Category: News

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, on 9 December 2025, decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel in recognition of her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.

At a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment, charging the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations. He urged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to strengthen transparent, accountableand timely communication on the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.

The Army Chief further tasked the Acting Director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate.

In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired; alongside family members, friends and well-wishers.

This information was disclosed in a press statement issued by Major Akinola Ajibola, Acting Staff Officer 1, Information and Publicity, Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations.

Heavyweight prophets, Joshua Iginla and Joshua Afolabi will be the cynosure of all eyes as they ignite Grace Nation Church’s thanksgiving conference this week.

Both name-sake clerics with awesome pedigrees are celebrated worldwide for their uncanny abilities to unravel mysteries, ministering healing and deliverance to multitudes in Nigeria and overseas.

Prophet Iginla, founder and senior pastor of Royal Assembly, a megachurch with 80,000 capacity auditorium in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power has earned a name for himself as a major prophet who many refer to as the “Joshua of our time.”

Ditto, for his co-anchor, Dr Joshua Afolabi, a dynamic preacher with a powerful prophetic mandate, who oversees the Palace Fire Chapel in Iba, Lagos.

They will both be lighting the Grace Nation Church auditorium up in four action-packed days of ministrations beginning from Wednesday December 10 to Sunday, December 14, 2025.

The 4-day programme tagged, “Breaking Into The Overflow,” is designed to break lingering battles in the lives of people, as well as offer them a platform to receive end-of-the-year miracles.

On ground to host the programme will be the church’s founder and senior pastor, Dr Chris Okafor who will be rubbing his anointing with his invited celebrity guests in what is expected to be an explosion of prophetic razzmatazz.

Attendees from far and wide have been assured the time of their lives if they can just make out time to attend.

“It is another time for us to thank God for a year that has ended with no untoward incidents. In an era of uncertainties and heightened insecurity in this part of the world, we have every reason to thank Elohim for His mercies,” Dr Chris Okafor said while announcing the programme.

“We will not only be thanking God. We have added a bonus by inviting prophetic generals like my good friends, Joshua Iginla and Joshua Afolabi to add fire to the programme that is scheduled for four days between Wednesday and Sunday this week.

“The programme is designed to break every lingering battles in the life of our people. For you who wants to see a change in your career, business, marriage, academics, etc, this programme is for you. God is set to finally end years of pain, sorrow and anguish in the lives of people. So, don’t miss it for anything.

“Make this programme part of your December. Come and get divine immunity from satanic surprises, disasters, calamities and tragedies — mishaps often associated with the ’ember’ months and enter 2026 free from all forms of demonic oppression,” Dr Okafor said.

Also to minister at the 4-day event are popular gospel singers as Ebuka Songs, Lilian Nneji and others. The Church’s Choir known as the ‘Streams of Grace’ will also be offering backups as they take the crowd through sizzling praise and worship sessions.

Wednesday’s programme will hold at 6pm, while Thursday’s will run from 8am till 12 noon. The Friday session will begin at 8pm while Saturday’s will hold in the morning at 8am.

The programme will then close on Sunday with the church’s annual thanksgiving and child dedication service.

The AniochaOshimili people are gearing up to host a landmark summit aimed at addressing insecurity, economic development, and cultural preservation within the region. The Njiko AniochaOshimili General Meeting 2025 is scheduled to take place on December 29, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at the Asagba Conference Centre (Ogwa-Ukwu Ahaba), Asaba.

This year’s conference is themed “Unity, Development and Security: Unifying, Developing and Securing the Vision, Aspirations and Future of Aniocha-Oshimili People.” The event is organized by Njiko AniochaOshimili, the apex mouthpiece of the Aniocha and Oshimili communities, comprising Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South Local Government Areas.

The summit seeks to foster meaningful dialogue on the community’s collective future, with a focus on promoting regional development, safeguarding cultural heritage, and ensuring security and sustainability. Interactive panels and networking opportunities will feature prominently on the agenda.

In a statement, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge OON, SAN, FNIALS, FICMIC, KSJI, KSG, Asagba of Asaba, and Engr. Igwe Enuoyibo, Leader of Njiko AniochaOshimili, emphasized the importance of unity, sustainable development, and security in light of regional realignments across Nigeria.

Sponsorship packages are available, ranging from Gold (3,000,000 NGN) to Bronze (1,000,000 NGN), each offering varying benefits including delegate registrations, exhibition space, and branding opportunities. Interested sponsors and participants are urged to confirm their participation before December 12, 2025.

For further details, registration, and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Njiko AniochaOshimili via the Asagba’s Palace, Asaba, Delta State, or call 08037214809, 08033044834, 08037152027, 09054854511.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on Monday formally flagged off the Nigerian Navy’s Annual Sea Exercise, EX ERU OBODO, reaffirming the Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to security across the Gulf of Guinea.

