Gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Plateau State, killing two soldiers and a police officer deployed to protect the institution’s staff quarters.

The victims were reportedly on duty when the attackers struck the residential area of the institute.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the Head of Public Affairs of NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, said a security breach occurred in the vicinity of the institute but assured that the situation had been brought under control.

“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today,” he said.

According to Samuel, the swift intervention of security personnel prevented further escalation, adding that there was no immediate threat to participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the institute.

“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he stated.

Sources, however, disclosed that the attackers allegedly targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin.

The sources revealed that both officials had reportedly received handwritten threat notes pasted on their doors on Saturday, demanding payments of $100,000 and N15 million respectively. The matter was said to have been reported to the institute’s management.

A source familiar with the incident said the soldiers and police officer lost their lives during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.

“During the day, local security personnel monitor the staff quarters, while soldiers and police officers provide security at night. It is believed the attackers came for the officials they had earlier threatened,” the source said.

NIPSS management said security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.

The institute urged members of the public and the media to rely on official communications while investigations continue.

“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” Samuel added.

The management reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of staff, participants, and residents, while commending the professionalism of security personnel involved in responding to the incident.

The bodies of the slain security operatives have reportedly been deposited in a mortuary as investigations continue.

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The 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, Abia State, has announced a planned shooting exercise as part of activities marking the 82 Division Corporals and Below Competition 2026.

In a statement issued by Captain Muyiwa Ayara on behalf of the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the exercise is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Shooting Range in Ohafia.

The training exercise will run from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm and will involve both day and night live firing activities by participating formations.

According to the Army, the exercise is a routine military training designed to enhance operational efficiency, marksmanship, and combat readiness of soldiers.

Residents of Ohafia and surrounding communities were urged not to panic at the sound of gunfire during the period, as all activities will be conducted in a controlled and secure environment.

The statement further advised members of the public to avoid the shooting range and its surrounding areas throughout the duration of the exercise.

It also warned against unauthorised movement within the designated training zone and urged residents to comply strictly with instructions from military personnel and relevant authorities.

The Army assured the public of its commitment to safety and security, noting that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to maintain a high level of professionalism and preparedness among troops.

It called for the understanding and cooperation of the affected communities and encouraged proper dissemination of the information to prevent unnecessary panic.

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has handed over 30 newly constructed housing units to soldiers in Lagos, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to personnel welfare and operational readiness.

The housing units, located within the Marda Barracks in Yaba, were officially allocated to soldiers of the rank of corporal and below during a brief handover ceremony attended by senior military officers and stakeholders.

Represented at the event by the Commander, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (CCEME), Maj. Gen. Adeyinka Ayodeji Adereti, the Army chief described the project as a direct reflection of his command philosophy, which prioritises the well-being, morale, and efficiency of troops.

He emphasised that access to decent and secure accommodation remains a critical component in maintaining a motivated and combat-ready force.

According to him, “the strength of the Nigerian Army lies in the welfare and readiness of its personnel,” noting that improved living conditions would significantly enhance productivity and service delivery.

The housing project was executed by MessageWise Limited, an infrastructure and construction firm, which commenced work in 2025 and completed the project within a short timeframe. The development was formally handed over to the Nigerian Army in February 2026.

Commending the contractor, the Army leadership acknowledged the role of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Henry Nzekwu, for delivering the project to specification and within schedule.

Speaking at the ceremony, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Business Development at MessageWise Limited, Yetunde Esan, expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the firm and the Nigerian Army.

She noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving the living standards of military personnel and supporting national security through infrastructure development.

Also speaking, the Acting Commander of the 1 Base Workshop, Col. C. O. Iruegbukpe, described the newly completed barracks as a landmark development for the Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NAEME).

He pointed out that the facility is the only NAEME barracks located outside the Corps School, adding that the project represents a significant upgrade in both infrastructure and personnel welfare.

“This is not just another building; it sets a new standard and restores pride among soldiers and their families,” he said.

Iruegbukpe further highlighted that the improved accommodation would positively impact morale, strengthen unit cohesion, and enhance the overall effectiveness of personnel.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian Army to address longstanding housing challenges faced by its personnel, particularly among junior ranks.

