President Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria is in final phase of the campaign against insurgents and other criminals.

He also urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.

The president, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, spoke when he addressed the troops at the Airforce Base in Maiduguri, Borno State yesterday.

He said: “I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic end-state which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable Northeast geo-political Zone and other parts of the country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or harassment.’’

The president assured families of soldiers who paid the supreme price for the nation and the injured that the Federal Government would cater for their needs, recognizing their sacrifices for all Nigerians.

“I am delighted to be with you today and to convey my gratitude and that of the entire nation to you all, as you continuously strive to secure our dear country.

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“Your career is like no other because it is a conscious commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others.

“I am therefore, here on behalf of a grateful nation to thank and commend you for your service and sacrifices.

“Let me start by commiserating with you all on the unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu and other personnel of 25 and 28 Task Force Brigades, who died on Nov. 13, 2021.

“I do this mindful of the fact that we have lost others in this Theatre of Operation as well as other operational areas across the country.

“We pray for the repose of their souls and for the Almighty God to comfort the families that they left behind.

“The people of Borno State and indeed the entire country owe a debt of gratitude to our serving men in uniform for the huge sacrifices in the pursuit of peace,” he said.

He maintained that the government would continue to ensure that the widows and children of fallen heroes were well catered for, to help them fully realize their potentials.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum praised the commitment of the President to the people of Borno State through the trying times of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Zulum spoke glowingly of business mogul and philanthropist Mohammed Indimi whose multi-billion naira project at the University of Maiduguri was one of the projects inaugurated.

He said: “Mr. President has relentlessly demonstrated compassion towards Borno and we respectfully request that this is sustained because while other states across the country mostly have opportunities of moving forward, we are doing grappling with the problem of rebuilding destroyed infrastructure and facilities.

“In this regard, I will respectfully table three requests for Mr. President’s consideration:

“That Mr. President considers and directs the military, police, and paramilitary, to on special consideration, increase the recruitment of our youth volunteers, in order to enhance local involvement that can accelerate the combined restoration efforts of the Federal and State Government.

“That Mr. President considers and approves the establishment of a Federal college of education to be sited in southern Borno. Borno is currently one of the very few states without a federal college of education.

“That Mr. President kindly considers and directs the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to address a major challenge of internet connectivity, which our host, the University of Maiduguri has been dealing with for many years.

“I am confident that Mr. President will in his usual fairness, empathy, and consideration of our huge challenges, look into these realistic requests,” Zulum said.

• Security agencies put on red alert

• Multiple blasts rock Borno

• We are in final phase of push against insurgents, says President

Security agencies were yesterday placed on the alert, following the uncovering of a plot to attack Abuja by some terrorists, led by an Algerian, Drahmane Ould Ali (aka Mohammed Ould Sidat).

The Algerian coordinators were said to be acting in concert with one Zahid Aminon and unnamed four Nigerian accomplices.

The terrorists, allegedly on their way, were said to have hatched plans to strike between December 17 and 31.

They were allegedly en route Nigeria from Mali through Gao and Niger Republic.

Based on the intelligence report, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has directed all its officers to be vigilant in some key institutions and installations.

The NIS issued the red alert to its officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Seme, Idi-Iroko and  Illela borders.

Also, immigration state commands in Lagos, Onne, Borno, Taraba, Yobe, Ogun Oyo, Kwara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, Cross River, Delta and Akwa Ibom, have been directed to be on standby at border posts.

The indication of an imminent plot to attack Abuja was contained in an internal memo of the Immigration Service titled:  ”Terrorists plan  attacks in Abuja”, which was sent to selected commands by the Comptroller of Immigration, Edirin Okoto (Land Border Patrol Commander).

The December 23, 2021  memo said: “The Office of the Acting  Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI) is in receipt of a Security Report (Urgent) from the Presidency (OSGF).The import is about a looming attack on  Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, between 17th and 31st December, 2021.

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“The planned attack is purportedly being led by one Drahmane Ould Ali , aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, an Algerian national, to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.

“The report indicates the duo are en route Nigeria from Mali through Gao and Niger Republic, riding a white Toyota Hilux van with Registration Number AG 157EKY. That these two had four Nigerian accomplices, who are already embedded in the country.

