The Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, has conveyed his profound disappointment regarding the sluggish execution of the Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge rail project by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Senator Alkali, who recently visited Port-Harcourt for an on-site evaluation of the Eastern rail project, expressed his discontent, stating, “I am not merely unhappy; I am deeply disappointed with the pace of work on this project.”
This dissatisfaction was relayed in an official statement issued by the Director of Press & PR of the Ministry, Henshaw Ogubike.
According to the Minister, the section between Port Harcourt and Aba has only achieved a completion stage of 47 percent, far below the anticipated 47 percent for the entire stretch from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Senator Alkali raised concerns, questioning, “If you cannot complete Port Harcourt to Aba, which spans 63km, in 12 months, how can you meet the challenge of completing over 2000km within 36 months?”
Furthermore, the Minister expressed dismay at the use of manual alignment processes by CCECC in laying the tracks, considering it outdated for the 21st century. He also voiced his disappointment about the contractor’s failure to provide the required 85% counterpart funding for the project.
The Minister clarified that the project agreement, signed two years ago, stipulated that the Federal Government would provide 15% funding, with Messrs CCECC responsible for 85%. However, to date, only the Federal Government’s 15% has been utilized to keep the project moving forward, with no contribution from the contractor.
Senator Alkali assured that the contract terms would be reviewed within the bounds of the law, and any contractual breaches would face enforcement. He underscored the project’s potential benefits, notably linking the two sea ports in Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri and facilitating regional trade at a significantly reduced cost.
In response, Mr. C. Ching, representing CCECC, pledged that the first project section from Port Harcourt to Aba would be completed by December 2023, citing ample materials on hand to meet the target date.
Transforming the civil service to a more productive and world class civil service is key to national development, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Marine and Blue Economy, has said.
She made this known at a one-day workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Transportation focused on the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP25).
The workshop, aimed at enhancing effective service delivery, was attended by Directorate Level Officers and Officers on Grade Level 14 and below.
This was contained in a statement released by Henshaw Ogubike, Director Press & PR of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
She emphasized the workshop’s significance for the career growth of Civil Servants, particularly in the context of ongoing reforms within the Federal Civil Service.
Ajani who was represented by the Dafeta Tetshoma, the Director of Human Resources Management in the Ministry, highlighted the purpose of the new Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 – propelling the attainment of a productive New Civil Service and a World-Class Civil Service to expedite national development. She stressed that the plan’s implementation would elevate the Service to greater heights.
Adeniyi Courage, the Deputy Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, expounded on the reform’s objective – transitioning from an analog Civil Service to a digital one. FCSSIP25 is envisioned to facilitate every Civil Servant’s schedule and assessment based on the new form of Performance Management.
Vera Azoro, a Resource Person from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, underscored the comprehensive nature of the ongoing Civil Service reform, of which FCSSIP25 is a vital component. This reform, approved in December 2021 and launched on 23rd June 2022 during the Federal Civil Service Week, is a blueprint dedicated to achieving a globally accepted Civil Service. Azoro noted that a significant portion of the Civil Service promotion exam questions now stem from FCSSIP25.
During the event, four presentations were delivered by distinguished Resource Persons. These included an Overview of FCSSIP 2021-25 by Mrs. Vera Azoro, a Culture Change Video by Hajara Idris, A.M.P.L.E Core values by Dr. Ibrahim Kogbe, and an Innovation segment by Engr. Uche Kene Okoye.
In her closing remarks, Vivian Nwosu, the Director of Special Duties, highlighted the immeasurable value of the training, urging all staff to invest dedicated effort in future training opportunities. She expressed gratitude to the Resource Persons and the organizing team for their exceptional efforts.
Abiodun Essiet, one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistants (SSA) on Community Development, has said that the only way to address the problems plaguing the nation and its residents is to strive to strengthen links between the government and its people.
Essiet made this statement in response to the announcement of her appointment as Omowunmi Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Advisor on Community Engagement to President Bola Tinubu, made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
She claimed that although Nigeria has a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage, it is plagued by a number of problems, some of which range from regional wars to socioeconomic inequality.
Essiet a gender activist and development expert who is dedicated to accomplishing the implementation of SDGs 4.5, 6, and 16, as well as identifying development gaps in society and solutions to close them in order to promote public service efficiency, is one of these new hires.
According to her:”My role as a SSA on community engagement is to create and maintain a two-way dialogue between the administration and communities across the North Central to ensure that voices are heard and that concerns can be translated into action by the leadership of this administration”.
