By Oso Abidemi 

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has announced the arrest of 147 suspected terrorists and other criminals across the country in the past week, alongside the rescue of 39 kidnapped victims.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while briefing reporters on military operations carried out between September 15 and September 22.

According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast arrested 26 suspected collaborators of terrorist groups and rescued three kidnap victims. He said vehicles, motorcycles, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and large quantities of fabrics were also recovered.

Kangye further revealed that troops apprehended 80 terrorists, including two identified leaders – Abubakar Ahmadu and Saawuan Wuaiyolna. Wuaiyolna, he noted, belonged to a notorious syndicate already on the military’s wanted list.

In the Southsouth, troops intensified the fight against crude oil theft, arresting 19 suspected oil thieves and nine other criminals while rescuing nine kidnap victims.

“Troops also discovered and destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, 14 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, 11 boats, and eight storage tanks,” Kangye said. He added that the operations prevented the theft of crude oil valued at N19.8 million.

The DHQ reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, curbing oil theft, and restoring peace across the country.

By Oso Abidemi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will continue to drive Abuja’s transformation into a world-class city before the end of his tenure.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way), linking Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to the Airport Expressway.

He said the project was in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the administration would not neglect any sector of development.

“All of us can attest that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the narrative has changed. By the grace of God, before the end of this first tenure, Abuja will compete with most cities in the world,” Wike said.

The minister explained that funding delays had stalled the road project for six months after its award by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) but assured that his leadership would only commence projects with guaranteed financing.

He urged the contractor, Gilmore Engineering, to prioritize employing local youths, noting that the ongoing infrastructure drive in the FCT had already created multiple job opportunities.

“With 16 days of consecutive project flag-offs, you can imagine the number of people engaged. Sixteen days means 16 companies being involved in one way or the other,” he said.

Wike also appealed to residents to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery, warning against project variations that prolong timelines.

He added that the completion of Arterial Road N20 would enhance connectivity, boost economic activities, raise property values, and improve access to key areas of the capital.

“No sector will be left untouched. We have also moved into the health sector to ensure every area of Abuja’s development receives the attention it deserves,” the minister added.

By Omoniyi David

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has urged African states, particularly members of the African Union (AU), to support Nigeria’s re-election into Part 2 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Council.

Delivering Nigeria’s statement at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, Keyamo reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the organization’s principles, citing ongoing investments in infrastructure modernization, regulatory reforms, and capacity building to align the aviation sector with global standards.

He noted that Nigeria hosts and remains the largest contributor to the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO), while also supporting the Regional Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA).

He added that Nigeria has met its environmental obligations by submitting its state action plan on carbon emission reduction and voluntarily participating in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Commending ICAO’s leadership and the Canadian government for hosting a successful assembly, Keyamo expressed gratitude for the reception accorded the Nigerian delegation.

He called on delegates to look beyond geographical differences and work collectively to achieve ICAO’s goals, stressing: “The skies may divide our geographies, but through ICAO, they unite our goals and aspirations.”

The minister also invited the ICAO Council to the Nigerian International Airshow, scheduled for Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025.