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Nigeria, U.S. Deepen Security Partnership to Combat Terrorism, Banditry

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NSA Nuhu Ribadu, General Dagvin Anderson, Commander, US AFRICOM and Minister of Defence Christopher Gwabin Musa

Nigeria, U.S. Deepen Security Partnership to Combat Terrorism, Banditry

The United States has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria-led security efforts, highlighting a strengthened partnership between the two countries as they tackle rising terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across Nigeria and West Africa. During a recent visit to Abuja, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, held high-level meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and senior military leaders to discuss ways to enhance Nigeria’s operational capacity against extremist groups.

The U.S. commitment includes intelligence sharing, technical assistance, military training, and operational support aimed at equipping Nigeria to lead security operations independently. General Anderson emphasized that joint counter-terrorism initiatives, intelligence and surveillance cooperation, and specialised tactical support are central to strengthening Nigeria’s response to violent extremist organizations such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

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Earlier this year, the U.S. delivered critical military supplies to Nigerian security forces to support ongoing operations and bolster force readiness. These deliveries, facilitated through AFRICOM, are part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address insurgency and criminal networks, while protecting civilian populations in affected regions.

In addition to equipment, the partnership involves training for the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at improving tactical skills, operational planning, and resilience in the face of evolving security threats. The U.S. also approved $413 million in its 2026 defence budget for counter-insurgency and regional security operations, reflecting a long-term commitment to support Nigeria and West African states in combating terrorism and organised crime.

Recent weeks have seen the deployment of U.S. officers to Nigeria to assist in intelligence gathering, operational planning, and tactical coordination with Nigerian forces. This move comes in response to escalating attacks by extremist and criminal groups, including deadly incidents in Kwara State that have heightened concerns over civilian safety and national stability.

The U.S.–Nigeria security collaboration builds on years of bilateral strategic engagement, where Washington has supported the Nigerian Air Force in counter-terrorism operations and assisted Nigerian law enforcement in combating organised crime, drug trafficking, and violent militancy. Analysts say this partnership is crucial for ensuring regional stability, protecting civilians, and strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions.

As Nigeria continues to face persistent security threats, the U.S. reaffirmation of support signals a deepening commitment to joint operational capacity, intelligence sharing, and tactical cooperation, which experts believe is essential for reducing the impact of terrorism and armed banditry while improving the safety of communities across Nigeria.

Nigeria, U.S. Deepen Security Partnership to Combat Terrorism, Banditry

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Four-Storey Building Collapses in Enugu, Workers Trapped Inside

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An early-morning building collapse in Enugu has left one person dead and four others injured after a four-storey structure under construction suddenly gave way in the Independence Layout area of the state.

 

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Sunday on Ogbalu Street, where workers were reportedly sleeping inside the construction site when the building collapsed.

Four workers were pulled from the debris alive and taken to the Enugu State Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.

Enugu collapsed building

Authorities said six people had been sleeping at the site before the incident, but one of them had reportedly stepped out shortly before the structure came down. The body of another victim was recovered from the rubble.

 

The rescue operation has drawn the involvement of several emergency and security agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Emergency Management Agency, Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority and the Police.

Officials are still working at the scene to determine whether anyone else may be trapped beneath the debris.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown as of the time of reporting.

The incident has also renewed questions about compliance with construction standards, site safety and the effectiveness of regulatory monitoring in Enugu.

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Adeleke Orders Arrests After Associate Ajagungbade Is Reportedly Killed in Ife

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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest anyone found to have been involved in the reported killing of his associate, Olamilekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.

Ajagungbade was reportedly shot dead in Ile-Ife on Sunday amid a dispute connected to the leadership of a motor park.

Reacting to the incident, Adeleke ordered Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura to take immediate action against those responsible. The directive was disclosed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The governor also ordered rival groups involved in the park dispute to leave the motor parks while security agencies work to restore calm.

There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book” Adeleke said, while urging residents to remain calm.

As part of his response, the governor announced plans to bring back the Park Management System across the state, saying an Executive Order would soon be issued to provide the legal backing for the arrangement.

The renewed system is expected to regulate the operation of motor parks and garages and address disputes over their management.

Ajagungbade was described in the report as a close associate of the governor and a member of the Accord Party.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those responsible had not been fully disclosed at the time of reporting.

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Police Arrest Two in Delta, Recover Guns, Daggers and Battle Axe

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Two suspects are in police custody in Delta State following separate raids that resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other items, the state police command has said.

The latest operation involved the arrest of Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo”, in Isupe Community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

Police said Nzete was suspected of dealing in illegal firearms and alleged that he ran a shrine used to fortify suspected criminal elements.

Items recovered during a search of his residence included a pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.

The command said detectives were investigating to establish the extent of Nzete’s activities and whether he had links with other criminal groups.

A separate operation also led to the arrest of Joel Iwomi, 36, in Umuebu, Obiaruku.

According to the police, Iwomi resisted attempts by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit to enter his residence before officers eventually gained access and conducted a search.

The search allegedly produced a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges.

Both suspects have been taken into custody while investigations continue.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, said the command would continue efforts to keep illicit firearms away from criminal elements and prevent weapons capable of threatening public safety from circulating in the state.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, illegal firearms and other criminal activities.

The police said information supplied by members of the public would be handled confidentially.

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