The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • United Nigeria Airlines boss urges states on aviation

    United Nigeria Airlines boss urges states on aviation

    Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo has urged state governments to utilize air transportation as a catalyst to drive economic growth in their domains.

    He said partnership between state governments and local carriers will not only open their corridors for investment opportunities, but facilitate the movement of people whose economic and commercial activities will contribute to the revenue accruing to the states

    Speaking yesterday at Benin Airport during an inaugural flight to connect the ancient city with Abuja and Lagos, Prof Okonkwo lauded the state for the reception accorded the carrier.

    The airline has also commenced flights into Kano and Sokoto as part of its strategy to unite the country through air transport connectivity.

    He said the reception accorded the Airlines by Governor Godwin Obaseki, is sufficient evidence that partnership between players in the air transport value chain will go a long way to drive the economic development agenda of the administration.

    He commended Obaseki for working the talk about ensuring connectivity into Edo through air transport.

    He said aviation is a major catalyst to any economic growth and hoped that other state governments would key into it and develop their states.

    He said: “We are glad to be here. It is not about whether we are eight or seven. We have to thank the governor who took the initiative to invite us here. Discussion started in Lagos in 2022 and our team has visited Edo State and today, we have fulfilled the first promise, which was to start flying here.

    “I can tell you that we were encouraged by his own commitment and persistence. Many people have been talking about attracting investments only by rhetoric, but he matched his words with action. Not many people understand the importance of air travel to the economic development of any state. It is a catalyst.

    “You can imagine a time you had only one airline coming in, and the number of passengers coming in then. All these things are what add to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a state. So, we think that until the time other governors understand the importance of aviation, there is no other magic to grow the economy of a state. So, we thank you, your excellency.”

    He also appealed to the government to make Benin Airport a 24-hour aerodrome for increased activities.

    Prof Okonkwo said competition would lead to improved passenger services and assured the airline was ready to compete.

    He also disclosed the plans to commence direct flight from Nigeria and Italy, thereby becoming the first carrier to fly the route.

    According to him, the airline was at the final stage of the agreement.

    Obaseki called on the Federal Government to upgrade air navigation equipment at Benin Airport to enable eight carriers operating from the aerodrome to carry out 24 – hour flight operations.

    With extended hours of operations at the aerodrome, the governor said the facility would be at optimum utilization.

    Obaseki appealed to  the Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take as a priority the installation of night facilities like the Instrument Landing System (ILS) which would make the airport operates for 24 hours.

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    Obaseki stated further that the upgrading of the facilities  would further increase the passenger surge into the airport and the state, adding that this would also boost the economic activities of Edo State.

    He, however, assured that plans had reached advanced stage for the installation of the equipment, assuring that some of these facilities would be installed before the end of the year.

    Obaseki also lauded United Nigeria Airlines for joining seven other carriers to operate direct flights into the airport, maintaining that this would further make the airfares more competitive with arrays of choices for the travelling public.

    He recalled that about seven years ago when he came onboard, the airport had only one airline operating into it, but the effort of the State Government to collaborate with private investors and the Federal Government had further increased the airlines to its present eight.

    He said: “Let me remind all of us here that when I came into office in 2016, late 2016 there was only one commercial airline flying into Benin. Today, we have the eighth airline coming into Benin and I heard that there is another one that we expect to start operation soon.

    “So, in seven years, we have been able to attract seven new airlines into the marketplace and that has been made possible because of the openness and collaboration with the aviation authorities.

    “I recall my meeting with the former Minister of Aviation (Sen. Hadi Sirika) and the conversation at that time was that we were ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to increase the traffic flow into Benin City, Edo State.”

    Besides, Obaseki further assured of provision of topnotch security arrangements during the yuletide season for all the visitors into the state, boasting that the state was the most secure in the entire South-south region.

  • Kaduna farmers trade N8b Vitamin A maize

    Kaduna farmers trade N8b Vitamin A maize

    The Country Director of HarvestPlus, Dr Yusuf Dollah has said over N8 billion worth of Vitamin A maize was traded in Kaduna State, thereby  creating markets for the small holder farmers.

