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Showing posts with the label insurgency and banditry

Defence Minister General Christopher Musa Condoles Family of Fallen Brigadier General

In a solemn visit, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), OFR, has paid his respects to the family of the late Brigadier General M. Uba, honoring the fallen officer's service and sacrifice for the nation. During the condolence visit on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Minister delivered a tribute praising Brigadier General Uba's "exceptional bravery, uncommon dedication, and selfless service." He described the late officer as a "consummate professional" whose sacrifice embodied the highest ideals of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Reaffirmation of Security Commitment General Musa used the occasion to reaffirm the government's unwavering resolve in its security operations.  He emphasized his steadfast commitment to strengthening the fight against terrorism and confronting all threats to national stability. The Minister assured that the Federal Government remains resolute in honoring th...

"They Killed Our Best": How Nigeria's First Female Combat Helicopter Pilot Fell—Not to Insurgents, But to a Reversing Car on Her Own Base

Public affairs analyst Dele Fanimo has sharply criticized the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, calling it a "needless tragedy" that betrays a nation's failure to protect its brightest defenders. In an emotional interview, Fanimo highlighted the stark contrast between Arotile's flawless service record and the questionable official account of her demise, demanding a full and transparent investigation. A Record of Excellence Cut Short Fanimo, speaking on Voice of the People TV, painted a picture of Arotile as an exceptionally skilled and fearless officer. **"The lady was hitting hard on them. Throughout her mission, she never missed her target,"** he stated, referring to her precision strikes against insurgents in Nigeria's volatile northeast. He emphasized that her effectiveness made her a key asset in the Nigerian Air Force's (NAF) counte...

Retired General's Explosive Allegation: Claims Terror Financiers Linked to Fatal 2021 Crash That Killed Nigeria's Top Army Chief

A retired Nigerian Army general has reignited one of the nation's most shocking and mysterious tragedies, calling on President Bola Tinubu to reopen the investigation into the 2021 plane crash that killed Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten others, and alleging a possible link to terrorist sponsors. In a bombshell interview, retired Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi, who was the senior officer on the ground to receive General Attahiru in Kaduna, laid out a series of alarming inconsistencies surrounding the fatal flight, suggesting it was more than a simple weather-related accident. He described a chain of suspicious events, from last-minute schedule changes to alleged aircraft sabotage, that he believes point toward a deliberate plot to eliminate the military's top leader. The Fateful Flight: A Timeline of Suspicion The tragedy unfolded on May 21, 2021. General Attahiru, along with senior aides and crew, was en route from Abuja to Kaduna ...

Former Nigerian Attorney-General Malami Detained by EFCC, Faces Terrorism Financing Probe

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a significant escalation of anti-corruption and security investigations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained and is interrogating former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on allegations including terrorism financing and the misappropriation of recovered state funds. Malami, who served as Nigeria's top legal officer from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He remained in detention as of 10:00 p.m. that evening, having reportedly failed to meet stringent bail conditions set by the anti-graft agency. The Core Allegations Under Scrutiny According to EFCC sources familiar with the case, the commission is investigating multiple serious accusations against the former minister. The probe focuses on several key areas: 1.  Terrorism Financing: The primary and most severe allegation is that Malami was involved in financing terrorist activitie...

"State of Emergency": West Africa's Top Bloc Raises Alarm Over Spiral of Coups

ABUJA, Nigeria — The president of West Africa's primary political and economic bloc has declared the region is in a "state of emergency," citing a dangerous spiral of military coups, attempted takeovers, and escalating security crises that threaten the future of democracy. Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, issued the stark warning on Tuesday during an address to the bloc's mediation and security council. His statement came just two days after a coup attempt was thwarted in Benin, the latest in a series of military power grabs that have destabilized the region. Last month, a successful coup in Guinea-Bissau ousted former President Umaro Embalo. "Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community," Touray told the council. "Faced with this situation, E...

Suspected Bandits Arrested at Edo Hotel Following Tip-Off, Conflicting Reports on Weapon Recovery

A joint security operation by police and local vigilantes in Edo State led to the arrest of an unspecified number of suspected bandits and kidnappers at a hotel on Saturday, though accounts of the recovery of high-powered weapons have been disputed by the hotel's management. The arrests took place at Donchi Donchi Hotel on Odighie Road in the Agbede community of Etsako West Local Government Area. According to reports from local sources, the operation was triggered by community vigilance and a timely tip-off about the arrival of two Hilux vehicles carrying individuals described as "strange persons." Lawyers and community leaders, including Barr. Abdul Hakeem Enatto, shared details on social media, stating that a combined team of the Agbede Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Donald, and local vigilante members surrounded the hotel. They reportedly waited until the second Hilux vehicle entered the premises before moving in to apprehen...

Decisive Abroad, Deliberate at Home: Nigerian Presidency Explains Military Discrepancy

In a frank television interview, President Bola Tinubu's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has sought to explain a glaring contrast in Nigeria's security response: the swift military intervention that helped reverse a coup in the Benin Republic last Sunday, versus the protracted fight against banditry and terrorism on Nigerian soil. His explanation centers on the fundamental difference between a conventional military target and an insurgent enemy that uses civilians as shields. A "Clear Target" vs. A "Guerrilla" Enemy Speaking on Arise Television's Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga framed the intervention in Benin Republic as a clear-cut, conventional military operation. "Look at the case of Benin Republic now," he stated. "They wanted to bomb a military base in Benin. They know where to go. They coordinated where they should actually bomb." He starkly contrasted this with the domestic security crisis, describing it as ...

APC Chieftain, Security Expert Urges Federal Government to Prioritize Border Fencing

A prominent security expert and leader within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has added his voice to growing calls for the urgent construction of fortified security fences along Nigeria's porous international borders, citing a critical need to stem terrorist infiltration and arms trafficking. In a strong appeal to the Federal Government, security specialist and APC chieftain, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has emphasized the need for immediate and comprehensive action to secure Nigeria's land borders. He warned that the country's currently unguarded frontiers are a direct gateway for terrorists and a major contributor to the nation's escalating security crisis. Mumuni's call aligns with a similar recommendation made earlier this year by the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), who highlighted border security as fundamental to combating the influx of weapons and the movement of insurgents. ...