Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued retired Colonel Ajanaku from kidnappers in Plateau State without ransom, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and dismantling criminal networks.

Nigerian Army Troops Rescue Retired Colonel from Kidnappers in Plateau State Operation ENDURING PEACE Nigeria

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have successfully rescued a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd), after he was abducted by unidentified gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Swift Response to Distress Call

The retired officer was kidnapped in the early hours of January 5, 2026, from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, Bassa LGA. Upon receiving the distress call, troops from Sectors 1 and 3 of OPEP quickly mobilized and pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route through the Wildlife Park.

Coordinated Search Operations

Working in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tracking Team and local vigilantes, the troops launched intensive search and rescue operations. They combed suspected criminal hideouts across caves and rocky high grounds within the area.

At about 2:00 PM, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s wife, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million. However, the overwhelming presence of troops forced the kidnappers to issue threats, warning they would kill the victim if operations continued.

Kwara Police Confirm Release of Vigilante Members Arrested by Army in Edo State

Tactical Rescue Without Ransom

In response, troops switched to covert operations, which culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd) at about 5:30 PM near the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA. The operation was completed without any ransom payment.

The retired officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation ENDURING PEACE Medical Centre and is reported to be in stable condition. He will also be debriefed to provide intelligence that will aid ongoing follow-up operations.

Continued Operations Against Kidnappers

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE are maintaining aggressive combing operations across surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal networks.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that it will continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.

Kwara State Police confirm the release of six vigilante members arrested by the Nigerian Army in Edo State, following investigation and profiling. The Command reaffirms its commitment to lawful security collaboration and public safety.

Kwara Police Confirm Release of Vigilante Members Arrested by Army in Edo State

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the receipt and release of six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by Nigerian Army personnel along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to a statement issued on January 6, 2026, the vigilantes traveling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State were formally handed over to the Command by Brigadier General N.N. Rume, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

Investigation Confirms Legitimacy

Following a thorough investigation and profiling, the individuals were confirmed to be legitimate members of a recognized vigilante group operating in collaboration with security agencies to combat banditry and other criminal activities.

Having been cleared of any wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders.

Gunmen Kill 6 in Ilesha Baruba as Kwara Police Launch Crackdown on Banditry

Commitment to Security Synergy

Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, reiterated the Command’s commitment to fostering synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits. He urged all such groups to operate strictly within the bounds of the law.

The Command assured the public of its unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State.

The statement was signed by SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, anipr, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command.

The Nigerian Army has opened applications for DSSC Course 29/2026, inviting qualified Nigerians to join various corps including engineering, medical, and education. Learn how to apply, eligibility criteria, and service conditions.

APPLICATION INTO NIGERIAN ARMY DIRECT SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION COURSE 29/2026

The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of recruitment for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, inviting eligible Nigerians to apply and serve their country with pride. This opportunity is open to both civilians and serving military personnel across various specialized corps.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens between the ages of 20 and 32 years by March 30, 2026. Medical consultants may apply up to age 40. Candidates must be medically, mentally, and physically fit, possess good character, and meet academic and professional qualifications relevant to their chosen corps.

Available Corps and Services

Applicants can apply to serve in the following corps:

– Nigerian Army Engineers

– Nigerian Army Signals

– Nigerian Army Medical Corps (including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals)

– Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

– Nigerian Army Education Corps

Each corps has specific academic and professional requirements, including registration with relevant regulatory bodies such as COREN, MDCN, TRCN, and others.

Conditions of Service

Successful candidates will be commissioned as officers and serve under DSSC terms for 15 years, with the possibility of conversion to Direct Regular Commission (DRC) based on performance and availability. Medical consultants will be commissioned as Majors, while other cadets will be commissioned as Lieutenants upon completion of training.

How to Apply

Applications are free and must be submitted online between January 7 and February 4, 2026 via recruitment.army.mil.ng. Applicants must upload:

– Passport photograph

– Educational certificates

– Professional registration evidence

– Birth certificate or age declaration

– Certificate of state of origin

Printed application forms must be signed and submitted to designated recruitment centers with all required documents.

The Nigerian Army has officially launched its recruitment campaign for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, calling on qualified Nigerians to serve their country with honor and discipline. This opportunity is open to both civilians and serving military personnel who meet the eligibility criteria.

With the slogan “Pride of the Nation”, the Army emphasizes the prestige and responsibility that come with wearing the uniform. The ceremonial parade featured in the recruitment poster reflects the tradition, strength, and unity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Application Timeline

– Opening Date: January 7, 2026

– Closing Date: February 4, 2026

– Application Fee: Free

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng and follow these steps:

1. Select the DSSC option.

2. Review the qualification criteria.

3. Click “Apply Now” and choose your corps of interest.

4. Sign up or log in to your account.

5. Upload required documents:

– Passport photograph

– Educational certificates

– Professional body membership (if applicable)

– Certificate of state of origin

– Birth certificate or age declaration

– NIN/BVN

Applicants must print out their completed form and ensure it is signed and submitted to designated recruitment centers with all supporting documents.

