BUSINESS LEADERS, PROFESSIONALS,BAG GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS, OTHERS FOR US’ VARSITY HONOR


Engr.( Dr.)Lara Sarat Braimah
Manager, Lagos office, NIWA

The Group Managing Director/CEO of VMC Group of Companies,Dr.Azubuike Victor Chime;Chairman,Delta State Community,Benin Republic and Chairman and CEO of Raphytex Hotel and Suites Limited,Chief (Dr) Raphael Ocheri Onyenibe;the Managing Director/CEO of C.J. Oil Nigeria Limited,Dr.Chinedu Jude Franklin Oparah, are among the leading business leaders that will bag this year’s edition of the Leadtimes Africa Global Leadership Excellence Award slated to hold at the University of Lagos next month.Engr.(Dr)Abatan Gbolahan Olusegun, a renowned aviation engineer and director of Airworthwiness, and former president of AirFirst Nigeria Limited(ANL)and AirFirst Maintenance and Engineering (AFME) is among the amazing recipient of this honor for his excellence global Leadership service in the aviation industry.Also included is Engr.(Dr)Lara Sarat Braimah, Area Manager of the Lagos office of National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA);and the current Chairman/CEO of Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, a renowned world Bank expert,Dr. Abubakar Inuwa Tata are among the winners of this year’s edition of the prestigious Leadtimes Africa Global Leadership Excellence Award (2026). In a press statement credited to the Advisory Board Chairman of Leadtimes Africa Magazine, Professor Buba S. Mshelia said ” this year’s edition of the strategic Africa Leadership Summit on good governance will coincide with the honorary doctorate degree award conferment and presentation of the prestigious Leadtimes Africa Global Leadership Excellence Award (2026) to some deserving professionals and captains of industries”. Mshelia in a statement further stressed “few selected Nigerian professionals,industrialists,credible politicians,NGOs, will be inducted into the Leadtimes Africa Hall of Fame during the ceremony in recognition of their sterling leadership qualities and their impacts on the society”.
Fee prominent nominees listed for the honorary doctorate degrees of Prowess University,Delaware, USA include Morenike George-Taylor,355 Group CEO and president,Restaurants,Cafes,Bars,and Clubs Associations who is nominated for Doctor of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship(honoris causa) in recognition for promoting the development of hospitality industry across the West Africa Subregion and Nigeria in particular.Others include the current bursar of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, Mr. Ugochukwu Isikaku Ironkwe who is expected to bag honorary degree in Financial Management and Governance in recognition of his new approach to management services and professionalism in service delivery which has taken the institution to the new level of financial management and governance.

Morenike George-Taylor
Group CEO, The 355 Group
Dr. Chinedu Judefranklin Oparah
CEO, C. J. Oil Nigeria Ltd
Amb.(Dr.)Azubuike Victor Chime
Group CEO, VMC Group of Companies
Engr.(Dr.) Abatan Gbolahan Olusegun, Director, Airworthwiness, NCAA

