News
Coalition of CSOs Warn Against Faceless Attack on Non Appointment of Ambassadors
Coalition of CSOs Warn Against Faceless Attack on Non Appointment of Ambassadors
By: Michael Mike
International Relations and Affairs Alliance IRAA, a coalition of international relations practitioners has lampooned a faceless group, who is out in arms with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar over delay in appointment of ambassadors, for a lack of zero knowledge about diplomatic processes.
A statement by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups and signed by Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta had erroneously pointed accusing fingers at Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar for recalling ambassadors and not appointing new ones.
The Lagos based coalition led by Mrs. Adewusi Bakare, in a statement on Monday said Ude-Umanta should note that Ambassadors serve at the prerogative of the President of a Country and not the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and that their recall and appointment lie solely with President Bola Tinubu.
Bakare led coalition alleged that the Ude-Umanta group has shown zero knowledge of the process of recall and appointment of ambassadors and was only serving the bidding of their paymasters.
Bakare said regarding Ambassador Lamuwa’s alleged sexual excesses, if the faceless group had followed the events, they would have discovered that Ambassador Tuggar was the first to draw the attention of the Head of Service to the matter and asked that she take charge according to the extant rules of the civil service.
“However, the group has mischievously left that out and is now turning it against the Honourable Minister. In this matter, the minister has acted above board to ensure that due process was followed,” Bakare said.
On the achievements under the present Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakare said: “Tuggar has led the process of the signing of 25 International MoUs that will, in turn, be highly beneficial to Nigeria across energy, business and investment sectors, has revived several bi-national commissions, finalisation of the Basa agreement with the US, vigorous campaign of Nigeria in the inclusion of G20, United Nations Security Council and BRICS. Most importantly, a 14 billion USD investment from Indian investors across ICT, power, steel and manufacturing, agriculture and defence, real estate and hospitality.
“Other investments attracted to Nigeria through Tuggar’s economic diplomacy include a 2 billion USD Investment from Germany for the Nigeria-Siemens Power Project and a 250 million Euros investment from the Netherlands to boost existing business in Nigeria.”
International Relations and Affairs Alliance IRAA also warned interest groups to desist from tarnishing Nigeria’s image by writing outright fabrications to fight proxy wars on behalf of politicians seeking ambassadorial appointments, disgruntled foreign service officers and the disgraced and suspended Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa.
IRAA said Tuggar’s Multipolarity approach to International Relations, which dealt mainly with Nigeria’s interests while relating to the US, EU, Russia, and China, was the best deal Nigeria could have now, insisting that it shows someone who is abreast of global diplomacy and must be supported to succeed in Nigeria’s interest.
Coalition of CSOs Warn Against Faceless Attack on Non Appointment of Ambassadors
Crime
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, who passed away while receiving medical treatment in Lagos.
The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m., when the officer reportedly died at the Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, during a medical session for fibroid treatment.
Following the report, a delegation from the Command visited the hospital to confirm the development and make necessary arrangements.
“The corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for preservation and autopsy,”sources said.
The Command said arrangements were underway, in collaboration with the late officer’s family, to accord her a befitting burial.
CSP Ngbanoyen was described as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.
The Command expressed condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends over the tragic loss.
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
News
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Hamza Ibrahim Idris, a bereaved husband in Maiduguri, Borno, has paid a touching tribute to his late wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was allegedly murdered by suspected phone snatchers.
In a heartfelt message titled “Ga Masoyiyata Nurse Hadiza Musa”, the widower expressed deep sorrow over the death of his wife, describing her as a virtuous woman, devoted mother, and compassionate health worker who dedicated her life to saving others.
“It’s been three days since my heart has burned with the pain of losing my wife, my life partner, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was killed in cold blood by those who snatched her phone,” he wrote.
“She was not just a wife she was my confidant, the mother of my three children, and the other half of my soul. We lived in love, understanding and mutual support, building dreams and hoping to grow old together. But now, that dream has been shattered,” he said.
The grieving husband described Hadiza as a woman of faith, humility and kindness who always put others first.
“As a nurse, she devoted her life to saving others with a smile and compassion. Yet, the life she saved was taken unjustly she died in faith and martyrdom,” he added.
He recounted the pain of their children’s repeated questions: “Daddy, where is Mommy?” a reminder, he said, of the irreplaceable void left by her death.
“Each time I hear those words, tears flow. In their faces, I see hers a woman of truth, love, and belief,” he said.
Offering prayers, he said: “Oh Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive her shortcomings, elevate her rank, grant her Aljanna Firdaus, bless her children, and give me strength and patience.”
He added that though Hadiza was gone, her love remained in his heart and prayers, expressing hope of reuniting with her in the hereafter “where there will be no pain, no tears, and no separation.”
“May Allah forgive and have mercy on my beloved wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa. May her grave be a garden of paradise. May He grant me patience and protect our children,” he concluded tearfully.
The incident, which occurred recently in Maiduguri, has sparked outrage among residents who have called for stronger security measures to curb rising cases of phone snatching and violent attacks in the city.
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
News
Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey
Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu’s appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains in the fight against insurgency and strengthen national security.
Before his elevation to the apex position in the Nigerian Army, Gen. Shuaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, where his 14-month tenure was defined by tactical innovation, operational success, and deep civil-military engagement. His leadership transformed the counter-insurgency landscape, restoring relative stability to vast areas once dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Upon assuming command of OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu prioritized operational readiness, launching an extensive refurbishment of key military assets to boost troop morale and combat capability. He spearheaded the repair of vital armoured platforms, including ten VP1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, and six Camel MRAPs, ensuring optimal deployment for the 2024 dry-season operations.
These efforts culminated in the historic deep-clearance operations into Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle in early 2024, which dealt devastating blows to terrorist hideouts, supply chains, and command structures. His coordinated offensive operations neutralized more than 567 terrorists and dismantled several high-value enemy enclaves between February 2024 and March 2025.
Under his leadership, the integration of air and ground components reached new heights. The Nigerian Air Force component executed over 230 sorties and 232 interdiction missions, clocking more than 567 flight hours, while the UAV Command carried out 760 ISR operations totaling 6,674 hours. These precision missions enhanced battlefield awareness, enabling ground troops to conduct over 9,800 patrols, 2,700 ambushes, and 990 clearance operations with high success rates.
Intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 161 terrorist logisticians and the surrender of over 121,000 insurgents and their families — a remarkable milestone that shifted the dynamics of the North-East conflict toward peacebuilding and reintegration.
Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s counter-insurgency philosophy went beyond the battlefield. He introduced the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) model in February 2024 — an initiative that deepened trust between the military and local communities. This approach paved the way for stabilization operations, including the resettlement of more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa and other restored communities.
He also promoted civil-military cooperation through humanitarian and religious initiatives, including a Qur’anic Recitation Competition aimed at fostering moral resilience and unity among troops and civilians. Three participants were later sponsored for the Hajj pilgrimage — a gesture that reinforced goodwill and trust.
A hallmark of his tenure was the focus on infrastructure and troop welfare. He initiated the renovation and modernization of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Headquarters complex, constructed new escort and drivers’ lounges, refurbished soldiers’ accommodation, and built 30 two-bedroom community-based quarters for military families.
Additionally, the installation of long-range surveillance cameras in Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno enhanced operational intelligence and perimeter monitoring, further strengthening theatre-wide security.
Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s command period witnessed the elimination of several notorious terrorist leaders, including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal, whose deaths crippled jihadist coordination and recruitment. His effective decapitation strategy was complemented by humanitarian outreach, leading to a steady return of normalcy in major population centres across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
In recognition of these achievements, the North-East Theatre under his command received the Security Watch Africa Award in December 2024 as the Most Outstanding Defence Command in Africa, underscoring the effectiveness of his leadership and innovation in asymmetric warfare.
Now as Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shuaibu is expected to replicate his transformative approach on a national scale. Security analysts and defence watchers believe his deep operational experience and emphasis on community-driven stability will guide the Nigerian Army toward renewed efficiency and professionalism.
His appointment signals continuity, discipline, and modernization — values he consistently championed throughout his command. Stakeholders within defence and civil sectors alike express optimism that his era will usher in strategic reforms to fortify Nigeria’s military capabilities and accelerate victory against insecurity.
Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s rise from Theatre Commander to Army Chief embodies the success of merit, dedication, and results-oriented leadership, a journey rooted in courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria.
Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey
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