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Ibom Air: Aviation Minister Condemns Release Of Passenger’s Nud{e Pictures

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The Source
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Festus Keyamo - Aviation Minister

By Charles Igbo

Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, has condemned the release of indecent photographs taken of Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air from Uyo to Abuja.

Emmanson, had, on that flight on Monday, 11th August, especially, on arrival at Lagos Airport, displayed an unbelievable unruly conduct. She went physical with crew members, ground staff and Airport Security Personnel over an incident on board where she, allegedly, refused to switch off her phone on instructions to do so.

However, she was later, forcibly restrained, bundled into a bus, handed over to the Police, arraigned in Court and remanded in prison custody. But in the process of restraining her, she was literally stripped naked, and the indecent photographs, taken at the time,  released to the public via social media.

Condemning the release of such indecent photographs, Keyamo  instructed that whichever staff released them be singled out and be sanctioned.

In a statement Monday on the incident, Keyamo, who said it was a debasing of womanhood, described it as unacceptable.

In his reaction to the incident and the steps taken so far, the Minister said in part: “Aside from the indefinite flight ban imposed on the said unruly passenger (both local and international), by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Police had promptly arraigned her this morning at the Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for criminal offences and remanded her at Kirikiri Prison as she could not provide adequate surties in Court. I have attached the charge sheet and remand order for clarity.

“We also note the scuffle that took place between the unruly passenger and ground personnel before she was eventually subdued. This was because of her uncooperative attitude. While we support the filming of her recalcitrant behavior as evidence to prosecute her, what is deplorable is to release such evidence containing indecent exposure to the public to ridicule her. That is totally unacceptable to us. We will not fold our arms and watch the debasing of womanhood. I have, therefore, directed that whoever released that part of the video containing the indecent exposure amongst the staff, should be singled out and adequately sanctioned.

“I have also directed that the Airlines must continue to train and retrain their staff in public relations and how to deal with potentially explosive situations in order to difuse them promptly or nip them in the bud, except when it becomes inevitable. I have also directed a joint security meeting between relevant agencies next week for better coordination of security measures in situations like this or similar ones we witnessed recently.

“For genuinely aggrieved passengers, there are clearly laid down remedies to address grievances. The Consumer Protection Directorate of the NCAA has consistently advertised these remedies and there is no point trying to take the laws into one’s hands that may lead to dire consequences.”

Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election has, also, in a statement, condemned the public, indecent treatment meted to Ms. Emmanson.

Ibom Air Passenger: Peter Obi Asks Why KWAM1 Was  Treated  Differently

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Charles Igbo

Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, has faulted the glaring difference in the treatment given to   an unruly Passenger on Ibom Air, Comfort Emmanson, and the one given to a celebrity Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popular as Kwam1 De Ultimate.

Recall that Kwam1, had on August 7, 2025, literally held a ValueJet Aircraft scheduled to fly to Lagos from Abuja hostage over a flask he wanted to take on board, but which was suspected to be filled with alcohol. He resisted both the Airport Security and ValueJet’s from confirming the contents. When the Captain of the flight came down from the cockpit to appeal to him to comply, he opened the flask, and in the process, spilled some of its contents on the Pilot and a couple of other people. When the flight was ready to leave without him, he went and stood in front of the aircraft and, in fact, placed his hand on its body. He only “dodged” from being hit by the plane when the Captain powered it, and made a move to taxi off.

For that move, the two Pilots – Captain and Flying Officer, had their licenses suspended by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. But the Minister for Aviation insisted Kwam1 be sanctioned.

So, he was placed on a “no-fly” list for six months, a period which was suddenly changed to “indefinitely until investigations are through.” Not a few people think the sanction could be lifted soon, particularly, after his public apology.

But on Monday, 11th August, 2025, another incident happened on Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on the flight displayed an unruly attitude and went physical on arrival at Lagos from Uyo because she was, allegedly, asked to switch off her phone for take off.

For her misconduct, not only was she stripped naked while she was being bundled out of the aircraft and into a bus on the tarmac, handed over to the Police, she was arraigned in Court, and remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility, Lagos.

