Gist Viral

03/07/2026

Counter Terrorism Mission:

*US Withdraws Majority Of Troops Deployed To Nigeria After Joint Anti-ISIS Operations*

The United States has withdrawn the majority of its military personnel deployed to Nigeria for a joint counterterrorism mission in the Lake Chad Basin. The Commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, announced it during a virtual press briefing on the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

Anderson said the specific mission that required the deployment has been completed. The operation focused on disrupting the ISIS/Daesh network in the Lake Chad Basin.

“We have withdrawn much of our forces that were just there for that operation, but are continuing the partnership that Nigeria has asked for to help continue with the intelligence sharing”. Washington says it will keep providing intelligence assistance at the request of the Nigerian government.

*What the joint operation achieved*

- US-Nigeria intelligence cooperation helped eliminate Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of the global ISIS network.

- Over 200 ISIS fighters were reportedly eliminated, with checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs, and training sites destroyed.

- The operation also disrupted financial networks and media structures supporting terrorist activities.

About 200 US military personnel were deployed to Nigeria in February 2026 to support intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin. The deployment came after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and vowed to intensify support against terrorist groups.

Anderson described Nigeria as a “very capable” partner with a strong military. The US said it prefers “providing specialised capabilities that enhance their ability to combat terrorism rather than maintaining large troop deployments”.

02/07/2026

WATCH:

*FG to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform with Locally Made Adire in Major Scheme Overhaul*

The Federal Government has confirmed plans to scrap the National Youth Service Corps’ iconic khaki uniform and replace it with Adire, Nigeria’s indigenous tie-and-dye fabric.

*What the FG is saying*

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the move on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s _The Morning Brief_.

According to him, the switch is to “promote local manufacturing and ensure government spending supports the Nigerian economy”.

“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.

*What the new uniform will look like*

Under the FEC-approved reforms, the current NYSC uniform — white T-shirt, khaki trousers/skirt, and heavy boots — will be discontinued.

The recommendation is to replace it with:

- *An Adire-designed outfit* that will retain the existing NYSC logo

- *Crocs and light training shoes* instead of heavy boots

The redesign is part of efforts to reflect “professionalism, national pride, and a modernised image for the scheme”. The traditional Passing Out Parade will also be replaced with a new graduation ceremony.

*Part of a bigger NYSC reform*

The uniform change was approved alongside a comprehensive overhaul of the 53-year-old scheme by the Federal Executive Council on Monday in Abuja. Other key changes include:

1. *Civilian Leadership*: The NYSC will be headed by a civilian Director-General, while the military continues to provide security. Three Executive Directors will oversee Operations, Finance & Corporate Services, and Security Services.

2. *Posting by Discipline*: Corps members will be posted according to their fields of study. E.g. education graduates to schools, based on processes followed in camp.

3. *Security-Focused Deployment*: Govt is considering posting corps members to regions where they studied and are familiar with, especially in areas facing security challenges.

4. *Camp Upgrades*: A national grading and certification system for orientation camps on accommodation, sanitation, health, food, and safety.

5. *Skills & Entrepreneurship Focus*: A redesigned 6-week orientation with more emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship and digital skills.

FEC has directed the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act to give legal backing to the changes.

*Why Adire now?*

The push aligns with ongoing government efforts to cut capital flight from imported “Chinese Adire” and boost local production clusters in Ogun, Kwara and other Adire-producing states. Several states like Ogun and Ekiti have already adopted Adire for schools and civil servants to grow the local economy.

Gist Viral

02/07/2026

WATCH:

*Retired Captain Raises Concerns Over Government Influence and Military Decision-Making*

Retired Captain Effiong Eyo has issued a statement outlining his views on the structure of power in Nigeria, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, and the conduct of the Nigerian military.

*Key Points Raised By Him;*

- *Perception of Government Dynamics*:

Eyo stated that Nigerians are largely unaware of the “intricacies within the government.” He asserted that President Tinubu is “not weak,” but instead faces “significant challenges,” and that every Nigerian president operates within defined limitations to their power.

- *Alleged External Influence*:

The retired officer claimed there is “a powerful group influencing the government and the nation.” He cited the First Lady’s comments on U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto as, in his view, suggesting “a lack of control.”

- *Military Command Concerns*:

Eyo said he retired from the army due to feeling “disconnected from its mission.” He questioned why Army Generals appear “hesitant to act without external direction,” and whether they “fear repercussions from a particular individual.”

- *Foreign Military Assistance*:

He also referenced an order to assist the Republic of Benin, stating it “raises questions about the decision-making process and who holds actual power.”

All statements above are attributed to Retired Captain Effiong Eyo as provided in his remarks in the video.

02/07/2026

WATCH:

*Retired Captain Raises Concerns Over Government Influence and Military Decision-Making*

Retired Captain Effiong Eyo has issued a statement outlining his views on the structure of power in Nigeria, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, and the conduct of the Nigerian military.

*Key Points Raised By Him;*

- *Perception of Government Dynamics*:

Eyo stated that Nigerians are largely unaware of the “intricacies within the government.” He asserted that President Tinubu is “not weak,” but instead faces “significant challenges,” and that every Nigerian president operates within defined limitations to their power.

- *Alleged External Influence*:

The retired officer claimed there is “a powerful group influencing the government and the nation.” He cited the First Lady’s comments on U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto as, in his view, suggesting “a lack of control.”

