₦airaland Forum

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria



The Air Component of Operation THUNDER STRIKE, yesterday, 5 December 2020, destroyed a camp and neutralized scores of armed bandits in air strikes executed at the Kuduru Forest area of Kaduna State. This is just as it provided close air support to the Nigeria Police in a joint offensive operation to clear identified bandits’ hideouts in the Kofa Area of Kaduna State.



The Coordinator Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche made this known to Africa Security Investigation online newspaper today 6th December 2020 in a press release.


Enenche said, the air interdiction mission at Kuduru Forest was carried out sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating that the group of heavily armed bandits responsible for a previous attack on troops at Ngede Allah had originated from a camp within the Forest. Accordingly, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that led to the identification of the camp, the Air Component dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack aircraft to engage the location scoring devastating hits which destroyed the bandits’ logistics structures and killed several of the criminals.


The NAF attack aircraft and an ISR platform later provided close air support as the Police advanced from Sarki Pawa through Tawali towards Kofa area. The attack aircraft engaged the bandits at the objective, ahead of the ground forces, while the ISR aircraft provided situational awareness throughout the operation.

The Nigerian Youth Congress has congratulated the President-elect of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Comrade Asefon Sunday on his emergence, urging him to be a good ambassador of the students he leads.

This was disclosed today to journalists in a statement made available and signed by the President, Blessing Akinlosotu.

According to the statement, the president on behalf of NYC nodded the decisions made by the Nigeria Students by giving him the mandate, pointing out that, It is for the best interest of the student community.

He further expressed optimism that it is the hope of the students of Nigeria that base on the experience and vast intelligence of the newly elected President, he will have the capacity to unite the Union and bring stability that will further be of interest to every well-meaning student of Nigeria.

However, Nigerian Youth Congress urged the president-elect to understand precedence so as not to repeat mistakes made by the past leadership.

In the same vein, the body tasked Nigeria students to be resolute in one voice in order to enhance a better union across the nation.

Admonishing the president-elect, NYC prayed him for excellence, transparency and accountability emphasizing that he should be a leader by example.

The Federal Government has approved passengers' charges on the new Lagos Ibadan rail standard guage which would begin operations by January.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, made the disclosure during the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) in Abuja on Friday.

The theme for the 2nd Annual Summit is “Building Sustainable Transport Infrastructure in Nigeria :Opportunities, Innovations and Technologies”.

Amaechi said: "I have received the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the Lagos /Ibadan rail project by Jan. 2021 which will make Nigerians see the way the standard gauge railway looked like.

"Today I approved the charges on passengers from Lagos to Ibadan, we just transfer how we charged from Abuja to Kaduna.

"We charge N3,000 per Economy seat, N5,000 for Business class and N6,000 for First class, the same is applicable to Lagos to Ibadan.

"It should have started running by now before Mr President inaugurate it by January."

The minister said there had been tremendous changes in most of the air terminals saying that the Minister of Aviation would inform the public of the completion of Lagos/Kano terminal.

Amaechi promised that the ministry would collaborate with CIOTA to enable them achieve their objectives.

He added that transportation was more than administration but without administration there would be no transportation.

The minister said CIOTA role was critical to the growth of transportation in Nigeria adding that the country had advanced a lot in the area of transportation.

The primary aim and objectives of the Institute is to advance the study, training and practice of transport management and administration in Nigeria regardless of specialization within the industry; and to set standards of practice and determines the knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become registered members of the Institute and practice as a Chartered Transportants.

The National Coordinator of South-East APC Presidency Project 2023 has told Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to leave Isi-Uzo state assembly constituency seat, which is being contested for in a bye-election on Saturday, 5th December 2020, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"Governor Ugwuanyi and his People's Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State Chapter, know - like everyone else knows - that the PDP candidate, Mrs Amaka Ugwueze, is culturally defective and therefore deeply unpopular in the whole of Isi-Uzo LGA (a state assembly constituency) of Enugu State," Dr Jideofo-Ogbuagu says.

Dr Jideofo-Ogbuagu continues: "On the other hand, the APC candidate, Prince Engr Macdonald Ejiofor Okwor, a young and successful businessman and philanthropist, is massively popular in all electoral wards of Isi-Uzo. All opinion polls and security reports point at 95% of the polls cast going to APC.

"Isi-Uzo has decided and PDP should accept that, on this occasion, Isi-Uzo is for APC. If Governor Ugwuanyi is truly a friend of APC, as he has postured since 2015, his PDP should just throw in the towel in the Isi-Uzo electoral contest."

Hinting at possible defection of Governor Ugwuanyi to APC, Dr Jideofo-Ogbuagu retorts: ''APC has not won any election in Enugu State since 2015, not necessarily because APC has no supporters in the state but because Enugu State PDP is notorious for stealing elections. As we look forward to welcoming Governor Ugwuanyi to APC, he must not steal Isi-Uzo from APC. I cannot see APC admitting Governor Ugwuanyi if does not concede Isi-Uzo to APC. APC has to win this election for that purported friendship between the PDP governor and APC to become real."

Dr Jideofo-Ogbuagu advises Mrs Ugwueze, the widow of late Hon Chijioke Ugwueze, who represented the constituency and whose untimely death is the reason for the bye-election: "We of APC have nothing personal against Mrs Ugwueze, but we are concerned that she came out of mourning, after just two weeks of burying her husband, to contest for election. During APC's huge campaign flag-off at Eha-Amufu, we actually prayed for her husband's soul to rest in peace. She should return to ikwa-nkpe (Igbo traditional mourning rite that lasts for one year), so that her husband's soul can truly rest in peace. Governor Ugwuanyi, a generous man, would not leave her economically destitute in her remaining nkpe period."

"Isi-Uzo has decided that Engr Okwor will represent them perfectly in the Enugu State House of Assembly and he is free to do so. Let theft of the election not become added to the cultural sacrilege already committed and which Mrs Ugwueze should correct by returning to full observance of the nkpe mourning rite of her people. Let her withdraw from the election to redeem her image and let PDP concede victory to APC. We truly don't desire a humiliating defeat for PDP.

OP. HADARIN DAJI: Eliminates Armed Bandits, Destroys Hideouts In Air Raids In Zamfara State



By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria


The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has neutralized several armed bandits and destroyed some of their facilities, including logistics items, at their hideout in a forested high ground area near Bayan Ruwa in Zamfara State.


The Coordinator
Defence Media Operations Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche said it was achieved through air strikes executed on 1 and 2 December 2020 pursuant to credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports and confirmatory surveillance missions indicating that a group of armed bandits, led by one so-called Jummo, who has ties to terrorist elements in the North East, had established a camp at the location, where they kept their motorcycles, high-calibre weapons as well as scores of rustled cattle.



