SR SahelReporters

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...

UK, Nigeria Move to Deepen Defence and Security Cooperation By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Nigeria, with emphasis on military training, professional military education, technology transfer and institutional capacity building. The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Pete Vowles, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, Vowles expressed appreciation for the longstanding political, diplomatic and military relations between both countries, describing defence and security cooperation as a critical pillar of the UK-Nigeria bilateral partnership. He reaffirmed the United Kingdom's determination to sustain existing security initiatives and explore new areas of collaboration to address evolving regional and global securi...

Customs Records Major Seizures in Joint Border Security Operation with Benin By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded six significant seizure cases involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing during a joint border security operation conducted along the Benin–Nigeria border corridor. The operation, code-named Operation GEOCONTROL, was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)–Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project, with the participation of the Customs administrations of Nigeria and Benin. The Service also disclosed that four suspects were detained during the operation, which targeted smuggling networks and other illicit activities threatening national security, legitimate trade and government revenue. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, Ph...