National News
Rep. Ahmed Ja Babawo’s Boko Haram remarks are reckless, demoralising, and dangerous

Rep. Ahmed Ja Babawo’s Boko Haram remarks are reckless, demoralising, and dangerous
By: Zagazola Makama
The recent outburst by Rep. Ahmed Ja Babawo, the Member representing Chibok, Damboa, and Gwoza Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, claiming that Boko Haram is more sophisticated than the Nigerian Army, is not only irresponsible, it is an affront to the gallantry, sacrifices, and resilience of our Armed Forces.
At a time when our soldiers are battling against the most brutal form of asymmetric warfare, it is appalling that a sitting lawmaker would mount the podium of national representation to glorify terrorists and diminish the credibility of Nigeria’s military. In any serious democracy, such inflammatory rhetoric would be met with public censure, if not outright disciplinary measures.
Let us be clear: what Rep. Babawo has done is not advocacy. It is sabotage. He claimed terrorism is “returning to 2014.” Really? In 2014, over 17 local government areas in Borno State were completely overrun. Gwoza, the very heart of his constituency, was declared a “caliphate” by Boko Haram. Tens of thousands were displaced, entire communities levelled, and humanitarian camps stretched to the brink. Those were the days of daily suicide bombings in Maiduguri by Abubakar Shekau, military bases overrun, and territory actually held by terrorists.
That is not today’s reality. Today, none of those librated LGAs are taken back by the terrorists. None. Even the last IDP camp in Maiduguri “Muna” is scheduled to be closed within weeks, According to Governor Babagana Zulum. So far, over two million displaced people have been voluntarily and safely resettled by the Borno State Government, with massive investments in housing, infrastructure, schools, and health centres.
The locations the lawmaker mentioned Sabon Gari, Izge, Wajiroko have not experienced any form of mass displacement. What occurred were isolated, hit-and-run attacks targeting military formations, not civilians. These were tactical ambushes, not territorial seizures. No ground was lost, no civilian communities were overrun, and certainly no LGAs have been displaced. Even the loggers he claimed were slaughtered by Boko Haram, went beyond the parameters set up by the Military in search for firewood which exposed them to attacks.
But to hear Rep. Babawo tell it, Nigeria is once again on the brink of collapse.
This is not just exaggeration; it is a lie. And it is a dangerous one. It insults the blood of our fallen heroes. It diminishes the sweat of our deployed troops. It undermines the faith of our citizens in the very institutions designed to protect them. Worst of all, it gives psychological oxygen to the terrorists we are fighting. It emboldens them. It tells them their tactics are working. Who benefits from such a narrative? Certainly not the Nigerian people. Certainly not the grieving mothers of soldiers who died holding the line. Certainly not the children who now attend schools rebuilt in liberated communities.
The fact is that our troops under Operation Hadin Kai are doing an excellent job in the exceedingly difficult terrain. While the war is far from over, the Armed Forces and the government are still maintaining the momentum. The achievement of the troops of Operation Hadin Kai are vividly illustrated by the neutralization of over 567 terrorists, among them include over 51 top commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP from February 2024 to date. These targeted assaults coupled with meticulous intelligence gathering resulted in the recovery of 492 assorted weapons, over 10,714 rounds of ammunition, and numerous high value items including general purpose machine guns, rifles, and various explosives.
The success of counter-terrorism activities extended beyond weapon captures. the military rescued over 2,225 civilians from terrorist enclaves. Additionally, more than 9,800 patrols, nearly 2,700 ambushes, and over 990 clearance and offensive operations were carried out, significantly weakening enemy strongholds and restoring safety to the civilian population. Also, through intensive interdiction NAF Air Component operations conducting 232 missions killing hundreds of the insurgents and destroying their logistics across 230 sorties, clocking more than 567 hours of flight time the air component remained a force multiplier in the fight.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) played a crucial role; the Nigerian Air Force UAV command executed 760 ISR missions totaling 6,674 flight hours, providing real-time intelligence and enabling precision strikes. This synergy of air and ground operations facilitated the arrest of over 161 terrorists’ logisticians and the surrender of an astounding 200,000 fighters along with their families, which marked a paradigm shift in the theatre’s counter-insurgency efforts.
Other Key activities was the successful conduct of Operation Desert Sanity III, aimed at degrading insurgent networks, coupled with the ongoing efforts in community stabilization. The resettlement of over 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa after successful stabilization operations exemplifies the tangible peace dividends.
Rather than standing on the floor of the National Assembly to push for better soldier welfare, increased military recruitment, or more funding for equipment and surveillance, Rep. Babawo has chosen the path of alarmism. When was the last time he sponsored a bill to improve military pensions? Or advocated for increased defence procurement? Or even visited the frontline to see the real work being done?
In truth, this lawmaker and others like him are not offering solutions. They are offering sensationalism. They prefer soundbites to statecraft. They peddle despair while brave men and women fight daily to bring hope.This trend must end.
National security should never be politicised. Insecurity should never be weaponised for relevance or clout. It is a disservice to the nation, and a betrayal of those who fight in our name.
What is required now is synergy between the military, National Assembly, the police, intelligence agencies, and local authorities. It is the failure of this synergy that has left the Nigerian Army overstretched, deployed to 36 states for duties that ought to be handled by other security agencies. It is not the fault of the military that they are made to respond to every internal threat, no matter how minor. That is a structural problem, not a tactical one.
The Nigerian Police Force must step up. They must be equipped, trained, and repositioned to handle internal security so the military can focus on their primary role. But instead, the military dislodges terrorists, only to be told to “hold the ground” indefinitely, while the civil institutions that should take over are nowhere to be found.
This model is unsustainable. To win this war, we must empower our military, reform our police, and harmonise our security architecture. Governors must also evolve innovative local solutions and ensure good governance that fosters peace.
What we do not need is a politician who sees headlines in the blood of his own people, who shouts fire where there is none, and who declares defeat while our troops continue to win. What happened in Izge was an example. Five terrorists were killed while weapons were recovered but the politicians chose to report that one captain was killed without mentioning the casualties of the terrorists.
The Nigerian Armed Forces are not the enemy. They are the backbone of peace. They are the custodians of our sovereignty. They are the reason Chibok, Damboa, Konduga, Bama, Gwoza and many other LGAs are still standing today. Therefore, to glorify Boko Haram’s “sophistication” over them is not patriotism it is treasonous talk wrapped in cowardice.
This is the time to rally behind our military not ridicule them. This is the time for facts, not fearmongering. And this is the time for lawmakers to act like leaders, not megaphones for terrorists.
The war is not over, but we are not in 2014. Anyone saying otherwise is either ignorant, complicit, or both.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Rep. Ahmed Ja Babawo’s Boko Haram remarks are reckless, demoralising, and dangerous
Military
CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is designed to unite African militaries and provide indigenous solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
Musa disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
He said the summit would be the first time African defence leaders would sit together, as brothers, to openly discuss Africa’s problems and chart practical ways forward without relying on external prescriptions.
“For too long we have been seeking solutions from outside, and that has prolonged our issues. The reality is that our challenges are within us, and it is only within us that we will create the solutions,” Musa said.
According to him, the success recorded in West Africa through engagements among ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence informed the decision to scale up the initiative across the continent.
He noted that the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, which has faced delays due to challenges of doctrine, strategy and funding, would receive fresh impetus during the summit.
“This meeting gives us the opportunity to look at it holistically and get the buy-in of all Africans,” he added.
The CDS stressed that terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism were common threats across the regions, and only collective action could address them effectively.
He further emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society” approach, noting that insecurity was worsened by unproductive populations and widespread illiteracy that made youths vulnerable to extremist ideologies.
“We must go back to the African culture of brotherliness, of a community raising a child, of not allowing anything to harm your neighbour. That is the kind of solution we must revive,” Musa said.
On the level of participation, the CDS disclosed that about 90 per cent of invited countries had confirmed attendance, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.
He said the summit would also feature dignitaries from within and outside the continent, including senior UN officials, retired service chiefs and security experts.
“The end state is a better Africa, a more secure Africa, and an Africa where we project and work for our own development. Nobody can love you more than yourself,” he said.
CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity
National News
Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film
By: Michael Mike
The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has bridged the cultural gap with Nigeria by hosting the 13th Korean Film Festival in Abuja from August 21st to 23rd, 2025.
The festival aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties through the universal language of cinema .
This three-day event showcased a selection of remarkable Korean films, offering Nigerian audiences a unique window into Korean society, values, and dreams, beyond just entertainment.
Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria , Mr. Jeon Juho, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural ties.
He highlighted that the event is not merely about film screenings but about fostering deeper connections between the two nations.
“This festival isn’t just about watching movies. It is about building bridges between Nigeria and Korea, between culture and community, through the powerful medium of films,” Jeon stated.
He further elaborated on the festival’s offerings, noting that: “We will showcase live Korean remarkable films, each offering a unique window into the heart of Korean society, each value, each struggle, each dream.”
These narratives, he explained, transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, connecting audiences through shared human experiences.
The Permanent Secretary for Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, represented by Samuel Okpevo, highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural relations.
“This event highlights shared cultural ties and affinities and also the dance can foster people-to-people connections,” Okpevo stated.
He encouraged attendees to engage with the festival’s offerings, emphasizing its potential to inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers. “Ladies and gentlemen are hereby enjoying us to key into this event, the Korean Cultural Festival history and values which can inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers,” he urged.
Okpevo also expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
“As I conclude, I encourage all the guests to enjoy the festival, learn from each other, forge meaningful connections. Together we can promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. I wish to thank the organizers of this great event for building a successful event of this magnitude, solidifying cultural ties between both countries.”
He acknowledged the significance of cultural events like the Korean Film Festival in enhancing bilateral ties.
“Let me also at this junction refer to this event for strengthening cultural ties between both countries, Nigeria and the Korean people,” he remarked.
Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festival Association (NFFA), Uche Agbo,, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) for its efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.
“What is being done today here is very significant and to me worthy of emulation,” Agbo remarked.
“I believe and I hope all the cultural centers that are here present or that are represented can replicate such because it offers us as filmmakers an opportunity to tap into the world of cinema of the country that is being projected.”
He further encouraged other embassies to organize similar events, stating, “I will encourage more of this from various other embassies if I may put it that way.”
Expressing the NFFA’s willingness to collaborate, Agbo added, “The Nigerian Film Festival Association as an umbrella body representing the entire film festivals in the country will want to further engage on how we can promote what we are doing here today and we are more than willing to cooperate in that regard.”
Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film
National News
From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics
By Augustine Wereuche Praise
As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.
Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.
The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise, balanced, and almost graceful. Watching it, I imagined how such robots could one day assist in environments too dangerous for humans.
Next came the quadruped robots—the “dog-like” machines. They captured everyone’s attention as they navigated stairs with remarkable ease. Designed for stability and adaptability, these robots demonstrated the potential for use in rescue missions, exploration, and even household assistance.

Most of the presentation was delivered in Chinese, which posed a language barrier for me. However, the power of technology transcended words. The demonstrations spoke for themselves, showing how engineering and design can create machines capable of interacting with the physical world in dynamic ways. With the help of my teacher, I was able to understand a few more about the growth and advancement the company has experienced. It was so amazing getting a firsthand information about the different challenges and adjustment the company has made to keep up with the varying demands of the market.
As I took photos, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these innovations represent more than technical achievement. They reflect humanity’s endless pursuit to build, to solve problems, and to make life better. For me, seeing these robots in action was like stepping into a scene from science fiction to reality
This visit also reminded me of the role education and international collaboration play in advancing technology. Being part of this experience as an international student underscored how innovation is a shared language.

Our visit ended with more demonstrations and a chance to observe the robots up close. I left Unitree feeling inspired, curious, and hopeful about the future. This visit transformed how I see my role as a Nigerian student in China’s tech ecosystem. We’re not just passive observers of innovation, but active participants in a global conversation that will define how these technologies integrate into our societies. The robots at Unitree moved with mechanical precision, but they represented something profoundly human – our endless capacity to imagine, create, and improve the world around us.
Augustine Wereuche Praise
majors in Communication Engineering at School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics
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