Nigerian Army making progress in rescue of Oyo abducted pupils and teachers, says Chief of Army Staff
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced that significant progress is being made in the rescue operation for 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an interactive session for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed confidence in the safe return of the victims. He also detailed the Nigerian Army's ongoing operations across the country's six geopolitical zones. In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai has neutralized over 1,872 insurgents and a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners, leading to improved security and the closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State. Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West continues to degrade bandit groups, while Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the new Operation Savannah Shield have enhanced security in the North-Central. The security situation in the South-East has improved, with no disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations, and oil output in the South-South has increased due to successful operations against illegal bunkering. Shaibu noted the South-West as largely peaceful, apart from the Oyo abduction. He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved measures to strengthen military manpower, including establishing a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringin
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Must ReadAtiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, congratulated Morocco on their qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described the achievement as a proud moment for Africa. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last eight of the 2026 tournament after a 3-0 victory over Canada. In a post on his verified X handle, Atiku hailed the Atlas Lions for their impressive performance, stating that the victory had once again raised Africa鈥檚 profile on the global football stage. He added that Morocco had lifted the hopes of an entire continent and reminded the world that African football belongs on the biggest stage. This feat adds to Morocco's growing reputation, following their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as the first African and Arab nation to do so. The achievement has garnered commendations from fans, sports administrators, and political leaders across Africa.
Must ReadAtiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections, congratulated Morocco on their qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described the achievement as a proud moment for Africa. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the last eight of the 2026 tournament after a 3-0 victory over Canada. Abubakar, in a post on his verified X handle, praised the Atlas Lions for their impressive performance, stating that the victory had raised Africa鈥檚 profile on the global football stage. He added that Morocco had lifted the hopes of an entire continent and reminded the world of African football's place on the biggest stage. This feat follows Morocco's historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage. The victory has garnered commendations from football fans, sports administrators, and political leaders across Africa, recognizing it as a significant milestone for African football. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil maintains its position as the nation with the most match victories in FIFA World Cup history, according to updated rankings after matches on Saturday, July 4. Brazil has participated in 23 World Cups, playing 118 matches, securing 79 wins, 20 draws, and 19 losses, resulting in a 67 percent win rate. Germany follows with 70 victories from 116 matches across 21 appearances, while Argentina has 51 wins from 92 matches in 19 participations. Several top-ranked teams, including Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Belgium, Switzerland, and Croatia, are still competing for the 2026 title. The Round of 16 began with Morocco defeating Canada 2-0 and France beating Paraguay 1-0. Upcoming matches include Brazil against Norway and England battling Mexico on Sunday, with Portugal facing Spain on Monday.