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We must unite as one nation to defeat insecurity — Reps Deputy Spokesperson Agbese

Published

4 months ago

November 26, 2025

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has called on Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious divisions and unite in a common front against the escalating insecurity facing the country.

Agbese said terrorists, bandits and criminal networks are exploiting national fault lines to strengthen their operations, stressing that only a united citizenry can effectively support the military and security agencies in restoring peace.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Benue All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker warned that Nigeria’s enemies thrive when citizens retreat into partisan or tribal camps instead of standing together as patriots.

“We must come together as one nation, not as political parties or tribal bigots to address insecurity.

“We must unite as patriots and nationalists to join the armed forces in fighting those who threaten our collective existence,” he said.

Agbese said criminals are emboldened by the divisions among Nigerians and are using them to “perpetuate their evil against humanity,” adding that insecurity has become a national crisis that cannot be solved by government alone.

“Insecurity does not know tribe, religion or political party. This is a battle for our survival as a people. We must unite, or we risk losing the country we all call home”, he said.

According to him, a holistic approach requiring civic cooperation, intelligence sharing, community vigilance and joint ownership of the national security agenda is urgently needed.

He commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for coordinating the security forces in tackling the escalating security challenges bedevilling the country.

“Our Armed Forces are doing their best, but they cannot win this battle without the support, courage and unity of the people. The CDS particularly, should be commended for leading from the front. His short period of taken charge as the CDS has recorded remarkable achievements across the various Theatre of Commands of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the control of Gen Oluyede, have in recent times neutralised hundreds of terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunitions in their various operations nationwide.

“Every Nigerian has a role to play, from the community level to the national space. We must close ranks and confront this challenge as one,” Agbese added.

The lawmaker also commended the professionalism of the newly appointed service chiefs, urging them to talk less and stay focused on their duties.

“The Armed forces is the last hope of the common man. They must learn to talk less; stay away from politics and completely focused on the task ahead.

“These new service chiefs are showing the way. We had highly professional chiefs in the recent who said nothing but ensured that we cleared the country of Boko Haram terrorists”, he said.

The Deputy Spokesperson stressed that the House of Representatives remains committed to providing legislative backing and oversight to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, but urged citizens to complement government actions by rejecting divisive rhetoric and working together to protect their communities.

He commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for his initiative of dedicating plenary sessions to debate the security challenges bedevilling the country with a view to proffering solutions to the menace.

“The Speaker has shown himself to be a true leader, who not only sympathise with the people but empathise with them. He led a team to Kebbi State few days ago to identified with the people and also made donations to the family of the abducted girls on behalf of the House. That is quite commendable”, he said.

The lawmaker equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strong leadership he has shown in the past few weeks, ensuring the safe rescue of the worshippers who were kidnapped from Eruku in Kwara, and the school girls who were abducted from Maga in Kebbi State.

Agbese expressed optimism that the remaining children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State will also be safely rescued as well, with the momentum the government and security agencies have deployed in addressing the matter.

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Army Supply and Transport Corps Reviews Operations, Targets Improved Service Delivery

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Maj.-Gen. Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, has commenced a two-day conference aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery in support of Nigerian Army missions.

The conference, with the theme “Optimising ST Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions,” began on Tuesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State.

Shagaya said the conference was designed to review the Corps’ performance in ongoing military operations and provide a platform for strategic reflection, institutional learning, and collective problem-solving.

He noted that the forum would enable commanders to exchange ideas, assess operational realities, evaluate emerging challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen logistics support in a dynamic security environment.

“The contemporary operational landscape in which the Nigerian Army operates is increasingly complex and multidimensional,” he said.

“Modern military operations are characterised by fluid threat dynamics, technological evolution, and heightened demands on operational sustainability. In such an environment, the role of logistics has become even more critical.”

The CCST added that the conference would facilitate frank and professional engagement among senior officers to review operational commitments, examine institutional challenges, and explore innovative approaches to improve efficiency.

He urged participants to approach discussions with professionalism and a shared commitment to strengthening the Corps’ effectiveness.

Earlier, the Commandant of NASST, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, said the conference would provide an avenue for interaction between the Corps Commander, field commanders, and senior officers on achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission.

Adegbite said the engagement aligns with the Corps’ command philosophy of developing a highly proficient Supply and Transport Corps capable of efficiently supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.

He added that the conference would promote knowledge sharing, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.

Highlights of the event include the commissioning of a Soldiers’ Dining Hall, a remodeled NASST Driving Simulation Centre, the unveiling of Col. I. Taiwo Crescent, and a group photograph.

The conference will also feature a Pulling-Out Ceremony and Gala Night in honour of retired generals of the Corps on March 26.

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NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, Hailed as Transformative Leader on Birthday

Published

8 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.

Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.

She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.

“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.

The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.

Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.

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COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Hosts Special Sallah Luncheon in Edo

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2026

Daily Mirror

he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.

“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.

Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.

In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.

He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.

Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.

The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.