Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Defence Headquarters on Saturday said troops rescued 36 abducted persons and killed several terrorists in fresh operations across the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday on the military operations conducted between August 31 and September 3.

He said the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, arms traffickers, criminal networks and secessionist elements across various theatres.

Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained counter-terrorism operations in Borno and Yobe states, killing terrorists and disrupting their logistics networks.

He said troops killed one terrorist on September 1 after detonating an improvised explosive device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction main supply route in Bama, Borno State.

He said another terrorist was killed during an encounter at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba, Yobe State, with a rifle and ammunition recovered.

Onoja said troops also intercepted a terrorist escapee around Sabsawa, Bama, on August 31, after he fled captivity due to hunger and hardship.

He said troops arrested a suspect in Konduga for conveying foodstuffs allegedly destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama.

According to him, troops also arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant at Damasak, Mobbar, on September 1.

He said several terrorist fighters surrendered between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested.

Onoja said 21 women and children surrendered to troops at Mafa, Dikwa, on September 2, following clashes between rival terrorist factions.

He added that another terrorist escapee was intercepted near Amuda Bridge, Gwoza, while a suspected terrorist spy was arrested along Kauwa-Kukawa Road.

Onoja said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA sustained offensive operations against terrorists and kidnappers across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

He said troops killed two terrorist kingpins and wounded another during a raid on suspected hideouts at Kogo, Matazu, Katsina, on August 31.

He said troops intercepted a vehicle at Kadage, Giwa, Kaduna State, on September 2, containing 793 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack of grain.

He said one fleeing suspect was killed during the operation.

Onoja said troops also ambushed terrorists riding motorcycles at Kwanar Jolof along the Shinkafi-Zurmi axis in Zamfara.

He said troops recovered an RPG launcher, rifle, ammunition and other items, while several terrorists were killed.

Some traders in Borno State have lamented and expressed their frustration after they received fake N1,000 notes from buyers at various markets in Borno State, as they said the situation has eroded trust between traders and their customers.

The traders at the KwayaKusar Grains Market, KwayaKusar Local Government Area of the state as well as other markets in Biu and Bayo local government areas, in their separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the situation had become worrisome.

Malam Ibrahim Yusuf, a grain trader from Gombe main market who came to KwayaKusar market to buy maize, said he was a victim of fake currency notes twice.

‘About three weeks ago, I went to Biu grain market to buy some bags of maize, and I was given four pieces of fake N1,000 notes. I didn’t realise until I was in transit.

‘It was when I was about to pay the driver that I saw one new N1,000 note that was very light and felt unusual in my hand, and I suspected it was fake,’ he said.

He stated that he immediately called the person who gave him the money to complain after discovering three other pieces of such notes in the cash he withdrew.

‘My profit is not much, as I make between N3,000 and N4,000 per bag after taking out transportation costs.

‘Now I bought three bags, meaning I am expecting roughly N12,000 but now I have N4,000 counterfeit notes, which means my profit margin has been reduced, ‘ he said.

Another trader, Alhaji Hassan Mai-Dawa, said he was once a victim of fake N1,000 notes, which he collected from one of the Points of Sales (POS) operators in KwayaKusar.

He said it was when he went to deposit the money in the bank that the notes were discovered to be fake.

Mai-Dawa said many of the traders don’t collect transfers, so he had to withdraw from POS to be able to buy his goods.

‘I think this is something the government should come to because I also faced similar issues in the Biu market. Many traders do not know the difference; so, we use the fake note alongside the original ones,’ he said.

MrsHauwa Aminu, a rice trader, said she often noticed some unusual new N1,000 notes inside her money, but she never really bothered because people collect them from her.

Aminu recounted an incident where she almost fought with a buyer who needed a refund after depositing cash the previous day.

‘I gave him the cash I had, and he rejected some of the notes, but I insisted that I was not the one printing them. It was an intense argument, and since then, that person never came back to my shop to buy from me, ‘ she said.

Aminu, however, appealed to the government to send its officials to some of the rural markets to monitor and make necessary arrests to protect traders.

Others who spoke to NAN but did not want their names mentioned also lamented their ordeals because they could not identify the counterfeit notes from original ones.

They called for massive sensitisation to enable local traders to identify counterfeit notes to protect their businesses.

The 76 set of Charleans, also known as Stanza 726, has celebrated their 50th graduation anniversary with the theme ‘Together, Taking St. Charles To The Top’, with the commissioning of a number of projects for the upliftment of their alma mater.

The projects include the reactivation of the water tank base of the School’s main borehole, repair of the 1kva solar energy machine, supply of two extra-large Storex tanks and increase of the distribution points from five to 10, with a six-month maintenance guarantee.

Moreover, to aid security measures already put in place, the old students also provided a security post for the use of the School security personnel. The total cost of the projects was put at about N4 million.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the SCOBA Alumni Hall within the school premises, Solomon Jemilehin, coordinator of the 726 Stanza, thanked God Almighty for the grace given to all of them to witness their 50th anniversary celebration. He disclosed that although they were 100 at graduation, 20 of their members have since passed on.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the SCOBA Global President, Atilola Odudare, the Global Vice-President 1 of SCOBA, Dr Tunde Owojori, described members of Stanza 726 as ‘one of the forces behind the successes recorded by SCOBA over the years’ and prayed for more fruitful years ahead for them.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Babatunde Adélékè preached for peace as he appealed to Stanza 789 to return to the fold and join hands with the rest of the family to continue the good work at St Charles.

Jimilehin, aka Rajah, and I met and became friends at Osogbo, the capital of present-day Osun State, in 1976/77. I was an auxiliary teacher at Osogbo Grammar School while Rajah worked at Mandilas across the road. Behind Mandilas was the grotto of world-acclaimed artiste, Twin Seven Seven. Those were days when boys were boys!

The General Overseer of The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, has urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to participate actively in the political process by registering to vote, obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and voting for candidates of their choice in the 2027 general election.

Aboyeji made the call during a press conference ahead of the church’s 13th Annual Public Lecture and 71st Annual National Convention.

The public lecture, with the theme, ‘Building to Last: Faith, Infrastructure and the Future of a Nation,’ is scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The church’s 71st Annual National Convention will hold from October 7 to 11, 2026, at the Foursquare Campground in Ajebo, Ogun State, with notable ministers, including Apostle Michael Orokpo and Pastor Wole Oladiyun, among the speakers.

Aboyeji said the church was encouraging Christians to participate in politics because political apathy had, over the years, created opportunities for people who were not necessarily qualified or competent to take charge of governance.

According to him, Nigerians must abandon the long-held perception that politics is a dirty game and recognise participation in the political process as a civic responsibility.

‘We must let people know that they must have their voters’ cards. In the past, we taught people that politics was a dirty game, and many people who would have been useful to the system stayed away,’ he said.

‘Now, we need to undo what we did in the past. When you are wise and too clever to participate in politics, idiots will rule over you. That is what we are now trying to undo.’

The cleric stressed that the church would not dictate the political candidates its members should support but would encourage them to exercise their constitutional rights and vote according to their convictions.

‘We are encouraging Christians to participate in politics and vote for candidates of their choice,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Aboyeji also urged Nigerians to prioritise values, integrity, competent leadership and responsible citizenship in the quest to build sustainable infrastructure and achieve national development.

He said the forthcoming public lecture was part of the church’s contribution to national discourse and its responsibility to promote the moral, social, economic and developmental wellbeing of society.

According to him, sustainable development goes beyond the construction of physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, schools and hospitals.

‘A nation is not built just by constructing roads, bridges, railways, airports, schools and hospitals. Real and lasting development requires something deeper. It requires people and institutions grounded in values, vision, competence, integrity and faith in a better future,’ Aboyeji said.

He noted that Nigeria was endowed with abundant human and natural resources, a vibrant entrepreneurial population and a youthful demographic, but said these advantages could only translate into sustainable prosperity through quality infrastructure, effective institutions and responsible leadership.

Aboyeji added that faith, when demonstrated through daily conduct, could contribute significantly to national development by promoting hope, integrity, hard work, compassion and commitment to the common good.

The lecture is expected to attract thought leaders, professionals, policymakers, academics, business leaders, clergy and members of the public to deliberate on Nigeria’s development challenges and prospects.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, former Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company, while former Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Prince Clement Agba, CON, will chair the occasion.

Panelists include the Managing Director of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria, ACEN, Engineer Olufunmilayo Kadri; professional engineer and management executive, Engr. Joseph Ciroma; and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 71st Annual National Convention, Rev. Dr. Charles Fashola, said the theme of the public lecture was largely informed by concerns over insecurity, unemployment and the need to engage Nigeria’s growing youth population in productive activities.

Fashola urged Nigerian youths to shun violence and destructive criticism and instead take advantage of available infrastructure and development opportunities to acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

He identified unemployment and misinformation as major factors fuelling insecurity, stressing that meaningful engagement of young people could help address the challenge.

