Army troops neutralised 5 Boko Haram insurgents in renewed offensive in Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

The ongoing military onslaught under Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another feats, with the successful neutralisation of five Boko Hara fighters in the notorious Ladin Buttu axis of Sambisa Forest.

The recent encounter, which resulted in the recovery of arms and critical supplies, reinforced the renewed momentum of the Nigerian military’s intensified offensive operations deep into insurgent-held enclaves within the forest.

Ladin Buttu, a known terrorist transit and logistics hub, particularly for water access, had long served as a strategic hideout for insurgents operating within the fringes of the forest. But under the latest push by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, it has become the latest flashpoint in a string of aggressive operations designed to dismantle remnants of terrorist infrastructure.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops made contact with the terrorists during a clearance patrol and engaged them in a fierce firefight. Five terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.Recovered from the scene were three AK-47 rifles, five loaded magazines, and other military ordnance.

The operation, forms part of a broader recalibrated campaign by the Theatre consequent upon the visit of the COAS who has ordered intensified ground raids and aerial surveillance across Sambisa, Timbuktu Triangle, and parts of the Lake Chad fringes in a bid to cripple the operational capacities of the Boko Haram and ISWAP factions.

Army troops neutralised 5 Boko Haram insurgents in renewed offensive in Sambisa Forest

Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women

By: Michael Mike

In a landmark move to promote gender justice and human dignity, His Royal Highness, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, Paramount Ruler of Uyo Kingdom, has issued a binding public declaration abolishing all forms of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices within the Uyo community.
 
The declaration was made on 8th May 2025, follows months of in-depth consultations with elders, youth leaders, religious figures, women’s groups, and the broader community. In collaboration with the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and UN Women, with funding from Ford Foundation, the initiative reflects a unified stand against practices that have long endangered the rights and well-being of women and girls.
 
According to His Royal Highness
Effective immediately, the following practices are abolished within the State:
Wife battery and all forms of domestic violence; Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); Denial of inheritance rights to widows and other forms of economic disempowerment; Sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation
 
His Royal Highness emphasised that any individual found promoting, practising, or defending these outlawed acts will face both traditional and legal consequences, as such behaviour stands against the values of justice, equity, and the collective conscience of the Uyo people.
 
“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity,” stated His Royal Highness Edidem Okon.
 
Represented by the National Programmes Officer for UN Women, Ms Patience Ekeoba, the Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Beatrice Eyong, applauded the paramount ruler and traditional council for this bold step, stating that traditional and religious actors should challenge harmful practices that directly or indirectly accommodate violence against women and girls.
 
A statement by UN Women, stated that moving forward, Uyo Kingdom will partner with the Government of Akwa Ibom State, WARIF, UN Women, and other stakeholders to implement community-based guidelines, launch education and awareness campaigns, support survivors, and establish accountability mechanisms to ensure the declaration is fully realised.
 
The statement said the historic declaration positions Uyo Kingdom as a beacon of progress in the region and reaffirms the community’s united stand to protect and empower every woman and girl.

Uyo Kingdom Issues Public Declaration Abolishing GBV, Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women

Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy

By: Michael Mike

Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has punched hole in reason given by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) for inability of Nigerian athletes to attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following alleged visa delays by the Chinese authorities.

The embassy in a statement on Saturday accused the AFN of inconsistency in its allegations, expressing that the embassy has always assisted in such matters in time past and had equally not failed to give needed assistance in recent case.

The statement read: “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has noted that, according to Nigerian media reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position:
On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated April 22) requesting assistance in processing visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China.

“The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials so as to expedite visa application. On May 6, China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner. It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.

“We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.”

Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy