Family breakdown not end of life – Author of ‘When Families Fall Apart’

A medical laboratory scientist and public health practitioner, Mrs Blessing Ijeoma Omorowe-Nwune, has urged people experiencing separation, divorce and other forms of family breakdown not to see such challenges as the end of their lives, but as an opportunity to begin a purposeful new chapter.

Omorowe-Nwune, made the call at the public presentation of her book, ‘When Families Fall Apart: Navigating Separation, Divorce and Spousal Loss with Healing, Faith and Hope’ in Ibadan.

At the book launch, which was held at Richland Hotels, Yemetu on September 7, 2026, the author said her personal experiences of childhood trauma, growing up in a broken home and difficulties in her marriage inspired her to write the book as a source of hope for people struggling to recover from painful family experiences.

‘I’m always broken when I see broken people not able to survive from what has really broken them. And I think I am a victim of such a situation, and I was able to stand. So I just thought, if I could do it, others can do it too,’ she said.

Omorowe-Nwune, who described herself as a humanitarian and advocate for children, women and young people, said she realised that although she could not personally reach everyone facing similar challenges, a book could enable her to speak to millions.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Omorowe-Nwune urged people going through separation or divorce to believe that they could rebuild their lives.

‘For those experiencing separation and divorce, they should never see it as the end of their life. It should not be the end of their story, but should be the beginning of a purposeful life,’ she said.

The author also emphasised the importance of faith during difficult family transitions, noting that some people mistakenly believe that Christians should not experience serious problems.

She described the book as a ‘tool’ designed to help readers navigate difficult periods while maintaining faith and hope.

The chairman of the occasion, Rotarian Oyebode Adesina said he was ‘delighted and honoured’ to celebrate Blessing’s book When Families Fall Apart, noting marriages break down due to ‘misunderstandings, fights, ignoring red flags’ and urging patience, early counselling, and recognizing that ‘you cannot trade your life for love’ for safety and wellbeing in marriage.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Purpebloom Publishers, Mrs Adejoke Adepoju-Oyekan, described the publication as more than a book, saying it was a message of hope for people whose lives had been disrupted by separation, divorce, loss and grief.

‘There are some books you publish because they are good books. But there are books you publish because you know that somebody somewhere is going to read those words for life because of the circumstances,’ she said.

Adepoju-Oyekan said the book reminded readers that the end of a relationship did not necessarily mean the end of their future.

‘Sometimes what ends is the relationship. I want you to know that it’s not your future. Sometimes what you lose is a person. I want you to know that that’s not the purpose. And sometimes the chapter that closes is not the end of the book. It is simply the end of that chapter,’ she said.

Reviewing the book, the Dean of Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Professor Kester Oluwaseun, represented by Dr Abiola Omokhabi a lecturer in the Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan, described it as a timely and compassionate work that combines psychology, African family wisdom and Christian faith.

She commended its practical approach, noting that it provides prayers, reflection prompts, guidance on boundaries, co-parenting advice and grieving practices.

He described the book as being suitable for people experiencing separation, divorce or spousal loss, as well as pastors, counsellors and Christian leaders.

He praised the author for addressing difficult emotions such as anger, shame, loneliness and feeling trapped without resorting to ‘toxic positivity.’

Professor Oluwaseun said the book’s central message was that even when families fall apart, healing and hope remain possible.

The occasion was attended by family, friends, Rotary Club, Orita Mefa and colleagues from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Smart ways to store fresh vegetables without fridge

Fresh vegetables can become expensive when a large portion ends up in the bin after spoiling. For Nigerian households, especially those dealing with unreliable electricity or limited refrigerator space, knowing how to handle vegetables properly can reduce waste and save money.

Tomatoes, peppers, onions and leafy vegetables do not all require the same storage conditions. Keeping them in the right place, protecting them from excess moisture and buying only what can be used can significantly extend their useful life.

In this article Tribune Online highlights practicals ways to store fresh vegetables without a fridge

Keep tomatoes away from unnecessary moisture

Tomatoes can spoil quickly when exposed to excess moisture and poor ventilation. If you buy ripe tomatoes, avoid washing them immediately unless you intend to use them.

