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CDS Oluyede Urges North-East Residents to Take Ownership of Anti-Terror Fight

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Defence Chief calls for community-driven approach to end insurgency in Borno and Yobe, warns of internal complicity aiding terrorists.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed concern over internal complicity fueling the protracted insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, urging residents of Borno and Yobe States to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.

Oluyede made the call after a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, emphasizing the need for community participation in counterinsurgency efforts.

Shift Toward Community-Driven Counterinsurgency

The CDS’s remarks signal a strategic shift from purely kinetic military operations to a community-driven counterinsurgency model, as Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The four-hour meeting brought together top military commanders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers.

Intelligence Points to Local Involvement

Oluyede revealed that intelligence reports show many of those responsible for attacks over the past 15 years originate from the same communities suffering from the violence.

This, he said, underscores the complexity of the conflict, where local knowledge, terrain familiarity, and social networks have given insurgents operational advantages.

Example from Kukawa Incident

The CDS cited a recent incident in Kukawa, where troops discovered wounded terrorists hiding within the community during post-attack clearance operations, highlighting the difficulty of distinguishing civilians from collaborators.

He stressed that such incidents demonstrate the urgent need for community vigilance and information sharing to help security forces identify threats early.

Military Adapts with Advanced Technology

Oluyede disclosed that the Nigerian military is adapting its strategy, including the deployment of advanced drone systems to improve surveillance, targeting, and battlefield coordination.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilians, while calling on residents to report suspicious movements and support ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace in the region.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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