Author: Dodo Elias Denen

A Plateau-based group under the banner of the “VANGUARD FOR THE VOICE OF REASONING” has faulted the former Plateau State Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Chief Yohanna Margif, over what it described as a baseless and false accusation against Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. Margif had alleged that the Governor remained silent over recent attacks in Mushere communities of Bokkos Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, James Buba, the group accused Chief Margif of neglecting his people for over a year, failing to visit or commiserate with them following repeated bloody assaults by armed Fulani militia. It urged him to desist from targeting Governor Mutfwang, who, according to the group, has consistently demonstrated solidarity and support for all Plateau people, including Margif’s own community.

The statement noted that Governor Mutfwang personally visited Mushere and other affected communities on June 22, 2025, to console victims, restore hope, and provide relief materials to cushion the impact of the violence. It added that the Governor had also ordered the completion of a strategic bridge linking Mushere to neighbouring communities to facilitate movement for residents and security personnel.

Buba condemned Margif’s comments, describing them as “unguided” and “self-serving,” and accused him of “living comfortably in Abuja” while ignoring the pain and suffering of his people. He further recalled that, only recently, the Governor dispatched a high-powered delegation led by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, to Mushere to ensure the bridge project was completed without delay.

“It is shocking to hear Mr. Yohanna Margif, who has abandoned his people for several years, accuse Governor Mutfwang of being silent over the attacks. If there is any Governor Plateau State has produced who has stood firmly with his people, it is Governor Mutfwang. Idle minds and shortsighted individuals like Margif should not be allowed to mislead the public with unfounded claims,” Buba stated.

While expressing deep sympathy for the people of Mushere over the sustained violence by killer herdsmen, the group called on the community to remain resilient in defending themselves. It also challenged security agencies to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property or give way for the people to defend their land.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its dedication to financial empowerment and a savings-oriented culture with the emergence of twenty new millionaires in the seventh and eighth monthly draws of its Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 Savings Promo.

The draw event, held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, featured the announcement of the lucky winners and the formal Prize Presentation Ceremony for winners in the fourth, fifth, and sixth monthly draws.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ken Opara, Promo Chairperson and Executive Director, Lagos & South West, Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Chioma Nwankwo, Regional Bank Head, Lagos Central, Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the bank’s mission to drive financial well-being through responsible saving habits.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that financial well-being begins with cultivating smart saving habits. This belief inspired the GAIM 6 promo — a strategic initiative aimed at encouraging and rewarding a culture of consistent savings among our customers,” she stated.

Further highlighting the impact of the GAIM 6 promo, she noted that, “For us, it is not just about winning but helping our customers to build a secure financial future. To ensure this, these winners also receive financial advisory to help them grow and manage their wealth effectively.”

At the event, 10 winners each from the seventh and eighth draws emerged from various geo-political zones across Nigeria, demonstrating the widespread reach and impact of the campaign. The draws were conducted electronically and supervised by representatives from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and fairness.

The event also featured the formal presentation of prizes to winners from the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Monthly Draws. Among the beneficiaries who received their ₦1 million prizes at the ceremony were Stephanie Onome Gere, Itua Michael Ehinomen, Maduabuchi Kalu Anya, and Chioma Grace Nnodim.

One of the beneficiaries, Chioma Grace Nnodim, expressed her appreciation to Fidelity Bank saying; “This is a life-changing moment for me. I had heard of others winning, but I never imagined I would become a millionaire just by saving consistently. I encourage all Nigerians to open a Fidelity Bank account and start saving – you never know when your alert will come.”

Now in its final month and ahead of the grand finale, GAIM 6 has disbursed about N85.4 million to 2,561 customers through various draws, including ₦60 million to 60 monthly winners, ₦7million to 700 student Flex account holders, and ₦4.5 million to nine NYSC members. Special day rewards included ₦1 million each on Women’s Day and Workers’ Day, ₦10 million on Children’s Day, and ₦7.7 million shared among 1,550 weekly consolation winners.

Through GAIM 6, Fidelity Bank continues to promote financial empowerment, reward loyalty, and foster a savings culture among Nigerians, staying true to its mission to help individuals grow, inspire businesses to thrive, and empower economies to prosper.

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 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 Ajana Family of Ikere-Ekiti has issued a strong rebuttal to recent published statements by the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, insisting that the monarch acted without consultation, legal authority, or consent in the ongoing land dispute between them and the Ajiboye Family.