“Appreciating President Bola Tinubu for deeming her worthy of the appointment, Essiet assured that her appointment and that of other SSA Community Development would result in impactful democratic administration by the President.
” My approach to community engagement will be through Asset Based Community Led Development (ABCD) and the Inclusion of all vulnerable groups in all actions. Identifying the assets a community has (structures, network, human capital, CDA, etc.) to drive the solution to their problem.”
Essiet, who is a passionate community development expert with evidence to her name, said she would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the eight-point agenda of Mr President that aimed at turning around the economy and make life comfortable for all Nigerians a reality.
According to Essiet, the innovativeness of the President to have SSAs in Community engagement is a testimony to the fact that President Tinubu want all Nigerians in every core of the country to benefit from the present day government, not withstanding their region or location.
” President Tinubu is a leader of the masses. He want things to work out well especially those in the rural communities.
” My appointment and that of my other SSA Community Engagement would go a long way in ensuring that every Nigerian , no matter their location or tribe , enjoys the dividend of democracy.
” I will personally , within my own capacity, ensure that our people in the North Central Region of Nigeria feel the impact of President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. That is the reason why I am appointed.
” People in the locals should also enjoy the dividend of democracy. We can not be saying Politics is local, when the locals are not enjoying their leaders. We are here to ensure the impact of this country is felt in every nook and crannies of the country,” she said.
She is an Open Government Leadership Fellow of Mandela Washington Fellowship on Public leadership and Administration, Women Leadership Fellow- Coady Women’s leaders Research Network, Coady International Institute, Novascotia, Canada.
Added to her feather is a Fellowship Certificate Canvassity PAN African Youth Democracy Program, Certificate in Advocacy in Increasing Citizen voices and Agency of Coady International Institute, Reviewer on Reproductive Health for BMC International Journal, and a Diploma in Development Leadership- Coady International Institute, Canada.
Abiodun Essiet also holds a Certificate in Community development Leadership by women- Coady International Institute, Masters in Public health –( Health Promotion and Education )- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Oyo State , Nigeria Project Management study, and a Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree ( BNSC) form the College of Medicine, Department of Nursing, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Osogbo , Osun State, Nigeria, and is a certified Registered Mid-wife (RM), Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN).
Abiodun Essiet’s wealth of knowledge and passion for leadership and community development is not limited to her certfications alone, she has performed in various leadership positions in different sphere, public and private sector of the economy.
She has distinguished herself and made her mark as Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja while functioning as Nigeria’s Consultant on development partners to the Council.
Similarly, while serving in the public service, she brought in lots of innovation to the area council in the areas of accountability and transparency by signing off the council to join the Open Government partnership which made AMAC to be the first local government in Nigeria to sign up to a Global accountability platform changing the status of Nigeria on the global stage.
She was also the desk officer for covenant of Mayor sub Sahara africa by leading a team of staff and development partner to develop 8 years sustainable energy access and climate action plan for the local council which again made AMAC to be the first Local government on Nigeria to have a climate action plan. On digital innovations, she lead the council to join world smart and sustainable cities WeGO Korea which led to the successful application for AMAC to host the Africa Regional Office for WeGO.
She has also demonstated her determination and committment towards community development by breaking the glass ceiling as the first Yoruba person to vie for the Vice chairmanship position of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) since the creation of Abuja , hence promoting women’s inclusion in the Nigerian political space.
Oriwu Junior College, Ikorodu has emerged winner of the 2023 Lagos State Children Quiz Competition Organised by the Queen Irene Onwuka Peace Foundation (QIOP), and went home with One Million naira grand prize.
The competition, which held at the JT Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium at the University of Lagos, was organised by the QIOP Foundation in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education with the theme “Educating The Nigerian Child, The Importance of Peaceful Coexistence.”
Over 20 Junior Secondary Schools participated in the grand finale of the competition, with Oriwu Junior College emerging the best winner, while Unity Junior Secondary School Oshodi and Ajao Estate Junior Grammar School, Isolo emerged first and second runner-up respectively.
The first and second runners-up of the competition also got N500,000 and N300,000 respectively in the competition which entailed rounds of drilling in subjects such as mathematics, spelling bee, General knowledge and current affairs among the contestants
In her speech, the competition’s Convener, Queen Irene Onwuka, commended the participating schools for making it to the final, adding that the competition was organised to engage the children in activities that promotes learning, critical thinking and healthy competition.
She stated that in line with QIOP Foundation vision,the quiz competitions offer a unique platform for children to showcase their knowledge and skills, promote problem-solving skills and also foster a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
“It is my well intended idea to set up this unique pace of getting today’s children to prepare for the future in my desire to invest in them for greater and futuristic rewards.
“I am so determined to motivate them as I often say that children are mirror of nature to seeing tomorrow in them through grooming, inspiration and motivation.
“Healthy quiz competitions encourage children to develop a thirst for knowledge and by participating in quizzes, children are motivated to study various subjects and expand their understanding of the world around them.
“With this, they are exposed to new concepts, ideas, and information that goes beyond what they learn in their regular academic curriculum,”she said.
According to her, Education is not just a fundamental right, but a powerful tool that can unlock the potential of individuals and societies.
Onwuka, and former beauty queen and a UN Peace Ambassador, said that in Africa, where the youths population is rapidly growing, investing in education is crucial for shaping a prosperous and equitable future.
She emphasised that Africa, with its rich cultural diversity and abundant resources, holds immense potential, but the continent has faced numerous challenges in providing quality education to all its citizens.
According to her,“Limited access to education, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers have hindered progress in many countries, but let us not focus solely on the challenges; let us instead explore the opportunities and solutions.
“We must recognise that education is a holistic process and in today’s rapidly changing world, it is essential to equip African students with these enabling skills.
In his remark, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Abayomi Abolaji lauded QIOP foundation for partnering with the state to organise such a laudable and healthy competition.
Abolaji, represented by Mr Asaulu Olufemi, Director, Special Duties and Innovation, Ministry of Education stated that the Ministry would continue to partner with such organisations, because the task for quality education is everyone’s responsibility.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the competition, noting that the turnout was impressive and the student were exceptional.
Also, Immediate Past Commissioner For Education in Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, commended the organisers for the initiative.
Adefisayo explained that such quiz competition is very important, as it forms part of the Eko curricular activities, which contributes to deepen the school curriculum and add more value to the students.
Master Lemboye Abdulrahim , a JSS 2 student who represented Oriwu Junior College, thanked QIOP foundation for organising the competition, and giving the students an opportunity to showcase their talents.
“I feel so exited and want to tell other students that they are all a winners and can do it,” Abdulrahim said.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners and certificate of participation to all participating schools.
Plans to promote container transportation by barge from the Onne port and other Eastern ports to the hinterlands have been made public by the federal government.
This was recently revealed by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Marine, and Blue Economy, during an evaluation visit to the Onne port in Rivers State, which is currently run by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT).
This announcement was made available to newsmen today, 23rd September, 2023. by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Press & PR, Ministry of Transportation/ Marine and Blue Economy.
Dr. Ajani spoke during the visit and emphasized the necessity of cooperation between the Nigerian Ports Authority and the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Boat and Barge Operators Association.
The Permanent Secretary, who commended the immense efforts of WACT to provide within the port a beautiful work environment that meets international best practice, said “they are doing a great job”.
According to her, these efforts is however, being hampered with a basic challenge of goods evacuation from the port as a result of some bad segments of the access road leading from Eleme Junction to Onne Port. She however, assured that government will profer solutions to the situation in no distance time.
On his part, the Managing Director of WACT, Naved Zafar, said: ” We believe in Nigeria. And this believe has helped us set high ambition. It is equally the same believe that has made us to further expand and modernized the terminal”.
“The West Africa Container Terminal is equally committed to supporting the Federal Government’s drive to promote non oil export out of the country”, the MD added.
According to Brigadier General Edward Buba, Director of the Defence Media Operation (DMO), as of September 22 in Nigeria, 52 terrorists had been killed and 53 had been detained by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, General Buba revealed that Operation Delta Safe troops had prevented oil thieves in the South South zone from stealing the amount of N946,387,570.00.
According to General Buba, “Overall, as of 22 September 2023, the armed forces neutralized 52 terrorists and captured the following; 53 criminals, 7 suspected oil thieves, while freeing 61 captives who had been taken hostage. Additionally, 7 terrorists in total—5 adult males and 1 adult female—surrender to the military.
“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE denied oil theft of an estimated sum of N946,387,570.00 being value of seizures. The operations in South-South resulted in the recovery of the following; 496,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 83,400 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,200 litres of PMS, 4 pumping machines, 5 Speed Boats, 34 dugout pits, 57 storage tanks, 16 wooden boats, 85 ovens and 3 outboard engines.
