By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has introduced a new tactical formation, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in a renewed push to curb kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent offences across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the development during the unit’s inauguration, describing it as a major boost to efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property in Kano.

He explained that the unit, which was established on April 24, 2026, followed directives from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen intelligence-driven policing and improve operational effectiveness.

According to Bakori, the VCRU is a specialised team equipped to confront serious security threats, including banditry and organised violent crimes that continue to affect communities and economic activities.

“Our goal is simple: to reduce response time, dominate public spaces and deny criminals the freedom to operate within Kano State,” he said.

The police chief added that the unit would prioritise swift response to emergencies, proactive crime prevention strategies, as well as thorough investigation and prosecution of suspects.

He noted that personnel assigned to the unit underwent rigorous screening and specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, and human rights standards to ensure professionalism in line with global best practices.

Bakori stressed that discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights would guide the operations of the unit, assuring residents that the command would remain accountable for its activities.

He further revealed that the VCRU would depend largely on real-time intelligence, data analysis, and credible information from the public, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful tips.

To strengthen transparency, the command also inaugurated a Civilian Oversight Board made up of civil society representatives, traditional leaders, legal practitioners, and community stakeholders.

The board, he said, is expected to promote public confidence and encourage inclusive policing.

The inauguration ceremony drew the attendance of senior police officers and community members, many of whom welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention to address the state’s security challenges.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, on Sunday organised a dinner as part of activities marking its 2026 Law Week in Kano.

The event brought together legal practitioners, judges, and guests from within and outside the state to celebrate the legal profession and strengthen professional ties.

Speaking at the dinner, the branch chairman, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Gwadabe, commended members for their dedication and support, particularly the executive committee.

“I commend all members for their support, especially the EXCOs, for their unwavering commitment to the growth of this branch,” he said.

He noted that the occasion would likely be his last Law Week dinner as chairman, as he is set to complete his tenure.

“This may be my last time attending this annual dinner as chairman of the Ungogo Branch. It has been a privilege serving this association,” he added.

Also speaking, Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, who sponsored the publication of The Legacy Journal—the first of its kind in the branch—reaffirmed his support for the association.

Ozoani was represented at the event by Barrister Barth Okoye Aniche, who apologised for his absence, citing prior engagements.

“He would have loved to be here personally, but due to other commitments, he asked me to represent him,” Aniche said.

He added that the Senior Advocate expressed strong admiration for the Ungogo Branch and pledged continued support.

“He holds this branch in high regard and assured members that he will always be available to support initiatives that promote the growth and sustainability of the association,” he said.

Aniche also commended the branch’s achievements despite its relatively recent establishment.

“For a young branch, the level of organisation and commitment is impressive. From hosting a Law Week to producing a publication like The Legacy Journal, it shows vision and dedication. Some branches take years to achieve this,” he noted.

In his remarks, Sadiku Sammani Lawan, Secretary of the Law Week Committee, said the dinner was part of broader activities aimed at fostering unity and professional development among members.

“Law Week provides an opportunity to bring together legal practitioners, judges, and stakeholders to celebrate the profession and reflect on its development,” he said.

He added that the programme also includes outreach activities such as visits to correctional centres and orphanages, as part of efforts to promote social responsibility within the legal community.

“This dinner is one of the activities lined up for the week. It offers members and invited guests an avenue to interact, network, and celebrate together,” he said.

The event attracted participants from different NBA branches, highlighting the growing relevance of the Ungogo Branch within the legal community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are in mourning after kidnappers reportedly killed one of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle.

The victim, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly murdered in a video said to have been released by the abductors on Sunday.

The footage, which surfaced on Telegram and was seen by journalists on Monday, showed the teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was killed. The incident has sparked anxiety over the fate of the remaining captives.

Families of the victims, community members and concerned residents have continued to urge security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held by the gunmen.

The Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Monday. He said the governor had sympathised with the family of the deceased teacher and assured residents that the government would employ both military and non-military measures to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Olanrewaju also disclosed that security agencies had arrested about six persons linked to the abduction.

He further condoled with the families of soldiers, members of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes who died during rescue operations.

According to him, the operatives encountered Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the abductors during the mission.

He added that injured security personnel were responding to treatment and assured that the state government would provide the necessary support for their care.

He appealed to families of the victims, religious organisations and other stakeholders to remain calm while rescue efforts continue.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

The governor’s aide also said progress had been made in the investigation, with several suspects already in custody.

“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.

“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.

“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he said.

The abduction occurred on Friday, May 15, when armed men stormed the school and kidnapped the principal, several teachers and some students.

