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Nigeria Will Prevail! FG Tells Citizens Amid Rising Attacks: ‘Our Forces Are Ready’
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians to view the Armed Forces not as outsiders, but as a protective force dedicated to their safety and national security.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to reclaim their sense of ownership of the Nigerian Armed Forces and view them not as a detached institution, but as an essential part of the national family working for the people’s protection and progress.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relations Conference in Abuja, themed “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” the minister—represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa—emphasized the importance of bridging the trust gap between civilians and the military.
He called on Nigerians to stop seeing the military as an “occupying force,” but rather as a national institution committed to safeguarding lives and promoting national development. “The Armed Forces are not outsiders. They are funded, owned, and mandated by the Federal Government on behalf of all Nigerians. In truth, they belong to the people,” he stated.
Idris acknowledged that historical experiences, particularly military involvement in governance in previous decades, had shaped public distrust. However, he maintained that Nigeria’s return to civilian rule and evolving democratic institutions now necessitate a shift in perception.
“We must acknowledge the trust deficit that currently exists. In some quarters, civilians still view the military as aggressive and distant. This perception—whether rooted in history, misinformation, or isolated incidents—poses a real threat to national unity,” he warned.
The minister stressed that the success of the Armed Forces depends on full public support and cooperation, particularly in today’s era of hybrid threats and asymmetric warfare. He described the conference as a timely and essential step toward reshaping public-military engagement through dialogue, community participation, humanitarian outreach, and media collaboration.
“National security is no longer just about weapons and force. It’s about trust, empathy, and building lasting partnerships,” he said, calling on the media and civil society to play a pivotal role in reshaping public narratives about the military.
“As Minister of Information, I see a critical role for the media. We must tell the untold stories of heroism, sacrifice, and community impact. We must challenge disinformation and promote responsible journalism,” he said. He also called for more civic engagement through town halls, community projects, and institutional frameworks that bring the military closer to the people.
Idris pledged the Ministry’s full support in implementing the conference outcomes, adding: “Together, we can build a new chapter in civil-military relations—one rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.”
He commended the leadership of the Armed Forces for initiating the conference and recognizing the urgency of rebuilding trust with the civilian population.
Over 6,000 Terrorists Neutralized, 5,000+ Civilians Rescued in Two Years – DHQ
At the event, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that over the past two years, joint military operations have led to the killing of 6,260 terrorists nationwide. In addition, 14,138 criminals were arrested, and 5,365 civilians were rescued from captivity.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, provided a breakdown of military successes across different regions. In the Niger Delta, operations led to the recovery of stolen crude products valued at over ₦83 billion. Troops killed 103 criminals, arrested 2,760 suspects, and rescued 266 civilians in the region.
In the Northeast, troops neutralized 1,246 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and arrested 2,467 others. The military also rescued 1,920 civilians and recovered 982 weapons and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
Operations in the Northwest resulted in 1,374 bandits, including key commanders, being killed. Security forces arrested 2,160 others and freed 3,288 kidnap victims. Weapons recovered include 947 firearms and 25,802 rounds of ammunition.
In the North Central zone, troops killed 730 terrorists and extremists, arrested over 7,100 suspects, and rescued 1,510 civilians. Recovered items included 1,065 weapons and nearly 20,000 rounds of ammunition.
In the Southeast, 440 terrorists were neutralized, 1,677 criminals apprehended, and 294 civilians rescued. Troops also seized 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition.
In the Southwest, 80 criminals were killed, 1,763 arrested, and 89 kidnap victims rescued. Additionally, 143 weapons and a staggering 177,904 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
NAF Destroys Terrorist IED Factory, Gun Trucks in Borno
As part of Operation HADIN KAI, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted precision airstrikes in Kwaltiri, located in the Tumbuktu Triangle of Borno State, eliminating dozens of terrorists, destroying gun trucks, and dismantling an IED-manufacturing facility.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the June 18 operation was based on credible intelligence. He noted that the successful strikes significantly disrupted the terrorists’ logistics, command structure, and morale.
Media Key to Winning War of Perception – Chief of Defence Staff
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in his address at the conference, emphasized the crucial role of the media in modern security operations.
He noted that the military is now contending with a range of unconventional threats, including terrorism, banditry, secessionist violence, and organized crime. “Today’s battles are not only physical. We are also engaged in a war of narratives,” he said.
Musa stressed that the military values media collaboration and seeks a “professional, objective, and nation-building” relationship with the press. “Public trust and accurate information are the backbone of national resilience,” he added.
He reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while acknowledging that more than 70% of contemporary security challenges require non-kinetic responses.
“The media is no longer a secondary player—it is central to national security. The stories you tell will shape public sentiment, national cohesion, and peacebuilding,” he concluded.
Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has graduated 17,300 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held on Saturday at the main campus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The university also conferred honorary Doctorate Degrees on Paul Odili, Founder and CEO of Paulo Group of Companies; Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN; and Emmanuel Issa, in recognition of their contributions to society.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the honourees were selected based on their character, achievements, and commitment to excellence.
He urged graduating students to focus on what they can contribute to national development, stressing that character, discipline, and integrity would determine their success beyond the classroom.
According to him, certificates may open doors, but personal values and conduct will shape long-term achievements.
The Vice Chancellor also reminded the graduates to uphold the reputation of the institution wherever they go.
Fawehinmi disclosed that the 29th convocation covered the 2022/2023 academic session, while the 30th covered 2023/2024, with thousands graduating across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Speaking after receiving his honorary award, Dr. Odili dedicated the recognition to Nigerians with dreams and encouraged young people to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
He also pledged support for the university, promising collaboration aimed at addressing key challenges facing the institution.
The Federal Government has released an updated list of items banned from importation into Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting local industries and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The revised prohibition schedule, dated April 1, 2026, outlines 17 broad categories of goods that are no longer allowed into the country through any entry point.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the policy affects a wide range of products, including food items, pharmaceuticals, household goods, and industrial materials.
One of the most notable aspects of the list is the ban on several widely used medicines under specified HS codes, including paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, chloroquine, aspirin, folic acid, and some vitamin supplements. The government says these are now to be produced locally.
The restriction also covers pharmaceutical waste, which remains completely prohibited.
In the agriculture and food sector, the importation of poultry, pork, beef, and eggs remains banned, although an exception was made for hatching eggs used for breeding and research purposes.
Retail-packaged vegetable oils, sugar products, cocoa derivatives, tomato paste, and certain bottled water products are also included in the import restrictions, with emphasis on encouraging local production.
The policy further bars detergents, soaps, ballpoint pens and refills, cement, certain fertilizers, packaging materials, and specific steel and glass products.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been directed to enforce the new rules strictly, with importers and businesses advised to comply fully to avoid seizure of goods and penalties.
ADC chieftain and publisher, Dele Momodu, has dismissed calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the push as unfair and politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Momodu was reacting to comments by activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, a supporter of Peter Obi, who urged Atiku to step aside over concerns about his age, which would be about 80 by 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Momodu said attention should be focused on holding the government accountable rather than targeting Atiku’s political ambition.
The exchange followed a viral video where Idris insisted that Atiku should support younger aspirants instead of contesting, arguing that voters would not back an elderly candidate.
Idris also suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman and support younger politicians such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others.
Responding, Momodu cited several world leaders who held office at advanced ages, arguing that experience should not be dismissed in leadership discussions.
He questioned what should disqualify Atiku from contesting, insisting that age alone is not a valid reason.
Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu, is reportedly considering another run in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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