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NYCP Congratulates Tinubu on Delivery on Forest Guard Promise

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NYCP Congratulates Tinubu on Delivery on Forest Guard Promise


….Calls for Community-Led Implementation

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling one of his key campaign promises — the revitalization of the Forest Guard.

The group said as outlined on page 9 of the President’s Renewed Hope manifesto (2022), he has delivered on it, noting that this critical move marks a decisive step in addressing the security challenges posed by violent groups hiding in Nigeria’s forests.

A statement by the National President of the group, Isaac Abrak read: “We commend President Tinubu for not only remaining true to his word but also for demonstrating that he has listened to the consistent calls by our organisation and other concerned Nigerians.

“The revitalization of the Forest Guard was the cornerstone of our campaign across the Northern region. At several campaign engagements, we urged Nigerians, especially those from vulnerable communities, to support President Tinubu, assuring them that he would establish community-based security outfits and recruit local youth to protect their forests and communities. Today, we are grateful that this vision is being realized.”

Abrak further said: “This achievement vindicates our decision to campaign vigorously for President Tinubu. To God be the glory.”

He added that: “As this initiative moves to implementation, we call on the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that recruitment into the Forest Guard is driven by community inclusion and integrity. We firmly reiterate our belief that individuals residing in and around the 1,129 forest areas across Nigeria should be prioritized for recruitment. Their familiarity with the terrain gives them a unique advantage in combating criminal elements and maintaining security within these forests.

“Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on a transparent and depoliticized recruitment process. We urge the Federal Government to avoid making the Forest Guard an avenue for political patronage or the recruitment of individuals with questionable backgrounds. Community leaders and security agencies such as the DSS must be consulted to vet candidates thoroughly. Only Nigerians with a genuine commitment to protecting their communities should be enlisted.

“Similarly we reiterate that at inception the Forest Gaurd can recruit and empoy a total of 185,000 youths taking 5000 from each state including the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja.”

He posited that: “The Forest Guard could represent the last viable line of defense in the effort to curb terrorism and banditry in both the North and South. Therefore, the integrity and effectiveness of this unit must not be compromised. We caution all stakeholders — including the President, the National Security Adviser, and relevant ministries — to shield this initiative from political interference.

“During training, recruits must be imbued with values of patriotism, discipline, citizenship, and the One Nigeria dream envisioned by our founding fathers. These values should guide their conduct and deepen their loyalty to the nation.”

He said: “The NCYP remains committed to supporting the government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Federal Ministry of Environment headed by Alhaji Balarebe Abbas Lawal, as they carry out this critical national assignment. We are ready to collaborate in community sensitization, monitoring, and providing local insights to ensure the success of this initiative.

“We believe that, with sincere implementation, the revitalized Forest Guard will become a cornerstone in securing Nigeria’s forests and protecting its citizens.”

NYCP Congratulates Tinubu on Delivery on Forest Guard Promise

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Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno

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Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Recent reports claiming that former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), narrowly escaped death in an alleged Boko Haram ambush in Borno State are categorically false and misleading.

Zagazola Makama can confirm that there was never any attack on the retired general, contrary to statements made by Senator Ali Ndume and recklessly amplified by several media outlets without a shred of verification.

What actually happened was a coordinated three-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists on military facilities in Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area, on Friday. The assault targeted the Battalion Headquarters, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Command Secondary School – not Lt.-Gen. Buratai or any convoy associated with him.

Let us be clear:
Lt.-Gen. Buratai was nowhere near the ambush, and at no point was his life in danger. This is not a matter of semantics, it’s a matter of truth versus dangerous misinformation.

Zagazola Makama, has previously reported how the ground troops, with critical support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano jets, repelled the attackers decisively.

During the encounter, two ISWAP gun trucks were destroyed, while a third was recovered during follow-up operations. Several terrorists were killed, including over 20 in airstrikes during their retreat through Mangari.

So how did this snowball into a national headline falsely claiming a “near-death” experience for the former army chief?
Because some politicians spoke irresponsibly, and certain media platforms ran with the story without basic verification, an unforgivable dereliction of journalistic duty, especially in a region as sensitive as the North East.

The media owes the public and the Armed Forces of Nigeria the duty of responsible reporting, not alarmist fiction wrapped in sensational headlines. The security situation in Buratai is under control, and troops continue to dominate the area to prevent any further attacks.

Let this stand as a final and factual rebuttal:
There was NO attack on Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. Period. Stop twisting the truth for cheap headlines.

Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno

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Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad

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Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad

By: Zagazola Makama

As part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and deny them freedom of action, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has conducted another successful air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Bukar Meram, located in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region.

Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by sources that the mission, which was executed in the early hourz of Monday, June 9, at about 0545 hours, was carried out under the auspices of Operation KALACHEN WUTA II.

The sources said that the operation formed part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting terrorist activities before, during, and after the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah period.

He said that intelligence-led surveillance revealed that the terrorists were regrouping at the Bukar Meram location with intent to launch coordinated attacks on Marte and Monguno general areas.

Prompted by this credible intelligence, the Air Component swiftly mobilised to engage the enclave. Airstrikes were conducted with precision, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists.

The strikes also resulted in the destruction of critical terrorist logistics, including supply vehicles, makeshift shelters, and weapons storage points.

The decimation of the enclave not only inflicted significant losses on the terrorists but also disrupted their operational planning and movement.

The sources added that Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the mission confirmed that the planned attacks on Marte and Monguno were effectively thwarted.

Further intelligence gathering is ongoing to assess enemy reactions and possible movement patterns following the successful interdiction. Ground troops have also been placed on heightened alert to exploit the gains of the airstrike and maintain pressure on fleeing remnants.

Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad

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French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel

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French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel

By: Zagazola Makama

A 67-year-old French national, Mr. Pietier Gilles, has been found dead at a hotel in Gboko town in Benue state.

Zagazola Makama report that the deceased, believed to be a French tourist, was found dead on Saturday at Hotel Jovina, Gbokon, where he had lodged on June 6.

According to a police sources, on Sunday, the hotel manager, Mr. Emmanuel Terhide Laha, reported the incident to the “A” Division Police Station at about 5:45 p.m. on June 8.

Laha informed the police that the tourist fell ill on June 7 but declined to be taken to a hospital. Concerned about his deteriorating condition, the hotel management brought in a medical practitioner to examine him. He was, however, discovered to have died.

“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to the hotel where photographs of the scene were taken. The body was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gboko for preservation and autopsy,” the police said.

Gilles reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Niger Republic on May 19, 2025, traveling on a sports bicycle as part of what is believed to be a long-distance tour.

Police sources said investigation will be conducted, and all relevant diplomatic channels are being engaged to handle the situation appropriately.

French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel

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