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One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

By Zagazola Makama

It is platitudinous to say that various forms of insecurity have devastated the country in all sectors heating up the polity with the most frustrating intractability since the last three decades.

The epochal menace has ravaged the Nigerian economy to a point in worsening the management scale of sustaining the country’s immense human and natural resources. This also has affected Nigeria’s leading -economy position in Africa, and its status as a country of enviable reckoning in global affairs.

Insecurity has no doubt on the verge of eroding the country’s cherished socio-political norms and values which had painstakingly created an enviable collective identity for its diverse peoples, empowering them to walk with shoulders held high across the globe as Nigerians.

The Boko Haram insurgency and, in recent years, Islamic State of the West African Province(ISWAP) terror campaigns in the North-East; the twin crimes of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, as well as the North-Central, and sections of the South-West, South-East and South-South; farmer-herder clashes; and various other forms of gunmen menace, have continued to create a seemingly intractable criminalities threatening to the Country’s existence as a nation.

The country has, for the past two decades, been languishing and gasping for breath under this massive weight of a global-scale security crisis. This apparently appalling situation has underscored the robust provision of security as the topmost cardinal objective of every administration in the current decades of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

On assumption of duty on May 29, 2023, as the elected leader and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with his electioneering campaign mantra: ‘Renewed Hope’, promised to prioritize security as the bedrock of the country’s development.

This is evident with his promise to adopt a new doctrine, strategies and suitable profound arrangement of well-knit architecture to combat insecurity, thereby renewing the hope of Nigerians.

President Tinubu, as the first and foremost decisive step at combating insecurity, rejigged the country’s security architecture with new service chiefs and the desired gusto, whom he gave the matching order to immediately assume the work of re-strategizing and fine-tuning strategies to combat the country’s recalcitrant insecurity.

This move has applausively prevented the insecurity situation from intricately imploding into larger security challenges.

To reconcile this in line with the C-in-C objectives for a stable and prosperous Nigeria, the appointment of General Christopher Musa, as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), ever-readily profoundly assisted by other service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, in compliance with President Tinubu’s directive for robust synergy among top security and intelligence services in the fight against insecurity, the terror war in the Lake Chad Basin and the expansive North-East region has recorded an undisputed phenomenal achievements.

Notably; the military under the Tinubu led-administration has experienced significant enhancement in its operational capabilities, marking a notable period in its efforts to maintain national security and peace.

In the last one year, the administration has procured an additional five aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which include 2 Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft; 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a number King Air 360 ER, with plans to integrate 46 more by the end of 2024. These strategic acquisitions have bolstered the military’s capacity to conduct precise and impactful operations against various security threats across the country.

The rapid degradation of terror in the North-East is a gladdening testament to the fact that President Tinubu is keeping his promise of a ‘Renewed Hope’ to Nigerians in character, credibility and commitment to genuinely overturn the country’s insecurity to a stable and peaceful Nigeria.

This feat has been immensely achieved with the sheer commitment and competence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, savoring sufficient support and impetus from his sister services, especially the Nigerian Air Force under the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command of the Nigerian Army; and the sheer patriotism, commitment and determination of the frontline troops.

To mention a few is the imposing catalog of accomplishments in the North-East terror war portrays an elating success story of the preceding one year.

The observable and most -spectacular moment of achievements include the neutralization of 555 terrorists; destruction of 461 terrorists’ enclaves across the theartre. They include; Gaizuwa, otherwise known as Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari, Ukuba, Arra, Farisu, Sabil Huda, in Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad region, Yuwe and the Mandara Mountains;Markas Kauwa, Chiralia, Abirma, Buk 1, 2 and 3, Abulam, Dusula, and Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle among others as well as the and the recovery of arms, armored vehicles and catch of equipment as well as the destruction of large quantity of other belongings to the terrorists in Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.

Through a robust synergy with the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the troubled North-East, NAF has also been instrumental in depleting terrorist ranks and disrupting their operations.

