Fabian Apechihin

Yamada has blamed recent attacks on the children of so-called repentant bandits and armed groups that refused to embrace ongoing peace accords, warning that the violence is being driven by factions outside the agreement.

According to him, the situation exposes the shortcomings of peace deals that are neither comprehensive nor inclusive. He explained that when certain armed groups or splinter factions are excluded—or deliberately opt out—such accords fail to deliver lasting peace.

Yamada cautioned that without a mechanism to identify, include, and closely monitor all armed elements, insecurity will continue to re-emerge in different forms. He stressed that violence will persist as long as some groups operate beyond the reach of peace agreements and accountability structures.

Fabian Apechihin

Retired Major Galma of the Nigerian Army has raised concerns over political interference in the country’s military recruitment process, warning that it has allowed unqualified individuals into the armed forces and weakened national security.

Speaking in a report published by DAILY POST on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, Galma described the Nigerian Army’s ongoing call for applications into the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 as a positive development. However, he cautioned that the exercise would only be effective if recruitment is conducted strictly on merit.

According to Galma, candidates imposed on the military through political influence often lack commitment and discipline. He said many of them either abandon their duties after training or become internal security threats by collaborating with criminal elements.

“I appeal to politicians to allow only qualified and willing individuals to be recruited. Many of those who are forced into the system end up deserting after training or becoming security liabilities, including aiding criminal elements,” he said.

The retired officer stressed that safeguarding the integrity of military recruitment is crucial to strengthening the armed forces and improving Nigeria’s overall security situation.

Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has reacted to reports alleging that Nigerian scholarship beneficiaries have been abandoned in Morocco, dismissing the claims as misleading.

According to the government, affected students will be given the option of returning to Nigeria, where they will be seamlessly reintegrated into suitable tertiary institutions of their choice. The Federal Government, it added, will fully cover the cost of their return travel.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the current administration is committed to reforming the scholarship system to ensure efficiency and sustainability. He explained that previous practices—such as sponsoring overseas programmes that are already available in Nigerian institutions—placed unnecessary pressure on public finances.

Alausa noted that the reforms are designed to redirect resources toward strengthening local capacity while still prioritising the welfare of Nigerian students.

The statement further emphasised that the government’s actions are guided by transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public funds. It reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting students and rejected what it described as “misinformation, blackmail, or any attempt to undermine policies aimed at improving the education sector and protecting national interests.”