SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  Troops of the Nigerian Army's 18 Brigade have rescued 21 kidnapped victims following a gun battle with suspected terrorists in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The rescue operation, which took place on Monday, November 9, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists in Abaha and Sabon Wuri villages in the area. In a statement on Tuesday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, said troops swiftly deployed a fighting patrol to the affected communities to intercept the criminals. He explained that the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, overpowering them and forcing them to flee into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot wounds. According to him, all 21 kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families after receiving first aid and undergo...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigerian Army has renamed Akim Barracks, headquarters of 13 Brigade in Calabar, Cross River State, after the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, in recognition of his contributions to the military and his ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. The barracks, now known as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks, was formally renamed on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by the current COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Speaking at the ceremony during his operational visit to Cross River State, Shaibu described the gesture as a lasting tribute to the late military chief, whose leadership, courage, professionalism and dedication to duty left an enduring mark on the Nigerian Army. He said although Attahiru's tenure as Chief of Army Staff was relatively brief, his commitment to operational effectiveness, troop welfare, military professi...

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...