Month: January 2026

DHQ debunks viral video alleging neglect of wounded soldiers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video by Lucky Udu Studio alleged neglect and poor welfare of Nigerian military personnel wounded in action, describing the assertions as misleading and unfounded. In a statement issued on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ said the video falsely suggested institutional indifference to injured soldiers, noted that such claims do not reflect the realities within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). According to the statement, the welfare…

Marwa turns Cannabis farms into food baskets as NDLEA launches alternative development project in Ondo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the newly introduced Alternative Development Project is designed to transform illicit cannabis farms into productive food and cash crop plantations, while ending decades of conflict between law enforcement agencies and drug cultivators. Marwa made this known on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at a town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, during the official launch of the Alternative Development Pilot Project in Nigeria. The event brought together national stakeholders,…

NIPRD, Stanford SPARK to host 2026 Africa Translational Research Conference in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), in partnership with the Stanford University–based SPARK Global Programme, will host the 2026 Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja from February 2 to 7, 2026. The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to transform scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions, while enhancing the country’s position in global and continental research networks. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with Stanford SPARK, highlights the growing importance of translational research…

FG reaffirms support for Customs reforms as NCS generates over N7.2trn in 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as the Service recorded a historic revenue performance of over N7.2 trillion in 2025, surpassing its annual target of N6.584 trillion. The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this known on Monday, 26 January 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja, during the celebration of the 2026 International Customs Day. She described the NCS as a critical institution at the intersection of revenue mobilisation, national security and trade facilitation. Uzoka-Anite commended…

2026 International Customs Day: IGP emphasizes inter-agency cooperation for national security, trade efficiency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has highlighted the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in enhancing national security and promoting trade efficiency during the 2026 International Customs Day celebration in Abuja. Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7, AIG Victor Olaiya, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working alongside other regulatory agencies to ensure a secure and efficient environment for lawful trade and national development. The event, held at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, brought together stakeholders from government ministries, security agencies, the private…

NITDA, NBC strengthen partnership on digital transformation, regulatory frameworks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has received his counterpart at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu, to explore strategic collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation and regulatory frameworks. The meeting focused on deepening inter-agency cooperation to promote local media empowerment, enhance knowledge transfer, preserve cultural values, and establish efficient, forward-looking regulations in the country’s fast-evolving digital and technology landscape. Speaking during the engagement, Inuwa emphasised that digital transformation is a continuous and evolving process rather than a one-time project.…

Nigeria congratulates India on 77th Republic Day, reaffirms bilateral ties

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of India on the occasion of the country’s 77th Republic Day anniversary, described the celebration as a symbol of India’s enduring commitment to democracy and good governance. In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, and issued on Monday in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, congratulated India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on the historic milestone. Ambassador Tuggar noted that India’s Republic Day mark the…

Inside Operation FANSAN YANMA: How Nigeria’s Troops Are Restoring Peace in the North-West By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

At FOB Faskari in Katsina State, the rumble of military vehicles mixes with the laughter of children now safely returning to school. This is one of the frontline bases of Operation FANSAN YANMA, the Nigerian Armed Forces’ campaign to restore security across the North-West. Recently, a team of Defence Correspondents from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, led by Commander Godwin Egbunu, visited FOB Faskari and other key formations to witness firsthand how troops are reclaiming communities from insurgents and armed bandits. FOB Faskari: Securing Communities, One Operation at a Time Major Hassan…

CDS reaffirms AFN’s commitment to human security as Gender Advisers training kicks off in Abuja

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to a people-centric, ethically grounded, and professionally accountable military. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course, held on Monday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Asokoro, Abuja. Represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa, General Oluyede commended the British Defence staff for their continuous support in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the AFN, particularly in civil-military…

Defence Headquarters confirms disciplinary action against sixteen officers after indiscipline probe

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that sixteen Nigerian military officers under investigation for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations will face formal disciplinary action. The officers were initially arrested in October 2025, following concerns over violations of military ethics and professional standards. In a statement released today, Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded a comprehensive investigation into the matter. “The Defence Headquarters, in line with established procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the…