Instead, remove visibly damaged tomatoes from the rest and keep the healthy ones in a clean, dry and well-ventilated area. Do not pile them too deeply. Heavy stacking can crush the tomatoes underneath and create damaged areas where spoilage begins.

Store onions in a dry, ventilated place

Onions generally last longer when kept dry and exposed to air. Avoid storing them in sealed plastic bags where moisture can accumulate. A basket, mesh bag or another well-ventilated container is more suitable.

Keep onions away from damp areas, direct sunlight and vegetables that produce significant moisture. Inspect them regularly and remove any soft or mouldy onion before it affects others.

Protect peppers from moisture

Fresh peppers can deteriorate quickly when moisture remains on their surface. Sort through them after purchase and remove damaged ones. Keep the good peppers dry and avoid sealing wet peppers inside airtight plastic bags.

If you have more peppers than you can use quickly, processing them into a paste can reduce waste. However, prepared pepper products should be handled hygienically and stored under appropriate conditions.

Handle leafy vegetables carefully

Leafy vegetables such as spinach, ugu and other local greens are particularly perishable. Remove damaged leaves and excess dirt, but avoid unnecessary washing if you are not going to use them immediately.

Excess moisture can encourage deterioration. For vegetables that have already been washed, drain them properly and keep them as dry as possible before storage. Because leafy vegetables spoil faster than many other vegetables, buy smaller quantities if you do not have reliable cold storage.

Keep vegetables off the floor

Do not store fresh produce directly on the floor. A raised basket, clean shelf or ventilated container protects vegetables from dirt, pests and moisture. The storage area should also be clean, dry and away from chemicals, fuel and other substances that could contaminate food.

Separate damaged vegetables

One spoiled vegetable can quickly become a problem for the others around it. Check your vegetables regularly and remove those showing mould, excessive softness, leakage or other obvious signs of spoilage. Do not simply cut away mould from soft vegetables and continue eating the remaining portion. Some moulds can spread beyond what is visible.

Buy according to your consumption

One of the simplest ways to reduce vegetable waste is to avoid buying more than you can reasonably use. If you shop weekly, estimate how much your household normally consumes and buy accordingly.

Large quantities may appear cheaper, but the saving disappears when much of the produce spoils before it is eaten.

Use older vegetables first

Arrange your vegetables so that those bought earlier are used before newer purchases. This simple habit prevents older produce from being forgotten at the bottom of a basket. You can also plan meals around vegetables that are approaching the end of their usable period.

For example, vegetables that are beginning to soften can be used in soups, stews or sauces before they deteriorate further, provided they remain safe to eat.

Keep storage areas clean

Cleanliness is essential when storing food. Regularly clean baskets, shelves and storage surfaces. Remove vegetable scraps and spilled liquids because they can attract insects and encourage microbial growth. Do not place freshly purchased vegetables on dirty surfaces or inside containers that still contain residue from previous produce.

Israeli lobbyist seeks global attention to Nnamdi Kanu’s case

An Israeli lobbyist, Heidi Moses, has called for increased international attention to the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a television interview in Israel.

Moses, who said she represents the Biafran cause at the Israeli Knesset, also criticised Britain’s historical role in Nigeria, arguing that its colonial policies contributed to the political structure underpinning the country’s formation.

Speaking during the interview, parts of which have circulated online, Moses linked Britain’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to what she described as its historical responsibility for Nigeria’s political structure.

‘I want to talk about the hypocrisy of Britain. I represent Biafra at the Knesset,’ Moses said.

‘Biafra is under the horrible control of Nigeria. I am talking about a population of 50 to 70 million that lives under the Nigerian government.’

Moses alleged that people in the region had suffered violence and loss of life, while also referring to claims by some Jewish religious figures in Israel concerning alleged links between some Biafrans and the biblical tribe of Gad.

She said the Biafran question had been presented to members of the Israeli parliament during a visit by a delegation she described as representing Biafra.

‘I brought the distinguished Biafran delegation to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and they were welcomed very warmly,’ she said.

According to her, the lawmakers who met the delegation included Limor Son Har-Melech, Nissim Vaturi and Afif Abed.

