Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists at Bitta in Sector 1, dealing another blow to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the operation, Sani Uba, the failed attack occurred at about 11:10 p.m. when ISWAP terrorists attempted to infiltrate the troops’ location.

The statement noted that vigilant troops had anticipated the move and prepared a strong defensive strategy ahead of the attempted assault.

“As the terrorists advanced towards the position, troops launched coordinated spoiling actions that disrupted the assault formation while manoeuvring to block their withdrawal routes,” the statement said.

The attackers were met with heavy resistance and superior firepower, forcing them into what was described as a disorganised retreat while suffering significant losses.

The military added that the latest incident marks the third major setback for the terrorists within 24 hours, following earlier failed attacks at Banki and Azir Bridge.

Operation Hadin Kai said troops remain in firm control of all locations in the area and continue to maintain dominance of the operational environment through sustained offensive operations and high troop morale.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Friday paid a surprise visit to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media.

During the visit, the police chief stressed that the relationship between security agencies and journalists is crucial for national stability, transparency, and public trust.

Disu noted that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception of the police and in providing timely information that can help security agencies address emerging threats and maintain law and order.

He urged journalists to continue practicing responsible and balanced reporting while also helping to counter misinformation and fake news that could undermine security efforts.

According to the IGP, effective policing depends not only on operational strategies but also on the support of the public and the media, which serve as key channels for communication between law enforcement and citizens.

Disu further assured journalists of the police leadership’s commitment to transparency and improved engagement with the press, adding that constructive criticism from the media can help strengthen policing and accountability.

The NUJ leadership welcomed the visit and expressed readiness to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force to promote accurate reporting and foster mutual understanding between journalists and security agencies.

The visit comes barely weeks after Disu assumed office as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2026, succeeding former police chief Kayode Egbetokun.

Disu, a career police officer with over three decades of service in the Nigeria Police Force, previously served in several strategic positions including Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State before his elevation to the top police job.

Observers say the engagement with journalists signals a renewed effort by the police leadership to strengthen collaboration with the media in tackling crime and improving public confidence in law enforcement.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to develop a workable synergy in solving the nation’s pressing challenges.

In a statement, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Queenet Iheoma-Hart, said the Minister made this call during a courtesy visit by his counterpart, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, to his office at Ship House, Abuja.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the defence sector and agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in order to enhance innovation, research, and technological advancement in support of Nigeria’s security architecture.

Gen. Musa emphasized the importance of self-financing innovation and indigenous technological development, noting that Nigeria must prioritize local production and research to address national challenges and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.

He also highlighted the critical role of energy in defence operations, noting that many military barracks across the country currently face significant electricity challenges. He therefore called for stronger collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to explore sustainable energy solutions that can provide reliable power to military facilities and barracks.

In his words, “stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions.” The Minister added that partnership with the energy sector would help the Ministry of Defence develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for barracks and other defence establishments.

Gen. Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to deepening collaboration with the science and technology community in areas of research, innovation, capacity building, and energy development that will strengthen national security and support the Armed Forces.

Earlier in his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, who came with three of the Director-Generals of the Agencies under his Ministry, namely, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and Energy Commission of Nigeria, highlighted that the Agencies under his supervision are much eager and ready to partner and work in line with the vision of the Ministry of Defence, considering their technological advancement in research. Each of the Director-General spoke extensively on the products they can offer in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.

Both Ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships will help harness Nigeria’s scientific potentials and translate research outcomes into practical solutions that support national development and security.

Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Directors from both Ministries, and Principal Officers in the Ministry.

Iheoma-Hart confirmed that the meeting marks a significant step toward fostering inter-ministerial cooperation for national development and security.