Defence/security
Zamfara’s Security Dilemma: Expert Challenges Governor’s Election-Centric Approach Amid Banditry

A security expert Captain Bish Johnson has criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for prioritising the 2027 elections over addressing the state’s banditry crisis.
In an interview on TVC, Johnson praised security agents for their capacity to tackle the issue, citing the recent elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Halilu Sububu. However, he expressed concern that Lawal’s politicization may hinder further progress.
The security expert lamented that Lawal has been using media outlets to attack his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, falsely accusing him of fund misappropriation.
Johnson emphasized the need for synergy and the need to separate politics from security matters, allowing professionals to do their jobs.
He noted that Lawal’s 2027 electioneering campaign is premature and distracting him from governance.
“From what we have seen recently, it is very clear that our security agents can deal with security problems, particularly banditry in the northwest,” he said.
“The elimination of Halilu Sububu who was a prominent figure in what is now known to be a syndicated commercialized economic crime. However, we need to address an issue which may derail the efforts of the security agents.
“The issue of mixing politics with insecurity. In the last few days, the Governor of Zamfara State Dauda Lawal has been on different media outlets, infusing politics into what is supposed to be a pure fight to secure the northwest from the bandits.
“He’s been attacking his predecessor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence. The Minister would have been an added asset had the governor agreed to work in synergy with him.
“Rather, he has brought his 2027 electioneering campaign into 2024 by alleging that Matawalle either misappropriated or stole funds. But we have done our independent research on this matter and found all these to be false.
“There is already a situation like this in the south-south, particularly in Rivers State where we have a sitting governor at loggerheads with his predecessor at a time they are supposed to be on the same page to continue on the momentum that was already on the ground.
“We have to separate politics from security matters and allow professionals to do their jobs. The governor is bringing forward 2027 politics to 2024, there is time for everything. There is time for electioneering and there is time for governance.
“Security agents need good roads and infrastructure to do their jobs. These are to be provided through governance by working with the central government and other stakeholders. “
Defence/security
Visa Denial: CECOE Condemns Canada’s Action, Calls It a Diplomatic Insult

- …Urges Stronger Nigerian Assertiveness
The Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation, and Empowerment (CECOE) has strongly condemned the Canadian government’s decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officials.
It described the move as a blatant act of diplomatic disrespect and a signal of Canada’s disregard for Nigeria’s sovereignty and military leadership.
Recall the Nigerian officials were due to attend a high-level event in Canada focused on security cooperation and honoring war veterans, but according to the CDS, only a portion of the delegation received visas.
CECOE, in a strongly worded statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. David Owah on Thursday, denounced the decision as “unjustifiable, insensitive, and an affront to Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage.”
“This action by the Canadian government, is not just an administrative oversight, it is a clear dismissal of Nigeria’s importance in global security affairs. It raises troubling questions about Canada’s stance toward our military leadership and the overall diplomatic relationship between our two nations. We find this completely unacceptable.”
The group, further aligned with General Musa’s call for Nigeria to assert itself more forcefully in international affairs and avoid being treated as an afterthought. They also backed the remarks of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who stressed the need for Nigeria to work toward greater self-sufficiency to prevent undue reliance on foreign cooperation.
While the exact reasons for the visa refusals remain unclear, CECOE emphasized that this incident highlights the bureaucratic and political barriers Nigerian officials often face in international engagements, urging the Nigerian government to take decisive action, ensuring that such disrespect is not tolerated in future diplomatic dealings.
“As a nation, we must demand respect and reciprocity in our international partnerships. Nigeria cannot afford to be treated with such disregard. The government must take this as an opportunity to strengthen our position and ensure our leaders are never subjected to such indignities again.
“Additionally, we are calling on the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to act upon this blatant disrespect and disregard. He should immediately engage with Canadian authorities to seek an explanation for the visa denials and to implement measures that ensure, Nigerian officials are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve in all international engagements.” They added.
The statement concluded with a call for Canada to provide immediate clarifications on its decision while urging Nigerian authorities to push back against any form of diplomatic discrimination against the country’s officials.
Defence/security
Nigerian Troops Eliminate Notorious Terrorist Commander Munzur Ya Audu in Yobe

The Nigerian Army has successfully eliminated the notorious terrorist commander, Munzur Ya Audu, in Yobe State. The operation was confirmed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Buba highlighted that the troops’ efforts extended beyond Ya Audu’s capture, focusing on dismantling terrorist logistics bases and disrupting terror group networks.
In addition to neutralizing Ya Audu, the military seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition. The recovered items include 145 assorted weapons, 3,825 rounds of ammunition, and various explosive devices. The arsenal recovered was extensive and included AK47 rifles, RPG bombs, hand grenades, and locally made firearms.
This operation marks a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, demonstrating the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and safeguarding national security.
Defence/security
Yuletide: Oyo, Osun Tighten Security Around Borders

The Oyo and Ogun State governments have announced enhanced security measures along their borders to address rising insecurity, particularly during the festive season. The Joint Security Commission for both states made the announcement following a meeting held along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday.
The security reinforcement aims to ensure the safety of residents, motorists, and travelers during the ember months, which typically see increased movement across borders. Special Advisers on Security to both governors, Fatai Owoseni of Oyo and Olusola Subair of Ogun, emphasized the importance of collective vigilance and collaboration between security agencies.
Both states have strengthened their security framework, including communication integration, where residents can call a toll-free number (615) to report suspicious activities, facilitating swift governmental action. The meeting also reviewed the progress made over the past two years in reducing criminal activities on key highways linking the two states.
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