February 21 is International Mother Language Day, and reminds us why indigenous language, and multilingualism are important. I remember when we moved from Zaki-Biam to Ile-Ife. I was 5, and could speak only little English. I was trying to speak to our Edo Neighbour in Tiv, and- -she couldn't understand. I screamed - "Oghale we gande gande nahan u fa zua Tiv ga a?" (Oghale as old as you are you don't know how to speak Tiv) 😄😄. Anyway, I'm glad I still speak Tiv despite living far away, and learning Yoruba.Unfortunately, I regret not learning Igbo and -

Anytime I went for a patrol, I would return with an attack on my heels. The insurgents always followed me back to the unit. It became like a curse...
This Armed Forces Remembrance Day, here are some amazing, inspiring, heatbreaking tales from the N/east frontlines. Dropping soon. ON HIS TRAIL
This is about an officer who served in the most dangerous locations in the Northeast- Alagarno, Sambisa, Malamfatori, Kangarwa etc. Call him AI. AI is gentle, soft-spoken, brave. He recalls a time while in N/borno, whenever they went out of camp, they somehow always

My first time in travelling in the Northeast combat area, gunfire started. Scared to pieces, I screamed. One of the soldiers in the truck looked at me and asked, Aunty, don't you like this ringtone? Should we change it for you? 😂 Tuesday is Armed Forces Remembrance Day; this.. ...thread is dedicated to Nigerian troops, who are fighting/have fought/will fight insecurity not only in the Northeast, but all over the country. It chronicles memorable experiences, stories of bravery, fear, passion, love, anger, sorrow, in the combat zone...

IN MEMORY OF LT. COL. MUHAMMAD ABU ALI
I first met Abu-Ali in Gamboru-Ngala, . That day, Nigeria’s flag was hoisted following the recapture of the town from Boko-Haram due to the efforts of gallant fighters like Abu-Ali and others. He was to be decorated to a new rank by the COAS It was an unusual setting. Late at night, everyone gathered round a bonfire. After receiving his rank, he was lifted high by excited, screaming soldiers. Its unusual to see such affection btw officers and soldiers.That was one of the things that stood out for Lt Col Abu-Ali...

JOURNEY BACK TO GUDUMBALI- A THREAD
Few days ago, news broke of a deadly BokoHaram attack on the town of Gudumbali in Borno. Like many others, I was heartbroken. I'd been to Gudumbali during the residents homecoming few months earlier, and felt that ray of hope was fading... The news from Gudumbali was worrisome, conflicting. So when I got a chance to join in a trip to Gudumbali again, I embraced it eagerly. What did we see?
*The town isnt taken over by BH. We were welcomed by hundreds of excited residents.Most of them never left during the attack