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Troops Foil B’Haram Attack In Niger Republic, Kill 48
No fewer than 48 terrorists belonging to the Boko Haram sect have been killed by troops attached to the Multi-National Joint Task Force in Niger Republic.
During the attack at Tumour, four of the insurgents were also captured alive by troops.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, who briefed journalists at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, disclosed that troops also repelled Boko Haram attacks in Gwoza, Borno State and Sabon-Gari in Madagali Council Area of Adamawa State.
Highlighting activities of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Enenche noted that, “In this theatre of operation, our troops had some encounters with Boko Haram insurgents/terrorists.
“The troops successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists’ attack at Yamteke in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, in the process four Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized while three AK-47 rifles, two hand grenades and One Tecno phone were recovered.
“Furthermore, Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province attack was successfully repelled by hunters at Sabon-Gari village of Madagali LGA in Adamawa State. During the encounter, two terrorists were killed and One AK47 rifle was recovered”.
He added that, “similarly, troops of Sector Four of Multi-National Joint Task Force successfully repelled a Boko Haram terrorists attack at Tumour in Republic of Niger. During the attack, 48 terrorists were invalidated while four others were captured by the troops”.
Under the Operation Safe Haven, the coordinator hinted that, “The gallant multi-agency troops of operation Safe Haven encountered some gunmen at Kurgwi along Namu – Chibdai road in Quan Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State on March 19, 2020.
“In the process, two notorious gun runners were killed; one AK-47 rifle was recovered among other items. Similarly, same day, four suspected Sara Suka activists were arrested during a cordon and search operation. Seven cutlasses, three knives and substances suspected to be illicit drugs and charms were recovered from them.
“The general public is hereby commended and requested to continue to provide credible information to the troops so as to sustain this trend among other success achieved by troops of the Nigerian military and other security agencies.
“Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as you were informed, could be involved in exercises that can transmute into real life operation. In this regard, during the week, the Nigerian Navy commenced Exercise Treasure Guard 2 at the Western Naval Command area of responsibility to increase confidence of the global shipping community.
“The exercise was approved to transmute to Exercise Obangame Express 2020 (which was supposed to be a multi-national exercise) which was cancelled due to the global health concern. The overall objective of the exercise is to ensure a collective security and protection of our maritime assets.
“Finally, the Chief of Defence Staff wants to seize this opportunity to reassure the general public of the total commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards the protection of lives and property across the country.”
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol