TROOPS FOIL BANDITS’ MOVEMENT, NEUTRALIZE CRIMINALS AND ARREST LOGISTICS SUPPLIER IN COORDINATED OPERATIONS IN KOGI STATE

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja on 3 January  2026 have recorded significant operational successes following coordinated fighting patrols and ambush operations conducted across parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi  who  is the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army confirmed that the troops' operation was based on credible intelligence on movement of bandits from Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA, troops swiftly deployed and laid a deliberate ambush at bandit identified crossing point. The bandits subsequently ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties as blood stains were observed during exploitation of the area. In the course of the encounter, troops neutralized two bandits and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, ninety nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and eleven cartridges.

In a related development, further intelligence revealed movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas. On arrival, the village was observed to have been deserted, prompting troops to dismount and exploit the surrounding forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka Sabo Rijiya road. Troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal through the forest. During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralized bandit,one AK 47 rifle and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

During the same operation, troops also arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA. The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village and claimed to assist farmers in transporting produce after harvest. Items discovered at the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing investigation.

The series of operations underscores the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements within the area and their support networks.

The Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence, noting that their actions reflect the high level of commitment to duty. He further assured the public that troops will continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.

CHRISTMAS: CDS, COAS HONOUR FRONTLINE TROOPS WITH CHRISTMAS LUNCH IN PLATEAU STATE AS TROOPS FOIL PLANNED ATTACK, NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS BANDIT, RECOVER WEAPONS IN THE STATE

 

The Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede AFM, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, on Thursday, 25 December 2025, celebrated frontline troops with a special Christmas lunch in Plateau State, in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and maintaining peace across the Joint Operations Area.

According to a statement signed by Major Samson  Nantip  Zhakom who is the Media Information Officer the JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE,  the colourful event, hosted by Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), brought together officers, soldiers, their families, and invited guests in an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and festive cheer. The event featured vibrant cultural dance displays reflecting Nigeria’s rich diversity, light-hearted riddles and jokes, as well as other morale-boosting activities aimed at easing the burden of frontline duties during the yuletide.

In his goodwill message, the CDS extended warm Christmas greetings to the troops, expressing delight at celebrating the yuletide season with personnel of 3 Division and JTF OPEP. He described Christmas as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, offering an opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility, and the unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation. The CDS remarked that while many Nigerians celebrate with their families, frontline troops remain steadfast in performing their oath to God and country, standing as the wall that never breaks and the hope that can never be shattered. He commended their selfless service, courage, and professionalism in executing Operation ENDURING PEACE, which has contributed significantly to restoring public confidence and stabilising Plateau State and adjoining areas of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, and noted that the nation owes them immense gratitude.

The CDS further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, reminding them that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security. He called for continued collaboration with sister security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, whose trust is essential to achieving enduring peace. He reassured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to improve living and working conditions, enhance healthcare, and support families. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief, for his steadfast support to military operations nationwide. The CDS reaffirmed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with sister security agencies, remain resolute and relentless in combating terrorism, defending democracy, and safeguarding the nation, vowing that the military will continue to act boldly, decisively, and with unwavering commitment to duty.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM, represented by the Commander Armour Corps, Major General UB Abubakar, echoed similar sentiments, saluting frontline troops for their selfless sacrifices and reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness, and personnel welfare, in line with his command philosophy. He also appreciated the support of military families, sister services, and key stakeholders.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General EF Oyinlola, highlighted operational successes recorded under Operation PEACE SHIELD, including the neutralisation of criminals, arrests of kidnappers, and recovery of arms and ammunition, which contributed to a relatively peaceful yuletide across the Joint Operations Area.

A major highlight of the event was the symbolic serving of Christmas meals to frontline troops by the CDS, the representative of the COAS, and other senior dignitaries, reinforcing leadership’s closeness to the rank and file and boosting troop morale.

The event concluded with renewed calls for discipline, unity, and professionalism, as troops were encouraged to celebrate responsibly while remaining vigilant in the defence of the nation.