While Nigerians condemn her attitude, they are outraged that the same treatment given to her was not given to Kwam1. The questions they are asking are: Why was Kwam1 not arrested by the Police for committing a more serious offence which has been likened to terrorism or, according to Aviation Minister, hostage taking? Why was he not arraigned in Court? And why was he not remanded in prison custody.

One of those who took exception to the differential treatment is Obi. He described it as double standards.

In a post on his X page, Obi decried the handling of Emmanson’s arrest and said justice must be fair. He lamented the dehumanising treatment given to Ms. Emmanson.

His said in the statement where he, also, apologized to the Ibom Air Crew assaulted by Emmanson that another individual (Kwam1) committed

a more serious offence, but was not given same treatment as Emmanson.

While he stressed the need for Nigerians to be of good conduct,

he condemned what he called the “dehumanising treatment given Emmanson who was publicly stripped naked before being hurriedly taken to court and remanded while another individual who held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk remains at large, with some government officials calling for him to be forgiven.”

Obi: “This case is not just about one young woman; it is about the double standards that poison our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.

“While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court.

“We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker. This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as “excellencies” while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.

“The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication.

“Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. The rule of law, based on justice for all, must remain the guidepost of our democracy.”

Ibom Air has, also, banned Emmanson, for life,  on any of its flights.

Tinubu’s Minister, APC Chieftains Bicker Over Governor Mbah’s Defection Moves

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The rumblings within the ranks of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Enugu State Chapter over the fate of Governor Peter Mbah, continued on Monday August 11, 2025, with some founding members throwing their full weight behind the Governor.

The Source reports that speculations have been rife of late suggesting that the Enugu State Governor, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023 ,is set to defect to the rival APC.

His rumoured defection plans which has been in circulation since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Enugu earlier in the year, however, began to gain traction  following the defection of some PDP Governors to the APC within the last few months.

Not a few are of the strong belief that Governor Mbah, anytime soon, may be following in the foot steps of his Delta and Akwa Ibom states counterparts.

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno have since their defection to the APC, been handed down  the party’s structures and leadership positions in their various States, a development which suggests that they will be also handed automatic return thickets in 2027.

But speaking last weekend during a stakeholders meeting in Enugu, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, warned that nobody  including Governor Mbah should expect an automatic return ticket within the Enugu APC.

He spoke against the backdrop of speculations that Governor Mbah is bidding his time to firmly secure a commitment of being handed down the APC’s gubernatorial ticket before joining.

But in his speech Sunday, Nnaji advised the Governor and others who may be  harbouring entitlement mentality to just perish the thought.

“APC has come to stay; that is why from every nook and cranny, people want to join. But as we have said earlier, we want people to come in, however, we will not give them free ticket. They must go to contest.

“Anybody who wants to run for the Governorship of Enugu State, let him come to the APC, and we will go to contest. We are waiting for them” Nnaji stated.

However, while speaking on behalf of some founding members of the party, former Director General DG of Voice of Nigeria VON, Osita Okechukwu, assured the Enugu State Governor that he is “wholeheartedly welcome.”

This is as he dismissed the statement credited to Minister Nnaji ,as  ‘mere rantings’.

“We are at loss as to why Chief Nnaji who himself is a hijacker from the PDP is chasing away a performing Governor Mbah

Our goal is to win the Lion Building ( Enugu state Government House ) for the first time and join 23 other APC States to secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term victory in 2027”, Okechukwu noted

He urged the Minister to concentrate on his official duties and stop distracting and deluding himself.

The former VON DG expressed serious concern that Nnaji has not recorded any meaningful achievements since being appointed as a Minister.

“Let him face his job and stop chasing away people from the Party”,  Okechukwu warned.

Ibom Air Incident: An Eyewitness Tells Emmanson’s Story, Insists Airline Crew Was Wrong

By
The Source
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Ibom Air Bans Passenger For Life
Ibom Air

By Charles Igbo

A passenger, who claims  he was on Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, same flight on which Ms. Comfort Emmanson was, has blamed the crew of the Airline for the incident.