    Dollah, who made this known at the 9th edition of the Nutrition and Food Fair held in Kaduna State with the theme: ‘Transforming Food System for Improved Nutrition and Climate Resilience’, said the finding was done through a  survey conducted in the state.

    While noting that  they received funding from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and AGRA to strengthen markets because they realised the constraints farmers face as a result of poor seed, he said the bio fortified value chain in Nigeria is a multibillion naira industry which should be prioritised.

    He said they are working with the funding with AGRA and FCDO to ensure that they strengthen market linkages so that the farmer can convert his produce to cash whenever wants.

    He said: ‘’Between the months of June, July and August. We did a market survey and we collected data in Kaduna State here from Soba Market, Makarfi, Lere , Saminaka, Kubau, Pancho. Now within these 3 months, over N8 billion of grains Vitamin A Maize was traded in the states and these is creating markets for the small holder farmers”, he said.

    ‘’In Nigeria, HarvestPlus promotes vitamin A Cassava, Vitamin A Maize Iron and Zinc enriched Millet, the Vitamin A enriched sweet potatoes and they also commenced work on developing Zinc rice, which will be released soon.

     ”As we develop these varieties, we enure that we don’t leave the varieties on the shelves at the research Institute.

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    We ensure that we bring out these varieties so that our seeds companies who are into commercializations will have access to the early generation seeds for them to multiply it and sell to the Agro dealers in our communities so that our farmers who are producers in the communities also have access to these seeds from the Agro dealer shops.

     The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe in her remarks, said satistics from several sources have shown that Nigeria occupies a not so enviable position in the world which regards to rate of stunting and underweight.

    She called for the need to create and adopt innovative and evidence based solutions that can enhance the production, processing, marketing and consumption of nutritious and climate smart foods.

     In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi said Nigeria has the second largest burden of stunted children in the world.

    “With a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent children under 5 which is estimated at 2 million children who suffer from severe acute malnutrition but only two out of every 10 children affected are currently reached with any treatment,” he said.

  • MTN: No going back on 2,500 sites tower contract to ATC

    MTN: No going back on 2,500 sites tower contract to ATC

    MTN Nigeria has taken note of media reports saying that IHS Towers has offered the company improved terms for the lease of 2,500 sites that match the terms of ATC, which recently won the contract following a highly competitive bidding process.

    The telco said these reports are not true and MTN has not received any revised offer from HIS, saying it announced in September that the lease for the 2,500 sites (which was due to expire in 2024 and 2025) had been awarded to ATC after a very fair and transparent procurement process.

    Its Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo, in a statement, said: “The agreement with ATC over the 2,500 sites is final, having gone through a rigorous process involving our highest governance approvals.

    Our preference is always for bilateral renewal, subject to competitive pricing and terms. In this instance the ATC proposal was superior.”

    MTN said it will continue to engage constructively with IHS on further opportunities that arise, including the renewal of the next vintages of towers that come up for renewals in 2025.

    Read Also: How to shore up Nigeria’s foreign exchange, by Finance minister

    “Other opportunities for value optimisation will arise and we will undertake a similar exacting process. We are hopeful that participating parties including IHS will present a compelling proposition,” Okigbo said.

    He dismissed allegations that contracting the sites to ATC would lead to network disruptions and have a negative environmental impact: “Such allegations are factually incorrect and misleading. Tower transfers between two infrastructure companies do not necessarily lead to network disruption.”

    MTN is confident that ATC’s plans will ensure a smooth transition between towers.

     ”Through our partnership with ATC, we are setting the stage for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria, one that not only meets the growing demands of our customers but also aligns with our focus on expense efficiencies, commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility,” Okigbo said.

    MTN expects ATC to adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) regulations on deploying telecoms sites.

     ”We are deeply committed to achieving net-zero emissions and part of the differentiated value ATC provides is a commitment to operating green sites ensuring significant reduction in carbon emissions. Contrary to the allegations of harmful environmental impact, the partnership with ATC will reduce greenhouse gases,” he said.

  • Lagos to improve waterways for food transportation

    Lagos to improve waterways for food transportation

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says revival of the waterways is crucial in the government’s plan towards economic development.

