These critical concerns were highlighted in a communiqué released at the conclusion of the second session of the Fifth Synod of the Ijesa North Church of Nigeria.

The Synod, held from July 3rd to 6th, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Ijebu-Jesa, saw delegates emphasizing the urgent need for the President to prioritize the welfare and interests of Nigerian citizens.

“The Synod reminds President Bola Tinubu that the spate of killings and other criminal acts in our country is alarming, that most businesses have collapsed, and many children have dropped out of school due to lack of finance.”

Signed by Bishop Isaac Oluyamo and Chancellor Chief Adeleke Agboola, the communiqué acknowledged President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts but stressed the severe impact of worsening poverty on businesses and families.

Beyond the call to the federal government, the Synod also encouraged all Nigerians to rekindle their faith and advised the youth against engaging in illicit means of wealth acquisition, promoting instead the value and dignity of honest labor.

In a separate commendation, the communiqué lauded Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his leadership, ongoing developmental projects, and the consistent payment of workers’ salaries.

The Synod, themed “A Sound of Abundant Rain” from I Kings 18:41, brought together a diverse group of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, political figures, and religious leaders.

He stated these in his presidential address delivered during the first session of the 12th synod of Abuja Diocese with the theme: “Synodality: The Transforming Journey with Jesus Christ” which held on Saturday, 20th May, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Church Maitama, Abuja.

Archbishop Ndukuba noted that having interacted with political actors, the Anglican Communion demands of the President-Elect and his Team, the Governors-elect and the National and State Legislators that emerged victorious at the Polls to give due diligence to the following; 1. Security of Lives and Property, 2. Education of young Nigerians, 3. Health-care Delivery, 4. National Economy, 5. Rule of Law and Law Enforcement, 6. An All-Inclusive Government, 7. Infrastructural Neglect should be addressed, 8. Completion and operation of Critical Industries, 9. Building a United and Prosperous Nation.

FULL TEXT BELOW;

The 2023 National Elections: The National Elections of 2023 have come and gone and we thank the Almighty God for preserving this Nation in peace. We congratulate the citizens of this country for their resilience and patriotism, especially the young people. The change in the political landscape in Nigeria is evident. It shows that the birth of the New Nigeria where every citizen is free and impunity in public and private sphere is eradicated, is actually possible. The conduct of the elections have also exposed the loopholes in our system and areas of further legislative work in order to get us on the right democratic path.

We congratulate all our political parties and the political contestants in all the parties. The spate of intimidation of opponents and electoral violence, especially in the bid to rig elections results must be criminalised. The level of incompetence and paralysing of the implementation of the Laws guiding the conduct of the elections must be mitigated.

We must congratulate all those declared winners in the past election and encourage them to be magnanimous in victory. This is a call to duty and a service opportunity to our citizens and above all, it is an opportunity to make a difference in the service of God and Humanity. Write your names in the Annals of History, positively. Those who did not win are encouraged to be calm and peaceful for the sake of the good of our citizens. We thank all Nigerians for maintaining peace and do encourage all aggrieved persons to seek redress in the Courts of Law and Electoral Tribunals.

Once again this is the time to test the resilience of our Legal System as indeed the enduring hope for Justice, Equity and fairness for all citizens. The Judicial Officers and lawyers must not disappoint God and the common man. We look forward in great expectation to a new dawn for our Nation Nigeria. At such a time as this, we call on every citizen to join hands and let us rise up and build together. We call on God’s people to keep watching and praying for the incoming administration.

THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CITIZENS: Having interacted with political actors, the Anglican Communion demands of the President-Elect and his Team, the Governors-elect and the National and State Legislators that emerged victorious at the Polls to give due diligence to the following, namely:

1. Security of Lives and Property: Nigerian citizens demand that Government put high priority on the security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate security for all citizens. The present state of insecurity and attacks on Christian Churches, Communities and indeed the citizens of this country, is worrisome. The security of lives and property of citizens will foster economic growth of the country.
2. Education of young Nigerians: The Government should ensure that education of our children at all levels is given top priority, as this is the best legacy our country can bequeath to her youth.
3. Health-care Delivery: The Government should improve the Health-Care Delivery System, so that the current Medical Tourism among top Government Functionaries and privileged few can be completely eradicated or reduced. We have the capacity to provide and be a destination for Health Tourism, at least in Africa.
4. National Economy: We have great apprehension over the Rising Inflation, Debt Servicing burden, Fuel Subsidy and fear for the future of Nigeria. Alleviating the suffering of the masses should be the priority of the Government, hence the Church demands adequate provision of education, economic empowerment and job creation/employment opportunities for the teeming youths and citizens. The provision of grants and loans for indigent people as a social safe-net for the citizens will offer every citizen the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country they call their own.
5. Rule of Law and Law Enforcement: The Church frowns at the negligent attitude of the leaders and lack of political will to enforce the Rule of Law. We therefore advise the Government to maintain the Rule of Law and uphold civil rights, justice and equity. The Judiciary should be made to serve the citizens in matters of Justice and Equity. Decentralizing the Police Force and creation of State Police will help to improve on Security and maintenance of Law and Order.
6. An All-Inclusive Government: The Church requests that our leaders should make a comprehensive assessment of the policies and procedures of governance to be able to make governance in Nigeria an all-inclusive affair. The Government should ensure that appointment into Political offices is not lopsided or done based on sentiment or sectional interests. We have an opportunity to give a new direction to this country, therefore competence and sacrifice for the good of all the citizens must be priority consideration. The enforcement of the Federal Character and other regulatory policies will help to restore balance and fairness in the country.
7. Infrastructural Neglect should be addressed: We encourage the incoming Government to address the problem of Infrastructural neglect, and see to the full execution and completion of road construction projects, schools and other basic infrastructure and make up for the long infrastructural deficiencies we have suffered in the country. The Church demands that the Government should provide social amenities especially, Electricity, good Public Transport System and Housing for the citizens because this will enhance better life for the citizens.
8. Completion and operation of Critical Industries: The Government needs to take as very important the development of key critical projects that are strategic for more Economic and Technological Development of the country, especially, the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, our Refineries and the need for Modular Refineries, Textile Industries and other Agro-based Industries. These sectors will engender fast economic growth and employment opportunities in the country.
9. Building a United and Prosperous Nation: The Church yearns for a Rebirth of our Nation through the Leadership that ensures Security of lives and property, a growing economy with a great future, respect for the rights, welfare and equity for all citizens, irrespective of Tribe, Religion, political affiliations and other preferences, but above all, we need a Nigeria where no person is haunted or oppressed.

Culled From The Presidential Address of The Primate of The Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, to The First Session of The Twelfth Synod of The Diocese Of Abuja, Held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church Maitama, Abuja on Saturday, 20th May 2023.

Korede Akintunde

CoN Communication Officer. +234-8032321280

Although authorities are yet to confirm the latest attack on the headquarters of Tarmuwa Local Government Area, a resident of the community, Audu Ali, told Channels Television on the phone that there was a heavy gun battle between the military and the suspected Boko Haram members.

Babbangida, which is located 50 kilometres away from Damaturu the state capital, was last attacked on August 25, 2021.

The military had recovered a Toyota Hilux from the attackers after the assault.

Sunday’s incident is one of the many attacks on communities in the North East state which has continued to suffer from onslaughts by Boko Haram terrorists.

The insurgents, who usually come in their large numbers, have also sacked some villages – including Geidam which is the hometown of the Inspector General of Police Usman Baba Alkali – hoisting their flags.

They have also attacked telecommunication facilities in the state.

Yobe is not the only state suffering from the insurgents’ attack.

They have also attacked telecommunication facilities and targeted power stations in Borno State.

On multiple occasions, they have vandalized power towers, cutting off many communities from the national grid.

In spite of these, Nigeria’s security forces and the Federal Government maintain that they are recording success in the fight against the terrorists.

According to the Nigerian Army, due to sustained onslaughts from troops, the insurgents are surrendering and embracing amnesty.

In August, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the Chief Bomb Expert of the terrorist group known as Musa Adamu a.k.a Mala Musa Abuja and his second in command, Usman Adamu a.k.a Abu Darda along with their families and followers, surrendered to the troops in Bama Local Government Area of the state.

He put the number of the surrendered insurgents at 335 fighters, 746 women and children including one of the abducted Chibok girls.

The calls for amnesty to the surrendered terrorists have also drawn widespread criticisms to many quarters.

Critics say the move may further embolden criminals, insisting that those displaced by the decade-long war should first be resettled.

“The first step after getting them is the resettlement of people now that the war is getting to an end or is almost ending,” Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South told Channels Television in August.

“Then, we talk about profiling, investigating, and interrogating those that have surrendered, ” the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, added.

ChannelsTV

Seven other persons sustained injuries in the attack while some houses were also set ablaze during the operation which occurred on Sunday night.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the incident, said troops mobilized to the location engaged the bandits in a gun battle before the assailants withdrew after intense pressure.

The commissioner disclosed that two suspects are being questioned in connection with the attack, adding that security agencies are already conducting operations in the general area.

He also said that the troops were able to put out the fire at three of the burning houses, and rescued six locals from the inferno.

Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the attack, describing it as an unspeakable display of wickedness, meriting the severest form of punishment.

El-Rufai, who said that the Kaduna State Government will bear the full cost of injured victims’ treatment, also ordered an urgent assessment of the area by the State Emergency Management Agency, towards the provision of succor to the affected households.

The governor, however, appealed for calm and charged security agencies to intensify their efforts in the campaign against the gratuitous killing of innocent citizens.

He further tasked security agencies to ensure urgent and precise investigations into the horrific incident.

ChannelsTV

Recalls that some gunmen suspected to be bandits broke into the Nigerian foremost military school on August 24, killed officers and abducted Major CL Datong.

The abducted Major has been in the kidnapper’s den till he was rescued on Friday.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah who confirmed the development, said Datong was rescued by troops.

According to him, the operations leading to his rescue led to the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in Afaka- Birnin Gwari areas of the state, revealing that scores of bandits were killed during the operation, particularly, in the late hours of September 17, 2021.

He said the Division in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, immediately swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area to find and rescue the officer after a directive by the Chief of Army Staff.

“The troops arrived at a camp suspected to be the location where Maj CL Datong was being held. At the camp, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and overwhelmed them with superior fire.

“In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer. However, the officer sustained a minor injury but has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action,” he said.

He lauded the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and “patriotic Nigerians” who worked tirelessly for the release of the victim.

Source: Newspotng

The victims, comprising 10 women, eight girls, a boy, and a male adult, were abducted five months ago in Batsari Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

They took turns to narrate their ordeals while being held by bandits at their camp located on the fringes of the dreaded Rugu Forest.

Among those who spoke with reporters on Saturday at the Katsina Hajj Camp was a nursing mother, Sahura Haruna.

Sahura, who was kidnapped with an early pregnancy alongside others, said she was delivered of a baby girl while in captivity.

“The newborn baby was delivered five days ago (Monday) amid the trauma,” she said. “The health conditions of the baby and I are not too good because, after the medical check-up, the doctor said we lack adequate water in our body system.

“I almost slumped when I attempted to get up after I delivered my baby.”

Another victim identified as Rabiu Mannir narrated how they were able to escape from the den of the kidnappers.

He explained that a jet of the Nigerian Air Force flew over the bandits’ camp on Friday night – a development that put the criminals in a panic state.

According to Mannir, the bandits scampered to safety and left their victims behind while the abducted persons took advantage of the situation to escape.

Following their return, the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, handed them over to authorities of Batsari LGA.

