Army

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has formally inducted 3,439 new soldiers, following their graduation from the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria.The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the recruits of the 89 Regular Intake to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism.

He stated this today as the Reviewing Officer at their Passing Out Parade, marking the end of six months of intensive training.

Addressing the new soldiers, General Shaibu said their induction boosts the Army’s manpower and reinforces its commitment to national security amid emerging threats.

“Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. You are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation,” the Army Chief said.

He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, urging them to avoid any act that could tarnish the image of the Army or the nation.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in all operations.

The COAS commended the Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing soldiers since 1924, assuring continued support for the institution.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, the Kaduna State Governor, and security agencies for their support to the Nigerian Army.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and authorised the immediate recruitment of thousands of new personnel into the military and police force.

In a major address from the Statehouse on Tuesday, the President announced that the Nigeria Police Force is to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, a move that will bring the total number of new recruits to 50,000.

To accommodate the surge in trainees, the President has authorised the police to use various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots. He also directed that officers recently withdrawn from VIP guard duties undergo “crash training” before being redeployed to areas with high security challenges.

The announcement comes amid a wave of attacks and kidnappings across several states.

President Tinubu commended the security agencies for the recent release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara, but pledged to sustain efforts to rescue the remaining students of a Catholic school in Niger State and other hostages.

Outlining a multi-pronged strategy, the President also ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to “flush out terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.”

He declared, “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

In a significant political move, President Tinubu called on the National Assembly to review the nation’s laws to allow states to establish their own police forces.

He also advised state governments to reconsider the establishment of boarding schools in remote, insecure areas.

Addressing the farmer-herder crisis, the President urged herders to end open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and embrace ranching, which he described as “the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”

He paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and issued a stern warning to adversaries: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”

The President concluded by urging citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and to cooperate with security agencies, stating, “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has issued a direct order for troops to intensify the operation aimed at rescuing the students abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga.

During an operational visit to Kebbi State on Monday, November 17, 2025, Gen. Shaibu addressed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, instructing them to conduct relentless, intelligence-driven operations to secure the girls’ release.

“We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” the Army Chief told frontline commanders and soldiers, urging a day-and-night pursuit of the kidnappers.

Emphasizing a collaborative approach, Gen. Shaibu also met with local vigilantes and hunters, identifying them as critical partners.

He encouraged them to use their knowledge of the local terrain to help troops locate and neutralize the criminal elements responsible.

“Together, we will restore peace and ensure children can attend school safely,” he stated.

The COAS began his tour with a condolence visit to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the school’s Principal, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, assuring them of the military’s unwavering commitment to returning the students unharmed.

He further enjoined the troops to remain resilient, disciplined, and to operate strictly within the rules of engagement while working to restore peace to Kebbi State and the surrounding region.

By Wathrayel Bassi Amos

‎The recent altercation between Minister Nyesom Wike and a young Naval officer exposes the deeper structural flaws troubling Nigeria’s democracy. This was not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a long-standing decay—marked by the misuse of law enforcement agencies and the erosion of democratic principles.

Nigerians have watched security operatives act in ways that raise doubts about where their true loyalty lies: to the nation, the law, or to those in positions of power.‎‎In present-day Nigeria, it often takes only a minor disagreement for an influential figure to unleash security agents to pursue personal interests.

From Lagos to Kogi, Rivers, and Abuja, we have witnessed operatives carrying out unlawful instructions for political or private gain. This impunity thrives on the weakening of democratic institutions and the deepening divisions within the political system.‎‎

Regardless of the situation, Minister Wike had no justification for personally confronting military officers executing a lawful directive from their command. As a senior government official, he was expected to act with restraint and pursue the proper channels.

If he believed that the land in question was unlawfully acquired by a former Naval Chief, the appropriate step would have been to compile evidence and submit it to relevant authorities or the courts.‎‎

Ideally, Wike could have written formally to the Minister of Defence to request an investigation, or sought redress through legal means—if the matter was not already under litigation. However, by storming the site with armed escorts and verbally abusing a commissioned officer, even calling him a “fool,” the Minister displayed poor judgment and conduct unbecoming of his office.‎‎

This episode underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the rising public resentment toward the political class. While the government has a legitimate duty to demolish illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, such actions must always respect due process and human rights.

‎‎Beyond Wike’s behavior, the incident also exposes the equally troubling misuse of state resources by powerful figures. It was wrong for a former Chief of Naval Staff to deploy serving officers—funded by taxpayers—to secure a private property under dispute. Such acts represent the growing trend of elites using national security assets for personal protection and gain.‎‎

No serious nation should condone the disgraceful scene that unfolded between Wike and the Naval officer. It tarnishes Nigeria’s image and erodes public trust in governance. The President must act decisively to end this culture of impunity.

True leadership demands composure, adherence to due process, and respect for democratic values. When public officials behave as masters rather than servants of the people, the very foundations of governance begin to collapse.

‎‎Wathrayel Bassi Amos wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri. ‎

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Army has achieved a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious terrorist and violent extremist leader, Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo.

The operation, which also led to the capture of 37 other criminal suspects, was part of a series of coordinated raids across different parts of the country.

According to a source at the Army Headquarters, the operations also resulted in the rescue of 15 kidnapped victims.

The source added that two terrorists were neutralised during the encounters, while troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and logistics materials from multiple theatres of operation.

Babawo Badoo, believed to be behind several deadly attacks and abductions in the North-Central region, was arrested on October 20 by troops of Operation Enduring Peace at Lugere Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He was apprehended following credible intelligence that led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a mobile phone, and N12,000 cash.

In another operation, troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, working with the Nigeria Police and the Civilian Joint Task Force, raided a criminal hideout at Saya Village in Bassa Local Government Area, arresting 19 suspects who are now under investigation.

Meanwhile, troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, have killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted victims in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, covered Kukawa, Shuwaka, Ganjuwa, and Tunga villages after the abduction of two individuals, Muhammadu Sani and Ibrahim Manman, along the Wanka–Dengi road.

Acting on intelligence, troops cordoned off the area and engaged the suspects on the outskirts of Tunga village.

According to a statement by Major Samson Zhakom, Media Information Officer of the JTF Operation Enduring Peace, the criminals opened fire on the troops, who responded with superior firepower, killing two of the suspects while others fled with gunshot wounds.

A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, a locally fabricated rifle, eight cartridges, and other items used for their operations.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families after undergoing standard security checks.

Major Zhakom reaffirmed the Joint Task Force’s commitment to intensifying operations to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard lives and property across the region.

By Anwar Usman

The Defence Headquarters on Saturday said troops arrested about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals across the country last month.

This was disclosed in a statement by Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, he said 39 terrorists surrendered while 180 civilians were rescued during the operations.

He said 63 arms, 4,475 rounds of ammunition and 294 items including grenades, improvised explosive device materials, handheld radios, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered.

Kangye added that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft valued at N112,175,220, consisting of 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of automotive gas oil, 1,900 litres of dual-purpose kerosene and 1,475 litres of premium motor spirit.

“For the month of September, about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals were arrested, 39 of them were surrendered, while 180 civilians were rescued. Quantity 63 arms, 4,475 ammunition were recovered, 294 items such as grenades, IED marking materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles and other items used in perpetrating crimes were also recovered.

“Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth N112,175,220.00 representing 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of AGO, 1,900 litres of DPK and 1,475 litres of PMS. 41 Illegal refining sites were also destroyed” the statement reads.

He further stated that, troops also seized automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, live cartridges and assorted ammunition in different operations.

“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices making material. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered” the statement concluded.

By Anwar Usman

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged operatives of Operation Fasan Yanma not to allow enemies to strike them.

In his remarks, the CDs through Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, delivered the message to troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division.

He appreciated their proactive efforts in tackling insecurity in the North Western states, especially under Operation Fasan Yama.

Speaking on Tuesday during a strategic civil-military cooperation visit at the Giginya Barracks in Sokoto, Bankole, representing the CDS, issued a passionate call for heightened vigilance and unity among security services, emphasizing that “the battle you are fighting is a just one, don’t sleep, because your enemies are not sleeping.”

Musa further appreciated the Division for its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, preserving civilian lives, and reinvigorating ties with host communities.

“We receive weekly briefings at Defence Headquarters, and the 8 Division keeps coming up for praise. The CDS has asked me to personally commend your GOC and every officer under Operation Fasan Yama for a job well done,” Bankole said.