“It is further reported that Ali holds Algerian diplomatic passport with the name Najim Ould Ibrahim.

“Consequently, I am directed to request you to intensify alert levels, emplace necessary counter-measures at all our entry/ exit points (air, land, sea/marine) , including but not limited to, surveillance, rigorous search on persons and vehicles, transhumance, to effectuate the immediate arrest of these terrorists/ countervail this and any terrorist attacks in Abuja.”

Although the official memo got leaked, a top immigration officer described it as a “routine surveillance advisory.”

The officer said: “This memo was purely for internal consumption. It was not meant for the public. It was an intra-service communication arising from inter-service exchange. It was unfortunate it got leaked.

“We have taken proactive steps. There is no cause for alarm. The Immigration Service and all security agencies are on top of the situation.”

ISWAP bombs Maiduguri

The Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) has launched multiple rocket attacks on Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

The insurgents launched the attacks yesterday ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the city to inaugurate projects by the state government .

The explosives landed in Ngomari, Bulumkutu, Ajilari and Ayafe communities within the metropolis.

The insurgents were said to have launched the attack from the outskirt of Auno, which is about 15 kilometres away from the city.

Residents within the area scampered for safety, amid sounds of explosion.

The casualty figure is yet to be ascertained, but many houses were destroyed.

The president arrived in Maiduguri around 11am as part of a one-day official visit to Borno.

He was received by Governor Babagana Zulum, his deputy, Usman Kadafur, members of National Assembly and Borno State House of Assembly, and top government officials.

Other dignitaries that were Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, and Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai.

Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Army spokesperson, was not available to comment on the attack.

There were doubts that Buhari would go ahead with trip, as three explosions rocked the city a few hours before the president’s arrival.

The Commander-In-Chief, who will now carry on with his schedule as planned, with the commissioning of an edifice donated by Mohammed Indimi to the University of Maiduguri.

Later, he commissioned some projects executed by the Borno State Government, including a 10km dual carriageway, a flyover, and a mega secondary school.

The President also received first-hand reports from the Nigerian troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast region.

The explosions, which some feared might have made the president cancel his Maiduguri trip, claimed the lives of at least four persons.

Eight other individuals were said to have sustained various degrees of injuries.

Three different locations experienced blasts. But, while casualties were reported in Ayaje and Bulumkutu, there were no concrete reports from Ajilari.

An 89.39 per cent stake in Union Bank Plc has been acquired by Titan Trust Bank Limited (TTB), the first generation back announced yesterday.

The new investment has put TTB in a position to take over one of Nigeria’s oldest back.

According to the Board of Union Bank, the stake came from the shares divested by its investors – Union Global Partners Limited, Atlas Mara Limited and other shareholders.

In a notice on the acquisition sent to the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX) and Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the board said the investors have reached an agreement with TTB to divest their shareholding in Union Bank.

The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other financial conditions, will upon completion transfer 89.39 per cent of Union Bank’s issued share capital to TTB.

Commenting on the transaction: Union Bank Chairman, Mrs. Beatrice Hamza Bassey said: “On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all the parties involved in reaching this phase of the transaction and the Board looks forward to supporting the next steps to ensure a seamless completion of the process following regulatory approvals.

“We are grateful to our current investors whose significant and consequential investments over the past nine years facilitated the transformation of Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest and storied institutions.

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“Today, the Bank is well-positioned with an innovative product offering, a growing customer base of over six million and consistent year on year profitability. This is a solid foundation for our incoming investors to build on as we move into a new era for the Bank.”

TTB Chairman Tunde Lemo, said: “The Board of Titan Trust Bank and our key stakeholders are delighted as this transaction marks a key step for Titan Trust in its strategic growth journey and propels the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector.

The deal represents a unique opportunity to combine Union Bank’s longstanding and leading banking franchise with TTB’s innovation-led model which promises to enhance the product and service offering for our combined valued customers.”

Union Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Emeka Okonkwo said: “This transaction marks a significant milestone in the journey of our 104-year old Bank. Whilst thanking our current investors for their unwavering commitment to the Bank over the years, we welcome our new core investor, TTB.

“We recognise the strategic fit between the two institutions and expect that this deal will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and stakeholders. We look forward to collectively writing the next exciting chapter for Union Bank.”

The Chief Executive Officer of TTB, Mudassir Amray, said: “After completing over two years of operations with aggressive organic growth, we are excited to have an opportunity for a significant leap forward in market share. UBN’s widespread presence, state of the art technology platform, quality staff and strong brand loyalty fits well with our synchronized modular strategy.

“We look forward to delivering superior results for the benefit of our staff, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.”

Rothschild & Cie acted as financial adviser and White & Case LLP and Banwo & Ighodalo acted as legal advisers respectively, to the selling shareholders of Union Bank.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited acted as financial adviser, Pricewaterhouse Coopers as due diligence partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Drew Law Practise and G. Elias & Co. acted as legal advisers respectively to TTB.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved 16 new electricity projects for some parts of the country.

The total value of projects, whose costs are in local and foreign currencies, was put at N211.2 billion by Power Minister Abubakar Aliyu.

The minister told reporters after an extraordinary FEC meeting in Abuja that the approval was to remedy the long years of neglect of the power sector and improve power generation above the present 5,000 Megawatts (MW).

Some of the projects are installation and inauguration of transmission lines of 330/132/33 KV Lekki, Lagos, construction of a new National Control Centres in  Osogbo, Osun State and Gwagwalada in the  Federal Capital Territory; construction of a 2X60MVA 132/33 KVA substation at Ikare-Akoko and augmentation for the construction of 2X60MVA 132/33 KVA substation at Malumfashi and 4X132KV Line Bats at Kankara in Katsina State.

The minister said more investments in the power sector by the Federal Government have manifested in fewer system collapses in the country.

Aliyu, whose ministry presented 16 memoranda during the meeting, decried what he termed the weak transmission grid.

He however, assured Nigerians that they would soon see the outcomes of the ongoing investments.

Aliyu said: “As we’re all aware, the major problem we’re having in the electricity supply industry is to be able to evacuate sufficient electricity and distribute them.  That is to say, we have a very weak transmission grid and distribution segment of the value chain.

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“We may not be having many problems with generation. So, unless we’re able to strengthen the electricity grid, which is nationwide, and to expand, and to be able to evacuate, what the grid can take to consumers, we will have a lot of problems ahead of us.

“So, what we’re doing currently through various and several interventions is to be able to repair the grid by constructing new transmission lines, bringing in new equipment to replace the old ones at our substations. So, that will release more capacity to the distribution and lead to the customers.

“The operational capacity, as you all know now is hovering around 5,000MW.

“These projects that we brought to council and got approval are all geared towards strengthening the capacity of transmission and distribution, even though as you all know, the distribution segment of the NESI (Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry) is being privatised. But we cannot fold our arms and allow them to continue.

“But as it is now, even the transmission is not that strong. So, we need to put more investments into transmission so that we can improve the capacity of the TCN(Transmission Company of Nigeria) to be able to take up enough electricity from the generation points.

Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the wife of the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II), has announced that she should no longer be addressed as the Queen of Ile-Ife but as the Queen of the people.

Naomi, in a statement on her social media pages, said: “I bless the Lord almighty for His faithfulness in the last theee years of my marriage. In life’s journey, it isn’t how far.

“Still, how well, indeed though satan should buffet if trials should come, I have this blessed assurance controlling all situations and saying to me it is well with my soul.

“Certainly, it is well. I made my journey into the ancient throne of Ife with faith in my heart and love for the keeper of it.

“Few impressions I would love to correct. If anyone knows otherwise, they are free to come up with facts.

“Let it be known that this decision to move on did not come because his majesty is married to another queen.

“As many would love to assume, throughout our life as a couple, I was the only married wife to him. There were side attractions, but it was never an issue.

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“I never approached him with any revelation of any sort, as many believed he contacted me first and made his proposal known several months later.

“The marriage was not an arranged one, as many have misconstrued. I never knew the prophetess said to have introduced me to him.

“Instead, he introduced her to me after I agreed to marry him. I was only being polite out of respect for him.

“I have never been pregnant all my life before Tadenikawo; my son is my first ever pregnancy with medical reports to back it up.

