News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has disowned a fake recruitment advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, which invites applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the advertisement as fraudulent. She said it did not originate from the Nigerian Army.

The Army urged members of the public to ignore the fake notice. It also advised prospective applicants not to submit applications through, patronise or make payments to any individual, group or website claiming to recruit on behalf of the Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, all recruitment and commissioning exercises conducted by the Army are free, transparent and based strictly on merit. It stressed that official recruitment announcements are published only through national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other recognised official communication channels.

The Army further stated that no recruitment form is sold and that no individual or agent has been authorised to facilitate enlistment or collect money from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.

It warned those responsible for creating and circulating the fake advertisement to stop immediately. The statement disclosed that security agencies have commenced efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone connected to the fraudulent scheme.

The Army also warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its recruitment process and advised Nigerians to verify all recruitment information only through official Nigerian Army channels. The public was also encouraged to report any suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest military formation or security agency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested 6 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered a large cache of materials believed to be intended for terrorist groups during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the operation took place at about 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2026.

The statement said troops acted on credible intelligence and mounted a stop-and-search operation along a route suspected to be used for supplying logistics to terrorists. The operation led to the arrest of the suspects, who were travelling in 5 vehicles and transporting materials allegedly meant for terrorist elements.

Items recovered from the suspects include 202 cartons of herbicides, 1 jerrycan containing suspected acid, 1 Starlink wireless internet communication system, 6 bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.

The military said preliminary findings suggest the seized items could serve both civilian and military purposes. It added that such materials could support terrorist logistics, mobility, communications and other operational activities. The statement noted that the recovered NPK fertiliser and suspected acid would undergo technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The statement described the seizure as a major setback for suspected terrorist logistics networks. It added that the suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation. Authorities hope the investigation will identify the intended recipients of the materials, uncover other members of the logistics network and lead to the arrest of additional collaborators and sponsors.

The military also said preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and families of surrendered terrorists indicate that sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains have weakened the operational capacity of insurgent groups. According to the debriefings, shortages of food, medical supplies, communication equipment and other essential materials have forced many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and camps while escaping sustained military operations.

The statement reaffirmed that Operation Hadin Kai would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist support structures. It said troops would maintain pressure on terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators in order to deny them the resources and freedom of movement needed to sustain their activities.

The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious individuals, movements and activities within their communities.

It said such cooperation remains essential to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts to restore lasting peace in the North-East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel. The organisation said the groups now rely on drones, advanced communication technology and cryptocurrencies to strengthen their activities.

The warning came during a briefing to the UN Security Council by Leonardo Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, who also heads the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Simão presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on developments in the region. The report covered the period from November 29, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The briefing took place as the Security Council reviewed the political, security and humanitarian situation across West Africa and the Sahel. It also followed the council’s decision to extend the mandate of UNOWAS until January 31, 2029.

According to Simão, terrorist groups have continued to improve their methods, which has made them more difficult to defeat.

“Armed groups are increasingly using drones, sophisticated communications and cryptocurrencies while coordinating operations across borders,” he said.


He noted that the activities of the groups are now closely linked with transnational organised crime. He said their objective is to gain territorial and economic control while undermining public confidence in state institutions.

“The problem is acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria,” he said.


“Their actions intersect with transnational organised crime, and are aimed at consolidating territorial and economic control, erosion of public confidence in state authority, with serious damage to social cohesion.”


Simão also stated that Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso continue to suffer terrorist attacks, kidnappings and heavy civilian casualties.

He disclosed that about 6.8 million people have been displaced across the region, while another 1.28 million people are now refugees or asylum seekers. He added that women, children and young people remain the most affected because insecurity and inadequate funding have restricted humanitarian operations.

Despite the security challenges, Simão acknowledged some positive developments. He cited the reopening of the Kamba border crossing between Nigeria and Niger. He also referred to progress by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission in implementing the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the two countries’ land and maritime boundary.

“These are some examples of regional efforts towards dialogue,” he said.


The UN official stressed that military action alone would not end terrorism. He urged governments across the region to address poverty and other socio-economic conditions that fuel violent extremism.

“Fighting poverty and vulnerability must therefore remain a common objective in the broader fight against terrorism. Regional actors are working hard to find solutions,” he said.


Simão also revealed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed efforts to operationalise its standby force, although funding constraints remain a major obstacle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders of West African countries to respect constitutional term limits, warning that attempts to alter them could undermine democratic governance and regional stability.

Shettima made the appeal on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone. He spoke during a discussion on the future of regional integration in West Africa.

The vice president said Nigeria remains committed to promoting peace, security and democratic governance across the region. He stressed that sustainable development cannot thrive where insecurity and political instability persist.

“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he said.



He also urged leaders to focus on good governance, which he described as the strongest safeguard against unconstitutional changes of government and widespread protests.

“I am to add that beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against Unconstitutional Changes of Government and mass protests that is capable of undermining good order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.


“We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with the constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes.”


The ECOWAS Compact on the Future of Regional Integration is a six-pillar framework designed to implement the bloc’s Vision 2050. The initiative seeks to transform ECOWAS into an institution that delivers practical benefits to citizens in areas such as security, economic integration and digital connectivity.

Shettima described the compact as a forward-looking document that reflects the shared aspirations of the people of West Africa.

“Nigeria recognises the evolving global geopolitical landscape and the Compact’s vision of ECOWAS as a more cohesive, influential, and strategically autonomous regional actor,” he said.


“In an increasingly multipolar world, West Africa must speak with one voice in advancing its collective interests, safeguarding its sovereignty, and building partnerships anchored on mutual respect, equality and shared prosperity.”


The vice president also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the establishment of the ECOWAS counter-terrorism force and the strengthening of the regional standby force. He said the measures would improve intelligence sharing, strengthen joint security operations and reinforce preventive diplomacy to promote peace and stability across West Africa.

By Uzair Adam

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents have abducted the wife of a pastor and her three children along the Maiduguri–Damasak road in Borno State.

The incident occurred around noon on Saturday near Kareto village in Mobbar Local Government Area, according to community sources.

The victims were reportedly travelling to Damasak, where Pastor Moses Guguma serves as the resident pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), when the commercial vehicle conveying them was intercepted by the armed men.

A community source, who requested anonymity, said the attackers ordered the pastor’s wife and her three children to step out of the vehicle before allowing the remaining passengers to continue their journey.

“The terrorists intercepted the commercial vehicle near Kareto village and asked the pastor’s wife and her three children to disembark.

“They allowed the other passengers to continue before disappearing into the bush with the family,” the source said.

The source added that the pastor’s wife had only recently been discharged from a hospital in Maiduguri and was still recuperating at the time of the abduction.

Another family source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the victims were deliberately targeted because of their Christian faith.

“We are currently holding special prayers, asking God to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the source said.

Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno, lies about 156 kilometres from Maiduguri and has experienced repeated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters over the years.

As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the victims remained unknown.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while the abductors had made no known contact or ransom demand.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested additional suspects in connection with the killing of Prof. Gabriel Nyityo and his younger brother, Iorngee John Nyityo, describing the incident as an assassination rather than a robbery.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Makurdi on Friday.

He said the two brothers were killed on July 8 in Adaka community. Police officers attached to the D Division responded to a distress call at about 2 a.m. and recovered their bodies.

Nwadiogbu said security agencies immediately activated checkpoints across the area. The effort led to the arrest of the prime suspect, 23-year-old Abdullahi Usman from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

According to the commissioner, the suspect was intercepted about four hours after the attack while trying to pass through a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) checkpoint in Lafia.

“He felt the NDLEA checkpoint was not manned by policemen and decided to walk across. Unknown to him, the officers had already received information about the incident,” he said.



“They searched him, recovered a phone and from the phone we established that he was one of the suspects.”



Nwadiogbu said security agencies in Nasarawa, including the Department of State Services (DSS), expanded the investigation, which resulted in more arrests.

“They have made more arrests of those who came with him, and they have assured us they will hand them over,” he said.


“We are also determined to identify and arrest those who assisted them within Benue because there must have been local collaborators.”


He added that preliminary findings indicate that some criminal gangs responsible for attacks in Makurdi operate from neighbouring Nasarawa State before returning after carrying out their operations.

The police commissioner did not reveal the number of suspects in custody because investigations are still in progress.

He also dismissed reports that armed bandits had established roadblocks on the Makurdi-Lafia highway.

“That information was false. It was the handiwork of enemies who wanted to divert our attention and create panic. We patrolled the road from one end to the other. Nothing happened. People travelled freely throughout,” he said.


Nwadiogbu also clarified that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had not directed the removal of legitimate police checkpoints across the country.

“We are only removing illegal roadblocks mounted by individuals or groups who have no authority to stop road users. Security agencies will continue to perform their lawful duties on our highways,” he said.


The commissioner further disclosed that the command arrested 10 suspects between June and July over the killing of two Fulani leaders after a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area. He said swift police action prevented the incident from developing into a wider communal conflict involving Benue and Cross River states.

He added that police also neutralised suspected armed robbers and kidnappers in separate operations across Makurdi, Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas. Officers recovered four AK-47 rifles, six locally made pistols, 23 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, mobile phones and charms.

Nwadiogbu said operatives recovered a stolen commercial motorcycle from a robbery suspect in Guma Local Government Area. He added that raids on criminal hideouts in Katsina-Ala led to the arrest of 15 suspects and the recovery of three bags of substances suspected to be cannabis.

He also disclosed that five suspected herders were arrested in Guma for allegedly grazing cattle on cultivated farmlands, while seven suspects were apprehended in Naka over the killing of a man during the burial of a youth leader.

According to the commissioner, police arrested a woman in Ukum Local Government Area for allegedly setting a house on fire, an incident that claimed the lives of two children.

On cult-related crimes, he said one suspect was arrested after rival cult groups clashed in Makurdi, while 12 suspected cult members were apprehended in Gboko during what investigators described as an annual cult meeting.

Nwadiogbu also revealed that police arrested a suspect linked to the attack on the Otukpo-Nobi community and obtained information about individuals suspected of aiding the attackers.

He further said seven Pakistani nationals intercepted during a security operation at a hotel in Otukpo were found with valid travel documents. According to him, they told investigators they were in Nigeria to conduct a market survey before establishing an electronics business. He added that the foreigners remain under profiling by the State Criminal Investigation Department.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have rescued Prof. Samuel Okunsebor, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), days after he was abducted by gunmen in Nasarawa State.

Okunsebor was kidnapped on Wednesday at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. The attack reportedly occurred around midnight when armed men invaded the area.

According to security sources, DSS operatives traced the professor’s location through intelligence-led operations and secured his rescue at about 3 p.m. on Friday.

Following the operation, the agency handed the professor over to his family in the presence of senior officials of the university, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kitso Ngbargu.

He was later taken to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and routine checks.

A senior university official, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.

The official commended the DSS for its swift intervention and successful operation.

> “The university is greatly indebted to the DSS for working round the clock to ensure the timely rescue of our amiable Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture,” the official said.



“We understand that the DSS have in their custody two of the persons behind the kidnap of our dear professor.



“Given how the DSS has been meticulously prosecuting suspects in courts, we have little doubt that both suspects will soon have their day in court.”



The incident comes about a month after three students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) were abducted by unidentified gunmen from their residence near the institution’s temporary campus in Akunza, Lafia.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has unveiled a statue in honour of the late literary icon, Chinua Achebe, in his hometown of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

The monument, which stands at the Ugwunwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, was unveiled on Saturday. The event came 13 years after the celebrated novelist passed away.

Speaking at the ceremony, Soludo described Achebe as a literary giant whose influence extends far beyond Nigeria. He also pledged that his administration would continue to support efforts aimed at preserving the author’s legacy and encouraging the growth of future literary talents in the state.

