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Tag: KOGI

  • Kogi unveils ₦50bn Sukuk for airport, international market, plans March take-off

    Kogi unveils ₦50bn Sukuk for airport, international market, plans March take-off

    Kogi State has announced plans to raise a ₦50 billion Sukuk bond to fast-track the construction of the Kogi State International Airport and the Lokoja International Market, with the government targeting March 2026 for the commencement of construction.

    The plan was unveiled at an investor engagement and market sensitisation forum in Abuja where the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, said the Sukuk would be asset-backed, infrastructure-focused and aligned with the state’s long-term development framework.

    Idris said the bond programme was designed to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure and not as a response to fiscal pressure.

    “This ₦50 billion Sukuk is strictly for infrastructure. It is dedicated to the Kogi State International Airport and the Lokoja International Market,” he said.

    He disclosed that the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly had approved the transaction, while the government had also applied for an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) from the Federal Government to strengthen investor confidence.

    According to him, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that the state should move swiftly, with March set as the target period for fund release and construction take-off.

    “Our target is March. If it shifts slightly, it will not derail the project, but we are determined to avoid unnecessary delays,” Idris said.

    He added that the procurement process for the airport project would begin within weeks, noting that the state had engaged experienced financial and technical advisers to fast-track documentation and regulatory approvals.

    The Sukuk, structured as a senior unsecured Ijara Sukuk, will be issued at ₦1,000 per unit, with a total programme size of ₦50 billion and a tenure of between five and seven years. It will be offered through a book-building process, with a minimum subscription of ₦5 million.

    Managing Director of AVA Capital Group, Kayode Fadahunsi, said the projects were structured to generate revenue capable of supporting repayment.

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    He explained that the funds would be monitored through multiple oversight layers, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a Sharia Advisory Board and an independent Project Management Committee, which will provide quarterly reports to stakeholders.

    Addressing concerns on pricing and listing platforms, Fadahunsi said Sukuk instruments were generally competitively priced and could be listed on either the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) or FMDQ for secondary market trading.

    Officials also clarified that any call option on the Sukuk would only arise after the completion and delivery of the underlying assets, in line with Sukuk requirements.

    On security, Idris said the state had strengthened safety measures through the deployment of surveillance drones, training of over 1,050 hunters across local government areas and the absorption of vigilante operatives into the civil service.

  • Kogi assures residents of safety

    Kogi assures residents of safety

    The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the state, assuring residents that decisive efforts are ongoing to restore peace and rescue abducted victims.

    The assurance was given on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who disclosed that security agencies were actively tracking the whereabouts of criminals, with major operations already underway to free victims from captivity.

    According to him, the government fully understands the trauma faced by families of kidnapped persons and remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of all victims.

    Read Also: Youths protest killings, other criminal activities in Kogi communities

    “We understand the trauma faced by the families of kidnapped victims. We are also very concerned about their well-being. The Governor has invested heavily in ensuring the state possesses the capacity to crush criminal elements,” Fanwo said.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, as well as the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their relentless backing in the fight against crime in Kogi State.

    Fanwo noted that the Governor is currently investing more in preventive security measures, stressing that the government remains determined to ensure the rescue of every Kogite in the hands of criminals.

  • Youths protest killings, other criminal activities in Kogi communities

    Youths protest killings, other criminal activities in Kogi communities

    Youths from Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area in Kogi state staged a protest on Friday against the worsening insecurity in their communities, highlighting persistent killings and other criminal activities.

    The protesters, mostly from Bunuland, blocked a major road during the peaceful demonstration, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages such as “Bunuland Bleeds” and “Why should we ask for permission to live?” to draw attention to the escalating violence and displacement of residents.

    One protester lamented that dozens of communities had been completely abandoned due to repeated attacks.

    Read Also: Group condemns alleged attack on women protesters in Kwara

    “We have 44 communities in Bunuland. Those communities have been deserted—places like Kayetoro, Kiri, Ole, and others. The last attack in Ole claimed three lives, and many more have been killed over time,” the protester said, adding that fear and insecurity had forced residents to flee their ancestral homes.

    It was gathered that despite the teargas by the police, the youths remained resolute, insisting on urgent intervention from the government and security agencies. “We are resolute. We are not leaving here,” the protester declared.

    Residents of Kabba-Bunu and surrounding areas have repeatedly raised concerns over killings, kidnappings, and the occupation of farmlands, accusing authorities of failing to protect lives and property.

  • Kogi APC Renaissance Forum backs Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive

    Kogi APC Renaissance Forum backs Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive

    A leading political group in Kogi State, the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum, has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria.

    The forum, in a statement by its spokesperson, Adejo Emmanuel, said the current anti-corruption campaign under the Tinubu administration is not targeted solely at opposition figures, noting that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are also being prosecuted.

    He cited the case of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diversion and misappropriation of state funds, among other cases involving party members.

    Emmanuel described corruption as a major governance challenge with far-reaching implications for democracy, electoral integrity, social cohesion, and economic growth, noting that it has consistently undermined Nigeria’s development despite previous anti-corruption efforts.

    He said the entrenched nature of corruption in Nigeria, particularly among politically exposed persons, requires a more drastic and robust approach.

    According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to tackling corruption by clearly separating partisan politics from governance and ensuring that offenders are held accountable through diligent prosecution.

    He added that appropriate punishment remains essential in addressing corruption and deterring future abuses.

    “The fight against corruption in Nigeria requires a paradigm shift and bolder actions to effectively address its deep-rooted and multifaceted nature,” Emmanuel said.

    The forum urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s renewed anti-corruption drive, warning that individuals who engage in corrupt practices should desist or face the full weight of the law.

  • Church attack: Kogi confirms death of four bandits, abduction of 13 people

    Church attack: Kogi confirms death of four bandits, abduction of 13 people

    •Ododo uncovers massive arms cache in Kogi

    The Kogi State government has confirmed the death of four bandits in Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government last Sunday.

    Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the bandits were killed during an invasion of ECWA Church, Kiri by hunters while repelling their attack on the church during service.

    Speaking on television on Monday, Fanwo said other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

    Also, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has announced the recovery of a massive cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a joint security operation.

    The governor made this known at a press conference in Lokoja, the state capital, stating that the operation was the outcome of over a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working with the state government.

    Ododo listed items recovered to include 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, 42 magazines, 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition, as well as large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols.

    Others include handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.

    Fanwo said 13 persons were kidnapped but assured that hunters and other security operatives were on the trail of the fleeing bandits in the forest to rescue those abducted.

    He explained that the onslaught by bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states had pushed criminals towards Kogi.

    He said the state government had marshalled a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, although the affected areas still require additional reinforcement.

    “We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.

    The commissioner confirmed that troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the state Police Command had also  been deployed in the community.

    He added that the state would mount a joint security force in the area to safeguard lives and property.

    Ododo explained that the renewed and aggressive crackdown on criminals was further galvanised after his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who charged him to intensify security efforts rather than seek accolades.

    “When I met Mr. President, I expected commendation, but he told me to go back and do more for my people. That statement re-energised me. We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies, and acted decisively on credible intelligence,’’ the governor said.

    According to him, security operatives executed a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed. Although no arrests were made during the raid, the governor described the recovery of the arms as a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.

    He attributed the persistence of criminal activities to Kogi’s strategic geography, stressing that the state shares boundaries with 10 states and serves as a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.

    “Kogi State is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy, and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them,”  he declared.

    The governor called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information, assuring the public of the government’s unflinching commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

    The governor reaffirmed that the success recorded was the direct result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and motivation, as well as to the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their cooperation.

    The governor urged citizens not to panic, assuring them that the situation is under control and advising residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

  • 10 die, 21 injured in Lagos, Kogi, Enugu crashes

    10 die, 21 injured in Lagos, Kogi, Enugu crashes

    Ten persons have lost their lives and 21 injured in multiple accidents in Lagos, Kogi and Enugu states.

    In Lagos, a federal fire service officer stationed at the Trade Fair Complex died yesterday in an incident on the trade fair inward Abule-Ado service lane in Lagos. A police officer and a scavenger were killed in an accident at Ilubirin, inward Simpson on Lagos Island.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the accidents, describing them as another painful reminder of the dangers of reckless driving on the roads. LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olaleken Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

    In Enugu, an accident involving no fewer than 10 vehicles at New Gariki on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    The crash, which involved four trailers loaded with cattle and other goods, two commercial buses, two Sienna vehicles, and several smaller cars trapped the fallen articulated vehicles. “People were driving one-way with speed. Before we knew it, trailers and vehicles collided and everything scattered,” he recounted.

    In Kogi State yesterday, six indigenes died in a road accident on the Lokoja /Okene highway. Thirteen others sustained various injuries.

    The state Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed the accident , said the victims were returning from an official function when it (the accident) happened.

    READ ALSO: Why I apologised to Afeez Owo – Wumi Toriola

    Fanwo gave details of the accident in a statement to mourn the  victims and commiserate with  their families.

    The statement read: “The Kogi State Government regrets to announce a tragic accident involving a bus conveying some of our citizens who were returning from the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held earlier today (yesterday) at the Government House, Lokoja.

    “The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene Road, claimed six precious lives. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.

    “ This tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the Government and people of Kogi State. We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment.

    “The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history.

    “His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover.

    “Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible treatment and to provide support to their families.

    “Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude.

    “ As we collectively grieve, we ask for prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured. May God grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

  • Troops rescue six kidnapped victims in Kogi councils

    Troops rescue six kidnapped victims in Kogi councils

    Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja  have rescued  six kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue in the Ejiba and Saminaka Forest axis spanning Yagba East and Yagba West local government areas of Kogi State.

    The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations in the Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, who confirmed the development yesterday, said the operation “ formed part of efforts to eliminate criminals and enhance security across the region.”

    Abdullahi said: “The operation which followed intensified air and ground offensives by troops and supported by the Nigeria Police helicopter yielded positive results when troops deployed in Patrol Base Ejiba in Yagba West intercepted the kidnap victims. The rescued persons were found in a stable condition and confirmed to have been released by the bandits owing to the sustained pressure mounted by troops during the joint operations.”

    It was further learnt that  five of the rescued victims had undergone debriefing and reunited with their families.

    Abdullahi added that the  sixth victim is receiving medical attention due to his condition at the point of rescue.

    The Brigade spokesman reassured the public and  people of Kogi that the Army remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

    He said: “Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests and identified hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action.”

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    The  Brigade also said its operatives had  intercepted a vehicle conveying a large quantity of cannabis sativa during operations in the Agbede response area of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

    The Brigade said: “On  1 December 2025, troops on patrol intercepted a red Toyota Camry with registration number ABJ 325LA transporting illegal substances from Ekiti State to Borno State. The driver, identified as Mr. Hamisu Sule, attempted to evade arrest by fleeing upon sighting the troop’s check point employed intermittently along transit routes to frustrate the use of such  routes  as a transit corridor.

    “The vehicle was eventually pursued and apprehended along the Apata-Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area.”

    It was stated that a total of 306 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 276 kilograms were recovered from the vehicle.

    Abdullahi said the driver and the seized items have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kogi Command for further action.

    “ The Brigade wishes to reassure the general public and the good people of Kogi State that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining a robust presence across the state, and preventing criminals from operating with impunity,” the statement added.

  • Group calls for improved development, political reforms in Kogi East

    Group calls for improved development, political reforms in Kogi East

    A prominent Igala group from Kogi East has called for renewed focus on development and stronger political representation in the region.

    In a statement signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Dansoho, the group expressed concern over what it described as the limited developmental impact recorded in Kogi East under the current state administration.

    The group urged elected officials from the area to work more effectively toward bringing tangible projects to the region.

    The statement also highlighted the group’s support for Senator Sunday Karimi, noting that his recent comments on governance reflect the concerns of many constituents.

    According to Dansoho, the senator’s views align with the growing call for improved performance and more inclusive leadership across the state.

    The group further appealed for unity among political leaders in Kogi East, stressing the need for collective efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.

    It also acknowledged ongoing discussions among political stakeholders in Kogi East and Kogi West aimed at forming a broader alliance to strengthen development-focused advocacy in the state.

    The statement cautioned against attempts to discredit public officials through the media, urging leaders to prioritise collaboration and constructive engagement.

    Observers say the group’s intervention underscores shifting political dynamics in Kogi State, with emerging alliances potentially influencing future political developments.

  • FG assures Kogi of full 13% derivation allocation

    FG assures Kogi of full 13% derivation allocation

    The federal government has assured Kogi state that it will receive its full entitlement from the 13 per cent derivation fund following its recent recognition as an oil-producing state.

    Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, gave the assurance on Tuesday when he hosted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and a delegation of senior Kogi State officials at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja for an interactive session on the state’s eligibility and access to the fund.

    A statement from the RMAFC said Dr. Shehu assured the Kogi state delegation that the Commission is committed to ensuring a fair and lawful distribution of revenue to every beneficiary.

    “Whatever issue you table before us, we will try as much as possible, within the provisions of the law, to see that Kogi State gets what it deserves,” he stated.

    He added that RMAFC’s responsibility is to guarantee that all allocations due to Kogi—whether from oil, gas, or solid minerals—are properly recorded and protected.

    “We will stand firmly with you to provide the data, guidance, and technical support needed to optimize these resources for the benefit of your citizens,” he said.

    To fast-track the process, Dr. Shehu directed the immediate constitution of a joint committee comprising officials from RMAFC’s Gas Investments and Crude Oil Departments, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Kogi State government. The committee is expected to address the issues raised and propose solutions.

    Governor Ododo expressed concern over the state’s inability to benefit from its abundant natural resources. He questioned why Kogi had yet to receive any part of the 13 percent derivation despite its status as an oil-producing state.

    He sought clarity on ongoing oil and gas activities, expressing optimism that the Commission would handle the matter with diligence.

    “I thank you most sincerely for this warm reception and for your vision. We look forward to continued engagement with the Commission to ensure that the resources of Kogi State are fully optimized and benefit our people,” he said.

    During the meeting, several RMAFC commissioners and experts made contributions. Federal Commissioner representing Kebbi State, Barr. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba-Haruna said the 13 per cent derivation provided for under the 1999 Constitution is treated with utmost seriousness and stressed that accurate data is crucial for states to receive their rightful allocations.

    Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner for Rivers State, advised the Kogi delegation to study existing post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) frameworks to better understand their contractual rights and obligations and avoid future complications.

    On solid minerals, Dr. Udodirim Okongwu, Director of the Inland Revenue Department, who represented the Secretary to the Commission, assured the governor that RMAFC has the authority to obtain all necessary data.

    Read Also: DSS recaptures suspected mastermind of Kogi church attack

    She encouraged the state to establish mineral buying centres to ensure proper attribution for all solid mineral transactions.

    Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Ashiru Asiwaju, stated that the government is committed to attracting more players in the oil and gas sector by making critical information available to drive investment.

    Mrs. Ekekhide Jennifer, Assistant Director and Head of the NUPRC delegation, confirmed ongoing crude production from OPL 915 (now OML 155).

    She also stated the importance of strengthening security and infrastructure to create an enabling environment for investors.

    The meeting reflected a joint commitment by RMAFC and Kogi State to improve fiscal governance, promote transparency in managing derivation funds, and ensure that the state fully benefits from its oil, gas, and solid mineral assets for the development and welfare of its people.

  • Army rescues 21 kidnap victims in Kwara, Kogi joint operations

    Army rescues 21 kidnap victims in Kwara, Kogi joint operations

    Twenty-one kidnap victims were rescued in coordinated operations by 12 Brigade and 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kwara and Kogi States.

    The victims, comprising 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were rescued during the operations conducted on October 17.

    The spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, stated in a statement on Saturday that the victims were freed by their abductors from different locations across the states, following the troops’ intensified offensive.

    He said some of the victims had been in captivity for over four months.

    According to Okoye, after their release, the victims were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist them in recovering from the trauma they had endured at the hands of their abductors.

    He said: “The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention. 

    “Most of them who were physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.”

    Okoye said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations, expressed sympathy for the victims and reassured residents that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements.

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    He said Maj.-Gen Nnebeife also assured that there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    “The GOC appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations. He also thanked other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the State.

    “He commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within 2 Division area of responsibility,” Okoye said.