The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, especially after an earlier attempted kidnapping along the Ibadan-Ijebu road reportedly claimed the life of a traveller.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent Islamic cleric and peace advocate, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, has strongly warned against any move to invite foreign military interventio, particularly from the United States, to address Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Gumi argued that involving the U.S. military would turn Nigeria into a “new arena” for international terror networks, which he said would inevitably escalate violence. He also accused some Nigerians of having a “slave mentality” for allegedly supporting the idea of surrendering national sovereignty to foreign powers.

The Failure of the ‘Kinetic Approach’

Reflecting on the 17-year insurgency involving Boko Haram, which began after the extrajudicial killing of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009, Gumi criticized the military’s heavy reliance on force.

He attributed the “gross failure” of this kinetic approach to a lack of moral discipline among security personnel, noting that civilian casualties have significantly undermined the war effort.

“Until innocent people are safe from our excesses in the application of the kinetic approach… the war is going to erode our sovereignty, which it has already,” Gumi stated.

He added that the military is fully capable of addressing the situation internally, provided that the rules of engagement are “free from prejudices and deception, both in the application of force and finances.”

Allegations Against Foreign Actors

To support his opposition to Western involvement, the cleric referenced historical and recent controversies involving U.S. officials.

Gumi questioned the silence of former American envoy Russell Hanks regarding his alleged involvement in the 1995 bombing of a bookshop at the Durbar Hotel in Kaduna.

He also cited allegations made in February 2025 by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had inadvertently funded terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

Denial of Military Restraint

Gumi dismissed claims that the Nigerian military has been restricted from attacking bandits or Boko Haram insurgents due to peace talks or amnesty arrangements.

He described such claims as “false and malicious,” insisting that the military has never stopped operations against unrepentant terrorists. According to him, the only blanket amnesty in Nigeria’s recent history was granted to Niger Delta militants under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“Our sovereignty is a red line!” Gumi declared, urging Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign subjugation. He also offered prayers for the continued stability of the country and the strength of its armed forces.

By Oladoja M.O

More often than not, in my commentaries and advocacy, I have argued, sometimes gently, often forcefully, that Nigeria’s development dilemma is not merely a question of resources but of structure. And by structure, I mean governance structure. Specifically, the chronic underdevelopment of the local government system, a tier that should be the nerve centre of citizen reality, but has instead been reduced to a ceremonial appendage.

Local government, in its truest form, should not be an administrative afterthought but the frontline of governance, the first point of contact between policy and people, where statistics acquire faces, and where development either becomes tangible or remains theoretical. Health outcomes, food systems, primary security, sanitation, grassroots education, these are not abstractions.

They are all local. Deeply, stubbornly local.

Yet, in Nigeria, the local government has long operated like what I once described as “an employed man with no office”, burdened with responsibilities, stripped of authority, and perpetually dependent. A facility structurally present but functionally absent.

This is why the agitation for local government autonomy has not just been valid, but urgent. However, we must be careful not to mistake noise for nuance. The autonomy worth pursuing is not the shallow, politically convenient version, one that merely shifts financial pipelines or creates the illusion of independence while leaving structural weaknesses intact. No! 

What Nigeria requires is a deeply constitutional, deliberately engineered autonomy, one that recognises local government as a true tier of governance, not a subordinate convenience.

Anything less is cosmetic.

But here lies the uncomfortable pivot, the part we are not speaking loudly enough about.

What happens after autonomy?

Because autonomy, by itself, is not redemption. It is merely an opportunity.

And opportunities, in the wrong hands, are dangerous.

There is a growing unease, one I cannot ignore. Having observed, listened, and engaged within spaces where prospective local government leadership is being shaped, I would be dishonest if I claimed confidence. The dominant political culture that has hollowed out higher levels of governance is not magically absent at the grassroots. But present, alive and waiting.

And that is the real threat.

If autonomy is handed over to the same cadre of actors, those driven not by systems thinking but by transactional politics, not by development logic but by opportunistic instincts, then what we are building is not a solution. We are constructing a more efficient failure.

A freshly liberated arena, quickly captured.

A new playground, governed by old habits.

A structure with potential, turned once again into a cemetery of governance.

This is why the conversation must evolve. We cannot afford to celebrate autonomy as an end. It must be treated as a beginning, a fragile, high-stakes transition that demands vigilance, design intelligence, and, most importantly, a redefinition of who gets to lead at that level.

Local government leadership cannot remain the fallback position for political recycling. It is too important for that. In fact, if anything, it should attract the most competent administrators, the most systems-oriented thinkers, the most innovation-driven leaders. Individuals who understand that governance at that level is not about occupying office, but about engineering outcomes.

