News
Foreign fighters behind terror attacks in N’west, N’east, says DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday attributed the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the Northeast and Northwest to the influx of foreign fighters.
The activities of the foreign fighters, who serve as reinforcements for the terrorists, are aided by local informants, Director of Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen Edward Buba, said.
Also, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who lamented the killings and violence, cautioned residents against collaborating with insurgents.
President Bola Tinubu had six days ago ordered the probe of the January 6 terror attack in Borno State. Over 40 persons, including soldiers, were killed. There have also been other attacks in Sokoto and Katsina states in which lives were lost.
Gen. Buba said at a news conference in Abuja that local collaborators often provided terrorists information on troops’ movements.
He said despite the challenge, the military was committed to combating terrorism and other security threats in the country.
Buba said: “The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributable to the influx of foreign fighters who came in as reinforcements for these terrorists. These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian Region.
‘’ The other contributing factor is the support from local collaborators who serve as informants, reporting on troops’ movements.
“In spite of the situation, troops are profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Though we might record occasional tactical setbacks.
“Our strategic objective remains unhindered and it is to break the terrorist will to fight. In essence, defeating an enemy means destroying or breaking his will to fight.
“We are achieving this by the cumulative effort of killing their operatives, commanders, and other senior leaders .
“We are taking away their most important assets such as logistics, administration, and fighting capabilities.
‘’We are also applying regional and international pressure, as well as engaging the media. All these combine to destroy the terrorists’ will to fight.”
“We understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation at the end of which these terrorists will be destroyed and we will have a better world.”
He also emphasised the significance of collective responsibility in ensuring national security.
“Sadly, we are not there yet but inching closer every day. On the whole, security is everybody’s business. We must not compromise on security, otherwise, we compromise everyone’s security.
“Significantly, as you “dey for, who dey for you” this year. Know that, “the military dey for you, dey for us,” Buba said.
Giving updates on troops’ successes in the past week, Gen. Buba said 156 terrorists were neutralised and 464 arrested for different crimes.
He added troops nabbed 29 oil thieves and rescued 181 kidnap victims.
The troops, according to him, recovered 219 high calibre weapons and 2,871 ammunition.
In the Niger Delta 48 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 56 storage tanks, and 46 illegal refining sites were also destroyed .
Buba added that troops recovered 705,294 litres of stolen crude oil, 6,865 litres of illegally refined diesel , 1,500 litres of kerosene, and 800 litres of petrol.
Twenty eight boats, eight pumping machines, six speedboats, three outboard boats, six drums, eight motorcycles and eight vehicles were also seized by troops.
In Jos, Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Samson Zhakom told reporters that 18 suspected kidnappers, bandits, and gunrunners were arrested in Plateau and Kaduna states.
Eighteen persons kidnapped in a forest between Plateau and Taraba states were rescued .
News
Donald Trump’s inauguration moved indoors
President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural address on 20 January will take place indoors due to dangerously cold weather being forecast next week in Washington, he has confirmed.
The address, as well as other speeches, will now take place inside the US Capitol’s rotunda, rather than outside the building.
The inaugural parade will also be held indoors at Washington’s Capitol One Arena, along with all three inaugural balls.
The last president to be sworn-in indoors was Ronald Reagan in 1985, when cold weather also plagued the US Capitol.
News
How my 34-Yr-Old graduate son took his own life after NYSC Service Year – Mother
A 34-Year-Old Graduate who recently participated in the Passing-out-Parade of the National Youth Service Corps, Bryant Michael Ogah, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State has reportedly killed himself in a hotel in the area after taking a harmful substance suspected to be snipper.
It was gathered that Bryant, who recently concluded his NYSC program, was suspected to be having some mental challenges before his death and had battled the health issue for almost 12 years.
Speaking Punch on the matter, the mother of the deceased who simply identified herself as Mrs Ogah, lamented that her son took his own life despite several efforts by the family to make him feel comfortable amid his health challenges.
