*Says citizens’ collective actions key to defeating terrorism

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has mobilised public support for the Armed Forces’ newly launched Operation Savannah Shield, declaring that collective citizen action remains critical to defeating terrorism across the country.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government, had on Thursday, launched a multi-agency security operation, codenamed “Operation Savannah Shield”, to combat rising insecurity in Kwara State and parts of neighbouring Niger State.

The operation was officially flagged off at the Sobi Barracks in Ilorin by Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, following approval by President Bola Tinubu.

The deployment comes amid renewed attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits in the Kaiama axis of Kwara North and adjoining communities in Niger State, raising concerns over the spread of criminal networks across forested regions in the North-Central.

Speaking at the event, AbdulRazaq described the operation as “a big relief” to residents, particularly in communities affected by banditry and kidnapping.

Earlier in his remarks, the CDS said the operation was a proactive and coordinated response aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks operating within the region.

According to him, the joint task force comprises personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, with a mandate to secure lives and property, neutralise criminal elements and disrupt kidnapping activities

Agbese while speaking on the development in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, lauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Oluyede, for initiating what he described as a comprehensive joint military operation aimed at flushing out insecurity in the North Central region.

Agbese observed that the North Central region, particularly, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Plateau and Nasarawa had witnessed rising challenge of attacks which had led to displacement of hundreds of inhabitants in recent times.

The lawmaker who is from Benue, one of the affected states, noted that the new operation launched by the CDS demonstrates renewed strategic coordination within the Armed Forces and a clear resolve to restore peace in the country.

According to him, the era of inter-service rivalry within the military is over, noting that improved cooperation among the services signals that the Armed Forces have overcome internal challenges that previously hindered optimal performance.

“The renewed cooperation, where rivalry has become a thing of the past, is a clear indication that the Armed Forces have surmounted internal obstacles that did not help in the past,” he said.

The lawmaker further observed that with the Armed Forces currently enjoying robust support from international stakeholders and partners especially the US, it is incumbent on Nigerians to rise in unity and back the military’s efforts.

Agbese announced the launch of a public advocacy campaign to galvanise nationwide support for the Armed Forces, urging citizens to join hands with security agencies to defeat all forms of terrorism in the country.

“I have always been an ardent supporter of the Armed Forces, even as an ordinary citizen,” he said, adding that he is inspired by the current military leadership and the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead sustained public backing for security operations.

He expressed optimism that with sustained cooperation between the government, the military and citizens, Nigeria would decisively overcome its security challenges.

Agbese called on citizens to cooperate and collaborate with the the Nigerian Armed Forces by sharing credible intelligence that will enable the security forces succeed in flushing out the criminal elements terrorising the people.

In a strong show of confidence in frontline policing, CSP Ahmed Rasheed has been honoured with the Outstanding Commander of the Year Merit Award for exemplary leadership and operational discipline in Adamawa State.

The award was presented by the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dan Kombo, who applauded Rasheed’s professionalism and commitment to security operations under his command.

Currently serving as Commander of the CTU 14 Base in Adamawa State, Rasheed has carved a reputation for strategic coordination and firm operational control.

Security sources told our correspondent that the unit, under his leadership, recorded significant gains in tactical responses and stabilisation efforts across flashpoints in the state.

Senior officers described him as structured and decisive, noting that his ability to supervise high-risk operations without lapses made him a clear choice for the recognition.

Before his present posting, Rasheed served as Chief Security Officer to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2015 and 2023.

During the eight-year assignment, he was said to have demonstrated loyalty, discretion and strong protective coordination skills in sensitive engagements.

Colleagues familiar with his tenure at the ministerial level disclosed that he carried out his responsibilities without controversy, maintaining a reputation for discipline and reliability.

Beyond operations, Rasheed is also respected for his people-oriented leadership style.

While insisting on strict adherence to duty, officers under his command described him as approachable and supportive, particularly during personal and family challenges.

According to them, his ability to balance firmness with empathy has strengthened morale within the unit.

Presenting the award, Kombo said the honour was not only for operational achievements but also for integrity and leadership influence.

He stated that Rasheed represents the ideals of modern policing — professionalism in service and discipline in command.

The Director-General of Ibrosoft International Development Foundation, Ibrahim Abdullahi, also congratulated the officer, describing the recognition as well deserved.

Chairman of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Grace Ike said on Thursday that the council plan to launch a health insurance scheme for it’s members who are currently not enjoying th service.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the FCT Health Insurance scheme for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Comrade Ike said the council will collaborate with the FCT Health department and the FHIS to actualise the scheme.

She commended the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi for taking the initiative to pay for the health insurance scheme for about 130 journalists covering the House of Representatives.

She said “On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja Council, I warmly commend this historic launch of the Health Insurance Scheme for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps.

“Let me specially appreciate the foresight and leadership of Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr. for initiating this noble and thoughtful intervention, the first of its kind for this Press Corps. This gesture sends a clear and powerful message that journalists are valued partners in the democratic process, not just observers of it.

“Health insurance is not a luxury; it is protection. Media professionals work under intense pressure; tight deadlines, constant mobility, exposure to risks, and the mental strain that comes with covering governance and national issues.

“When journalists are healthy and secure, they are better positioned to discharge their duties with clarity, courage, and professionalism.

“This initiative therefore strengthens not just the welfare of the Press Corps, but the quality of democratic engagement itself.

“As we receive this support, we must see it as both encouragement and responsibility. We must redouble our commitment to ethical reporting, factual accuracy, balanced coverage, and constructive nation building. The public looks to us for credible information. The nation relies on us to uphold truth and accountability.

“Let this investment in our wellbeing translate into renewed dedication to excellence.

“To the House leadership, we say thank you for leading by example.
To our colleagues in the Press Corps, we say: let us rise to the moment and justify this confidence placed in us.

“Nigeria depends on a strong legislature. At the same time, Nigeria also depends on a responsible media. Democracy thrives when the media is healthy and alive to its responsibility. Working together with the legislature, we can strengthen our democracy”.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran expressed gratitude to the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr, for his foresight, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of journalists covering the National Assembly, saying the initiative reflects thoughtful leadership that recognises that a healthy press is vital to a healthy democracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the FCT, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, for her collaboration and openness in extending this important health coverage to members of the Press Corps, saying “Your support reinforces the message that healthcare should be inclusive and accessible to all.”

He said Nigeria is steadily advancing toward the goal of Universal Health Coverage, a system where every citizen has access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.

Onadiran said “today’s initiative is a practical step in that direction. It demonstrates that achieving universal coverage requires partnership, commitment, and deliberate action.

“Health insurance remains one of the most effective tools to protect families from catastrophic health expenses. As journalists, we are witnesses to the realities many Nigerians face when healthcare is not affordable.

“By enrolling in structured health insurance, we are not only protecting ourselves but also aligning with the national vision of sustainable healthcare financing.

“I therefore use this opportunity to encourage other professional bodies, media organisations, associations, and institutions to key into health insurance schemes. When organisations prioritise the health of their members, they strengthen productivity, stability, and long-term growth.

“To the management and staff of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, thank you for your professionalism and dedication in ensuring a smooth rollout of this programme.

“To my colleagues in the House of Representatives Press Corps, I appreciate your unity and cooperation. Let us take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure its success”.