Author: Gabby

The Nigerian military achieved significant victories in April, eliminating 201 terrorists and liberating 188 kidnapped individuals during coordinated security campaigns across the nation. Defence Headquarters spokesman Major General Michael Onoja announced these results on Thursday in Abuja, detailing the ongoing efforts against insurgency and criminal activities.

Under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, troops killed 136 insurgents, apprehended 114 suspects, and rescued 18 hostages. Additionally, nine terrorists surrendered to forces. In the North-West’s Operation Fansan Yamma, security forces accounted for 20 militant deaths, arrested 32 individuals, and freed 70 abducted civilians across various states.

The South-South region saw Operation Delta Safe dismantle illegal oil refining sites, leading to the seizure of over 101,000 litres of petroleum products and multiple arrests. Overall, 284 suspects, including logistics suppliers and collaborators, were taken into custody.

Major General Onoja emphasized the military’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability, noting that the operations reflect sustained pressure on criminal networks. Enclaves have been destroyed, and several insurgents have surrendered, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated strategies.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its resolve to continue dismantling terrorist organizations and syndicates, ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. These achievements underscore the Armed Forces’ dedication to restoring normalcy in troubled regions.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has voiced strong support for the ongoing security collaboration with the United States, describing American intelligence assistance as a crucial component in tackling Nigeria’s security threats. This endorsement was delivered by Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Onoja emphasized that the partnership is limited to intelligence sharing and does not involve any foreign troop deployment on Nigerian soil. He assured that the arrangement has been yielding positive outcomes in both counterterrorism and internal security missions. The DHQ remains satisfied with the current framework of cooperation, which has significantly bolstered the military’s operational effectiveness.

Addressing concerns about safety in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Onoja declared that Abuja is not a haven for criminal elements. He warned that any criminal attempting to operate in the capital would face severe consequences. Security agencies have implemented robust measures to ensure the city remains secure, and residents are encouraged to continue their daily routines without apprehension.

In response to a reported incident where a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member was killed during a military operation against bandits in Abuja, the DHQ announced that a comprehensive investigation has been launched. The findings will be disclosed to the public once completed. Onoja also urged the media to maintain responsible and factual reporting that aligns with national security objectives and helps counter terrorist propaganda.

The Nigerian presidency has responded sharply to remarks made by Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), regarding the current administration’s foreign loan policies. Obi had earlier criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for its borrowing practices, likening them to diseases such as leprosy and cancer.

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, dismissed Obi’s analogy, asserting that borrowing is a standard practice for sovereign nations and not a plague. Onanuga emphasized that the government’s loans are channeled toward critical infrastructure projects rather than recurrent expenditure.

Obi had taken to social media to voice his concerns, stating that borrowing becomes problematic when it funds personal interests instead of job creation and economic growth. He argued that this is precisely what is occurring in Nigeria under the current leadership.

Onanuga countered by questioning Obi’s understanding of national finance, noting that every country borrows to meet developmental needs. He pointed out that the availability of lenders willing to provide funds reflects Nigeria’s creditworthiness and ability to repay its debts.

Furthermore, Onanuga urged the former Anambra State governor to adopt a more analytical and less emotional approach to political discourse. He suggested that sensationalism and street protests are not effective substitutes for reasoned debate on the nation’s challenges.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures over economic management and fiscal policy in Nigeria.

On Thursday evening, Kautikari, a village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, came under attack by individuals believed to be members of Boko Haram and ISWAP. Witnesses reported that the assailants fired weapons indiscriminately and set structures on fire, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes for refuge.

Local sources confirmed that this is not the first incident targeting the Christian-majority settlement. In a prior attack on March 30, 2026, the community suffered the loss of a hunter commander, Mallam Bumto, who had returned from Lagos just a day earlier. Additionally, Johanna Peter, whose wedding was planned for March 31, 2026, at Kautikari Church, was killed along with several others. That earlier assault also resulted in widespread displacement and the looting of food and livestock, with residents only recently returning.

A security official from Kautikari, currently based in Maiduguri, confirmed the latest assault, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter. He stated that a distress call was received around 6:50 p.m., but no casualty figures were immediately available as chaos unfolded and people fled for safety.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Mr. Rilwan Lanre Babalola as the Special Adviser on Power, while also designating him as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for Power Sector Reset and Restoration. The announcement came through a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Babalola, who previously served as a Minister of Power, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the electricity sector’s structural and operational hurdles. His background is expected to be instrumental in driving the sector’s transformation.

As part of broader energy governance reforms, the presidency has also redesignated the Office of the Special Adviser (Energy) to Special Adviser (Oil & Gas). This change is intended to eliminate role overlaps and ensure clearer accountability within the energy framework.

The newly formed task force will operate under a direct presidential mandate, functioning as a delivery-focused entity aimed at restoring discipline, efficiency, and commercial viability across the power sector. It will also work to coordinate efforts among various government ministries, departments, and agencies, as stated in the official release.

Among its key responsibilities, the task force is tasked with executing a comprehensive system overhaul of the electricity sector. This includes implementing a “Performance Before Expansion” strategy, reducing technical, commercial, and collection losses, and reinforcing cost discipline and tariff integrity. Additionally, the team is expected to enhance revenue assurance and sector liquidity, restore grid discipline and market integrity, promote productive power usage in critical sectors, develop electricity growth zones, reduce fiscal burdens, and deliver a 90-day implementation plan.

President Tinubu has expressed confidence in Babalola’s ability to bring urgency, discipline, and a strong execution focus to the assignment, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda to achieve measurable improvements in power supply and overall sector performance.

The Nigerian government has greenlit three major railway initiatives valued at approximately $2.99 billion, aiming to bolster infrastructure and stimulate economic activity in key urban areas. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele made the announcement after a Federal Executive Council meeting led by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

These projects—the first phase of the Lagos Green Line rail, the Kano Metro City rail, and the Kaduna light rail—are designed to improve urban mobility, increase productivity, and enhance living standards, according to Oyedele. He emphasized that robust infrastructure is essential for economic progress and quality of life.

The chosen cities—Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna—were selected for their strategic importance as economic hubs where investments can yield maximum impact. Oyedele noted that a focused effort in these locations could achieve substantial results, comparing it to a scenario where ten percent effort yields ninety percent returns.

Funding for the projects will be managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated on behalf of the federal government, with contributions from counterpart funds. Oyedele, who recently succeeded Wale Edun, confirmed that the combined cost is estimated at $2.99 billion.

This approval highlights the administration’s commitment to prioritizing infrastructure development as a cornerstone of inclusive growth and sustainable urban transport systems.

The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the airlift of its pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will commence on May 7. This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, through a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal. The commissioner also revealed the formation of an ad-hoc committee tasked with managing all aspects of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The committee, led by Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, was officially inaugurated at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. Layode noted that about 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos will be transported in multiple phases, starting with an initial group of 345 on the first flight.

Flight Schedule and Baggage Allowance

The commissioner detailed the flight timeline: the second flight is set for Friday, May 8; the third on Sunday, May 10; the fourth on Tuesday, May 12; and the final flight on Wednesday, May 13. These dates adhere to the schedule provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Additionally, Layode announced that Flynas, the airline designated by NAHCON, has increased the baggage allowance. Each pilgrim can now check in two bags weighing 23kg each, bringing the total checked allowance to 46kg, while hand luggage remains limited to 8kg.

Committee Mandate and Composition

Addressing the committee members, Layode emphasized that their selection was based on competence and dedication. They are expected to ensure smooth planning and execution of all Hajj activities, covering logistics coordination, pilgrim welfare, accommodation, medical support, and other arising responsibilities. The appointments took immediate effect and will last throughout the 2026 Hajj operations.

Jebe expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the commissioner for the trust placed in the committee. He pledged full commitment to a successful Hajj exercise and appealed for continued ministry support. He also announced the sub-committees and their chairpersons: Musliudeen Maiyegun (Accommodation), Ajisegiri Ismail Ajibade (Welfare), Waheed Lolade Shonibare (Manifest, Visa, and Media), Alhaji Shakiru Gafar (Madinah/Muna and Arafat), Prof. Kabir Paramole (Dawah/Enlightenment), Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Transport), and Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Luggage and Weighing).

Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has strongly criticized the Nigerian government for what he describes as religious favoritism following the launch of a massive ecumenical chapel at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, valued at N25 billion.

In a post on X late Wednesday, Shehu reacted to news that the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria had officially begun building the worship facility. He pointed out that the project was inaugurated on April 26, 2026, by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, along with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, among other high-ranking officials and Christian leaders.

Shehu cited Akume’s description of the project as a “confluence of faith and progress” meant to address travelers’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. He also referenced Okoh’s remark that passengers require a space to regain calm before boarding their flights.

The commentator argued that the heavy presence of government officials at the flag-off signals full presidential backing. “For this project to be flagged off by the SGF and the Aviation Minister means the President is fully aware and has given his consent,” Shehu stated, adding that land allocation for the chapel likely involved key government figures.

He then raised pointed questions about religious equity: “When will Muslim travelers be given equally prominent and visible land space to build a mosque at the airport?” Shehu also asked whether the government would provide the same level of financial support to Muslims as it did to CAN, and whether Muslim ministers would be deployed for a similar groundbreaking ceremony.

Shehu warned that without equal treatment, the project risks being perceived as partial. He likened the situation to an unbalanced equation: “This N25 billion project is an equation with two variables—one known, one unknown. For the picture to become clear, the equation must be balanced, otherwise it remains the case of a mother in charge of the kitchen feeding her children first and starving the others out of hate.”

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to issue a disclaimer disassociating himself from the project to maintain neutrality in the eyes of Muslim faithful.