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Ex-Chief of Defence Staff Irabor calls for review of Terrorism Act
Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (Rtd), has called for a review of the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, explaining that although comprehensive, the Act contains vague provisions that risk undermining journalistic independence.
Irabor stated that reform is needed to amend ambiguous definitions of terrorism, embed procedural safeguards for arrests, and explicitly protect journalistic confidentiality.
The former Defence Chief made this call while delivering a paper at the ongoing Guild of Editors Conference in Abuja.
He said: “Within 24 months, targeted amendments should be passed to clarify definitions and reduce arbitrary arrests by at least 50%.
These legal adjustments will balance the imperatives of security with the preservation of press freedom, ensuring that media institutions continue to serve as watchdogs rather than becoming casualties of counterterrorism policy.
Such reforms will also build public trust in both the legal system and the media, strengthening democratic resilience.
When journalists feel legally protected, they are more likely to engage in investigative reporting that exposes extremist networks and corruption that may fuel insecurity.
By addressing legislative ambiguity, Nigeria can ensure that its counterterrorism framework is not only robust but also consistent with international human rights standards.”
He also emphasised that one of the most pressing needs in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism architecture is structured cooperation between the media and security institutions.
To this end, Irabor advocated the establishment of a National Media–Security Coordination Council (NMSCC) under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to serve as a formal platform for intelligence–information exchange.
Such an institution, he said, would enable regular joint briefings, verified updates, and guided access to operational details, thereby eliminating sensational or conflicting narratives that often undermine national security communication.
“This takes into account the concept of ‘Citizenship Media’. Here, the view sees the media as builders of nations. They shape society. What you say is what you get. Therefore, as a media practitioner, whatever you do, always ask yourself: does it align with the kind of society you envision? Your actions must not lead to self-destruction,” General Irabor said.
The ex-CDS stressed that a well-supported, professionally guided, and institutionally protected media remains one of Nigeria’s strongest instruments for fostering peace, resilience, and enduring national security.
He, however, reminded the editors that, as the last men standing, they do not have the swords to protect themselves if their framing of national security matters leads to the extinction of the first, second, and third persons in the realm.
He also called for the constitution of a coordinated task force comprising editors, security agencies, and human rights organisations to develop comprehensive guidelines for terrorism reporting.
These guidelines, he said, should cover verification standards, the framing of narratives, the ethical use of imagery, and the protection of sources.
“Within 18 months, at least 80% of media houses are expected to adopt the guidelines, with periodic audits conducted to measure compliance and assess levels of public trust. Such a framework would reduce sensationalism, enhance journalists’ safety, and promote responsible reporting that resists the manipulative strategies of terrorist groups.
By embedding these practices into the professional culture of Nigerian journalism, the media can strengthen its watchdog role while avoiding the unintentional amplification of extremist propaganda.
Clear guidelines would also create a shared framework between government and media institutions, reducing friction in moments of crisis. Ultimately, national guidelines ensure that reporting protects both democratic freedoms and public safety without compromising credibility,” he said.
Gunmen on Thursday night ambushed and beheaded a 30-year-old man, Elisha Abbas Saku, at Riwhie-Chwo in Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 10 pm when the gunmen stormed the community, throwing residents into panic and confusion.
A statement issued on Friday by the Irigwe Youth Movement described the killing as a brutal ambush.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yonkpa, who signed the statement, prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul while calling for divine comfort for the entire Irigwe Nation.
“Yesterday night, 16th April 2026, gunmen ambushed and beheaded Mr. Elisha Abbas Saku, 30 years old, at Riwhie-Chwo, Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa LGA, Plateau State,” the report stated. “May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the entire Irigwe Nation.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), held on Thursday.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on Friday.
According to the Board, candidates can now access their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to either 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number registered during the examination process.
At this stage, only result viewing is available, as printing of result slips has not yet been enabled.
JAMB emphasised that the UTME exercise is still ongoing, adding that additional batches of results will be released progressively as marking and processing continue.
The Board also issued a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate or falsify results.
It cautioned candidates against altering SMS messages received from its official platforms to misrepresent their scores to others, including parents and guardians.
JAMB Releases Results of 632,788 Candidates from Day One of the 2026 UTME
The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.
To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019…
— Fabian Benjamin (@FabianB58246501) April 17, 2026
Describing such actions as a serious criminal offence, JAMB disclosed that it has already taken action against offenders. “Two candidates and one parent are currently in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement revealed.
The Board reiterated that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face the full weight of the law.
JAMB urged candidates to adhere strictly to official channels and maintain integrity throughout the examination process, as it continues efforts to ensure a credible and transparent admissions system in Nigeria.
The Arewa APC Forum, Kano State chapter, has announced the withdrawal of its support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing concerns over governance and leadership direction.
In a statement dated April 17, 2026, the forum said its decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on the state of affairs at the federal level.
The group stated that it could no longer, “in good conscience,” continue to support the current administration, which it criticised over alleged issues including nepotism, incompetence, and corruption.
“We believe that leadership must inspire confidence, uphold fairness, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to national unity, institutional integrity, and responsible governance,” the statement read.
It added that where such values are persistently undermined, “silence becomes complicity.”
The forum further declared that its confidence in the current political direction has been withdrawn, urging its members to align with this position in future political engagements.
The statement was signed by Sallah Hakilu Kibiya, chairman of the forum in Kano State.
The development signals potential cracks within support structures linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the northern region, as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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