Moses further claimed that the parliamentarians subsequently wrote to the United Nations concerning Kanu’s detention.

‘They also sent letters to the UN concerning the arbitrary detention of the leader of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,’ she said.

Kanu, a prominent advocate of Biafran self-determination, was prosecuted by the Nigerian government over activities linked to his separatist campaign. He was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja on treason-related offences and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Sokoto.

Moses rejected the basis of his imprisonment, maintaining that Kanu was being punished for his political views and his advocacy for Biafran independence.

‘He was kidnapped and jailed only because of his views, only because he wants to free his people,’ she said.

Her characterisation of the case differs from the Nigerian government’s position and the outcome of the criminal proceedings, which resulted in Kanu’s conviction on treason-related offences.

The Israeli lobbyist also accused Britain of bearing historical responsibility for Nigeria’s political configuration, which she said remained at the centre of the Biafran separatist agitation.

‘Who gave this mandate to the Nigerians? The British government,’ she said.

Moses urged greater international scrutiny of Britain’s historical and contemporary activities, saying: ‘We must break this silence and tell the world who the British are. We have to show what is happening in Biafra and in every place in the world where the British are acting behind closed doors.’

She also referred to remarks attributed to United States President Donald Trump on security challenges in Nigeria and claimed that Washington had indicated a willingness to provide military assistance.

No details or supporting evidence for the claim were provided during the interview.

Ogun guber: APC’s Adeola promises to immortalise Ogogo if elected

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has promised to immortalise the late Nollywood veteran, Hassan Taiwo (Ogogo), if elected into office as the State Governor in 2027.

Adeola said this in his remarks when he paid a condolence visit to Ogogo’s family at Ilaro on Tuesday.

Senator Adeola, who returned to the country on Monday after a brief vacation abroad, expressed sadness over the passing of the late actor, whom he described as his ‘personal person’.

He described the late Ogogo as a cultural ambassador and said that his death was not only a big blow to the creative and entertainment industry alone, Ogun State, but the entire country.

Senator Adeola acknowledged the roles played by President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi, some state governors, and other eminent Nigerians for their efforts in ensuring that the late actor lived.

Recounting their intimate relationship and the final days of the legendary actor, Senator Adeola stated that prior to his passing, concrete steps had been taken to secure medical care abroad for Ogogo.

‘Death was cruel for taking Ogogo away from Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole. He was scheduled to be taken to India for advanced medical treatment. We had already processed the visa applications and made all necessary travel arrangements to fly him out of the country. However, before the visa could be issued, he became extremely weak and could no longer make the trip.

‘We have lost a genuine legend. Ogogo was a brother and a friend indeed. We clicked together from the very first day we met, and that bond remained unbroken until his passage.

‘He carried my burdens passionately and believed fiercely in the vision for a Yewa indigene to produce the governor of Ogun State. He stood solidly behind my political aspirations and did everything humanly possible to see it actualised,’ the Senator recalled.

In recognition of the late actor’s towering contributions to the creative industry and his grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state, Senator Adeola announced that he would immortalise the late film veteran if elected as the Governor of Ogun State.

He further disclosed that he had already planned to assign a major cabinet position to the late cultural ambassador.

‘I had already planned to appoint him as my Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism with full cabinet rank if I am eventually elected as the Governor of Ogun State. Ogogo was not just an icon affiliated with Ilaro, but an ambassador who elevated the image of the entire Ogun State and Nigeria through his craft.

Senator Adeola highlighted Ogogo’s commitment to his political cause, revealing how the late actor championed a grassroots political support group tagged ‘Governor’s Boys’ solely to push the Yayi governorship mandate across all nooks and crannies of the state.

‘He gave his all for Yayi. He was not just anyone to me; he was my personal person. He championed the ‘Governor’s Boys’ group strictly for my sake, and his contributions will never be forgotten,’ he added.

The lawmaker reassured the family of his lifelong commitment to their welfare, while affirming that he considers himself an integral part of the Ogogo household and pledged his continuous support to the family left behind.

‘I am now part and parcel of the Ogogo family, and I will support them with everything within my capacity. While I encourage the family to take solace in the Almighty and accept His divine will, I am also announcing today that I will personally organise and sponsor the 40th-day prayer in his honour,’ Senator Adeola concluded.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased.

One of his daughters, Halimat Taiwo, who spoke in an emotion-laden voice, described her father as a complete family man.

She appreciated the effort of Senator Adeola for standing by the family during the tiring period and prayed for God’s blessings over him and his entire household.

Group targets 15m widows for empowerment

More than 15 million widows across the country have appealed to government at all levels, traditional rulers, philanthropists, corporate organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to support and empower them and their children amid the prevailing economic challenges.

The appeal was made at the launch and inauguration of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association (WWWA), Ogun State chapter, at the Sports Council, Abeokuta, under the theme: ‘Empowering widows, building hope and creating a better future.’

The state coordinator of the association, Pastor (Mrs) Adesola Oluwatoyin, said the group was targeting more than 15 million widows nationwide with programmes covering skills acquisition, vocational training, grants, small-scale businesses, education, healthcare and access to government empowerment schemes.

She said widows’ welfare should not be treated as charity alone, but as a social responsibility requiring sustained intervention from the government and private sector.

She called for support for widows’ children on education, skills and opportunities to secure their future.

Oluwatoyin appreciated Mrs Temitope Adeola Yayi, wife of the state All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and founder of Chadash Empowerment Foundation, for creating opportunities for members to benefit from the foundation’s empowerment initiatives in commemoration of the 2026 International Widows’ Day.

Chief Executive Officer of Pellican-Valley Nigeria Limited, Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, pledged N250,000 to support the widows and collaboration with the association through skills development, mentorship and financial inclusion.

Earlier, the national president of the association, Mrs Binta Adejoke Aminu, said the programme highlighted the hardship faced by widows and disclosed that the group had been providing grants, skills training and equipment, including sewing machines, to help members establish sustainable businesses.

A member of the state House of Assembly, representing Ifo II constituency, Honourable Fatiu Folawewo Salami, urged stakeholders to see support for widows and their children as an investment in society.

Gov Radda presents N826.64bn 2027 budget to Katsina Assembly

Katsina Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has presented a proposed budget of N826.64 billion for the 2027 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Tagged ‘Building Your Future,’ the budget, according to Radda, was designed around the needs and priorities identified by residents across the state.

Presenting the proposal before lawmakers, the governor said N637.91 billion, representing 76.98 per cent of the total budget, was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N190.73 billion, or 23.02 per cent, was allocated to recurrent expenditure.

He said the proposed budget was N69.23 billion lower than the approved 2026 budget, describing the reduction as a reflection of a more realistic assessment of the state’s revenue and expenditure outlook.

Radda said his administration adopted a ‘pragmatic, disciplined and realistic’ approach in preparing the fiscal plan, with ministries, departments and agencies required to justify their expenditure proposals based on available resources and the government’s development blueprint.

‘We took a pragmatic, disciplined and realistic view of both revenue and expenditure. We reviewed every available funding source to ensure fiscal balance, strengthen implementation and reduce the risk of shortfalls,’ he said.

The governor said the 2027 budget was largely shaped by citizens’ demands gathered during a simultaneous budget consultation exercise conducted across the state’s 361 wards.

He explained that each ward would receive a special project selected by its residents, while information obtained from the exercise would guide government interventions in agriculture, small businesses, water and sanitation, women’s empowerment, environmental protection and security.

‘Our people named their needs, weighed them and ranked them. This budget therefore answers the real and pressing needs of our communities, not assumptions made from afar,’ Radda said.

He assured residents and members of the House of Assembly that his administration would continue to exercise prudence in implementing the budget and uphold integrity in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Radda also urged public servants, ministries, departments and agencies to maintain the administration’s commitment to effective service delivery as the state enters another fiscal year.

He directed ministries and parastatals to prepare adequately to defend their budget proposals before the lawmakers and ensure that the people of Katsina benefit from the spending plan.

‘We are grateful to have met our constitutional obligation by preparing and submitting a budget for the benefit of our citizens,’ the governor said.

Lens shock PSG to win French Super Cup

Lens turned the 2026 Trophée des Champions into a historic night at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 despite playing with ten men. Florian Thauvin scored the only goal in the 32nd minute after Matthieu Udol’s delivery reached him at the far post. Seven minutes later, Kyllian Antonio was sent off, forcing Lens to protect the lead under pressure. For football sites using Afropari partners as an affiliate channel, the upset creates fresh material around Ligue 1 previews and betting analysis. Lens still had to survive nearly an hour before the trophy was theirs. PSG had won the previous four editions of the French season opener.

Thauvin gave Lens something concrete to defend

PSG started with more of the ball, but Lens were sharper when space appeared. Thauvin punished Paris for failing to clear Udol’s ball across the area.

Antonio’s red card in the 39th minute left Lens defending deeper as PSG increased the pressure. Désiré Doué hit the bar in first-half stoppage time, and the champions entered the break knowing they would spend the second half against ten men.

Risser turned pressure into a clean sheet

Robin Risser became increasingly important after the restart. PSG introduced fresh attackers, but Lens kept the centre compact and made Risser’s task manageable.

Ousmane Dembélé was denied during PSG’s strongest spell, while another Paris move ended with an effort ruled out for offside. Lens still countered when openings appeared and nearly created a second goal late on.

That matters when the result is used in betting analysis. A 1-0 score suggests a narrow contest; the red card, PSG’s pressure and Risser’s saves tell a fuller story. Future prices need that context rather than assuming the trophy makes Lens automatically stronger.

A first Super Cup changes Lens’ opening narrative

The victory gave Lens their first Trophée des Champions, 28 years after losing to PSG in their only previous appearance in the competition. Lens had also won the Coupe de France and finished six points behind PSG in Ligue 1.

Five questions now follow them into the league:

can Lens defend with the same discipline over a full season;

how much can Thauvin influence matches from advanced areas;

whether Risser can maintain his breakthrough level;

how quickly Dino Toppmöller can stabilise the team;

whether the squad can handle domestic and Champions League demands.

Lens are among France’s Champions League representatives for 2026/27. Those questions matter more than claiming France’s hierarchy has already changed.

PSG arrived with limited preparation

Paris had beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup only four days earlier, and Luis Enrique had warned that World Cup involvement had shortened preparation for many players. Recovery time before another final was limited.

That does not erase the defeat. PSG had a man advantage for almost fifty minutes and still could not score. For bettors looking toward the opening Ligue 1 weekend, the useful distinction is between temporary August sharpness and problems that persist once the squad has trained together longer.

Season markets can react quickly, but one poor evening should not outweigh squad quality and longer-term performance. Lens’ win deserves attention because of their discipline; PSG’s loss also needs the context of a compressed preparation.

The league will test whether the upset travels

PSG start their Ligue 1 campaign at home to Rennes on August 23, while the domestic season begins that weekend across France. Lens enter it with a trophy and proof that they can frustrate the champions.

The Super Cup did not settle the title race. It showed that Lens can survive pressure, absorb a major setback and protect a one-goal advantage against the country’s strongest side.

For PSG, the immediate task is to recover and sharpen the attack before the league starts. For Lens, the challenge is turning one exceptional night at Bollaert-Delelis into something repeatable when league points replace a trophy on the line.

Ogun 2027: APC chieftain empowers 50 women, mobilises for Yayi

No fewer than 50 women have been empowered in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State with cash grants to boost their businesses and strengthen grassroots support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola’s 2027 governorship ambition.

The empowerment was executed by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Titi Fagbote, popularly known as Ayoka.

The empowerment programme, which held at Omidokun Hall, Ayetoro, targeted hairdressers, fashion designers and elderly women.

It also served as the official inauguration of the Ayoka Women for Yayi support group.

In her speech at the event, Fagbote explained that the initiative was inspired by the leadership style of Senator Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and the need to complement his empowerment efforts at the grassroots.

She revealed that Senator Adeola’s developmental interventions across Yewa North have already earned him the trust of residents, even before emerging as governor.

‘Even before becoming Governor, it is evident that Yayi has done so much, brought a lot of development and touched so many lives in Yewa North Local Government Area of this state. Our people see it, they feel it, and they know that Yayi is exceptional,’ Fagbote said.

She tasked members of Ayoka Women for Yayi to intensify door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election by projecting Adeola’s achievements as Senator representing Ogun West.

According to her, ‘What I know is that Yewa women are hardworking, industrious, and supportive of their husbands. It means therefore that when we empower our women folks, we are actually building our future.’

While representing Senator Adeola’s wife, Yeye Aremo Temitope Adeola, the Convener of West-to-State APC Women’s Wing and President of Dynamic Diamond Sisters, Olori Adebisi Olaotan, dismissed claims questioning Senator Adeola’s state of origin, describing it as a campaign of calumny by political opponents.

Olori Olaotan reiterated that Senator Adeola is an indigene of Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area and not from Ekiti State as being rumoured.

‘Over time, we have had situations whereby they keep attacking the personality of Yayi. They told us on several occasions that he’s from Ekiti. But tell them to tell us exact area he’s from in Ekiti. Nobody has done that.’

She attributed the attacks to anxiety over Adeola’s community projects and infrastructure interventions across Ogun West and Ogun State.

On her part, the Iyaloja of Ayetoro, Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Abbas, declared total support of market women for Senator Adeola, describing him as a marketable candidate whose achievements speak for him.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rafiu Fausat, who spoke on behalf of others, commended Fagbote for the intervention, saying the cash support would help expand her business capital.

She called on Ogun residents to support Senator Adeola in 2027.

‘My message to all the people of Ogun State is that we should work together and support our incoming governor, Olamilekan Solomon Yayi,’ she said.

2027: Makinde’s running mate, Daura, rallies Nigerians against Tinubu

The vice presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Lawal Daura, has rallied Nigerians against President Bola Tinubu, saying Tinubu’s administration has committed so many errors and should be kicked out of office in 2027.

The former Director General of the Department for State Services (DSS), who featured on Politics Today, monitored by TRIBUNE ONLINE, described the President as a very amiable person; he nonetheless called on Nigerians to vote for his party’s ticket, which has Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, as its presidential candidate, describing the governor as the bridge between the old and younger generations.

Lawal said, ‘They say nobody is perfect, especially when you are a politician; you commit so many errors, even if it is inadvertent.’

According to the former DSS boss, he would be loyal to Makinde if the party wins next year’s presidential election, while adding that he and Makinde shared a similar passion for Nigeria, which centred on resetting the country.

He stated that APM is already correcting the errors but accused those in the corridors of power of frustrating the steps being taken.

‘We (he and Makinde) are a pair that seems to really understand each other; we share the same passion for this country and don’t forget, one of our mottos is that we are resetting this country.

‘We are not taking advantage, we are even helping to correct those errors. But those functionaries that are either incompetent or are not able to see what we are seeing may not allow it to be used,’ he added.

Troops foil terrorist ambush, dismantle camps in North East

Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, operating under Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, on Tuesday successfully foiled an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Buni Gari-Buratai axis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

It explained that the troops, while conducting a routine patrol along the axis, encountered the terrorists and responded decisively, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area in disarray.

According to it, reinforcement was subsequently deployed, enabling the troops to clear the ambush site and conduct further exploitation of the surrounding area.

The statement further added that during the operation, troops discovered and dismantled several makeshift camps assessed to have been used by the terrorists as temporary staging and hideout locations.

It added that the items recovered from the criminal elements included one motorcycle, bicycles, one magazine, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and that there were no casualties among own troops during the encounter.

It, however, pointed out that some military vehicles sustained damage as a result of the engagement, adding that ‘notwithstanding the damage, the troops remained operational and successfully completed the mission’.

The statement further explained that the operation underscored the resolve and fighting spirit of troops of Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorist elements freedom of action, disrupt their activities and protect communities across the theatre, adding that the general security situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, as troops continue to maintain aggressive patrols and other coordinated security operations to safeguard lives and property.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements, persons or activities to the appropriate security agencies, saying that such timely information remained critical to ongoing efforts to detect, disrupt and neutralise terrorist activities within the theatre.