Television Nigerian

FG fully opens Third Mainland Bridge with speed cameras

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

FG fully opens Third Mainland Bridge with speed cameras

The Federal Government has installed speed limit cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge, to encourage responsible driving, preserve the bridge and improve safety.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Keisha, announced the unofficial re-opening of the bridge on Thursday, in Lagos.

She said that the speed limit was being done in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government had on Jan. 9 begun comprehensive rehabilitation on the bridge due to several failed portions on it.

She disclosed that the speed cameras would be displayed conspicuously at the median to capture motorists who would exceed the limit.

She explained that anyone caught speeding, would not face immediate penalties on the spot.

Keisha said, “Today we are fixing the speed limits. It is in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps and they are on the bridge now doing that.

“The speed limit has been designed to be 80km/per hour. So, if you speed past 80km in the next few weeks, your honourable Commissioner will have you to contend with.

“And at the renewal of your vehicle license, you will be surcharged. So it’s no longer going to be business as usual.’’

Keisha, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, noted that the bridge, which was fully opened to the public, still had some additional work ongoing on it.

This remaining work, Keisha said, includes installing solar lights and CCTV cameras.

According to her, they are doing this while the bridge is open so as not to disrupt traffic flow in the future.

She said that the main deck repairs would be finished by May 2024, adding that there would be an official commissioning to mark the completion by President Bola Tinubu.

Additionally, Keisha said that work would be done underneath the bridge and underwater.

She assured the users that the work would not cause any traffic issues, noting that it was important to strengthen the overall bridge structure.

She also said that if drivers follow the speed limit and there was no misuse of the road (like overloading or accidents), the Third Mainland Bridge would not require major maintenance for the next two years.

Keisha appealed to motorists to report breakdowns, saying, “If you see something, say something, and if you see a car being repaired on the bridge, you should report it by calling me or the police.

“ We are going to talk with the governor. If your vehicle breaks down, it is not to your own joy or delight. So, you should be assisted instead of being penalised.

“So, if people know that they will be assisted, I’m sure they will be encouraged to drive to a safe place or to park and quickly fix one or two things, but not do major repairs on the bridge.’’

In his remark, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, corroborated Keisha’s statements, urging people to comply.

“ You will see speed limit signs as from today and the speed cameras will come on; the speed limit for Third Mainland Bridge is 80km per hour, so the speed cameras are there.

“So if you go beyond the speed limits, what it does is that it takes a picture of your car and your number plate; we have a data base, and we have our ways of sending your bills to you.

“So I will advise that people comply,’’ he said.(NAN)

By Lydia Ngwakwe

FRSC Joint Task Force arrests 35 trailers carrying 982 passenger

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

FRSC Joint Task Force arrests 35 trailers carrying 982 passenger

FRSC: In what seems to be an effective strategy in the fight against trailer crashes and conveyance of human beings by these same category of vehicles, the Inter-agency Joint Task Force recently constituted by the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu to operate along critical corridors have apprehended 35 trailers carrying 982 passengers.

Jonas Agwu, mni, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC Headquarters disclosed this in a statement Thursday.

Citing the reports of the special intervention patrol operations forwarded to the National Headquarters, Agwu said, a total of 19 Trailers carrying 810 people where apprehended on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. While, the JTF team covering Bauchi-Maiduguri general operation area of the Corps also arrested 16 trailers conveying 172 passengers on that route.

The arrests were perfected within the first one week beginning from 23 to 30 March, 2024 of its operations on the identified routes.

At the points of arrests, the Inter-agency Joint Task Force ensured that all passengers onboard the trailers were dropped, cautioned against the deadly act and asked to join passenger vehicles designed for conveying people.

While the special operations is going on, the Corps Marshal also directed Sector Commanders of the states where the act is more prominent, to sustain ongoing engagement with the leadership of road transport unions as well as owners of articulated vehicles. This is to ensure that drivers who engage in such traffic violations are cautioned.

The Corps Marshal had earlier flagged off the Inter-agency Joint Task Force on 23 March, 2024 in Kaduna State, comprising of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, State Traffic Management Agencies and Transport Unions.

The mandate of the JTF is to mitigate trailer related crashes and fatalities as well as stop the use of trailers to convey passengers following the spate of a number of avoidable crashes that involved trailers loaded with goods, animals and passengers that led to deaths and injuries.

