ERCA Annual Conference: Experts to Gather in Banjul to Tackle Cross-Border Competition, Economic Integration

Dr Emmanuel Daudu

BANJUL – As part of strategic efforts to deepen economic integration and ensure fair market practices across West Africa, the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) is set to host its Inaugural Annual Conference in Banjul, The Gambia, from September 15 to 17, 2026

The high-level regional summit, which comes under the theme “Competition Policy as a Pillar of Regional Economic Integration,” will assemble global legal luminaries, heads of antitrust agencies, and sub-regional policymakers to chart a new course for cross-border enforcement.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Executive Director of ERCA, Dr. Simeon Konan Koffi, emphasized that robust regulatory collaboration is non-negotiable for sub-regional growth, noting that “fair markets don’t stop at borders.” Dr. Koffi is scheduled to officially open the deliberations in Plenary 1, focusing on framework designs to checkmate unfair trade practices across national frontiers.

The flagship opening panel will feature world-renowned antitrust authority and Professor Emerita at the New York University School of Law, Prof. Eleanor Fox. She will lead discussions alongside the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Dehpue Zou, and The Gambian Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Mod K. Ceesay.


With exactly six days left until the historic opening ceremony, stakeholders across the ECOWAS bloc have described the conference as a critical intervention that will redefine commerce, consumer protection, and investment protections within West Africa.

Political Marketing Awards Should Not Become Instruments of Political Promotion

Oru Leonard 

The decision by the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), to honour the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Chukwumenonye Morka, as “Most Outstanding Political Marketing Communicator of the Year 2026” ahead of the 2027 general elections raises important questions about professional boundaries, credibility and the proper ownership of marketing communication awards.

According to the announcement, the award is intended to recognise Morka’s contribution to political communication and his role in communicating the policies and programmes of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

There is, of course, nothing inherently wrong with journalists recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in public communication.

Journalists and media organisations have every right to acknowledge excellence.

The problem, however, arises when a body of journalists begins to confer what is essentially a marketing communication award without demonstrating a clear professional framework, methodology or institutional competence for assessing practitioners in the marketing communication profession.

Calling someone the “Most Outstanding Political Marketing Communicator” is not merely a journalistic compliment. It invokes the language and professional territory of marketing communication.

Political marketing communication is a specialised field involving strategy, audience research, branding, public relations, advertising, media planning, reputation management, campaign communication, messaging and measurable communication outcomes.

Such recognition should therefore be anchored in transparent professional criteria and assessed by people with demonstrable competence in the discipline.

Otherwise, professional awards risk becoming little more than instruments for public relations.

Cheap political points?
The timing of the award makes the situation even more curious.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the APC itself says it expects its publicity secretary to continue shaping the party’s messaging and building public support for the President’s re-election.

Against that background, describing the party’s chief spokesman as the outstanding political marketing communicator of the year can easily be interpreted as political validation rather than an independent professional assessment.

That perception may be unfair to the recipient, but it is a legitimate concern for the organisers.

Awards are supposed to confer credibility on recipients. They should not create questions about the credibility of the award itself.

If an award is presented to a serving partisan political spokesman for excellence in political marketing communication while the country is already into an increasingly competitive pre-election environment, the organisers ought to explain precisely how the selection was made.

  • Who were the nominees?
  • What were the measurable criteria?
  • Was there an independent judging panel?
  • Were professional marketing communication practitioners represented?
  • Were campaign outcomes, audience engagement, brand perception, strategic innovation and communication effectiveness evaluated?

Without answers to these questions, the award risks being perceived as an honour designed to generate headlines rather than one based on rigorous professional assessment.

Journalism and marketing are different professions
This is not an argument against journalists giving awards.

It is an argument for professional responsibility.

Journalism has its own standards, institutions and professional competencies.

Marketing communication has its own standards, regulatory structures and professional bodies.

A journalist can report on, analyse or recognise excellence in marketing communication. But when an organisation presents itself as an authority for determining who is the outstanding professional in a specialised marketing communication category, it should be prepared to defend the professional basis of that judgment.

