The Lagos State chapter of the Renewed Hope Labourers Network (RHLN) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and backed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement was announced in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by John Folarin Odusote, the Lagos State coordinator of the group, who described both leaders as “tested reformers whose leadership has delivered measurable progress”.

Odusote said the decision followed extensive consultations among members of the network across the state, noting that the group is committed to continuity in governance at both the federal and state levels.

According to him, President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional reforms, which require sustained leadership to fully mature.

“We believe that the ongoing reforms at the federal level need time, consistency and political will to yield their full benefits. President Tinubu has shown courage in taking difficult but necessary decisions, and we are convinced that a second term will consolidate these gains,” the statement said.

The group noted that the administration’s policies on fiscal reforms, infrastructure expansion and governance restructuring have begun to reposition the country for long-term growth, adding that continuity would ensure stability and policy coherence.

On Lagos State, the group described Hamzat as a “quiet achiever” whose contributions to governance have been instrumental in sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

“Over the years, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has demonstrated competence, loyalty and a deep understanding of the policy direction that has made Lagos a model for subnational governance,” Odusote said.

The RHLN said Hamzat’s experience in public service, including his roles in infrastructure and technology development, positions him as a capable leader to take Lagos to the next phase of growth.

“His involvement in key reforms, particularly in the areas of digital governance, urban development and public service delivery, reflects a leadership style anchored on innovation and continuity,” the statement added.

The group emphasised that Lagos requires a leader who understands the complexities of governance in a rapidly growing megacity and can build on existing foundations without disruption.

According to Odusote, Hamzat represents stability and continuity, qualities the group considers critical as the state navigates future challenges related to population growth, infrastructure demands and economic expansion.

The RHLN also acknowledged the role of Rt. Hon. Abiodun Faleke, the grand patron of the group, describing him as a “pillar of progressive politics and a strong advocate for people-oriented governance”.

The group said Faleke’s support has strengthened its mobilisation efforts and reinforced its commitment to promoting leaders who align with its vision of good governance and continuity.

“We are proud to be guided by leaders who believe in service, accountability and strategic development. Rt. Hon. Faleke’s leadership continues to inspire our engagement across Lagos State,” Odusote said.

The group called on residents of Lagos and Nigerians at large to support its position, stressing that continuity in leadership is essential for sustaining ongoing reforms and development initiatives.

“As a network committed to national progress, we are confident that the combination of President Tinubu’s leadership at the federal level and Dr Hamzat’s prospective leadership in Lagos will deliver greater prosperity and stability,” the statement said.

The RHLN added that it would commence grassroots mobilisation across the state to build support for both leaders ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing optimism that its endorsement reflects the aspirations of many Nigerians seeking sustained development.

The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has emerged overall winner of the 2026 2 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below Competition held in Benin City, Edo State.

The four-day competition, hosted by the 4 Brigade at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, took place from April 20 to 23, 2026, and featured participants from various formations under the 2 Division.

In his welcome address, the Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, said the competition was aimed at enhancing combat proficiency, leadership skills, teamwork, endurance, and esprit de corps among junior-ranked soldiers. He noted that the exercise also serves to prepare participants for higher responsibilities within the Army.

Balogun emphasized that beyond winning, the competition fosters unity, resilience, and continuous improvement. He also expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for entrusting the brigade with hosting the event and for his commitment to personnel training and welfare.

In his closing remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, expressed satisfaction with the conduct and outcomes of the competition. He stated that the various activities had significantly improved participants’ physical and mental capacity, leadership qualities, and operational readiness in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Adegbite urged participants to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the competition to enhance performance in their respective formations.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued support towards the development of junior non-commissioned officers, whom he described as the backbone of the Nigerian Army.

Events featured in the competition included drill exercises, combat swimming, map reading, weapon handling and firing, combat cross-country race, and obstacle crossing.

Other participating formations were the 12 Brigade, 22 Armoured Brigade, 32 Artillery Brigade, 42 Engineers Brigade, and 2 Division Garrison.

At the end of the competition, 4 Brigade clinched the first position, followed by 12 Brigade in second place, while 2 Division Garrison finished third.

The closing ceremony was attended by heads of security agencies in Edo State, alongside other dignitaries and guests.

Highlights included obstacle crossing contests, presentation of awards and souvenirs, and group photographs.

A civic group has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for a string of recent operations across the country, citing the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of suspects and disruption of terrorist activities as evidence of growing operational effectiveness.

The Citizens Alliance for Security and National Cohesion (CASNC), in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its national president, Dr Ibrahim Danjuma, said recent developments across multiple theatres show that troops are sustaining pressure on criminal networks.

The group highlighted the rescue of 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo route in Benue State, noting that the victims were recovered from a forested area after a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“This intervention underscores the military’s improved capacity to track and recover victims within a short window, even in difficult terrain,” the statement said.

CASNC also referenced operations in Plateau State, where troops arrested suspected attackers linked to recent violence and recovered arms and ammunition, including a submachine gun, pistol and locally fabricated weapons.

“In one operation, suspects believed to be responsible for a series of killings were intercepted while in transit, with evidence suggesting recent involvement in violent acts. This reflects a shift towards proactive, intelligence-driven operations,” Danjuma said.

The group noted that troops also responded to multiple distress calls in the state, evacuated injured civilians and prevented further escalation in communities affected by recurring clashes.

“In several instances, security forces arrived promptly at attack scenes, stabilised the situation and ensured victims received urgent medical attention,” the statement added.

In the north-east, CASNC said troops successfully repelled attempted attacks by insurgents and neutralised fighters attempting to infiltrate communities along key corridors.

“Operations along the Kirawa–Pulka axis and Benisheikh area demonstrate the military’s continued dominance, as attackers were forced to retreat under sustained engagement,” Danjuma said.

The group also cited the discovery and safe detonation of an improvised explosive device along a major route in Borno state.

“The timely detection of the explosive device by an ordnance team prevented what could have resulted in significant casualties,” the statement noted.

CASNC further highlighted the arrest of suspected logistics suppliers linked to insurgent groups in Yobe State, describing it as a critical step in disrupting the supply chain of terrorist organisations.

“Disrupting logistics networks weakens the operational capacity of these groups and limits their ability to coordinate attacks,” Danjuma said.

In the North-West, the coalition referenced the repulsion of an attack in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, where troops engaged about 30 armed assailants and forced them to retreat.

“Such engagements show that forward deployments are yielding results, with troops able to respond swiftly and prevent further casualties,” the statement said.

The group also cited operations in Kogi State, where troops destroyed a suspected criminal camp and intercepted a logistics courier attempting to deliver supplies.

“In addition to dismantling camps, intercepting supply routes denies criminal elements the resources needed to sustain their activities,” Danjuma added.

In Edo State, CASNC noted that troops foiled a kidnap attempt, rescued victims and arrested suspects, while in the South-East, joint security teams detected and safely disposed of improvised explosive devices during patrol operations.

“These coordinated efforts across regions indicate a broad and sustained campaign to degrade criminal capabilities nationwide,” the statement said.

The group added that many of the successes recorded were supported by actionable intelligence from local communities, reinforcing the importance of civilian cooperation.

“The role of citizens in providing timely information cannot be overstated. It continues to enhance the effectiveness of security operations,” Danjuma said.

CASNC also said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, should be commended for ensuring improved coordination among the armed forces and strengthening operational synergy across different theatres.

“The level of coordination being witnessed points to General Oluyede’s deliberate leadership efforts to integrate intelligence, logistics and rapid response mechanisms in ongoing operations,” the statement noted.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, the coalition said recent outcomes demonstrate that progress is being made.

“Our troops are not only confronting threats but are also recording tangible successes that must be recognised. These efforts reflect commitment, professionalism and sacrifice,” Danjuma said.

The group called for sustained support for the military in terms of welfare, equipment and public confidence, adding that continued collaboration between citizens and security agencies remains essential.

“With consistent pressure on criminal elements and stronger community engagement, the country can build on these gains and achieve lasting security,” the group admonished.