Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Commander, 21 Special Armour Brigade Bama Brigadier General Tosin Ayoola has held closed-door engagement with commanders of various community volunteer forces in Bama, as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate gains and intensify coordinated actions against Boko Haram. Today Thursday 26 February 2026 at the Brigade Officers’ Mess

According to a press statement personally signed by Lieutenant AM Sani, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 21 Special Armour Brigade, Bama, the development was formally confirmed by the Brigade headquarters. The strategic meeting, conducted under strict confidentiality, focused on strengthening synergy between troops and vetted volunteer elements within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility. Discussions centered on improving information discipline, enhancing coordination, and sustaining operational momentum to ensure decisive outcomes against terrorist threats.

While acknowledging the sacrifices and resilience of volunteer forces, the Brigade Commander emphasized the importance of discretion, unity of effort, and adherence to established command structures. He reiterated that sensitive operational detail remains top secret, stressing that safeguarding information is critical to denying adversaries any forewarning.

Commanders of the volunteer forces reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing security efforts and pledged continued cooperation within approved frameworks. The meeting concluded with a renewed resolve to maintain pressure on terrorists through lawful, coordinated, and intelligence-led operation, while keeping all operational specifics confidential in the interest of national security.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, undertook familiarization visits to some key formations at Bonny Cantonment, Lagos, as part of his ongoing strategic engagements within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, during the visit, the GOC held high-level interactions at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NAEME), the Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), and the Directorate of Automated Data Processing (DADP), reaffirming his commitment to institutional collaboration and operational synergy.

At NAEME Headquarters, he was received by the Commander, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Major General Adeyinka Adereti, who congratulated him on his appointment as the 26th GOC 81 Division and expressed confidence in his leadership. Major General Adereti assured the GOC of the Corps’ unwavering support and institutional cooperation toward ensuring a successful command tenure.

Earlier in his remarks, the GOC, Major General Babalola described the visit as both symbolic and strategic, emphasizing that effective command thrives on unity of purpose, professional cooperation, and shared dedication to mission success. He commended the Corps’ leadership and acknowledged its critical role in sustaining the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception and assured the CCEME of his commitment to fostering synergy in achieving the Division’s constitutional mandates.

Similarly, the GOC paid a courtesy call on the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral BK Effiong during which both senior officers underscored the importance of sustained inter-service collaboration and jointness in enhancing operational effectiveness.

At the Directorate of Automated Data Processing, the Director, Brigadier General VE Cletus, conducted the GOC round key facilities, highlighting the Directorate’s pivotal role in strengthening command, control, communications, and information systems within the Nigerian Army. The visits culminated in group photographs symbolizing unity, shared responsibility, and collective resolve to advance operational excellence within 81 Division’s Area of Responsibility.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled a bold and forward-looking Command Philosophy aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Army as a highly professional, agile, combat-effective and resilient force.

According to a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, he articulated this transformative vision on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, during a lecture delivered to participants of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

In his well-structured presentation, the COAS emphasized that effective leadership in today’s dynamic security climate must be rooted in character, courage and genuine concern for personnel. He noted that the Nigerian Army operates within an increasingly volatile, complex and multi-dimensional threat environment, with ongoing commitments across all geopolitical zones in counterinsurgency, counterterrorism and other internal security operations. These realities, he stressed, require not only tactical proficiency but also enduring institutional strength.

Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that the new Command Philosophy is designed to accelerate the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a force fully capable of decisively fulfilling its constitutional mandate within joint and multi-agency frameworks. He highlighted innovation as the engine of progress, while reaffirming resilience as the defining spirit of the Nigerian soldier. With clarity of vision and unity of purpose, he affirmed that mission accomplishment must remain the unyielding guiding principle of the Nigerian Army.
The philosophy is built around five mutually reinforcing pillars encapsulated in the acronym PROSE, which stands for Professional Excellence, Robust Administration, Operational Readiness, Strategic Cooperation and Exemplary Leadership. According to the COAS, these pillars are firmly anchored on a Soldier-First Culture that prioritizes personnel welfare, morale, training, dignity and empowerment as the bedrock of combat effectiveness and institutional credibility.