This is where institutions such as the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Nigerian Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) should take an interest.

The issue goes beyond one individual or one award.
It concerns the protection of professional standards.

If every association, media platform, social organisation or interest group can create professional-sounding categories and confer them without recognised criteria, professional awards could gradually lose their meaning.

Recognition should not become political advertising

There is also a distinction between recognising communication excellence and inadvertently providing political branding.

A political party’s spokesman is, by definition, engaged in partisan communication. His responsibility is to advance and defend the interests and positions of his political organisation.

That work can certainly be professionally executed and deserves objective assessment where appropriate.
But an award that effectively brands a serving political spokesman as the country’s outstanding political marketing communicator, particularly in the run-up to an election, requires a much higher degree of transparency.

Otherwise, what should be a professional honour can become a convenient political talking point.

Indeed, the APC’s decision to issue a congratulatory statement celebrating the award demonstrates how easily such recognition can be incorporated into partisan political messaging.

That should concern everyone who values the integrity of professional communication.

ARCON, NIMN and NIPR should speak up

This development should serve as a wake-up call for professional bodies.
ARCON, NIMN and NIPR should not necessarily concern themselves with who wins individual awards. Their responsibility should be to protect the integrity, standards and professional identity of the industries they regulate or represent.

There should be clearer conversations around the use of professional terminology in awards and recognitions.
If “marketing communicator”, “advertising professional”, “public relations practitioner” and similar professional descriptions are to retain their meaning, they should not be reduced to attractive titles used by organisations seeking publicity for award ceremonies.

The industry should discourage the trivialisation of professional competence.

The bigger issue This is not about Felix Morka.

It is about whether professional titles and categories should be casually appropriated for awards without credible professional assessment.

Morka may well be an effective political communicator. His long experience in law, advocacy and public affairs, as cited by his party, is not in dispute here.

The question is much simpler: Was the award determined through a credible marketing communication assessment, or was it essentially a journalistic recognition dressed in professional marketing language?

There is a significant difference.
Nigeria needs credible awards that celebrate genuine excellence, not awards that can be interpreted as political endorsements, promotional devices or attempts to score cheap political points.

As the country approaches the 2027 elections, every institution involved in public communication should be especially careful about maintaining independence and credibility.

Award should elevate professional standards not blur them.


And when the name of an entire profession is attached to an award, the profession itself has every right to ask: By whose standards, using what criteria, and with what professional authority?

OneBarrow Unites Nigeria’s Health Associations for National Health Equity Drive

By Maryam Aminu

OneBarrow International Limited is leading a fresh private-sector push to address fragmentation in Nigeria’s healthcare system, bringing major national health associations and key stakeholders together to develop practical solutions for improving health equity and patient care.

The initiative will take place at the 2026 National Health Equity Conference, scheduled for October 13 to 15 at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

The conference, co-convened by OneBarrow and major national health associations, will focus on the theme, “From Policy to Impact: Care Coordination as the Core Engine of Health Equity.”

The organisers said the gathering is designed to confront one of the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system the disconnect between policies and their implementation at the point of care.

Rather than focusing solely on policy formulation, the conference will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, legislators, private-sector executives, development partners, civil society organisations, patient advocates and academic institutions to explore how better coordination can translate existing policies into improved outcomes for Nigerians.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen accountability across the healthcare value chain and explore the use of digital feedback mechanisms to identify gaps in service delivery, particularly among underserved populations.

According to OneBarrow, the conference will culminate in a post-conference communiqué and actionable roadmap intended to provide practical direction for national implementation.

Chief Executive Officer of OneBarrow International Limited, Yemi Ajao

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of OneBarrow International Limited, Yemi Ajao, said Nigeria already had strong health frameworks, but greater coordination was needed to ensure that policies produced tangible results for citizens.

“Nigeria has strong health frameworks, but policies must turn into coordinated action at the point of care,” Ajao said.

He added that bringing healthcare associations and private-sector partners to a common platform would help create a more responsive and accountable system in which citizens would receive better-coordinated care.

