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FEC approves N90.8bn for road repair in Taraba, airport equipment
FEC approves N90.8bn for road repair in Taraba, airport equipment
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N90.8 billion for the rehabilitation of Kashimbila-Takum-Chanchangi road in Taraba and procurement equipment for some airports in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that N66.9 billion of the amount was approved for the construction Kashimbila-Takum-Chanchangi road in Taraba, while the remaining N23.9 billion was approved the procurement of equipment for the airports.
The Ministers of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, made these known when they briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council’s meeting.
The meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Fashola said: “The Ministry of Works and Housing presented one memorandum and it was for the rehabilitation of the 91.94 kilometre Kashimbila-Takum-Chanchangi road in Taraba State and council approved the proposal by the ministry in the sum of N66. 983billion.”
According to him, the project will help boost the transportation network in Taraba and the entire North-East zone.
On his part, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed that the council approved N23.9 billion for the procurement of equipment for some airports across the country.
He said the equipment to be procured include radio communication system for some control towers and instrument landing systems for some airports.
Mohammed said: “The Minister of Aviation presented two memos, one was for the award of contract for the upgrade of 12 airports tower voice communication and control system radio for 12 airports located in Akure, Benin, Calabar, Ibadan, Ilorin, Jos, Minna, Owerri, Sokoto, Yola, Kaduna and Enugu.
“The contract was for the sum of N9.988 billion with a completion period of 13 months.
“As you are aware, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA has a statutory mandate to enhance safety and security of the Nigerian airspace and it is in line with this that it sought to upgrade 12 air control towers voice and communication control system.”
The minister said the communication tower had to be upgraded to enhance better performance in the 12 airports in conferment with technological advancements and aviation industry’s best practices..
He said that N14 billion for the procurement of instrument landing systems for Lagos Abuja, Katsina and Port Harcourt airports.
“The Ministry of Aviation also sought and obtained approval for the award of contract for the procurement and installation of air field lighting category three instrument landing systems in Lagos, Abuja, Katsina and Port Harcourt airports.
“This has to do with safety. The memo was approved and contract was awarded in the sum of N14, 036, 000, 000.
“This is in a bid to carryout statutory mandate of developing and managing all relevant aviation services for safe secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods,” he said.
He said that the move was necessitated by the recent increase in the fleet of passengers across the four airports.
FEC approves N90.8bn for road repair in Taraba, airport equipment
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.
The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.
They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.
According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.
“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.
They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.
“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.
During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.
The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.
The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
By: Zagazola Makama
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a new Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to expand the manpower and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the new Depot would complement existing Army training facilities and ensure a steady stream of well-trained personnel for deployment across the country.
Military source said the initiative is in line with the Nigerian Army’s strategic plan to enhance national security and produce combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing diverse security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and other internal threats.
The new Depot is expected to provide specialist and mission-oriented training, focusing on marksmanship, fieldcraft skills, and operational readiness. It will also incorporate measures to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of recruits during and after their service.
The establishment of the Depot in Abakaliki follows recent efforts of the federal government to improve manpower of the Nigerian Military.
EXCLUSIVE: President approves establishment of new Nigerian Army Depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi
Otuaro Hails Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation Boss On Conferment With Honorary Doctorate Degree
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe
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