By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian Army to act decisively against insurgents, declaring “the time to rise is now,” as troops made significant breakthroughs against terror cells in Niger and Borno states.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Kaduna, Tinubu affirmed full support for the military’s mission to safeguard national sovereignty.
“You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers,” he said, pledging sustained investment in equipment, intelligence, and welfare.
In Niger State, security operatives arrested nine women believed to have been forcibly married to Boko Haram insurgents, while attempting to flee insurgent camps in the Alawa Forest Reserve for Kebbi State. Some of the women were carrying babies, while one was heavily pregnant.
Sources revealed that the women were married to senior commanders of the Sadiku-led faction of the insurgents. The group, reportedly recruiting fighters from Gbagyi communities, had established indoctrination camps in the forest.
Their arrest followed a commotion during travel through Tegina, leading to their handover to police. A day later, six more women were intercepted in Agwara, a Niger border town.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside CJTF, uncovered 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP militants on a key bridge linking Marte and Dikwa.
The military said EOD teams safely recovered the explosives, preventing a catastrophic attack. Controlled disposal procedures are ongoing, according to Captain Reuben Kovangiya, acting spokesperson for Operation HADIN KAI.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, underscored the military’s commitment to reform, saying troop morale and professionalism are at the heart of transformation efforts. He reaffirmed the Army’s readiness to deny insurgents control over any Nigerian territory.
President Tinubu, paying tribute to fallen and wounded soldiers, assured their sacrifices would never be forgotten. “Their blood will not be shed in vain,” he said.
He also saluted the resilience of military families and support groups such as NAOWA and NASWA, stating:
“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage our future to division, indifference or delay.”