Because if properly structured and competently led, local government has the capacity to recalibrate Nigeria’s development trajectory faster than any centralised intervention ever could. It is the closest lever to the people, and therefore the most powerful.

But power without accountability is a familiar Nigerian tragedy.

So, beyond autonomy, what should we focus?

First, a non-negotiable radical transparency. Financial flows, project allocations, and procurement processes must not exist in bureaucratic shadows. They must be visible, traceable, and open to public scrutiny in real time. Autonomy cannot become a shield for opacity.

Second, citizen participation must move from rhetoric to architecture. Governance at the local level must be deliberately designed to include the people, not as passive recipients, but as active stakeholders in decision-making. Budgeting, planning, and monitoring must have structured entry points for citizen engagement. Not symbolic inclusion, but functional involvement.

Third, accountability frameworks must be ruthless in their clarity. No immunity structures that protect incompetence. No procedural loopholes that enable mismanagement. Consequences must be immediate, visible, and enforceable.

And finally, there must be a cultural shift in how we perceive local governance. It is not inferior governance. It is foundational governance. Until we treat it with the seriousness it deserves, we will continue to recycle failure at scale.

Nigeria stands at a delicate threshold. The body language of decentralisation is becoming more pronounced, and within it lies a rare window of opportunity. But history has taught us that structural reforms, when poorly executed, can entrench the very problems they were meant to solve.

So yes, we should pursue autonomy.

But we must do so with our eyes wide open.

Because beyond autonomy lies a more difficult question, one that demands honesty, courage, and intentional design:

Are we truly ready to govern differently?

If the answer is no, then autonomy will not save us.

It will simply expose us.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com.

A response to Barr Ahmed Umar Farouk.

My dear learned brother, Barr Ahmed Umar Farouk, as I pledged to respond to your post, let me briefly add a few lines, as my learned friend, Barr Hassan Saraki, has already engaged you on the other issues you raised, which I think makes my work easier. 

According to the Nigerian Constitution, any Nigerian aged 35 years and above can contest the senatorial seat. This legal provision makes Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed fully qualified to run for the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections. 

As a retired director from the federal service, a senator for about 3 years, a minister for more than 5 years, and currently a sitting governor serving a 2nd 4-year term, these alone are exceptional qualities that make Senator Bala Abdulkadir the best choice for the Bauchi South senatorial district. Could this ring a bell for you?

His contributions to the Senate gave him an edge over all the contestants across all political parties. His brief sojourn in the red chamber was notable for his active legislative role and key administrative positions within the Senate. His contributions during this period primarily focused on committee leadership, advocacy for reform, and a landmark constitutional motion. 

Key among his legislative contributions was the Doctrine of Necessity Motion during the political uncertainty of late 2009. He courageously moved the motion that empowered then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as acting president during President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s illness, effectively resolving a looming constitutional crisis. 

Senator Bala Mohammed was recognised as one of the most outspoken and vibrant legislators during plenary sessions. He championed bills focused on public service reform and anti-corruption, advocating for greater transparency in governance. During his two years in the Senate, Senator Bala Mohammed tackled essential social issues by providing water and sanitation infrastructure, improving health facilities, and addressing youth unemployment and other social challenges, among other initiatives. 

Senator Mohammed served as a member of several committees and held strategic leadership positions, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Secretary of the Northern Senators Forum, and member of the Committees on Communication, Finance and Public Accounts, Rules and Business, Environment, Labour and Productivity, and Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Jos Crisis. 

As Governor for seven years, Bala Mohammed has implemented a series of reforms and projects aimed at transforming Bauchi State. His administration focuses on a blueprint designed to revitalise critical sectors of the economy. His achievements in health, education, and infrastructural development are clear examples of a representative and responsible government. 

This piece has done justice to the four items you presented as the reasons why Governor Bala Mohammed is the least suited to represent the Bauchi South senatorial district in the red chamber. 

Governor Bala Mohammed is contesting the Senate position not as a retirement home but to continue with the good works he started between 2007 and 2010. Don’t forget that His Excellency defeated a sitting governor, Dr Ahmad Adamu Mu’azu, with a landslide victory to win the Bauchi South senatorial seat in 2007. 

With these few paragraphs, I hope my learned brother can see the differences between His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and the other contestants, which are far below his pedigree, given his educational qualifications and requisite experience in governance and national assignments.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is of No 555, Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

By Anwar Usman

Mr. Yusuf Gagdi, a two-term lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State has failed to secure ticket of All Progressives Congress, APC, to return to the National Assembly for the third time.

Mr Gagdi is currently the Chairman, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Navy.

