How military regained control of Kaduna airport after terrorists’ attack on navigational equipment - Newstrends
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How military regained control of Kaduna airport after terrorists’ attack on navigational equipment

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Kaduna International Airport

…attackers kill worker, ground Lagos-bound flight

Terrorists, numbering over 200, on Saturday invaded the Kaduna International Airport located in Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State, disrupting operation and killing one security personnel of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

The attack caused panic at the airport and reportedly grounded a Lagos-bound AZMAN aircraft scheduled to take off at 12:30pm.

Sources at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria told Sunday PUNCH that the terrorists attacked VHF Omni Directional Range equipment site at the airport and killed a security man guarding the facility.

According to Systems Interface, VHF Omni Directional Range is “a short/medium-range radio navigation system used to aid aircraft in determining their flight position and direction in relation to their destination using.”

The attack, it was gathered, forced the airport authorities to temporarily shut down activities while the military battled the suspected terrorists.

A source, who confided in one of our correspondents, said the terrorists vowed to shut down the airport.

The source said, “The terrorists’ attack started around 12am (Saturday). They started attacking the airport around midnight. The terrorists were said to have alleged that military personnel took away their cattle.

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“But the military was able to repel them that midnight and we thought that was all. In fact, our staff members resumed work this morning as usual. They worked around the runway five till around 12pm.

“Then, shortly after that, some NAMA staff went to check some of their equipment then the bandits appeared and started shooting. The NAMA engineers scampered for safety; they could not even go and enter the vehicle that took them to the site. It was in the process that their security man was shot in the head.

“The security man was rushed to the hospital and he was confirmed dead.”

The acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Voke Ivbaze, while confirming the attack to Sunday PUNCH, however, said the intervention of the military prevented the bandits from stalling the operations of FAAN.

Asked whether the attack affected FAAN’s operations at the airport in any way, she replied, “No, not all. It was in the morning and the military was able to intervene.

“So, it didn’t affect our operations and actually the two aircraft that were on ground at the time, they took off eventually.”

Later in a statement on Saturday night, FAAN explained that the terrorits attacked Runway 05 axis of the airport.

It said, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria regrets to state that a group of bandits attacked the Runway 05 axis of Kaduna airport earlier in the day.

“However, a combined team of anti-banditry military personnel and crime investigation unit of FAAN Aviation Security Department swiftly intervened for rescue operation, with one casualty reported in the incident.

“Normalcy has since been restored at the airport. The team also recovered two motorbikes abandoned by the bandits.”

The agency stated that heavy reinforcement team from the Nigerian Defence Academy was on ground to ensure safety and security of airport workers/users.

It said the FAAN AVSEC department had equally released operational vehicles to the team for patrol purposes.

“The authority uses this opportunity to sympathise with the family and friends of the victim of this unfortunate incident.

“We shall continue to give further updates where necessary,” it stated.

Also, in a statement titled, ‘Troops repel bandits at Kaduna airport,’ the Kaduna State Government, through the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said, “Security forces have reported that an attack by armed bandits was repelled in the vicinity of the Kaduna International Airport.

“Troops stationed within and around the airport responded and repelled the attackers.

“However, the bandits unfortunately shot and killed a staff member stationed at the perimeter fence who raised alarm on sighting them. Airport operations resumed with scheduled flights departing after the incident.

“Security forces are conducting operations in the airport general area. Further updates will be communicated to the public.”

Aruwan said Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufa’I, “commended the security forces for their prompt response to the attack, and for repelling the attackers.

“He expressed sadness at the report of the casualty, and sent condolences to the family of the victim, while offering prayers for the repose of his soul.”

Terrorists raid nine villages, kill 50, abduct over 100, raze houses

Meanwhile, suspected terrorists that invaded nine villages in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State were said to have been sighted by some residents between 4pm and 5pm on Thursday, a day before the attack.

Sunday PUNCH learnt that by the early hours of Friday, the terrorists had stormed the affected villages, killing no fewer than 50 people and razed houses, including a church. They also reportedly rustled cows and burnt close to 30 vehicles.

