The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has tackled Nigerian politicians who, according to him, depend on godfathers, billionaire backers and political parties they did not build to pursue their ambitions.

Sowore made the statement in a post on his social media page, while defending the AAC, saying the party was built through the courage, sacrifice and support of ordinary Nigerians.

He questioned why politicians who claim to have the strength to win elections continue to move from one political party to another during election periods instead of building movements of their own.

Sowore also took aim at politicians who, according to him, try to persuade their supporters to abandon political platforms they have built and join other parties.

He said politicians who believe their ideas and political structures are popular should prove it by organising and mobilising Nigerians without depending on wealthy patrons or established political structures.

“If their ideas are so compelling, let them organize. If their platforms are so popular, let them mobilize. If their politics is so powerful, let them build,” Sowore said.

He said the AAC was built through the efforts and sacrifices of its members and supporters, rather than being created for the personal ambitions of wealthy political figures.

“We built ours with our sweat and blood. Let them build theirs,” he added.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnapped victims and recovered several weapons in operations across the country.

The military operational update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, said the operations were conducted between Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 across theatres.

The report said the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, neutralised a terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device in Borno.

It added that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and an IED initiator during the encounter at Miyanti-Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area (LGA).

According to the report, the engagement, however, resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and a military gun truck was damaged.

“In Yobe, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area.

“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a body pouch after the encounter.

“The military also recorded aerial success in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, where an air strike neutralised three terrorists and destroyed structures used as hideouts,” he said.

The report also revealed that troops of 211 Demonstration Battalion, Operation MESA, neutralised two terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims from Makodi Gwamnare Forest in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.

It added that troops recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million from the terrorists, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.

In Kogi, the military said the troops of 21 Battalion, working with the police, Department of State Services and local hunters, rescued 21 victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers.

It said the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from Egume-Ochaja Forest in Dekina LGA.

According to the report, one male victim who sustained a gunshot wound during the operation was stabilised at a military medical facility.

“In Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade and an Office of the National Security Adviser tactical team neutralised two terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu LGA.

“In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village, Bungudu Local Government Area, but fought through and forced the terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle.

“In Plateau, troops arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife at Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

“In Delta, troops intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite and arrested two suspects along the Bomadi-Oro Junction road.

“In Rivers, troops engaged armed oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism at Oboburu community, forcing the suspects to flee, while one suspect sustained gunshot wounds.

“Troops also discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil,” he said.

The report said the latest operations underscored the military’s continued reliance on intelligence, joint operations and sustained offensive action to disrupt terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks and economic saboteurs across the country. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba