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AU Rallies African Nations Against Terrorism as CDS Warns of ‘Enemies Within’
AU Rallies African Nations Against Terrorism as CDS Warns of ‘Enemies Within’
African Union has intensified efforts to strengthen collective security across the continent, calling on member states to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing and regional defense as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede raised concerns over internal collaborators aiding terrorist groups.
Speaking at a high-level security engagement, the AU urged African countries to improve border security, enhance military coordination, and expand intelligence-sharing networks to effectively counter the growing threat of terrorism in regions such as the Sahel and West Africa. The organisation stressed that coordinated action among member states remains critical to addressing the transnational nature of extremist violence.
The renewed push comes amid persistent insecurity across parts of Africa, where armed groups continue to exploit weak governance, porous borders, and socioeconomic challenges to expand their influence. Analysts note that the evolving tactics of terrorist organisations require equally adaptive and unified responses from governments and regional bodies.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, warned that beyond external threats, the country faces significant risks from “enemies within”—individuals and networks operating domestically who support insurgent activities. According to him, these internal actors provide logistics, intelligence, and safe havens that enable terrorist operations and complicate military efforts.
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He explained that such internal collaboration undermines ongoing counterterrorism operations by weakening intelligence gathering and increasing operational uncertainty. Oluyede emphasized the need for stronger internal monitoring, improved inter-agency coordination, and strict accountability within the security system to address the threat effectively.
The CDS also called on citizens to play an active role in supporting national security by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to authorities. He noted that community cooperation is essential in identifying early warning signs and disrupting terrorist networks before they can execute attacks.
The AU echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of community engagement as part of its broader continental strategy to combat terrorism. It urged governments to involve local populations in security awareness initiatives and encourage timely reporting of unusual activities.
Security experts at the engagement stressed that terrorism in Africa has become increasingly sophisticated, with groups forming cross-border alliances and leveraging modern communication tools. They argued that beyond military action, long-term solutions must include investments in education, economic opportunities, and governance reforms to address the root causes of radicalization.
The AU further encouraged the adoption of regional frameworks, particularly in high-risk zones such as the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel, where multiple countries face interconnected security challenges. Coordinated regional strategies, experts say, will help close operational gaps exploited by terrorist groups.
As threats continue to evolve, both the African Union and Nigeria’s military leadership maintain that sustained cooperation, robust intelligence systems, and active citizen participation will be key to strengthening Africa’s overall counterterrorism strategy and ensuring long-term stability across the continent.
AU Rallies African Nations Against Terrorism as CDS Warns of ‘Enemies Within’
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Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate
Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate
OYO – The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has distanced himself from a recent prayer gathering reportedly organised in Oyo Town in honour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Islamic leader said he was neither informed, invited nor represented at the event where his name was allegedly associated with the gathering.
The statement noted that while the Grand Chief Imam appreciated Senator Alli’s thanksgiving visit to Oyo Town and acknowledged his expression of gratitude to Allah and the people of Oyo State following his emergence as the APC flag bearer, such engagements should be conducted with proper consultation and respect for established religious leadership.
According to the statement, other recognised Islamic leaders in Oyo Land were also reportedly unaware of the prayer programme.
“The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Bilal Akinola Akeugberu, was neither informed, invited, nor represented at any prayer gathering where his name was reportedly associated with the event,” the statement said.
The office of the cleric stressed that Islam places significant importance on accountability, consultation and respect for legitimate leadership, warning against the use of the names of religious leaders and institutions without prior communication and approval.
It further expressed concern that the incident was not an isolated case, alleging that there had been previous instances in which announcements and representations involving Islamic institutions were made without the knowledge of the recognised leadership.
The statement warned that such actions could create confusion and misrepresentation within the Muslim community.
Consequently, the office cautioned individuals and organisations against impersonating or falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam without official authorisation.
“The Office therefore cautions individuals and organisations against impersonating, misrepresenting, or presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam when no official mandate has been given,” the statement added.
Despite the controversy, the Grand Chief Imam reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and collaboration with political leaders, religious organisations and community stakeholders for the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The statement also called for greater respect for traditional and religious institutions in Oyo Land, noting that such structures have played vital roles in maintaining peace, harmony and social stability in the ancient town.
Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate
metro
Iyabo Obasanjo Secures PDP Senate Ticket After Party Switch
Iyabo Obasanjo Secures PDP Senate Ticket After Party Switch
Former Nigerian senator, Iyabo Obasanjo, has reportedly secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial ticket for Ogun Central shortly after rejoining the party, marking a major political comeback ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports from party sources in Ogun State indicate that the former lawmaker emerged as the PDP candidate following her return to the opposition party after a brief period in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Her return to the PDP came days after she resigned from the ruling APC, citing alleged internal party disagreements, lack of inclusion, and what she described as disrespect within the party structure.
Party insiders say her emergence as the PDP senatorial flagbearer reflects ongoing realignments within the opposition party in Ogun State, as political actors position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
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Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, previously served as senator representing Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011, during which she was active in legislative debates and governance issues at the national level.
Her return to frontline politics has been described by supporters as a strategic comeback, with expectations that she will leverage her experience as a former federal lawmaker and former state commissioner for health.
The development is expected to intensify political competition in Ogun Central Senatorial District, where parties are already strengthening structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP is yet to officially release a comprehensive list of its confirmed candidates for the forthcoming general elections, but internal party sources suggest more nominations will be finalised and announced in the coming weeks as preparations continue nationwide.
Iyabo Obasanjo Secures PDP Senate Ticket After Party Switch
metro
P-Square Feud: Peter Okoye’s Absence Delays Jude Okoye’s N1.3bn Fraud Trial
P-Square Feud: Peter Okoye’s Absence Delays Jude Okoye’s N1.3bn Fraud Trial
The N1.3 billion fraud trial involving former P-Square manager Jude Okoye suffered a setback on Wednesday after his younger brother and key prosecution witness, Peter Okoye, failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for cross-examination.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations involving N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Alexander Owoeye, EFCC counsel G.C. Akaogu informed the court that Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, could not attend the proceedings because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled.
According to Akaogu, the development was communicated to the defence team before the commencement of the hearing.
However, defence counsel, Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), disputed the explanation, telling the court that information available to the defence suggested that Peter was already in Lagos and had not travelled as claimed by the prosecution.
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The senior advocate further lamented that he had cancelled other professional engagements outside Lagos in preparation for the hearing, only to be informed of the witness’s absence.
Following submissions from both parties, Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, for the continuation of trial and Peter Okoye’s cross-examination.
The high-profile case stems from a petition filed by Peter Okoye against his elder brother, accusing him of financial misconduct and the alleged diversion of revenues generated from the former P-Square music catalogue.
Peter had earlier testified that concerns about the management of the group’s finances emerged after the brothers reunited following their initial split. According to him, investigations into the operations of companies linked to the group’s business affairs prompted him to report the matter to the anti-graft agency.
During his testimony, Peter alleged that certain royalty payments and music revenues were channelled through entities that were unknown to him, leading to questions about the handling of earnings generated by the duo’s music business.
The trial has attracted significant public attention due to revelations made during earlier proceedings. Under cross-examination, Peter reportedly admitted that he was a co-signatory to the bank account of Northside Entertainment Limited, a development that defence lawyers argued contradicted suggestions that Jude had sole control over the company’s finances.
The defence has continued to challenge aspects of Peter’s testimony, relying on financial documents and corporate records presented before the court.
Despite the allegations, Jude Okoye has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has maintained his innocence since the commencement of the trial.
The court is expected to hear further evidence when proceedings resume in September, with Peter Okoye anticipated to return to the witness box for continued cross-examination.
The case remains one of the most closely watched legal disputes in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, given its connection to the long-running P-Square feud and the involvement of two of Africa’s most successful music stars.
P-Square Feud: Peter Okoye’s Absence Delays Jude Okoye’s N1.3bn Fraud Trial
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