The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, has praised the courage, resilience, and leadership of Nigerian troops, particularly those serving under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), for their unwavering dedication to peace and national security.
The commendation was delivered during a special Eid-al-Adha Luncheon held on Sunday at the OPSH Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State. Represented by Major General PE Eromosele, Deputy Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, the COAS conveyed heartfelt Sallah greetings to the troops and commended their sacrifices—especially during festive periods.
“Your loyalty, courage, and sacrifice continue to inspire the nation,” General Oluyede said. “Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the strength found in selflessness—qualities you exemplify daily in the service of our great country.”
The COAS recognized the bravery of soldiers who have paid the ultimate price and assured their families that their loved ones’ legacies remain firmly etched in the nation’s memory. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restore peace in troubled areas.
Highlighting the essence of the Eid-al-Adha celebration, he noted that the values of faith, obedience, and sacrifice resonate with the discipline and professionalism required of military personnel.
The event was also graced by senior military officers, government officials, and other dignitaries. In a symbolic gesture of unity and appreciation, the COAS’s representative and other commanders personally served meals to the troops.
In his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He praised the soldiers for their unwavering resolve, despite the tough and unpredictable conditions under which they operate.
“Our troops have continued to uphold the highest standards of courage and professionalism,” he said. “Your sacrifices have brought relative peace to many communities across Plateau and neighboring states.”
General Oyinlola expressed gratitude to the COAS for his consistent support in troop welfare, including reinforcements and provision of combat resources. He also acknowledged the collaboration of other security agencies and the support of the Plateau State Government, which he said have contributed significantly to the successes of Operation Safe Haven.
He urged the soldiers to see the luncheon not just as a celebration, but as a moment to strengthen the bonds of service and renew their shared commitment to national unity and peace.
The luncheon featured moments of reflection, camaraderie, entertainment, and prayers, creating a relaxed atmosphere for troops who continue to serve far from their families.
The event reinforced the Nigerian Army’s appreciation of its personnel and its resolve to lead with compassion, discipline, and purpose.
Eid Mubarak to all the gallant troops across Nigeria.
Google has unveiled Gemini Intelligence, a new artificial intelligence initiative designed to transform Android devices into proactive digital assistants capable of completing tasks across apps and services with minimal user input.
The announcement marks Google’s latest move in the intensifying competition among major technology companies seeking to expand AI integration across consumer devices.
Gemini Intelligence introduces what Google describes as “agentic” AI capabilities directly into Android, enabling smartphones to perform actions such as booking appointments, organising shopping lists, navigating applications and completing forms automatically.
The rollout positions Android more directly against Apple’s AI strategy under Apple Intelligence, which the company introduced to bring generative AI capabilities to iPhones, iPads and Mac devices.
Google says Gemini Intelligence combines advanced AI models, Android software and connected hardware to create a more proactive user experience across smartphones, smartwatches, vehicles, laptops and smart glasses.
“It integrates premium hardware and innovative software to help you stay a step ahead by working proactively to get things done throughout your day, all while keeping your data private, and keeping you in control,” Google says.
The company says the new AI capabilities will first launch on Samsung Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 smartphones later this summer before expanding to additional Android devices later in the year.
A key component of the strategy centres on cross-application automation.
According to Google, Gemini Intelligence can complete multi-step tasks across different applications without requiring users to manually switch between services.
The company demonstrated functions including booking a fitness class, locating course information inside Gmail and automatically adding textbooks to an online shopping cart.
Google also showcased screen-aware AI functions capable of interacting with images and visual content displayed on devices.
In one example, users could open a grocery list inside a notes application, activate Gemini and instruct it to create a shopping cart containing all listed items for delivery.
The tech company also demonstrated how users could photograph a travel brochure and ask Gemini to search online for similar tour packages.
The announcement reflects a broader shift within the technology industry towards AI systems designed to perform actions rather than simply generate conversational responses.
Google is also extending Gemini Intelligence into the Chrome browser, where the company says users will gain AI-powered research, summarisation and automation tools.
New “Chrome auto browse” functions expected later this year will allow Gemini to assist with tasks such as booking appointments and reserving parking spaces directly through web interfaces.
The company additionally announced upgrades to Autofill with Google using Gemini’s “Personal Intelligence” capabilities.
According to Google, Android devices will be able to use information from connected applications to automatically complete more complex forms.
The company says the feature will remain optional for users.
“Connecting Gemini to Autofill with Google is strictly opt-in, meaning you choose if and when you want to connect to Gemini – and you can always turn this connection on or off in your settings,” Google says.
Google also introduced Rambler, a new AI-powered speech-to-text feature integrated into Gboard.
The feature is designed to convert natural speech into more polished written communication by filtering pauses, repeated words and conversational filler expressions.
According to Google, Rambler can switch between multiple languages within the same message using Gemini’s multilingual AI models.
“Whether you’re blending English with Hindi or any other combination, Rambler understands the context and the nuance, ensuring your message sounds exactly like you only more polished,” Google says.
The company says audio processed through Rambler is handled in real time and is not stored.
Alongside the software announcements, Google unveiled “Create My Widget,” a generative AI feature that allows users to build custom Android widgets using natural language prompts.
The company says Gemini Intelligence will also introduce updated Android interface elements based on its Material 3 Expressive design system aimed at reducing distractions and improving focus.
“Gemini only acts on your command and stops the moment the task is complete. All that’s left for you is the final confirmation,” Google says.
The expanded AI rollout highlights growing competition among technology companies seeking to position artificial intelligence as the next major interface for smartphones and connected devices.
Alongside Google and Apple, companies including Samsung and Microsoft are also increasing investments in AI-powered consumer technologies as the global smartphone industry shifts towards more integrated generative AI experiences.
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The serenity and peace of Kogot village in Vwang-Vom District, Jos South Local Council Area of Plateau State was on Tuesday night shattered, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits invaded the community, killing a 78-year-old woman, Ngo Shettu Badung, and her 52-year-old son, Danjuma Badung.
Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, BYM, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, said two other youths, identified as Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were reportedly ambushed and shot dead before the attackers fled into nearby bushes, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
Tengwong said the attackers struck at about 11:00 p.m. shortly after the military arrested eight local guards in Vwang at Danwal in Ganawuri Chiefdom.
According to the BYM Secretary, the attackers invaded the community at night when the residents had retired for the night and opened fire on the victims, throwing the area into panic as villagers fled for safety.
“People started running when the gunshots began. Residents were terrified because the attack happened late at night.
“By the time they were done and left the village, four people were confirmed dead, including Ngo Shettu Badung, a 78-year-old, and her 52-year-old son, Danjuma Badung. Two other youths, Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were also ambushed and killed by the bandits.
“Several other people were injured as they tried to flee into the bushes for safety,” Tengwong said.
Tengwong, who described the attacks as barbaric and inhuman, lamented that they were part of the continued assaults on innocent indigenous communities in the state.
“The BYM hereby calls on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served, while urging governments at all levels to take decisive steps to end the persistent killings across Plateau communities,” he added.
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