Chief (Dr.) Raphael Ocheri Onyenibe, CEO, Raphytex Hotels & Suites Ltd


Other eminent personalities listed for the Prowess University honorary doctorate awards include the CEO of Don Mac Limited, Engr. Don Amadin who is expected to bag doctorate award in Engineering Management(honoris causa);Founder/CEO of JNC International Limited, Mrs Claire Omatseye who is nominated for Honorary doctorate award in Public Healthcare Administration(honoris causa);and Dr Ngozi Onyi,Founder/CEO of Paelon Memorial Hospital, Lagos, is nominated for Doctor of Health Management and Leadership(honoris causa), among others.
During the ceremony, prominent professionals and Captains of industries are also nominated for the prestigious Leadtimes Africa Global Leadership Excellence Award(2026) for being leaders and achievers in their respective business organizations which they represent and known globally.They will also be inducted into the Leadtimes Africa Hall of Fame as a mark of global recognition.
Two organisations that will bag corporate awards during the ceremony including the Leadtimes Africa Beacon of Excellence in Logistics Services 2026 to be presented to the Managing Director/CEO of Eaglenet Logistics Services Limited,Dr.Vincent Ugochukwu Nwaugha during the ceremony.While Tasty Time Nigeria Limited under the leadership of her Chairman/CEO, Dr. Isaac Olugbenga Kole will bag the Nigeria’s Most Indigenous Producer of Flavor drinks and Confectioneries(2026). Others are the Managing Director/CEO of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited,Olorogun(Barr)Joshua Oghenejiru Muwhen who has transformed the organization within a very short time within his acting capacity. “Dr.Azubuike Victor Chime,FIISD,Group Managing Director/CEO of VMC Group of Companies who has engaged a number of businesses within and outside Nigeria;above all, he is a philanthropist who has been helping and inspiring a lot of people especially the Nigerian youth as his quota towards developing humanity,” Professor Mshelia said in a statement.Also included in the list is renowned player in the maritime industry and the current Chairman/CEO of MASSC Global Marine Limited, Engr.(Dr) Sese Michael Atina will be presented with this prestigious Leadtimes Africa Global Leadership Excellence Award(2026);Also expected to receive this global recognition is a renowned estate professional and Engineer,Engr.(Dr.) Ikenna Lazarus Ignochuba, Managing Director/CEO of First Property Hub Profiles Limited;and Dr.Gabriel Ikechukwu Eze, CEO of Hebron Healthcare Limited,among others.
Other professionals in this category are Dr. Bala Baba Ma’aji, former FCMB Zonal Manager who has paid his dues in the banking sector for several years as professional in the industry.Beyond this, his philanthropic gesture would always be recognized in the society hence his nomination for this prestigious honor.All the nominees will be presented with the prestigious Leadtimes Africa Global Leadership Excellence Award(2026) and also be inducted into Leadtimes Africa Hall of Fame recognition during the ceremony.
Professor Amb. Prince Eze C. Nwauba, Director of IAMPS,Nigeria and Representative of Prowess University, Delaware, USA, will be in attendance with his team to decorate the awardees; other guests expected at the ceremony including the Professor Buba S. Mshelia, the Advisory Board Chairman of Leadtimes Africa Magazine.While Professor Basil C. Nwankwo of Department of Public Administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,Anambra State is expected to serve as guest lecturer at the summit.Dr.Ifeanyi Madu, the CEO of Enmal Orthopaedic and Adeoye Babatunde, SAN would among others, serve as guests of honor during the summit.
The theme of this summit is titled:Promoting Good Governance in Leadership Through Private Sector Participation cum Capacity Building Initiatives- pathway to Sustainable Development in Africa.

Yobe LG Commissioner, Intensifies Project Inspection

Hon. Ibrahim Adamu Jajere, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, tours Yobe State, inspecting road, drainage projects. Aiming for quality and compliance, Jajere checks 22km township roads, drainages in 11 LGAs. Governor Mai Mala Buni’s admin prioritizes grassroots infrastructure, boosting economic growth and living conditions.

The tour, according to the Commissioner, is aimed at assessing the level of work done, ensuring compliance with project specifications, and accelerating the completion of all people-oriented projects initiated under Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration.

During his inspection visits to several local government areas, Jajere commended the quality of work in some sites while urging contractors lagging behind to expedite action to meet agreed timelines.

He emphasized that the state government is committed to improving infrastructure at the grassroots level as part of efforts to boost economic growth and enhance living conditions for residents.

“We are committed to ensuring that every project funded by the government adds real value to the lives of our people. Governor Buni’s administration prioritizes infrastructure because it remains a key driver of economic and social development,” Jajere said.

He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of all local government projects, noting that regular monitoring would continue to ensure proper utilization of public funds.

Community leaders and residents in areas visited expressed appreciation to the state government for the ongoing developments, describing the projects as timely interventions that would ease transportation challenges and improve sanitation in their communities.

Yobe Local Gov’t, Chieftaincy Commissioner Inspects Ongoing Township Roads, Drainage Projects

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Eleven Local Govt. Councils Gets 22km Additional Township Roads, Drainages In Yobe-Commissioner

A total of 22 kilometer township roads with a corresponding 44 kilometers of drainages are being constructed in 11 local government council headquarters in Yobe state to improve transportation and mitigate flood risks, under the first phase of the additional township roads project. 

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, stated this yesterday while inspecting road projects in Jakusko, Karasuwa and Fika local government areas, saying, two kilometers of asphalt laid roads with a corresponding 4-kilometer drainage is being constructed in each of the benefitting councils. 

He expressed satisfaction with the quality and timely completion of the township roads and drainages in Fika, Damagum, Jakusko and Karasuwa. 

Jajere charged contractors handling the projects in Gulani and Yunusari to maintain specifications contained in the contractual agreements. 

According to the Commissioner, Gov. Buni, has also approved the construction of new roads and drainages in Tarmuwa, Bursari, Machina, Nangere, and Yusufari. 

Jajere commended Governor Buni’s unwavering support for local government development, describing his administration’s investment in rural infrastructure as a strategic move to bridge developmental gaps and enhance governance at the community level.

Similarly, the team was in Nguru to inspect the progress of work on the remodeling of the Government Lodge in Nguru. 

The team further inspected work on the Jajere modern motor park and the  integrated shopping complex designed to boost commerce in the area.

He noted that the inspection was in line with the Ministry’s project monitoring framework designed to ensure compliance with specifications, timelines, and budgetary provisions.

“This inspection underscores the importance the Buni administration attaches to grassroots development. The Governor is deeply committed to meeting the infrastructural and social needs of our people, particularly in the rural areas. 

“We are to ensure that there is value for money in the projects being executed to stand the test of time and to be beneficial to our people” he said.

“With numerous road, housing, and public facility projects currently executed in the local government areas, the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will continue to play a pivotal role in supervising interventions that directly impact on citizens’ welfare” the Commissioner said. 

Hon. Jajere reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthen its oversight and stakeholders engagements to ensure  successful and timely delivery of all ongoing projects in line with the state’s development blueprint. 

“This phase of additional projects, reflects the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructural distribution and sustainable development across all the 17 LGAs of the state”  Jajere added.

The Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu Jajere, FCNA, has commenced another round of unscheduled inspection visits to various township roads and drainage construction sites across the state.

The two day supervision tour is part of the Ministry’s continuous effort to ensure strict compliance with approved standards and project specifications. 

The Commissioner has while speaking during the inspection, emphasized that the state government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, remained fully committed to improving infrastructure and enhancing the living conditions of citizens at the grassroots level.

Hon. Jajere reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance policy for substandard work adding that government must have value for the money spent on any project. 

He charged all contractors and supervising engineers to maintain the highest construction standards and to strictly adhere to specifications in order to ensure the durability and quality of the projects.

The first leg of the inspection tour took the Hon. Commissioner and his team to Bursari, Tarmuwa, and Nangere Local Government Areas, where they visited several ongoing township road and drainage construction sites. 

Hon. Jajere further reaffirmed that the Ministry will continue its close monitoring and periodic assessments of all ongoing and completed projects to ensure full compliance with government directives and value for public investment.

It could be recalled that Governor Buni recently approved the inclusion of an additional five Local Government Areas (LGAs) to benefit from the ongoing 2 to 4-kilometre township roads and drainage projects, bringing the total to 11 LGAs under the first and second phases of the initiative.

The Commissioner was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Umar Aji Suleiman; the Director of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Garga Sale; Site Engineers, Zonal Officers, and other key officials from the Ministry.

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Value For Money: Yobe Ministry Inspects Projects Across 17 LGAs 

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The Yobe State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has commenced a comprehensive inspection and assessment of projects across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to ensure quality service delivery and value for public funds.

Leading the exercise, Permanent Secretary Alhaji Umar Aji Suleiman reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strict monitoring and evaluation of both ongoing and completed projects to guarantee adherence to standards and specifications.

The delegation began its tour in Jakusko Local Government Area, where they were received by Council Chairman Hon. Umar Aguwa where the team inspected the newly constructed two-kilometre Jakusko Township Road and culvert, aimed at improving accessibility and easing movement within the community.

While commending the overall quality of the road, the Permanent Secretary noted a minor repair issue and immediately engaged the contractor to ensure prompt correction in line with the project’s durability and design standards.

Alhaji Umar Aji Suleiman stressed that compliance with due process and contract specifications is essential to achieving value for money. He warned against mismanagement of public resources, pledging that the Ministry will intensify routine supervision to ensure accountability across all LGAs.

The Permanent Secretary expressed appreciation to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his unwavering support to local governments, commending the Governor’s strategic investments in grassroots development and infrastructure.

The inspection tour will continue in the across other LGAs at a later date to be fixed by the team.

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Kaduna State Government Boosts Ramadan Palliatives With Rice Distribution; Uba Sani & Mamman Lagos Praised For The Large Scale Programme

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight

Over 10,000 women benefited from Governor Uba Sani’s Ramadan palliatives, led by Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos.
Each received a bag of rice, with beneficiaries chanting “SAI UBA SANI FOR 2ND TERM”. Lagos initiated this large-scale programme, showcasing commitment to serving Kaduna’s people alongside Governor Uba Sani.

Their efforts earn praise for impactful governance.

Beneficiaries hail Governor Uba Sani, chanting “SAI UBA SANI FOR 2ND TERM”, after over 10,000 women received rice bags. Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos led this initiative, earning recognition as a standout commissioner in Kaduna.

His efforts, alongside Governor Uba Sani’s, showcase commitment to serving Kaduna’s people. Kudos to both leaders for impactful governance!

Hon. Mamman Lagos Stands Out, his impactful initiatives and foresight eclipse other commissioners in Kaduna State.

Leading initiatives like the large-scale rice distribution earns him recognition alongside Governor Uba Sani.

LATE HON. ALHAJI RABIU BAKO: MY HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO AN ICONIC, GREAT POLITICIAN

Late Hon. Rabiu Bako

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight

A leader with unwavering integrity, selflessness, and a profound, lasting impact on public service.

A public figure and a mentor, who brings wisdom, courage, and vision to our community during his life time, leaving a legacy of dignity, unity, and progress.

Visionary Leadership:
Rabiu Bako will be remembered as pillars of strength who championed equality, social justice, and national development.

Selfless Service:
His career and commitment to the grassroots, often serving as a father figure and a mentor to the next generation of leaders.

Unwavering Principles:
He stood firm during turbulent times, prioritizing the collective good over personal gain.

Lasting Legacy:
His impact has been described as evergreen, with his good work which continuing to inspire and shape the future of our community.

7 Days Prayers Held for Late Rabiu Bako, Dignitaries Pay Tribute

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight

Kaduna State mourns the loss of Rabiu Bako, as 7 days prayers were conducted.

Seven days after his passing, dignitaries and VIPs gathered at Rabiu Bako’s Ahmadu Bello Way residence in Kaduna for a 7-day prayer ceremony.

 Chief Imam Sheikh Habib led the prayers, attended by Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former Head of civil service kaduna state and former PDP national organizing secretary, who is a close friend and political associate of the deceased. 

Mustapha hailed Bako as an elder statesman, exemplary leader, and peacemaker, whose contributions to Kaduna’s progress will endure for generations. He prayed for Bako’s soul to rest in Jannatul Firdaus.

Chief Imam Sheikh Habib led the prayers, with attendees recalling Bako’s impactful service. 

May his soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus

APC Stakeholders Back Uba Sani’s 2nd Term Bid, Praise ‘Transformative’ Governance

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight 

Hon. Musa Aliyu Kali and Hon. Abubakar Mahmoud Jarma commend Governor Uba Sani’s achievements, citing improved infrastructure, worker welfare, and grassroots impact. 

They rally support for his 2027 re-election, with Jarma pledging to campaign vigorously. “Uba Sani is a true politician, leading by example,” they say, urging Kaduna voters to re-elect APC.

Musa Kali Praises Uba Sani’s Governance, Pledges Support for 2027 Re-election

Hon. Musa Kali lauds Governor Uba Sani’s impactful administration, highlighting infrastructure overhaul and worker welfare boosts.

 “Uba Sani has done a lot in a short time,” Kali says, urging voters to re-elect APC in 2027. He pledges to ensure APC victory in Kaduna, backing Uba Sani’s continued leadership.

Abubakar Mahmoud Jarma Backs Uba Sani, Vows to Campaign for APC

Aspiring Kaduna North Rep candidate, Hon. Abubakar Mahmoud Jarma, pledges to lead APC and Uba Sani’s 2027 campaign efforts. 

He praises Uba Sani’s governance, citing delivered dividends and empathetic leadership. “Uba Sani is a true politician, committed to empowering the less privileged,” Jarma says, backing the governor’s re-election bid.

Unity in Kaduna APC: Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos and Hon. Sani Rabiu Bako Mend Fences, Push for Party Harmony

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight 

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, and Chairman, Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Hon. Sani Rabiu Bako, have brokered peace among aggrieved APC members in Kaduna North. 

They urge party unity, citing Governor Uba Sani’s tangible efforts to empower citizens, and call for continued support for his administration ahead of 2027.

Sadiq Mamman Lagos Pledges Continued Support for APC, Uba Sani’s Re-election Bid

Mamman Lagos, the key APC stalwart, vows to intensify efforts for APC’s 2027 victory, citing Governor Uba Sani’s transformative achievements across Kaduna State. He’s confident Uba Sani will secure re-election, crediting his impactful governance. Lagos urges APC members to rally behind the governor, emphasizing unity for continued progress.

Sani Rabiu Bako Praises Uba Sani’s Grassroots Leadership

Hon. Sani Rabiu Bako, another key stalwart in Kaduna norh, lauds Governor Uba Sani as a dedicated, grassroots politician committed to serving Kaduna State. 

He highlights Uba Sani’s achievements in peace-making, religious harmony, and infrastructural development, citing visible progress across the state. Bako’s remarks underscore the governor’s impactful leadership.

Governor Uba Sani: A true icon of innovation, Breaks Ground for 102 New Schools, Renovates 170 Others in Kaduna

By Comrade Musa Mohammed Moonlight

Kaduna State is witnessing a transformative push in education as Governor Uba Sani performs the groundbreaking ceremony for 102 new schools and renovation of 170 others in Rigasa.

This initiative aims to reduce out-of-school children and ensure quality education for all. The governor’s administration has already constructed 62 new schools, built 736 classrooms, and renovated 1,220, impacting thousands of students.

Kudos to Governor Uba Sani for declaring a state of emergency in Kaduna’s education sector! His commitment to prioritizing education is yielding results:

  • Built and refurbished schools across the state
  • Reduced tuition fees in higher institutions by over 40%
  • Upgraded staff salaries
  • Established vocational education centres

A true icon of innovation, leading by example. Other states can draw inspiration from his impactful initiatives!

Peaceful Retirement: Let Kyari Be — Group Faults Senate

A civic advocacy group, Retirees Dignity Promoters (RDP), has criticised the Nigerian Senate over what it described as an attempt to harass former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, despite his record of reforms and transparency in the oil sector.

The group said it was troubling that the Senate committee probing alleged financial issues linked to the national oil company appears determined to overlook the unprecedented openness that characterised Kyari’s tenure.

In a statement issued in Abuja, RDP said Nigerians witnessed a historic shift during Kyari’s leadership when the oil giant began publishing detailed monthly financial and operational reports, openly disclosing revenues, remittances and expenditure — a practice that had never existed before.

“For decades, Nigerians knew virtually nothing about the income, operations and spending of the national oil company. That culture of secrecy changed under Kyari,” the group said.

RDP said it was therefore surprising that lawmakers were now ignoring that transparency legacy while resorting to threats of arrest warrants, a move the group described as politically coloured.

The group also recalled that when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invited Kyari last year over industry matters, he voluntarily honoured the invitation shortly after returning from an overseas trip, demonstrating that he had nothing to hide.

According to RDP, the Senate must avoid actions that create the impression of political intimidation, especially as the country gradually approaches another election season.

“Kyari helped open the books of Nigeria’s oil sector. He should be allowed to enjoy his retirement in peace,” the statement added.

The Stewardship of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence: Early Results of Strategic Leadership

By Suleiman Abubakar, Kinkinau
Public Analyst, Kaduna

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence in December 2025, it was widely interpreted as a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the country’s response to its complex security challenges.

The appointment came at a time when Nigeria was facing serious security threats across multiple regions. Insurgency remained active in the North-East, banditry had destabilized several communities in the North-West, kidnapping networks were expanding, and communal conflicts continued to affect parts of the Middle Belt.

General Musa assumed office on 4 December 2025, following his earlier service as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025. His transition from the highest professional military office to the political leadership of the Ministry of Defence brought with it decades of operational experience.

While it is too early to claim that Nigeria’s security challenges have been completely resolved, the first few months of his stewardship have already begun to reveal a leadership style focused on strategic coordination, operational efficiency and renewed confidence within the armed forces.

From Battlefield Commander to Defence Minister

Born in Sokoto State in 1967 and originally from Kaduna State, General Musa joined the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986 and was commissioned as an officer in 1991.

Throughout his career, he served in several critical operational roles, including:

  • Commander of Sector 3 in Operation Lafiya Dole
  • Commander within the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin
  • Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai
  • Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps
  • Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria

These positions placed him at the center of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and terrorism, particularly against the terrorist group Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province.

His experience on the battlefield therefore gave him deep insight into the operational realities facing Nigerian troops.

Security Situation He Inherited

When Musa took over the Ministry of Defence, Nigeria was confronting one of the most complex security landscapes in its modern history.

According to several security reports in 2025:

  • Thousands of Nigerians had been displaced by bandit attacks in the North-West.
  • Hundreds of kidnapping incidents were recorded across northern states.
  • Armed groups operated across large forest corridors stretching from Zamfara to Niger State.
  • Terrorist remnants remained active in parts of Borno State.

The scale of these challenges meant that any defence minister stepping into the role would face enormous expectations from the Nigerian public.

Renewed Coordination of Security Forces

One of the early achievements of Musa’s stewardship has been the strengthening of coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies.

The Ministry of Defence has intensified collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and intelligence services to ensure more effective joint operations.

Modern warfare, especially counter-insurgency operations, depends heavily on coordination between intelligence gathering and military deployment. Under Musa’s leadership, there has been increased emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, which allow security forces to target criminal networks more effectively.

Military Operations and Early Gains

Since the beginning of 2026, Nigerian security forces have intensified operations in several parts of the country, particularly in the North-West and North-East.

Security briefings from the armed forces have indicated:

  • Dozens of bandit camps destroyed in forest regions across the North-West
  • Hundreds of kidnapped victims rescued in joint security operations
  • Significant numbers of terrorists neutralized during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East
  • Recovery of weapons and ammunition from criminal groups

These operations form part of the broader national security effort aimed at dismantling the networks of bandits and insurgents that have terrorized many communities.

Strengthening Internal Security Structure

Beyond battlefield operations, the federal government has also introduced structural reforms to support security operations.

Under the administration of President Tinubu, plans have been announced to recruit about 50,000 additional police officers to strengthen internal security.

Another key initiative is the creation of forest guards, designed to protect Nigeria’s vast forest reserves which have become hideouts for bandits and criminal gangs.

These initiatives complement the strategic direction being coordinated through the Ministry of Defence.

Boosting Troop Morale

A major factor in military effectiveness is the morale of soldiers deployed in the field.

Having spent nearly four decades in military service, General Musa understands the realities faced by troops operating in difficult terrains, particularly in the forests of the North-West and the desert-like environments of the North-East.

His leadership has placed renewed emphasis on discipline, professionalism and improved welfare for military personnel.

Within the armed forces, many officers believe his appointment has restored confidence because he is seen not merely as a political appointee but as a professional soldier who understands the operational challenges of modern warfare.

Regional Security Cooperation

Nigeria’s security situation cannot be separated from developments across the wider Sahel region.

Instability in countries such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has contributed to the movement of armed groups across borders.

For this reason, Nigeria continues to work with regional partners through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which coordinates military efforts among countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

This regional cooperation remains critical in preventing terrorist groups from exploiting porous borders.

A Realistic Path Forward

Security crises that developed over decades cannot be eliminated overnight. However, the early months of General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s leadership as Minister of Defence suggest a strategic approach focused on institutional strengthening rather than short-term publicity.

His stewardship has emphasized:

  • stronger inter-agency coordination
  • intelligence-driven military operations
  • improved troop morale
  • reinforcement of national security institutions

These reforms may appear gradual, but they are necessary for building a sustainable national security framework.

Nigeria’s journey toward lasting peace and security is still ongoing. The challenges remain complex and require patience, strategic planning and consistent leadership.

However, the early stewardship of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence offers encouraging signs that Nigeria’s defence architecture is being guided by a leader with deep professional experience and a clear understanding of the realities of modern security threats.

For many Nigerians, the expectation is that with time, these reforms and operational strategies will translate into greater safety for communities across the country.

The responsibility is enormous, but the direction appears promising.

Suleiman Abubakar
Kinkinau, Kaduna
Public Affairs Analyst