The attacked villages are Unguwar Kaya Fatika, Barebare, Dillalai, Zango Tama, Unguwar Bakko, Gidan Alhajin Kadi, Kadanya and Duromi.

A source said at least 40 houses were razed while 100 people, including women and children, were taken away into the forest by the terrorists.

According to the source, the hoodlum stormed the villages in a commando-like style and shot indiscriminately into the air before carrying out house-to-house attacks.

Several people were reported to have sustained bullet wounds and were taken to the Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria.

A former governor of Kaduna State and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, condemned the attack.

He said, “It is rather unfortunate that just a few days apart, we are having to, once again, mourn the loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties in  Kaduna State.

“The attacks and subsequent loss of about 50 lives as reported and properties in Giwa Local Government, coming so shortly on the heels of the ones in the southern parts of the state earlier in the week are a stark reminder of the perilous times we seem to be in.

“They are as abhorrent as they are condemnable. No group or individual should be allowed the latitude to reduce human life to this or any other level of insignificance.

FG, army have failed, protect yourself, SOKAPU tells residents

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union called on residents of Southern Kaduna to defend themselves against attacks in any way they can.

The group said the government and the Nigerian Army had both failed to secure the lives and property of citizens in the state.

The group stated this in a  statement titled, ‘Renewed Attacks and Killings across Southern Kaduna: A Call for Self-Defence’, which was signed by the National Youth Leader, Southern Kaduna People’s Union, John Isaac.

It said, “Brethren, we must have observed the recurring spate of attacks and killings taking place across our communities in the last few weeks.

“Sunday night (March 20), Maraban Agban Kagoro came under attack with scores killed, properties and houses burnt by the same terrorists Fulani herders who have vowed to die attacking our kinsmen. One thing we are sure of is the unarguable fact that they shall continue to labour in vain.

“It is, however, worrisome the manner with which these criminals continued to operate with no deliberate attempt by security agencies to intervene or stops these criminal Fulani terrorists from attacking our communities.

“The youth wing of Southern Kaduna People’s Union is again at this time compelled to say government both at the state and federal levels have failed to put an end to this mindless attacks on our people and arrest perpetrators.

“We are calling on all sons and daughters across Southern Kaduna in the face of these cruel killings to defend yourselves in the proportionate ways and manners your lives seem to threaten.

“We urge us all not to sit and watch while our kinsmen are led to slaughter like lambs, our lands taken, our children butchered and our sisters and daughters raped to death. Let us be reminded that every inch of land in Southern Kaduna is an inheritance from our forefathers and remains the exclusive entitlement of our offspring.”

PUNCH

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Man Seeks Divorce Over Wife’s Alleged Refusal to Fund Daughter’s Treatment

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Man Seeks Divorce Over Wife’s Alleged Refusal to Fund Daughter’s Treatment

 

A Nigerian man has stirred widespread reactions on social media after revealing that he decided to end his marriage because his wife allegedly refused to contribute ₦24,000 towards their daughter’s medical treatment despite having more than ₦600,000 in her bank account.

 

The man made the revelation while appearing on TheJusticeCourt, where he recounted the circumstances that led to the breakdown of the marriage.

 

According to him, the incident occurred when their daughter fell ill and required urgent medical attention. He explained that he was at the hospital with the child but had no money to settle the medical bill, forcing him to wait for financial assistance from his brother, who was outside Nigeria.

 

He said that, despite his financial challenges, he had consistently taken responsibility for providing for his family, ensuring there was food on the table and other household needs were met.

 

The man stated that because he had always catered for the family’s expenses, it never crossed his mind to ask his wife for financial support during the medical emergency.

 

“I was in the hospital with my daughter, and I didn’t have money. I had to wait for my brother, who wasn’t in Nigeria, to send me money. A day before, I had even struggled to send her money for food at work,” he said.

 

He alleged that he later discovered his wife had more than ₦600,000 in her bank account at the time of the incident but chose not to assist with the ₦24,000 needed to treat their daughter.

 

According to him, the discovery left him deeply disappointed and changed his perception of the marriage.

 

He further claimed that after he confiscated his wife’s phone during the disagreement, she purchased another mobile device worth ₦319,000, a development he said reinforced his decision to seek a divorce.

 

“When I later discovered she had more than ₦600,000 in her account, I was shocked. She even bought another phone for ₦319,000 after I seized her old one. That was when I knew I couldn’t continue the marriage,” he alleged.

 

The man’s account has since gone viral across social media platforms, generating heated debate over financial transparency, trust and shared responsibilities in marriage.

 

While many users sympathised with him, arguing that spouses should support each other, particularly during emergencies involving their children, others maintained that the public had only heard one side of the story and cautioned against rushing to conclusions without hearing the wife’s response.

 

The incident has reignited discussions on the importance of open communication about finances, mutual support, and partnership in marriage, with many Nigerians expressing differing opinions on the responsibilities of husbands and wives during periods of financial hardship.

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Rescue Hope Rises as Security Operatives Identify Oyo Kidnappers’ Network

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Rescue Hope Rises as Security Operatives Identify Oyo Kidnappers’ Network

Pressure is mounting on the abductors of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a major intelligence breakthrough that has enabled security agencies to identify members of the kidnapping gang and trace some of their associates across the country.

Security sources said the latest development has unsettled the kidnappers, who are now under intense psychological pressure after discovering that operatives have established links to members of their support network. The breakthrough reportedly followed weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering coordinated by the Department of State Services, after which security operatives launched targeted operations to track the gang’s collaborators.

The development comes less than two weeks after security forces tightened the noose around the abductors by sealing off escape routes and intensifying surveillance around their suspected hideout in the Old Oyo National Park forest, where the victims are believed to be held. The coordinated operation involves the military, the DSS and other security agencies.

A security source said the kidnappers had become increasingly apprehensive as the operation progresses, expressing optimism that the sustained pressure could force them to release the captives.

The source added that a joint team of military personnel and DSS operatives was steadily closing in on the kidnappers’ location while efforts remained focused on securing the safe rescue of the hostages.

Also expressing optimism, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said troops were making steady progress in the ongoing rescue mission and remained committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen launched coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities. The attacks claimed the life of a teacher and left dozens of pupils and teachers in captivity, raising fresh concerns over the spread of mass school abductions into Nigeria’s South-West.

The abductors had earlier demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related conditions before freeing the captives. However, security sources said recent operational gains had forced the gang to reconsider some of its initial demands as pressure from security agencies continued to mount.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the victims were still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, assuring families that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead to secure their release despite the difficult terrain.

 

Rescue Hope Rises as Security Operatives Identify Oyo Kidnappers’ Network

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UPDATED: Gbajabiamila gives Adeniyi 72 hours to retract allegations or face ₦10bn defamation suit

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UPDATED: Gbajabiamila gives Adeniyi 72 hours to retract allegations or face ₦10bn defamation suit
Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi

UPDATED: Gbajabiamila gives Adeniyi 72 hours to retract allegations or face ₦10bn defamation suit

The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, demanding the immediate retraction of what he described as false and defamatory allegations made against him during a press conference held on June 25, 2026, or face both civil and criminal legal proceedings.

The ultimatum was conveyed through Gbajabiamila’s legal counsel, Pinheiro LP, in a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro.

According to the letter, the allegations made by Prince Adeniyi were “false, malicious, reckless and entirely without factual foundation,” and have caused serious damage to the reputation of the President’s Chief of Staff.

The legal notice followed a widely circulated press conference in which Prince Adeniyi levelled several allegations against Gbajabiamila, including claims that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of the take-off grant for the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), received ₦400 million through proxies in connection with appointments, abused his office to intimidate individuals and media organisations, manipulated security agencies, engaged in budget fraud, corruption and abuse of office, and participated in a criminal cover-up, including allegations of murder.

Gbajabiamila’s lawyers rejected the allegations in their entirety, insisting that the Chief of Staff has never met, spoken with or had any personal or official relationship with Prince Adeniyi.

According to the law firm, the allegations amount to grave accusations of criminal conduct made without any credible evidence or lawful justification.

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The solicitors argued that the publication had exposed Gbajabiamila to public ridicule, damaged his reputation both within and outside Nigeria, and undermined public confidence in his office.

“Our client has never at any time met, interacted with, communicated with, or had any form of personal or official dealing whatsoever with you,” the letter stated.

“It is therefore reckless, malicious and entirely baseless to fabricate allegations against someone with whom you have had absolutely no relationship.”

The law firm further argued that the allegations extended beyond legitimate political criticism or fair comment, describing them as deliberate attempts to portray the Chief of Staff as corrupt, dishonest, criminally culpable and unfit for public office.

According to the solicitors, the allegations have generated widespread public attention following their circulation across print, electronic and social media platforms.

The lawyers also drew attention to the ongoing criminal case involving Prince Adeniyi before the Federal High Court, Abuja, identified as Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, FRN v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Ors, in which he is facing charges relating to the alleged forgery of presidential appointment letters and other official documents.

They noted that several issues raised during the June 25 press conference are already the subject of judicial proceedings and criticised Prince Adeniyi for allegedly attempting to litigate the matter through the media instead of allowing the court process to take its course.

“Trial by media remains unknown to Nigerian law and cannot substitute for due process,” the solicitors stated.

As part of the legal demand, Gbajabiamila is requesting that Prince Adeniyi immediately cease making or publishing any further defamatory statements concerning him.

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He is also demanding the removal of all videos, transcripts, publications and other materials relating to the press conference from every platform under Prince Adeniyi’s control.

In addition, the Chief of Staff is insisting on the publication of a full, unequivocal and unreserved apology and retraction in at least five national newspapers, as well as on all digital platforms where the allegations were published.

The lawyers further demanded a written undertaking that Prince Adeniyi would refrain from making any further defamatory statements against their client.

The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within 72 hours would result in both civil and criminal proceedings.

According to the letter, the proposed civil action will seek ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, with any compensation awarded to be donated to charities chosen by Gbajabiamila.

The suit will also seek a perpetual injunction restraining further publication of the allegations and a mandatory court order compelling Prince Adeniyi to publish a retraction and apology.

In addition, the lawyers disclosed that a criminal complaint alleging criminal defamation under the applicable laws of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be filed.

The legal notice comes amid growing controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

During his June 25 press conference, Prince Adeniyi called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine issues surrounding the alleged agency following a disclaimer issued by the Office of the Chief of Staff.

He maintained that the controversy raises broader concerns about governance, transparency and accountability.

Among other claims, Prince Adeniyi questioned references to the alleged agency in the 2026 Appropriation Act, queried whether it operated bank accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and asked whether it was allocated office space within the Federal Secretariat.

He argued that these issues deserved an independent investigation and urged any investigative panel to include civil society organisations and international observers to ensure credibility.

Prince Adeniyi also alleged that disagreements between him and Gbajabiamila arose from an alleged demand for a percentage of the agency’s take-off grant and claimed that proxy payments amounting to ₦400 million had been made in connection with the matter.

However, no documentary evidence supporting those allegations was presented during the press conference.

He further called for investigations into the death of an intermediary he identified as Babatunde Tanimola, alleged assassination attempts against him, and a forensic examination of documents he claimed were signed by the Chief of Staff.

The dispute has taken on added significance following the Presidency’s recent directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported PFIPC, including allegations of forged government documents, impersonation, abuse of official identity and other related offences.

As of the time of filing this report, Prince Adeniyi had not publicly responded to the cease-and-desist letter issued by Gbajabiamila’s legal team.

UPDATED: Gbajabiamila gives Adeniyi 72 hours to retract allegations or face ₦10bn defamation suit

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