The COAS further highlighted that operational success extends beyond battlefield achievements to include public trust, strengthened civil-military relations and unwavering adherence to the rule of law. Charging the participants, whom he described as the future operational and strategic leaders of the Nigerian Army, the COAS urged them to internalize the philosophy and translate it into measurable impact across formations and units.

The introduction of the PROSE-driven Command Philosophy marks a decisive strategic shift for the Nigerian Army, reinforcing its resolve to balance sustained internal security operations with long-term force development, modernization and institutional reform in response to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.

The Ogun State Police Command wishes to provide an update on Abigeal Nsikak, popularly known as Mirabel on TikTok, following the rape allegation she made online.

According to a press statement issued by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State. Upon her visit to the police station, she was received and taken to a medical facility for necessary examination to verify her claims. She has continued to cooperate with investigators as due process progresses.

In consideration of her welfare and support needs, she has been released to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. The Ministry has undertaken responsibility for her care and has assured the Command that she will be made available whenever required as investigations continue.

The Command assures the public that the matter is being handled with professionalism, sensitivity, and diligence. Members of the public are urged to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to run its full course. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

Union Bank of Nigeria has issued a statement reaffirming its steadfast position in the course of ongoing regulatory engagements in response to recent media queries at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 304th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing.

The bank’s affirmation comes in the wake of Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s clarification on the regulatory framework governing institutions under intervention while speaking on the complexities and structural considerations influencing the recapitalisation timeline.

According to the CBN Governor, institutions currently under regulatory oversight are subject to unique circumstances that necessitate a differentiated approach, distinct from those institutions that have had an extended period to prepare for recapitalisation. This clarification was made in direct response to queries raised by journalists seeking insight into the operational status of banks under intervention.

Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, explained that the CBN Governor’s remarks align with Union Bank’s consistent messaging to stakeholders. She reiterated that Union Bank remains a going concern with stable operations, resilient franchise and uninterrupted service delivery.

“The Governor’s remarks reinforce what has consistently been our position in all engagements with stakeholders. Union Bank remains under strong regulatory oversight and active supervisory engagement. The Bank is a going concern with a resilient franchise, stable operations and uninterrupted service delivery across all channels.

We have maintained, and continue to maintain, that all customer deposits are safe and secure. That position has not changed. The Bank continues to operate within the established regulatory framework, working transparently and constructively with the Central Bank of Nigeria towards full compliance in line with the applicable structure.”

The bank is working constructively with the Central Bank towards full compliance, as part of a system-wide recapitalisation programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s banking sector. Union Bank will provide updates as regulatory engagements progress while maintaining its commitment to customer protection, financial stability and service continuity.

The Stay Africa Youth Development Initiative (SAYDI) has conferred the Nelson Mandela Pan African Leadership Award on Engineer Sarat Braimah, Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in recognition of her hard work and dedication to national service.

The Accra, Ghana-based organisation, led by its President, Dominic Mensah, was in Lagos on Wednesday to formally present the award. Engineer Braimah was said to have been pleasantly surprised by the honour.

According to Ambassador Mensah, the Nigerian chapter of SAYDI nominated Engineer Braimah following the positive transformation recorded at the NIWA Lagos Area Office since she assumed office. He highlighted her promotion of student and youth empowerment, support for the Executive Governor of Lagos State, zero tolerance for nepotism and favouritism, commitment to teamwork, and selfless leadership style that reflects African moral values. He added that her career progression serves as an inspiration to young Africans, particularly women aspiring to build careers in the maritime sector.

“Our core objective is to identify tomorrow’s leaders today by inspiring and educating young people in Africa to remain on the continent and contribute to its sustainable development across all fields of human endeavour. This is where mentorship becomes essential. We seek out achievers like you who have risen through the ranks to inspire other young Africans to stay back and contribute to the growth of the continent,” he said.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Mensah also presented a certificate of excellence to Engineer Braimah and announced her automatic induction into the Pan African Leadership Hall of Fame as an amazon of nation building in Africa.

In her appreciation remarks, Engineer Braimah expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that although she had not previously encountered the organisation, she strongly aligns with its vision. She stressed that Africa can only grow and prosper when young people commit themselves to hard work and selfless service.

