₦airaland Forum

Terrorists kill 34 fasting Muslims in Kebbi latest attack
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/terrorist-kill-34-fasting-muslims-in-kebbi-latest-attack/

RAMADAN CRESCENT SIGHTING UPDATE!
Assalamu alaikum,

His Eminence has confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in Nigeria and has declared that tomorrow, February 18th, will mark the beginning of Ramadan 1447. Source: National Moonsighting Committee

GOOD NEWS: Operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, in a joint operation with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, have neutralized notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru and several of his lieutenants during a military operation in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria.

According to report, the operation which culminated in airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force, was executed following weeks of sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance that confirmed the presence of the bandit leader at a designated hideout.

izzou:
What is the scenario currently?

People using biros to cancel numbers and rewrite
Ballot boxes and papers snatched on their way to the collation centers
Figures not adding up with registered voters

You guys make it sound like we are doing fine, and this is just a casual ask. The whole system isn't okay.

Is the system OK? no, it is not. Is the alternative being proposed feasible and reliable? No, I doubt.
This is fuel subsidy subsidy removal kind of argument all over when something appears good on paper but factoring our peculiarities will make it lose its panacea status. Is it not in Nigeria that people will set offices on fire to sabotage system.

Imagine a scenario during transmission of election result server got attacked and shut down like our electricity grid and upon restoration results are now different from the uploaded version. What will be the reaction?

popizaino:
All those trophies would have been won with or without Ozil.

Bruno Fernandez in any of the teams Ozil played would have starred better with even better stats.

Look, if you want fancy aesthetics with inferior efficiency, a lack of big game performances, you go Ozil.

But if you value football as a whole, the tactical side, you will appreciate Bruno Fernandes.

Özil was integral to Arsenal, Madrid, and Germany successes during his playing days, I'm not saying he's better than De Bruyne but he wasn't a carry along

PRESS RELEASE

TROOPS OF 4 BRIGADE RAID KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUT, ARREST SUSPECTS IN EDO NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Troops of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Edo State Security Corps, on 4 February 2026 conducted a clearance operation, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1 to neutralise, flush out terrorists, kidnappers and rescue victims at Osara Community in Etsako West Local Government Area as well as Auchi and Okpella Communities all in Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State.

During the operation, eight suspected kidnappers and illicit drug peddlers were arrested. The suspects were identified as Jamilu Mohammad (25), Kasim Abu (33), Braimoh Affeez (31), Sulaiman Hamisu (36), Lawan Umaru (25), Bawa Auwal (24), Musa Umaru (40), and Amodu Attai (50). Weapons recovered from the suspects include one English Auto Pump-action gun, four live cartridges, and one locally made pistol.

Other items seized were a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, two cutlasses, a Nikon digital camera, two Android phones, a metal hook, five bottles of codeine syrup, two Indian hemp weighing scales, and quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol, ice, loud and colos. The sum of ₦87,550 was also recovered.The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

In a related development, troops of 4 Brigade, in conjunction with the Edo State Police Command also combed the Aviele Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area aimed at flushing out suspected terrorists and kidnappers.

During the raid, five suspected kidnappers, Isiaka Abubakar (37), Mohammad Abubakar (25), Yusuf Abubakar (24), Mohammed Somu (20), and Isiaka Ibrahim (30) were arrested. Items recovered from them include two motorcycles, two Android phones, and a power bank.The suspects and recovered items were also handed over to the police for further investigation.

The Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, who led the operations, commended the swift response and collaboration among the security agencies. He warned that Edo State will be untenable for terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements to carry out their nefarious activities. He also reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in the state. He expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support.

Kennedy Anyanwu
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
4 Brigade Nigerian Army
5 February 2026.

izzou:
I watched a reel yesterday of one white guy saying he's surprised that Nigeria is talking about other things, rather than the death of 170 people.

Lately, it's starting to look disturbing.

Gunmen will just kill people. Governor go talk. Tinubu go send soldiers, and that's all.

I remember when the Ikeja Bomb blast happened. It was a Sunday. The next day, everywhere was moody. Tinubu spoke that night. The country's flag was lowered at half mast...Like..You would know that something bad happened to Nigeria.

How did this country get to this point. 160 people died, and we are talking about PDP led faction, and a lot of rubbish.!

Jehovah, have mercy.

On this thread no be nollywood gossip took center stage on the day of the massacre?

