly advocated for peaceful coexistence while firmly rejecting the “terrorist” label often used to describe his group. 

Speaking during a recent peace dialogue in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Aleru warned that violent attacks would continue if the stigmatization persists.

Aleru, who leads an armed group operating across parts of Nigeria’s North-West, claimed that their activities are largely driven by long-standing grievances, systemic neglect, and perceived injustices.

“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing.

“We would prefer a return to the way things were—where there was mutual respect between farmers and herders, and security personnel stuck to their duties without bias.” He said.

He stressed that genuine reconciliation would only be possible if government and society stopped labeling his group as terrorists, suggesting that the designation fuels further hostility.

“As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” Aleru warned.

The dialogue session is part of ongoing peace efforts involving security agencies, local authorities, and various armed factions in the region. 

Officials say the initiative seeks to de-escalate violence and explore long-term solutions to banditry and insecurity in the North-West.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced the destruction of over 70 illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja. 

He said the operations were conducted by troops of Operation Delta Safe between June 6 and 13, 2025, across several hotspots in the region.

According to Kangye, troops discovered and dismantled 73 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 51 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites in the course of the week-long raids.

In addition, the military recovered and seized 142,960 litres of stolen crude oil, 39,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 29,500 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

Other equipment and items used by the oil thieves, including outboard engines, pumping machines, drilling machines, pipes, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and 12 vehicles were also recovered during the operations.

“These operations are part of the sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to curb oil theft, protect critical national economic assets, and deny criminals the opportunity to sabotage the country’s oil sector,” Kangye stated.

He further noted that troops remain on high alert across the Niger Delta to identify and dismantle remaining illegal refining camps and apprehend the perpetrators behind the illicit trade. 

The illegal refining business has not only undermined national revenue but also contributed to severe environmental degradation and economic sabotage in the oil-rich region.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security and stability in the region while supporting government efforts to reform and protect Nigeria’s vital oil industry.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Contrary to widespread online reports suggesting that former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), was attacked, his close associate has confirmed that the retired military officer and diplomat is alive, safe, and residing in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), former spokesman of the Nigerian Army and aide to Buratai, described the reports as “utterly false” and the handiwork of mischief-makers.

“His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), CFR, Betara of Biu, Garkuwan Keffi, was not attacked in any way, contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets,” Usman stated.

He noted that Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, recently celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. 

According to Usman, the former Army Chief has remained in the Federal Capital Territory since then without incident.

Describing the rumour as the “reckless imagination” of fake news merchants, Usman strongly condemned the attempt to tarnish Buratai’s image and called for greater accountability in news reporting.

The statement also acknowledged the outpouring of concern from Nigerians who reached out to verify the retired general’s well-being.

Lieutenant General Buratai (Rtd) served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and played a prominent role in the country’s counter-insurgency efforts during his tenure.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to mark two years in office.

The Presidency has now released a detailed statement outlining key milestones achieved under this administration, signaling what it describes as a period of “renewed progress, resilience, and reform.”

Among the standout achievements, the President highlighted the empowerment of over 900,000 Nigerians through the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, and more than 300,000 beneficiaries under the new Students’ Loan Scheme, which aims to expand access to tertiary education nationwide.

In the economic sphere, President Tinubu’s administration announced the clearing of over $10 billion in foreign exchange debts, a move expected to stabilize the naira and rebuild investor confidence. 

Furthermore, to boost macroeconomic stability, Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves have surged from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion in 2024.

Additionally, the country recorded a 3.84% GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, the highest in three years.

The President also pointed to a surge in investment inflows, with over $50 billion in new foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments, $8 billion in oil and gas investments unlocked, and more than $800 million realized from solid minerals processing investments during the year.

On infrastructure, Tinubu’s administration is currently undertaking over 440 road projects, including more than 2,700 kilometers of superhighways.

In labor reforms, the government has commenced the payment of a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, addressing long-standing demands from organized labor.

The President also reported significant security gains, noting that over 13,500 terrorists have been eliminated through coordinated efforts by Nigeria’s security forces.

In legislative advancements, four landmark Tax Reform Bills have been introduced to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal framework, alongside the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions, tailored to address the unique developmental challenges of various geopolitical zones.

“These achievements reflect our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria,” President Tinubu stated.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has dismissed claims suggesting that terrorist groups in Nigeria possess more firepower than the nation’s military forces.

Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces are equipped with superior weapons and advanced technology, far beyond the capabilities of any terrorist organization operating in the country.

His remarks were in response to concerns raised by members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following a recent deadly attack on a military base in Giwa, Borno State. 

Lawmakers had expressed alarm over what they perceived as the growing strength and tactical advantage of insurgent groups.

Addressing the issue, the minister explained that the conflict should not be viewed through the lens of conventional warfare. 

“The issue is, this war is not a conventional war. It’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informants around us.

“They help the people that we try to protect, and they give them information, then they jump at us the way we don’t expect when they know that our surveillance mechanism is watching other directions.” He said.

Badaru also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s military-industrial capacity, revealing that 10 out of 53 companies operating within a designated military production complex have already commenced the manufacturing of military-grade hardware. 

These include drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, and safety vests.

“Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories.

“We are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year, and by next year, we aim to begin exporting.” He noted.

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Defence is exploring possibilities for reviving a section of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to support the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), with a view to enhancing the nation’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly seized a cache of pump action rifles legally acquired by the Plateau State Government for Operation Rainbow; a state-sanctioned security outfit established to support federal forces in combating rising insecurity across the Middle Belt.

The seizure, which occurred in January, is believed to have been carried out on the orders of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. 

The action effectively stalls the state’s efforts to arm its local security operatives amid a surge in violent attacks allegedly carried out by Islamist Fulani militias targeting indigenous communities.

Operation Rainbow, backed by legislation and designed to operate in synergy with federal law enforcement agencies, was set to receive the rifles to bolster its operations. 

The firearms were intended to empower trained personnel and vigilantes to respond swiftly to escalating violence in hard-hit areas of Plateau and neighboring states.

Sources within the state government expressed frustration over the move, describing it as a direct blow to Plateau’s attempt to take required measures in protecting lives and property. 

They argue that with federal security agencies stretched thin and often slow to respond, local outfits like Operation Rainbow must be equipped to fill the gap.

“This is a dangerous precedent. The state government followed due process, obtained necessary approvals, and acted within the legal framework. Yet the DSS swept in and seized weapons meant for lawful use in community defense.” A statement read.

The confiscation has exposed the limits of state-level security autonomy in Nigeria’s federal structure and the recurring tension between state and federal authorities on internal security matters.

With communities in Plateau still reeling from recent attacks, stakeholders are calling for an urgent review of the federal government’s approach.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for the mandatory drug testing of all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), made the call while addressing stakeholders at a recent event in Abuja. 

He emphasized the need for preventive measures that would discourage drug use among young Nigerians, particularly those preparing to serve the nation under the NYSC scheme.

Marwa noted that the drug testing initiative, if adopted, would not only serve as a deterrent but also help in identifying and rehabilitating individuals struggling with substance abuse before they enter the service year.

“The NYSC represents a critical stage in the life of our youths and a key opportunity to instill discipline, patriotism, and healthy lifestyle choices. Mandatory drug testing for all prospective corps members will help promote these values and ensure a drug-free service year,” he said.

The NDLEA boss stressed that drug abuse remains a major public health and national security challenge in Nigeria, warning that young people are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of substance misuse.

If implemented, the drug test will become a prerequisite for participation in the NYSC orientation camp.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

No fewer than 24 people have been confirmed dead in a series of renewed attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen across four communities in Benue State’s Otukpo Local Government Area. 

The coordinated assaults, which occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, have left a trail of death, destruction, and displacement in their wake.

Communities affected include Otobi, Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, with the most brutal hit recorded in Otobi on Tuesday night, where 13 people were killed and over 50 houses set ablaze. 

By Wednesday, attacks on the three other communities claimed at least 11 more lives, according to local authorities and state legislators.

Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the latest attacks, revealing that the violence erupted even as the Commissioner of Police was visiting the Ochidoma Palace to assess the Otobi massacre. 

“Only young men remained in the communities when the attackers struck. Women and children had fled in fear. While three persons were injured, the swift response of security operatives forced the attackers to retreat. Unfortunately, none of them was apprehended,” Ogiri said.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, addressing reporters at the Government House in Makurdi, disclosed that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the Otobi killings. 

He described the situation as “deeply troubling” and called on security agencies to urgently pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Alia also announced the deployment of additional security forces to the affected areas and revealed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had pledged to send more security assets to Benue to contain the resurgence of violence, especially in the Otukpo axis.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Angbo, provided a grim breakdown of the fatalities. 

According to him, nine corpses were recovered on Tuesday night, another was found in a hard-to-reach location later that evening, and additional bodies discovered by dawn on Wednesday brought the total to 11 in Wednesday’s attacks alone, bringing the two-day death toll to 24.

In response to the escalating violence, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Chapter, has called for the urgent establishment of trauma healing centres for victims of violence in Benue and Plateau states.

In its 2025 Easter message, signed by chairman Rev. John Hayab, the association lamented the emotional and psychological toll of repeated attacks in the region. 

“The physical wounds may heal, but the emotional and psychological trauma many victims are facing, especially in Plateau and Benue, require structured healing and rehabilitation. There can be no true recovery without addressing the scars left behind by violence,” the statement read.

Northern CAN urged federal and state governments to prioritize trauma care as part of broader post-conflict rebuilding efforts, while also calling for a “renewed and strategic security architecture” capable of tackling rising insecurity across the north.

The association also demanded adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of banditry, insurgency, and communal violence.

The recent wave of violence has left hundreds displaced, with many families taking refuge in neighboring communities or makeshift camps. 

Local sources report that the affected villages are now largely deserted, with farmlands, homes, and schools destroyed.

Civil society groups and humanitarian organizations have begun calling for emergency relief support to assist displaced persons, particularly women and children.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, convened a high-level operational briefing with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the nation’s Service Chiefs.

The meeting held at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja today, focused on evaluating the current national security landscape, particularly in regions severely affected by insurgency, banditry, and communal unrest, including the North East, Plateau State, North West, North Central, and South East.

During the closed-door session, the Minister received detailed briefings on military operations in these volatile areas and discussed strategies to strengthen intelligence coordination, enhance troop deployment, and reinforce ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

In his remarks, Minister Badaru reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces with both policy backing and operational tools.

“We are determined to support our gallant troops with the necessary tools and policies needed to win the fight against insecurity and ensure that every Nigerian lives in safety and dignity,” he stated.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former Head of State and founding father of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon, has commended the Scheme’s management for its dedication to the vision that led to its establishment.

Speaking on the continued relevance of the NYSC, General Gowon praised the leadership for maintaining the core objectives of national unity, youth development, and community service, which have defined the program since its inception in 1973.

He emphasized the Scheme’s crucial role in fostering national integration, bridging ethnic divides, and equipping young Nigerians with skills that contribute to national development.

The NYSC, created in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, was designed to promote unity and cultural understanding among Nigerian youths by deploying graduates to serve in states different from their places of origin. 

Decades later, the program remains a key pillar in Nigeria’s development strategy, with its impact seen in education, healthcare, and other critical sectors.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. 

To oversee governance during this period, the President has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.

Who is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas?

Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibas is a seasoned military officer with decades of experience in Nigeria’s naval operations. 

His military career began in 1979 at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26th Regular Course, and he was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983.

Over the years, Ibas held several strategic positions in the Nigerian Navy, including serving as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command. 

His most prominent role came in July 2015 when he was appointed the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff, a position he held until January 2021. 

Following his retirement, he was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana.

9News Nigeria reports that the decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State follows months of escalating political tensions and recent security threats, including attacks on vital oil infrastructure. 

The federal government cited the need to stabilize governance and protect national assets, particularly after a fire outbreak on the Trans Niger Pipeline, as key reasons for the intervention.

With his extensive military and diplomatic experience, Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to restore stability in Rivers State, tackle security concerns, and oversee governance until democratic rule is reinstated.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of a nationwide screening and verification exercise for the education sponsorship of children of deceased personnel. 

The initiative, aimed at ensuring access to quality education for the children of fallen soldiers, will take place across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from February 8 to March 17, 2025.

The exercise will be conducted at designated centers, including the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja. 

It is part of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, providing financial support for primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Meanwhile, to qualify for the sponsorship, applicants must present essential documents, including a handwritten application, the beneficiary’s admission letter, a recent school report card or result, a confirmation letter from the educational institution, the beneficiary’s birth certificate, and the deceased personnel’s death certificate, among others.

The Army has urged eligible families to take advantage of the exercise, emphasizing its dedication to honoring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers by ensuring their children receive the necessary educational support.

For more information on the screening process, applicants are advised to visit the Nigerian Army’s official website or contact relevant military welfare offices.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)

In the continues fight against insurgency in the northeast region, Operation Hadin Kai, a military Joint Task Force (JTF) operation in the region, has met with the United Kingdom (UK) defence officials in Maiduguri.

With the Defence Minister of UK, Lord Vernon Coaker and Theater Commander, JTF, Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Wahidi Shaibu and other top Nigerian and UK military officers in attendance, the meeting was held on Wednesday at the headquarters of Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maimalari Barracks.

The meeting aims to review past programs under the partnership between the Nigerian Military and UK defence forces.

It also aimed at discussing progresses in fight against the terrorists groups in the region.

This is coming after the resurgence of terrorists attacks in various locations across northeast.

After the meeting, both parties highlighted some of the areas of their collaboration while talking to Newsmen.

They said that the meeting is part of a larger strategic engagement between them, to ensure proper planning and execution of their programs.

Speaking to journalists, Lord Coaker said the meeting is to recognize and celebrate the progress they have made together so far.

He noted that the discussions include exploring other areas they can work together in enhancing the capacity of the theater.

UK Defence Minister, Vernon Coaker talking to journalists in Maiduguri

Explaining further, the defence minister acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian government and the military in the fight against insecurity, pledging that they would continue to grant support in that direction.

He noted that their support is mainly on professional military training, intelligence and other expertise in combating IED threats among other things, adding that the impact of the support doesn’t only reflect on the military but the civilian population as well.

“This is a strong relationship between our militaries and is something we wish to continue, and that’s why our Prime Minister was keen for me as the Defence Minister to come out here and talk to you General,” he said.

Also responding to questions from journalists, General Shaibu said that the presence of UK’s defence at the theater signifies the importance mutual relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

He said the partnership has provide military training assistance to Nigerian troops and the military is grateful for that.

On the fight with terrorists in the northeast, Shaibu said the war is “a work in progress and we would continue to do our best to ensure that we achieve our mandate of restoring peace in the Northeast region, and to also ensure that economic activities are thriving.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has extended gratitude to the Nigerian military for their efforts, sacrifices and commitment to ending insecurity in the state.

The governor honored the armed men at Ramat Square, Maiduguri, during the 2025 Armed Force Remembrance Day.

Represented by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, the governor described the occasion as “more than just a ceremony, it is a solemn reminder of the importance of peace, security and stability in our country, it also reminds us of the sacrifices, bravery and patriotism of our ex-service men.”

He noted that the occasion is also to extend gratitude to the armed forces in the fight against insurgency in the state.

“Your bravery, resilience and sacrifice has saved countless lives, restored hope to devastated communities, despite the numerous challenges you have faced,” he said.

Also, the governor donated N20 million naira, a Hilux vehicle to the legion and 200 bags of 25kg rice, 100 cartoons Spaghetti to their widows.

This is coming weeks after a grand donation of N300 million by the state government, to support the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

The governor also reaffirmed the government committement in supporting the armed men, adding that “their selfless service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, we will always stand by them and work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the care and recognition they deserve.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has attended the 2025 Multinational Joint Task (MNJT) Operation Desert Sanity 2 Medal Parade held in Njemena, Chad Republic.

The governor announced the donation of N300 million to support the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the fight battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

He made the announcement on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after attending the parade.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, the donation would be disbursed through a nongovernmental organization (NGO).

The NGO, Tribute to Our Troops Charity Foundation, was established to support and honour fallen heroes as well as celebrate serving men and women who fight endlessly to keep Nigeria safe.

“The Chief of Defence Staff has set up a foundation that will look into the welfare of the families of the deceased soldiers and those who were wounded in action.

“There is nothing we can do better than this; they sacrificed their lives to pay the supreme price. We shall continue to support them. I am happy that this kind of foundation has been set up. If there is any one state in Nigeria that should key in to support this foundation, it is Borno,” the governor explained.

While urging the military to intensify efforts towards eliminating the remnants of the terrorists around the Lake Chad region, he reiterated that despite the ongoing challenges, the insurgency in the Northeast region had “drastically reduced.”

Zulum also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to fighting insecurity in the country.

“Let me commend the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the leadership he has provided, motivating the troops and giving the direction needed to provide lasting peace in Nigeria,” he said.

The MNJTF medal parade, first hosted in 2017, honours troops who made supreme sacrifices and appreciates the commitment of soldiers and commanders fighting Boko Haram insurgents in countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

It is attended by military officers and officials of governments from member state countries.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Ali Mohammed Zanna, (9NEWS NIGERIA, BORNO STATE)

The audience couldn’t hold back their tears while they listening to a young girl, Fatima Umar, while she pays a tribute to her late father.

The audience, comprising of military men and women, wounded soldiers, government officials, journalists and other guests were driven to an emotional journey through Fatima’s words.

A daughter of a fallen hero, Fatima gave the tribute in an end of the year concert in Maiduguri, organized by the Nigerian Military at Maimalari Barracks.

Her father, Sgt Umar Ibrahim was a late military man who pays the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the northeast region.

“My father was a great soldier; how I wish he were here to celebrate with us,” Fatima expressed emotionally.

“For all the provisions you have been giving us, may God continue to bless you. To the soldiers in the battlefield, may God protect you all,” she added.

The event was organized by the Tribute to Our Troops (TTOT) Foundation, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the 7 Division and Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai.

Featuring performances by comedians and musical artists from Lagos, Delta, and Borno, the event night was filled with mixed emotions, both tears and celebration, as families of wounded soldiers expressed gratitude for the recognition of their loved ones’ sacrifices.

During the program, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, offered Fatima a personal donation of N500,000 and N100,000 each to four other girls who shared heartfelt tributes to their parents who also died on the frontlines.

The governor also donated N300 million to the TTOT Foundation.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, Governor Zulum urged the foundation to utilize part of the donation to support wounded soldiers residing in Maiduguri.

While responding, the founder of TTOT Foundation, Princess Olivia Adom, expressed gratitude to the military and Borno State government for their unwavering support.

She encouraged Nigerians to not relent in appreciating the sacrifices made by armed forces in the country.

“To every soldier across Nigeria, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Nigerians are beginning to understand your selflessness and dedication. You are among the few who have chosen to defend the dignity of this nation, and your bravery keeps us united,” she said.

Adom urged citizens to show gratitude, not just in words but through actions that reflect national appreciation to families of fallen heroes.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maj-Gen. AGL Haruna, emphasized that the event aimed to honor fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for national peace and stability.

He noted that the live broadcast of the concert was intended to help the public better understand the military’s role and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian military has launched a significant operation against terrorist groups around Birchi Hill, a community in Katsina State, destroying several camps.

This was disclosed on Thursday by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma.

The operation he said was a response to recent attacks on local communities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara.

He explained that the military used a combination of ground and air attacks to target the terrorists, hitting several locations and eventually overpowering them after a fierce firefight.

According to Abdullahi, the operation resulted in significant casualties on the side of the terrorists, noting that a notorious terrorists’ leaders, Manore and Dogo Nahalle were killed.

He added that the military also dismantled several terrorist camps in the area, weakening their ability to operate.

“This is a major blow to the terrorist groups, who had been constantly attacking communities in Maidabino, Yantumaki, Mara, and other parts of Danmusa and Safana, leading to many residents being displaced,” the statement said.

While urging for continues public support and cooperation in dealing with terrorists, the military said the act of harboring criminal elements is sabotaging military efforts.

The military also pledged its commitments in restoring peace and security to affected communities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, organized a feast to celebrate Christmas with soldiers in Maiduguri.

The army chief used the occasion to praise the troops recent achievements in the northeast region.

He said their sacrifices and loyalty in defending the nation will not go unnoticed.

He reassured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s committed to providing them with advanced equipments to end the insurgency.

The army chief also noted that the military’s goal is to bring a swift and decisive end to the insurgency, adding that they are working hard to achieve this objective.

To the wounded soldiers, Oluyede said that the Christmas celebration was an opportunity to honor their bravery and dedication.

Also present at the feast is the state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bukar Tijjani.

While speaking, Tijjani expressed gratitude to the soldiers on the front line and reminds them of the state government’s commitment in helping the army in the fight against insurgency.

The SSG also announced a ₦2 million cash donation for the wounded soldiers.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Borno State’s 2025 budget is set to prioritize cultural renaissance and security projects.

These are part of the Ministry of Information and Internal Security initiatives proposed in the budget.

The ministry’s budget proposal was earlier defended before the State House of Assembly’s committee on Information and Internal Security.

In his presentation during the defense session, the commissioner of the ministry, Prof. Usman Tar, highlighted their achievements over the past year.

Some of the projects they executed he recalled include were the rehabilitation of the government printing press, procurement of vehicles for security operations and support for community resettlement.

Other important program he said is the recruitment of more Civilian Joint Task Force personnel.

Tar also emphasized on the ministry’s role at two important programs, the Kanem Borno Summit and Sir Ahmadu Bello lecture.

However, parts of the budget for 2025 includes the construction of fire service stations across all 27 local government areas, a central command and control center, and new military barracks.

Other notable projects in the proposal are the establishment of a Borno State Cultural Centre, museum construction, historical site development, and the reconstruction of Borno Radio and Television (BRTV) Maiduguri among other things.

According to the ministry, these initiatives aim to promote the state’s cultural heritage and align with the state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum’s vision of rebuilding Borno.

While pledging their support for the ministry, the committee commended its efforts in cultural promotion, noting particularly its successes at the National Festival of Arts and Culture.

The session, held at the Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA) complex in Maiduguri, was presided over by the Committee Chairman, Bukar Modu.

Other committee members present included Engr. Gambomi Marte and Yakubu Kimba.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Professional Footballers Association, Borno State chapter, has organized a send-off ceremony for Major Chidi Afam of the Nigerian Army.

The event was held on Tuesday at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

According to Aliyu Mustapha, El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club media officer, the ceremony is aimed at honoring the army officer for his contribution to securing Borno State and service to the nation.

Major Afam has been in the forefront of the fight against Boko-Haram terrorists in Borno and other parts of the northeast.

The event featured a match between Maiduguri Veterans team and the Nigerian Army team.

The match ended 4-3 in favor of the Nigerian Army.

The celebrant was also presented with a medal and a gadget at the end of the match.

In his remarks, the chairman of the association, Alhaji Danjuma Eldum, emphasized the importance of unity among Nigerians, reminding the audience that despite their differences, they are all created by the same God.

He call for continues unity and cooperation between the military and civilian population in the state.

In his response, Major Afam expressed his gratitude to the host, while also sharing his experiences since graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2011.

He promised to always contribute to the Borno community and offered his support to the veterans club.

The event concluded with prayers and refreshments.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigerian Army troops have repelled a terrorist attack on Doron Baga, a fishing community in Borno State that has come under several attacks in recent years.

The attack occurred on Wednesday night, with a large group of terrorists arriving in over 15 local boats via the Lake Chad Island.

The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the community, but were thwarted by a swift response from the troops, local vigilantes, and hunters.

The combined forces pushed back the terrorists, leaving two of their boats behind, containing a dead body, a source confirmed.

According to the source, the terrorists had targeted the area where fishermen operate their boats.

However, there is yet no official statement by authorities regarding the incident at the time of filling this report.

More would be updated shortly…

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni of has donated N32 million to the Nigerian Legion to enhance the welfare of fallen heroes and veterans in the state.

He disclosed this at the launch of Emblem Appeal Week in Damaturu on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Of the amount, N30 million, he said is donated by the state government, while N2 million is his personal donation .

Buni expressed gratitude to the veterans who defended the territorial integrity of Nigeria through commitments and sacrifices to ensure the safety of the nation.

“In the course of their tour of duty, some paid the supreme price, others were maimed and remain incapacitated for the future of our dear country in particular and humanity in general.

“Here in Yobe state, we are indebted to the huge contributions made by the Nigeria armed forces, some of whom are now members of the Nigeria Legion, the police, and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency and kidnapping.

“We salute your loyalty, courage and selfless devotion to our great Country and in defence of justice, liberty, unity and human dignity,” he said.

He also pledged his administration’s continued support to the veterans and families of the fallen heroes, urging members of the public to also donate cash to the legion as soon as they receive the emblems.

Similarly, Buni directed the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and the Head of Service, HoS, to provide slots to the children and dependents of the veterans and fallen heroes in subsequent recruitments at the federal and state civil service.

In his remarks, retired Capt. Ibrahim Gadine, Chairman, state Chapter, Nigerian Legion, thanked Buni for his administration’s immense support to the organisation.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo has officially commissioned two blocks of 12 flats of two-bedroom Nigeria Air Force prototype residential buildings at the Nigeria Air Force Base, Port Harcourt.

The event which was held Today, marks a significant step in enhancing the living standards of personnel stationed at the base, as the commissioned facilities are designed to provide modern, comfortable housing in line with the Nigeria Air Force’s commitment to improving the welfare of its officers and their families.

Speaking during the commissioning, Amb. Ihunwo praised the efforts of the Nigeria Air Force leadership in prioritizing the welfare of its personnel and acknowledged the collaboration between the Air Force and the local government.

He further reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting initiatives that foster development and improve the quality of life for residents within Obio/Akpor LGA.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, local government officials, and other dignitaries, who commended the project as a reflection of progressive governance and effective resource management.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Federal Government’s (FG) recent protest against the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into the Nigerian Army’s activities has sparked widespread concern among human rights activists, civil society organizations, and the international community.

The ICC’s investigation, which was announced in March 2020, aims to examine allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses committed by the Nigerian military in its fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the north-eastern region of Nigeria.

However, the FG has vehemently opposed the ICC’s probe, arguing that it is an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and an attempt to undermine the country’s judicial system.

In a strongly-worded statement, the FG accused the ICC of overstepping its bounds and attempting to impose its jurisdiction on Nigeria without the country’s consent.