    This, according to him, would ease traffic pressure on roads and help cut logistic costs.

    The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, gave the assurance during this year’s Lagos Food Festival with the theme “A fusion of flavour s” noted that there were concerted efforts to clear the waterways of hyacinth to give big boost for transportation of rice and other produce.

    According to him, inland waters have played a prominent role in shaping the economy as a major means of trade and transportation.

    The governor said the state had a robust integrated plan that would ensure food sufficiency and food adequacy in Lagos.

    He noted that the plan became important because food security globally was becoming an issue.

    Mr Sanwo-Olu said his administration was committed to encouraging farmers while assuring that farming was important to his administration to ensure that food was affordable and accessible for all.

    He explained that Lagos was implementing strategies needed to overturn the perception of agriculture currently held by young people.

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    According to him, it was becoming clear that the young modern farmer needs an updated incentive for engagement in agriculture.

    He said the state has implemented youth-centred efforts including the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme with the goal of training youths with a passion for agriculture.

    He described the annual Festival as impressive adding that it provided an opportunity to showcase products and talents, particularly in the food sector.

    The governor, accompanied by the commissioner for agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, special adviser to the Governor on Rice Initiative, Oluwarotimi Fashola and members of the state executive council, inspected various agricultural produce and products on display.

    Sanwo-Olu also participated in cooking and tasting of local delicacies. He described it as a delightful opportunity to take part in the cooking. He indicated that the event was broader and more exciting as it will focus on different African delicacies that we can relish.

    The annual festival showcases products and talents, particularly in the food sector.

  • ‘Fake job offers destroying victims’

    ‘Fake job offers destroying victims’

    Fake job offers that inadvertently lure victims into human trafficking is a menace that must be fought because its destroy not only the lives of victims but communities, a lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, QNET, said yesterday.

    Its Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Biram Fall, who spoke during at the launch of a new campaign tagged: “Say NO” designed to educate communities about the dangers of fake job offers used by fraudsters to lure members of the public into human trafficking, lamented that scammers use the name of reputable organisations to perpetrate their evil trade.

    The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines human trafficking as a global crime that trades in people and exploits them for profit. People of all genders, ages and backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. Traffickers use violence, fraudulent employment agencies, and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick, coerce and deceive their victims.

    Fall said: “Human Trafficking not only destroys the lives of victims and communities, and it is regrettable that scammers often use the names of reputable companies such as QNet to promise fake jobs. We therefore believe that the private sector should support the efforts of states to tackle the vice, and the “Say NO” Awareness Campaign is our contribution. It seeks to empower communities with the knowledge and awareness they need to “Say No!” to the traffickers who want to rob them of their future.”

    Across Africa and in Nigeria, reputable companies such as QNET, Coca-Cola and even the West African Development Bank (BOAD) have fallen victim to scammers who use their reputable names to deceitfully promise non-existent jobs to members of the public for purposes of exploitation. The lack of awareness about such scams and about human trafficking is therefore, a key challenge in the fight against the vice.

    The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has made sustained efforts to combat human trafficking. A United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report shows that Nigeria has been placed on Tier 2, reflecting significant governmental endeavours. The report indicates an increase in the identification of trafficking victims, rising from 935 in the previous reporting period to 1,634 in 2023.

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    Addressing the matter, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, the Nigerian partner of QNET, Akeem Ajisafe said: “The Nigerian government, in collaboration with NAPTIP and other relevant agencies, has shown unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking. Their dedicated efforts can be seen in the increased identification of trafficking victims, which showcases a proactive stance in addressing this critical issue. The Say NO campaign aims to amplify these efforts by educating the youth in Nigeria on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent job offers. Empowering the younger generation with knowledge is essential in fortifying our collective stand against human trafficking, and I believe this campaign will contribute significantly to that endeavour.”

    The “Say NO” campaign shall be implemented in several countries, starting with Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Senegal. It consists of a public education campaign that will use radio, billboards, pamphlets and other activities aimed at sensitizing communities, especially in regions where the prevalence of fake job scams is high.