Delivering his remarks at the flag-off ceremony held on 8 December 2025, Vice Admiral Abbas described the exercise as a central pillar of the Nigerian Navy’s operational calendar and a critical platform for testing fleet readiness, operational effectiveness and combat preparedness.

According to the Naval Chief, the exercise codenamed ERU OBODO, meaning “Guardian of the Nation” aptly reflects the constitutional and professional mandate of the Nigerian Navy. “You are the guardians of our blue territory, the protectors of our national economic lifelines, and the sentinels against threats emanating from the sea,” he charged officers and ratings participating in the exercise.

He noted that Nigeria’s maritime environment remains strategically vital as a corridor for commerce, a source of immense natural resources and a frontline of national security. As such, the Navy’s ability to dominate the maritime space, guarantee freedom of navigation and deter criminality remains non-negotiable.

Vice Admiral Abbas explained that EX ERU OBODO has been carefully structured to mirror real-world operational challenges. The exercise will test a broad range of naval competencies, including fleet manoeuvres, advanced gunnery, anti-piracy operations, suppression of illegal oil bunkering, search and rescue missions, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

The exercise will also evaluate inter-agency cooperation with key maritime stakeholders, as well as the Navy’s capacity for logistics support and combat sustainability at extended ranges from shore bases.

Beyond Nigeria’s waters, the CNS reiterated that the Nigerian Navy remains a key stabilising force in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing significantly to the reduction of piracy, protection of shipping lanes and the promotion of maritime governance in the region.

Under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he affirmed that the Navy stands fully prepared to undertake any mission assigned to it. “Exercises like this strengthen our readiness and ensure that we remain a reliable guardian of Nigeria’s maritime interests and regional maritime security,” he said.

Addressing participating ships, helicopters, special forces and supporting units, the Naval Chief urged personnel to view the exercise not as a routine drill but as battle preparation.

“You must operate with tactical rigor, procedural precision and uncompromising discipline. Push your platforms and yourselves to the limit, identify gaps, learn from every evolution and build the muscle memory required for real combat,” he stressed, while emphasizing that safety must remain paramount throughout all phases of the exercise.

He commended the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, the Exercise Planning Team and supporting staff for their thorough preparations, describing their professionalism as the backbone of the exercise’s success.

To coastal communities and Nigerians at large, Vice Admiral Abbas reassured that the Navy remains resolute in protecting lives, livelihoods and the maritime environment. He added that the exercise would translate into safer waterways for fishermen and mariners, a more secure Gulf of Guinea and enhanced economic prosperity.

Expressing confidence in the Navy’s fighting spirit and professionalism, the CNS officially declared EX ERU OBODO underway, urging the fleet to “set sail, guard the nation and make us proud.”

Earlier, while delivering his Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) address during the Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection 2025 (CASI 25), the FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, described the exercise as the culmination of all naval operations and exercises conducted during the year.

Rear Admiral Mustapha noted that CASI 25 provides an opportunity for the CNS to assess the operational readiness of the fleet in line with his mission of deploying a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations.

He observed that the maritime environment has become increasingly complex, with persistent threats such as sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal trafficking and unregulated exploitation of marine resources.

“Exercises like ERU OBODO allow us to test our fleet under realistic conditions, validate doctrines, enhance interoperability and refine the tactical skills required for maritime dominance,” he said.

According to him, the exercise brings together surface platforms, air assets, special operations forces and key maritime security stakeholders in multi-layered maritime interdiction operations. Planned scenarios include anti-illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (Anti-IUUF), AIS infractions with hot pursuit, anti-crude oil theft, anti-piracy, anti-small arms and anti-narcotics operations, all executed through established VBSS procedures.

Participating ships will also undergo medical evacuation drills, fleet manoeuvres, gunnery exercises, communication drills and emergency responses, all aimed at ensuring a high state of operational preparedness.

Also speaking, the Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE) and Chief of Operations Naval Headquarters Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, said the exercise aligns squarely with the CNS Strategic Directives on fleet readiness and mission effectiveness.

He explained that CASI 25 is designed to test and refine the Navy’s capacity to secure Nigeria’s maritime interests through effective command and control, logistics sustainability, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated employment of maritime and air assets.

Rear Admiral Katagum urged all participants to demonstrate initiative, situational awareness, adherence to doctrine and strict compliance with safety standards, noting that performance during the exercise reflects the Navy’s collective capacity to deter threats and maintain national stability.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the exercise, Vice Admiral Abbas clarified that the operation is a routine annual activity and not a response to any specific incident.

“This exercise is an annual one. Its timing is purely coincidental,” he said, adding that part of the Navy’s mandate is to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

He stressed that the primary objective is to assess the Navy’s operational capabilities, identify gaps and further enhance preparedness. “We rehearse during peacetime to prepare for war. We expect to come out of this exercise with a stronger and more capable Navy,” he said.

