PROGRESS VIEWS

The National Defence College (NDC) has presented a strategic research paper to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu , outlining recommendations to strengthen the leadership capacity of the Nigerian Army's Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) as part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and mission readiness by 2035. Army authorities said the proposals are expected to support ongoing reforms aimed at building a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force. Key Takeaways National Defence College presented a strategic research paper to the Chief of Army Staff. The study focuses on strengthening leadership among the Nigerian Army's Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). COAS Waidi Shaibu described the report as timely and relevant to Army transformation efforts. The recommendations will be reviewed for possible integration into Army leadership development policies. The study aligns with the Army's "Soldier First" initiative and long...

The Kingdom of Morocco has strongly condemned the recent drone attacks targeting petroleum facilities in Saudi Arabia, describing them as a violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty and a serious threat to regional security. Rabat also reaffirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia by pledging support for all legitimate measures taken to safeguard the country's security and territorial integrity. Key Takeaways Morocco strongly condemned the drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Rabat described the attacks as a violation of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty. Morocco said the incident poses a threat to Gulf and Middle East stability. The Kingdom reaffirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Morocco pledged support for Saudi Arabia's legitimate security measures. The Kingdom of Morocco has issued a strong condemnation of the drone attacks targeting oil facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing the incident as a violation of international norms and regional security. I...

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to police reform, state policing, and stronger inter-agency collaboration during a courtesy visit by the leadership and participants of the National Defence College (NDC) to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on strategic policing reforms, command coordination, and emerging internal security challenges, with the National Defence College presenting research findings developed by senior police officers. Key Takeaways

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have thwarted multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, his family, and 21 other abducted civilians during separate intelligence-driven operations. Military authorities said the operations also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant believed to have collaborated with the attackers. Key Takeaways Troops rescued the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda and his family after terrorists attacked his residence. A private security guard was killed during the attack, while another resident sustained injuries. Troops foiled another kidnap attempt in Barkeji Village and rescued 21 civilians alongside a prominent businessman. A suspected terrorist informant was arrested and handed over for investigation. Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace across Zamfara and the North West. Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation ...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has signed 14 Executive Bills into law, describing the legislative package as a major milestone in strengthening governance, institutionalising reforms and expanding the gains of his administration's ARISE Agenda. The new laws establish and reform key institutions across land administration, healthcare, public procurement, tourism, revenue generation, emergency services, education and social welfare, with the government saying they will improve public service delivery and ensure policy continuity. Key Takeaways Governor Umo Eno signed 14 Executive Bills into law. The laws establish new agencies across governance, healthcare, tourism, education and public administration. The Hospitals Management Board Law was amended to decentralise hospital administration into zonal management boards. Government plans to redeploy doctors serving in administrative roles back into clinical practice. Additional health sector reforms and a new Environmental Sa...

The Eminent Nigerian Series (ENS), United Kingdom, has officially commenced work on the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Legacy Project, an international publication and documentary initiative aimed at documenting the developments and transformation of Lagos State under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration. The project, expected to form the centrepiece of the 2026 Eminent Nigerian Series, will archive Lagos' evolution as one of Africa's leading megacities while highlighting the state's governance, infrastructure and economic development journey. Key Takeaways The Eminent Nigerian Series delegation met Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina. The 2026 ENS edition will focus on "The Lagos Model: Urban Leadership and Transformation under Babajide Sanwo-Olu." The initiative combines an international publication and documentary project. Five contributing editors from Nigeria and the United Kingdom have been appointed for the assignment. The project aims to doc...

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed her administration's commitment to maintaining a stable relationship with China, stressing that sustained dialogue remains essential despite longstanding differences between the two neighbouring countries. She said Japan will continue engaging Beijing while firmly safeguarding its national interests. Key Takeaways Japan describes China as an important neighbouring country. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Tokyo's commitment to a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with Beijing. Japan acknowledged that bilateral concerns and challenges remain unresolved. Tokyo intends to deepen dialogue at every level to strengthen mutual understanding. Japan says future engagement with China will continue while protecting its national interests. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reiterated her government's commitment to  strengthening a constructive and stable relationship with China, emphasizing that diplomac...

A satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz / Wikipedia  Iran says it has made progress in diplomatic talks with Oman on developing operational mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz , as both countries continue consultations aimed at easing maritime tensions in one of the world's most strategically important waterways. Key Takeaways Iran says diplomatic talks with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz were productive. Discussions focused on operational mechanisms to ensure safe maritime navigation. Iran maintains that shipping traffic through the Strait remains uninterrupted. Regional sources say diplomacy is moving in a positive direction but requires more time. Iran has announced progress in its latest diplomatic consultations with Oman over the future management and safe navigation of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has remained at the centre of regional security concerns. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokespers...

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced disciplinary proceedings against four police officers captured in a viral video allegedly displaying unprofessional conduct and making derogatory ethnic remarks during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway. Key Takeaways Nigeria Police has ordered a full investigation into a viral stop-and-search incident. Four officers, including one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and three Inspectors, have been identified. The officers are in custody pending an orderly room trial. The Inspector-General of Police directed the Ondo State Commissioner of Police to conduct a transparent investigation. The Force reaffirmed its zero tolerance for ethnic profiling and unprofessional conduct. The Nigeria Police Force has initiated disciplinary proceedings following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing police officers attached to a stop-and-search team on the Lagos–Benin Expressway engaging in unprofessional behaviour ...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a double-barrel gun from the scene of a road traffic crash along the Awka–Enugu Expressway in Anambra State, highlighting the Corps' expanding role in supporting national security beyond its statutory road safety responsibilities. The firearm was discovered during a post-rescue inventory of victims' belongings and was immediately handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation. Key Takeaways FRSC rescue personnel recovered a double-barrel gun from a crash scene in Anambra State. The firearm was discovered during a routine inventory of victims' belongings after rescue operations. The weapon was secured and transferred to the Nigeria Police Force because no claimant or valid documentation was available. FRSC says the incident demonstrates the importance of vigilance by first responders in supporting national security. The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency cooperation and public safety. The Federal Roa...

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in partnership with the British High Commission, has concluded a two-week specialised counter-terrorism training programme for 55 personnel of its Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), equipping them with advanced intelligence analysis and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) skills to enhance operational effectiveness against terrorism and other security threats. Key Takeaways Fifty-five CTU personnel completed a two-week advanced counter-terrorism training programme. The training was organised through collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the British High Commission. Officers received certification in Intelligence Analysis and Close Quarter Battle (CQB). Police authorities disclosed that more than 140 CTU operatives have benefited from British-supported training in recent months. The graduates were urged to apply their new skills professionally while respecting human rights. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the British High Commission, has c...

 SITREP | OPERATION HADIN KAI Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) , working alongside the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during an intelligence-led operation in Jegalari Village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State. The operation also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and communication devices believed to be linked to the suspects' activities. Operational Update The operation was carried out on 23 July 2026 by troops of 233 Battalion, deployed at the Damaturu Military Cantonment, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements operating within the area. During the coordinated raid, troops apprehended five suspects without reported casualties. Recovered items include: Three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition, four mobile phones believed to be connected to the suspects' operations The suspects and all recovered exhibits remain...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to rule on an application by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore President, Bello Bodejo, seeking a review of his ₦2 billion bail conditions. The court cited the impending annual judicial vacation and advised the defence to approach a vacation judge for determination of the application. Key Takeaways Court declined to rule on Bodejo's application to vary his bail conditions. Judge cited the annual judicial vacation beginning 3 August 2026. Defence sought to reduce the bail bond from ₦2 billion to ₦300 million. EFCC opposed the application and urged the court to retain existing bail terms. Trial dates of October 5, 6 and 7, 2026 remain unchanged. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has declined to deliver a ruling on an application filed by Bello Bodejo seeking a variation of the bail conditions earlier granted in his ongoing alleged money laundering case. Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, is facing a...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Nigerian Army, increasing its operational structure from eight to twelve divisions while authorising the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. The move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security architecture, improving military response capabilities, and enhancing national defence against emerging security threats. Key Takeaways President Tinubu approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions. The administration also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel. Four new divisions will be established in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City. The restructuring will be implemented in two phases, ending in December 2026. The government says the expansion will improve command, border security and counter-insurgency operations nationwide. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a significant restructuring of the Nigerian Army, expanding its operational formation from eight to twel...

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over allegations of illegally supplying military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements. The Army says investigations are ongoing and has appealed to the public for credible information that could assist in locating the suspect. Key Takeaways The Nigerian Army has declared Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted. He is alleged to have been involved in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms. The suspect reportedly absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026. The Army says investigations are ongoing and disciplinary measures will follow if the allegations are established. Authorities have appealed to the public to provide information leading to his arrest. The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted following allegations that he was involved in the unauthorized sale and supply of military uniforms to...