Meanwhile, the Media Information Officer the JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major Samson Nantip  Zhakom in a separate media release had also confirmed as part of the decisive phase of the ongoing Operation PEACE SHIELD that the troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have sustained robust offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the yuletide period.

According to the statement, in the early hours of 25 December 2025, troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a decisive operation at Gwande Community, Monguna District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops made contact with a group of armed bandits who were mobilising to launch an attack on a nearby community. The troops swiftly engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee in disarray.

In the subsequent exchange of gunfire, one bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the criminals include one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, 9 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and 6 cartridges.

Preliminary feedback from the community confirmed that the neutralised bandit was a member of a notorious criminal syndicate that has been terrorising Gwande Community and its environs. Consequently, troops have intensified follow-up operations to track down, intercept, and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.

The 3 Division/JTF OPEP reassure law-abiding residents of Plateau State of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Criminal elements operating within the Joint Operations Area are hereby warned to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face decisive military action, as troops remain resolute, vigilant, and prepared to deal ruthlessly with any threat to peace and security.

GENOCIDE IS NOT COMMUNAL CONFLICT: PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RESPONSE TO BENUE KILLINGS FALLS DANGEROUSLY SHORT

Issued by: Apostle (Dr.) Bolaji O. Akinyemi

Convener, The Apostolic Round Table

The Apostolic Round Table (ART) expresses deep dismay and utter disappointment at the recent statement released by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu via his official X handle, @OfficialABAT, regarding the continued and escalating massacres in Benue State.

While we acknowledge the President’s eventual public attention to what he described as "senseless bloodletting," we reject in the strongest terms the false framing of the crisis as a communal conflict. What is happening in Benue is not a conflict between communities — it is genocide, perpetrated by well-armed terrorists against indigenous peoples, with the complicity of silence and inaction at the highest levels of power.

The President's directive to security agencies to “arrest perpetrators on all sides” is an unfortunate mischaracterization that equates invaders with victims, terrorists with communities defending themselves, and criminals with casualties. Such ambiguity is not only irresponsible but also emboldens those who thrive on impunity and bloodshed.

The continued reference to “dialogue and reconciliation” is tone-deaf and ill-timed. You cannot negotiate with killers while they are still holding the machetes. You cannot ask people to reconcile with those who have turned their homes into graveyards.

Mr. President, as Commander-in-Chief, your duty is not to mediate between life and death. It is to defend life. Your response has not only fallen short of your mandate; it reeks of either deep ignorance of the “underlying issues” or a troubling political mischief that sides with neutrality in the face of evil.

We therefore make the following demands:

1. Immediate military intervention in all affected Benue communities with clear rules of engagement to protect civilians.

2. Public identification and prosecution of known perpetrators and their sponsors.

3. A national security address from the President with a detailed and time-bound roadmap to end the genocidal attacks across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

4. A halt to further gaslighting and false equivalence in government statements concerning acts of terror.

Benue does not need sympathy. Benue does not need another committee. Benue needs protection — now.

Should this government continue to treat mass murder with press releases instead of action, the Apostolic Round Table will mobilize a nationwide prophetic and civic movement to demand accountability. We will not fold our arms while our people are buried in silence.

History will judge every leader not by the speeches they gave, but by the blood they refused to let spill. Mr. President, it is time to act like the Commander-in-Chief you were elected to be.

Signed,

Apostle (Dr.) Bolaji O. Akinyemi

Convener, The Apostolic Round Table

Date: Monday, 16th June 2025.

Symbol Of Obidient Movement Peter Obi Donates N20 Million , A Trailer Load Of Food Items To Flood Victims In Niger State

The Symbol of the Obidient Movement Mr Peter Obi has donated not less than N20 million to support flood victims in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. 

The flood, which has reportedly claimed 153 lives and displaced thousands of residents, prompted Obi to visit the affected communities and express his sympathy to the government and people of Niger State.

 Mr. Peter Obi during his visit prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed victims and called for international and national support to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

 He also donated a trailer load of food items, including rice, maize, and millet, to cushion the disaster's impact.