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Ijaw Youths Commend DSS on Arms Seuzure, UK Army Major’s Arrest

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Ijaw Youths Commend DSS on Arms Seuzure, UK Army Major’s Arrest
…Calls on UK Govt to Probe Arrested Officer for Gun Running

By: Michael Mike

The Ijaw Youths Network has commended the Department of State Services for the seizure of 57 AK 47s, other rifles and hundreds of ammunition in Delta State.

The IYN also said that the arrest of a Delta State-born UK army Major and others in connection with the gun running reinforces public trust and confidence in the nation’s secret service and its commitment to national security.

The IYN Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, were reacting to troubling media reports about the arrest of a gun runner with 57 AK47 assault rifles by the DSS near Asaba, Delta State, last week in a statement on Tuesday.

They commended the Director General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, and his men for combining proactiveness with astounding display of professionalism to prevent mindless bloodletting in Warri.

“We hereby commend the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi and the operatives of the service whose alertness and painstaking investigation led to the arrest of the UK Army Major and the seizure of the arms and ammunition involved.

“What the DSS has forestalled is a vile attempt to foist a dangerous regime of inter-ethnic violence on Warri and its environs.

“We hold the view that the agency deserves commendation as the magnitude of violence and destruction 57 AK47s in the wrong hands can cause is better imagined,” they said.

The IYN leadership urged the leadership of the DSS to ensure a holistic investigation of those behind the botched attempt to return Warri to the days of violence because of disenchantment over the INEC ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.

They appealed to the DSS to be consistent with the good work they have done, by bringing to justice all those involved in the crime, including the UK Army Major.

The IYN said that disagreements over issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than a resort to ethnic-inspired violence.

The IYN also called on the British High Commission in Nigeria to treat a petition sent to it on the involvement of the UK military officer with the required sense of urgency.

Ebikabo and Ebiaridor said it is disheartening that a high ranking military officer could be linked to a failed attempt to stoke avoidable crisis in Nigeria.

They urged the UK Government to clarify the status of the said Major whose actions have become glaringly inimical to the good image of the UK military.

They urged the inhabitants of the Warri Federal Constituency-the Ijaws, Urhobo and Itsekiri to be wary of people with dangerous and sinister intents to start ethnic violence in the city.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has called on the British Government to partner with the Federal Government to investigate the activities of the Major arrested over alleged illegal arms procurement intended to exacerbate tensions in Delta State.

This was contained in a letter addressed to the British High Commissioner in Nigeria dated April 28, 2025.

The CSOs alleged that the major’s action was a threat to Nigeria’s internal security.

The letter was jointly signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Leader of the coalition; Zekeri Momoh-Saliu, Secretary; Mohammed Idris, Member; and Hugo Okafor, Member.

Some of the members of the coalition are the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Coalition for Democratic Watchdogs, Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reforms, and the Global Centre for Conscience Living Against Corruption.

There has been disenchantment and
tension following the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This had thrown up suspicions that the arms were procured by those opposed to the exercise.

Security sources say that the DSS is also looking into the activities of a powerful traditional ruler in connection with the matter.

INEC had earlier presented the report on the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.

The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, who represented the Commission’s Chairman at the presentation in Asaba, said that the fresh ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork was necessitated by the Supreme Court judgment of December 22, 2022, which ordered it to conduct the exercise.

INEC gave copies of the delineation report to Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban, and Dr Joe Bisina on behalf of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities, respectively.

Ijaw Youths Commend DSS on Arms Seuzure, UK Army Major’s Arrest

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Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

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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

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Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

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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

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Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

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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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