Analysts note that investments in military housing are critical to sustaining morale, reducing stress among troops, and ensuring a stable and focused workforce capable of responding effectively to security demands.

With the latest development, stakeholders say the Army is taking practical steps to align welfare policies with operational goals, while also setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects within the armed forces.

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The Nigerian Army has released the list of successful candidates shortlisted for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 Selection Board. Interested candidates can view the official shortlist on the Nigerian Army recruitment portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.

According to the Army, all shortlisted candidates are expected to report to the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna State, by 9:00 a.m. on February 22, 2026. The Selection Board exercise will run from February 23 to March 8, 2026.

Candidates are required to bring specific items for screening and documentation, including:

• Writing materials
• Four copies of recent coloured passport photographs
• Four full-size coloured photographs (with full details written on the reverse side)
• Scratch cards for online confirmation of WAEC and/or NECO results
• Personal effects such as white short-sleeve vests, blue shorts, canvas shoes, white socks, bucket, toiletries, cutlery, and bedding

The Army emphasized strict adherence to the reporting schedule and compliance with all instructions to ensure a smooth Selection Board process.

This initiative forms part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing recruitment drive to attract qualified and capable personnel for its Direct Short Service Commission, contributing to national security and military excellence.

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The Nigerian Army has officially commenced the construction of new accommodation facilities designed to house approximately 1,800 personnel in Abuja, reflecting a renewed commitment to improving troop welfare and operational efficiency.

The ground-breaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, was presided over by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu. Addressing military and civilian guests, Shaibu described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to address the pressing accommodation challenges faced by army personnel across the country.

“As I highlighted during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 last week, all ongoing residential projects in our barracks will be completed as planned, and new projects will be initiated to meet our growing needs,” Shaibu said. He explained that, as an immediate response to the shortage of housing, he had recently approved the construction of two 30-family unit blocks in each Nigerian Army Division. These additions complement ongoing renovations across various army formations and units.

The COAS clarified that the new barracks, officially designated as Phase II of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, is a completely new facility distinct from Phase I, which was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on January 23, 2025. He noted that the project represents a shift from short-term solutions to a sustainable, long-term approach to improving living conditions for personnel and their families.

“This initiative is central to our ‘Soldier First Concept,’ which prioritizes the welfare and well-being of our officers and soldiers. Operational success is directly linked to the care and support provided to those entrusted with the defense of our nation,” Shaibu said. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his prompt support in providing dignified and secure housing for army personnel.

The new barracks have been designed to accommodate both returning troops and their families, particularly as operations in various areas achieve their objectives and phased troop drawdowns occur. Shaibu emphasized that the facility will enhance unit cohesion, boost morale, and strengthen overall force readiness, making it a strategic enabler for the army’s long-term operational sustainability.

Maj.-Gen. Bayode Adetoro, Coordinator of Army Special Services and Programmes, highlighted that the Phase II project aligns with the COAS’s soldier-first command philosophy. He said the approach prioritizes comprehensive welfare initiatives, including housing, healthcare, education, family support, and post-service reintegration, all aimed at sustaining loyalty and morale within the force.

Phase I of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks currently accommodates 614 personnel and has set the standard for subsequent housing projects. The commencement of Phase II represents a significant expansion of the army’s housing infrastructure and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving living standards for its personnel.

Construction of the new facility is expected to incorporate modern design features, security measures, and family-friendly amenities, ensuring personnel and their families can live in a safe and dignified environment.

This development comes as part of the Nigerian Army’s broader effort to enhance operational effectiveness while prioritizing the well-being of its personnel, a move that military officials say will positively impact morale, retention, and overall force readiness.

The Nigerian Army has started building new modern barracks in Abuja for 1,800 personnel, boosting welfare, operational efficiency, and troop morale.

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The Nigerian Army has inaugurated 60 newly built housing units in Ibadan, Oyo State, with five percent allocated free of charge to soldiers who sustained life-altering injuries while serving the nation.

The housing project, located in Akobo area of Ibadan, comprises two- and three-bedroom flats developed under the Army’s Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Scheme, a flagship welfare initiative aimed at improving post-service stability for personnel.

