SR SahelReporters

Court Warns Defence Lawyers Against Delaying Trial of Four Suspects in DSS Operative’s Killing Adjourns case to October 28 By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned lawyers representing four suspects accused of kidnapping and killing an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh, against taking steps capable of delaying the trial. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the warning on Wednesday after defence lawyers, Kelvin Ekwe and Geoffrey Uwadiegwu, requested an adjournment, citing their unpreparedness to proceed with the trial. The judge, however, described the case as crucial and said it must be determined expeditiously in the interest of justice. The prosecution counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, told the court that the matter was scheduled for trial following the defendants’ plea of not guilty to the charges against them. She also sought the court’s permission to conceal the identities of prosecution witnesses under Section ...

Poland Seeks Stronger Defence Cooperation with Nigerian Armed Forces By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Michał Cygan, has expressed his country's readiness to deepen defence cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in border security, technology transfer and operational effectiveness. Cygan stated this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. The Polish envoy commended the professionalism, resilience and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that Nigeria's strategic geographical position and sustained security engagements were crucial to maintaining peace and stability in West Africa and beyond. He described Nigeria as a key stabilising force in the sub-region, adding that both countries stood to benefit from increased collaboration and the exchange of expertise in various areas of defence and security. Acc...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The relationship between the military, government institutions and the media remains critical to promoting transparency, accountability and public understanding of national security issues. At a time when defence journalism continues to play an increasingly important role in informing Nigerians about security developments, recognising individuals who contribute to its growth is both significant and necessary. It is against this background that the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has conferred its patron title on Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The honour is not merely a ceremonial recognition of a senior public servant. Rather, it represents the association's appreciation of his contributions to defence journalism, institutional development and the strengthening of professional relationships between defence correspon...

Ex-DSS Officer Apologises to DG Over Leaked Internal Matter, Threatens Legal Action Against SaharaReporters By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform, SaharaReporters. The retired officer, who expressed regret over his decision to make the matter public, also asked the DSS chief to resolve the issue internally, while appealing for leniency. However, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, Principal Partner of Lawminds Associates, has demanded the retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, alleging that the report contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims. In a letter dated October 16, 2026, addressed to the online publication, the law firm demanded a formal response to the disputed report and called for the correction or...

COAS, RWANDA ARMY CHIEF PROMOTE FITNESS, MILITARY CAMARADERIE IN KIGALI By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, have emphasised the importance of physical fitness and military camaraderie during a joint endurance walk in Kigali, Rwanda. The exercise, held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Kigali Running Track, was aimed at promoting physical fitness, strengthening professional relationships and reinforcing cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Rwanda Defence Force. The joint activity highlighted the importance of regular physical training in developing endurance, discipline and resilience among military personnel, as well as enhancing operational readiness. Physical conditioning remains a critical component of military preparedness, equipping troops with the stamina and mental resilience required to withstand dem...

Customs Inaugurates WCO Mission to Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Capacity By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, 19 October 2026, inaugurated the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Mentoring Mission at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The mission, themed “Strengthening Nigeria Customs Service Capabilities to Effectively Detect and Disrupt Illicit Financial Flows,” aims to enhance the Service’s capacity to combat cross-border financial crimes. Funded by the United States Department of State, the four-week mission will run from 18 October to 13 November 2026. Activities will include visits to selected Customs formations in Lagos and key allied agencies, as well as capacity-building training for officers in Lagos and Abuja. Speaking at the inauguration, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in c...