The commendation was delivered by Uduak Uduak Ituen, Team Lead of Executive Intelligence Management Course 19, Syndicate 4, during a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday.

Ituen explained that the team was in Kaduna on a study tour aimed at connecting academic knowledge with practical governance and security realities.

She stated that the lessons and insights gathered during the visit would strengthen their syndicate papers and support practical recommendations for enhancing Nigeria’s national security framework.

According to her, Governor Uba Sani’s achievements through the Kaduna Peace Model were instrumental in his emergence as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Governor of the Year Award conferred in March by the National Leadership Summit Group.

She noted that the honour reflected his strong commitment to security, inclusive governance, and people-focused development in Kaduna State.

Responding, Governor Uba Sani said Kaduna’s experience has demonstrated that lasting security cannot rely on force alone but must also be built on intelligence, trust, and inclusiveness.

He explained that through intelligence-driven operations, improved collaboration among security agencies, and sustained community engagement, the state has made measurable progress in restoring peace and rebuilding public confidence.

The governor also stressed that security and development are closely linked, noting that instability often thrives where economic opportunities are lacking.

He said Kaduna’s strategy has therefore been comprehensive, combining security measures with investments in infrastructure, education, and social welfare to address both immediate threats and the root causes of insecurity.

Uba Sani described the visit by the Executive Intelligence Management Course team as timely and valuable, saying it provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, policy evaluation, and the sharing of practical strategies that can strengthen security systems at both state and national levels.

He added that such engagements are crucial for building a more responsive and resilient security architecture.

The governor further encouraged the team to maximise the study tour by engaging deeply, asking critical questions, and exploring collaborative solutions that can improve Nigeria’s collective security capacity.

Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kwankwaso, a former presidential flagbearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were received by enthusiastic supporters upon their arrival.

Both political figures, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, are expected to engage in a consultative meeting with the leadership of the party.

Peter Obi had earlier confirmed his departure from the ADC, citing an increasingly hostile and discouraging political environment.

He explained that even within political alliances, individuals can encounter unexpected criticism and resistance.

Obi clarified that his exit was not due to personal disagreements with prominent party figures such as David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Rather, he attributed his decision to persistent internal crises and legal disputes within the party.

Drawing parallels with his previous experiences in the Labour Party, Obi reiterated his conviction that leadership should be rooted in service, stressing that he has never used authority to oppress others.

He also rejected claims that his political decisions were motivated by personal ambition, maintaining that his priority remains the improvement of national security, economic stability, and the overall welfare of Nigerians.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to him, the operation took place on May 1 under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2, targeting a location within the Dan-Aji Forest in Faskari Local Government Area.

He explained that the site served as a logistics base linked to a notorious terrorist commander, Abasu Aiki, and his network operating across the Faskari, Kankara, and Funtua axis of Katsina State.

Ejodame said credible intelligence reports indicated a resurgence of terrorist activity in the area, which necessitated the precision strike.

He noted that NAF air assets spotted armed terrorists on motorcycles alongside other fighters within the enclave before executing a swift and coordinated attack on the location and its support structures.

A subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were eliminated, while the logistics base and associated facilities were completely destroyed.

He added that the strike caused explosions and extensive fires, further weakening the group’s operational capability.

According to him, the operation has significantly disrupted terrorist movement and supply lines in the region.

Ejodame stated that the success of the mission underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to denying terrorists safe havens, dismantling their networks, and supporting broader efforts to restore peace and security in the North-West.