Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Nigerian Army has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, gunrunning, and other security threats across the country, following a series of coordinated, intelligence-led operations in multiple regions.

In Sokoto State, troops from the 8 Division Garrison stationed at Forward Operating Bases in Tsamaye and Mai Lalle, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, engaged armed insurgents in a fierce gun battle. Two terrorists were neutralized, and troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle, forcing the remaining assailants to flee the area.

Meanwhile, in Borno State, two family members of terrorists—a woman and a child—voluntarily surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama. Preliminary debriefing revealed they had escaped from the Churchur axis, indicating growing pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North-East.

Troops of 120 Task Force Battalion in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, arrested a suspected terrorist attempting to breach a secured perimeter. The individual, who could not speak any Nigerian language and claimed to be of Nigerien origin, is currently under further investigation for suspected transnational links.

In Kebbi State, troops of 1 Battalion Rear foiled a cattle rustling operation in Sauna Village, Argungu Local Government Area. The rustlers abandoned 251 stolen cows as they fled. The recovered livestock have been returned to their rightful owners, further reinforcing public confidence in the military.

In Ondo State, troops of 323 Artillery Regiment in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, intercepted two suspected gunrunners attempting to procure arms from a local source. Investigations suggest the operation was coordinated by an inmate at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos to support criminal operations in Zamfara State.

In Delta State, troops discovered a tricycle loaded with approximately 200 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel along the Jeddo–Omadino axis in Warri South Local Government Area. Additionally, in a separate clearance operation, troops of 63 Brigade Garrison raided a suspected hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area. Seven suspects were arrested, and items including a motorcycle and mobile phones were recovered.

These operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national security and public safety. The military has vowed to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts to confront all forms of insecurity with professionalism and strategic precision.

In a bold step toward improving access to quality education across Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc has launched the “Lighting Young Minds” initiative, donating 1,000 solar-powered school bags to pupils in public primary schools throughout Ogun State.

Unveiled during a special event in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday, 4 July 2025, the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to tackling systemic barriers to learning—particularly the challenge of limited electricity in underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, stated that the initiative aligns with one of the bank’s core Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars of expanding access to quality education.

“At Fidelity Bank, we see education as not only a means of knowledge transfer, but as a transformative force—a bridge to opportunity,” she said.

She explained that through the bank’s SWEETA initiative, 1,000 solar-powered school bags are being donated to enable children to study safely at night, without the dangers associated with candles or kerosene lamps.

“Beyond helping them improve their academic performance,” she added, “we want to inspire young minds to see that innovation and resilience can light the path to a better future.”

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe also highlighted Fidelity Bank’s broader investment in education, such as the SWEETA School Fees Support Initiative, which has disbursed over ₦8 billion in tuition support to eligible customers; the Read2Lead Writing Competition, which has impacted more than 3,000 students across Nigeria through prizes and grants; the Back-to-School Loans for parents; the Fidelity EduLoan which helps schools with infrastructure upgrades and asset acquisition; as well as the Green Energy Financing Program, which complements the solar-powered bag initiative by promoting sustainable energy use in education via solar energy.

The solar-powered bags—designated for schools across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State—were officially unveiled by Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe alongside Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State.

Mrs. Abiodun praised the project, calling it a crucial and timely intervention in child development and foundational learning.

“This initiative directly enhances learning for children in communities with limited electricity. It’s a brilliant example of how simple, practical innovations can drive profound change—keeping children in school and helping them thrive,” she said.

She further noted its alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and called on other private sector players to emulate Fidelity Bank’s leadership in social impact.

The Lighting Young Minds initiative is an extension of Fidelity Bank’s mission of empowering Nigeria’s future generations through inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking educational solutions. As the bank continues to bridge opportunity gaps, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of a brighter future for children across the country.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International (TI), has raised serious concerns over the growing perception of judicial corruption in Nigeria, warning that this trend poses a significant threat to the nation’s anti-corruption efforts, democratic stability, and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organisation lamented that recent developments in the judiciary have undermined the credibility of law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which have invested significant resources, time, and effort in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases only for such cases to be struck out

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been encouraged to adopt digital tools to enhance their operations and drive sustainable growth. This call was made during the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the bank’s dedicated SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.

The event, which drew a large turnout of entrepreneurs and stakeholders, marked the official launch of Fidelity Bank’s initiative to equip 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems and business support tools—at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Welcoming guests, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, emphasized the bank’s commitment to SME development:

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”

Through the initiative, benefiting businesses will receive: a fully-installed POS desktop system, ERPRev business software, receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory data input support, financial and bookkeeping training, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring; and a free Fidelity POS with instant settlement.

The three-day program features high-impact trainings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to spark innovation, build partnerships, and unlock new markets.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, CEO of Manmark -Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner, noted, “This digital transformation initiative is a game changer. It replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that simplifies accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not handouts—they are instruments for long-term business success.”

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, SMEs make up 96% of all businesses in the country, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the national GDP. Despite their critical role in the economy, many still rely on manual processes that hinder efficiency and limit access to finance.

Fidelity Bank’s intervention is therefore both timely and strategic—providing SMEs with the digital tools and support they need to streamline operations, improve transparency, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Nigeria’s leading 4G LTE broadband provider, Smile Communications has unveiled an exciting new campaign tagged #AllTimeSmileTime, encouraging customers to share the moments and places they enjoy seamless internet connectivity with Smile.

With Smile’s robust and expanding coverage across Nigeria, the brand is reinforcing its promise that quality internet access is not restricted to the office or home alone. Whether you are at a seminar, in church, relaxing at the park, hanging out with friends, or even studying at the library — anytime can be Smile time.

As part of the month-long campaign, Smile is asking customers a simple yet powerful question: “When is your Smile Time?” The aim is to celebrate real user experiences, elicit testimonials, and gather feedback that will help further improve and expand Smile’s offerings.

Speaking on the campaign, ‘Goke Olaleye (Head of Marketing Operations) at Smile Communications, said:
“#AllTimeSmileTime is more than just a hashtag. It’s a statement that wherever life takes you, Smile is right there with you. We’re excited to see how and where our customers are enjoying their Smile experience, and we invite everyone to share their Smile Time moments throughout the month of July.”

Customers are encouraged to join the conversation online by posting their photos, short videos, or testimonials using the hashtag #AllTimeSmileTime across social media platforms.

This interactive campaign is part of Smile’s commitment to delivering high-quality internet access and building a more connected digital lifestyle for Nigerians — wherever they may be.

*About Smile* *Communications*
Smile Communications provides 4G LTE mobile broadband in Nigeria With a growing network coverage, Smile continues to empower individuals and businesses to do more, connect more, and achieve more online.

FCT Service Commanders and the Director of Security, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), held a strategic security meeting to assess the progress and impact of Operation Sweep, a coordinated, multi-agency operation designed to tackle crime, enhance intelligence sharing, and strengthen joint enforcement efforts across the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement issued by SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR.,Police Public Relations Officer,
FCT Police Command, “the meeting focused on evaluating field reports, addressing operational challenges, and mapping out proactive strategies to ensure the safety and security of all residents within the FCT.

When Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang took over the reins of leadership in Plateau State, many knew change was inevitable but few could have imagined the sweeping transformation unfolding in the transport sector today.

With the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration that created abnormality in the transportation industry, the Plateau State Governor refused to sit on his hands. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves, thought outside the box, and took the bull by the horns.

One of his earliest interventions, the introduction of the Metro Bus Service, quickly won the hearts of Plateau citizens. With fares as low as ₦200, the buses became a lifeline, especially for workers, students, traders, and everyday hustlers trying to make ends meet. In quick succession, additional buses were injected into the system based on public demands, crisscrossing more routes and bridging the mobility gap.

The revival and reorganization of the Plateau Express Service also saw more vehicles hitting the roads, connecting not just local government areas within the state but also stretching out to other parts of the federation.

Today, these buses are so well-patronized that demand often outstrips supply, a testament to how deeply the people have embraced them, saving up to N40,000 per individual monthly.

Yet, like a farmer who does not rest after planting maize but goes ahead to sow yams as well, Governor Mutfwang was not done.

The rail shuttle between Jos and Bukuru, a visionary masterstroke that has added steam to the ongoing transportation revolution, commenced operations officially last week. At just ₦200 per trip, this service has become an instant hit, offering residents a safe, clean, affordable, and time-saving alternative to the ever-congested roads.

The economic benefits are already speaking volumes. For many, the train has cut down commuting costs drastically, money saved is money earned. With the rising cost of fuel, the train service is like water to a thirsty land, relieving pressure on household incomes and boosting productivity across sectors.

On the social front, the train is connecting the Jos-Bukuru axis closer together. Residents now wake up with less anxiety about getting to their places of work, schools, and markets. Punctuality has improved, and time once wasted in traffic jams is now being used for more meaningful engagements.

It is often said that “when the rhythm of the drum changes, the dancer must adjust his steps.” The people of Plateau have adjusted, joyfully to this new rhythm set by Mutfwang’s transportation blueprint.

Convenience, too, has been taken to new heights. Trains, unlike buses or cars, run on a dedicated track. No holdups, no bottlenecks, and no roadside drama. The shuttle runs on schedule, dependable as the sunrise.

Commuters are now enjoying their rides in a relaxed, safe atmosphere, with scenic views that remind us all why Plateau remains the Home of Peace and Tourism.

Speaking of tourism, the reintroduction of the rail system opens up a fresh corridor for adventure seekers and visitors to explore Jos and its environs with ease. With consistent investment, the rail line could soon connect more tourist hotspots. As the saying goes, “when the road is good, the journey becomes a pleasure.” In this case, the train ride is already turning into an experience.

The environmental impact is another feather in the administration’s cap. In an age where carbon emissions are a global concern, the shift to rail transport helps reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution. It is a strategic, future-looking move that aligns Plateau State with modern sustainability goals.

Through all of this, one truth has become glaring: Governor Caleb Mutfwang is a man of action, not empty words. He understands that governance is not about making noise but about making positive impact on the people.

In revamping the transportation sector, he has not only provided physical movement for the people but also stirred hope, restored dignity, and strengthened the social contract between the government and the citizens.

If truly “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” then Plateau State has already taken giant strides under this administration. With each passing day, the state is inching closer to a fully integrated, efficient, and people-focused transportation system.

Indeed, Governor Mutfwang is not just moving people, he is moving Plateau forward. And if the early signs are anything to go by, the rail shuttle is only the beginning of even greater things to come.

A respected Islamic scholar and indigene of Jos, Plateau State, Muhammad Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent petition allegedly authored by Alhaji Kabiru Gwamlar, who identified himself as the Secretary of Plateau State Muslim Indigenes.

In a statement made available to journalists, Abubakar expressed disappointment over what he described as baseless insinuations and unfounded accusations against the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

He questioned the authenticity of the petition, wondering whether Gwamlar was acting under any legitimate mandate. “As a Muslim from Plateau, I am not aware of any forum that authorized him to write such a divisive and unfounded petition in the name of Muslims,” he stated. “If indeed Alhaji Kabiru Gwamlar exists and was not conjured for the sole purpose of mischief, then he must be speaking from the deep recesses of personal bias.”

Abubakar further criticized the attempt to pitch indigenous Muslims against the governor, saying it was nothing more than an unfortunate misadventure. He accused Gwamlar of spreading hatred and misinformation in a bid to sow disunity in the state.

“I wholly condemn the recurring acts of terror and violence in rural communities across Plateau State, regardless of who the victims are,” he said. He warned that shadowy elements appeared to be behind the persistent insecurity in the state, working against Governor Mutfwang’s peace-driven vision.

Abubakar stated that no community in the state had been neglected by the governor. “From Kanam to Wase, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, or Langtang, his actions speak louder than words,” he added.

He described Governor Mutfwang as a rare leader marked by empathy, fairness, and proactive leadership, especially in responding to the attacks in Kukawa and other affected areas.

Contrary to claims that 70 persons were killed in the Kukawa incident, Abubakar stated that verified records from Kanam Local Government put the number of deaths at 12. “Although this remains a tragedy, it is far from the exaggerated figure peddled by Gwamlar,” he said.

He clarified that the governor responded promptly to the incident by directing his Chief Security Officer and the Local Government leadership to investigate. A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, he noted, further clarified the situation.

“What Governor Mutfwang needs now is our collective support, not needless profiling,” Abubakar said. “As a proud Muslim in Plateau, I refuse to be misrepresented by elements who sow discord in the name of faith.”

He urged citizens to unite and protect the peace of Plateau State, stressing that religion should not be used as a tool for political or ethnic division. “Governor Mutfwang has shown courage and integrity, and I stand with him not because of sentiment, but because of truth and justice,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a call for unity: “Let us focus on the things that bind us, not those that tear us apart. Plateau is our home, and we must guard its peace jealously.”

The statement was signed by Muhammad Abubakar, an Islamic scholar and indigene of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.

On July 16, 2025, the Nigerian Navy conducted a training program for its personnel focused on fisheries regulation enforcement at the NNS Beecroft Officers’ Mess in Apapa, Lagos.

This training, organized in partnership with the Federal Department of Fisheries, aimed to equip naval personnel with the knowledge and tools to effectively enforce fisheries laws within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Command Operations Officer Commodore A Mohammed represented the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Rear Admiral MG Oamen. In his remarks, Commodore Mohammed emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s crucial role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, threatening Nigeria’s maritime economy and ecosystem.

Facilitators from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Mr. Adedayo Akinbobola and Mr. Taiwo Are, delivered comprehensive lectures on key aspects of fisheries regulations, including licensing requirements and the collaborative roles of security agencies in ensuring compliance.

The session covered various topics, such as types of fishing vessels, non-trawling zones (0 – 5 nautical miles), and classification of fishing zones (ranging from 6 nautical miles to distant waters). The lectures explained practical procedures for identifying mandatory documents on board fishing vessels, mesh size regulations (44 mm for shrimping and 76 mm for fishing), as well as the procedures for apprehending violators, reporting violations, and preserving evidence for prosecution. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between the Navy and fisheries officials for the sustainable management of marine resources was underscored.

The training concluded with an interactive session where participants raised operational questions and shared experiences from the field, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and national development.

Relevant pictures are hereby attached