Enenche also disclosed that the Air Component dispatched an appropriate force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships, which acquired and engaged the target area in successive passes, killing some of the bandits and their leaders and destroying portions of the camp, including their logistics storage, which was seen engulfed in flames.

In commemoration of the 2020 World's AIDS day, Africare Nigeria through the Power Forward Project has taken sensitization to schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to raise awareness and educate students on HIV prevention and care for people living with AIDS.

The project which is funded by ExxonMobil in collaboration with National Basketball Association (NBA), provides Life skills and public heath training to students in secondary schools. For the past 7 years since 2013, the project has a working presence in 30 public and private secondary schools in the FCT.

According to Torkuma Gbaa, the Project Officer for Africare “Power Forward Project is a youth development project that uses the game of basketball and social media as a convening platform to teach public health and life skills.


For the World AIDS Day activity, he said, "We commemorate AIDS Day with the global community to show our shared commitment and responsibility to reduce the impact of the disease in our communities.

"We want to show that we are aware of these public health issues and want to participate in raising awareness through these activities to try and impact our community positively by engaging the students.

"Young people from ages 15 and above are most likely to practice and engage in unsafe sex; so the aim of the activity is to raise awareness that HIV/AIDS is still real and a cause for concern treated likely.

"If students are proponents of the HIV/AIDS message, it is expected to be more impactful and be more useful to them; in turn, as carriers of the HIV/AIDS message they can spread the word to raise more awareness and reduce the surge of HIV/AIDS in our community. We believe that this information can reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Africa and the World.”

As a final word, he stated that “Abstinence is the key to reduce the spread of HIV among young persons. For me, Knowledge on its own is not power; but what we do with the knowledge is what makes it powerful,"

Coach Chibuzor Okeleke, a project coach for Power Forward stated that world AIDS Day is an activity created not only to raise awareness to prevent oneself against contracting the disease but also for people to know that there is life after contracting the virus; as contracting HIV is not the end of world.

"Those who are infected with HIV can still live a normal life even after contracting the disease. Our role in the community is to encourage them to live their lives and not stigmatize them for them for contracting the disease."


Also, Funmilayo Kayode, Principal Government Secondary School, Zone 3 Wuse reiterated the need for the awareness as the disease is very much on adding," in as much as COVID 19 is taking the center stage we should not forget that HIV/AIDS is very much around us.

According to Uwabor Lucky Nelson of Total Child Model Secondary School “using basketball as a platform to teach life skills and public is really impactful to students in my school and the immediate environment.

In addition to HIV/AIDS other days such as World Environment Day and Menstrual Hygiene raises awareness and interest among my students among the beneficiaries of the project and other students not involved in the project.


The project provides supplies such as Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets and menstrual pads for students. The project also provides basketball kits for the schools but more importantly our students are given the opportunity and confidence to discuss public health issues with their peers and with members of their families.

"For me, the project is impactful to the school community and to individual students at large”
Daniel Ikpeama, One of the student participant appreciated the organization for the enlightenment and stated that he never knew a pregnant mother could transmit to a child if not managed by a health professional describing how he had felt hearing that a child could suffer for what was no fault of his, while promising to pass the message on to all whom he comes in contact with.

By: Lawrence Duya and Virginia Agada.



As the security situation of Nigeria gets worse, the General Overseer/Founder of Faith Arena Ministry Int'l, Prophet Monday Agada, has once again lent his voice on the issue which has metamorphosed into an eyesore.



Prophet Agada Monday has called on the Federal Government to urge traditional and religious leaders to preach peace and love across the boundaries of religions, tribes, geo-political zones and kick against sub-believes in any religion aside the main believes and teachings.






The Prophet who spoke to our correspondents at the church auditorium shortly after the Sunday service on the 29 Nov. 2020 in Ushafa-Bwari Area Council, Abuja-Nigeria, also maintained that the security situation in Nigeria is terrible.
"The rich and powerful individuals in the country have knowledge of the insecurity in the country but have decided to keep mute".




On the possible solution to the insecurity in Nigeria, the prophet elucidated that, "insecurity in Nigeria can be tackled with the involvement of traditional and religious leaders.

The categories of leaders are residents in these communities. They have boundless knowledge about their various communities. With their help, government would be able to get to the root of the insecurity in Nigeria.


But the obvious is that, government is not ready to consult with them".



On the northern Nigerian insecurity, the Senior Pastor stated that "there are lots of desert areas in the north. There is no development there. They need to be educated. They also need to be told of the implication for not developing them", he said.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja





In continuation of the air interdiction missions being conducted as part of subsidiary Operation WUTAR TABKI 2, the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed some dwellings of Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) leaders and neutralized several of their fighters in separate air strikes executed in the Sambisa Forest area as well as at a settlement about 1.7 Km East of Yale, both in Borno State.





The Coordinator Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche in a press release to Africa Security Investigation on the 1 December 2020 disclosed that the air raids were undertaken yesterday, 30 November 2020, after credible Human Intelligence reports and series of aerial surveillance missions had indicated that some of the BHTs that carried out recent attacks against innocent civilians were harboured in makeshift structures under the dense vegetation of the Sambisa Forest while others were tracked to the settlement East of Yale.



Enenche the Air Task Force dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the 2 locations. The attack aircraft, while taking turns to engage the targets, delivered lethal bomb and rocket strikes, resulting in the destruction of some of the structures as well as the killing of several terrorists.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria



Operation FIRE BALL, a subsidiary operation under Operation LAFIYA DOLE which is meant to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram/ Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists from their identified enclaves in the North East region has steadily continued to record significant results within the theatre of operation.




The Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Benard Onyeuko told Africa Security Investigation online newspaper on the 29 November, 2020 that on 27 November 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru-Ngala conducted a clearance operations at some suspected BHT/ISWAP criminals hideout at Garal Village and Bulankesa Village. The gallant troops made contact with the terrorists. The highly motivated troops engaged and dominated them with rapid fire power. The criminals fled in disarray as several of them sustained fatal injuries. As a result of the encounter, 2 x BHT/ISWAP criminals were neutralized.

Benard said, on 27 November 2020 troops of Strong Response Area Pulka conducted a robust clearance patrol at area Ashigashiya. They made contact with the criminals in their logistics base. In the ensuing gun battle 2 terrorists were neutralized while others escaped with debilitating gunshot wounds. Several bags of assorted bags of grain and other food items were recovered. Thereafter the logistics warehouse was destroyed.

Similarly, on 27 November 2020, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade laid in wait for some suspected BHT/ISWAP criminals around Doksa general area. Troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them with superior gun fire forcing the terrorists to flee into the Bush in disarray. In the aftermath of the encounter, 1 x BHT/ISWAP criminal was neutralized. The following items were recovered; 1x AK 47 Rifle, 2x Mobile Phones, 1x Bow and Arrow and one x Boko Haram Terrorists pass slip(Identification Pass). The recovered items is in custody for profiling.

