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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MOURNS THE DEMISE OF AMBASSADOR STEPHEN OJO OGIDAN
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MOURNS THE DEMISE OF AMBASSADOR STEPHEN OJO OGIDAN
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces with profound sadness and a deep sense of national loss the demise of Ambassador Stephen Ojo Ogidan. Ambassador Ogidan died on Saturday 27th of September 2025 in Abuja after a brief illness. Until his unfortunate and painful passing, he was the Director in-charge of the West African Affairs Division (WAAD) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As a distinguished and consummate officer, Ambassador Ogidan dedicated over three decades of his life to exemplary service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in January 2007 following the merging of the defunct Ministry of Cooperation and Integration in Africa with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Throughout his illustrious career, he was renowned for his deep intellect, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to the promotion of Nigeria’s national interests and the advancement of regional integration. As the Director of the West African Affairs Division, a role he held with exceptional diligence, Ambassador Ogidan was a pivotal figure in shaping and managing Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements in West Africa. He played a critical role in fostering diplomatic dialogue, managing complex regional issues, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation across the sub-region. His expertise and calm demeanour were invaluable assets to the Ministry and the nation at large.
Prior to this role, Ambassador Ogidan served in various capacities within the Nigerian Foreign Service, including postings to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Buea, Cameroon and Embassy of Nigeria in Lome, Togo, where he consistently distinguished himself as a dedicated and effective representative of our country. He was conferred with the title of Ambassador-insitu by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the year 2021.
Ambassador Ogidan was a gentleman officer and a true patriot whose wisdom, dedication and patriotism were an inspiration to all who had the privilege to work with him. His passing therefore leaves a void that will be deeply felt, not only within the walls of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but across the diplomatic community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, loved ones, and the Government and people of Edo State in this moment of grief and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MOURNS THE DEMISE OF AMBASSADOR STEPHEN OJO OGIDAN
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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