SR SahelReporters

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...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Chapter 84 Nigeria has unveiled its newly elected executive leadership during its Annual Seminar held at the Bon Hotel Octagon, Jahi District, Abuja. The seminar, themed “Better Right of Way Management and Maintenance,” brought together industry experts, government officials, and professionals to discuss sustainable approaches to Right of Way (ROW) management and infrastructure corridor maintenance in Nigeria. Delivering the keynote address, Engr. James Zirra, Director of Railway Services at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, identified the mismanagement of acquired Right of Way as one of the major challenges hindering infrastructure development in the country. Drawing from his extensive experience in railway transportation management and Right of Way acquisition coordination, he stressed that effective ROW maintenance requires proactive rather than reactive measures. “The future of Nigeria’s in...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on 3 June 2026 hosted a high-level diplomatic cocktail reception in Abuja, bringing together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of missions, and senior government officials in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening international cooperation, trade relations, and institutional partnerships. The event, held at the rooftop of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, also attracted the Chief of the Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, members of the Customs Management, and other senior officials from key security and government institutions. Welcoming the diplomatic community, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, expressed appreciation for the sustained support of international partners in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing global trade cooperation with Nigeria. “We recognize and appreciate your contributions to strengthening dip...

By LEETOLKS As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, fresh calls have emerged for authorities to reconsider the role of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, a former Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), whose supporters insist his operational expertise remains unmatched within the Nigeria Police Force. In a strongly worded commentary circulating on social media, security analyst and commentator Leetoks argued that Nigeria has previously confronted security challenges as severe as, or even worse than, the current situation and that Kyari's leadership of the IRT was often instrumental in tackling some of the country's most difficult crime cases. According to the commentator, Kyari was known for adopting unconventional strategies during periods of heightened insecurity. One of such approaches, he claimed, involved recalling experienced operatives who had previously ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have recorded major operational successes across Benue and Taraba states, neutralising four criminals, rescuing two kidnapped victims, recovering arms and ammunition, and dismantling a notorious illicit drug network. The operations, conducted between May 24 and May 31, 2026, also led to the arrest of suspected criminals and the recovery of illicit substances and cash, according to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of OPWS, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu. The statement disclosed that on May 24, troops responded to reports of an armed herder attack along the Gbajimba–Agasha Road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Upon arrival, soldiers found two injured residents who were immediately evacuated to the Primary Health Centre in Gbajimba for medical treatment. A manhunt for the attackers is ongoing. On the same day in Taraba State, troops acting on an armed robbery alert along t...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, describing his leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and impact on community development as a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community. The monarch stated this on Thursday, 28 May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State. The event attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, senior Customs officers, community stakeholders, family members, friends, and associates. Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service. “We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. W...