Manipulation of Military Operations to Suit Political Permutations; Nigerian Military Operations in Jilli, as a case study.

By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

It must be stated clearly and without any apology: the continuous attempt by some political actors to manipulate or reinterpret military operations for political advantage is reckless, dangerous, and unacceptable. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are not an extension of political ambition, nor are they instruments to be twisted to fit changing political permutations.

Our military personnel, especially the personnel of the Nigerian Army are on the frontlines, risking—and in many cases losing—their lives to defend the nation. To politicise their sacrifices is not only disrespectful, it is an insult to the very idea of national service. Those who choose to score political points from matters of security should understand that they are undermining the morale, focus, and effectiveness of the very institutions safeguarding this country.

Recent developments further expose how dangerous and misleading these narratives can be. In a circulating video, a captured Boko Haram member, one Tijani openly affirmed that insurgents frequently congregate at the Jilli Axis—an area that was recently targeted and bombed by the Nigerian military. He went to further affirmed that they mobilised from Jilli to carry out the attack on Benisheikh, which led to the tragic loss of our gallant Officers and Men. This revelation directly contradicts the politicised claims suggesting indiscriminate action or targeted victimisation. It instead reinforces the reality that military operations are intelligence-driven and aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds.

Equally intolerable is the growing habit of dragging ethnic or tribal sentiments into matters of national security. This must stop. Security threats do not discriminate, and neither should our national response. Any attempt to twist counter-terrorism efforts into ethnic or sectional narratives is not only dishonest but dangerously divisive.

Furthermore, the reckless labeling of security operations as “witch-hunts” without credible evidence is a deliberate attempt to discredit institutions and confuse the public. Such narratives are not harmless—they weaken trust, embolden criminal elements, and place additional strain on already overstretched security personnel.

Those pushing such claims must be prepared to take responsibility for the consequences.

Let it be a warning: the continued politicisation of security issues will not only deepen national insecurity but will also be remembered as a betrayal of public trust. Politicians must draw a clear line between legitimate oversight and destructive interference. The former strengthens democracy; the latter endangers lives.

Our security agencies must be allowed to operate without intimidation, manipulation, or political distortion. Anything less is a direct compromise of national safety.

It is the government responsibility to provide security, especially in a Country like Nigeria, where citizens are not allowed to own the kind of weapons that terrorists and often criminals carry, government must protect the citizens.

In conclusion, the lives of citizens are not bargaining chips for political games. They are sacred. Any individual or group that chooses to exploit insecurity for political gain must understand that they are playing a dangerous game—one that history will judge harshly.

Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi an entrepreneur, a security analyst and an opinion moulder sent this article from Ibadan, Oyo State.

*Monday Okpebholo Rebuilds POWA Market, Disburses ₦200 Million to Fire Victims*

A major recovery effort has been completed for traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at POWA Market, as Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the rebuilding of the market and the disbursement of financial support to victims.

Speaking during the official presentation, Okpebholo revealed that a total of ₦200 million had been distributed to affected traders, with each shop owner receiving ₦8 million to help restart their businesses. The intervention comes just days after the governor pledged swift action following the devastating fire incident that disrupted livelihoods in the community.

“A few days ago, I made a promise to the traders affected by the POWA Market fire in Ekpoma. Today, I have fulfilled that promise,” Okpebholo said. “We have rebuilt the market, and I personally presented the cheques to each of the affected traders as we disbursed ₦200 million in support, with every shop owner receiving ₦8 million to help them restart their businesses.”

He acknowledged the hardship caused by the disaster, emphasizing that the initiative was not only about economic recovery but also restoring dignity and hope among victims.

“I understand the pain and disruption this incident caused, and this intervention is about restoring not just livelihoods, but hope and dignity,” he added.

The governor framed the effort as part of his administration’s broader commitment to responsive governance and people-centered policies. “This is what governance means to me, standing with our people and taking real action when it matters most,” he said, assuring residents that further support initiatives would follow.

Okpebholo concluded on a note of optimism about the state’s future, declaring, “We will continue to do more to support our people and put smiles on the faces of Edo families. A New Edo has risen.”

Police Seize Anti-Aircraft Launcher, Arrest 50 In Nationwide Crime Crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 50 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, and recovered a cache of high-grade weaponry including an anti-aircraft launcher, in a series of coordinated operations conducted since the start of the year, officials said Sunday.

At a briefing at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja, police authorities described the crackdown as a strategic offensive against criminal syndicates that have long threatened public safety across the country.

Among the items seized from dismantled cells are 17 rifles of various models, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, five walkie-talkie devices, nine magazines, three mobile phones, and a Golf vehicle, according to a statement from the force’s public relations office.

The most significant operation dismantled a 33-member gang allegedly responsible for acts of terrorism, cattle rustling, and a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, police said.

Authorities also reported progress in securing justice for three police officers killed in Taraba State. The kingpins behind the murder of the officers, who were attached to the Donga Divisional Headquarters in Donga Local Government Area, have been apprehended.

In the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states, police said specialized units engaged in “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and the operation of fake police checkpoints have been arrested. Stolen property and operational assets used to terrorize citizens have also been recovered.

In a separate operation in Benue State, acting on intelligence, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in the Igumale area. He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations linked him to a notorious bandit identified only as Janari, who allegedly sold him the weapon. Efforts are underway to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate, police said.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the force’s commitment to national security, describing the achievements as testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by the Nigeria Police.

Several main suspects are ready for prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction, Disu said, adding that the force continues to pursue other accomplices and recover more illegal weapons.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen, utilizing both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements,” the force’s public relations officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said in a statement issued Monday.