SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Army has announced the successful restoration of its official X (formerly Twitter) account, @HQNigerianArmy, following efforts to resolve an unauthorised access reported on August 29, 2026. The Army said the account had been secured, with administrative control fully restored, paving the way for the resumption of regular updates on its operations, activities, achievements and institutional developments. In a statement on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the successful recovery demonstrated the military's commitment to protecting its digital communication platforms and ensuring the integrity of information shared with the public. Anele appreciated Nigerians, members of the media and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and support during the period the account was inaccessible. She also acknowledged their cooperation in accessing credible information t...

…Highlights Anti-Money Laundering Efforts at ONSA Security Briefing By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) processed 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) and 99,839 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) between September and October 2026, reflecting sustained efforts to facilitate legitimate trade, improve cargo clearance processes and enhance revenue generation. The figures were disclosed during a joint security press briefing at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the  Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Speaking at the briefing, the Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the performance reflected the Service’s continued commitment to improving trade processes through efficient documentation, digital interventions, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders across the trade value chain. A breakdown of the figures showed that the...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, will host the 2026 Annual Conference and Awards of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), with security chiefs and media stakeholders expected to discuss emerging threats ahead of the 2027 general elections. The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, will focus on the theme, "Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News." The gathering comes amid growing concerns over misinformation, fake news, electoral violence and other security challenges capable of threatening the credibility of the forthcoming elections. It will bring together security chiefs, media executives, journalists, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the media in promoting peaceful and credible elections. The D...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Awokiri Community in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation was conducted on November 5, 2026, by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under Operation Delta Sentinel, following intelligence reports on the emergence of new illegal refining sites in the area. According to the Nigerian Navy, the operation led to the discovery of 16 dugout pits, nine of which contained approximately 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. Another storage tank contained about 2,000 litres, bringing the total volume of recovered suspected stolen crude oil to approximately 117,000 litres. The naval team also discovered four pits containing water and three freshly excavated pits during the operation. The Navy said the identified illegal refining facilities, pits and petroleum products were hand...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured troops of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, of improved welfare, including the renovation of soldiers' accommodation and provision of a new bus to address transportation challenges. Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, November 6, 2026, during his maiden operational visit to the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, where he commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline and operational conduct. He said arrangements would be made to renovate the soldiers' accommodation to provide decent and conducive living conditions, while also promising improved access to functional medical facilities for personnel and their families. The Army Chief further pledged to provide a new bus to ease transportation difficulties within the Brigade. He emphasised that troop welfare remained central to operational effectiveness and a major priority under his Soldiers First Cul...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned a newly remodelled school at Ezomo Community in Benin City, Edo State, as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and promote community development. The project, commissioned on Friday, November 6, 2026, was initiated by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation (Army), Major General Bobby Ugiagbe, under the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programme. Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the initiative reflected the Army’s commitment to supporting government efforts in providing essential social amenities, particularly in the education sector. He described civil-military cooperation projects as an important component of the Army’s non-kinetic operations aimed at promoting peace, security and development in host communities. The Army Chief expressed optimism that the renovated facility would provide a better learning envi...