“Troops recovered a total number of 77 weapons and 658 assorted kinds of ammunition. The breakdown as follows; 53 AK47 rifle, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 18 locally fabricated rifles, 1 beretta pistol, 3 pump action guns, 650 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 50 AK47 magazines, 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, 6 rounds of 7.62 NATO, 5 fragmentation jackets.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 15 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, 12 Bicycles, 5 mobile phones, 12 cutlasses, 2 generator sets, 2 gas Cylinders, 133 livestocks and a sum of N602,000. and Airtel airtime worth N8,000.”
According to the Director, “The military will through its operations continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country.”
This is as he encouraged citizens to “know something, say something and let the military do something about it”.
Dr. Aminu Magashi, the coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), has urged Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the minister of state for health, and Daju Kachollom, the permanent secretary, to reactivate the bimonthly media engagements that were previously held to discuss and update Nigerians on developments in the health sector.
He hinted that AHBN signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health on the bimonthly briefing to disseminate health messages to the Nigerians.
Magashi, who made the appeal in Abuja at the sidelines of a courtesy visit paid on him by the newly elected executive members of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists, (ANHEJ) noted that the practice is one that enhances feedback with the populaces, as well as, engenders accountability.
He stated that :”The last 2 years, we have been supporting the bimonthly press briefing at the Ministry of Health, and we found that meeting productive and engaging in the sense that the Minister of Health and all the head of MDAs with the Chief Executive Officers in the health sector will sit down in every two weeks or every month to provide updates of what us going on in the health sector in Nigeria about COVID-19, health security, family planning, and so many in the country.”
“Engaging the media on a quarterly basis has become productive and, at the same time, very useful to Nigerians whereby we know what is going on in every aspect of our healthcare system.
“That has become a transparent and accountable process where ministers provide updates and the CEOs of the health sector.”
“I think it’s important to revive that press briefing with the coordinating minister of health, the minister of state, and SA to the president on health to provide updates.”
“When the political players talk to the media, in the bimonthly meeting, indirectly, they are talking to Nigerians because it is through the media that ordinary Nigerians would get updated.”
“I call on the new Minister of Health, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, and all the team to activate that regular press conference.”
Magashi also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initiative of adding the Social Welfare arm to the Ministry of health, which according to him, will better the health outcomes for Nigerians, since welfare plays a big role in the wellness of the populace.
Also, the Engagement and Partnership Lead of AHBN, Oyeyemi Pitan gave a collaboration effort going on with CSOs, Youth, and Media in monitoring the implementation of all government commitments to the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents in Nigeria.
She said all stakeholders must be involved to develop a collaborative advocacy action plan to ensure commitments are of good quality and implemented promptly.
“The role of media in this is key and we trust you are with us to ensure our advocacy messages get to the right quarters.” She said.
Earlier, the President of ANHEJ, Comrade Joseph Kadiri, thanked AHBN for its steadfast support through the years
He also pledged the new leadership’s readiness to work closely with AHBN as is been the culture to provide visibility for the work they do over the years and appealed that AHBN extend its usual support to the new EXCOs.
The Minister Of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mamoud said First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu leadership shines bright and is daily impacting the lives of Nigerians
In her birthday message to the first lady who clocks 63, the Minister of state, Prayed God that, “ May this new chapter bring you good health, happiness and continued success in your endeavors to make Nigeria a better Place”
She commended the First Lady for her dedication to the country. In her words “Your years of service and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians particularly women and children is worth celebrating.
Dr Mariya Mamoud said based the First Lady’s impactful leadership, Nigerians look forward to “ the positive impact you will continue to mark on our beloved country as we moved to renew the hope of our People “
The minister wished Senatpr Oluremi Tinubu “ a fantastic birthday and a future filled with prosperity and joy
The Federal Government recently unveiled its plans to improve the welfare of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) employees, with the goal of fostering a more favorable work environment for the workforce and better working conditions that will increase workers’ overall productivity.
During a recent familiarization visit to the NRC’s headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritize the implementation of a Presidential approval for an upward review of special allowances designated for Nigerian railway workers, according to a press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike, the Director of Press & PR.
During his address, Alkali clarified the purpose of his visit, stating that, “The visit was to assess and evaluate the Corporation’s performance in terms of managerial coordination and the execution of existing rail infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi railway modernization endeavors.”
The Minister assured the NRC’s management of the unwavering support of the Ministry of Transportation in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities. He further noted that the Ministry would leverage bilateral and multilateral agreements to enhance trade and technology transfer, reflecting the importance of transportation in driving economic growth on a global scale.