But human rights activists and civil society organizations have dismissed the FG’s claims, arguing that the ICC’s probe is a necessary step towards ensuring accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes committed in Nigeria.

The FG’s protest is a clear indication that they are trying to cover up the atrocities committed by the Nigerian military.

The ICC’s probe is a welcome development, and we urge the FG to cooperate fully with the investigation.”The ICC’s investigation is not the first time that the Nigerian military has faced allegations of human rights abuses.

In 2015, Amnesty International released a report detailing widespread human rights abuses committed by the Nigerian military, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances. Despite these allegations, the Nigerian government has consistently failed to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes.

The ICC’s probe is seen as a last resort to ensure accountability and justice for victims of human rights abuses. The FG’s protest of the ICC probe has also sparked concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

The ICC’s investigation is a test of Nigeria’s willingness to uphold its international obligations and ensure accountability for human rights abuses. As the ICC’s probe continues, it remains to be seen how the FG will respond.

Will they continue to protest and obstruct the investigation, or will they cooperate fully and allow justice to take its course? Only time will tell.

However, one thing is clear: the ICC’s probe is a necessary step towards ensuring accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes committed in Nigeria. The FG’s protest should not be allowed to undermine this important investigation.

(Muhammad Salis Sulaiman is a Student of Mass Communication Department, Borno State University, Maiduguri).

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has urged the Nigerian military to maintain their current momentum in the fight against insurgency in the northeast region.

He said this on Saturday at a dinner night organised by the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, where he commended the efforts of the armed forces.

This is also following the military’s recent victory against the terrorists group in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.

The dinner was held at Maimalari Cantonment Officers Mess in honour of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who visited the state for the first time in his capacity as COAS.

Represented by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, Governor Zulum said that the military has done well in defending the region from advisories.

”Recently, the theatre command has experienced a resounding success in confronting advisories in Kukawa, and we are very happy that the armed forces have shown the terrorists that they cannot bring challenge and get away with it,” he said.

He equally outlined some projections of the government that needs collaboration with the armed forces to contain security challenges in the state.

The projections include mass resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities.

He recalled that the government has in ten months resettled over 40 towns and villages as a result of the support of the armed forces.

Tar also disclosed their plan to resettle more IDPs back to their ancestral homes, calling for the support of the armed forces in achieving that.

Similarly, the governor thanked the sector commanders, officers and men of the armed forces for their tremendous support in the resettlement campaign so far.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Amnesty International, an International Nongovernmental Organization (INGO) working on human rights campaigns has presented a report on survivors of terrorism and abuse by military in the northeast region of Nigeria.

The INGO said that they are demanding for justice to the survivors from both the terrorist group and Nigerian government.

According to the organization, the survivors, mostly girls and young women, endured several years of torture, rape, forced marriage and other forms of Gender Based Violence (GBVs) from the Boko-Haram terrorist group in the region.

The report, made available to journalists, also made several allegations on the Nigerian military who are said to have abused some of these survivors in detention after their escape from the terrorists.

The INGO made the presentation of the report to newsmen at a press conference on Thursday in Borno State’s capital, Maiduguri.

At the conference, some of officials of the organization briefly highlighted some key areas of the report, noting that the aim is to seeks juctice for the survivors against the accused and also attract support that would help them recover from their unfortunate experiences.

They noted that like everyone else, the survivors also have dreams and future ambitions, hence, the need for campaigns and support to help them actualize it.

In his brief remarks, Isa Sanusi, director, Amnesty International, Nigeria highlighted the importance of the campaign, noting that they have so far attracted support from foreign donors who has pledged to finance the education of some of the survivors.

Sanusi however explained that the campaign is not an easy task, especially with regards to institutions like the military who usually denied such allegations, and that it is a continues process that needs dedication, resilience and support from other stakeholders.

”They were subjected to sexual slavery, and many were forced to bear children with their captors. After escaping, some fell into the hands of the military, only to face further atrocities, leaving them trapped in a cycle of violence, moving from one nightmare to another,” he said.

Responding to questions from the newsmen, Mr. Sanusi noted that Amnesty International programs is not only limited to advocacy and campaign for justice for the survivors, citing example from a recent court case filed by the organization on behalf of the survivors.

“Amnesty International has recently filed a case in the International Criminal Court on behalf of the survivors against Boko-Haram and the military,” he said.

He added that such efforts did not start with or limited to Boko-Haram terrorists and the Nigerian military but many other actors of human rights abuses across the world.

Also speaking, Fatima Diallo, a regional official of Amnesty International said that activists and journalists have a big role to play in the advocacy and campaign against human rights abuses and seeking for justice for survivors of terrorism and other abusers.

She noted that part of their campaign is a petition against the perpetrators of injustice, signed by thousands of activists and other human rights promoters.

While acknowledging the contribution of some activists in the campaign, Diallo said that journalists most continue to tell stories of the survivors to enable them get access to justice and revive their means of livelihood.

“Their stories matters, they want us to be there for them, to be their voices,” she added.

Diallo also called on government and the public to grant social and phycological support to the survivors and empower them to achieve their dreams.

In the report, Amnesty International has presented and quoted several survivors of terrorists and military abuses.

According to the organization, over 40 survivors, girls and young women were interviewed as part of the report.

The reported highlighted that “thirteen girls and young women interviewed by Amnesty International were forcibly married to Boko-Haram multiple times: seven of them twice and six of them three times.

“When their “husbands” died, mostly during combat, the girls would typically observe iddah , a period of “mourning”, and then would often beforcibly married again.”

Also quoting one of the survivors, the report said “two among us disagreed. They were a bit older. They killed the two girls that disagreed…all kneeling down, they just killed them immediately with a gun, when we saw, we all agreed.”

“When my husband died, they [Boko Haram] took me again and they brought me to Madagali. They kept us there andlocked us. We stayed a while. Soldiers started attacking.

“When we reached Sambisa Forest, they decidedto get me married after mourning. I said no, I want togo back home. They said they will kill me if I do not getmarried. So, I agreed … I stayed married for almost two years.

“A month after SB’s second “husband” died, “ [Boko Haram] asked me to get married, I said no. They put me in handak and they flogged me. They married me a third time,” the report quoted another survivor identified as SB.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is grappling with a complex web of insecurity that threatens to destabilize the country.

The menace of unknown gunmen, Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violence have become an all-too-familiar reality, leaving citizens in a state of perpetual fear. The statistics are staggering.

According to reports, Nigeria has witnessed a significant increase in violence attacks, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions of people . The country’s security forces are overstretched, and the government’s efforts to address the crisis have been criticized for being inadequate.

One of the most pressing concerns is the rise of unknown gunmen, who have been responsible for a string of attacks and killings across the country. These gunmen, whose identities and motivations are unclear, have created a sense of unease and uncertainty, making it difficult for citizens to feel safe.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has also contributed significantly to the country’s insecurity woes . The group’s violent campaign, which has included bombings, kidnappings, and massacres, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.

Today, the Banditry form of violence, has become a major concern in Nigeria’s northwest region . The bandits, who are often armed and operate in large groups, have been responsible for a string of attacks and kidnappings, leaving communities in a state of fear.

The root causes of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis are complex and multifaceted. As it includes Poverty, unemployment, and inequality have all contributed to the rise of violence and extremism.

The country’s security forces have also been criticized for their heavy-handed approach, which has often resulted in human rights abuses and further alienated communities.

To address the crisis, the Nigerian government must adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to security. This includes addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, as well as reforming the security forces to make them more accountable and effective.

The international community also has a role to play in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address its insecurity crisis. This includes providing humanitarian assistance, supporting security sector reform, and promoting economic development and job creation.

Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is a complex and deeply entrenched problem that requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach to solve.

The government, security forces, and international community must work together to address the root causes of violence and extremism, and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Ali Muhammad Idris is a 300 level Mass Communication Department, Borno State University

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Borno State Security Forum has paid a condolence visit to the headquarters of 7 Division, Nigerian Army, in Maiduguri, over the demise of the former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The forum was led by the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Mohammed Yusufu.

In his remarks, the CP described the late COAS as a remarkable officer, known for his courage, professionalism, and dedication to service.

He also highlighted the outpouring of tributes and condolences as a testament to the late COAS’s exemplary character and significant contributions to the nation.Yusufu described Lagbaja as a ”fine, gentle, courageous, and proficient senior officer who made the Nigerian Army and nation proud.”

In a press statement issued by spokesman of the 7 Division, Lieutenant Colonel AY. Jingina, the acting General Officer Commanding the division and Commander of Sector One Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, received the delegation, while expressing deep sorrow over the loss of his colleague and friend.

He also recalled their time together at the military academy and emphasized the impact of the late COAS on the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, the GOC “urged all security agencies to remain steadfast in their efforts to combat insurgency, particularly as the dry season approaches.”

While calling for continued synergy and cooperation with security forces to ensure lasting peace in Borno and the northeast region, the GOC emphasized the importance of cooperation in the fight against insurgency, especially in the dry season.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The fierce encounters between Chad military forces and Boko-Haram terrorists has turned bloody in recent times, with both sides recording huge casualties.

The intense war between the two sides started when the terrorists launched a deadly attack on the Chadian soldiers in October, killing over 40 at Barkaram military base in Chad.

Reacting to that attack, it was reported in the first week of November that Chadian government withdrawn it’s military from the Multinational Joint Task Force operations in the West African region, citing perceived shortcomings in coordination and effectiveness in combating terrorism.

Following the Barkaram attack, the Chadian forces, led by the country’s President, Idriss Deby Itno, launched a hunting campaign in November as a retaliation to eliminate the terrorists responsible for the attack.

The leader wa reported to have set up several camps at Lake Chad’s edge, where he directed Operation Haskanite to track down the terrorists.

The Chadian retaliation yield result last week when they hunted and killed about 96 Boko-Haram militants in a deadly clash.

The Chadian Military Spokesperson, General Issakha Acheikh disclosed the details of the attack last week Sunday, where he noted that they have recovered several arms from the terrorists.

He also noted about six canoes used by the terrorists was destroyed during the attack and about 11 others were injured.

However, 11 soldiers died and about 32 sustain injuries on the side of the Chadian forces as disclosed by General Acheikh.

Among the casualties are top military officers in the army.

According to the Chadian Defense and Security Forces, they include two generals, a lieutenant colonel, and a colonel.

They are Brigadier General Youssouf Abdoulaye Kari, General Adoum Issa, Colonel Lony Allatchi, Lieutenant Colonel Gorou Wardougou.

Additionally, several other officers, including Generals François Tatiko and Moubarack Formalick, sustained injuries during the fierce battle.

The fallen heroes were put to rest in a burial ceremony that took place at Military Camp in Farcha, and presided by Chadian Prime Minister, Lamai Halina.

While they mourn the death of their military men, President Deby has vowed to intensify its counterterrorism efforts in response to the escalating violence in the Lake Chad region.

Reports are indicating that the continues attack by the Chadian forces have pursued the insurgents deep into the lake’s island marshes, forcing them to scatter and abandon their camps with cattle, food items and other logistics.

It is assumed that some of the terrorists escaping military airstrikes and land encroachment by the Chadian forces would return into Nigeria, especially through bordering towns in Borno.

Would this retreat by the terrorists pose more insecurity concerns for Nigerian security forces and the civilians populations?

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Governor Babagana Zulum has called for the creation of a Brigade Command in Southern Borno to combat the lingering insecurity in some villages around the region.

The governor made the call during his four-day working tour of five Local Government Areas, LGAs, on Tuesday.

Mr Zulum said that the call for the establishment of Brigade Command is the best option in tackling the lingering insecurity in the state.

”Traditional rulers and local government chairmen in most of the places I visited, reechoed this call.

“Yes, these are the most volatile areas in the region, especially Dile, Lasa, among others where there is serious security problems.

“The necessity of security and development cannot be overemphasised. It is only when there is security that there will be development,” he said.

The problem of insecurity in those areas, Mr Zulum said, has been lingering for a while.

The governor said that the people of Borno must be grateful to God for His mercies regarding the improved security in the entire southern Borno.

Mr Zulum also urged the members of the affected communities to always stand and defend themselves against any insurgents group.

“You cannot gain victory over Boko Haram unless you as the indigenous people in the areas stand to defend yourselves.

“You have to defend yourselves and this is very important,” he said.

Earlier, the Emir of Askira, Albdullahi Askirama II, said that out of the 12 District heads under his domain, eight had deserted their communities and were currently living with him in Askira town for over a decade due to insurgents infiltration.

“For over 12 years, children in these areas are at home and cannot attend school.

“If government attempts to rebuild the damaged schools, the insurgents will mobilised their members and launch fresh attacks on schools and further destroy the facilities.

“It is on record that the state government had rehabilitated some of the schools but members of the Boko Haram burnt down those schools.

“The soldiers are trying their best but your esteemed office must intervene and call for reinforcement of security forces in the areas.

“We share border with Sambisa, Chibok and other volatile communities where they (insurgents) can easily attack and go back,” he said.

The Chairman of Askira-Uba LGA, Abdullahi Mazayyi said that “the insecurity in Ngohi Ngulde was getting worst.

“The teeming soldiers deployed to these areas are seriously working hard day and night to maintain peace and order but we need reinforcement to agricultural activities.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to look into the security situation in these areas, with a view to forming a special and permanent army formation around the areas in order to enhance the agricultural productivity and protect lives and property,” he said.

(NAN)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt congratulations to former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as he marks his 90th birthday. 

In a statement released on October 19, 2024, signed by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari praised Gowon’s visionary leadership and commitment to preserving Nigeria’s unity during one of the most turbulent periods in the country’s history.

Buhari lauded the former leader’s efforts, particularly highlighting Gowon’s role during the Nigerian Civil War and his continued service to the nation even after his time in office. 

He commended Gowon’s leadership qualities as a soldier and statesman, describing his contributions to the nation’s progress as invaluable.

“We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation’s continued existence as one, and the progress that has come with that,” Buhari stated.

He added that Gowon’s courage and leadership during challenging times continue to inspire both the older and younger generations of Nigerians.

Buhari also expressed admiration for Gowon’s post-military service, particularly through his work with the “Nigeria Prays” initiative, a project dedicated to fostering peace and unity through national prayers.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Terrorists have launched a fresh attack in Gwoza local government area of Borno State.

The deadly attack happened on Tuesday night at Ngoshe, a community under Gwoza, leading to the death of five people.

According to sources, the terrorists also abducted 15 people, including women and children.

It is gathered that the dead victims are two members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and three civilians.

The terrorists attacked the town from multiple directions and were encountered by troops of the Nigerian Army.

Due to the heavy power of the army, the terrorists retreated.

However, there is no official statement by security or other government officials on the attack at the time of filling this report.

Gwoza has fall under a similar devastating attack by Boko-Haram terrorists earlier this year, when multiple suicide bombers killed at least 32 civilians, while more than 100 injured.

The suicide attack was targeted at a wedding reception, and later burial ceremony and a hospital.

Many of the hospitalised victims reportedly died while receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state.

More details later…

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, Operation Hadin Kai, Sector 3, have foiled an attempted attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP terrorists along Magumeri – Maiduguri axis, in Borno.

The troops also recovered catche of ammunitions from the insurgents in a tactical operation in the area.

Olaniyi Osaba, spokesman for MNJTF, N’djamena, Chad, said this in a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri.

He said the troops executed a tactical ambush, neutralising the threat before the terrorists could wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

Mr Osaba, a lieutenant-colonel, said the troops positioned themselves tactically along the terrorists’ path of movement, and engaged them as they emerged from a forested area on motorcycles.

“On sighting the troops, the terrorists attempted to flee but were met with a heavy barrage of gunfire.

“This decisive engagement forced them to abandon their weapons and motorcycles, disrupting their plan to unleash violence in the region,” he said.

He listed the weapons recovered to include two AK-47 Rifles, 51 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, parcels of marijuana, Tramadol, among others.

(NAN)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A notorious terrorist, identified as a Boko haram member, Bochu Abacha, has surrendered to the Nigerian army.

This was made known in a statement by the Olaniyi Osaba, spokesperson of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, Ndjamena on Saturday.

Mr Abacha who has terrorized areas along the Monguno- Baga axis,surrendered to the troops deployed in Kukawa local government area of Borno state.

This came as a result of the heightened operations of the MNJTF in fishing out terrorists as well as Abacha’s voluntary withdrawal from the cause.

Lieutenant colonel Osaba revealed that items recovered include one AK 47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a mobile phone, an Airtel Sim card, and N32,500.

In another development, troops of the MNJTF along with credible intelligence operatives have ambushed terrorists supplying logistics to Boko haram.

The terrorists were engaged in a fierce gun battle while conveying large logistics supplies in three Toyota vehicles at night.

According to Mr Osaba, one of the terrorists was killed, while the others fled and abandoned their supplies.

He also added that the recovered items included three Toyota vehicles loaded with foodstuffs, other miscellaneous items, and N2,000.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, has arrived in Maiduguri to assess the devastating flood that has ravaged several communities in Borno State.

He was accompanied by other service chiefs and top military officials.

They landed at Maiduguri Airforce Base today Thursday.

They military men are expected to pay a sympathy visit to the state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum and His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi in his palace.

Also, they are likely to visit some affected areas and military facilities affected by the flood.

More details shortly…

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army have received commendations from residents of Maiduguri for their support during the recent flood that ravaged communities in the city.

They said the army’s support is timely and had led to the saving of lives of victims of the flood.

The residents also took to social media to express their gratitude to the armed forces, noting that their professional intervention in evacuating people from affected areas deserves salute.

During the devastating flood, the Nigerian Army personnel were seen at various locations in Maiduguri, providing support to victims of the disaster.

The flood, which displaced thousands of people and destroyed properties, trapped many residents, but the Nigerian Army quickly responded to the disaster, evacuating those affected to safer locations.

‘We are grateful for the support of the Nigerian Army during this difficult time.

‘Their help has been invaluable, and we appreciate their efforts in evacuating victims to safety,’ one of the residents who did not disclose his name said.

The flood has had a devastating impact in the city, forcing thousands out of their homes to seek shelter elsewhere.

The Nigerian Army’s support has provided some comfort to those affected.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

In Borno State capital, Maiduguri, a show of force tactics is deployed by the government, ahead of the planned August 1, nationwide protest.

A joint task force group, were seen going round the city in large numbers on Monday.

The task force includes army personnel in military tanks, police, Civilian JTF, Civil Defense Corp, Fire Service, BORMA and others.

According to the residents, they are seen in different location within the city.

‘‘When I met them at Lagos Street in the afternoon, I thought they were going to war or to repel terrorist attack somewhere, until someone told me that they have been going round the city for hours,’’ Hamza Buba, a university student said.

Also, Ibrahim Ali, a tricycle driver said he has been clashing with the task-force at different location while he is scavenging for passengers.

However, the government has not informed the public on the task-force movement but residents interviewed believes that it is a show of force to frighten protesters.

One of the resident, Haruna Bama said that he believes the state governor dislikes the idea of protest and is trying hard to stop it.

”This movement of taskforce around the city is just to send a message to the people that they should not think of coming out to protest on August 1,” he said.

A trader and father of one, Mr. Bama added that the heavy armoury he saw with the taskforce is indeed scary and can halt protest activities in Maiduguri.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ihi Abdul, a 27-year-old Chibok girl, is finally free after being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents for 10 years.

She was rescued by troops of sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai on June 23, 2024, during an offensive operation at Sambisa Forest.

Ihi, a native of Kurburbula Village, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State was found with her two children, Anas and Khadija, and was handed over to the Borno State Government on Monday at the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri.

During her captivity, Ihi Abdul was forced to marry Abu Darda, a resident of Gwoza Local Government Area, who later abandoned her and fled to Senegal.

She was subsequently married to seven people including to Ba’ana Bama, whom she escaped from while three months pregnant.

The rescue of Ihi Abdul brings the total number of Chibok girls rescued by Operation Hadin Kai to 19.

Director of Social Welfare, Mrs. Aisha Shettima, received the rescued victims on behalf of the state government.

This rescue is a significant milestone in the efforts to bring back the Chibok girls, who were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.

The operation is a testament to the Nigerian military’s commitment to rescuing the remaining captives and bringing an end to the insurgency.

Ihi Abdul’s rescue is a beacon of hope for the families of the remaining Chibok girls, and a reminder that the Nigerian government and military are working to ensure their safe return.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

Reactions have trailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of 70,000 Naira Minimum Wage after his meeting with the Labour Union leaders.

In a move that has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new minimum wage of 70,000 Naira ($43 USD) for federal workers, following a meeting with Labour Union leaders. The decision, which more than doubles the previous minimum wage of 30,000 Naira ($18 USD), has elicited a range of responses from Nigerians, with some welcoming the increase while others express concerns about its potential impact on the economy.

The announcement was made by the President’s media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that Tinubu had agreed to the new minimum wage and promised to review the national minimum wage law every three years. [1] This decision comes after months of negotiations between the government and labour unions, who had initially demanded a minimum wage of 250,000 Naira ($153 USD).

In a meeting with union leaders, President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians and the need to provide urgent relief. “We are in the same economy. We are in the same country. We may have different rooms, different addresses, and different houses; we are just members of one family that must care for each other,” he said.

The President’s decision to increase the minimum wage has been praised by labour leaders, who have expressed their appreciation for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers. Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stated that while he had “mixed feelings” due to the state of the economy, the unions had accepted the offer because of the “other goodies” attached to it, such as the promise of a review every three years.

Festus Usifo, the president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), also welcomed the decision, saying that the three-year review period was a significant improvement from the previous five-year cycle.

However, not all Nigerians are convinced that the new minimum wage is sufficient to address the country’s cost of living crisis. Charles, a 53-year-old government administration worker in Abuja, expressed his concerns, stating that the increase is “unrealistic” and that he is worried about his ability to feed his family. “One bag of rice won’t last more than four weeks and it costs me 86,000 naira. It’s horrible,” he said.

Financial analyst Victor Aluyi also raised concerns about the potential impact of the new minimum wage on inflation and the government’s ability to find the necessary funds to pay it. “Dis na like minimum wage right? What of pesin wey dey level 10 for example, wetin be di adjustment? So, e no clear to say na di same adjustment wey you get from 30 to 70k, na im you go get across. I no sure say dat na wetin go happun,” he said.

Aluyi also warned that the new minimum wage could lead to more inflation, although he believes it may not be as significant as the inflation the economy is already experiencing. “Di possibility say e go cause inflation dey dia, however, we already dey face inflation. So, I no sure how significant di new minimum wage go be on inflation,” he said.

The government’s decision to increase the minimum wage has also sparked reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing a range of opinions. Some users praised the President’s move, with one Twitter user @NigeriaNewsHub tweeting, “This is a welcome development. President Tinubu has shown his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.”

However, others expressed skepticism about the impact of the new minimum wage, with @EconomicAnalyst tweeting, “While the increase in minimum wage is a positive step, the government needs to address the underlying economic challenges that are driving up the cost of living. This alone may not be enough to alleviate the hardship faced by many Nigerians.”

The approval of the 70,000 Naira minimum wage is a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address the country’s economic challenges. As Nigerians continue to grapple with rising inflation and the cost of living, the government’s response will be closely watched and scrutinized by the public.

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)

Troops of the Nigerian Military eliminated 188 terrorists and arrested 330 others

The Nigerian Military has reported a major breakthrough in its operations against terrorism in the northern parts of the country. In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, it was revealed that a total of 188 terrorists were killed and 330 others were apprehended during operations conducted last week. Additionally, the troops successfully rescued 133 kidnapped individuals.

Major General Edward Buba emphasized that these recent achievements have bolstered the military’s position in the ongoing war against terrorists. He expressed confidence in the armed forces’ ability to restore security and protect citizens, highlighting their determination to make the terrorists pay a heavier price for their actions.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Military’s efforts to combat oil theft have also yielded positive results. During the operations, 36 suspects involved in oil theft were arrested, and stolen crude oil valued at N637 million was recovered. Troops in the Niger Delta region made significant discoveries, including the destruction of 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks, and 4 vehicles. In addition, they dismantled 21 illegal refining sites and seized various items, such as cooking ovens, totaling 28, as well as 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally refined AGO.

The statement read, “The armed forces are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens. Accordingly, we are making the terrorists pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.”

“The troops will continue to operate with tremendous force against terrorists across the country. During the week under review, the troops neutralised 188, arrested 330 persons, and rescued 133 kidnapped hostages.

‘’The military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorists with many terrorist leaders killed. We will continue to provide security for citizens with the tools at our disposal.”

“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N637,710,310.00 only. Troops also arrested 36 perpetrators of oil theft.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered included 28 cooking ovens and 21 illegal refining sites. They also recovered 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally refined AGO,” he stated.

The statement further detailed the weapons and ammunition confiscated by the troops. A total of 270 weapons and 5,083 rounds of ammunition were recovered, comprising various rifles, pistols, guns, and explosive devices. Additionally, the troops seized magazines, radios, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, mobile phones, and other related items, along with a substantial sum of money.

“Others are 2,129 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,686 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 116 rounds of 9mm ammo, 133 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ball ammo, 151 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 619 live cartridges, 34 magazines, eight HH radios, eight vehicles, 40 motorcycles, six bicycles, 50 mobile phones and N610,210.00 among other items,” Buba added.

9News Nigeria reports that these recent accomplishments build upon the military’s earlier successes. Between January and March 2024, a total of 2,351 terrorists were eliminated, 2,308 were arrested, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued. Moreover, stolen crude oil worth N20 billion was recovered during the first quarter of the year.

The Nigerian Military continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving security and protecting the country’s citizens. With these significant achievements, they are poised to make further advancements against terrorism and criminal activities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Military retirees

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an Electronic Verification Management System for military retirees, which will replace the Military Pensions Board’s traditional physical verification process.

Verification through the electronic system is a response to retirees’ complaints about the cumbersome physical verification process, particularly challenging for them due to their advanced age.

The Chairman Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, while addressing reporters in Abuja on Thursday during the unveiling of the system, said continuing with the physical verification exercise has become difficult due to factors such as the high cost of transportation, and security risks among others.

Irumheson said, “Continuing with the physical verification exercise has become difficult due to factors such as the old age of our esteemed pensioners, the high cost of transportation, the security risks associated with travelling by road, and the financial burden of commuting down to Nigeria for pensioners residing abroad, among others.”