The conference is expected to feature the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, as Chief Host, while the Chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, and the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, are also expected to participate.

Representatives of various professional groups, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and health administrators, are expected to join the discussions alongside development partners, civil society organisations and patient advocates.

For OneBarrow, the conference represents part of its broader health equity and systems-strengthening agenda, with emphasis on strategic partnerships, policy engagement and integrated care solutions.

The organisation said its objective is to move the conversation beyond policies and commitments towards coordinated action capable of producing measurable improvements in healthcare delivery.

The 2026 National Health Equity Conference will hold from October 13 to 15 at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

NSCDC Trains Female Special Force Officers on Intelligence, Operational Efficiency

ABUJA — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop for officers of its Female Special Force (FSF), as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, intelligence gathering and evidence-based security operations across the country.

The workshop, which was flagged off in Abuja by the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, is designed to enhance the capacity of State Commanders and selected officers of the Female Special Force in operational deliverables, critical thinking and research techniques.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Audi stressed the importance of women’s participation in national security, saying sustainable peace could not be achieved without the active involvement of women in conflict prevention, intelligence gathering and peacebuilding.

He said the initiative was consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the NSCDC Gender Policy, which promote gender mainstreaming, equal opportunities and the inclusion of women in tactical and strategic security operations.

According to him, women should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of security, but as active contributors to the prevention and resolution of conflicts and the protection of national security interests.

Audi assured members of the Female Special Force of the management’s continued institutional support, urging participants to translate the knowledge gained from the workshop into improved performance in the field.

In her welcome address, the National Commander of the Female Special Force, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Imonikhe Oluwakemi, reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

She emphasised the importance of incorporating data-driven intelligence into field operations to enable officers to respond more effectively to emerging security threats.

Also speaking, the Head of the Critical Thinking, Research and Innovation Unit (CTRIU), ACC Dr. Ogunshola Folashade, said contemporary security operations require more than physical tactical capabilities.

She noted that critical thinking, technological integration, research and strategic intelligence had become essential components of modern security management.

The event attracted goodwill messages from sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Fire Service.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of performance awards to outstanding State Commanders from Benue, Kebbi, Edo and Bayelsa States.

The NSCDC said the capacity-building initiative was part of its broader institutional efforts to strengthen professional competence, gender inclusion and intelligence-led operations within the Corps.

Source: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Headquarters, Abuja.

FG Deploys New Strategies to End Insecurity, Matawalle Visits Kano Over Garun Mallam Attack

Defence Minister Assures Nigerians of Renewed Federal Offensive, Five-Year Security Plan

The Federal Government has unveiled renewed strategies aimed at tackling insecurity across Nigeria, with greater emphasis on proactive military operations, strategic planning and enhanced collaboration among federal, state and local authorities.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, disclosed this on Monday during a condolence and security assessment visit to the Kano State Government House following the bandit attack on August 29, 2026, in Chiroma Village, Garun Mallam Local Government Area of the state.

Matawalle, who represented the Federal Government during the visit, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to defeating insecurity and restoring sustainable peace across the country.

According to the Minister, the President has constituted a committee saddled with the responsibility of developing a Five-Year Defence and Security Plan, which will provide a comprehensive framework for addressing emerging and existing security threats.

“The President has constituted a committee to develop a Five-Year Defence and Security Plan. This will guide our long-term approach to tackling security threats across the country,” Matawalle said.

He disclosed that security forces responded swiftly to the Garun Mallam incident, with the Commander, 3 Brigade, Kano, Brigadier General Jimoh, leading a joint rescue operation involving personnel of the Joint Task Force from the Hawan-Kwano and Kwanar Dangora camps.

The operation resulted in the successful rescue of kidnapped victims around the Yan-Kifi Bridge and Marabar Kwari areas of Garun Mallam Local Government Area.

Matawalle commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and prompt response, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“We will continue doing everything possible to support our security services to ensure our country is safe. I assure you that soon, insecurity will be a thing of the past, and we will all live in peace and prosperity,” he said.

The Minister stressed that defeating insecurity requires a coordinated approach involving all tiers of government, security agencies and citizens.

He called for improved intelligence sharing and timely provision of credible information by residents, noting that community cooperation remains critical to preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks.

“It takes the combined effort of local government, state and federal levels to tackle this issue of insecurity. We also need timely and credible information from citizens to security agencies,” he said.

As part of the Federal Government’s renewed support for Kano State, Matawalle also assured the state government of additional operational resources, including fighting vehicles, weapons and other equipment to enhance ongoing security operations.

Earlier, the Minister held a closed-door security meeting with commanders of 3 Brigade and other military formations in Kano, where he charged them to sustain the momentum of current operations and intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

He reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to provide the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the resources and institutional support required to protect lives and property and preserve the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Responding, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, thanked the Minister for the visit and expressed the state’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Federal Government on security.

The Governor said Kano remained committed to supporting federal security initiatives and ensuring that insecurity does not gain further ground in the state.

“We are confident in your leadership. At the state level, we will continue to do what needs to be done to ensure security and stability in Kano,” Governor Yusuf said.

He added that the state government had taken note of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national security and would continue to work with federal authorities to safeguard Kano communities.

The Minister’s visit comes amid intensified efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security coordination, improve military response capabilities and develop longer-term strategies for addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to national security.

The proposed Five-Year Defence and Security Plan is expected to provide a strategic framework for sustaining these efforts and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.

I can also reshape this into a Vanguard-style hard-news report with a shorter headline and more prominent political/security analysis if needed.

Matawalle Represents Tinubu at São Tomé President Vila Nova’s Inauguration

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the inauguration of São Tomé and Príncipe’s President, Carlos Manuel Vila Nova.

President Vila Nova is scheduled to be sworn in for a second five-year term on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) in São Tomé.

Matawalle’s representation, according to the Federal Government, underscores Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and reinforces Abuja’s commitment to democracy, good governance, peace and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

Vila Nova emerged victorious in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026, paving the way for his second term in office.

Speaking on Nigeria’s participation in the inauguration, Matawalle said the country’s presence demonstrates its continued commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting stability across the Gulf of Guinea.

He said Nigeria remained committed to deepening cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in areas of defence, maritime security and regional stability.

The Minister is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the São Toméan leadership and engage government officials on areas of mutual interest between both countries.

The discussions are also expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and addressing emerging security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have maintained cordial diplomatic relations, with cooperation spanning democracy, economic development, maritime security and other areas of mutual interest.

Matawalle’s participation in the presidential inauguration therefore further highlights Nigeria’s role in advancing peace, democratic governance and collective security within the Gulf of Guinea region.

The visit is also expected to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with neighbouring and strategically important countries as the Federal Government continues efforts to promote regional stability and cooperation.

Military intensifies nationwide offensive, neutralises 324 terrorists, rescues 610 abductees in August

—201 terrorists surrender as troops recover 88 arms, 2,077 rounds of ammunition

—Military dismantles 21 illegal refineries, recovers 686,800 litres of stolen crude products

—CDS Oluyede vows sustained pressure on terrorists, criminals

By Dr Emmanuel Huleji Daudu Ph.D

ABUJA — The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, intensified its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations in August 2026, neutralising more than 324 terrorists and criminals, arresting 373 suspects and rescuing 610 kidnapped victims across the country.

The military also recorded a significant increase in the number of terrorists abandoning their camps and surrendering to troops, with 201 insurgents giving themselves up during the month.

The figures were contained in the monthly operational briefing of the Defence Headquarters on ongoing military operations across the country’s geopolitical zones.

According to the briefing, the August operations involved coordinated land, air and maritime operations aimed at degrading terrorist and criminal networks, rescuing abducted citizens, disrupting arms trafficking and logistics chains, protecting critical national assets and combating economic sabotage.

The Armed Forces said the operational tempo was sustained across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East theatres, with the Air Component providing combat support, surveillance and precision strikes.

The military further disclosed that troops recovered 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition during the month, while operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining resulted in the recovery of approximately 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and the destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.

North-East: 114 terrorists neutralised, 60 abductees rescued

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained an aggressive counter-terrorism campaign across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi states.

The military said troops rescued 60 kidnap victims, neutralised 114 terrorists, arrested 146 terrorists and recorded 201 surrenders during the reporting period.

Among the notable operations were the rescue of women and children who had reportedly been held in terrorist enclaves for prolonged periods, as well as the destruction of terrorist camps and recovery of weapons and ammunition.

In one major operation around Kopre Mountain in Adamawa State, troops destroyed a terrorist camp after neutralising 21 terrorists and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 23 magazines and 586 rounds of ammunition.

A coordinated ground and air operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State also resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists, with subsequent air strikes reportedly killing 25 more terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles.

The theatre also witnessed a sustained wave of terrorist surrenders, with the military attributing the development to sustained pressure, shortages of food and supplies, insecurity and internal clashes among rival terrorist factions.

North-West: 190 terrorists neutralised, 126 victims rescued

In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained large-scale counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The operation resulted in the rescue of 126 kidnap victims, neutralisation of 190 terrorists and arrest of 47 terrorists during August.

Troops also disrupted logistics networks supplying terrorist groups, arrested suspected informants and intercepted explosives and ammunition.

A major clearance operation around Maikujera in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State resulted in the neutralisation of 30 terrorists and the recovery of 10 AK-47 rifles and five rocket-propelled grenades.

The military said intelligence linked the terrorist group operating around the axis to the network of notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji.

In Katsina State, troops also recovered machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and motorcycles during clearance operations, further disrupting terrorist mobility.

North-Central records highest number of rescued victims

The North-Central theatre also recorded significant gains, particularly against kidnapping networks.

Under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, troops operating across Kwara and Niger states rescued 329 kidnap victims, neutralised seven terrorists and arrested four.

One of the most significant operations occurred in Kainji Lake National Park, where troops rescued 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, including 163 indigenes of Woro community in Kwara State and 145 persons from Niger State.

The military said sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations were subsequently maintained around the Kainji axis to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.

Meanwhile, Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau and adjoining areas rescued 15 kidnap victims, neutralised five terrorists and arrested 82 suspects.

Under Operation WHIRL STROKE, covering Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, troops rescued 38 kidnap victims, neutralised three terrorists and arrested 31 others.

The operation also recorded a series of successful interventions along major highways and kidnapping corridors, including the rescue of nine passengers and a bus driver after troops engaged kidnappers along the Ogbulu–Alloma Road in Kogi State.

South-South: military targets oil thieves, illegal refineries

Beyond counter-terrorism, the military intensified its campaign against economic sabotage in the oil-producing region.

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, supported by maritime operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, conducted coordinated operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, illegal refining, kidnapping and arms trafficking across Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.

The operations resulted in the arrest of 43 criminals, rescue of 38 civilians, destruction of 21 illegal refining sites and recovery of more than 696,800 litres of petroleum products, according to the operational briefing.

Troops uncovered several illegal refining sites and concealed storage facilities containing large quantities of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

The military said the operations were designed not only to combat criminality but also to protect critical petroleum infrastructure and safeguard the country’s economic interests.

South-East: security forces intensify campaign against armed groups

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against secessionist elements, armed criminal gangs, kidnapping networks and illegal oil bunkering across Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo states.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 20 criminals, neutralisation of five terrorists and rescue of four civilians.

Troops, working with the Department of State Services and other security agencies, also dismantled hideouts and recovered firearms, ammunition and improvised explosive devices.

In one operation in Enugu State, troops and security agencies disrupted a kidnapping syndicate, neutralised one of its leaders and recovered weapons and other items.

The military said the cumulative operations were aimed at disrupting armed criminal and secessionist networks, preventing attacks on communities and security personnel, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Air Force sustains precision strikes

The Nigerian Air Force also played a major role in the August operations through precision air strikes, armed reconnaissance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

In Niger State, air operations reportedly targeted groups of terrorists assembling with motorcycles for hostile activities.

Another armed reconnaissance mission over Mariga Local Government Area reportedly disrupted a large concentration of terrorists and their movements.

The Air Component also conducted operations against terrorists moving with rustled cattle, with the military reporting the neutralisation of 46 terrorists during one of the engagements.

Military deepens humanitarian partnership

Beyond kinetic operations, the Armed Forces said it strengthened its civil-military cooperation and humanitarian engagement during the month.

In Borno State, troops donated educational materials to schools in Monguno Local Government Area as part of efforts to strengthen community resilience.

The military also partnered with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, for a Humanitarian/Civil-Military Coordination Roundtable focused on humanitarian access, civilian protection, safe movement of relief workers, protection of farmers and the return of internally displaced persons.

The Armed Forces said humanitarian escorts were provided to UN OCHA and other agencies operating across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states to facilitate the movement of humanitarian personnel and relief materials.

CDS Oluyede: War against terrorism is collective responsibility

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry, discipline and resilience, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by military personnel and civilians during the operations.

Oluyede also called for continued cooperation among the Armed Forces, other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public.

He reiterated that the fight against terrorism and criminality remained a collective national responsibility and assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue to act with determination and professionalism in defence of lives, communities and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The Defence Headquarters further appealed to Nigerians to continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence remains critical to ongoing military operations.

The August operational figures, according to the military, demonstrate an intensified nationwide campaign combining kinetic operations, intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and humanitarian engagement.

With the Armed Forces pledging to sustain the current operational tempo, the emerging strategy is increasingly focused not only on eliminating terrorist and criminal fighters, but also on dismantling their logistics networks, cutting off their access to weapons and supplies, rescuing victims, protecting strategic economic assets and creating conditions for displaced communities to safely return home.

The military’s message is clear: sustained pressure, intelligence-led operations and stronger civil-military cooperation will remain central to the campaign to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

FG Intensifies Security Efforts to Make Nigeria Safer for Diaspora Visits — Defence Minister

LUANDA, Angola — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security across Nigeria, with the aim of creating a safer environment for citizens at home and in the diaspora who wish to visit the country.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Angola on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda.

General Musa said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing security threats across the country while strengthening the capacity and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.

He acknowledged concerns surrounding insecurity and noted that some of Nigeria’s security challenges are linked to instability in the wider Sahel region, which can have implications for countries across the sub-region.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government is therefore implementing comprehensive border-management measures to prevent cross-border security threats and strengthen national security.

“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” General Musa said.

He further stated that the government is committed to integrating reliable data into national security planning and broader national development strategies, stressing that efforts to restore sustainable peace and stability remain ongoing.

The Defence Minister also commended Nigerians living in Angola for maintaining a cordial relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission and contributing positively to the country’s image abroad.

The Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Also present at the engagement were the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Interior highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen data protection and identity-management systems, noting that improved collaboration among government agencies was producing measurable results.

The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, equally assured Nigerians in the diaspora that the commission remains committed to protecting their welfare, addressing their concerns and creating opportunities for them to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

The engagement provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian community in Angola to raise concerns directly with senior government officials and receive responses on issues affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.

The Federal Government said the continued strengthening of national security remains central to its efforts to build confidence among Nigerians and create an environment conducive to safe and seamless visits to the country.

69 Countries Participate in Dunamis Church 2026 International Ministers Flaming Fire Conference

The 2026 edition of the International Ministers Flaming Fire Conference (IMFFC) has successfully concluded at the Glory Dome, the headquarters of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC) in Abuja, Nigeria, attracting participants and delegates from 69 countries across the world.

The week-long conference, which ran from August 25 to August 29, 2026, culminated in a grand Thanksgiving Service held on August 30, 2026, at the Glory Dome. During the service, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, ministered on the topic “The Making of the Eagle,” drawing his anchor scripture from Deuteronomy 32.

Giving an update on the conference, Dr. Mrs. Becky Enenche disclosed that the 2026 conference attracted participants from 69 nations, including Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Brazil, China, South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, France, Cyprus, Chad, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Latvia, the Bahamas, Greece, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Guyana, Indonesia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, among many others.

The conference was held under the theme “Occupy Till I Come,” with a strong emphasis on faith, leadership, kingdom responsibility, mentorship and spiritual influence.

The event commenced with a Pre-Encounter Service, during which Dr. Paul Enenche emphasized the transformative power of God’s Word, stating that “God uses His Word to work on people, nations, and generations.”

The conference featured daily morning and evening sessions of worship, teaching, impartation, and prayer.

A major highlight was the highly anticipated “Word, Worship and Wonders Night” on the fourth day, which filled the 100,000-capacity Glory Dome and its overflow facilities.

As Nations were gathered, ministers assembled, and hearts were united in one glorious atmosphere of Worship, Word and Wonders.

God’s presence was evident, filling the atmosphere with joy, excitement, refreshing, and a deep sense of His glory.

During the special session, Dr. Mrs. Becky Enenche taught on the subject “Occupy Till I Come Through Unity,” drawing from Psalm 133:1–3. She described unity as harmony, cooperation, agreement, and togetherness, stressing its indispensable role in advancing God’s Kingdom.

Also speaking during the programme, Dr. Paul Enenche delivered a message titled “Occupy Till I Come as One That Must Give Account,” based on Luke 19:12–26. He stated that everyone has equal opportunity in God and will ultimately give an account of their stewardship in His Kingdom.

According to him, “Everyone has an equal opportunity in God, and everyone shall give account of his or her transaction on behalf of the Kingdom. God will not ask you to account for what He has not given you.” He further noted that when believers fail to serve God as they ought to, they indirectly question God’s wisdom, just as the unprofitable servant did in the parable.

The conference adds to a series of major programmes hosted by the church in 2026, including Nations’ Worship in His Presence, 8 Hours in His Presence, Mid-Year Worship, and several revival crusades across different nations of the world. These gatherings continue to attract worshippers, ministers, and pilgrims from numerous countries.

The influx of international participants to the glory dome, contributed significantly to the economy of the nation, boosting patronage of hotels, guest houses, transportation services, restaurants, markets, and other businesses.

The sustained flow of visitors also created economic opportunities in hospitality, logistics, commerce and several other sectors.

The conference officially climaxed with the Thanksgiving Service on August 30, 2026, featuring intense worship, word and prayers for all participants who attended the 2026 International Ministers Flaming Fire Conference (IMFFC).

Son Appeals Ondo Governor for Urgent Medical Intervention for Mother Battling Breast Cancer

Mr. Richard Ayoka Oluwatomisin, son of Mrs. Abosede Atinuke Ayoko, has appealed to the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene in his mother’s medical condition and help save her life.

Mrs. Ayoko, a citizen of Ondo State, is currently battling a recurrence of breast cancer and requires urgent medical treatment, according to the appeal made by her son.

Richard said an estimated ₦4 million is required for his mother’s treatment, adding that the family has been unable to raise the amount despite their efforts.

He appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State Government to provide financial assistance or facilitate the necessary medical support to enable his mother to commence treatment without further delay.

“We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency for urgent intervention to help save the life of Mrs. Abosede Atinuke Ayoko, a citizen of Ondo State who is currently battling breast cancer recurrence and urgently requires medical treatment,” Richard said.

He added that the estimated cost of the treatment was ₦4,000,000, an amount the family could not raise on its own.

According to him, timely intervention from the governor at this critical moment could make a significant difference and help save his mother’s life.

Richard further appealed to the governor to consider the request urgently, stressing that the relevant medical information and fundraising details had been made available for consideration.

He also called on well-meaning individuals, organisations and members of the public who may wish to assist to contact him on +234 817 103 2169 or +234 701 077 7539.

The appeal urged the Ondo State Government and other concerned stakeholders to respond urgently to enable Mrs. Ayoko access the medical treatment she requires.