Notable strikes include the elimination of key terrorists in the Mandara Mountains and the neutralization of multiple insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, Krenowa, and Kafiya Fulatari, Kwaleram, Kirta, Wulgo, Bukar Mairam and the Tumbums among others. These actions have significantly weakened terrorist capabilities, contributing to the restoration of peace in the region.

Most gladdening of all is perhaps, the military’s aggressive kinetic and non-kinetic operations led to the surrender of more than 160,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, out of which 42,189 have been handed over to Borno State Government; as well as the rescue of about 81 abducted Chibok girls.

The military, by sufficiently clearing terrorists enclaves across the region, has also, over the last one year, been able to create the enabling environment for the restoration of civil administration as well as relocation/resettlement of over 2 million IDPs to their ancestral homes; as well as guaranteed sufficient security in MMC, Mafa, Gubio, Konduga, Bama, Banki, Monguno, Dikwa, Gamborun Ngala, Kukawa, Gwoza and other LGAs, for farming and other socio-economic activities.

The military guarantees the restoration of law and order in several returnee communities; conducted kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists which have strangulated the logistics supplies as well as halted recruitment, sympathizers and collaborators activities, leading to the surrender of several terrorist top Commanders and secured the rescue of victims in terrorists preoccupied areas.

Also, the 7 Div of the Nigerian Army which has covered the most areas prone to terrorist attacks suffered a large percentage of terrorist campaigns. “The division’s AOR (Area Of Responsibility) is relatively calm but unpredictable due to activities of some remnant of these so-called BHT/ISWAP insurgents who scamper for safe havens in the general area of Sambisa Forest, Gezuwa, Gargash and Mandara Mountains, by taking advantage of the geography of these areas to evade troops’ operational activities,” as observed by Brig.-Gen Abubakar Haruna, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 of the Nigeria Army.

He was, until his recent elevation to the rank of the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division, the Garrison Commander 7 Division of the army.

“Nevertheless, normal activities have resumed in most towns and villages that are located within the Sector’s AOR due to troops engagement in aggressive patrols and clearance operations,” he stated, adding, delightedly, “To further consolidate the successes, the Borno Government has been returning the locals who were displaced due to the insurgency back to their ancestral homes.” Gen Haruna shed more light on the restoration of peace and security across the region. “Restoration of peace, security and the attainment of sustainable socio-economic activities in the North-East is the overall objective of Operation Hadin Kai,” he stated, explaining, “The attainment of the military objective which is primarily the obliteration of the terrorists in the region requires the restoration of socio-economic activities.”

The GOC said that: “It is in line with this that the Division has been working tirelessly under the mentorship and the Supervision of the Theartre Commander North East Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu to ensure that the local communities within our Area of responsibility go about their legitimate daily activities through sustained operational activities like patrols, escort duties, ambushes and other offensive operations to deny the terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of the people.”

General Shuaibu, Theater, Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai acknowledged the unquantifiable and invaluable contributions of the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja to the Theater Command that enabled it to achieve its enviable successes in the last one year.

As stated, “First of all, you need to understand that it is the COAS who gives the direction, guidance, leadership and all the human and material resources required for us to carry out our mandate,” he acknowledged, maintaining, “So, what the COAS provides is more than ‘help’.” He emphasised that the COAS “provides excellent leadership to us and hence the successes recorded so far,” advising, “Please take a close look at his Command Philosophy which is ‘To Transform the NA into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment’.”

The TC maintained further: “There is a strong nexus between the Command Philosophy and what we are doing here,” saying, “Without troops that are well-trained, equipped and motivated, we cannot achieve our mandate here which is part of our constitutional responsibility.”

“We have achieved tremendous successes in our various operations within the Theater under Operation Desert Sanity III undertaken by 7 Division, Sector 2 as well as Sector 3 MNJTF. Similar operations were also undertaken in the Tumbums by the troops of the MNJTF forces, with gladdening feedback.

Gen Shuaibu reviewed the effect of the insurgency in Borno State and praised the state government for supporting the Theater Command to achieve its mandate. “One of the priorities in addressing insecurity is the restoration of civilian administration and services to conflict-affected communities,” he stated, recalling, “The years of insurgency have devastated the social infrastructures and services in the North-East region including health, education and policing among others.” He also observed: “The dysfunctional state of such services made the communities more vulnerable to extremist recruitment and other vices”.

He further praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum: “The Governor has made distinct efforts to address these immense challenges and foster greater citizens’ trust in government by rebuilding police stations and creating a conducive environment to bring back civil servants (including judges, healthcare givers and security agencies).

The TC praised the governor for tackling pervasive sense of insecurity through the provision of low-cost housing; road construction and other infrastructural development in rural areas; provision of agricultural supports like seeds and fertilizer at subsidized rate to enable the locals return to their farms; provision of affordable transport system like the electric taxis; as well as maintaining the periodic provision of palliatives to affected communities.

Gen Shuaibu remarked: “The general public is beginning to understand and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in restoring peace and security in the North-East region and to the country as a whole.” The TC assured: “We will continue to sustain the feat achieved by intensifying our efforts in the clearance of remnants of terrorists from their camps and enclaves so that durable peace would be restored finally in the North-East region.

The onus for maintaining peace and security lies with everyone.” He called on the general public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the military and other security agencies in their efforts at restoring peace and security in the region.

“The public should always remember that the soldiers are out there denying themselves all comforts to ensure that the rest of the citizens sleep with their two eyes closed,” he advised.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region.

One year on: Tinubu defeating terrorism, building hopes of secure Nigeria

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APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa in partnership with the party’s Unity Forum is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible primary election in the state ahead of 2027 general elections.

Mr Abubakar Hamma-Girei, Director General of the Forum stated this at a press conference in Yola.

He said that the forum would ensure that all Party members have an equal opportunity to participate in the process, and that the outcome reflects the will of the party faithful.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and all stakeholders for the remarkable achievement recorded in the country that makes opposition to join the party

“We understand the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Primary Election is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

“Let me assure you that there will be no imposition of the candidate, and that will be free from any form of manipulation or interference.

“We will uphold the principles of internal Democracy and ensure that the best candidate emerges to fly our Party’s flag in the forthcoming elections”, he said.

The DG urged all party members to participate actively in the primary election and to report any irregularities or concern to the relevance authorities.

“Together we build a stronger more united Party that will deliver for our great nation.

“We are calling on all Nigerians who are passionate about positive change and good governance we invite you to join the All Progress Congress (APC) family”, he said.

According to him,, the ongoing membership revalidation exercise is a unique opportunity for shaping the future of the great nation.

Hamma further said that the forum also resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government election in the state.

“We are directed to intimate all our members across 21 LGA to give them adequate support they deserve”, he said.

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

News

Nigeria, Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease- Ministry of Health

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria, Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease- Ministry of Health

By: Michael Mike

The Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over the changing health challenges in the country, warning that the country is currently dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the Nuparadigm Health Foundation, which marks a new era of health awareness and n the country, a representative of Ministry of Health, Abraham Emmanuel emphasized the urgent need for prevention, education, and lifestyle interventions to protect public health.

Nuparadigm Health Foundation is a non-governmental organisation committed to raising awareness about non-communicable diseases and the risk factors associated with them. The foundation aims to provide credible health information, educate communities, and encourage healthier lifestyles to prevent the onset of avoidable illnesses.

Emmanuel explained that Nigeria’s health challenges are changing, with the country now dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time.

He said; “Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is no longer facing only communicable diseases. We are now experiencing a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and some even describe it as a triple burden when pandemics are included.”