He noted that over 11,000 retirees distributed across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory would participate in the testing phase, starting on February 19.

Military retirees

The Chairman noted that; “To ease the process of future verification exercises and sustain the integrity of the pension database, the Military Pensions Board has developed a system for the electronic verification of pensioners.

“The Electronic Verification Management System is a web-based system designed to enable pensioners to carry out their verification from the comfort of their locations using a mobile device.

“The Board would commence the deployment of the electronic verification application with a pilot test in which 300 pensioners drawn from each of the 36 states of the Federation would test the application. The pilot test will take place from  February 19 to  March 1, 2024”.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army Rules Out Amnesty For Bandits, Asks Governors For Free Hand To Eradicate Terrorists, Others.

It Said It Had Intensified Its Operations Against Bandits, Kidnappers And Other Criminal Groups Terrorising The North Central And North West zones Of The County, Particularly.

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

It is quite unfortunate that the Honourable member representing the constituency has refused to address issues bothering on the allegetions of incessant killings in his community not to talk of other areas which he is directly accused of involvement.

Some constituents in Ohaji / Egbema state constituency in Imo State House of Assembly represented by Hon. Helcus Okoro have bemoaned on his alleged reluctant to look into the continuous killing in the constituency.

Speaking recently to the Press at Owerri, Mr Sunday Omah said that they are very worried on the attitude of Hon. Helcus Okoro who is only interested on his return to the State Assembly whereas the constituency is on fire, and also that his name is been mentioned in the petitions before the Nigeria Police Force, as one of the big masquerades behind the scene of the 7th February 2022, Mmahu Autonomous Community killings, that murder Ezinna Charles Mgbaraho who is the President General, Mr Cosmas (chasity) Nwachukwu as the Secretary, Chinedu Anene as the Public Relations Officer who are government appointees in community government council, including their supporters Edeme Okoro, Issac Ojenya, Ndubuisi Okereke and one Ifeyirinwoke Junior, of which matter is situated in High Court.

Mr Omah stated that since the killings in Ohaji / Egbema, especially that of Mmahu Autonomous Community being the hometown of Hon Okoro, he has not found time to visit the families of victims and not to talk of finding ways to make peace at home generally.

According to Mr Omah, it is quite unfortunate that the Honourable member representing the constituency has refused to address issues bothering on the allegetions of incessant killings in his community not to talk of other areas which he is directly accused of involvement.

In the same vein, a woman leader from Ohaji political bloc, Mrs Odika Ijeoma on her voice said that it is pertient that the Ohaji / Egbema saw gruesome killings the period Hon. Helcus Okoro became member of the State Assembly.

Mrs Odika explained that the issue didn’t just end at that, but with a breeding pains, when Hon. Okoro showned a die heart by allowing the situation to escalate.

She further described the Mmahu Autonomous community killings as high of responsibleness of the political leaders in the localities, of which has reduced the popularity of Hon. Okoro.

Also, a Youth Leader, Comrader Ebere Ekere added that it is good democracy that gives room for the video people to make their choice of leader, and they have seen all in Hon. Helcus Okoro in the past four years, now is their turn to pay him back based on his performance.

9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

SECURITY: In Mauritania the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari stated that he invested a whooping sum one billion united state dollars to curb terrorist attack and boko haram insurgence in Nigeria.

The above presidential statement was made openly at a decoration of African Union AU Peace Award honours on Buhari by the Mauritania government as one among the best President in Africa, 9News Nigeria reports.

While receiving the peace award, President Buhari mentioned that 1Billion United States Dollars was released by his All Progressives Congress APC led government for the purpose of mobilizing sophisticated weapons to stop insurgence in the North East and other Communities in the country.

President maybe described as an open minded person because he is not typically known as a politician and so therefore may have approved the said money as stated.

Regrettedly the disbursement and usage are far fetched from the eyes of NIGERIANs particularly those that are suffering attacks from Boko Haram, bandits and the newly connoted unknown gunmen.

The aim of releasing such whooping sum is to curb Insecurity and not to be misused or diverted by the lieutenants of the President.

Also, the interest of these mentioned groups of bandits, Boko Haram and unknown Gunmen is to set the country backwards and to make such a shoddy business a lucrative one.

Till date, where the money released by the federal government went cannot be well defined and Insecurity has kept increasing across the states of the federation.

9News Nigeria reports that Mr President has thought well to endorse for the release of one billion dollars to fight insurgency but the effects are yet to be seen.

The question has been, since Federal Government have released the said huge money, it mean that the president is focused and sensible to improve the country but where is the money?

The Senate is suppose to call for an emergency summon of the ministry responsible for disbursement and implementation for explanation, 9News Nigeria suggests.

Boko haram is still residing in the Zambisa Forest and have continued the abduction and Kill!ng of innocent citizens carelessly.

The Army, Air Force, Navy and Police may have been working but measuring the level of insurgence bedevilling the country, it is as if the bandits have more sophisticated and destructive Weapons than the Country. If this thinking is true, then the country has failed on combating Insecurity.

In ddition to the foregoing, the security architecture of Nigeria which comprised of the Army, Air force, Navy, Police, Vigilante groups and others are expected to be enjoying the outcome of the money released but to no avail.

Consequently, administrative decadence, tribal difference and indiscipline coupled with the state of insurgence have swallowed the money released by FG.

The luientenants of the president are the ones to clarify this issue and be able to utilize the 1B US Dollars as directed.

Since the money cannot be utilized on welfare, Armaments and upgrades of the system, NIGERIA has to revert to the constitution to punish those responsible for the pitfalls.

According to Chikwe Udensi, “The effects of the money released by FG have to be seen working because such trunk of money totaling up to 1B US Dollars can help to purchase weapon to fight insurgency headon.

“Buhari stated that areas like North East and all the communities are recovered and government has reclaimed the prone areas.

Supprisingly, the country is yet to recover those kidnapped by Boko Haram which included, innocent citizens from Kaduna, Shaibu, the Baptist school children, Chibok, Massacre in Niger state, Taraba, Yobe, Benue and others.

Enclaves still in control by the dreaded Boko Haram are held in hostage and over years FG are dilly-dallying with insurgency and Insecurity while NIGERIANs perish.

The abducted are yet to be released while the money Released to fight this war against insurgence is yet to be are not accounted for.

It may not be as functional as we were told but relating to the forthcoming general election, electorates are holding FG, INEC and the recently introduced BVAS on high esteem while praying for maximum security.

A wise saying that “He who is treating or playing with a mad man does not close his/her two eyes and ordinarily NIGERIAN are not expected to sleep amidst insecurity as the election count in days from the date of this report by 9News Nigeria investigative team.

The Interpol System Consultant, Chikwe Udensi, on a rdio chat Friday 19-01-2023, said that there are still some schemishies as to how the 1B Dollars released by President Buhari was expended.

“President Buhari is a descent personality and not a core minded Politician. He may have released such money to curb insurgence in the affected
communities but it’s positive effect is not visible having recorded reports of continous abduction and Killing of innocent citizens by bandits across the country.

It is the duty of the Federal House of representatives and the Senate to call for the explanation of where and how the 1B US Dollars released for security was used. Boko haram insurgence and other deadly terrorist groups including the “Unknown Gunmen” are not helping the country to grow.

It is expected of a good government to enforce strict compliance on serious measures to stop all these anomalies bedevilling the society.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari travelled to Mauritania for the 31st Ordinary session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in 16-01-2023.

The award is to honour him for his leadership role in promoting peace on the continent, through regular inventions, counsel and conciliatory position.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday receive the “African Award for Strengthening Peace’’ in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A former senior officer in the Nigerian military, Colonel Hassan Stan-Labo has called on Nigerians to disregard religious and tribal sentiments while making the choice of a new competent leader for the country come February 2023 election.

Col Hassan said that there is hope for Nigeria to be great again if only the citizens will come to the realisation that they are one of the important stakeholders in making that aspiration a reality.

He vehemently decried the bad state of the nation where he said every aspect of governance including economy and security has suffered negligence and irresponsibility.

Speaking on Channels Television’s SunriseDaily monitored by 9News Nigeria political correspondent, Col Hassan urged Nigerians to ensure that they vote “Competence” in the coming February 25th 2023 presidential election. He said that the citizens should collect and use their PVC wisely in order to allow the emergence of a leader that will change the country for the better.

While responding to a question bordering on the hope that things may change for the better, Col Hassan said “Yes, things may change, I’m very optimistic about my country despite my ill feelings about what is happening.

Alright. And I have this belief that Nigeria is gonna be great some other day again. If I may just add this, Every Nigerian, every citizen out there, who sees himself as a stakeholder, should ensure by now that you have a PVC to effect the change you need.

Colonel Hassan said that Nigeria is so sick and at the brink of collapse to the point that we just need somebody that can save us irrespective of where the person comes from.

He, therefore, charged Nigerians that they must know who actually they are voting for because gone are the days of tribalism and religious bigotry.

He said: “Gone are the days of tribalism, gone are the days of religion. Nigeria is so sick and at the brink of collapse, to the point that we just need somebody that can save us. We don’t want to know where he is from anymore.”

Colonel Hassan added that the situation in Southern Kaduna which also reflects in some other parts of the country is a case whereby authorities are themselves trying to be a stumbling block on the path of the citizens to be able to exercise their franchise.

He said that the sporadic attacks ongoing in parts of the country, specifically, Southern Kaduna is clearly indicative of the fact that there is a government input to it.

He said “Be it at the sub-national level, be it at the national level. There is a deliberate attempt to ensure that people do not come out on the 25th of February and be able to elect a government that is interested in protecting them.”

“The status quo which these guys in power in the state are deliberately wanting to maintain is creating so much problems that today we continue to bury on daily basis,” Colonel Hassan Stan Labo added.

Report by Obinna Ejianya, 9News Nigeria Melbourne, Australian correspondent (Publisher)

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

A Nigerian-US based has retired from United States military after investing his twenty six years in service.

The News brook out at a chat with Major Okoroafor by 9News Nigeria correspodent as the New Year just stepped in.

It is another feat recorded by a reliable and responsible NIGERIAN across the shores of his fatherland.

Henry Okoroafor, Major, (RETIRED), Adjutant Generals Corps, United States Army is an example of a hardworking NIGERIAN who followed his career vision without distraction.

It was not rosy for MaJor Okoroafor neither was it fun-making and over-flooded with criminal intent for him to have gone such far but a thorough application of respect, discipline, discussion, focus, dedication, doggedness and fear of God to attain such great height.

In his social media post of the Year, Major Okoroafor could not hold his happiness but came out public to express his feelings for breaking another record in the United States of America.

The original copy of his post reads as thus:

SIGNING OUT!!

It has been an exciting 26 year journey with many challenges and extra ordinary accomplishments. I am grateful to God for his mercy and grace. I am now officially retired from military service.

I owe a great debt of appreciation to my wife ChiNna for being the strong force that pushed my career and the support base that made the difference for me.
To my wonderful children, thank you for putting up with the years of constant relocations and my absence due to deployments.

Having passed the torch to the next generation of Okoroafor, I am confident the legacy is well and alive. The baton is now in a very bright and capable hand – my daughter Amarachi and I wish her God’s grace as she navigates her own course through this noble profession of arms that has been good to me.

While I am now fully on track in the pursuit of my second dream, which is life in academia, I expect to gradually TRANSITION soon into the U.S. Federal System, working with the Department of Defense as a civilian.

Thank God for his STEADFASTNESS and BLESSINGS.

Henry Okoroafor
Major, (RETIRED)
Adjutant Generals Corps
United States Army

©️PMI

Recall that the latest US Major (Retired) is a story teller and writer, public speaker, mentor and influencer.

He is the initiator of Peckerso Mentorship Initiative, happily married to Chinna.9News Nigeria extends her congratulation to you sir!!

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian military on Thursday said although it is facing constant pressure to compromise the 2023 elections, Nigerians can be rest assured that it would remain neutral.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, disclosed this to journalists at the 61st session of the State House Ministerial Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

According the him, military personnel face pressure through inducements, but the armed forces would remain apolitical as it is taking the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the directive of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to maintain neutrality.

Irabor said personnel are being trained to be more professional even as the rules of engagement have been codified for distribution before, during and after the elections.

The CDS also revealed that several military rescue operations and negotiations have led to the freeing of at least 300,000 people from the hands of their abductors since 2014 while refugees who fled the North-East due to insurgency, have started to return.

He said that former insurgents, now being trained, would graduate in February next year before their reintegration into the society. He added that the military is recruiting more personnel into all branches of the security services.

The goal, Irabor said, is to increase the number of on-the-ground personnel to combat insurgency and banditry and curtail oil theft which will eventually lead to increased crude oil production.

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

A call has gone to the Government of Imo state to as a matter of urgency caution the soldiers on duty at Owerri -Aba- Evan Enwerem- Akachi by-pass to stop causing traffic congestion along our roads.

This is very important mostly as the Christmas and New year festive seasons are Closeby.

Our correspodents were trapped on the road by the reason of traffic Congestion bedevilling Imo roads.

At Akachi by-pass along Owerri Aba road, users are always chocked by long queue of vehicular Traffic that always take hours stagnating people’s comfort and free movement.

Soldiers are always checking on vehicles without recourse to people’s comfort. Within the Emmanuel college bridge police officers are sighted collecting their usual 50Naira Egunje, causing road block unnecessarily at intervals.

At an intervention by our press crew, soldiers were asked if their primary responsibility is to cause unnecessary traffic Congestion on our roads?

The checks on vehicles is not suppose to lead to continous Traffic Congestions on our roads.

A similar road congestion always hit maternity bus stop along Nekede Federal Polytechnic road on steady basis and the cause is not identified till date. Every night users of this road leading to Police post-Ihiagwa suffer alot on traffic congestion.

Imo state traffic agency have alot duty to discharge on Imo roads mostly as the Festive Season draws near. Police and Soldiers who depend on drivers and passengers for their daily makeup must first make our roads free from traffic to help the state grow.

The photos in this News represent the road congestion and traffic situation at both Evan Enwerem/ Akachi by-pass and Maternity bus stop poly road.

Read us at 9newsng.com
Photo credit: 9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

Fr Princely Onyenwe

Imo Community has cried out their blood calling on the comptroller of Prisons and the Imo state Government to as a matter of urgency remove and seal the locations Hausa cum Fulani Herdsmen are using to perpetuate criminal activities on daily basis.

Avu Junction located along Owerri- PortHarcourt road is allegedly used for open prostitution and criminal hide out 9News Nigeria reports.

9News Nigeria (Owerri) gathered that those shanty structures in this particular area mentioned houses prostitutes who are readily available for sexual satisfaction.

The location which is under the care and management of Prison Authority also houses recreation facilities and mini rooms were bars, after-hours joints, pool halls, strip joints and transient motels are existing till the time of this report by 9News Nigeria.

The area is a verifiable hollow or cavern used especially as a hideout and a center of secret activity. Smoking, peddling of drugs, stealing and luring little children to sexual abuses happen on daily basis. Infact the area is tagged “corrupt” in the eyes of the law.

Another location is within the Obinze forest which linked Ihiagwa and Nekede farmlands where these criminals and Fulani Herdsmen domiciled.

During my investigation, 9News Nigeria gathered that the area of land used for these nefarious activities was originally allocated to Prison cum Correctional Service Authority by the state ministry of lands as gazetted but now being used for criminal hideout.

Avu Community has several times call on the management to sanitize the areas but frowned at its outcome which has corrupted the community.

An expert told 9News Nigeria that such crime zone is not suppose to be operational within such kilometer radius to the capital city of the state. The state government have to demolish the shanties and recall the ownership which was originally allotted for Prison training school and not Prison permitted crime zone.

Same is applicable to the empty edifices built within Imo state by previous government which is now turned criminal Den and fast decaying.

While Speaking with 9News Nigeria correspodent, Avu, Obinze and Nekede Community leaders however regretted the sudden degeneration of their area to Fulani Herders turned criminals.

They however called on Imo State Government led by Governor Hope Uzodinma to come to their rescue to open the bushes around these Communities and send away the Fulani Herders cum Hausa criminals to their states or better still to the military barracks where they have claimed to be their sponsors.

The Communities noted with dismay the high rise of stealing, abduction, rape and prostitution in going the area.

However the Alhaji Auwal Baba Suleiman Sarkin Hausawa Owere Imo state has denied the allegations while stating that those criminals and abductors are not Hausas.

He further stated that the Hausas he can avow for are those registered and known to the Hausa Community in the state.

He therefore call on the security agencies to fish out these criminals and prosecute them to serve as deterrent to others.

Meanwhile high delegate meetings are going on to braise up actions to fortify security in Imo Communities and the people are expected to cooperate with security agencies to report criminal elements and activities in their areas.

Vigilante groups are suppose to be functional and operational twenty four hours of the day in the area and be well equiped and taken care off to carry out their security duties very effectively and productive.

Kidnapping has become rampant in Avu, Obinze and Nekede, Ihiagwa communities and the people are scared to farm in the farmlands where these abductors reside.

A notorious Hotel in the area is allegedly used to harbor criminals elements within the busy forest calling on government to as a matter of urgency open up the forest now that FUTO has agreed to settle with land owners.

The forest was delayed through series of court litigations but the investors are ready to cash into the forest and make it more habitable than a criminal hideout.

9News Nigeria was taken round the Prison acquired portion of land which is too largely occupied by Fulani, Hausa and many other tribes who turned the area to a hot business zone and criminal hideout.

When taken round the area of land, I sighted a cell, ie single room (as in a convent or prison) used to detain and prosecute people by the management.

There is also a mini mosque within the environment and businesses of all kinds are springing up on daily basis. Regrettedly the youths of the area are infested with this springs of corruption and are always spotted catching fun, playing snooker game, drinking, smoking and patronizing the Ashawos at the Avu Junction Hideout.

The farmlands around this joint are used for several criminal activities and patronage by crime partners as reported by 9News Nigeria.

Several attempts to speak with the manager of Avu crime area proved abortive.

9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been banned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from visiting government houses.

The commission also told the RECs not to hold unofficial meetings with politicians, even after official working hours.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who announced the ban on Thursday at the swearing-in of 19 newly appointed RECs stated that “all matters pertaining to official responsibilities should be conducted in the office attended by the relevant staff and properly documented.

“This is your best protection against mischief. Do not compromise the neutrality of the commission or create the perception of partisanship.

“You owe nothing to any individual but owe everything to the Nigerian people. We must continue to ensure that the choices they make on election day prevail. It is their decision. We are only administering the process in trust supported by technology.”

Prof. Yakubu said the commission’s loyalty and allegiance is to Nigeria and Nigerians, noting that only Nigerian votes would determine winners in the 2023 general elections.

The INEC re-stated that the only means of voter accreditation during the 2023 general election is the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) while results would be uploaded to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) in real-time on election day as provided by law.

According to him, the commission is aware that the task ahead is not easy but assured that INEC will not disappoint Nigerians, and will not deviate from the path of honour and integrity.

He added that over the years the commission “has worked tirelessly to reform the electoral process and introduce many innovations that are generally acknowledged to have improved the electoral process.”

Prof. Yakubu stated that 14 of the RECs are fresh appointments while five have been re-appointed for a second and final term.

The INEC Chairman urged the RECs to settle down quickly and familiarise themselves with the demands of their new responsibilities, and to be committed “to free, fair, credible, transparent and verifiable elections.

“In discharging your responsibilities, you must at all times be transparent and non-partisan while remaining firm and courageous,” he added.

He told them to work with the staff under them and to be guided by the provisions of the law and the various regulations and guidelines.

“Furthermore, you will also interact with various stakeholders. You should maintain the established practice of consultation with them.

“However, in dealing with the general public, you should be guided by the provisions of the commission’s code of conduct,” Prof. Yakubu stated.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

There is currently tension among commuters in Lagos as commercial bus drivers under the aegis of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) have insisted on embarking on a seven-day protest starting from today, Monday October 31, 2022.

The drivers threatened to
withdraw their service over what they described as massive extortion of their members by urchins.

They have vowed to boycott services across the state over alleged multiple and excessive extortion of their members by the management of parks and garages in the state, as well as those attached to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

9news Nigeria had earlier reported a bloody fracas between some traders at the Alaba International market, Ojo, and urchins over extortion.

Two persons died in the fracas which occurred about two weeks ago at the popular electro market in Ojo.

Our correspondent who went round the different parks in the state reports that most drivers said they would not come out with their buses for fear of attack by urchins working for the different transport unions.

Those who spoke said they are afraid that members of the unions might unleash terror on them for daring to challenge their authority.

“I don’t think I will come out tomorrow because I know from past experience that motor park touts will attack any driver they see. I know that they will destroy any commercial bus. I don’t want my vehicle to be destroyed.

“You are on your own if you report to the police in the event of any attack. No policeman will come to your aid. The police also rely on the touts to collect their own money” a driver said.

Another driver on the LASU-Igando road, who identified himself as Tolu Animashaun, said they have been advised to stay away from the state roads in solidarity with the protest.

He said, “The protest is justifiable. The house money collected from the driver goes into private pockets. It is not used for any repair work. The state government should restrict their operations to garages and not the road.

“It is sad that drivers are made to pay money at every bus stop.”

It was also learnt that truck drivers agreed to join in the protest. Some of the truck drivers alleged that they are the most extorted.

The drivers lamented that despite their dedication to their work, they had been subjected to indiscriminate extortion, and violent harassment by the management of state transport agencies, motor parks and garages and the Lagos State caretaker committee.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, when contacted, said the command had tightened its security network within and around the state to avoid any breakdown of law and order.

He stated that the command would deal decisively with anyone or groups of persons that may decide to take the law into their hands.

“It is the right of anyone or groups to protest, so long as it will be within the ambit of the law. Anyone arrested for trying to disturb the peace of the state would be dealt with.

“The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, has assured all Lagosians to go about their business without any fear. We are here to protect the lives and Property of those residing in the state,” he said.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the Labour Party candidate for the Ebonyi South Senatorial seat, Dr. Linus Abaa Okorie.

Dr. Linus Abaa Okorie
Okorie, who was a former House of Representatives member was last heard from on Sunday.

A statement issued by his aide, David Ogbonna read in part;

“Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie was kidnapped early this morning on his way to his house in Abakaliki by gunmen known to be men of Ebubeagu Security outfit allegedly sent by Onicha Local Government Chairman.”

“The available information confirms that he’d been severely tortured to a near-death situation, made naked and pictures of him taken by his abductors.”

“His phones are currently with the team commander of his abductors. A professional tracking done on his lines reviewed “Okoja Road, near Police Headquarters”, as his current location. The second line showed “Ebun-Nwana, Edda.”

The statement continued; “We call on the security agencies to swing into action and unravel this situation, get Hon. Linus out and alive from his abductors and bring the perpetrators of this evil to face the wrath of the law.”

“We, employ our supporters, CaringHeart members, and friends of Hon. Linus not to give into unlawful acts but allow the security men do their professional jobs.”

His abduction has also been confirmed by his wife, Lilian Abaa Okorie, who has also raised alarm that they are planning to kill her husband.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A soldier attached to the Muhamadu Buhari cantonment in Tungan Maje in the FCT has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services for allegedly hiring out and selling guns to kidnappers.

He was arrested last week around Dankogi Park in Zuba in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in the area.

Reports say the soldier hi!red a g!un to the kidn!appers for 300,000 in one of the operations and in another instance, he recieved 200,000 for one gun, Unfortunately for the soldier, the kidnap!ers were arrested and they mentioned him as their gun!ru!nner.

They contacted him for another deal to supply them with AK 47 rifles to buy at three million naira and he fell for it.

They went to the agreed site in Zuba and took position, He arrived in his car to present the arm and the security men swoop on him. An AK 47 rifle as well as a fully loaded magazine with 30 rounds of ammunition was found in his car.

May Almighty God continue to expose perpetrators of dastard acts.

Source : Isah Ndako

9News Nigeria

DSS have arrested Joseph Onuorah (the Lagos coordinator for Obi rally) upon his arrival in Lagos.

He is said to be returning from France for the Obi Rally In Lagos when he was apprehended.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9news Nigeria gathered that governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has denied ordering the state police command to teargas supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who staged a one million-man march for their preferred candidate in the state capital.

Umahi was reacting to the allegation that he ordered the state police command to stop the supporters who converged at Pastoral Centre, Nkwagu Ugbala Ground Arena, People’s Club, and other locations in the state.

The governor, in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mr Chooks Oko, said the alleged disruption of the Obidient movement in the state is false.

According to the statement: “The rumours making the rounds that he (Umahi) ordered the disruption of a gathering in support of one of the presidential candidates in the 2023 elections is not true.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State is certainly not aware of any disruption of any gathering as he didn’t order any. He is a democrat who believes firmly in the rule of law. He wishes every contending politician the very best and will insist on a level playing ground for all. If it is true that the police dispersed people, the answer will surely rest with the police,” he stated.

9news Nigeria had earlier reported that Obi’s supporters in Ebonyi State reportedly defiled the disruption and marched around the state.

However, it was gathered that the march paralyzed economic activities, as thousands of business owners and traders shut down their businesses to join in the Obi-dent movement in the state.

One of the leaders of the groups, Obinna Uko, who spoke to journalists in Abakaliki shortly after the rally, commended Obi’s supporters.

He described as ill-motivated the attempted attack and disruption of the rally by policemen. He urged supporters of the former Anambra governor to remain resolute in their support.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

16. NEC approved the proposed Structure and Organogram of the  National Campaign Council as well as the National Campaign Management Council for the 2023 general elections.
     
17.  NEC also approved the Structures for Campaign Councils at the States, Local Government, Ward and Unit levels.
     
18. NEC unanimously empowered the NWC to modify and adjust the structures of the Campaign Councils as and when the need arises.
     
19. NEC received and approved the proposed structure for Zonal Reconciliation Committees to be set up to ensure that our Party presents a common front ahead of the 2023 general elections.
     
20. NEC also received and approved the composition of the Manifesto Review Committee to review the Manifesto of the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.  
     
21. NEC charged Nigerians to remain united in rallying towards the success of the PDP at the 2023 general elections and start the onerous task of rescuing and rebuilding our nation.
     
    Thank you.
     
     
    Hon. Debo Ologunagba
    National Publicity Secretary

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria troops today arrested an Ex-Army Personnel who was on his way to go and supply weapons to bandits (Haruna Dogo) in zamfara state.

