SR SahelReporters

Ex-DSS Officer Apologises to DG Over Leaked Internal Matter, Threatens Legal Action Against SaharaReporters By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has apologised to the agency’s Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, over the publication of an internal matter on an online news platform, SaharaReporters. The retired officer, who expressed regret over his decision to make the matter public, also asked the DSS chief to resolve the issue internally, while appealing for leniency. However, Ezeakolam, through his lawyer, Edmund C. Ben, Principal Partner of Lawminds Associates, has demanded the retraction of a SaharaReporters publication dated June 29, 2026, alleging that the report contained inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims. In a letter dated October 16, 2026, addressed to the online publication, the law firm demanded a formal response to the disputed report and called for the correction or...

COAS, RWANDA ARMY CHIEF PROMOTE FITNESS, MILITARY CAMARADERIE IN KIGALI By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, have emphasised the importance of physical fitness and military camaraderie during a joint endurance walk in Kigali, Rwanda. The exercise, held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Kigali Running Track, was aimed at promoting physical fitness, strengthening professional relationships and reinforcing cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Rwanda Defence Force. The joint activity highlighted the importance of regular physical training in developing endurance, discipline and resilience among military personnel, as well as enhancing operational readiness. Physical conditioning remains a critical component of military preparedness, equipping troops with the stamina and mental resilience required to withstand dem...

Customs Inaugurates WCO Mission to Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Capacity By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday, 19 October 2026, inaugurated the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Mentoring Mission at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The mission, themed “Strengthening Nigeria Customs Service Capabilities to Effectively Detect and Disrupt Illicit Financial Flows,” aims to enhance the Service’s capacity to combat cross-border financial crimes. Funded by the United States Department of State, the four-week mission will run from 18 October to 13 November 2026. Activities will include visits to selected Customs formations in Lagos and key allied agencies, as well as capacity-building training for officers in Lagos and Abuja. Speaking at the inauguration, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in c...

UK, Nigeria Move to Deepen Defence and Security Cooperation By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Nigeria, with emphasis on military training, professional military education, technology transfer and institutional capacity building. The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Pete Vowles, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, Vowles expressed appreciation for the longstanding political, diplomatic and military relations between both countries, describing defence and security cooperation as a critical pillar of the UK-Nigeria bilateral partnership. He reaffirmed the United Kingdom's determination to sustain existing security initiatives and explore new areas of collaboration to address evolving regional and global securi...

Customs Records Major Seizures in Joint Border Security Operation with Benin By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded six significant seizure cases involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing during a joint border security operation conducted along the Benin–Nigeria border corridor. The operation, code-named Operation GEOCONTROL, was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)–Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project, with the participation of the Customs administrations of Nigeria and Benin. The Service also disclosed that four suspects were detained during the operation, which targeted smuggling networks and other illicit activities threatening national security, legitimate trade and government revenue. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, Ph...

APC Campaign Council Denies Alleged Plot to Assassinate Atiku, Challenges Timi Frank By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has dismissed allegations that the Nigerian government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the claim as false and demanding that its author, Timi Frank, provide evidence to substantiate it. Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had alleged that the government was plotting to assassinate Atiku, who is the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Reacting to the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, the APC Presidential Campaign Council urged security agencies to invite Frank to provide evidence, stressing that any credible threat to life must be taken seriously, regardless of political affiliation. The statement, signed by the council's spokesperson, Dele Alake, categorically denied any involvement of President Bo...

COAS Pushes Modern Military Training, Cadet Exchange With Rwanda By Aviashima Toom The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military training partnerships and cadet exchange programmes between Nigeria and Rwanda to enhance professional military education and prepare officers for the evolving demands of modern warfare. Shaibu made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a visit to the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA), Gako, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between both countries. The Army Chief emphasised that modern military training, professional education and international exchanges were essential to developing combat-ready, adaptable and interoperable armed forces capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats. He commended the academy's training standards, discipline and professionalism, particularly the tactical proficiency displaye...