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A’Ibom police nab four fake EFCC officers for attempted kidnapping

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A’Ibom police nab four fake EFCC officers for attempted kidnapping

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspected fake Economic Financial Crimes Commission officers while planning to abduct and collect N150 million ransom from their victim (name withheld).

Parading the suspects alongside other suspects at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, said the principal suspect, Emmanuel Akpayak, masterminded the kidnap of the would-be victim whom he owed over N12 million as he tried to extort money from him and subsequently kill him to evade repayment of his debt.

He listed the suspects to include one Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak ‘m’ aged 27yrs, Echem Ovurizichi Weneka ‘m’ aged 27yrs, Promise Udofia ‘m’ aged 28yrs and Jeremiah Johnson Okon ‘m’ 38yrs.

According to the CP, “Investigation revealed that Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak had arranged for the kidnap and killing of the would-be victim by engaging men on arms and procuring EFCC vest/uniform for the Operation.

“Victim was invited and a search was conducted at the principal suspect’s house where four pairs of EFCC vests were recovered. Information at hand indicates that the suspect transacted the business of selling cars with the would-be victim and owed the victim about Twelve Million Naira (N12,000,000.00), inorder to evade the repayment of debt, the suspect hired armed men to kidnap, extort the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N150,000,000.00) and also kill the victim thereafter but the Operation was foiled. Suspects will have their day in court.”

In an interview with the principal suspect, Akpayak, he claimed that the intending victim was his business associate to whom he owed some money but hired ” boys” who were issuing threats to him.

He noted that attempts to make his associate come to a round table discussion failed hence he resorted to getting an EFCC vest from an online vendor to give to his syndicate who posed as officials to arrest the man and force him to bring N150 mllion as he alleged that the would-be victim is rich and into internet fraud.

The Commissioner also paraded suspected advance fee fraudsters who have been swindling POS operators in Uyo.

“On 21/06/2024 at about 7:00 pm, one Glory Uko Okon ‘f’ of Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan Village, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, called in through the emergency hotline and alleged that one Donald Ita Nyong ‘m’, Rex Clement Uso ‘m’ and one Kingsley Mathias Joekim POS syndicates came to her POS stand at Udo Udoma Avenue Uyo, pretended to make a withdrawal of N10,000 and while she made the withdrawal to the suspects, one of the suspects gave her N3,200 to deposit into an Opay account which she tried three times and the transaction was unsuccessful, the suspects mounted pressure on her which made her give out the POS machine to the suspect’s to type in the account number and before she could realise.

“The suspects had withdrawn the sum of N320,000.00 from her machine and quickly jumped into their waiting car and zoomed off. Suspects were arrested, they all made useful statements and have confessed to the crime.”

The police boss also paraded child trafficking syndicates saying that the command acting on intelligence arrested one Michael Emmanuel Edet ‘m’, Ability Henry Tom ‘f’ and one Uwem Udoh Moses ‘f’ from their hideouts within Ibesikpo and Aka Etinan road for stealing a child (name withheld) ‘m’ 12yrs while he was hawking groundnut along Oron road and was taken to Ovum Community in Obingwa L.G.A Abia State

He said the child was sold out for the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N400,000) to one Loveth Nkwankwo ‘f’ of Ovum Community, Obingwa L.G.A.

He added that further investigation led to the arrest of the said Loveth Nkwakwo in Abia State saying that the suspects confessed to the crime and promised to help arrest other fleeing members in their syndicate even as he disclosed that the victim was rescued and with others.

Ayilara noted that all suspects would be charged in court at the end of investigations and urged the people of Akwa Ibom to always provide the police with useful information that would help in the eradication of crime and criminal elements in the State.

While thanking Governor Umo Eno for his massive support to police, the Commissioner said he shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring security and peace in the state.

Abia Speaker denies expelling journalist from press briefing, calls reports false

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Abia Speaker denies expelling journalist from press briefing, calls reports false

