The Southern Governors’ Forum has praised President Bola Tinubu for his swift response to recent security threats affecting parts of Nigeria.

Speaking at a regional meeting of southern state governors in Iperu on Wednesday, Ogun State Governor and Forum Chairman, Dapo Abiodun, commended the president for his leadership in handling the wave of schoolchild abductions.

Governor Abiodun highlighted that President Tinubu’s personal involvement in coordinating rescue efforts, rather than delegating the responsibility, demonstrated a rare dedication to protecting every Nigerian life. He noted that the successful recovery of abducted students reflects a security approach that is now more coordinated, intelligence-driven, and responsive.

“The president’s prompt action reassures Nigerians that the safety of children is a top national priority,” Abiodun said, adding that Nigeria will not allow criminals, insurgents, or opportunists to threaten national stability.

He emphasized that leadership is measured not just by policy but by empathy, urgency, and decisive action. Abiodun also pointed to the president’s ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, which he said are transformative investments that will boost trade, strengthen national integration, and reshape Nigeria’s economy.

The governor described the southern governors’ meeting as more than a gathering based on geography. “It is a union of shared aspirations, common challenges, and a collective drive to build a stable and prosperous future,” he said, recalling the cooperative spirit of the old Southern Protectorate long before Nigeria’s 1914 amalgamation.

Abiodun stressed that southern Nigeria faces a critical moment, with rising security threats and economic pressures demanding coordinated leadership. He reiterated that state police are a non-negotiable element of true federalism and grassroots security.

He also called for a Regional Rapid Response Fund to support emergency deployments, rescue operations, forensic work, and inter-state training. At the state level, he urged measures such as proper documentation of foreign nationals, dismantling unlawful enclaves, regulating scavenger activities, intensified forest operations, and cracking down on illegal mining.

Community policing, he added, remains vital. By empowering local communities, traditional rulers, and neighborhood structures to collaborate with security agencies, early warning systems improve, trust is strengthened, and interventions become more effective in protecting schools, farms, border towns, and critical road corridors.

Abiodun concluded that southern states must strengthen joint security task forces, share intelligence seamlessly, and adopt regional strategies to meet challenges together. “I am confident we can chart a path of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for southern Nigeria,” he said.

The meeting was attended by the governors of Ekiti, Enugu, Ondo, Rivers, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, Lagos, Bayelsa, and Imo states, while Cross Rivers, Edo, Oyo, and Osun were represented by officials.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally unveiled Nigeria’s Counter Terrorism Strategic Plan 2025-2030, describing it as a defining moment in the nation’s journey towards peace and stability.

The plan, developed by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to transform institutions, modernize security architecture, strengthen national resilience, and expand partnerships across government, industry, civil society, and the international community.

Akpabio emphasized that the plan is a response to the question of how to secure Nigeria, safeguard its people, and set the country on the path of peace, growth, and stability.

He noted that insecurity has weakened the nation’s development, driving away investors, closing schools, and abandoning farms, and urged stakeholders to invest in people, technology, training, and strategic partnerships to implement the plan.

The Senate President assured that the 10th National Assembly has taken its responsibility to provide the legal, oversight, and budgetary backbone for security institutions seriously, enacting laws and strengthening agency mandates.

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General Adamu Laka, said the plan is a product of extensive research and consultations, with a vision to establish the National Counter Terrorism Centre as a regional centre of excellence in countering terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.

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he Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has urged political leaders at all levels never to play politics with the blood of innocent citizens.

Mr Akinfenwa said this on Tuesday in a statement in Ibadan.

The Anglican bishop said that the problem of insecurity and other vices had been in the country for at least two decades, but it took a worrisome dimension recently.

Mr Akinfenwa urged the Federal Government to take urgent, proactive actions to protect the lives of Nigerian citizens.

According to him, repeated breach of trust and the failure of elected leaders to live up to their oaths of office led to widespread disenchantment among the populace.

The cleric stated, “The fact that citizens can hardly ever get rescue, redress, or recompense, and the brazen impunity with which violent aggressors carry on their heinous crime (especially in Northern Nigeria), can lead to loss of faith in civil authority.

“While many conspiracy theories exist to explain the intrigues of the past few weeks, none can explain the fact that the government owes the duty to protect Nigerian citizens. When government fails to protect citizens, it is an abdication of responsibility that should not be condoned by the citizenry. It is therefore time for us to put pressure on our leaders to live up to their oaths of office.”

Mr Akinfenwa identified with the call of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for nationwide prayers by the Christian community on Decrmber 7.

He appealed to Christian bodies of all denominations to respond massively to the call, and to pray fervently to God for divine intervention in Nigeria.

“As we pray, the same God who delivered the Jews in the time of Esther, while at the same time executing judgment upon wicked Haman, shall arise and fight for the Church and country. Our prayers are with members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other intelligence/security outfits who are loyal to the Nigerian nation.