The troops of Operation FIRE BALL under Operation LAFIYA DOLE are commended for their continued dedication and determination in flushing the remnants of the terrorists in their hideouts.They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded so far.

The entire populace of the North East region are also assured of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State's West Africa Province criminals from their enclaves in this zone. They are also encouraged to avail the troops with credible information that will help in the execution of the operation.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria


The Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, has vehemently condemned the killings of over forty (40) farmers in Marrabati and Hammayya villages, near Zabarmari in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by the Boko Haram terrorists, called for relieve of Service Chiefs.

In a statement by the President, Blessing Akinlosotu also condoled with the families of the deceased compelled the Federal Government through the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensive surveillance and ensure that people in the state are adequately and maximumly given the desired security.

The President made this known to journalists today, 29 November, 2020 and advised the people to be vigilant and security watchdogs of their lives, property and that of their neighbours.

However, the Borno State governor, Governor Babagana Zulum this morning led kinsmen and other residents at Zabarmari for the funeral of the forty-three (43) farmers killed by the Boko Haram terrorist.

The report of the killings which clouded the airwaves yesterday told that the farmers were waylaid on their way to their rice farms which they were harvesting before the surprise attack happened.

Some other farmers were also taken away by the criminals. Zulum during the burial of the farmers lamented that “it is disheartening that more than 40 citizens were slaughtered while they were working in their farmlands,” and also expressed condolence.

Earlier, a few weeks before now, the NYC has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to address the high rate of insecurity in the country.

Affirming its stand, Akinlosotu again urged the federal government to as a matter of urgency do everything humanly possible to intensive security in the state stressing that the state has experienced enough of the killings.

"How long do we continue experiencing these killings and yet nothing seems done by the government?" Akinlosotu passionately asked, worriedly.

Suggesting other ways of curbing the insecurity in the state and country at large, the body called for the relieve of the service chiefs, pointing out that new fresh brains should be appointed by the presidency as soon as possible and must be properly train for the new trend of curbing insecurity.

By Israel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria


The immediate past Special Assistant on Security Affairs, Bassa Local Government to His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, the executive governor of Kogi State, now, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Flag Bearer for Bassa local government Chairmanship in the forthcoming Kogi State Council polls, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Suaibu, MMS, has said that he will not disappoint the good people of Bassa local government area of Kogi State if eventually given the mandate.




His Youthfulness, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu made the statement just after the handing over of the party's flag in Lokoja on Friday.



Muktar who spoke with journalists at the event expressed delight in the foreseeable responsibility which is the apex position of leadership in Bassa local government area in the next few years to come.


This could be glaring at his gaze at the skies with gestures, perhaps he was appreciating God for the incoming task ahead.



Our correspondent who spotted him alongside his running mate, Hon. Mrs. Rebecca Kpanache reported that they both smiled in delight as well-wishers, political party members, support groups, family members and friends ran all around them with congratulations.



The publisher, Africa Security Investigation online newspaper, Mr. Emmanuel Huleji Daudu who also congratulated Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu and alongside his running mate, Hon. Mrs. Rebecca Kpanache thanked His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello and the party leadership in the state for the opportunity given the two illustrious citizens of the local government the mantle of party flag bearership and eventually becoming the executive chairman and vice-chairperson respectively, in a matter of weeks.


The publisher who charged the good people of the area to come out in mass on the 12th of December 2020 to cast their votes peacefully encouraged them on peace, unity, and as well work for the party in the interest of the local government.

The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, has warned the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) to desist from illicit threats to shut down public services in the country at the expiration of 3- week ultimatum due to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Ahmed Idris refusal to leave office.
Recall the ASCSN had on Friday in a media publication, threatened to take action should the AGF refuse to leave office.



The President of the Group, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic in a press statement, cautioned the group consisting of civil servants to avoid its campaign of calumny on the office of the Accountant General of the Federation as such venture will yield little or no effort.
Ogakwu stated that Mr. Ahmed Idris was appointed in his first term by President Buhari in a letter communicated by the Head of Service, because he was a civil servant, after finding him worthy of a second tenure, reappointed him through the office of the Secretary General of the Federation an appointment which was no longer in the line of civil service practices but political appointment.


The President is of the opinion that although the AGF reached the retirement age which is 60 on the 25th of November, he had before then tendered his resignation to the Head of Civil Service, so as to continue his appointment politically on the mandate from the SGF.
The group debunking allegations that the AGF boasted he was going nowhere because he was close to Mr. President who facilitated his promotion to that office, warned ASCSN to avoid being used by unscrupulous elements to cause chaos and bring to mud the good name and reputation of the accountant general of the federation.

HRH. Dr. Appolus Chu says good leadership can only be enhanced if parents are ready to inculcate moral up-bringing on children



By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria



HRH. Amb. Dr. Appolus Chu Egbere Emere Okori and Oneh Eh Nchia X, Eleme, Rivers State has said that parents have a key role to play in enhancing good leadership in Nigeria.


The Royal father pointed out that the failure of our leaders is to a larger extent attributed to wrong parenting.


HRH. Amb. Dr. Appolus made the statement at the StandTall Africa Initiative-Stai Hall of Fame Leadership Award 2020, at the A-Class Park & Event, Kashim Way, Maitama, Abuja held on Saturday.

Appolus who gave a keynote address passionately stressed that the only way Nigerians can have a new breed of leaders is to retire parents into moral up bringing of their children, pointing that introducing children at their early age into leadership positions could be disastrous as he suggested that parents should allow their children to take up their desired carers first for at least 20years in their line of profession before dragging them into public/political positions.


While speaking with a cluster of journalists, just after the event, he advised parents to adequately train children in a Godly way, shouldn't expose them into luxury as it would make them lazy.


He further explained that leadership is influence, and influence is earned through self coordination, sacrifice and diligence.
"If parents do their best, I tell you all, we would have a better society", he added.


The convener, Dr.Ogah Emmanuel in his welcome address gave a concised background of what the NGO is all about. He stated that Standtall Africa Initiative is a non-profit and non-partisan organization operating on the continent of Africa in Nigeria, Senegal and Ethiopia. The international organization is an initiative that supports Africans to take their place of pride among global communities. The organization stands solidly on three legs; Quality Education, Service driven Leadership and Entrepreneurship (Value addition) respectively.



Ogah, speaking on current programs disclosed that the organisation is running a ten year nationwide effective reading campaign which is aimed at reviving the comatose reading culture of Africans and Nigerians in particular.


