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How we auctioned 2 helicopters – NCAT
How we auctioned 2 helicopters – NCAT
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, says it auctioned two helicopters at a total of 556,200,322USD (N1.2 billion), because of under utilisation.
The Rector and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Capt. Alkali Modibbo, told newsmen today in Zaria that the two Bell 206B – III model helicopters were disposed after satisfying all due diligence.
Modibbo explained that a Federal Government licenced auctioneer, Messrs Tresmo Nigeria Limited, was appointed to dispose the affected helicopters sequel to the approval and valuation reports obtained from the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Works, respectively.
According to him, the auctioneer paid $275,782,661.25 and $280,417,661.25 (totalling N1.2bn) vide FGN Remita receipts bearing reference numbers 3008-4333-3046 and 1008-4304-1098, respectively.
He recalled that the Nigerian Navy expressed interest to acquire the two helicopters via a letter dated 13th December 2022, with Ref. No: NHQ:04/61/93/OPS/VOL. VII/23.
“I am directed to convey the compliments of the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Rector and Staff of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and to further Express our interest to inspect the 2 Bell 206L – 3 (Long Range) helicopters proposed to be disposed by your organisation.
“The Nigerian Navy (NN) is aware that the 2 Bell 206L – 3 helicopters are currently grossly underutilised due to none training of helicopter pilots at the facility.
“I am to respectfully inform the Rector that the NN operates a similar type of helicopter and hereby expresses its interest to inspect the helicopters for possible acquisition with a view to bolster its operations towards ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment,” the letter read in part.
Consequently, the Director of Tresmo Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyemi Apata, applied to be appointed as the auctioneer for NCAT vide a letter dated March 3, 2023, Modibbo revealed.
Furthermore, the NCAT chief executive said that the Federal Ministry of Aviation in a letter dated 15th March, 2023, granted approval for the disposal of the two Bell 206 helicopters to enable the college acquire Basic Trainer Helicopters.
Again, in furtherance of following due process, the college obtained the Valuation Reports of the affected helicopters from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing via a letter dated 30th March 2023.
This culminated to the engagement of Messrs Tresmo as the auctioneer vide NCAT.11/1204/VOL.1/043, dated 6th April 2023, Modibbo stated.
The NCAT Rector added that the auctioneer also accepted and executed the disposal of the helicopters via a letter signed by Mr Baba Malik on 7th April 2023, which also remitted the proceeds of N1.2 billion into the Federal Government account.
He therefore emphasised that due diligence was followed in the auctioning of the two unutilised helicopters to boost the training needs of the college.
How we auctioned 2 helicopters – NCAT
Bandits Dump Corpses in Revenge Attack in Tafoki Village, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A group of suspected bandits have launched a brutal revenge attack on Tafoki village in the Fasakari Local Government Area of Katsina State, dumping several corpses at the entrance to the community.
Local sources told Zagazola Makama that the assailants, believed to be mostly in their 20s, arrived in the village on April 9, 2025, and positioned the bodies at the entrance. This attack is reportedly in retaliation for the deaths of three bandits killed by villagers in February 2025, after the criminals attempted to launch an assault on the village.
Among the slain bandits was Goje, a notorious leader who led the failed attack. Sources suggest that the bandits have since been abducting villagers, tying their hands behind their backs, and executing them with gunshots to the head. Afterward, the bandits return the bodies and dispose of them at the village entrance.
As families mourn, they are left to recover the decomposing remains of their loved ones, with some corpses already starting to decompose.
Villagers are left devastated, grappling with the trauma of the violence and the realization that their attempts to defend themselves against the bandits’ previous assault have now turned into deadly retribution.
Bandits Dump Corpses in Revenge Attack in Tafoki Village, Katsina
Man Dies After Being Beaten by Brother in Zaria City
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident in Zaria City has led to the death of 50-year-old Sani Yusuf, who was reportedly beaten into a stupor by his elder brother, Abubakar Aminu, on April 4, 2025.
According to information from a Good Samaritan, Abubakar, aged 53, attacked Sani at their home in Rimintsiwa, Zaria City.
The victim was immediately rushed to ABUTH Shika for medical treatment but unfortunately passed away early on April 10, 2025, at approximately 4:50 a.m. While the victim was under care at the hospital, his condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to the injuries inflicted during the assault.
The family has since buried the deceased according to local customs.
Police authorities are currently searching for the suspect, Abubakar Aminu, who fled the scene following the incident. Efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
The case has been classified as culpable homicide, and investigations are being pursued to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation and the suspect’s motives.
Man Dies After Being Beaten by Brother in Zaria City
Bandits Abduct Three in Gusau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed bandits have abducted three residents of Marere Hausawa, a community on the outskirts of Damba in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources informed Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at about 2:30 a.m., when the assailants, wielding dangerous weapons, invaded the area and forcefully took the victims to an unknown destination.
Sources within the community confirmed the attack, describing it as sudden and terrifying.
Search efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA
Bandits Abduct Three in Gusau Community
Bandits Dump Corpses in Revenge Attack in Tafoki Village, Katsina
Man Dies After Being Beaten by Brother in Zaria City
Bandits Abduct Three in Gusau Community
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