“On the other hand, may the Lord expose, humiliate and judge all the saboteurs in our intelligence services and the armed forces. May God comfort the families of all those who have died, may He strengthen our security agents, and grant safe release to all who have been taken captive.

“May God heal our land, and speedily bring back the days of peace and tranquillity when Nigerians could move freely across the length and breadth of the nation at day and at night – without fear,” Mr Akinfenwa said.

(NAN)

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The Presidency recently declared that Nigeria is “blessed” with a president committed to ending insecurity, but many Nigerians have expressed frustration, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of relying on words rather than action to tackle the nation’s deepening security crisis.

In a statement by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Tinubu was described as a leader embodying religious harmony and commitment to peace and development. Dare praised the president’s dedication to partnerships and collaboration in addressing national challenges.

However, critics say such pronouncements have become a familiar routine in Nigerian politics — lofty rhetoric without tangible results. Despite repeated assurances, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgent attacks continue to claim lives across the country, from the North-West to the Middle Belt.

“Every administration promises to end insecurity with words, but Nigerians are tired of speeches,” said a political analyst in Abuja. “The government must show results, not repeat statements of commitment. The people want to feel safe, not hear slogans.”

In recent weeks, several attacks have been recorded in Kogi, Zamfara, and Plateau states, leaving many dead and dozens kidnapped. Security experts argue that without strategic reforms in intelligence gathering, community policing, and accountability within the armed forces, no amount of presidential statements will end terrorism or violent crime.

The Presidency’s remarks were also in reaction to the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution. Rather than addressing the root causes of insecurity, critics argue that the administration appears more focused on defending its image internationally than protecting its citizens.

While the Presidency insists that President Tinubu is working tirelessly to restore peace and unity, many Nigerians believe the government’s actions have yet to match its promises. For now, the fight against insecurity appears to remain more in the realm of words than results — and citizens are demanding real change, not rhetoric.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a stern warning to Nigeria, condemning what he called the continued persecution and killing of Christians across the country

Speaking in a video message from his office, Trump said America would take actions that “Nigeria won’t like” if the government fails to end the violence against Christians.

He accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to the killings allegedly carried out by Islamic extremists in parts of the country.

The current U.S. leader stressed that he had instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible military operations, saying any move would be “vicious and sweet.”

He further hinted that the U.S. might consider cutting off all forms of aid to Nigeria if the attacks persist.

“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid to Nigeria.

“We are going to do things to Nigerians that Nigeria is not going to be happy about and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he declared.

Trump had earlier classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” following reports of targeted attacks on Christian communities.

He warned that the U.S. would not hesitate to intervene directly if the Nigerian government fails to act decisively.

The American President also expressed frustration over what he called weak global response to the violence, insisting that America would no longer “watch innocent people die in silence.”

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The Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will meet with former United States President Donald J. Trump in the coming days to discuss the recent allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, following Trump’s remarks accusing the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to attacks on Christians.

According to Bwala, the meeting will focus on strengthening counterterrorism cooperation between both nations and clarifying what he described as “misconceptions about the nature of terrorist attacks in Nigeria.”

“Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interests in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala stated on his X handle.

He noted that Trump had previously assisted Nigeria by authorising the sale of military hardware during his administration — a gesture President Tinubu has “maximised effectively in the ongoing fight against terrorism.”

“As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or all faiths, those would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in the State House or the White House,” Bwala added.

The development follows Trump’s recent declaration designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution and killings of Christians.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump claimed that “thousands of Christians” were being massacred by radical Islamist groups, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to act. He also directed several U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the matter and report back to him.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote.

He further warned that the United States could suspend aid to Nigeria and “go in guns-a-blazing” to wipe out terrorist groups if the attacks persist.

The remarks have since generated global attention, with foreign observers cautioning that Trump’s rhetoric could heighten diplomatic tensions.

The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly denied claims of religiously targeted violence, maintaining that terrorism in the country affects citizens of all faiths.

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In a bold declaration that signals a new era for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the newly confirmed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has vowed to sustain relentless pressure on insurgents, pledging that under his command, terrorists “will keep running without time to think or plan attacks.”

AVM Aneke made the statement during his confirmation appearance before the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, promising to lead a “versatile, disciplined, and lethal” Air Force capable of dominating Nigeria’s airspace and supporting joint military operations with speed and precision.

“I use the word ‘lethal’ in a professional sense,” he clarified. “Because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you.”

The new Air Chief outlined his leadership vision around four strategic pillars — training, technology, safety, and innovation — designed to shape a smarter, adaptive, and highly responsive fighting force.

“True military power,” he emphasized, “is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.”

Following his confirmation — which came after nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 — AVM Aneke officially succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs on the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the session commended his operational record and intellectual depth, describing him as a “forward-thinking airpower strategist.” They highlighted his achievements as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he strengthened strategic airlift capabilities, enhanced joint operations, and improved rapid response in complex security environments.