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, has vehemently denied allegations that he expelled a journalist from Enyimba FM during a press briefing held at the state Assembly’s conference hall in Umuahia.
In response to claims made by Enyimba FM, Speaker Emeruwa described the reports as “false, unfounded, and intended to sow discord between the office of the speaker and journalists in the state.” He urged the public to dismiss the allegations outright.
In a statement titled “Re: Expulsion of Enyimba FM journalist from press briefing in the Abia State House of Assembly on Monday, Speaker Emeruwa emphasized his commitment to upholding the constitutional role of journalists in a democracy. He stated unequivocally that he would never discriminate against or order the expulsion of any journalist, regardless of their views on his leadership.
“I am a friend of the media and maintain personal relationships with many journalists in the state, several of whom have direct access to me,” Speaker Emeruwa affirmed.
He clarified that during the press briefing concerning the establishment of the Abia State House of Assembly service commission by Governor Alex Otti and other significant matters, journalists from various media organizations were in attendance. He stressed that all journalists were present and seated before his arrival alongside the Deputy Speaker, other Assembly officials, and members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).
“At no point did I expel any journalist from the press briefing or instruct them not to ask questions on any topic,” Speaker Emeruwa reiterated.
Read also: Rivers sets date for local govt elections amidst leadership dispute
He emphasized his respect for press freedom and his commitment to fostering a conducive environment for media practitioners to perform their duties.
“I urge the public to disregard such reports as fake and baseless propaganda aimed at causing discord between the office of the speaker and journalists in the state,” he added.
The post Abia Speaker denies expelling journalist from press briefing, calls reports false appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

You won’t return to Senate in 2027 – Wike threatens FCT Senator, Kingibe

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You won’t return to Senate in 2027 – Wike threatens FCT Senator, Kingibe

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has lashed out at the senator representing the territory, Ireti Heebah Kingibe.
Speaking during the flag-off of the construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, Wike said Kingibe would lose the support of FCT residents in the next election.
The former Rivers State Governor said it was disheartening that instead of collaborating with the FCT Administration, Kingibe was instead angry that residents are reportedly praising him (Wike).
“I overheard somebody on Arise TV this morning. Unfortunately, I heard the person is a member of the National Assembly and it is unfortunate I say so. With all due respect, what you don’t know, you don’t know, what you know you know, and the good thing for you is to tell people you don’t when you don’t know, then people will educate you.
“The Honourable Minister of State and my humble self-have not been in office for more than 11 months and the person is angry that they are praising us. If you don’t want or you are angry about that, go and hang yourself on a transformer.
“If we have done well, we have done well. If we haven’t done well, we haven’t done well. I am proud to say that in the short time that Mr President has appointed us, we have done well.
“You said there are no hospitals. You, as a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored for us to improve our education and health sector,” he queried.
He challenged Kingibe to contest in 2027, insisting that she would fail woefully.
According to Wike, what happened in the last election that brought Kingibe into power would not repeat itself.
He stressed that FCT is his territory and he is not afraid.
Wike urged people to accept the truth, stressing that he would not beg anyone to be their friend.
TVN recalls that Kingibe had, during the television programme, criticised the Wike-led administration in the FCT, saying she is not a friend of the minister.
You won’t return to Senate in 2027 – Wike threatens FCT Senator, Kingibe

Meet 103-year-old Tanzania woman who waited years to meet her white boyfriend

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Meet 103-year-old Tanzania woman who waited years to meet her white boyfriend

A 103-year-old Tanzanian woman identified as Mariam Hussein has narrated the lifelong story of love and patience detailing her deep affection for a white boyfriend named John, whom she failed to meet again after he left.

Hussein, who spoke with Afrimax’s English anchor, Simon Greenwood, in Swahili (translated to English) recently said she was convinced that her European boyfriend would find her soon so they could rekindle their love, but she ended up single and celibate all her life.

According to her, John was a young man full of adventure and kindness who had come to Tanzania seeking adventure.

“I met John, a young white man from Europe who had come to Tanzanian in search of adventure and purpose. I helped him navigate and settle comfortably into his new environment. Over time, our friendship blossomed into something more, to be honest, he was unlike anyone I have ever met his manners, stories, and kindness all fascinated me he respected my culture and showed genuine interest in my life and aspirations we spent countless hours envisioning a future filled with love and happiness I believed he was truly unique and indeed he was.

Mariam Hussein

“Our relationship blossomed and I found myself falling deeply in love every moment we spent together made my feelings for him grow stronger, I could see that he loved me too, his eyes sparkled with genuine affection whenever he looked at me and his actions always showed his care and commitment.

“I love him back wholeheartedly and unconditionally because, for the first time in my life, it was all about love in its purest form we shared dreams, hopes and secrets together, building an unbreakable bond I also hoped that John would be the one to change my destiny I dreamt that he may take me away from the life of struggle I had always known and experienced with him I envisioned a future filled with endless possibilities free from the hardship that had defined my past he gave me hope that together we could build a new life full of love and happiness,” the woman said.

Mariam Hussein

The woman, who has never married nor had children, stressed that her hopes were dashed when John abruptly received an urgent call to return to his village without bidding her farewell or explaining.

Devastated by his sudden disappearance, Hussein spent years searching for him, believing that he would someday return to fulfil their dreams.

“I was devastated I couldn’t believe he had disappeared initially. I considered the possibility of it being a prank or a test of my patience. I searched high and low for John desperately hoping for an explanation but he was nowhere to be found days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and still there was no trace of him months turned into years and yet I clung to believe that John would eventually return.

“I refused to accept the idea that he may not come back anytime soon despite the wonderful moments we had shared, I remained a virgin in our culture, it was expected that preserve her purity until marriage having sex before a marriage was considered a taboo so I made it my priority to maintain my purity…,”  she noted.

Mariam Hussein

The 103-year-old woman further asserted that she had always believed that one day she would be married to John and her patience would be rewarded.

“This cultural belief was deeply ingrained in me and I took my commitment to take it seriously even though I loved John deeply and we had an incredible bond. I remained steadfast in upholding this cultural value.

Mariam Hussein

“I believed that one day, we would be married and my patience would be rewarded … however as years went by the hopes of his returns began to fade leaving me feeling both betrayed and alone nevertheless, I remained resolute in my promise to myself and my culture,” she said.

Over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power -Minister

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Over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power -Minister

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on Monday, lamented that 80 per cent of Nigerians cannot afford housing due to financial constraints.

This, Dangiwa noted accounted for the major causes of the housing deficit in the country.

The minister stated this in his keynote address at the opening of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Kaduna.

He noted that the major issue governments at all levels have to address in their desire to deliver sustainability to the citizens is the issue of affordability.

He added that statistics had shown that almost half of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million are poor and have weak purchasing power.

He said, “In fact, of the 43 million households, over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power. Of this, 40% (about 17.2 million households fall into the poverty income group and 47% (about 20.2 million) fall into the low-income group.

“On the whole, statistics reveal that Nigeria is a low-income country as it has only 13% of its population as middle class. The recent macro-economic challenges including inflation have made things worse.”

Against this backdrop, the minister said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, was planning to establish a National Social Housing Funds.

He said under the NSHF, the Federal Government aimed to pull funds from the government budget, philanthropic organisations and well-meaning Nigerians towards providing decent shelter for Nigerians with no income, low income and vulnerable brackets who cannot afford to own their homes.

“Some of these units will be delivered at no cost. We have developed the concept note that is undergoing review. Once concluded we will present it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and legislation.

“Social housing is not only a necessity it is also a security insurance for the rich and the poor. Because housing is capital intensive and the government has limited funds, we must find alternative collective avenues to help our brothers and sisters who are underprivileged. It is for our collective good.

“In this way, the underprivileged will know that we are one; that we are our brother’s keeper and that will help social cohesion, understanding and peace. This is because home ownership gives individuals a sense of belonging and a stake in the community,” the minister said.

He also commended the Uba Sani-led government for its practical, inclusive and pragmatic vision for housing delivery which led to the organisation of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition.

Earlier in his remarks, Sani represented by his Deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, said the provision of affordable houses for citizens of the state was a key priority of his administration.

He said he is committed to addressing the housing deficit across the State in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said that the state government had adopted a holistic approach towards filling the identified gap through partnerships with local and international investors to address its housing deficit.

He said, “Qatar Charity in partnership with the Kaduna State Government is constructing Mass Housing for the Less Privileged and Kaduna Economic City, all in Millennium City, Kaduna. I recently performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the 3319 Hectares Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension Layout.

“This project is being executed through a public-private partnership. Nuru Suraj and Kaduna State Government are working together to develop 35,000 plots for our people.

“The Social Housing Scheme was introduced in order to provide affordable accommodation as a social service for the vulnerable populace (the low-income earners). Efficient design and construction methods, which are key indicators that drive the affordability target of the scheme, were employed.”

The governor also stated that his administration has attracted many investors (Real Estate Developers) and has partnered with them in the construction of mass housing estates across the state under PPP arrangement.

On his part, the Managing Director Kaduna State Development and Property Company, Abubakar Rabiu-Abubakar announced the launch of two social initiatives: ‘the Arewa Construction Academy and the KSDPC Housing Cooperative Society,’ demonstrating the state’s commitment to social investment, skill development, and addressing the housing needs of low and middle-income families.

Rabiu-Abubakar also said KSDPC was set to embark on certain key housing and housing infrastructure projects including the Ultramodern Mechanics Village for the Eastern Sector of the Kaduna metropolis, featuring an Electric Vehicle (EV) Assembly Plant, CNG Conversion Stations, EV Charger Manufacturing, and strategically located EV charging points, A 5-star Hospital with Doctor Quarters.

“A private university to be known as ABSAAR University, a Building Materials Village to service the Eastern Sector of Kaduna metropolis, A Trucks and Heavy-Duty Mechanics Village, which are expected to attract and facilitate the construction and delivery of at least 2000 mixed-type housing units across Kaduna metropolis within the next 5 years.

“This exhibition is a testament to our efforts to transform aspirations into tangible results, ensuring that Kaduna State remains a beacon of progress and opportunity for all its residents,” the KSDPC boss said

Fire service CG demands enforcement powers to improve efficiency

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Fire service CG demands enforcement powers to improve efficiency

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, AbdulGaniyu Jaji, has said the lack of enforcement powers is hindering his personnel’s ability to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.

Jaji explained that when potential fire hazards or actions that disrupt firefighting efforts are ignored after being pointed out, the fire service is powerless.

He added that with enforcement powers, the service would be able to prevent fire outbreaks while effectively exercising its authority.

The CG spoke during the inauguration of the committee on research and development of the fire service training curriculum in Abuja on Monday.

He said, “We need to strengthen our IIE, that is, Inspectorate, Investigation and Enforcement. Now, we need to have an enforcement that can bite.

“If you go to a particular place and say, look, this place is not good, you seal it. By the time you are able to seal it, even if they go to court, you have the law that backs you up that this thing is supposed not to be like this. But if you don’t have that law, it will cause a problem.”

Jaji also lamented the practice of building shops in areas designated for fire hydrants in markets.

He added that this makes it difficult to combat fires during outbreaks.

Jaji said, “If you look at Karu market, you realize that the shanties or the buildings that are there are the cause of the fire. We are the market people.

“We allocate a place that is purposely for fire hydrants and they will build shops on it. Even if the firefighters or the fire plants get to that place, there will be no access for you to fight the fire. And again, people are not even conscious.”

The CG also called for the review of the Fire Service Act of 1963, adding that its provisions were outdated.

He said, “The only way by which that can be met properly is for us to be able to review our acts. Because the act is obsolete. The act that was established in 1963, you realize that the modern act is 2024, and you begin to use an act of 1963. ”

The Chief Executive Officer of Veil Consultants, Machie Olisehemeka, stated that the review of its training curriculum was necessary to help personnel’s efficiency

He said, “Whatever you do in life, there has to be training, training, and retraining.

“If you are not trained to meet the emerging trends, everyday things are changing. Everything, firefighting, fire prevention, everything about the world is changing. So we have to train to meet with the emerging changes that are being let loose on us.”

Rivers sets date for local govt elections amidst leadership dispute

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Rivers sets date for local govt elections amidst leadership dispute

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially scheduled October 5 as the date for conducting local government elections across the state.
This announcement follows a series of consultations and preparations aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process.
In a statement released on Monday, RSIEC outlined comprehensive guidelines designed to govern the forthcoming council elections.
The commission’s decision comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding leadership within the local government councils.
Currently, police operatives remain stationed at various local government council secretariats, a measure implemented in response to the leadership crisis that has gripped the councils.The crisis escalated following the expiration of the tenures of the elected chairmen and councillors across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The LG chairmen insisted on staying back in office, relying on a controversial law passed by the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which gave them a six-month extention.
Read also: SPECIAL REPORT: How abandoned bridge compounds sufferings of Borno residents
In response, Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara who has dieected the Chairmen to vacate office and handover to the Directors of Local Government Administration, inaugurated Caretaker Committees to oversee the councils temporarily until new elections could be conducted.
The situation has not been without controversy, as outgoing chairmen, aligned with Wike, have contested their removal. They argue that their tenure was extended by six months under provisions of the repealed Local Government Administration law of the state, a claim disputed by RSIEC.
With the date now set, all eyes are on RSIEC to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people amidst the backdrop of ongoing political tensions and legal disputes.
The post Rivers sets date for local govt elections amidst leadership dispute appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Constitutional amendment required for INEC to conduct LG polls in states – Yakubu

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Constitutional amendment required for INEC to conduct LG polls in states – Yakubu

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that the Commission has no constitutional power to conduct local council elections except in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Yakubu said this on the sidelines of a two-day induction retreat for INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Monday in Lagos.
He was reacting to calls for INEC to be given a constitutional backing to conduct local council elections.
Describing the issue as ‘a constitutional matter’, Yakubu stressed that unless necessary constitutional amendments are made, the Commission will only continue to organise national and state elections.
“The same section of the Constitution that establishes INEC also establishes the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, and we cannot take over their duties.
“It is good for people to engage in advocacy for INEC to take charge of the whole elections, but the Constitution has to be amended for that to happen.
“For now, INEC can only conduct the local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory with six area council chairmen and 62 councillors.
“And it is in the FCT that the conduct of council elections has been regular and we are proud that the conduct of the elections there has been done to the best of our capacity.
“So, we are encouraged by what we have done, but as for taking over the state elections, the Constitution has to be amended, and we are not there yet,’’ he said.
Constitutional amendment required for INEC to conduct LG polls in states – Yakubu

Rivers varsity gets NUC accreditation for 18 new programmes

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Rivers varsity gets NUC accreditation for 18 new programmes

The Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Orowurukwu, Port Harcourt said it has received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission for all 18 programmes presented to the commission.

The institution said the approval for the academic programmes followed the last accreditation exercise conducted by the commission in October/November 2023.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, disclosed this during a press briefing in his office in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Prof. Okogbule said it was the second time the institution has achieved 100 accreditation exercises since its inception, following a similar milestone last year.

He stated, “It is my pleasure to inform you and the general public that Rivers State University scored 100 per cent in the October/November 2023 Accreditation Exercise conducted by the National Universities Commission.

“The university obtained full Accreditation status for all 18 academic programmes presented for the exercise.

“This is a rare and unprecedented feat in the annals of the history of the University. It is the second time that the university will record this level of success in the accreditation exercise since its establishment in 1980. It will be recalled that last year we also reviewed 100% in the 24 programs presented.”

On the availability of facilities for the newly accredited programmes, Prof. Okogbule noted that the university has the needed facilities in place to run the programmes.

He stated, “The clause of every accreditation exercise looked at not only the academic programme, the content, the staff, and all that but also the physical facilities. They looked at the number of classrooms you have, the staff offices, all those things, the laboratories, and so on.

“So it’s on the basis of that, that they come up with their recommendations and in our own case, in respect of these programmes inspected, we have satisfied and met the requirements for the running of these programmes. Full accreditation. So they looked at the facilities and found them worthy, but as I always say, we can always improve. We can always add to what is available.”

The university Don also assured that the school’s management is doing everything within its power to ensure the safety and security of its students on all of its campuses.

The VC thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support as he reiterated the university’s commitment to record more feats.

“This commendable achievement could not have been possible without the robust support of the Governor of Rivers State and visitor to the University, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the University’s governing council under the dynamic leadership of her Excellency, Mary Peter-Odili.

“What we have seen today is the fruit of their support to the management of the University and I pledge on behalf of the University management to continue to do our very best to sustain the tempo of monumental achievements in the university,”  Prof. Okogbule assured.

He listed the accredited programmes as Crop/Soil Science, Animal Science, Agricultural economics, Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife, nursing, adult and community education, Agricultural Education, Business Education, Education Biology, Education Chemistry, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Technical Education, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Marine Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Chemistry and Physics.

MJTF neutralizes 70 terrorists, destroys camps in Lake Chad

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MJTF neutralizes 70 terrorists, destroys camps in Lake Chad

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of Operation Lake Sanity 2 said recent aerial operations have neutralised about 70 terrorists and their camps situated on islets across the Cameroonian and Nigerian territories of Lake Chad.
A statement by Chief Military Public Information Officer HQ MNJTF Ndjamena-Chad, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, said the operation also resulted in the destruction of 8 vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Arinna Ciki and two ammunition bunkers northeast of Malam Fatori.
According to the statement, following the support of the Chadian Rapid Intervention Force, the troops dealt a devastating blow to the terrorists.
“The MNJTF extends its appreciation to the Chadian Armed Forces for their invaluable cooperation and support in the fight against terrorism. We also acknowledge the vital contributions from other troop-contributing countries, including Operation Emergence 4 Cameroon, Operation Hadin Kai Nigeria, and Sector 4 Niger, which were instrumental in the success of Operation Lake Sanity 2,” the statement said.
The statement added that the MNJTF remains committed to its mandate of eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to the Lake Chad Basin, adding, “we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to achieve and sustain this critical goal”.
MJTF neutralizes 70 terrorists, destroys camps in Lake Chad

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