By David Torough, Abuja

As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has expressed optimism that Benue State is on course to reclaim its former prominence, assuring residents that renewed efforts are underway to restore the state’s lost glory.

This comes as political heavyweights from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state pledged loyalty to Akume’s leadership.

Speaking when he hosted political bigwigs including erstwhile loyalists to the Governor of Benue State, Rev.

Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Akume thanked them for their support and commitment, urging them to remain united and focused on the collective development of the state.

The group, which cuts across the three senatorial districts of Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, was led by a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime.

Akume, a former Benue State Governor, said the unity and cooperation among APC stakeholders remained critical to sustaining political stability and ensuring that the aspirations of the people were achieved.

The SGF who emphasised the importance of teamwork among party members, assured the delegation that his leadership would continue to prioritise the interests of Benue people while working towards restoring the state’s economic and political relevance.

He called for continued support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to bring sustainable development and improve the lives of Nigerians.

He commended the political experience, capacity and intellectual depth of the attendees, assuring them that they were not “internally displaced politicians” but respected stakeholders with valuable contributions to make to the political development of the state.

“I know that the President, in a most unprecedented manner, has pushed a lot of money to the states and the local governments. All the tiers of government have access to the Federation Account. If we can’t develop our state, it’s not a fault of Mr. President. He is doing what he is supposed to do for the country and for the states, and Benue is no exception”, he said.

Extending an olive branch to all leaders and stakeholders, Akume assured that he harboured no resentment towards any politician in the state, urging them to unite and work collectively towards securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.

Reminiscing on his time as Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007, he said the state attracted unprecedented development, investments and infrastructure projects under his administration, which contributed significantly to the socio-economic transformation of the state.

He noted that his tenure laid the foundation for growth and progress, adding that his administration prioritised initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the people and positioning Benue for greater opportunities.

The highlight of the event was the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, alongside a resounding vote of confidence in the leadership of Akume. The notion was moved by a former Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Dan Ali, seconded by former Attorney General of the state, Barr. Joe Abaagu.

Leader of the delegation, Emmanuel Jime, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of democracy in the state, alleging that democratic values and principles had been relegated.

He urged the SGF to use his position and influence to reposition the APC in the state by restoring the party’s democratic values, principles and ideals. He appealed to Akume to champion a return to internal democracy, inclusiveness and fairness, which he described as essential for strengthening the party and rebuilding confidence among its members.

He recounts an experience from the 2003 election when he ran for the House of Representatives election where the SGF was then Governor, highlighting Akume’s empathy and leadership.

“That, Your Excellency, was the lesson that I imbibed as one of your students. The lesson of humility, and the lesson of saying to even those who are downtrodden that you have a shoulder that they can lean on, and that, Your Excellency, was the reason why we became very closely associated with your politics. Today, we have in place a situation that has turned 360 degrees”, he said.

Other political leaders at the event include Douglas Pepe (SAN), Prof. Cephas Tushima, Peter Ashiekaa and Prof USAR.

The delegation also had Qs Beetseh, Joy Liga, Chief Nelson Alapa, Patrick Idoko, Hon David Igbosa, Austin Agbada, Dr. Msoo Igbo among others.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

When officers, soldiers and defence stakeholders gathered in Port Harcourt for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, the occasion represented far more than another military anniversary.

It provided an opportunity to reflect on 163 years of dedicated service and honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes.

It also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s operational achievements and efforts to reposition itself to confront a complex security environment.

Established in 1863 as the Glover Hausas, the Nigerian Army has evolved from a modest colonial force into one of Africa’s largest and most experienced land forces.

Its history mirrors Nigeria’s own evolution, spanning the civil war, peace support operations across Africa and the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other emerging security threats.

Today, the Army operates across the country’s six geopolitical zones under various joint operations, confronting asymmetric threats that have continuously replaced conventional warfare.

In spite of these challenges, the Army says sustained offensive operations, improved intelligence and enhanced collaboration with sister services and other security agencies have continued to degrade criminal and terrorist networks while protecting lives and critical national assets.

The 163rd anniversary also underscored Nigeria’s growing role in regional security cooperation.

As part of NADCEL 2026, the Nigerian Army hosted the Third African Land Forces Forum, bringing together army chiefs and defence leaders from 17 African countries to deliberate on terrorism, insurgency and other transnational security threats confronting the continent.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said integrating the forum into NADCEL reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military diplomacy, regional cooperation and collective security across Africa.

According to him, terrorism, insurgency, organised crime and other transnational threats have become increasingly complex, making collaboration among African armies imperative.

Shaibu said Nigeria’s experience in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations had demonstrated the importance of adaptive strategies, effective air support, intensive training, intelligence-driven operations and regional cooperation.

He noted that the successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force in degrading insurgent capabilities and reclaiming territories within the Lake Chad Basin further demonstrated the value of collective action.

The COAS expressed confidence that the forum would deepen interoperability, promote knowledge sharing and produce practical strategies capable of strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture.

For Shaibu, NADCEL 2026 also marked another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s transformation journey.

He said the nationwide activities reflected the institution’s commitment to professionalism, operational excellence and national cohesion while reinforcing its constitutional responsibility to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.