According to him, the nationwide effective reading campaign which has Prof Zaynab Alkali, a seasoned professor of English and a prolific writer of note, as the matron has not just succeeded excellently in the past two years but has also transformed the reading habits of many students and stakeholders for better. "As we all know, reading could be very exhausting but in the case of Nigeria, it is a herculean task and very boring which is why we have specially designed about 12 different projects to drive the reading campaign. These projects range from offering students at all levels study scholarships, providing research grants for lecturers of tertiary institutions, upgrading school libraries by providing schools with modern textbooks, e-libraries and other relevant reading materials, etc.
As at today, our research teams are on ground in three states of the federation (Benue, Adamawa, and Kogi) where we have signed a memorandum of understanding with the states government through their ministries of education to ascertain the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the quality education in these states. We have further set aside through our donors a sum of One Hundred and Fifty Two Million Naira (N152, 000,000.00) only for each of the states to procure educational palliatives such as textbooks, uniforms, writing materials, etc for each of the local government areas of these states at the end of the research exercise.



Standtall Africa Initiative in a bid to improve on the quality of educational research across Africa and also encourage avid reading has equally established four different research centres in early February 2020. These centres shall be officially unveiled today and also named after some prominent Nigerians who will also serve as the pioneer patrons of the Centres.
I would have loved to take you through each of these laudable projects by the organization over the last two years but for want of time. Below is a summary of what we have achieved in our educational, leadership and entrepreneurship programmes in the last two years and we hope to expand these projects come 2021 to benefit more Africans and Nigerians in particular".


Talking on achievements, he said, distribution of over 8 million textbooks and other relevant reading materials distributed to schools and institutions in Nigeria, Chad, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso and through our ongoing 10years effective reading campaign, over 6,000 Lecturers across African Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges have been empowered and positively affected via different educational projects, research grants, etc, over 4,000 students and undergraduates on study scholarships at different levels of study through our various scholarship projects under the nationwide effective reading campaign, over 15,000 teachers of primary and secondary schools equipped and empowered nationwide, over 10,000 young entrepreneurs trained and financially empowered through our entrepreneurship development and empowerment projects, over 12,000 top management leaders, managers, CEOs, directors, supervisors, etc trained and well equipped through the STAi leadership institute for better delivery and performance have all been achieved.


Speaking on the major awardees of the 2020 award, he stated that

His Excellency, Dr. Samuel OrtomDefender of the Benue valley), The Executive Governor of Benue State who as the chief executive of the state has assembled the best team ever in his cabinet and together they have transformed the Agricultural, Security and Educational landscapes of the State among other sectors of the state. Schools are being renovated and equipped on daily basis with quality educational facilities and manpower, farmers are being empowered financially and with other agricultural facilities, security is at its best in the state among others. A clear testimony that an astute leader is in charge. A disciplinarian to the core with gut instinct for what is right. It is interesting to know that one of the hall marks of true leadership is the ability and readiness to stand alone and to stand very strong when ideals and laws that do not genuinely represent the interest of the people are being sponsored and promoted. Governor Samuel Ortom has severally tested the murky waters of standing alone and standing strong in defense of the Benue people that he represents. He is man of many parts; an industrialist with uncommon expertise in business, a diplomat who has won the confidence of his people, a scholar with a Ph.D from the prestigious university of Jos and a seasoned politician and elder statesman who rose through the ranks to his present position as governor of Benue State. Less wonder the decision to name the Centre for Advanced and Professional Leadership Studies in his honor which shall henceforth be named and called Samuel Ortom Centre for Advanced and Profession Leadership Studies.


Prof. Ibrahim Katampe: a Nigerian born research scientist, innovator and entrepreneur with several years of research and product developments experiences in both academic and the private sectors. Ibrahim Katampe is a professor of Chemistry and currently the Assistant Director for Innovation & Technology Incubation in the College of engineering, science, technology &Agriculture (CESTA), Central State University. A man of many parts, a die-hard entrepreneur with a touch of excellence in all his works. He has overcome every obstacles and stigmatization that comes with skin color as one crosses over to the West and have coined a niche for himself among the whites. There is no better person to have our centre for the study of African Heritage and Values named after but him. He epitomizes the true African son. The centre shall henceforth be named and called Ibrahim Katampe centre for the Study of African Heritage and Values.



HRH. King Amb. Dr. Appolus Chu (Egbere Emere Okoriand Oneh Eh Nchia X, Eleme Kingdom): He is the paramount ruler of eleme Kingdom. A royal father with a difference. From the tender age of 19, he learnt that being independent and standing on your own is critical for effective leadership so he ventured into business after his college. With several businesses across Nigeria, Dr. Appolus Chu has used his position as a royal father and his God given resources to see to the welfare of his people and humanity generally. The Appolus Chu foundation has sponsored countless Nigerians to schools at all levels both in Nigeria and abroad. A Captain of Industry, Philanthropist, humanitarian, advocate of peace and author with many interesting and thought provoking books and publications to his credit. He was recently appointed by the National Councils of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCRN) as the chairman of the Committee to interface with the national Assembly for the reinstatement of the role of traditional rulers in the amendment of the 1999 constitution.
The centre for the Development of African Traditional Leadership and Institutions shall henceforth be named and called Appolus Chu Centre for the Development of African Traditional Leadership and Institutions.


Sheik Dr. Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe; National Secretary JIBWIS-Nigeria: Born in Kuri Village under the present day Yemeltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State to the family of the late devout Islamic Scholar Mallam Haruna, Kabir Gombe attended the Kuri Primary school then proceeded to the Comprehensive Day Secondary School Gombe for his junior secondary school after which he immediately moved to Government Science Secondary School for his Senior Secondary education. Sheik Kabir Gombe later proceeded to the College of Legal and Islamic Studies where he obtained a diploma in Sharia and Civil Law. He later obtained other certificates from the prestigious Bayero University Kano. An Islamic scholar per excellent whose influence and leadership influence is known, felt and recognized globally. He is the Secretary General of the Largest and most peaceful Islamic organization in the continent of Africa- the Jama’atuIzalati lBid’a Wa’iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS-Nigeria. Secretary General of the conference of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jama’a in Africa-COAN, he is currently serving in different committees nationally and internally where he is chairing some and an active member in others. A man of depth and experience who has travelled the length and breadth of the globe with the message of peace, service to humanity and dedication to God. A recipient of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sarduana Platinum Leadership award as Peace Ambassador among many other local and international awards. He is a man whose name is synonymous to peace with a personality that can hardly be ignored. The organization is honoring him today by naming one of the research institutes in his honor and as the pioneer patron of the centre; Kabiru Gombe Centre for Religious Diversity, Ethics & Peace Studies.



Dignitaries who attended the event amidst which are, Sen. Maj. General Mohammed Magoro (Rtd), Galadiman Zuru, Kano state governor, His Excellency Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Sheik Muhammad Kabiru Gombe, and several Nationals.

