Ideal Reporters

Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd) Dies In Captivity Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has died while being held by kidnappers, two weeks after he was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. The Katsina State Government announced the development on Saturday, describing the retired army officer's death as a painful loss not only to his family but also to the state and the nation at large. According to government officials, Major General Abubakar reportedly died in captivity due to health complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. Efforts by security agencies and the state government to secure his release before his condition deteriorated were unsuccessful. In a statement, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu'azu, expressed regret over the incident and reiterated the government's commitment to tackling insecurity across the state. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also extended hi...

Planned Reintegration Of 720 Former Boko Haram Members Sparks Nationwide Concern The reported plan by the Borno State Government to reintegrate 720 former Boko Haram members into society has continued to generate widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing serious concerns over its potential implications for national security and the ongoing fight against insurgency. Since news of the planned reintegration emerged, Nigerians from different walks of life have questioned the wisdom of returning such a large number of former insurgents to society, particularly at a time when insecurity remains a major challenge in several parts of the country. Many observers describe the figure of 720 as alarming, arguing that the sheer number raises legitimate fears about the possibility of future security breaches should some of the beneficiaries return to extremist activities. They contend that even a small percentage of the individuals reverting to violence could pos...

Nigerian Army Arrests Suspected TikTok Bandit Sule Yellow After Alleged Ransom Collection A suspected bandit identified as Sule Ibrahim Yellow, popularly known on TikTok as “Sule Yellow,” has reportedly been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army during an intelligence-led operation. Security sources disclosed that the suspect was intercepted while allegedly returning to a forest hideout after collecting ransom payments from relatives of a kidnapped victim. Sule Yellow had reportedly gained attention on social media, particularly on TikTok, where videos linked to his account frequently surfaced online showing displays of cash and content allegedly associated with bandit activities. According to reports, security operatives tracked the suspect’s movement before carrying out the operation that led to his arrest. Authorities are also said to be intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network linked to him. The development has generated wid...

Military Alone Cannot End Insurgency — CDS Oluyede Urges FG To Strengthen Police, Civil Defence The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has stated that Nigeria’s armed forces cannot defeat insurgency on their own, calling on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). General Oluyede made the remark while addressing lawmakers during a defence engagement at the National Assembly, where he emphasized that sustainable security requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, not military action alone. According to the CDS, while the Armed Forces are capable of clearing insurgents from troubled areas, the responsibility of holding, stabilizing, and maintaining peace in such communities should rest largely with internal security agencies. “The military can clear areas, but to secure and stabilize them, the Police and Civil Defence must be adequately empowered, equ...

NIGERIA SEEKS STRONGER MILITARY COOPERATION WITH MALI … Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar Meets Malian Counterpart in Bamako Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, arrived in Bamako, Mali, on Thursday, 13 November 2025, to deepen bilateral military cooperation between the two West African nations in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the Sahel region. Badaru Abubakar was received at the Bamako Senou International Airport by Mali’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, General Sadio Camara. According to official sources, the visit is part of continued efforts by Nigeria to strengthen regional security collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and reinforce coordinated actions against terrorism and violent extremism across the Sahel.  Both countries have, in recent years, intensified dialogue on joint strategies to confront cross-border threats affecting the region. The renewed engagement comes at a time of shifting alliances in...

NAF Wipes Out ISWAP Terrorists, Bandits In Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara, And Kaduna The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its nationwide counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations, executing a series of precision airstrikes that have neutralized Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed multiple bandit enclaves across several states. According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated air missions eliminated ISWAP fighters in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, while similar strikes decimated bandit hideouts in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. The statement added that the operations also extended to parts of Zamfara and Kaduna States, marking significant progress in the ongoing military efforts under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA. These joint operations, ...

ISWAP Reportedly Plots Retaliatory Attack After Suffering Defeat From Boko Haram Faction Fresh tension is brewing in the Lake Chad region as intelligence reports suggest that fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are planning a retaliatory strike following a recent humiliating defeat at the hands of a rival Boko Haram faction. Sources familiar with the development revealed that ISWAP’s renewed mobilization follows heavy losses in men and logistics during the latest round of clashes between the two terror groups. The infighting, which has intensified in recent weeks, underscores the persistent rivalry over territorial control and access to strategic supply routes in the northeast. Unverified messages circulating on social media have hinted at ISWAP’s call for media coverage of its planned counteroffensive, including an alleged invitation for a cameraman to document the attack — a move that underscores the group’s propaganda ambitions. Security analysts h...

Nigerian Army Rescues 86 Kidnap Victims, Destroys Boko Haram Camp In Borno The Nigerian Army has recorded another major victory in the ongoing war against terrorism, rescuing no fewer than 86 kidnapped victims and destroying a notorious Boko Haram enclave in Borno State. According to reports shared by Oriental Times on Sunday, the daring operation was carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who stormed the terrorists’ hideout in the Sambisa Forest axis following credible intelligence. During the clearance operation, the troops reportedly engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, neutralizing several of them, recovering assorted weapons, and setting ablaze their camp and logistics base. Images released by the military show scenes of burning structures, seized rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, and rescued civilians, including women and children. Military sources said the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing profiling before being ...

