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Nigeria News (Standard)

NSC Faces Criticism in Abuja Over Failed Bid for 2031 African Games

Stakeholders fault National Sports Commission’s document errors as Uganda secures hosting rights after AU committee process

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Stakeholders fault National Sports Commission’s document errors as Uganda secures hosting rights after AU committee process

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is under intense scrutiny in Abuja after Nigeria’s unsuccessful bid to host the 2031 African Games, with key stakeholders blaming the commission’s handling of the bidding process. The controversy erupted on Saturday following confirmation that Uganda, not Nigeria, would host the continental event, with critics highlighting alleged flaws in Nigeria’s submission.

According to several stakeholders who spoke on condition of anonymity, questions have arisen over why NSC repurposed documents from Nigeria’s previous bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games without thoroughly reviewing them for errors before submitting them for the African Games. They argued that this approach led to elementary mistakes that weakened Nigeria’s proposal and ultimately contributed to the country losing out to Uganda.

The NSC, led by Director General Bukola Olopade, had earlier claimed that Nigeria withdrew its bid before the winner was announced, citing a supposed agreement by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) to rotate hosting rights among regions. However, critics dismissed this explanation, noting that the African Union (AU), through a specialised committee, oversees the bidding process and that ANOCA has no official role in selecting hosts for the African Games.

Stakeholders further disclosed that Uganda emerged as the preferred host after winning the first round of bidding in March and April this year. The decision was ratified by African Ministers of Sports at a meeting on 2 June 2026. They insisted that Nigeria’s withdrawal was not voluntary but a consequence of procedural missteps and lacklustre preparation by officials responsible for compiling and submitting key documents.

With Nigeria missing out on hosting duties, there are growing calls within sporting circles for reforms at NSC and greater transparency in future international sports bids. As at press time, NSC had not issued an official statement addressing these criticisms or outlining steps to improve future submissions.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/nsc-under-fire-over-african-games-failed-bid/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania

Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces

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June 11, 2026

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Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces

A senior officer of the Nigerian Army has made history in the United States by becoming the first Nigerian to achieve top honours at the US War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The achievement, which was confirmed on Thursday, June 11, highlights a significant milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces on the international stage.

According to information released by military authorities, the officer distinguished himself among peers from several countries during his academic and leadership programmes at the institution. His performance reportedly surpassed previous records set by Nigerians and other international participants at the college.

The US War College is recognised globally for grooming senior military leaders and strategists. Nigeria’s army has maintained a tradition of sending selected officers for advanced training there as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. This latest accomplishment is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in international military circles and is expected to inspire other officers within the service.

While official statements from Defence Headquarters praised the officer’s commitment and excellence, some security analysts described the feat as evidence of improvement in Nigeria’s military training standards. “This shows that with proper support and exposure, Nigerian officers can compete favourably anywhere in the world,” one analyst said.

The officer is expected to return to Nigeria soon, where he will be decorated in an official ceremony. The Army says his success underscores its commitment to investing in human capital development. Stakeholders believe this will motivate more personnel to pursue excellence both locally and internationally.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886915-nigerian-army-officer-makes-history-at-us-war-college.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Army GOC Commissions New Barracks in Rivers, Honours Fallen Soldiers at 29 Battalion

Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy

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June 11, 2026

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Major General Emekah says improved troop welfare remains top priority under Chief of Army Staff Shaibu’s command philosophy

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has commissioned newly renovated accommodation and a Heroes Memorial Stand at the Headquarters of the 29 Battalion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event, which held on 8 June 2026, saw the Army reaffirm its commitment to the welfare and morale of personnel serving in the South-South region.

During the commissioning ceremony, Major General Emekah stressed that sound administration and improved living conditions are central to the command philosophy of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. He stated that providing decent accommodation is critical for boosting troops’ morale and ensuring operational effectiveness as they confront contemporary security challenges in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The GOC commended Lieutenant Colonel Irinam Otogo, Commanding Officer of the 29 Battalion, for demonstrating leadership by executing projects targeted at raising living standards for soldiers under his command. According to Emekah, such investments are necessary to maintain a highly motivated and combat-ready force. “Welfare of our troops is not just a routine; it is an ongoing priority that ensures our men remain focused and ready to defend national interests,” he said at the event.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a Heroes Memorial Stand in honour of officers and men who lost their lives in service. While the Nigerian Army did not disclose casualty figures during the event, Emekah emphasised that remembering fallen heroes is vital for building esprit de corps among serving personnel.

As at press time, representatives from civil society groups were not present at the occasion and opposition parties have yet to comment on the development. The Army has indicated that further barracks renovation projects are planned across key formations in Rivers and neighbouring states under ongoing welfare initiatives led by Army headquarters.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/army-reaffirms-commitment-to-troops-welfare-honours-fallen-heroes/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

ISWAP Bomb Expert and Senior Commander Surrender to Nigerian Army in Borno

Military confirms high-profile defections as security forces intensify operations against insurgents in North-East region

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June 11, 2026

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Military confirms high-profile defections as security forces intensify operations against insurgents in North-East region

A senior bomb expert and top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to Nigerian military authorities in Borno State, officials announced on Thursday. The development comes as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by the armed forces in the North-East.

According to security sources, the ISWAP operatives turned themselves in to troops stationed in Borno, where military operations have been intensified against insurgent hideouts. The surrender reportedly took place earlier this week, though the army did not disclose specific details about the identities of the former militants or the exact location for operational reasons.

The surrender of a bomb specialist and a senior field commander is considered significant by security analysts, given ISWAP’s reputation for deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and carrying out coordinated attacks on both civilian and military targets. The North-East, particularly Borno State, has been at the centre of the over a decade-long insurgency that has displaced millions and caused thousands of deaths.

Military officials welcomed the development as evidence that sustained pressure on ISWAP camps is yielding results. “Our intensified operations are forcing many terrorists to reconsider their position,” an official said, urging other insurgents to lay down their arms. There was no immediate response from ISWAP or independent verification from local authorities.

Security experts say such high-profile defections could weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity in the region, but warn that continued vigilance is needed. The military has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace across affected communities, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies as clearance operations continue.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/886913-iswap-bomb-expert-senior-commander-surrender-to-nigerian-military-official.html

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