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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military commanders to focus on troops welfare and embrace technological innovation as central strategies for addressing the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army’s Senior Command Leadership Seminar held in Lagos, General Oluyede—represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Major General Henry Wesley—stressed the importance of placing soldiers at the core of military decision-making through the implementation of the “soldier-at-risk” concept.

“We must ensure that every soldier feels valued, supported, and empowered. Their welfare must be our primary responsibility, which is essential for creating a combat-ready and resilient force,” he said.

The COAS described the “soldier-at-risk” framework not as a theoretical ideal but as a moral and operational necessity, aimed at strengthening the military’s human capital. He emphasized that troop morale and motivation are fundamental to military effectiveness.

General Oluyede advocated for sustained investment in programmes that support soldiers’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, including comprehensive healthcare, mental health services, and family assistance schemes.

The week-long seminar, which brought together top army officers and strategic stakeholders in defence, addressed key themes such as digital transformation, joint operations coordination, media management, and innovation in military operations. A key highlight of the discourse was the need for accountability and transparency in military leadership.
“The soldier first concept is not just an ideal for leadership behaviours, but a commitment that we embody in our leadership practices. We must ensure that every soldier feels valued, supported and empowered.

“We must foster a culture where soldiers are encouraged to voice their concerns and contribute to operational solutions. Leadership must reflect the values we profess,” Oluyede stated, quoting psychologist Jack Miner, who says that “A man’s reputation is the opinion people have of him, but his character is what he really is.”
In line with the Nigerian Army’s 2025 training vision, participants also discussed the imperative of modernizing training regimes to include adaptive, technology-driven approaches. The COAS noted that modern combat environments demand not only technical proficiency but also critical thinking and agility from soldiers.

“Investing in state-of-the-art equipment and cyber capabilities is no longer optional. Our soldiers must be equipped with the latest tools and trained to leverage these technologies for maximum operational advantage,” he added.

He urged commanders to return to their various units and formations with the insights gained from the seminar and to implement them in ways that improve operational and administrative effectiveness.

“I urge each of you to critically review the takeaways from this seminar and translate them into impactful strategies. The future of the Nigerian Army depends on the collective actions we take today,” he charged.

The Army Chief concluded by commending the Chief of Training, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, and the organizing committee for hosting a successful seminar. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of all participants, which he said had led to “far-reaching resolutions” poised to shape the future of the Nigerian Army.

The Sun Nigeria

As Nigeria continues to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, members of his family have spoken publicly, offering intimate reflections on his personal life, values, and the legacy he leaves behind.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Buhari’s children and grandchildren shared stories that reveal the late leader’s character beyond politics — his humour, discipline, and unwavering commitment to integrity.

Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London clinic following a yet-to-be-disclosed protracted illness. He was brought back into the country on Tuesday and buried in Daura, his hometown. Nigerians from all walks of life thronged Daura to pay their respects.

His death has sparked a wave of reactions across Nigeria and beyond, with many reflecting on his presidency, his military past, and his personal journey as a father and grandfather.

‘He cautioned us not to use what doesn’t belong to us’

Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, popularly known as Nana, one of his daughters, spoke about her father’s strict moral code and the lessons he instilled in his children from a young age. “I remember when we were little, there’s a time he gave me money to buy textbooks. After buying the books, I used the remaining change to buy sweets,” she recalled.

“When I returned and gave him the remaining balance, he said, ‘Nana, that’s improper. If you’re sent to buy something, return the change to the person who sent you. If they choose to give it to you, accept it. But never touch what doesn’t belong to you.’”

Nana described her father as a man of principle, patience, and quiet strength. “He used to call me Madam Nana. We would chat, joke, and laugh together. He didn’t like noise, and even when insulted, he never retaliated — he would just look at you.”

She also said late Buhari had special attachment to all his children. I am deeply pained by his exit, just the way I was devastated when we lost our mother 20 years ago.

“We used to discuss a lot of issues whenever we are together…Sometimes, he used to tell me that whenever he looked at me, I reminded him of his mother.”

Nana added that Buhari’s love for his grandchildren was unwavering.

“He had special names for all of them. There is Mama and there is Babban Mutum. He also loved his relatives and he kept a bond with them.

“He was also in love with animals, including his cattle. He had turtles and peacocks,” she said.

She also shared a moment from his final days. “During his treatment, I went to London to check on him. When he got better, I told him I was returning to Nigeria. He asked, ‘Where are you going?’ I said, ‘Back to Nigeria,’ and he replied, ‘Then go and greet Nigerians for me.’”

‘We are grateful to those who forgave our father’

Aisha Hanan Buhari, one of his younger daughters, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “Losing him feels like losing a part of me,” she said. “What I’ll miss most is his sense of humour. I looked at him as a part of myself.”

Hanan also addressed the public response to her father’s passing, particularly the expressions of forgiveness from Nigerians.

“We have nothing to say to them but to say thank you, Alhamdulillah,” she said. “He had good intentions for Nigerians. He belonged to everyone.”

She added that her father encouraged her to pursue education, prayer, and activities that brought joy and fulfilment. “He trained me to study, pray, and do things that make us happy,” she said.

‘He gifted me a turtle three times’

One of Buhari’s granddaughters, Sa’adatu Muhammad, also shared her memories, including a unique tradition her grandfather upheld. “Whenever a grandchild was born, he would send two turtles — a male and a female — for the child to raise,” she said.

Sa’adatu recalled receiving turtles from him on three separate occasions. “He gifted me some and they died. He gave me another set, and they also died. He gave me a third time but said he would not give me any more,” she added.

She also reflected on the public’s reaction to Buhari’s legacy. “This is a great gift — someone who has the right to be angry but chooses to forgive. There’s a video of him apologising after he left office, which went viral. People saw it.”

Sa’adatu defended her grandfather’s reputation, saying, “Human beings are not infallible. Everyone has lapses. But no matter what you think of him, you can’t call Baba a thief, and you can’t call him a tyrant.”

Domestic staff share emotional memories

Suleiman Sani Kaita, a long time member of Muhammadu Buhari’s domestic staff who personally served the late president his meals and drinks, has shared heartfelt reflections on their final moments together.

“We had a good working relationship with him. He loved us, and we loved him dearly,” Kaita said. “We pray that Allah forgives him, admits him into Jannah, and gives us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Kaita also revealed Buhari’s simple culinary preferences. “His favourite food was boiled potatoes and eggs. He was a regular tea person and doesn’t eat much — he preferred light meals.”

Aliyu Maiwada Masanawa, another member of Buhari’s domestic staff, recalled the warmth and affection the former president showed him over the years, “Since I met him, he treated me like his grandchild.

“He even gave me a pet name — ‘Malam Dogo’— and people used to fondly joke with me about it.”
He described his time with Buhari as filled with joy and fond memories, saying the late president’s humility and kindness left a lasting impression on those who worked closely with him.

Daily trust

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University.

This was disclosed in a terse statement by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

“President Tinubu renames University of Maiduguri as MUHAMMADU Buhari University. President Tinubu announced the honour at the session of tributes of the Federal Executive Council to his late predecessor,” he wrote on X.

Dailypost

A wanted criminal ringleader, simply identified as Tambaya, has been arrested by security forces in Kwara State in an ongoing operation by security forces against criminal elements.

Tambaya is alleged to be behind violent criminal activities in Edu and Patigi local government areas in Kwara North Senatorial District.

About 15 other masterminds were also arrested alongside Tambaya during the operation in which several criminals were also neutralized in a gun battle with security forces.

Our correspondent reports that calm has been restored in Edu and Patigi with the arrest of Tambaya and other criminal elements responsible for recent security breaches in the areas.

Speaking on the development, a government official, who wished not be named, said, “Tambaya was the major mastermind of the recent attack on security forces and vigilantes in Gada, Lafiagi which led to loss of lives.

“Tambaya and eight others were arrested in one encounter with the security forces, while several of his gang members were eliminated.

“During the operation, we rescued two victims of their criminality and recovered N11 million which is apparently proceeds of crime.”

DAILY POST reports that the crackdowns on the criminals were at the instance of the state government in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser, state security commanders and local vigilantes.

Dailypost

The Police Command in Sokoto State has announced the arrest of a suspected Lakurawa bandit and the recovery of an AK-49 rifle with ammunition, following a swift, intelligence-led operation.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Ahmed Musa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai.

According to Musa, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted decisively on credible intelligence on Sunday, leading to the arrest of one Buba Magaji from Julirkol village in Silame Local Government Area.

“His arrest was based on a specific tip-off identifying him as a close associate of the Lakurawa bandit syndicate, a group notorious for terrorising communities across multiple local government areas in the state.

“During the investigation, Magaji confessed to being involved in various criminal activities linked to the syndicate.

“He also revealed the location where he had hidden an AK-49 rifle in the bush along the Silame axis,” he said.

The commissioner added that following his lead, police operatives on Wednesday conducted a meticulous search of the area and recovered an AK-49 rifle, a magazine, and 22 rounds of live ammunition.

Musa described the arrest and arms recovery as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

“This operation is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of actionable intelligence and the dedication of our anti-kidnapping unit.

“It directly disrupts the operations of a group that has inflicted immense suffering in Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo LGAs,” he stated.

The CP commended the vigilance of community members whose tip-off led to the successful operation and urged continued public cooperation in the fight against crimes.

Musa reassured the residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminality in the state.

Dailypost

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Thursday dismissed claims by the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, that FETO terrorists are still active in Nigeria.

Poroy had claimed that members a group designated as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation are operating in Nigeria.

The ambassador who spoke at an event to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day in Abuja, alleged that the terrorist group is operating under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.

Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, described the ambassador’s claim as unofficial.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kangye said Nigeria cannot be distracted by claims not in line with its intelligence and national interest.

He said: “Information from the person you are talking about, as far as Defence Headquarters is concerned, is an unofficial announcement. Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information.

“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself.”

The defence spokesman cautioned against unverified foreign narratives that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.

Dàilypost

The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has strongly criticized former presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, describing his recent comments on the Nigerian healthcare sector as an “insult to Nigerians”.

Adesina, during a Television interview, stated that late former President Muhammadu Buhari might have died earlier if he had relied on Nigerian hospitals.

He further claimed that Nigerian healthcare facilities lacked the equipment and expertise needed to manage Buhari’s condition, hence the decision to seek treatment in London.

Reacting to the statement, Chairman of the NMA, Rivers State chapter, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, in an interview with DAILY POST, said Adesina’s remarks were deeply disrespectful to the millions of Nigerians who depend on the same health system for everything from basic care to specialized treatment.

Tamunokuro described the comments as reflective of the failure of the administration Adesina served, particularly in the area of healthcare development.

He called on Nigerians to hold political leaders accountable and question whether they genuinely have the country’s best interest at heart or are simply in government for personal enrichment.

“It’s an insult on well meaning Nigerians to hear such statements from politicians and political appointees.

“I mean, there are Nigerians in this country that receive healthcare from the same healthcare system that Mr. Femi Adesina just completely abused and ridiculed.

“And they receive all kinds of treatments from basic medical treatment to specialist treatment. And they have lived even longer than the late president lived.

“So, for him to make such a statement, it means that he has cleared said that himself and the administration he served under was a complete failure, particularly in terms of healthcare.

“Nigerians should actually rise up and begin to ask politicians whether they mean well for the country or they are there for just feeding fat and just extend their pockets,” the Rivers NMA chairman said.

He added that doctors in Nigeria are sacrificing everything day to improve on the health system in the country.

Tamunokuro emphasized that rather than constantly seeking treatment abroad, Nigerian leaders should channel public resources into strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

“Just for emphasis, doctors in Rivers State and doctors in Nigeria are sacrificing everyday to improve on the health of Nigerian citizens.

“And healthcare is expanding. And the scope of care received is increasing by the day and people are receiving quality healthcare and they’re living quality lives.

“What we need to get from government is to create the needed environment for our healthcare to improve from where it is today.

“Rather than running abroad to receive care, politicians should invest money in healthcare and see how the quality of care received by Nigerians is better than what it is today. And that is what we expect to hear from them.

“We expect that going forward, Nigerians should ask politicians clearly what their interests are when it comes to healthcare and the quality of healthcare that Nigerian citizens should get,” he added.

Late former President Buhari died on Sunday July 13, 2025, in London at a private clinic at the age of 82.

Buhari died after a prolonged illness, though no official cause has been disclosed.

He was buried at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday July 15, 2025.

Dailypost

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, is currently holding an expanded Special Session in honour of the late former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.

DAILY POST reports that former President Buhari died on Sunday, 13 July, at about 4:30pm in a London hospital following a prolonged illness.

He was buried in his hometown Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday.

Details shortly…

Dailypost