2023: Ajia assures NATE of standard legislative support, if elected

Ajia, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for House of Representatives in Asa/Ilorin West, has promised quality legislative support to strengthening technologies in Engineering, if elected in 2023.

Ajia made the pledge at the induction/public lecture and award ceremony organised by the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) on Wednesday in Ilorin.

He spoke on: “Skills, not Degree Matters Now in Nigeria: Benefits and Challenges Overview”.

Ajia stressed the need to support the association with the necessary legislative teeth to make it achieve the essence of its establishment.

According to him, technology gives engineers the direction setting and focus to achieve their objectives, it simplifies work for them and with it, “we are having designs that give ways to engineering works today”.

The PDP candidate maintained that without technologies, nothing much can be achieved in this present world.

“Without technology, particularly the internet and technical system, no business can thrive, technology has made so many things simple.

“Without technology education, agriculture, health and other sectors cannot produce expected outcomes,” he said.

He however urged government to support NATE with the needed legislation that would help the association achieve its vision and mission, and contribute to nation building, growth and development.

Ajia assured the association that he would support the association with enabling law that would help to achieve its noble ideas and values, if given the mandate.

“There are so many challenges faced by the engineering sector and nation in general and I will do my best as a legislator to secure the future of the association,” he promised.

He urged the members of the association to take the 2023 general elections seriously and partake in it, so as to rescue Nigeria from total collapse.

“Tech innovations and other systems that are gaining ground are   computer-aided design, manufacturing (CAD/CAM), model-based design, simulation, collaborative software, machine vision, and augmented and virtual reality tools, among others,” said the legislative flagbearer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Award of Merit was presented to Ajia in recognition of his meritorious services to the society through his interventionist organisation, the MAI Foundation.

SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo Urges Christians To Condemn Injustice


Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has advised christians to call out injustice and corruption as a way to make the society better.


He made this known on Sunday December 25 when speaking during the Christmas concert oganised by Apostolic Faith Church Ondo State, at his residence.
Prince Adebayo said when public offices steal funds, the church should not encourage them by keeping silent but condemn it, as that is the only way God will have mercy upon Nigeria.


“My only advice to the church is, when they see people in public offices who have stolen fund, they shouldn’t say God has blessed you. When someone does injustice in politics, the church should cry out and say this is injustice. If the church does this, God will have mercy upon Nigeria and truth and justice will come”, he said.


The SDP presidential candidate, while commending what the church is doing in the state, said he will provide more infrastructure in the state.
The most important thing is power is useless. Purpose is more important. And everything that is kept in your hand is a trust from God. Even our own life is a trust. It doesn’t belong to you. If you live for 50 years and 100years it’s not because you have the best doctor. Is because God has a mission for you, He wants you to fulfill. I talk to my friends running for office. Those of yesterday have gone.

The most important thing is, when you are here, make mark. We are here just like a shadow. Then we should do our best.
“We’ll do all the roads, as for the lights we have enough lights, the 615 solar lights we earlier commissioned is just one third, more will come. There’s no part of Ondo you will go and there will be no light”.


For her part, wife of the SDP presidential candidate, Queen Lilian Adebayo thanked everyone for gracing the event, while expressing hope that with God’s help and the vote of the people of the state, Prince Adebayo will emerge a winner at the polls.


She said, “It is a great privilege having the church here, I want to thank you all, especially for the playlet by the children which inspires me, it shows that man has no power, it is God who will do the choosing for us even for the position my husband is aspiring for. I know people will have to go out to vote but I know that God will do it”.


The highlight of the event was when gifts were presented to Prince Adebayo by different persons, and also the exchange of gifts between himself and little Ondo children.


Members of his entourage were – Chief Silas Alani, SDP southwest chairman, Mr Patrick Anethua SDP member Edo north, Godwin Osigbeme, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenugba SDP National Publicity Secretary.

SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Gives Christmas Message, Promises Better Lives for Citizens


The presidential candidate of the Social democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has promised his party will produce a government that will make provisions for families and protect families all year round.


This was contained in Prince Adebayo’s speech to mark the Christmas day celebration on Sunday December 25, 2022, at his residence in Ondo State.


In the spirit of the season, he said under his government, the entire cities of Nigeria will become a happy family all together.

He said, “This is the season that we celebrate with family and we all come together as a community to commemorate the birth of Christ. It is a great gift given by God Almighty to mankind leading eventually to Easter, the glorification of man who is created”.
“We celebrate this season together and we share things together, we fellowship with one another, just imagine if we did this all round the year, just think about it, to have a government that makes provisions for family, protects families, and we come together to raise families for this country and the entire cities of Nigeria becomes a very happy family all together. That is the promise we make for 2023 and that’s the new spirit”, he said.
“We wish you, your family and your community and one dearly beloved by you merry Christmas and happy new year”.


Prince Adebayo gave the speech together with his wife and his daughter on behalf of his entire family.

NDLEA intercepts Xmas Colorado, cannabis juice consignments at Lagos airport, seaport

…2 dock workers, businessman, 9 others arrested in Lagos, Kano, Imo, Abuja

Consignments of Colorado concealed in vehicles imported from Montreal, Canada and packs of cannabis juice flown in from South Africa, meant for distribution ahead of the Christmas festive season, have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Tincan seaport, Apapa and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, both in Lagos state.

At least, 12 suspects including two dock workers and a wine shop businessman have so far been arrested in connection with the two seizures as well as the recovery of 152 kilograms of skunk from two dealers in Kano; 100,000 pills of Tramadol in Imo state and 520kgs of cannabis hidden in soft drinks crates loaded in a truck coming to Abuja, the nations Federal Capital Territory.

At the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport, the search of a consolidated cargo from South Africa led to the discovery of smuggled bottled Cannabis juice with a gross weight of 16.50kgs on Wednesday 21st December. Investigations by anti-narcotics officers subsequently led to the arrest of four freight agents: Soremekun Olalekan Wasiu; Olufisayo Dayo; Moruf Olusegun Bashir and Imole Moses Ajayi, whose statements eventually led to the arrest of the consignee, a wine shop business owner, Emebede Chuka, the following day Thursday 22nd Dec.

Also, an attempt to export quantities of cannabis and ecstasy pills also known as MDMA concealed in beverage drink, Bournvita, containers to Dubai, UAE, through the NAHCO export shed on Friday 23rd Dec was frustrated while a vulcaniser given the assignment for a fee of N4,000, Iyanda Ogunleye Yaya has been arrested.
In the same vein, a consignment of 185 parcels of cannabis Indica, popularly called Colorado weighing 61.3kgs have been seized during a joint examination of a container at the Tincan seaport, Lagos. The container marked MSCU5206726 from Montreal, Canada was declared as containing three units of used vehicles but upon a 100% examination, it was found to contain two vehicles; a 2009 Toyota Corolla car and a 2009 Ford Econoline bus as well as used car engines, bicycles, shoes and other items including the drugs. Two dock workers: Abdulquadri Abdulazeez and Ogbuji Kenneth are already in NDLEA custody in connection with the seizure following their initial arrest by the Port Security and the Police.

In Kano, two suspects: Nura Zakariya’u and Alkasim Abubakar were arrested along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora, with 161 blocks of cannabis weighing 152kgs and various quantities of Exol and Codeine based syrup, while a total of 100,000 pills of tramadol were recovered from a suspect, Amaechi Johnson in Imo state on his way to Onitsha, Anambra state. Similarly, a total of 708 kilograms of cannabis were recovered by operatives from a bus at Ehinogbe, Owo area of Ondo state on Tuesday 20th December.

In his reaction to the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) CON, OFR commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Tincan, Kano, Ondo, Imo and FCT commands for their vigilance, professionalism and robust working relationship with other security agencies in their areas of responsibility, urging them and their compatriots across the country to ensure no gram of illicit substance escapes their checks into the streets during the festive season and beyond. He wished them and their families a Merry Christmas celebration and a prosperous new year in advance.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday 25th December 2022

HEDA Tasks Nigerians On Credible Polls, Felicitates Citizens Over Yuletide Season

 

As Nigeria prepares for 2023 general elections in eight weeks, a foremost civic society organisation on anti-corruption and transparency in governance, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has charged Nigerians to shun electoral vices, commit themselves to free, fair and credible election.  

In a statement issued through its Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization felicitates with Nigerians on the yuletide season, also called them to use the season to show care for the less privileged.   

In his words, “As a civil group, we felicitate with our fellow compatriots for the festive season, who always ensure that Nigeria’s unity, social justice and economic development remain the country’s priorities for national development and integration.

