Connect with us

News

Army, Navy Jointly Build Mosque, Healthcare Facility in Kano

Published

on

 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, have reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting community development and strengthening civil-military relations across the country.

The two service chiefs made this commitment during the commissioning of Special Intervention Projects jointly executed by the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy in Koya community, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

The projects include a newly constructed mosque, a borehole, a healthcare facility, and a tree-planting initiative, all aimed at improving living standards and promoting environmental sustainability in the communities.

The Chief of Army Staff, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Usman Yusuf, stated that the Nigerian Army remains committed to contributing positively to the welfare of host communities through civil-military cooperation programs. He said the projects reflect the Nigerian Army’s belief in fostering mutual trust and partnership with civilians, adding that development initiatives of this nature help strengthen national unity.

The Chief of Army Staff noted that the quick-impact projects were designed to promote local ownership, sustainability, and long-term benefits in communities where troops operate. He further lauded Major General Mohammed Ahmed for his exemplary leadership in executing the special intervention project, describing him as a dedicated and professional officer serving as Dean, Faculty of Combat Arms Research, at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Abuja.

Advert

On his part, the Chief of the Naval Staff said the projects, which include two 20,000-litre solar-powered boreholes and the reconstruction and equipping of a primary healthcare centre in Koya Gari, were executed under the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative. Vice Admiral Ogalla, represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Kano, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Anakwe, said the projects were part of efforts to strengthen the Navy’s relationship with host communities and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the Quick Impact Projects were introduced in 2024 to promote mutual trust between the military and civilians while improving social infrastructure in communities across the country. “These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and demonstrate that beyond securing lives and property, we remain committed to serving Nigerians in other impactful ways.” Ogalla commended Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, an indigene of Koya Gari, for sponsoring and executing the projects, describing them as a reflection of the Navy’s humanitarian drive.

The Naval Chief urged residents of the benefiting communities to use the facilities responsibly to ensure their longevity and maintenance.

Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Gold Chibuisi, said the initiative aligns with the Armed Forces’ broader efforts to support nation-building and humanitarian outreach.

The projects were facilitated by Major General Muhammad Ahmad and Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, both brothers and indigenes of Koya community, who served as the driving force behind the interventions.

Residents of Koya community expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and Navy for the projects, noting that they would enhance access to water, healthcare, and places of worship.

In a statement by Captain Babatunde Zubairu Assistant Director Army public relations 3 Brigade said the commissioning ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the host community.

 

News

JUST IN: National Assembly to Re-gazette Tax Laws Amid Controversy

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette four major tax reform acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions officially passed by parliament, following public controversy over discrepancies in the published laws.

In a Friday statement, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the leadership of both chambers authorized the move to “protect the integrity of the legislative record,” describing it as an administrative step to accurately reflect parliamentary decisions.

The directive addresses growing scrutiny over the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025), and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025)—particularly concerning harmonization of bills, documentation sent for presidential assent, and the versions eventually published in the Official Gazette.

Advert

Rotimi emphasized that the legislature is addressing the matter within its constitutional authority. Last week, the House formed a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative handling of the acts.

“The Committee, alongside relevant National Assembly bodies, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors,” he stated, noting the review will examine potential “lapses, irregularities, or external interferences.”

The process, he added, complies fully with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary standing orders.

While the re-gazetting aims to “clear any ambiguity,” Rotimi clarified that the review “does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.” He also stated the action is without prejudice to other arms of government and does not affect existing rights or legal processes.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the House pledged to take “appropriate corrective measures” if procedural refinements are needed.

The public was urged to allow the institutional process to proceed “without speculation or conjecture.”

Continue Reading

News

Airstrikes: Activist Sowore Decries Reckless Breach of Sovereignty By the U.S Government

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

Advert

“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria Aides U.S in Sokoto Airstrike Against ISIS

Published

on

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians… I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” the statement read in part.

Advert

He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

Continue Reading

Trending