Troops Of Op. Accord Arrests Illegal Miners, Neutralizes Several Bandits, Recover Arms And Ammunition In North West Zone


By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria



Troops of Operation ACCORD have intensified the onslaught against criminal elements in the North West zone with significant successes. The gallant troops on 21 November 2020 while on covert operation at Galadi village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State made contact with bandits. During the operation, 2 bandits were neutralised while 2 AK 47 rifles were recovered.



The Coordinator Defence Media Operations Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, on the 23 November 2020 disclosed that the gallant troops during clearance operation at Sabon Tunga and Tamuske villages neutralised several armed bandits and rescued 3 kidnapped victims. The gallant troops supported by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships bombarded bandit's enclaves at Dutsen Emai in Zamfara State.




In another development, still on same 21 November 2020, troops while on routine patrol at Gobirawa village made contact with armed bandits. During the encounter, 6 armed bandits were neutralised while 4 AK 47 rifles, 3 Dane guns and 2 motorcycles were recovered.

According to Enenche, following credible intelligence on activities of illegal miners at Kadauri general area in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops swiftly mobilized to the scene and apprehended 11 suspected illegal miners. The suspects have been handed over to the appropriate prosecuting authority for further action.


Additionally, troops of Forward Operating Base Kwatarkwashi arrested one Shafiu Suleman, a wanted bandit's informant at Kwatarkwashi Market. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was the mastermind of recent kidnapping of some Locals within Kwatarkwashi district of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

He also stated that Furthermore, distress call on presence of suspected bandits at Gidan Ruwa along Rukudawa axis of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on 22 November 2020, troops swiftly responded and pursued the bandits as they fled on sighting the approaching troops. However, one bandit was neutralised, while one AK 47 rifle and one magazine loaded with 29 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered. Equally, 2 bandits were arrested in the process.

In a similar development, following credible intelligence reports, troops on 22 November 2020, arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The suspect who has been on the wanted list is presently in custody for further action.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have reaffirmed there commitment not to relent until all enemies of the Nation are neutralised and normalcy is restored to all troubled zones.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria


No fewer than 67 bandits, armed with very high calibre weapons, including Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns, have been neutralised and several others injured in air interdiction missions executed by the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State. In the same vein, about 15 armed bandits were eliminated in air strikes conducted by the Air Component at Ajjah Forest in Zamfara State. Both air strikes were carried out yesterday, 23 November 2020, sequel to credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports as well as aerial surveillance missions that led to the identification of the 2 forest hideouts, which housed scores of the armed bandits along with hundreds of rustled cattle.



The Coordinator Defence Media Operations Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, yesterday 24 November 2020, in a press release made available to Africa Security Investigation online newspaper disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships dispatched by the Air Component to attack the 2 locations took turns in engaging the target areas, scoring accurate hits on the caves, which are used by the armed bandits to shield themselves from air strikes.

The Military High Command commended the troops and other security agencies operating in the North West zone for their professionalism and urges them to remain resolute in order to eradicate all armed bandits, urging members of the public within the affected areas to promptly report any persons with suspicious injuries to the nearest security or law enforcement agency post.

OPLD: ATF Knocks Out ISWAP Logistics Base, Neutralizes Several Fighters At Tumbun Rego In Borno State



By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria

The Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has knocked out an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics base and neutralized several of their fighters in air strikes conducted at Tumbun Rego on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.


The Coordinator Defence Media Operations Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche told our correspondent today
24 November 2020 that the mission was executed on 22 November 2020 on the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating that the location, with its makeshift structures camouflaged under dense vegetation, was being used by the terrorists as a hub for logistics items conveyed via the lake and its tributaries for onward transportation using trucks/ motorcycles.




According to Enenche, the Air Task Force dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location. Overhead the target area, significant number ISWAP elements were observed. He disclosed that they were engaged in successive passes by the NAF attack aircraft resulting in the destruction of the terrorists’ structures as well as the neutralization of several of their fighters.



The Military High Command commended the Air Task Force for their professionalism and urged them to remain resolute in the conduct of operations in order to rid the Country of all terrorists elements.

Standtall Africa Initiative discloses massive achievements in education within Africa at the 2020 STAi Hall of Fame Leadership Award held on Saturday 21 November, 2020 at the A-Class Park & Event, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Maitama, Abuja-Nigeria.





The Kano state Governor Umar Ganduje, speaking at the leadership and excellence award event organised by Standtall Africa initiative(STAi), in honour of some prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves and contributed to improve the standard of education in the country, highlighted the importance of imbibing reading culture and stressed the need for scholars to impact positive knowledge in young ones to enhance a better society.

The governor commended the STAi for all they have been doing, he also commended and appreciated Sheikh Kabiru Gombe for his contribution in preaching peace, he then urged other scholars and religious leader to do same.

The country representative of Standtall Africa Initiative (STAi) Dr Emmanuel Ogah calls for improved education and reading culture in the country, stressing that a country can hardly experience true development when the citizens hardly read and when its standard of education is poor.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the leadership and excellence award organized by STAi, Dr Ogah said he has been advocating for improvement of reading culture in the country; knowledge resides in the books, there is need for people to acquire and read books in order to get indepth knowledge in their chosen field of endeavours.

Dr Ogah stated, in its effort to improve reading culture and education "The Standtall Africa Initiative has distributed over 8 million textbooks and other relevant reading materials to schools and institutions in Nigeria, Chad, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Through STAi, the ongoing 10years effective reading campaign has given support to over 6,000 Lecturers across African Universities. Polytechnics and Colleges have been empowered and positively affected via different educational projects, research grants, etc.

Dr Ogah further emphasized that, over 4,000 students and undergraduates are on study scholarships at different levels of study through STAi's various scholarship projects under the nationwide effective reading campaign with over 15,000 teachers of primary and secondary schools equipped and empowered nationwide. In addition, over 10,000 young entrepreneurs are trained and financially empowered through STAi's entrepreneurship development and empowerment projects. Also, over 12,000 top management leaders, managers, CEOs, directors, supervisors, etc are trained and well equipped through the STAi leadership institute for better delivery and performance.

On the recent FG/ASUU saga, Dr Ogar said, "in negotiation there must be shifting of grounds, when the parties remain static, it means there is no negotiation at all. He appealed to ASUU to find a way of moving since FG has moved by making an improved offer but we must say this to balance the equation. He stressed over the time that ASUU has trusted and believed the government but they have failed, i think anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. The strike has lingered for long now, and if they must call off the strike, it must be on the ground of certainties, it has to go beyond promises, signing of memorandum of understanding now, they must see the body language of the government as ready to implement anything they are promising at this point in time.

A paramount ruler of Eleme kingdom in Rivers State who was one of the honoree, Dr. Appolus Chu commended Standtall Africa initiative (STAi) for contributing their quota towards nation's building. However, he called on the political leaders to invest in the young people as they are assets to the nation.