‘Majorly, what causes insecurity is unemployment and information, and we felt that a large number of people involved in these practices are youths. If we can find a way to get them involved in the development of this nation, we can make a difference,’ he said.

He said the lecture would go beyond physical infrastructure to examine the role of faith, values, skills, financing and responsible citizenship in building a sustainable nation.

Speaking further on preparations for the 71st Annual National Convention, Fashola disclosed that the planning committee had embarked on several initiatives, including projects aimed at strengthening security in and around the campground, empowerment programmes for church members, the General Overseer’s Cup and Foursquare Got Talent, designed to discover and showcase talented members of the church.

The initiatives, according to him, form part of efforts to ensure a successful convention while promoting empowerment, youth development, security and the discovery of talents within the Foursquare community.

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and the party’s Kogi East Senatorial Candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.

The duo made the call in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Saturday during a thank-you tour organised for Ameh following his emergence as the NDC senatorial candidate for Kogi East.

Obi, who was warmly received by thousands of supporters in Ogugu, urged INEC to resist any attempt to manipulate the electoral process in favour of any political party, stressing that the wishes of Nigerian voters must be respected.

He said, ‘The reception is very warm. What is most important is that we want this campaign to be issue-based. We want all candidates to go round Nigeria and ask questions about the challenges confronting the people.

‘We want to change the dynamics where people go around and ask Nigerians about their problems. When I was coming to Kogi State today, I stopped at Ugbolafo, Otukpa Junction, and asked some of our elderly people what their challenges were. This is what I want other presidential candidates to do.

‘I am moving around Nigeria to see how we can do the right thing. I want the next set of governance to focus on how our children will be in school, how our environment will be secured, and how our people can earn a decent living.’

Speaking to journalists, Obi expressed concern over the worsening economic and social conditions in the country, saying Nigeria needed visionary leadership capable of taking the country out of its current difficulties.

According to him, ‘I am not worried about what the outcome of the 2027 general election will be. What worries me is the people and how they will protect their votes on election day.

‘The votes of the people must be counted. There is hunger and poverty in the land, and that is why I came here to see what we can do to ameliorate the suffering of our people.

‘My charge to the people here is that they must ensure that there is a free, fair and credible election. This time around, our votes must count. Nigerians must elect those who will lead them.’

Obi urged voters to choose leaders based on competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment to national development.

‘They must do it based on competence, capacity, character, compassion and commitment to turning Nigeria around,’ he said.

He further expressed concern over the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly those in rural communities, noting that the country’s vast agricultural potential had not been adequately harnessed.

‘As I moved around, I felt pain seeing how Nigerians are living. Look at our rural areas with huge farmlands. Nobody is supporting the farmers in all ramifications to enable them to produce the food we need to feed the nation,’ Obi said.

He reiterated that Nigeria required leadership with a clear vision and the capacity to reverse what he described as the country’s backward trajectory.

Also speaking, the NDC Kogi East Senatorial Candidate, High Chief Peter Ameh, said the people of the region had no reason to remain impoverished given the area’s fertile land and abundant mineral resources.

Ameh said, ‘Kogi East is really blessed. We should not have decayed infrastructure. Despite having coal in Ankpa, the roads are bad, and people cannot access Enjema properly, despite over 200 trucks leaving the coal site daily.’

‘It is painful that we find ourselves in this deplorable state, but we can do something about it. We can have representatives in the legislature who will be at the National Assembly to speak for the people and raise the challenges confronting our communities,’ he added.

Ameh also lamented the state of primary healthcare facilities across Kogi State, describing the situation as unacceptable.

‘Our primary healthcare system here in Kogi is dead across the nine local government areas. It is time for us to look at the track records of the candidates contesting elections and assess who can genuinely represent the people at the National Assembly,’ he said.

‘For me, I have already buried my personal interest in ensuring that the interests of the people become our interest. The people must come first.’

The senatorial candidate alleged that previous votes for the people had been ‘stolen’, urging voters to remain vigilant and protect their ballots during the 2027 elections.

‘They have served us before, but these votes were stolen. Today, we are charging the people to go out, vote and protect their votes because it is through the votes they cast that we will have good roads and basic amenities that will provide for our children and secure their future,’ Ameh said.

He called for renewed investment in public health institutions and schools, saying the people deserved better social infrastructure.

‘It is necessary that our public health institutions and schools continue to have a new lease of life. Our people understand that it is time to bring new people who are experienced, who have been able to transform their areas of responsibility and have demonstrated capacity at various levels of leadership.

‘Such people should come on board and protect our collective interests,’ Ameh said.

During my last visit to the doctor, I was told that I have ‘dense breasts’. Kindly let me know what this means and if I am in any danger.

Abena (by SMS)

No, you are not in any danger and there’s no need to panic. It is said that dense breast tissue – roughly half of women over the age of 40 have it – can make it more difficult to detect cancer on a mammogram. Women with extremely dense breasts are at increased risk for breast cancer, though scientists are not sure why.

If your doctor says you have dense breasts (it’s not something you’ll be able to feel yourself), he or she may recommend additional imaging with an ultrasound or MRI at your routine breast cancer screenings.

And remember: Dense breast tissue is just one breast cancer risk factor on a list of several. Age, family history, physical inactivity and alcohol use play a role in the risk as well. Knowing all your risk factors ‘is a really important step forward for patients to be proactive’ in their breast health care.

Whether you live in a detached duplex, a busy suburban estate, or a shared compound, visible surveillance acts as an active digital guard that monitors your property 24 hours a day.

Many homeowners hold back from setting up security systems because they assume the installation process is overly complicated or requires costly professional contractors.

Modern surveillance kits come equipped with straightforward plug-and-play technology, intuitive mobile applications, and adaptable wiring configurations. Anyone with basic tools and a clear understanding of their compound layout can set up a reliable security network.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the essential equipment you need, the critical installation steps to follow, and the practical best practices required to build an effective home CCTV system.

Map out your blind spots and vulnerable points

Before drilling a single hole, take a thorough walk around your premises to identify where coverage matters most. Primary entryways like the main gate, front door, back door, ground-floor windows, and vehicle driveways are the most common points of unauthorized access.

According to research, visible security cameras mounted near property entry points deter up to 60 percent of potential intruders before an attempt is even made. Make sure your mapped locations have an unobstructed line of sight and remain high enough to prevent physical tampering or vandalism.

Choose between IP network and analog systems

Your overall setup depends on whether you select modern IP network cameras or traditional analog CCTV kits. Analog systems use coaxial cables connected directly to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), making them budget-friendly but somewhat rigid in physical cable routing.

In contrast, IP cameras use Power over Ethernet (PoE) or reliable Wi-Fi connections paired with a Network Video Recorder (NVR). Industry reviews by tech benchmark firm SafeWise note that IP setups deliver sharper digital resolution, simpler cable management, and seamless remote streaming straight to your smartphone.

Mount your cameras at the correct height and angle

Mounting height dictates the clarity and usability of your recorded footage. The sweet spot for outdoor residential cameras is between 8 to 10 feet off the ground. This height is tall enough to stay out of arm’s reach while remaining low enough to capture clear facial features and vehicle license plates.

Position the camera lens pointing slightly downward to eliminate intense sky glare and street lamp wash. Direct sunlight shining straight into the lens causes sensor burnout and leaves bright white spots in your daytime footage.

Run cables and ensure reliable power backup

A reliable surveillance network requires steady, uninterrupted power and protected data pathways. For wired setups, run your cables along interior wall corners, ceilings, or through PVC conduits outdoors to guard against rain, intense heat, and accidental cuts.

Given the frequent fluctuations in public power grids, connecting your central recorder and Wi-Fi router to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or dedicated solar inverter is critical. A security system that turns off during a blackout leaves your perimeter completely unguarded precisely when risk levels rise.

Configure the recorder and set up remote mobile access

Once every camera is physically mounted and connected, power on your NVR or DVR to complete the initial software setup. Create strong passwords that combine uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent remote digital hacking.

Most modern surveillance systems feature built-in QR codes inside their management menus. Scanning this code through the manufacturer’s mobile app links the cameras to your smartphone immediately, allowing you to view live feeds, playback archives, and motion alerts from anywhere in the world.

Respect privacy and community regulations

Installing cameras around your perimeter requires a balance between comprehensive security and personal boundaries. Position your exterior cameras so that their lenses focus exclusively on your compound, gates, and driveways, rather than pointing into your neighbor’s private windows or adjoining living areas.

Responsible camera positioning prevents neighborhood disputes and keeps your property fully compliant with standard residential data privacy practices worldwide.

By taking the time to map your compound, choosing the right camera technology, and securing an uninterrupted power source, you create a robust home defense system that delivers continuous protection and lasting peace of mind.

The inauguration of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) in Kano has attracted prominent political leaders and thousands of supporters who gathered at the Sani Abacha Stadium to demonstrate their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event was attended by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; former Kano State governors, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Alhaji Kabir Gaya; and other senior political figures.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Director-General of the TSG, Dr. Tanko Yakasai; and the founder and convener of the support group.

Supporters of the TSG began arriving at the Sani Abacha Stadium as early as 6 a.m., with drums and other musical performances providing entertainment as the crowd steadily increased.

The turnout reportedly overwhelmed the stadium, with many supporters unable to gain access to the main arena and instead gathering in adjoining areas.

Some enthusiastic participants were also seen climbing trees and the rooftops of high-rise buildings around the stadium and the nearby Kwari textile market to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

The massive gathering underscored the growing political mobilisation around President Tinubu and his administration in Kano, as supporters and party leaders used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to the President’s political agenda.

The inauguration is expected to provide a platform for the TSG to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and coordinate support for the Tinubu administration across Kano State.

The Imo State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced its grassroots sensitisation and chapter inauguration tour across 12 council areas of Orlu zone, with Nkwerre and Nwangele LGAs becoming the first to be inaugurated.

Inaugurating the new officers at the LGA offices on Thursday, the State Chairman of ADC, Prof James Okoroma, charged them to be alive to their responsibility of building functional structures within their respective areas, mobilising new members and ensuring that the policies and programmes of the ADC are properly communicated to them.

Okoroma commended party members and supporters in the two local government areas for their commitment, loyalty and active participation in the activities of the ADC.

The State Chairman urged the newly inaugurated executives to approach their responsibilities with seriousness and discipline, while reminding them that party leadership begins at the grassroots and that every executive has an important role to play in strengthening the party.

Prof Okoroma stressed the importance of maintaining regular contact with members and ensuring that the party remains active at the ward and polling unit levels.

He also called on the executives to respect the constitution of the party, work collectively and place the interests of the ADC above personal interests.

According to him, the sensitisation tour is not limited to the inauguration of executives but also provides an opportunity for the state leadership to meet directly with members, understand their concerns, identify challenges within the grassroots structure and work towards practical solutions.

He commended the leadership and members of Nwangele and Nkwerre for their strong participation and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.

Prof Okoroma assured the members that the State Executive Committee would continue to support and strengthen grassroots structures across Imo State.

The exercise, led by the State Chairman of the party, Prof James Okoroma, brought together members of the State Executive Committee, zonal leaders, local government chairmen, ward executives, polling unit officers and other party stakeholders.

The tour is aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure, improving communication between party leadership and members, and preparing the ADC for effective participation in future elections.

The State Chairman was accompanied by the Deputy Secretary of the party, Sir Dr Chijioke Uchegbu; State Treasurer, Hon Timothy Obodozie; State Woman Leader, Hon Mrs Uju Ihejiagwa; Orlu Zonal Chairman, Hon Damian Ezerou; Orlu Zonal Organising Secretary, Hon Kelechi Duru; Orlu Zonal Woman Leader, Dame Stellar Uzoho; and Orlu Zonal Treasurer, Amadi Chidi.

FORMER Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has raised concern over reports of young Nigerians allegedly selling their organs to survive amid the country’s cost-of-living crisis.

In a post on his official X handle on Friday, Atiku described reports of young people selling body parts, particularly kidneys, as ‘disturbing’ and ‘horrifying.’

‘I have heard disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being driven simply to survive. Perhaps the most horrifying are the growing reports of young people selling parts of their bodies: kidneys in particular, in desperate attempts to raise money,’ he said.

Atiku said young Nigerians should be focused on building careers, businesses and innovation rather than being driven to desperate measures.

‘Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs. Yet when the cost-of-living crisis becomes unbearable, desperation begins to make the unthinkable appear like an option. That should offend the conscience of every Nigerian,’ he stated.

He lamented that essential needs were becoming increasingly unaffordable, listing food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity among areas where costs were rising.

According to him, there were reports of some young Nigerians selling their kidneys for as little as N1.7 million.

‘When young Nigerians begin to see their kidneys as emergency savings, we are no longer talking about ordinary economic hardship. We are talking about desperation at its most frightening’ he said.

The ADC presidential candidate noted that while Nigeria had laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking, legislation alone could not address the poverty driving such acts.

‘No government should celebrate ‘reforms’ while young Nigerians are being reduced to selling parts of themselves to eat, pay rent, settle school fees or survive,’ he said.

Atiku called for economic policies that directly address affordability and the welfare of Nigerians.

‘Economic reform must have a human face. It must mean affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible health-care, decent jobs and renewed hope for the next generation,’ he stated.