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COAS commissions AHOOAS estate, shopping complex in Ibadan, reaffirms soldier-first welfare policy
COAS commissions AHOOAS estate, shopping complex in Ibadan, reaffirms soldier-first welfare policy
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Friday commissioned the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) estate and a Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) shopping complex in Ibadan, Oyo State, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to a soldier-first welfare policy.
Shaibu said the projects were part of deliberate efforts to address the post-service housing needs of personnel and improve their overall quality of life, describing access to decent housing as a critical component of troop welfare.
The event was attended by the Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr William Akinfumilayo; the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Rashidi Adeolu Ladoja; Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters; senior serving and retired officers; partners of the project; members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association and the Soldiers’ Wives Association, as well as members of the press.
The COAS said the AHOOAS scheme was conceived to enable serving soldiers to acquire affordable and decent homes in locations of their choice, which they could comfortably retire into after years of service to the nation.
“This project is a clear demonstration of our resolve to place the welfare of the Nigerian soldier at the centre of our policies and actions. A soldier who is assured of his future is better motivated to give his best in the defence of the nation,” he said.
He recalled that the pilot phase of the AHOOAS project in Idu, Abuja, delivered over 400 housing units now fully occupied by soldiers and their families, adding that the Ibadan project was part of the expansion of the scheme to other parts of the country.
Shaibu disclosed that similar projects were at various stages of completion in Benin, Jos and Abuja, while plans were also underway to fast-track home ownership for the Warrant Officers’ cadre of the Nigerian Army.
He paid tribute to the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for initiating the housing scheme, and assured that the current leadership would continue to build on the foundation he laid.
The COAS also commended the Oyo State Government for its support to military formations in the state and urged other state governments to key into the initiative by allocating land for the scheme in their respective states.
According to him, the commissioning of the PHDL shopping complex in Eleyele, Ibadan, would complement the housing estate by providing essential services, supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to the management of PHDL and partner organisations for their professionalism in delivering the projects, noting that the Nigerian Army remained open to credible public-private partnerships that would enhance personnel welfare.
He further thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support to the Armed Forces, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to actualising the President’s vision of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The COAS assured residents of Oyo State of the Nigerian Army’s sustained cooperation with civil authorities in promoting peace and security across the state and the country at large.
Earlier speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of PHDL, Maj.-Gen. I.A. Allison, said the philosophy of the COAS was firmly anchored on welfare, noting that home ownership remained one of the most critical assurances a soldier could have after years of service to the nation.
“There cannot be a better welfare than a house a home into which a soldier is sure he will retire,” he said.
He recalled that the first phase of the AHOOAS project was commissioned at Idu, Abuja, on Dec. 18, 2024, with 400 housing units, describing the Akobo project as a continuation of that vision exactly one year later.
The Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) managing director acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, Maj.-Gen. Titus Umeri (rtd) and Maj.-Gen. J.T. Omali (rtd), saying he had built on their achievements since assuming office.
He disclosed that following his initial briefing of the COAS, approvals were granted for concurrent construction across multiple locations nationwide. “As I speak, aside from Akobo, we have 80 housing units under construction in Jos, 60 completed here, 40 completed in Benin, and 120 units nearing completion at Idu as Phase Two,” Allison said.
He added that the Akobo estate comprised 30 units of two-bedroom apartments for junior non-commissioned officers and 30 units of three-bedroom apartments for senior non-commissioned officers.
According to him, five per cent of the houses would be allocated free of charge to soldiers who were badly wounded in battle or suffered severe trauma during operations.
To ensure balanced communities, Allison said 25 per cent of the houses would be allocated to civilians at discounted rates, while 70 per cent would be reserved for soldiers at highly subsidised prices. “When a house built at N30 million is sold for N7.5 million, or one built at N50 million is sold for N8.5 million, then it is clear that this is a genuine welfare programme,” he said.
He further disclosed that commercial developments were being undertaken alongside the housing scheme, including 22 shops in Ibadan, a completed shopping complex with over 120 shops in Abuja awaiting commissioning, and another complex of over 50 shops under construction in Warri, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. Allison also commended partners supporting the initiative.
