Tribute to Mr. Stanley Mshelia (Ya Sta)

By: Kwapchi Bata Hamman

I always find it difficult to write a tribute when a close one passes. The last time I wrote one was on 24th December 2015, when my father passed away. Tributes remind me of memories though good to share in order to ease the pain of loss but for me, I have often lacked the courage to put my emotions into words. I have experienced many deaths, and each time, the pain remains. I never had the courage to openly share my deepest grief.

Today, however, I have taken the bold step to write this tribute to a very special boss—one every young person and beginner would wish to have as a supervisor and mentor.

Ya Sta, as we fondly called you, was not just a boss but an exceptional leader. He discovered my potential in the journalism profession from the very first audition I did as an intern in the NTA Maiduguri Newsroom. He never underestimated my knowledge or ability. I was the “baby” (and a bit naughty) in the newsroom then. I had the great opportunity of being guided by Ya Sta, Mohammed Umar, Charles Bula, Idris Akanmu, Evelyn Onyilo, Lydia Samson, Aliyu Mshelia, and the late Jemima Bassi.

As Head of News, Stanley Mshelia took a special interest in me. He encouraged the editors to assign me tasks that some thought I could not handle, but I managed to deliver though not without some hurdles along the way. He once gave me the nickname(Kwapchi Kwapsy) after I failed to deliver on a particular assignment, a situation that nearly got the station into trouble.

Despite that, he never stopped pushing me to actualize my dreams, nor was he discouraged from supporting me to become a reporter. I learnt from him that hard work never goes unrewarded. On days I did well, I always received a tip from him, and that shaped how I interact with people in my own work environment.

As I mourn his death, which came as a shock, I remain deeply grateful for his unwavering support and trust, which have been instrumental in my growth and development. Thank you for believing in me, for challenging me to reach new heights, and for creating an environment where I could thrive.

Your leadership as Head of News at NTA Maiduguri Zonal Network Centre not only inspired me professionally but also personally. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your guidance and will always cherish the lessons learned and the memories shared.
I pray God grants your wife divine strength to bear this irreparable loss,a loss to heavy for any person to bear. and to all your loved ones, may the cherished moments remain ever green in our hearts

Thank you for being such an amazing boss and mentor.
Kwapchi Bata Hamman
2nd August 2025

Tribute to Mr. Stanley Mshelia (Ya Sta)

Troops neutralise bandit, destroy camps in Benue clearance operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have neutralised a bandit and destroyed several criminal hideouts during a clearance operation around Tatough general area in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with local hunters, targeted identified hotspots including Mdoor, Anter, Tse-Gegu, Tse-Akaajime, Tse-Agam, and Ndor villages.

A statement issued by the OPWS Headquarters on Sunday in Makurdi said the troops came under fire at Tse-Akaajime village, prompting a brief but intense firefight which led to the neutralisation of one bandit, while others escaped into the bush.

Items recovered from the scene included two Tecno mobile phones and three motorcycles suspected to have been used for coordinating criminal activities.

The troops subsequently destroyed all identified bandit camps within the area, denying the criminals the opportunity to regroup or re-establish presence.

The statement also disclosed that the operation was conducted alongside the escort of bereaved family members to Tse-Ayele village for burial, demonstrating the military’s support for local communities.

Meanwhile, troops deployed at Tatough have continued aggressive foot and perimeter patrols, maintaining a strong security presence to reassure residents and deter further criminal activity.

The Acting Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade and Sector 1 OPWS, Col. K.O. Bukoye, commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and commitment to duty.

He urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing efforts to rid Benue State of criminal elements and restore lasting peace.

Troops neutralise bandit, destroy camps in Benue clearance operation

Troops recover arms cache in Benue clearance patrol

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a clearance patrol in Tse Adudu, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, conducted on Aug. 2, followed credible intelligence reports about the activities of armed criminal herdsmen suspected of destroying farmlands in Akpiti village, Gbanga/Tongo council ward.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Joint Task Force Headquarters, the troops responded swiftly to the intelligence and advanced towards a farm settlement where herders had reportedly been grazing cattle illegally on cultivated farmland.

On sighting the soldiers, the suspects reportedly fled into the nearby bushes, abandoning their cattle.

A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition concealed in a makeshift hut and wrapped in a protective blanket.

The Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism in confronting threats to rural communities.

He also praised residents for their patriotism and cooperation in providing actionable intelligence that led to the recovery.

Gara reaffirmed the commitment of the joint task force to restore lasting peace, enhance food security, and support socio-economic development across the operational area.

He called on members of the public to sustain their support for security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information.

Troops recover arms cache in Benue clearance patrol