Tag: President asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Defense Headquarters stated on Thursday that a concerted attack by insurgents on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, resulted in the deaths of both terrorists and military personnel.

The military, however, did not confirm or debunk reports that the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brig Gen Oseni Braimah, was among those killed in the incident. The Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, Zanna Ajimi, however, claimed that the brigade commander was among those killed in the attack.

“Yes, we just left the military base now, and I can confirm to you that the brigade commander is among the casualties,” Ajimi told the press.

A resident, Musa Aji, said, “They didn’t just burn military vehicles; shops that are by the roadside were also set on fire. As of this time, we have yet to hear about the death of any civilian. But we heard soldiers were killed.” Efforts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful as calls were not answered.

Maj Gen Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the incident began about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when rebels attempted to breach the military installation’s defensive perimeter.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brig Gen Oseni Braimah, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.

“Continuing the Nigerian Armed Forces’ counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation Hadin Kai came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.

“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brig Gen Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower. “In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission,” the statement read.

The Defense Headquarters regarded the strike as a sign of desperation by insurgents who had suffered significant losses in recent operations, adding that the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers.

Unfortunately, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“The statement said, “The Chief of Defence Staff honors their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the nation.” The military also disclosed that clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.

He described the fallen troops as “unforgettable and irreplaceable” heroes. In a statement issued Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the courage of the soldiers who, he said, fought valiantly to prevent Boko Haram from overrunning the communities under their protection.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State.

The President said, “The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain.”

Tinubu framed the attack as an act of desperation by a weakened insurgency, saying the military had been conducting sustained land and air offensives that had neutralised many fighters and commanders.

He said, “From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders.

“The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.” The President urged the military high command and frontline troops not to be discouraged, promising continued government support in equipment and welfare. “Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism.

He declared, “The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed, and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.”

Additionally, Tinubu urged Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces while warning against any actions that glorified or approved of assaults on soldiers.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. “We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable,” He uttered those words.

The President expressed his sympathies to the government and people of Borno State, stressing the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with the state to achieve “total victory and lasting peace.”

Bola Tinubu has given immediate approval for the reconstruction of three federal roads in Niger State, as well as the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road to link up with the East–West Road in Rivers State.

The president gave the approval during a meeting with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road to connect with the East–West Road, the project will be executed on a dual carriageway capacity.

It is also expected to get constructed with concrete pavement, and equipped with solar-powered street lighting.

President Bola Tinubu hosted state governors to a Ramadan Iftar dinner at the State House in Abuja on Monday evening.

The event, held at the Presidential Villa, is now in its third consecutive year. Governors, deputy governors and senior government officials gathered to break their fast with the President.

Among the governors present were Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba).

The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State also attended.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and several ministers were also in attendance.

The Iftar forms part of Tinubu’s annual Ramadan tradition of hosting political leaders and senior officials during the holy month.

At previous gatherings, the President used the occasion to call for unity and improved leadership.

At the 2025 Iftar, he told governors and ministers to focus on the welfare of citizens, saying, “do more for your people.”

He also said Nigeria should be regarded as one large family living under the same roof, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

Tinubu is expected to host additional Iftar meetings with senior government officials, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community before the end of Ramadan.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanugu, on Wednesday.

The statement said the appointment is subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026.

President Tinubu sent a letter today to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week, after about 14 months in the post.

Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

Many Nigerians have taken to various platforms to express their views on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips.

The President spent 23 days abroad in January 2026 alone, having departed Nigeria for Europe on December 28, 2025.

Recall that the President spent nine days in France for End-of-year break and holiday. He proceeded to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, where he spent seven days for the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week 2026.

He then jetted to Turkey on a state visit where he spent another six days before returning to Nigeria.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi is among those who have criticized Tinubu over his incessant foreign trips amid insecurity in Nigeria.

Obi, who said the President had already spent 23 days on foreign trips just in the month of January, stressed that the first month of the year serves as a critical measure of the challenges that lie ahead, decrying that the situation in the country continues to worsen.

A cross-section of Nigerians have now expressed their mixed feelings over the President’s trips.

For Divine Akor, it is outrageous for the President to have spent 23 days outside the country within one month.

He said at a time of crushing inflation, hunger, and worsening insecurity, the statistics raise serious questions and concerns about the fate of Nigerians in the hands of the President.

“I know very well that Tinubu’s protagonists will come up with  the usual defense in an attempt to justify such frequent foreign trips by saying- it’s for  economic diplomacy, investor talks and global engagement. These are mere gimmicks to exonerate their paymasters.

“We can only accept such propositions or reasons when there is valid evidence of the positive impacts of such foreign trips. Diplomacy, global networking etc, without verifiable results is just  a glorified excursion or frequent flying.

“From what I have seen so far, all I can say is that the foreign trip is for a subtle foreign medical care, personal relaxation or running to a serene atmosphere from the volatile political and security situations in Nigeria.

“If we say they’re for global networking and investments, where are the investments such trips have attracted to Nigeria since he started long ago? We see foreign Companies folding up and new investors are not coming as it used to be under President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Where are the jobs created through the frequent trips? Where is the relief Nigerians can feel?” He asked.

Speaking also, Michael Ameh said President Tinubu had preached the need for Nigerians to make sacrifices, asking why the same president cannot show examples by living a life of sacrifices.

According to him, it is not right to preach sacrifice at home while the president is projecting personal comfort abroad, especially when hardship is whipping Nigerians.

“Leadership in crisis demands presence, urgency, and empathy- not prolonged absence. No one says a president shouldn’t travel. But excessive travel during national hardship looks less like strategy and more like detachment. Nigeria doesn’t need more handshakes overseas.

“It needs proactive decision, direction, and delivery at home. How many other world leaders spend such a humongous time in another country? It’s only in Nigeria we see this kind of absurdity every tenure,” he lamented.

He charged the President to make every Nigerian feel the impact of his trips if he claims they are for the good of Nigerians and not personal gains.

“We want to see investors trooping in to Nigeria, we want to see jobs popping up, infrastructure, improved electricity supply, reduction in inflation and overall upsurge in the standard of living.

“If we don’t see, then it is obvious it’s for personal vacation, medical care and so on, which is not healthy for Nigeria,” he added.

On his part, Paul Igbashangev said the President’s incessant foreign trips, especially spending 23 days in the month of January, feels like he is jet-setting more than governing.

He said, “Honestly, I’m a bit concerned about President Tinubu’s foreign trips. I mean, 23 days abroad in January alone? We have got pressing issues at home – insecurity, economic hardship, infrastructure decay… and he’s swanning off to France, UAE, Turkey? Some folks are saying he is out there networking instead of fixing Nigeria.

“Look, I am not saying these trips can’t yield benefits, but where is the tangible outcome for the average Nigerian? Agreements, partnerships…show me the results! He has been president for over two years and we are still struggling.

“Billions spent on foreign trips in two years? That is a lot of money! Shouldn’t he be focusing on making life better for Nigerians instead of racking up travel miles? What do you think, is he doing enough? The answer is no!”

Similarly, Augustine Oyiwona said Nigerians are sceptical about President Tinubu’s frequent visit to foreign countries due to the high cost of such trips -especially during the economic hardship and other domestic issues that need urgent leadership attention like insecurity, hike in fuel prices, unemployment, and rising inflation.

He, however, said that foreign trips are not inherently bad and can be justified if Nigerians can see tangible outcomes.

“Some of the benefits attached to those visits are that it attracts foreign investors to the country’s growing economy and the active engagement of President Tinubu with the highly industrialised countries of the world helps Nigeria to maintain regional and global influence as the giant of Africa.

“Debt talks, trade deals, energy cooperation and security partnerships often require face to face diplomacy. These foreign trips also can improve security cooperation as we recently see between Nigeria and the United States of America,” he added.

In the same vein, Abdulkadir Hassan stressed that one of the functions of a President is to ensure there is a mutual relationship between the country and other international countries.

He stated that the 23-day international trip of President Bola Tinubu to some countries was in line with his exclusive duties, adding that he has visited France, the United Arab Emirate, Turkey, in the month of January to ensure that Nigeria strengthens its bound in economics, security, and social development with these countries.

“It may look absurd to some individuals that Mr President is out of the country for 23 days, but it is very imperative for a leader of a country like Nigeria to visit some international countries to discuss critical and relevant issues.

“It can be noted that the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW, 2026, serves as a crucial platform for Nigeria to secure investment, accelerate its renewable energy transition, and foster international partnerships for sustainable development.

“Also, the visit to Turkey by Mr President is also an economic acceleration for Nigeria because at the end of the meeting, the two countries signed agreements on diaspora policy, defence cooperation, joint declaration establishing the economy and trade joint committee, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media and communication, diplomacy academy, among others.

“For this, the trip wasn’t done in isolation but to develop Nigeria and the Nigerians at large,”he stated.