The Arewa Defence League (ADL), has joined millions of Nigerians, particularly the people of Northern Nigeria, in mourning the passing of former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Murtala Abubaker, President, Arewa Defence League (ADL), in a statement said, “As a leading youth organization that championed the principles of justice, equity, and power rotation in Nigeria, we remember President Buhari not just as a leader but as a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of the North and Nigeria at large.”

He explained that President Buhari was a man of the people, particularly the downtrodden, a disciplined military leader, and a democrat who served Nigeria with dedication.

The ADL said it was at the forefront of mobilizing Northern youths in 2011 and 2015 elections, believing in Buhari’s promise of change, security, and economic revival.

“While President Buhari’s eight-year tenure (2015-2023) fell short of the lofty expectations of many Nigerians, particularly in the areas of security, economy, and national unity, we recognize that no leader is perfect.

“The persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and regional divisions that lingered during his administration remain painful realities,” the group noted.

The group stated that it also remembered his efforts in infrastructure development, social investment programs, and his personal discipline in public service.

“His fight against Boko Haram, though incomplete, laid some groundwork for future successes.

“As we bid farewell to President Buhari, we urge Nigerians, especially Northern leaders, to reflect on the lessons of his era. Leadership must go beyond personal or elite sentiments, it must deliver tangible progress, justice, security and unity for all,” Abubakar said.

The ADL said it remained committed to advocating for good governance, equity, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

It urged today’s leaders to prioritize the people’s welfare over personal or political interests.

The Kogi state government has announced the arrest of two suspected kidnapping informants in Okunland area of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement which revealed that the arrests followed the confessional statements of a previously apprehended suspect, Babatunde Aledare, who is currently in security custody.

According to the statement, the arrested suspects are have both confessed to setting up their community members to be kidnapped.

“Following the confession of Babatunde Aledare, two more informants have been arrested in the last 48 hours: they are Dare Okegbe and Lakutu Omobab Ajelesimi. Both suspects are also from Ayetoro Kiri and have confessed to working with kidnappers to set up members of their own community for abduction.”

Fanwo described the arrests as a significant stride in the ongoing crackdown on kidnapping networks in the region, assuring that more arrests are likely as investigations continue.

He called on residents to collaborate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities.

Troops under the 7 Division, Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai have dealt another blow to Boko Haram, storming their strongholds in Tangalanga and Bula Marwa, both in Borno State.

According to details obtained by Zagazola Makama from military sources familiar with the mission, the operation was executed on Sunday, July 7, following “credible intelligence reports indicating the presence and activities of terrorist elements in the general area.”

The troops, acting swiftly on the information, first moved into Tangalanga where they came under attack but quickly responded, killing two insurgents during the engagement. The team didn’t stop there.

“After receiving intelligence on the massing up of terrorists within the location,” the sources said, “the team proceeded towards Bula Marwa.”

As soldiers approached the second target, Bula Marwa, the insurgents reportedly fled into the surrounding terrain in a bid to escape. However, their retreat was not entirely successful.

“One fleeing insurgent was neutralized during pursuit, while several special structures within the camp were destroyed,” a source confirmed.

Despite the tense situation and armed confrontation, the troops are said to have completed the mission without recording any casualties on their side — a significant morale boost for the ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in the region.

Recovered from the operation were key items, including aix AK-47 magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a Boko Haram flag.