    QNET has implemented several measures to prevent the use of its platforms to perpetrate fraud. This includes the implementation of customer identification technology that blocks users from buying products or referring customers from a country different from their own. With this technology, only users with verified identity documents can refer other customers, and those who are in breach of the company code of conduct are removed from the network. Any individual found fraudulently using the company’s name shall be reported to the authorities, and QNet will seek full punishment according to the law.

    In addition to these, the company trains its Independent Representatives on its products, ethical practices and entrepreneurial skills, thereby empowering them to generate income for themselves and their families by referring customers to QNet.

  • ‘Govt will consolidate on NDE’s achievement’

    ‘Govt will consolidate on NDE’s achievement’

    Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, has said the Federal Government will ensure that those trained by National Directorate of Employment (NDE) successful beneficiaries, do not relapse into unemployment market, thereby consolidating on the achievement of the Directorate.

    The Minister gave the assurance while fielding questions from reporters after the inspection of products and services paraded by the NDE successful beneficiaries at the 44th edition of Kano International Trade Fair in Kano.

    She said: “NDE was established to provide skills towards the creation of blue collar jobs. I am happy to see NDE beneficiaries who are very successful, people who have been trained as far back as 2008 and have been feeding their families with their products, some of which are of international standard.

    All they need is government backing to optimize their products and get the right access.

    “Our intent at this particular point in time is to provide support for those who have been trained by these successful beneficiaries and ensure that they are empowered and do not relapse to the unemployment market. Some of them train as much as 70 people per month; we shall ensure they also become successful and able to provide for their families too.

    “The summary of it all is that if you come to the NDE, you can be employed without being employed by another person or organization. You can be self-employed. I am happy with what NDE is doing.”

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    Earlier in her keynote, the Minister said the timing of the trade fair was apt as it complements President Bola Tinubu’s trapping of a sustainable course for Nigeria’s prosperity. She said the government, aside from making efforts to clear inherited billions of dollars, has also established a committee to reduce tax burdens on Nigerians. She assured that the present administration will reverse the worrisome trend in the economy, saying, the government is working assiduously towards attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.

    Director-General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, said in line with the theme of the Fair, Economic Diversification: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development, the Directorate, aside from providing skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development opportunities to many Nigerians, has recently strengthened many macro enterprises of its beneficiaries through soft loans to ensure sustainability.

    He said NDE is willing to empower as many people as possible under the administration of President Tinubu

    NDE’s participation in International Trade Fairs, according to him, is to provide opportunities for the beneficiaries of various skill acquisition programmes to showcase the effort and commitment of the federal government through the NDE at self-employment creation.

    The President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), Alhaji Garba Imam, appreciated the Minister of State and the NDE for their support in building the chamber over the years. Spotlights of the events were the exchange of souvenirs, group photographs and inspection of NDE pavilion and few others.

  • Minister: influential Nigerians behind illegal mining

    Minister: influential Nigerians behind illegal mining

    Heavy and powerful” Nigerians involved in illegal mining are behind insecurity, especially in parts of the country with huge solid minerals deposits,  Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake said yesterday.

    Alake said their activities were not only making the sector unfriendly for genuine foreign investors, but denying the nation huge incomes.

    He, however, disclosed that the Federal  Government was “identifying”  the errant miners through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to make areas with huge solid minerals secure for those interested in investing in the sector.

    Alake spoke  when he appeared before the House Committee on Solid Minerals to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget estimate.

    At another event in Abuja, the minister said the government, through his ministry, was ready to collaborate with the World Bank to maximally tap the nation’s solid minerals.

    During the budget defence, Alake said:  “One discovery that we have made is that a lot of these insecurities, especially  banditry associated with this sector are sponsored by illegal miners.

    “These are not your artisanal miners. They are not the people who pick gold on the ground. These are heavy and powerful individuals in our country. They are Nigerians and not foreigners.

    “You can see foreigners as symptoms,  but they are not the basics. Nigerians are the powers behind those foreigners that you see on the streets. We are identifying them and employing various strategies,  both kinetic and non-kinetic.

    “The non-kinetic with that artisanal miners, I gave them an ultimatum that they should form themselves into cooperatives because every Nigerian has a right to life and necessities and if the government cannot provide  these necessities, we cannot push them into the bush.”

    He added that the ministry encouraged small-scale miners to form cooperative societies, adding that as at the last count, about 50 had come into existence.

    The minister also revealed that foreign investors have begun to make more enquiries about the possibility of investing in the sector.

    According to him, the ministry has identified about 44 key solid mineral deposits in the country out of which seven are in high demand because of their importance.

    Alake said that with the right investment by the government, Nigeria has the potential to become a global hub for solid minerals in the world.

    Stressing that the  government plans to invest heavily in exploration, he  described the N29 billion allocated to the ministry   for 2024 as a “non-starter.”

    He sought the assistance of the lawmakers for adequate funding for the sector.

    Chairman of the House Committee Gaza   Gbefwi said there was no time that the nation needed the input of the Solid mineral sector like now.

    He said:   “All hope is not lost especially considering the fact that Mr. President(Bola Tinubu), during his budget presentation re-echoed the priority this administration has placed on the solid minerals sector and of course the person he has mandated to steer the ship of this sector.

    “It is quite exciting to note that he hit the ground running by embarking on strategic bilateral and trade expeditions that will bring the needed investment into our country.”

    Fed Govt, World Bank to collaborate on mining

    Alake, who also received World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri,  expressed satisfaction with the renewed focus on the development of the nation’s mineral resources. 

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     He stated that the government was exploring collaboration with the World Bank to unlock financing and technical support for the development of the solid mineral sector.

    Alake, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, added that with the preponderance of economically viable minerals, Nigeria has the potential to make the solid minerals sector a major contributor to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The statement reads in part: “Mr. Chaudhuri reiterated the readiness of the bank to partner with the Ministry to unlock financing for specific intervention areas requiring funding, emphasising, however, that that the terms and conditions of the bank to ensure effective implementation of projects and transparency in utilising funds is mandatory.

    “He also added that the bank is not restricted to providing financing alone, asserting it can offer technical assistance to improve mining operations in the country.

    “In his response, the Minister hailed the World Bank team for the visit, commending the institution for spearheading developmental efforts in diverse sectors of the economy over the years.

    “The World Bank has been able to redirect focus on developmental issues and projects in countries, especially Nigeria. Just recently, we had the support of the World Bank on palliatives being rolled out after fuel subsidy removal.

    “We had appreciable support from the World Bank. I thank you for your involvement in the min diver project, which, unfortunately, is coming to a close.

    “We look forward to strengthening collaboration, which will culminate in the needed funding for critical areas in the mining sector, alongside the requisite technical support, as earlier hinted.

    “Alake further assured that the Federal Government is committed to providing an enabling environment to safeguard mining operations whilst ensuring maximum beneficiation to host communities and accruable revenue to government through royalties and taxes.”

  • 2024 Budget: Edu decries zero allocation to Poverty Eradication Trust Fund

    2024 Budget: Edu decries zero allocation to Poverty Eradication Trust Fund

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu, yesterday decried what she called zero allocation to the newly created Humanitarian and Poverty Eradication Trust Fund by the Federal Government.

    She said the allocation to her ministry in the proposed 2024 budget was not enough to fight poverty in the country.

    Edu spoke when she appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to defend the proposed 2024 budget of the ministry.

    The minister said her ministry was given an overhead ceiling of N532.5 billion, representing 28 per cent increase over the 2023 budget, to cushion the effects of inflation.

    She said: “Something very serious was omitted. If you followed the news closely, the President, who is the Chairman of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), recently approved the creation of Humanitarian and Poverty Eradication Trust Fund.

    “This trust fund is expected to have contributions from the Federal Government’s 30 per cent counterpart funding, which is supposed to come from donor agencies, as well as development partners…

    “We have been engaging massively for these funds to come into Nigeria to support the implementation of programmes, which we will be implementing with you at the front burner by reaching out to your constituents.

    “However, Nigeria needs to put its own part of the bargain on the table. This would be, not just an attraction to those who are supposed to be bringing in the other percentage but it will serve as a lighter to reach the poor and indeed eradicate poverty from our country.”

    The Senate Committee on Information yesterday frowned at the N1 billion proposed for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation as capital allocation in the 2024 budget.