“The girl who is said to be my daughter is my niece I did my best to endure and make it work; many times, I smiled through the struggle, but I have finally realised I had just one assignment, my son, and when God is done, He is done.

“He chose Saul to be king, and when He was done, He told the prophet Samuel I have moved on.

“Religion was never an issue between us; please refer to my interview on News Central TV.

“Instead, His Majesty has a picture he would love the world to see and perceive him as and another one which is his true self.

“Today I announce the beginning of a new dawn and the close of a chapter. Today, I am a mother to God’s unique gift. I am no longer a slave to my thoughts of perfection.

“I, at this moment, announce that I shall no longer be referred to as wife to the Ooni of Ife or as Queen of Ile-Ife but as the Queen of the people and mother of my adorable Prince.

“He is God’s way of saying I know about it all.In situations like this, there will be aggrieved persons.

“I, at this moment, appeal to all parties involved to allow the peace of God with the consciousness that there is a lovely little boy between us. I thank all of my prayer partners and loved ones.

“I remain committed to all of my projects,charity work and ministry. In this new season, I shall be focusing on God only.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, still loves his queen, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the palace said on Thursday evening.

It said he was packaging a special gift for her, noting that separation is a two-way affair.

Palace spokesman, Chief Moses Olafare, told The Nation: “Separation is a two-way affair.

“It is not something that is announced by one party.

“The announcement of separation is subject to an agreement by both parties, so, to that extent, the palace is not aware of such separation because we all went to bed last night having the king and queen being together.

“So, if by this morning, the queen went to her social media to write that she is no longer in marriage with Ooni, we will look into it to see whether or not the Instagram page truly belongs to her, and to know the reason behind it.

“But as of today, this moment, the palace is not aware of the separation.

“Marriage is a private affair. No matter how prominent the personalities involved, it is a private affair.

“We will dig deeper and know what happened but as I said, all of us just woke up to see read about the separation on social media.

“Even by this time yesterday (Wednesday), Kabiyesi was still packaging a special gift for her.

“If you want to separate with someone, you cannot be packaging a gift for her.

“I am aware that Kabiyesi was putting special gifts for her for Christmas.

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“If he is not in love with her, he cannot be doing that, only to wake up the following morning to hear from the public that she is no longer in the relationship.

“The Christmas gift has been delivered to her already.”

Prophetess Silekunola, in a statement posted on her verified Instagram handle @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi on Thursday morning, said she should no longer be addressed as the Queen of Ile-Ife but as the Queen of the people.

She said: “Let it be known that this decision to move on did not come because his majesty is married to another queen.

“As many would love to assume, throughout our life as a couple, I was the only married wife to him. There were side attractions, but it was never an issue.

“I never approached him with any revelation of any sort, as many believed he contacted me first and made his proposal known several months later.

“The marriage was not an arranged one, as many have misconstrued. I never knew the prophetess said to have introduced me to him.

“Instead, he introduced her to me after I agreed to marry him. I was only being polite out of respect for him.

“I have never been pregnant all my life before Tadenikawo; my son is my first ever pregnancy with medical reports to back it up.

“The girl who is said to be my daughter is my niece.

“I did my best to endure and make it work; many times, I smiled through the struggle, but I have finally realised I had just one assignment, my son, and when God is done, He is done.

“He chose Saul to be king, and when He was done, He told the prophet Samuel I have moved on.

“Religion was never an issue between us; please refer to my interview on News Central TV.

“Instead, His Majesty has a picture he would love the world to see and perceive him as and another one which is his true self.

“Today I announce the beginning of a new dawn and the close of a chapter.

“Today, I am a mother to God’s unique gift. I am no longer a slave to my thoughts of perfection.

“I, at this moment, announce that I shall no longer be referred to as wife to the Ooni of Ife or as Queen of Ile-Ife but as the Queen of the people and mother of my adorable Prince.

“He is God’s way of saying I know about it all.In situations like this, there will be aggrieved persons.

“I, at this moment, appeal to all parties involved to allow the peace of God with the consciousness that there is a lovely little boy between us. I thank all of my prayer partners and loved ones.

“I remain committed to all of my projects,charity work and ministry. In this new season, I shall be focusing on God only.”