SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the mother of the party's National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. Mama Basiru reportedly passed away peacefully on Saturday at a ripe age. In a condolence message issued on Sunday through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Professor Yilwatda, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), party leaders, members and supporters, sympathised with Senator Basiru, the entire Basiru family and the people of Osun State over the loss of their matriarch. The APC National Chairman described the deceased as a woman whose life was marked by faith, dignity, sacrifice and unwavering devotion to her family, noting that she lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring values that would continue to inspire those who knew her. Yilwatda also commended Senator Basiru for the excep...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major reshuffle of senior officers across key operational, command, training and staff appointments in the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, enhance national security and improve the Army's capacity to respond to emerging security challenges. The appointments were announced in a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations in Abuja. The redeployment, which affects field commanders, commandants of military institutions and principal staff officers at the Army Headquarters, is aimed at consolidating the Nigerian Army's transformation drive and reinforcing leadership across critical formations. Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana has been named the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, taking ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and improved living standards, following the flag-off of two major road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The President, represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, performed the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District and the Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District of Abuja. Speaking at the Southern Parkway flag-off, Professor Yilwatda conveyed President Tinubu's message, describing the project as a critical component of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing infrastructure renewal programme. According to the President, the Southern Parkway is one of the most important transportation corridors within Abuja's so...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the party’s landslide victory in the Ekiti State governorship election and its strong showing in recent bye-elections across the country as evidence of growing public confidence in the APC-led administration and its reform agenda. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the election outcomes demonstrated that Nigerians recognize the long-term benefits of ongoing economic and governance reforms despite current challenges. According to him, the victories reaffirm public support for the APC’s governance philosophy, which prioritizes development, accountability, stability and citizens’ welfare. “The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC's...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across various theatres of operation between June 12 and 18, 2026, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of terrorist collaborators, recovery of weapons, and disruption of illegal oil-bunkering activities. In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said troops sustained offensive operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and economic saboteurs across the country, leading to notable gains in national security. North-East Operations Troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno State. Several civilians were rescued during military operations in Gubio, Gwoza, and Bama Local Government Areas. Notably, troops on June 17 repelled an attack by approximately 60 motorcycle-riding terrorists along the Pulka-Maraba-Kirawa R...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully repelled coordinated attacks launched by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, inflicting heavy losses on the insurgents. According to a statement signed by the  Acting Military Information Officer  Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI  MAIDUGURI, Captain Mohammed Goni,  the terrorists launched multiple attacks on troop positions at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in the early hours of Thursday, June 19. However, alert troops, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly detected the insurgents' movement and responded with overwhelming firepower through a coordinated air and ground operation. The Nigerian Air Force component of Operation HADIN KAI played a decisive role in the operation, deploying Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja Nigerian Army troops have rescued a kidnapped victim and dismantled several terrorist camps during an ongoing military offensive in Katsina State, as security forces intensify efforts to combat insecurity across the North-West region. The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP, involved troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by elements of the 8 Division Special Forces. The military said the offensive forms part of sustained, intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting criminal networks and restoring security in affected communities. On the fourth day of the operation, troops carried out a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga, located in Matazu Local Government Area of the state. The operation was supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets as well as precision air strikes provided b...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, has concluded a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA). The programme held from 1 to 12 June 2026 focused on strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices. Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs at the closing ceremony, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Tijjani Abe, reaffirmed the Service's commitment to strengthening Post Clearance Audit as a modern control mechanism for promoting voluntary compliance, facilitating legitimate trade, and safeguarding government revenue. He noted that effective customs administration requires intelligence-driven, risk-based, and internationally compliant PCA systems. "The true measure of success ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and addressing bottlenecks affecting business operations through sustained public-private sector engagement. The resolution was reached during the quarterly meeting held on 16 June 2026 at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on improving trade facilitation, enhancing security, and promoting stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the United States. Speaking during the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi stressed the importance of regular consultations with stakeholders, noting that the engagement would be institutionalised as a permanent feature of the Service's calendar. "It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has announced significant operational successes across various theatres of operation nationwide, including the rescue of hundreds of abducted civilians, the arrest of terrorist collaborators, the recovery of large caches of weapons and ammunition, and the disruption of illegal oil bunkering activities. The achievements were recorded during coordinated military operations conducted between June 5 and June 11, 2026, according to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The most significant breakthrough occurred on June 6 when troops executed a multi-directional assault on terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. The operation resulted in the rescue of 360 civilians, mostly women and children, who h...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) has praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, for assuring Nigerians that the schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo State will be rescued unharmed. The association described the assurance as a demonstration of the professionalism, confidence, and operational effectiveness that have characterized the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement jointly signed by CCAN Chairman, Festus Fifen, and Secretary, Peter Ireh, the association said the IGP’s pledge has renewed hope among the affected families and reassured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and tackling criminality across the country. According to CCAN, Disu’s confidence in the safe rescue of the pupils reflects the intelligence-driven and results-oriented policing strategy that has yielded significant successes in combating kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, cul...