“As Nigerians will be heading to the polls in eight weeks to elect their political leaders into power, there is a need for every Nigerian to change their ways from vices to uprightness, be accountable and ultimately commit to free, fair and credible elections.

Suraju, who stressed the need for credible polls in 2023 elections maintained that electoral irregularities from politicians and voters should be averted, adding that credible, free and fair elections must not be negotiated.

In November, the HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with Woman Advocate Research Documentation Centre and the National Human Rights Commission, in Abuja held the 27th Anti-Corruption Situation Room themed “Towards Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections”, primarily to examined the factors that pose a threat to sanctity of the forthcoming 2023 general elections. 

 

Christmas Celebration:Conservator-General Felicitates With Nigerians, Appeals for restraint on bush burning this season

The  Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni felicitates with Nigerians on the occasion of the Christmas celebration. He reminds Christians of the central message of the birth of Christ and its implications for our harmonious and peaceful coexistence as people of diverse faith.

According to CP Emmanuel Ntuyang,
Service Public Relations Officer in a press release on Sunday, said, the Conservator-General uses the occasion to thank Nigerians for their enormous goodwill and support to the Park Service in fulfilling its mandate, especially as the world is currently burdened by a myriad of environmental improvements, such as climate change, species loss, deforestation, desertification, draught, etc.

Dr. Goni further urges Nigerians and foreigners alike to take advantage of the season to visit Nigeria National Parks as the Parks are our country’s natural heritage and foremost ecological tourism sites.

He, therefore, appeals to Nigerians to avoid activities that are inimical to our environment, such as deforestation, unguided and indiscriminate bush burning, etc, especially at this time of the year as this leads to global warming, destruction of habitat, loss of biodiversity, loss of soil fertility, increase erosion, among others. He notes that the consequences of these to our environment, health, and economy go far beyond the season.

The Conservator-General further wishes Christians a peaceful Christmas celebration.

DMO outlines overwhelming success stories against terrorism

By Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

The  Directorate Of Defence Media Operations On Armed Forces Of Nigeria’s Military Operations has told mind blowing success stories against terrorists, bandits, Boko Haram and the rest.

Disclosing this during a biweekly media briefing at the  Defence Headquarters, new conference room on 22 december 2022, Major General Musa Danmadami, Director  Defence Media Operations said, troops activities and operational successes being recorded in the various operational theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the Country within  the past 3 weeks,  between the period of 1 – 22 December 2022, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations are amazing.

 
Major General Musa Danmadami, said, the Land and air components of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to dominate their general area of operation as operational activities were conducted in villages, towns and mountain areas within Damboa, Bama, Gwoza and Konduga, Local Government Areas of Borno State as well as Gulani and Geidam Local Government Areas of Yobe States respectively. “Notably, on 1 December 2022, troops had a meeting engagement with Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa State Province terrorists at Waji Roko in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops with the support of air component engaged the terrorists and neutralized scores of the terrorists while other fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 3 FN rifles, 2 QJC guns, 102 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 2,152 rounds of 7.62mm special, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 RPG tube, 1 HEAP bomb, 1 HEAT bomb and 1 x 36 hand grenade. Troops also recovered one of the terrorist gun truck and destroyed one gun truck.

“Similarly, on 2 December 2022, troops on fighting patrol came in contact with terrorists while exploiting deep into the forest outside Mallam Fatori town in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. During the fire fight troops neutralized several terrorists while others fled, troops further exploited the general area and discovered a base with bunkers and over 100 mattresses which were sets ablazed while the air component through air interdiction operation neutralized several terrorists trying to escape from the general area. Troops also recovered 1 mortar tube, 2 mortar tripod stand and 1 x 60mm mortar bomb.

“Also, on 5 December 2022,  troops came in contact of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of Africa Province terrorists while on routine patrol at Komala village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Following the fire fighter, 3 terrorists were neutralized while others fled, troops exploited the area and recovered 123 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 AK47 rifles and magazines loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm special. Similarly, on 9 December 2022, troops raided identified Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of Africa Province terrorists hide out at Modu Ajiram in Bula Madagermbe general area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with the terrorists. During the firefight, troops neutralized 5 Terrorists and captured one. Also, on 11 December 2022, troops arrested 4 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa State terrorists commanders along Gwoza-Yamteke road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. It was revealed that they escaped from Sabil Huda in Sambisa forest due to intense bombardment from own troops. Items recovered from terrorists include; 3 AK47 rifles, 1 G3 rifle, 7 AK47 magazines, 1 G3 magazine, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special, 12 rounds of refilled 7.62mm special ammo, 3 bandoliers, 2 mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand, Four Hundred Naira (N125,400.00) only among other item.

