Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has dismissed recent claims from the House of Representatives suggesting that terrorists operating within the country possess more advanced weaponry than the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister firmly rejected the allegation, stating that the military is better equipped in both weaponry and technology.

“That statement is completely false,” Abubakar said. “We have far more sophisticated arms and surveillance equipment, including drones.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria is not a traditional military conflict, but rather a guerrilla-style war that demands different strategies and responses.

“This is not a conventional war,” he explained. “Terrorists use surprise attacks and rely heavily on informants within local communities. They strike unpredictably, making it a unique challenge.”

Despite the difficulty in monitoring every area simultaneously, the minister maintained that the Nigerian military holds a significant advantage in terms of equipment and capabilities.

“Our inability to be everywhere at once doesn’t mean we’re underpowered. We’re making progress because we have superior tools and strategies,” he concluded.

In an unprecedented moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American prelate, has been elected as the new Pope. He will henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pontiff in the two-millennia history of the Church.

The white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney earlier today, signaling that the conclave of cardinals had reached a decision. Shortly afterward, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the senior cardinal deacon, emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and delivered the traditional Latin announcement: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”

A Historic Election

At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a wealth of pastoral, theological, and administrative experience. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he previously served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential offices in the Roman Curia, and was widely respected for his deep commitment to reform, social justice, and episcopal integrity.

His election marks a significant milestone not only for the United States but also for the broader global Church, signaling a continued shift toward inclusivity and global representation in Catholic leadership.

A Jesuit Influence, A Global Perspective

Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order and spent years working in Peru and Latin America, where he developed strong ties with marginalized communities and gained fluency in Spanish. His formation and international experience reflect the growing importance of the Global South and the Americas in shaping the future of the Catholic Church.

He is expected to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with an emphasis on humility, synodality, environmental stewardship, and the Church’s engagement with the modern world.

What Comes Next

The new pope will soon celebrate his inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square, which will be attended by heads of state, dignitaries, and millions of pilgrims from around the world. His first public address as pope, the Urbi et Orbi blessing — “to the city and the world” — is expected to focus on unity, peace, and healing amid global crises.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into one of the most powerful spiritual roles on the planet, Catholics and non-Catholics alike will be watching to see how his leadership shapes the future of the Church in a rapidly changing world.

A New Chapter Begins

With his election, the Church opens a new chapter — one that blends American dynamism with global sensitivity, traditional faith with contemporary relevance. As the bells of St. Peter’s ring across Rome and beyond, one thing is clear: history has been made.

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An 18-year-old apprentice in Anambra State has reportedly impregnated 10 girls within just five months, including his master’s daughter and a salesgirl. The incident came to light after the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, shared the shocking revelation during a live broadcast on social media.

According to reports, the young man was sent to learn a trade but was expelled just three months into his apprenticeship after he allegedly impregnated both his boss’s daughter and a female staff member. Following his dismissal, the situation reportedly escalated when he returned to his village and went on to impregnate eight more girls.

“This case has overwhelmed me, and I’m seeking public advice,” Obinabo said. “He was just 18 years old when he started his apprenticeship. In three months, he impregnated two girls—the master’s daughter and a salesgirl. Two months later, he had eight more girls pregnant in the village.”

The boy’s mother also visited the Commissioner’s office to express concern. Obinabo recounted, “She said, ‘Any time I see a girl approaching our house, my heart skips. Please, I need help.’”

Obinabo further shared that when she questioned the boy about how he managed to attract so many girls, he claimed he simply told them he loved them and intended to marry them once he became wealthy.

“This issue is beyond my capacity due to the boy’s age and the number of girls involved,” the Commissioner said, noting that the names of the boy, his mother, and their community were being withheld for privacy reasons. She concluded by urging the public to suggest solutions, asking, “Could this be a spiritual problem?”