Luck ran out of him when he was suspected followed and apprehended,when his vehicle was searched Amunitions were recovered has been Arrested.

9News Nigeria

From Princely Onyenwe

The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) has applauded the Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for accrediting 13 Foreign Defence Advisers and Attachés posted to Nigeria by their respective nations.

On Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.Gen. Samuel Adebayo after the accreditation exercise, said the accreditation placed a stamp of authority and approval on their posting to Nigeria.

During a private interview, the National President, Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON); Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel expressed delight on what he described as a lofty development. He maintained that Chief of Defence Intelligence and his team by this far reaching partnership with the foreign attachés has gone a long way giving Nigerians hope of a safer Nigeria.

“For the past one year now, we have noted tremendous innovations and results from the stable of the DIA. The agency’s machinery, in partnership with sister security and intelligence agencies, successes are being recorded in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the North East region; while serviceable intelligence is daily provided for the anti-corruption agencies as part of numerous covet but successful operations to aid national security and anti-corruption drive”.

“Also, in synergy with other security agencies and organised youth and student groups, Maj.Gen. Adebayo’s constructive actions before, during, and after the #EndSARS, did a lot to curtail the possible irreparable backlashes of clandestine elements that at some points seized control of the peaceful #EndSARS protests right from his days as the Chief of Military Intelligence”.

“Similarly, sustained intelligence and robust enforcement/joint operations with sister agencies have brought about recognisable accomplishments in the battle against internet and advance fee frauds, kidnapping, banditry, arms trafficking, militancy, economic crimes, and others too numerous to mention”.

“It is therefore not surprising to watchers of events that the impressive performance as Chief of Military Intelligence, earned him the current position of Chief of Defence Intelligence”, Godstime stated.

Adebayo, while congratulating them, said the agency looked forward to a mutually rewarding engagement with them, adding that the DIA remained the link between the defence attachés and advisers with the Nigerian government and its agencies, institutions, ministries and departments.

The CDI reiterated that all written communications on official matters from the attaches were expected to pass through the DIA to facilitate further action, as appropriate.

“Let me state for emphasis that you are not allowed to communicate directly with the Ministry of Defence and other components of the government of Nigeria enumerated earlier.

“Although many of you have been around and have met with me in the course of your duty or at social events, this accreditation ceremony has further placed a stamp of authority and approval on your posting as defence attaches and advisers accredited to Nigeria.

“Be rest assured that the Agency will be at your service to address any concerns in the course of your official duties,” he added.

Adebayo said that the Nigerian government through the armed forces and other security agencies would leave no stone unturned to improve the security situation in the country, in spite of numerous challenges.

According to him, efforts of the government are beginning to pay off. “In the last couple of weeks also, you must have heard the results of some of our operations in the various parts of the country, especially in the North East, North West and North Central. This is aimed at restoring normalcy, safety and security in these regions.

“These are testaments to the fact that the military is poised to sustain this onslaught against all terrorists as enemy of Nigeria until our objective is achieved, which is a safe, secure, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he added.

The Director, Foreign Liaison, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the accreditation marked the final phase in the procedures for foreign defence attachés and advisers posted to Nigeria.

Buba said the 13 attachés and advisers were from Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Russia, Senegal, United Kingdom, United States and Zambia.

“It is worthy of note to state that since the arrival of these foreign defence advisers and attachés in Nigeria they have been permitted to carry out low level activities. However, with the accreditation ceremony holding today, they have official endorsement to conduct their affairs within the country in line with the provided guidelines.

“For the defense attachés, in doing your work while here in Nigeria, be rest assured like I always said to you that we are here for you. Whatever challenges that you face, feel free to come to us and we will make sure that we make it hitch free for you,’’ he said.

In an interview with newsmen, the Defence Adviser for the United States, Col. William Schaum, said it was a privilege and honour to receive his accreditation.

Schaum pledged to work with Nigeria to advance the mutual interests of both countries and enhance their partnership to make Nigeria and Africa a better place.

On his part, the Indian Defence Adviser, Col. Romi Lega, said Nigeria and India have had long standing diplomatic relations, as India was the first to establish an embassy in Nigeria even before independence in 1960.

Laga said the defense cooperation aspect had also been engaging, adding that India had established both the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as well as the Naval Academy in Port Harcourt in the 1960s.

According to him, the first Commandant of the NDA was an Indian Army Officer, Brig. Verma.

“So we have continued with this legacy of our assistance to the Nigerian armed forces as per the requirements of the Nigerian armed forces. We are presently also training almost 150 officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces in India every year.

“And we presently have a training team of five officers from India which is in Jaji in the Infantry School, training and imparting the Nigerian army officers in counter insurgency. So anything which is required by the Nigerian Armed Forces, India is always willing to provide,’’ he said.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The terrorists are Momoh Ojo Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itokpka, Auwal Ishaq Onimisi, Idris Ojo, and Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza

Omeiza is one of the masterminds of the deadly attack which claimed the lives of over 40 persons at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state

Chief of Defence Staff

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Maj Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd), the Minister of Defence, has confirmed that in addition to the recent procurement of J-F17 Thunder multi-role aircraft and Super Tucano attack aircraft, the Nigerian Government is expecting the delivery of three new types of fighter aircraft to tackle insecurity.

He listed them as the DA-42 surveillance aircraft, A109 Trekker helicopters and Beechcraft KA-360i aircraft.

The minister spoke in Kaduna State on Saturday as 49 new officers were commissioned and 1,549 recruits enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, the minister charged the military to protect the lives and property of Nigerians in the face of the various security challenges bedevilling the country.

He said, “The military profession, which you have chosen, requires absolute discipline, loyalty and hard work, among other virtues. It is much more than just a job, especially at this crucial time in our nation’s history, when we are battling the challenges of insecurity on several fronts.

“As such, you are expected to secure the lives and properties of the Nigerian people and ensure that they can live in peace and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear. Such a noble service demands extraordinary courage, commitment, and patriotism, and Nigeria will continue to count on you and demand such qualities from you.

“Accordingly, the Federal Government’s recent procurement of new platforms such as the J-F17 Thunder multi-role aircraft and Super Tucano attack aircraft to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force to tackle current security challenges in the country is a testament to Mr President’s quest for equipping the Nigerian Air Force.

“The Nigerian Air Force is also expecting the delivery of the DA-42 surveillance aircraft, A109 Trekker helicopters and Beechcraft KA-360i aircraft in the next few years, among so many other requirements. We, therefore, once again thank Mr President for strengthening our Armed Forces and pledge our unalloyed loyalty and total commitment towards restoring peace and order in all parts of the country.”

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers were killed in a plane crash that occurred on Tuesday in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, 9news Nigeria gathered.

Although the details of the incident are still sketchy, it is understood that the incident involved a training aircraft that had two pilots on board.

9News Nigeria learnt that the aircraft reportedly belonged to the 401 flying training school.

The 401 flying training school of the Nigerian Airforce had continued to fulfil its statutory role of providing effective flying training for almost 40 years as evidenced by the quality of its graduands over the years.

However, This is not the first time that an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Airforce is involved in such a mishap either within or outside its training facilities.

In 2018, a pilot sustained injuries after a jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force was involved in a mishap in Kaduna State.

The student pilot was said to have forced-landed the aircraft – a Diamond 40 trainer – on the outskirts of Kaduna while on a solo mission as part of flying training at the 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna.

Diamond 40 is a one-person seater training aircraft used for the training of air force personnel.

Aircraft crashes are not uncommon in Nigeria’s military history.

In May 2021, a NAF aircraft crashed in Kaduna killing the then Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military officers.

Also in March 2021, a military jet crashed in Sambisa forest with two crew members on board.

The army last month said it uncovered the wreckage of the crashed Alpha Jet during a clearance operation in Sambisa forest.

9news Nigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A female military officer identified as Miss Linda Onuoha from Ezuhu Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Popularly known as Bola.

She is a Staff at the Nigerian Army Defence headquarters, Abuja.

It was gathered that the military personnel Came to her maternal home in Oboama Ezinihitte Mbaise to beat up a 70yr old widow over the sharing of family cow meat.

we call on all to please assist in calling Linda to order.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of 60 new VP – 1 Type Tracked Armoured Personnel Carriers manufactured in China to boost the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgency and banditry in the North-East and North-West.

Speaking during the commissioning of the new armoured tanks at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji Kaduna State, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya said the deployment of new platforms to the battlefield underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that a state of normalcy is achieved across the country.

Represented by the Commandant of Infantry Corps, Major General Victor Ezugwu, the Army Chief assured that the military is taking cogent steps in ensuring that bandits and terrorists are neutralised and annihilated throughout the country.

“It is an effort which is in line with the Federal Government’s cardinal objectives of tackling the totality of the security challenges facing our dear country Nigeria,” the Army Chief said.

“These platforms we commission here today is in addition to other equipment brought in for the purpose and this underscores the strategic resolve to ensure that a state of normalcy is achieved across the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the armed forces, the COAS said the vehicles would boost the fight against insurgency and banditry in the North-East and North-West regions.

He, however, warned the bandits and other non- state actors to either surrender with their arms or be sent to hell.

Lieutenant General Yahaya also reiterated the Nigeria Army’s commitment in protecting the territorial integrity of the country, adding that this would be achieved in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, partners and other agencies.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters has revealed that about 13,243 terrorists and their families have so far surrendered to troops in the North-East, Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, while giving update on military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the Acting Director, the surrendered terrorists comprise 3,243 males, 3,868 females and 6,234 children.

According to him, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai have been aggressive in the fight against insurgency in the North-East. 

He said that many land and air operations conducted in different locations across the North-East theatre had reduced the operational capabilities of the insurgents with several of them being neutralised.

Onyeuko said very several others were arrested alongside their informants and logistics suppliers, while more terrorists have continued to lay down their arms and surrender to the troops with their families.
 
“Some of these feats were recorded at Gwoza – Yamtake – Bita road, Gwoza – Farm Centre – Yamtake road, Mandara Mountain area as well as Pulka and Hambagda towns, all in Borno.

“Cumulatively, within the period, a total of 29 terrorists were neutralised and 13 terrorists including their informants/collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested in the course of the operations.

“Additionally, a total of 38 assorted weapons and 968 rounds of assorted ammunition as well as 48 rustled livestock among several other items were recovered.

“So far, a total of 13,243 terrorists and their families comprising 3,243 males, 3,868 females and 6,234 children, have surrendered to troops at different locations in the North-East,” he said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Nigerian military will not allow the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP), a foreign terrorist group, to have a strong footing in Nigeria.

Musa stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to him, ISWAP is a foreign terrorist organisation that is funded by foreign individuals and probably some locals and that they have foreign leadership which means they have no stake in Nigeria.

“It is very clear that ISWAP are foreigners coming to invade our country which we will never allow to happen.

“That’s why I want to encourage those of them, especially those members that are with them to pull out and understand that they have no stake in what those guys are doing.

“They don’t wish the country well they don’t wish themselves well and we will never allow any foreigner step an inch on ground in Nigeria,” he said.

The theatre commander stated that the military had advised the governments on the need to adopt the system of involving the victims in dialogue on the handling of the surrendered terrorists. (NAN)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO –

The Nigerian Army (NA) has expressed its readiness for effective collaboration with its Indian counterpart on capacity development.

9News NIGERIA reports that the bilateral collaboration would be in the areas of military training, health, technology among others.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya made this known when he received in audience, a delegation from Defence Scoping of India at Army Headquarters, today Thursday 16, 2021.

Release signed by ONYEMA NWACHUKWU, Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations on Thursday 16 September 2021, Lieutenant General Yahaya noted that India has enormous potentials that the NA could explore in support of its training and operations. He further stated that Nigeria and India have historical ties that are mutually beneficial. While commending the delegation for the visit, he reiterated
that the collaboration would facilitate information sharing and exchange of experiences in military development.

He noted that the NA could further develop the capacity of its medical personnel and enhance technological capacity in aid of military operations.

The leader of the delegation, Lieutenant General Vinod Khandare (rtd), who is the Military Adviser to the National Council of India, stated that he was at Army Headquarters to explore frontiers for effective collaboration between both countries. He assured the COAS of India’s desire to continually assist and cooperate with the NA in the areas of training, human capacity development and other viable areas.

The Military Adviser to the National Council of India said the visit would equally enhance the historical ties between the two countries. He added that the envisaged areas of training would sharpen the skills of NA personnel.

Lt Gen Khandare assured that the Government of India will continue to support the NA in providing the necessary skills that would enhance troops’ capacity in ongoing military operations.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

– Also Reveals impending killings in disguised accident

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Following the recent bloody on Nigeria Defense Academy, NDA, during which Igbo and Christian officers were brutally murdered, the apex youth organization in Igboland, Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC- has advised Igbo and Christian security officers in various departments in Nigeria to consistently stay on guard.

The Council gave the advice through its National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka in an interactive session with newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, after an extended security meeting of the council as regards the rising insecurity challenges in Nigeria.

Comrade Igboayaka, while addressing newsmen, noted that the killing of MC Okoronkwo by Bandits at Nigeria Defense Academy Kaduna was a clear proof that the Igbos and Christian security officers working for the Nigeria government are targeted for extinction, annihilation, maiming and slaughtering by the organized Fulani militia otherwise known as Bandits and Boko Haram who have been terrorizing other ethnic nationalities in the country.

According to the embittered youth leader, the gruesome killing of Lt. MC Okoronkwo is launching of ethnic cleansing of Igbo and Christian in the military, Navy, Airforce, police and other security forces in Nigeria.

Hear him: “The manner of killing of Lt. Chinecherem Okoronkwo and how the bandit displayed the video of his corpse is quite inciting to Ndigbo and Christian community, yet for them it’s calculating attempt by the Government actors (the sponsors of this criminal elements), to humiliate Ndigbo and Christians. This Manner of Killing wouldn’t stop in the military, Navy, Airforce police and another security department if the Igbo and Christian security agents keep mute without any proactive measure.

“The killing of Igbo and Christian Force men in Nigeria security department will hence take different dimensions, some will look like an accident, mistake, banditry, kidnapping killing and dying in disguise of fighting Boko Haram, Igboayaka revealed.

Speaking further, he lamented thus: “It’s regrettable that over 30 million Igbo youths, Governors, Senators, Federal Representative members, Ministers, Senior officers in Nigeria security department of Igbo extraction have not raised questions, as to investigate the circumstances leading to Lt. MC Okoronkwo death”, he wailed.

He, therefore, charged all Christian leaders, Catholics, Anglican and Methodist Bishops, all other General Overseers of the teaming churches to awaken from their slumber, warning against envisaged, impending assassination of more Christians in various sectors in a couple of weeks, if nothing is done to avert same.

“All Christian leaders, Catholics, Anglican and Methodist Bishops, all other General Overseers of the teaming churches must wake up now because in subsequent weeks and months more Igbos and Christian security officers may be assassinated.

“They are working to weaken the internal and external security of Nigeria as they have penetrated even the security intelligence.
What’s going on in Nigeria is not a mere insecurity of societal crime, but there is a state calculated crime against Ndigbo and Christians at large in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Comrade Igboayaka revealed that one of the decisions reached by OYC during the just concluded security meeting was a clarion call for Christian leaders in Nigeria “to urgently convoke Security Council summit and prepare for the worst ahead or be ready to be eliminated by the state wicked actors in disguise of Bandit, Fulani herdsmen killers, Kidnappers and Boko Haram”, he advised.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

The continued abduction of Nigerian citizens and bandit attacks on individuals and government facilities cum sensitive areas like the correctional facility, police headquarters, government officers apartments and the recent almighty Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna state is a slap on the security architecture of NIGERIA.

However, the abduction of innocent citizens from various locations in NIGERIA is also an additional plot to undermine national security.

The worst trending is the attack on passenger shuttle buses travelling on Nigerian roads and the yet-to-be-identified bandits are making a trade with human life and negotiating with people on ransom to release their wards.

It is not that the Federal Government under President BUHARI has not invested a lot of resources and energy in the security management of the country but its outcome is not being favourable to the country.

In Osun, Ondo, Nasarawa, Rivers, Imo, Benue, Borno, Jos and Northwest zone have been marked as Bandits/ unknown gunmen attack areas and people are dying in numbers.

Speaking with 9News Nigeria, an expert in criminology and security studies who pleaded anonymity has blamed the federal government for not fighting Insecurity head-on to save lives.

In his words, “Bandits are not sophisticated and hardened more than the system we are practising in this clime and as such, there is no level of criminality and BANDITRY and insurgency Nigerian Government cannot handle”

“Until the government is ready to stop crime, corruption will not cease”, the expert frowned.

When asked how best to stop the high prone of Insecurity in the country? He suggested very vividly the immediate need for the Nigerian Government to Improve the security intelligence gathering and upgrade the security apparatus at the national borders.

Meanwhile, he frowned at the attack on NDA Kaduna, a situation he said would have been arrested by security intelligence.

Confirming the attack, the spokesman of NDA, Major Bashir Jagira has maintained that it was a compromised attack for such bandits to gain access to a well-fortified institution to kill two officers and abduct one officer.

Looking at the story, “on arrival the bandits began shooting sporadically and in the process killed a Major and a Squadron leader and later on took another Major away through the nearby bush inside the academy”, is there any assurance that the country is safe if Bandits or Hoodlums could go such length to launch an attack and killed some military officers and took away one from such an environment?

I think the country has a lot to do in security intelligence gathering and upgrade to the latest high technological security apparatus and discipline of officers at work.

He decried the high level of inhuman conduct of the majority of law enforcement agents in Nigeria and call on FG to address this issue as most important as create out policies to Improve the police Training modules.

Can my readers believe that the NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY is located few metres away from the FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY MECHANIZATION Afaka, in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state, where numbers of students were abducted in March 2021?

Does it mean the country does not have what it takes to curb crime and insurgency or is it that the insecurity situation in Nigeria is politically stage-managed?

I feel it is the responsibility of the government to provide security and welfare to its citizens but surprisingly death tolls are at a high range for lack of security.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

21 Army Personnel were confirmed dead in a ghastly car accident in Jigawa State,9News Nigeria confirmed.

9News gathared that the sad incident occurred,after their vehicle was submerged in water along the Gwaram/Basirka road in Jigawa State.

Confirming the incident the police spokesman,ASP Lawan Shiisu confirmed the report,starting tat,the newly recruited officers were on their way to Gombe State.

More details shortly……….

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army claimed on Thursday a fresh set of 18 terrorists had surrendered to troops in the North East.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

The latest development came just 72 hours after 19 jihadists surrendered to troops in Borno State.

Nwachukwu said the Boko Haram had suffered serious a setback and recorded several casualties from the troops of Operation Hadin Kai’s sustained air and artillery bombardments on its enclaves in Sambisa forest and its environs.

According to him, the insurgents surrendered to troops with their families in Chingori and other surrounding villages around Sambisa forest on Wednesday.

“The spokesman said: The families comprised 18 women and 19 children. The arms recovered from the terrorists include five AK47 rifles, one foreign AK47 rifle with a telescopic sight, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and eight AK-47 rifle magazines.

“Other items include one FN rifle magazine, one bandolier, three rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and the sum of N7,700.

“Similarly, a Boko Haram fighter from Abuja Asamau Village in Sambisa Forest also surrendered to troops with his AK 47 rifle, two magazines, one magazine holder, one round of 7.62mm special and the sum of N5,000.”

He said over 100 terrorists and their families had succumbed to troops’ offensive and dropped their arms in less than two weeks in the North-East.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Major Auwal Danbau was killed in a ghastly car accident accident on Friday with his wife Fadila Auwal Shehu Buraima and their only daughter, in a ghostly car accident along Zamfara- Kano Road 9News Nigeria Reports.

More Details Shortly….

Rest in peace Sir!

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

~Builds School and (10) Multi purpose halls in Officers Villages..

The Kids In Need Society International has announced plans to immortalise the late chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and (10) officers who died in a recent plane crash in Kaduna. In a letter addressed to the chief of defence staff Gen Irabor,by the organisation, the executive director Rev Solomon Semaka extolled the virtues and sacrifices of the fallen heroes. He noted that immortalising the fallen heroes would boost the morale of the nation’s serving troops.

.

“This gesture is borne out of the need to boost civil/military confidence among our military and citizens to enhance democracy and entrench the gains of the sacrifices made by troops in defence of the country”

Rev Semaka maintained that serving military troops are also citizens and deserve some honour for the sacrifices they make to safeguard our nation. “The late chief of Army Staff brought so much vigour in the fight against insurgency and banditry in nigeria. He alongside with the other officers died in the line of duty and should be honoured for their ultimate sacrifice”

“As an organisation with major focus on child rights and social welfare, we believe this gesture would inspire our young children to grow up and join the military, we also believe it will encourage those in the service of our military to give in their best, knowing that the nation will appreciate their sacrifices”

The organisation said, it will build a school in honour of late Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in his village and one multi purpose hall for each of the other (10) officers who died alongside with the late COAS in their respective communities.

“This projects would be useful to their respective communities and would assuage the feelings of the families as well”

Rev Semaka, while congratulating the new COAS, Major General Yahaya said it would continue to partner with the military authorities to achieve the desired security needed in the country.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya today Saturday 26 June 2021 charged troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI to destroy all Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ enclaves in their various locations. The COAS made the statement while addressing troops of Sector 2 in Damaturu, Yobe State.

General Yahaya further commended the troops on the several successful operations conducted within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility, which he enumerated to include Operations Ayiso Tamunoma, Katana Jimlan, Fire Ball and Operation Tura Takaibango among others. He enjoined the troops to use wealth of experience and lessons learnt from the series of operations to destroy the remnants of marauding terrorists within their various locations. He assured them of improved welfare and a new reward system for troops who perform gallantly in any operation.

Earlier, the Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI Brigadier General Adamu Nura, while welcoming the Chief of Army Staff, briefed him on the operational engagements and challenges of the Sector. Among the dignitaries who accompanied the COAS were the Chief of Operations (Army) Major General Ibrahim Yusuf and the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Christopher Musa.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
26 June 2021

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Barely a month and some weeks after Abubakar Shekau, former Leader of the factional Boko Haram sect killed himself after a violent confrontation with some renegade Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) top commanders, PRNigeria has gathered that both Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have mended fences.

In a 13-minutes long video obtained by PRNigeria, an army of terrorists belonging to the rival extremist groups reunited themselves, after they individually placed their hands atop one another, while chanting words of solidarity, to demonstrate their reuniting and togetherness.

They thereafter pledged their allegiance to one Aba Ibrahim Al-Hashimiyil AlKhuraishi, whom they unanimously ordained as ‘Khalifan Muslimai’, translated as “The Leader of all Muslims”. Four insurgents, drawn from the defunct Boko Haram and ISWAP sects, in the clip, were seen pledging their loyalty to their new Commander while speaking in Arabic, Hausa, English and Fulfulde.

One of the speakers confirmed the report that intelligence services played critical roles in creating divisions in the camps of the terrorists when he claimed that, “the enemies succeeded in dividing us, but we are now back.”

PRNigeria had reported how the immediate-past Chief of Military Intelligence of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya, who died with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, in an air mishap in the Kaduna, last month, played decisive roles in the infiltration of terrorists’ factions, leading to violent confrontations among fighters of Boko Haram and ISWAP groups, and the eventual death of Shekau.

A top intelligence officer informed PRNigeria that in one of the joint security operations coordinated over 223 vulnerable persons, including women and children were rescued and undergoing rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, in the latest video released by Boko Haram, the terrorist element who first spoke, extended his greeting to their new Leader, Khuraishi, thanking him for bringing them together, eventually. Pledging his loyalty, he said every member of Boko Haram and ISWAP should be happy that they are now united.

Another terrorist, while speaking in Hausa, ‘warmly’ greeted Al-Hashimiyil Khuraishi, assuring that he and his colleague-insurgents will not flout his orders and commandments.

He expressed delight that they are now back as one ‘indivisible entity’, after the mutual hatred that hitherto divided them, gave way. Another ISWAP fighter, who was wielding a sophisticated gun hung on his neck, thundered: ” What is left now is Jihad. We will not stop fighting the unbelievers. All the disbelievers have entered trouble.”

According to the daredevil terrorist, every Boko Haram and ISWAP member must be ready to fight under the directive of their new Leader, for them to survive, and succeed.

By PRNigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Abuja (9News Nigeria) – President Muhammadu Buhari has shown appreciation to the Nigerian Military saying that Nigeria owes them a debt of gratitude.

According to a press release by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu said that President Buhari has charged the Military to give no breathing space to criminals and terrorists.

“We owe you a debt of gratitude, give no breathing space to terrorists, criminals, president Buhari tells military, security agencies”

IMAGE GALLERY

PRESS RELEASE BY GARBA SHEHU

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno State, said the nation owes a debt of gratitude to military men and women, and security agencies currently tackling security challenges in the country, particularly the many who paid the supreme price, assuring family members that the government will continue to support all the loved ones.

The President, on an official visit to personnel of the Armed Forces and security agencies in Operation HADIN KAI at the Maimalari Cantonment, charged the military and security agencies not to give breathing space to terrorists and criminals in various parts of the country, saying the war must be concluded with the restoration of peace and reconstruction of all the affected areas.

“I am delighted to be with you this afternoon, to address you on this special occasion of my official visit to Borno State. I want to seize this opportunity to put it on record that our nation will forever be indebted to you, for your patriotic commitment to the defence of our fatherland against insurgency and criminality.

“I, therefore, commend you and remember all the personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice in ensuring that Nigeria remains an indivisible and secure entity.

“As I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and pray for the souls of the departed, I want to assure you that my administration will spare no effort or resources to ensure that the widows and children of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of our beloved country are well cared for,” he said.

The President said wounded comrades will get the best medical attention towards their full recovery.
“While acknowledging your collective efforts at decimating and degrading the terrorists and reaffirming the inviolable sovereignty of our nation, I also wish to extol your steadfastness and untiring efforts in the face of the difficulties you experience in the Theatres of Operation.

“Your collective efforts have resulted in the relative peace being enjoyed in the region today. Under my watch, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been provided with a firm strategy and a clear sense of direction to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

“We should not allow our adversaries the opportunity or breathing space to challenge or undermine our national interests and core values. The defence and security agencies should rest assured of the Federal Government’s unalloyed commitment to winning the battle against terror and criminality,” he added.

President Buhari commended the military and security agencies for the synergy that translated into successes in restoring peace and order.

“I am particularly happy to note the increasing understanding and cooperation within the military, as well as the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against the terrorists and other criminal elements in the North East.”

“The outcome of this synergy is evidenced by the successes recorded in the ongoing Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO which has so far degraded the insurgents’ capabilities in the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Region.”

“I am therefore pleased to acknowledge that the military and other security agencies including civilian stakeholders are adhering to the true spirit of Operation HADIN KAI which implies jointness, synergy and cooperation.”

“By pooling together the collective resources and comparative advantages of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, we hope the enemy will now feel the ferocity of our firepower and the weight of our resolve,” the President said.

Side by side with the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies, President Buhari assured that his administration is developing a strategy for post-war reconstruction and peace building.

“Concerted efforts are being made to fast-track reconstruction and development programmes in the affected communities in the North East.”

“I am hopeful that this will lead to the speedy resettlement of displaced persons, as well as the restoration of bubbling community life as people return to their homes.”

“Alongside investment in development and reconstruction, we will sustain our investment in the Armed Forces in a manner that balances the carrot and stick,” he said.

The President said several interventions by the Federal Government had led to the procurement and delivery of large consignments of critical combat enablers, including high calibre weapons and ammunition: “Many have been injected into the Theatre and soon other equipment that has just arrived in the country would also be deployed to the Theatre of operations.

Much more equipment will be procured for the Armed Forces to cater for both the short and long-term requirements.

“I would like, at this point, to also commend the hierarchy of our Armed Forces for their strategic foresight in ensuring that some of our critical military equipment are fabricated locally.”

President Buhari also noted that repairs and maintenance of some of the vital weapons were now being carried out in the country thereby saving the nation a lot of foreign exchange and also creating jobs for our teeming population.

“As personnel of our Armed Forces and security agencies, you must understand that these items of equipment must be put to good use against the terrorists and other criminal elements. There is no room for complacency, and no need to be less than 100 per cent alert at all times.”

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I want to assure you that my government will continue to work towards the provision of timely funding and procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. This is intended to boost the prosecution of the ongoing war to a logical conclusion and also to serve our collective interests and well-being.”

“In addition, your welfare is of utmost importance and concern to this government. I am glad that the gradual rotation of the troops in the field has commenced, as I directed. I am sure that this will minimize and possibly eliminate battle fatigue, as well as enhance troops’ morale,” he added.

The President thanked the military and security agencies for unalloyed loyalty and selfless sacrifices towards the defence of our country, adding: “Your courage and gallantry will continue to inspire others, as they echo into the future.”

“While I commend your resilience, let me remind you that there is still a lot of work to be done, to completely restore peace to the North East, stem the activities of armed bandits in the North West and North Central, as well as deal with other security challenges across the country.”

“You must therefore remain steadfast and see this war to a conclusive end. In doing so, you must rely on inter-agency cooperation, and strengthen your cohesion with the troops of neighbouring Republics of Cameroon, Chad and Niger in our collective fight against the terrorists, under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force. This will consolidate our efforts and facilitate the speedy return of peace and stability to the region,” the President said.

He urged the military and security agencies to continue to make Nigeria proud.

President Buhari also interacted with some of the wounded soldiers assuring them that the government was fully committed to their recovery and welfare.

In his remarks, the Commander of Theatre Operations HADIN KAI, Maj Gen. Felix Omoigui, assured troops of the President’s confidence and commitment to their welfare, especially in bringing the war to a conclusive end.

The Commander thanked the President for the visit to the troops, which he said will greatly boost the morale of all those fighting to keep the country in peace.

Governors of Borno and Yobe State, Babagana Zulum and Mai Bunu respectively, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Leo Irabor, Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen Farouk Yahaya, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao and National Security Adviser, Maj Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), were also at the event.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
June 17, 2021

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Air force yesterday dismissed a report making round that in the cause of it Operation a wedding Venue was mistakenly bomb in Niger State.In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information and obtained by 9News Nigeria,the the Nigerian Air force Spokesman, Air Commodore Gabkwet,described the report as an attempt to cause coas in the society and discredit their hard earned reputation.

According to Gabkwet,If truly a wedding reception was hit,the big question Nigerians should be asking would have been,why must a wedding reception hold in the forest?

Evidently it is clear that,a combine team of the Nigerian Air force and other security agencies is yielding a positive results.And I want to assure you all that,under the leadership of current Air Chief, Vice Air Marshal Oladayo Amao,bandits and their camps are in trouble as more bombardment will come their way.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, on Wednesday said only the land forces in the military can not contain enormous security challenges ravaging the country.

The COAS stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to his counterpart at Air Force, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to him, the war against insurgency and armed banditry cannot be won by a single Service but rather, through a synergistic approach.

He added that the centrality of air power to the success of the ongoing fight against insurgency, armed banditry and other forms of criminality in the country is very key.

”The earlier we all recognized that no Service can do it alone, the better for us as an armed forces and a Nation to surmount the current security challenges,” the COAS said.

The COAS stressed that he has always been an advocate of air power employment as a critical requirement of a fighting force having witnessed its formidable influence in various theatres of operations.

On his part, the CAS, Amao congratulated the COAS on his appointment and urged him to sustain synergy of efforts by the Nigerian Army and the NAF, in conjunction with other security agencies to rid the country of all criminal activities.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya, as the Chief of Army Staff.

The request was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and read during resumption of plenary.

Buhari in the letter said Yahaya’s appointment was in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act 2004.

The letter reads in part: “In compliance with the provisions of section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“His CV is herewith attached. It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.”

The new nominee takes over from former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, who died in a plane crash near the Kaduna International Airport about two weeks ago.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

-COAS WAS DECORATED

Early hours of Friday 28-05-2021 the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor today hosted the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya in his office, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

Our source told 9News Nigeria that the Choec of Defence Staff congratulated Maj Gen Yahaya on his appointment as the 22nd COAS, describing it as a well deserved appointment.

The CDS also wished him a successful tenure in office as he assumes command.

Meanwhile, General Irabor further urged the new COAS to build on the legacy of his predecessor, particularly in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

The COAS was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Policy and Plans Headquarters Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Benjamin Ahanotu.

Highlight of the visit was the CDS’ presentation of Nigerian Army flag to the new COAS.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday 27 May 2021 appointed Maj Gen Yahaya as the new Army Chief.

The chief of Defence Staff however urged the COAS, Major General FAROUK YAHAHA to build on legacy to improve the situation in the country.

Arise oh compatriots, NIGERIA call obey!!

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

9News Nigeria has gone deep through our investigative team led by Princely Onyenwe to UNVEIL the situation surrounding the recent APPOINTMENT of the Army Chief of Staff Major General FAROUK YAHAHA.

The notion therefore that the recent appointment of the Army Chief of Staff in the person of FAROUK YAHAHA may lead to the forceful retirement of some of the serving MILITARY officers said to have higher rank than him is apparent.

Our source told us that according to statistics, at least ten Major-Generals from the C35, 35 and 36 Regular Courses are still serving in the Nigerian Army while FAROUK was in course C7.

However, about 10 Nigerian Army Major-Generals may have to retire from the service following the emergence of Major-General Farouk Yahaya as the 22nd Chief of the Army Staff.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yahaya on Thursday to replace the late Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died alongside 10 other military officers in a military aircraft crash in Kaduna few days ago.

Our source however revealed that Yahaya, who until his appointment was the theatre commander of operation Hadan Kai (formerly Lafiya Dole) in the North-East is from 37 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy while his predecessor, the late Attahiru was from the Course 35.

There are at least 10 Major-Generals from the 35 and 36 Regular Courses still in the Nigerian Army according to records.

Some of the senior military officers from Regular Course 35 include the current army’s Chief of Policy and Plan, Major General Ben Ahanotu. Although he is from Anambra State Nigeria.

Also, the army’s Chief of Administration is Major General A.M. Aliyu of Regular Course 36 is from Gombe State.

Yahaya, now 55 years, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 22, 1990.

There are also Yahaya’s course mates such as Major General Ibrahim Yusuf of Regular Course 37 from Yobe State.

He is the army’s Chief of Operation and former Force Commander Multinational Joint Taskforce.

When Buhari appointed the present crop of service chiefs only in January, no fewer than 20 generals from the three services who were members of courses 34 and 35 were retired to pave way for them, our source hinted.

They were course mates with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor from Course 34; late Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru from Course 35; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z Gambo, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, also from Course 35- C35.

Futhermore, it is worthy of note that the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya, a major general, was born on January 5, 1966 in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto state.

Mr Yahaya, who is a member of the 37 Regular Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), started his cadet training on September 27, 1985 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on September 22, 1990.

Mr Yahaya has held several appointments including Staff, Instructional and Command.

Notable among the appointments held by the new COAS are Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.

He also served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade and 29 Task Force Brigade (Operation Zaman Lafiya).

He was also Director Manpower at the Army Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Until his appointment as the COAS, Mr Yahaya was the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, responsible for Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in North East Nigeria.

The new COAS is a proud holder of several honours and awards, some of which include, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Grand Service Star, Passed staff course (Dagger), National Defence Course (Chile), Economic Community of West Africa State Monitoring Group Medal, Command Medal, Field Command Medal, General Operations Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal and Golden Jubilee Medal.

He is happily married and blessed with children.

Congratulations!!

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

Following the reoccurrence of a military aircraft crash in Nigeria, Nigerian youths under the aegis of Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), has called on the Federal Government to ground all existing AIRCRAFT for replacement with recent era high technological facilities.

9News Reports that this call was made by Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), led by Amb. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel having noted that the spate of military plane crashes in the country had become worrisome and that urgent steps must be taken to forestall further occurrence.

In a two page condolence letter to President Muhammadu Buhari from the ELFON President, he affirmed that Emerging Leaders received with shock the news of the plane crash that claimed the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others, who were on an official assignment in Kaduna State to attend the passing out parade at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.

Godstime also extended his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes as he prayed to God Almighty to grant them strength to bear the loss.

He also prayed God to grant the souls of the dead officers and airforce personnels eternal rest.

Part of the letter read thus:

“Close to 25 military officers have lost their lives in three crashes across the country in the last three months, and this is totally unacceptable to the Emerging Leaders of our dear Country,” he Said.

“Recalled that on Feb. 21, a Minna-bound military jet crashed, killing all 7 people on board; in less than six weeks, particularly on April 2, another Alpha Light Attack Jet went missing in the air, and later reported crashed.

In another seven weeks, May 21, another crash of a military aircraft occurred and this time killing the Chief of Army Staff and other senior officers. No military anywhere in the world should pretend that it is okay to record plane crashes on bi-monthly bases, and no country or people can accept that.

Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria therefore, demand the result of earlier investigations published and a military Committee of Enquiry empanelled to investigate the incessant crashes. All military aircrafts should be overhauled, procurement and replacements should also be made”,He said.

According to Godstime, the frequency of military aircraft crashes in the country has slowed down the fight against terrorism.

He regretted that major assets relevant to the prosecution of the war against terror were continuously coming in harm’s way.

“The morale of our soldiers is being dampened by these happenings. While this could be considered an act of nature, it is becoming worrisome.
Pragmatic steps must therefore be taken to forestall further occurrences so as not to ridicule the war against terror.

Recall too that, the country’s first female pilot Tolulope Arotile, that was very instrumental to the decimation of terrorist cells in the North East and North West suffered a similar fate in an Air Base that was presumably supposed to be a safe place for all persons talk more of military personnel.

While mourning the COAS and other promising officers and others killed in their service to motherland, we urge the government not to give room for enemies and saboteurs of the war against terror to have the final laugh,” Godstime maintained.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, says his successor, Ibrahim Attahiru, was on the verge of making the nation proud before his tragic death.

Mr Buratai, the former COAS, in his tribute to late Mr Attahiru, said he was making tremendous progress in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when the tragedy occurred.

He described the incident as tragic to all Nigerians and peace-loving people, adding that Mr Attahiru and the officers that died with him were top-level officers whose records of service were meritorious.

According to him, the unfortunate incident deeply saddens him as it robbed Nigeria of the services of Mr Attahiru who had left no one in doubt as regards his determination to succeed in the various military operations across the country.

“He was on the verge of making the nation proud in the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts when this tragedy occurred. I do not doubt his ability as he had served under me in various capacities and was well-grounded for the job with active support and collaboration of his colleagues.

“I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the passing away of my immediate successor, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, Acting Provost Marshal (Army), his Chief of Staff, the Aide-de-Camp and the Acting Deputy Director Finance in the office of the COAS, his Orderly, as well as the pilots and crew in an air crash on May 21 at Kaduna Airport.

“I would like to, on behalf of my family, reiterate my deepest sympathy and condolences to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, the families of the deceased, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, gallant officers, soldiers and airmen of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the passing away of these courageous, loyal and patriotic Nigerians in line of duty,” he said.

Mr Buratai urged the armed forces to close ranks and make sure that the legacy of the officers lives on by consolidating on the gains made in the various operations.

According to him, they gave their lives in the line of duty and patriotic service to the nation.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these great heroes. May the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest,” he said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

George Olufade, the father of Flt Lt Alfred Olufade, the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft that killed 11 military officers, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said only prayers could sustain him as George was his only son.He also decried the state of military aircraft in the country and called on the authorities to overhaul the planes and focused on staff welfare.

The late George got married three months ago amid pomp and circumstance.

The grieving father said, “It is devastating. I just need prayers for strength. I pray that God should hold us because he was my only son. He was very intelligent, generous, extremely humble, and dedicated to his duty.

He was a giver and a lover of Christ.“He was the only Airforce officer in my state. He was a special child. He graduated as the youngest in his set. When he wanted to join the military, I encouraged him from the beginning to the end because he had passion for flying.

I encouraged him and prayed for him.

“They should take care of their planes. Most of their planes are outdated and not properly taken care of. They stress their pilots, too. He just returned from Maiduguri and he had to fly again.

They need to take care of their planes before they lose all their brilliant talents.”According to Agency Reporters,Olufade added, “Each time he was flying, he would tell me and I would pray for him. But this last one, he didn’t tell me.

But God knows better.

It has not been my prayer holding him, but God that has been holding him. God gave me Ayodeji and He had taken him; may his soul rest in peace. If it is from God, glory be to Him. If it is from man, God will judge.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has described the death of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Attahiru Ibrahim and other officers as a national tragedy.

He said this while commiserating with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari over the unfortunate death of the COAS and other senior military officers in a fatal air crash in Kaduna on Friday.

Ibrahim Uba Misilli, Governor Inuwa spokesman said in a release on Friday that, his principal said it is a tragedy because it is coming at a time when the military and other security forces are intensifying efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security challenges bedevilling the country.

The governor also described the late COAS as a gallant officer and fine gentleman who demonstrated courage and exemplary leadership while discharging his duties.

Stating further, he noted that ”the late army helmsman was at the forefront since assuming office in leading the fight against insurgency, banditry and other forms threats with renewed vigour to bring enduring peace to the troubled parts of the country and defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, adding that the officer’s gallantry and heroism will be sorely missed, especially at this trying moment in the history of the nation.”

”The Governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe state also extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate families of the late Lt. General Attahiru and all the deceased officers and crew members, their colleagues and associates as well as Nigerian Armed Forces, praying Almighty God to accept their souls and grant them eternal rest,” Misilli said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni is schoked, heartbroken and deeply saddened by the death of Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other military officers following an air crash that occurred in Kaduna State.

This was disclosed by Governor Buni’s spokesman, Mamman Mohammed on Friday, describing the incident as ‘unfortunate.’

Governor Buni, who is also the Chairman, APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, said the death of the COAS and other officers, in what he termed as ‘fallen heroes’ is a great national loss to Nigeria.

“The demise of these top military officers at this moment when Nigeria needs their services most, is indeed a great loss to the army and Nigeria and the people of the country,” he said.

“I therefore condole with His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, the Nigeria Army and the families of the deceased officers,” Buni added.

While expressing optimism that the Nigerian Army would overcome the challenges associated with the incident and other security challenges in the country and emerge victorious, Governor Buni prayed to God to grant the souls of the deceased officers eternal rest and, to their families, government, Nigeria army and the people of Nigeria the fortitude to bear the lost.

“The Nigeria army should re-dedicate itself to defeat the security challenges as a mark of honour and respect to the deceased Chief of Army Staff and the other fallen officers,” Buni said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

These are the updated list of the victims who lost their lives in the Kaduna Airport Airforce plane crash that killed the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Attahiru Ibrahim together with a number of his officers and aides.

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

1. LT GEN I ATTAHIRU.
2. BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR.
3. BRIG GEN OLAYINKA.
4. BRIG GEN KULIYA.
5. MAJ LA HAYAT.
6. MAJ HAMZA.
7. SGT UMAR.

CREW/AIDES

8. FLT LT TO ASANIYI.
9. FLT LT AA OLUFADE.
10. SGT ADESINA.
11. ACM OYEDEPO.
12. Unknown

The Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Attahiru Ibrahim, has been killed in an air crash together with a number of his officers and aides.

This is a monumental tragedy and a big blow to our nation.

Information reaching 9News Nigeria was that the army boss was on a routine tour with some of his aides before the plane crash landed few hours ago in Kaduna.

An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport.

The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained at the time of this report but the gallant officers on board have been identified as written:

1. LT GEN I ATTAHIRU.
2. BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR.
3. BRIG GEN OLAYINKA.
4. BRIG GEN KULIYA.
5. MAJ LA HAYAT.
6. MAJ HAMZA.
7. SGT UMAR.

CREW/AIDES

8. FLT LT TO ASANIYI.
9. FLT LT AA OLUFADE.
10. SGT ADESINA.
11. ACM OYEDEPO.
12. Unknown

Our source told us that the crashed military Beachcraft 350 aircraft boarded the chief of Army staff and his aides before it land crashed at the Kaduna International Airport at about 18,05 hrs on Friday 21-05-2021.

Recall that Mr Attahiru was recently appointment army chief by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Until his appointment in January, he was the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu.

With service number 8406, he was a member of Regular Course 35 of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

At a time, he was the Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole until he was sacked in 2017 for alleged incompetence.

The most pertinent was that under his watch, suicide bombings and attacks on military formations were on the rise.

Also the House of Representatives Committee on Army have sent in an open release signed by Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas,
Committee Chairman on the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

The details reads:

The House of Representatives Committee on Army receives with shock the news of the sudden death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, which occurred in an air incident in Kaduna on Friday.

Lt.-Gen. Attahiru was an energetic officer, who was committed to improving the security of the country, especially prosecuting the war against insurgency.

In his brief stay in office as the COAS, the late Attahiru had a rolled-out plan on how to defeat Boko Haram and bring under control, other security threats, which the country faced in recent years.

The committee notes that it is unfortunate that Lt.-Gen. Attahiru did not live to see to the successful execution of his counter-terrorism strategies.

The Committee commiserates with the Nigerian Army, his immediate family and the Federal Government over this untimely incident, and prays the Almighty God to grant his soul and the souls of all other passengers, who died in the air mishap, eternal rest.

The Committee urges the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army and all gallant officers and men to remain focused and re-commit themselves to the task of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

May their souls rest in peace & may God help Nigeria.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

The Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, General Attahiru Ibrahim, has been killed in an air crash together with a number of his officers and aides.

This is a monumental tragedy and a big blow to our nation.

Information reaching 9News Nigeria was that the army boss was on a routine tour with some of his aides before the plane crash landed few hours ago in Kaduna.

An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport.

The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained at the time of this report.

Our source told us that the crashed military Beachcraft 350 aircraft boarded the chief of Army staff and his aides before it land crashed at the Kaduna International Airport at about 18,05 hrs on Friday 21-05-2021.

Recall that Mr Attahiru was recently appointment army chief by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Until his appointment in January, he was the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu.

With service number 8406, he was a member of Regular Course 35 of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

At a time, he was the Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole until he was sacked in 2017 for alleged incompetence.

The most pertinent was that under his watch, suicide bombings and attacks on military formations were on the rise.

May their souls rest in peace & may God help Nigeria.

More details will come your way. Stay tuned!!

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

In the 12 years since Nigeria’s jihadist insurgency erupted in the northeast, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been reported dead several times, only to reappear.

On Wednesday, intelligence sources say, rival Islamic State-allied jihadists launched an attack on Shekau’s faction in their stronghold in the Sambisa forest in Borno State.

Shekau was seriously wounded after trying to kill himself to evade capture by the IS jihadists who surrounded him after a series of battles, the sources said.

Nigerian media was filled with speculation that the man who made international headlines for kidnapping nearly 300 schoolgirls in 2014 might finally be dead.

But 24 hours after the news broke, the army was still investigating and details about what happened and where Shekau may be remain unclear.

Here is what we know
Who are the factions?
More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria since 2009, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Since 2016, two rival factions emerged from the Boko Haram movement after disagreements over Shekau’s indiscriminate attacks on Muslim civilians and the use of children and women as suicide bombers.

On one side, Shekau’s Boko Haram faction, known formally as Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad or JAS, was based in the Sambisa forest.

It also operates in the far northern border of neighbouring Cameroon as well as frontier areas of Chad and Niger.

The other was Islamic State in West Africa Province or ISWAP with its stronghold in Alagarno forest and areas of Lake Chad, a vast body of water with scattered islands.

Both groups target Nigeria’s armed forces and those from states bordering northeast Nigeria. But sporadic clashes have also erupted between the two factions over influence and territory.

According to the local intelligence sources, a new round of infighting erupted in April during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Boko Haram fighters ambushed an ISWAP brigade as they transported weapons to one of their main camps, sources said. Several ISWAP men were killed.

In retaliation, ISWAP launched an attack on a Boko Haram camp located on Lake Chad. Both sides suffered losses. But, the sources said, ISWAP took the fight to Boko Haram directly in Sambisa forest located further south.

What happened in Sambisa?

According to details from two intelligence sources, on Monday a convoy of ISWAP trucks mounted with machine guns entered the Sambisa forest area.

One group headed directly to the Boko Haram camp in Sabilul Huda, where Shekau had sought refuge. His faction had recently been weakened by airstrikes by the military.

ISWAP fighters managed to neutralise his guards and surrounded the house where Shekau had been holed up, the sources said.

What happened next is not fully clear, but Shekau was seriously wounded when he tried to kill himself to avoid being taken alive.

Intelligence sources said Shekau shot himself in the chest and was later rescued unconscious by some of his men and taken to an unknown location.

“The truth is he may hardly survive his wounds,” one source said.

Dead or wounded?

If sources are unclear about whether Shekau survived, the jihadist commander has surprised analysts before after multiple reports of his death over the years.

The Nigerian army spokesman could not confirm any of the details and said an investigation was still ongoing.

Neither ISWAP nor Boko Haram has released any communique about the attack on Sambisa or the whereabouts of Shekau.

What happens next?

Whether he is seriously wounded or dead, the loss of Shekau would be a huge blow to his Boko Haram faction where he was a central figure for years, analysts said.

ISWAP had already become the more dominant force in Nigeria’s northeast showing its capacity to carry out complex attacks on the armed forces.

Its fighters have recently overrun several army bases.

Taking Shekau’s Sambisa forest stronghold would allow ISWAP to consolidate territory it already holds in Alagarno forest and southern Lake Chad, potentially allowing the group to control roads leading to the Borno state capital Maiduguri.

While some pro-Shekau brigades along the Cameroon border and in Niger and Chad may want autonomy, ISWAP may now access a pool of Shekau’s fighters and a partial reunification may be in the works, said Vincent Foucher, a fellow at French National Centre for Science Research.

“Surely it is under discussion, all these guys are connected, they know each other and there must be negotiations going on.

“There are still some unknowns but what is clear is that it is a big win for ISWAP,” he said.

“A lot of people are happy to see Shekau dead, but it is not very good news if ISWAP becomes the single jihadist force in the area.”

(AFP)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Recall that the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs have conducted several operational visits to the various theatres of operation. They have been interacting with commanders, troops and other stakeholders in various theatres.

Also, a Security Summit was held in March 2021 at the National Defence College with relevant stakeholders in attendance. In accordance with the theme, the Summit was aimed at promoting understanding and collaboration of stakeholders and key players on the kinetic approach that is expected to facilitate public support for kinetic action in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN) operations in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs also visited the 6 geo-political zones and had consultations with Government Officials, traditional and religious leaders and various interest groups for the purpose of sensitization on the current security challenges facing the country.

These engagements were aimed at ensuring that the Military High Command comes up with improved ways and means of tackling the myriad of security challenges across the Country in partnership with other stakeholders.

2. In the same vein, on 5 May 2021, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs had interaction with senior media executives in “Open Ears Press Dialogue”.

As you are aware, some topical security issues were enumerated and discussed extensively during the interaction with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs. Sequel to that, we are now resuming our usual updates on the unrelenting and committed efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in tackling security challenges facing our dear nation.

Today’s update will cover the combined operational efforts of the land, maritime and air components across the country between 1 and 20 May 2021.

These operational efforts of the Nigerian military are intended to achieve sustainable peace and to ensure normalcy returns to all troubled zones of our dear Country.

3. Within the period in focus, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained resolute in their operations and engaged in series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations in all theatres of major and subsidiary operations. We have also worked cooperatively and in great synergy with other security and intelligence agencies to gain several successful and credible outcomes in our operations.

For land operations, our gallant troops have been actively engaged in constant clearance patrols, ambush, raid, picketing, cordon and search operations as well as artillery bombardments. In the maritime environment, troops conducted various operations involving anti-piracy, anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-crude oil theft, anti-pipeline vandalism and anti-smuggling operations.

Moreover, the Air Component conducted comprehensive air operations, which included air patrols, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, offensive air strikes, air interdictions, search and rescue operations as well as close air support for ground troops.

4. As a result of these operations, our troops neutralized scores of terrorists and bandits including senior BHT/ISWAP and ESN commanders as well as major bandit leaders.

Similarly, many of their fighters were incapacitated and their camps destroyed through artillery and air bombardments. Additionally, troops rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested bandits/kidnappers informants and collaborators in different parts of the country.

Our operations also inhibited activities of economic saboteurs as well as exposed and forestalled other criminal activities. Troops also recovered large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment, vehicles and livestock within the period.