Air Chief Convenes Commanders in Abuja, Orders Tougher Air Campaign Against Terrorists The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has summoned all Air Component Commanders of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) from across the country to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a crucial security meeting aimed at reinforcing the nation’s counterterrorism efforts. The meeting, held on Wednesday, focused on evaluating ongoing operations and developing new strategies to deal more decisively with terrorists and other criminal groups operating in parts of the country. In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar charged the commanders to intensify air strikes and sustain coordinated attacks on terrorist enclaves, warning against any form of laxity. He stressed that the Air Force must remain proactive and unrelenting until total peace is achieved nationwide. He also called for closer collaboration between the air components and other security agencies to ensure intelligence-driven opera...

Commissioner’s Phone Reportedly Stolen During Security Meeting in Kaduna In what many have described as a major irony, the mobile phone of the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Barrister Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), was reportedly stolen during a security stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna on Thursday. Multiple sources confirmed that the incident occurred at a high-level gathering convened to deliberate on strategies aimed at addressing the persistent security challenges in the state. The meeting was said to have been attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and heads of security agencies. Reports indicate that an unidentified individual managed to gain access to the venue and allegedly made away with the Commissioner’s mobile device, despite the heavy presence of security personnel. The development reportedly caused temporary commotion as aides and operatives made frantic efforts to locate the missing phone. As of the time of ...

Gov. Sule Inspects Recovered Arms In Lafia The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, on Monday inspected a cache of arms and ammunition recovered from miscreants, hoodlums, and suspected criminals apprehended by the Nigerian Police, Nasarawa State Command. The State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Jauro Shetima, conducted the Governor round the recovered weapons at Government House, Lafia. The items on display included sophisticated rifles as well as locally fabricated pistols of varying calibres. Governor Sule commended the efforts of the Police in curbing criminal activities across the state and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their drive to ensure peace and stability. The exercise underscores the state government’s ongoing collaboration with security operatives to confront crime and safeguard lives and property in Nasarawa State.

Nigeria, Israel Partner to Address Security Challenges Nigeria has entered into a new partnership with the State of Israel aimed at strengthening efforts to combat insecurity across the country. The agreement, which was confirmed by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is expected to focus on intelligence sharing, capacity building, and advanced training for security personnel. Officials say the collaboration will leverage Israel’s experience in modern security technology and counter-terrorism strategies, while adapting them to Nigeria’s unique security landscape. The move is also part of a broader diplomatic engagement between the two countries to deepen bilateral ties beyond trade and agriculture. Speaking on the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the partnership is designed to produce “practical, results-driven measures” to tackle insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes, with the ultimate goal of restoring peace and stability....

ACG MUHAMMAD DADA SALEH CONVENES PEACE TALK INVOLVING HERDERS AND FARMERS  As part of effort to see to the suatainance of peace, the Provost, College of Support Services and Armed Training, Udege-Mbeki, ACG Muhammad Dada Saleh convened a meeting involving Fulani herders and farmers in Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The interactive meeting which took place at the College's Hall was attended by the representative of the Sole Administrator, Udege Development Area, Danjuma Osu Obagu, Sarkin Fada Udege Chiefdom, Alh. Aminu Obagu, Ardo Hassan Ibrahim, Village heads of Agbazo and  Eyenu, representatives of the Village heads of Udege-Mbeki, Owuna Isah Ede, representative of the Village head of Odu Allasoka Osu, NSCDC Commandant Ownua Hassan, Director Social Service, Udege Development Area, Tani Sani etc.  Addressing the gathering, ACG Muhammad emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence, noting that it is only on that basis ...

ELDER STATESMAN CAUTIONS AGAINST POTENTIAL RISE OF ORGANIZED CRIME IN NASARAWA STATE, ACCUSES GOVERNMENT, POLICE AND SPEAKER FOR COMPLICITY Mr Ayuba Umar, a prominent figure in Nasarawa State widely believed to be the youngest founding father of the State, in recognition of his role, leading to its creation in 1996 by the Abacha regime, has cautioned citizens against potential rise in what he called "organized gangs".  Ayuba has being a loud voice in calling out the Government to action. On Wednesday, he took to his Facebook page to caution citizens against possible breakdown of and order, something he attributed to the emergence of a -5-man cult group.  What appears disturbing, is his pointing to implicit consent of the said gangs by the State Government, including Police.  "I want to issue a caution to the residents of Nasarawa regarding potential rise of organized gangs within Nasarawa State, which seems to be occuring with the implicit consent of the Stat...