In a press statement responding to the monarch’s remarks in a prior publication, the family denied allegations of destroying property or assaulting surveyors, stating that their only action was to peacefully protest against what they described as an “unauthorised and coercive” attempt to survey and allocate their land to “faceless investors” for a proposed private university.

“The surveyors that came are government surveyors, working with the Ekiti State Surveyor-General. Therefore, nobody assaulted them and no equipment was destroyed. If such had happened, they could have reported to the police, being that they were acting in their official capacity. Till today, there is no report at any police station or anywhere else about the said attack.

“Rather, these people have gone to start pegging, putting pillars on our land, thereby encroaching without our consent. So if any of them had been attacked, the matter would have been reported to the police,” the family said.

“The Kabiyesi never invited the Ajana Family to any meeting to discuss his intentions. He simply imposed his decision, despite knowing that the land in question is already under legal dispute,” the statement continued.

The family further questioned the monarch why legitimate owners of the land were not part of formal negotiations.

“The point of emphasis is that we were not carried along. Specifically, senior principal members of the Ajana Family who are on talking terms with the monarch sent him messages that if they wanted to use our land, they should formalise it and make a request but this was completely ignored.

“They went to the land without our consent. If we had been carried along, we would have also known the investor. All members of the Ajana Family are not in support, as the monarch is just being coercive.

“All the resolutions at the palace were in favour of the Ajana Family. It was the Kabiyesi who approached us to take the matter away from the court, so there is nothing like defamation. We are talking about land matters running into hundreds of acres.

“The Chief from the Ajana Family who was suspended by the monarch was punished because he opposed the move,” the statement read.

Olajide Ajana, representing the family said “all statements are on behalf of the entire family, as i have been authorised to represent them fully. The family gave me a power of attorney signed by all members, including the chief, to pursue this matter to a logical conclusion.

Citing the legal maxim “nemo dat quod non habet” (“you cannot give what you do not have”), the Ajana Family argued that the Ogoga lacked the legal power to hand over their property without consent, especially for a commercial venture.

“A private university is a profit-making investment, not a philanthropic project. The Kabiyesi has no right under the law to dispose of our ancestral land in such a manner,” they insisted.

Livelihoods at Stake

The Ajana Family stressed that the disputed land forms part of their economic survival, with members engaged in farming for generations and cultivating economic crops such as palm trees and timber.

They expressed concern that the forced loss of the land would threaten their livelihoods in a state where agriculture is a primary source of income.

“Ekiti is known for its agricultural ventures. Stripping us of our farmland without proper negotiation or compensation will destroy our means of sustenance,” the statement continued.

Background

The dispute dates back years and has been subject to court rulings, with the High Court in Ikere-Ekiti reportedly determining ownership between the Ajana and Ajiboye families. Despite this, tensions escalated after the Ogoga allegedly announced that the land would be allocated to investors for the proposed educational project.

In his earlier defence, Oba Adu-Alagbado said the initiative was in the town’s interest and that multiple families had been asked to contribute land for the development. He denied personal interest in the project and described the family’s accusations as defamatory.

However, the Ajana Family maintains that their opposition is lawful and rooted in the need to protect their property rights from what they call “instruments of coercion and intimidation.”

They have vowed to defend their position in court and urged the state government and relevant authorities to intervene to ensure justice.

Top officials of the Plateau State Government, alongside members of the State House of Assembly, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, visited Mushere Chiefdom in Bokkos Local Government Area to commiserate with communities affected by recent bandit attacks and to assure them of government’s decisive action to restore peace and security.

The high-powered delegation inspected the Mushere Bridge, a strategic link between several communities in the area on the directive of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who has ordered its speedy completion to provide security agencies with unhindered access to protect lives and property.

The team, led by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig-Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), directed the contractor handling the bridge to resume work on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Governor Mutfwang had earlier visited Mushere on Saturday, June 22, 2025, following one of the deadly attacks that claimed lives, where he pledged to complete the bridge. The project was initially conceived as a constituency intervention by former Governor and Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye during his tenure in the National Assembly but was left uncompleted after his exit from the Senate.

Speaking during the visit, Speaker Naanlong Gapyil expressed deep sympathy for the affected communities and reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to fulfilling his promise.

“We are here out of the Governor’s concern to ensure that an access road links these communities to the rest of the state. From what we have seen today, this requires urgent, almost emergency, attention. This bridge is dear to us because it will provide faster routes for security agencies to respond to distress calls.

“We call on residents of Mushere to support the government to ensure timely completion. We are fortunate to have a listening Governor who understands the importance of this project. Work will resume here immediately,” he stated.

He also charged security agencies to be alive to their constitutional duties of safeguarding lives and property, assuring that the House will sustain its oversight role to support security operations and work closely with communities for their safety.

The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Amalau Samuel, confirmed that all necessary materials for the completion of the bridge are already on site. He assured the people that the contractor would mobilize to site on Monday and thanked Governor Mutfwang for his steadfast commitment to securing Bokkos against criminal incursions.

National President of the Mushere Chiefdom Development Association, Mr. Michael Terfok Yilkes, commended the Governor for his swift intervention, noting that the completed bridge will connect Margif with Komur, Mbor, and several other communities, greatly improving mobility and economic activities.

He further appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent measures to flush out the bandits who, according to him, invade from neighboring Nasarawa State to attack and retreat. He called for decisive, thorough, and sustained action to end the attacks once and for all.

The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes across the country, neutralising a notorious terrorist commander, arresting criminal suspects, and recovering assorted weapons in its ongoing operations.

On 7 August 2025, troops of 3 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Rann Kala in Balge Local Government Area of Borno State repelled an attack by ISWAP/JAS terrorists. During exploitation at first light, troops discovered the corpses of three terrorists, including their top commander, identified as Amirul Fiya (aka Abu Nazir). Blood trails at the scene indicated other terrorists escaped with injuries.

According to the press statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apollonia Anele, stated that the
operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, an unexploded ordnance, two rocket-propelled grenades, and other items. In a follow-up operation on 9 August, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force/Hybrid Force discovered another terrorist corpse and recovered one QJC 88-barrel gun, one AA gun tripod, 20 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition, a backpack, and a bicycle.

In Zamfara State, on 8 August 2025, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities along Road Gusau–Kaura Namoda in Unguwar Sariki Musulmi, Kaura Namoda LGA. The swift response forced the terrorists to flee, leading to the rescue of two kidnapped victims who have since been reunited with their families.

Similarly, in Ebonyi State on 9 August 2025, troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment intervened in a communal crisis between Iyimagwu and Ekpomaka communities in Ikwo LGA. The troops came under fire from an abandoned building and responded decisively, neutralising one armed criminal. The operation yielded the recovery of one G3 rifle, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and four hand grenades.

These successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s sovereignty, protect law-abiding citizens, and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate. The Army remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

From the solemn notes of hymns to heartfelt words of remembrance, the final journey of Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd) unfolded over two days of reflection and gratitude. The ceremonies began with a Service of Songs on Friday evening at St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment. Dame Patience Jonathan read from Ecclesiastes 2:1–12, while Mrs. Esther Yemisi delivered the third scripture reading.

Between the prayers came waves of tributes some in person, others pre-recorded from friends and colleagues across the globe. On Saturday morning, mourners gathered again for the funeral service, after which the cortege moved to the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, for interment, before ending at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, for a reception.

A Life That Bridged Regions and Cultures

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) captured the sentiment of many when it described Olubolade as “a nobleman and illustrious son” whose death came at a time he was most needed. In its message, signed by National Chairman Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF hailed him as a sailor, politician, and administrator remembered for both stern leadership and warm humanity.

Though proudly Yoruba, Olubolade was called “an Ijaw man in spirit” for his deep love for Bayelsa State, where he served as Military Administrator. The forum urged his family to take pride in his legacy, reminding all that life is measured by impact, not by years lived.

Bayelsa’s Governor Recalls a Man of Peace

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri painted a vivid picture of a man who belonged to more than one place. Describing him as a “dual citizen” of Nigeria Yoruba by birth, Bayelsan by service Diri recalled how Olubolade wore Bayelsa’s traditional attire with pride.

He told of a tense moment during Olubolade’s tenure when he had the power to unleash force but chose peace instead, refusing to spill innocent blood. “We love him, but God loves him most,” Diri said, adding that Olubolade celebrated his 70th birthday in Yenagoa in a way that, in hindsight, felt like a farewell.

Ekiti’s Governor Urges Pride in His Legacy

From the Southwest, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji urged Olubolade’s family to draw comfort from the glowing tributes written about him, noting that they painted the picture of a father any family would be proud of. He thanked Bayelsa for honoring one of Ekiti’s finest with a farewell that showcased national unity.

Aide-de-Camp Remembers a Visionary Leader

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode, who once served as Olubolade’s Aide-de-Camp, described his late boss as a visionary leader whose influence spanned the Navy, public administration, and cultural preservation. He recalled how, in Bayelsa’s earliest days as a state, Olubolade built foundational governance structures and established the State Council for Arts and Culture, which continues to preserve Ijaw heritage today.

Olugbode said Olubolade’s later ministerial roles including Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the FCT, and Minister of Police Affairs were proof of his competence and integrity in both military and democratic settings.

Friendship Forged in the Military

Rear Admiral Rotimi Ademoletin traced their bond to their first days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where both men arrived on state scholarships. It was Olubolade, he said, who persuaded him to join the 16th Regular Course a decision that shaped his life. They spent holidays together, celebrated family milestones, and remained inseparable throughout their careers.

Rear Admiral John Jonah added lighter recollections, including how Olubolade taught him to drive in India, pushing him onto the highway at 100km/h after just one hour of practice. He also recalled being entrusted with the delicate task of transferring boats during the asset sharing exercise between Bayelsa and Rivers States.

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

As the ceremonies concluded and the sun dipped over Lagos, one truth lingered: Olubolade was more than a naval officer, politician, or administrator. He was a bridge between cultures, a leader who valued peace over conflict, and a friend whose influence spanned decades.

In the words of one mourner, “We say goodbye for now, but never goodbye forever.”

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation, has paid an emotional tribute to his former boss, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd), describing his passing as a national loss and remembering him as “an extraordinary senior naval officer and visionary administrator”.

Speaking from the perspective of a former Aide-de-Camp, Rear Admiral Olugbode offered deep personal insights into the character and leadership of Captain Olubolade, who served as Military Administrator of Bayelsa State between 27 June 1997 and 9 July 1998.

“It is with profound grief that I write this condolence message, occasioned by the sudden passing of Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd),” he said. “As his former Aide-de-Camp, who worked closely with him, I can attest that his transition represents the loss of an extraordinary senior naval officer and visionary administrator who profoundly influenced national prosperity and the development of human capital not only within the Nigerian Navy, his primary constituency, but across the nation at large.”

Olugbode recalled how Captain Olubolade was tasked with leading Bayelsa in its earliest days, shortly after the state was created in 1996, noting his legacy of institution-building and inclusive governance.

“Captain Olubolade led the newly created state through its formative years, establishing foundational structures that would serve successive administrations long after his tenure,” he said.

“In my role as his Aide-de-Camp, I gained deep insight into his leadership philosophy—centred on hard work, loyalty, integrity, selfless service and humility. He embodied visionary leadership, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to public trust and capacity building.”

Beyond his administrative style, Rear Admiral Olugbode also praised Olubolade’s cultural awareness and his efforts to promote unity among Bayelsa’s diverse communities. He recalled one particularly impactful initiative—the establishment of the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture on 4 May 1998—which has since grown into a pillar of Ijaw cultural preservation.

“Captain Olubolade’s life was a shining example of vision, integrity, dedication to service, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he added. “It is especially worthy of note that he was committed to preserving Ijaw heritage and fostering unity among its diverse communities.”

Captain Olubolade’s service continued well after his military career, as he took on several ministerial roles during the Goodluck Jonathan administration—including Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and Minister of Police Affairs.

“These appointments not only reflected confidence in his administrative capabilities and his integrity,” Rear Admiral Olugbode noted, “but also demonstrated that his core principles were relevant and needed in both military and democratic dispensations.”

Closing his tribute, Rear Admiral Olugbode honoured the man he once served under as both a family man and a national figure whose legacy will endure.

“As we mourn the passing of my former boss, a father, grandfather, devoted husband, and national icon, may his soul rest in perfect peace, and may the entire family find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy of service and integrity will continue to inspire and guide us all.”

Funeral arrangements for the late Captain Caleb Olubolade, who died at the age of 71, began with a Night of Praise and Testimonies held on Monday, 21 July 2025, at Asterwood Hall, Knightdale Middle College, Apapa, Lagos.

A Candle Light Service was held on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at Tamandu Barracks, Apapa. The Service of Songs will take place on Friday, 8 August 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island.

The Burial Service is scheduled for Saturday, 9 August 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same venue, with interment at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, followed by a reception at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Wilmot Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

As part of its ongoing commitment to community development and the fight against hunger, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated hundreds of food packs to residents of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State through its flagship Fidelity Food Bank program.