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE INTENSIFIES INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN OPERATIONS, NEUTRALIZE ARMED BANDIT AND ARREST CRIMINAL SUSPECTS

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have continued to sustain an enhanced operational tempo through intelligence-led aggressive fighting patrols, recording significant successes against criminal elements across parts of Benue and Nasarawa States.

On 3 February 2026, troops of Sector 1, OPWS, acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of armed herders in Ayamba Village, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, swiftly mobilised in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to the location.

Upon arrival at Ayamba Village, contact was made with the armed elements, leading to a brief engagement during which one armed bandit was neutralised. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition, and two magazines from the scene.

Similarly, on 4 February 2026, troops of Sector 2, OPWS, deployed at Patrol Base Agyaragu in Nasarawa State, received actionable intelligence from a local hunter about suspected armed robbers lurking along the Asupe–Ome Road in Obi Local Government Area. Acting promptly on the information, the troops moved to the general area in collaboration with the hunter.

During the operation, one suspected armed robber, identified as Adam Paul, aged 34, was arrested, and one AK-47 rifle was recovered. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect obtained the weapon from one Tela Obu, a resident of Duduguru Community in Obi LGA. Two other suspects, identified as John Amos and Elisha, also residents of Duduguru Community, fled the scene and are currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects.

In another development on the same day, troops of the COAS Intervention Battalion IX, deployed at Agbaragba in Benue State, responded swiftly to a distress call from local residents concerning the mobilisation of some youths from Agagbe community to rustle cattle. On arrival at the location, troops discovered several dead cattle at different points. However, three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Naka for further investigation and prosecution.

In a similar vein, on 5 February 2026, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Agbagbe received credible intelligence indicating that some youths were actively butchering rustled cattle meat inside a residential building within Agagbe Community. Two suspects were apprehended at the scene while in possession of mutilated and butchered meat believed to have been obtained from rustled cattle. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in cattle rustling activities within the general area, a criminal act that has continued to threaten livelihoods and undermine peace in rural communities. The arrested suspects have since been taken into custody for investigation and possible prosecution in line with extant laws.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their resilience, vigilance and aggressive posture in denying criminals freedom of action. He stated that the recorded successes are in line with the directive of the military high command, for commanders to scale up and intensify aggressive fighting patrols while enhancing intelligence-driven operations.

Major General Gara further charged the troops to sustain the momentum and maintain a strong fighting efficiency to deter and neutralise criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area. He also expressed appreciation to local communities and members of other security agencies for their continued support and cooperation, which have contributed significantly to the successes recorded by Operation WHIRL STROKE.

AHMAD ZUBAIRU ZUBAIRU
Lieutenant
Acting Media Information Officer
HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE
05 February 2026

PRESS RELEASE

EXCLUSIVE ON TERRORIST DETENTION FACILITIES DEEP INSIDE THE TIMBUKTU TRIANGLE DESTROYED BY TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), recorded a major operational breakthrough following a carefully coordinated operations in the last 2 weeks leading to the capture and destruction of notorious ISWAP terrorists detention facility deep within the forested Timbuktu Triangle in Gujba Local Government Area. The development marks a significant advance into areas long considered beyond the reach of security forces and underscores the growing effectiveness and sustainability of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The operation was conducted as part of Operation DESERT SANITY V, following sustained offensive pressure and intelligence-led manoeuvres that forced terrorist elements to abandon critical facilities deep within their strongholds. Their exposure and destruction clearly demonstrate that troops of OPHK have advanced well into inner sanctuaries of ISWAP terrorists denying the group both physical space and psychological advantage.

From 21 January 2026 to date, troops uncovered and destroyed 3 major terrorists detention facilities concealed within the Timbuktu Triangle forest which stretches across Borno and Yobe states. Preliminary assessments indicated that the facilities had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, highlighting their strategic importance to ISWAP terrorists operational and coercive framework. Further findings indicated that sustained offensive action by troops directly led to the escape of over 70 captives previously held by the terrorists. This was corroborated by many of the escaped captives who later resurfaced in several villages like Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau among others.

One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village near Buratai in Biu LGA who was abducted on 22 December 2025, disclosed that he escaped during the gun duel between the terrorists and advancing troops in the Timbuktu Triangle.

