There are indications that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is warming up to making concessions to ease the political tension in the state. This followed Fubara’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London during the latter’s 18-day retreat in Europe. The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was at the request of Governor Fubara, who first came into office in May 2023. Although The PUNCH could not confirm details of the meeting at press time, a senior presidential adviser told the Paris-based publication that, Fubara “pledged to make certain concessions in a bid to ease tensions.” “It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week. “Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official hinted that negotiations are ongoing and that his six‑month suspension could be cut short. Another aide added that Fubara is weighing a switch from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC to get on the good side of the president. “If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide told the French magazine. Presidential aides contacted by our correspondent said they were not on the latest private trip with the President and, therefore, did not witness the closed-door meeting. It is first face‑to‑face since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on 18 March, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and ousting Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.” He installed former Navy Chief, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator. Opposition governors from seven PDP‑ruled states immediately filed suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the decree’s constitutionality and demanding a return to democratic rule. The political crisis, which has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The turmoil escalated after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm. Things went further south when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, prompting legal disputes over their status. On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly, faulting the governor’s actions as unconstitutional and tantamount to despotism. The judgment noted that Rivers State had effectively collapsed into one-man rule due to the absence of a functioning legislature. Despite the ruling, governance remained stalled, with the Assembly and executive failing to cooperate. As of March 2025 the state’s annual Appropriation Bill had not been passed. Hours before Tinubu declared emergency rule, an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State. A second explosion ruptured a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State. Citing fresh security reports at the time, Tinubu expressed concern over recent vandalisation of oil pipelines by militants, allegedly acting in support of Fubara. The President, who had been in Paris, then London since April 2, agreed to meet Fubara in an attempt to defuse the lingering crisis. The duo discussed restoring functional government in the oil‑rich state, officials say. Neither side disclosed details, but sources said the talks may see Fubara back in power before his six-month suspension elapses in September. It was learned that Fubara’s estranged political godfather now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was nervous about such an arrangement holding without him. However, Tinubu is expected to meet Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to chart a lasting solution to the political crisis in the state.

Military head Oligui Nguema is the strongest candidate, but his ties to the old government have led to criticism. The African nation of Gabon is voting in its first executive elections since a military coup in 2023 ended the 50-year dynastic rule of the Bongo political family. Polls opened in the country at 7am (06:00 GMT) on Saturday, with reports of thousands of people queuing outside polling stations across Libreville, the seaside capital. Nearly one million people, including some 28,000 overseas, are registered to vote. Brice Clotaite Oligui Nguema, coup leader-turned-transition president, is the main candidate among four competitors and is widely expected to win the elections, despite controversial reforms he has put into place that experts say were tailored to make him eligible for the vote. Located in West-central Africa, on the Atlantic coast, Gabon is rich in extractives like crude oil. The country, with a population of 2.2 million, is also part of the vital Congo Basin and boasts millions of acres of rainforest replete with varieties of plant and animal species. However, those natural resources have not translated into any meaningful distribution of wealth, as one family and a small political elite have ruled the country for the past five decades. The opposition is weak, experts say; the press is largely toothless; and Gabonese are distrustful of politicians. Located right on the equator, Gabon’s lingua franca is French, and local languages include Fang, Mbere and several others. The capital Libreville is the country’s largest city, followed by the port town of Port-Gentil. Here’s what to know about the vote: Four candidates, all male, have been approved by the electoral college. All are running independently. That’s because the candidates want to distance themselves from the former governing Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), Douglas Yates, a professor at the American Graduate School in Paris, told Al Jazeera. The PDG has been in power since 1967 with little opposition and represents the only truly established party. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (50): As head of the Royal Guard, Nguema led the coup that overthrew former President Ali Bongo, who is also his cousin, on August 30, 2023. The military general previously served as aide-de-camp to Omar Bongo before he was posted overseas to the embassies in Morocco and Senegal. He thereafter returned to lead the elite Royal Guard that protects the president, a post he kept until seizing power. Following the coup, Nguema promised to hand over to a civilian government within two years. He has been praised for moving rapidly towards that transition as opposed to military government counterparts in the West African countries of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea. He’s also managed to maintain ties with Gabon’s former colonial leader, France, while the others have actively cut ties with France. A new constitution affirming strict two-term limits was passed following a November referendum. Nguema is promising to “lift” and transform Gabon economically. He has cleaned up his military image since the coup, sporting suave suits and T-shirts in his packed, colourful campaign rallies. In one, he was seen moonwalking on stage to loud applause from his supporters. Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze (57): In a country where the opposition has historically been weak due to decades of elections widely viewed as rigged, Bilie-By-Nze poses the biggest challenge to Nguema. The career politician, unlike many of his more elite counterparts, comes from a low-income background. In 2015, he entered politics and went on to serve in several ministerial positions under Ali Bongo. He was prime minister until the 2023 coup. Backed by his Together for Gabon political group, Bilie-By-Nze has chosen a low-key door-to-door campaign in the lead-up to the election. He has tried to underplay his role in the previous government  – even criticising the former ruling PDG party, which he was a part of until 2023. His promises of “another Gabon” include a focus on urban renewal, better health insurance and overall economic growth. However, experts say it is tough for many voters to trust him. “Despite his efforts to distance himself from his past, everybody knows that he was the last prime minister of Ali Bongo, and therefore is tarnished,” Yates said. Stephane Germain Iloko Boussengui: The medical doctor, popularly known as Iloko, was once a spokesperson for the former ruling PDG party before its downfall in the coup. He formed the Together for Gabon group with By-Nze, but the two men clashed, leading to Iloko’s exit in March. His rallies are colourful: In one campaign event in Libreville, Iloko wore traditional wrappers and danced with his supporters, who sported T-shirts with his photos on them. Despite his political past, Iloko claimed to be a “candidate for the people oppressed for 56 years” in an interview with local publication L’Union. He claimed he tried to right things in the past government but was often shut down. Now, he is promising to provide jobs and build roads and schools, particularly in rural areas. He also wants to reduce government spending and increase teachers’ welfare. As a staunch critic of the military government, Iloko has called for the establishment of an independent electoral commission, saying the new constitution established in November grants the president too much power. Joseph Lapensee Essingone (53): A technocrat, Essingone is a director at the country’s Directorate of Taxes. Educated in Gabon and France, he has presented himself as a new face in politics with no ties to the tainted past administrations. Essingone says he wants to “rupture” the current political system and usher in economic reforms. He has promised an end to the mismanagement of resources and bad governance if elected. Nguema is poised to win the elections, analysts agree. His supporters have praised him for taking steps towards civilian rule, including: However, his critics are quick to point out that Nguema remains part of the same establishment that has ruled Gabon for decades and reportedly also reaped wealth from those ties. “As we’ve seen with other military seizures of power in Africa in recent years, these transitions are accompanied by declining levels of civil liberties, political participation and transparency,” analyst Hany Wahila of the United States-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies told Al Jazeera. “Those who’ve criticised the military regime in Gabon have been the target of intimidation. What we’re seeing, therefore, resembles more a continuation of the existing unequal process rather than progress,” she added. Still, the fact that Nguema has moved forward on his election promises and kickstarted infrastructure development is progress, Yates of the American Graduate School in Paris said. The alternative, Yates said, would have kept Gabon stuck. “His most evident quality is that, unlike the young man who was being groomed to inherit the Bongo dynastic fortune, Oligui Nguema actually lives in Gabon,” Yates said. He was referring to Ali Bongo’s London-based first son, 33-year-old Noureddin Bongo, who is currently under house arrest in Gabon on charges of treason and fraud, along with his mother and French national, Sylvia Bongo. Nguema’s new constitution has barred people of dual nationality from running for the presidency, a move many believe is aimed at the Bongo heir. Ali Bongo himself was released from detention shortly after the coup and remains in the capital. Gabon’s democracy may yet be young, but it is on its way, Yates added. “As far as being a ‘true democracy’, I prefer to measure that concept on an ordinal scale from ‘more’ to ‘less’ democracy. Here, the measurement has improved,” he said.   Follow Al Jazeera English:...

