CAS Calls for Whole-Of-Society Approach To Consolidate Peace and Security in the South-East

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to sustaining peace and security across the South-East while calling for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to address the root causes of insecurity.
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Speaking at the South-East Regional Security Summit 2026, held on 30 July 2026 in Umuahia, Abia State, under the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” the CAS described the summit as a demonstration of collective resolve to restore lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity to the region.

The summit was convened by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, with the keynote address delivered by Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), CFR.

Air Marshal Aneke commended the South-East Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that despite recent security challenges, the South-East remains Nigeria’s historic industrial and commercial hub. He assured participants that the NAF, alongside sister services and other security agencies, remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements no longer undermine the region’s peace and prosperity.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, he disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified joint operations across the region, with the NAF providing critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), precision air interdictions and close air support to surface forces. According to him, these coordinated operations have significantly degraded the mobility and operational capacity of criminal elements while creating a safer environment for communities and economic activities to thrive.

The CAS stressed that while military operations remain essential, “bombs and bullets do not address the root causes of insecurity,” underscoring the need for a whole-of-society approach to achieving lasting peace. He therefore urged governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and socio-cultural institutions to strengthen community engagement, mentor young people and create opportunities that discourage violence.

South-East

He also encouraged residents to embrace the “If you see something, say something” principle by providing timely and actionable intelligence, while reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to civil-military cooperation through medical outreaches and other community support initiatives. Expressing confidence in the summit’s outcomes, Air Marshal Aneke said the NAF would remain vigilant and committed to restoring peace, strengthening regional stability and preserving the South-East as a thriving hub of commerce, innovation and enterprise.
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EFCC Arraigns Director, Company for Alleged Issuance of N10m Dud Cheque

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Rhas Nigeria Limited and its director, Liwa Sarirddine before Justice A.H. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court for fraud.
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They were arraigned on a one-count charge, bordering on alleged issuance of dud cheque to the tune of N10 million.

The charge read: “That you Rhas Nigeria limited and Liwa Sarirddine (being the director of the said Rhas Nigeria Limited, sometime in 2020 in Abuja within the judicial division of this Honourable Court did obtain credit from Ismail and Partners in the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten million naira) by means of a cheque dated 15th/10/2020 which when presented for payment within three months of the date, was dishonoured and returned on the ground that there was no sufficient credit standing in the account for which the cheque was drawn and you there by committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (b) of the Dishonoured Cheque (Offences) Act Cap. D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(1) (i) and 1(1)(ii) of the same Act.”

Sarirddine pleaded “not guilty” on his behalf and that of the company, following which prosecution counsel Mariya .U. Shariff asked the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional facility, while the defence counsel applied for the bail of the defendant, which the prosecution did not oppose.

EFCC Arraigns Director

Justice Musa granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a Level 10 civil servant. Additionally, both sureties must depose to an affidavit which will be verified by the court registrar.
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Peter Obi, Catholic Bishop meets Obasanjo

Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, amid growing debate over the former leader’s political role ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Photos from the meeting were shared on X by Obi’s campaign photographer, Esther Umoh.

In a brief statement accompanying the images, Umoh wrote, “Earlier today, the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, met with former president Olusegun Obasanjo.”

The photographs showed Obi, dressed in a blue traditional outfit, walking alongside Obasanjo, who wore a white native dress and a blue patterned cap.

A Catholic bishop was also seen with the two leaders during parts of the meeting, with some of the images taken outdoors and others indoors.

Neither Obi nor Obasanjo disclosed details of their discussions as of the time of filing this report.

The meeting comes days after fresh controversy erupted over Obasanjo’s political alignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

However, Obasanjo’s former Political Adviser, Akin Osuntokun, dismissed the claim, insisting that the former president played a key role in brokering a presidential ticket of Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who will contest as Obi’s vice president.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Osuntokun said Obasanjo remained one of the principal supporters of the opposition alliance.

“If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is the Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. As a matter of fact, he is the principal sponsor of that ticket,” he said.

Obasanjo

The latest meeting between Obi and Obasanjo is expected to fuel further speculation over the former president’s involvement in ongoing opposition consultations ahead of the 2027 polls, although no official statement has been issued on the purpose of Wednesday’s visit.
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