TERRORISTS FLEE AS NIGERIAN AIR FORCE LAUNCHES DEVASTATING AIRSTRIKE IN NIGER STATE. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a series of devastating airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Niger State, forcing dozens of insurgents to flee and dismantling their operational bases. Ehimen Ejodame, air commodore and director of public relations and information at NAF headquarters disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He said the strikes were conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 between 24 and 26 June 2025, targeting terrorists responsible for recent attacks and cattle rustling in Kakihun and Kumbashi communities. Acting on credible intelligence and in coordination with ground forces and other security agencies, NAF deployed multiple air assets that executed precision strikes on identified terrorist locations. “Swiftly deploying air assets, the Air Component executed multiple waves of precision strikes that neutralised scores of terrorists, destroyed their logistics, and disrupted regrouping efforts,” the statement read. Ejodame said the operation underscores the Air Force’s rapid response capability and firm commitment to national security. He added that the Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians and ensuring lasting peace across the country.

RETALIATION: IRAN FIRES 10 MISSILES AT TWO US BASES. Iran has fired at least 10 missiles at the United States’ biggest base in the Middle East and another in Iraq. This is in response to the US bombing Iran’s nuclear labs over the weekend. According to the Daily Mail, aerial defenses were activated shortly after a ‘credible threat’ alert was issued to the Al Udeid base in Qatar. The base hosts over 10,000 US troops as well as over 100 aircraft, strategic bombers and tankers. US bases in Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain also sounded their air raid sirens shortly after the Al Udeid base was targeted by Iranian missiles. President Donald Trump has convened his national security team in the White House as US assets across the world are put on high alert. This comes as Iran warned that the United States will “directly pay” for strikes on its nuclear facilities rather than standing behind Israel.

UK defends U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites. UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has backed the bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites by the U.S., saying the Islamic Republic cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. In a statement on his official X page on Sunday, Mr Starmer endorsed U.S. ‘s action, urging Iran to return for negotiation for diplomatic solutions. “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Mr Starmer. The UK PM urges Iran to opt for diplomatic solutions, adding “The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.” Meanwhile, some other world leaders had weighed in on the development. United Nations Security-General, Antonio Gutterres in a post on X on Sunday, said “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.

Food Inflation: Governors Move Against Illegal Checkpoints, Excessive Taxes. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has identified illegal checkpoints, multiple taxation, and poor infrastructure as major factors driving up the cost of food and livestock transportation across the country This position was made known in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s third meeting for 2025, held on Wednesday night and read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. During the meeting, the governors received a detailed briefing from the national security adviser (NSA) who was accompanied by the ministers of defence, agriculture, livestock development, and transportation. The officials presented findings that showed how various actors’ proliferation of unauthorised roadblocks and extortion along transportation corridors has contributed significantly to food price inflation and inefficiencies in the supply chain.

ARMY HEADQUARTERS ON RESPONSIBLE REPORTING IN ARMED CONFLICTS / COMBAT OPERATIONS The Army Headquarters department of civil military affairs is Strengthening Ethical Reporting and Strategic Communication in Counter-Insurgency and Civil-Military Relations. This came to the fore at the training for defence correspondents in Abuja The focus is to ensure responsible reporting during military operations, understanding national security sensitivities, and foster collaboration between the media and military in times of crisis. At a time when misinformation can spread quickly and impact national security, this collaboration between the Nigerian Army and defence correspondents is a vital step in fostering ethical journalism one that supports Nigeria’s security objectives while respecting press freedom. International humanitarian law that governs the conducts of God armed conflict especially civilians and Nigeria acceding to the Geneva treaty but not domesticating the additional protocols of the convention was an eye opener as to restrictions in rules of engagements

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,150 Nigerian youths into four key paramilitary agencies under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). The breakdown is as follows ¹: - Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS): 10,000 personnel - Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): 10,000 personnel - Nigerian Correctional Service: 5,150 personnel - Federal Fire Service (FFS): 5,000 personnel - CDCFIB Secretariat: 209 personnel The recruitment process will be transparent and merit-based, with applications opening on June 13, 2025, and remaining active for three weeks. This move aims to strengthen national security, improve service delivery, and tackle unemployment by creating thousands of jobs for Nigerian youths ¹. To ensure the subordinate and constituent benefits from this recruitment, citizens can: - Monitor the recruitment process: Ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process - Provide support: Offer guidance and resources to applicants from their constituencies - Demand accountability: Hold leaders accountable for the effective implementation of the recruitment process

Police Honour EFCC with Partnership Award The Nigeria Police Force, NPF on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 honoured the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC with a “Security Partnership Recognition Award” in appreciation of it described as “the Commission’s invaluable support for Nigeria’s internal security through commitment and partnerships in combating terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime and other forms of criminalities.” The award was conferred on the Commission during the Second Edition of the NPF Awards and Commendations ceremony, held at the Police Resource Center, Abuja. Speaking at the occasion, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun disclosed that the essence of the ceremony was to celebrate excellence in policing among police officers and honour other agencies of government for their partnership and collaboration with the police in enforcement of laws towards enthroning a sane and secure Nigerian society. “The officers we celebrate today are not extraordinary by virtue of fame or fortune, they are extraordinary because they do ordinary things in extraordinary ways by helping to keep our cities safe with painstaking precision. You are a representation of real heroism and today we stand in tribute as you have become standard bearers to the Nigerian Police Force. To those not awarded tonight, let these testimonies propel your ambition, because excellence is not the finish line but a standard. We expect nothing less. We are not weary of the challenges that face us from terrorism to kidnapping, cybercrimes and organized criminal networks. The threats are evolving, so the Police Force must embrace innovation, digital intelligence and global best practices,” he said. He thanked all partners and agencies for standing with the NPF through synergy, collaboration and shared resolve to build a united and formidable national security architecture. Dignitaries at the event included the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who represented the special guest of honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Imo State governor, His Excellency, Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam and Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu. Others are: the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, heads of agencies and parastatals, members of National Assembly, and scores of former Inspector General of Police.

Emirates Logistics Applauds Tinubu and Ribadu for Strengthening Nigeria’s Security and Development As Nigeria commemorates the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Emirates Logistics, a leading security firm, has lauded both President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the nation's security and fostering sustainable development. Emirates Logistics highlighted the administration's strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering national security. Under the leadership of President Tinubu and NSA Ribadu, there has been a concerted effort to improve synergy among defense and intelligence agencies, leading to more coordinated and effective operations against various security threats. Beyond security, the administration has also focused on infrastructural development, economic growth, and social welfare programs. These efforts are geared towards creating a more secure and prosperous environment for all Nigerians. Emirates Logistics emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the government, security agencies, and the private sector. Such partnerships are essential in sustaining the progress made and addressing the evolving challenges facing the nation. As Nigeria moves forward, the combined efforts of President Tinubu, NSA Ribadu, and all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the country. #SecurityAndDevelopment #TinubuRibaduLeadership

🎯 No Civilians, Just Criminals: NAF Takes Out 49 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta — According to The Sun In a powerful show of force and precision, the 115 Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has taken down 49 illegal refineries, cooking tanks, and over 20 massive crude oil reservoirs used by oil thieves across the Niger Delta in the past five months. Speaking during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Group Captain Abdulafeez Opaleye stated that the air strikes are strictly targeted at criminal operations, not civilians. “Our strikes are designed to be as accurate as possible. So far, there have been no civilian casualties, and we remain extremely cautious in that regard,” he emphasized. According to The Sun, the Air Force’s precision strikes, carried out using attack helicopters, also destroyed 16 large boats used for crude oil theft and smuggling. The operations involved 172 sorties and logged over 268 hours of flight time, consuming 87,938 liters of Jet A1 fuel. A major highlight was the March 27 air raid on Egbema Ohaji, which dismantled a critical illegal refining hub. Opaleye credited the success to coordinated Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), including UAVs and aircraft from the NAF Headquarters. The Commander further detailed how oil thieves have adapted by relocating operations up to 15 kilometers into forested mangroves—yet the Air Force has remained one step ahead, detecting and striking these remote sites with surgical precision. Beyond air missions, the 115 SOG has deployed ground troops for joint internal security operations, strengthening law enforcement in volatile regions. Acknowledging the strategic impact, Opaleye linked the rise in Nigeria’s oil production—from 1.2 million to 1.85 million barrels per day—to these air operations, especially in areas inaccessible to ground forces. Backed by top-tier air assets like EC-135, T-129 ATAK, and Mi-35 gunships, the unit remains a formidable aerial force known as the “home of combat helicopters.” Commendations also poured in from Navy Commander Goddy Egbunu and Defence Media Operations, praising the team’s leadership and impact on national security. ⸻ #NAFOperations #CrudeOilTheft #DeltaSafe #NigerianAirForce #OilRefineryBust #NAFAirStrikes

Trump Warns Putin Is ‘Playing With Fire’ Amid Stalled Peace Talks U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of “playing with fire” as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine struggle to gain traction. Trump’s comments came Tuesday via his Truth Social platform, where he expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace negotiations. The warning follows his earlier remarks describing Putin as “absolutely CRAZY” after a large-scale drone attack in Ukraine left multiple civilians dead. "Putin doesn’t realize that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would’ve already happened to Russia. And I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!" Trump posted, without specifying what those consequences might have been. Moscow maintains that its military actions are in response to increasing Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians and accuses Kyiv of deliberately undermining peace efforts. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and despite a phone conversation eight days ago where Trump claimed Putin agreed to resume talks, no progress has been reported. Diplomatic pressure has grown in recent weeks, with Washington reportedly considering a new wave of sanctions. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNN, Trump is weighing additional economic measures against Russia, which could be announced as early as this week. Speaking on Sunday, Trump confirmed he was “absolutely” considering sanctions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said all options remain on the table. “President Trump has been clear in his call for a negotiated peace deal and is prepared to act decisively. This war is Joe Biden’s fault,” she told AFP. Trump has so far resisted harsh sanctions on Russian banks, arguing they could have devastating effects. However, his recent comments reflect a shift from his previously cordial tone toward Putin, with whom he often claimed to have a good relationship. Meanwhile, Russia continues its drone campaign. Between May 20 and 27, Russian forces claimed to have intercepted over 2,300 Ukrainian drones. On Tuesday night alone, nearly 150 drones were reportedly downed, including 33 targeting Moscow. The Russian defense ministry accused Ukraine—and its European allies—of attempting to sabotage peace efforts. In contrast, Ukrainian officials say it is Russia that is deliberately targeting civilians. “We need to end this eternal waiting — Russia needs more sanctions,” wrote Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Telegram. Calls for action are also growing in the U.S. Congress. Senator Chuck Grassley urged strong measures, while bipartisan voices, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, pushed for secondary sanctions on countries continuing to do business with Russia. Former Trump national security adviser and Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg told Fox News that Geneva may serve as the next venue for peace talks after Russia rejected the Vatican as a host. He expressed hope that Trump, Putin, and Zelensky could come together for direct negotiations. The Swiss foreign ministry declined to confirm Geneva as a host but reiterated Switzerland’s readiness to facilitate dialogue. Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in over three years in Istanbul. #TrumpWarning, #PutinUkraineWar, #ECOWAS50Celebration