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, deployed a special squad to arrest the rising violence across the country. He ordered all Police Mobile Force squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby, effective immediately. He gave the directive during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, as bandits struck in Kwara, Benue and Sokoto States, killing 21 persons. In the past weeks, the attacks on hapless citizens have escalated with increased attacks reported in Plateau, Benue, Enugu and other parts of the country. Addressing his squadron commanders during the meeting, the IG stressed that the standby units must be prepared to provide rapid support to state commands in times of crisis, high-risk operations, or emergency interventions. Egbetokun said, “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready.  Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times. “These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter. “These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.” He also said squadrons will undergo size reviews and reorganisation to boost efficiency and agility. Egbetokun further noted, ‘’Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel. “You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.” Restating the withdrawal of mobile policemen from escort duties, the IG noted with concern that this has drained the PMF’s tactical effectiveness. “As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway. “The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence,’’ he stated. The police boss declared that indiscipline among the mobile police officers will no longer be tolerated. “The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined. “As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage,’’ added. Meanwhile, the serenity of Ilesha Baruba in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State was shattered on Tuesday by gunmen who launched a deadly attack on a relaxation spot in a motor park, leaving six persons dead. Also, a vigilante was gunned down in Kemanji, Kaiama LGA, while on a patrol along the fringes of Kainji National Park. Speaking on the unprovoked attacks in the state, the Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement, disclosed that the command was investigating the two incidents. The statement said operatives have arrested an informant linked to a bandit network, adding that tactical efforts had been intensified across the affected communities. It read, “At about 21:30hours, suspected armed men, numbering 10, stormed the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately at civilians gathered at a nearby relaxation spot. “As a result, six persons – identified as Alhaji Ja’awire, AbdulJabar, Mohammed Nasamu, and three others – lost their lives, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.  The deceased have been deposited at the Ilesha Baruba Morgue for autopsy, while the injured are receiving treatment.” The police command disclosed that full security measures had been activated to bring the perpetrators to justice. Three of the suspected bandits suffered gunshot wounds during the gun duel, while a member of the vigilante, Yusuf Samba, succumbed to gunshot injuries. “Our investigation culminated in the arrest of an informant, who admitted to collaborating with a group of bandits. This individual has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing the investigation,” the police said. The command assured the residents of both communities that full security architecture has been activated, including tactical teams, intensified surveillance, and intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring peace and order. Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has led the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubugu; Brigade Commander, Sobi Cantonment, Brig. Gen. E.B. Barkins;  the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo and the Director, Department of State Services, Mr Michael Aganwu and Alh Aliyu Muyideen, the Senior Special Adviser on security matters to the governor, on a security assessment of Kaiama LGA. The Monday visit focused on the security architecture within Kemenji, Karoji, and the Kainji National Park axis. The delegation held a strategic security interface with the Emir of Kaiama, Alh Muazu Omar, and other critical stakeholders and inspected an oil mill facility before returning to Ilorin. In the Afia community in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, a suspected bandit identified as ‘Government’ reportedly killed 11 people. This happened some days after some armed herders invaded some communities in the Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, killing no fewer than 72 people. Eyewitnesses claimed the suspect was mentally ill. “He is popularly known as ‘Government’ and was mentally ill about two months ago, but was treated. He woke up Tuesday morning and shot indiscriminately, killing about 11 people,” a source told our correspondent. The state Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, who confirmed the incident, however, insisted the man was a bandit. Abo said, “I’m not aware that the man has any illness but what I gathered is that a bandit with the nickname ‘Government’ on Tuesday morning picked up a gun and shot many people to death.” The commissioner could not confirm the casualty figure. The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene, said she was not aware of the incident. Speaking during a visit to Makurdi on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, commiserated with the government and people of Benue State over the loss of lives in the state. The NSA, in an interview with journalists, stated that the Bola Tinubu administration inherited ‘’a bastardised situation’’  which is being confronted frontally. According to him, the insecurity started about 15 years ago but was devoid of politics, religion and ethnicity. He said, “The insecurity in Nigeria has been there since 2011, and we have several lives lost, and it’s not about politics, religion or ethnicity but pure criminality. It’s been ongoing for too long, it’s not only Nigeria that is a victim of this (insecurity), many countries have lost the fight against the bandits. “Sudan has no government, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso are all under military government and they faced the same problem.” The NSA, who referred to the situation in Afghanistan where he once worked, said the country also had similar problems. He sought the understanding of Nigerians, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the insecurity in the country. “The way the Federal Government is responding to insecurity today is different from the ways the past governments addressed it. The present government is a listening one, identifying the cause and tackling the issue. “We will continue to do better, we have improved greatly from the time we came in, it’s a process, it’s a journey, it took 15 years to find ourselves where we are today and the present administration has done very well compared to what was happening in the past,” Ribadu said. Addressing the people earlier, Ribadu said he was in the state on behalf of the President to commiserate with them and assured them of the Federal Government’s determination to combat insecurity in the state. In the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, members of the  Lakurawa terror group on Sunday unleashed a deadly overnight raid on Adarawa and Huymar Dutsi villages. The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles and moving on motorcycles and foot, stormed Adarawa village in the Kalanjeni Ward around 11pm, firing sporadically. Sources said one Jamilu Hassan was shot and killed during the onslaught, while provision shops were looted, with the assailants carting away drinks and other items. “The gunmen later advanced to Huymar Dutsi, where they opened fire again, killing two residents, Auwalu Namadi Nagande and Maidamma Sanda. An eyewitness stated, “ In a brazen show of terror, they went house to house, rustling an undisclosed number of livestock including sheep, camels, and cattle before fleeing towards Kwarakka village. “We had earlier reported suspicious movements in Gidan Madi Town, where eight individuals, believed to be of Fulani extraction, were seen riding motorcycles and dressed in attire typically worn for wedding ceremonies. “These movements occurred between 3pm and 5pm, same day and were later traced heading towards the Binji axis. Security agencies were urged to intensify vigilance in the area.” In another incident on the same day, suspected Lakurawa fighters mounted a roadblock at Gulbin Mujadde, between Sabro and Barkatube villages. The gunmen, said to be riding on 12 motorcycles and wielding AK-47 rifles, intercepted traders transporting livestock from Niger Republic. They allegedly confiscated the animals and were last seen heading toward Tummunna village under Magonho Ward. The repeated attacks have heightened fears among local communities, with urgent calls for increased security presence and swift government intervention. The spokesman for the Sokoto State police command, Ahmed Rufai, said the area has been having such attacks almost daily Worried by the deteriorating security situation in their region, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has adopted a joint approach to addressing the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North. The Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who doubles as the chairman of the forum, is spearheading efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism in the North. Misilli disclosed that Yahaya has been rallying fellow governors to find a solution to the region’s insecurity. “His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, is fully engaged with his colleagues in exploring a joint approach to address the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North. “As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa has been at the forefront of efforts to rally his fellow governors towards finding a lasting and collaborative solution to the insecurity plaguing the region. Since the recent escalation of violence in affected parts of the North, the governor has not relented in his resolve,” the DG stated. He added that Yahaya has been engaging with colleagues, security chiefs, and stakeholders, advocating for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, noting that the leadership role in the NSGF is crucial in driving these efforts. He disclosed that the governor’s resolve remains unwavering despite the recent escalation of violence in parts of the North, stressing that the forum aimed to bring peace and stability to the region through collaborative solutions. “He (Yahaya) has continued to reach out, both privately and through official channels, to his colleagues, security chiefs, and relevant stakeholders, urging for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, and the NSGF chairman is always leveraging his leadership role in the NSGF to achieve that goal,” he added. In a related development, the  Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe, said the state has recorded commendable success in restoring peace and stability to areas previously plagued by banditry and kidnapping incidents. Jobe stated this on Tuesday at the 5th edition of the monthly press briefing on Governor Dikko Radda’s administration’s achievements in the security sector. He revealed that the government’s massive investment of N36.8b in collaboration with the 34 local government areas of the state was to establish a formidable security structure aimed at addressing the security challenges bedevilling the state. According to Jobe, “Government has incurred huge expenditure in the recruitment, training and equipping of the newly established homegrown security outfit known as Katsina Community Watch Corps. ‘’The funds have been utilised for the procurement of critical security assets, including 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 65 Toyota Hilux vehicles, and 700 Daylong motorcycles. “Additionally, the government has acquired 1,900 units of tactical covert equipment, drones, trackers, and communication network equipment for intelligence gathering, as well as combat equipment, consumables, live jackets, helmets, walkie-talkies, and teargas hand grenades.” The deputy governor also noted that the Radda administration has adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to the security issues. “The non-kinetic measures include the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the formation of the State Security Council Advisory Committee, and the enactment of law establishing the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps. “We have also created the Office of SSA on victims of banditry and IDPs, and the Office of SA Community Security Watch Corps,” he further clarified. He explained that the government has provided free medical treatment to victims of banditry and financial assistance to families of victims. “The strategy further encompasses engagement of 7,545 Imams, Na’ibis and Ladans to preach peace and harmony among the people, 6,652 ward heads to serve in the traditional security structure of the state, 918 Local Government Level Security Support Groups, and 9,747 Ward Level Security Support Groups,’’ he highlighted. On the kinetic front, Jobe revealed the recruitment and deployment of 1,466 security watch corps personnel to the eight frontline local governments of Dandume, Faskari, Kankara, Danmusa, Batsari, Jibia, Sabuwa and Safana. The second phase, he said, comprised the recruitment of 550 Security Watch Corps personnel deployed in 10 vulnerable local governments- Bakori, Musawa, Malumfashi, Danja, Funtua, Matazu, Charanchi, Batagarawa, Kurfi and Dutsin-Ma. “We have also engaged 1,500 vigilante members and deployed 200 civilian hunters to vulnerable areas to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in combating insecurity,” Malam Jobe revealed. The deputy governor further explained that the government has spent N985,976,842 to cushion the trauma and sufferings of victims of armed banditry and internally displaced persons across the state through medication, financial assistance, and other support interventions. “So far, a total of 2,286 victims have been offered financial assistance,” he stated. Jobe also pointed out the state’s hosting of the North-West Peace and Security Summit, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. In a bid to stem the rampant abductions and other forms of criminality in his state, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said a total of 115 military men had been drafted to the Akoko area of the state to comat the bandits terrorising the residents. The governor also said more personnel would be recruited into the Ondo Security Network Agency, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps, as part of his administration’s efforts to stem the crime rate. Aiyedatiwa stated this while hosting the elders and leaders of Ondo North Senatorial District of the state in his office in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday. The visitors were led by a former senator, Bode Olajumoke. The governor said, “On security, a total of 115 military personnel have been deployed to the Akoko axis to tackle recent challenges. Our administration is committed to the security of the lives and properties of our people, and it remains a top priority for our administration. I’m assuring you of even development across all local government areas of the state.” The governor also expressed willingness to consider the proposed security trust fund in the state. Speaking earlier, Olajumoke advised the governor to consider acquiring more sophisticated equipment as well as deploying technology to enhance the performance of the Amotekun Corps, in addition to recruiting more personnel to ensure more boots are on the ground.  Speaking on the attacks and killings in his state, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has identified the perpetrators as foreigners. According to him, the attackers speak unknown languages and display traits that suggest they are not Nigerians. He made this statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following a series of violent incidents in the North-Central state that have resulted in numerous deaths and displacements. He stated, “Let’s have the narrative very correct. We know Nigerians—by our ethnicities, we can identify a Fulani man, a Yoruba man, a Hausa man—we know them. Even the regular traditional herders, we know them. They work with cows, herding with sticks. “But these folks [the attackers] are coming in fully armed with AK-47s and 49s. They do not bear the Nigerian look. They don’t speak like we do. Even the Hausa they speak is one sort of Hausa. “It’s not the normal Hausa we Nigerians speak. So, it is with the Fulani they speak. There is a trend in the language they speak, and some of our people who understand what they speak give it names. They say they are Malians and different from our people. But they are not Nigerians—believe it.” The governor noted that the current wave of violence represented a new and more dangerous escalation compared to past clashes with traditional herders. ‘’This is the second phase we are seeing. The initial ones were with the traditional herders. The traditional herders—we had fewer troubles with them. What we are experiencing has a new, different, strange face, and it’s now alarming. “These terrorists are everywhere. We are under a siege. These people just come and hit and kill and run back. Where are they running to? The way these killings are being planned and carried out is coordinated. “Some local government areas in Benue share borders with Cameroon, and those borders are quite porous. The terrorists have their own havens in Taraba, Nasarawa, and in border regions of Cameroon,” Alia stated.