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja Troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have recorded another significant operational success in the ongoing campaign against terrorism and criminality in the North-East, arresting five suspected kidnappers and recovering arms and ammunition in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State. According to military sources, the operation was conducted following credible intelligence on the activities of a criminal syndicate operating along a known criminal corridor in Magumeri. Acting swiftly on the information, troops launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of five suspected members of the kidnapping network. During the operation, security forces recovered two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition, effectively disrupting the group's operational capability and preventing further criminal activities within the area. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are allegedly involved in kidnapping and othe...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  Troops of the 312 Artillery Regiment under 1 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected military impostor in Kaduna State as part of ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the Armed Forces and curb fraudulent activities. The suspect, identified as a civilian, was apprehended at approximately 9:50 a.m. on June 11, 2026, by troops deployed at Strike Force Base Sabo. He was allegedly impersonating Major General AT Ibrahim (Rtd) at the time of his arrest. Military authorities disclosed that preliminary investigations into the matter are ongoing. Upon conclusion of the initial inquiry, the suspect will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution. The Nigerian Army stated that the arrest underscores its commitment to combating all forms of criminality, including impersonation and other acts capable of undermining public conf...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to safeguard the nation’s democratic achievements and support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. In a Democracy Day message issued on Friday, Yilwatda urged citizens to reflect on the significance of June 12 and recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, patriotism, good governance, and national development. Describing June 12 as a landmark in Nigeria’s democratic history, the APC chairman said the date symbolizes the courage and sacrifices of patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity, and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people. “Democracy Day is not merely another public holiday; it is a solemn reminder of our collective struggle for freedom, representative government, and the right of every Nigerian to determine the destiny of our nation through democ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, preventing what could have been a major kidnapping incident. A statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army noted that, the operation was carried out on Tuesday, following credible intelligence provided by vigilant members of the community, who alerted troops on patrol about the presence and activities of suspected terrorists in the area. According to the Army, the terrorists, disguised in military uniforms, had infiltrated the community and assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops immediately mobilised to the community and engaged the criminals on arrival. The terrorists were forced to ab...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation to address security challenges and enhance national stability. The commitment was reiterated during a strategic engagement between the Comptroller-General of Customs, (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, and the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Disu Olatunji, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. Welcoming the IGP, Adeniyi congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the NPF effectively. He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging threats and safeguarding national interests. “The NCS stands with the NPF in these challenging times. We will continue to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the country. Together, we can strengthen the safety and stability of our nation,” he ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured retiring Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Musa Omale, with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the Management Team paying tribute to his years of dedicated service, professionalism, and contributions to the Service. The ceremony, held on Friday, 5 June 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together senior officers who reflected on the retiring officer’s career and legacy in the Service. Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi said the Service’s tradition of celebrating officers at retirement provides an opportunity to share goodwill messages, offer advice, and recognise their contributions as they begin a new phase of life. He described DCG Omale as an officer known for his love of books, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to personal development. Reflecting on the importance of legacy in public service, Adeniyi noted that officers are remember...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in securing a landslide victory in the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, as it inaugurated its National Campaign Council led by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Uba Sani thanked the leadership of the APC for entrusting him with the responsibility of chairing the campaign council alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He described the appointment as a reflection of the party’s collective vision for a prosperous Nigeria and commended Ekiti State Governor and APC candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, for what he called remarkable achievements in office. According to Sani, Oyebanji’s victory in the 2022 governorship election, where he polled 187,557 votes and defeated his closest rival by over 104,000 votes, demonstrated the confidence the people of Ekiti had in the APC’s leadership. The Kadu...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence as two of its students emerged star winners at the grand finale of the 6th Abuja National Music Competition, held over the weekend. The prestigious competition, which attracted participants from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states of the federation, featured a variety of vocal and instrumental performances aimed at celebrating and nurturing young musical talents. Among the standout performers were Jaja Soibifaa and Iwugo Michael, who brought pride to Premiere Academy by clinching the top prizes in the Vocal and Piano categories respectively. Their exceptional performances earned them the coveted Star Winner titles, with each student receiving a cash prize of N250,000. Jaja Soibifaa emerged overall winner in the Vocal Category after impressing judges with a remarkable display of vocal skill and artistry, while Iwugo Michael outperf...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has recorded significant operational successes across the country, including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of criminal collaborators, rescue of kidnap victims, and recovery of arms and ammunition during operations conducted between May 28 and June 4, 2026. The military disclosed this on Friday through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said coordinated land and air operations across various theatres had continued to degrade the capabilities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, illegal arms traffickers, and other criminal elements threatening national security. According to the military, troops of Operation Hadin Kai operating in the North-East arrested several suspected kidnappers, terrorist informants, and collaborators across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi states. Among those arrested was a suspected kidnapper in Biu, Borno State, who confessed to using weapons o...