Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch

Prominent Nigerians including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, senior military officers, and political leaders on Thursday underscored the importance of documentation, collective national responsibility, and sustained military professionalism in the fight against terrorism during the unveiling of a new book titled “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria (Volumes 1 & 2)” authored by retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, described the publication as a timely and strategic contribution to Nigeria’s national security discourse.

According to him, Nigeria’s experience with terrorism and insurgency in the North-East reflects not a nation defeated by insecurity, but the resilience and courage of citizens and security forces defending the country’s shared destiny.

He noted that the conflict in the North-East remained a deep human tragedy affecting communities with rich historical and cultural heritage, stressing that terrorism requires sustained vigilance, intelligence gathering, diplomacy, technology, and strong civil-military cooperation.

The Vice President further commended the author for documenting operational experiences and strategic lessons from the theatre of operations, saying such insights would prove invaluable to policymakers, scholars, and future military leaders.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening the operational readiness, welfare, and dignity of members of the Armed Forces.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, praised the author as a respected mentor whose professionalism and leadership continued to inspire younger officers even after retirement.

“The lion may be retired, but he is certainly not tired,” he remarked.

Musa described the insurgency in the North-East as one of Nigeria’s most complex security challenges, noting that the asymmetric nature of the conflict means it cannot be won by military force alone.

According to him, victory against terrorism depends on collective national responsibility involving the Armed Forces, civil authorities, and citizens working together to deny insurgents support and legitimacy.

He also urged serving military officers to study the publication carefully, noting that it contains valuable operational lessons from years of counterinsurgency operations.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the two-volume publication as a major intellectual contribution bridging theory and practice in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

Oluyede commended the author for preserving decades of operational knowledge gained from commanding the 21 Brigade, 7 Division, and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

He stressed that modern security threats demand continuous learning, adaptation, and proper documentation of operational experiences, adding that the publication would serve as a useful resource for military practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, also applauded the author for documenting operational experiences from the counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East.

Buratai stated that operational success in counterinsurgency warfare depends largely on the quality of commanders in the field and the ability of military leaders to adapt to complex realities.

He recalled the significance of operations such as Deep Punch I and Deep Punch II, as well as the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force in degrading terrorist capabilities between 2015 and 2017.

According to him, resilient leadership and community support remain crucial elements in defeating insurgency.

Earlier, retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf said the publication represented the fulfilment of an eight-year intellectual ambition aimed at contributing to military scholarship and national security discourse.

He explained that the book was inspired by a desire to provide younger military officers and policymakers with first-hand insights into the successes and challenges of counterterrorism operations in Nigeria.

The retired general added that the publication drew from over a decade of operational experience in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin while deliberately avoiding sensitive information capable of compromising ongoing operations.

He also urged retired military officers to document their operational experiences for future generations, stressing that such efforts are essential for institutional memory and national development.

Reviewing the publication, renowned scholar Eghosa Osaghae described the work as a landmark contribution to military scholarship.

Osaghae noted that the two volumes combine academic depth with practical operational experience, offering insights into intelligence-led operations, joint force coordination, psychological warfare, and post-conflict management.

He added that the publication effectively situates Nigeria’s counterinsurgency experience within the broader realities of modern asymmetric warfare and evolving global security threats.

The event attracted senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and policymakers from across the country.

Oduduwa Integrity Association Announces Adoption of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “Performing Governor” in the Southwest*  

*Osun State, Nigeria* – The Oduduwa Integrity Association, one of the prominent socio-cultural and advocacy groups in the Southwest region, has announced its decision to adopt and publicly recognize Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as a performing governor in the Southwest.

According to the Association, the adoption is based on its independent monitoring of governance and project delivery across the region. The group stated that Governor Adeleke’s administration has demonstrated measurable progress in areas including infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, and youth empowerment, which aligns with the association’s mandate to promote accountability and good governance.

“This adoption is our way of encouraging performance and responsible leadership,” Evang /Hon Omotoso Banji, the President and Founder of Oduduwa Integrity Association said. “We believe that recognizing leaders who are delivering on their mandate helps strengthen democratic values and motivates others to prioritize the people.”

The Association noted that its adoption does not imply political affiliation but is a non-partisan endorsement of what it describes as visible and verifiable governance outcomes within Osun State. It added that the move is part of its broader initiative to highlight and support public officials across the Southwest who meet its standards for transparency, service delivery, and integrity.

Governor Adeleke’s administration has been marked by policy focus on infrastructural renewal, payment of salary arrears, and investment in grassroots development since assuming office. The Oduduwa Integrity Association said it will continue to monitor and document these efforts as part of its civic oversight role.

The formal adoption ceremony and presentation of recognition materials are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Oduduwa Integrity Association is a Southwest-based civil society and advocacy group committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability across Yoruba-speaking states presided by Evang / Hon Omotoso Banji.The Association conducts independent assessments of public service delivery and engages in community enlightenment programs.

‎AjilalaOso Day 2026: Women Union Make Donations To Hospital 

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‎The women wing of the Ede Descendants Union has donated 42 bedsheets and 44 pillow cases to Cottage Hospital, Ede, in Osun State, as part of activities marking preparations for AjilalaOso Day 2026.

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‎The donation was aimed at supporting healthcare services at the hospital while also demonstrating the union’s commitment to community development and humanitarian service.

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‎Members of the union said the gesture formed part of efforts to give back to society and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of patients receiving treatment at the health facility.

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‎Speaking during the presentation, the leader of the women wing, Mrs Silifat Shittu, described the initiative as a reflection of the values of compassion, unity and service which AjilalaOso Day represents.

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‎She noted that the annual cultural celebration is not only about showcasing the rich heritage of Ede but also about promoting development-oriented projects capable of impacting lives positively.

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‎The group further urged individuals, organisations and stakeholders in Edeland to continue supporting community-based initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

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‎Speaking on behalf of the hospital management, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Isiaka Alade, appreciated the women group for the donation, describing the items as timely and beneficial to patients and the hospital environment.

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‎Chairman of the AjilalaOso Day 2026 Planning Committee, Prince Adewale Laoye while addressing the gathering appealed to other well-meaning individuals and organisations to extend similar gestures to the hospital, noting that some roofing sections of the facility require urgent repairs.

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‎He also commended the women wing of the union for the initiative and support shown to Cottage Hospital.

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‎Prince Laoye, who spoke extensively on the objectives of the AjilalaOso festival, explained that the annual celebration would not only be about funfair and merriment but would also focus on touching the lives of the needy through impactful community projects.

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‎According to him,“We also want associations to have a project executed in Ede every year, such as what the women wing of EDU has done today.”

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