News
Tinubu urges North to fight insurgency in unison
President Bola AHmed Tinubu yesterday said he appointed Northerners into major defence positions because of their knowledge of the region.
“Our first decision was to task our brothers from the Northwest and the Northeast to rise in defence of the security of the region. “Who else can better understand the complexity of the region than the people themselves,’’ he said.
President Tinubu spoke at the opening of a two-day United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP)-sponsored Northwest Peace and Security Summit in Katsina.
He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Some Northerners holding sensitive security posts are Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Defence (State) Bello Matawale; National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff (COAS) General Christopher Musa and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
For insecurity in the North to abate, people of the region must rise in unison against terrorists and other criminal elements that have for over a decade denied them peace, President Tinubu said.
This position was supported by the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
They stated that doing so would complement the strategies adopted by the government and the Armed Forces to restore peace in the region hitherto known for its tranquillity and cohesion.
The theme of the summit graced by eminent personalities like former President Muhammadu Buhari, four of the seven Northwest governors, and Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, is: “Regional cooperation for securing lives and livelihoods in Northwest Nigeria.’’
President Tinubu said even though the various strategies adopted by his administration to tackle the security challenges in the North were yielding results, the people needed to complement the success.
Tinubu, whose address at the event was titled: “Securing stability: uniting for peace in Northwest Nigeria,” reiterated his administration’s commitment to completely eradicating terrorism and other forms of crime.
Describing the summit as a communal gathering to address “the afflictions that have threatened the stability and unity” of the North, the President attributed the lingering crisis in the zone to a fractured relationship by a people “rooted in a culture and bond of shared interests and common pursuits.’’
He said: “What we are witnessing across the North is an explosion of damaged relationships, and we have come to say: enough is enough.
“I am proud to share that the strategies we have employed have begun to provide redemption. We are not slowing down until we achieve our aim.
“Beyond the economic rationale that drove the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, the formation of our great nation was inspired by the need for mutual protection.
“But, I ask, how can we achieve this sacred objective if one part is afflicted?“We have long established that whatever ails any part of this federation destabilises the other.
“So, the issue of national security in the Northwest is not a sectional agenda.
“We promised to make Nigeria safer, and this aim has been our topmost priority since we came to office over a year ago.”
Noting that the steps taken to combat the security challenges his administration inherited were mapped out even before embarking on the journey, President Tinubu observed that achieving security and peace would require that the historical injustices that have torn communities in Nigeria apart are fully addressed.
The Federal Government has announced plans to allow journalists to join Nigerian troops during military operations as part of efforts to enhance transparency, improve the quality of security reporting, and deepen public understanding of counter-insurgency and internal security efforts.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed that the Defence Ministry is exploring arrangements to embed selected journalists and media practitioners with military units during operations.
According to the Minister, the initiative will give journalists firsthand exposure to operational realities, the challenges faced by security personnel, and the sacrifices involved in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats.
“This will enable more accurate reporting and a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground,” Gen. Musa stated.
The move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening civil-military relations and promoting balanced coverage of security operations. It aligns with global practices of embedded journalism, where reporters are attached to military units to witness events directly while adhering to operational security protocols.
Details such as selection criteria for journalists, specific operations involved, and safety guidelines are expected to be outlined as the Defence Ministry finalizes the framework.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to address insecurity across various parts of the country, particularly in the North East and North West.
The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the office of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, positions previously held by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Directorate, following a full house meeting on 17th June 2026, said the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the Biafran self-determination movement, making it more responsive to its core objectives.
The statement emphasised that IPOB is a collective self-determination movement formed and nurtured by Biafrans in the Diaspora, rather than by any single individual. It stressed that no individual has the authority to dissolve the Directorate of State, which remains the apex leadership organ of the movement. Any claim of dissolution of the Directorate was described as “ab initio null and void” and of no effect.
The Directorate cited security concerns as a major factor in the decision. It referenced intelligence reports regarding meetings between Nigerian security agencies (DSS and NIA) and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison, noting that all his communications and activities are closely monitored. The statement expressed worry that unguarded communications from prison have led to arrests and deaths of IPOB members in Biafraland.
It further highlighted concerns over alleged plans by certain individuals to establish a new militia aimed at instigating violence in the region, and moves perceived as attempting to dissolve the movement through the undermining of its apex leadership structure.
In light of these developments, the Directorate resolved to suspend the offices to:
- Safeguard IPOB operations and protect members, particularly those in Biafraland.
- Prevent security breaches and potential emergencies.
- Stop any criminal activities or violence being carried out under the authority of the suspended leadership position.
- Reaffirm IPOB’s commitment to a peaceful and non-violent pursuit of self-determination.
The statement added that any crimes or actions taken in the name of the now-suspended office of the Leader will not be attributed to IPOB, but solely to the individuals involved. The movement will only be accountable for actions authorised by the Directorate of State.
The announcement was signed by Mazi Chikadibia Edoziem, Head of the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This development marks a significant internal restructuring within the pro-Biafra movement amid ongoing tensions with Nigerian authorities.
News
Fire Service Put Out Polaris Bank’s Broad Street fire
Polaris Bank Tower at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
Margaret Adeseye, Controller General Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS)said that the Service has successfully extinguished a fire outbreak that occurred on the 3rd floor of the Polaris Bank Building, located at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The incident was reported at approximately 11:33 hours and involved a stationary saloon car parked on the 3rd floor of the 17-storey building, which serves as a parking facility.
Firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations promptly responded to the emergency and swiftly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other vehicles and sections of the building.
The only damage recorded was to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The firefighting operation has been successfully concluded, and normalcy has been fully restored to the area.
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