Nigeria News (Standard)
AFRICOM Affirms US Military Presence in Nigeria Operates Only by Invitation, Says Defence Headquarters
Defence spokesperson insists collaboration is at Nigeria’s request as over 100 officers receive training in North-East
Defence spokesperson insists collaboration is at Nigeria’s request as over 100 officers receive training in North-East
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has restated that all American military activities in Nigeria are carried out strictly on the invitation of the Nigerian government and within a mutually agreed framework. This assurance was given during an X Space discussion on Tuesday, with both US and Nigerian officials addressing concerns about foreign troops operating in the country.
Speaking during the session titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism,” AFRICOM Director of Public Affairs, Colonel Rebecca Heyse, emphasised that the United States respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and only operates within boundaries set by bilateral agreements. According to her, “Our operations and cooperation with Nigeria are rooted in fundamental respect for Nigerian sovereignty. We operate strictly by invitation and under the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.”
Heyse added that the partnership between both countries would continue as long as shared security threats exist and both sides find value in the arrangement. She said, “As long as there are shared security threats and the framework continues to be of value to both countries, the United States remains committed to the partnership.”
Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Samiala Uba, reinforced this position from Abuja, noting that it is Nigeria that determines the scope and duration of any cooperation. Uba explained, “The cooperation is at the instance of Nigeria. The competencies, specialised capabilities and expertise the United States brings are things we require, and as long as we require them, we will continue to work together under the Joint Working Group framework.”
Uba revealed that hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently undergoing specialised training in the North-East under this partnership. He described these benefits as significant for national defence capacity building. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are benefiting immensely from this collaboration, including skills development and specialised training. There are many operational lessons we continue to learn through our interaction with the United States,” Uba stated.
The renewed assurances come amid public debate regarding foreign military presence in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and terrorism across several regions including Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the North-East geopolitical zone. Both AFRICOM and Defence Headquarters stressed that no foreign troops operate independently on Nigerian soil without government approval.
Officials say ongoing joint operations have helped improve intelligence sharing, operational planning, and tactical skills among Nigerian forces tackling Boko Haram and other armed groups. The Defence Headquarters maintained that collaboration will continue so long as it remains beneficial to national security objectives.
Source: https://punchng.com/us-military-presence-in-nigeria-based-on-invitation-africom/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Miss UNIJOS Queen’s Fiancé in Kaduna, Spark Security Concerns
Recent attack in Kaduna North-West leaves one dead; residents call for urgent government intervention to stem rising violence
Recent attack in Kaduna North-West leaves one dead; residents call for urgent government intervention to stem rising violence
A young man has been killed by bandits in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria, in an incident that has drawn renewed attention to the region’s persistent security challenges. The victim, identified as the fiancé of a reigning beauty queen from the University of Jos (UNIJOS), was reportedly shot dead during an attack on Thursday.
According to local sources, the attack occurred at night when armed men invaded a community in Kaduna. Eyewitnesses said the bandits opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the tragic death of the man who had recently become engaged to the Miss UNIJOS queen. The identity of the deceased has not been released by authorities as at press time.
The killing highlights ongoing security concerns across many parts of Kaduna State and neighbouring areas, where armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on residents, commuters and rural communities. Kidnappings for ransom and violent assaults remain a major challenge for state and federal security agencies, with victims often including students, civil servants and private citizens.
Security officials in Kaduna have yet to issue a formal statement on the latest incident. However, community leaders are urging both state government and law enforcement agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence operations in vulnerable areas. “We are pleading with government to act fast before more lives are lost,” one resident said.
The death of the UNIJOS queen’s fiancé has sparked widespread condolences online and among student communities in Plateau and Kaduna States. Many Nigerians are calling for stronger action from authorities to safeguard lives and property, as families continue to live under fear of further attacks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Approves State Police Bill with 289 Votes Amid North-West Security Concerns
Lawmakers in Abuja advance constitutional amendment as opposition voices protest rushed process; Speaker Abbas presides over dramatic session
Lawmakers in Abuja advance constitutional amendment as opposition voices protest rushed process; Speaker Abbas presides over dramatic session
The House of Representatives in Abuja has approved the state police bill, paving the way for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system after months of rising insecurity. The decision came during plenary on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with 289 out of 290 members present voting in support and one voting against. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, abstained from voting.
Proceedings began with contention as Bashir Zubairu, representing Kaduna under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raised a point of order. Zubairu argued that lawmakers had only received the report from the House Committee on Constitution Review earlier that afternoon, giving them little time to review details on the proposed state police structure. “Mr Speaker, this document was only made available to lawmakers in the chambers, and we are yet to go through it. We cannot do justice to it because we have not gone through it,” Zubairu said on the floor. However, Speaker Abbas ruled him out of order and moved ahead with the day’s agenda despite continued calls for more deliberation.
The debate over state police comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with increased cases of killings, kidnappings, and banditry across several regions, especially in the North-West. Supporters argue that decentralising policing will help states respond faster to security challenges peculiar to their areas. Critics caution that without proper safeguards, state police could be abused by local politicians or escalate inter-communal tensions.
During clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, several lawmakers attempted to raise further objections through points of order. The Speaker ignored these interruptions and explained that electronic voting was unavailable due to a technical fault; instead, voting was conducted manually based on attendance records. Despite opposition concerns about transparency and process speed, overwhelming majority support carried the bill forward.
With House approval secured by an almost unanimous vote—289 for and one against—the bill is expected to proceed to further legislative stages, including Senate concurrence and assent by President Bola Tinubu if it passes both chambers. If eventually signed into law, Nigeria’s policing architecture could see its most significant transformation since independence.
Source: https://punchng.com/breaking-reps-pass-state-police-bill/
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Chair Declares Ekiti Governorship Election Will Set Standard for 2027 Polls’ Credibility
Electoral commission says outcome in South-West state will guide reforms and public trust ahead of next general elections
Electoral commission says outcome in South-West state will guide reforms and public trust ahead of next general elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has stated that the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election will serve as a benchmark for measuring the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Prof. Yakubu made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while addressing electoral stakeholders on preparations for the off-cycle polls.
According to Prof. Yakubu, INEC is determined to use the Ekiti poll as a yardstick for testing new measures aimed at boosting transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. He emphasised that lessons learned from Ekiti would directly inform operational improvements before the 2027 nationwide vote. “The conduct of the Ekiti governorship election is very important as it will be used to assess our readiness and credibility for the next general elections,” he said.
The South-West state’s poll is attracting attention amid ongoing concerns about voter apathy, logistics challenges, and allegations of malpractice during recent elections across Nigeria. Political observers note that INEC faces pressure from civil society groups and opposition parties to demonstrate impartiality and ensure votes count in Ekiti, especially as aggrieved politicians have raised issues with results transmission and collation methods in previous contests.
Prof. Yakubu assured all parties that INEC would deploy both technological and administrative safeguards to ensure a credible exercise. He added that the commission remains open to constructive feedback from political actors and citizens alike. “We are committed to learning from every election. The success or failure of Ekiti will influence how Nigerians view our preparedness for 2027,” he noted.
INEC is expected to release more details on its plans for Ekiti in coming weeks, including engagement with security agencies and training for ad-hoc staff. Political parties are also intensifying campaigns across all local government areas, making the state a critical test case for Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
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