Defence/Security

Defence/Security

Troops’ vigilance responsible for successful yuletide, says Army Commander

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A Nigerian Army commander credits the successful 2025 holiday security in Imo State to the sustained vigilance of his troops. The military’s West African Social Activities (WASA) event is highlighted as a strategic tool for fostering civil-military relations and allowing soldiers to unwind while maintaining operational readiness. This underscores a dual military philosophy: achieving security through constant alertness and building public trust through cultural engagement and community interaction. The event and the commander’s remarks collectively frame military effectiveness as dependent on both tactical discipline and

Defence/Security

1 Div. Nigerian Army operations recorded major security gains in 2025 – GOC

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The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division reports significant security improvements in its region for 2025, crediting the success of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMMA for reducing kidnappings, cattle rustling, and criminal networks. These gains were highlighted during the annual West African Social Activities (WASA), which serves to strengthen community bonds and honor fallen soldiers. The division’s leadership emphasizes that effective training and inter-agency coordination were critical to overcoming operational challenges. Looking ahead, the command is preparing

Defence/Security

2 killed in cult clash in Benue – Police

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A violent clash between rival cult factions in Benue State, Nigeria, resulted in two fatalities, prompting an immediate police response that led to one arrest and an ongoing investigation. In a separate, intelligence-led operation, police disrupted a cult meeting, arresting three key suspects and seizing an illegal firearm. These incidents underscore a persistent and organized cult problem in the region, compelling law enforcement to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven tactics. The police command has strongly condemned the violence, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling these

Defence/Security

NYCN seeks criminalisation of ransom payments to end kidnappings in Nigeria

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The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria asserts that ransom payments are the “oxygen of banditry,” directly fueling the kidnapping industry by financing weapons, logistics, and recruitment. They demand the urgent and strict enforcement of laws criminalizing such payments to break the cycle, arguing that private negotiations create a larger public catastrophe. The council advocates for replacing financial dealings with intelligence-led, technology-driven rescue operations. Their core conclusion is that only by eliminating the profitability of kidnapping through enforced legal bans and corporate accountability can the nation end this

Defence/Security

How Nigeria’s Naval repairs are boosting Gulf of Guinea security (Analysis)

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Nigeria’s Naval Dockyard Limited has evolved into a strategic regional asset, directly enhancing Gulf of Guinea security by building and repairing critical naval vessels for Nigeria and neighboring states like Benin. This indigenous capacity development not only ensures operational availability to combat maritime crime in a vital economic zone but also fosters military cooperation and stimulates local industry. By extending its services internationally, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pivotal security provider, transforming a national capability into a cornerstone for regional stability. This practical collaboration represents a sustainable model for improving

Defence/Security

Troops rescue 5 kidnap victims in Kogi forest, recover bodies

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Nigerian Army troops, acting on intelligence, rescued five kidnap victims in Kogi State while uncovering the grim reality of two decomposing bodies, highlighting the dual outcomes of such security operations. The operation underscores the persistent threat of banditry, as the discovered village was already destroyed and abandoned by perpetrators. A critical insight is the “calm but unpredictable” security situation, indicating that rescues do not equate to sustained stability. The ongoing efforts to debrief victims and recover remains emphasize the protracted and

Defence/Security

Why cultism and cult-related killings persist in spite of public sensitisation

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Despite widespread public sensitization, cultism in Nigeria has evolved from campus fraternities into sophisticated criminal enterprises, fueled by systemic drivers like poverty, political patronage, and media-glorified violence. These groups now terrorize communities, causing over 1,600 gang-related deaths in five years, with the South-South and South-West regions bearing the brunt. The persistence of this violence reveals that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient, as they fail to address the deep-rooted socio-economic and political incentives

Defence/Security

PAVE network backs grassroots approach to combat extremism in Katsina

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A grassroots, people-centered strategy is proving essential to sustainably counter violent extremism in Nigeria’s North-West, moving beyond purely military solutions to address root causes like economic marginalization and weak governance. The PAVE network’s model of co-creating local action plans through multi-stakeholder engagement empowers communities to become active architects of their own security. This approach fosters shared ownership and builds institutional resilience by directly tackling the local drivers that armed groups exploit.

Defence/Security

Gunmen attack Ondo community, set Police station ablaze

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A coordinated attack by approximately 20 gunmen on the Ipele community in Ondo State has resulted in the targeted arson of a police station, signaling a direct assault on local security infrastructure. The assailants’ commando-style operation, involving sporadic gunfire, caused widespread panic and forced residents to flee, underscoring a severe breakdown of public safety. While the immediate motive remains unknown, the tactical focus on law enforcement suggests an intent to destabilize and challenge state authority in the region.

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