> “Achebe represents excellence and remains one of the world’s greatest literary figures. We will continue to support initiatives that inspire the emergence of more Achebes in Idemili north and Anambra state,” the governor said.



Also speaking, the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka, said Achebe and Soludo had brought global recognition to Anambra through their outstanding achievements.

The Anambra State Government said the statue would help preserve Achebe’s legacy while promoting the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Ogidi.

Achebe, who is widely regarded as the father of modern African literature, was born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi to the family of an Anglican evangelist.

He rose to international prominence after the publication of Things Fall Apart in 1958. The novel has since been translated into dozens of languages and remains one of the most widely read works of African literature.

Apart from fiction, Achebe wrote essays, poetry and short stories that examined colonialism, governance, identity and post-independence Africa. His contributions earned him several international honours during his lifetime.

Achebe died on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, at the age of 82 after a brief illness. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Ogidi on May 23, 2013.

Some of his notable works include No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God, and The Trouble with Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Prominent human rights advocate and founder of Human Rights Radio and Television, Dr. Ahmad Isah, has intervened in a legal dispute against a Kaduna-based social media personality, urging the withdrawal of a defamation and abusive language case filed on his behalf.

Dr. Isah, widely known as the “Ordinary President” of the Brekete Family, made the appeal on Monday following a viral video in which the social media influencer, Adamu Maryam Adam Maryam, allegedly made defamatory and abusive remarks against him. The remarks prompted legal proceedings initiated by a third party acting on the broadcaster’s behalf.

In his public address on the matter, Dr. Isah clarified that he did not personally instigate the legal action, noting that it was pursued by individuals who felt compelled to defend his reputation. However, he has now called on them to discontinue the case, citing his personal regard for Ms. Adam Maryam, whom he described as “one of his daughters.”

His appeal comes in the wake of three separate public apologies issued by Adam Maryam over her comments. The radio host emphasized his belief in reconciliation and forgiveness, stating that he holds no grudges against the young social media personality.

“The case was not filed by me, but by those who felt hurt on my behalf. I am now appealing to them to withdraw it because I see Adamu as my child,” Dr. Isah said. “She has apologized publicly three times, and as a father, I believe in giving people a second chance.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disbursed ₦7.61 billion in retirement benefits to 4,237 retired officers through 9 Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated the agency’s commitment to the welfare of its former personnel.

Adeniyi announced the payment during a dialogue with retired Customs officers. He said the funds had already been released to the PFAs for distribution into the beneficiaries’ individual accounts.

According to details presented at the meeting, Access-ARM Pension Managers received funds for 1,223 retirees, while Premium Pension accounted for 2,268 beneficiaries. Leadway Pensions covered 403 retirees, TrustFund Pensions had 156 beneficiaries, FCMB Pensions received payments for 144 retirees, Veritas Glanvills Pensions had 28 beneficiaries, Norrenberger Pensions covered 11 retirees, and Fidelity Pension Managers received funds for 4 beneficiaries, making a total of 4,237 retirees.

The Comptroller-General said the Customs Service must remain financially strong enough to meet its obligations to both serving and retired officers. He added that the well-being of officers who devoted many years to the Service remains closely linked to the institution’s future.

He also encouraged retirees to continue engaging constructively with the Service. According to him, “I acknowledged your concerns and suggestions raised, and it is in view of this we called for this dialogue to promote better understanding and reduce the effect of rumours and unofficial information on the relationship between the Service and its retired personnel.”

The meeting also had in attendance the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijjani Abe, alongside other members of the management team. They assured the retirees that the issues raised during the engagement would receive due consideration at the Board and management levels.

The retired officers thanked the Comptroller-General and the management team for creating an avenue for direct interaction. They also appealed to the Service to make such engagements a regular feature to strengthen ties between serving and retired personnel.

The dialogue comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve pension benefits. The initiative follows plans to review the legal provisions governing pensions, including Section 15(4) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.