Security Gist

01/12/2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Badaru Abubakar, Defence Minister, Resigns

Nigeria’s defence minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.

In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.

President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.

Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 1, 2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

Nigerian Correctional Service Appoints Jane Osuji as First Female Spokesperson.

The Nigerian Correctional Service ( ) has named Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji as its new Public Relations Officer, marking the first time a woman has held the position in the agency’s history.

The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Deputy Controller General of Corrections Ado Sale, who oversees Human Resources. It takes effect following the retirement of the immediate past spokesperson, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, on November 19, 2025.
Osuji holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Lagos State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

She brings considerable experience to the role, having previously served as Public Relations Officer for the Lagos and FCT Commands, Assistant National Public Relations Officer at NCoS National Headquarters, and Press Secretary to three successive Ministers of Interior between 2015 and 2023.

The Service described her appointment as a recognition of her “extensive professional experience” in strategic communication and public engagement.

01/12/2025

PRESS RELEASE

FCT POLICE FOIL PLANNED ATTACK, NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS BANDITS, RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION.

The FCT Police Command has successfully averted a planned large-scale attack on a community within the Territory, following credible intelligence and a coordinated tactical operation by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

This breakthrough follows recent kidnapping incidents recorded in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari, which prompted the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible.

Intelligence later revealed that the gang had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on a community on or before December 1, 2025, with the intention to abduct residents, demand ransom, and inflict further harm on the community.

Acting swiftly on this intelligence, FCT Police operatives on 30th November 2025 at about 02:11 PM, traced and arrested one of the key conspirators, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect named Sani Mohammed Umar a.k.a. Boko, and his mobile phone, suspected to be the primary device used in coordinating the criminal operations was recovered from him.

Investigations confirmed that the suspect belonged to the gang responsible for the previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO and D**a and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robbery incidents across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. He also admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged to commence their next planned community attack.

At about 11:01 PM, the Anti-Kidnapping team, led by the OC-Anti-Kidnapping, tactically advanced into the forest, reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid a well-planned ambush. On sighting the operatives, the heavily armed bandits opened fire. The Police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel, during which three (3) of the bandits were neutralized.
While other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene include:
• Three (3) AK-47 rifles
• Three magazine with thirty-three (33) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

A joint operation involving Police operatives and the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes. Medical facilities across the area have been alerted to report any individual presenting with bullet wounds to the nearest security agency or contact the Command via 08032003913, 08061581938.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, commends the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and appreciates the valuable intelligence provided by members of the public. He urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to supply timely information.

SP Josephine Adeh anipr. mipra.,
Police Public Relations Officer,
FCT Police Command,
Abuja.
1st December 2025.

27/11/2025

PRESS RELEASE

AIR COUNCIL ELEVATES 27 AIR VICE MARSHALS, 30 AIR COMMODORES, STRENGTHENS COMMAND CAPACITY IN RESPONSE TO NATIONAL SECURITY DEMANDS

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the elevation of 57 senior officers to the prestigious ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore, marking a significant step in consolidating the Service’s leadership depth amid evolving national security challenges. Released today, 27 November 2025, the promotion list underscores the commitment of NAF leadership to building a smarter, stronger, and more operationally decisive force capable of responding swiftly to threats across the country.

A distinguished cadre of 27 senior officers has been promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. They include Air Commodores SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami, FO Ankeli, MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah. Additionally, 30 senior officers have been elevated to the rank of Air Commodore. They include Group Captains MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, IO Akpasa, AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.

The promotion cycle reflects a deliberate effort to reinforce high-command leadership, enhance operational expertise, and strengthen the intellectual and strategic backbone of the Service. Each officer was selected following a rigorous evaluation of merit, professional competence, operational experience, loyalty to the Service, and alignment with the strategic objectives of the Nigerian Air Force.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the promotions as a testament to the officers’ personal sacrifice, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to national defence. He noted that the elevation was guided by the need to deepen command responsibility, sharpen operational decision-making, and enhance the NAF’s readiness posture across multiple theatres of operation. According to him, Nigeria is facing one of its most complex security environments in recent history, characterised by terrorism, banditry, cross-border crimes, and emerging asymmetric threats that demand speed, flexibility, and innovative thinking from military leadership.

“This elevation is not just recognition, it is responsibility,” he stated. “The nation needs leaders who think clearly under pressure, act with precision, and inspire the men and women behind them as a unified force. Nigeria is counting on you, and you must not fail.” Air Marshal Aneke urged the officers to serve with integrity, humility, and operational sharpness while strengthening synergy with sister services, enhancing intelligence exploitation, mentoring junior personnel, and upholding the highest standards of discipline in all air operations.

The CAS reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to ongoing strategic reforms aimed at building a smarter, and more technologically driven Air Force capable of delivering decisive airpower whenever the nation requires it. The Nigerian Air Force congratulates all newly promoted senior officers and expresses full confidence that they will justify the trust placed upon them through excellence in command, innovation in leadership, and unwavering patriotism.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

27 November 2025

26/11/2025

26/11/2025

COAS ADVOCATES BATTLE-HARDENED TRAINING FOR NDA OFFICERS TO MEET MODERN WARFARE REALITIES

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, has charged the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to intensify cadet training driven by purposeful leadership, discipline, character, courage and strategic thinking in order to bridge gaps in Military operations. The COAS gave the charge during a courtesy visit by the Commandant, NDA, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to Army Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 26 November 2025.

Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed the need to strengthen research centres, particularly the NDA Department of Military Science, as a strategic step towards boosting the National Defence Industry and enhancing indigenous capacity for military innovation and self-reliance. He underscored that a robust research framework would provide the intellectual backbone required for a modern, responsive and technologically advanced fighting force.

The COAS further advocated for a curriculum overhaul that reflects contemporary security challenges, with emphasis on night training, physical fitness, artificial intelligence and other emerging warfare domains. According to him, these measures would ensure that young officers are fully attuned to the realities of modern battlefields and equipped with the warrior ethos and battle-oriented leadership skills required to drive his Command Philosophy which is *“To Advance the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a More Professional, Adaptable, Combat Ready and Resilient Force Capable of Decisively Discharging its Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”*

He also pledged his full support to the Commandant in achieving these objectives, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian Defence Academy produces officers who are strategically sound, operationally competent and fully prepared to meet the evolving security demands of the nation.

In his remarks, the Commandant, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye congratulated the COAS on his appointment by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He further expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the military for the confidence reposed in him to lead the nation’s premier military training institution, describing the NDA as the “training factory” for future officers of the Armed Forces.

The Commandant assured that he would build on the legacies and structures established by his predecessors while soliciting sustained support from the COAS to effectively realise the vision and mission of producing competent, disciplined and professional officers capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s security interests.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
26 November 2025

26/11/2025

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES A SECURITY EMERGENCY, ORDERS ARMY, POLICE TO RECRUIT MORE PERSONNEL

Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.
By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.

The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.

The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.

Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.

To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.
In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.

I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.
Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers.

I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.
I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.

I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let's stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values.

Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union. I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.
May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Federal Republic of Nigeria

November 26, 2025

26/11/2025

ALLEGATION ON INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLE, WELFARE NEGLECT AND FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION AT 90 BATTALION, A MALICIOUS ATTEMPT AT INSTITUTIONAL BLACKMAIL

The attention of Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to a publication making the rounds on social media. In the said publication, it was alleged that 90 Battalion, Koko, is grappling with internal power struggles, welfare neglect and alleged financial exploitation. While the Division would not want to join issues with online merchants spreading this unsubstantiated and malicious falsehood, in a desperate attempt to blackmail the command structure in the Battalion, it is important to set the records straight.

For the records, postings and deployments in the Nigerian Army are routine exercises, essentially carried out without recourse to any primordial considerations, including religion and loyalty, as alleged. The misgiving that the Battalion posts soldiers on duty based on such considerations is not only unfounded but malicious, and should be seen as a desperate attempt at institutional and command blackmail.

The Nigerian Army remains a professional force with zero tolerance for corruption, welfare abuse, religious-based postings and any form of malfeasance within its ranks. It is also important to stress that the Commanding Officer of the Battalion has been discharging his command responsibilities in the most professional manner within the available resources. In any case, there are established procedures for handling administrative complaints in the Nigerian Army, and this cascades down to the Battalion level. Therefore, erring personnel resorting to any other means could be deemed as engaging in a desperate attempt at institutional blackmail and should be disregarded in all intents and purposes. However, it is important to stress that where there are noticeable infractions, these will be investigated appropriately.

Members of the public are enjoined to disregard these unsubstantiated allegations and rest assured that any reported malfeasance will be properly investigated, particularly the one that borders on extortion. The good people of the Niger Delta Region are also reassured that the Division will continue to prioritise security and safety at all times.

DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
6 Division Army Public Relations
26 November 2025

26/11/2025

LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL ABU ALI LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

The Nigerian Army, government officials, and the entire Bassa-Nge Kingdom have paid their final respects to late Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd), a revered Senior Officer, former Military Administrator of Bauchi State, and the esteemed Etsu Bassa-Nge, whose life of service, honour, and devotion to national unity left an indelible mark on the country. The distinguished officer was laid to rest today in Gboloko Bassa, Kogi State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

In his tribute, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, extended heartfelt condolences to the family and commended the late officer’s legacy of professionalism. He remarked that “Brigadier General Abu Ali was a beacon of honour, a pillar of military ethics, and a leader whose selfless dedication to the Nigerian Army will continue to inspire generations.”

Also speaking at the solemn event, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara(Rtd), described the late traditional ruler as a custodian of unity and development whose reign brought progress and cohesion to his people. He added that the loss of the Etsu Bassa-Nge is not only a blow to the state but to the entire nation.

The funeral oration, delivered on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu by the Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, highlighted the life and legacy of late Brigadier General Abu Ali. It recalled his birth in 1945 in Gboloko, Kogi State, his distinguished military career spanning from enlistment in 1963 to retirement as a Brigadier General in 1999, his exemplary service in command and staff appointments including Military Administrator of Bauchi State, and his transformative reign as Etsu Bassa-Nge. The oration praised his professionalism, patriotism, integrity, and dedication to people, noting his impact in military leadership, youth development, community cohesion, education, and national service, and concluded that his passing on 24 November 2025 is a monumental loss to his family, the Nigerian Army, Bassa-Nge people, Kogi State, and the entire nation.

Late Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd) distinguished himself through extensive professional military training both at home and abroad, including courses in the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, and the United States, where he was noted for his discipline, dedication, leadership, and ability to relate well with peers and instructors. Throughout his career, he held key command and staff appointments such as Squadron Commander in 3 Reconnaissance Regiment, Deputy Adjutant and Quarter Master General at Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Military Administrator of Bauchi State, Deputy Military Secretary 1 at Army Headquarters, Director of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Commander of the 15 ECOWAS Monitoring Group Brigade, Deputy Chief of Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency, and Commandant of the Armoured Corps Centre and School.

The demised In all his roles, displayed exceptional professionalism, unwavering commitment to duty, and genuine concern for the welfare of his personnel, leaving lasting impacts on both the Army and the nation. He was also the father of the late Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, one of Nigeria’s most decorated fallen heroes whose gallantry in the fight against insurgency remains a symbol of national pride and sacrifice. Their shared legacy reflects a family defined by courage, patriotism, and devotion to country.

The burial ceremony was attended by senior officers from the Army Headquarters Abuja, Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, spiritual leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, and other invited dignitaries. Key highlights included the final prayers, the lowering of the national flag, and the presentation of national colours to the next of kin.

The Nigerian Army extends its deepest condolences to his family, the Bassa-Nge Kingdom, and all Nigerians in a state of mourning. Late Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd) will be remembered as a patriot, statesman, traditional custodian, and a symbol of honour whose legacy will continue to illuminate the path of service.

HASSAN ABDULLAHI
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
12 Brigade Nigerian Army
25 November 2025

25/11/2025

LATE ESTU BASSA-NGE BRIG. GEN. ABU ALI BURIED IN GBOLOKO, KOGI STATE

The remains of Late Estu Bassa-Nge Kingdom, Brigadier General Abu Ali have been laid to rest in his palace at GBOLOKO in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The funeral conducted according to Islamic rites, was performed by the Nigerian Army.

The team was led by 12 Brigade Commander Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, who performed the dust to dust and other rituals at the burial.