He reiterated the need for inter-agency collaboration, gender sensitivity, and respect for human rights, noting that the ongoing war on banditry Android insurgency requires both military strength and civilian trust.

He further stated that “Let people run to you, not away from you. The best intelligence comes from the civilians you protect,” he added.

The General Officer Commanding of the 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, while responding highlighted the importance of people-centric operations.

Other activities that took place at the even includes; sensitisation lecture on human rights, gender-based violence, and military ethics, aimed at reinforcing the professionalism and accountability of troops in conflict zones.

Ajose emphasised that their mission is not just military, but moral.

“As protectors of the vulnerable, we must embody empathy, discipline, and justice. Today’s engagement strengthens our collective resolve,” he said.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Army has expressed serious concern over the scanty number of applications from Southeastern states for its 2025 recruitment exercise.

This was revealed by Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, leading the recruitment enlightenment team on Sunday, inEnugu stating that Kaduna State has seen over 3,000 applications, while Enugu has only around a hundred, a trend observed across the region.

He urged Southeast youths to apply in greater numbers to fill their allocated quotas.Ekeator said that, “Our people are losing what rightly belongs to them. Each year, whenever a slot is being allocated to our people, we keep noticing that the number of applicants from our side is usually very poor.

“Take for example, Enugu State was given about 200 slots, but the people who made it were never up to 100 due to poor application. This has also become a recurring decimal in other states in the South East.

He further stated that “Today’s statistics on the number of applicants show that Kaduna has about 3,000 applicants, while Enugu is still battling with about a hundred; and by the time we are through with screening, you will not have enough to recruit from the state.”

He disclaimed the allegation that people of South East origin were being killed in their numbers in the Army because they were the first to be sent to the battle fronts.

He added that the region was also holding strategic positions in the Army presently.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu regretted that the problem had persisted despite the collective efforts to reverse the trend and called for a review of modes of advertising the opportunities and the need to provide more details about the benefits of serving in the Army.

He stated that, “While seated here, I was just trying to conduct very quick research and it appears this same problem is happening worldwide and militaries across the world are deploying more cutting-edge strategies for recruitment because we are talking about the new generation that you communicate in a different way from the past”.

He stated Governor Peter Mbah’s readiness to ensuring that the state filled its quota, describing the military as a noble and highly respected profession across the world.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A shocking revelation came from the 44 Army Referral Hospital in Kaduna State, where over 200 soldiers injured in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits are receiving medical attention.

Despite their sacrifices, these brave men and women claim they have been neglected by the Nigerian Army authorities, forced to pay for their own treatment and buy drugs out of pocket. 

One soldier, paralysed from the waist after being shot by Boko Haram terrorists, spoke out about the dire situation.

“We’re begging for help. We need assistance with our treatment, but the army has abandoned us. We’ve had to pay for our own surgeries, and no one has reimbursed us.” 

Another soldier echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re helpless. We’re buying our own drugs, and the army is not supporting us the way they should. It’s like they’ve forgotten about us.” 

The soldiers also alleged that they have not received the special disability compensation they are entitled to, and that their welfare and treatment have been grossly neglected. 

Despite attempts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment, there was no response. 

This reflects the plight of Nigeria’s injured soldiers and raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting those who have risked everything to protect their country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three Nigerian soldiers have released a video message challenging Bello Turji Kachalla, a notorious bandit leader, to emerge from hiding and face them.

The soldiers expressed frustration over the lack of action from higher authorities to apprehend Turji Kachalla, who has been responsible for a string of devastating attacks across northern Nigeria. 

The soldiers directly addressed Turji Kachalla, saying, “Since we have not received orders to come after you, we invite you to come out of hiding and face us. Let’s see what happens.” 

They taunted Turji Kachalla, saying, “Prove your courage, Bello Turji. If you’re a real man, come out and face us.” 

Condemning Turji’s actions, the soldiers said, “For the sake of Allah, stop kidnapping and killing innocent civilians. They are not your enemies.

“We eliminated Boko Haram in Maiduguri without even knowing what a soldier or a gun was. Now that we’re trained soldiers, you don’t stand a chance, Bello Turji. You’re just a madman.

“You have a gun, but so do we. Come out of hiding and face us. If you’re not man enough to face us, then leave innocent civilians alone.”

https://x.com/jrnaib2/status/1831037714508251247