“People Are Asking Why Are We Not K!lling T3rrorists Even If They've K!lled Others. Well, Even In The Bible, The Prodigal Son Was Given A Second Chance, So We Should Give These T3rrorists Who Are Also Nigerians A Chance To Repent Rather Than Pushing Them To The Extreme By Thr3atening To K!ll Them” — President Tinubu's Chief Of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede

INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN RAID: TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE STRIKE DECISIVE BLOW AGAINST CRIMINAL SYNDICATES RECOVERS ARMS CACHE IN TARABA

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded a major operational success following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Takum LGA, Taraba State.

The operation, conducted on 04 January 2026, was initiated after actionable intelligence was received regarding the movement of an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, OPWS troops deployed at Zaki-Biam immediately established a snap roadblock along the suspected route. The suspect was successfully intercepted at Zaki-Biam without incident. Upon preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily led the troops to a concealed armoury belonging to the criminal network at Amadu Village in Takum Local Government Area.

Subsequent exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, comprising thirteen AK-47 rifles, thirty-nine AK-47 magazines, six hundred and ninety rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and quantity four hand grenades. Following the successful recovery, the armoury was professionally destroyed to prevent further use and the troops safely withdrew to base.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response and effective utilisation of intelligence, which culminated in the disruption of a criminal supply chain and the recovery of lethal weapons.

Major General Gara reiterated his commitment to sustaining high troop morale by prioritising welfare, logistics support and operational readiness. He further appreciated members of the public for their continuous cooperation and provision of credible intelligence, noting that community support remains a critical enabler in the ongoing fight against criminality within the Joint Operations Area.

He urged residents to continue to provide timely and actionable information to security forces, assuring them of confidentiality and prompt response, as Operation WHIRL STROKE remains resolute in ensuring peace, stability and the protection of lives and property across its area of responsibility. The Force Commander also expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for his strategic guidance and the Service Chiefs for their sustained support to OPWS.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU
Lieutenant
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE
04 January 2026

Tinubu Orders Security Agencies to Intensify Operations Around Forest Communities After Deadly Niger State Market Attack That Killed Over 40

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near forests, following a deadly terrorist attack in Niger State that left more than 40 people dead and many women and children abducted. The attack occurred at Kasuwa Daji market along the Sokobara–Tunga Demo axis in Borgu Local Government Area, sparking outrage among residents who accused security forces of responding only after victims’ bodies were being evacuated.

In a statement personally issued on January 4, 2026, President Tinubu said he had ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to hunt down those responsible for the attack and ensure they are swiftly brought to justice. He described the attackers as terrorists who had tested the resolve of the nation and warned that they would face the full weight of the law.

The President also cautioned that anyone found aiding, abetting, or enabling the attackers would be prosecuted, regardless of their status or intent. He further instructed security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims and strengthen security presence in at-risk areas across the country, with particular focus on communities near forests that have increasingly become targets of violent attacks.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to confront insecurity collectively and deny criminal elements any safe haven. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security to affected communities, stressing that Nigeria must stand together to defeat terrorism and reclaim safety for its citizens.

UPDATE :Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS To Hunt Down Terrorists Behind Niger State Attack

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack in Niger State.

Tinubu Orders Military, Police, DSS to Hunt Kasuwan Daji Terrorists, Rescue Abducted Women and Children in Niger State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify operations to track down and apprehend the terrorists behind the deadly attack on Kasuwan Daji community in Niger State. The directive was issued on Sunday and conveyed in a statement signed on January 4, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President ordered the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DSS Director-General to urgently locate the attackers and rescue all abducted victims, particularly women and children. The Kasuwan Daji attack, which occurred amid a surge in terrorist activities in Niger State, led to the killing of villagers and mass abductions.

According to the presidency, the assailants are suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following a U.S. airstrike carried out on Christmas Eve. President Tinubu condemned the killings, described the attack as a test of Nigeria’s resolve, and vowed that the perpetrators and anyone aiding them would be hunted down and brought to justice.

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, while assuring that security operations would be strengthened around vulnerable communities, especially those near forest areas used as criminal hideouts. The President urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric, stressing that collective resolve is crucial to defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.

Security; CDS reassures Military’s Resolve To Restore Peace in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Armed Forces has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to professionalism and discipline, charging Troops in various Theatres of Operation to remain resolute in the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the Country.

The Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, gave the assurance in a message to the Troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector Two Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, during Christmas luncheon at Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto.

Nigeria Spends Over N827 Billion on Arms Imports from 2020 to September 2025 Amid Rising Security Threats

A review of Nigeria’s foreign trade statistics shows that the country spent a total of N827.1 billion on arms and ammunition imports between 2020 and September 2025. Spending increased from N29.2 billion in 2020 to a peak of N520 billion in 2024, reflecting escalating security challenges. Analysts and military officials have warned that Nigeria harbours a high concentration of illicit weapons, with non-state actors holding over six million small arms—far outpacing official security forces. Experts, including former Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, highlight the urgent need for enhanced border security, regional collaboration, and socio-economic initiatives to curb the proliferation of arms and combat terrorism, banditry, and militia violence in northern Nigeria.

Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, Calls for Border Wall Around Nigeria

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on the government to construct a physical barrier around the country to strengthen national security.

According to him, such a wall would help put an end to illegal cross-border movements and curb the influx of criminals into the country.

He further stated that many countries around the world have border barriers to prevent terrorists and other criminal elements from entering their territories. However, Nigeria lacks such a structure, which, he said, makes it easy for terrorists to freely cross into the country with weapons

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Orders Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Roadblocks Nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a directive ordering the immediate dismantling of non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways in Nigeria. The internal memo, signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu for the Chief of Defence Staff, warns that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints is disrupting movement, reducing operational efficiency, and exposing troops to unnecessary risks. Commanders have been instructed to retain only approved control points while replacing static posts with mobile, intelligence-driven patrols. The order comes amid rising public concern over insecurity and road travel challenges nationwide.

COAS DECORATES ARMY SPOKESPERSON AS COLONEL …Reaffirms Public Trust as a Strategic Enabler for Military Operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, on 9 December 2025, decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel in recognition of her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.

At a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment, charging the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations. He urged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to strengthen transparent, accountableand timely communication on the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.

The Army Chief further tasked the Acting Director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate.

In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired; alongside family members, friends and well-wishers.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu commends Nigeria's Armed Forces for protecting democracy in Benin Republic

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria's military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support "in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population."

In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, "strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups."

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

"Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu," he said.

Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria's neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

It took some hours before the government's loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin."

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

December 7, 2025

ARMED FORCES LEADERSHIP SOLIDIFIES JOINT OPERATIONS UNDER NEW DEFENCE MINISTER

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, joined the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

Tinubu Hails Senate for Swift Confirmation of Gen. Christopher Musa as Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Senate for quickly confirming retired General Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence. Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, was nominated to replace the former minister who resigned due to health issues. After an intensive screening session, the Senate approved his appointment.
Tinubu described Musa’s confirmation as timely, noting that Nigeria is at a critical moment in its fight against insecurity. During his screening, Musa vowed to confront criminal groups threatening the country and strengthen national security efforts.

Retired CDS Christopher Musa Sworn In as Nigeria’s New Defence Minister After Badaru’s Resignation

Retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has been sworn in as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. President Bola Tinubu confirmed the appointment through a letter to the Senate, highlighting Musa’s distinguished military record and previous service as CDS from 2023 to 2025. Born in 1967, Musa has held several key command and operational roles throughout his career. The Senate approved his nomination after an intense five-hour screening session.

Akpabio Rejects ‘Bow and Go’ for Ex-CDS Musa, Cites Security Crisis and Global Scrutiny

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday rejected calls for a “bow and go” clearance for former Chief of Defence Staff and ministerial nominee, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd). The session became tense after Senator Sani Musa proposed waiving questions, prompting loud objections from lawmakers. Akpabio insisted that the nation’s worsening security situation—including the recent abduction of over 200 schoolchildren in Niger State—required a full public screening. He stressed that international attention, including remarks referencing Donald Trump, made rigorous scrutiny necessary. Order was restored, and the Senate conducted a full interrogation of the nominee shortly after President Tinubu’s request for his confirmation was read.

Some politicians funding terrorism in Nigeria, says ex-CDS Irabor

Lucky Irabor, ex-chief of defence staff (CDS), says some political actors are involved in terrorism financing in Nigeria.

Irabor said some party chieftains capitalise on instability to create an impression that they can offer better leadership.

“Some politicians have now taken advantage of the state of under-governance, as it were, to perhaps gain some form of leverage to give the impression that they can do better,” he said

Tinubu Donates N200m to Nigerian Legion, Calls for Stronger Support for Military Personnel and Families of Fallen Heroes




President Bola Tinubu has pledged N200 million to the Nigerian Legion during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Emphasizing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving soldiers, injured personnel, and families of fallen heroes, Tinubu urged government institutions, private organizations, and citizens to support the Legion’s humanitarian mission.

Other notable donations included N100 million from the National Assembly and N20 million from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage and significant gains in combating insecurity, including the surrender of insurgents, the neutralization of terrorist leaders, and improved maritime security.

The President reaffirmed ongoing reforms to enhance troop welfare, including upgraded barracks, improved healthcare systems, and modernized pension verification. The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called on Nigerians to back the emblem appeal, stressing national gratitude for the sacrifices of soldiers. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to honor fallen and living heroes.



#Tinubunews

#NigerianLegiondonation

#ArmedForcesRemembranceDay2026

Tinubu Nominates Ex-CDS General Christopher Musa as New Defence Minister After Badaru’s Resignation




President Bola Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru due to health reasons. The President communicated the nomination to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, expressing confidence in Musa’s ability to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
General Musa, 58, previously served as CDS from 2023 to October 2025 and has held several notable military positions, including Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and Commander of the Infantry Corps. His distinguished career earned him the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Badaru’s exit comes amid heightened security concerns and President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency. The Presidency thanked Badaru for his service and confirmed that Tinubu will officially present Musa’s nomination to the Senate this week.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA AS THE NEW MINISTER OF DEFENCE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 2, 2025

Replace Badaru Abubakar As Nigeria’s Defence Minister

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, is poised to take over as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday night, according to top government sources.

Musa held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday evening — his first public engagement with the President since his retirement on October 24, 2025. His visit has intensified speculation that he is Tinubu’s preferred choice to immediately step into the role as defence reforms accelerate.

#NigeriaPolitics #DefenceMinistry #TinubuAdministration