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Fresh Call As Middle Belt Group Demands Stronger Military Action Against Terrorists.
The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Nigerian Armed Forces for sustaining coordinated military offensives against insurgents and criminal groups across different parts of the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The commendation follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of the elimination of senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.
According to President Tinubu, the overnight operation in the Lake Chad Basin targeted the terrorist leader’s compound and resulted in the killing of several of his lieutenants, describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
In a statement signed by the group’s President, Dr. Anthony Idoko, and Secretary-General, Amos Adamu, the organisation said recent military offensives in the North-Central and North-East reflected renewed determination and improved tactical coordination among security agencies.
The group commended General Oluyede for what it described as strong operational leadership and strategic direction in the ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.
According to the Middle Belt Conscience Guard, intensified offensives, intelligence-led missions, and enhanced collaboration among security agencies are beginning to improve security in parts of the Middle Belt.
The group stated that the current momentum by the armed forces demonstrates that sustained and coordinated military pressure remains one of the most effective strategies against insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes threatening national stability.
It also praised military commanders and frontline troops for maintaining pressure on criminal elements in troubled regions.
The organisation stressed that the military deserves public support rather than the politicisation of ongoing security operations, noting that the scale of insecurity in Nigeria requires unity and institutional cooperation.
It urged the armed forces to remain relentless in dismantling terrorist hideouts, disrupting illegal arms networks, and reclaiming communities affected by violence.
The group added that recent military gains have started restoring confidence among residents of rural communities previously abandoned due to repeated attacks.
It also called on state governments and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies through intelligence sharing and grassroots support systems.
According to the organisation, no security structure can succeed without the trust and active participation of local populations.
The group further appealed to the Federal Government to sustain investment in military welfare, intelligence capabilities, surveillance technology, and operational logistics.
It maintained that although Nigeria’s security challenges remain significant, consistent military coordination and strategic leadership are beginning to deliver measurable progress in conflict-affected areas.
Manchester City clinched the 2025-2026 FA Cup title after edging Chelsea 1-0 in a tense final at Wembley Stadium, with Antoine Semenyo’s decisive strike proving the difference.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a closely contested match that produced limited clear-cut opportunities, Semenyo delivered the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, calmly finishing from close range after a well-worked assist from Erling Haaland.
The victory marked Pep Guardiola’s 20th trophy as Manchester City manager and secured the club’s eighth FA Cup crown.
It also kept City’s hopes of a domestic double alive, with the Premier League title still within reach.
City had earlier believed they had taken the lead in the first half when Haaland found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Chelsea responded with periods of pressure and dangerous deliveries into the box but struggled to seriously trouble City’s defence.
The London side started the second half with renewed intensity, and Enzo Fernández came closest when he met a loose ball inside the six-yard area, only to send his effort over the bar.
With chances limited and tension building, Semenyo eventually broke the deadlock when Haaland threaded a clever pass into the box, allowing the forward to produce a composed finish beyond Robert Sánchez.
Chelsea pushed for an equaliser late on but failed to find a way through as Manchester City held firm to seal their second trophy of the season, following their earlier Carabao Cup success.
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has said military action alone cannot end Nigeria’s insurgency, insisting that the country must also tackle the deeper social and economic conditions driving violent extremism.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Reacting to the reported killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation involving the United States and the Nigerian Armed Forces, Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria must address poverty, unemployment, and social dislocation if it hopes to defeat terrorism sustainably.
While applauding the successful operation, he noted that it demonstrated the impact of effective international intelligence sharing and military cooperation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Hashim said the development reinforced earlier concerns that extremist groups in Nigeria have ambitions similar to the Islamic State’s territorial pursuits in other global conflict zones.
He stated that for years, there had been calls for stronger international collaboration in confronting terrorism, adding that the operation showed what is possible when global partners work together genuinely.
However, he cautioned against viewing the elimination of top insurgent leaders as a complete solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to him, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy must go beyond isolated military strikes and instead adopt a comprehensive, sustained approach aimed at uprooting terrorism entirely.
Hashim warned that while military offensives may eliminate key commanders, they often leave vulnerable rural communities exposed to revenge attacks by insurgent groups.
He described the scale of insecurity in the country as deeply troubling, claiming that thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives to terrorism and related violence in recent years.
He further argued that poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and social deprivation continue to create fertile ground for extremist recruitment, particularly among vulnerable youths in Northern Nigeria.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the postponement of its presidential and governorship screening exercise, which was originally scheduled for this weekend, to Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The party disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the statement, the screening of National Assembly aspirants will now take place in Abuja due to security concerns in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The ADC added that all affected aspirants will be contacted with updated schedules and further details regarding the new arrangement.
It also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the adjustment and thanked aspirants and stakeholders for their understanding.
Meanwhile, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared his intention to contest the ADC presidential primary.
Amaechi reportedly submitted his presidential nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat ahead of the next general election.
He said his decision to run was driven by a desire to restore dignity to Nigerians and address the country’s economic and social challenges.
Amaechi is expected to face competition from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants for the party’s presidential ticket.
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