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.

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.

In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.

“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.

The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.

“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.

RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.

“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.

“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.

On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.

Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.

The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.

*applaud constant improvements recorded under new CDS, Service Chiefs.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has applauded the deepening security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing the recent arrival of 100 American soldiers as a “clear demonstration that Nigeria is finally getting it right in global security cooperation.”

Speaking in interview in Abuja while responding to the recent deployment of US troops to Bauchi State to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, the lawmaker said the collaboration marks a turning point in the country’s fight against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.

The US personnel, according to Nigerian defence authorities, are in the country to train Nigerian forces and provide intelligence support in the battle against terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as criminal gangs terrorising communities across the country.

The Deputy Spokesperson said the development underscores the confidence the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned on the global stage.

“For the first time in a long while, Nigeria is engaging a major global power like the United States from a position of strategic clarity and mutual respect. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership in repositioning our security architecture and strengthening international alliances,” he said.

He particularly commended the synergy between the Nigerian Commander-in-Chief and the US President, Donald Trump, noting that Nigeria’s cooperation with the Trump administration has yielded tangible security outcomes.

“The Christmas Day precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, which were duly approved by President Tinubu, sent an unmistakable message that Nigeria will no longer tolerate safe havens for terrorists. Sponsors of terrorism and their international collaborators have since received a clear signal that the game has changed,” he stated.

The lawmaker stressed that the collaboration goes beyond symbolism, describing it as a practical partnership that would enhance intelligence gathering, technical capacity and operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s armed forces.

He also applauded the “constant improvements” recorded under the new Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and the Service Chiefs, saying the renewed vigour within the military high command has strengthened coordination and boosted morale among troops.

“Our armed forces today are better coordinated, better motivated and increasingly better equipped. The ongoing reforms and strategic partnerships are already yielding results. What we are witnessing is the outcome of deliberate and courageous decisions taken by President Tinubu to secure the nation,” he added.

Agbese also commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke for ensuring a robust synergy between ground troops of the Nigerian Army and the air components of the Nigerian Air Force in dealing deadly blows on terrorists and bandits across the country.

“Our gallant troups in the frontlines have recorded remarkable successes in the war against insurgency in recent times, neutralising scores of terrorists and their kingpins. This, no doubt, is a result of the synergy and interagency collaborations”, he said.

He equally lauded the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye for their efforts in tackling maritime security challenges and intelligence gathering for the peace and security of the country.

Nigeria has continued to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in parts of the Middle Belt, kidnapping for ransom and separatist agitations.

The Deputy Spokesperson argued that the arrival of the US troops, though non-combatant in role, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to deter threats and protect vulnerable communities.

“This collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities that will strengthen our ability to detect, deter and decisively neutralise terrorist elements across their cells. It reinforces the fact that Nigeria is not alone in this fight,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that the presence of US troops undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, insisting that the deployment was at the request of the Nigerian government and aligned with national interest aimed at decimating terrorists wrecking havoc in the country.

According to him, the evolving Nigeria–US security relationship represents a new era of proactive diplomacy and results-driven governance under President Tinubu.

“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is regaining its strategic relevance globally. The message is clear: this administration will pursue every lawful and strategic partnership necessary to secure our people. Those financing and aiding terrorism, whether locally or internationally, must understand that the space for impunity is rapidly shrinking,” he said.