Gagdi lost the primaries of his party conducted across the three Local Government Area, LGAs, that make up his constituency.

NAN reports that, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Daspan Ishaya, announced the results of the polls on Sunday in Pankshin.

Mr Ishaya said that Dr John Tongshinen scored 29,968 to defeat Gagdi, his closest opponent, who polled 5,849 votes.

“By the powers conferred on me as the Chairman of this committee, I hereby declare Mr John Tongshinen as winner of the APC primaries for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam federal constituency,”he said.

Ishaya explained that the primaries was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has raised concern over what it described as the growing misuse of court orders to claim public assets, warning that the trend poses a threat to justice, social stability, and public interest.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sounded the warning at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, held in Kano, where he was represented by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.

The governor expressed concern that individuals increasingly obtain court orders to assert ownership over properties such as schools, hospitals, graveyards, and other public facilities, often disrupting long-standing community use.

“When judicial decisions of such magnitude promote private interests at the expense of societal well-being, the true sense of justice is undermined,” he said.

He noted that in some cases, claimants secure restraining orders within a short period, preventing communities from accessing essential public assets that have served generations.

While reaffirming respect for the judiciary, the governor cautioned that such developments, if unchecked, could erode public confidence in the justice system and complicate efforts to maintain order and security.

The warning comes amid broader concerns about evolving security challenges in the state and across northern Nigeria, which he described as complex and interconnected, often driven by social and economic factors.

Speaking on the theme of the Law Week, “The Role of Law and Technology in Addressing Insecurity in Contemporary Nigeria,” the governor said modern security threats require a combination of sound legal frameworks and technological innovation.

According to him, security goes beyond the absence of crime to include justice, public trust, and the effective functioning of institutions. He added that a society may remain insecure despite the presence of security forces if citizens lack confidence in the system or experience delays in justice delivery.

He stressed that while law provides the foundation for order, technology plays a critical role in enhancing intelligence gathering, improving investigations, and strengthening coordination among security agencies.

Highlighting steps taken by his administration, the governor said Kano State has strengthened its legal and security architecture through collaboration with stakeholders and the introduction of community-based initiatives such as neighbourhood security structures aimed at boosting grassroots intelligence.

He also outlined reforms in the justice sector, including the recruitment of over 70 state counsel to address manpower shortages and improve the administration of criminal justice.

To modernise operations, the government has deployed digital tools such as high-speed internet and computer systems within the Ministry of Justice, alongside the engagement of legal consultants to reduce case backlogs.

In addition, the administration has invested in judicial infrastructure through the renovation of courts and construction of new facilities across the state, while also improving the welfare of judicial officers.

The governor further acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Bar Association in promoting the rule of law and supporting governance, describing its partnership with the state as constructive and beneficial.

He added that beyond enforcement measures, addressing insecurity requires tackling underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social dislocation, which he identified as major drivers of crime.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A lecturer of Nigerian extraction at the University of Cologne in Germany, Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concern over the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria, stating that many Nigerians appear more focused on politics than the growing wave of violence across the region.

Dr. Muhsin, who hails from Kano State, made the remarks in a Facebook post on Sunday after reading several reports on insecurity published by an online news platform.

According to him, the reports detailed attacks on schools, abductions of travellers and students, as well as ambushes on security personnel in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“I read five news stories about insecurity, mostly in Northern Nigeria, this morning on an online news channel. They reported attacks on schools, abductions of innocent travellers and schoolchildren, and ambushes of our gallant security personnel. Scores remain unaccounted for, and several others have been killed. Things have fallen apart,” he wrote.

The academic expressed disappointment that discussions on social media appeared to revolve largely around the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections instead of the security challenges confronting the country.

“Most of the posts I see on my timeline focus on the ruling party’s primary elections, the APC. Many people appear more concerned about their benefactors or their favourite politicians winning or losing their primary elections,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim also criticised what he described as the poor handling of security by governments at different levels. He argued that the alliance between Kano State and the Federal Government had yet to translate into improved security in the state.

“The Kano State Government promised us improved security now that it is aligned with the Federal Government (FG). This has not happened yet,” he stated.

He further referred to recent comments by the Zamfara State Governor regarding insecurity in the state, noting that the situation had not improved despite political realignments.

“The Zamfara State Governor recently spoke passionately about the spiralling security situation in his state, shifting the blame to the FG. To my sheer shock, he joined the APC. Has anything changed for the better in the state? Heck, no,” he added.

Dr. Ibrahim said the worsening insecurity was making it difficult for many Nigerians to remain hopeful about the future of the country.

