News
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
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