Corps Available

The DSSC recruitment covers specialized corps including:

– Nigerian Army Engineers

– Nigerian Army Signals

– Nigerian Army Medical Corps

– Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

– Nigerian Army Education Corps

Each corps has specific academic and professional requirements, and candidates must be registered with relevant regulatory bodies such as COREN, MDCN, TRCN, and others.

Nigeria ministry of defence

Contact Information

For inquiries, applicants can call 08179269294 or 08109959294 between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily.

This recruitment drive reflects the Army’s commitment to professionalism, national service, and the development of a highly skilled officer corps.

Final Notes

The Nigerian Army emphasizes that all applicants must be free from disciplinary cases, cult affiliations, and must not have tattoos or bodily inscriptions. Serving personnel must present valid military ID and letters of recommendation.

This recruitment drive reflects the Army’s commitment to professionalism, national service, and the development of a highly skilled officer corps.

Nigeria enters 2026 at a defining moment. Minister Mohammed Idris highlights reforms, economic stability, infrastructure, and security investments, urging citizens to stay the course as the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” drives shared progress.

Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters

As Nigeria steps into a new year, the questions on the minds of citizens are urgent and familiar: the price of food, the safety of our communities, and the direction of our nation. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation has a duty to address these concerns directly, with clarity and respect for every Nigerian carrying the weight of this moment.

Bold Reforms for Sustainable Prosperity

The past thirty‑one months have been marked by difficult but necessary reforms. Decisions on subsidies and exchange rates were designed to break cycles of stagnation and lay the foundation for sustainable prosperity. While the path was never promised to be easy, it was promised to be purposeful and honest.

Signs of Stability Emerging

Today, the first signs of stability are visible. December 2025 marked the thirteenth consecutive month of business expansion. Multinational firms are reassessing Nigeria with renewed interest. GDP is growing, inflation is declining, and external reserves are strengthening—figures that represent the groundwork for lasting improvements in everyday life.

Direct Interventions That Touch Lives

Building on macroeconomic stability, the government has prioritized interventions that directly impact citizens:

– NELFUND student loans opening doors for education.

– Presidential CNG initiative reducing transport costs.

– LEEP, Jubilee Fellows, and 3MTT programmes equipping youth with skills and opportunities.

– Agricultural recapitalisation and mechanisation tackling food insecurity at its root.

Infrastructure and Security Investments

Ambitious infrastructure projects—the Coastal Highway, Sokoto‑Badagry Expressway, AKK Gas Pipeline, and new rail lines—are being advanced to unite the economy and reduce geographic costs.

In security, a new architecture is being rolled out with investments in recruitment, equipment, and international cooperation. The recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states underscores this relentless focus on safety.

Listening to Citizens, Accelerating Relief

The government acknowledges the fatigue that comes with endurance the anxiety over prices, the desire for quicker results. This administration hears these concerns and is committed to accelerating reforms so that relief reaches more Nigerians, faster.

The 2026 Budget of Consolidation

The “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” is designed to double down on what is working, solidify gains, and ensure prosperity becomes a lived reality for citizens.

Nation‑Building as a Covenant

Nation‑building requires a covenant: government commits to clarity, integrity, and accountability, while citizens commit to civic responsibility—paying taxes, protecting public goods, engaging constructively, and rejecting disinformation. Together, this covenant will secure Nigeria’s shared future.

This office, under my watch, will remain accountable and purposeful. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation (@FMINONigeria) is committed to being a responsible, accessible, and truthful channel between government and the people. We will explain, we will defend, we will listen, and we will report. Nigerians will continually hear a clear voice of accountability for the government’s agenda.

Tinubunomics Explained: Debunking Nigeria’s Arithmetic of Illusion

President Tinubu’s Calm and Decisive Leadership

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT, GCFR) has never been one to be fazed by challenges. His leadership style is calm, decisive, and focused on turning difficulties into opportunities for efficiency and progress.

Recent engagements with the United States exemplify this approach. What began as a tense period was transformed into an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen Nigeria’s anti‑insurgency efforts.

Focused on the Future

While acknowledging the gains achieved, this administration is firmly focused on the future. Every moment is an opportunity to double down on reforms, ensuring that tomorrow improves on today. The benefits of reform must be fully realized, and this requires persistence and collective resolve.

Patience and Shared Resolve

The journey ahead demands patience and unity. The politics of division and noise will persist, but the hard work of building a Nigeria that works for all must prevail. A new foundation has been laid—now, together, we must build the house.

A Message of Hope

As we step into the new year, I wish every Nigerian peace, productivity, and renewed confidence in the path we are building together.

Tanimu Yakubu, DG of Nigeria’s Budget Office, explains why viral critiques of Tinubunomics are based on “arithmetic illusions,” stressing the need to distinguish revenue, borrowing, and federation receipts from federal budget realities.

Tinubunomics Explained: Debunking Nigeria’s Arithmetic of Illusion

Nigeria’s economic debate has been flooded with dramatic headline numbers—₦150 trillion, ₦170 trillion, ₦180 trillion—often presented as evidence of mismanagement. But according to Tanimu Yakubu, Director‑General of the Budget Office of the Federation, these figures are built on arithmetic illusions, not fiscal reality.

