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NAF Clarifies C-130 Emergency Landing in Burkina Faso: Technical Issue, Not Airspace Violation – Crew Safe

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday dismissed reports of an unauthorised airspace incursion, explaining that a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft en route to Portugal made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, due to a mid-flight technical fault detected shortly after departing Lagos on December 8, 2025.

In a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the NAF emphasised that the diversion adhered strictly to international aviation protocols prioritising crew safety. The aircraft, on a ferry mission, touched down at the nearest suitable airfield amid the technical concern.

“All personnel on board are safe and have received cordial treatment from Burkinabè authorities,” Ejodame assured, adding that arrangements are underway to rectify the issue and resume the flight as scheduled.

The clarification comes hours after the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—issued a joint statement claiming the aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel, was “forced to land” for operating in Burkinabè airspace without permission following an in-flight emergency. AES authorities reportedly detained the crew and impounded the plane pending investigation, raising fears of escalation amid strained ECOWAS-AES ties.

NAF’s account portrays the incident as routine, not provocative, and appreciates the “support received” from host officials. However, the conflicting narratives have sparked online debates, with some questioning the route’s choice over closer options like Ghana’s Tamale airport and calling for transparent verification to prevent diplomatic fallout.

The episode underscores lingering regional frictions since AES’s January 2025 exit from ECOWAS, including mutual accusations of sovereignty breaches. Nigeria, as ECOWAS heavyweight, has maintained diplomatic channels open, but analysts warn such incidents could hinder counter-terrorism cooperation against shared jihadist threats in the Sahel.

Troops Neutralise 18 Terrorists, Rescue 14 Victims, Arrest 47 Suspects in 48-Hour Nationwide Operations – Army

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Troops Neutralise 18 Terrorists, Rescue 14 Victims, Arrest 47 Suspects in 48-Hour Nationwide Operations – Army

Abuja – Nigerian Army troops have neutralised 18 terrorists, rescued 14 kidnapped victims and apprehended 47 criminal suspects across multiple theatres in a coordinated 48-hour offensive ending Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

A senior military source at Army Headquarters disclosed the successes to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighting combined ground and air operations that also destroyed two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and disrupted terrorist logistics.

 

Key highlights:

 

– North-East: Troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion repelled an ISWAP/JAS attack in Dutsen Nonu, Biu LGA, Borno State, killing 15 terrorists through ground combat and air strikes. Two logistics suppliers were arrested in Maiduguri with materials for IED fabrication.

 

– North-West: Operations in Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa saw troops intercept terrorists, recover livestock (110 cows, 46 sheep) in Plateau, and arrest a suspected kidnapper in Godogodo, Kaduna State.

– South-South & South-East: In Edo State, 195 Battalion arrested 33 suspected Aiye cult members in Etsako West LGA, recovering three pump-action guns, cutlasses and charms after intercepting them returning from an initiation ceremony. Eleven undocumented Nigerien migrants were handed over to Immigration in Cross River.

– North-Central: Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two kidnap victims in Kurmi LGA, Taraba State, with two others escaping captivity.

Weapons and items recovered include AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, cartridges, motorcycles, mobile phones and cult regalia.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum, urging citizens to provide credible intelligence to end terrorism and criminality across the country.

FG Mandates PoS Takeover in MDAs, Bans Cash Payments from January 2026

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The Federal Government has issued a sweeping directive banning all physical cash transactions in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), mandating the deployment of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and other electronic payment systems to curb revenue leakages and enhance fiscal transparency.

The policy, effective January 1, 2026, requires all MDAs and federal government-owned enterprises to install functional PoS machines or approved digital devices at revenue collection points within 45 days. Collections must now flow directly into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) via electronic channels, with no acceptance of naira or foreign currency in cash.

Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, conveyed the directives through four treasury circulars dated November 24–27, 2025, citing “continued physical cash collection” at MDA counters as a major threat to the integrity of government finances despite longstanding e-payment rules.

Key reforms include:

– No Cash Policy: Immediate suspension of cash receipts; MDAs must display prominent notices reading “NO PHYSICAL CASH RECEIPT” and “NO CASH PAYMENT” at all transaction points. Staff and the public are to be sensitised without delay.

– Federal Treasury e-Receipt (FTeR): From January 1, 2026, the FTeR becomes the sole legally valid proof of payment for federal services, replacing handwritten or printed receipts. It will serve as both citizen acknowledgment and MDA verification tool.

– RevOP Platform Rollout: Full adoption of the Revenue Optimisation (RevOP) digital system for unified billing, real-time monitoring, and reconciliation of MDA accounts. It integrates with TSA, GIFMIS, CBN, NIBSS, FIRS, and banks to eliminate silos and track inflows in real time.

– End to Unauthorised Deductions: Ban on “front-end” fees, commissions, or charges by Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs) before TSA remittances, addressing billions in annual leakages from customised platforms.

Non-compliant MDAs face suspension from GIFMIS and TSA access, with the Office of the Accountant-General (OAGF) warning of strict enforcement.

Finance Minister Wale Edun described the overhaul as a “critical milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and fiscal transparency agenda,” aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms to reduce human discretion, enforce audit trails, and mobilise revenue amid fiscal pressures.

The changes will impact citizens and businesses paying for passports, licences, taxes, fines, and permits, shifting interactions to digital platforms for faster, traceable processing. Officials anticipate recovering substantial funds lost to fraud, positioning Nigeria closer to global digital governance standards.

Obasanjo: Nigeria’s Insecurity an ‘Industry’ Profiting from Prolonged Chaos

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abeokuta – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lambasted Nigeria’s protracted security crisis as a self-perpetuating “industry” that has outlasted the country’s civil war, urging leaders to deploy specialised training, equipment, intelligence, and technology to dismantle it.

Speaking on Sunday during a virtual edition of *The Toyin Falola Interviews*, Obasanjo highlighted how the 15-year battle against Boko Haram and banditry—now nationwide—has become economically entrenched, benefiting vested interests and even involving potential collusion within security ranks.

“The whole thing is an industry. Civil war lasted 30 months—though we thought six—but this fight against insurgents and criminals has dragged for almost 15 years,” Obasanjo said, drawing from his 2011 visit to Maiduguri where he probed Boko Haram’s origins and pushed for a failed 21-day ceasefire.

Joined by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese and former CBN Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu, the elder statesman warned that without a holistic overhaul, the insurgency will persist, exacerbated by internal sabotage and a lack of trust from international partners for intelligence sharing.

He recounted his Niger Delta success, where amnesty and dialogue tamed militancy, but stressed Nigeria’s military—trained for conventional warfare—needs specialised counter-insurgency skills from nations that have beaten similar threats.

Obasanjo called insecurity a “national emergency” touching every region, from Southeast kidnappings to Southwest cultism and Northeast jihadism. He advocated seeking global aid unapologetically: “If our government is incapable, let us ask the international community. There’s nothing wrong with that—they have an interest in our peaceful existence.”

The former leader also flagged the out-of-school children crisis as a ticking bomb, noting insecurity blocks education, breeding future recruits: “If we don’t educate them, they become a liability and greater security problem.”

His remarks come amid escalating violence, including recent Plateau attacks and bandit surges in the Northwest, underscoring the urgency for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to act decisively.

Burkina Faso Detains Nigerian Air Force Plane, 11 Personnel in Escalating Regional Row

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Ouagadougou – Burkina Faso has impounded a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and detained its 11 crew and passengers after the plane made an unscheduled emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on Sunday, December 8, 2025, amid rising tensions between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Nigeria.

The aircraft, carrying two crew members and nine military personnel, was en route from Nigeria to Senegal when it declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to the nearest suitable airport in western Burkina Faso. Sources familiar with the incident say the diversion followed standard international aviation protocol for aircraft in distress.

However, Burkinabè authorities claim the plane lacked prior overflight authorisation and entered its airspace without transponders active, prompting an immediate investigation and seizure of the aircraft. The 11 Nigerians remain in military custody while diplomatic contacts continue.

A joint AES statement issued late Monday described the incident as a “serious violation of sovereignty” and warned that any future unauthorised intrusions, especially by belligerent aircraft, “will be neutralised without prior notice.” The statement linked the heightened alert to last week’s failed coup attempt in Benin, which saw Nigerian forces provide rapid air and ground support to Cotonou.

Nigeria has yet to issue an official response, but defence sources in Abuja insist the flight was routine, the emergency genuine, and that emergency diversions do not require advance clearance under ICAO regulations.

The incident marks the sharpest direct confrontation yet between Nigeria and the AES trio (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) since the three countries formally exited ECOWAS in January 2025. Analysts say it underscores the deepening trust deficit in the Sahel, where jihadist groups continue to expand despite the juntas’ repeated pledges to crush the insurgency through military means alone.

Regional observers now fear the standoff could further complicate cross-border counter-terrorism efforts at a time when JNIM and IS-Sahel are intensifying attacks across the Liptako-Gourma region and pushing south toward coastal states.

Niger Tightens Border Controls on Nigerian Imports Amid Security Concerns

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Niamey – In a move that could strain cross-border trade between Nigeria and Niger, the Directorate General of Customs in Niger has issued a directive mandating rigorous inspections of all goods entering from Nigeria, particularly miscellaneous items, citing security imperatives.

The instruction, signed by Colonel Mohamed Yacouba Siddo, Director General of Customs, requires that all such goods be unloaded and thoroughly examined at entry points before any transit or clearance procedures can proceed. Only miscellaneous goods backed by port-of-discharge documentation will be permitted unloading at their final destinations or during formal customs processing.

“I attach great importance to the strict implementation of this instruction. Any difficulty encountered must be reported to me without delay,” Colonel Siddo emphasized in the communique.

The directive, which surfaced on social media and was first reported by Radio Wadata, comes amid heightened regional tensions following the July 2023 military coup in Niger that led to ECOWAS sanctions and the eventual withdrawal of both Niger and Nigeria from the bloc’s purview. While no official response from Nigerian authorities has been issued as of Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the measure is likely to impact informal traders and formal exporters reliant on the porous Niger-Nigeria border, a key artery for agricultural produce, fuel smuggling, and consumer goods.

Niger and Nigeria share over 1,400 km of largely unsecured frontier, where illicit trade has long fueled economic activity but also insecurity, including arms trafficking and banditry. The new protocol aims to curb potential threats but risks exacerbating delays and costs for legitimate commerce in the Sahel region.

PDP to Formally Present Certificate of Return to Ekiti 2026 Candidate Oluyede

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Abuja – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, formally hand over the Certificate of Return to its candidate for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.

The ceremony, scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, will be led by the National Chairman, Ambassador Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

The event follows the successful conduct of the party’s governorship primary and the subsequent ratification of the result by the Ekiti Governorship Primary Appeal Panel.

A statement from the PDP National Publicity Secretary urged all party leaders and stakeholders — including governors, National Executive Committee members, Board of Trustees members, National Assembly members, and state chapter officials — to attend in large numbers.

The high-profile presentation is expected to serve as the official flag-off of the PDP’s campaign to reclaim Ekiti State in 2026, with the party projecting unity and determination behind Dr. Oluyede’s candidature.

Makinde Approves 13th-Month Salary, Clears LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Arrears

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Ibadan – Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Monday approved the payment of a 13th-month salary for all state workers for the seventh consecutive year and cleared outstanding minimum wage arrears for staff of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The governor announced the approvals while inaugurating the new Governing Board of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde directed the newly sworn-in board, chaired by renowned development economist Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, to fully revamp and make operational the moribund LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo town within 12 months.

“I have signed the December salary file this morning, including the 13th-month salary and all outstanding arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff. Alerts will hit accounts soon,” the governor assured.

He added that the state would fully fund the Oyo Annex project even after it was excluded from an earlier French development grant, describing it as a special 12-month legacy project.

Governor Makinde also pledged to meet with LAUTECH Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, within days to resolve the lingering issues threatening industrial action by university lecturers.

Board Chairman Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka thanked the governor for the appointment and promised a transparent, passionate turnaround that will deliver a 21st-century teaching hospital complete with electronic medical records and world-class facilities.

Other board members include Mr Aderemi Adeniyi Adediji (Secretary), Mr Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello, and Dr. Oluwajoba Olayinka.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, former deputy governors, labour leaders, and top government functionaries.

House PAC Issues Final Summons to NNPCL GCEO Over 2021 Audit Queries

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Oiulari, a final ultimatum to appear in person and submit all outstanding documents on Monday, 15 December 2025, or face the full consequences of legislative sanctions.

The directive, issued on Monday by Committee Chairman Hon. Bamidele Salam, followed NNPCL’s repeated failure to honour invitations and provide responses to serious audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for the 2021 financial year.

Lawmakers expressed outrage after NNPCL sent another letter citing the GCEO’s “official engagement at the Presidential Villa” as the reason for his absence, describing the pattern as deliberate obstruction of constitutional oversight.

Hon. Salam warned:

“This committee will no longer tolerate acts that undermine transparency and accountability in a wholly government-owned entity. We are giving you one final opportunity: Monday, 15 December 2025. The GCEO must appear personally with every single document requested.”

Key audit irregularities NNPCL is expected to explain include:

– Payments for abandoned or uncompleted projects

– Non-remittance of statutory taxes and revenues

– Questionable expenditures authorised by the Chief Finance Officer without the approval of the then Group Managing Director

After an appeal by NNPCL’s National Assembly Liaison Officer, Hon. Umar Faruk, the committee reluctantly granted the last extension but made clear that failure to comply on 15 December will trigger immediate invocation of the House’s constitutional powers.

House Committee Slams NUPRC, NMDPRA Over Slow Implementation of PIA Decommissioning Rules

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating decommissioning and abandonment in the oil and gas sector has accused the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of failing to fully enforce critical provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, leaving a potential $20 billion liability hanging over host communities and the environment.

The sharp rebuke came on Monday during the committee’s resumed investigative hearing when senior officials appeared on behalf of the two Chief Executives who were absent.

NUPRC was represented by Executive Commissioner (Development & Production), Engr. Enorense Amadasu, while NMDPRA sent Executive Director (Health, Safety, Environment & Communities), Dr. Mustafa Lamorde.

Both agencies admitted that bureaucratic bottlenecks, including delays at the Ministry of Justice and issues with Central Bank of Nigeria escrow account guidelines, have stalled full implementation of decommissioning and abandonment (D&A) regulations despite the clear mandates in Sections 232 and 233 of the PIA.

The committee expressed frustration that regulations first drafted in 2003 remain un-gazetted more than two decades later.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Bassey Ekpenyong, said the excuses were unacceptable, stressing that aging oil facilities across the Niger Delta and other producing areas pose imminent environmental and financial risks if operators walk away without proper funding and restoration plans.

“The law is clear. Every field development plan must now come with a decommissioning plan and funded escrow accounts. We are seeing slow movement and that is putting communities in danger of inheriting billions of dollars in liabilities,” Hon. Ekpenyong warned.

The probe is examining:

– Compliance with mandatory D&A plans by operators

– Adequacy of escrow funding for future clean-up

– Enforcement actions taken by regulators against defaulting companies

Lawmakers directed both agencies to return with detailed reports on all approved field development plans since the PIA came into force, evidence of funded decommissioning accounts, and timelines for resolving the outstanding regulatory bottlenecks.

The committee vowed to ensure that no oil company is allowed to abandon wells, platforms, or pipelines without fully funding environmental restoration as required by law.

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