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By Uzair Adam 

Nigerian troops have rescued 318 kidnapped victims, neutralised several terrorists, and arrested many others during coordinated operations across multiple regions in November, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.

A statement issued on Thursday explained that the operations also led to the deactivation of 16 illegal crude oil refining sites and the prevention of suspected oil theft valued at over N217.6 million. 

Troops additionally recovered thousands of litres of crude oil and AGO during the raids. The military assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the students recently abducted in Niger State.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters through land and air offensives carried out in several local government areas of Borno and Adamawa States. 

The operations resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of collaborators, rescue of kidnapped victims, and destruction of terrorist camps and equipment.

In the North West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out similar missions in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi States. Several terrorists were neutralised, suspects arrested, and kidnapped victims rescued. 

Air operations also targeted hideouts in Kankara and Faskari, destroying camps and disrupting logistics networks.

Troops operating in the North Central under Operation Enduring Peace conducted raids in Plateau and Kaduna States, neutralising extremists, arresting suspects, and rescuing victims. 

Additional missions under Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States led to more arrests, rescues, and recoveries of arms, vehicles, and livestock. 

Operations extended to Kogi State and the FCT, where extremists were neutralised and more victims rescued.

In the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe intensified efforts against oil theft in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States. 

These operations thwarted theft valued in millions of naira, dismantled illegal refineries, and led to the arrest of oil thieves and other criminals. 

Additional patrols also led to arrests and the seizure of arms and ammunition.

In the South East, under Operation Udoka, troops conducted raids across Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, and Cross River States. 

The missions led to the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests, rescues, and the recovery of weapons and explosives. Air strikes in Ezeagu LGA destroyed terrorist camps and supply routes.

The military commended the troops for their bravery. It urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations and to support veterans through the Armed Forces Remembrance Day initiative launched on December 2, 2025.

According to DHQ, the Armed Forces remain committed to lawful operations aimed at restoring peace across all affected parts of the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate confirmed retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence on Wednesday. This appointment places the former Chief of Defence Staff at the head of the nation’s defence apparatus barely 40 days after his military retirement.

The confirmation followed a rigorous screening session where senators questioned the nominee on various security challenges facing the country.

The approval was ultimately secured through a voice vote.General Musa’s nomination moved swiftly through the executive and legislative branches.

President Bola Tinubu nominated him on Tuesday, with his name transmitted to the Senate for confirmation the same day.

By Abdulsalam Alkali

Claim: 

Opay, a fintech microfinance bank, is deducting money from customer accounts to service COVID-19 Survival Fund loans. This claim has been circulating on social media since the beginning of the week.

Verification Process:

A rough search using the Tor browser and DuckDuckGo search engine found no evidence to support the claim. A deeper search traced the origin of the story to a social media page named “Ibadan Crush TV”, which appears to have been the first to publish it. Furthermore, Opay has used its verified official channels to refute the story, describing it as false, malicious, and fabricated. The company insists all customer accounts and deposits remain safe, intact, and fully accessible.

Findings:

Available data confirms that the circulating news is entirely misleading and false. No deductions for loan servicing have been made from Opay accounts. Opay insists that anyone with a genuine claim should come forward to register a complaint. The story originated from a non-credible source, a page focused on entertainment and lifestyle, not a legitimate news medium.

Verdict:

The claim that it is “fake and misleading” is consistent with the available evidence. There is no public traceable evidence that OPay deducts user funds for servicing any “COVID-19 Survival Fund” loan, and strong official statements from OPay denying both loan services and unauthorised withdrawals.

By Uzair Adam

The governor of Zamfara State has intensified efforts to secure major political concessions from the federal government as part of conditions for his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the development said the governor is seeking full control of the APC structure in Zamfara ahead of his anticipated move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

He was said to have held a strategic meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France, alongside the governors of Enugu and Taraba states.

At the meeting, he reportedly expressed willingness to join the APC if his demands were met.

The Paris meeting, held months ago at the Peninsula Hotel, was described as a turning point, prompting the governor to return home and tighten his conditions for defection.

