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In an impressive achievement by Nigerian military forces, Abu Iklima, a prominent commander of Boko Haram, has been apprehended alive by troops engaged in Operation Hadin Kai. Iklima was notably responsible for orchestrating terrorist operations across several regions within the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, specifically in locations such as Gaizuwa, Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari. The successful operation reportedly led to the elimination of hundreds of his fighters and dismantled his bases. This significant development was confirmed by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama. Earlier reports highlighted the important role played by precise intelligence and surveillance, particularly in successful strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. These operations targeted terrorist activities, including the recent destruction of a bandit logistics hub in Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The NAF's targeted ...

  In times of great peril, some individuals rise to exemplify unparalleled courage, leadership, and sacrifice. Lt. Col. T.E. Alari was one such remarkable figure—a resolute officer who stood as a defense against terror, sacrificing his life so that others could live in peace and safety. On January 24, 2025, during a critical operation in the Timbuktu Triangle—the last and only notorious hub of terrorist activity in Damboa, Lt. Col. Alari once again demonstrated exemplary leadership. Under his command, the 149 Battalion dismantled insurgent strongholds, neutralizing numerous terrorists and forcing them into retreat. However, in a desperate attempt to retaliate, ISWAP deployed a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) against his troops. Although his men destroyed the VBIED, the resulting explosion tragically claimed the lives of those closest to the blast shrapnel, including Lt. Col. Alari who always led from the front, exemplifying unwavering courage even in the face ...

World history is replete with accounts on men and women who brought in their exceptional bravery and guts in the defence of their society and community at critical times of danger and despair. In Nigeria, our primitive history has many hunters, as individuals or in groups, who waved off marauding wild and dangerous animals attempting to invade villages. We do not lack as well those brave warriors and rulers who fought to protect their communities from external aggression and invasion, or imposition of external influence or will by warlords from other distant or nearby community.  The early time narrations of acts of gallantry extensively centred on wars and community defence mostly dominated by the male species of the homo sapiens. In this fold, stories around great men like Napoleon Bonaparte of France were so rampant.  Shaka Senzangakona de Zulu of South Africa and other successful warriors in human history like Ozolua of Benin Empire, and Mirambo and Zaude featured frequent...

  Let them account for billions they are receiving  A Kogi State -born political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin has alleged Governors are among Nigeria’s foremost problems. According to Okai, the Governors’ Forum has hindered the nation’s progress with their relentless pursuit of power and influence. In a reaction to the President’s recent speech, Okai alleged the Governors have effectively dismantled the local government system, reduced Assemblies to mere extensions of their offices and undermined traditional institutions and the judiciary, turning judges into “errand boys” for the Governors’. Okai described the Governors’ Forum as a “cartel of the enemies of the masses,” suggesting that its members prioritise their own egos and agendas over the welfare of the people they are meant to serve. He claimed the funds released by the President to assist the States are often misappropriated with resources intended for the public being diverted for personal gain. “It’s shameful ...

  The CBN has directed all banks to impose a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on all transactions except some Sixteen Transactions are exempted from this new levy . This levy, amounting to 0.5% of the value of all electronic transactions, is intended to boost the National Cyber Security Fund administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Here are some things to know about the cybersecurity levy to be paid by Nigerians, according to the CBN circular: 1. A new levy of 0.5%, equivalent to half per cent, is applied to electronic transactions as mandated by the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (amendment) Act 2024. 2. The levy is paid by the originator of the electronic transaction and deducted by the financial institution. The deducted amount shall be reflected in the customer's account with the narration: "Cybersecurity Levy." 3. Financial institutions will deduct the levy and remit it to the National Cybersecurity Fund administered by the Office of the N...

  These 16 transactions are not going to be affected by the Newly introduced Cyber Security Levy Charges to be paid by Nigerians: 1. Loan disbursements and repayments. 2. Salary payments. 3. Intra-account transfers within the same bank or between different banks for the same customer. 4. Intra-bank transfers between customers of the same bank. 5.Other Financial Institutions instructions to their correspondent banks 6. Interbank placements. 7. Banks’ transfers to CBN and vice-versa. 8. Inter-branch transfers within a bank. 9. Cheque clearing and settlements 10. Letters of Credits 11. Banks’ recapitalisation-related funding – only bulk funds movement from collection accounts 12. Savings and deposits, including transactions involving long-term investments such as Treasury Bills, Bonds, and Commercial Papers. 13. Government Social Welfare Programmes transactions e.g. Pension payments 14. Non-profit and charitable transactions, including donations to registered non-profit organisations...

April 25, 2024 The Lagos State Government disclosed that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras captured 850,000 traffic violations over a 15-month period. These cameras, totaling 53 in number, are strategically installed across various locations in the state to conduct routine monitoring checks. During the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa – Ikeja, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, highlighted the efficiency of the Traffic Management Solution (TMS) device. He noted that in the last three months alone, the TMS successfully recorded 26,816 real-time traffic infringements, significantly enhancing traffic enforcement. Mr. Osiyemi emphasized the broader scope of the ANPR system, which not only captures violations related to prescribed particulars but also detects offenses like vehicles moving against traffic flow. From January 2023 to March 2024, the ANPR cameras recorded a total of 856,680 violation...