However, he noted, “The familiarization tour of railway facilities and projects within Lagos was enlightening, although it uncovered various issues that require immediate executive action.”
Despite the positive developments, the Minister acknowledged that there were challenges within the railway system that required urgent executive action. These challenges include security threats and vandalism of critical infrastructure, issues that have been a concern for the NRC.
Additionally, he revealed the Ministry’s plans to expedite the repair of the single track for container transportation from Lagos to Kano within three months. Moreover, the Ministry is actively working on expanding the operational scope of the Kajola Rail Wagon Assembly Plant.
Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of NRC, conveyed his congratulations to Minister Alkali on behalf of the entire NRC staff and highlighted the challenges faced by the corporation, especially in dealing with security threats and infrastructure vandalism. He urged the Minister, drawing on his legislative experience, to prioritize railway modernization projects, ensuring their swift implementation for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and infrastructure of the Nigerian Railway Corporation marks a significant step forward in the development of the nation’s transportation sector, promising better working conditions and enhanced services for both passengers and stakeholders alike.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and insurgency within the nation.
These ongoing military operations are a testament to the military’s dedication to national security interests and the protection of its citizens from the brutal violence of extremist groups.
This was made known in a release today September 14, 2023, to newsmen by Major General Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations The report highlighted success recorded by the Armed forces across different Operations throughout the nation which are outlined as follows.
Troops engaged in Operation HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST) arrested suspected terrorist collaborators in various locations, including Borno and Yobe States. Ambushes and raids on suspected terrorist hideouts in Borno State’s Konduga and Gwoza LGAs yielded positive results, leading to the elimination of terrorists and the retrieval of arms and ammunitions. A remarkable haul of seized weaponry includes 17 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated rifles, 3 locally made guns, a Beretta pistol, dane guns, various rounds of ammunition, magazines, petroleum products, vehicles, mobile phones, motorcycles, and other items. Additionally, 44 terrorists were neutralized, 21 were arrested, and 4 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL) carried out successful raids on criminal hideouts in Plateau State, leading to the neutralization and arrest of terrorists and suspected criminals. The operation resulted in the recovery of numerous arms and ammunitions, including AK47 rifles, pistols, locally fabricated rifles, dane guns, and magazines. Additionally, motorcycles were confiscated.In total, 16 terrorists were neutralized, 16 were arrested, and one kidnapped hostage was rescued during Operation SAFE HAVEN. These operations aimed to enhance security and peace in the Plateau State region.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrol and arrested suspected terrorists in Guma LGA of Benue State. of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 6 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 pistols, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3 empty magazines.
Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST) rescued kidnapped hostages in Zamfara and Katsina States, leading to the arrest of terrorists’ collaborators. In Zamfara, a firefight resulted in the neutralization of terrorists, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and their safe return to their families.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized and rescue kidnapped hostages at Igabi and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops offensive actions resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorists collaborators in Mokwa LGA of Niger State.
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH eliminated 17 terrorists, arrested 3 suspected terrorists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 34 assorted weapons, 399 IED detonator primers, one vehicle and 2 motorcycles.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE(SOUTH SOUTH) maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops also raided criminal hideout in Tai LGA of Rivers State.
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 138 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 235 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machine, 2 mobile phones, 89 illegal refining sites and the sum of N13,950. Troops also recovered about 1,205,950 litres of stolen crude oil, 452,910 litres of illegally refined AGO, 22,650 litres of PMS and 3000 litres of DPK, one tricycle and 15 assorted weapons. Troops also arrested 59 suspected oil thefts and other criminal elements. Troops of operation UDO KA offensive operations led to arrest of suspected criminals in Aba North and Owerri North of Abia and Imo States respectively.
In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 11 suspected criminals and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 7 pump action guns, 4 magazines and 34 cartridges. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
The Armed Forces didn’t limit their efforts to land operations alone; they conducted air recce and air interdiction missions over strategic locations to deter terrorist activities effectively. Of note is the revelation that some perpetrators of terrorism and insurgency are exploiting these activities for personal gain, particularly through illegal mining and other unlawful ventures.
The military remains vigilant in addressing these complex challenges, as achieving peace and security in Nigeria remains a top priority. In conclusion Major General Edward Buba reiterated that The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute and determined in their mission to secure the country, and the outcomes of these operations leave no doubt about their commitment to achieving peace and security for all Nigerians.