On piracy and illegal fishing, the CNS noted that sustained patrols and exercises such as EX ERU OBODO are essential to maintaining recent security gains and sending a clear message to maritime criminals that the Nigerian Navy remains vigilant, capable and ever ready.

The Nigerian Army has taken a major leap in strengthening its operational readiness with the commissioning of a State-of-the-Art Wargaming Centre at the Department of Land Warfare, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, on Saturday, 6 December 2025.

Welcoming the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal at the event, the Commandant AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, stated that the College remains committed to producing officers who are intellectually prepared for command, instructional and staff duties across complex security environments.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, “He noted that the new Wargaming Centre, conceptualised and driven by the Chief of Army Staff, will significantly enhance the capacity of personnel to develop modern operational concepts, refine strategic thinking and improve combat decision-making processes essential for today’s dynamic battlefield.

The Commandant commended the Chief of Army Staff for the facility, assuring that the College will continue to support the Department of Land Warfare in delivering world-class professional military education.

In his address, the Chief of Army Staff, reaffirmed the strategic role of AFCSC as a centre of excellence in shaping officers capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He emphasized that the Wargaming Centre will serve as a critical asset for sharpening commanders’ ability to plan, rehearse and execute operations with precision.

The COAS stated that investing in advanced training technologies is essential to stay ahead of adversaries and deepen the Army’s capability for effective deployment across theatres of operation. He charged the students to maximize the facility as the Army continues to operate in fluid, unpredictable and technology-driven environments.

He reiterated his vision to upgrade and modernize all existing military training infrastructures to meet global standards, adding that AFCSC remains a reputable institution attracting officers from across the world, making cutting-edge facilities like the Wargaming Centre indispensable.

The COAS appreciated the unwavering support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, whose commitment to strengthening national security continues to empower the Nigerian Army’s transformation drive. He also commended the Commandant and the entire College community for their dedication.

As part of the renewed drive to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency on Security, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal has charged newly commissioned officers to place national interest above all else and uphold absolute loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, “General Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday, 6 December 2025, during the Passing Out Parade of Executive Commission Course 2/2025, held at the prestigious Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji. The COAS stated that the commissioning of this new set of officers forms a critical component of the President’s directive to expand manpower, strengthen frontline deployments and accelerate security stabilisation efforts nationwide.

The Army Chief expressed confidence in the quality of training received by the officers, noting that their exceptional display of parade and weapon handling reflects the Army’s rising standards at a time when the nation demands heightened operational vigilance. He urged them to remain uncompromisingly apolitical, disciplined and subordinate to civil authority, stressing that professionalism and constitutional loyalty remain the bedrock of military service.

General Shaibu further reminded the officers that their commission comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security history, where terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats require mission-focused, courageous and ethically grounded leaders.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NASI, Major General Frank Etim, stated that the training curriculum was deliberately restructured to align with the emerging security threats. He revealed that the 250 officers, including 14 female officers underwent intensive courses in Counterterrorism, Counterinsurgency, Leadership, Physical Conditioning and Tactical Command, ensuring they are battle-ready for ongoing and future operations across the country.

He noted that the training instilled core military values of loyalty, courage, discipline and integrity, which remain indispensable for officers expected to take up leadership tasks in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Awards were presented to outstanding officers who distinguished themselves in academics, field exercises and leadership performance during the course.

The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s security emergency action plan through massive recruitment, rigorous training, enhanced readiness and strategic deployments across all theatres of operation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has presided over his first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, steering the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala, and deepening Nigeria’s visibility in global customs governance.

The session, held from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil, drew Heads of Customs Administrations and senior delegates from across the WCO’s six regions.

Opening the proceedings, CGC Adeniyi welcomed participants to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua Guatemala, paying tribute to customs officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and urging delegates to engage constructively on issues shaping the global customs landscape.

He was joined at the occasion by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who delivered remarks on behalf of the host government.

The gathering was further enriched by the cultural heritage of the host nation, with delegates hosted to a traditional dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.

It will be recalled that CGC Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 was widely regarded as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, placing the country at the helm of an organisation with 187 member administrations.

While reflecting on the significance of his mandate, CGC Adeniyi said the position comes with “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” adding that the objective is to provide quality leadership that strengthens global trade, security, and inclusive customs governance.

His comments echo remarks made earlier in an exclusive WCO Global interview on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he described his election as a validation of Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms.

According to him, the confidence expressed in his leadership is “an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track,” drawing attention to the Service’s modernisation efforts over the past two years, including procedural upgrades, systems alignment and strengthened collaboration with international partners.

He highlighted Nigeria’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of the country’s most transformative reforms.

