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President Tinubu’s Minister asks Stakeholders to deny Terrorists oxygen of publicity

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged the media stakeholders to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to give prominence to their cowardly acts.

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Idris made the call at the maiden Quarterly Media Stakeholders Seminar organised by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He was represented by the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, at the event with the theme, “Media as a Key Component of Joint Task Force Commanders’ Operational Success”.

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He said the seminar was a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the military and the media in their collective fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality, threatening national security.

According to him, the seminar reflects the deep understanding of the defence chief, of the critical role of communication in modern world battles, especially in an era where information can influence outcome as much as firepower.

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“Strengthening the partnership between the military and the media is essential not only for operational sources, but also for building public trust and fostering a national security conscious citizenry.

“The media, without doubt, is a worthy partner in our national security architecture.

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“As the watchdog of the society, the press must strike a delicate balance between the public’s right to know and the imperative to protect national interest.

“I urge our media stakeholders to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to give prominence to their cowardly acts.

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“Conversely, what the media must not amplify in the spirit of unity and national cohesion is negative rhetoric that trails communal crises as seen in recent situations,’’ he said.

The minister said that President Bola Tinubu had made massive investment in the acquisition of military assets, the training and retraining of personnel, and strengthening of intelligent gathering mechanisms across all levels.

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He urged the media to also serve as a platform to mobilise public support for the military operations and encourage citizens to volunteer timely and useful information to secure agencies.

According to him, national security is a collective responsibility, and the media plays a pivotal role in educating and enlightening the public on how they can contribute meaningfully to this cause.

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In his speech, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the role of the media had evolved beyond a platform for the dissemination of information in today’s complex security landscape.

Issa-Onilu, who was represented by Mr Williams Dogo, said the media had become a strategic force multiplier, capable of either enhancing or hindering the success of military operations.

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According to him, modern conflict environments are no longer confined to physical terrains but now include information space, where narratives, perceptions, and sentiments are shaped in real time.

“It is increasingly evident that public perception, largely influenced by media narratives, directly affects operational morale and civilian cooperation.

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“In asymmetric warfare especially, where the hearts and minds of the populace form a critical battleground, the media becomes an essential conduit through which legitimacy is built, confidence is nurtured, and the will of the people is either won or lost.

“The proliferation of false narratives, manipulated footage, and unfounded reports often propagated on social media can undermine the integrity of military operations and sow seeds of distrust among citizens.

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“A proactive, coordinated, and strategic media response enables commanders to pre-empt and neutralise the harmful effects of such narratives,’’ he said.

The NOA boss called for capacity building of defence journalists to be able to work with high ethical standards. (NAN)

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80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

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80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State under the amnesty programme of the state government.

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The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Sokoya said that the militants surrendered in the early hours of Friday, at Atimbo Rear Area, following Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, within the area of responsibility of the 13 Brigade.

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According to him, the repentant militants emerged from two camps, with one group led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters.

He said that the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.

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Sokoya added that assorted arms, ammunition and other items, were also voluntarily surrendered during the exercise.

He said that these included: rifles, pump-action guns, single-barrel weapons, magazines, ammunition, speed boats, boat engines and other military-related equipment.

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The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Paul Alimikhena, described the development as a major confidence-building milestone.

He attributed it to sustained military operations, constructive engagement and effective collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.

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He said that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment, while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths, and ensuring lasting peace across in the area.

The commander said that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the state’s Department of State Services (DSS).

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He commended the State Government, under Gov. Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. (NAN)

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My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

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My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

A Harare woman, Melocia Gwata, has successfully obtained a court-issued protection order against her husband, George Kusotera, following allegations of excessive sexual demands and physical abuse.

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The case was heard at the Harare Civil Court before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga, where Melocia detailed the severity of her ordeal. She told the court that her husband had coerced her into sexual activity up to eight times a night, resorting to violence whenever she refused.

“He wants to have s3x every day and wakes me up in the middle of the night, even after we’ve been intimate countless times on the same day,” Melocia stated.

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She further described how the abuse extended beyond physical coercion, with George allegedly threatening divorce and verbally assaulting her in front of their children.

“He has been assaulting me in front of our children, shouting obscenities and telling them I don’t deserve to be called their mother,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll the behaviour has taken on her and the family.

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In response, George acknowledged his actions, apologising to his wife and attributing his conduct to love. “I did not realise I was making her uncomfortable. I apologise and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he told the court.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Taruvinga granted Melocia a protection order, legally preventing her husband from further abuse and ensuring her safety.

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Scores of terrorists neutralised after Major attacks on military base

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Scores of terrorists neutralised after Major attacks on military base

Nigerian troops have successfully neutralised several terrorists and thwarted coordinated attacks in Adamawa and Borno States.

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The Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, announced that the successes followed swift and decisive responses by soldiers to attempts by insurgents to overrun military formations in the North-East.

In a statement issued on Friday, Acting Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Solomon Atokolo, confirmed that the operations resulted in heavy casualties for the terrorists.

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He explained that the first attack took place in the early hours of January 16, 2026, when insurgents targeted a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Atokolo stated that troops under Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai quickly engaged the attackers and successfully repelled them. He added that reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force were promptly mobilised to support the operation, ensuring that the assault was decisively crushed.

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“The terrorists were successfully repelled without any casualty to our troops or damage to equipment, forcing them to abandon the attack,” the statement said.

He added that security forces later carried out clearance operations in the surrounding area, scanning for improvised explosive devices and booby traps to guarantee the safety of both civilians and personnel.

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In a separate incident on the same day, terrorists staged a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State.

The attackers attempted to breach the base’s defensive perimeter but were met with fierce resistance from troops. With support from the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms, the soldiers unleashed sustained firepower that compelled the insurgents to retreat.

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Although rocket-propelled grenade fire from the terrorists damaged some troop-carrying vehicles and partially affected the base’s CCTV control room, Atokolo said troops maintained full control of the situation and prevented any further breach.

The military spokesperson disclosed that several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

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Items seized included a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds, and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

The Joint Task Force commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security to the North-East region.

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