GOC convoy foils ambush, kills five terrorists, recovers weapons cache in Kebbi

By: Zagazola Makama

A convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully repelled a deadly ambush near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, resulting in the neutralization of five suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

The attack occurred as the convoy was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state. Armed assailants opened fire from the forested terrain, but the convoy responded swiftly with overwhelming force, foiling the ambush and disrupting the attackers’ plans.

A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and materials, including an OJC gun, a PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, five motorcycles, two mobile phones, and a camel bag containing ₦840,000.

Troops remain deployed and vigilant in the area to maintain security and prevent further terrorist activity.

Security sources said the operation sent a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups operating in the North West region.

GOC convoy foils ambush, kills five terrorists, recovers weapons cache in Kebbi

SPIRITANS SOUND OUTREACH HOSTS “NIGHT TO SHINE”

By Fidelis ENWEMEKA

The Spiritans Sound Outreach, in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, a non-denominational Christian foundation based in Georgia, USA, organised a special programme tagged Night to Shine on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The memorable event was held at St. Francis Catholic Parish Hall, 2 Oremeji Street, Oregun, Ikeja.

The programme was designed to celebrate and honour persons with special needs through a variety of engaging activities.

Highlights of the evening included a limousine ride, crowning ceremony, barbing and makeup sessions, free medical check-ups, face painting, and shoe shining—each carefully arranged to create a joyful and dignified experience for the participants.

Some of the honoured guests showcased their talents during the event which was quite spectacular.

One of them, Adebayo Arioluwa delighted the audience with a musical rendition; Akabueze Prosper delivered an inspiring speech; while Adesola Akinbusola took part in a modelling presentation.

The Graceful Groovers Dance Troupe also entertained guests with an energetic dance performance which thrilled the audience.

A major highlight of the evening was a musical performance by DString, a blind guitarist who attended as a guest artiste. Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, CSSp, also presented a drama and performed his song titled “Home is the Best,” extending a heartfelt call to those who may have drifted away from God to return to Him.

In his opening address, Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, founder and director of the Spiritans Sound Outreach and Chaplain of St. Aidan High School, Scotland, United Kingdom reiterated the mission of the organisation.

He stated that from its inception, the outreach has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of God’s grace to the poor, the marginalized, and those on the fringes of society.

He acknowledged the generous support of the Tim Tebow Foundation, noting that their collaboration made it possible to begin, last year, with the vision of creating an unforgettable experience for persons with special needs.

Describing the celebrants as “our kings and queens,” he emphasised that their royalty is not defined by disability, but by their inherent dignity, worth, and need for special care and love.

He expressed profound gratitude to all partner organisations and supporters who contributed to the success of the event.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included Barrister Mofolowasho Liasu, Founder of the Super Parent Foundation, who collaborated with the outreach to mobilise participants; Rev. Fr. Modestus Uzoekwe, CSSp, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ketu-Ijanikin; Fr. Boniface Ugwo, CSSp, Parish Priest of St. Francis; Fr. Godfrey Igboka, CSSp; Fr. Onyinlo, CSSp; Barrister Boluwaji Ajayi; Engr. Toba Ogunleye; Mrs. Awe Folorunso; and Mrs. Titilayo Asikpata.

Brother Fidelis wrote in from Ogun state.

SPIRITANS SOUND OUTREACH HOSTS “NIGHT TO SHINE”

New civil service association wants Ogun governor to halt hurried implementation of contributory pension scheme until……

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The entire members of the Association of New Ogun Civil and Public Service Retirees have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to halt any further accelerated action on the proposed contributory pension scheme (CPS) for civil servants.

The association which comprises more than 600 members and still counting as people are retiring wants Prince Dapo Abiodun, to consider their plights by shifting the proposed hurried implementation of the CPS forward to a later year when all vexatious aspects of the law that established the CPS would have been properly fixed.

In a release signed by about five of the worried retirees, led by Shadrach Omopariola, the members maintain we that “inline with this, we plead with His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON to order the payment of our monthly pension as from January 1st 2026 to bring back the hope of living in us and put smile on our faces.

“Your Excellency Sir, we heard that your Government is planning to introduce a new idea that is known as ‘Additional Pension Benefits’ This in itself is nothing to be compared with the gains and benefits of the Old Pension Scheme.

” Sir, the payment of our monthly pension would in no small measure improve not only the economic growth of our immediate families but would be a moral booster for the good people of Ogun State inline with Your Excellency’s Mantra of ‘Igbega ipinle Ogun Ajose Gbogbo wa Ni’.

“We will patiently wait for the payment of our gratuity with faith in the government of Ogun State to pay us as soon as possible.

“We remain law-abiding senior citizens of Ogun State even in this difficult situation where we have no money to take care of ourselves, our children, our aged parents, and other dependent relatives.

“We believe in your kind heartedness and goodwill that you will not close your eyes to our pleading but you will come to our rescue within the shortest time possible to bring happiness and joy to all of us.”

The release was jointly signed by Omopariola Shadrach, Adeyanju Joseph, Falola Kayode, Obasan Olufolake and Kayode Mulikat.

The contributory pension scheme is a new scheme first introduced by the fed government in June 2004 following the enactment of the pension reform act by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The act was later repealed and replaced by the pension reform Act of 2014 which updated the terms of the scheme by exempting employees who had three years or less to retire, those who retired before the enactment, judicial officers, members of the armed forces and the secret service.

Teachers who should have led the list of these exemptions because of their thankless services to humanity like that of the military were completely ignored.

Sub nationals now trying to domesticate the scheme have equally refused to give teachers that special exemption they are entitled to for their thankless services.

New civil service association wants Ogun governor to halt hurried implementation of contributory pension scheme until……