The passenger who identified himself as Tunde Ibrahim said when a flight attendant approached Emmanson over her phone, she told her (the attendant) that her phone was on  “flight mode” but the crew member did not believe her. And, that, on arrival in Lagos, she was prevented from deboarding because it was assumed she disobeyed instructions to switch off. That was, allegedly, when she resisted, and trouble began

Meanwhile, for physically attacking crew members, ground staff, and security personnel, Emmanson was, same Monday, arraigned in Court and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility, Lagos.

Following is Ibrahim in his own words (unedited):

“Do you know I was on board in that flight.

“Everything has to do with putting off your phone at the point of landing.

“And the lady said her phone was on flight mode and the crew lady became adamant until we finally landed.

“After landing, she resisted the lady from coming down saying they have invited the security to pick her up.

“Many of us pleaded but the crew members were very adamant and push the lady back while many of us left them arguing

“As at the time I get down from the aircraft the lady was calm but the crew member were treating her bad as if something was wrong between them

“I wish you all were there to see how they push the lady back on seat as if she a criminal.

“If i knew this will happened I would have waited to intervene. I condemned the way and manner the handle the situation”

“Tunde A Ibrahim”

Ibrahim’s story, however, differs from the statement released by Ibom Air, and the version that it was a passenger seated by Ms. Emmanson who took the phone from her, and switched it off.

Opinions too, are that, whatever happened on board, did not excuse her wild conduct on ground.

ADC to EFCC: Fight Corruption, Not the Opposition

By
The Source
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Bolaji Abdullahi
Bolaji Abdullahi

“Party says intimidating opposition through selective investigations are signs of dictatorship.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of carrying out selective investigations and behaving like a political hit squad for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party warned that this dangerous trend is eroding public trust in the institution and undermining the real fight against corruption.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the EFCC’s recent pattern of action, re-opening closed cases, digging up files from years past, and targeting members of opposition parties is not the work of an impartial anti-graft body. It is the work of a political enforcer.

The full statement read:

In recent days, several senior members of the Opposition Coalition have received EFCC summons that are clearly politically motivated. These are not fresh cases arising from new evidence but new files opened in reaction to emergent political affiliations to intimidate key opposition figures.

The EFCC was created to be a fearless defender of the Nigerian people’s trust, applying the law evenly to all, friend or foe, ruling party or opposition. Today, that vision appears to have been compromised. The Commission now operates like a department of the APC, deployed to fight government critics and opposition figures thereby achieving what the government cannot achieve through public debate.

Meanwhile, we have observed how investigations into ruling party allies quietly fade away while opposition figures are dragged before the court of public opinion with sometimes decade-old allegations that have been hastily revived and dressed up as fresh evidence. This is selective prosecution, and selective prosecution is the death of justice.

It does appear that in today’s Nigeria, one’s guilt or innocence depends on one’s party membership, not evidence. For example, since a certain former governor defected to the APC with his state’s entire political machinery, the EFCC’s investigations into his administration have vanished from public view. Not a question has been asked. Not a document leaked. Not a single update. Yet the same EFCC still somehow find means to reopen old cases against opposition leaders and pursue the stale allegations against them.

It does not augur well for the EFCC if people think that all you need to point the accusing hands of the Commission in your direction is to stand opposed to the ruling party and all that it takes for protection is to align with the government. Unfortunately, this is the widely established perception in Nigeria today, which the commission by  its recent actions, including the ongoing surreptitious harassment of opposition leaders, has given credence to.

The ADC hereby calls on all Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the independent media to resist this dangerous slide into dictatorship and misuse of public institutions to achieve partisan objectives. The EFCC does not belong to the APC. It belongs to the Nigerian people. It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party.

Signed,

Mallam @Bolaji
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC )

“Nwifuru Not Responsible For Radio GM’s Suspension” – Proprietor

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ebonyi State Governor - Francis Nwifuru
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chairman of Legacy Radio Station, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Senator Obinna Ogba, on Monday August 11, 2025, distanced the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, from events which led to the suspension of Godfrey Chikwere, the General Manager of the private media outfit .

The Source reports that Chikwere was on  Saturday August 10 , suspended indefinitely by the Management of the Radio Station for his alleged scathing criticism of Governor Nwifuru.

Chikwere was said to have used his personally anchored talk show to launch a scurrilous tirade against the Governor’s leadership style .

He was said to have specifically described the Ebonyi State Governor as a weakling, who is not in control of his Government.

Expectedly, the suspension has been drawing defeaning flaks and outright condemnation from not a few people within and outside Ebonyi State.

The critics perceive the development as an unmitigated assault on press freedom and democracy in the country.

There have also been widespread insinuations that the suspension may have been strongly influenced by Governor Nwifuru, using his close personal and political relationship with Senator Ogba, the proprietor of the Radio Station.

Instructively, Chikwere, popular as Baby Mouth, within the media circle in the State, has pleaded his innocence, insisting that he has always adhered to professional standards in his activities.

He noted that during the said talk show, he conducted himself professionally.

” I never had a hidden agenda ,or personal interest, but just communicated my opinion. I have the Governor’s interest at heart, and I think such was misunderstood”, he noted .

Curiously, his position on the supposed weakness of the Governor has resonated with a larger part of the residents.

But while reacting to the development, Senator Ogba who represented Ebonyi North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, insisted that Chikwere’s suspension was informed by his flagrant disregard for the Radio Station’s Code of Conduct.

According to the former Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Chikwere had, before now, been severally cautioned for his tendency of flouting established extant rules and regulations guiding the operation of the broadcasting outfit.

“I warned him severally on the non-adherence to the station’s Code of Conduct, and now, I can bear it no longer. Chikwere, therefore, had to make way”, Ogba stated.

He expressed serious regret that Governor Nwifuru is now mischievously being dragged into a purely internal disciplinary action taken by the  Management of the Radio Station against an erring staff

” I feel so bad to hear that the Governor directed the suspension of Chikwere  because it amounts to an insult on my person.

” I inaugurated the station even before Governor Nwifuru came into office”, Senator Ogba added .

Suspected Kidnappers Arrested In Ondo While Sharing Booty

By
Ayodele Oni
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Suspected Kidnappers Arrested In Ondo While Sharing Booty

By Ayodele Oni

A few hours after the release of the abducted Staff of the Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Mr Omoniyi Eleyinmi, three of his suspected kidnappers have been arrested.

Eleyinmi, regained his freedom on Sunday, after an undisclosed ransom was paid, according to one of his colleagues.

In a  a viral video, the suspects were apprehended while sharing the money collected for Eleyinmi’s release in the forest around Ago panu, a village between Oba Akoko and Owo in Ondo State.

The victim was abducted by gunmen at his residence along Akungba-Supare Akoko road last week’s Sunday.

The suspects were said to have been arrested by local hunters.

However, confirming the arrest, the Ondo State Police Command’s Spokesman, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade said the force men made the arrest.

The PPRO said “I can confirm to you that our operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the kidnapping of 2 AAUA lecturer. The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and interrogation.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Ondo State Police Command, Adebowale Lawal, has directed the suspects and all exhibit recovered be transferred to the anti-kidnapping squad for discreet and thorough investigation.

Update: Ibom Air: Unruly Passenger, Emmanson Charged To Court, Remanded In Kirikiri

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ibom Air Bans Passenger For Life
Ibom Air

By Akinwale Kasali

Comfort Emmanson, the female Passenger who assaulted Ibom Air’s crew and clashed with airport security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos has been charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri Prison.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, through his spokesperson, Tunde Moshood, made this disclosure on X Handle.

He stated: “The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on Uyo-Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri.”

It would be recalled that  Emmanson, on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos assaulted the airline’s crew and clashed with airport security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Sunday.