During the series of encounters in the Timbuktu Triangle, ISWAP suffered significant combat losses, with no fewer than 32 fighters neutralised, including 2 Qaids and 3 Munzirs, while several others sustained serious injuries during fierce engagements with troops

Following thorough clearance of the area, the 3 detention facilities were deliberately demolished, permanently denying ISWAP the ability to reuse or reoccupy the site. The operation was conducted successfully and without incident, reflecting the resilience, professionalism, discipline and combat effectiveness of the troops of OPHK.

The destruction of the detention camp marks more than a tactical victory. It degrades ISWAP’s internal enforcement mechanisms, disrupts the terrorists ability to detain and collect ransom from civilians, and further constricts their freedom of action. The escape of a large number of detainees not only deprives the terrorists of a key tool of funding, but also undermines their control over local populations while potentially providing valuable intelligence and testimonies that can aid ongoing operations.

While the general security situation across the Theatre remains calm but unpredictable, troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory. The Armed Forces remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, denying them safe havens, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East of

SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force
North East Operation HADIN KAI
3 February 2026

‎2 DIVISION LAUNCHES OPERATION IGBO DANU (OPERATION FOREST FLUSH) CRUSHES TERRORISTS IN KWARA
‎
‎Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army with massive support from ONSA has sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorist elements within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), achieving notable successes between 23 and 29 January 2026.
‎
‎These operations were conducted under the leadership of Major General Chinedu Nnebife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), alongside Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, the Commander 22 Brigade. Their efforts reflect high operational responsiveness and determination to dismantle terrorist networks.
‎
‎In the engagements, troops , in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted fighting patrols in several bandits enclaves. They successfully neutralised a terrorists, while others managed to escape into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. Their hideouts and camps were completely destroyed leaving the brigands dislodged.
‎
‎Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State leading to the decimation of the bandits logistics bases and supply system.
‎
‎Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed significantly degrading the terrorists' sustainment capability.
‎
‎Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement. Furthermore, troops intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.
‎
‎Observations from the operations indicate that bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations. The successes recorded underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of the Divison in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara State.
‎
‎The GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army has called on members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance ongoing operations. The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.

MAUREEN OGBUKA
Captain
For Acting Deputy Director
2 Division Army Public Relations Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operations FANSAN YAMMA
30 January 2026

A man said to ʿAbdullaah ibn ʿUmar
رضي الله عنه

“Are we not among the poor emigrants?”

So ʿAbdullaah ibn ʿUmar said to him: “Do you have a wife to whom you return?” He replied, “Yes.”

He said: “Do you have a dwelling in which you reside?” He replied, “Yes.”

He said: “Then you are among the wealthy.”

The man added: “And I have a servant.” He replied: “Then you are among the kings.”

[Narrated by Muslim, 2979]

🌍 Top 10 contributors to global real GDP growth (2026)

1．🇨🇳 China — 26.6%
2．🇮🇳 India — 17.0%
3．🇺🇸 United States — 9.9%
4．🇮🇩 Indonesia — 3.8%
5．🇹🇷 Türkiye — 2.2%
6．🇳🇬 Nigeria — 1.5%
7．🇧🇷 Brazil — 1.5%
8．🇻🇳 Vietnam — 1.6%
9．🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — 1.7%
10．🇩🇪 Germany — 0.9%

📌 China + India alone = 43.6% of global growth
📌 Asia-Pacific accounts for ~50% of total growth

Source: IMF

FINAL MOP-UP EXERCISE FOR RESIDENCY TRAINING IN LUTH

This is to inform all interested candidates that final preparations are ongoing for the employment of resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

All candidates who had earlier indicated interest in applying for residency training at LUTH but were unable to participate in the last mop-up exercise are hereby invited to apply, as the application has been extended for one (1) week.

Incase you are interested in Residency and about to Sit for Primary in either of the Colleges (National/West Africa), You can also Apply.

Candidates who successfully apply within this period will be invited for an *immediate interview, scheduled to hold within two (2) weeks.

The general public is therefore advised to take advantage of this opportunity.

Thank you all.


Dr. Komolafe Ayo
SOTARD, LUTH
29.01.26

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI Engage and Defeat Terrorists in Dawn Battles, Maintain Firm Control in the North East

In a well-coordinated dawn attack on 28 January 2026, troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) conducted successful night dawn surprise operations at Bula Dalo, where they neutralized over 12 terrorists, compelling the remnants to flee in disarray and leading to the recovery of 4 AK-47 rifles, one PKT anti aircraft gun, one Rocket Propelled Gun, and one multiple grenade launcher. In a separate, deliberate operation at Garno terrorist camp, troops of Sector 1 further degraded terrorist capabilities by neutralizing 6 terrorists, destroying their life-support structures, and recovering a huge cache of PKT anti aircraft ammunition.

