A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, has disclosed how Nigerian security agencies mounted sustained pressure that led to the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Speaking during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ngoshe said the success of the Oyo kidnapping rescue operation was achieved through a carefully coordinated security strategy that isolated the kidnappers, disrupted their supply network and left them with little option but to release their captives. Security Agencies Deserve Recognition, Says Ngoshe The retired intelligence officer urged Nigerians to commend the efforts of the military, police and other security agencies involved in the operation instead of questioning how it was conducted. According to him, the rescue mission should be seen as a major achievement, considering the complexity of kidnapping operations and the need to protect the lives of the victims. He argued that operational details are often withheld while missions are ongoing for security reasons and should not overshadow the successful outcome. How Security Forces Pressured the Kidnappers Ngoshe explained that security operatives identified and… 

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to make a State visit to Nigeria later this year, marking a significant step in efforts by Paris and Abuja to strengthen diplomatic, economic and security cooperation. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during celebrations marking France’s National Day in Abuja. According to the ambassador, Macron’s visit will come two years after President Bola Tinubu paid a State visit to France, providing both leaders with an opportunity to assess the progress made in bilateral relations and agree on new areas of cooperation. Macron, Tinubu to Review Bilateral Roadmap Describing the planned trip as an important milestone, Fonbaustier said the two presidents would evaluate the implementation of existing agreements while outlining fresh priorities designed to strengthen ties between both nations. He expressed confidence that the discussions would produce mutually beneficial outcomes for Nigeria and France across several sectors. France Reaffirms Partnership of Equals The French envoy stressed that relations between both countries are built on mutual respect and equality rather than dominance. He said France remains committed to maintaining an… 

Nigerian priest, Massachusetts, Catholic Church, Benjamin Okwy Madu, US visa, Nigeria, Archdiocese of Boston, immigration, Ebonyi priest A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in the United States has died after reportedly expressing deep concerns about returning to Nigeria following the expiration of his religious worker visa. The Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, 54, was found dead at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, on July 2. The Archdiocese of Boston, where he had served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest since 2021, later confirmed his passing. Church officials have indicated that he died by suicide. Father Madu’s R-1 religious worker visa was scheduled to expire on July 29. According to reports, his home Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State had directed him to return to Nigeria before that date to begin a new pastoral assignment in early August. In the weeks leading up to his death, the priest reportedly spoke openly about his reluctance to return to Nigeria. In a farewell message to members of his parish, he said his departure from the United States was not by choice but was the result of circumstances beyond his…