Day: January 11, 2026

Troops sustain offensive operations, neutralise terrorists, record surrenders in Borno

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained intense offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno State, recording significant successes through clearance operations, fighting patrols and blocking actions. The renewed offensives have resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, destruction of enclaves and the surrender of several fighters. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, sustained pressure under Operation DESERT SANITY V along the Azir–Wajiroko axis on 10 January…

Why Don’t Nigerians Openly Pray Against Corrupt Judges and Politicians? By Frank Tietie

Emporium Reporters

I have just finished reading Prof. Chidi Odinkalu’s latest article in his continuing quest to sanitise a Nigerian judiciary that is generally perceived by the public to be corrupt and offers justice for sale. I was particularly fascinated by the title of the piece, “Mr Justice Steppin’ Razor,” being an allusion that instantly calls to mind the unusual refrain, “I am dangerous, said I am dangerous,” from Stepping Razor, the classic hit by Peter Tosh.   According to the learned Professor, the two justices, Flora Azinge and Polycarp Nwite, who…

AFCRD 2026: 4 Brigade honours fallen heroes with interdenominational church service in Benin

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security formations and veterans’ groups, on Saturday held an Interdenominational Church Service in Benin City as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026. The solemn service, held on 11 January 2026, brought together personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), the 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base, the Military Hospital, and members of the Nigerian Legion, Edo State Chapter. The event was…

Army debunks report on COAS raising alarm over pipeline vandalism in Port Harcourt

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Army has refuted claims that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, raised alarm over alleged rising cases of pipeline vandalism during his recent operational visit to the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. In a statement issued on 11 January 2025 by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the report credited to Sahara Reporters and titled “Nigerian Army Chief Raises Alarm over Rising Pipeline Vandalism in Niger Delta” as misleading, malicious and a…

AFCRD 2026: Army Chief, Service Chiefs attend interdenominational church service in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday joined the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, other Service Chiefs and well-meaning Nigerians at an Interdenominational Church Service held in Abuja as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026. The solemn service, which focused on thanksgiving, prayers and reflection, was organised in honour of fallen Nigerian military personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and unity, while also seeking divine guidance and protection for…

Super Eagles’ win boosts Nigeria’s Cultural Diplomacy, says Foreign Affairs Ministry

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the Super Eagles’ victory over Algeria as a major boost to Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and soft power outreach, noting that the achievement has lifted national morale and reinforced Nigeria’s international image. In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry said football remained a vital pillar of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and a key Presidential Ministerial Deliverable under the current foreign policy framework. It noted that the sport provides a powerful platform for projecting Nigeria’s core…

AFCON 2025: Akpabio congratulates Super Eagles on semi-final berth, tasks Team to win Trophy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, on their qualification for the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Morocco. Akpabio gave the commendation in a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, following the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory over Algeria in their quarter-final encounter played in Marrakech. Describing the team as the pride of the nation, the Senate President said the semi-final qualification…

Straight from the Heart by Frank Tietie

Emporium Reporters

Look around you. There is suffering. There is hunger. There is oppression. Our human potential is being wasted, insecurity deepens by the day, and the space for freedom and the simple enjoyment of life continues to shrink. Rich or poor, powerful or powerless, no Nigerian is insulated from the consequences of our wrong approach to nationhood.   As I write this, I am brutally reminded of my mortality and to number my days because the times are evil, as I am unable to freely move one of my arms and…

FCT Police arrests Three ‘One-Chance’ robbery suspects over murder of Abuja lawyer

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate over the murder of a legal practitioner, Barrister Princess Chigbo Nwamaka Mediatrix, in Abuja. The suspects were apprehended following directives by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, to ensure that all those connected to the killing and similar violent crimes in the territory are identified and brought to justice. Police operatives attached to the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, tracked the victim’s mobile phone…

“From Nobody to Somebody”: Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu Explains How God Gave Israel a Reputable Name

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   A Compelling Sermon at , Wuse District Headquarters, Sunday, January 11, 2026, witnessed a spiritually charged worship experience at the Wuse District Headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Abuja, as congregants gathered for a service marked by deep teaching, prophetic insight, fervent prayers, and Holy Communion.   The service opened with a vibrant, spirit-lifting worship session led by the church choir. Their ministration ushered the congregation into an atmosphere of reverence and expectancy, preparing hearts for an intense engagement with the Word of God.  …