As President Bola Tinubu marks his second year in office, the question on many Nigerians’ minds is: has the administration’s security approach yielded tangible results?

Nigeria’s security challenges are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. No doubt the administration took off on May 29, 2023 amidst myriads of security challenges across all regions of the country but the administration has introduced various measures to tackle the menace.

While some progress has been made, much work remains to be done.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently revealed that over 13,543 terrorists and other criminal elements have been killed across Nigeria since May 2023.

He added that over 10,000 hostages have been rescued during the two years of President Tinubu in office.

According to him, a total of 124,408 fighters of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with their family members, surrendered to Nigerian forces and are undergoing rehabilitation through the government’s de-radicalisation and reintegration programme.

Also, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, during a ministerial briefing recently, said that Nigeria currently grapples with multiple security challenges.

Badaru said the administration which came in with promises to enhance security, had been making determined efforts to fulfil its promise, adding that contemporary security challenges in Nigeria were neither isolated nor simplistic.

He said the challenges were deeply rooted in decades-long socio-political fractures, economic dislocations, porous transnational borders, foreign insurgent influences and a global terrorism matrix that continues to mutate beyond classical military doctrines.

According to him, President Tinubu’s firm directive, “Enough is enough,” signals reinforcement of political will, which also spurs the military to double its efforts in conjunction with all stakeholders towards overcoming the security challenges.

The key achievements include enhanced synergy within the AFN and with other security agencies, defence equipment procurement, improvement in defence production and capacity development of troops.

Others are troops’ welfare, increasing partnerships with friendly nations/organisations and sustaining stakeholder engagement sessions.

It is pertinent to note that despite these claims, the Nigerian Military has recorded seven terror attacks on its bases in 2025 despite claimed successes against terrorists and bandits.

The Defence Headquarters in 2024 declared 106 terrorists/bandits leaders wanted with a vow to eliminate them from the battle field.

Several of such terrorist leaders, at least 22, have been eliminated.

Among the prominent terrorist leaders eliminated are Abu Bilal Minuki, Haruna Isiya Boderi, Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi, Kachallah Kabiru, Kachallah Azailaru, and Alhaji Baldu.

On his part, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, revealed that Nigerian troops seized a substantial cache of arms and ammunition during recent operations targeting non-state actors.

Kangye revealed that more about 3,002 firearms and 71,532 rounds of ammunition were recovered during coordinated offensives in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tunbums along the Lake Chad Basin.

In spite of these successes however, there were some setbacks recorded as a result of the recent resurgence of terrorist attacks targeting troops’ locations and vulnerable communities in the North East, particularly, Borno.

On Jan, 4, Boko Haram terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks attacked troops’ location at Sabon Gari village of Damboa local government area killing at least six soldiers.

On March 25, terrorists attacked troops at Goneri in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe and another attack on a military location in Wajiroko near Sabon-Gari in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno killing at least four soldiers with some wounded in action.

These are some of the incidents that brought a sort of set of setbacks to the gains hitherto made in the fight against insurgency, a development that slightly affected the planned return of some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno.

It is based on the foregoing that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, rejigs the operation in Borno appointing  new  field commanders including Theatre Commander for Operation Hadin Kai North East.

The current Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment of the troops to sustain the renewed tempo of operation with the sole objective of defeating the terrorists.

He said the troops had continued to show resilience in defeating the terrorists across the theatre of operation with several successes so far recorded.

According to him, in the recent attack on Kukawa area of Borno, troops with support of air components defeated the terrorist onslaught neutralising 28 terrorists.

He said the terrorists’ resort to attacking isolated communities in search of logistics, equipment or fighters, close-ledger, and outdoor high-value targets, suggests “desperation of the terrorists leaders to reassess themselves, demonstrate strength, recruit more fighters, and amass logistics interpolation for future offensive across the theatre”.

On procurement of equipment, the administration of President Tinubu has a high level of commitment with the acquisition of several modern platforms including armoured vehicles, aircraft and ships as well as drones and other equipment.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had during the induction of two newly acquired Agusta 109S Trekker Helicopters as part of activities marking NAF’s 61st Anniversary, announced that additional 49 aircrafts were being expected within the next two year.

Abubakar said the 49 aircraft being expected include 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

According to him, these acquisitions will significantly bolster NAF precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support the counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

Providing an overview of operational achievements, the CAS disclosed that in the past year alone, the NAF has flown over 4,500 hours across 2,304 sorties, executing nearly 2,000 counterinsurgency missions.

He added that over 2,600 anti-banditry sorties were carried out, resulting in 4,670 hours of flight time.

According to the CAS, the NAF in support of efforts to combat economic sabotage, conducted 366 sorties targeting crude oil theft and illegal refining, amassing more than 1,450 hours of flight time.

Similarly in the fight against crude oil theft, the NAF said the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe had between January and May 2025, executed over 173 missions and 265 sorties, accumulating approximately 270 flying hours in support of joint military operations and independent strikes across the zone.

A statement by NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that the airstrikes destroyed more than 100 illegal refining sites, 53 boats, 74 cooking tanks, two reservoirs, and several transport vehicles.

On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla said the Nigerian Navy had taken delivery of three helicopters and three ships to boost its operations.

Ogalla said the service had between January to May 2025 arrested 215 suspects, 26 vessels and deactivated 468 Illegal Refinery Sites.

He added that an estimated quantity of 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil were seized and appropriately handled, while 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits and 279 storage tanks were deactivated.

According to the CNS, the Navy since January 2025, destroyed 103 Illegal Refinery Sites and arrested 34 suspects linked to crude oil theft.

The administration has successfully reduced the influence of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the Southeast, particularly in enforcing sit-at-home orders.

Tinubu’s administration has partnered with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) to host a high-level African counter-terrorism summit and has implemented existing counter-terrorism measures.

The administration launched the Pulaku Initiative, a N50 billion project aimed at providing non-kinetic solutions to address banditry and insurgency in Northern Nigeria.

The administration should prioritize community-based security initiatives, promoting socio-economic development and inter-communal dialogue.

Completing police reform efforts, including decentralising policing and enhancing accountability, could improve internal security.

Overall, while President Tinubu’s administration has made some progress in addressing insecurity, the persistence of attacks and criticisms of his security approach highlight the need for a more effective and comprehensive strategy.

The administration should do more in addressing economic challenges, such as inflation and employment, particularly through agriculture and other empowerment programmes to reduce the root causes of insecurity. (NANFeatures)

In unprecedented and emotionally resonant moments for the global Catholic community, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope on May 8 and inaugurated on May 18.

He became Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor to St. Peter and the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

The election of Leo XIV follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, a pontiff celebrated as “the people’s pope.

Leo XIV’s inauguration message resonated with advocacy for peace and harmony in a troubled world.

The pontiff said he wanted the Catholic Church to be a “small leaven of unity” in a time of “too much discord and too many wounds”.

Leo harped on the need to preserve the church’s rich heritage while confronting modern challenges.

“In this time of ours, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest.

“For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world; we want to say to the world, with humility and joy; look to Christ; come closer to him,” he said.

Born on Sept. 14, 1955 in Chicago, Leo XIV was raised in a culturally rich American city and studied mathematics at Villanova University.

He pursued his priestly formation at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before obtaining a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

It was not his academic accolades but the 14 years he spent as a missionary in Peru that most deeply shaped his pastoral identity.

There, in one of South America’s poorest regions, he worked closely with the marginalised, gaining firsthand insight into social injustice, poverty, and spiritual hunger.

This lived experience grounded his commitment to the poor, informed his theology of proximity, and laid the foundation for a papacy rooted in social justice, humility, and global outreach.

Leo XIV’s choice of name is more than ceremonial; it is a carefully calibrated message.

His name honours two great figures in Church history: St. Leo the Great, a fifth-century pope renowned for his doctrinal clarity and steadfast defense of Rome during political and theological turmoil.

It also honours Pope Leo XIII, whose groundbreaking 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the plight of workers during the industrial age and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.

Prof. Brandon Gallaher of the University of Exeter, UK, likened Leo XIV to Francis, whose legacy of inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and concern for the Global South continues to inspire.

“Many analysts believe Leo XIV was chosen as a ‘continuity candidate,’ meant to solidify and institutionalise Francis’s reforms.

“Leo XIV is very much a ‘Francis-like’ pontiff.

“He shares Francis’s concern for the peripheries and the poor, but he also brings a more canonically grounded and disciplined approach to Church governance,” he said.

According to Dr Gonzalo Berenguer, a historian from the University of Bristol, his name, background, and tone all signal a commitment to build on, not reverse, Francis’s revolution in Church life.

Catholic scholars say Leo XIV assumes the papal reins at a moment of significant turbulence for both the Church and the world.

They listed some of the church’s pressing challenges as: Internal Reform and Transparency; ongoing fallout from clergy abuse scandals has damaged the Church’s moral authority; strengthening accountability will be a key focus.

“Social Justice: Poverty, migration, and economic disparity remain core global issues; Leo XIV’s Peruvian experience positions him to speak credibly on these matters.

“Climate Change and Environment: Continuing the legacy of Laudato Si’, Leo XIV is expected to advocate forcefully for ecological stewardship.

“Inclusivity and Youth Engagement: The new pontiff has expressed interest in creating space for women, youth, and marginalised voices within Church structures and discussions.

“Global Engagement: As digital communication reshapes culture, Leo XIV must navigate a path that keeps Catholic teaching relevant and accessible without compromising doctrine.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described Leo XIV’s election as “a milestone of hope and renewal”.

President Bola Tinubu, who attended Leo XIV’s inauguration, lauded the pope’s global perspective and experience with Nigeria’s Augustinian communities, calling Leo XIV’s elevation “a new chapter for Church-African cooperation.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed Leo XIV as a voice for unity and peace.

“At a time of geopolitical division and deep societal fractures, Leo XIV brings a message the world needs to hear,” he said.

Mr Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and Labour Party Presidential candidate in 2023, who also attended the inauguration, called the new pope “a respected canon lawyer and seasoned missionary,” highlighting his role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before becoming pontiff.

Analysts say Leo XIV’s duality of identity is more than symbolic as it informs his leadership style– humble, yet decisive, and his theology–rooted in Gospel fidelity but open to dialogue with the modern world.

Before the conclave, Leo XIV gained attention for his measured but clear social media presence, including posts critical of political leaders he believed misrepresented Christian teaching.

From Rome to Rio, Lagos to Abuja and Los Angeles, Catholics are watching closely; will Leo XIV be the builder of bridges?; the reformer with legal acumen?; the lion-hearted shepherd the Church needs?

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) described the personal invitation by Leo XIV to  Tinubu to attend his inauguration as a reflection of Nigeria’s great stature in the comity of nations.

Mr Emeka Nwankpa, Chairman of TMSG, said that Tinubu was the first Nigerian president in recent memory to attend a papal inauguration.

“When the Presidency announced that Tinubu would attend the inauguration of Leo XIV, it mentioned that the papal invitation by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin underscored the need for the President’s physical presence.

“For us, it represents the importance the Vatican accords the President and the country, especially as the inauguration ceremony was Pope Leo’s first interaction with world leaders.

“Indeed, the Pope had brief interactions with all international leaders in attendance, including  Tinubu, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.”

According to Nwankpa, Tinubu’s presence at the Pope’s inauguration marks the first time in 20 years that a Nigerian leader attended a papal inauguration.

“In 2005, when Pope Benedict XVI was inaugurated, there is no record showing then-President Olusegun Obasanjo attended, though Nigeria had a delegation.

“When Pope Francis was inaugurated in March 2013, the Nigerian delegation was headed by then Senate President David Mark, who delivered former President Goodluck Jonathan’s congratulatory letter to the Pope.

“But Tinubu, a Muslim, not only accepted the papal invitation but attended and told newsmen his presence was consistent with achieving unity in diversity.”

The group said it was reassuring, especially as some Nigerian Christians had expressed reservations about peaceful coexistence and religious harmony following the President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election.

“We note that during Tinubu’s meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he reaffirmed his commitment to using ‘our diversity, not for adversity but for prosperity,” Nwankpa said.

He expressed hope that many more Nigerians would appreciate the President as a fair-minded leader, contrary to pre-election impressions promoted by the opposition.

Catholic pundits and critical observers say Leo XIV has become a symbol of hope and unity; but for many, the central question remains: What future lies ahead for Catholics under this historic American pontiff? (NAN)

In recent years, the landscape of men’s fashion and grooming in Nigeria has seen a notable shift, with hair braiding emerging as a significant trend among young men.

Once seen as a style reserved for women, braided hairstyles are now redefining masculinity on the streets of Nigeria.

The practice has now evolved into a form of cultural expression, artistry, and personal identity for Nigerian males.

This growing trend is not just about fashion; it challenges cultural stereotypes, sparks conversations about gender norms, and signals a broader shift in how young Nigerian men see themselves and their identities.

Speaking on the trend, contributors appraised several factors contributing to the drift among young men in Nigeria society.

Mr Chinemerem Ndinojue, a youth and fashion enthusiast, described hair as a deep personal expression of identity.

“To me, hair is an extension of one’s personality; in African history, braids were more than fashion — they were symbols of resistance, identity, and even communication during the era of slavery.”

Ndinojue argued that, modern youths, particularly the Gen Z, use braids and other hairstyles to reflect creativity and stand out in industries like fashion and entertainment.

“Many of us are into music, design, content creation and our appearance is part of the brand; our parents rocked Afros in their time.

“It is the same expression in a different era; you cannot judge a person’s morality by their hairstyle,” he said.

However, Mr Michael Samson, a civil servant, sees the trend differently, describing it as a departure from African tradition and an influence of misguided westernisation.

“Our traditions have been replaced by modern civilisation; most of these boys are not celebrities; yet, they spend thousands on hair that serves no purpose.

“Worse still, some use these looks to cover fraudulent activities.’’

He cited an incident at a bank where a teenager, allegedly involved in internet fraud, claimed to have earned in a month what an older man earned in a lifetime.

“Such wealth without value is what leads to this arrogance; many use these styles to gain attention, not out of professionalism,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mrs Blessing John, another civil servant, said male hair braiding undermines cultural and moral standards.

“For me, it is not encouraging; we are Africans with strong cultural values; in our tradition, men do not braid their hair; even in professional spaces namely medicine, law, engineering, you do not see such hairstyles; there is a reason for that.”

She warned that many young men who braid their hair may be involved in societal ills such as drug abuse and cultism.

“We need value reorientation; parents must go back to teaching their children the right path; we must not forget where we come from,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Ijeoma Azubuike-Okigbo, a communications professional, offered a more nuanced view.

While she admitted personal reservations about male braiding, she acknowledged the growing influence of pop culture.

“Young people today look up to personalities like VeryDarkMan among others who braid their hair and still command respect.

“If the society begins to accept it widely, it might one day become a part of our evolving culture.”

She said that many parents even took their young male children to salons for braids, suggesting the trend was already gaining ground across families.

“Ultimately, hair is natural; how one chooses to style it is personal; society is changing, and this may be part of that evolution,” she said.

Mr Toks Adesanya, a community elder, expressed strong disapproval over the rising trend of hair braiding and dreadlocks among young Nigerian males, describing the practice as a “taboo” and a deviation from cultural norms.

Adesanya lamented what he referred to as the erosion of African values and the shift in traditional masculinity.

He argued that hair braiding in men was not only alien to the culture but also reflective of a larger societal breakdown.

“It is a taboo for a man to braid his hair; when I see a boy or a man doing such things, I consider it a disgrace and a deviation from our tradition.

“Such hairstyles are not only culturally inappropriate but also expose young men to unnecessary suspicion by law enforcement.

“Thank God, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police is no longer around; many young men would have fallen victim because such looks make them easy targets; police often associate such appearance with cybercrime or cultism.’’

Adesanya recalled a personal experience from his youth, when he briefly curled his hair to attend a party, only to be severely reprimanded by a family member.

“I felt accepted at the party, but when I got home, someone close to the family expressed deep disappointment; she said I had disgraced manhood; I felt ashamed and removed the curls the next day.”

He also attributed the trend to poor parenting, environmental influence, and a lack of religious and societal guidance.

“Our society no longer checks excesses; parents are absent, churches and mosques are silent, and this silence is taken as approval.

“Even in job interviews, appearances matter; a man with braids or dreadlocks may not be taken seriously if he should appear in such manner for job interviews,” he said.

Recently, Gov. Umar Bago of Niger banned wearing of dreadlocks among other things due to the rise of insecurity in the state.

Bago ordered security agents to clamp down on thugs and those abetting them in disrupting public peace in Minna, the state capital where violence had become a daily occurrence.

He also directed the arrest of people wearing dreadlocks, following a series of calls by terrorised residents of Minna to curb the worsening thuggery that had claimed the lives of many innocent people.

The governor said that thugs had turned the streets of Minna into a battleground since he took over leadership of the state.

As the debate continues, the question remains, is male hair braiding in Nigeria a fading of traditional values or an embrace of modern self-expression? (NANFeatures)