Day: January 21, 2026

Troops tighten security in Katsina as FOB Faskari records operational gains

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian military has sustained robust security operations in Katsina State, with the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faskari recording notable successes against terrorists and other criminal elements across its area of responsibility. This was disclosed by the Commander, FOB Faskari, Major Hassan D. Abubakar, during an operational briefing to Defence Correspondents from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, led by Commander Godwin Egbunu, during a visit to the base on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Major Hassan Abubakar explained that FOB Faskari operates as a composite military formation comprising elements of the Nigerian Army,…

FCT Police arraigns 11 suspects over killing of ARISE News Journalist, Security Guard

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned eleven suspects before the FCT High Court sitting in Jabi over the murder of ARISE News journalist, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami. The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in connection with the fatal robbery attack at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, which occurred on 29 September 2025. Those charged included Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (also known as “Small”), Mashkur…

Troops record major gains in Timbuktu Triangle, disrupt Terrorist networks, foil VBIED attacks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded significant operational successes in the ongoing military offensive within the Timbuktu Triangle, dealing fresh blows to terrorist networks operating in the area. According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops sustained their advance in the latest phase of operations, successfully clearing and dominating key terrorist locations around Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas. He said troops made contact with fleeing terrorist elements during the operations and engaged them decisively, resulting in the…

NITDA champions inclusion with PwD digital training

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has successfully trained a new cohort of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in essential digital skills, reinforced its commitment to a fully inclusive digital economy. In collaboration with IFA and SIMBED, the initiative ensured that all Nigerians, regardless of ability, can actively participate in and benefit from the country’s growing technology sector. Representing the Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director of Special Duties, emphasized that PwDs are not merely beneficiaries of charity but are vital contributors to Nigeria’s digital future. “When we…

Our sustained operations keep Terrorists on the run – FANSAN YANMA Theatre Commander

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YANMA, are maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist groups across the north-west, achieving significant successes and ensuring the safety of frontline communities, Major General WB Idris, Theatre Commander, has said. He maintained that sustained operations continue to disrupt terrorist networks, recover weapons, and protect civilians, underscoring the Nigerian Military’s commitment to stability in the region. Maj. Gen. Idris made the remarks on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, during a briefing for visiting Defence Correspondents from Abuja. The team of correspondents was led by…

Operation FANSAN YANMA: Theatre Commander calls on media to partner with troops in North-West security drive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YANMA, Major General WB Idris, has urged media organizations to collaborate with the military in countering false narratives and boosting public confidence in security operations across Nigeria’s north-west. Speaking during the visit of Defence Correspondents from Defence Headquarters Abuja on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, Maj. Gen. Idris emphasized the critical role of the press in national security. “False narratives are vehicles of confusion and cowardice. You are warriors on the screen and in print, just as we are warriors in the field. Help us convey…

Protest: 1,000 CSOs back local contractors, demand Uzoka-Anite’s resignation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

No fewer than 1,000 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have formed a coalition in support of the ongoing protest by indigenous contractors against the Federal Government over unpaid debts, calling for the resignation of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite. The coalition made the demand in a joint statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, accusing the minister of failing to implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the immediate settlement of outstanding debts owed to local contractors. The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Wisdom Abah of the…

Troops sustain momentum against terrorists as suicide bomber hits military convoy in Borno

Emporium Reporters

Troops conducting sustained counter-terrorism operations in Borno State have maintained operational momentum against insurgent elements, despite a suicide attack on a military convoy in the Timbuktu Triangle axis of the state. Military sources confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that led to the dislodgement of several terrorist hideouts and the neutralisation consider­able insurgent elements within the area. During the movement, a vehicle laden with explosives was driven into the convoy by a suicide bomber, resulted in the loss of five…

Kaduna Church Abductions: Names of 177 victims surface as security agencies launch rescue operations

Emporium Reporters

The identities of 177 worshippers abducted during coordinated attacks on churches in Kaduna State have been revealed, heightening concern over the worsening security situation in rural communities. The abductions occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, during morning services. The affected churches include ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Churches 1 and 2), from where scores of worshippers were forcefully taken to an unknown destination. Residents reported that more than 100 people were kidnapped in the attacks, which came…

WCO, World Bank strengthen Nigeria Customs’ post-clearance audit capacity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Bank Group (WBG), has commenced the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme to strengthen trade facilitation, enhance compliance, and deepen customs modernisation in Nigeria. The programme, which began on Monday, 19 January 2026, is focused on reviewing agreed reform objectives and confirming strategic approaches for implementing key initiatives, particularly in the area of Post-Clearance Audit (PCA). It also provided an opportunity to assess progress made so far while identifying practical measures to improve efficiency, transparency,…