Eld-el-fitr Luncheon: CAS Reaffirms NAF’s Unwavering Resolve Against Terrorism

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Saturday, 21 March 2026, hosted Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel at an Eid-el-Fitr Luncheon at NAF Base Maiduguri, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan while honouring the sacrifices of frontline troops engaged in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal AY Abdullahi, the CAS conveyed his goodwill and profound appreciation to personnel for their professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication in a challenging and evolving operational environment. The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar.

In his address, the CAS underscored the evolving and adaptive nature of contemporary security threats, noting that adversaries continue to employ desperate tactics in their attempts to undermine stability in the region.

He reassured personnel of the Service’s sustained resolve, highlighting intensified intelligence-driven air operations, including precision strikes, close air support, armed reconnaissance and interdiction missions, which have continued to significantly degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt their logistics networks and restrict their operational freedom across the theatre.

Air Marshal Aneke further reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to maintaining relentless operational pressure through enhanced inter-service synergy, the acquisition of advanced platforms and precision-guided capabilities, and sustained investment in personnel welfare and capacity development.

CAS Air Marshal Aneke

He paid tribute to fallen heroes and expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief, the Honourable Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Government and people of Borno State for their steadfast support.

The luncheon, attended by senior military leaders, government officials and distinguished guests, reinforced the NAF’s enduring dedication to restoring lasting peace, stability and hope across the North-East.

Amotekun Recruitment Has Become Highly Politicised, Says Gani Adams

Amotekun Recruitment has become highly politicised, says Gani Adams. In January 2020, south-west governors launched the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, in response to escalating insecurity and persistent protests over alleged incursions by suspected bandits in parts of the region.

The formation of Amotekun came barely six months after Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the Afenifere, was shot dead in Ore, Ondo state — an incident that sparked nationwide outrage.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, Adams said that over six years after its establishment, heavy politicisation has hindered Amotekun from achieving its founding mandates.

“The recruitment into Amotekun that we agitated for has been highly politicised. It was only the first recruitment that was made, especially in Oyo state, that was less politicised, but others have been highly politicised,” he said.

“I am becoming more disappointed in the way Amotekun is being run now. It is not like the way we thought it would be. Some state actors have seen it as a place to give employment to their political followers.

“The issue of security must not be like that. If you want to achieve any goal from security, you have to look at the background of the people you recruit to that security outfit because it is a case of life and death.

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“There is native intelligence that must be brought into it, which is very important. Amotekun could have achieved more than what they are achieving now.”

‘I AM HIGHLY WORRIED’

Adams decried the rising wave of insecurity in the south-west, adding that about seven Yoruba monarchs have been killed by terrorists in recent months.

He said the security situation in the south-west is worsening, partly due to the lack of an effective government response.

“I am highly worried, I won’t deceive you. The terrorists have so far killed about seven monarchs in the south-west and some Yoruba-speaking areas in Kwara state,” he said.

“We are not even talking about the ‘baales’, the community heads in Yorubaland. In November last year, I raised an alarm, yet no governor called me to ask what we could do about it. No governor, no security agency, or security officer called me.”

Adams added that the wave of attacks has spread across key areas, including Ibadan, which is very close to Lagos, as well as other parts of Oyo and Ogun states.

“In Lagos state, we know that they have infiltrated seriously. Some kidnappings have been happening in the riverine areas of Epe and Ibeju Lekki, but it is not only northerners who are involved. Some people from the south-east and even some Yoruba are conniving with them. It is an agenda. Some things that happen in Lagos are like a business,” he said.

Amotekun

He advised that the recruitment and management of Amotekun should be depoliticised and strengthened with intelligence-led operations to effectively protect communities.

“As one of the stakeholders, I have written to the south-west governors for collaboration, called the attention of the media in various fora, and even held a press conference to emphasise that all hands must be on deck,” he said.

“Security is not the duty of the government alone; it requires collective action so that the south-west, and Nigeria in general, will be secure.”

Adams also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s recent statement that the issue of state police would be prioritised.

Eid Meeting: Governor Fubara Assures Protection For Rivers’ Residents

Eid Meeting: Governor Fubara assures protection for Rivers’ residents. Mr Uhor thanked the governor for his inclusiveness and for granting the delegation audience.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property of all residents, including the Muslim community in the state.

Mr Fubara made the pledge on Friday in Port Harcourt while receiving a delegation of the Muslim ummah, led by Nasir Uhor.

The delegation, including Islamic clerics and Arewa community leaders, visited the governor as part of eid-el-fitr celebrations.

Mr Fubara said every resident, regardless of origin or religion, was regarded as an indigene of Rivers State.

He said, “This is because they live, conduct business and contribute to the socio-economic development of Rivers State. In essence, you are Rivers indigenes, even if not by birth.

“Because you live here, have your homes and children here, government will protect your lives and property. We will do our best to make Rivers State safe for everyone living and doing business here.”

Mr Fubara commended the Muslim community’s dedication and steadfastness during the Ramadan fast.

On farmer-herder tensions, he noted that Rivers State remained peaceful through strategic engagement and coordination with security agencies.

He urged Islamic leaders to strengthen internal communication to sustain peace among their members.

“It is important leaders engage their people to conduct themselves properly in their communities. You are their leaders, so guide them, so we all work together for the state’s peace,” he said.

Mr Fubara assured the delegation that their requests were under review and would be addressed in line with available resources.

Rivers Governor Fubara

Mr Uhor thanked the governor for his inclusiveness and for granting the delegation audience.

He urged the government to build a central mosque in Port Harcourt and return the Muslim cemetery section to the council.

He stated, “We also appeal for land allocation for a mosque at Rivers State University.