According to the airline, she refused to comply with the order to switch off her phone until the Pilot-in-command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger, seated beside her, took the phone and switched it off.

The statement reads: “This action prompted a verbal tirade from Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

“Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw them to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times, and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.

“By this time, the Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security. Before security could arrive, the purser, as seen in the viral video on the internet, prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft until security arrived. The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel did not deter the passenger, as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and FAAN security. She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force.

“Even after disembarking, she continued to assault both Ibom Air and FAAN security staff and even slapped the ground supervisor.

“The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel restriction on Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft.”

Yelewata: Women Block Benue/Nasarawa Link Road As Herdsmen Kill Three

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Fulani Herdsmen - Cattle Breeders

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hundreds of women in beleaguered Yelewata Community, Guma Local Government of Benue state  on Monday, August 11, 2025, embarked on a protest against continued attacks on their community by suspected killer – herdsmen.

The protest was sparked by an alleged killing of no fewer than three persons on their farms early Monday morning by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

The attack, according to Matthew  Mnayam, a retired public servant and local leader, also, led to three others sustaining life-threatening gunshots injuries.

The women were said to be particularly aggrieved that the attack occured right under the watch  of military personnel stationed in the area  who refused to intervene

According to eyewitness accounts, the task of repelling the attack was left solely to the police and youths who mobilized to the scene.

“This morning (Monday morning) three persons were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen while three others were discovered with severe gunshot injuries from the attack, leaving them in critical condition as we speak.

“This prompted a protest by women from the Yelewata Community .

“The Commissioner of Police CP is there at the moment trying to handle the matter, while I have sent a message to the Secretary of Guma Local Government Area to reach out the Chairman to intervene”, Mnyam informed.

Maurice Orwough, the Chairman of Guma Local Council, while speaking on the latest round of attack on the area, appealed to all stakeholders to be united in their pursuit of peace.

The protesting women who barricaded the ever busy Benue/Nasarawa link road demanded the immediate vacation of their  area by soldiers since they cannot protect them.

They insisted on not leaving the road , until the soldiers leave their community.

The Source reports that the latest incident is coming barely two months after over  150 persons were killed by suspected killer herdsmen.

The attack, which was unleashed on the community in June, also led to the destruction of several homes with over 2000 rendered homeless.

The audacious attack, the most dastardly in recent memory, also placed Yelewata on the global spot.

Nigeria Army Neutralises Terrorist Kingpin

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Soliders on Duty

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Army recorded a significant operational successes across the country when it neutralised a notorious terrorist Commander, arrested criminal suspects, and recovered assorted weapons in its ongoing operations.

Giving an account of its successful nationwide Operations, Lt. Col. Apollonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations Officer, said that on 7th August 2025, troops of 3 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Rann Kala in Balge Local Government Area of Borno State repelled an attack by ISWAP/JAS terrorists.

Anele said during exploitation at first light, troops discovered the corpses of three terrorists, including their top commander, identified as Amirul Fiya (aka Abu Nazir).

Blood trails at the scene indicated other terrorists escaped with injuries.

The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, an unexploded ordnance, two rocket-propelled grenades, and other items.

In a follow-up operation on 9 August, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force/Hybrid Force discovered another terrorist’s corpse and recovered one QJC 88-barrel gun, one AA gun tripod, 20 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition, a backpack, and a bicycle.

In Zamfara State, on 8th August 2025, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities along  Gusau–Kaura Namoda road in Unguwar Sariki Musulmi, Kaura Namoda LGA.

The swift response forced the terrorists to flee, leading to the rescue of two kidnapped victims who have since been reunited with their families.

Similarly, in Ebonyi State on 9th August 2025, troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment intervened in a communal crisis between Iyimagwu and Ekpomaka communities in Ikwo LGA. The troops came under fire from an abandoned building and responded decisively, neutralising one armed criminal.

The operation yielded to the recovery of one G3 rifle, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and four hand grenades.

These successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s sovereignty, protect law-abiding citizens, and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate. The Army remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria, she said.

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