National News
Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division

Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, under its current operational concept, is making remarkable strides in securing peace and stability across its area of responsibility, employing a blend of non-kinetic initiatives alongside its kinetic operations, a strategy that is delivering measurable and sustainable results.
1 Division, under the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YANMA, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has made significant strides in securing its area of responsibility, dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing kidnapped victims, and strengthening civil-military relations. The non-kinetic approach which focuses on reconciliation, dialogue, civic engagement, and fostering collaboration with community stakeholders is turning the tide in the battle against terrorism and criminal activity in Kaduna state.

This Kinetic and non Kinetic initiative, implemented under the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and supported by the Kaduna State Government as well as Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is not only dismantling the 12 year long bandits operational structures but also addressing the root causes of violence, adding a human dimension to the Nigerian Military campaigns.
This innovative approach has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 16 terrorist kingpins, many previously considered hardline elements. Among those who chose peace over conflict were Dogo Gide, Yellow Jambros, Kwolomeri, Alhaji Labi, Biliya, Gwamna, and Kabiru Boderi the younger brother and eventual successor to the infamous terrorist leader, Boderi Isyaku. These individuals turned in their weapons alongside their promises to pursue peace and disassociate themselves from violence. Scores of the bandits terrorising not less than five local government areas agreed to drop their arms and discontinue their reign of terror in and around the state.
The bandits are known to terrorise Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. They have also terrorised communities and major highways, such as the Kaduna-Abuja highway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, as well as the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road.
This policy of reconciliation and dialogue further opened the way for the unconditional release of 559 kidnapped victims, many of whom had been held under harrowing conditions for months. Among the victims freed was Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a consultant with the National Eye Center in Kaduna, whose continued detention had previously triggered a warning strike by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), reflecting the growing concern for their colleague’s safety.

While employing these non-kinetic measures, the division kept up strong operational pressure against terrorist formations and collaborators. This resulted in the neutralization of numerous high-profile terrorist suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and equipment 175 weapons, including PKMGs, AK-47s, G3s, alongside 4,346 rounds of various calibers of ammunition.
Furthermore, a total of 169 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, while 260 stolen livestock 146 of them cows, were recovered and subsequently handed back to their respective owners. Large quantities of food items, solar equipment, and other logistics previously held by the terrorist groups were also recovered. Suspected collaborators were identified and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
The 1 Div of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Kaduna, coordinating the operations of lower formations across the Northwest, has, all along, commanded the operations of the ground troops combating the global-scale menace in the Northwest, in collaboration and synergy with the Air Task Force component of the military, the government of Kaduna State and other security agencies.
The Nigerian military peace restoration efforts have ensured that areas which use to be the flashpoint in the axis Kuriga, Manini Chikun, Pole Wire, Birnin Gwari, Ungwan Namama, Kwalba, Rafin Dawa Dende,Ungwan Madaki, Buruku, Udawa, Doka, Maganda, Dogon Dawa, Sabon Layi-Kuriga-Maganda-Farin Ruwa, Sabon Birni, Kuyelo,Farin Ruwa, Damba to Kangon Kadi, Labi,Udawa river Apewohe, Dakwala and Kunai among others, were all cleared.
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA’s exploits also led to death of many terrorists, in Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki, Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa, Tungan Madaki, Gengere,Kaso Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa Kidandan, Giwa LGA. Galadimawa, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, and Yelwa among others.
Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has reaffirmed that
this combination of non-kinetic initiatives alongside strong operational pressure has fostered greater collaboration and understanding within the communities, disrupted the operations of the terrorist groups, and significantly improved the overall security climate in Kaduna state.

