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Why One Strike Won’t End Nigeria’s Security Crisis — Ex-US Army Captain

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A retired United States Army officer, Captain Bish Johnson (retd.), has explained why a single military strike cannot bring an end to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, describing the country’s insecurity as complex and deeply rooted.

Johnson made the remarks during an interview on ARISE News while reacting to recent United States airstrikes carried out against terrorist elements in north-western Nigeria.

Recall that on Christmas Day, US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had conducted airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants in the region, warning that further action would follow if attacks on Christians continued.

SEE MORE: NAF Airstrikes Wipe Out Over 25 Terrorists In Borno, Yobe

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the operation, stating that it was executed through collaboration with the United States as part of structured international security cooperation.

However, Johnson warned against the belief that military action alone could resolve Nigeria’s security problems, stressing that terrorism represents only one layer of a broader crisis.

According to him, Nigeria’s challenges extend beyond insurgency in the North-West to include long-standing herder-farmer clashes in the Middle Belt, which he said have resulted in thousands of deaths over the years without a sustainable solution.

He also highlighted unresolved religious and communal tensions in parts of the country, noting that incidents of violence linked to religious intolerance continue to shape how Nigeria is viewed internationally.

Johnson cited the killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State, who was murdered in 2022 following allegations of blasphemy.

He expressed concern that those responsible have yet to be brought to justice.
According to the former US officer, the failure to address such incidents weakens Nigeria’s position when responding to allegations of religious persecution by international observers.

Johnson maintained that without accountability, justice, and a comprehensive security framework that addresses communal conflicts, religious extremism, and governance failures, military strikes—no matter how precise—would have limited impact.

He urged Nigerian authorities to adopt a broader, long-term approach that goes beyond airstrikes if the country is to achieve lasting peace and stability.

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Fire Breaks Out In Kubwa As Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Station

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Panic broke out in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday after a vehicle crashed into a gas dispensary outlet at Liberty Junction on Arab Road, triggering a fire.

According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle was travelling from Arab Road towards Liberty Junction when it reportedly lost control following a brake failure.

The vehicle subsequently skidded off its lane, crossed the road and plunged into the gas station, resulting in a fire outbreak.

ALSO READ: Panic at Oko Polytechnic as Three-Storey Students’ Hostel Collapses

The fire was quickly brought under control following a coordinated response by operatives of the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The occupants of the vehicle were rescued unhurt by passers-by and witnesses who responded to the incident.

However, several makeshift shops adjoining the gas outlet were destroyed in the fire.

The prompt intervention of the emergency responders helped to curtail the spread of the fire and prevent further damage.

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‘Obi Did Not Loot A Kobo’ — Obiaraeri Compares Peter Obi, Akpabio’s Records

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Financial expert Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri has defended former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi against comparisons with former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, citing what he described as differences in the financial records of the two states during their respective tenures.

Obiaraeri made the remarks in a post on X on Sunday while responding to comparisons involving the two former governors.

According to him, Akwa Ibom State, under Akpabio between 2007 and 2015, received an estimated ₦2.06 trillion, which he said was equivalent to about $15.5 billion at the time.

SEE ALSO: ‘Peter Obi’s Govt Left 101 Road Projects With ₦127bn Liabilities’, Says Anambra Govt

He further claimed that the amount would be worth more than ₦21.7 trillion in today’s naira value.

Obiaraeri wrote: “AKWA IBOM STATE, UNDER GODSWILL AKPABIO, 2007 TO 2015…..

“Between 2007 and 2015, during the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio, the Akwa Ibom State Government received an estimated total revenue of approximately ₦2.06 trillion/$15.5billion…..

“In today’s naira value, Akwa Ibom under Akpabio received over N21.7trillion.”
He also claimed that Akpabio left loan obligations of $334 million, which he put at about ₦467 billion.

Obiaraeri further alleged that there were multiple EFCC files concerning Akpabio, claiming that they documented financial misconduct during his tenure.

Turning to Anambra, Obiaraeri said the state received approximately $4.06 billion, or ₦525 billion, during Peter Obi’s tenure as governor from March 14, 2006, to March 14, 2014.

He wrote: “ANAMBRA STATE UNDER PETER OBI MARCH 14, 2006 TO MARCH 14, 2014
“Total funds and revenues received by Anambra state under Peter Obi was $4.06billion/N525billion.

“In today’s naira term is N5.4trillion.”
According to Obiaraeri, Peter Obi left behind $156 million in savings invested in an investment that generated more than $43 million, bringing the total to $199.8 million.

He added that the figure amounted to approximately ₦279 billion in today’s naira value.

Obiaraeri also claimed that more than ₦36 billion, which he equated to about $240 million, was held in Treasury Bills and other short-term naira investments.

He wrote: “However, Peter Obi left behind a total savings of $156million in an investment that yielded over $43m totaling $199.8m/N279billion in today’s naira money and over N36bn/$240m in treasury bills and other short term naira investments.”

Defending the former Anambra governor against allegations of corruption, Obiaraeri stated: “Peter Obi did not loot a kobo of Anambra monies. HE HAS NO EFCC OR FBI FILES OF CRIMINALITY ON HIM….”

He also compared Obi with other governors who served around the same period, “The Only Governor in the league of PO during his time was Raji Fashola …… Anyway, I am not surprised at some of you, who do this baseless comparison…The difference between LIGHT and Darkness is so clear to DECENT men, who love LIGHT….

“THOSE WHO ARE ROGUES, AND ASPIRING ROGUES, USUALLY LOVE DARKNESS….THEIR HEART IS DARKENED AND MIGRATE TOWARDS DARKNESS ALWAYS.”

He said ‘This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil’.”

He then directly addressed those comparing the two former governors, stating: “I PUT IT TO YOU, who is mischievously comparing Apostle Peter to YOUR BARABASSES, that you are EVIL…QED.”

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‘Where Is Nigeria’s President?’ — Obi Questions Tinubu’s Third Straight UNGA Absence

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Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from the United Nations General Assembly, contrasting it with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in the 81st UNGA.

Obi raised the question in a post on X on Sunday, while reacting to Mahama’s address at the global gathering.

SEE MORE: Atiku Vows Probe of ₦33.75bn Cash Transfer to 3.29m Nigerians

The former presidential candidate wrote: “The dynamic President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, delivered a remarkable address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The international community has commended his leadership and the substance of his address.

“It is a reminder of what leadership can produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character come together in the service of a nation.”

Obi then drew attention to Nigeria’s absence at the presidential level, asking why Tinubu had not attended the global gathering.
He wrote:

“Against this background, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people – more than Ghana – whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?

“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings. Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?”

Obi acknowledged that Vice President Kashim Shettima was present at the UNGA but maintained that questions remained over the President’s absence.
He stated: “Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?

“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation.”
Obi ended the post with his familiar political message:

Tinubu did not attend the 81st UNGA, with Shettima representing Nigeria at the gathering.

The President’s absence marks his third consecutive non-attendance at the UN General Assembly after he also did not personally attend the 79th and 80th sessions.

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