Beyond the free allocations for wounded soldiers, the Army also reserved 70 percent of the housing units for serving personnel at highly subsidised rates, reinforcing its commitment to troop welfare and morale.

The project was inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who described affordable housing as a cornerstone of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda in alignment with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to General Shaibu, the initiative reflects the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, stressing that access to decent housing directly impacts operational effectiveness, morale, and dignified retirement for personnel.

He explained that the AHOOAS scheme is designed to ensure that soldiers can own homes in locations of their choice before retirement, reducing post-service hardship and economic uncertainty.

The Army Chief revealed that the expansion of the scheme to Ibadan followed the success of its pilot phase in Idu, Abuja, where over 400 housing units were delivered. He added that similar projects are currently ongoing in Benin, Jos, Akwa Ibom, and other parts of the country, with plans underway to accelerate home ownership for Army Warrant Officers.

In addition to the housing units, a shopping complex developed by Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) was also inaugurated to support small businesses and boost economic activity for military families.

Speaking on the project details, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHDL, Major General Isiah Alison, said the development consists of 30 two-bedroom flats for Non-Commissioned Officers and 30 three-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.

He disclosed that while some of the houses were constructed at costs of up to ₦30 million, soldiers were able to purchase them for as low as ₦7.5 million, describing the initiative as a deliberate welfare intervention rather than a profit-driven venture.

General Shaibu commended the Oyo State Government for its consistent support to military formations and traditional institutions, urging other state governments to partner with the Army by providing land for future housing phases.

He also acknowledged Family Homes Funds Limited for its collaboration with the Nigerian Army in delivering 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes, describing the effort as a critical step toward honouring the sacrifices of deceased personnel.

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Troops of Operation Udo Ka, working under Sector One of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force, on Friday rescued 14 kidnapped persons during a coordinated operation inside Orokam Forest, a notorious hideout bordering Udenu LGA in Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA in Benue State.

Security sources told Daily Post that the operation began at about 1:30 p.m. after residents supplied intelligence identifying the exact location of a suspected kidnappers’ camp concealed deep within the forest.

A security source said troops stationed in Udenu quickly mobilised and advanced on the hideout alongside the Neighbourhood Watch.

“As the team approached, the criminals opened fire. Our troops responded with overwhelming firepower, causing the kidnappers to flee and abandon the victims,” the source said.

All 14 abductees—seized on their way back from a burial ceremony days earlier—were rescued unharmed. Investigations showed that the victims were taken from two communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.

The rescued persons were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for immediate reunification with their families.

Security sources added that soldiers expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the exchange before returning to base at about 7:21 p.m. without casualties.

Authorities have since intensified surveillance in the forest corridor to prevent armed groups from regrouping or re-establishing camps in the area.

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Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (retd.), former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has passed away at the age of 86.

The retired army officer reportedly died around 1 a.m. on Wednesday in Abuja.

Family sources confirmed the news in Ilorin, describing his death as a major loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Nigerian military, and the nation at large.

Born in 1939, Mohammed attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1958.

He rose through the ranks to become Director of Military Intelligence and played a key role in the 1975 coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon and brought General Murtala Mohammed to power.

Following the coup, he was appointed Governor of the former Benue-Plateau State, serving from July 1975 to March 1976.

Under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime, he served as Director-General of the National Security Organisation (NSO), the forerunner of today’s Department of State Services (DSS), until 1979.

After retiring from the army that same year, Mohammed went into private business and became Managing Director of Atoto Press Limited, a printing firm based in Ilorin.

In 1998, he was recalled to public service as National Security Adviser to then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a position he held until Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

At the start of the Fourth Republic, Mohammed was appointed Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo — a role he continued under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua until his resignation in 2008.

He was widely regarded as a disciplined soldier, skilled administrator, and an influential figure in Nigeria’s political and security affairs.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has described his passing as a monumental loss.

In a condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Nurudeen Ibrahim, on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdullahi, the union said the death was particularly painful at a time Nigeria needs experienced patriots to help steer its course.

The IEDPU praised the late General for his pioneering achievements — being the first son of Ilorin to serve as a state governor and the first to attain the rank of a two-star General in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The union noted his long-standing support for community development initiatives, including sponsoring the printing of its annual calendar for several years.

It extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Prayers were offered for Allah’s forgiveness and for the deceased to be granted Aljanat Firdaus.

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Protests Against Army’s Actions

Last week, angry residents marched to the Edo State House of Assembly. They accused the military of illegally demolishing homes and seizing land they claim belongs to their ancestors. Protesters demanded lawmakers call the Army to order.

Army Responds with Warnings

In response, the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army released an official statement. Captain Chinonso Oteh, acting Assistant Director of Public Relations, warned land grabbers and community leaders to stay away from the barracks.

According to the Army, some buildings were erected inside high-risk zones used for live firing exercises. These, the Army said, pose serious safety threats and violate existing land agreements.

Army Accuses Community Leader of Misleading Public

The Army pointed fingers at the community’s traditional ruler, Chief Osadebamwen Aghahowa. They accused him of encouraging people to occupy the land illegally. They also claimed he forged documents to falsely show the Army had returned the land to the community.

The statement clarified that the land in question was officially acquired in 1966 and backed by a Certificate of Occupancy issued in 1994 under Edo State law.

Community Group Criticizes Traditional Ruler

The Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) also weighed in. They criticized Chief Aghahowa for bypassing the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. The group believes he should have involved the palace rather than taking the matter into his own hands.

What Lies Ahead

With tension rising, the Army has signaled it may take stronger actions if the issue continues. Meanwhile, residents are calling for a peaceful resolution.

Both sides remain firm, and the community now waits to see if the state government or traditional institutions will step in to prevent further escalation.

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Brigadier General Olufemi Olorunyomi of the Nigerian Army. And retired Master Warrant Officer Johnson Onu of the Nigerian Air Force have voiced their worries about the increasing number of people struggling to secure decent housing, particularly after retirement.

Speaking at a book launch in Abuja over the weekend, the two veterans urged military personnel and civil servants to plan for their housing needs before retirement. They warned that failing to do so could lead to homelessness or financial instability in their later years.

According to them, Nigeria’s large and rapidly growing population makes it nearly impossible for the government to provide housing for all citizens at once. While acknowledging the government’s efforts, they emphasized that the housing crisis remains a major challenge for both military and civilian populations. They called for continuity in housing policies, stating that inconsistent government initiatives often lead to abandoned projects and failed housing schemes.

Brigadier General Olorunyomi highlighted the increasing awareness of homeownership in Nigeria. He noted that more people now see housing as a crucial investment, pointing to the rapid rise of estates in Abuja and other cities.

However, he warned that waiting until retirement to secure a home is a risky approach. Many retirees struggle to afford decent housing due to limited financial resources. He advised active workers to start investing in real estate while still in service to ensure they have a stable home after retirement.

Retired Master Warrant Officer Johnson Onu shared his personal struggles with housing after serving in the Nigerian Air Force for 27 years. He admitted that he had not planned for his retirement home, which left him in a difficult situation after leaving active duty.

His pension was insufficient to build a house, forcing him to live in rented accommodation for seven years—a situation he described as extremely challenging. He urged workers, especially those in the military and civil service, to buy land and develop it gradually while still earning a stable income. He emphasized that this approach would make the transition into retirement smoother and prevent financial hardship.

While both men acknowledged the government’s role in promoting homeownership, they insisted that individuals must take primary responsibility for securing their housing. They encouraged workers to explore mortgage plans, cooperative societies, and other financing options to acquire property before retirement.

At the event, author Grace Garbson addressed another critical issue—the declining reading culture in Nigeria. She lamented that many Nigerians do not prioritize reading, which has contributed to a lack of knowledge about essential life planning, including housing and financial management. She referenced a popular saying: “If you want to hide wealth and knowledge from Africans, place it inside a book.” She urged individuals to embrace a reading culture, arguing that access to knowledge is key to making informed decisions about long-term planning, including homeownership.

As Nigeria grapples with an ever-growing housing deficit, the message from these retired military officers is clear: waiting until retirement to secure a home is a costly mistake. With proactive planning, consistent government policies, and a commitment to financial education, more Nigerians can achieve homeownership before leaving the workforce.

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