Category: PM News

Anita Baaki, a physiotherapist and close friend of the late nurse Mary Habila, has provided a detailed account of the events leading up to Habila’s death in Ebonyi State.

She gave her testimony in a sworn affidavit submitted before the Ebonyi State High Court on Wednesday as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Baaki, who is indigenuous to Benue State, said that she travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi on June 24, 2026, alongside Habila and other officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for an official engagement under the supervision of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to her, members of the delegation were accommodated in adjoining rooms at a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area. She clarified that the accommodation was reserved for ministry personnel and associates and was not the minister’s private residence.

Recounting the final hours before the tragedy, Baaki said she last met Habila on the evening of June 26 after the nurse returned from styling her hair.

The affidavit stated that Habila briefly visited Baaki’s room, where the two friends chatted and laughed together.

‘Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,’ Baaki stated.

Baaki said alarm bells rang the following morning when Habila failed to leave her room as expected. She attempted several phone calls without success before knocking on the door, but there was no response.

Realising the room was locked from the inside, she sought the assistance of a domestic worker to check whether Habila was elsewhere on the premises. When efforts to locate her proved unsuccessful, other staff members were alerted.

She said the room was eventually forced open, and Habila was discovered lying unconscious near the entrance.

She was rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel certified her dead on arrival.

Baaki stated that she made the affidavit of her own free will and without any form of pressure, adding that her intention was to assist investigators in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Two men identified as Haruna Mamuda and Sadiq Umar have been convicted for falsely parading themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to defraud the public.

They two men were convicted on a five- count charge bordering on impersonation, criminal conspiracy and unlawful representation by Justice M. Zubairu of the FCT High Court Jikwoyi, Abuja on Thursday, July 16, 2026

Count one of the charges reads: That you, Haruna Mamuda, Sadiq Umar (a.k.a. Abubakar Hashimu Umar), and Salifu Olije Mustapha (now standing trial before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Court 21, Kubwa), sometime in March 2026, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: personating a public servant by falsely presenting yourselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code Act and punishable under Section 132 of the same Act.

Count four reads: That you, Sadiq Umar (a.k.a Abubakar Hashimu Umar) sometime in March 2026, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court falsely personated an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and in that assumed character defrauded unsuspecting members of the public and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 132 of the Penal Code Act.

They pleaded guilty to all the charges when read to them.

In view of their guilty plea, prosecution counsel, R.U Adagba urged the court to convict them accordingly.

Counsel to the first convict, Anamegbumam Innocent pleaded with the court for leniency as he claimed that his client had shown remorse for the offense charged against him, adding that, the first convict is married with kids and had cooperated with the officers of the Commission

Also, counsel to the second defendant, Bemdo Asan prayed the court to also temper justice with mercy, explaining that there have been no previous records of conviction on his client.

Responding, Adagba urged the court to sentence the defendants accordingly.

‘My lord, the first defendant is a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army, his sentence will serve as a deterrent to the society at large. I also want the court to factor in the judgment that they were brought in from the Department of State Security Services, DSS where they are been charged for terrorism financing and kidnapping’ she said

Justice Zubairu adjourned the matter to July 22, 2026, for sentencing. He also ordered that they remain in custody with the EFCC.

The lawyer to social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO), P.I. Nwafuru, on Wednesday told the court that his client is ill in prison where she is currently being held for her ongoing N36 million fraud trial.

Nwafuru said this while explaining the absence of his client in court for continuation of trial in the two-count charge filed against her by EFCC, bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and alleged theft of N36 million.

When the matter was called, Nwafuru informed the court that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service had notified him that Blessing CEO was ill and, as a result, could not attend the proceedings.

He requested an adjournment and assured the court that a medical report would be presented at the next hearing.

Subsequently, Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos adjourned the matter till Monday, July 20, 2026, for the continuation of trial.

One of charges against Blessing reads ‘That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira) from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State, which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.’

ýFormer Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Petra Akinti Onyegbule, has called for greater youth inclusion in governance, describing it as a necessity for national development rather than an act of political benevolence.

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ýSpeaking at the 7th Annual Symposium of the Oladele John Nihi (OJN) Initiative in Lokoja on Wednesday, Onyegbule urged political leaders across Nigeria to deliberately prepare younger generations for leadership through mentorship, trust and meaningful participation in decision-making.

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ýDelivering a keynote address titled ‘Youth as Stakeholders in Governance and Democratic Development: From Inheriting Nigeria to Building Nigeria,’ Onyegbule said democracy could only thrive when young people move beyond being spectators to becoming active stakeholders in governance.

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ýAccording to her, ‘Youth inclusion is not charity. It is not affirmative action or political tokenism. Youth inclusion is good governance. A nation that excludes its young people from governance does not punish the youth; it impoverishes itself.’

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ýShe argued that governance should not be reduced to elections alone, stressing that democracy is sustained through everyday civic participation by citizens across different sectors of society.

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ý’Democracy is not an event; it is a culture. Political office is only one platform for service. Citizenship itself is a platform for service.’

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ýThe former government spokesperson, who is now the Head, Government Strategic, Credlanche Group, maintained that effective leadership requires a combination of experience and youthful innovation, noting that governments perform better when they embrace diverse perspectives.

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ý’Experience provides wisdom, while youth provide innovation. Experience asks what has worked before; youth ask what else is possible. Balanced leadership comes from combining both,’ she added.

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ýReflecting on her years in public service, Onyegbule said serving in the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello exposed her to the realities of governance, particularly in addressing security challenges in Kogi State due to its strategic location as a gateway connecting northern and southern Nigeria.

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ýShe said the previous administration invested significantly in strengthening the state’s security architecture through intelligence gathering, collaboration with security agencies, and community participation.

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ýWhile acknowledging that no administration completes the work of nation-building, she commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining policies and institutional reforms initiated by his predecessor, particularly in the area of security.

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ý’Good governance is not about perpetual reinvention but continuous improvement. One administration lays the foundation, another strengthens the structure, and the people become the ultimate beneficiaries,’ she said.

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ýShe warned against the tendency of successive governments to abandon viable policies simply because they were initiated by previous administrations, describing continuity as a hallmark of mature leadership.

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ýAddressing young Nigerians, Onyegbule urged them to match their demands for inclusion with adequate preparation, insisting that competence, integrity, and discipline remain essential for effective leadership.

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ý’It is not enough to demand a seat at the table. Opportunity may open the door, but competence determines whether you remain in the room,’ she said.

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ýShe encouraged young people to begin leadership preparation through education, volunteerism, and community service, emphasizing that ‘your competence must become your loudest campaign, your integrity your strongest recommendation, and your work ethic your signature.’

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ýOnyegbule also charged older leaders to deliberately mentor emerging leaders, arguing that appointments alone were insufficient without trust, responsibility, and opportunities for growth.

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ý’If we truly believe young people are stakeholders in governance, then we must invest in them-not merely with appointments, but with mentorship, confidence, responsibility and opportunities to lead,’ she stated.

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ýUsing Kogi State’s identity as the Confluence State as a metaphor, she called for stronger collaboration between generations, saying the relationship between experience and innovation should resemble the meeting of Rivers Niger and Benue.

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ý’Experience should not fear innovation, and innovation should not dismiss experience. Together, they provide progress,’ she said.

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ýShe also paid tribute to the convener of the symposium, Comrade Oladele John Nihi, commending his consistency in sustaining the annual event over seven editions and describing the symposium as an institution that promotes youth engagement in democratic development.

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ýShe concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace leadership as stewardship rather than ownership, challenging both current and future leaders to build stronger institutions, deepen democracy and prepare the next generation for national service.

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ý’The baton is already in our hands. History is already watching. The question is whether we will spend our time complaining or building Nigeria.’

Lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong has explained why two social media influencers, Peter Akah and Precious Oruche popularly known as Randy Peter and Mama Pee respectively were invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The anti-graft agency invited the two political activists who were associates of Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC on Wednesday.

It was gathered that Randy Peter and MamaPee were with EFCC until late into the night before they were asked to go and report back today.

However, the anti-graft agency has not issued any statement on why the two activists were invited despite speculations and insinuations on the possible reasons in the social media.

However, in a post on his social media handle on Thursday, Effiong, who is the lawyer to the two activists, explained why they were invited.

The lawyer said he issued the statement in response to growing agitation in the public space on the whereabouts of Randy Peter and Mama Pee.

According to him, EFCC had initially invited the duo to appear on 6th July 2026, to offer clarifications over allegation of abuse of the Naira in separate invitation letters dated 24th June, 2026.

He, however, said he wrote to the Commission to reschedule the meeting to Wednesday, 15th July, 2026 since the two of them were not available on the originally scheduled date.

Effiong said he accompanied Randy Peter and Mama Pee to honour the invitation and meet with the EFCC investigators on Wednesday as promised.

‘After cooperating with the Commission, our clients were released and we departed the EFCC’s Headquarters. We will be going today in furtherance of the investigation,’ said Effiong.

The lawyer said though the interrogation on Wednesday took considerable time, the Commission acted professionally.

He also said the two activists told EFCC investigators that the money seen with them and which formed the basis of their invitation were Props money for entertainment and not Naira notes.

‘Our clients are in high spirits and they appreciate the concerns expressed by spirited Nigerians regarding their safety.

‘We will provide more information about this matter in due course,’ Effiong said.

In a post on X early Thursday, Justice Cracks, a popular influencer, had revealed the pair arrived at the commission’s office around 1 p.m. on Wednesday and were later asked to return on Thursday for further engagement

According to him, Mama Pee and Randy Peter after were released shortly after midnight on Wednesday after spending about 11 hours at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Businesses should stop relying solely on media publicity to build credibility and instead adopt long-term digital reputation strategies that strengthen their visibility across search engines and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, Beta Digitals has said.

The online reputation management and executive visibility agency said the digital landscape has evolved significantly, making it essential for organisations to manage how they are represented across multiple online channels rather than depending on occasional press coverage.

Speaking on the changing nature of corporate reputation, Founder of Beta Digitals, Ifeanyi Onyeka, said many organisations still measure success by the number of media mentions they receive, while overlooking whether their overall digital presence supports the same narrative.

‘One newspaper feature doesn’t define your reputation,’ Onyeka said. ‘People form opinions by connecting everything they find online, from your website and LinkedIn profile to news articles and AI-generated answers.’

He explained that search engines and AI-powered platforms now shape first impressions of businesses, founders and professionals long before customers, investors or partners interact with them directly.

According to him, organisations should view every digital asset as part of a broader reputation strategy by maintaining consistent messaging, publishing expert insights, improving Google search visibility and ensuring accurate information appears across trusted online platforms.

‘Your online reputation isn’t built in a day,’ he said. ‘It’s built through repeated proof of expertise, consistency and trust.’

Onyeka also urged business leaders to invest in thought leadership by regularly publishing opinion pieces, industry analysis and educational content, saying such efforts help executives establish themselves as recognised authorities rather than occasional newsmakers.

‘Thought leadership creates influence,’ he said. ‘It allows people to understand not just what you do, but how you think and the value you bring to your industry.’

He further advised organisations to conduct periodic audits of their online presence to identify outdated information, weak search results and missed opportunities to strengthen their digital footprint.

‘If you don’t actively manage your digital footprint, search engines and AI systems will build a picture of your brand without your input,’ Onyeka said. ‘Businesses should take ownership of that narrative.’

Beta Digitals noted that search engine optimisation (SEO), executive branding, media visibility and online reputation management now work together to improve discoverability and reinforce credibility among prospective clients, investors and business partners.

The agency maintained that businesses would achieve greater long-term value by shifting from one-off publicity campaigns to sustained visibility strategies that consistently position them as trusted voices in their respective industries.

‘The most valuable reputation isn’t the one created by a single headline,’ Onyeka said. ‘It’s the one people discover repeatedly across Google Search, AI platforms, respected media publications and every digital touchpoint where decisions are made.’

Beta Digitals added that as competition for online trust intensifies, organisations that invest in strategic digital reputation management will be better positioned to attract business opportunities, build stakeholder confidence and remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven digital environment.

Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of FCT High Court on Thursday granted application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for final forfeiture of the multi- billion naira properties and funds linked to Abuja socialite, Ms Aisha Achimugu to Federal Government of Nigeria.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for EFCC in a statement identified the properties to be forfeited by the businessman, according to the court order to include jewelries worth N4,645,170, 294.9 billion, 11 exotic cars worth N4.293 billion, $50, 000 and N30 million cash.

Oyewale said EFCC made the application for the forfeiture order after its investigations revealed that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities by Achimugu.

The anti-graft agency said its investigations followed its receipt of financial intelligence showing huge inflows and outflows from over 136 bank accounts linked to Aisha Achimogu which ran into billions of naira and millions of dollars.

EFCC said investigation carried out showed that the huge funds that passed through the companies operated by her were not disclosed as revenue of the companies in their financial statements filed at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

The anti-graft agency added that in the course of investigation, it executed searches at the residence of Achimugu where the assets forfeited were recovered.

It also added that during her interrogation, Achimugu was given Assets Declaration Form to fill, but she did not disclose the recovered assets as her properties.

According to EFCC, investigations showed that the huge funds received into accounts linked to her were not from her legitimate business activities and that the recovered assets were not from lawful sources.

The anti-graft agency said based on the outcome of the investigation, its legal team led by Ekele Iheanacho SAN filed an application for an interim order forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the application on April 23, 2026, and directed the EFCC to publish the said order in national dailies for any person in possession or interested in the assets to show cause within 14 days why the final forfeiture order should not be granted

EFCC said it complied with the order of the court and published the order.

The anti grat agency added that it further filed a motion for final forfeiture of the properties while Achimugu through her legal team filed affidavits to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited as well as a motion to set aside the interim order.

But this was further opposed by the EFCC through a counter affidavit following which the court adjourned today, July 16, 2026 for judgment.

On Thursday, the court delivered judgment and granted a final order forfeiting the assets to the federal government of Nigeria.

The court found that Achimugu did not dislodge the evidence led by the EFCC and also failed to discharge the burden of showing that the assets were from lawful origins.

The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four persons kidnapped during the recent attack on an unauthorized NECO examination center in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the State.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the rescue of the victims was as the outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.

According to the Commissioner, Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.

‘Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued.

‘Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims.

‘A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.

‘Security operatives remain in the forest, and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law.

‘We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official, and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.’

The Kogi Commissioner commended the gallantry and professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local security operatives and all other agencies involved in the rescue mission, describing their swift response as another testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

The Commissioner also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support for the state’s security efforts.

‘The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property.’

He reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration would not relent in its efforts to rid every part of the state of criminal elements, assuring residents that the government would continue to invest in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to keep Kogi safe for all.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday granted the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for the forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The court granted the final forfeiture order after holding that the EFCC had successfully established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from lawful sources of income.

Recall on January 6, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim forfeiture order following an ex parte motion moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

Sequel to the granting of the interim forfeiture order, and in compliance with the order of the court, the EFCC published the interim order in national dailies, inviting interested persons to come forward and show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The EFCC subsequently filed a motion for the final forfeiture of all the properties.

But following the publication of the interim order, Mr. Malami, SAN, and 14 other persons, mainly his family members and associates, filed applications to show cause and also urged the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order on the properties.

They further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to grant the order and urged it not to grant the final forfeiture order.

The case was heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on May 27, 2026, and the matter was thereafter adjourned for judgment.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court held that the EFCC had sufficiently established that the 48 properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, and that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden placed on them, as they could not show the legitimate sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties.

The court further held that the respondents merely claimed ownership of the properties without providing proof of how they acquired them with funds from lawful sources.

According to the court, non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings require respondents to adduce evidence showing the lawful sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties and not merely make bare assertions of ownership.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of the EFCC, in a statement listed the 52 properties linked to Malami to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. However, the Minister can appeal the judgement and if he successful at the appeal, he can reclaim his properties.

But for now, below are the 52 properties to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria by Malami, according to the Federal High Court court order.

Among the forfeited properties are Rayhaan University, Kebbi State, including the Rayhaan University Permanent Site, Rayhaan University Temporary Site, Rayhaan University Third Site, the Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor’s House and Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi.

The properties finally forfeited to the Federal Government are: a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, Abuja (File No. AN 11352); a two-winged large three-storey building situated at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Cadastral Zone A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited); Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, comprising a five-storey building (now luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Jabi, with 53 rooms/suites); Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, comprising terraces; Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Maitama, with 15 rooms); and Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent), Asokoro District.

Others are: Shop No. C52, Citiscape – Shariff Plaza, Plot 739, Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, FCT, Abuja; No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano; Plot 157, Lamido Nasarawa GRA, Kano; a commercial plaza comprising commercial toilets, laundering facilities, warehouse tanks adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market; 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road; and another 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road.

Others are: a four-bedroom bungalow at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi; Shops Nos. A36 and B3, Vegas Mall, Wuse II, Abuja; No. 26 Babbi Drive, BUA Estate, Abuja; No. 27 EFAB Estate, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja; a four-bedroom house with two-room boys’ quarters at No. 10B Doka Crescent, Abakpa GRA, Kaduna; Plot No. 13, IPENT 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja; a bedroom duplex with boys’ quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja; two warehouse shops B40 and B46, Wuse Market, Abuja; acquisition of twin houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 1401, Gudu District, Abuja; and properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage, namely: nine units of three-bedroom bungalows, three units of two-bedroom bungalows, and 5.4 hectares of land.

Also forfeited are the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory in Kebbi State, including the factory buildings, factory machines and plant units, factory mosque, Rayhaan Mill staff quarters, and the Rayhaan Bustan Building.

Others are assets at Azbir Arena, Kebbi State, including Azbir Hotel, Printing Press, Gallery, Gardens, Mosque, Azbir Clothing, and Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket.

Other forfeited properties include the Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi; Rayhaan Security House off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi; an uncompleted two-storey plaza located opposite Central Motor Park (Eastern Park), Birnin Kebbi; Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd. filling station structure along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi, near Jambali Automobile Workshop; the assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano, with 131 rooms; Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano; and the old Zeennoor Hotel building.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting human rights and strengthening adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in military operations.

Shaibu gave the assurance while receiving the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Miss Doris El Doueihy, on Wednesday in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja.

The COAS said respect for human rights, protection of civilians and stronger civil-military relations remained critical to enhancing operational effectiveness and public confidence in the Armed Forces.

He described the ICRC as a trusted strategic partner whose longstanding collaboration with the Nigerian Army had strengthened humanitarian action, operational professionalism and stability in conflict-affected areas.

Shaibu said the army had fully integrated International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and standard rules of engagement into training programmes at all levels.

According to him, the Nigerian Army remains committed to implementing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting global best practices that support mission success while safeguarding civilian lives.

He reiterated the Army’s resolve to sustain collaboration with humanitarian organisations in line with international standards as well as Nigeria’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Earlier, El Doueihy commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation with the ICRC.

She said the collaboration had significantly enhanced the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

She also acknowledged the Army’s progress in detention management and its commitment to upholding internationally accepted humanitarian standards.