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President Tinubu: We’ll Continue To Equip The Military To End Insecurity In Nigeria
President Tinubu: We’ll Continue To Equip The Military To End Insecurity In Nigeria
** Inducts 2 new Agusta A-109S Trekker Power Attack Helicopters into NAF
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday in Abuja inducted two Agusta A-109S Trekker Power Attack Helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with a solemn promise that his administration will continue to invest in cutting-edge defence technologies and provide the Nigerian military with the resources needed to end Insecurity in the country.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the helicopters will add impetus to the combat power of the nation’s military in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Nigeria as well as the entire West African region.
The President was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the induction ceremony held at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron, Abuja, as part of activities to mark the 61st anniversary of the NAF.
The two new helicopters are the latest in the list of recent military procurements, including Diamond-62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters and King Air 360i platforms.
The President assured his administration’s steadfastness in modernising the Armed Forces by ensuring that they get the best tools to perform their duties effectively.
He said, “We will continue to invest in cutting-edge defence technologies and provide our military with the resources needed to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats.”
The President noted that the purchase of the combat helicopters, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months, was part of the federal government’s resolve to equip the armed forces to combat the contemporary insecurity challenges and protect Nigerians despite budgetary constraints.
“I am overly confident and rightly so that the deployment of these newly acquired platforms will add impetus to the combat power of the Nigerian Air Force in tackling our contemporary security challenges, not only within the shores of our Country but also in the West African sub-region.
“Despite our budgetary constraints amidst the prevailing economic situation, the acquisition of these aircraft, amongst other military equipment, is an expression of our commitment to enhanced national security. We shall ensure that every sector of our nation experiences the change that we have promised,” he stated.
President Tinubu explained that the investment in air power aligns with the broader vision of his administration “to create a buoyant and self-sufficient economy for local and foreign investments to thrive,” in order for Nigerians to partake in meaningful, productive ventures.
“It is for this reason that strengthening national security for peace and prosperity is a key priority area in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he declared, pointing out that efforts by the military to finally wrapping up ongoing onslaught against the enemies of the nation’s collective progress are necessary in building the trust and confidence the citizens need to thrive and prosper.
“You must therefore step up and intensify your efforts at conclusively ending the multi-dimensional security challenges facing our dear country,” he told the NAF, just as he demanded discipline from its personnel in operation and “a strong maintenance culture that will enable the nation to derive maximum benefits from these acquisitions”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, said the induction ceremony of the recently acquired Agusta A-109S Trekker Helicopters is a clear testament to the federal government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the nation’s military.
According to him, the idea is to enable the Air Force to combat terrorism, bandits, oil theft and other security problems confronting the country, just as he pointed out that the nation’s dynamic landscape demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive Air Force that is capable of rapid deployments across multiple theatres.
Abubakar explained that the successful acquisition of the helicopters is a significant feat in the modernisation effort of the Nigerian Air Force, saying the helicopters are specially designed for challenging operations, with cockpits that are ideally suited for training, battlefield operations and emergency response missions, among others.
Dignitaries present at the event included: Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Austin Akobundu; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche; Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi; Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Nigeria, Zubaida Umar Abubakar, among others.
President Tinubu: We’ll Continue To Equip The Military To End Insecurity In Nigeria
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
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