A kidnap for ransom described as ‘most vicious’ operating in the hideout in the Forest along Kaduna – Abuja highway, led by a 20-year old Fulani man, named Ibrahim Umar a.k.a Oro, hs been captured by the F- SARS Special Tactical Squad attached Operation Absolute Sanity of the Nigeria Police.
The gang members were arrested after what the police called an intense gun battle that lasted more than Five (5) hours. The gang leader is said to be a trained Armourer and the hit-man of the gang. a statement by the Force Public Relations Officers, Force Headquarters, CSP Jimoh Moshood the gang members were arrested in the act of laying ambush to kidnap people returning from Christmas and New Year holidays on Kaduna – Abuja road and Minna – Suleja – Abuja road The statement said that Ibrahim Umar had confessed to have killed personally more than 10 people, including those that he killed and still collected ransom money from their families. The gang leader also confessed to suck the blood of most of the victims after killing them. He was identified by some of the victims rescued from their captivity by the Police in the forest during the gun battle. It said that the other suspects were apprehended in their various criminal hideouts in the forest and other locations along the Abuja-Suleja-Minna highways for kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and multiple rape cases. All the suspects arrested confessed to their various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crimes.
The police said that the suspects will be arraigned in Court for prosecution on completion of investigation. “Investigation is being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large.
“While the ongoing operation is being sustained and extended to other flash points across the country, the Inspector General of Police deeply appreciates the cooperation of communities, towns and villages on Kaduna – Abuja, Abuja – Suleja – Minna highways and all other Nigerians for these success stories.
“He therefore encourages them to continue to support Police personnel deployed in their localities.” [myad]
The Nigerian Army has formally gone into partnership with Nigerian indigenous motor manufacturing company, Innoson Motors Manufacturing Company, for modification of some of its equipment, local production of armoured fighting vehicles and other military hardwares.
The partnership deal was stuck today, Tuesday during a meeting between the management of the company let by the Chairman, Doctor Innocent Chukwuma and the leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. At the signing of the partnership deal, the Chief of Army Staff, congratulated the company for giant strides it has recorded in the production of various brands of vehicles lately.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, in a bid to encourage local entrepreneurs, had asked Innoson Motors to supply three vehicles early last year which were found to be durable and performing very well as they were employed in combat.
He said that the Nigerian Army subsequently acquired over 70 more variants of the Innoson vehicles which were deployed in the North East for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
The Chief of Army Staff said that the Nigerian Army desires to deepens its cooperation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardwares. The specific areas of partnership between the Nigerian Army and the company include immediate supply 100 vehicles, supply of appropriate gears, engines and chassis required for immediate modifications and repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the North East Theatre of Operations. Identifying requirements for production of armoured fighting vehicle in Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna and enhancing capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to actively participate on the successful implementation of these joint ventures. Responding, Doctor Innocent Chukwuma expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army has found his vehicles working perfectly and commended the Chief of Army Staff for his great sense of patriotism.
He promised to assist the Nigerian Army in its quest for better vehicles for its troops and resuscitation of its Special Vehicle Plant and Workshops.
Dr Innocent Chukwuma thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the commendation, maintaining that his company would continue to improve and expand its capacity in vehicle manufacturing.
He further appreciated the Nigerian Army for the patronage, describing the critical role the Nigerian Army is playing in national development through the fight against insurgency in the North East and Nigeria in general.
Highlight of the occasion was inspection and handing over of three of the newly manufactured vehicles by the company for trial by the Nigerian Army. These newly manufactured vehicles are; IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40 Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agents to move fast and track down killers of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers State and the traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama, and his wife in Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year. In a statement, senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu quoted President Buhari as expressing shock and outrage at such killings, describing them as “reprehensible and unacceptable.” The President insisted that the law enforcement agencies in both states should intensify efforts to speedily bring the perpetrators to face the wrath of the law. “I have always maintained that nothing justifies the taking of the life of an innocent person,” he said, adding that “people in our communities must learn to live peacefully.” President Buhari appealed to the communities affected not to embark on reprisal attacks but allow the security agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations to properly punish the culprits. He commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured faster recovery. Also today, President Buhari vowed that his government would investigate and bring to book, all perpetrators of mayhem across the country. The President, who received in audience, leaders of the Qadiriyya Muslim Movement in Africa and the Izalatul-Bid’a-Wa-Iqamatus-Sunnah at the State House in Abuja, said that no religion or civilised culture tolerates violence, especially the taking of another life. President Buhari said anyone, or group of persons, who unleash violence on the innocent in the name of a movement, cause or religion lack understanding of the ordinances of God. “You can’t kill to please God; and I know no religion tolerates the taking of another person’s life in the name of a religious movement. “There is never a justification for killing any member of the society. We have been tackling the Boko Haram menace, and we have made significant impact, and we will extend the measures to stop all wanton killings.” The President said the security apparatus will be consistently reviewed to check threats to the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians, and ensure the safety of lives and properties. President Buhari told the delegation that his political party, the All Progressives Congress, campaigned on three issues, noting that his government had been consistent in ensuring that it provides adequate security, fights corruption and stimulates the economy for creation of jobs. “Our priority is to also ensure that everyone in the country has something to eat. We are really concerned about the underprivileged. “Graciously, God has been hearing our prayers. In the past two years, we have had bountiful harvest due to favourable conditions. All over the country, we have reports of farmers posting good harvests. On corruption, the President said security agencies will continue to expand their dragnets to ensure that sanity is restored into public offices. “Justice will be done to all in the war against corruption. As religious leaders, I urge you to reach backwards to your followers to respect the rights of others. Those that stole from the public can no longer sleep well in the country today. When they run abroad, they cannot take their landed assets with them. We will, in all cases, have them return what they looted.” In his remarks, the leader of Qadiriyya Muslim Movement in Africa, Dr. Keribullah Nasir Kabara said the movement would continue to uphold the president in prayers for good health and longer life to pursue the course of building a stronger nation that caters for all citizens. He said that the reports of improved security in the North East and better harvests for farmers across the nation were clear signs of God’s favour on the government, urging the President to continually look unto God. Sheikh Qaribullah said that the improved security situation in the country made it possible for ten million members of Qadiriyya, from many parts of Africa, to gather in Kano for some days for the commemorative birthday of the founder of the movement without a single incident. The leader of the second group of Ulamas, Shiekh Bala Lau commended the ongoing drive for infrastructural development in the country by the administration. He advised President Buhari to continue to remember the lower segments of the population who look up to him to champion their cause.[myad]
Dr. Isaac Ikonne, the oldest traditional ruler in Nigeria as Enyi 1 of Aba in Abia state for 43 years, received a birthday greeting from President Muhammadu Buhari, as turned 89 years old today, January 1. Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari in a statement, as commending the Enyi of Aba’s patriotism, foresight and unflinching support for the unity of Nigeria. The President acknowledged the consistency of the traditional ruler, in counselling leaders for peace, recommending the rule of law and encouraging his kinsman to always work for the larger goal of building one great nation. He also acknowledged the royal father’s large heartedness, forthrightness and maturity which he said, had greatly ensured stability and development in his community over the years. Buhari noted the long-held passion of Dr. Isaac Ikonne, in the promotion of the virtues of good education, entrepreneurship and neighbourliness among the youths. The President prayed to God to grant the octogenarian more wisdom, good health and longer life to continue serving his people, and the country.[myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to embark on intense efforts to address the nation’s huge infrastructural deficit with emphasis on advancing road, rail and power projects across the country.
In his New Year nation-wide Radio and Television broadcast today, January 1st, the President said that the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has been chosen as one of the drivers of the Government’s commitment to renew and increase Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
He said that on Railways, his government has set itself ambitious targets, adding that already in construction stage is the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.
“The line should reach Ibadan from Lagos by the end of 2019 and will carry two million passengers per year and five million tons of cargo will be transported every year giving a substantial boost to the country’s economy.
“Construction of the Kano – Kaduna segment is expected to commence this year and reach Kaduna by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021 the two ends will be joined so that we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.
“The Abuja – Kaduna route will be boosted by additional rolling stock next Thursday and will be able to handle one million commuters annually.
“At the same time I have approved and negotiations will be concluded in the first part of this year for the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line covering Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Lafia, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Damaturu. The Abuja to Itakpe line will go through Baro and terminate in Warri with construction of a new seaport at Warri.
“Negotiations are also advanced for the construction of other railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibia to Maradi.
“Secondly, Lagos to Calabar the “Coastal Rail” through Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo and Calabar. In the next few years, all these Nigerian cities will be linked by functional modern rail systems, giving enormous boost to the social and economic life of our people.
“With respect to the Abuja Capital Light Rail, progress has reached 98% completion, as at 64% completion when we assumed office. Only test runs remain before start of operations.
“This train service will stimulate economic activities in the Federal Capital and provide residents with an efficient and safe transportation system. Twelve railway sub-stations around the capital over a 45.2 kilometre route will serve as a catalyst and a pull factor to the economy of the area. The Light Rail System will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emission in line with the Administration’s policy on climate change.
“Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been reconstituted and has been charged with a 12 week rapid intervention in road repairs to cover all the geo-political zones. Government is undertaking repairs and maintenance of 44 roads within the six geo-political zones.
“Twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b. The following major highways are to receive special attention:
“In addition, Government has approved work to start on the re-construction of Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano road which is in a state of disrepair. Work will soon start and is expected to be completed in 2019.
“More Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses. However, power remains a concern to this government because too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.
“The Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise so far N701 billion to assure Generation Companies of at least 80% payment for any power delivered to the national grid.
“Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017 the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.
“Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.
“Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.
“The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.
“A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.
“As I mentioned earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtua and Zaria.
“This Administration is working with the privatised distribution Companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.
“These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth. The government is slowly stabilizing the economy.
“It was in order to change the steady and steep decline that we adopted the more sustainable policies and programmes captured in the Economic Recovery Plan. Diversification efforts have resulted in improved output particularly in agriculture and solid minerals sectors. The relative exchange rate stability has improved manufacturing sector performance.
“We have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. The days of business as usual are numbered.
“Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government’s effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on.
“By the same token, I am today appealing to enterprising Nigerians with ideas and unemployed graduates and other able-bodied and literate men and women with ideas not to just sit and wait for employment from the government or the Organized Private Sector. Great nations are built by enterprising people who turn their hands to anything that circumstances dictate.” [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on politicians to avoid exploiting ethnic and religious politicking as the electioneering campaigns for the 2019 general elections approach.
“As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.”
The President, in his nation-wide Radio and Television broadcast today, January 1st, drew the attention of politicians to the South Western States that had successfully internalized religion, ethnicity and politics for them to learn from.
“Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.”
This was even as he reassure Nigerians that security of life and property is still top of his government’s agenda, adding that his government had since beaten Boko Haram.
“Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.
“Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises. On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.
“Terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena and our security forces are continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.
“With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies. Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.
“With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.
“I am grateful to all the Governors and other Political & Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.” [myad]
“When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.”
This was one of the views expressed by President Muhammadu Buhari in his nation-wide New Year Radio and Television broadcast today, January 1st.
The President said that he had kept a close watch on the on-going debate about “Restructuring,” acknowledging that no human law or edifice is perfect.
He said that the structure being developed, must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the country’s socio-economic developments.
“We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities.”
Buhari recalled that Nigeria had tried the Parliamentary system which it later jettisoned, only for it to now witness what he called “shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure.
“In older democracies, these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly into our purposes.
“We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.” [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has not hidden his anger on ‘unpatriotic’ Nigerians who have caused fuel scarcity thereby making it difficult for Nigerians to enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He said: “unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many, this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy.
“Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.
“The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares.”
The President, in his New Year broadcast to the nation today, January 1st, said that his government would not accept the sad situation because the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots.
He made it clear that he is determined to get to the root of what he called “this collective blackmail of all Nigerians” and that he would ensure that whichever groups are behind the manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.
“Such unpatriotism will not divert the Administration from the course we have set ourselves. Our government’s watch word and policy thrust is CHANGE.
“We must change our way of doing things or we will stagnate and be left behind in the race to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.”[myad]
The Presidency has explained how the names of dead people were included on the list of Nigerians that were appointed into the Boards of some federal government agencies and parastatals yesterday, Friday. Speaking to news men today, Saturday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the list was prepared over two years ago. He said that the process of compiling the list started in 2015 while a reviewed list was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 shortly before he travelled to London to attend to his ill health. Garba Shehu said that on his return from the medical vacation, President Buhari instructed the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha to release the list. “This list is a historical list. It dates back to 2015. The President asked all state chapters of the APC to forward 50 names for appointments to the SGF through the national headquarters of the party. “The then SGF, Babachir Lawal, presented the report in October 2016 , one year after he was commissioned. “The report was disputed by state governors who said they were not carried along or the list was not representative enough . “So, the President constituted a new panel chaired by the Vice President. The panel has some governors and some leaders of the party as members. They were asked to go and review the list. “The panel did its work and turned in its report early in 2017. The President had his health challenges during that period.”[myad]
The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of the 77 regular recruitment for both Trades and Non Tradesmen and women. A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said that the recruitment commenced on December 29 2017 and scheduled to end February 9, 2018 The statement said that the recruitment exercise, which would be done through online registration, is being carried out in all states across the nation. The statement said that interested applicants must be Nigerians of between the ages of 18 and 22 for non-tradesmen and women. The tradesmen and women, it explained, must be between 22 and 26 years by 1st March 2018. Applicants have been asked to visit the Nigerian Army official website http://recruitment.army.mil.ng to apply online. The statement said that application is free even as it directed enquiries to contact 08038575725 or 08037234828.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agents to move fast and track down killers of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers State and the traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama, and his wife in Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year.
