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Youths Commend Kaduna’s Smart City Project
Youths Commend Kaduna’s Smart City Project
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals has commended the Kaduna State Governor for successfully signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese tech giant Huawei to advance the Smart City Project in Kaduna State.
This, according to the group, is a significant milestone that promises to enhance the ICT sector and create opportunities for the youth in the North West state.
The statement signed by the Chairman, Northern Christian Youth Professionals,
Isaac Abrak read: “While we celebrate this major achievement, we wish to call on the state government to ensure that this project is fully and effectively executed to benefit all the people of Kaduna State.
“We urge the government to avoid a repeat of past experiences, such as those under the previous administration led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, which took a World Bank loan of $350 million for the development of basic education. Unfortunately, the purpose of this loan was not fulfilled as intended, and today, the people of Kaduna State are burdened with repaying a loan that did not yield the expected benefits.
“We are confident in the leadership of the current governor, whose policies and programmes have demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the living conditions of all residents of Kaduna State.
“However, we appeal to the governor’s team, especially those involved in the Huawei deal, to ensure that the project meets its objectives: enhancing the security of life and property, improving efficiency and transparency in public services, and attracting talent and investment to the state.
“We must also learn from similar past experiences involving international business dealings. A cautionary example is the ongoing seizure of Nigerian assets abroad by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited, a Chinese firm, due to a business agreement with the Ogun State government signed in 2007. The contract, which involved the construction of a park and factory in the Ogun State Free Trade Zone, ended in a dispute that has now cost Nigeria $70 million in compensation. Despite the Ogun State government’s claims of foul play, the Chinese firm has already seized three jets and two residential properties belonging to Nigeria.”
The statement added that: “These are important lessons for both federal and state governments. We must be vigilant to prevent similar situations that could damage Nigeria’s reputation and place undue financial burdens on our people.
“We believe that with careful planning, transparency, and accountability, the Smart City Project in Kaduna State can be a model for success and a source of pride for all Nigerians.”
Youths Commend Kaduna’s Smart City Project
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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