DEFENCE
Buhari in Ouagadougou, Canvasses Urgent actions by ECOWAS to Stop Terrorism
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, urged ECOWAS leaders not to allow terrorist groups destabilise the region.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja, said the Nigerian leader made the call at the Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Counter-Terrorism in Ouagadougou.
President Buhari said: ”Our region has made commendable progress in the realization of its regional integration and we must not allow terrorist groups to destabilize our Community and undermine the aspirations of our people for a safe, secure and prosperous environment.
”It is, therefore, our collective responsibility not to let up but to win the fight against terrorism and stamp out the scourge from our region.”
The President, who joined other ECOWAS leaders for the special one-day Summit, which was also attended by leaders of Chad and Mauritania decried that terrorism had become a major security threat across the globe.
He warned that the activities of terrorist groups had constituted a grave danger to peace and security in West Africa, the wider Sahel and the global community.
”The frequency of attacks, the determination and resilience of the terrorist groups as well as the ease with which they raise funds and acquire sophisticated weapons are matters of serious concern which should engage our attention as a Community.
”Equally worrisome, is the continuing spread of the menace of terrorism in the region and the growing link between terrorism and organized crime.
”This is why we must not relent in our efforts until we defeat the monster completely.
”And the best way to achieve this objective is through coordinated regional actions and responses against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, inter-communal disputes while we also put in place policies and measures that will address their root causes including the re-establishment and protection of livelihoods,” he said.
While sharing the experience of Nigeria in fighting the scourge, the President said, ”as a major victim of Boko Haram terrorist activities, Nigeria has remained resolute in efforts to combat and eradicate them in all their forms and manifestations.
”Our counter-terrorism strategy which includes prevention, prosecution and reconstruction is also in full compliance with the Yamoussoukro counter-terrorism strategy adopted by ECOWAS Member States.
”In combating terrorism and addressing the resultant humanitarian crisis, through regional and international collaboration, ECOWAS as a Regional Economic Cooperation, would need in partnership with the African Union, to galvanise international support and solidarity to combat and defeat this menace in our region.”
The Nigerian leader also used the occasion to apprise the regional leaders on the situation in the Lake Chad Basin and the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He described the situation in Lake Chad Basin, historically a bastion of rich culture, civilization and abundant natural resources providing livelihoods to tens of millions of people, as tragic.
He noted that the area had become an abode for terrorist groups and extremists whose primitive intent was wanton destruction of lives of innocent citizens and properties as well as public infrastructure.
On MNJTF, the President reported that the achievements recorded so far in the operations remain an exemplary model of regional collaboration.
”MNJTF has largely succeeded in degrading the Boko Haram terrorist group.
”This could not have been accomplished without the recognition by the affected Lake Chad Basin Countries and Benin Republic, of the need to harness our efforts and resources to confront our common enemy which has now been substantially weakened.
”While much still remains to be done, I encourage MNJTF to stay steadfast in their mission, as I urge the political leadership of the LCBC countries to continue to preserve our solidarity and commitment towards achieving durable peace and sustainable development in these areas.
”In this regard, it is imperative that we continuously strive to provide the necessary resources and tools to the MNJTF, the G5 Sahel Joint Force, the Accra Initiative and similar initiatives, to lead the war on terrorism, violent extremism and trans-border crimes across the region, ” he said.
President Buhari expressed the hope that the adoption of the road map, priority areas and other recommendations of the Ouagadougou Summit, if properly implemented, would go a long way in addressing the spread of terrorism and violent extremism in the sub region.(NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The Nigerian Army on Thursday marked a seamless change of leadership as Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu officially assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, between the outgoing COAS, now Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and his successor.
In his maiden address, Maj.
Gen. Shaibu commended Lieutenant General Oluyede for his exemplary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Nigerian Army. He praised his predecessor’s accomplishments in equipment procurement, infrastructural development, and the “Soldier First” initiative, which placed troop welfare and operational readiness at the core of Army operations.The new COAS pledged to sustain and build upon the legacies of his predecessor while enhancing collaboration among security agencies to strengthen national security. He assured that the current security landscape would be critically assessed, with prompt responses to emerging threats.
“I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” he stated.
Shaibu expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Nigerian Army. He also led senior officers in observing a minute’s silence in honour of fallen heroes.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing COAS and new CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the opportunity to serve. He lauded officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and urged them to remain loyal and committed under the new leadership.
“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he said.
Earlier, the former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, described General Oluyede as a selfless and visionary leader whose impact would be remembered by generations of officers.
The event featured the signing of handover documents, decoration of the new Army Chief with Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with senior officers and field commanders.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have sustained an aggressive nationwide campaign against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups, recording major operational successes across all theatres within the week ending October 16, 2025.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this during the weekly press briefing in Abuja, said the operations reflected the continued dedication, professionalism, and discipline of Nigerian troops on land, in the air, and at sea.
According to him, coordinated operations under various Joint Task Forces—Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West, Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North Central, Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, and Operation UDO KA in the South-East—resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, arrest of criminal elements, and rescue of kidnapped victims.
In the North East, troops denied Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS fighters freedom of movement through aggressive ground and air operations in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Scores of terrorists were eliminated, 16 collaborators arrested, and seven hostages rescued. Troops also recovered assorted weapons, vehicles, and ₦5.14 million in cash.
Similarly, in the North West, troops sustained their offensive against bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States. Several terrorists were killed, 14 arrested, and six kidnapped victims rescued. A gunrunner and two drug cartel members were also apprehended with 1,307 live ammunition, motorcycles, narcotics, and ₦227,000.
In the North Central region, under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE, troops carried out raids and responded to distress calls in Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, neutralising criminals and rescuing 17 kidnap victims. Four suspects were also convicted and sentenced by a magistrate court in Plateau State.
In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦98.7 million, destroying 11 illegal refining sites and arresting 13 suspects. The troops also seized large volumes of stolen petroleum products and dismantled multiple illegal refining facilities across Delta and Rivers States.
Meanwhile, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander known as Gentle alongside eight accomplices in Imo and Ebonyi States. A female logistics supplier linked to the group was also apprehended in Abia State, where three children of a wanted terrorist leader were found in her custody.
Major General Kangye commended the gallant troops for their bravery and sacrifices, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain steadfast and resolute in securing the nation.
“Our recent operational successes—whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or internal operations—are not just battlefield victories but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of Nigeria,” he stated.
He urged citizens to continue supporting the military through credible intelligence sharing, noting that collective cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and stability across the country.
By David Torough, Abuja
Barely one weekend after President Bola Tinubu’s directives to immediately fish out the perpetrators of the Yelewata massacre in Benue state, the Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has confirmed the arrest of 26 suspects for their alleged involvement in the recent massacre at Yelewata community of Guma local government area in Benue State.
Egbetokun said in the attack, 47 villagers were killed, two attackers were killed by the police and over 100 others were displaced.
He disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters yesterday in Abuja.
Egbetokun said the majority of the suspects were arrested on June 22.
Relatedly, the IGP also revealed that 22 suspects have been arrested for killing 12 travellers in Plateau State, while five persons have been arrested for killing two people in Benue State this week.
The arrests were coming barely a week after President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate arrest of the killer-herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue State.
Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi, during a visit to the State.
The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Traditional Rulers and former governors of the state among others.
Tinubu had called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests had not been made at the time.
“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata. Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu directed.
He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.
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