ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 11, 2026 —Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says the country’s military maintains control over insecurity despite renewed terrorist attacks in the North East.
Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja after a strategic meeting with Service Chiefs to review operational strategies nationwide. He said the meeting assessed the current security situation and strengthened efforts to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements.
“We had a quick meeting to review our strategy in all theatres. We are aware of the issues, but I assure Nigerians the Armed Forces are working tirelessly to keep the country safe,” he said.
The minister acknowledged military casualties but stressed terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier losses. “We know we have suffered some casualties, but terrorists and bandits are taking more. We are eliminating their commanders and destroying assets,” he added.
Musa urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces, warning that tackling insecurity required a whole-of-government and society approach. He cautioned against false information on social media, noting that misinformation could undermine security efforts and troop morale.
He appealed to media organisations to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through videos and materials produced by criminal groups. “When you use their videos and pictures, you give them the opportunity to shine and demoralise our troops,” he said.
Musa further urged citizens to report suspicious activities, warning that those aiding terrorists would be treated as accomplices. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces and congratulated the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assuring him of strong collaboration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting comes amid a resurgence of attacks in the North East. The military has lost personnel in recent days while eliminating scores of terrorists and their commanders. (NAN).
INTERNATIONAL(NPA) — March 11, 2026 — Pope Leo has accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta of San Diego, following his arrest on suspicion of embezzling $250,000 from his congregation, the Vatican announced Tuesday.
Shaleta, who has led the Chaldean Catholic community in San Diego since 2017, pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of embezzlement and money laundering during a court hearing on Monday, according to local media.
San Diego Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero said the alleged crimes occurred in 2024 and were uncovered by a church employee who noticed missing funds, KGTV reported. Shaleta was arrested on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the United States, according to the sheriff’s office.
His lawyer told the court that the bishop had been planning a trip to Germany.
The Chaldean Catholic Church, which follows an Eastern Christian liturgical rite but recognizes the pope’s authority, has about 71,000 members in San Diego, Vatican statistics show.
Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Nigerian Army has commenced its Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) Training Workshop, themed “Leveraging Joint and Multi-Agency Capabilities to Strengthen Troops’ Adaptability and Resilience during Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations.”
Declaring the workshop open on March 10, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness through simulation-based training. He described the initiative as a vital tool for improving adaptability, decision-making, and coordination without the logistical constraints of large-scale field exercises.
According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Adebowale David Adejimi, the COAS urged participants to fully engage in discussions, share professional experiences, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen operational effectiveness. He emphasised that insights gained from the workshop would significantly improve joint and multi-agency collaboration in tackling contemporary security challenges.
The event drew senior officers from Army Headquarters departments, commanders from various units and formations, as well as representatives of selected paramilitary agencies. Participants will benefit from lectures delivered by seasoned resource persons, followed by intensive interactive sessions designed to foster cooperation and innovation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
The Nigerian Army views simulation training as a cornerstone of modern military preparedness, ensuring troops are equipped to respond effectively to complex and dynamic operational scenarios. By leveraging joint and multi-agency capabilities, the workshop underscores the Army’s determination to achieve excellence in safeguarding national security.
INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — Mike Arnold, a former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, USA, and now a leading activist on religious violence in Nigeria, has ridiculed Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of Digital Economy Technology, Isa Pantami, after a viral video showed him weeping over the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayotola Khamenei.
Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International and Africa Arise USA, issued a sarcastic statement on Monday in response to Pantami’s grief. He asserted that the U.S. President’s bombing of Iran and the killing of its leader should be seen as nothing more than a “farmer-herder conflict.”
He wrote: “Oh, poor terrorist. He should know that Trump bombing Iran is not really Trump’s fault. He couldn’t help himself; it was just global warming. A simple farmer-herder conflict. Maybe he should dialogue with Trump, understand his position, offer him government money and jobs. They are brothers, after all. Maybe then Trump will stop bombing Iran and we could all be happy together.”
Arnold’s remarks reference the official stance often taken during the Buhari administration, in which Pantami served as a cabinet member. At the time, the government frequently described widespread killings by armed Fulani herdsmen as “farmer-herder clashes.”
That narrative persisted until the Tinubu-led government reclassified such attacks as acts of terrorism, declaring that anyone who sacks villages and kills civilians would be treated accordingly. Analysts note that this shift in terminology has sharpened the mandate of security agencies, enabling them to respond more decisively to protect communities across Nigeria.
Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 10, 2026 — The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) has reported a road accident in the Ketu area of Lagos, resulting in one casualty and heavy traffic congestion.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the agency confirmed: “A flatbed trailer loaded with iron suffered a brake failure at Ketu towards Mile 12, resulting in one casualty.”
LASTMA noted that efforts are underway to remove the trailer and other affected vehicles from the scene, with officials deployed to manage traffic flow.
As a result of the incident, a significant traffic backlog has built up around Ojota. Motorists heading towards Ikorodu, Ojota, or exiting Ikorodu Road onto the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been advised to exercise caution and consider alternative routes to ease the gridlock.
The agency assured commuters that traffic control measures are fully in place and urged drivers to remain patient while clearance operations continue.
Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) —March 10, 2026 —Princess Joy Omagha Idam, a Nigerian community advocate, publisher of Weekenders Magazine, and former Assistant Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Council, has raised alarm over governance failures and human rights violations amid the ongoing communal crisis in Amasiri, Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. A vocal critic of the alleged military crackdown in the community, Idam has called for urgent intervention to protect civilians and restore accountability.
Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show, as monitored by Newpost Africa, Princess Joy Omagha Idam condemned reported military raids and property destruction in Amasiri, describing them as “clear violations of citizens’ rights.” She argued that the unrest reflects deeper governance and accountability failures rather than being an isolated local disturbance.
Highlighting the human toll, she noted that families have been displaced, livelihoods disrupted, and communities left in fear. When asked about allegations of missing human heads from the neighbouring Oso (Idima/Ọkpọrọjọ) community, Adamson firmly denied Amasiri’s involvement. “Amasiri does not know anything about any head,” she said. “Soldiers have been in Amasiri. Have they found the heads? Amasiri doesn’t know anything about the killing.”
She explained that the community was in mourning at the time of the incident, with more than twenty burials taking place, stressing that cultural practices such as not burying in December further complicated the accusations.
On the Ebonyi State Government’s boundary commission, Idam criticised the process and described it as unworkable. She pointed out that key stakeholders — including members of the Amasiri Development Union executive — remain in detention, while the traditional ruler has been dethroned, leaving the committee without crucial input.
Regarding Amasiri’s petition before the International Criminal Court, she said there has been “no update yet,” but expressed hope that the case, which raises multiple human rights concerns, would be acted upon.
Rejecting claims that Amasiri is the aggressor, Idam drew an analogy: “If you own a property in Maitama and some people are encroaching on your land, will you allow them to take what is your heritage?”
She urged the authorities to prioritise dialogue and transparency over force in resolving the crisis, warning that continued militarisation would only deepen mistrust and prolong suffering.
POLITICS (Agency Reports) —March 10, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured Nigerians that the country would never allow agents of instability to undermine its peace, unity and sovereignty, assuring that terrorists would be defeated.
Tinubu gave the assurance while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He acknowledged the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in promoting peace, stability and moral guidance within their communities.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated.
They leave trails of blood in their wake. But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender.
“We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,”
Tinubu also pledged to continue using the mandate given to him to strengthen the economy and promote prosperity.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve.
“All I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty.
“I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are gradually getting relief.”
He said the administration had taken decisive steps to stabilise public finances and avert economic collapse.
“We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy. It was very daunting and challenging when we took over. But today I can say with pride and joy that we have survived,”
He said no state governor was now struggling to borrow from banks to pay workers’ salaries.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to increasing investment in critical sectors such as agriculture and education.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, assuring them that his administration remained focused on building a safer, secure and prosperous country.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, thanked the president for hosting leaders of the two major religions at the breaking of fast.
He said the gathering symbolised unity and prayed for peace, stability and divine guidance for the country and its leadership.
Abubakar represented the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
Also speaking, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured the president of the church’s support for efforts to strengthen the economy and security.
Okoh represented the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Dr Stephen Baba-Panya.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional rulers and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones attended the event. (NAN).
Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 9, 2026 — The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, today received the team overseeing the credentials and physical screening exercise for successful applicants from Lagos State in the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 police constables nationwide.
The team, comprising officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel from the Police Service Commission, visited the Command Headquarters in Ikeja to brief the Commissioner on progress.
In a statement, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi said: “During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police charged the team to strictly adhere to the established guidelines and ethos of the screening exercise.”
“He emphasised the need for the process to be conducted with the highest level of integrity, fairness, and transparency, in order to uphold the credibility of the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, and the nation at large.”
The screening team assured the Commissioner of their readiness and commitment to ensuring due process.
The Police team is led by Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Adebisi Balogun, while the Police Service Commission delegation is headed by Chief Administrative Officer Eleyinmi Akinola. Both teams are working in collaboration with stakeholders including the Federal Character Commission and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to guarantee a credible and transparent exercise.
Abuja, Nigeria(Agency Report)— March 9, 2026 — The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction and sentencing of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Maj.-Gen. Umar Mohammed, for stealing and misappropriating funds belonging to the company.
In the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, the appellate court dismissed Mohammed’s appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Court Martial (Nigerian Army) and the validity of its verdict.
The former senior officer was earlier tried and convicted by the court martial on Oct. 10, 2023, for offences bordering on stealing and criminal misappropriation of funds belonging to Nigerian Army Properties Limited.
Following the conviction, Mohammed was dismissed from the Nigerian Army, sentenced to imprisonment and ordered to refund 2,099,700 dollars and N1.65 billion to the company.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, he approached the appellate court on Feb. 12, 2025, in suit No. CA/ABJ/CR/383/2025, arguing that his conviction was not supported by sufficient and credible evidence.
However, the three-member panel of justices, Abba Mohammed, Okon Abang and Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, dismissed the appeal, ruling that the evidence presented during the court martial clearly established the offences.
According to the certified judgment issued on Monday, the court held that the Special Court Martial was right to reject the former general’s defence, describing it as inconsistent and unreliable.
The court noted contradictions in Mohammed’s testimony, particularly his claim that Nigerian Army Properties Limited never operated berthing services, which contradicted documentary records authored by him indicating otherwise.
The justices ruled that the inconsistencies undermined his credibility.
The appellate court consequently affirmed the conviction and sentence imposed by the Special Court Martial on all counts except those relating to forgery.
NAN reports that in August 2025, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos State also ordered the final forfeiture of shares worth over N5 billion traced to Mohammed and a businessman, Kayode Filani.
The order followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which told the court that the 245,568,137 shares were purchased with proceeds of unlawful activities carried out during Mohammed’s tenure as head of the army’s property company.
EFCC counsel in the matter, Hanatu Kofanaisa, explained that a Special Court Martial had already convicted Mohammed on 14 out of 18 counts of stealing and related offences.
She added the commission had met all legal requirements for final forfeiture, including the mandatory newspaper publication, without any objection being filed.
In granting the application, Justice Dipeolu held that the EFCC had proved its case and ordered the shares permanently forfeited to the Federal Government, in favour of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited.
The application was brought under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. (NAN).
Abuja, Nigeria(Agency Report)— March 9, 2026 — Residents of Peze and Kungabokun Communities in Byazhin-Across area of Kubwa, a satellite town in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have shared harrowing accounts of kidnappings in the area.
They said that suspected armed terrorists, in their numbers, had continued to attack the area, bordered by hills and bushes, kidnapping residents, including women and children, and moving from house to house.
Some of the residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the repeated attacks have heightened their fears.
They called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action on the deteriorating security situation in the area.
A resident, Philip Ikechukwu, said that no fewer than 20 people had been kidnapped within two weeks in the area.
“We have been living in fear here. These people (terrorists) have been coming to raid us, shooting guns and abducting men, women and even children, going from house to house.
“The kidnapping started two weeks ago, and no fewer than 20 people have been kidnapped.
“Some, however, escaped while a man and a woman that were kidnapped at one time paid N500,000 ransom before their release.
“I heard that a pastor’s four children and others who were kidnapped on Tuesday had been rescued by the security personnel,” he said.
Ikechukwu said a joint security patrol of soldiers, police and civil defence officers had been on ground in the area to checkmate further attack.
He, however, said since the Byazhin Divisional Police Station is far from the community, there is a need to have a police station in the area.
Chief Kalu Uma, who lives at Ijayapi, a community next to Peze, said kidnapping has become rampant recently in the area.
“I have spent 29 years in this community. It is of recent we began to experience this menace.
“Today, it is here; tomorrow, it is there and we are worried about the development,” he said.
When asked the number of kidnapped cases that had occurred in the area, Uma said, “From information reaching me through rumour, some would say about 15 had so far been kidnapped, some would say about 20, although I am not very sure. ”
Uma, who said the environment is becoming more porous, urged the Federal Government to strengthen security in the area.
Pastor Tony Anotu of the Revival Family Church, whose four children were kidnapped on March 3 and rescued on Saturday, said the experience was an harrowing one.
According to him, the kidnappers left his baby of about three and a half years.
He said throughout the period of his children’s hostage, he couldn’t sleep.
“Each time I want to sleep, I will just see their pictures and wake up. I would be thinking what would be their feelings inside the forest.
“It was not an easy experience,” he said pensively.
Pastor Tony Anotu’s residence at Peze Community, Byazhin-Across area, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council in Abuja, FCT
Anotu, who confirmed that his four children within the age range of six to 16 years were rescued by the security personnel, said he did not pay any ransom.
He equally confirmed that his children were rescued alongside a vigilance group member’s wife and her sister, who were abducted in the area on the same day.
“They had kidnaped the wife of the vigilante head who was exchanging guns with them.
“The gunmen left her two-month-old baby but went with her sister that came to help her,” he said.
He called on President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to come to their rescue.
For Chief Saidu Ibrahim, the Village Head of Peze Community, the continued attack was devastating.
“Since last week, there were people (gunmen) who have been coming here to kidnap our people
The Palace of Village Head, Peze Community, Chief Saidu Ibrahim, at Byazhin-Across Area of Kubwa in Abuja
“So last week Thursday, they (the gunmen) entered and abducted two people; one woman and one man.
“They then released them on Sunday (last Sunday) after paying almost N500, 000 (as ransom).
“We discovered that there is informant in this community because if there is no informant, strangers cannot just enter the community and begin such operations.
“On Tuesday this week around evening, they entered the community again and began to release the bullets and they took about seven people and escaped with them.” he said.
He said in Kugabonku Community, which is next to his, a vigilance group member was killed by the terrorists and a number of persons were kidnapped on March 3.
Peze and Kugabonku, he said, were under the same ward in Byazhin Community.
He said at least 16 people had been kidnapped during the period.
Ibrahim, who noted that a letter had been written to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police area command on the need to have a security base in the area, said the community is no longer safe.
“We need a checkpoint by the military here and we need a police station.
“If there is a police station or military checkpoint here, it will help the community,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Jagaba Ishaya, the Village Head of Kugabonku Communuty, described the recent kidnapping in his environment as “worrisome.”
He said about three people were kidnapped at a former naval officer’s residence, while four others were abducted at a poultry farm on Tuesday.
“The gunmen abducted Oga Navy and his two daughters.
“Then at the barrister’s farm where he has a poultry, a vigilante officer was killed and four people were kidnapped,” he said.
The Palace of the Village Head of Kogabonku Community, Chief Jagaba Ishaya, at Byazhin-Across Area of Kubwa in Abuja
Chief Ishaya, who spoke through an interpreter, Prince Timothy, his son, said the area needs a police station.
He also urged the government to support members of the vigilance group in the area to function effectively.
“You cannot go and face a person who is coming with AK-47 with inferior weapon.
“This has been our challenge. Therefore, they need to be empowered,” he said.
Mathew Samuel, a member of the vigilance group at Kugabonku, narrated his experience with the gunmen.
He called on the government to support their effort in combating the menace.
NAN observed the deployment of military, police and civil defence officers in the area.
The Byazhin DPO, Christopher Owujie, when contacted, refused to comment on the incident.
Rather, he referred NAN to the FCT Police Command PRO, Josephine Adeh.
However, an officer at Byazhin station, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said police officers had intensified security surveillance in the affected areas.
“There have been kidnap cases in the area in the last one week, the police have not rested.
“Our men have been working day and night,” he said.
In a telephone chat with the command PRO, SP Adeh said classified information about what the security agencies are doing cannot be revealed to members of the public.
Adeh, who said the kidnap victims had been rescued through the joint effort of the police, the military and DSS, said some of the terrorists were neutralised, while some escaped with bullet wounds, and two were arrested during a gun battle.
She said a press statement had been released to the effect.
In the statement, Adeh said: “Police personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, between March 6 and 7, commenced a coordinated search and rescue operation.
“This follows credible intelligence that criminals fleeing from ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest, Niger, had crossed into Gidan Dogo and Kweri Forests in Kaduna State with kidnapped victims.
“Acting on the intelligence, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the combined tactical team into the forest in pursuit of the suspected criminals.
“Upon approaching their hideout, the suspects opened fire on the operatives, resulting in an intense gun duel that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes.”
“Through superior tactics and firepower, the operatives successfully subdued the kidnappers.
“Suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while two others, identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello, were arrested.
“Other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest and hills.
“The operation led to the successful rescue of twenty (20) kidnapped victims comprising ten (10) males and ten (10) females who were earlier abducted from Byazhin District of the FCT, as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.” (NAN).