He decried that younger Nigerians are increasingly affected, stating that: “Non-communicable diseases are increasing in Nigeria, and the age limit is dropping. Conditions like hypertension, stroke and type 2 diabetes are now affecting people in their 30s.”

Emmanuel noted that lifestyle is the main risk factor. He said: “These are mainly lifestyle-related diseases, which means they can be managed and prevented through increased awareness and better choices.”

He also highlighted alarming national survey findings, warning that many Nigerians are unaware of the silent health threats around them. “The data from our national survey is alarming. Many Nigerians are developing non-communicable diseases without knowing the risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco use and even second-hand smoke,” he said.

Emmanuel, while lamenting that these risk factors which are often overlooked in daily life, are driving a surge in preventable illnesses, creating a hidden crisis that could overwhelm families and the healthcare system if urgent action is not taken.

On her part, the founder of Nuparadigm Health Foundation, Dr. Omolara Olagunju said her experience as a doctor led her to conclude that hospitals mainly treat disease, while true healthcare lies in daily prevention.

She said: “After about 15 years of medical practice, I realised that we don’t really have healthcare in the true sense. Hospitals are not health care systems; they are more like disease parlours. Real healthcare happens outside the hospital, and you should not have to be sick before you start thinking about how to be healthy.”

She explained that many Nigerians harm their health unknowingly because they lack access to simple, trustworthy information.

Olagunju said: “A lot of people are doing things every day that are damaging to their health, and they don’t even know it. When I tell them, they say, ‘Doctor, I didn’t even know.’ That is why we believe that everyone has a right to essential health information — the kind of information you need to maintain the good health that you already have.”

She also acknowledged the harsh realities of daily life, saying many people sacrifice health in the struggle to survive.

“People tell me they are too busy to come for health checks, and I later realised that their reasons are legitimate. People are trying to make ends meet in Nigeria. But sometimes we are working harder, winning the battle financially, and losing the war because our health is steadily deteriorating in the process.” She noted .

She emphasized that the foundation is designed to take health awareness directly into everyday spaces instead of waiting for hospital visits.

“Instead of waiting for people to come to the hospital, we decided to go to them to their offices, their schools and their social media platforms and share this information as widely as possible, because it may be just one piece of information that makes all the difference.” She said.

She also warned that unhealthy lifestyles learned early are already showing consequences in children.

“We were not born liking sugary drinks; these tastes were learned. Today, I see obese children everywhere, and I ask myself what will happen to these children in 10, 15 or 20 years if we don’t do something drastic now.” She warned .

In his keynote address, Consultant Physician and Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Iseko Iseko said Nigeria invests more in treating illness than in preventing it.

“Over the last two decades in healthcare, most of what we do is secondary prevention treating diseases after they have happened and trying to prevent complications. But primary prevention, which is stopping diseases from happening through education and healthy practices, is where we should be investing more of our energy.” He said

Iseko warned that Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system is under strain from both infectious and lifestyle-related diseases

In his words he said “In Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, we are still dealing with communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, but at the same time we are now seeing increasing cases of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. This double burden of disease is putting enormous pressure on our healthcare system.”

He described Nigeria’s low life expectancy as a reflection of widespread preventable illness and weak preventive care.

He said: “A lot of Nigerians are dying prematurely, and Nigeria is now among the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world. This is not because we lack potential, but because we have failed to prioritize preventive health and protect our population from avoidable diseases”.

Iseko stressed that everyday habits are driving diseases that drain families financially and emotionally, noting that:

“Many of the diseases we see today are lifestyle-driven and preventable. Treating heart failure alone can cost over ₦1.85 million every month, and when you look at conditions like stroke and kidney failure, the cost to families is catastrophic. This is why prevention, early detection and lifestyle change are far better than waiting to treat advanced disease.”

He further warned about lifestyle-related risk factors, stating that: “Sitting too much, smoking, unhealthy diets and alcohol are silently destroying our blood vessels. These are preventable causes of heart disease and stroke.”