In the maritime domain, troops disrupted smuggling activities, immobilized illegal refining sites, arrested some perpetrators, seized illegally imported rice and other contraband goods as well as recovered petroleum products. Although some of our personnel paid the supreme price in the course of these operations, our dogged troops consistently demonstrated gallantry and resilience.

5. You are also aware that the Military High Command has renamed the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North East from Operation LAFIYA DOLE to Operation HADIN KAI. This was done to reflect the renewed spirit of jointness in the North East operational environment.

The combined efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies demonstrate our commitment, synergy and determination to lay down our lives to protect our great Nation. We will continue to sustain the offensive posture and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria.

The general public is also assured of our commitment to protect our economic assets anywhere.

6. As you know, security is everybody’s concern, thus, we encourage every well-meaning Nigerian to support the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, by providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements to address the threats.

The plans and efforts of the criminal elements to perpetrate nefarious activities so as to discredit the government and efforts of security forces will in no way deter us from sustaining the tempo of operations.

The High Command of the Nigerian Military wishes to thank the general public for their support and further solicit their cooperation in the fight against criminality in the Country. The Military High Command also commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment.

Once again, I thank you members of the Press for your continued understanding and support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

By ONYEUKO Brigadier General Acting Director 20 May 2021 Defence Media Operations

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Leader of Nigerian militant terrorist group, Boko Haram has been reportedly killed after a deadly clash between his men and those of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) intelligence sources have confirmed to PRNigeria.

The ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, who has grown in power and influence since it started operating from its territorial base on the banks and islands of Lake Chad has now occupies some section of Sambisa Forest following the latest development.

A situation report (SITREP)by one of the intelligence services sighted by PRNigeria said that, the notorious terrorist leader must have been killed during struggle for power between the Boko Haram and the ISWAP groups.

The reports stated that “On 19th May 2021, about 1829hours, ISWAP top Fighter Baana DUGURI-on this selector – geolocated around sambisa forest Pulka Gwoza LGA BRS, informed ISWAP logistics commander MODU SULUM- geolocated opposite General hospital Konduga LGA Borno state that, they killed ABUBAKAR SHEKAU over all BH leader in Sambisa Forest date.

“DUGURI disclosed that the ISWAP fighters team surrounded the BH leader with his team and shooting ensued between the 2 factions.DUGURI further added that SHEKAU detonated a bomb and killed himself when he observed that the ISWAP fighters wanted to capture him alive.

“Furthermore, DUGURI informed SULUM that the two sides also lost some fighters during the shooting. He avered that even Yesterday ISWAP was pursuing ABUBAKAR SHEKAU and he SHEKAU discarded his cap and ran but today the pursuit continued and he was finally killed.DUGURI asked MODU SULUM if the other BH members who fled are returning to their houses?

“In his response,, SULUM rejoiced over the death of ABUBAKAR SHEKAU and glorified God over the success.He also said few BH members are returning to their houses.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian military has placed all Borno State Commands of the Nigerian Army and Airforce on Alert. The troops have lately been carrying out discreet bombardments around the Sambisa axis and Lake Chad axis which may have triggered the current crisis and strife between the two hitherto collaborators.

Findings reveal that ISWAP has been in pursuit of Shakau which led to him discarding his camp and running off until he was rounded up yesterday which led to his death. The clash also resulted to some casualties on the ISWAP side.

When contacted by PRNigeria, the spokesersons of the military and intelligence services were reluctant to talk. Some of the spokespersons are currently attending a capacity building workshop at the Nigerian Army Resources Centre Abuja.

PRNigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigerian Army, under its Operation Hadin Kai has banned the use of motorcycle by soldiers within Borno State.

The government of Borno in 2011 banned the use of the motorcycle in the state as a result of increase attacks and serial assassinations by Boko Haram terrorists, which they usually carry out using motorcycles.

The terrorist group use bikes due to advantage of its size and ability to snake through narrow road paths which are not pliable to vehicles, to carry out clandestine operations and disappear from the scene without trace.

The government of the state, then led by Kashim Shettima, now senator, slammed a ban on the use of motorcycles across metropolitan part of the state.

However, troops use it in their operations, patrols and other offensives across volatile territories, but the resurgence of bikes within Maiduguri, the state’s capital has raised concern among the population. Military and other security men are seen within Maiduguri and other parts of the metropole on bikes, which meant for operations outside the city.

On that regards, the Nigerian Army is now banning it for its personnel too.

Col. A. O. Onasanya, who in a statement signed for the general officer commanding on Friday, disclosed the extension of the banning on soldiers and other security outfits. He said it is part of a resolution reached in the state’s security meeting held with Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, governor of the state.

The ban followed an allegedly nascent security threat rearing its ugly head in the state, with a few Point on Sale (POS) centers, which now functions as transaction points, being robbed in the state capital.

According to Col. Onasanya, it was the governor, sequel to the growing insecurity within the metropolis, that stated the need to stop the use of bikes for soldiers too.

He noted that the Nigerian Army is therefore directing commanders within Maiduguri of the subsistence of the ban on motorcycle and the need for thorough implementation.

He added that appropriate formations were directed to expand the scope of any operations to checkmate and include the enforcement of the ban within the state.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, near Owerri, has begun the demolition of unserviceable ammunition and explosives. The exercise is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Owerri by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Babatunde Zubairu. Zubairu said the exercise would be conducted by the 82 Base Ammunition Depot, Enugu from May 14 to May 21.

He added that the exercise would take place between 7 am and 5 pm daily throughout the period. “The people of Obinze and surrounding communities are advised to keep away from the range area during the period of the exercise.

“This is not a cause for alarm as the Nigerian Army remains committed to the safety of Nigerians,” Zubairu stated.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Insurgents attacked Maiduguri community, repelled by army

Suspected members of Boko Haram have attack Jiddari Polo, a community, outskirt of Borno state’s capital, Maiduguri.

The attack was launched on Tuesday evening, some resident in the area has confirmed.

The sound of sporadic gunfire and heavy explosions were heard within the city around 6pm, few minutes to the time of breaking fast.

A resident in the area confirmed the incident noting that she and her family had flee and seek refugee in her husband’s family house at Gwange, a popular community within the metropolis.

Another source who confirmed the attack to Yerwa Express News said that the terrorists attacked from a strategic locations and has forced many people to flee the area.

‘We are currently fleeing our resident right now, road are close people are running’, he said, as quoted by the report.

However, the attack was repelled after about an hours of fire exchange between the troops and the terrorist group. Another residents from the area also confirmed the presence of troops of the Nigerian army. He said they were seen trooping towards the action scene in several armed vehicles.

Report by Yerwa Express News also said that a military source had confirmed the repelling of the attack, with heavy casualties recorded on the side of the insurgents.

Reports has so far indicated that there is no casualty on the civilian popular.

Jiddari Polo is one of the most attacked community in Maiduguri, particularly during festive periods or one or few days ahead.

This reporter has also observed that, the terrorist do not usually attack innocent civilian population in such attacks. A resident of Maiduguri who pledged annonimity believed that such attacks are a propaganda by the insurgents to disrupt festive periods.

However, there is no official statement form the government or security forces on the attack at the time of filling this report.

More details shortly…

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters has responded to the advice to President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over power to the Nigerian military.

Robert Clarke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) demanded that the military should control the government temporarily and restructure Nigeria.

A statement by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Defence Information, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to the present administration and all associated democratic institutions.

The spokesman noted that the military shall continue to remain apolitical, subordinate to the civil authority, firmly loyal to the Commander-in-Chief, President Buhari and the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Nwachukwu added that the military will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally, protect the country’s democracy, defend the territorial integrity of the country and protect of lives and properties of citizens.

The statement warned politicians who nurse the inordinate ambition to rule this country outside the ballot box to banish such thoughts, assuring that the military under the current leadership remain resolute in the defence of Nigeria’s democracy and its growth.

“We also wish to remind all military personnel that it is treasonable to even contemplate this illegality. The full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on any personnel found to collude with people having such agenda.

“The current security challenges are not insurmountable. The Armed Forces of Nigeria in partnership with other other security Agencies are working assiduously to ameliorate the challenge. Nigeria will know peace again”, it read.

THE FULL TEXT:

The attention of the military high command has been drawn to a statement purported to have been made by one Robert Clark SAN, suggesting that current political leadership should hand over power to the military for the purpose of restructuring.

The Nigerian Military wish to dissociate itself from such anti-democratic utterance and position. Let it be stated categorically that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to the present Administration and all associated democratic institutions.

We shall continue to remain apolitical, subordinate to the Civil Authority, firmly loyal to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari and the 1999 Constitution as Amended. We shall continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities professionally, especially in protecting the country’s democracy, defence of the territorial integrity of the country as well as protection of lives and properties of citizens.

The Military High Command wishes to use this opportunity to warn misguided politicians who nurse the inordinate ambition to rule this country outside the ballot box to banish such thoughts as the military under the current leadership remain resolute in the Defence of Nigeria’s Democracy and its growth. We also wish to remind all military personnel that it is treasonable to even contemplate this illegality. The full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on any personnel found to collude with people having such agenda.

The current security challenges are not insurmountable. The Armed Forces of Nigeria in partnership with other other security Agencies are working assiduously to ameliorate the challenge. Nigeria will know peace again. PLEASE BE WARNED!

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
3 May 2021

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A commanding officer and 7 others were killed when Boko Haram insurgents attacked 2 Army bases in Borno State.

The terrorists have intensified attacks on army camps in recent weeks as part of a more than decade-long insurgency that has killed more than 36,000 people.

AFP reports that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) arm of the dreaded Boko Haram group on Sunday morning attacked a base in Ajiri, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) away from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

A similar attack had been carried out earlier on Saturday night when the insurgents hit a base in Rann in the same state, the military sources said.

In Ajiri, troops fought a two-hour gun battle with the insurgents in gun trucks and on motorbikes who eventually breached the base and forced troops to withdraw.

“The commanding officer of the base… paid the supreme price while six civilians who were caught up in the fight were also killed,” one of the military sources said.

Another source confirmed the toll and said militants escaped with weapons from the base.

Late on Saturday, fighters attacked a base in Rann, 172 km from Maiduguri but were beaten back by troops using artillery.

“They came in six gun trucks and met a stiff resistance from troops at the base. Two of the gun trucks were hit by troops artillery fire. The other four fled,” a military source said.

One civilian who was wounded later died in hospital.

President Muhammadu Buhari earlier this year replaced his four top military commanders in a bid to better combat the insurgency that has also displaced more than two million people from their homes since 2009.

ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram in 2016 and became a dominant group, launching attacks on military bases and ambushing troops while abducting travellers at fake checkpoints.

Since 2019, the army has mostly withdrawn from villages and smaller bases into so-called “super camps”, fortified garrisons meant to give better protection against attacks.

But critics say the strategy has left jihadists with more freedom to roam untouched in rural areas and made highways vulnerable to kidnappings and assaults.

(AFP)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Less than 48 hours after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, renamed Operation ‘Lafiya Dole’ (OLD) to Operation ‘Hadin Kai’ for mobilizing critical stakeholders’ in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, residents have started providing useful information to the military in their communities.

This has led to the arrest of some Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) supporters and collaborators in tactical operations, PRNigeria has learnt.

In one of the operations, Nigerian troops located in Damaturu axis of Yobe State, apprehended some terrorists’ collaborators, including logistic suppliers.

The troops, led by one Major Daniel Chiwar, the Acting Commander of 154 Taskforce, arrested some of the suspects in their hideouts at Bulamari area of Ngamdu in Yobe State.

While PRNigeria could not confirm the number of suspects so far arrested, incriminating items including huge containers of petroleum products were recovered from them.

Meanwhile, in another development, Nigerian troops engage a band of Boko Haram terrorists, riding several gun trucks, at Rann in the Kala Balge area of Borno State. The troops, led by Lt. Colonel Samson Olashegbe of 3 Battalion, destroyed some gun trucks and recovered others, after the encounter.

By PRNigeria

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Following the recent attacks on communities and military formations by suspected terrorist groups in the Nigerian northeast region, the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. General Ibrahim Attahiru has reposion the army and renamed operation meant for fighting insurgency in the region.

It can be recalled that this medium, had reported that about 20 attacks were carried out by the terrorist groups within April alone, killing civilians and security personnel as well as destroying properties worth billions. They also engaged in recruitment process and stealing of weapons and food items during these attacks.

Mohammed Yerima, Director Army Public Relations, who disclosed the renaming of the operation in a statement on Friday, said the new code is in line with the vision of the COAS, of having a Nigerian Army that is Repositioned to Professionally Defeat all Adversaries in a Joint Environment.

”Also affected by the re-designation are the Army Super Camps which now reflect the nomenclature of the formations and units followed by the name of the locations they occupy while sub-units are redesigned as Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) followed by the name of their locations. All these changes are with immediate effect.

”The renaming is in line with the COAS Vision of having “A Nigerian Army that is Repositioned to Professionally Defeat all Adversaries in a Joint Environment”. It is the believe of the COAS that the complete defeat of insurgency is a process that requires the participation of the entire nation using all elements of national power. He further assured that the NA under his leadership will continue to pursue the path of jointness in prosecuting the counterinsurgency war,” Yerima said.

Operation Lafia Dole (OPLD), the former operational slogan for the fight against insurgency in the region is renamed now as Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

According to the COAS, the approval of the new code name was premised on the fact that the Nigerian Army has made a lot of progress over the years and is in order to re-align for better efficiency to end the insurgency.

OPLD was launched by the former COAS, Lieutenant Gen. Tukur Buratai on 19 July 2019, which replaces Operation Zaman Lafiya, also founded in 2015.

Similarly, the COAS had on Sunday last week said ‘enough is enough’ when he was reacting on the latest insurgents attack on the military base stationed in Mainok, a village under Konduga local government area of Borno State.

He stated that the Army has been winning the war against the insurgents, and it will only consolidate on these successess for total annihilation of terrorists, adding that they will provide the needed resources to execute the war to a logical conclusion.

Also at 7 division Maimalari Cantonment, in Maiduguri, the capital of the most affected state, Borno, on Thursday, the army chief has engaged battlefield commanders of the various theatre operations in a closed door meeting for hours.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the army chief said the essence of his visit is to reassure the troops that President Muhammadu Buhari is aware of their doggedness in battlefield and asure them to provide the needed resources to execute the war to a logical conclusion.

”We have defeated Boko Haram severally, if for one time they came and we loose certain equipment even though we are never defeated, I assure you that we will overcome notwithstanding what ever had happened.

”We will deal with Boko Haram decisively, and we are committed to the focus of the entire operations, which is the total annihilation of Boko Haram from Nigeria,’ the army chief said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has pleaded with Nigerians who share on social media graphic pictures of personnel killed in the cause of defending and protecting the country from its adversaries.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Yerima, made the plea in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Yerima said the act was not only unpatriotic but insensitive and utterly reprehensible.

He said that the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army deployed to various theatres of internal security operations were on legitimate duties.

Mr Yerima said that they were also in the harm’s way to defend and protect the country from those bent on destroying it.

The Army spokesperson said that troops put their lives on the line to ensure that innocent citizens and institutions of the state were protected from violent criminals in the course of carrying out the constitutional mandate.

He also said that sometimes, the gallant officers and soldiers were meted with the worst form of savagery by the heartless adversaries whose intent was to instill fear on of the citizenry.

He, however, question the glee with which some people shared the gory pictures of officers and soldiers who were either killed-in-action or wounded-in-action in the media.

“These unpatriotic acts are often done without any modicum of consideration for the memories of the departed personnel or their family members.

“In some cases, their loved ones do find out about their unfortunate death in such callous manner before they are even contacted by the military authorities.

“One can only imagine the trauma and pain such families go through waking up to see the gory pictures of their loved ones splashed on the social media.

“The Nigerian Army consider this despicable and unpatriotic act totally unacceptable and will henceforth take legal actions to protect troops who die in action from being ridiculed on social media or any platform,” he said.

NAN

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Suspected Boko Haram fighters had launched a heavy attack in Mainok, a community under Konduga local government area of Borno state on Sunday afternoon, killing several Nigerian Army soldiers and a commander.

Local sources from the community confirm the incident noting that the terrorists were disguised in army uniform with a convoy and headed straight to the Nigerian Army Base before started shooting sporadically.

According to The Cable newspaper, about 13 Army personnel were killed during the attack and one commander, a lieutenant conel among them, whose identity is not yet known.

The report added that the army at the base couldn’t repelled the attack due to the heavy weapons the terrorist are wielding and were overpowered.

A reenforcement by the Air Force was said to have also came to help repel the attack but couldn’t hit it’s target.

The terrorist burnt down vehicles of the Nigerian army and a police station among other things, while looting away weapons from the base before leaving.

Other reports has shown that the Army had been in continues gun battle with the terrorist around the area following the attack. It says they had been responding to the terrorist near their trench outskirt the village.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army had not issued any official statement on the attack at the time of filling this report and effort to reach them by the media didn’t yeild tangible result.

Mainok is a village 58 kilometres away from Maiduguri, capital of Borno state. It is one of the notorious village that experience frequent Boko Haram attacks, along with other communities like Benisheik and Makintamari which is under Kaga local government area of the state, all along Maiduguri to Damaturu road.

Nigerian military had earlier last year made a move to relocate the people of Mainok to other places, alleging that it is a major hideout for the insurgents but the idea was achieved after an appeal by Borno State governors, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum had last year appealed to federal government to nullify the idea.

According to the governor while, relocating the residents to IDP camp may mean closing the major road that link the state to Yobe and other neighbouring states.

This reporter also understands that the relocation, which will logically mean displacement of the people, may sabotage the effort of the government in it’s effort to reintegrate IDPs into their ancestral homes. The decision of the governor to make that appeal may have been informed also by that reality.

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9News Nigeria

According to sources in the military, a stockpile of military hardware with about N28 million cash has been reportedly carted away by marauding bandits who ambushed a select group of Nigerian troops on reinforcement mission to quell pockets of communal clashes in Benue State. 

A report by Peoples Gazette revealed that citing an internal army communication  soldiers dispatched from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area to deliver weaponry to troops in Oju LGA (171km from Katsina-Ala) were overrun by an armed militia said to be from the Konshisha district of the state, in an attack believed to have occurred on Tuesday.

Senior military officers said N28 million was also with the soldiers at the time of the ambush, all of which the attackers cornered and disappeared into the night on the fringes of the Benue River.

“Yes, the bandits stole weapons and also about N28 million from the soldiers,” the senior officer said. “The entire situation has been under investigation since the headquarters heard about it.”

The official said no conspiracy was suspect on the part of the soldiers but said it was a “deeply disturbing” situation that soldiers could be easily waylaid by a ragtag group of bandits. The source of the money and its purpose were not immediately disclosed. 

The logistics team, led by A.T. Adedayo — an army captain — was reported missing, including a general-purpose machine gun and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

Sources said the ambush site was met deserted when a reinforcement deployed at Oju stormed the scene following an alert.

A joint operation by troops of 72 Special Forces Battalion and anti-banditry formation, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), was planned to be conducted in the area to rescue the missing soldiers, a source said.

An army spokesman could not be immediately reached for comments.

Armed militia groups have continued to hold sway in remote parts of Benue, as the North-Central state grapples with recurring communal clashes and farmer-herder unrest.

Governor Samuel Ortom survived an assassination attempt in late March when an armed gang suspected to be rogue pastoralists invaded his farm located at the outskirts of the capital city, Makurdi.

Source : PeoplesGazette 

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9News Nigeria

Military Operations under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has deployed troops to Tyo-Mu where Governor Samuel Ortom was attacked by Fulani militia herdsmen last Saturday, even as it said it has neutralized 1000 criminals and recovered 700 weapons in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states.

The Commander, OPWS, Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini who made the disclosure on Tuesday while conducting journalist round the Tyo-Mu said, the deployment was to forestall incidences of armed banditry.

Yekini who was at the site of the attack with the Security Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom, Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) noted that his troops immediately moved in to clear the area, saying troops would remain at the area for the next few days and would continue to patrol the area.

“We are here to show you that the general area is clear of any bandits. The incidence is quite unfortunate and we immediately combed the area. We should not be judged by this singular incidence. We have accepted it was a security breach and we are working to address it. We have made a lot of progress. Before we came, Benue was a killing galore but we have substantially restored peace in the state.”

The OPWS Commander stated that since coming on board three years ago, over 1000 armed criminals have been neutralized, and close to 700 weapons recovered in Benue, Taraba, and the Nasarawa States with the highest number of arms recovery made in Benue.

He urged the people of the state, especially the Sankera axis of Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala to cooperate with security agencies by giving useful information that would help them flush out criminals in the area.

On his part, the Security Adviser who disclosed that five empty shells were recovered from the area stated that no arrest had yet been made but that three local fishermen who reside in the area were only invited for questioning after which they were allowed to go home.

Hemba who commended the swift response of troops of OPWS to the area said as soon as the troops were alerted, they moved in to comb the area but that the armed bandits had run away by the time they arrived.

“We are at the sight of the unfortunate incidence of the attack on Governor Samuel Ortom. He came into his farm and while touring the farm, he went to a small market and on his way back the gunmen who were hiding in the bushes opened fire on him.

“We quickly alerted the OPWS and they immediately responded and gave them a hot chase and have been combing the bushes since then. We commend OPWS for its prompt response.

According to him, the troops combed the bushes and found some makeshift hideouts, and burnt them. We couldn’t make any arrests because the bandits ran.

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9News Nigeria

ABUJA – The Coalition of FCT Indigenous Associations has warned the Federal Government not to push them into violence over the alleged forceful takeover of their land by the Nigerian Army.

The group said it would no longer sit and watch the military who were statutorily mandated to protect them to force them out of their fathers’ land.

The leader of the group, Dalhatu Ezekiel, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the suit file by the group challenging the forceful take over of their lands in the Iddo-Tungan Maje axis by the Nigerian Army at the FCT high court.

He said: “Even though we have repeatedly said we will not take arms but it seems Nigeria government is doing what they know best by pushing citizens to carry arms. By pushing citizens to go to war and by pushing them to create anarchy and crisis.

“It is unfortunate that we are leaving in a lawless society called Nigeria. It is unfortunate that we have people who feel more important and more human than others.

“It is unfortunate that we have a President who is setting a bad precedent when it comes to obedient of rule of law. It is unfortunate that we have Nigeria military who are supposed to protect us but forcefully terrorising us in our communities.

“We have seen the Nigerian government is teaching us unconsciously how to go violent with our issues.”

Ezekiel lamented the demolition of their houses, killing of their people and other atrocities committed by the military with view to taking the lands away from them.

He wondered why the military have refused to vacate their land after several directives by the government authorities.

He expressed confidence in the court as last hope of common man saying that until justice is served in the matter they would never give up the fight.

Ezekiel said further: “They have asked the Nigerian military to stay off our land but they refused. The Minister of FCT has continuously said that he has not allocated this land to the Nigerian military.

“We have approached the President through the office of Vice President and he has sat with all of us and the Nigeria military could not produce any documents that they own this land.

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9News Nigeria

No fewer than 81 Boko Haram terrorist fighters have been killed while a soldier paid the supreme price in a fresh onslaught against the insurgents by the Nigerian military in Sambisa general area.

Newsmen gathered that the soldier died from a landmine attack while four others sustained various degrees of injuries, even as fleeing terrorists have continued to wreak havoc and razing villages in their escape routes.

According to report from military intelligence source, the troops of Sector 1 comprising troops of 21 and 26 Brigades supported by the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) cleared many villages of terrorists in the axis including Garin Bello, Kwoche, Lawanti, Alfa Bula Hassan, and Alfa Cross among others.

”Nigerian troops inside Sambisa Forest encountered stiff resistance from the terrorists who laid improvised explosive devices along the troops’ axis of advance.

“The relentless troops destroyed the terrorists’ camps and recovered gun trucks and weapons as NAF aircraft continue to provide close air and interdiction support to the ground forces.

“Regrettably a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice with 4 other soldiers wounded in an improvised explosive devices incident,” the intelligence officer added in a message to the troops on behalf of the chief of army staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru. The theatre commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Farouk Yahaya who praised the gallantry of the troops urged them to sustain the tempo.

In a related development, our correspondent gathered that a large number of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists invaded Zira and Gur villages in the Biu South local government area of Borno State.

The terrorists according to the report stormed the communities at about 4:30 pm on Sunday, on motorcycles and gun trucks, and set ablaze many houses, while residents scampered for safety. The NAF aircraft later engaged the fleeing terrorists with air bombardments.

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9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army said it is now ready to take constructive engagements and criticisms that will help troops in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country from Nigerians through the media.

Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, the newly appointed Director of Army Public Relations, stated this at the Army headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, while taking over from his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Sagir Musa, who has been redeployed to the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna, Niger State.

According to him, such constructive engagements are capable of boosting the morale of the troops on the frontline and it would help them to crush the enemies – Boko Haram, Bandits among others.

He said: “As you all know, nothing boosts the morale of our fighting troops more than the solidarity of all Nigerians, especially media reports that ginger their zeal and fighting spirit and sacrifice to the nation.”

The Army spokesperson, who stressed that Nigerians should know that crushing the terrorists is their victory, added: “We shall be open to constructive engagements and criticisms that will support the military operations against the enemies of the country.

“The Nigerian Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, values your partnership and cooperation.”

Daily Trust reports that Yerima, a one-time director, Army Public Relations, who was appointed on Tuesday, obtained a B.A. (Ed) Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University before he enrolled into the Nigerian Army in October 1989 and was commissioned into the corps of Army Public Relations.

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9News Nigeria

In dia normal way of denial on social media, di Nigeria Army don nack ‘fake news’ label ontop tori wey allege say dem sharparly do trial for six of dia soldiers and execute dem in secret.

For dia report, local tori pipo News Express claim say dem torchlight di report by one human rights group wey accuse di Nigerian Army of “secret execution of six Igbo Christian soldiers” on 25 January 2021.

Di tori wey comot on Tuesday also say di report name di six soldiers – Prince Ukwuoma, Ebube Isaiah, Amos Azubuike, Ekene Ebere, Moses Anyim and Godwin Uchendu, dem bin dey based for di Abacha Barracks, Abuja.

In addition, di report dem allege say na ethnic cleansing di Army use di soldiers do because of dia tribe (Igbo) and dia religion.

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9News Nigeria

The Shared Prosperity Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has launched the 2021 Emblem in honor of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed forces at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, Imo State.

In the his speech, he commended the Nigerian Legion in the manner they have organized and conducted themselves.

Governor Uzodimma disclosed that the Government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of Children and families of the Fallen heroes, to support and assist them.

The Governor assured them of inclusion in the Imo state empowerment programs, the Covid -19 Palliative and other assistance provided by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of dwindling economy in the country.

He further assured them that the Shared prosperity Government will not abandon them.

“I want to assure you that in us, you have a partner” Uzodimma stated.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for women affairs, Hon. Lady Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu who made the opening remark, disclosed the need for the event as she stated that it is to mark and remember the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed forces fallen soliders and to raise funds to support and assist the families they left behind.

Present at the launch were : The Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, Commissioner for women affairs, Hon. Lady Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu, SA to the Governor on New and Electronic media, Mrs. Nneamaka Okafor, Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Comrade Alfonsus Anyanwu with retired and serving members of the Nigerian Armed forces and other Exco members of the Imo State Government.

Also a minute silence was observed in honor of our nation’s fallen heroes.

GOV. UZODIMMA LAUNCHES THE 2021 EMBLEM IN HONOR OF FALLEN HEROS OF THE ARMED FORCES

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9News Nigeria

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, says spiritual warfare helped prevent deaths during military intervention at the Lekki toll plaza, Lagos state, on October 20.

Controversies have trailed army involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality, particularly the shootings in Lekki.

Speaking on Friday at the decoration of 39 newly promoted major-generals, Buratai said a spiritual warfare seminar held by the army helped in preventing deaths at the protest ground — although there are still controversies on the casualty figure.

The army chief said most of the newly decorated generals are also graduates of spiritual warfare seminar.

“I am glad that we held the Spiritual Warfare Seminar on Wednesday and most of the decorated generals today are graduates of the seminar,” he said.

“I must say that the spiritual warfare seminar we had last time helped us during the last #EndSARS protest to the extent that there was no single corpse, but some persons were seeing double at Lekki toll gate in Lagos state.

“We will continue to protect every law abiding Nigerian anywhere in the country and we will do that in accordance with the rules of engagement and confines of the constitution.”

Buratai said military rule in Nigeria “is over” as democracy is here to stay.

He urged the decorated generals to desist from lobbying for appointments or collaborating with politicians for anti-democratic actions.

“Democracy has come to stay. We will not tolerate any agent of destabilization. The years of military misadventure in politics have never carried us anywhere. It is over,” he said.

“Do not hobnob with politicians. At this rank of two star generals, do not lobby for appointment. If you want to lobby for appointment, lobby the chief of army staff and you can only do this through hard work, discipline and loyalty.

“The crop of officers (39 major generals) decorated yesterday will never be dragged into any interest that is contrary to the sustenance of democracy in our nation.

“All our eyes are on you. We know there are several moves to get your attention. You must make sure that whatever you are doing, and when some persons approach you, you must act within the confines of the constitution.”

A CNN investigation named Victor Sunday Ibanga as a protester who died on the night of the military involvement and linked shells of live rounds found at the scene to the Nigerian army.

The army insisted it fired only blank bullets and did not shoot into the crowd.

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9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has said that the Boko Haram attacks are an international conspiracy to “cut Nigeria to size” and to destabilise the peace of the country.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sagir Musa, stated this, claiming that there are some international paymasters sponsoring Boko Haram. Musa stated this in an article he shared on social media and with journalists.

The army spokesman said, “The recent killing of our people on a rice farm in Borno State was unexpected, inhuman, cowardly, dastardly and sadistic cruelty by the Boko Haram terrorists. There is no normal human being that will take pleasure in such inhuman massacre of defenceless and armless civilians, working on their farms; but that is the nature of terrorism and those who sponsor it.

“There is an international conspiracy to cut Nigeria to size and compromise national renegades making attempts to destabilise and dismember Nigeria if possible in subservience to the international paymasters; who are the owners of Boko Haram. They train them, arm them, finance them and supply their logistics.

“Without this treacherous international support of Boko Haram; they would have since been defeated. Yet, we can defeat them through our unity and unflinching support and encouragement of our security forces, particularly the military.”

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9News Nigeria

Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has ordered troops involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East to swiftly ready themselves to war mode.

According to Peoples Gazette, Buratai lamented a slack in personnel performance that had prolonged the war.

An internal army correspondence seen by the newspaper, titled: “COAS Special Order-01 Change to War Mode,” also directed soldiers deployed in ‘Operation Lafiya Doleé a special anti-terrorism combat squad to treat all individuals in the troubled region as Boko Haram suspects until properly identified.

“All persons must be treated as suspects unless fully identified and cleared especially in isolated, high threat areas, when on clearance operations and check point duties.

“We are not in peacekeeping operations, internal security operations or deterrence actions. This is real war fighting,” the November 20, 2020, directive said.

OPLD Theatre Commander, Farouq Yahaya, also conveyed a follow-up from Buratai to the soldiers, directing them to “quickly identify” and “immediately neutralise” all confirmed terrorist elements.

Rights activist, Emeka Umeagbalasi, worries that the new methodology deployed by Chief of Army Staff portends grave consequences for human rights.

“If that directive is implemented, we are going to witness human rights abuses on an industrial scale,” Umeagbalasi told Peoples Gazette.

“The Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency operations should be done within the confines of international best practices. Superior intelligence and crime detection must be applied considering Boko Haram’s asymmetrical style of operations in the North-East can’t be labeled as terrorists,” he added.

Military authorities had repeatedly assure since 2015 that the decade-long war against insurgency had been won, and the Nigerian Army was merely executing a mop up operation to extinguish remnants of Boko Haram in the North-East.

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9News Nigeria

Brigadier-General AI Taiwo, the Commander 81 of the Military Intelligence Brigade, has explained why the military initially denied its personnel involved in the October 20 shooting at the Lekki tollgate.

Recall that shortly after the incident on October 20, the Nigerian Army via its Twitter handle, denied the involvement of its officers.

Testifying before the Lagos state Judicial panel, Taiwo said the military initially denied because it did not have its fact available.

”The first statement was born out of the fact that we did not have the facts available to us and the second was because nobody was sent to the Lekki tollgate to breakup any protest” he said

Watch the video of him being cross-examined below:

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9News Nigeria

Ambush by suspected bandits in Katsina State have left one soldier dead and others wounded.

Troops under ‘’Operation Sahel Sanity’’ were responding to a distress call about bandits’ activities at Diskuru Village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State when the armed militants opened fire on them.

File Photodailytimetv

Acting Director, Defense Media Operations, Brigadier-General Benerd Onyeuko, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.

Onyeuko said three bandits were killed while others fled into the bush.

He further explained that the troops continued to dominate the village and adjoining environment to deny the bandits any respite, pointing out that regrettably one soldier paid the supreme price in an attempt to save one of the rescued nursing mothers in the heat of the encounter.

Onyeuko said, “The incident was recorded as the marauding bandits stormed the village on several motorcycles, shooting sporadically with the intent to scare the locals and loot valuables. On arrival, the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce fire fight forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

“Resulting from the encounter, three bandits were neutralized by the troops as several others were believed to have escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

“During the exploitation phase, two additional bandits’ bodies were discovered along their withdrawal route. Also in the aftermath of the encounter, three women and their infants earlier kidnapped by the bandits were rescued from the criminals.”

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9News Nigeria

Soldiers manning the gate at the Military Hospital in Ikoyi have stopped the Lagos judicial panel on

EndSARS from assessing the hospital’s mortuary.

The panel, unannounced, on Friday went to the hospital on investigation into the shooting at Lekki tollgate where 15 protesters were reportedly killed.
Witnesses of the Lekki shooting accused the military of taking away the bodies of those killed in the incident.

The panel met resistance as it got to the gate of the hospital.
Ebun Adegboruwa, a member of the panel, told soldiers, who stopped them at the gate, that the panel came to the hospital because it had intelligence that might help with its investigation.

“The facility is relevant to our investigation. We have a pathologist. We are here on the authority of the president, not only the governor,” he said.

“We are following dues process, and it is important we visit the mortuary as it will help our findings.
“If we are not allowed access, we will go back and take other actions. We won’t force ourselves in. We have confidential information that the military hospital here is relevant in the investigation of the Lekki event. We heard this hospital is controlled by 65 battalion, and under the 81 division. We are also taking steps to reach military authorities.”

Adegboruwa said though the panel does not have evidence that there are bodies of those killed at the tollgate in the hospital, it was at the facility to verify the claim that they were.

BENUE INFO-PEDIA

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9News Nigeria

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has denied allegation soldiers opened fire on #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza last Tuesday.

In a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations (ADPR), Major Osoba Olaniyi, the Division however confirmed the involvement of soldiers in restoring order in Lagos following the declaration of curfew by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

It said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki Toll Plaza. This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country.

“At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian. From the onset of the ENDSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos were involved.

“However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24- hour curfew was imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away.

“The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in order to restore normalcy.

“The intervention of the military followed all laid down procedures for Internal Security operations and all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Internal Security operations.

“Finally, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army reiterates Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army. The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation as there is no iota of truth therein.”

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9News Nigeria

Corporal F. Omoh was arrested by the Army Authorities for flogging a woman at UBA Oshodi.

The woman challenged him for jumping the ATM queue. Fortunately, the CCTV recorded everything.

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9News Nigeria

An army colonel, S.B Onifade, who was abducted along the dangerous Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, has been reportedly killed despite his abductors collecting N10 million ransom.

Mr Onifade, a consultant gynaecologist, was abducted at about 3 a.m near Olam Farm area in Kaduna, while traveling on September 27.

According to a report by DAILY NIGERIAN, Onifade was killed on Saturday.

The military authorities are yet to confirm the report.

The Kaduna-Abuja highway is the most notorious axis for kidnappers, despite the police launching “Operation Puff Adder” last year.

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This is to allow more citizens join the army and make more soldiers available to execute the war against terrorism in the North-East region of the country, documents sighted by SaharaReporters have revealed.

As part of the basic requirement for enlistment into the Nigerian Army, interested applicants must now possess “a minimum of four passes in not more than two sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO or NABTEB at O’ Level including English Language”, the document said.

In the internal memo dated August 20 and signed by Lieutenant General L. O. Adeosun on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, he lamented that soldiers were reluctant to dedicate themselves to the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country.

He said that soldiers preferred to take less risky jobs or further their education in order to avoid being enlisted into battle zones.

Adeosun therefore directed that the academic requirement for enlistment into the Nigerian Army be lowered to encourage more members of the public to join the army.

The memo reads, “It has however been observed that a sizeable number of enlisted men and women are reluctant to dedicate themselves to the ongoing Nigerian Army operations against insurgents and bandits.

“They prefer instead to pursue other less risky endeavours or further their education in view of possessing their requisite educational qualification to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

“This is all in a bid to avoid participating in Nigerian Army operations which ought to be a priority. This undesirable trend could be attributed to the emphasis placed on educational qualifications at the expense of passion and commitment to what a soldier stands for.

The memo

“Consequently, I am directed to convey that henceforth, the minimum educational qualification for enlistment into the Nigerian Army shall be the SSCE or its equivalent with minimum of passes including English Language.

“This review would ensure that more willing and committed young Nigerians are given the opportunity to serve in the Nigerian Army without laying emphasis on educational qualifications.”

Last part the memo signed by Lieutenant General L. O. Adeosun

This reduction in academic qualification has now been put in place and effected by the Nigerian Army, according to checks by SaharaReporters.

Old requirement

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9News Nigeria

Nigerian Defence Headquarters’ Director of Information, Maj. Gen. John Eneche has addressed a press conference on the Lekki Toll Gate shooting which many said was perpetrated by soldiers.

Commenting on report of soldiers shooting the protesters, he described it as mere allegations as some military analysts had dismissed as untrue.

Eneche who admitted that the military is involved in internal security operations codenamed ‘Operation MESA’ in nine states, however declined to disclose further details on the joint security task force. He added that Operation MESA is under the control of the state governments, and comprised the Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Defence and police personnel.

He said;

“The issue is not an operation that I can respond to, but I can tell you that it is an allegation, for now; so let us not set the cart before the horse.

“If the matter was still open-ended, I would have had a response for you but it is no longer open-ended, because immediately, not even up to five hours before midnight, the Governor of Lagos set up an inquiry. So, whatever we say now will not be fair to the commission.

“So these operations are still standing and running and I am aware that the state governments are using them in all these capacities, that is internal security.

“The level we are now is internal security and that is why the police proactively came out and then deployed all their force package that are necessary to handle that (violence).”

On absence of security operatives on the streets during the violence and widespread looting in Lagos by hoodlums, Enenche said.

Watch video below;

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9News Nigeria

Nigeria Army says it has arrested the soldier who recorded a video begging his colleagues not to shoot at #EndSARS protesters

The Nigerian Army says it has arrested the soldier who recorded a video begging his colleagues not to shoot at #EndSARS protesters

The soldier now identified as Lance Corporal Harrison Friday, wore a hood in a video he made in which he begged his colleagues not to shoot at end SARS protesters even if they were sent to do so.

In a post shared on its Twitter handle this morning October 21, the Nigerian Army says Harrison carried out ‘cybercrime’ and that he has now been arrested.

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9News Nigeria

Forces beyond our direct control are responsible for Lekki Tollgate massacre.

“This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger.

I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki .

It has taken me this long to make a statement because I have to prioritize the welfare of the victims of this very sad incident.

There are currently 10 patients at the Gen Hospital, 11 at Reddington and 4 at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while 2 are receiving intensive medical care.

3 patients have been discharged & we will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care.

As the Governor of our state, I recognize the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives and livelihood of our residents.

I will give a state broadcast in the morning.
“

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Three new generational bank buildings have been set ablaze along the Admiralty Way in Lekki, Lagos.

The three banks have been identified as Polaris, GTB and Access Bank branches.

Business premises, shopping malls and shops have also been looted by suspected hoodlums in the area.

These incidents happened on Tuesday night following shootings by security agents at #EndSARS protesters demonstrating against police brutality at the Lekki tollgate area.

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9News Nigeria

A resident of the community told SaharaReporters that some students of the school mobilised themselves and protested the arrest of their teacher.

At least five students of Holy Ghost Secondary School, Pave Chanchji, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State have been killed by a special force of the Nigerian Army stationed in the community.

SaharaReporters gathered that one Mr Matthew, a teacher in the school, got married to one of his students named Ngufa Kavga without her father’s consent.

It was learnt that Ngufa’s father reported the matter to the police, who then arrested Matthew alongside some civil defence operatives.

A resident of the community told SaharaReporters that some students of the school mobilised themselves and protested the arrest of their teacher.

The students were said to have called for the release of Matthew so that both families involved could settle the matter amicably.

“Some of the students protested against the arrest of their teacher and demanded that he should be released. But the special force stationed at the village, on seeing the protesting students, immediately invited their colleagues stationed at Kofai Amadu and the combined team of special forces opened fire on the protesting students, killing some.

“Some of them also ran into a nearby river and drowned in the process. Over five corpses have been discovered while many are still missing,” a source told SaharaReporters.

©Sahara Reporters

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9News Nigeria

Army’s special forces arrest Kumaor Fachii, the second in command to the notorious Terwase Akwaza aka Gana, killed last month in Benue state by the special forces.

More Details shortly….

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9News Nigeria

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has married the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq.

According to a report by the Daily Trust, the wedding Fatiha took place on Friday, September 18, 2020, at the Maitama Juma’a Mosque in Abuja.

“It is true that the chief of air staff and the humanitarian affairs minister have gotten married,” one of the sources said.

“Very few people were invited to attend the wedding Fatiha because the couple and those close to them didn’t want to publicize the issue,” he said.

Another source said the two have been in love for some time.

“They have been in a relationship for a while and what happened on Friday has put to rest all the speculations about her relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Nigerian Soldier from 27 TF Bde, Identified as LCpl Victor Ojeamiran committed Suicide at his Duty Post at HQ 27 TF Bde Buni Gari in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.

The deceased soldier shot himself with his personal weapon on the head which resulted to his death.

The late soldier left behind a suicidal note addressed to his wife.

His remains was evacuated for further action while investigation has commenced on the circumstances that led to the incident.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, interred the remains of Lance Corporal Benjamin Collins, who was tortured to death by three senior officers at the Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja, in 2017.

Collins was buried with full military honours at the Guards Brigade cemetery along Kubwa Expressway by soldiers from the Army Headquarters Garrison Battalion.

The funeral was attended by his mother, Mrs Kate Dioma; uncle, Justice Daniel Isiagor of the Federal High Court; lawyer, Dr Johnson Oyewole; and representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

The national flag was presented to the deceased’s mother by Lt. Col. S. Shuaibu on behalf of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Oyewole, who fought to ensure justice for the deceased, thanked the COAS and the Army Headquarters Garrison Battalion for approving the funeral.

A general court martial had in February sentenced Majors Akeem Oseni and Ogbemudia Osawe, and Second Lieutenant Nuhu Dogary to 10 years’ imprisonment for torturing Collins to death.

The officers were found guilty of manslaughter by the GMC comprised of the President, Brig. Gen. G. Umelo; Brig. Gen. S. Aliyu; Brig. Gen, A. Edet; Brig. N. Mohammed; and Cols. K. Ndamadu, T. Agbor, and I. Tanko.

The convicts were said to have moved Collins from a guardroom at Mogadishu Barracks to a bush near the Ihejirika Quarters along the Abuja-Nyanya Expressway, where he was assaulted while in handcuffs and leg chains.

Collins, who hailed from Rivers State, died after the assault, which took place on February 23, 2017, and his corpse was deposited in Asokoro General Hospital morgue.

After the incident, the officers reported to their superiors that Collins, who was held for over two years for travelling to Lagos to see his sick aunt without official permission, had escaped from custody.    ,,

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Air Force has reportedly killed 20 suspected commanders and members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province at Bukar Meram , and Dole, in Borno State , during an airstrike.

The Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Hail Storm , the air component of Operation Lafiya Dole carried out the operations on Monday at the fringes of the Lake Chad region where the terrorists including some of their leaders were killed .

The Coordinator , Defence Media Operations , Maj .Gen . John Enenche, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the airstrike destroyed Bukar Meram , a logistics hub of ISWAP leaders.

The statement was titled, ‘Operation Hail Storm : Air Task Force clears ISWAP leaders and logistics facilities at Bukar Meram , neutralises fighters at Dole in Borno State . ’

It said , “ In continuation of airstrikes being conducted under subsidiary Operation Hail Storm , the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has successfully neutralised some ISWAP commanders and knocked out logistics facilities at Bukar Meram on the fringes of the Lake Chad in Borno State , while also neutralising several terrorists at Dole, a settlement in the Southern part of Borno State . ”

It noted that the air interdiction missions were executed on August 17, on the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating a resurgence of terrorists ’ activities in the two settlements.

Enenche said Bukar Meram , a major ISWAP logistics hub linking other island settlements of the Lake Chad , which also housed several of their fighters and some of their key leaders, was attacked by “ an enhanced force package of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and helicopter gunships which hit designated targets in the area leading to the destruction of the logistics facilities and neutralization of several of the terrorists and their leaders. ”
PUNCH

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A soldier in 202 Battalion of 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama, Borno State, has killed an officer, Lt. Babakaka Ngorgi.

The incident happened around 10:30 am on Wednesday when the soldier approached the officer who was making a call in front of the unit’s headquarters and gunned him down.

The acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, said the soldier had been arrested and is undergoing investigation.

According to him, the general situation in the unit is calm.

Musa in a statement titled, ‘Nigerian soldier suffering from depression kills a subaltern in Borno State’, disclosed that the remains of the deceased officer had been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

It said, “Investigation into the case has since been instituted to determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident. The family of the deceased has already been contacted.

“The Nigerian Army sympathizes and condoles with the family at this trying moment, and pray for the repose of the soul of the departed and grant his family and other loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Nigeria’s defence sector was allocated the sum of N238bn in 2018 and 2019 defend the nation’s borders, and tackle Boko Haram insurgents among other security challenges.

The Punch reports that this allocation for the Army, Navy and Air Force is contained in the 2018 and 2019 Budget Implementation Reports, culled from the website of the Budget Office of the Federation.

It said the defence ministry, the DHQ and the three arms of the military budgeted over N316bn for its operations and programmes in the two years, but that the Federal Government, however, released about N238bn which represents about 75 per cent of the appropriation.

According to the 2018 Budget Implementation Report, the Federal Government appropriated N157bn for capital projects and operations to the military and released N132bn.

Meanwhile, for the 2019 report, the government allocated a total of N159bn for the military’s capital projects and programmes; it later released N106.84bn.

These sums are different from the $1bn which the Federal Government approved from the Excess Crude Account to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East in December 2017.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) thursday said intelligence agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have launched a manhunt for the sponsors of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terror groups to speed up end to the insurgency.

It, however, noted that it is not part of the responsibilities of the military to uncover the sponsors of terrorist groups but to fight and defeat them.

The 10-year-long insurgency is believed to have lasted this long due to financial and logistical supports offered to Boko Haram and other terror franchisees by sponsors from within and outside the country.

There have been allegations that some stakeholders in the war have turned it to a booming business thus making it difficult to end the hostilities.

Briefing journalists thursday in Abuja, Coordinator of Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj-Gen. John Enenche, said intelligence agencies had launched a manhunt for sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria and other foreign collaborators.

Eneche said even though the military was aware that the groups were being sponsored, it would not shirk in its duty to defeat the terrorists, adding that its priority is not to uncover their source of funding or sponsorship.

He said that it is the duty of the NIA and the DSS to find out and disclose the identities of those sponsoring the terrorists and other criminal gangs in the country.

“Our focus has been on arresting them and handing them over to intelligence agencies. We provide kinetic support.Thisday

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army said on Thursday it was not its responsibility to expose sponsors of the Boko Haram sect.

The Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. John Enenche, who disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja, said although the army was aware that some groups were behind Boko Haram , it was not its responsibility to expose the sponsors of the terror group.

Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP), had killed thousands of people and displaced over one million others since the group launched its jihad war in Nigeria in 2009.

According to the media coordinator, the task of identifying the individuals or groups sponsoring the terror group rests squarely with the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

He said: “The kind of weapons these terrorists are using like the gun truck and other sophisticated weapons are expensive and how much are they stealing to procure those arms, that is to say that they are sponsored and heavily funded.

“But like I said, it is not the duty of the military to uncover the sponsors. Our duty is to remain in the frontline and defeat terrorism and other criminalities and that is what we are doing.

“We have the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Security (DSS). It is their responsibility to gather intelligence on the sponsors of the terrorists and not the military.”Ripples

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has said it is not their duty to expose those sponsoring Boko Haram in the country.

Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, stated this at a media briefing on Thursday.

Enenche admitted that the Army knows that some criminal groups have heavy financial backing, but its major task is to fight “terrorism and other criminality”.

He explained that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were responsible for revealing the sponsors.

“It is not the duty of the military to uncover the sponsors.

“Our duty is to remain in the frontline and defeat terrorism and other criminality and that is what we are doing.

“We have the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Security (DSS). It is their responsibility to gather intelligence on the sponsors of the terrorists and not the military,” Enenche maintained.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

At least 10 Nigerian soldiers were killed on Saturday evening when Boko Haram terrorists struck in Damboa community in Borno State on Saturday evening.

The soldiers were on patrol when they were attacked and killed some metres from Damboa town.

According to a resident of the community, who spoke with SaharaReporters, Lt Malgwi and nine of his soldiers were killed during the attack by the terrorists.

The incident has since sent panic across the area with residents said to be fleeing the community for fear of another attack by the insurgents.

©Sahara Reporters

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Troops of Operation Lafeya Dole have killed 53 terrorists during clashes that spanned one week, including the counter attack in Monguno, Borno State while jet fighters eliminated scores of insurgents in Garin Maloma on the fringes of Sambisa Forest in a subsidiary operation tagged “Long Reach”.

However, two soldiers were killed during the fierce Monguno encounter.

Military authorities said troops carried out several aggressive clearance operation at various locations within the theatre, including a daring counter-attack on Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate Monguno town.

The counter attack by own troops at Monguno resulted in the neutralisation of 51 terrorists and the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment, as well as the rescue of 33 captives, amongst others.

On the Garin Maloma air strikes, the military said the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole destroyed a compound housing some high-value Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) leaders and neutralised some of their fighters at Garin Maloma on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

This was achieved through massive air strikes executed to mark the launch of Operation Long Reach, a new subsidiary operation in the theatre, which commenced on June 26, 2020.

“The attack at Garin Maloma, a major node in the BHT’s line of communication in the Sambisa Forest axis, was undertaken based on credible intelligence reports as well as days of surveillance missions indicating that the terrorists had begun using one of the compounds in the settlement for accommodation and training of their fighters.

“Accordingly, the ATF dispatched an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and fighter jets to attack the location. Overhead the target area, many BHT fighters were observed in the vicinity of settlement, with a few around the solar panel-mounted, High Value Target (HVT) location”, it said.

The update issued by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets engaged the location in successive waves of attacks leading to significant damage to numerous structures as well as killing of several terrorists.

“Some terrorists, who survived the first few waves and converged around the rubble near the damaged HVT compound, were taken out in subsequent follow-on attacks”, it said.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the forfeiture of the sum of N426.7 million belonging to an Army General, Brigadier General John Ozigi.
The court gave the order on Friday in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) .

The EFCC in the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/1094/18 alleged that a total sum of N426.704,820.88 found in the accounts of a firm, Diamond Head Ventures and Development Company Limited linked to Ozigi.

According to the EFCC, the money was found in the firm’s Zenith Bank and Polaris Bank accounts, adding that they were reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.

An officer of the anti-graft agency, Clever Ibrahim, said in an affidavit that the money was not commensurate with Ozigi’s earnings in the Nigerian Army, adding that Ozigi’s salary is N750,000.

Ibrahim further claimed that Ozigi had been confronted with the EFCC’s investigative findings and that he had expressed his willingness to return the money to the Federal Government.

EFCC counsel, Mark Anana, had urged the presiding judge, Justice Muslim Hassan to make an order permanently forfeiting the N426m to the FG but the judge directed that Ozigi be put on notice to enable him to come to court to give reasons, if he had any, why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the FG.
While delivering his judgment on Friday, Justice Hassan held that Ozigi failed to satisfy the court with concrete evidence why the money should not be forfeited to Federal Government.