She explained that Bryant being the first son and first child of the family had always wished to contribute to the family’s upkeep and growth, but his unstable mental health issues were a major challenge for him to achieve his dreams and aspirations.
Mrs Ogah further told our correspondent that “his (Bryant’s) sudden decision to commit suicide was because he was tired of his health condition, and also because he could not support the members of his family due to his health condition.”
She added, “It was the mental health issue that affected him. He took poison and killed himself. He was tired of the situation. He could not help himself. He could not help anybody. So he felt there was no need to continue living.
“But as a family, we kept encouraging him to be strong. We told him that despite his health issues, he should stay with us because we are not complaining about his challenges. We also told him that even though he does not take care of us, seeing him alive gives us joy.”
Narrating further on how Bryant took his life, his mother said, “On December 23, 2024, her late son approached the family that he would be going to visit his friend who is resident in another community in the LGA.”
She added, “We allowed him to go, not knowing that it was an excuse to enable him to execute his negative plans which ended his life.”
According to her, who was very emotional and in tears while speaking with the publication, pointed out that “he (the late Bryant) went to lodge in a hotel in the Television area of Kaduna South, where he drank a chemical which led to his untimely death.
“Due to the shame and embarrassment that his health condition caused him, it became a pain to him. He wanted to turn the family’s story around for good. But he later took his life as a result of the challenges that he was facing.
“On December 23rd, he woke up, took his bath, ate his breakfast, and after some time, he said he was going out to see his friend to rest, that he just needed a change of environment.
“Instead of going to his friend’s place, he went to a hotel around a place called the Television Area in Kaduna South. He paid for a room and lodged into the hotel.
“After 24 hours that he was supposed to vacate the room, the hotel workers did not see him come out, so they went to knock on the door, but he was not responding.
“They forcefully opened the door and met him on the floor, even though he was still breathing.
“They immediately rushed him to the hospital where he died within a short time of when he was admitted into the hospital,” she added.
When he was first contacted to speak on the issue, the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said he could not readily confirm the incident and implored the publication to call back, saying, “I will get back to you.”
However, when contacted a second time, DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the sad incident, saying, “the command is investigating the matter.”
News
Southwest Caucus Mourns The Loss Of Rt. Hon. Onanuga
By Gloria Ikibah
The Southwest Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, describing her as an exceptional leader and a true Omoluabi.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of Southwest Caucus, Rep. James Faleke and Secretary, Southwest Caucus, Rep. Taofeek Ajilesoro, it stated that Onanuga was a source of pride to the legislature and a beacon of integrity and leadership.
Rt. Hon. Onnuga, represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State,
It reads in part: “Her colleagues remembered her as a person of honor and humility, whose dedication to service and discipline earned her respect within and beyond the House.
“She was the embodiment of an Omoluabi—humble, principled, and a firm believer in doing what is right,” they said. As Deputy Chief Whip, she ensured order and decorum in the House, displaying intellect and poise that inspired admiration from all”.
The Caucus highlighted her significant contributions to the legislative progress of the Southwest region, particularly her leadership in advocating for the establishment of the Southwest Development Commission.
They noted her strategic efforts in ensuring the region’s voice was effectively represented in the House’s leadership.
During her tenure as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, Onanuga championed policies aimed at empowering women and advancing social welfare.
“Her track record of service extended to the sub-national level, where she left an indelible mark before transitioning to national leadership”, it added..
Reflecting on her loss, Rep. Faleke said:
“As a colleague and friend, I will forever cherish the moments we shared on the floor and in caucus meetings. Her camaraderie, wise counsel, and infectious smile left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her passion for good governance and commitment to her constituents were second to none. Her passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill.”
The Southwest Caucus extended their condolences to her family, the government and people of Ogun State, and the entire National Assembly. They described her passing as an irreplaceable loss but celebrated her legacy of service, leadership, and dedication.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace”, he said.
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