SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have intensified discussions on a regional border-modernisation programme aimed at facilitating cross-border trade, improving Customs operations and advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The discussions, held at Afreximbank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on October 12, 2026, brought together representatives of the Customs administrations of Nigeria, Benin Republic and Cameroon, alongside the bank and technical partners. In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs noted that the engagement, led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, followed a joint benchmarking mission to the Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe and technical assessmen...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for sustained public cooperation and timely intelligence sharing to defeat terrorism and achieve lasting peace and security in Nigeria’s North-East. Shaibu made the call on Saturday during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House in Maiduguri, as part of his operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI. The Army Chief commended the Borno State Government and residents for their continued support for troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations, describing their contributions as critical to sustaining military operations and consolidating security gains across the state. He particularly acknowledged the state government's interventions in logistics, provision of operational equipment and other support facilities, troop welfare, and assistance to families of fallen ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has honoured Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, with its prestigious Christian Icon Award in recognition of his commitment to integrity, ethical leadership, public service and Christian values. The award was presented by CAN President, His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Okoh, during the association’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Saturday. Speaking at the ceremony, Okoh said the award was reserved for distinguished leaders whose conduct exemplified excellence, integrity, nation-building and the practical application of Christian principles in public life. He noted that Oborevwori’s contributions to national development and commitment to ethical leadership had made him deserving of the recognition. According to the CAN president, the honour also acknowledged the governor’s commitment to upholding Christian values in governance and...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, to sustain offensive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during an operational assessment visit to the North-East theatre, where he addressed officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja  According to the state the COAS commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and sustained operational efforts, which he said had significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security in the region. The Army Chief urged the troops to consolidate the gains recorded, remain vigilant and intensify operations to achieve the decisive defeat of te...

By Aviashima Toom In modern warfare, victory is no longer determined solely by the size of an army, the sophistication of its weapons or the number of operations conducted against an adversary. Increasingly, it depends on the ability to coordinate military capabilities, exploit intelligence, deploy technology, sustain personnel morale and manage information in an environment where misinformation can be as damaging as physical attacks. For Nigeria, which continues to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across multiple theatres, these realities place enormous demands on military leadership. It is against this backdrop that the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) honoured the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, at its Conference on National Security and Awards 2026 in Abuja. The recognition was more than a ceremonial gesture. It drew attention to the importance of strategic leadership, joint military operations and...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his leadership and contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign. The award was presented at the third edition of the DECAN Conference, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security.” The conference brought together senior military and security officials, government representatives, policymakers and journalists to examine emerging security threats and strategies for strengthening the country’s national security architecture. The award was received on behalf of the NSA by the Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa. The citation recognised Ribadu’s “outstanding leadership, strategic coordination and dedicated service in strengthening and managing Nigeria’s national security...