He disclosed that the returnees were brought back by authorities in neighbouring Zamfara after they escaped, adding that some of them found themselves in the state.

Inuwa confirmed that the victims have been medically examined in Zamfara before being brought back to reunite with their families in Katsina.

Similarly in the north-west region, 10 additional students of the Bethel Baptist Secondary School abducted by bandits in Kaduna State have been released.

The students also regained their freedom on Saturday, after spending about 75 days in the custody of their abductors.

A total of 121 students were forcefully taken away from their hostels when bandits attacked the school in Chikun Local Government Area of the state on July 5.

The bandits later released the students in batches, but 21 others are still in the custody of the bandits.

Source: ChannelsTV

A source who pleaded anonymity told Channels Television in a telephone interview on Saturday said that the bandits were apprehended by security forces with the help of some local vigilante members in the area.

The bandits were said to have attacked the community, killing two people and abducting four others.

But according to the source, after the attack, angry members of the communuity chased the bandits and caught them in the nearby bushes.

While the police were planning to transport the suspects to the command headquarters in Sokoto, the angry community members overpowered them and forcefully snatched the suspects from the security personnel.

Thereafter, all the six of them were set ablaze.

When contacted the Sokoto state police command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sanusi Abubakar confirmed the incident but refused to give any further comments.

Source: ChannelsTV

Gunmen had killed 12 security personnel comprising nine naval ratings, two policemen and a soldier during the raid on the base in Mutumji, near the banditry-ravaged town of Dansadau. Citing security sources, AFP news agency reported that the attackers stole weapons and also set houses on fire.

“The attackers stormed the base around 10:30am and engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle,” one security source said.

“They subdued the troops and killed 12 of them. They include nine naval personnel, a soldier and two policemen.”

The base in Mutumji is described as a key site for logistics and reconnaissance in the army’s fight against bandits in the area.

‘No communication among troops’

“While the jamming of GSM in Zamfara has gone a long way in taming the bandits, it also has a negative effect on troops because communication among them was also extremely restricted,” the source said.

“Most of the foot soldiers relied on normal phone networks instead of any of the specialised communication gadgets that should be deployed during operations such as the one going on in the North West.

“Only the top commanders have military radio or walkie-talkie, meaning those in the frontlines would only use their personal mobile phones which are no longer accessible.

“The bandits took advantage of this and attacked them at their forward operation base. As you can see, the attack was launched on Saturday but it only came to the fore days after,” he said. Another source said there was the need to deploy specialised communication gadgets for the troops.

“The ban on communication in Zamfara and parts of Katsina is not bad in its entirety but the military high command should have taken note of the adverse effect on troops.”

Telecom suspension costly, has no NSA clearance – Source

A security source told said that the shutdown of the telecom channels was not well-thought-out and bypassed the due process of getting clearance from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, who oversees cyber security.

“What really happened was that Matawalle made a request to (Communications and Digital Economy minister) Pantami who went directly to the president who approved without input from the office of NSA.

“That decision has a national security implication. No country will disconnect the network without analysing national security implications. By that action, several national security surveillance capabilities that rely on the network were shut out. Before now, it will be inconceivable for NCC to do this without approvals from ONSA.”

The security personnel said he could not ascertain “If Pantami acted without advice or purposely disregarded the NSA”.

But an aide of Pantami said the directive to shut down telecommunications in Zamfara State was issued by President Muhammad Buhari to top officials involved in the security issue.

A media aide to Pantami, Yusuf Abubakar, said that the minister couldn’t have bypassed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to obtain a directive from the president as he isn’t the official involved directly on the Zamfara security issue.

Abubakar said: “The directive (to shut down telecom sites) came from the president and both (the minister and NSA) are working for the president.  I don’t think there is any need for the minister to comment on it. More so, this is a security issue and everybody shouldn’t be commenting on it. The minister is not the chief security officer of Zamfara and he has no (direct security) role to play in the security situation there.”

How bandits bypass communication ban

It was gathered that the bandits whose activities were adversely affected by the jamming of communication networks were devising means to bypass the blockade.

It was said that some of them were using Thuraya satellite phones, while others use Airtel and Glo, the two networks whose services were still available in some parts of the state.

“There are places where you can make calls if you have Airtel or Glo line,” said Shehu Rekeb, a renowned bandit by phone. He boasted that they still could afford items they needed despite the ban on weekly markets and phone networks.

But a source familiar with happenings in Zamfara said most bandits have fled to places like Kebbe and Tureta in Sokoto State and Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna to escape the blockade in Zamfara. Rekeb, who confirmed relocation of some of the bandits to Lambar Tureta, in Sokoto, said he and other kingpins remain within their “known location in Zamfara”.

We are on top of the situation – Military source

A military source said they are on top of the situation, saying the bandits are seriously being dealt with by the combined security team.

“I cannot confirm to you the veracity of that isolated case but what I can tell you is that we are all out against the bandits. They are at receiving end and enormous clearance operations are ongoing, “he said pleading not to be named.

He said they have been directed not to talk to the media on the operations.

“This is not a media war. It is a serious operation and we have been directed not to talk to the media until the bandits are cleared,” he said last night.

Operation successful – Sen Dansadau

Senator Saidu Dansadau described the military operations in Zamfara State as successful, saying the people of the state are solidly behind it.

Dansadau, who represented Zamfara Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2007, said; “I left Zamfara on Saturday, honestly speaking, the ongoing operation is successful because a lot of things are changing, the bandits, majority of them are on the run”.

“By the grace of God, we are seeing a new beginning in the fight against the bandits. Majority of the people are not complaining because this is the problem that we have been suffering from in the last 10 years and now the government is tackling it.”

Army chief to commanders: I won’t take any excuse from you again

The Chief Army of Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, Monday resolved that he would no longer tolerate any excuse from the army commanders who are leading the fight against terrorism and all other forms of security challenges in various theatres of operation across the country.

Yahaya, who stated this during the opening ceremony of the combined second and third quarters Chief of Army Staff conference in Abuja, maintained that the Nigerian Army under his watch would remain resolute and continue to chart progressive paths towards tackling all challenges bedeviling the country.

The General’s resolution came a few hours after bandits attacked a military base in Zamfara State where a dozen of the army personnel paid supreme price.

“Commanders must seize the initiative and commanders must take initiative; they must take decisive actions to defeat the threats in their respective area of responsibilities. I will not again take or accept any excuses. Gentlemen, failure is failure irrespective of the circumstances!

The army chief also charged the troops to sustain the tempo in various theatres of operations in order to rid the nation of all security threats.

Source: Daily Trust

The incident, it was reported, occurred about some minutes past 3 am. The suspects were alleged to have entered the hospital from the perimeter fence behind the building.

Doctor Okeleghel Awudumapu who narrated his ordeal to Nigerian Tribune, said the two-man gang took him unaware while he was returning from his call room.

Doctor Awudumapu said his belongings and that of patients from the labour ward and their family members were all carted away.

Reacting to the incident, the Medical Director, Dr Emmanuel Fetepigi, who expressed sadness, described the act as barbaric.

Dr Fetepigi said management will collaborate with the Ministry of Health to ensure that measures are put in place to forestall future occurrences.

Meanwhile, a security man at the hospital, Mr James Benini, noted that it was the second time they have had burglars in the premises as a generator battery has been stolen before.

As of the time of filing this report, the Police was yet to confirm the incident.

Source: Nigerian Tribune

It’s been gathered that the bandits surrounded Kadobe village, close to Immigration checkpoint, after they received information that many cows were in the village.

“The bandits got information that some people brought cows to the village yesterday and you know that the immigration checkpoint is there. So they came in the night and started exchanging fire with the immigration officers. They succeeded in killing two immigration officers and injured one soldier.

“Many of the bandits too were killed but they took away the corpse with the cows.