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IPOB activities caused delay in Niger bridge completion – FG

Published

3 years ago

December 22, 2022

Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola

Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola yesterday blamed the delay in the completion of the Second Niger Bridge on the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The minister said the Monday sit-at-home directive of the separatist group prevented the contractor handling the project to work for days in the past two years.

Fashola said the project, earlier scheduled for inauguration in October 2022, may now be completed between April and May next year.

The minister spoke yesterday as a guest on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily.

The former Lagos governor explained that the bridge itself and the road linking it to the Obusi-end on the Anambra side had been completed.

But the interchange is at different levels of completion, while the road linking the bridge to the Asaba side is still under construction.

He said: “These dates keep shifting and people must remember that on the eastern side, our contractors have not been able to work on Mondays for almost two years and that has affected the completion date.”

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According to him, the deployment of workers on Saturdays by the contractor cannot make made up for the 52 days (yearly) they could not work on site.

The minister further asserted that certain other challenges like relocating transmission lines connecting the East to the West across the Niger River contributed to days lost and added to the snag that affected the early completion of the bridge within the time earlier stipulated.

Speaking on finishing the last four-kilometre stretch of the road in four months, Mr. Fashola said the construction is taking place in marshy land and as such, there is a great need for dredging and sand filling, a process which he said cannot be rushed.

He emphasized that the ministry and its contractors have made great progress on the road so far because they use Prefabricated Vertical Drains which accelerate settlement and drainage and as such, workers can start building quicker than would ordinarily have been expected.

The minister said the road which was temporarily opened on December 15 for the Yuletide, will be kept open till January 1st, 2023 for those travelling to the East from the West.

He said on January 2, the traffic on the bridge would be reversed to enable travellers returning from the East to West to make use of the road from January 3 to January 15 when it would be shut again.

The minister added that inevitably, the bridge would be tolled to ensure that it is maintained to serve Nigerians for many years.

Fashola said: “Inevitably, the bridge will be tolled. That is the job of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) because part of what we are looking at is that we have a bridge that is properly maintained.

“So, this is where private sector capacity becomes useful. They may not be able to mobilise the capital to buy the asset but they are able to mobilise the expertise and efficiency to operate it, of course not without some due diligence being done.

“That was my experience in Lagos when we did the Lekki Bridge. The government built the bridge, but we contracted a private sector operator to manage the operation and collection of the toll.

“My responsibility is to deliver the asset. Government as the owner will then decide how it wants it to be concessioned, and under what terms and conditions.”

Fashola also appealed to the public to bear the pains resulting from the inconveniences created by on-going construction on major highways across the country.

He noted that most of the side roads that feed onto the main arterial roads are either state or local government roads.

According to him, one of the things the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will consider is an “old road” to serve as an alternative route.

“Hopefully, if we get there, I think that will be one option. We mean no harm. The last six-kilometre into Lagos on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, we deliberately left for the last because we knew it was going to be the most difficult to build because of the traffic, the density, and the human activity there.

“So, whilst places like the Second Niger Bridge and Bodo-Bonny Road, which are virgin projects, seem to be moving quite quickly, building through Abuja-Kano, Lagos-Ibadan, Ikorodu-Sagamu or Kano-Maiduguri that are trafficked every day have different logistic challenges.” The Nation

Related Topics:Featured FG IPOB Niger bridge

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Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

Published

8 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

Maiduguri, Nigeria – The military high command has announced that troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush mounted by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during a swift rescue operation along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State . The operation, executed on Saturday, May 23, 2026, demonstrated the military’s enhanced surveillance capability and combat readiness in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation followed the detection of terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road into surrounding bushes. The military explained that at approximately 11:22 am, vigilant troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Dutse Kura identified the movement of the terrorists through surveillance systems and immediately activated a Quick Reaction Force . Reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were also mobilized to support the rescue effort, ensuring that sufficient manpower was deployed to overwhelm the terrorist group.

The troops reportedly pursued the terrorists towards the Mangari-Dora general area, engaging them in a fierce firefight that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee in disarray. The military confirmed that all 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females, and seven children, were rescued alongside eight vehicles recovered during the operation. The successful rescue came as a significant blow to the terrorist network, which has increasingly resorted to highway abductions as a tactic to disrupt civilian movement and generate revenue through ransom demands.

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As the fleeing terrorists attempted to slow down the advancing troops and prevent the rescue of their captives, they planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis in what was described as a calculated ambush attempt. However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of Operation Hadin Kai promptly responded to the threat, detecting and safely detonating all three devices before they could cause any harm. The successful clearance of the IEDs enabled troops to continue their pursuit for approximately five kilometers beyond the Mangari area , demonstrating the military’s ability to overcome terrorist obstacles in real-time.

The military confirmed that subsequent search operations conducted across the area verified that the terrorists had abandoned their captives, vehicles, and operational objectives before fleeing in confusion. Notably, Operation Hadin Kai troops recorded no personnel or equipment casualties throughout the entire rescue operation, a testament to the professionalism and tactical superiority of the Nigerian military forces involved. The rescued civilians were immediately consolidated, provided with welfare support including food, water, and medical attention, and escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.

The military noted that the successful operation further demonstrated the operational reach, surveillance capability, and combat readiness of Operation Hadin Kai. The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North-East Theatre , issuing a stern warning to terrorist groups that attempts to kidnap or intimidate civilians will be met with “swift and overwhelming force.”

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This successful rescue operation comes amid intensified military offensives against terrorist groups in Borno State. Between May 15 and 21, 2026, troops neutralized terrorists during clearance operations in Gwoza Local Government Area and arrested suspected collaborators involved in insurgent logistics. Several terrorists and their family members have also surrendered to troops due to sustained operational pressure, indicating that the military’s strategy of continuous offensives is yielding results.

In a separate operation along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, troops recently rescued four abducted persons, including a three-year-old child, who had been kidnapped during an attack on the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. So far, a total of 65 abducted persons have been rescued in ongoing operations across the theatre, highlighting the military’s sustained focus on hostage rescue as a core component of its counter-insurgency strategy.

Additionally, on May 23, 2026, troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces repelled an attack by suspected terrorists who attempted to infiltrate a military position in Kirawa town along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. At least 12 suspected terrorists were killed in the ensuing gunfight, and troops recovered weapons including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and a machine gun. The successful border defense operation further underscores the military’s ability to secure Nigeria’s international boundaries against terrorist incursions.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified ongoing military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, and other criminal elements. Under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, troops continue to dismantle insurgent camps, intercept logistics supply routes, recover weapons, and rescue kidnapped victims. The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities or objects to security agencies, emphasizing that community collaboration remains essential in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

As of May 25, 2026, Operation Hadin Kai maintains its commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East region, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to neutralize threats and safeguard lives and property. The successful rescue of 92 civilians serves as a clear message that the Nigerian military remains a formidable force against terrorism and will not relent until every captive is freed and every terrorist is brought to justice.

Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

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BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Published

20 hours ago

May 24, 2026

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BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations in which social activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) appears to make crude sexual advances toward her, including a message that read: “If we fuck, fine; if we don’t, bye.” The reality star, whose full name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, accused the outspoken online critic of later turning against her after she rejected his overtures.

In the screenshots shared via her official social media handles, a contact saved as “Vdmmmm” sent a series of sexually explicit texts. Among them: “Growing up I just say I’m sexually attracted to you,” “I always add sexually,” and “Make we fuck.” Phyna’s responses in the chat show her declining the alleged request. She replied: “I wasn’t interested” and accused the activist of lying and manipulation.

Phyna further claimed that after she turned him down, VeryDarkMan weaponized unrelated personal matters to damage her public image. “All this time I’ve been saying you lied, you refused to reply,” she wrote. “Can’t wait for your downfall because you are EVIL.” She also alleged that VDM involved a mutual contact—referred to as “friend blacky”—to pressure her, and later exploited a controversy involving her sister and a Dangote truck accident as a means of retaliation. “The worst lie a man can tell is to lie to someone to get their feelings,” Phyna wrote. “You choose my sister’s birthday of all days to divert attention.”

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The leaked exchanges have ignited fierce debate online. Some social media users condemned the circulation of private chats, while others argued that the messages, if authentic, reveal a pattern of coercive and manipulative behavior. As of press time, VeryDarkMan had not issued any formal response to the specific WhatsApp screenshots or the allegations of romantic advances. His representatives could not be reached for comment.

The controversy adds to a growing list of public confrontations between Nigerian celebrities and online activists. Phyna had previously sought VDM’s help regarding a legal issue involving her sister, but that relationship has since collapsed. Observers note that allegations involving rejected advances followed by online retaliation often raise serious questions about privacy, consent, and the misuse of digital influence.

While the screenshots have circulated widely, no independent forensic verification of the WhatsApp exchanges has been conducted. Both parties have not provided call recordings or additional metadata to authenticate the timeline of messages. The development remains a he-said-she-said dispute, though Phyna has urged the public to review the chats and draw their own conclusions.

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

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Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

Published

22 hours ago

May 24, 2026

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Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

COTONOU – Nigerian military personnel have been stationed at key locations across Cotonou, Republic of Benin, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni, which began at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, marking a significant political transition for the West African nation. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, citing informed sources, disclosed that Nigerian Army troops were positioned as part of the frontline security architecture for the event. The deployment is aimed at protecting the inauguration venue and other vulnerable and strategic locations within Benin’s commercial hub. “The deployment forms part of coordinated regional security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free inauguration ceremony expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, heads of government, diplomats and foreign delegations from across Africa and beyond,” Makama said.

The deployment of Nigerian soldiers to Benin Republic follows an official announcement by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who disclosed that troops were deployed under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to defend democracy, ensure security, and support peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region. Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja on Monday, May 18, 2026, Shaibu stated: “Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals network, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas. We are also not oblivious of the security situation around our contiguous countries with Nigeria, which necessitate the deployment of troops for Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to restore democracy, ensure security, and the peaceful conduct of elections in the Republic of Benin.” The army chief emphasized the importance of sustaining collaboration among security agencies and regional partners in addressing evolving security threats across the sub-region. “Equally important is the need to deepen joint and interagency cooperation while integrating technology, innovation, and real-time intelligence into our operations,” he added. The Nigerian Army would continue to promote intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative mechanisms designed to deny criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries.

Sources further revealed that security had been reinforced around major roads, public institutions, strategic facilities and the Presidential Palace district in Cotonou ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Surveillance activities and patrol operations were also stepped up before the commencement of the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony represents Wadagni’s assumption of a seven-year constitutional term as President of the Republic of Benin. Benin’s official inauguration ceremonies typically follow a traditional state protocol, comprising the official handover of power and transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, followed by a ceremonial motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo, the country’s constitutional capital. Wadagni’s running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, was also sworn in as Vice President during the ceremonies.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has meanwhile arrived in Cotonou on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the inauguration ceremony. Shettima, accompanied by senior government officials and aides, is participating in the event as a special guest of the Beninese authorities. Upon arrival at the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport, he was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, S.E.M Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; Ambassador-designate of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim; and other senior diplomatic staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou. In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the Nigerian delegation is expected to join other African leaders and international dignitaries attending the ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou. The statement added that the occasion highlights the enduring diplomatic, economic and socio-cultural relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Both countries maintain longstanding bilateral ties built on regional commerce, border management, security cooperation and shared ECOWAS objectives.

The deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic fits within a broader framework of regional security cooperation. The Nigerian government has emphasized that regional peace, stability and deeper integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remain key priorities for President Tinubu’s administration amid evolving political and security challenges across the sub-region. “Of importance to Nigeria is also the stability, peace, and deepened integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which President Tinubu has remained committed since assumption of office despite its challenges,” the Presidency stated. In addition to military deployment, Nigeria has been actively seeking stronger cross-border cooperation mechanisms to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. At a recent ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation meeting in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission emphasized that deeper regional integration would enhance joint security operations, improve resource sharing and promote socio-economic development among border communities across West Africa. The ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation programme, first adopted by Heads of State and Government in January 2006, provides opportunities for joint security operations capable of guaranteeing peace, security and stability within border areas.

Security analysts note that north-eastern Benin shares a border with north-western Nigeria, where armed jihadist groups have expanded their operations in recent months. The troop deployment follows Senate approval granted in December 2025, when the upper legislative chamber endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at protecting democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power. This is not the first time the countries have collaborated on security matters. In February 2026, high-ranking military officials from both countries met in Cotonou to formalise bilateral security cooperation to counter terrorist groups along their shared border, with the security strategy reportedly including coordinating border patrols, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and increasing monitoring of cross-border flows.

Vice President Shettima is expected back in Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration events. President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed Nigeria’s support for regional stability, democratic governance and deeper integration within West Africa. As President Wadagni assumes office for his seven-year term, the presence of Nigerian troops under Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 is expected to continue, focusing on restoring democracy, ensuring security, and maintaining peaceful processes in the Republic of Benin.