The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports alleging that Nigeria is recruiting underage soldiers to fight terrorists and tackle other security challenges across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Musa made the clarification on Thursday while speaking to journalists after a National Security Council meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

The minister maintained that the Nigerian military does not recruit underage individuals, suggesting that the allegations may have stemmed from reports of terrorist groups using children in their operations.

“We are all professionals. We are fully committed, and it’s also important for us to mention the issue of recent (alleged recruitment of underage soldiers). We have seen some people trying to make a case as if the emphasis is using underage children in our operations.

“There is nobody that is underage that is being brought here. I think the discussion that was made was that the accusation was on the terrorists using the underage.

“Well, we know that we don’t have control over what they do, and that’s why it’s important for us to understand that we must not allow them remain wherever they are,” he said.

Musa also disclosed that Tinubu had directed the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue people kidnapped or abducted in different parts of the country.

He assured Nigerians that the security forces were prepared to carry out the President’s directive.

“The directive from the president is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of any tourists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria.

“As we go forward, we are showing Nigerians that we’re fully committed, and that is what we’re going to work towards. So, we thank Mr. President for his support and to assure Nigeria that we’re all working as a team, as Nigerians for Nigeria. We assure you that,” the defence minister stated.

Tinubu To Commission 10 New Aircraft, Helicopters

The minister further revealed that Tinubu would soon commission 10 additional aircraft and helicopters acquired to strengthen aerial surveillance and enhance the country’s security operations.

He also disclosed that the President was considering extending the recent salary increase enjoyed by members of the armed forces to police officers, other paramilitary personnel and pensioners.

“I want to assure you, very soon Mr. President is coming to commission a set of new aircraft and helicopters that have been bought. I think about 10 of them, and to show Nigerians that despite the economic issue, the issue of security is in the front burner of Mr President’s view.

“And so, for us, we are very happy. The recent increment of salaries for members of the armed forces. I’m sure very soon the police and all others are being addressed, including those of the pensioners.

“Nobody is going to be left behind. Mr. President wants every Nigerian and every citizen to be happy with what is ongoing, and he is fully committed in the peaceful efforts on what we are doing today,” Musa said.

The minister also called on Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that maintaining peace and tackling insecurity required collective responsibility.

According to him, citizens should promptly report suspicious activities and any misconduct by security personnel to the appropriate authorities.

“And we want Nigerians to put their hands together to make sure that Nigeria remains free. Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces.

“Everyone has a role to play. And we keep on preaching. Whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members that are not doing what is right, please, don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken,” he added.

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has said he would die a happy man if the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) could address the persistent failure of government agencies to comply with court judgments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The renowned author criticised delays in enforcing judicial decisions, lamenting that some victims die without enjoying the benefits of justice they spent years fighting to obtain.

Soyinka made the remarks on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the inaugural Nigerian Ombudsman Annual Conference organised by the PCC in Abuja.

“If you can solve that for me, believe me, I will die happy,” he said, highlighting the gap between the delivery of justice and the enforcement of court rulings.

“Why is it that we cannot guarantee the implementation of the declaration of a judgment between the plaintiff, between the judgment itself, between the judges, the structure of justice and the victim?” he asked.

The Nobel Laureate also questioned why government agencies often disregard judicial decisions, even when they are delivered by competent courts in open proceedings.

“Why is it that people we know have actually died without seeing the fruits of their endeavours for justice?” he asked.

Soyinka cited cases in which citizens were forced to wait for years for government agencies to obey court orders, including directives requiring the return of confiscated passports.

He described such delayed justice as “medicine after death” and urged the Public Complaints Commission to make addressing the failure to enforce court judgments one of its primary responsibilities.

According to him, resolving the problem would help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and ensure that citizens who secure favourable court rulings can enjoy the benefits of their legal victories.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) at the State House in Abuja, with the country’s security chiefs and heads of security agencies in attendance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The meeting focused on security preparations for the 2027 general elections, according to reports.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), said the gathering was convened to brief the President on the country’s security situation ahead of the elections scheduled for January 2027.

Musa explained that the security officials held extensive discussions with Tinubu, who emphasised his commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible electoral process.

The defence minister also assured political parties, citizens and other stakeholders that the military would remain neutral throughout the elections.

He said Nigerians had nothing to fear, adding that security agencies would fulfil their responsibilities to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

“Today’s meeting was to brief Mr President on the security situation within the country. You know, the elections are coming in January, and it’s important that we keep him abreast of what is ongoing. You can see all heads of security agencies are here.

“We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair, and credible election. We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote.

“And so, we want to assure Nigerians that we are committed. We are determined to ensure that we provide safety and security for all Nigerians. Everyone should come out and vote. Vote for whoever they want.

“The president wants the atmosphere to be free, and it’s important for all other political parties to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral.

“We are going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve, so they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and that nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,” Musa said.

The meeting reportedly lasted about five hours and took place in the President’s office on the first floor of the State House.

Those in attendance included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Defence Minister Christopher Musa; and Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam.

Others present were the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the President’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.).

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also attended alongside the three service chiefs: Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Undiandeye, was also present.

Other participants included the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.