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has made a living playing larger-than-life roles, blood-pumping action, and mass appeal. But this time around, the actor ventures into new territory, one of real-life heroism and nationalistic pride. In what promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited movies in 2025, Salman Khan will star in a military drama inspired by the best-seller India’s Most Fearless, which chronicles the remarkable bravery of Indian soldiers facing danger. The movie, informally called the “Galwan Project,” is a departure from Salman’s usual commercial outings and will try to present a side of the actor hitherto unseen by his fans: disciplined, controlled, and realism-oriented. Sources from the production have made it known that Salman is now going through a dramatic body change to prepare for playing an Indian Army officer. Famous for his bulky physique and signature swagger, the star is now working towards getting into shape with a lean and athletic build to lend credibility to the character. This physical metamorphosis is not superficial; it is also a show of the discipline, stamina, and willpower of the soldiers that he will be playing on screen. Salman reportedly is on a rigid training regime, complete with long hours in the gym, a tightly managed diet, and movement drills that impersonate military-style discipline. Uncharacteristic of his usual prep work for a film role, this role requires both emotional intensity and physical control. It’s not about the brawn; it’s about the attitude. The movie is inspired by India’s Most Fearless, a book by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh that collates true stories of Indian troops in contemporary military history. Of the numerous gallant chapters in the book, the Galwan Valley encounter of 2020 is remarkable for its unadulterated bravery and historical importance. The movie is likely to revolve around this incident, presenting a dramatized but dignified tribute to the troops who held their ground against insurmountable odds. Where Bollywood has experimented with patriotic and war themes in the past, this movie is likely to touch a different chord—one that’s highly emotive, intensely patriotic, and rooted in actual sacrifice, not imagined heroism. According to an exclusive Pinkvilla report, the team behind the project has meticulously planned the shooting schedule. Salman Khan will undergo a look test in early July to finalize his on-screen persona. The film is set to begin principal photography by the end of July, kicking off with an intense 25-day schedule in the rugged terrains of Ladakh. The Ladakh shoot will concentrate on action sequences of high stakes, most of which will be shot at real locations where Indian troops have already been deployed. The idea is to capture the raw beauty and harsh strategic location of the area with maximum realism. After the outdoor schedule, the production will shift to Mumbai, where indoor sequences and set extensions will be filmed at a city-based studio. With Salman reportedly allotting bulk dates to the film, the makers are working on a tight schedule with the goal of wrapping up production by November 2025. For an actor who has played everything from a fearless cop in Dabangg to a spy in Tiger Zinda Hai, taking on the role of a real-life army officer might be Salman Khan’s most grounded and powerful performance yet. Industry observers feel that this film may represent a turning point in Salman’s career, a transition from the superstar image to a mature, character-driven actor. Since the Galwan Valley incident has such a sensitive nature and such deep national feeling, the producers are stated to be collaborating with military advisors at very close levels to provide correctness and dignity to the narrative. The intention is not only to entertain but also to inform, respect, and make eternal the valiance of the Indian Army. This film’s announcement comes when Indian audiences are going more and more towards content based on reality, patriotism, and untold tales of bravery. Already with Uri: The Surgical Strike and Shershaah, it has been shown that war dramas, if treated sensibly and realistically, can find a huge connection with the audience. With Salman Khan at the helm, the Galwan movie will be more likely to merge box office success with profound emotional connection. It promises action, yes, but also reflection, honor, and a salute to those who serve the nation in silence. As filming gears up to begin and the first look test awaits, anticipation around Salman Khan’s Galwan project continues to build. It’s more than a movie; it could be a cinematic tribute to actual heroes narrated by one of Bollywood’s largest stars but grounded in the courage of men who don’t ask for an audience. Come November 2025, this is not only a release of a movie; it may be a moment of national reckoning.