Insiders alleged that he has consistently pressed the Presidency to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and hand over the APC structure in Zamfara to him as part of the deal.

The resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence was said to have renewed the governor’s push, with reports suggesting he urged the Presidency to act swiftly in easing Matawalle out of the cabinet.

Political analysts say the governor’s demands reflect his desire to secure full influence within the APC if he eventually joins the party.

There are also claims that the governor is receiving backing from certain security quarters to facilitate reports capable of weakening Matawalle’s standing in government.

Sources alleged that once the minister is removed, the governor plans to mobilise his PDP structure and loyalists into the APC to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Observers note that the governor sees Matawalle as a major obstacle to his political ambition, especially within the northwest.

Matawalle has recently gained recognition for key security interventions, including the rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and efforts to restore peace in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara.

The unfolding power struggle now signals a potentially significant realignment in Zamfara and the wider northwest as both figures compete for control, influence, and relevance ahead of future elections.

By Uzair Adam

Former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has refuted claims suggesting he left the President Bola Tinubu administration because of alleged cooperation between Nigeria and the Donald Trump–led US government regarding accusations of genocide against Christians in the country.

He dismissed the reports in an electronically signed statement titled, “Rejoinder: Categorical Denial Of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation As Minister of Defence.”

According to him, a circulating online publication falsely alleged he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”

He described the claim as malicious and baseless, insisting it neither originated from him nor from anyone authorised to speak on his behalf.

He said the motive behind the fabricated story was to damage his reputation, create unnecessary tension between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and distract from ongoing governance efforts.

The former minister noted that the genuine reasons for his resignation were formally communicated to the President and subsequently made public through conventional and social media.

He added that any attempts to suggest an inflammatory motive were the work of mischief makers.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, the APC leadership, and Nigerians, maintaining his commitment to national peace and stability as well as the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also restated his support for the ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

By Dr Salisu Uba FCIPS

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has approved a new membership fee structure for Nigeria, allowing procurement professionals to pay in Naira from 1 December 2025. The decision includes a reduction in fees, marking a significant shift for one of the largest professional communities within the institute.

The change follows years of rising financial pressure linked to foreign currency payments, which many practitioners said had limited access to professional qualifications and continuous development.

Local Currency Move Seen as Major Relief

Nigerian members have long argued that payment in foreign currency placed an unnecessary strain on practitioners working in an economy affected by inflation and exchange rate volatility. The shift to Naira is expected to broaden access to certification and support career progression for early and mid-level professionals.

The announcement was delivered by the CIPS Nigeria Country Director, Chukwudi Uche, at the institute’s Port Harcourt symposium in late November. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss supply chain collaboration and tax policy.

A Step with Wider Professional Consequences

CIPS, regarded as the global benchmark for procurement standards, plays a central role in shaping skills, ethics, and governance across the profession. Its qualifications are commonly required for senior roles across the public and private sectors, and its code of conduct is widely used to guide responsible practice.

In Nigeria, CIPS has been instrumental in supporting capacity building, improving transparency, and raising the overall standard of procurement governance. The institute has worked with government agencies, private sector organisations, and development partners to improve processes and strengthen accountability.

Industry experts say the latest decision could encourage greater participation in formal training programmes and increase the number of qualified professionals available to organisations that rely on strong procurement governance.

Procurement’s Role in National Development

Procurement plays a direct role in national development by shaping how public funds are spent and how essential goods and services are delivered. Poor procurement decisions can delay infrastructure, inflate project costs, and weaken accountability. Strong procurement systems support industrial growth, improve public services, and help build competitive local supply chains.

A more accessible professional pathway through CIPS is expected to expand the pool of trained experts who can support national development goals. This includes improved contract management, better risk control, and more effective engagement with local suppliers.

Integrity and Expertise Seen as Priorities

With the revised fee structure now in place, I hope to see more organisations and individual practitioners in Nigeria work closely with qualified experts to protect the integrity of procurement systems. Both public and private sector projects rely heavily on competent professionals who understand governance, ethics, and value-for-money. Strengthening professional capability is essential if Nigeria is to reduce waste, improve transparency, and support long-term development.

