Mati Abubakar

A Soul Loved by Millions

By: Abdullahi Haruna Izge

Love truly lives in the air when people speak from sincerity. And when I think about love in its purest form, I think about the genuine love President Muhammadu Buhari inspired in the hearts of so many Nigerians.

It wasn’t just admiration for a leader, it was a connection people felt in their souls. The kind of love that doesn’t come often, the kind that happens maybe once in a lifetime.

There was something about him that moved people beyond words. Seeing him in real life felt overwhelming, like a dream standing right in front of you. For many, the joy was so powerful it brought tears, not of sadness, but of deep respect and happiness. It’s a rare thing for a person to touch hearts in such a quiet yet powerful way.

His voice, his presence, his image, they became a source of comfort and inspiration to countless people. The love people had wasn’t forced or artificial, it came naturally, from believing in him and feeling proud of what he represented. That kind of emotional bond is not something you can predict or create, it just happens, and when it does, it stays forever.

May his gentle soul be granted eternal peace and rest in Jannatul Firdaus. And may the love people carry for him remain a reminder that some lives leave marks that time can never erase.

CLARIFICATION ON SPECULATIONS REGARDING PRESENCE OF US TROOPS IN NIGERIA

The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States. This cooperation is rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks.

As part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior U.S. government officials and the Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser. This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.

Discussions during these engagements included proposals designed to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians and community safety. The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities.

Engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The Defence Headquarters reassures all citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned with constitutional provisions. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence.

SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director, Defence Information
5 February 2026

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