    The Chairman of the committee, Kenneth Eze (APC, Ebonyi Central), said this when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget.

    Also, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, has stressed the need for continuous scrutiny and refinement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    This, he said, would ensure its attunement to the evolving dynamics of the global energy landscape and the specificities of the Nigerian context.

    In his presentation before the committee, Malagi said: “It is the desire of the ministry to have a big national conversation around our values and attitudes re-orientation so that Nigeria will, at least, rediscover its self and reclaim some of those values that have been eroded over the years so that we can have a better country for all of us.

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    “We also desire the launch of the National and International branding campaign for us to highlight and showcase Nigeria’s immense natural and cultural resources.

    “We are also going to convene and coordinate regular press briefings and media engagements for cabinet members and other senior government officials to avail Nigerians of what various ministries and agencies are doing so that Nigerians will be carried along on what the projects and programmes of government are.

    “We also intend to invest resources in modernising the Federal Government information and communication management and regulatory system across the agencies, for example, NAN, NTA, FRCN, among others,” he said.

    Responding, Eze said: “This is not a budget that can be visible, if we are telling our story as a country.

    “There is no way we can go far. You have a great initiative on how you are going to transform the country in the area of information. I wonder how you are going to do that with this so little fund.”

    Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting yesterday in Abuja, Ado-Doguwa said: “The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act by the Ninth Assembly was a watershed moment, signaling a new dawn of reform intended to revitalise an industry that is the lifeblood of our economy.”

    He called for the collaboration of all stakeholders within the industry to drive the development of the sector.

  • Gunmen kill four soldiers, two drivers, abduct Koreans in Rivers

    Gunmen kill four soldiers, two drivers, abduct Koreans in Rivers

    • We will track down killers, says Army

    Gunmen have ambushed a convoy of an engineering company at Ahoada/Abua axis of the East-West road in Rivers State, killing four soldiers, two drivers and abducting two expatriates identified as Koreans.

    The incident was said to have occurred at about 9.30am while the company was conveying its workers to a camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. 

    The incident was said to have caused panic and gridlock around the area.

    A security source, who spoke in confidence, said the suspected kidnappers ambushed the convoy and opened fire on the occupants.

    He said: “During the attack, the assailants opened fire on the convoy, killing four soldiers and two civilian-drivers and subsequently abducted two Koreans in the process.

    “Details are still sketchy, but efforts are ongoing to get more details from the units. Further details will be forwarded as soon as possible.”

    The Army confirmed the incident, described it as unwarranted and vowed that the perpetrators would be arrested and brought to book.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations Officer, Maj. Danjuma Danjuma, in a statement said it was carried out by suspected militants.

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    The statement said: “Troops of 5 Battalion on routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West manifold, Ahoada East Local Government of Rivers State, were attacked by suspected militants, at Emesu junction, along Amungboro-Emuphan road. Unfortunately, four soldiers were killed in action, with two other oil workers unaccounted for. 

    “The suspects allegedly escaped through  Emesu waterside, using Orashi River. Troops are combing the general area to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the unaccounted oil workers are found.

    “The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, while acknowledging the supreme sacrifice paid by the gallant soldiers, strongly condemned this unwarranted attack. 

    “He reassured that efforts are ongoing to track down these criminals to pay for their crimes. Consequently, the public are kindly requested to provide credible and actionable intelligence that can lead to the arrest of these criminals.

    “The public is also assured that troops will not relent until all forms of criminalities, such as militancy, oil theft and pipeline vandalism are effectively eliminated within the Niger Delta region”.

  • I-G deploys CP Adegoke to Lagos

    I-G deploys CP Adegoke to Lagos

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed Commissioner of Police (CP) Fayoade Adegoke to take over as the CP, Police Command in Lagos.

    The redeployment is contained in a signal signed by the Force Secretary, AIG Olanrewaju Oladimeji.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that before his new posting, Adegoke was in charge of Armament at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

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    While serving in that capacity, he was sent for a course at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru-Jos, Plateau, where he graduated among 96 distinguished Nigerians as Executive Course 45.

    Adegoke will take over from Mr Idowu Owohunwa, who had been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon Ikoyi, Lagos.