SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The  Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki to the National Chairman, All Progressive Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda has condemned what he described as a “deliberate campaign of calumny” being orchestrated in sections of the media following the recently concluded primary elections. In a statement made available to journalists, the Tooki said while it was normal in every democratic contest to have both winners and losers, it was unacceptable for some aggrieved individuals to resort to blackmail, misinformation and character assassination because the outcome of the exercise did not favour their political interests. According to him, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had already established transparent and credible mechanisms through duly constituted appeal committees for dissatisfied aspirants to seek redress. “The NWC has assured all stakeholders that every petition and complaint arising from the primar...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Army, through Headquarters Operation UDO KA, has described as illegal and provocative a directive reportedly issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), instructing churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian Civil War. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said the military empathises with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and recognises the sacrifices made in preserving Nigeria’s unity. According to the statement, the memories of those who died during the conflict remain “indelible in the nation’s consciousness,” but stressed that there are already established national events recognised by the Federal Government for honouring fallen heroes. The Army listed such occasions to include the Arm...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded fresh operational successes across the North-East theatre, neutralising terrorists, rescuing abducted victims, recovering arms and explosives, and arresting suspected criminal collaborators during coordinated operations under Operation DESERT SANITY. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) carried out offensive operations in Valle, Ashigashiya and Gakara general areas, where they engaged suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. The statement said two insurgents were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled towards the Ngoshe axis. Troops also intercepted suspected terrorists along the Bravo Kilo 10 axis, killing another insurgent and recovering a radio set and a mobile phone. In a related development, troops operating along the Ngoshe–Amuda c...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC) Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) to intensify ongoing military operations aimed at decisively routing kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening peace and security across the North Central region. The Army Chief gave the directive on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of JTF North Central OPSS at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Kwara State. Addressing the troops, Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain the operational momentum already achieved in denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area. He noted that the military remains determined to prevent criminals from terrorizing innocent citizens, infiltrating communities, or undermining national...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patriotism, patience, and national unity, saying the values symbolised by Eid-el-Kabir remain critical to national growth and stability. CGC Adeniyi made the call on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, shortly after observing Eid prayers at the Modakeke Eid Ground in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Speaking with journalists after the prayers, the CGC described Eid-el-Kabir as a solemn period that reminds Muslims of the virtues of obedience to Almighty Allah, sacrifice, and total submission to divine instruction, citing lessons from the story of Prophet Abraham. According to him, the essence of the celebration goes beyond festivities, stressing that Muslims are expected to reflect on the core lessons of faith, patience, and service to humanity. “We all know what Eid symbolises. It symbolises obedience to A...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja   The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda,, has congratulated Muslims across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid el-Kabir celebration, urging them to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda described Eid el-Kabir as a sacred festival that symbolises faith, sacrifice, obedience, love and devotion to Almighty Allah. He noted that the celebration remains one of the most significant events in Islam, reflecting the virtues of selflessness, unity, compassion, tolerance and complete submission to the will of God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. According to the APC chairman, the lessons of Eid el-Kabir are particularly relevant to Nigeria at a critical stage of its national development, stressing that sacrifice, patience, perseverance and collective...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s historic direct primary election. The results were officially announced at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja after a nationwide collation exercise supervised by the APC Presidential Primary Election Committee chaired by former Senate President Pius Anyim. Tinubu defeated fellow aspirant, Mr. Stanley Osifo, by a landslide margin after polling millions of votes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Tinubu Accepts Nomination In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu described the moment as “another proud chapter” in Nigeria’s democratic journey and thanked party members for renewing their confidence in his leadership. “I accept, with humility and profound gratitude, the nomination of our great party, the Al...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency synergy in addressing terrorism financing, money laundering, wildlife trafficking, and other forms of transnational organised crimes. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known on 21 May 2026 during a study tour by the Operational Level Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Regional Security Course 2 (CFTRSC - OPL2) from the National Defence College, held at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. He commended the growing capacity development within the Service, as well as the participation of officers drawn from various formations across the country.Adeniyi described Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a significant milestone that restored investor confidence and strengthened the country’s global financial standing. He e...

By Bimpe Audu The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renewed its commitment to boosting legitimate trade with China while clamping down on illicit economic activities. This effort centers on tightening enforcement and strengthening bilateral cooperation to create a more secure, streamlined economic partnership between both nations. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, stated this on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, while receiving the Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. CGC Adeniyi said the envoy was not a stranger to the Service, considering his antecedents, military background, and distinguished career. He noted that Dambazau’s military training and leadership experience had prepared him for the diplomatic assignment and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s mission in China. The CGC described China as Nigeria’s biggest trading partner, adding that ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged commanders across the Nigerian Army to strengthen operational effectiveness through accountability, professionalism and results-oriented leadership. This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, in Abuja. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Bi-Annual Conference 2026 held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, the Army Chief said the conference provided a strategic platform to review ongoing operations and develop new approaches to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that discussions at the conference focused on enhancing operational responses, improving training structures and adapting to the realities of the contemporary security environment. According to him, the resolutions reached duri...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established operational bases in Nigeria’s South-West region, insisting that the recent attack and abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State was an isolated criminal incident and not evidence of an entrenched insurgency. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, expressed deep sympathy to the families of victims abducted during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. General Oluyede described the abduction of innocent pupils and school staff as “callous and reprehensible,” assuring Nigerians that troops were fully committed to securing the safe and unconditional release of all victims. “The f...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, 18 May 2026, officially launched the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System (SCADS) at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a move aimed at improving passenger clearance, compliance and Customs operations. The platform, designed to simplify baggage declaration for inbound international passengers, is expected to reduce manual bottlenecks, improve transparency in revenue assessment and enhance operational efficiency at Nigeria’s international airports. Speaking at the official launch, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the deployment marks another major step in the Service’s digital transformation agenda under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. DCG Adebakin said the initiative became necessary following operational challenges encoun...