He charged the youths, leaders and political office holders to imbibe the culture of reading, stressing the need and importance of attending seminars, trainings and workshops which are catalysts that will improve and sharpen their skills.

The event witnessed several prominent dignitaries in attendance notably among them are; Kano state Governor Umar Ganduje, HRH Dr Appolus Chu, Senator Barau Jibrin, Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, Benue state commissioner of education Professor Dennis Ityavyar who represented the governor, Hon. Baba Acka, provost college of education Katsina Ala Mr Isav-wua Gborigo, President of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sen. Maj. Gen. Mohammed Magoro (Rtd), Professor Bello Bada amongst others.

Nigeria will be a destination choice of export for Niger Republic’s goods, says Amaechi

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria


The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, on the Kano –Maradi, Niger Republic railline, has said that the positives far outweigh the negatives as apart from the rail corridor creating employment, the project on completion would make Nigeria a destination choice of export for Niger Republic’s goods being that the country is a landlocked nation.


The Minister who made this known yesterday in Lagos on the monthly inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan rail project in the company of members of the Joint House Committee on Land and Marine Transport (Ports and Harbour, Inland waterways and Marine Safety and Education), observed that a direct linkage from Maradi through Kano to Lagos will facilitate trade as well as attract more businesses to Nigeria.



The Hon. Minister who also apologised to Nigerians over the recent failures of locomotives on the Abuja – Kaduna rail corridor stated that it is worrisome that brand new locomotives should start developing problems within a short span of usage, stressing further that he will dialogue with the Chinese company towards having them recall the locomotives as he believes what they ordered for does not tally with recent incidences.




He added that the locomotives are under warranty and "we have called the Chinese to come back for the locomotives that are bad or have failed."

While expressing displeasure over the poor performances of the locomotives, Amaechi assured Nigerians that engineers were on top of the situations to forestall future occurrances.



Furthermore, he charged Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to speedy up action as the stations must start operations in December and must be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021.



Reacting to questions on the coastal railline, Amaechi said that project has been approved by the Federal Executive Council but paucity of funds is delaying its take-off.
On completion of the Apapa axis of the rail line, the Minister said NNPC pipes at Ijora is constituting a problem. "We are talking with NNPC; they need to move the pipelines. When they move the pipelines, we will continue with the construction. We reported this case four months ago to the NNPC and they have not responded".

The Senate Committee Chairman on Land and Marine Transport, Abdulfatai Buhari, on behalf of his colleagues expressed satisfaction with the level of work done. He said the loans which the Senate gave approval is being justified based on what has been achieved and the derivatives it portends for Nigerians on completion.

Asked about his impression on the project, the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Benjamin Akabueze, stated that "until we have a functional system both for moving freight as well as passengers, we will be constraining the capacity of the economy to unlock its potential."

He further explained that monies spent on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail "are well within budget provisions and incidences of overspending is countered through the ‘Annual File Implementation Report’ submitted to the Budget Office".

Also speaking, on board the train, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, acknowledged the significant improvement on the pace of work achieved since the last inspection in October, noting that on completion, the journey from Lagos to Ibadan will be under one and half hours.

Other dignitaries on the inspection tour included: The Chairman of Board, NRC, Engr. Ibrahim Alhassan Musa, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Engr. Fidet Okhiria, among others

The Minister of Transportation, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that the ongoing construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port would commence commercial activities in 2022.

Amaechi said this while inspecting the ongoing project at Itoke, Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos State, today.

He said that he was impressed with the pace of the work so far, adding that he hopes that the contractor would keep to the terms of agreement.

“There are basically about four sea ports under PPP arrangement, the Lekki sea port, Bonny Deep sea port, Warri Deep sea port, then the Ibom Deep sea Port which the Akwa-Ibom government is handling and we believe that before 2022 it should have nearly be completed.”


He however, said that rail would be connected to the port.


Mr. Du Ruogang, the CEO of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, the concessionaire said the firm would put necessary measures in place to ensure the commencement date of 2022.

“You have my words that we will complete the construction of Terminal before 2022, I know that COVID-19 brought a lot of challenges to all of us but I have confidence in my team to achieve the target ahead.”

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria

The Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has condemned in its strongest terms the destruction rained on NPA's Headquarters, says it is legitimate to protest but illegitimate to destroy government properties during a protest.



He said that those who took advantage of the #EndSARS protest to vandalize and loot government properties should be made to face the wrath of the law.

Amaechi pointed out that it wasn't out of place to embark on a peaceful protest, but protesters should have been guided by the laws of the land during the protest.

He made the statement during an assessment tour of the NPA headquarters in Lagos, on Sunday to ascertain the level of damage caused by the protesters.

In his words, "this is completely disastrous. It is not good enough to vent your anger about police brutality in this manner. How does damaging government property connected to the police-related protest?

"Whether you like it or not this will be refurbished or rebuilt with government funds. That means the funds also belong to those who have set this place ablaze. In governance, those who commit crimes should be held liable and appropriate punishment meted out on them.

" I was a student from 1983 to 1987, and if you look at Nigeria's history, you would know that, that was a period when the Nigerian students were always out on the streets, we never burnt down anything. The rights to protest is defined in the laws of Nigeria, it doesn't include burning peoples houses or places, it doesn't include blocking major highways or minor roads. The law said you should protest by the side of the road, it didn't say you should protest and block the roads because there are other road users.

" I may not like police brutality and I didn't protest, it is legitimate to protest but it is illegitimate to take other people's rights, the rights to protest is defined in the constitution but it does not include burning people's houses and government properties.

"I still have my right to be able to drive in and out. So, if we don't punish those who caused these damages others may do it again," he said.

Speaking further, he said, decisions had already been taken for the management of the NPA to proceed to the Federal Executive Council to ask for the reconstruction of the #EndSARS affected building.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria





The Hon. Minister of Transportation, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that all equipment needed for the Deep Blue Project would be ready in March 2021.

The Minister disclosed this while inspecting the equipment purchased for the Deep Blue Project at Naval Base Ojo in Lagos State, recently.


However, it is worthy of note that the Deep Blue
Project is championed by NIMASA, which is aimed at prevention illegal activities in the Maritime domain.

Speaking further, he stated that most of the equipment needed is on ground except for Aircraft and helicopters.



The inspection and assessment visit of the equipment on ground was done by the Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi alongside the Minister of Defence, Retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi.


The equipment inspected include Antennas for Special Mission Vessel, Drones, Weapon site, CPR kit, C4i Centre, Special Mission vessels, Satellite Communication Centre amongst others.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria

Engr. Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has today, Saturday 21 November, 2020 apologised to passengers that boarded the Abuja-Kaduna train which broke down due to failed locomotive along the route.


This was made known to our correspondent via a press release made available to journalists by Mrs. Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni, Media Assistant HMT.

According to the release, Okhiria pledged NRC's commitment to ensure that no reoccurrences of such incident in the future.

However, he assured Nigerians that by Monday Nov.23, the failed locomotive would be fully operational stating that the incident didn’t affect the train operation today.

In his words, as contained in the release, “the locomotive's turbocharger failed and we apologise for that. We are working hard to avoid such occurrences in future, by Monday the train service would be operational.”

It would be recalled that on Nov.20, Abuja-Kaduna train broke down along the route which left passengers stranded.

The Minister of Transportation, Rt.Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on Friday met the Minister’s of Transportation of West/Central Africa countries over the development of the Maritime bank.

Amaechi met with other Ministers at the One-Day conference of Ministers of Transportation by the Maritime Organisation for the West and Central Africa (MOWCA) held in Lagos.

He said that the establishment of maritime bank was necessary for maritime development in the region.

According to him, Nigeria will make their financial contributions when other countries make their contributions.

He said that Nigeria already has a budgetary allocation for it this year stating that he can’t guarantee if there would be budgetary provision for it next year.

“The last meeting we had alot of countries signed, that they are coming but they are not here today.
“The position of Nigeria will change abit, the position of Nigeria now will be, we are ready to contribute our money when others are ready, we will just seat back and watch, when others bring their money, we will bring ours.
“We couldn’t have being pushing and nobody is responding the way we thought everybody should respond, we will make our contribution when others have make theirs.
“I wish we could make our contribution this year because we have budgetary allocation for it but if is next year, I can’t guarantee that we will have the budgetary provision, we will try in case you are ready next year.
“We believe that this bank is a necessary tool that we need for maritime development in our region both West and Central Africa.”

However, Master Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, the Minister of Transport and Communication from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chairman of MOWCA expressed his gratitude to the 25 member states and the Government of Nigeria.
“Indeed, the Committee of Experts of MOWCA met in Lagos from September15-16, 2020 on the project to set up the regional maritime bank of development.
“The Honorable Minister of Transport of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken upon itself the commitment to speak with its counterparts from other Member States in order to convince them to support the project by approving in particular the Charter and expect the States to express their commitment to the project.
“I would like to remind you that this maritime bank project was adopted for the very first time by the 6 session of the Bureau of Ministers held in Abidjan on the 9 August 1999. So more than 20 years ago. Many initiatives have been taken. But this time, the partners are there and ready to invest in the project.
“ I therefore recommended that these partners not being won over by doubt on the real desire of the sub-region to equip itself with an institution, great achievements in the world have always had reservations at the beginning.
“However, when people actually want to achieve a goal, they must commit accordingly, Ministers, we are at a decisive turning point in this project. I hope that the will of the sub-region is expressed overwhelmingly align that we can take a big step forward.”
Mukanzu, recalled that approval of the Charter is not the ratification stating that the step is to allow provisional bodies, based on the agreement of the Ministers responsible for transport of maritime to discuss start-up procedures and their financing.

So far, five countries has signed the treaty while four countries has shown readiness to sign which brings it to nine members.

Amb. Austin Peacemaker Dedicates Award to Nigerian Army Amidst #EndSARS, #LekkiTollGate Controversies






The ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, and Executive Director of Security Affairs Limited, Austin Peacemaker has dedicated his ‘Africa’s Change Agent Award’ to the Nigerian Army, for their enhanced civil military relations in the country, and the Nigerian Army’s resolute in the face of diverse controversies and distractions, currently ongoing in the country.



Peacemaker while receiving the award in an event put together by the African Goodwill Ambassador Awards, told the cheering crowd that his award is dedicated to the Nigerian Army.
“We thank God our country did not burn as planned by some, we wouldn’t be here tonight celebrating, probably we would have been in IDP camps or in refugee camps in neigbouring countries. But thank God! We all have a role to play in promoting peace and security in Nigeria. So my award is dedicated to the Nigerian Army, who remained resolute in the face of all manners of distractions and incitements.”



In a further chat with newsmen who were present at the event, Amb. Peacemaker reaffirmed his position, said his award is dedicated to the Nigerian Army, his organisation is in partnership with, and the enhanced civil military relations under the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai. He admonished Nigerian youths to embrace peace no matter what, that violence will never achieve the new Nigeria we all dream of.


It will be recalled that there have been accusations that the country’s Army opened fire at peaceful protesters, however the Nigerian Army top hierarchy has maintained that the Nigerian Army acted professionally and kept to the rules of engagement in the handling of the #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on October 20, 2020. Just recently CNN released a very disturbing report that there was a direct shooting at peaceful protesters, which a BBC reporter who was at the event of the alleged killings said there were no killings. Peacemaker has also maintained that there was no CNN correspondent at the scene of the Lekki shootings. He said the channel relied on self-professed photo-video-journalists who doctored videos and manipulated pictures to create gory impressions of a massacre.

“We do ourselves no good if we continue to ridicule our armed forces before the international community, there are our only defence, we have no Army than the Nigerian Army. It is Nigerian Armed Forces, and their constitutional role is to defend us against external aggressors. If we then ridicule them then we are undoing ourselves. We must not forget that some foreign elements are intimidated by our size as a country and also as the giant of Africa, and are bent on seeing us divided, so we must not play into their manipulations by attacking our only form of defence as a country.” Peacemaker told newsmen.

Austin Peacemaker is an ECOWAS Youth Council Ambassador, a member of African Union (AU) ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster committee, and multiple award winning Security Affairs Analyst and Civil-military Affairs Consultant who has led team of journalists, bloggers and social media influencers to the Northeast of Nigeria on several occasion to conduct on the spot assessment, civil military relations and interaction with frontline soldiers, promoting global peace and security, and bridging the gap between the Nigerian Military and the civilian populace. He is the Executive Director of Security Affairs Limited and the founder of Television Security (TVS News) which is the first ever 100% security content television in Africa. His organisation has been in partnership with the Nigerian Army Department of Civil Military Affairs since 2018 conducting town hall interactive sessions with social media influencers across Nigeria. He is currently running a post-graduate programme in Conflict, Security and Development at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) department of History and War Studies. He is an alumni of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and GOTNI Leadership School. He is a member of the Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management, and the Chartered Institute of Disasters and Safety Managers (CIDSM) State of Delware, USA. He has understudied the development model of Rwanda and UAE under the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI) and Dubai Tourism Institute respectively. He has undergone multiple training programmes in security reportage with the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Air Force. Amb. Austin Peacemaker is also the National President Coalition of Social Media Influencers for Peace and Stability in Nigeria (COSMIPAS) where is currently championing the campaign for global peace and security. His hobbies are reading, writing, traveling and cooking.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria



The Land and Air Components of Operation THUNDER STRIKE have neutralized several armed bandits in a joint offensive operation to clear identified bandits’ camp around Kuku area of Kagarko Local Government Area along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway axis of Kaduna State.



The Coordinator Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche in a press release made available to Africa Security Investigation online newspaper today 18 November, 2020 disclosed that the operation was executed yesterday, 17 November 2020, on the heels of credible Human Intelligence reports indicating that a cluster of huts and other structures at the location served as hideout for a notorious bandits’ leader, named “Major”, along with his fighters.



The release also stated that the first wave of the Air Component’s air strikes, which involved 6 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft undertaking 5 missions in a total of 13 sorties, commenced at dawn and targeted the cluster of huts housing “Major”. The attack aircraft hit some of the target structures and neutralized some of the bandits.



It was also stated that the second wave of attacks was executed by NAF helicopter gunships which, while continuing to engage the bandits’ location, also provided close air support to the Land Component as they advanced from Kagarko via Kuku into the bandits’ enclave. This paved way for the ground troops to overrun and destroy the camp without effective resistance from the bandits. A NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft remained airborne providing situational awareness for the troops throughout the operation.

However, the Military High Command has commended the Land and Air Components for their professionalism and urged them to remain resolute in the conduct of operations in order to eradicate all armed bandits.

Stating furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria sincerely appreciated the continued support and cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, as it keeps up the tempo of operations to defeat all enemies of the Nation.

On 16 November 2020, Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 of Nigeria in the presence of Mr. Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire, Minister of Health and  Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, State Minister of Health of Nigeria. Permanent Secretary (Secretary) of the Federal Ministry of Health, Senior Officials of the Government, among others, were present. Bangladesh High Commissioner handed over the PPE as a friendly gesture to Nigeria to mark Mujib Year. 

In his brief remarks, Bangladesh High Commissioner mentioned that Bangladesh and Nigeria enjoy friendly and cordial bilateral relations and both are fighting the pandemic which has brought the countries closer. He expressed his satisfaction for the symbolic gesture which coincided with the year-long programme to celebrate birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Mujib Year).

On his part, Mr. Boss Mustapha sincerely thanked Bangladesh High Commissioner for the friendly gesture of the Government of Bangladesh while informing that Bangladesh and Nigeria are working closely in many areas including in the field of defence. Following the surge of Covid-19, Bangladesh's gesture will help deepen the existing cordial relations between the two friendly countries-he added.

PPE was manufactured by Bangladesh’s leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited include protective gowns, shoe-cover, face masks and gloves, among others. Mr. Bidosh Chandra Barman, First Secretary accompanied the High Commissioner.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja


Geneva, 17 November 2020 – WHO‘s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, launched today, outlines three key steps: vaccination, screening and treatment. Successful implementation of all three could reduce more than 40% of new cases of the disease and 5 million related deaths by 2050.

Today’s development represents a historic milestone because it marks the first time that 194 countries commit to eliminating cancer - following adoption of a resolution at this year’s World Health Assembly. Meeting the following targets by 2030 will place all countries on the path toward elimination:

●       90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by 15 years of age
●       70% of women screened using a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45
●       90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).

The strategy also stresses that investing in the interventions to meet these targets can generate substantial economic and societal returns. An estimated US$ 3.20 will be returned to the economy for every dollar invested through 2050 and beyond, owing to increases in women’s workforce participation. The figure rises to US$ 26.00 when the benefits of women’s improved health on families, communities and societies are considered.

“Eliminating any cancer would have once seemed an impossible dream, but we now have the cost-effective, evidence-based tools to make that dream a reality,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “But we can only eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem if we match the power of the tools we have with unrelenting determination to scale up their use globally.”

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. It is also curable if detected early and adequately treated. Yet it is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Without taking additional action, the annual number of new cases of cervical cancer is expected to increase from 570 000 to 700 000 between 2018 and 2030, while the annual number of deaths is projected to rise from 311 000 to 400 000. In low- and middle-income countries, its incidence is nearly twice as high and its death rates three times as high as those in high-income countries.

“The huge burden of mortality related to cervical cancer is a consequence of decades of neglect by the global health community. However, the script can be rewritten,” says WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Princess Nothemba (Nono) Simelela. “Critical developments include the availability of prophylactic vaccines; low-cost approaches to screening and treating cervical cancer precursors; and novel approaches to surgical training. Through a shared global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no-one behind, the countries of the world are forging a new path to ending cervical cancer. “

The strategy is launched at a challenging time, however.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to preventing deaths due to cancer, including the interruption of vaccination, screening and treatment services; border closures that reduced the availability of supplies and that prevent the transit of skilled biomedical engineers to maintain equipment; new barriers preventing women in rural areas from traveling to referral centres for treatment; and school closures that interrupt school vaccine programmes. To the extent possible, however, WHO urges all countries to ensure that vaccination, screening, and treatment can continue safely, with all necessary precautions. 

“The fight against cervical cancer is also a fight for women’s rights: the unnecessary suffering caused by this preventable disease reflects the injustices that uniquely affect women’s health around the world,” says Dr. Princess Nothemba Simelela. “Together, we can make history to ensure a cervical cancer-free future.”

The launch is being celebrated with a day of action across the globe, as ministries of health, partners, and cancer advocates engage in activities to improve access to cancer prevention and treatment for girls and women. 

Around the world,  monuments are being illuminated in the cervical teal, from Niagara Falls in North America to The Dubai Frame, to city skylines across Australia.  (More information about the events in countries around the world and monument lightings will be posted here.

By Emmanuel Daudu/Abuja-Nigeria



Troops of Operation ACCORD have intensified the onslaught against criminal elements with attendant successes.




The Coordinator Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche in a press release made available to Africa Security Investigation online newspaper today 17 November, 2020 stated that following the credible intelligence on the presence of kidnappers in Garin Arawa of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on 16 November 2020. Troops immediately mobilized to the village and made contact with kidnappers. In the course of the encounter, one kidnapper was killed in contact while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the operation, include one AK47 rifle, one magazine and one motorcycle.





The release also contained that, troops deployed at Dungun Muazu received a distress call from motorists along Tashan Bawa-Kuyelo road that suspected bandits barricaded road in an attempt to rob road users. Troops swiftly responded and made contact with robbers. Troop's superior firepower forced robbers to escape into the bush. Normalcy has since been restored to the general area.



In another development, troops deployed at Jibia arrested 2 suspected kidnappers named Malam Ismail Isah and Malam Sale Samaila at Tsembe Kolumbo village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. Suspects are currently in custody for further investigation. In the same vein, one suspected bandit named Bello Ardo from Yargoje town in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State was arrested on 16 November 2020 by the gallant troops. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing investigation.

The report also disclosed that the gallant troops have continued to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols to deny bandits freedom of action.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria has assured Nigerians that it will not relent until all enemies of the Nation are neutralised and normalcy is restored to all troubled zones.