The Illusion of Big Numbers

Critics frequently lump together tax collections, oil receipts, customs revenues, borrowing, and “subsidy savings” to create inflated totals. Borrowing is treated as income, federation‑wide collections are presented as federal cash, and subsidy reforms are portrayed as instant windfalls. The result: large numbers that mislead rather than inform.

What the Numbers Really Mean

– Revenue ≠ Cash: Not all collections are available for federal spending.

– Borrowing ≠ Income: Loans create obligations, not free money.

– Federation Receipts ≠ Federal Budget: Revenues are shared and earmarked, not fully retained by the Federal Government.

– Subsidy Reform ≠ Vault of Cash: It closes fiscal leaks gradually, not overnight.

Debt and Exchange Rate Realities

Much of Nigeria’s rising debt stock reflects exchange‑rate revaluation of existing obligations, not fresh borrowing. Treating this accounting adjustment as new debt is a category error.

Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul: ‘Enough is Enough,’ President Tells NSA, Service Chiefs

The Logic of Tinubunomics

Tinubunomics is not about instant abundance. It is a macro‑fiscal reset designed to restore credibility, strengthen revenue administration, and re‑price the public balance sheet while protecting vulnerable citizens.

Accountability Through Audit Logic

True accountability requires examining retained federal revenue, separating financing from income, tracking expenditure across debt service, personnel, capital, and transfers, and then measuring outputs—roads, power, rail, schools, and clinics. Anything else is theatre.

The Nigerian Army rescued 31 kidnapped victims and arrested 17 suspects across Zamfara, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained offensive operations.

Nigerian Army Offensive Rescues 31 Kidnap Victims, Arrests 17 Suspects

The Nigerian Army has announced major operational successes across multiple states in the past 24 hours, rescuing 31 kidnapped victims, arresting 17 criminal suspects, and recovering weapons and ammunition. Sustained pressure from troops forced criminal elements to flee on contact, while soldiers consolidated gains and ensured the safety of civilians.

Zamfara State: 25 Victims Freed

Troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 at FOB Moriki, working alongside local hunters, responded to a distress call in Kadage Village, Maradun LGA. On sighting the troops, terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims and fled. All rescued persons were safely reunited with their families in Moriki Town.

Delta State: Cultists and Drug Peddlers Arrested

Acting on intelligence, troops of 63 Brigade arrested a suspected cultist/kidnapper and 11 accomplices in Ezuokwu Community, Oshimili North LGA. Subsequent raids in Ite-Ego Community led to the arrest of a herbalist and the recovery of two pump-action guns and five cartridges. A suspected drug peddler was also apprehended with crystal meth, smoking pipes, and Indian hemp. All suspects remain in military custody.

Nigerian Army Refutes Allegations of Non-Payment and Extortion in Ogun State

Kogi State: Patrols Rescue Victims and Secure Routes

Troops of 12 Brigade conducted fighting patrols from Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases to Ankomi Village and Adankolo, Lokoja LGA, rescuing five kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements. During exploitation, two decomposed bodies were discovered. Earlier, on December 31, 2025, the same Brigade responded to a road blockage along Ayere–Kabba Road, rescuing an injured driver and securing the main supply route with aggressive patrols.

Kaduna State: Suspect Apprehended

Troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village, Jema’a LGA. The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.

Nasarawa State: Two Suspects Arrested

Troops of Sector 2, Operation WHIRL STROKE, arrested two suspected kidnappers hiding around Kadarko, Keana LGA. The suspects were handed over to the Nigerian Police, Keana Division, for prosecution.

Taraba State: Victim Rescued

Troops of Sector 3, Operation WHIRL STROKE, responded to a kidnapping incident in Abong, Kurmi LGA, successfully rescuing one victim who has since been reunited with his family.

Army Reaffirms Commitment

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property nationwide. Through timely intelligence, joint community efforts, and sustained offensive operations, troops continue to deny criminals freedom of action. Citizens are urged to support security forces with credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts.

INEC has refuted claims of releasing the 2027 election timetable, stressing that no schedule has been published yet. The Commission assures Nigerians that the official timetable will be released in line with the Electoral Act, 2022, through verified channels

INEC Refutes Reports of 2027 Election Timetable Release

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has categorically denied claims circulating in some quarters that it has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, INEC described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that no timetable has been published.

Inec offices in Fct (Abuja)

INEC Operates Within Legal Framework

INEC reiterated that it operates strictly within the provisions of the law. Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, clearly states that the Commission shall publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for a general election. Any timetable issued outside this statutory framework, the Commission emphasized, cannot emanate from INEC.

Assurance to Nigerians

The Commission assured Nigerians that the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election will be released in due course, in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

INEC further noted that when the timetable is ready, it will be communicated through its established and verified channels to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Call to Disregard Fake Reports

INEC urged the public and the media to disregard the circulating fake reports and rely solely on information from its official platforms for credible updates.

The statement was signed by Adedayo Oketola, CPS/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman.