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Nigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has assured that Nigeria will not surrender any territory to criminals.
Tinubu gave the assurance while reacting to series of attacks by bandits across the country.
In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the operation against Bastuji in Kogi State as a major setback for criminal networks operating in the region.
He, however, commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful operations that led to the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Bastuji.
He also hailed the rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd).
According to the President, Bastuji had been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities that had caused hardship for residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities.
He said, “I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals.
“Those who choose the path of violence against innocent citizens will find no hiding place. This success reflects the renewed determination of our security forces to secure every inch of our land.”
The President noted that the neutralisation of the bandit kingpin would help restore public confidence and provide relief to communities affected by insecurity.
Tinubu also praised security operatives for the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, describing the operation as evidence of the professionalism and commitment of the country’s security forces.
“The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians,” he said.
“I commend the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers and men who executed the rescue operation. We owe a debt of gratitude to our troops who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” the President said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide the Armed Forces with the resources, training and operational support required to improve security across the country.
Tinubu also urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat criminality.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and restoring peace in affected communities across the country.
Recall that security forces had killed Bastuji and his fighters while they were allegedly planning to attack a school and residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The joint operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services, officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Also, troops of the Nigerian Army rescued the widow of the late Major General from bandits’ captivity in Katsina State, days after the retired senior military officer died while being held by his abductors.
Mrs Abubakar was freed during a military operation conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade in Tunga Village, where security forces engaged the kidnappers in a confrontation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
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
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