EMBRACE PEACE FOR DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNOR SULE APPEALS TO AFO NATION  By Ali Abare . . .  threatens to wield big stick if entreaties fail Governor Abdullahi Sule has appealed to the Afo Nation to embrace peace for development of their communities as well as the entire Nasarawa State, warning however that if all entreaties failed, his administration would be left with no option than to wield the big stick. Governor Sule made the appeal during a one-day Afo Youth Summit on peace and security, organized by the Nasarawa Peace and Prosperity Project Through Law (NAPP-LAW), which held in Keffi on Tuesday.  According to the Governor, the Afo Nation has no reason whatsoever not to embrace peace, especially considering that the area hosting the Afo people has been blessed with abundance natural resources ranging from lithium to even rare minerals that are in high demand globally.  He described as an embarrassment to the entire country a situation whereby brothers w...

THERE IS NO PLAN FOR FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA -   NUHU RIBADU  The Nigerian government has denied allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Nigerien military ruler, that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish a military base in its northern region to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries. Speaking in a BBC Hausa interview, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the accusations as baseless and untrue. “Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases,” Ribadu stated. Ribadu said the revelation made by Tchiani came as a shock and surprise. He clarified that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peaceful relations with Niger and would not support or engage in any actions that could destabilize the region. He further reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability and cooperation, sued for constructive dialogue r...

AT THIS POINT, SILENCE IS NO LONGER GOLDEN More than ever before, Nigeria needs peace to outgrow her economic challenges. The dwindling state of the economy, which has manifested in the form of increased poverty, high illiteracy level, ill health, among other disturbing features, is scary and should receive immediate attention, lest it further degenerate, probably bring the country to her knees.  To address any problem, having identified it, there is the need for reassessment. The painful reality at present, no doubt, is a product of arrays of factors ranging from lack of vision, pervasive corruption, insecurity etc.  Let's give insecurity a closer look. In recognition of the ultimate role of peace, it is generally accepted that development of any kind is built on its foundation, nothing else. Fa t remain, nothing thrives where violence reigns. The fundamental function of every government, the world over, is to ensure security of lives and property, while seeing to...

LAND DISPUTE IN MARARABA-UDEDEGE CLAIMED LIVES  Mararaba-Udege, the Administrative Headquarter of Udege Development Area in Nasarawa State has been thrown into land dispute, translating into loss of lives and properties. The dispute involving Afo/Eloyi speaking people started last year with Ebbeh side insisting on coronating their Chief, to whom all Ambu people in and around Mararaba will be answerable. Earlier, the warring parties were involved in leadership squabble over Mararaba Central Market and Vigilante Group.  The situation got worse two months ago when the two sides clashed over a parcel of land, with both sides; Ebbeh and Odu people claiming ownership. This led to the killing of one Ahmed Sama'ila Ekpeji on March 18, 2024.  The once peaceful, accommodating and industrious Mararaba community witnessed serial killings on May 2, 2024 a situation that has ended no fewer than  twelve lives, including the Community Head of Ebbeh. Houses were razed dow...

NIGERIAN CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS 6,240 EXPLOSIVES, HANDS OVER TO DSS IN KEBBI The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted 6,240 explosives on highway in Kebbi. The Area Comptroller of the command, Mr Iheanacho Ernest- Ejike made this known while handing over the items to the DSS in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital last Thursday. The dynamites were intercepted in 2022 along Yauri-Jega Road in the State by the Joint Border Patrol Team of Customs, Army, Police, Immigration and the Department of State Services while on intelligence-based patrol along the Yauri-Rega road Iheanacho said: “On July 6, 2022 at about 7:15 a.m.; a team of Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) while on intelligence-based patrol, intercepted an item suspected to be explosives along Yauri-Jega road in Kebbi". “The team comprised NCS, Nigeria immigration Service, DSS and Nigerian Army led by Chief Superintendent of Customs, A.A. Ibrahim (now Assistant Comptroller of Customs)". “Because of the nature of t...

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT ACQUIRES 24 FIGHTER JETS, SET TO RECEIVE DELIVERY  As part of commitment to combat banditry, insurgency, militancy, kidnapping among other security challenges in the country, Nigerian government has acquired no fewer than 24 fighter jets from Italy's Leonardo.   This was revealed by the Nigerian Air Force Spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, on Friday. The Aircraft would arrive in the country in four batches of six jets each.  The Air Force said. “Africa's most populous nation will receive the first six M-346 fighter aircraft before the end of the year.” Originally manufactured by Italy’s Leonardo as a twin-seater jet trainer, the M-346 has been acquired by Nigeria in its more recent, armed M-346FA fighter format. The jets will be used for “close air support, air interdiction, and tactical reconnaissance as well as advanced pilot training,” the Air Force said in a statement. The 24 Aircrafts are due to be delivered in four batches...