SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged the Amphibious Training School (ATS), Calabar, Cross River State, to strengthen its specialised training programmes to meet the manpower and operational demands of the expanding Nigerian Army. Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during an operational visit to the training institution, where he assessed its capacity to train personnel for military operations in aquatic, riverine and coastal environments. The Army Chief, who was received by the Commandant of the school, Brigadier General Mathias Ibawa Amatso, was briefed on its training programmes, facilities, achievements and operational challenges. He also interacted with instructors and trainees to assess the quality of training and the school's contribution to developing specialised military capabilities. Shaibu commended the institution for its role in equipping troops with the skills required to ope...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Cross River State Government to enhance military operational capabilities and address emerging security threats in the state. Shaibu made the call on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu at the Government House, as part of his operational visit to Cross River State. The Army Chief commended the governor for his consistent support and cordial relationship with the Nigerian Army, particularly 13 Brigade, noting that the partnership had significantly enhanced the formation's operational effectiveness and ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. He stressed the need for sustained inter-agency cooperation and support from all segments of society to tackle security challenges, protect lives and property, combat criminal activities and create a safe environment for...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has expressed condolences to the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, over the death of her father. In a condolence message issued by the  SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, in  Abuja, the Minister described the death of a father as a painful loss, noting that fathers play vital roles as pillars of wisdom, strength and moral guidance within families and society. General Musa paid tribute to the deceased, describing his life as impactful and his legacy as one of public service, integrity and leadership, which he said was reflected in the Deputy Governor’s exemplary service. The Minister, who conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the nation's security architecture, extended his sympathies to Dr Balarabe, her family and the people of Kaduna State. He also prayed Almighty God to grant the...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Cross River State Police Command has recovered a stolen Toyota Camry in Bekwarra Local Government Area, hours after it was reportedly stolen in Ogoja, following a swift intelligence-sharing and coordinated patrol operation. The ash-coloured vehicle, with registration number ABC 939 NW, was reportedly stolen from where it was parked in Ogoja at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Command immediately relayed the information to police operatives in Bekwarra, who mobilised a patrol team to intercept the vehicle. The team reportedly pursued the vehicle towards Vandikya, Benue State. However, on sighting the approaching police operatives, the suspected driver abandoned the car and escaped into a nearby bush. The police subsequently recovered the vehicle and moved it to Bekwarra Police Division for further investigation. The Command confirmed that the vehicle...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised scores of terrorists, rescued several kidnapped victims, arrested suspected criminal collaborators and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during nationwide military operations conducted between October 30 and November 5, 2026. The operations, carried out across the North East, North West, North Central and South East, also led to the surrender of several terrorists and their family members, as troops intensified offensives against terrorist groups, kidnappers, armed gangs and other criminal networks. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on the weekly operational activities of the Armed Forces, noting that troops sustained pressure on criminal elements across various theatres. In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled terrorist attacks on military positions at Buni Yadi in Yobe State and Bitta in Borno State. Fol...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 68,175 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal storage and refining sites in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. The discoveries were made during two separate operations conducted on October 24 and November 7, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operations followed credible intelligence on illegal petroleum storage and refining activities within the Orashi Forest and adjoining areas. According to the statement, the first operation on October 24 led to the discovery of four dugout pits, 29 sacks and a 25-litre keg containing an estimated 8,675 litres of suspected crude oil. During the second operation on November 7, naval personnel uncovered two illegal refining sites with two large and 36 smaller dugout pits...