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’

Woman Sparks Debate After Sending ₦500,000 Tithe from ₦5m Cooperative Loan

A viral social media post has sparked widespread reactions after a woman reportedly sent part of a ₦5 million cooperative loan as tithe to her pastor immediately after the funds were disbursed.

The incident was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user X (formerly Twitter) handle @kenkelewu, who claimed to be an eyewitness to the development.

According to the post, the woman contacted her pastor shortly after receiving the loan and requested the church’s account details. She then allegedly transferred ₦500,000—representing 10% of the loan—as tithe.

The X user further narrated that the decision prompted a personal reaction, stating that they distanced themselves from the woman afterward, maintaining only minimal social interaction.

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The story quickly gained traction online, with many users expressing mixed opinions about the appropriateness of paying tithe from borrowed funds. Some commenters argued that loans should not be treated as income, while others maintained that religious obligations remain a personal conviction regardless of the source of funds.

One user noted that not all inflows of money should be considered financial gain, emphasizing the difference between income and debt. Another commenter described tithing as a personal spiritual practice that should be voluntary rather than compulsory.

Others, however, criticized the decision, arguing that committing borrowed funds to religious giving could lead to financial strain, especially when repayment obligations are considered.

The incident has since fueled broader discussions around financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and the balance between religious practices and personal finance management.

Observers note that such cases often highlight the importance of understanding loan terms, repayment schedules, and prioritizing essential financial obligations before discretionary commitments.

As reactions continue online, the viral post remains a talking point, reflecting differing perspectives on faith, money management, and personal financial responsibility among social media users.

Woman Sparks Debate After Sending ₦500,000 Tithe from ₦5m Cooperative Loan

Court Orders Man to Sweep Mosque for One Month Over Cable Theft

A Magistrates’ Court in Abuja has sentenced a businessman, Musa Ibrahim, to one month of sweeping duties at Amir Mosque in Wuse II after he was found guilty of stealing electrical cables valued at about ₦2 million.

The judgment was delivered by Magistrate Lami Sani following Ibrahim’s guilty plea to charges of mischief and theft. The court opted for a non-custodial sentence, combining punishment with community service as part of efforts to encourage accountability and rehabilitation.

According to the prosecution counsel, A.A. Adeleju, the convict unlawfully gained access to the mosque premises on March 5 under the guise of collecting Ramadan food. While others queued for the meal, Ibrahim reportedly used the back entrance to remove electrical cables from the facility.

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The prosecutor told the court that the defendant later confessed to the crime during police interrogation, and the stolen cables were recovered from him.

Before sentencing, Ibrahim pleaded for leniency, expressing remorse and assuring the court that he would not repeat the offence. His plea was considered by the magistrate, who imposed the sweeping order as part of the penalty.

The court’s decision reflects a growing use of community service sentences in Nigeria for certain offences, particularly where the accused shows remorse and the offence is not violent. Legal observers note that such rulings aim to decongest correctional facilities while still ensuring justice is served.

The ruling also underscores the judiciary’s stance on protecting places of worship and public infrastructure from vandalism and theft. Authorities have repeatedly warned against acts that undermine community facilities, stressing that offenders will face legal consequences.

Residents and worshippers at the mosque were reassured that the recovered cables have been returned, while security measures around public spaces are expected to be reinforced to prevent similar incidents.

Court Orders Man to Sweep Mosque for One Month Over Cable Theft