Morning recap: Army probes leaked DSS memo on attacks, Tinubu explains Oyo rescue strategy, other top stories

Nigeria's security apparatus is under scrutiny as the Nigerian Army launches an internal investigation into the leak of a classified Department of State Services (DSS) intelligence report. The memo had alerted military authorities to impending attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in parts of Adamawa and Borno states.

Senior DSS officials are reportedly probing how the confidential document, which had been officially registered at the 232 Battalion in Yola, was circulated publicly, causing alarm among residents. The July 27 memo specifically warned of threats targeting officials, traditional rulers, and residents in Michika, Adamawa, and Askira Uba, Borno.

In security matters, President Bola Tinubu addressed traditional rulers in Oyo State regarding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire local government area in May. Tinubu stated that his administration opted against negotiating or paying ransom to the militants. Instead, the government focused on tracking and arresting members of the kidnappers' families and their communities. He described the subsequent military-led rescue operation, which concluded after 56 days, as intelligence-driven and successful, achieved without any ransom payment.

President Tinubu also highlighted security reforms, including plans to expand the Army from eight to 12 divisions, retrain forest guards, and push for the establishment of state police forces, drawing lessons from the Oyo incident. Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) announced a significant milestone, deploying over 1,000 young professionals into its workforce. These individuals successfully completed a rigorous one-year internship, training, and evaluation program. The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, lauded the exercise as a major achievement, emphasizing that the recruits earned their positions based on merit and performance.

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The military-led rescue after 56 days was intelligence-driven and successful without ransom payment.