CDS Assures Nigerian Troops of Improved Salaries, Welfare in 2026
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that concrete steps are being taken to improve their salaries and overall welfare. Oluyede gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night for soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen. He said the initiative was being pursued in collaboration with the Service Chiefs and with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. “If I tell you we are working on something, please be hopeful. Something positive will come up,” the CDS said, pledging that 2026 would be a better year for personnel of the armed forces. Beyond salary enhancement, Oluyede disclosed that arrangements were being finalised to improve post-service welfare, particularly through access to soft loans for spouses and affordable housing schemes for serving and retired personnel. According to him, discussions are ongoing with financial institutions to provide low-interest loans to spouses of service members to enable them establish sustainable businesses, while housing loan options are being expanded to ensure personnel retire with dignity. The defence chief commended soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen for their resilience and professionalism in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty across all theatres of operation, noting that their sacrifices had continued to yield significant operational successes nationwide. He also paid tribute to fallen heroes and acknowledged the vital role of military families, describing their prayers and sacrifices as a silent but powerful force behind every successful mission. Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces, as well as to the Service Chiefs for their leadership and commitment to improving the welfare and morale of personnel. Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Adm. Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate gathering designed to give personnel an opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate. Kachim said the occasion also provided a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remained a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel. The Social Night was part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye. Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving personnel for outstanding performance and dedication to duty, as well as musical performances by legendary artistes Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito
U.S. Military Strike in Nigeria: A Blow to National Pride and a Projection of Weakness
A U.S. military strike on Nigerian soil has ignited serious questions about sovereignty, national pride, and security leadership. Beyond counterterrorism claims, the incident exposes troubling vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s control of its airspace and territorial integrity.
Why Nigeria Must Establish an Air Wing for the NSCDC Now
By Chris Echikwu Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in managing its internal security. Rising insecurity – from mass kidnappings and school attacks to assaults on religious institutions and the displacement of rural communities – has exposed a glaring weakness in the nation’s security architecture. While government efforts, including troop deployments and recruitment drives, are important, the reality is clear: Nigeria needs not just more boots on the ground, but new eyes in the sky. The call for an Air Wing within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has never been more urgent. Insecurity Has Outpaced Our Security System Criminal networks exploit Nigeria’s forests, borderlands, and waterways as operational hideouts. Camps and routes exist deep in ungoverned spaces, beyond the reach of standard patrols. Ground forces are often reactive, arriving after crimes have already occurred. School kidnappings have become a hallmark of this crisis. Children are abducted, transported through bush corridors, and hidden in forest camps for weeks or months. The state frequently responds too late, relying only on limited human intelligence and local reports. This is not just a tactical failure, it is a structural one. Nigeria’s internal security agencies remain almost entirely land-based in an era where surveillance, rapid response, and deterrence demand aerial capabilities. Why the NSCDC is the Right Agency The NSCDC is far from peripheral. It already plays a central role in Nigeria’s internal security: Yet, it cannot effectively monitor or respond to threats across vast forests, swamps, and deserts. An Air Wing would transform the NSCDC from a reactive, defensive body into an intelligence-driven force. Strategic Benefits of an NSCDC Air Wing An Air Wing would provide: This is not about militarizing the NSCDC; it is about modernizing it. Across Africa and Asia, countries Nigeria often compares itself to already deploy drones and light aircraft as standard tools for internal security. Fighting 21st-century crime with 20th-century methods is no longer viable. Financing: Affordable and Sustainable Arguments that Nigeria “cannot afford it” ignore the true cost of inaction. Insecurity already drains the economy through: A modest fleet of drones and light aircraft would cost far less than the economic loss caused by a single kidnapping wave. Financing could come from: The return on investment would be immediate. The Risk of Doing Nothing Without modernization, the human and economic toll will worsen: A state that cannot see its territory cannot govern it. Conclusion: The Skies Matter Nigeria faces a choice: remain trapped in reactive security measures or invest in intelligence, speed, and foresight. An NSCDC Air Wing will not end insecurity overnight, but it will end Nigeria’s blindness to the spaces where crime is planned and executed. National security is no longer determined solely by personnel numbers, but by the ability to see, interpret, and respond faster than the threat. Nigeria must choose vision over delay.
FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism -Defence Minister
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country, especially in the North East geopolitical zone. He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization. Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia. He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts. The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said. The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens. The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency. The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.
Sectorial Debate: Reps Reject Service Chiefs, IGP’s Representatives
*Insist On Personal Appearance The House of Representatives has moved the Sectoral debate scheduled for Thursday (today) due to the absence of the Service Chiefs who were expected to attend in person. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were invited to the session as part of the House’s Sectorial Debates, as per Order 17, Rules 1(3) of the Standing Orders. However, the Service Chiefs and the IGP failed to attend and instead sent representatives, who were denied participation by the House, insisting on the Chiefs’ personal presence. Despite the attempt by the representatives to introduce themselves, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized the importance of the Chiefs attending in person, stating, “Chief Executives, be it private sector or public sector, they must come in person. I want to pray that we don’t break this sacred tradition of our House lest we be taken for granted.” Following this, a motion to suspend the sectoral engagement until the leaders’ direct appearance was proposed by the Deputy Speaker and seconded by another member, which was ultimately adopted by the House. Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen conveyed the House’s stance, emphasizing the necessity for the Chiefs to be present, extending the engagement to the following Tuesday to accommodate their attendance. The House expressed appreciation for the representatives’ presence but maintained the firm requirement for the Service Chiefs’ personal appearance in the forthcoming session.
Nigerian Politicians, Elite Responsible For Continued Insecurity- Buratai
Former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (retired), has accused politicians and the political elite for the prolonged insecurity that has plagued the nation since 2009. Speaking in an address at the 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Buaratai criticized those who called for his removal during his tenure, asserting that such demands were influenced by personal biases rather than a fair assessment of his performance. Buratai went on to express his belief that the Ninth National Assembly’s calls for the dismissal of the Service Chiefs were an attempt to undermine democracy by involving the military in political matters. He emphasized the need for objective discussions on national security issues, focusing on pertinent aspects rather than personal prejudices. Furthermore, Buratai urged political figures, public servants, and civil servants to uphold the highest ethical standards by combatting the corruption that has plagued the nation’s political landscape for decades. He highlighted the prevalence of public fund misappropriation, bribery, and embezzlement, which divert resources from essential services and lead to public disillusionment. In addition, he called upon politicians to be more transparent and accountable, as the absence of accountability has eroded public trust and hindered the country’s development. He emphasized the importance of politicians delivering on their promises made during election campaigns to restore public confidence.
Defence Ministry Develops Strategic Plan, Inaugurates Team To Drive FCSSIP 25
The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated Strategic Planning Team to drive the full realization of the digitalization of the Service and institutionalization of the Federal Civil Service Strategic Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25). Inaugurating the nine members committee drawn from the core departments of the Ministry on Thursday, at a retreat organized by the Ministry on the development of the Ministry of Defence Strategic Plan in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, said that the Head of Service (HoS) Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has directed the Ministry to develop its Strategic Plan that will help in achieving the Ministry’s peculiar mandate. Accordingly, the Strategic Plan, the Ministerial objective would further be cascaded from departments to individual staff members to draw job description, strategic objectives, key performance indicators, key result areas as well as performances contract and appraisal and review for optimal performance. Dr. Kana who was represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Suzan Ochida, urged participants to contribute their best in developing the Strategic Plan for the Ministry. According to a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry Mr Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, she said: “This retreat is therefore intended as a variable platform to harness contributions, trends, experiences, development that will culminate in the production of a policy document in line with world best practices that will stand the best of time in alliance with the vision, mission and mandate of Ministry of Defence. In his opening remarks, the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, Olusa Dada, called on the participants to come out with sound discussions, contributions, innovative ideas that would galvanize the actualization of the Ministry Mandate in line with FCSSIP 25. According to the Director, the Strategic Plan is a strategic innovation of the OHCSF aimed at breaking away from the old practices to a new paradigm of productive world- class Civil Service for accelerated national development. The highlight of the retreat was goodwill messages given by various stakeholders and paper presentations geared towards a robust Strategic Plan for the Ministry. In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency called on holistic appraisal of the entire system pointing out that a sound strategic plan would be a good driver in achieving the mandate of the Ministry of Defence in the provision of security. Represented by Real Admiral Julius Nwagu, he commended the Ministry saying that the retreat was timely as planning is germane to national development. Also, the representative of OHCSF, Professor Ajayi Adeyemi, commended the Ministry for the inauguration and retreat. The retreat, he said was timely as there is a paradigm shift to doing government business by productive world-class Civil Service. He said: “The Defence sector strategic plan will effectively drive all the six Pillars of FCSSIP 25. The retreat was well attended by Management and other Staff of the Ministry.
Troops Conduct Clearance Operations in Imo, Anambra, Arrest Suspected Terrorist
Over the weekend, troops from “Operation UDO KA II” launched clearance operations in Imo and Anambra, resulting in the arrest of a suspected terrorist and the recovery of materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), motorcycles, stored provisions, and other logistical items within the terrorists’ camps. The operations were carried out in Lilu community and Orsumoghu Forest in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo, as well as in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. During these clearance operations, the troops encountered various obstacles and successfully detonated numerous IEDs. They also engaged with terrorists who fled into nearby forests with gunshot wounds due to the troops’ superior firepower. Several terrorist camps and shrines were destroyed during these operations. The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division in Enugu, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, urged law-abiding citizens in the Southeast region to continue providing timely, credible, and reliable information to security agencies, particularly to “Operation UDO KA II.” Such information could lead to the apprehension of individuals who escaped with gunshot wounds. Unuakhalu also called on the people of the Southeast region to disregard deceptive tweets from self-proclaimed Biafra leader Simon Ekpa. He assured law-abiding residents that the region will be rid of criminal activities, as “Operation UDO KA II” remains committed to combating crime and criminality in accordance with established rules and regulations.
NAF Airstrikes Eliminate Terrorists, Destroy Gun Trucks In Borno, Zamfara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Hadin Kai and Hadarin Daji, have eliminated scores of terrorists in stream of air strikes in their enclaves across the theatres. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja. Gabkwet said the Air component in the early hours of Saturday, carried out air interdiction missions at a newly identified terrorists’ hideout at Bukar Meram, near the Lake Chad region in Borno. He said the strikes became necessary after it was established that recent relocation of terrorists from Suwa to Bukar Meram general area, was to for possible resurgence of attacks on ground troops and innocent civilians. According to him, air strikes were authorised at the location in Bukar Meram to decimate the terrorists. “Feedback received after the strikes revealed the expected outcome was achieved as several terrorists were neutralised while over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks were destroyed,” he said. NAF spokesman said that similar air strikes were carried out on terrorists on Oct. 11 by the Air Component of Operation Haradin Daji around Sangeko axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara. He said the terrorists, who were in a convoy of about 70 motorcycles on the road track from Kabaro towards Sangeko, were subsequently engaged with several neutralised, their motorcycles destroyed, and others injured. Gabkwet said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has commended the professionalism and dedication of the Air Components. He quoted Abubakar as saying, “your efforts and support to the ground troops is commendable. Stay focused and do not be complacent as we must continue to give our citizens the confidence they deserve to thrive”.
Army Conducts Field Training Exercise to Address Insecurity in Akwa Ibom
The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated Exercise Still Waters III in Essien-Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, to tackle all forms of security threats in the state. Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, Commander, 2 Brigade, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations. Chigbu expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially during yuletide. He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats be-devilling the state. According to him, “the event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear state and nation at large’’. The commander said that the brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam was currently undergoing unprecedented changes. He noted that the brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force. He thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity in the state as well as the Akwa Ibom Government for the support given to security agencies. In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing. Eno represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, also commended the brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, “a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’’. He said that the presence had restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons had returned to their communities. He pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in the country. The highlight of the event were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach.