NEWS
Nigeria Needs New Technologies, Collaborative Research to End Insurgency, Banditry – Alia

From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday said Nigeria needs to use new technologies through collaborative research and development to be able to tackle insurgency in the North and banditry in the North Central parts of the country.
He stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) Week 2024 held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi, Benue State.
Alia promised that his administration will continue to support the noble ideas of the Nigerian Army in the performance of their duties and felicitated with the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the Combat Support Arms Training, 2024.
Looking at the theme: “Emerging Technologies: A Panacea for Operational Efficiency”, the governor expressed firm belief that the event was yet another step in the right direction towards their collective resolve to leverage emerging technologies towards enhancing the conduct of military operations.
“The adoption of new technologies through collaborative research and development will help in defeating non state actors currently terrorizing many parts of the country.
“I will always identify with the Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army, other relevant stakeholders and partner organizations to discuss and fashion out better ways of improving military operations towards a more secured and economically viable nation.
“I therefore commend the contribution of the Nigerian Army to the fight against insurgency in the North and banditry in the North Central, assuring them that the government and the good people of Benue State will always support them,” Alia maintained.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja warmly welcomed the governor, his entourage, traditional rulers and other eminent personalities to the event.
He said, in today’s complex and unpredictable operational environment, combat arms required a robust and reliable support to function effectively and achieve military strategic, operational and tactical objectives.
The Commander, Corps of Engineers, Prof. Abiodum Musa Aibinu expressed the delight of the corps of Military Engineers to host this year’s event saying it provided a platform for training officers of the Nigerian Army to enhance operational efficiency.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’ Adua and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Army, Hon. David Ogewu were amongst top dignitaries who graced the occasion
The highlight of the event was the presentation of souvenirs to the governor and other participants.
NEWS
Troops Neutralise Notorious Terrorist Auta, others in Zamfara

Troops of Mobile Strike Team, under Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY), say they have killed scores of terrorists in a decisive operation around Ƙunchin Kalgo in Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara.The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known on Thursday in Abuja.
Kangye said that a notorious terrorist, known as Auta, alongside his associates Abdul Jamilu and one Salisu, were among those killed in the encounter. According to him, these terrorists were linked to multiple acts of violence and terrorism within the general area.“The operation marks a significant blow to criminal elements, destabilizing peace and security in the area.“Preliminary intelligence indicates that two additional terrorist kingpins, including one identified as Babayé were eliminated during the operation.“In a separate incident, Sale Ado Madele (alias Sarki), the eldest son of known bandit leader Ado Alieru, was also reportedly killed,” he said.Kangye said the troops had in another encounter, killed additional 10 terrorists who congregated near a filling station in Danjibga.He said the terrorist were believed to be part of a syndicate brought together by Dogo Sule for a planned attack.“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara and the wider North-West region.“This operation underscores our resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators of violence to justice,” he said. (NAN)NEWS
10th Senate Passed 96 Bills, Adopted 18 Petitions-Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says the 10th Senate has passed 96 bills out a total of 844 bills introduced within its first two years.He said that the Senate also adopted 18 petitions out of the 80 received.Akpabio made this known on Thursday during a joint session of the National Assembly to celebrate 2025 Democracy Day.
He said that the 10th National Assembly had played its part with diligence and distinction. “From its inception, the 10th Senate demonstrated a renewed vigour for addressing the country’s complex challenges through purposeful legislation.“This commitment is reflected in its extraordinary output: a total of 844 bills have been introduced within its first two years—an unprecedented figure.“This figure underscores the Senate’s proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.“Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement that ensures quality legislation.“Two hundred and six bills are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.“Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle.“Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been assented to by the President, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.“These bills include the National Education Fund, Local Government Autonomy Bill, Regional Development Commission, Tax Reform, University and Tertiary Institutions, Agricultural Institutions bills etc.”Akpabio said that the upper chamber had acted decisively on 26 Executive bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm.“These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senate’s thorough review and refinement before passage.”The senate president said that beyond bills, the 10th Senate had received a total of 80 petitions from citizens and civil society.“This is a testimony to public trust in the institution. Of these, 18 petitions have been fully adopted, providing redress, transparency and institutional accountability,” he said. (NAN)NEWS
JUNE 12: Good Governance is the Cornerstone of Democracy – CAN

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Thursday, facilitate with all Nigerians as they commemorate June 12, a day that symbolizes the collective commitment to democracy, freedom, and justice. He added that the legacy of the 1993 elections remains a beacon of hope and a reminder of the nation’s enduring democratic spirit.
This was contained in a statement issued by CAN, signed the CAN President, in Abuja. .The Archbishop lamented the rate of kidnappings and killings by bandits urged the Federal government take an urgent and sustained action to safeguard lives and property across the country.The statement reads in oarts, “As we reflect on this journey, we urge all Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect. We must stand firm against religious intolerance and violence in all forms. The government has a sacred duty to protect religious freedoms, ensure that no one is persecuted for their faith, and deliver justice to victims of religious violence.”Insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, continues to threaten our nation’s stability. We call for urgent and sustained action to safeguard lives and property across the country. CAN remains committed to supporting every initiative aimed at restoring lasting peace and security.”Good governance is the cornerstone of any democracy. We call for greater transparency and accountability at all levels of government. Nigeria’s vast resources must be harnessed to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Free, fair, and credible elections are vital to sustaining democratic integrity.”We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its systems and processes to enhance electoral transparency and public trust. In a true democracy, the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and press freedom must be upheld. We encourage the government to engage citizens constructively and seek inclusive solutions to national challenges.”As we mark this significant day, CAN prays for the peace, unity, and progress of our beloved country. We call on all Nigerians to remain committed to building a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation; one that honors the sacrifices of our democratic heroes.”We also appreciate the efforts of the government, security agencies, and citizens who continue to uphold the values of democracy and national cohesion.”God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he said.