Equally, between 3 and 13 December 2022, troops responded to intelligence and arrested a Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of Africa Province terrorists logistic supplier hibernating at Chibok town in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State. Items recovered from the suspect include 2 cows, 4 rams, 1 cutlass and 2 mobile phones and other sundry items. Troops equally arrested other Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists logistic suppliers at different locations within the theatre of operations with different types of logistics items. Furthermore, troops also conducted operational activities in Zurukuduk village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State and neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 3 suspected collaborators with 1 FN rifle and cutlasses among other items. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 5 AK47 magazines, 1 x 36 hand grenade and 86 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm belted ammunition. Likewise on 16 December 2022, troops ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at a crossing point and neutralized one Commander identified as Abu Ummi and 4 other terrorist. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62 mm special and 6 bicycles.

“Cumulatively, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 20 AK47 rifles, 2 G3 rifles, 5 FN rifles, 2 QJC guns, 1 gun truck, 2,411 rounds of 7.62mm special, 143 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 barreta pistol, 26 AK47 magazines, 4 bandoliers, 4 x 36 hand grenades, 1 x 42 hand grenade, 1 RPG tube, 1 HEAP bomb, 1 HEAT bomb, 1 mortar tube, 2 mortar tripod stands and a 60mm mortar bomb. Other items recovered are 33 motorcycles, 33 bicycles, medical suppliers, 50 pieces of males and females fabrics, bags of grains, jerrycans of groundnut oil, cartons of detergents, the sum of N291,060.00 and other sundry items. Equally, troops neutralized 103 terrorists, apprehended 4 terrorists commanders, arrested 12 Boko Haram Terrorists logistics suppliers and 2 terrorist collaborators as well as 4 terrorists spies. Equally, 30 abducted civilians were also rescued while a total of 423 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families comprises, of 41 adult males, 126 adult females and 222 children surrendered to own troops at different locations within the theatre. All recovered items, rescued civilians and arrested terrorists have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.

“Equally, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI on 11 December 2022, conducted air interdiction operation at an identified Islamic State of West Africa Province enclave around Razah, a mountainous area in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The air strike was carried out following intelligence report that a top Islamic State of West Africa Province Commander and his foot soldiers were hibernating in the area. Following the air bombardment, feedback revealed that scores of the terrorists were neutralized with all their equipment and logistics caught up in an inferno. Same day, another successful air interdiction operation was conducted at Kundesana, a terrorists hideout in Mandara mountainous area of Borno State. The operation was caried out in response to intelligence of terrorists in the area and relocation of some high profiled commanders and their fighters following the initial air strike. Feedback revealed the neutralization of the terrorists commanders and their fighters as well as destruction their logistics facilities in the area.

“North Central Zone:
Troops in the North Central Zone of the Country have sustained to crack down on the nefarious activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in their general area of operation. Troops on 8 December 2022 in conjunctions with other security agencies raided Karamajiji and Lugbe general areas in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory to rid the general area of the menace of criminal elements. During the operations the team intercepted a total of Four Hundred and Twenty Nine (429) motorcycles. The motorcycles were subsequently crushed same day in an open field at Lugbe in the presence of all participating security agencies. Equally, on 16 December 2022, troops in conjunction with other security agencies conducted fighting patrol to Kassanki village in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory and arrested 5 suspected kidnappers in their hideout.  Similarly, between 8 and 15 December 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided the residence of a notorious gunrunner who was on the wanted lists of own troops at Rampla village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation troops recovered 2 fabricated pistols and 1 fabricated rifle. Troops also carried out covert operation on 9 December 2022 and arrested 2 notorious kidnappers at Gora and Maijuju villages in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“Equally, troops while on patrol had contact with bandits within Kampani general area in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. Following the operation troops neutralized 1 bandit while other fled. Troops recovered are 25 rounds of 7.62mm special and 2 motorcycles among other items. Also, a notorious gun runner was equally arrested along Kwankonka-Zaria road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state on 19 December 2022 with 1 fabricated AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol and 533 rounds of 7.62mm NATO concealed in a bag of grains, while a bandolier was also discovered inside a jerrycan of palm oil. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 3 locally fabricated AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated pistol, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special, 533 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 motorcycles, cutlasses and mobile phones among other items. 

” In a related development, the air component of Operation SAFE HAVEN on 3 December 2022 conducted air interdiction operation at identified bandits hideouts at Odare, Magama forests and Zurak general area of Kampani village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation 7 motorcycles, each mounted by 3 bandit were seen trying to escape but were bombarded. Feedback confirmed that the bandits suffered severe casualties as they were all confirmed to have been neutralized in the air strikes.

“North West Zone:
Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West Zone of the Country have sustained operational activities through the conduct of fighting patrols, raid and clearance operations to clear bandits and terrorists enclaves within various towns and Local Government Areas of Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kaduna States respectively. On 3 December 2022, troops conducted fighting patrols to an identified bandits hideout at Ungawan Babale and Rafin Sarki in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and made contact with the terrorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists while others fled. Equally, on 7 December 2022, troops on fighting patrol at Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State arrested a suspected gun runner who has been on the wanted list of troops at a filling station while refueling his car. Items recovered from him include 5 AK47 rifles, 4,000 rounds of 7.6mm special ammo concealed in a sack, 4 magazines, teargas cannister as well as knives.

“Also, on 4 December 2022, troops responded to distress call on terrorist attack at Maigamji village in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State and made contact with the terrorist, during the operation, 3 bandits were neutralized while others fled with gun shot wounds. Troops exploited the area and recovered a bag containing 7 AK 47 magazines loaded with 204 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 motorcycles and a mobile phone. Same day, troops made contact with bandits at Mahuta village in the same Funtua Local Government Area. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 2 dane guns, 4 mobile phones and daggers among other items. Furthermore, on 8 December 2022, following a tip off, troops intercepted a truck conveying uncoupled motorcycles with 5 suspects along Gusau-Dansadau road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State. It was revealed that the items were intended for delivery to a suspected terrorists collaborator who has been on the watch list of troops. Items recovered from the suspects include 1 baretta pistol, 1 magazine, 11 rounds of 7.56mm ammunition, 7 uncoupled motorcycles and the sum of Fifty Five Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N55,150.00) only.

“Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 1 baretta pistol, 1 locally made rifle, 3 locally made pistol, 4 locally made guns, 3 dane guns, 4,308 rounds 7.62mm special, 7 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 11 rounds of 7.56mm ammunition and 5 cartridges. Also recovered are 55 motorcycles, 7 uncoupled motorcycles, 13 mobile phones and 820 rustled cattle as well as the sum of Two Million Three and Two Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Five Naira (N2,302,195.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 27 terrorists, arrested 36 suspected terrorist and rescued 35 abducted civilians.  All recovered items, rescued civilians and arrested suspects were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“In a relatedly development, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH, on 1 December 2022, conducted an air interdiction operation at identified terrorists hideouts  in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Consequently, the air strike operation was conducted following credible intelligence about the activities of terrorists in the general area. After the successful bombardment, it was confirmed from feedback that 7 terrorists kingpins, namely; Jibrin Gurgu, Isah Jauro and Tambuwal from Zamfara State were eliminated from the strikes, others are Noti, Bala, Yunusa and Burti who were on the watch lists of security agents were all neutralized with their foot soldiers. Equally, a follow up air interdiction operation was carried out against terrorist in their enclaves in Tofa and Kiyawa in Igabi and Birni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Feedback received, revealed that, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties from the bombardment.

“South South Zone:
The Land, Maritime and air components of operation DELTA SAFE have sustained offensive posture to deny criminals space to carryout their illegal operations in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers State respectively. During the operations several illegal refining sites, equipment and petroleum products were recovered and destroyed while some suspected oil thieves and pipeline vandals were also apprehended. Cumulatively, within the weeks in review, troops of operations DELTA SAFE in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP discovered and destroyed 57 illegal refining sites, 953 cooking ovens, 68 wooden boats, 172 storage tanks and 149 dugout pits. Also recovered were 445,000 litres of crude oil, 1,043,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 22,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 2,000 litres Dual Purpose Kerosine, 1 AK47 rifle, 8 tankers, 63 vehicles, 2 speed boat, 1 thug boat, 14 motorcycles, 1 tricycle, 3 bicycles, 11 pumping machines and 3 outboard engines, while 21 oil thieves and pipeline vandals were apprehended. Cumulatively within the weeks in focus oil thieves were denied a total of Seven Hundred Thirteen Million, Six Hundred Ninety Nine Thousand Six Hundred Naira (N713,699,600.00) only in South South Region. The large quantity of illegal crude oil and other petroleum product recovered and destroyed and the number of arrested oil thieves and pipeline vandals, shows the unrelenting efforts by the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in denying them freedom of action.

“South East Zone:
Troops and other security agencies in the South East zone of the Country have sustained the aggressive posture in the fight against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals aimed at restoring peace and normalcy to the region. Accordingly, operational activities were conducted in villages, forests, communities in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo State respectively. Between 11 and 12 December 2022, troops in conjunction with other security services raided identified Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Ugwulangu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Following the operation, 4 suspected criminals were arrested, the combine team also recovered 16 motorcycles, 4 generating sets, 4 gas cylinders, television sets, and 5 mobile phones among other items. Also on 12 December 2022, the combined team of security agencies raided another Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals camp at Agu Egedegede forest of Obeagu community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, during the operation, troops arrested 10 criminals, destroyed their camp as well recovered 1 locally fabricated pistol, 2 dane guns, 1 motorcycle, 2 cartridges, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 woodland camouflage and 1 desert camouflage uniforms among other items.

“Equally, troops responded to a distress call on the attack of the Independence National Electorate Commission (INEC) office at Owerri metropolis in Imo State by the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals on 12 December 2022. Following the engagement by troops 3 criminals were neutralized, while 3 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, petrol bombs, some explosives, and 4 vehicles among other items were recovered. Troops also came in contact with suspected criminals while on fighting patrols to a suspected criminal hideout at Iyonu forest in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, during the encounter, troops neutralized one of their kingpins who was on the wanted list of security agents as well arrested one suspect while other fled. Troops also recovered one pump action gun, 4 cartridges, one locally made pistol, one camouflage uniform, 2 mobile phones and other sundry items. Troops also responded to Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals activities along Nkalagu-Railway Junction and made contact with the criminals, during the encounter troops neutralized 1 criminal and recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special and mobile phones among other items. 

“Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 8 pump action guns, 3 locally made pistols, 3 dane guns, several locally fabricated hand grenades with leg cuffs and chains, 5 cartridges, petrol bombs, 3 smoke grenade launchers, some explosives, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5 pairs of woodland camouflage and 2 pair of desert camouflage. Other items recovered are 10 vehicles, 18 motorcycles, 13 generating sets, 4 gas cylinders, 8 mobile phones, television sets and other sundry items. Troops equally neutralized 7 criminals, arrested 25 criminals and rescued 8 kidnapped civilians.  All recovered items, rescued civilians and apprehended criminals have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“South West Zone:
Troops of joint border patrol in South West Zone of the Country have sustained the onslaught against smugglers of contraband goods. Accordingly, operational activities were conducted in the jetties, villages, bush path, town and Local Government Areas in Lagos,  Ogun and Oyo States respectively. During the operation troops in conjunction with other security agents intercepted some contraband goods and arrested suspected criminal elements within the zone. Cumulatively, between 1 to 22 December 2022, troops of Operation AWATSE in the conduct of Operation SWIFT RESPONSE recovered 1,680 x 50kg bags of foreign rice, 997 jerrycans of 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 1 truck, 2 golf cars, bales of use clothing among other items, troops also arrested 2 criminals elements. All recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Custom Services while the arrested criminals were handed over to the relevant authority for further action”.

NiMet Warns Of Possible Low Horizontal Visibility

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet has warned the public about the possibility of deterioration in horizontal visibility as a result of thick dust haze propagated into the country from the source region in Niger.

According to a release from the Central Forecast Office (CFO) of the Agency indicates that “favourable conditions for  Dust-Haze propagations into the nation will worsen horizontal visibility.

Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/PR, in a press release he signed on Saturday, December 24, 2022, said,
Stations in Niger (Maine-Soroa, Goure, Maradi , N-guigmi, Diffa and 61091) and Chad (Ndjamena) have both persistently reported Dust-Haze with poor horizontal visibility. In the next few hours, strong winds at 800m will spread more dust into the country”.
Dust-Haze with poor horizontal visibility.

Strong winds at 800m is expected to transport the dust to the country, particularly the North and North-central regions, in the next few hours”. It read.