In a related development, troops of Sector 2 OPHK at Sabon Gari were also confronted with an ISWAP attack supported by multiple armed drones in the early hours of 29 January 2025. Although the terrorists briefly breached a part of the defensive location, the gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault, held their ground, and restored full control with timely reinforcement from nearby locations. Regrettably, some courageous troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price in the course of defending the location, while an excavator and lowbed also got damaged as a result of the armed drone attack. Exploitation of the area is ongoing as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action.

SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI
29 January 2026

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Ballzproblem2:
Tinubu have signed so called defense bill with turkey an Islamic caliphate posing as a democratic country,this a man southwest so called christians openly voted for , they should bury their head in sand and put on sackcloth if Islam expands here.

"Don't cry me a river, cry me a lagoon." Olamide- Ení dúró

ISWAP suffers heavy losses in Timbuktu Triangle, lost 22 fighters in encounter with troops

By: Zagazola Makama

At least 22 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed, while several others were wounded, during recent clashes with Nigerian troops in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State, security sources confirm.

The sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounters occurred during sustained operations by troops of the Nigerian Army’s Special forces in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle axis.

According to the sources, those killed included a senior commander (Qaid) and two unit leaders (Munzirs), while many others escaped with injuries.

“ISWAP suffered significant casualties during the fighting. A Qaid and two Munzirs were among those neutralised, with several other fighters wounded,” the sources said, adding that efforts were ongoing to confirm the identities of the senior commanders killed in the operation.

They further disclosed that surviving ISWAP elements were believed to be regrouping around forested areas near Bulabulin, about 18 to 20 kilometres west of Damboa, and around Korengelen, south-east of Azir.

Security officials said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations had been intensified over the identified locations and surrounding forests to detect and interdict fleeing terrorists.

“The military is sustaining pressure on the remnants of the group through aggressive clearance operations and aerial surveillance,” the sources said.

They added that troops remained resolute in degrading ISWAP’s operational capability in the North-East and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.

Joao Pedro has more goal involvements than any other Premier League summer signing this season (11) Source: ESPN UK

TROOPS DELIVER DECISIVE BLOW TO TERRORISTS IN ZAMFARA, RESCUE KIDNAPPED UNDERAGE VICTIM IN FIERCE OFFENSIVE

In a resounding victory against terrorism and banditry, troops of 8 Division Garrison Strike Force operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 has achieved significant breakthroughs in its ongoing offensive operation within the notorious Sububu Forests of Maradun Local Government Area ( LGA) , Zamfara State. The operation, aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring peace to the State, has resulted in the neutralization of 6 terrorists, the recovery of arms and ammunition, the destruction of terrorist infrastructure, and the successful rescue of a kidnapped underage victim.

The offensive commenced with a targeted engagement at Indulumu village where gallant troops confronted and neutralized 2 terrorists. Following the intense firefight, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, further disrupting the terrorists' operational capabilities.

Driven by unwavering resolve, the Strike Force pressed forward to Ruduno village, where they encountered further resistance. In a display of exceptional bravery and tactical prowess, the troops neutralized an additional 4 terrorists, effectively dismantling a key element of the terrorist network. The operation yielded the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 2 motorcycles, instrumental in the terrorists' mobility and logistics operations, were also destroyed on-site, further crippling their capacity to operate.

Beyond the direct engagement with the terrorists, the operation achieved a profound humanitarian success. As troops exploited deeper into the forest, they successfully rescued a kidnapped underage victim, identified as Halira Ibrahim bringing an end to her ordeal and offering a beacon of hope to the affected community. The rescue underscores the troops unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and combating the scourge of kidnapping.

The offensive continued with the s destruction of multiple terrorist camps and life support structures in Magaji, Galakaje, Filinga, and Kukatara. These actions have significantly disrupted the terrorists' ability to sustain their operations, denying them safe havens and logistics support.

DAVID ADEWUSI
Captain
Media Information Officer
Operation FANSAN YAMMA
24 Jan 2026

What are the Greatest Forms of Patience? Fasting Combines the Greatest Forms of Patience|
Imām Ibn Rajab|

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to refer to Ramaḍān as the month of patience.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) .