“I want to sincerely thank you for this award, which I do not take for granted. It will inspire me to do more for my organisation, Nigeria, and Africa’s maritime development. I believe in and encourage teamwork and dedication. Therefore, this award is dedicated to my superiors in Abuja and to all those who work tirelessly, sacrificing time with family and friends, to support me here in Lagos as Area Manager. I pray that many young people will remain focused and give their best to Nigeria and indeed Africa,” she stated.

The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, has congratulated AIG Tunji Olatunji Disu on his appointment as Acting Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a congratulatory message dated 25 February 2026, Olugbode described the appointment as well deserved and a recognition of Disu’s professionalism, leadership and commitment to national service.

“On behalf of my family and the staff of the National Hydrographic Agency, I extend my warm felicitations to AIG Tunji Olatunji Disu on his well-deserved appointment as Acting Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Olugbode said the elevation was “a clear recognition of his exemplary professionalism, outstanding leadership, and unwavering dedication to the service of our great nation”.

According to him, Disu’s proven record of integrity, discipline and operational excellence has continued to inspire confidence within the Nigeria Police Force and among citizens nationwide.

“His proven track record of integrity, discipline, and operational excellence inspires confidence within the Force and among citizens nationwide,” he said.

The Hydrographer of the Federation expressed confidence that the Nigeria Police Force would be further strengthened under Disu’s leadership and better positioned to address emerging security challenges while enhancing public trust in law enforcement.

“I am confident that under his capable leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will be further strengthened and strategically repositioned to effectively address emerging security challenges and enhance public trust in law enforcement,” Olugbode added.

He also prayed for wisdom, good health and success for Disu as he assumes the responsibilities of the office, assuring him of the Agency’s highest consideration and support.

In this season of Ramadan, where kindness and unity take center stage, MILO is sharing in that spirit through a 30-day Ramadan gifting campaign across Northern Nigeria, reaching families and honoring the values that define the holy month.

According to a statement signed by the Corporate Affairs Manager Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Toju Egbebi, the initiative includes the donation of over 1 million sampled cups, more than 1,000 MILO cartons, and essential Iftar items such as prayer mats, prayer kettles, and plastic buckets distributed across the region.

The campaign is supported by MILO’s ambassadors, including Ahmed Musa, Mansurah Isah, and Sulaimon Bosho, who have helped amplify its message of unity and generosity.

At the launch of the 30-day Ramadan gifting campaign, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager for Beverages, said: “Executing this initiative during Ramadan reflects our commitment to deepening our connection with our consumers. By providing essential items for Iftar, we are supporting families and aligning our actions with the values of care and compassion.

The donated items will be handed over to 100 religious and community leaders overseeing mosques with an average of 300 worshippers each, who will coordinate distribution to ensure the support reaches families.

Sheikh Ibrahim Shehi Mai Hula, Chairman of the Kano State Hisbah Board, commended the effort, stating: “It’s great to see MILO, a brand we trust, go beyond commercial sales to support those in need during Ramadan. Their donation is helping us reach more people, and we are grateful for their generosity.”

Beyond this campaign, MILO continues to invest in initiatives such as MILO Building Champs, the MILO Building Champs Sports Fest, and the MILO Basketball Championship, reinforcing its long-term commitment to empowering the next generation and building thriving communities across the country.

Nestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations. With a wide range of products, including popular brands such as NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, Nestlé Nigeria is dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious food and beverages to consumers across Nigeria.

The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy played host to a high-profile Indonesian naval delegation in Lagos, in what defence authorities described as a strategic milestone in deepening bilateral military cooperation. The visit, anchored on the maiden port call of Indonesian Navy Ship KRI Prabu Siliwangi 321, underscored growing maritime collaboration between Africa’s largest economy and Southeast Asia’s maritime giant.

In his opening remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Abubakar Abdullah Mustapha, formally welcomed the Indonesian delegation, describing the visit as “a testament to enduring bilateral relations and a signal of greater strategic convergence.” He noted that naval diplomacy remains a critical subset of national power projection and foreign policy engagement.

The Indonesian delegation comprised the Commanding Officer, officers and crew of KRI Prabu Siliwangi 321, alongside Indonesia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Bangbang Suharto, and the Defence Attaché. The port call marks the first visit of the vessel to Nigeria in over three decades and symbolises Jakarta’s expanding strategic footprint in Africa.

Rear Admiral Mustapha, a seasoned naval officer with over three decades of service, highlighted his extensive academic and professional pedigree, including training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, the University of Plymouth, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. He emphasised that the Command, as the premier naval formation, superintends over strategic coastal states from Lagos to Ondo, in addition to offshore and joint task force operations.

Tracing the diplomatic arc, both sides recalled that Nigeria and Indonesia have sustained cordial relations since independence in 1960. However, military ties received renewed impetus with the 2023 defence agreement, which formalised structured cooperation across the Army, Navy and Air Force components of both nations.

The FOC disclosed that Nigerian officers have undertaken capacity-building programmes at Indonesian defence institutions, while discussions are advancing in areas of maritime domain awareness, intelligence sharing and joint exercises. Indonesia’s participation in regional anti-piracy frameworks such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia and the Information Fusion Centre in Singapore presents, according to naval authorities, valuable intersections with Nigeria’s Falcon Eye and regional awareness capabilities.

On equipment and industrial cooperation, both parties identified shipbuilding and defence manufacturing as strategic frontiers. Indonesian advancements in naval platform construction, officials noted, offer Nigeria opportunities to strengthen its nascent military-industrial complex through acquisition, technology transfer and collaborative production.

Significantly, the visit is expected to culminate in joint sea drills, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) manoeuvres and anti-illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing exercises during the frigate’s departure. The exercises, to involve Nigerian special forces, are designed to enhance interoperability and operational synergy between the two navies.

Present at the reception were key principal staff officers of the Command, including Fleet Operations Officer Captain G. Osweben; Command Transformation Officer Captain C.C. Osifu; Command Intelligence Officer Captain A.O.C. Ehanon; Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship Aba, Captain Y.A. Shellen; Command Sports Officer Captain A.O. Umaru; Command Logistics Officer Commander A.U. Oji; Command Communications and Information Technology Officer Commander U. Njemanzi; Command Legal Officer Commander A.A. Oduole; and Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship Guerrara, Captain U.F. Anthony.

Beyond strategy and sea power, cultural diplomacy also featured prominently. The Indonesian crew is scheduled to visit select cultural and traditional institutions in Lagos, reinforcing people-to-people ties. As Rear Admiral Mustapha concluded, the symbolism of the port call extends beyond protocol, it signals a maturing partnership poised to secure maritime commons, strengthen defence capacity and project shared stability across regions.

Smile Communications has continued a consumer-focused initiative designed to give Nigerians the opportunity to experience its premium 4G LTE network firsthand, thus
reinforcing the company’s commitment to listening, innovation, and value-driven
connectivity.

The initiative which is a FREE 3GB SIM offer, allows new customers to test-drive the Smile network before making a commitment. According to the company, the move is part of a broader strategy informed by deliberate consumer research conducted over the past year, which revealed that many customers value the opportunity to experience service quality before subscribing to a full plan.

“Our customers told us they want confidence before commitment,” said Olagoke
Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications. “Over the past year,
we have invested time in listening deliberately to consumer feedback across markets.

“The FREE 3GB SIM therefore is our way of removing barriers and allowing Nigerians to
experience the speed, reliability, and quality of the Smile network firsthand.”

Following the trial experience, customers can subscribe to any Smile Mini or Smile Midi plan and enjoy additional benefits, including FREE streaming data for platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video. The offering reflects Smile’s continued effort to combine everyday connectivity with lifestyle-driven digital experiences.

The company noted that the streaming benefit was also shaped by consumer insights
indicating increased demand for flexible entertainment, remote work tools, and content consumption without added pressure on primary data allowances. Olaleye added, “This is not just about giving data. It’s about empowering consumers with choice.

Once they experience our network, they can seamlessly transition into plans that support both productivity and entertainment, with added streaming value
built in.”

Smile reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with its ongoing commitment to delivering
affordable, high-quality broadband solutions tailored to evolving consumer needs.