Iseko emphasized the financial and health benefits of prevention, stressing that: “The average cost of treating heart failure is not less than ₦1.85 million per month. Treatment is expensive, catastrophic, and it is far better to prevent these diseases than to manage them.”

The event brought together healthcare professionals, government officials, and key stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for prevention, education, and lifestyle interventions to protect public health.

Nigeria, Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease- Ministry of Health

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80-year-old ex-convict arrested as NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs in full body mannequins

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

80-year-old ex-convict arrested as NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs in full body mannequins

By: Michael Mike

An unrepentant 80-year-old grandpa Jeremiah Nkanta has again been nabbed for another drug crime by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) barely

three years after he was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for dealing in illicit drugs,

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Sunday said Nkanta, notorious for illicit drug business was first arrested by NDLEA on 14th December 2022, prosecuted and sentenced to two years in jail by a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

Babafemi said Nkanta not ready to let go the old habit, returned to the illicit drug trade and following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Saturday tracked the Octogenarian ex-convict to his Mmanta – Abak village, Abak local government area of Akwa Ibom state, where he was arrested with 5.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis in his residence.

The spokesman said in another successful interdiction operation in Akwa Ibom state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Oron-Ibaka road in Oron local government area last Friday intercepted a 37-year-old businessman Ani Onyebuchi while travelling with full body mannequins for his clothing business in Cameroun, adding that a search of the mannequins revealed that they were stuffed with pills of tramadol weighing 5.3 kilogrammes.

He said the suspect claimed he resides in Cameroon and was reportedly returning to his base after the Christmas and New Year holidays when he was apprehended. It was revealed that he bought the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra state and was trafficking them to Cameroon to sell, using two mannequins to conceal the opioids.

In Oyo state, raids across different locations led to the seizure of dangerous illicit drugs and arrest of notorious dealers, including 45-year-old Remi Bamidele (Alias ‘Aluko the Mafia’) at Sasa, Ibadan, where a total of 10.696 kilogrammes of Colorado, Scottish Loud, Ghana Loud, Canadian Loud and skunk, all strains of cannabis.

Babafemi said at the time of his arrest last Thursday, two vehicles: Toyota Venza and Toyota Yaris marked HG 06 LYD were recovered from him.

At Adegbayi area of the state capital Ibadan, NDLEA officers lastbFriday arrested Adeola Toheeb, 27, with various quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud and skunk while Habeeb Ali, 29, was nabbed at Ring road, Ibadan with 1.264 kilogrammes Colorado, Scottish Loud and skunk. Not less than

₦1,307,100 cash exhibit was also recovered from him at the point of his arrest on Saturday.

A dispatch rider Osagbovo Edigin, 30, and two other suspects: Ebimi Labo, 28, and Akhimie Success, 25, were last Friday arrested at Ihama/Airport road GRA Benin City, Edo state in connection with the seizure of 118 grammes of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado.

While Jimoh Agbonmhegbe, 49, was arrested at Irrua with 17.552 kilogrammes Colorado, Loud and skunk, another suspect Evelyn Okoyomon, 38, was nabbed at Ubiaja with 930 grammes of skunk last Wednesday.

Babafemi said in Niger state, no fewer than 4,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were recovered from a suspect Nazifi Umar, 22, at Dakwa town, Tafa local government area, while another suspect Yusuf Usman, 41, was nabbed with 100 blocks of skunk weighing 47 kilogrammes at Lankaviri, Yorro local government area, Taraba state last Wednesday.

Not less than 30,950 capsules of tramadol, he said were recovered from the home of a suspect Ugwoke Chibueze, 40, in Bachure area of Yola South local government area, Adamawa state following his arrest at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport Yola last Tuesday.

Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, Edo, Oyo, and Niger commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

80-year-old ex-convict arrested as NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs in full body mannequins