“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be”. “Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home”.

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigerian Army has announced plans to expand its operational formations across the country as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve operational effectiveness. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Sunday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 First Bi-Annual COAS Conference held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja. In a solemn moment during the event, the Army Chief presented Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance cheques to families of fallen soldiers and troops wounded in action, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and the families of those who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation. The gesture underscored the Army’s resolve to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes while supporting wounded personnel whose courage, the COAS said, continues to inspire the nation. Speaking at the conference, Lieutenant Ge...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has intensified coordinated military operations against ISIS-linked terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East, with fresh air strikes carried out in the Metele area of Borno State. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the latest operations targeted the movement and gathering of ISIS/ISWAP fighters within the region. According to the statement, multiple air strikes were conducted following intelligence reports indicating the convergence and migration of terrorist elements in the area. The DHQ disclosed that the strikes successfully eliminated more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters. The military noted that the operations are part of sustained counterterrorism efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, removing insurgents from the battlefield, and denying them safe haven anywhere...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will usher in lasting prosperity for the country in the years ahead. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said that although the economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration have required sacrifice, patience, and resilience from Nigerians, there are already clear indicators that the country is gradually returning to the path of sustainable growth, productivity, and national renewal. Speaking after the successful conduct of the party’s House of Representatives primary elections across the country, Yilwatda said the Renewed Hope Agenda was never conceived as a short-term populist programme, but as a bold and strategic intervention aimed at correcting decades of structural distortions that weakened...

By Aviashima Toom Abuja  The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified reports surrounding the recent neutralisation of a terrorist commander identified as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki during a joint military operation conducted with the United States Africa Command on May 16, 2026. In a statement issued on Saturday, by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information in Abuja, the DHQ said public concerns arose after some media reports referenced a similar operation in 2024 involving a terrorist commander bearing the same name. According to the military, the use of identical names, aliases and nom de guerres is common among members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram operating within the North-East and Lake Chad Basin regions. The DHQ explained that the practice forms part of the terrorists’ indoctrination strategy aimed at concealing identities and creating confusion during counter-terrorism operations. The statement noted that the Abu-Bil...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has intensified its climate advocacy efforts with a “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” campaign held in Abuja, as stakeholders called for collective environmental responsibility and sustainable ecological practices across the country. The advocacy walk, led by the President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, formed part of the association’s broader Green Borders sustainability initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness, climate action, and grassroots participation in ecological preservation. The event, which commenced from the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, attracted members of the association, environmental advocates, community stakeholders, volunteers, and members of the public. Speaking during the event, the representative of the Comptroller-General of Customs DCG Timi Bomodi, described the initiative as a commendable step towards environmental s...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Medical Unit, on Monday, 11 May 2026, commenced its 7th Annual Medical Corps Retreat in Katsina State with the theme: “Operational Wellbeing: Protecting Health to Protect Borders.” The five-day retreat is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the medical personnel through professional engagement, policy review, strategic planning, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and experts across the country. Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Human Resource Development, Tijjani Abe, welcomed participants to the retreat and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and staff welfare. According to him, the retreat remains an important platform for professional interaction, exchange of ideas, policy review, and strategic planning a...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi MFR has once again reaffirmed his commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation-driven governance, as he delivered a keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia. The international conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium, brought together academics, communication scholars, technology experts, researchers, head of sister agencies, and policymakers to examine the growing impact of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, education, trade, and economic development. Speaking during the conference, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the need for insti...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, will on Saturday, May 16, 2026, lead a climate advocacy campaign tagged “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” in Abuja, as part of efforts aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and climate awareness across the country. The advocacy walk, scheduled to commence from the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, is expected to attract members of the association, environmental advocates, community leaders, volunteers, and other stakeholders committed to ecological sustainability. The initiative forms part of COWA’s broader Green Borders sustainability programme, designed to encourage grassroots participation in environmental protection through advocacy, public engagement, and community-based interventions. The campaign comes on the heels of the association’s recent nationwide “1,000 Trees in One Hour” exercise, which mobilised participants across d...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform to maintain discipline and embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 party primaries. Yilwatda, in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Toki in Abuja said the ruling party would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the primaries, stressing that offenders risk suspension and other disciplinary actions. According to him, aspirants and their supporters must avoid violence, unrest, anti-party activities, and any attempt to undermine the integrity of the process. The APC chairman stated that the party remained committed to conducting transparent, credible, democratic, and peaceful primaries across the country, adding that internal democracy remains central to the party’s growth and national acceptance. He noted that while contests natur...