“Honestly, it is getting harder to be optimistic about Nigeria. Where can we get one thing fixed? Who will or can do it? When will that happen?” he queried.

He urged Nigerians to vote responsibly and prioritise leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

“Fear God, and cast your votes for the right candidates. Wake up, folks,” the lecturer wrote.

By Muazu Muhammad Adam

In recent times, public conversations surrounding insecurity in Nigeria have increasingly focused more on negative narratives, criticisms, and misinformation, while the tremendous sacrifices and operational victories being recorded daily by the Nigerian Army often go unnoticed or deliberately ignored.

At a time when troops continue to risk their lives across forests, deserts, rivers, and dangerous frontline locations to defend the country, many Nigerians unfortunately pay little attention to the countless successful operations being carried out against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements threatening national peace and stability.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu as Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army has intensified nationwide operations with visible and undeniable results across several theatres of operation. From the North-East to the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions, troops have continued to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, courage, and operational superiority against criminal elements.

One of the major realities many Nigerians fail to acknowledge is that while citizens sleep peacefully in their homes, thousands of soldiers remain deployed in hostile environments under extremely difficult conditions, constantly confronting terrorists and armed groups on behalf of the nation. These sacrifices deserve appreciation, encouragement, and national support rather than constant condemnation and politically motivated narratives aimed at discouraging the morale of troops.

Recent operations carried out under Operation HADIN KAI clearly demonstrate the renewed operational strength and combat effectiveness of the Nigerian Army under the current military leadership.

On 8 May 2026, troops of Operation HADIN KAI decisively crushed a large-scale coordinated assault launched by ISWAP terrorists on Headquarters 27 Brigade at Buni Gari. The terrorists attacked from multiple directions under the cover of darkness in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to overwhelm troops and breach the location. However, Nigerian troops stood their ground with remarkable courage, tactical discipline, and overwhelming firepower.

The terrorists suffered catastrophic losses during the encounter as no fewer than 50 terrorists were neutralised while several others fled with gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition including AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, RPG launchers, RPG bombs, ammunition belts, magazines, and Improvised Explosive Device canisters. Despite the scale of the attack, troops successfully defended the camp and prevented any breach of the location.

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also played a decisive role by conducting precision air interdictions against fleeing terrorists, further decimating insurgent elements attempting to escape through various withdrawal routes. Human intelligence reports later confirmed additional terrorist casualties scattered across surrounding bushes and escape corridors.

Again, on 9 and 10 May 2026, troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully defeated another attempted ISWAP attack on the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori under Sector 2. The terrorists advancing from the Mandunari axis were detected early by vigilant troops, leading to a devastating ambush and coordinated spoiling attack that completely disrupted the terrorists’ operation before they could penetrate the camp.

Through effective coordination between ground troops, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, and the Nigerian Army Aviation, retreating terrorists were subjected to intense air-land offensives which inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents. Several weapons including General Purpose Machine Guns, PKTs, AK-47 rifles, assorted ammunition, and other combat materials were recovered after the failed attack.

These successful operations are only a few examples among numerous daily victories being recorded by troops across the country. Unfortunately, many of these achievements receive little public attention compared to negative stories and unverified social media narratives designed to portray the Nigerian Army unfairly.

No military institution anywhere in the world operates without challenges. However, fairness demands that Nigerians should also recognize and appreciate the extraordinary sacrifices, courage, and achievements of the men and women of the Nigerian Army who continue to confront terrorism and insecurity daily under life-threatening conditions.

The leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in appointing Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu is increasingly yielding visible operational results as troops continue to sustain pressure against terrorists and criminal networks across the country. The current military leadership has demonstrated commitment toward operational efficiency, troop welfare, inter-agency cooperation, and aggressive offensives against enemies of the state.

Nigerians must understand that constant demoralisation of security personnel through fake news, propaganda, and one-sided narratives only benefits terrorists and criminal groups whose primary objective is to weaken national unity and public confidence. Patriotism requires citizens to support security institutions, encourage troops, and acknowledge genuine progress where necessary.

Constructive criticism remains important in every democracy, but deliberate campaigns aimed at discrediting the efforts of soldiers risking their lives for national security should be discouraged. The Nigerian Army deserves commendation for its resilience, bravery, and continued sacrifices in defence of the nation.

As insecurity continues to evolve, national unity and public support for security forces have become more important than ever. Nigerians must stand behind the Armed Forces and appreciate the efforts of gallant troops who continue to pay the ultimate price so millions can live peacefully.

The courage displayed by troops during the Buni Gari and Gonori operations once again proves that the Nigerian Army remains battle-ready, determined, and fully committed to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the country.