According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” captures the Army’s determination to balance operational effectiveness with improved service to Nigerians.

He paid tribute to fallen heroes whose sacrifices, he said, remain the foundation for building a safer and more secure nation, while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to personnel welfare and continuous enhancement of operational capabilities.

Speaking at the grand finale of NADCEL 2026, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the Nigerian Army remains a strategic pillar of national security.

He noted that the Army’s professionalism and resilience have continued to preserve Nigeria’s unity while contributing to peace and stability across Africa.

The President said the changing security environment requires a modern, agile and highly motivated Army, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in personnel welfare, training, modern equipment and operational capabilities.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of officers, soldiers and the families of fallen heroes, stressing that a well-motivated military remains indispensable to national peace, security and development.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the Armed Forces through patriotism, intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies, emphasising that national security is a shared responsibility.

Observers say the President’s commitment aligns with the Army’s “Soldier First” initiative introduced by Shaibu, which places personnel welfare at the centre of operational effectiveness through improved accommodation, healthcare, education, training and modern equipment.

Military analysts believe the initiative has boosted morale and reinforced the understanding that a motivated soldier is better equipped to accomplish demanding operational tasks.

Beyond combat operations, experts say the Army’s increasing emphasis on civil-military cooperation reflects the realities of contemporary warfare.

According to them, intelligence provided by local communities has become one of the most effective tools in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Consequently, the Army has expanded medical outreaches, educational support, environmental sanitation campaigns and community development projects aimed at strengthening public confidence and fostering stronger civil-military relations.

Analysts argue that such engagements help bridge the gap between the military and civilians while reinforcing the Army’s constitutional responsibility to serve the people.

Notwithstanding these gains, the Army continues to confront significant challenges.

The changing character of warfare has seen terrorists and other criminal groups deploy drones, improvised explosive devices, encrypted communications and sophisticated propaganda to advance their activities.

Security experts say these developments demand sustained investment in emerging technologies, intelligence capabilities and specialised training.

They also advocate stronger collaboration among security agencies and regional partners to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to transnational threats.

Beyond military operations, analysts maintain that addressing the root causes of insecurity remains critical to achieving lasting peace.

They identify poverty, unemployment, weak governance, limited educational opportunities and communal conflicts as conditions that continue to facilitate recruitment into criminal and extremist groups.

According to them, while military operations create the secure environment required for development, sustainable peace ultimately depends on good governance, economic opportunities and social inclusion.

Retired senior military officers also emphasise the importance of professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to the rules of engagement during internal security operations.

They argue that public confidence in the Armed Forces is strengthened when military operations are conducted with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Nigeria’s contribution to regional and international peace support operations also remains one of the defining features of the Army’s history.

Over the decades, Nigerian troops have served under the mandates of the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, earning recognition for professionalism while enhancing the country’s international standing and enriching the operational experience of its personnel.

As the Army marks 163 years of existence, defence experts say it must continue investing in modern equipment, digital technologies, intelligence capabilities and human capital to remain responsive to evolving security threats.

They also advocate stronger collaboration with research institutions, indigenous defence industries and international partners to promote innovation, self-reliance and technological advancement in defence production.

Equally important, they say, is sustained government support through adequate funding, timely procurement of equipment and continued investment in personnel welfare and leadership development.

For many Nigerians, NADCEL extends beyond colourful parades and ceremonial displays.

It is an opportunity to honour officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation while recognising those who continue to serve under demanding and often dangerous conditions.

Families of fallen heroes and wounded personnel equally view the celebration as recognition of the enormous sacrifices made in preserving Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and stability.

As the Nigerian Army marks 163 years of distinguished service, analysts say its ability to remain professional, adaptive and people-centred will determine its relevance in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

They argue that President Tinubu’s message at NADCEL 2026 reinforces a shared national responsibility; while the government must continue to equip and support the military, citizens must equally contribute through patriotism, intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies.

They also believe the decision to host the African Land Forces Forum alongside NADCEL reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership role in promoting regional military cooperation against terrorism, insurgency and other transnational threats.

Ultimately, the Nigerian Army’s legacy is measured not only by its battlefield achievements but also by its enduring commitment to professionalism, constitutional responsibility and selfless service.

As new security threats continue to emerge, the Army’s sustained transformation, investment in personnel welfare, regional partnerships and commitment to serving the people will remain central to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and sustainable development. (NAN)

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Ankara on Tuesday to attend a high-stakes two-day NATO summit which could be overshadowed by differences over defense spending and the war in Iran.

Trump descended from Air Force One, a plane that had been gifted to him by Qatar, after it touched down at the Etimesgut air base, according to live footage broadcast online.

He was greeted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the foot of the stairs.

Erdoğan, who is known to get along well with Trump, chatted with the U.S. president as the two leaders walked along a blue carpet laid out for Trump’s arrival, briefly taking him by the arm.

Trump then greeted some soldiers in Turkish, drawing applause from Erdoğan, before the pair disappeared inside an airport building.

The summit came amid frictions between European NATO allies and Trump, who has long demanded that they increase defence spending and take on more responsibility for the continent’s security.

Trump has also been angered by some allies’ criticism of his war on Iran, as well as what he has slammed as a lack of support for the operation launched alongside Israel.