NSCIA calls for revocation of Oyedepo’s private airstrip licence - Newstrends
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NSCIA calls for revocation of Oyedepo’s private airstrip licence

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President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni and Bishop David Oyedepo

NSCIA calls for revocation of Oyedepo’s private airstrip licence

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for the immediate revocation of a private airstrip licence granted to Living Faith Church Worldwide, led by Bishop David Oyedepo, citing potential threats to national peace and security.

In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its 10th meeting of the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC), held on Sunday, 1st December 2024, at the National Mosque in Abuja, the Council described the approval as “an aberration of the highest order.”

While the communiqué did not specifically name Bishop David Oyedepo, the licence granted to his church in October for the construction of an airstrip has been a topic of public discourse.

The meeting, chaired by the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, was attended by an array of Muslim leaders, government officials, and security representatives.

The communiqué, signed by the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof Salisu Shehu, stated: “The Council calls for the immediate revocation of the private airstrip licence approved for a religious leader, describing it as an aberration of the highest order that could threaten the peace and security of the country.”

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The NSCIA stressed that regulatory authorities must exercise greater diligence when issuing such licences to ensure that they do not compromise the security and unity of the nation.

The meeting addressed various issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and the country at large, with the Council commending efforts by the federal government, traditional leaders, and religious organisations in reducing communal clashes across Nigeria. However, the airstrip licence emerged as a significant area of concern, with the Council urging authorities to act decisively to prevent potential misuse.

The communiqué noted the need for trust-building and dialogue to address the country’s challenges, adding: “At a time when what is urgently needed are trust-building, extensive consultation, and genuine dialogue, actions that create unnecessary tension must be avoided.”

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity and peace, urging government agencies to prioritise the collective good over individual interests.

 

NSCIA calls for revocation of Oyedepo’s private airstrip licence

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14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London

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Eghosa Ogbebor

14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London

A 14-year-old British-Nigerian boy, identified as Eghosa Ogbebor, has been fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London, prompting a major police investigation and the arrest of three teenagers. The tragic incident has sparked shock and grief in the local community and among the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting on Lord Warwick Street at around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, 2 April, near Woolwich Dockyard. Emergency responders attempted to save the boy’s life, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have identified the suspects as two teenage boys aged 14 and 16 and an 18-year-old man, all of whom have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. Detectives are urging members of the public with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings to come forward to assist with ongoing inquiries.

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Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Eghosa’s family, stating that they are being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy during this difficult time. She acknowledged the concern the incident has caused across Woolwich and confirmed an increased police presence in the area to reassure residents.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with multiple gunshots heard and panic among pedestrians in the vicinity. The shooting took place near local community areas, heightening the shock and fear among residents.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, condemned the killing and emphasized that “there is absolutely no place for this heartbreaking violence in our city.” He confirmed close collaboration with the police to ensure safety and support for the community.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in London and the urgent need for community-based interventions to prevent such senseless acts. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and are working to uncover the circumstances that led to the death of the young British-Nigerian boy.

14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London

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Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt

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Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy

Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt

Gunmen on Thursday evening ambushed the convoy of Mouktar Lugga, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Zamfara State, in a brazen attack along the Funtua–Gusau highway.

The incident occurred at about 6:16 p.m. near Kucheri village as Lugga was returning to Gusau from an official engagement in Funtua.

According to security and local sources, the attackers—suspected to be armed bandits—launched a coordinated ambush from both sides of the road, opening heavy gunfire on the convoy in what appeared to be a targeted assault.

The vehicle conveying Lugga, his driver, and two other occupants came under direct attack, with bullets reportedly hitting the windscreen. One of the shots narrowly missed the driver, while another assailant attempted to fire at close range but his weapon malfunctioned.

Despite the intensity of the нападение, the driver maintained control and successfully navigated the vehicle out of the kill zone, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome. All occupants escaped unhurt.

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Security sources said the convoy had minimal escort at the time of the incident, raising concerns about the vulnerability of public officials travelling along high-risk routes in the North-West.

Following the attack, security operatives launched a search operation in surrounding bush areas, while patrols along the Funtua–Gusau corridor were intensified to prevent further incidents.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but government sources confirmed that Lugga is safe and has since returned to base.

The highway where the attack occurred is known for frequent bandit ambushes, kidnappings, and armed robberies, linking parts of Zamfara and Katsina states—two regions heavily affected by criminal gangs.

Security analysts note that such attacks are often carried out by loosely organised armed groups seeking to kidnap high-profile individuals for ransom or to assert territorial control.

The latest incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, despite ongoing military operations and recent deployments aimed at securing major roads and rural communities.

Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, avoid night travel where possible, and report suspicious movements to security agencies as efforts continue to restore safety across the region.

Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt

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NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

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NAF Airstrike

NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-insurgency campaign in Nigeria’s North-East, carrying out a precision airstrike that destroyed a terrorist enclave and killed several fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province in Borno State.

The operation targeted Kangarwa in the northern Tumbuns axis—an area long regarded as a stronghold for insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad basin.

In a statement issued on Friday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the strike was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on April 1 at about 12:05 p.m.

According to him, the mission followed credible intelligence reports indicating increased террорист activity in the area. Subsequent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence and movement of fighters within the enclave prior to the strike.

“The precision strike was carried out based on credible intelligence, reinforced by earlier ISR missions which confirmed the massing of terrorists and sustained hostile activity within the enclave,” Ejodame said.
“Following positive identification and target confirmation, NAF air assets conducted successive aggressive strike passes, delivering accurate fires on the identified locations.”

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He added that the bombardment obliterated key structures, including command posts and logistics hubs, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the террорист network.

“The strike neutralised scores of fighters, destroyed critical infrastructure, and left the enclave severely degraded, with its operational utility significantly diminished,” he said.

Military sources indicated that Kangarwa serves as a strategic transit and coordination hub for insurgents moving across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad fringes. The destruction of the enclave is expected to disrupt planned attacks and weaken supply chains for fighters in the region.

The NAF spokesman further noted that the operation has created favourable conditions for ground forces to advance and conduct clearance operations, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to sustain pressure on fleeing insurgents.

He stressed that the strike dealt a significant blow to ISWAP elements, particularly affecting their command structure and mobility.

“The operation is assessed to have eliminated several ISWAP fighters with devastating impact, while the enclave’s command and support structure suffered a major setback,” Ejodame stated.

Security analysts say the latest strike highlights improved coordination between air and ground forces, a strategy increasingly adopted by the Nigerian military to dismantle insurgent networks more effectively.

The renewed offensive comes amid sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to clear террорист enclaves across Borno and the wider North-East, where insurgency has persisted for over a decade.

Authorities reaffirmed that air interdiction missions and ground assaults will continue in a bid to eliminate remaining террорист elements and restore lasting stability to affected communities.

NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

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