Additionally, the 1 Division facilitated extensive free medical outreaches in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, strengthening relationships between the military and the populace, and fostering understanding and unity. Traditional, religious, and market leaders were engaged through peace meetings, while initiatives like the Football for Peace Tournament held in collaboration with Simoiben Football Academy fostered reconciliation amongst the youth, many of whom are vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. Public speaking engagements were also used to educate the youth on their role in securing their future emphasizing peace, unity, education, and civic responsibility.
The Nigerian Army under 1 Division remain committed to employing all available means including dialogue, reconciliation, education, civic engagement, and decisive action to consolidate peace and enable the eventual return to normalcy and stability in the region.
According to him, the division’s approach stands as a clear affirmation that peace cannot be won by force alone, but through understanding, dialogue, justice, and compassion.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division
National News
Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports
By: Our Reporter
Data obtained from daily reports indicates that over 740,000 civilians have been killed across ten Nigerian states between 2015 and 2025, according to an extensive analysis conducted by News Net Global Limited from reported cases in three national newspapers: The Daily Trust, Leadership Newspapers, and Daily Post Nigeria.
This staggering figure underscores the severity of violence primarily driven by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other armed attacks affecting states such as Borno, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina in northeast, north-central, and northwest Nigeria.
The persistence of these violent activities has not only resulted in a high death toll but also contributed to widespread displacement and socio-economic destabilization within these regions.
Despite government efforts to curb the violence, criticism remains regarding the effectiveness of security measures implemented during this period.
The complexity of the conflict is further compounded by military actions such as airstrikes that have inadvertently caused civilian casualties, raising questions about operational accountability and humanitarian consequences.
As these challenges persist, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the protection of civilians and address the root causes of insecurity in affected regions.
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, and collaboration with international partners to effectively dismantle the networks of armed groups and restore stability in the regions.
The involvement of local communities in peace-building initiatives has been identified as a crucial element in mitigating violence and fostering long-term stability. The integration of conflict resolution frameworks that emphasize dialogue and reconciliation is essential to bridging the gap between communities and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable peace.
To effectively address these multifaceted issues, it is imperative for both national and international stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts that enhance security frameworks and prioritize the well-being of affected populations.
Strengthening governance structures and promoting transparency in military operations are also vital to rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens.
To address the widespread violence effectively, it is crucial to implement policies that not only enhance military precision and accountability but also focus on socioeconomic development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and providing education as a means to deter youth from joining armed groups.
Addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and lack of education, is paramount in curbing the recruitment of youths into armed groups and fostering a more peaceful society.
Furthermore, the integration of community-based peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots advocacy can play a pivotal role in empowering local populations to actively participate in creating solutions that address their unique security concerns.
Also, by fostering collaboration between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, Nigeria can develop a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses immediate security threats but also promotes long-term stability and resilience within affected communities.
It was observed that investing in education and economic development programs can also provide alternative pathways for youth, reducing the allure of joining armed groups and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous society.
Dialogue between conflicting communities and strengthening local governance structures can enhance peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that the root causes of conflict are addressed effectively.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and increased accountability measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.
To effectively address these challenges, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to implement robust security reforms and enhance accountability mechanisms, ensuring that both state and non-state actors are held accountable for their actions.
Also, bolstering the judicial system to ensure swift and fair trials for those implicated in acts of violence can deter future atrocities and reinforce public trust in the rule of law. Additionally, fostering stronger collaboration with international human rights organizations can help monitor and report on human rights abuses, ensuring that global attention remains focused on these issues and prompting necessary interventions.
Similarly, investing in community-based early warning systems can empower local populations to identify and report potential threats, facilitating timely interventions and potentially saving lives.
Also, integrating community policing initiatives can foster trust between law enforcement and local communities, creating a more inclusive approach to security that prioritizes the protection of civilians.
Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports
National News
FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians
*We’re bridging transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of graduates, says VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian government has concluded plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The initiative is to be spearheaded in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who disclosed on Wednesday when he formally flagged off the NJFP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the goal is “to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians; graduates who have the education, but not always the opportunity.”
According to him, this will translate the nation’s demographic strength “into productive economic power, proving that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.”
The VP noted that while the NJFP is a Nigerian programme shaped by national priorities and guided by the nation’s sense of purpose, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deepen the ownership by embedding the programme into government’s national planning and budgeting frameworks.
He stated: “This government will do its part — by ensuring that our financial commitment to the programme reflects our belief in its transformative potential. But national ownership must also mean national participation.

“As we launch NJFP 2.0 today, I call on our partners — from the private sector, the development community, and the donor ecosystem — to join us in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism to secure the programme’s future.
“Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset: our young people.”
VP Shettima implored the EU, the UNDP and other partners to consider the flag-off of the programme as an opportunity to prove that “youth employment is not just a policy priority but a shared responsibility.”
He observed that when resources are pooled and intentions are aligned in the course of building together, a multiplier effect is created that benefits the nation’s economy.
The Vice President acknowledged the contributions of the EU and the UNDP, noting that their belief in Nigeria’s youth has demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.
He said it was now time for Nigeria, through its public institutions, private sector champions, and philanthropic community to lead from the front, even as he maintained that inclusivity is key to driving the process.
His words: “As we scale NJFP 2.0, inclusivity remains at the heart of our design. We recognise that our young people are not a single story. They live in different realities, across regions, genders, and social backgrounds.
“Therefore, this next phase will intentionally reach every corner of the country, aligning placements with the sectors that will define our economic future: agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.”
Senator Shettima expressed hope that the second phase of the NJFP would turn out to be a success story “of how Nigeria turned its demographic advantage into a generation of productive citizens — creating jobs, building enterprises, and shaping the future of our great nation.

“The task before us is both serious and inspiring. The young Nigerians we seek to serve are not asking for handouts — only for a fair system that recognises effort, rewards merit, and provides opportunity. They are ready to build if we are ready to back them,” he added.
For his part, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the NJFP 2.0 as a continuation of the federal government’s success in youth empowerment.
He noted that since the programme began in 2021, it has helped over 13,000 youths to gain skills, assuring that the initiative will build on its progress and achieve its long-term goal of placing 100,000 youths in jobs within five years.
In her welcome address, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the generous funding from the European Union and implementation support from the UNDP, over the years, are aimed at connecting potential to opportunity.
She noted that the vision behind the NJFP has come to light, resulting in over 40,000 Nigerians being placed in various economic sectors.
She stressed that millions of Nigerians need the NJFP platform to thrive in today’s economy.
Also, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, said the EU was looking forward to seeing the NJFP 2.0 programme integrated into Nigeria’s governance agenda to ensure its sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Building a National Workforce for the Future,” the CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized that millions of Nigerians can perform the jobs currently being outsourced to foreign companies if they are given the right opportunities, such as those provided under the NJFP programme.
He urged relevant authorities and stakeholders not to ignore the millions of Nigerians who, without support, may never transition from graduates to gainful employment.
FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians
National News
CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct

CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct
By: Michael Mike
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take immediate disciplinary action against Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for alleged professional misconduct relating to his participation in the recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, CAIDOV condemned the lawyer’s appearance and participation at the protest ground, describing it as a clear breach of professional ethics and a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, particularly Rule 33, which deals with sub judice statements.
Soloki said, according to the rule: “A lawyer or law firm engaged in or associated with the prosecution or defence of a criminal matter, or associated with a civil action shall not, while litigation is anticipated or pending in the matter, make or participate in making any extra-judicial statement that is calculated to prejudice or interfere with, or is reasonably capable of prejudicing or interfering with, the fair trial of the matter or the judgment or sentence.”
He stated that by joining a public protest concerning a case he is directly handling, Ejimakor acted in a manner that could influence public perception and potentially compromise the impartiality of the court.
“The law expects that lawyers argue their cases in court, not on the streets, in protest grounds, or on media platforms. Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest is tantamount to trying to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s view on a matter still under adjudication,” he said in the statement.
He further emphasised that the legal profession demands discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial processes, warning that “emotions must never override ethics.”
“This act by Mr. Ejimakor amounts to professional misconduct. The law is not emotional, and every lawyer is bound by its standards, regardless of who their client is,” he added.
CAIDOV therefore urged the law enforcement agencies to investigate the lawyer’s actions to determine if his involvement in the protest constituted a breach of national security or contempt of court.
Similarly, the group called on the Nigerian Bar Association’s Disciplinary Committee to review Ejimakor’s conduct and impose appropriate sanctions to preserve the integrity and credibility of the legal profession.
“Mr. Ejimakor made a very big mistake by publicly protesting for a client in a case he is handling. The NBA must take swift disciplinary measures to send a clear message that professional ethics cannot be compromised,” the group said.
CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
News6 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria