By Samson Adeyanju

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has praised Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, for his commitment to strengthening security collaboration with the state.

Speaking during a visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Governor Alia commended Abass for his recent visit to Benue and the Navy’s support amid ongoing security challenges in the Middle Belt.

He also congratulated the naval chief on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as part of the President’s exemplary leadership in advancing national security.

Vice Admiral Abass visited Makurdi on 11 November 2025, inspecting key facilities, including the Navy Barracks at Kanshio, the Navy Medical Centre, and the temporary site of the Navy Provost and Regulating School.

Makurdi was chosen due to the strategic importance of the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), established in Benue following a request by Governor Alia in 2024.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnerships with national security agencies to ensure peace, stability, and protection for all residents, while expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for his ongoing support in combating terrorism and other security threats in the state.

By Huldah Shado

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to eliminating insurgents, terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He gave the assurance during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at the 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina, where he urged personnel to intensify efforts in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to neutralise all threats.

Aneke said recent government investments in new platforms, advanced weapons and improved training place a greater responsibility on the Air Force to deliver decisive results.

He urged personnel to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes by remaining innovative, focused and relentless.

Commending their courage and professionalism, the CAS vowed that NAF would continue to track and strike hostile elements wherever they hide.

He also reiterated his commitment to prioritising personnel welfare, training and equipment, stressing that “a force that fights hard must also live well.”

Aneke said NAF will sustain technology-driven operations to maintain aerial superiority and support ground troops nationwide.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 20 suspects for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, vandalism, and fraud across several states.

NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi disclosed this in Abuja, noting that the arrests were made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad between October and November on the directive of Commandant General Ahmed Audi.

He said eight suspects were apprehended for kidnapping and murder, two for terrorism, five for trading in stolen goods, two for vandalising power installations, and three for fraud.

Afolabi revealed that a kidnap syndicate killed two victims in Nasarawa State after collecting ransom, while one suspect confessed to involvement in attacks in Benue and Plateau States.

Recovered items included rifles, ammunition, a stolen car, motorcycles, electronics, cash, charms, and phones.

He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

Meanwhile, NSCDC Kano Command arrested two suspects, a motorcycle thief and an illegal drug dealer in Kumbotso Local Government Area following credible intelligence.