He said Family Homes Funds Limited had constructed 50 two-bedroom houses to be donated to widows of fallen soldiers, adding that the formal handover would take place before Jan. 15, 2026, to coincide with activities marking Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The PHDL MD expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, the Oyo State Government, the Royal Father of the Day and all guests for witnessing the commissioning of the AHOOAS project, describing it as another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s welfare drive.
COAS commissions AHOOAS estate, shopping complex in Ibadan, reaffirms soldier-first welfare policy
JUDGE’S INTERVENTION SAVES IGP EGBETOKUN FROM COMMITTAL TO KUJE PRISON
By: Michael Mike
The committal proceedings instituted against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun by Mrs Nnena Anozie, the traumatized and frustrated wife of abducted and missing Mr. John Anozie came up for hearing on Tuesday, the 17th February 2025 before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
At the beginning of the proceedings, Mrs Anozie’s Counsel, Vincent Adodo, recounted the facts of the case from the abduction of Mr. John Anozie from his Lekki Lagos residence on 15th June 2017 by police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Akwuzu, Anambra State, two separate orders made by the Anambra State High Court directed at the Police to charge Mr. Anozie to court or release him unconditionally, and another directing the police to release his corpse for burial following the claim by the police that Mr. Anozie had died in their custody.
Following an investigation conducted by the IGP X-Squad of the Police Force Headquarters based on a petition presented by Mrs Anozie in 2018, the investigation report indicted four officers in the crime whose names are: ASP Anthony Ikechukwu Obiozor, Sgt. Emeana Uzozhukwu, SP. Sunday Okpe, John Eze and Oriole all from SARS, Akwuzu, Anambra State.
Investigation also revealed that the named officers made heavy withdrawals from Mr. Anozie’s bank account just about 4 days after his abduction.
Despite the issuance of a legal opinion by the then Commissioner of Police in Charge of Legal, CP Tuesday Emienbo recommending the named officers for dismissal from service, arraignment and prosecution, nothing was done to bring the culprits to justice. Another petition written in 2023 by Falana and Falana Chambers led to the re-opening of investigation in the matter which was led by one Chinedu from the IGP-Monitoring Unit.
The refusal of the police authorities to arraign and prosecute the culpable officers despite the avalanche of evidence indicting them in Mr. Anozie’s disappearance prompted Mrs Anozie to request under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 for the certified true copies of the two investigation reports and the legal opinion of Mr Emienbo and for same to be forwarded to the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. The request also included a demand to the IGP to handover the officers to the AGF for prosecution. The police authorities failed to honour the request, further prompting the institution of an action before the Federal High Court under the Freedom of Information Act in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/865/2025: Mrs Nnena Anozie v. Inspector General of Police to compel the release of the case files and the officers for prosecution.
On 24th September 2025, the Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice B.F.M. Nyako delivered judgement in the case ordering the IGP to, among others, release the investigation reports and legal opinion to Mrs Anozie and the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation while also awarding the sum of #2,000,000.00 as damages against the police.
Despite service of the judgment with Form 48 on him, the IGP failed to obey the judgment, prompting the service on him of form 49 and subsequently a motion to commit the IGP to Kuje prison for contempt.
At the proceedings on Tuesday, the 17th February 2026, Stanley Nwodo appearing for the IGP informed the court of the receipt of the judgment and that he filed a counter Affidavit to the committal motion. The presiding Judge, Justice Nyako after listening to Mrs Anozie’s story offered to intervene in the matter with a view to obtaining a lasting result on the case. Consequently, the court adjourned the contempt proceedings to the 23rd April 2026 for hearing.
JUDGE’S INTERVENTION SAVES IGP EGBETOKUN FROM COMMITTAL TO KUJE PRISON
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Police arrest 19 suspected bandits, recover 370 cows, 58 goats in Kwara
Police repel bandit attack, recover 82 cows and 21 sheep in Katsina
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