There are several types of praiseworthy patience,

1. Patience when carrying out acts of obedience to Allāh, the Exalted in Might,

2. Patience in staying away from His disobedience,

3. Patience regarding the Divine Preordainments of Allāh, the Exalted in Might.

Possessing patience when carrying out acts in His obedience and refraining from His disobedience is superior to having patience regarding the predestined, traumatic, painful occurrences. This sentiment was expressed by several of the pious predecessors including Saʿīd ibn Jubayr, Maymūn ibn Mahrān (رحمهما الله) and others.

"However, the best of all types of patience is the act of fasting. This is because this one action combines all three types of patience [aforementioned]. For the fasting person must exhibit patience upon the act of obedience he is carrying out, while being patient in refraining from disobedient acts. As the servant of Allāh has left that which is desirable to him (i.e. eating, drinking, intimacy) while his very soul wrestles and pulls him towards it. It is for this reason that Allāh, the Exalted in Might, says in the authentic ḥadīth: “All of the actions of the children of Ādam are for them except for fasting. Indeed, it was done for Me and I shall reward it. For, ~{verily, he has left his food, his drink, and desires for My sake.”

Al-Hafīẓ Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalī
Furthermore, fasting also encompasses possessing patience regarding the traumatic, painful predestined occurrences. Personified here in the form of hunger and thirst.

Due to this, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to refer to the month of fasting as the month of patience. It is also narrated from the ḥadīth of the man from Banī Sulaym that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Fasting is half of patience.”

Source: Jāmiʿ al-ʿUlūm 2: 649
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī

Hassan Al Basari, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

“Whoever knows [the reality of] death, it becomes insignificant to them the afflictions of the worldly life.”

[Nuzhatul Majālis: 1/64]

Sa’īd ibn Jubayr, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

“If the remembrance of death had left my heart, then I would fear that my heart would be corrupt.”

[Al-Uzlah: 58]

Morata you mentioned the production capacity of Thailand but you didn't mention that their farmers have been supported over the years to reach such milestone? To achieve food security we have to support our farmers with farm inputs and storage facilities to prevent post-harvest loss, anything short of this is cosmetic surgery

The Strategic Case for an Airport in Kogi State:Progress Beyond Politics, Cynicism

In 2018, when former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, conceived the idea of establishing the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, critics hastily wrote off the initiative. Some dismissed it as mere political propaganda, insisting that the university would never see the light of day. Others questioned the funding of the institution’s infrastructural requirements, advancing several regressive arguments as to why it should not be established. Yet, within his eight-year administration, he established two universities, both of which are now thriving institutions of learning. These two institutions established by Bello’s administration and consolidating by governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration are not only expanding access to education for our people but also creating jobs for our teeming population and increasing the literacy rate of the state. Had he listened to armchair critics blinded by political interests and steeped in profound cynicism, such ambitious projects would have eluded us as a people.

During the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference in Enugu, Enugu State, I was unable to secure a flight from Enugu to Abuja. Consequently, a friend made arrangements and obtained a ticket for me from the Chinua Achebe Airport in Awka. The distance between Enugu and Awka is estimated at about 60–70 kilometres, with road travel time of approximately one and a half hours. Without delay, we departed Enugu and arrived in Awka within one hour, after which I boarded my flight to Abuja. The distance between Asaba and Awka is about 90–100 kilometres, with a travel time of roughly one to two hours. The distance between Lafia and Abuja is around 160–180 kilometres, requiring three to three and a half hours by road. The distance between Minna and Abuja is approximately 145–155 kilometres, with a travel time of about two to three hours. All these cities mentioned above have functional airports. The distance between Lokoja and Abuja is between 190–200 kilometres, with travel time of three to four hours under smooth traffic conditions. Despite its strategic location, Kogi remains the only state bordering the nation’s capital without an airport.

Establishing an airport is not merely a transport project but a strategic economic and developmental investment that opens a city to the outside world. Indeed, for national security considerations, all states bordering the seat of power should have functional airports, routinely maintained and operated by the federal government. Beyond its endowment with multiple mineral resources, fertile agricultural land, and industrial potential, Kogi is a major transit state connecting the North and the South.

An airport in Lokoja would make the state more investor-friendly and a preferred business destination, offering faster access to markets and partners while improving global supply chains. It would stimulate foreign and domestic investment, encourage the creation of industrial parks and logistics hubs due to its central location, and significantly boost the hospitality industry.

For instance, the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference held in Enugu in August 2025 generated an estimated ₦7 billion in economic activity for the state within a seven-day period. The state’s economy bubbled with activity, impacting sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and commerce. With over 20,000 lawyers in attendance, the conference triggered a surge in local business activity, leaving many hotels fully booked. I personally could not secure a hotel reservation two months to the conference and would have missed it entirely but for the intervention of a well-connected friend. The 67th NBA Annual General Conference, held from August 22 to August 29, 2025, at the Enugu International Conference Centre, was made possible largely because the state was accessible by air.

Across the world and within Nigeria, many cities only emerged as economic hubs after gaining air connectivity. One may sit in Umomi, Ogaminana, or even Oke-Bunu and assume that Kogi lacks trained aeronautical engineers, but such thinking is a fallacy clothed in ignorance. Kogi possesses a significant number of pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport ground staff capable of providing the necessary manpower for the sector.
Establishing an airport in Kogi will create multilayered employment opportunities; hotels, transport services, catering, tourism operations, and small and medium-scale businesses will flourish, strengthening local employment.

With abundant arable land for agriculture, extensive water bodies, and high mineral deposits, an airport would enable the rapid movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including medical and industrial supplies. For resource-rich regions like Kogi State, air connectivity links producers to national and international markets.

For centrally located states like KOGI, an airport can serve as a regional transit hub, an alternative or relief airport for congested major airports, and a logistics base for surrounding states, thereby enhancing regional relevance and competitiveness. The availability of an airport in Kogi State will also improve security and emergency response by enabling rapid deployment of security forces, emergency evacuations, and disaster-relief operations. As the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, Kogi has experienced severe flood disasters. During the 2012 floods, movement between Northern and Southern Nigeria was completely cut off, relief delivery was hampered, and disaster management became extremely difficult due to lack of access. This underscores the critical importance of an airport for crisis management and national preparedness.

An airport is a long-term revenue generator, especially when well managed or concessioned. Government revenue will accrue from passenger charges, cargo handling fees, concessions, leases, and tourism-related taxes, enabling the government to meet other obligations such as healthcare, education, power, water infrastructure, road development, and small-city planning around the airport.

For those cloaked in cynicism, an airport in Kogi is not a luxury but a growth engine, a security asset, and a development catalyst which, when strategically planned and sustainably financed, can transform a region’s economic trajectory.

A viable Kogi airport would reduce traffic pressure on the Abuja airport, absorb charter, cargo, private, and training flights, serve as an alternative landing site for VIP, military, and relief operations, and decentralise security response capacity.

It is strategically sound for states surrounding the Federal Capital Territory to have airports as part of a coordinated regional strategy rather than isolated political projects. When aligned with security planning, economic zoning, and transport integration, the Kogi airport will strengthen national resilience, decongest the capital, and drive balanced development.

How can someone who has never seen an aircraft or visited an airport credibly criticise the government’s effort to bring one closer to the people? Such criticism is often rooted not in economic understanding, business insight, or exposure, but in narrow political prejudice.

Government is not run by mediocrity but by individuals with experience, vision, and commitment to make a difference. Building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Governor Usman Ododo’s administration is advancing Kogi’s development strategy, and all citizens must be encouraged to lend their support.

ONOGWU Muhammed, Esq.
24th January, 2026.

Five Boko Haram terrorists, three vigilantes killed in Gwoza ambush in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

At least five suspected Boko Haram terrorists and three local vigilantes were killed on Friday following an ambush along the Ngoshe–Pulka Road in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 2:30 p.m. when unknown gunmen engaged members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hunters Group on a routine patrol.

In the ensuing gun battle, five terrorists were killed, while three CJTF members Yunusa Ali Ananicha, Adamu Zakari, and Daddy Ali, also lost their lives.

The bodies of the CJTF members were evacuated to Gwoza General Hospital, certified dead on arrival, and subsequently released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained a cautious alert along the axis following the incident while vigilance and reinforced patrols in the area was encouraged to prevent further attacks.

Governor Ododo Accelerates Kogi Airport, Lokoja Market Projects, Engages Financial Institutions

The Kogi State Government has announced plans to issue a ₦50 billion Sukuk bond to finance the construction of a Kogi State International Airport and the Lokoja International Market, two projects described as transformational and critical to the state’s economic development.

Governor Ahmed Ododo disclosed this during a meeting with investors, representatives of the Nigerian capital market, fund managers, issuing houses, regulators and development finance institutions in Abuja.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris, the governor said the decision to approach the capital market was driven by strategic ambition rather than fiscal distress.
“Permit me to be very specific on the purpose of the proposed ₦50 billion Sukuk bond. The bond is strictly asset-backed and dedicated to financing two transformational infrastructure projects of strategic economic importance to Kogi State—the development of the Kogi State International Airport and the completion of the Lokoja International Market,” he said.

Ododo explained that the proposed international airport is designed to unlock logistics efficiency, attract private investment, support agro-exports, facilitate business travel and position Kogi State as a natural hub linking Nigeria’s North, South, East and West.
He added that the Lokoja International Market, when completed, would serve as a major commercial nerve centre by formalising trade, boosting internally generated revenue, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening urban economic activity.
The governor stressed that the state operates under a 32-year development plan, which provides long-term direction, policy continuity and predictability in capital deployment, adding that the plan guides its budgeting, borrowing and project execution framework.
On the viability of the bond, Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and governance reforms, noting that these efforts have received independent validation.
“Kogi State has been assigned a ‘B’ rating with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings, reflecting improved financial management, a prudent debt posture and a strengthening capacity to meet debt service obligations,” he said.

He also noted that beyond internally generated revenue and federal allocations, Kogi State now benefits from 13 per cent derivation revenue as an oil-producing state.

Assuring investors, the governor said both projects are tangible, revenue-supporting assets fully aligned with Sukuk principles.
“The proceeds will not be applied to recurrent expenditure, but to infrastructure that expands productivity, stimulates commerce and strengthens the state’s long-term repayment capacity,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the advisory team and Managing Director of AVA Capital Group, Kayode Fadahunsi, expressed confidence in the offer, describing it as a “textbook infrastructure Sukuk.”
“These are revenue-generating projects that can literally pay themselves down. This is not borrowing for consumption but for assets that will expand Kogi State’s internally generated revenue,” he said.

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

Governor Ododo Accelerates Kogi Airport, Lokoja Market Projects, Engages Financial Institutions

The Kogi State Government has announced plans to issue a ₦50 billion Sukuk bond to finance the construction of a Kogi State International Airport and the Lokoja International Market, two projects described as transformational and critical to the state’s economic development.

Governor Ahmed Ododo disclosed this during a meeting with investors, representatives of the Nigerian capital market, fund managers, issuing houses, regulators and development finance institutions in Abuja.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris, the governor said the decision to approach the capital market was driven by strategic ambition rather than fiscal distress.
“Permit me to be very specific on the purpose of the proposed ₦50 billion Sukuk bond. The bond is strictly asset-backed and dedicated to financing two transformational infrastructure projects of strategic economic importance to Kogi State—the development of the Kogi State International Airport and the completion of the Lokoja International Market,” he said.

Ododo explained that the proposed international airport is designed to unlock logistics efficiency, attract private investment, support agro-exports, facilitate business travel and position Kogi State as a natural hub linking Nigeria’s North, South, East and West.
He added that the Lokoja International Market, when completed, would serve as a major commercial nerve centre by formalising trade, boosting internally generated revenue, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening urban economic activity.
The governor stressed that the state operates under a 32-year development plan, which provides long-term direction, policy continuity and predictability in capital deployment, adding that the plan guides its budgeting, borrowing and project execution framework.
On the viability of the bond, Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and governance reforms, noting that these efforts have received independent validation.
“Kogi State has been assigned a ‘B’ rating with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings, reflecting improved financial management, a prudent debt posture and a strengthening capacity to meet debt service obligations,” he said.

He also noted that beyond internally generated revenue and federal allocations, Kogi State now benefits from 13 per cent derivation revenue as an oil-producing state.

Assuring investors, the governor said both projects are tangible, revenue-supporting assets fully aligned with Sukuk principles.
“The proceeds will not be applied to recurrent expenditure, but to infrastructure that expands productivity, stimulates commerce and strengthens the state’s long-term repayment capacity,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the advisory team and Managing Director of AVA Capital Group, Kayode Fadahunsi, expressed confidence in the offer, describing it as a “textbook infrastructure Sukuk.”
“These are revenue-generating projects that can literally pay themselves down. This is not borrowing for consumption but for assets that will expand Kogi State’s internally generated revenue,” he said.

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