Nigerian House Deputy Spokesperson commends military for rescuing 360 abductees from Mandara Mountains
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their performance in rescuing 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains in Borno State. He highlighted the military's resilience, professionalism, and commitment to combating insurgency, despite financial and operational challenges. Agbese specifically commended the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for the successful rescue from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist enclave. He also lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his strategic leadership, which he believes has led to positive results in military operations. Agbese described the rescue mission as a significant operation, underscoring the determination of security forces to protect communities. He attributed recent military successes to improved intelligence gathering, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, and the dedication of frontline personnel. The lawmaker also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's support for the military and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces through cooperation and information sharing. He expressed optimism that increased funding and sustained collaboration would further strengthen operations against criminal elements.
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Pope Leo arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday, the fourth day of his visit to Spain, to celebrate mass in the Sagrada Familia Basilica and bless its new tower. This new tower has made the Sagrada Familia the world's tallest church. Before arriving in Barcelona, Pope Leo was in Madrid where he delivered a speech to parliament and held an open-air mass for 1.5 million people. He also thanked thousands of volunteers who assisted with logistics and security in the capital. In Barcelona, Pope Leo is scheduled to visit the city’s Gothic cathedral and lead a prayer vigil in the Olympic Stadium later on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is expected to meet prisoners and visit an abbey on Montserrat mountain before the mass at the Sagrada Familia. The mass will mark 100 years since the death of architect Antoni Gaudi, who designed the still-unfinished modernist masterpiece. After the mass, Pope Leo will bless the Jesus Christ tower, completed in February, which brought the basilica to its maximum height of 172.5 meters. Full completion of the Sagrada Familia is anticipated in approximately a decade. Pope Leo will then travel to the Canary Islands on Thursday and Friday to meet migrants and volunteers, and to honor those who died attempting to reach the archipelago.
The Kwara State Government has expanded its menstrual health awareness campaign to include students with special needs and other vulnerable groups across the state. This initiative, part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, aims to improve access to menstrual health information and encourage open conversations among young people. The Kwara State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with adolescent-friendly non-governmental organizations, organized the program. Sensitization sessions were held at the Kwara State School for Special Needs and Government Day Secondary School, Fate-Basin, involving students who are deaf, blind, have intellectual disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Oladimeji Buhari, the Adolescent Health Desk Officer, stated that this year's commemoration emphasizes male involvement in menstrual health conversations and targets adolescents with special needs to ensure no one is left behind. The program educates adolescents on menstrual health and hygiene, creating a safe environment for discussion without fear or discrimination. A key objective is to help young girls understand menstruation as a normal biological process and to challenge cultural, religious, and social taboos by involving boys in the conversation. Rasheedat Jubril, Principal of the Kwara State School for Special Needs, commended the initiative, highlighting its importance for girls, especially those with special needs. Participants received accurate information on mens
Activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called on the federal government to extend the demolition of properties used for criminal activities to include the mansions of politicians and public officials who embezzle public funds. Sowore stated on his X handle that looting the public treasury is a severe form of kidnapping, as it deprives millions of Nigerians of essential services such as healthcare, education, jobs, and infrastructure. He argued that if the government believes properties acquired or used for criminal activity should be immediately destroyed, this principle should apply equally to all offenders, including those who steal public funds to build luxurious assets. Sowore's comments follow the Oyo State Government's demolition of a building in Ibadan allegedly used as a kidnappers' hideout, which occurred less than 48 hours after the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.