A Community Achievement

The fee revision is the result of extensive engagement across the Nigerian membership base. The leadership of Ben Farrell and Sam Achampong has been widely acknowledged, along with the contributions of members who have advocated for reform through various channels. The CIPS Nigeria Country Office has also played a central role in pushing for the change.

More information on the revised fees is expected to be released by CIPS in the coming days.

Dr Salisu Uba is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and the Chief Executive Officer of NatQuest, a leading technology-enabled supply chain company.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu alongside the National Assembly and the FCT Minister have pledged a total of N320 million to the Nigerian Legion, the association for military veterans and families of fallen heroes.

The donations were announced on Tuesday at the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

President Tinubu led the contributions with a donation of N200 million, promising that his administration remains dedicated to the welfare of serving personnel, injured officers, and the families of those who died in service.

He praised the military’s sacrifices and ongoing role in securing the nation.

The National Assembly, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy House Speaker Benjamin Kalu, donated N100 million.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contributed N20 million.

During his address, President Tinubu called on government institutions, businesses, and individuals to donate generously to the Legion.

He highlighted his administration’s security gains, including the surrender of thousands of insurgents and improved maritime security, reiterating that security is the central pillar of his “Renewed Hope” agenda.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, urged Nigerians to wear the remembrance poppy emblem and support the appeal fund as a symbol of national gratitude.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, commended the President’s consistent support for the military.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15th to honour fallen soldiers and recognise living veterans.

By Abubakar Idris

For those whose businesses do not sell within and around the spectrum of the academia, most probably, the term “peer review” never ring a bell; and for that, we start with that. Often used within the scientific community, an article, or any piece of work is said to be peer reviewed when it is subjected to scrutiny of experts in the same field of study before getting published. Thus, experts in the field are the peer(s), while their scrutiny of the work is the review. 1 + 1 = 2. The purposes – as put simply by Kelly et al. (2014) in their ‘Peer Review in Scientific Publication: Benefits, Critiques, & A Survival Guide’ published by The Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (JIFCC) and cited in more than 800 works – are to: check for relevance / importance / contribution in the area, validity of methodology, and novelty / originality of the work; and ensure improvement in the quality of manuscripts worthy of publication. In any case, in this context, the argument is this: anybody who passed through this celebrated academic writing process, if really conducted as should be done, [can] considers themselves as Odogwu of some sort. Uhm, you know… even as I claim to be a [forest] scientist, with a lot of my written works [mainly published under pseudonyms] appearing in both local and international dailies and magazines, to set the record straight, I must, here, confess that, to my credit, there exists NOT a single peer-reviewed publication! Except perhaps if the bar is to be lowered in respect of the few articles I was able to have got published by the International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF)– which I know say you no go gree do even as you know the editors are professional foresters.

Anyway, I know that’s unfortunate on my part. Really unfortunate even. And to borrow from the American-sounding accent speaking Ugandan MP, Mr. Atkins Katusabe, whose video recently circulated on social media, “Mr. Speaker, I think this is a disaster.” That said, why is Abubakar writing an article about ‘This Peer Review of a Thing’? Certainly not just to mock himself as having not published any scientific work. A curios mind is already pounding on this thought. Truth is, this write-up is a protest. The background: As is well known, recently, the POTUS, Mr. TACO, and his like-him arrogant ignorant drum beaters told the world a fat lie that paints Nigeria ugly – the accusation of Christian Genocide. Whatever the motive behind the unsubstantiated and impossible claim, while a clear fabrication on all fronts, the powerful man’s words (that include instructing the Pentagon to come with a plan for military intervention to save their created victims in the most populous black nation) threw the big house into a sensational chaos. Mr. K believes 131, Mrs. Ropines 629, Dr. M dreams 450, Miss N thinks 347, and all. As this fire rages, confusion at its fouls-play, as though in response by the insurgents, more organized more intensified attacks and kidnappings were unveiled – dealing some serious blows not just to the national security architecture, but also the country’s very sovereignty. And, no doubt, these troubles are much
more prevalent in the lower-literate, poorer, hotter climate… Northern region (Arewa).
It’s therefore seriously concerning that instead of guiding their younger ones on how to
consciously navigate the complex terrain, some “Arewa intellectuals” chose the path of
misguiding them. Namely, keeping them busy with cheap arguments that are squarely based on
their own personal glory – or lack of it – focused in toto on massaging their egos. Some pseudo
intellectuals, one is tempted to say.
I genuinely don’t understand why a conscious people whose very existence is threatened by all
kinds of terrorist groups and their families receiving a hell-style of beating by the harshest of
known economic realities allow themselves to be consumed by debates around what credential
qualifies one’s social media posts to be read and responded to, or whose comments are too raw,
shallow, extreme, disrespectful, gullible, and intolerant enough for them to “chop block”. I don’t
know what is, if this isn’t, a clear case of reckless joke.
In the seventh scene of Act II of William Shakespeare’s play ‘As You Like It’, a character Jaques
says, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits
and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts” – then goes on to describe the
seven ages of a man’s life, comparing them to the roles an actor plays in a play. True to nature, in
man’s lifecycle, there is an age for play, there is another for recklessness. Truth is almost all the
Arewa intellectuals are supposed to be done with the said phases. Instead of play and
recklessness, we expect wisdom from them.
When the story of Mazi Kanu’s sentence surfaced and dominated the headlines, I wasn’t as
concerned when most of us were distracted – even if not majorly of Arewa, it is such a serious
[in]security issue itself. But the credentials of our “espat”, oh h*ll no, I don’t get it, and I don’t
want to get it. I thought our so called intellectuals know better, but, well, what do I know?!
Quickly, if you don’t mind my obsession with history, allow me to add this: Elsevier’s Publishing
Guideline notes that, as a method of evaluating written work, this practice, fear (sorry, peer)
review, has been in use since ancient Greece. And, it was first explained by a Syrian physician,
Is’haq Ibn Ali Al-Rahwi (854-931 CE), in his book titled The Ethics of Physician. You gerrit? I
don’t gerrit…
May this article be peer reviewed before it got published, amen!

Abubakar Idris, a scientist without any peer reviewed article, is a graduate of Forestry and
Wildlife from University of Maiduguri. He writes from Auchi, Edo State, and can be reached
via email at abubakaridrismisau@gmail.com or on phone through +2349030178211.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) on his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.

In a statement issued today, Governor Sani described the nomination as “well-deserved” and a “profound vote of confidence” in General Musa’s character and competence.

He extended congratulations on behalf of the Kaduna State Government and its people, noting the nominee is an illustrious son of the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment, stating it rewards excellence and reaffirms the President’s resolve to strengthen national security.

Having worked closely with General Musa, Governor Sani affirmed the appointment is timely and apt, calling it “a round peg in a round hole.”

He highlighted the General’s previous service as Chief of Defence Staff, citing his “uncommon discipline, strategic clarity, and humane leadership” which restored public confidence in the military.

For Kaduna State, the Governor credited General Musa’s “wise counsel, measured interventions, and firm support” as instrumental in stabilising areas once troubled by banditry and insurgent activity since May 2023.

Governor Sani urged the Senate to accord the distinguished officer expedited screening and approval, stating the nation stands to benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.

He concluded by saluting General Musa’s service, celebrating his ascent on behalf of Kaduna, and expressing confidence that history will remember him kindly.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has nominated the immediate-past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence.

The nomination was disclosed in a press release from the State House on Monday, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

General Musa, 58, is proposed to succeed Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned from the cabinet earlier.

A highly decorated officer, General Musa served as the nation’s top military commander from June 2023 until October 2025.

His extensive career includes frontline roles in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, notably as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and commander in the Lake Chad region.

President Tinubu, in a formal letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed confidence that General Musa would provide strong leadership to the Defence Ministry and bolster national security.

The appointment is pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.