- *Military Command Concerns*:

Eyo said he retired from the army due to feeling “disconnected from its mission.” He questioned why Army Generals appear “hesitant to act without external direction,” and whether they “fear repercussions from a particular individual.”

- *Foreign Military Assistance*:

He also referenced an order to assist the Republic of Benin, stating it “raises questions about the decision-making process and who holds actual power.”

All statements above are attributed to Retired Captain Effiong Eyo as provided in his remarks in the video.

Gist Viral

02/07/2026

Big shout-out to my newest top fans! Micheal Tayo

26/06/2026

State Police:

*They Can't Bear AK-47s Like The Criminals Chasing People All Over The Place—Femi Falana*

Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and prominent human rights activist, has highlighted critical operational deficiencies limiting the effectiveness of existing regional security outfits amidst the ongoing national debate regarding local state police structures.

According to a video posted on the Official YouTube channel of Channels Television on Thursday, June 25, 2026, while analyzing why current regional initiatives cannot match state police expectations, he stated, “the major problem is that they are not empowered to bear AK-47 rifles like the criminals who are chasing people all over the place.”

The legal luminary explained that local vigilantes, neighborhood watches, and regional security corps across different geopolitical zones remain severely disadvantaged because statutory regulations prevent them from carrying high-caliber fi****ms to defend vulnerable communities.

Falana noted that while non-state actors and violent bandits operate with sophisticated weaponry, the institutional restrictions placed on domestic security personnel make it impossible for them to properly counter armed threats without federal military intervention.

He argued that simply changing the nomenclature of existing organizations to state police without reviewing federal firearm licensing regulations will not solve the tactical imbalance currently leaving local officers exposed during violent confrontations.

The human rights defender emphasized that real security reform requires addressing these legal and administrative bottlenecks so that authorized state agencies can legally match the operational capacity of criminal elements threatening internal peace.

In his concluding remarks, Falana urged the federal authorities to urgently review the structural restrictions governing defensive hardware, ensuring any newly established state policing system is adequately equipped to handle the modern realities of grassroots insecurity.

26/06/2026

*Kwankwaso threatens N10bn defamation suit against Primate Ayodele*
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has threatened to file a N10 billion defamation suit against Primate Elijah Ayodele, demanding an immediate retraction and apology over alleged defamatory remarks.

The warning was contained in a legal letter dated June 11, 2026, issued by his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, SAN, & Co., and made public on Wednesday.

In the letter, Kwankwaso’s legal team accused the cleric of making false, malicious and derogatory statements that have damaged their client’s reputation.

The lawyers said Ayodele, during a public address that was recorded and widely circulated online, claimed that Kwankwaso was not trustworthy.

“Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi,” the letter quoted the cleric as saying.

He described the statements as deliberate, premeditated, false and unsubstantiated.

He added that they were aimed at portraying Kwankwaso as deceitful and insincere.

According to the letter, the publication has been trending across social media platforms and reported by both local and international media, thereby causing reputational harm.

Kwankwaso’s lawyers demanded that Ayodele issue a full retraction and apology within 24 hours.

“That you immediately within twenty-four (24) hours publish a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of and apology for the false, malicious and defamatory publication,” the letter stated.

They also asked the cleric to provide a written undertaking to stop publishing any further defamatory statements against their client.

The legal team warned that failure to comply would lead to court action.

“Take notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our demands, we have our client’s instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings wherein we shall claim damages to the tune of ten billion naira,” the letter added.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a prominent political figure, said the statements were intended to tarnish his image and create division among his supporters.

26/06/2026

2027 General Elections:

INEC Chairman Vows Crackdown on Election Rigging and Vote Buying*
Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan has vowed to intensify efforts to combat election rigging and vote-buying ahead of future polls, describing the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system as non-negotiable.

Amupitan made the pledge in Abuja during the swearing-in of Professor Adeniran Tella as Resident Electoral Commissioner, describing the occasion as a solemn call to duty and stressing the critical role the new appointee would play in Nigeria's democratic process.

He warned that any compromise on INEC's values or procedures would not be tolerated, urging Tella to prioritise transparency and strict adherence to the Electoral Act in all his conduct.

"The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted," he said.

Amupitan charged Tella to make it his primary goal to instil confidence in voters that their choices truly count, adding that public trust in the commission is sacred.

"We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying. The eyes of the nation are upon us," he said.

Amupitan took over the leadership of INEC in October following the resignation of Mahmood Yakubu, who had served at the helm of the commission for nearly a decade.

25/06/2026

25/06/2026

WATCH:

*“Chaotic Budget Cycle”: Kebbi Senator Slams Tinubu Govt Over Unimplemented 2024-2026 Budgets, Soaring Borrowing*

A Kebbi Senator has reignited debate over Nigeria’s fiscal management, saying that 3 years into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the 2024, 2025 and now 2026 budgets have not been properly implemented while borrowing keeps rising. The concern mirrors what lawmakers and analysts have been flagging since 2023: repeated budget extensions and “overlapping budgets”.

Speaking in the interview, he said:

_Three years since Tinubu's government, 2024, 2025 and now 2026, the budget have not been implemented, he has never implemented a budget, how does a country runs without a budget? And we are borrowed and borrowed and borrowed, where is the money we are borrowing, how do you expect the country to grow?_

Watch and listen to all he said in the video