His leadership in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its pivotal role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency and internal security campaigns.

Observers note that beyond its military implications, AVM Aneke’s confirmation represents a deepening of democratic oversight and accountability in defence leadership. It also reaffirms continuity in NAF’s modernisation drive — particularly in airpower projection, force restructuring, and civil-military cooperation.

A seasoned pilot and scholar, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the U.S. Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With over 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished airpower professionals.

Present at the confirmation session were the Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado.

As he assumes command, AVM Aneke reaffirmed his resolve to build an Air Force defined not by size but by speed, precision, and purpose.

“The Nigerian Air Force under my leadership will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution — a force built not just for power, but for protection and progress,” he declared

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The Ogun State Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents over the growing wave of online fraud and cyber scams, including fake dating platforms, visa rackets, and employment offers designed to defraud unsuspecting victims.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, released the advisory on Wednesday, urging members of the public to exercise “utmost caution and vigilance” when engaging with individuals or organisations online.

According to Odutola, the warning followed multiple reports of cyber-fraud cases currently being investigated by the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). One of the incidents under probe involves a victim identified as Chidi Igwilo, who was allegedly duped of ₦5.6 million by scammers posing as representatives of a construction company based in Côte d’Ivoire.

Igwilo was reportedly promised a driving job in the United States after paying various charges, including flight fees and a Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), only to later discover that the entire operation was fraudulent. His brother, Okechukwu Igwilo, told reporters that after sending the money, the family lost contact with Chidi for several weeks until he was later sighted in a camp in Ogun State, confirming he had been a victim of a sophisticated scam.

Reacting to the development, CSP Odutola confirmed that the Command is investigating the matter alongside other similar cases. She advised residents to avoid clicking on suspicious links, sharing their BVN, NIN, or bank details, or responding to unsolicited calls and messages from unknown individuals claiming to represent financial institutions or government agencies.

She said, “Investigations into these and other related cases are ongoing. Members of the public must remain cautious. Elderly citizens should consult trusted relatives before providing any personal or banking information.”

Odutola noted that the Command has identified several forms of fraud currently circulating, including visa and travel assistance scams, fake recruitment offers, counterfeit educational sponsorships, dating and relationship scams, and deceptive investment schemes such as QNET.

She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has directed investigators to study the growing trend of cybercrime in the state to ensure effective prevention and prosecution.

“The Ogun State Police Command remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property. We urge residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” she said.

This warning comes amid a rise in cyber-fraud cases across Nigeria. In recent months, several citizens have fallen victim to similar scams, including a Ghanaian national, Sammed Iddrisu, who was rescued in Abuja in June 2025 after being deceived with a fake promise of a French visa.

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The Nigerian Army has vowed to discipline a soldier implicated in the death of a commercial bus driver in Ondo State. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 13, near a military checkpoint in Akunnu, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, when the driver, en route from Akure to Abuja, experienced a mechanical fault.

According to Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, passengers requested a refund of their fares, prompting one to seek the help of a soldier at the checkpoint. The soldier’s unprofessional conduct escalated into a physical confrontation with the driver, violating military Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.

The driver was evacuated to medical facilities, including the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and later the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he sadly passed away on October 14.

The Nigerian Army expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, assuring them that the soldier would face disciplinary action. The Army also pledged to cover burial costs and provide support for the deceased’s children to safeguard their education.

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The Irigwe community of Kamaru Ward in Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for promptly settling the medical bills of victims of the recent Angwan Rimi attack.

In an open letter signed and released on Tuesday by community stakeholder Mr. Barnabas Musa and parents’ representative Comrade Raphael Joshua, the residents said the governor’s intervention saved the lives of injured children whose treatment had been halted at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital over unpaid bills.

The letter, dated September 22, 2025, commended Governor Sani for his “swift and compassionate response,” noting that the confirmation of full payment was received on Sunday through the Chairman of Kauru Local Government Area, Hon. Bashir Tanko Dawaki.

“We write to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Your Excellency for your prompt and compassionate intervention.

“Your swift response has brought renewed hope and comfort to our distressed community,” the letter read.

The community also praised the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, for her professionalism, and Dawaki for carrying out the directive “with dedication and empathy.”

The governor’s action followed an earlier public appeal from the community after the hospital allegedly suspended treatment for injured victims of the attack.

The payment has allowed the continuation of critical care and restored the residents’ confidence in what they described as the governor’s “people-oriented leadership.”

Recall that gunmen suspected to be bandits had invaded Angwan Rimi village in Kauru Local Government Area on September 15, killing two people and leaving several children critically injured.

The victims were rushed to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna metropolis, but treatment was reportedly suspended after the families failed to settle mounting medical bills, prompting an urgent plea to the governor for assistance.

The letter concluded with prayers for Sani’s success in building a safer and more inclusive Kaduna state.

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