The release further disclosed that satellite images obtained indicates that In the next 24 hours, there are prospects of THICK DUST HAZE (In poor horizontal visibility, less than1000m) over Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Borno and Adamawa; while other Northern and North central states are expected to report MODERATE DUST-HAZE (visibility of 2–5km). This weather condition is expected to persist for the next 72hours.

The Day-Time Temperature (Max) over the country is expected to fall as a result of plume of dust.

In view of this, members of the public are advised to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.

Also, Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health.
Night-time cold temperatures should be expected so warm clothes are advised for little children.

Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

Muntari further stated that NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary and wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year.

Kogi Ex Perm. Sec. Johnson Kolawole Advocates for power rotation

By Wale Agbori, Lokoja

Former Permanent Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Health, Pastor Johnson Kolawole has lent his voice to the clarion call for power to rotate to Kogi West Senatorial District.

Pastor Kolawole while fielding questions with newsmen described the awareness creation as a welcomed development.

He explained that God is the giver of power and could give it to whoever He wants.

According to him, the thought of power cutting across the districts of the state is a prayer that would reflect equity, justice and fairness.

He said the central in kwara were successful as well as Yahaya Bello in Kogi State and appealed to stakeholders in the political setting to see the situation as a rightful time for future decisions to create a balance in governance.

The Permanent Secretary who congratulated christians on the occasion of Christmas all over the world prayed God grant individuals the privilege to celebrate without sorrow and wished travellers journey mercies.

He equally wished the commissioner for finance Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris a happy birthday anniversary.

Pastor Kolawole described him as a workaholic Commissioner whose performance has been tested and trusted noting that his pedigree can never be doubted for him for higher political office.

Hon. Ibrahim Ajia assures constituency of a new facelift

 

Says he stands a better chance among others

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate for House of Representatives to represent Asa/Ilorin West Federal constituency, Hon. Muhammad Ibrahim Ajia has promised people of his constituency and Kwarans in general a new facelift of good governance through credible and quality representation at the Natiinal Assembly, noting that he has being a representative of his people even when he was not holding any political office in the country.

Ajia who doubles as a security expert and entrepreneur added that he is going to represent the interest of the commonman if elected into the Green chamber.

According to his media team, Ajia equally made it known that he is going to intervene directly in the lives of common people by  providing job opportunities across board to improve the living standards of the people of the state.

The PDP House of Reps Candidate stated this while speaking during a Personality interview programme on Sobi F.M, on Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He lamented that as at today, Kwarans have no representations at the local levels.

According to him, “Local government is the basis for any grassroots development in any given state. In a situation where there is no local government elections what do we talk about the state?

“Local government is the arm of government that is closer to people, but that is obviously absent in Kwara State.

“Instead of government to make local governments functioning in the state they resulted in sharing peanuts to the selected few”

He therefore challenged the state government to come out to state reasons why local government elections is yet to be conducted in the state? He quarried.

Hon. Ajia also pointed out that he is desperate to bring about development to his constituency.

He maintained that, he has been influencing developmental projects in the National budget to Kwara State when he was not even an active politician, he added that now that he is vying for a legislative position that Kwarans should expect nothing but more.

He said, “I had influenced Ilobu-Erinla to the point of 18.7bn and Ilorin Igbeti during Bukola Saraki 8th Assembly.”

He however assured his constituents and Kwarans in general that  Betters days are coming with him.
“I will create job opportunities for youths, women and with PDP Kwara State is going to be a project where everybody is a stakeholder.

Stating reasons why Kwara should vote for him and other PDP candidates, he said, “Today,  it is so bad that civil servants can no longer afford a bag of rice, insecurity has been escalated beyond control, National debt profile has grown beyond what a nation can manage. With this APC has failed Nigerians in all ramifications and the best thing is to vote them out.

Ajia maintained that without political powers, effecting a meaningful change and development in the constituency would be a mirage.

He revealed that infrastructure, youth development, economic empowerment for traders and farmers in the agrarian communities would also be his priorities as a lawmaker.

The Ilorin-born politician said, with his prior relationship with lawmakers, top Government officials and his experience, he is well-placed to represent Asa/Ilorin West constituency in the green chamber of the tenth assembly.

He maintained that, “We have a long way to go in my Constituency and our people are yearning for serious growth in terms of infrastructure, social amenities and other major developmental projects, and you can only push for this while in power”.

“There is no desperation for me in the position I am seeking. If there is any desperation at all, it’s for me to bring about development to my Federal constituency”. he said.