
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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called for increased private sector investment in military infrastructure, troop welfare, veterans' support, and national security. He made this appeal during a meeting with Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director and CEO of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative ASR Africa, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Shaibu emphasized that private sector partnerships are crucial for strengthening national security, enhancing operational effectiveness, and accelerating national development. He commended Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA Group, for his consistent support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria through corporate interventions. The Chief of Army Staff highlighted that investments in critical rural infrastructure, particularly road networks, offer direct security and economic benefits by improving troop mobility, facilitating rapid deployment, enhancing logistics, stimulating economic activities, and denying criminal elements safe havens. He also stressed the strategic priority of caring for wounded soldiers and retired personnel, stating that quality healthcare and comprehensive support systems are essential for morale and combat effectiveness. Shaibu expressed appreciation to BUA Group and ASR Africa for their investments in military healthcare and acknowledged ASR Africa's ongoing construction of 120 accommodation units for Corporals and Below at Giri, Abuja, a project supporting the Niger

Khaled El-Enany, the Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killing of Mexican journalist Josu茅 Mart铆nez Contreras and called for an investigation. Mart铆nez Contreras, founder and director of Noticias San Mart铆n Texmelucan, was shot dead on July 16, 2026, in San Mart铆n Texmelucan, Puebla State. El-Enany urged Mexican authorities to bring those responsible to justice, stating that impunity for crimes against journalists emboldens perpetrators. Reports indicate that Mart铆nez Contreras had posted a video in November 2025, claiming his life was threatened due to his reporting on security, municipal administration, and public services. According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, Mart铆nez Contreras was the sixth journalist killed in Mexico in 2026 and the third in July alone. UNESCO promotes journalist safety through global awareness campaigns, capacity building, and coordination of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.