The initiative is the bank’s nationwide food intervention aimed at alleviating hunger and cushioning the impact of economic hardship on underserved people across Nigeria. Since its launch in April 2023, the Food Bank has distributed over 250,000 food packs to beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

Speaking about the distribution event held in Ado-Ekiti, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, explained that “The Fidelity Food Bank is our way of responding to the rising levels of hunger in Nigeria. It is a proactive and compassionate CSR effort that has so far reached over 300 communities nationwide. We are proud to extend our coverage to Ado-Ekiti to continue that mission,”

“We have sustained this initiative for more than two years and it reflects our enduring commitment to addressing poverty and hunger across Nigeria. At Fidelity Bank we will continue to play our part in promoting food security for the unprivileged.

The event received commendations from stakeholders and beneficiaries alike. The Cathedral Administrator, Saint Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Reverend Father Benedict Bimbola Joseph praised Fidelity Bank for its generosity and partnership:

“Fidelity Bank has brought much-needed relief to our people in Ado-Ekiti. This is a welcome development and a first of its kind in our community. We hope other corporate organizations will emulate this gesture, as no contribution is too small if it brings relief to people during these trying times.”

Similarly, Reverend Father Michael Domingo, one of the Bank’s Food Bank programme partners, applauded the vision of Fidelity Bank’s leadership: “The Bank and its leadership have demonstrated wisdom and compassion by recognizing the urgent need to support government efforts in alleviating poverty, especially now when hunger is a pressing issue. We are truly grateful for this gesture,” he stated.

The Fidelity Food Bank remains one of the most impactful CSR initiatives Nationwide. Recently, the bank provided essential food items to over 1,500 flood victims in Mokwa, Niger State, and supported more than 2,000 displaced persons affected by the Yelwata attacks, currently sheltering at the Ultra-Modern International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi, Benue State. These efforts reflect the bank’s unending commitment to community development, health, and social welfare.

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 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.

‎In a renewed and well-coordinated offensive to stamp out criminal elements and flush out bandits from their enclaves, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) led by Commander Sector 1 Col KO Bukoye and supported by the Air Component have continued offensive operations across Benue and neighbouring Taraba States, between 02 – 03 August 2025. The high-impact operation was carried out simultaneously in Tse-Ahur and Chito general areas of Ukum Local Government of Benue State, with Sector 3 providing a strategic blocking position in Gindin Mangoro, Wukari LGA of Taraba State to interdict fleeing insurgents. The deliberate manoeuvre and multi-sectoral coordination clearly demonstrated operational depth and tactical dexterity in joint environment.
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‎Upon making contact with the kidnappers’ stronghold, troops engaged the adversary with superior firepower which resulted in the arrest of two (2) key suspects, while others escaped in disarray, abandoning their captives and arsenal. A decisive search-and-rescue exploitation that followed led to the rescue of eleven (11) kidnapped victims comprising four (4) females and seven (7) males, who were immediately given medical attention and profiled for onward reunification with their families.
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‎Further exploitation of the objective area resulted in the recovery of a sizeable cache of arms and ammunition which includes: four (4) FN rifles, three (3) G3 rifles, four (4) AK-47 rifles, one (1) PKT Machine Gun, one (1) locally fabricated Dane Gun, fifteen (15) AK-47 magazines, three (3) FN rifle magazines, thirty-one (31) rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one hundred and eighty-four (184) rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, one (1) pistol magazine, five (5) smoke discharge canisters and several fetish charms. The operation culminated in the total destruction of the bandits’ camp and logistics within the general area, thereby denying the criminals their freedom of action and logistics support.
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‎Reacting to the operational breakthrough, the Force Commander Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara who was on ground to coordinate the operation applauded the resilience,4 gallantry, and fighting spirit of the troops for maintaining offensive momentum and tactical initiative against the enemies of the state. He reiterated that OPWS remains committed to aggressively pursuing criminals wherever they may be hiding, in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa and the overall vision of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
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‎He extended profound appreciation to the CDS and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering strategic guidance, logistics support and collaborative synergy in sustaining the successes recorded by Operation Whirl Stroke. Major General Gara affirmed that the current operational successes were made possible due to the continuous enabling environment, prompt deployment of critical enablers, and synergy amongst the various security, law enforcement and intelligence stakeholders. He assured that troops would maintain operational pressure, dominate the battlespace, and restore peace and security to Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States.