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

Published

3 years ago

March 27, 2022

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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Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

Published

7 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Trends Admin

Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

A senior judicial officer in Rivers State, Chief Magistrate K.E. George, has tendered his resignation in protest against the ongoing emergency administration imposed on the state.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, George announced his voluntary retirement, citing the appointment of a “quasi-military administration” as the primary reason for his decision.

“This type of governance system is not only alien but also runs against the hallowed principles of the legal profession,” he wrote.

George, who served the judiciary for 16 years, said continuing in his role under the current political arrangement would imply tacit approval of the emergency governance structure.

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President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance and political instability. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator for six months to oversee the state’s affairs.

Since assuming office, Ibas has suspended several state officials and initiated new appointments across various institutions—a development that has stirred legal controversy.

Chief Judicial officer quits over emergency rule in Rivers

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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

Published

7 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Trends Admin

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

The Abuja-Kaduna expressway, whose construction was long abandoned, has been re-awarded at the cost of N777 billion.

Flagging off the road at the weekend, the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), is vital to the socio-economic life of northern Nigeria.

He noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunted economic growth.

Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched, helplessly, as its condition worsened over the years.

According to him, the road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.

“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region,” he further explained.

The governor recalled that he had pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several town hall meetings, and engaging directly with the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari.

“In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him. Mr President not only gave me a listening ear, but he also gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay,” he said.

According to him, one of the reasons that the former contractor gave for not completing the project, apart from funding, was the insecurity that was prevailing along the corridor at that time.

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Uba Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day or night without the fear of being attacked, kidnapped or killed.

He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

The governor also disclosed that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna town.

In a statement, the Minister of Works, Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre expressway would be completed within 14 months with continuous reinforced concrete-pavement (CRCP).

He stated that the road’s standard will be like that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The governor revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job.”

Umahi also disclosed that the president has directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and close-circuit TV surveillance throughout its stretch.

The minister further stated that President Tinubu has awarded the completion of the remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that “30 percent of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.

“Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometres at a total cost of N525 billion.

“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constructing roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” he emphasised.

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He commended Uba Sani for his relentless efforts towards ensuring that the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the president and the APC.”

Also, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, appreciated Tinubu for his people-orientated leadership and infrastructural interventions across the length and breadth of the country.

“We see your numerous achievements, especially infrastructure from Illela-Sokoto to Lagos-Badagry. You have redefined road construction in Nigeria through the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model,” he said.

Also, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, the Director, Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Engineer Clement Ogbuagu, drummed up the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the corridors of the road, to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.

“Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward as the government determines the well-being of its citizens. He urged the company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success,” he added.

In his remarks, the former Senator of Kaduna South, Danjuma La’al, commended the Federal Government’s efforts at infrastructural development in the state.

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

Published

7 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Trends Admin

Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala

Some social media users in Nigeria have mental challenges — Bwala

Daniel Bwala, the special adviser on policy communications to President Bola Tinubu, has said some social media users commenting on national issues in Nigeria may have some form of mental health challenges.

Mr Bwala stated during an interview on Channels TV while responding to social media speculations that Mr Tinubu’s recent visit to France was for medical reasons.

He, however, said that contrary to the speculations, Mr Tinubu is not in France for medical treatment but for a working visit.

“Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting; you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health somewhere. You just see that information is coming out.

“The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities,” he added.

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The presidential aide also took a swipe at the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, for his constant criticism of the Tinubu administration.

He said Mr Ndume has no tangible achievement to show for his over two decades at the National Assembly.

Mr Bwala also urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress to be wary of the lawmaker, alleging that his soul and spirits are already with the opposition.

“Let me tell you today, and I want everybody to hear, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje. Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going.

“It is better the way [Nasir] El-Rufai did: just say I am leaving. You’d give more honour and credit to El-Rufai that he didn’t feel he could stay and be a snitch,” he added.