The initiative, he said, has shortened clearance timelines, improved revenue outcomes and deepened trust between Customs and compliant traders.

He also referenced the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and the ongoing work on advance rulings as further evidence of Nigeria’s alignment with international best practices.

Adeniyi called for deeper cooperation among customs administrations and emphasised diversity as one of the WCO’s greatest strengths, saying, “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”

Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have executed another precision strike against criminal elements, successfully extracting 14 kidnapped victims in a rapid, high-impact raid within the Orokam Forest corridor linking Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.

The operation was triggered by actionable intelligence from vigilant community sources. Acting swiftly, troops working in concert with local vigilante mounted a deliberate assault on a suspected kidnap hideout concealed deep in the forest. On contact, the criminals unleashed gunfire, prompting a fierce engagement. The joint force’s superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and relentless advance forced the kidnappers to break contact and flee, abandoning the abductees.

The rescued victims were seized over the weekend while returning from a burial and were being held in dispersed clusters across the forest. Intelligence further indicated that the victims were abducted from two separate communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.

All rescued persons have been formally handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Udenu Division, for proper profiling and subsequent reunification with their families.

Nigerian Army troops continue to maintain aggressive battlespace dominance across the theatre of operations general area, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to neutralise all threats and uphold peace and security throughout the South East.

A security stakeholder and community engagement expert, Henry Bassey, has faulted the call by the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, for the replacement of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with a retired military officer.
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‎Fadahunsi had, in a statement issued on December 2, 2025, urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a former military officer as NSA and redeploy Ribadu to another national assignment.
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‎Reacting, Bassey described the call as “dangerous, outdated and inconsistent with modern security leadership.”
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‎He said, “The call to replace Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with a retired military officer reflects a narrow and outdated understanding of national security. What Nigeria needs is results, not recycled arguments rooted in obsolete assumptions.”
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‎Bassey explained that national security had gone beyond military hardware to include political, economic, environmental, food, energy and cyber considerations.
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‎He noted that globally, the NSA position is often held by civilians with deep policy and intelligence backgrounds, citing the United States where the current NSA, Jake Sullivan, is a civilian lawyer.
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‎“Even in Nigeria, former police chiefs like Gambo Jimeta and Aliyu Ismaila Gwarzo served as NSA and performed excellently,” he said.
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‎According to him, Ribadu’s background in intelligence, anti-corruption, inter-agency coordination and counter-terrorism makes him well suited for the office.
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‎“The NSA is not a combatant position. It requires strategic thinking, intelligence coordination and integrity, qualities Ribadu has demonstrated for decades,” Bassey added.
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‎He warned that the notion that only military officers could command respect within the armed forces was dangerous in a democratic setting.
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‎Bassey urged the Federal Government to sustain the current security architecture under Ribadu, stressing that “excessive militarisation of the NSA office will only weaken Nigeria’s broader security framework.”

CIRCUIT, a virtual cinema and digital entertainment platform, has announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening content monetization and protecting intellectual property within Africa’s film industry. The company’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Imade Bibowei Osuobeni, disclosed this during a media parley in Ikeja, Lagos.

Mrs. Osuobeni said the platform was created to address what she described as the industry’s core challenge, distribution and monetization not production. According to her, many African filmmakers continue to lose revenue to piracy and free online circulation of their work.

She explained that CIRCUIT operates exclusively on a pay-per-view system, which she said enables creators to earn directly from each stream, rental, or purchase. She added that the model ensures daily revenue flow and encourages creators to maintain premium quality.

The platform offers multilingual subtitles, compatibility across devices, and cinema-style timed downloads. Films on CIRCUIT cost below ₦1,000, with an additional “Flexi-Watch” package granting access to over 50 films for a single payment.

Mrs. Osuobeni identified piracy and consumer reluctance to pay for content as persistent obstacles to sustainable earnings in the creative sector. She noted that the platform is working to shift audience behaviour by promoting the value of paid content.

A major feature of the briefing was the announcement of the Film Veterans Dignity Fund, launched earlier in the year to provide monthly stipends and health insurance for Nigerian film veterans aged 70 and above. Beneficiaries currently include Pete Edochie, Idowu Phillips (Mama Rainbow) and Lere Paimo, with health coverage provided in partnership with NEM Insurance.

Filmmaker and actor, Ms. Amina Atairu, speaking at the event, said the platform offers improved transparency, anti-piracy protection and global reach. She maintained that CIRCUIT’s revenue model allows creators to track the number of views and earnings in real time, unlike traditional platforms.

Mrs. Osuobeni said CIRCUIT aims to provide a viable, long-term distribution alternative as rising cinema costs and declining revenue streams continue to push creators toward less structured platforms such as skitmaking.

She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting African content creators and expanding global access to local films.