He said: “The application has met the conditions stipulated in Section 17 of the Advanced Free Fraud and Related Offences Act.

“The application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Military says it will accept the offer of the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau to surrender.

It said that if Shekau follows the laid down procedures for surrendering during conflict or war, the military will profile him according to international standard.

The Coordinator of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Channels TV “Shekau’s recently released videos are subjected to forensic analysis.

There are rumours that they are ready to surrender. If the insurgents truly want to surrender, there is a procedure to do that.

If he (Shekau) surrenders through the procedure, we will accept it,” he said It would be recalled that the Military authorities recently said that with the grand offensive mounted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria against Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP), the body language of Shekau, is that of surrender.

Meanwhile the military through the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, said it destroyed compounds housing Boko Haram terrorists’ leaders at Bulawa in Sambisa Forest, Borno State. In a statement signed by Major General Enenche, the air strikes were executed on 21 April based on credible human intelligence reports as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that led to the identification of the target compounds within the settlement.

He said fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force to take out the compounds accurately hit the target area leading to the destruction of some of the structures as well as the neutralization of some of the terrorists occupying the compounds.

He noted that Boko Haram fighters, who attempted to reposition to engage the attacking aircraft, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the jets.

In another report, Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at Katsina Ala, Benue state and those of Sector 4 drawn from parts of Taraba state carried out a special raid operation on the 22nd April, on a suspected militia camp located at Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum LGA of Benue state.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The federal government has acquired 17 new armoured tanks and artillery vehicles to tackle insecurity and insurgency in the country.

Army Chief of Policy and Plans, Lt-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, disclosed this to journalists in Lagos. He said that the sophisticated machines and equipment were facilitated by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) through the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in Lagos.

Adeosun said that the process of acquiring the equipment had been on for long, saying that the process had been accomplished with the delivery of the armament to the country.

He said: ”We are here to witness the receipt of the armament, which the government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Defence has procured for the Nigeria Army.

“You can see how serious the government of Nigeria is in making sure that not only is the Army re-equipped as necessary, but to ensure that the insecurity problem we are having all over the country are tackled not only with trained personnel, but the required equipment.

“We can see for ourselves, this is just a tip of the iceberg and many others are still coming, but it is important that we all see that both the military and the government are really very serious in tackling the security problems across the nation,” he stated.

According to him, the equipment acquired from China, are heavy and light tanks and two types of artillery heavy guns.

“They are new ones, the latest technology in tank and artillery armament is what you are seeing. Before today, the first set of 15 40-feet containers offloaded from the sea, made up of spare parts and accessories, for all these equipment. Those ones are already on their way to their various destinations,” he stated.

Buratai Inducts 55 All-terrain Buffalo Cars

Also yesterday, the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, commissioned 55 Buffalo 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles to increase the mobility and combat sufficiency of troops against the boko haram terrorists in the Northeast zone.

Buratia, who was represented by the chief of Logistics, Maj-Gen. Joel Uniugbe, said that the model of vehicles is an asset and a force-multiplier, particularly in the Northeast where the armed forces is conducting operations.

“This model of vehicle is an asset and indeed a force multiplier particularly in the Northeast terrain where the Armed Forces of Nigeria are conducting operations against boko haram criminals.

“It is, therefore, my belief that the vehicles will increase the mobility and combat efficiency of troops in mission areas,” he said

Buratai said that the strategic directive of the COAS for 2020 is to sustain logistics support for all Nigerian Army formations/units in operations.

He said: “All the formations and units of the Nigerian Army across the country have continued to be issued with various types of vehicles for troops’ mobility, movement of logistics and combat manoeuvres.

“These include Toyota Hiluxes, Buffaloes, Innoson Motor vehicles and Peugeot amongst others. Accordingly, today, I’m privileged to becommissioning on behalf of the chief of army staff, 55 Buffalo four- wheel all-terrain vehicles,” he stressed.

Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover 3 Gun Trucks

Meanwhile, the military in continuation of the ongoing aggressive operations in the Northeast Theatre of Operation has neutralised two boko haram terrorists, recovered three gun trucks, and other weapons in clearance operations.

A press statement issued by the acting director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, said that the feat was achieved when troops of 3 Battalion/Quick Response Force Army Super Camp 11, Gamboru in Borno State on targeted patrol engaged in a fierce battle with some boko haram/ISWAP marauders in a convoy of seven gun trucks and motorcycles approaching the battalion’s location at about 1800 hours on 7th April, 2020.”

He said that troops overpowered the terrorists who withdrew in disarray and were aggressively pursued up to Wurge axis by the gallant troops/the Quick Response Force.

“The fierce fire fight led to the death of two terrorists and an unconfirmed number were wounded,” he said.

The items recovered from the insurgents after the exploitation included three gun trucks, two anti -aircraft guns, two AK-47 rifles, one HK-21 rifle and one Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube.

Others were Multi Links, 101.5 mm ammunition, two magazines and a Bluetooth speaker with boko haram terrorists’ victory song.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Military authorities thursday denied any plans to enforce a nationwide lockdown friday.

It said media reports to that effect were speculative and unfounded.

Some reports had claimed the Nigerian Army via a memo issued to army formations was preparing to forcibly transfer the sick to hospital and enforce curbs on movement to try to shield the country from the COVID-19 and is leasing equipment for “possible mass burial,”according to an army memo seen by Reuters.

But a statement issued by the Nigerian Army Headquarters said such publication was “false, vexatious” and designed to cause chaos.

“It has come to the notice of the Nigerian Army and the general public some misleading publications in a section of the media with the title: ‘Federal Government to Enforce Military Lockdown on Friday.’

“The Nigerian Army wishes to dissociate itself from such false, speculative and vexatious publication designed by certain mischievous elements to create chaos, panic and disaffection in the society that could only serve the ulterior motives of its promoters,” it said.

The statement signed by Army spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, said the document in question was a proactive directive for the army to prepare for possible escalation of the pandemic.

“To put the record straight, the document being quoted was a proactive directive for the Nigerian Army to prepare for possible escalation of the COVID -19 based on the happenings around the world on the pandemic.
©Thisday

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Authorities of the Nigeria Army are preparing for a lockdown following the outbreak and continued spread of Coronavirus in the country.

In a classified document from the office of Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai, addressed to Army Headquarters and seen by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, personnel were advised to be on the alert as they could be deployed to various parts of the country in the coming days to help in the fight against Coronavirus in Nigeria.

The document further said that the army may likely get involved in an operation codenamed SECOND ELEVEN to help stop the spread of the virus.

The document signed by Lt Gen L.O. Adeosun, ordered commanders at all levels to suspend all events involving large gatherings such as meetings, briefings and conferences.

It also ordered suspensions of all foreign courses, conferences, seminars and other overseas trips by personnel.

The memo reads, “All Nigeria Army schools and training centres including the Army War College are to be closed down, while the closing hour for all formations and units has been pegged to 4:00pm except for those on essential duties.

“Planning on lease of excavators, truck, water tankers and other relevant vehicles to aid OP SECOND ELEVEN in the area of possible mass burial, water and essential food/drug supplies, forceful transfer of the sick to the hospital, enforcement of government movement restriction order, etc will be part of it.”

The activation of Op SECOND ELEVEN will see military personnel securing major food stores and government storage facilities for essential goods from looting, while also coordinating with the police and other law enforcement agencies in enforcing the restriction of movement and other directives from government.

While ordering immediate suspension of all leave and passes, Nigeria Army personnel are directed to be on maximum security alert and be ready for deployment as may be required.

“Commanders are to equally commence necessary training and drills in anticipation of possible activation of OP SECOND ELEVEN,” the memo states.

The memo, copied to all military formations across the country, admonishes personnel to abide strictly by the preventive guidelines issued by health authorities while urging anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 to report to the nearest military medical post for checks.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday called on the Armed Forces to intensify actions to bring the insurgency to put to a speedy conclusion,” Buhari made the call at State House, Abuja, at the inauguration of the National Humanitarian Coordination Committee chaired by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

“I wish to commend our Armed Forces for their commitment towards eliminating the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and securing the affected communities for the resettlement and rehabilitation of affected populations. I urge our Armed Forces to put more efforts to bring the insurgency to a speedy conclusion”.

The president, who charged the armed forces to make clinical finishing of the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents, said the rehabilitation of devastated communities was set to begin in earnest.

He said his government would ensure that permanent peace and stability returned to the troubled Northeast. Buhari said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was established last year to also harmonise all humanitarian activities in the region for greater effectiveness apart from its mandate to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of national and International humanitarian interventions, among others.

“As a result of the mindless actions of the terrorists, many of our compatriots have been killed, maimed, or displaced from their communities. This necessitated the efforts of this administration to develop immediate interventions and measures to alleviate the sufferings of those affected, and to ensure their proper resettlement,” he said.

Buhari, who hailed local and international partners for their assistance over time, assured them of continued government commitment.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

A Corporal of Nigerian Army serving at the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Army Super Camp 15, located at Malam Fatori, Borno State, has opened fire on colleagues killing four and injuring two before killing himself.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement on Wednesday, said the incident took place on Wednesday morning.

Mr Musa said that the wounded personnel in the incident where currently in stable condition at the Nigerian army hospital in Maiduguri.

According to him, efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the gallant colleagues who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“May their gentle souls Rest In Peace.

“Meanwhile, investigation into the case has since been instituted to determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident,” he said.

NAN

9News Nigeria

Two petty traders were rushed to the hospital in Abeokuta, Ogun state today February 20th after being hit by stray bullets from gunshots fired by SARS officers. According to reports, the traders who carry out their trade at the Olomore Market were in their shops when operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force ran into the market. The SARS operatives were reportedly engaging an internet fraudster also known as Yahoo boy,  in a hot chase when they openned fire in the market. Stray bullets from the SARS officers’ gunshots hit the two pepper sellers. One of the victims was shot in the head and the other was shot in the leg. They are currently being treated in a nearby hospital. Meanwhile other traders took to the street to protest the avoidable attack.  

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Barely days after Vanguard’s report published last week on the discrepancy in the salary paid soldiers in Nigerian Army, against that of airmen and ratings in the Airforce and Navy respectively, the soldiers, who petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari to draw his attention to their plight, yesterday expressed delight that the issue had been resolved in their favour.

Letter to the President

The soldiers had in their petition to the President, stated: ‘’Good day sir, we humbly wish to request your attention to the discrepancy in our salary. Mr President, we the entire soldiers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are disappointed with the way we are treated among our fellow Armed Forces colleagues.

‘’We, the land Army do much of the job in and outside the country but receive peanut as salary. Sir is it that we are different from Navy and Airforce? Or our service is not required? If so, please let us know .

‘’We can’t be starving ourselves for our country and our service is not recognised. We are doing police work all over the country, dying everyday and night, leaving our families in hunger, no good gratuity after our death.

‘’We are no more interested in dying for our country since there is no justice among our fellow Armed Forces personnel. Imagine a rating in the Navy and Airforce receiving more than a Sergeant in Nigerian Army, who must have served more than 16 years in service.

‘’On December 12, 2019, a token was paid to us when we were hoping to receive our new national minimum wage. Only N2,000 was added to my salary. Is that the new minimum wage sir?

‘’Mr President, our colleagues in the Air Force and Navy received N70, 000 as salary last month but those of us in the Army received N50,000, the gap is wide. Is it that ourcolleagues in the Navy and Airforce are doing more work than those of us in the Army?

‘’Mr President Sir, our Generals are killing us and you are aware that no action has been taken against them till today.
‘’We are told that we will be paid via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information, IPPIS, system but up till date, the Nigerian Army Finance Department is still the one paying us.’’

However, yesterday, the soldiers expressed delight at the fact that the issues they raised in their petition had been addressed.

When the story was published last week, a top official of the Army who pleaded anonymity, admitted that there were mistakes, promising that the issue would be addressed.
Kudos to Vanguard

The soldiers’ statement issued yesterday read: ‘’I want to really appreciate you and the team of editors and Vanguard as a whole.

‘’Just yesterday (Friday), the Nigerian Army credited our accounts with the sum of N20,000 (PTE-CPL),N25,000 (SGT-SSGT). Without your efforts and discretion, we wouldn’t have achieved this.

‘’Though I’m yet to receive mine due to delays in banks, I believe everyone is benefiting from the pay. Silence has made us suffer for so long.’’

Faulty IPPIS implementation

Meanwhile, the faulty implementation of the Federal Government’s Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System, IPPIS, policy by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Ministry of Finance on the payment of salaries and allowances for officers and men of the military is causing disquiet in the system, investigations by Vanguard have shown.

Situations have arisen where the salary of an Army captain, for instance, had been paid to a Colonel, while that of a Brigadier General had been paid to a Colonel, thus causing discomfort for those affected.

A major once got an alert that showed the salary of a Brigadier General before IPPIS attention was drawn to it and it was rectified.

Currently what applies to the armed forces is the implementation of the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure, CONAFSS, so there is no possibility about one service receiving higher than another.

Last December 2019 for instance, the authorities were able to manage a bubble that threatened to bust when IPPIS paid troops (soldiers) salaries on December 12 and excluded the minimum wage increment.

Navy and Airforce personnel were not paid until December 31. When they were paid, the minimum wage increment was added to Navy and Air force, leaving soldiers to start murmuring. The increment was later paid separately to the soldiers.

This faulty implementation got to a head with the payment of January salaries of military personnel, particularly soldiers, ratings and airmen cadre when soldiers cried out over alleged discrepancies in salaries received after the new minimum wage additions were made.

Investigations revealed that contrary to what soldiers were saying that only N2,000 increment was added to their salary and N23,000 to the salaries of their counterparts in the Navy and Air force, no such addition was made as the same increment for Army is what was applicable to both the Navy and Air Force.

Rather, what happened was that IPPIS added allowances meant for payment of lodging and rent allowance, meant for naval ratings and airmen of the NAF into the salaries of the personnel without distinguishing such, which ought to have been done.

Ratings and airmen who were fully accommodated by their services and were, therefore, not entitled to lodging and rent allowances were not paid anything extra.

Preferential treatment

Vanguard discovered that currently, there are about 138 barracks built across the country by the Nigerian Army which accommodate officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and their families, and more are still being built, hence all troops of the Army, unlike other sister services, are accommodated in the barracks.

Reason of regimentation demands of the Nigerian Army, like mandatory physical training exercises, range classification, medical cross examinations, among others, which are almost daily routines make it imperative that soldiers live in the barracks.

While this is not the same with the Navy and Airforce, it was discovered that close to 60 per cent of personnel of both the Navy and Air Force are not as lucky as the Army with barracks accommodation, leaving them with no choice but rented accommodation.

Consequently, these ratings and airmen, including some who are paired in three per flat, are entitled to lodging or rent allowances. And payment of these allowances is supposed to be separated from payment of salaries.

However, IPPIS implementers made the grave mistake of adding the rent and lodging allowances of Navy and Airforce non-commissioned personnel to their salaries which now increased their pay by N23,000.

“The truth of the matter is that the soldier knows we don’t get rent allowances as we are accommodated, unlike our navy and air force counterparts.

‘’The mistake has been acknowledged by IPPIS and the mistake would not be allowed to happen again,’’ said a senior officer who pleaded anonymity.

An officer disclosed that but for the mistakes, soldiers know that the Nigerian Army under the current leadership was fighting tooth and nail to better their welfare.

An instance was given of 2019 when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, approved payment of both allowances to troops for three quarters as a means of boosting morale and improving welfare.

This is aside increased operational allowances paid daily and monthly which troops get as at when due, to encourage and support their commitment to achieving mandates of defeating several security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy and herdsmen menace, among others.

Vanguard

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State has debunked allegation that its officers arrested 40 IPOB members on Friday at Ubakala junction in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state said to be going for burial of parents to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Commander of 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Solomon Kumapayi and the Brigade spokesman, Iliya Dauda couldn’t be reached for comments at the Tuesday time of this report but a source in the brigade who preferred anonymity denied such allegation.

But the military source said that it was police that made some arrests.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Ene Okon denied arresting 40 persons.

Okon however said that they only arrested four persons with guns in Umuahia around the busy Okpara Square through the efforts of its officers on duty in the area.

The State Police Chief also said that there was nothing to identify the suspects as IPOB members, unless IPOB is claiming that they were their members.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has finally reacted to the call for the sack of service chiefs.

Nigerians have been calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the service chiefs in light of the growing insecurity in the country.

In a recent interview, Buratai urged the President not to be pressured into sacking service chiefs.

He said sacking the security heads would not solve the problem, adding that the President knows what the issues are.

He said, “I am tempted not to comment on this particular issue because I am directly involved.

“However, I want to believe that whatever happens, the commander-in-chief is the right arbiter, and he knows where it pinches, he knows where the problems are. I think the decision should be left to him. He should not be pushed or prompted in this regard.”

Speaking further, Buratai said the Boko Haram insurgency was at a phase where everyone, including lawmakers must collectively work together to end the terror reign.

He said, “This is why when you say a particular crop of leaders in the military should be removed for whatever reason, it sounds very odd because we are not addressing the issues.

“I am not saying this because I am the Chief of Army Staff and I do not want to leave. No, that is not the issue. It is beyond that because this is a national issue, an issue of national pride and national interest.

“Those who would cry loudly against the service chiefs are within, and they are the ones who should be more vocal in the things that are not going right.”
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9News Nigeria

Three Nigerian soldiers were found guilty of manslaughter on Friday February 7, and subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison by the general court-martial that sat at the army headquarters in Abuja. While an Army Captain identified simply as Amosu was acquitted of the charges in the trial which spanned for three years, Akeem Oseni and Ogbemudia Osawe (both majors) and Nuhu Dogary( second lieutenant) were found guilty of torturing Collins Benjamin, a lance corporal to death. The crime is punishable under section 105 of the Armed Forces Act 2004 by life imprisonment. Premium Times reported that Benjamin died after being asked to “forward roll” in a football pitch at Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja on February 23, 2017. Osawe and Dogary have been remanded in prison custody as it was further learnt that Oseni has since been at large after taking permission to use the toilet after the judgement was passed. The Nigerian police and the State Security Service have already been alerted to arrest the fleeing soldier.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has charged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) deployed at Madagali in Adamawa not to give terrorists any breathing space.

Buratai, while addressing the troops during a visit on Sunday, urged them to maintain the current tempo of onslaught against the insurgents.

He said that government would provide the needed supports to enable them prosecute the war against insurgency and other criminal activities in the country.

Buratai commended the troops for their gallantry in dealing with the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the region.

“I am glad to be here with you because this is one of the areas that have been quite strategic in the operation of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD).

“You have done great and I want to commend you for standing firm against all the criminals whatever name they called themselves whether Boko Haram, ISWAP or bandits.

“Do not give them any breathing space. That means you must go out at all times, day and night, whether rain or sun shine and make sure you deal with them.

Read Also: Insurgency: NAF graduates 13 new fighter pilots

“These criminals want to bulkanise our country and we must not allow it,” he said.

Buratai said that the welfare package of the troops would also be improved on from the 2020 in line with the promise of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the army authorities will continue to provide befitting accommodation for the troops’ families back in the barracks.

“Schools will also be improved upon and you are very much aware of the improvement in the schools like Command Secondary Schools and Command Children Schools.

“Be rest assured that we will do everything possible to improve on them to make them more conducive.

“This is the job and you must do it at all times and I assure you that we will not leave you behind, we will carry you along,” he added. (NAN)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Five days ago, specifically on November 24th instant, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Federation turned 59.

When he was born in the sleepy town of Buratai in Borno State, little did anyone, probably even his parents, know that he was going to grow up and play a very decisive role in keeping Nigeria as one corporate entity.

With a budget that is a mere fraction of the annual budget of the New York Fire Service, General Tukur Buratai has been leading the Nigerian Army with credibility and distinction.

With very obsolete equipment that he inherited from his predecessor four years ago, Buratai has led the Nigerian troops to recapture the many local government areas that Boko Haram had seized and were administrating with unprecedented wickedness.

Of course the Nigerian Army, or the military in general, has benefitted hugely since the advent of the Buhari Administration In May 2015, but the government itself is seriously co tending with dearth of resources, making it unable to do the best it plans for the military.

While the Nigerian Army has since been overstretches, keeping the peace or warding off insurgency in at least 32 states of the Nigerian federation, and doing everything to as much as ensure we continue to cohabit in peace, some politicians have unfortunately been sponsoring campaigns of calumny against it, particularly the Army leadership, such that many politicians that get defeated in free and fair elections find in the Nigerian Army a whipping boy who they unfairly blame for their failures in the polls.

There are also other politicians who are unpatriotically doing all they could to divide the army along religious or tribal lines, without according a thought to the inherent dangers in so doing.

Yet, General Buratai has taken all the attacks and insults in his stride, refusing to allow subversive elements to distract him from the credible governance he is giving in the largest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

With hugely inadequate budget and a section of soldiers that tend to get demoralized by the ceaseless attacks and incitement from a section of the media, it has been Buratai’s task to literally squeeze water out of stone and get the best out of the troops. Such is the testament of his exceptional leadership qualities that the Army Chief has been doing exactly that, and giving Nigeria a lot more, especially in terms of leading by example.

It is common knowledge that since his appointment, Buratai has refused to be an arm-Chair General. To inspire his troops, he visits them regularly in the trenches, where he dines with them and also partake in the battle aimed at entrenching the peaceful Nigeria of our collective dreams.

Last week, I was on a visit to a Brigadier General friend in the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, one of the many brainchildren of General Buratai, and the man told me that in his over thirty years in military service, Nigerian Army has never had it so good.

Under the leadership of this rare Nigerian, monetary allowances that are due for soldiers get paid promptly, and will only be delayed if funds are not released to the Army.
General Buratai, perhaps because he Heigl’s from Borno, the state where insurgency has been mostly pronounced, knows that only ignorance and illiteracy will drive someone to commit suicide bombings or even be a member of Boko Haram. He therefore decided to confront the problem headlong by first, ensuring a massive improvement in the standard of teaching and learning in all command secondary schools, and cap it all by establishing the Army University in the city of Biu. By these measures, more and more young men and women will get the benefit of quality education, and will never allow themselves to serve as tools in the wicked hands of terrorists.

Yet, very strangely, there are many Nigerians that have been finding fault in the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to retain the service chiefs. In the case of Buratai, the President who knows more than everyone else about the challenges faced by our armed forces, is seriously impressed by what has been achieved in the light of very limited resources.

Though neither Buratai nor any of the service Chiefs is indispensable, Mr. President is aware of the serious danger of changing them at this time when a lot of success is being achieved, with hundreds of insurgents surrendering everyday to the Army, and the recalcitrant ones either getting arrested or killed. As the popular saying goes, you don’t change a winning number,
What therefore, the Army needs is the collective support of all Nigerians. As General Buratai once told the management of Sun newspaper when they paid him a courtesy call in the Army Headquarters recently, the war against insurgency will be easily won with the active support of the media and Nigerians in general.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Ngoske on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State .
The operation was carried out by the Air Task Force of the Operation Lafiya Dole on Wednesday after intelligence reports indicated that the hideout was one of the areas where the terrorists launched attacks on army locations .

The air force said on Thursday that fighter aircraft were thereafter called in to strike the terrorists ’ location .

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola , said the terrorists , who attempted to flee the location , were also mopped up in follow- up attacks by the jets .

He said , “ The operation was conducted pursuant to credible intelligence reports indicating that the settlement was one of the locations being used by the fighters as a staging area from where they attacked own troops ’ positions in the southern part of the state . Accordingly , the ATF detailed its aircraft to attack the location .

“ Overhead the target area, over 30 terrorists were spotted near a large building surrounded by other smaller structures.

The location was subsequently engaged by the attack aircraft , destroying some of the structures and neutralising the terrorists . NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the North- East .”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday condemned the alleged arrest of prominent members of the party in Bayelsa State by soldiers of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major Gen Jamil Sahram.

Bayelsa State PDP Chairman, Hon Moses Cleopas, accused the GOC of using the men under his command, especially the Commander of the Artillery Brigade, Lt Col Wase, to perpetrate electoral fraud in Bayelsa.

He said that Gen Sarham was spearheading the desperate attempt to rewrite the results of the election to rig it in favour òf the APC.

He said that soldiers under the command of Sarham had commenced indiscriminate of arrest PDP leaders in Ogbia.
Read Also: Kogi 2019: Wada rejects outcome
Among those in custody are the Council Chairman, Hon Ebinyon Turner; two lawmakers, Hon Gibson Munalayefa and Mrs. Naomi Ogoli.

Cleopas lamented that while PDP members were being arrested and taken to unknown destination, the election results for Ogbia were also being rewritten.

The PDP chairman wondered why the Nigerian Army would allow itself to be used as a tool to subvert democracy in the country.

He said that the PDP had already won the election with the original results from the polling units where proper voting took place on Saturday.

He urged the observers to note the brazen acts of impunity by the Army to rig the election and subvert the will of the Bayelsa people.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has approved the redeployment and appointment of five Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals to new formations nationwide.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the posting was a routine exercise to reinvigorate the system for greater professional efficiency.

Giving details of the new appointments and postings, Musa said Maj.-Gen F.O Agugo, the erstwhile Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation had been appointed the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Port Harcourt.

He disclosed that Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, the former General Officer Commanding 6 Division had been appointed the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna.

“Maj.-Gen. C.O Ude was redeployed from Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Chad to Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja and appointed Director Nigerian Army Consult.

“Others include; Maj.-Gen I.M Yusuf from Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja to Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force Ndajamena, Chad as Commander.

“Maj.-Gen. E.N Njoku has been redeployed from Defence Headquarters to Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation as the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army),” he said.

He also said Brig.-Gen. E.J Amadasun from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Kontagora, has been moved to 35 Brigade Abeokuta as Commander.

Musa added that Brig.-Gen. A.M Adetayo had been moved from Department of Army Transformation and appointed as the Chief of Staff Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery.

“Brig.-Gen. L.M Zakari was posted from Defence Headquarters Abuja to Nigerian Army Institute of Science, Education and Technology, Ilorin, as Acting Commandant.

“Brig.-Gen. E.E. Ekpenyong is posted from Nigerian Army Ordnance School, Ojo, Lagos to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps Yaba, Lagos as Director of Land Service Ammunition.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Buratai has charged them to take their new responsibilities seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to service and the nation. All the appointments take immediate effect,” he said. (NAN)

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria