DEFENCE
CDS Reaffirms Commitment to Upholding Principles Guiding Armed Forces

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Saturday night in Abuja reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the ideals and principles guiding the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Musa said this at the 37 Regular Course 38th anniversary of gratitude and the investiture of immediate past Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.
-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, as the Grand Patron of the Course.He expressed his belief that the success of the nation’s military life, not only in its operational progress but also in the unwavering support and trust of its veterans had been the bedrock of the nation’s defence.
“I remain committed to upholding the ideals and principles that have guided our armed forces throughout history.
“It is my solemn duty to ensure that the sacrifices made by each and every member of the service regular courses are duly acknowledged,” he said.
He added that the dedication and service of the armed forces veterans to the country, as well as their commitment to the ideals of duty, honour and loyalty had been source of encouragement.
“This is because they had been guarding the sovereignty of the country and protecting its citizens.
“Your actions both on and off the battlefield have set the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, serving as a channel example for all who have followed in your footsteps.
“Moreover, as we reflect upon the challenges faced by our Armed Forces throughout these years, it is impossible to overlook the pivotal role some regular course members have played in shaping the course of our military history.
“Your collective expert as strategic acumen and operational brilliance has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of our great nation.
“Nigeria stands tall today as a beacon of peace and stability in our region,” he said.
Lauding the immediate past COAS, Musa said that Yahaya’s influence and impact had continued to reverberate throughout the nation’s Armed Forces.
“The knowledge and experiences you have shared with your subordinates have shaped, the next generation of military leaders instilling in them the values of courage, discipline and resilience.
“You enduring legacy is not only measured by the battles fought and won, but also by the lives you have touched and indomitable spirit you have instilled in the military ranks.
“In recognising your remarkable achievement, it is important to acknowledge that the challenges we face in the realm of defence and security are ever evolving as we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected wall.
“It is imperative therefore that we continue to learn from wisdom and experiences from those who came before us.
“Your insights and counsels remain invaluable assets, and I assure you that your voice will continue to be heard and respected as we forge ahead in safeguarding our nation’s future,” he said.
Yahaya in his remarks appreciated his course mates for the honour done to him.
He said that the gesture of oneness and togetherness among the course 37 members had come a long way and appealed that it should not only be sustained but improved upon
“This gesture of oneness and togetherness have come a long way. We are talking about four decades of togetherness.
“So we should not relent but to continue and even seek better ways or more ways of improving in what we are doing. Time is changing, so we must move with time upon our mind and our hearts, not forgetting the essence.
“While this organisation is here. Every time we must reflect why and then continue to seek for improvement,” the former COAS said.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, retired Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, former Chief of Defence Staff, said that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), had produced quality number of armed forces for the country.
He also said that the country had also nurtured a group of young Nigerians as military personnel, because while at NDA they picked degrees.
“So the modern day officers of the country forces are well educated. They are well connected with the needs of the community they have sworn to serve,” he said.
Also, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, President, 37 Regular Course, said that that the occasion was to celebrate and appreciate the former COAS for serving and representing them well.
He noted that the course had produced the highest number of two star generals in the history of the armed forces of Nigeria from 1964 to date.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mrs Salamatu Faruk-Yahaya was also invested as the Queen Mother of the 37 Regular Course, while Mrs Appolonia Ezugwu was invested as the Matron. (NAN)
CRIME
Police Rescue 28 Kidnap Victims, Detain 10 Suspects In Enugu

The Police Command in Enugu has rescued 28 kidnap victims and detained 10 suspects in Enugu State.
The command also recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles and other exhibits in separate coordinated operations within the past 10 days.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that the feat was part of the Command’s sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals.
“On May 18, at about 6:30 p.m., operatives attached to Umumba Police Division, working with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards and community members, rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
“This followed a tactical bush-combing operation.
“Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately detained and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations,” he said.
The spokesman said that on the same day, at about 6:34 p.m., operatives from 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and arrested a suspect.
According to him, the suspect and three others have attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised an alarm.
He said that the suspect, who was severely beaten by the mob, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being investigated further.
“Similarly, operatives from Okpuje Police Division of the Command, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, on May 17, 2025, carried out a strategic bush-combing operation in a forest bordering Okpuje in Enugu State and Odolu in Kogi State.
“During the operation, they intercepted two men found with ₦150,000 and ₦70,000 respectively, intended for ransom payments, as well as loaves of bread and drinks requested by the kidnappers.
“Upon further incursion, the team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and abandon the victims, a pump-action gun, and two live cartridges.
“The victims were rescued unhurt and the exhibits recovered. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” he said.
Ndukwe said that earlier, on May 14, 2025, at about 5:30a.m., operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, with the Military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Amaka-Okpodu community in Kogi State.
He said that the victims, some of whom were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been allegedly abducted on May 10, 2025, along Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA by hooded armed men.
“Five male suspects were subsequently detained following credible intelligence, and three firearms were also recovered. Additionally, a minibus and four motorcycles used by the travelling victims were earlier recovered from the scene of the crime.
“In another operation, on May 13, 2025, at about 9:45 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible information, rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway and recovered his Toyota Camry.
“A white Toyota Corolla with registration number ENU 703 LP used by the suspects and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the kidnapping scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu, were also recovered.
“Operations to hunt down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” he said.
Ndukwe said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had commended the police operatives, the collaborating security agents and law-abiding community members for their efforts in making the operations successful.
The spokesman said that the commissioner reaffirmed the command’s avowed commitment to make Enugu State safer and more secure by rooting out violent criminals and their activities.
He said that the state police boss urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and cooperative with police and other law enforcement authorities. (NAN)
CRIME
Police Nab Native Doctor, Recover Arms, Ammunition From Shrine

The police operatives of the Enugu command, attached to the Special Anti–Cultism Squad (SPACS) have nabbed a native doctor, for alleged possession of fire arms and ammunition hidden in his shrine.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu on Monday.
Ndukwe said that the police recovered one locally-made pistol, one revolver pistol, one expended and one live .
38 special calibre ammunition and one live cartridge from his shrine located at Ugwuochie-Iwollo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.“The recovery followed the suspect’s confessional statements after his earlier arrest, as well as a subsequent raid on the shrine by the operatives.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of the Black Axe confraternity.
“He will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum, ensuring that “Enugu State remains uninhabitable for unrepentant criminals.”
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain supportive of the command’s efforts. (NAN)
DEFENCE
FG Introduces New Online Citizenship, Business Management Platform

The Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of a new Online Citizenship and Business Management Platform.
This is contained in a statement by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani on Friday in Abuja.
Ajani said that the new digital platform was designed to streamline the application and processing of citizenship and business-related services, ensuring faster turnaround time and improved user experience.
The platform is aimed at managing citizenship applications, processing business permits, and administering regulations related to businesses and foreign workers.
The permanent secretary explained further that the initiative was part of the ministry’s ongoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, enhancing operational efficiency thereby significantly improving service delivery to the public.
“Members of the public, corporate entities, and other stakeholders are hereby expected to access the platform through the following official channels: Ministry of Interior’s website: https://interior.gov.ng.
Direct portal access: https://candb.interior.gov.ng, candb-support@interior.gov.ng for support or inquiries.
“The ministry remains committed to establishing a more efficient, transparent, and secure framework for citizenship administration, while continuously enhancing service delivery through digital transformation.(NAN)