PROGRESS VIEWS

US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, describing the pact as a “big, bold, and important first step” towards stronger regional security and greater self-reliance in the Middle East. The agreement, signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026, establishes a collective-defence framework under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have established a new collective-defence arrangement. An attack against one signatory is to be treated as an attack against all three. The countries describe the agreement as defensive and not directed against any particular state. Trump has publicly welcomed the pact as a step towards greater regional self-reliance. Egypt is considering whether to join, although Cairo has not yet committed to accession. Analysts caution that the agreement should not automatically be equated with NATO. The M...

Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive and intelligence-led operations in Zamfara State, neutralising terrorists, recovering weapons and intercepting a suspected courier transporting 180 explosive materials allegedly destined for terrorist elements in Katsina State. Two terrorists were confirmed neutralised during an encounter in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area. Troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles. A 57-year-old suspected courier was intercepted during a snap check with 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives. The explosives were allegedly being transported from Gusau, Zamfara State, to suspected terrorist elements in Jibia, Katsina State. The operation also disrupted an attempted ambush by terrorists during the clearance operation. The operations were conducted on August 14, 2026, as troops of Sector 2 carried out offensive clearance operations in Birnin Magaji Local Governmen...

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has conducted a technical visit to the ongoing Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) Corporate Headquarters project along Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, as part of its programme of technical tours of major infrastructure projects under the State Government's ARISE Agenda. The August 12 visit focused on construction quality, professional coordination, site safety, project documentation and the practical development of architecture students and young professionals. NIA Akwa Ibom inspected the two-storey AKICORP Corporate Headquarters project in Uyo. The Chapter assessed construction practices, safety measures, documentation and professional coordination. NIA called for improved and consistent use of PPE on the construction site. The team urged proper display of project information and approved working drawings. The Chapter highlighted the importance of site visits in professional development and practical training. ...

Niger State has recorded a fresh security operation in which Nigerian Army troops rescued nine kidnapped victims, foiled attempted terrorist attacks and recovered weapons, motorcycles and suspected rustled livestock across Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas. Nine kidnapped victims rescued in Mariga LGA and handed over for documentation and family reunification. Terrorist ambush cleared in Rijau, with seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle and 18 sheep recovered. Attempted infiltration of communities foiled, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and motorcycles recovered. The operations reflect the Army's continuing emphasis on offensive and intelligence-led operations against terrorist and criminal networks. Troops of 18 Brigade have intensified operations against terrorists and other criminal elements in Niger State, recording successes in Mariga and Rijau LGAs.  On August 12, troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Admin Battalion, deployed at Kotonkoro, rescued nine...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is peaceful, transparent, free and fair, while calling on voters to exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation. The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. President Tinubu has tasked INEC with ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. Security agencies have been directed to protect voters, electoral officials and polling units. The President described the election as an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tinubu urged voters to reject violence and allow the outcome to reflect the will of Osun residents. On the eve of the Osun State governorship election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process across the sta...

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has moved to deepen the State’s aviation ambitions by pursuing a strategic partnership with Netherlands-based SAMCO Group Europe for the operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, while reaffirming government support for Ibom Air’s continuing fleet expansion. The discussions took place in Montreal, Canada, on August 13, 2026, during engagements with SAMCO and Airbus ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Akwa Ibom is seeking a practical partnership with SAMCO to support the operation of the MRO facility at Victor Attah International Airport. The proposed partnership is expected to cover aircraft maintenance, technical support, training, technology transfer and local capacity development. Governor Eno said substantial government investment had already been made in completing the MRO facility. Ibom Air’s fleet e...

Lebanon’s parliament has approved legislation to abolish capital punishment for all crimes, replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. The reform still requires presidential approval before it can take full effect. Lebanon’s parliament approved the abolition of the death penalty on August 11, 2026. If signed by President Joseph Aoun, Lebanon would become the first country in the Middle East/Arab world to formally abolish capital punishment for all crimes. Existing death sentences would be commuted to life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. Lebanon has not carried out an execution since 2004, despite retaining the death penalty in law. Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the decision a “historic” step. Human Rights Watch and other international bodies welcomed the move as a significant human rights development. Lebanon’s parliament has approved amended legislation abolishing the death penalty, a landmark decision that would make the country the first in the ...

Troops acting on intelligence from an arrested suspect came under attack during a follow-up operation in Langtang North, neutralized one suspected attacker and recovering a rifle and ammunition. Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau State have foiled an ambush by suspected bandits during a follow-up operation in Nwur Village, Langtang North Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and two rounds of ammunition. The operation followed the arrest and interrogation of a suspected bandit, whose information reportedly led troops to a location where a weapon had been concealed. According to the operation, troops escorted the suspect to Nwur Village to recover the hidden weapon. As they approached the suspected hideout, members of the criminal syndicate reportedly opened fire on the troops. The troops responded accordingly, neutralized one of the attackers.  Following the encounter, troops searched the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria is targeting more than doubling the livestock sector’s current $32 billion-plus annual contribution to the national economy, as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen food security, create jobs, attract investment and build a more commercially competitive livestock industry. Key Takeaways Nigeria’s livestock sector currently contributes more than $32 billion annually to the economy, according to President Tinubu. The Federal Government wants to more than double the sector’s economic contribution. Government is prioritising modern livestock production, ranching, dairy development, meat processing, leather and feed production. A major focus is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products and increasing local milk production. The government says the sector could generate millions of jobs, particularly for young people and women. Nigeria is also seeking stronger African cooperation in livestock production, disease control and region...

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu , has approved the deployment of new Commissioners of Police to several state commands and strategic formations nationwide, in a move aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership capacity, and advancing ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force. Key Takeaways IGP Olatunji Disu approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to state commands and strategic formations. The deployments followed the approval of the Police Service Commission (PSC). Eight state commands received new Commissioners of Police. Several strategic departments at Force Headquarters and FCID also received new leadership. The exercise forms part of ongoing police reforms focused on professionalism, intelligence-led policing, and improved service delivery. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the deployment of Commissioners of Police to various state commands and strategic formations across ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate an order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns that the timing of the action, just days before the state's governorship election, which could undermine public confidence in the integrity of the democratic process. Key Takeaways President Tinubu ordered the EFCC to vacate the court order freezing Osun State Government accounts. The President said he was embarrassed by the timing of the action, not the EFCC's statutory mandate. Tinubu reiterated his commitment to the operational independence of anti-corruption agencies. He said no federal institution should create the impression of interfering in the forthcoming Osun governorship election. The President directed the EFCC to discontinue the action against the Osun State Government in the overriding public interest. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in th...

Nigeria's Minister of Defence , General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended troops of Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II (OPAA II) deployed on a peace support mission in the Republic of Benin for their professionalism, discipline and commitment to regional peace, describing their service as a source of national pride and a reflection of the Nigerian Armed Forces' excellence. Key Takeaways Defence Minister Christopher Musa visited Nigerian troops deployed under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II in the Republic of Benin. He praised the troops for their professionalism and commitment to regional peace and security. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed appreciation for the troops' outstanding performance. Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Republic of Benin. The visit concluded with the presentation of a commemorative souvenir to the Minister. The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has lauded Nigeria...