Amongst these crashes were those of 04 March, 2024 in Tashan Yari where a trailer loaded with grains and passengers crashed and killed 12 persons. Others were those of 18 March, 2024 where a trailer loaded with goods and 172 passengers crashed on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, killing 10 people; as well as that of Sunday 31 March, 2024 in Obajana which led to the death of 13 people.

I-G urges timely, accurate police info

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has urged Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Police Public Relations Officers to engage in dissemination of timely and accurate information on police achievements.

Egbetokun stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a conference with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP) and above.

He said effective collaboration among Strategic Police Managers, comprising Zonal AIGs, Command CPs and their respective Police Public Relations Officers was central to successes of the police.

“The dissemination of timely and accurate information regarding our achievements at the grassroots level is pivotal in fostering public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

“It is incumbent upon us to maintain transparency and accountability in our communication efforts, ensuring that the public is well-informed about our endeavours to maintain law and order.

“All Strategic Managers are therefore charged to improve on this salient professional relationship to project all our achievements,” he said.

He said the idea was to improve public confidence in the police and bridge trust gap between the police and the public.

Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police was in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of the Police Regulation and introduction of a Scheme of Service for the Force.

According to him, these critical undertakings are aimed at modernising our legal framework to align with contemporary policing standards backed by Police Act, 2020.

He said the focus was to enhance the welfare and professional development of officers and men as well as to foster a culture of excellence and accountability within the Nigeria Police.

The I-G said the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership was poised to ensuring that the welfare of personnel was prioritised.

He said the Force had successfully, through unrelenting efforts, secured the release of insurance claims of deceased police officers which had accumulated for about eight years.

“We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques amounting to N7.3 billion to 2,514 families of deceased police officers.

“The Force has recently concluded the registration process of the NPF Insurance Company Limited with the Corporate Affairs Commission and we are steadily progressing towards the operationalisation of the company.

“The new company will aid the processing of our insurance funds directly from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, we are unrelenting in finding a solution to the agitation of police retirees, arising from their poor pension earnings and the quest for enhanced pension.

He said this had culminated into protests and demand for exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Egbetokun said the situation, had in the past few years not only been a source of apprehension for serving officers, it had consistently put the force uncomfortably in media space.

The I-G said the Force leadership was working on a scheme that would put an end to the agitations and put smiles on the lips of every policeman, either serving or retired.

Egbetokun said the force arrested 3,685 suspects over various criminal offences, recued 401 kidnapped victims, recovered 216 firearms, 3,601 ammunition and 82 vehicles nationwide in the last eight weeks.

He said the force recoded 141 cases of terrorism/secessionist attacks, 537, murder, 126, armed robbery, 214, kidnapping and 39, unlawful possession of firearms within the period under review.

The I-G said the substantial advancement was propelled by the execution of diverse strategies aimed at mitigating the escalating trend of criminal activities across the country. (NAN)

By Monday Ijeh

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey petitions IGP over paternity

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey petitions IGP over paternity

By Lynient Akotonu

Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over allegations that he fathered his colleague, Mercy Chinwo’s son.

The singer, in a petition filed by his lawyers, Peter Abraham, Uche Matthew, Gbenga Agunloye, and Anthony Abia, asked the IGP to investigate and prosecute four social media users who accused him of paternal fraud.

Recently, four social media users Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and DJ Spoiltkid alleged that Bassey fathered the son of the popular gospel singer, an allegation that went viral social media.

They made the allegations on their social media accounts when Mercy and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms on March, 29.

Mr Ejike’s post read: “This Mercy Chinwo’s child she was hiding after giving birth, but the truth is that this baby looks exactly like singer Nathaniel Bassey.

“Nothing anybody wants to reason with me oh. This child is Nathaniel Bassey’s Baby. Maybe a secret away match occurred; otherwise, how can we make empirical sense of this.”

Mr Terrence Ekot on the platform “X” reads: “Take a look at the stunning resemblance of Mercy Chinwo’s son and Nathaniel Bassey.

“Though the duo has been working together on several projects, what do you have to say?”

The posts had gone viral on social media, with many calling out Bassey on why he should he should be involved in such an appalling act .

According to the petition submitted to the IGP on 1 April, the consequences of making such statements on social media had been known to tarnish the reputations of individuals, render marriages unstable.

The lawyers said the social media posts by the four individuals amounted to complete assassination of Bassey’s character.

They therefore, urged the police authorities to urgently treat the petition against the four social media users.

The petition reads in part : “Our client is a gospel music minister whose songs and ministrations have impacted the lives of so many from different walks of life across the globe.

“On Friday, the 29th day of March 2024, Mercy Chinwo Blessed another popular gospel music minister, and her husband posted pictures of their son and themselves on different social media platforms.

“However, our client was disheartened, saddened, and grossly disturbed to find that the above-mentioned suspects, as mischief makers with a criminal intent to destroy the image and character of our client..

“They had made different social media posts of defamatory matter, calling our client ‘the father of minister Mercy Chinwo Blessed’s son,’ a woman who is married to another man.

“In a post on the platform “X” formerly known as Twitter, “Dj SpoiltKid” a verified X user, quoted the statement by Okoronkwo Ejike along with a screenshot of the post and added, “When are we doing DNA test?”

“These nefarious acts of these suspects, if not immediately dealt with, will continue to destroy our client’s image, injure his reputation, assassinate his character and cast aspersion on the good name built by our client over the years.”

The lawyers said the alleged actions of the four individuals contravened sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.).

“Consequently, we urge you to use your good offices to, in the interest of justice, investigate this matter, arrest, and bring the suspect to justice, which will serve as a deterrent to others.” (NAN)

Shettima urges Nigerians to support I-FAIR, transformative agenda

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

Shettima urges Nigerians to support I-FAIR, transformative agenda

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to support the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) initiative to advance the transformation agenda in the country.

Shettima made the call at the third i-FAIR cohorts’ graduation ceremony of the nine-month mentorship programme for budding innovators and entrepreneurs, on Thursday in Abuja.

The vice-president was represented by Mr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President.

He commended the graduands for boosting the Nigerian population efforts to achieve the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

Shettima said. “We live in a kinetically dynamic and

digital world, where we are seeing today’s reality and tomorrow’s innovation by power of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet and others.

“We commend the Innov8Hub centre for what it has been doing so far among our youth and the innovative at heart.

“We have seen numerous innovative displays, many of which have been commercialised and are having impact on Nigeria and beyond.

“We believe this is merely the beginning, I appeal to all and sundry to show maximal support to the idea behind the hub, as it is indeed transformative.

“Our very survival in a fast paced world depends on it.”

The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria Michael Freeman said the programme comprised twelve companies spanning health, climate change, and agriculture, and embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience.

“I-FAIR was established by the Israeli embassy in collaboration with the Nigerian government; this initiative epitomises the collaboration and innovation pivotal to the Israel-Nigeria relationship.

“President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda resonates deeply with the ethos of the i-FAIR programme in championing empowerment, growth, and prosperity for Nigeria.

“This is with a focus on nurturing the talents of our youth; this programme aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision of propelling Nigeria towards excellence, notably in digital economy where job creation is paramount.”

He attributed success so far achieved to invaluable partnership by the embassy with TetFund, Air Peace and Zell Innov8 and other collaborators, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the transformative journey.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by Amb. Akinremi Bolaji, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment at the ministry, attributed success of the programme to the partnership between Israel and Nigeria.

Tuggar said, “This is evidence of innovation. We have no doubt this government and the administration standout as the most innovative government Nigeria ever had.

“It is pertinent to mention that the idea of I-FAIR is predicated on the need to overcome domestic challenges with innovative made in-Nigeria solutions tailored around inspiring Nigeria to become a start-up nation.”

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, underscored the need to prioritise transformation agenda to achieve meaningful growth.

“We must prioritise the complete deployment of fibre active network which Nigeria must achieve in the next two-three years and we have backing of the President.

“Also, for AI, every developed country in the world is freaking out about development in AI. For the reality, they do not have the workforce to power it.

“If we do not take advantage of being part of the AI, even if it is just to provide the workforce, we are wasting time.

“In the two to three years, AI will prompt how you think and what you do. AI will prompt development,” he said. (NAN)

By Fortune Abang

Ningi’s suspension, resolution of Senate not Akpabio’s- Counsel replies Falana Newsdiaryonline

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

Mr Umeh Kalu (SAN), Counsel to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the decision and resolution to suspend Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) was that of the Senate sitting in plenary and not that of Akpabio.

Kalu stated this in a letter to Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) titled: “Re: Request to Lift the Suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi” and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ningi was suspended by the Senate for three months on March 12 over the 2024 Budget padding allegation.

Kalu in the letter said: “We are solicitors to Sen. Godswill Akpabio and write you in respect of the above subject matter at his instance.

“Your letter of March 27, with the above caption has been referred to us with instructions to react thereto.

“We have carefully read through your analysis of the facts and circumstances leading to your client’s suspension from the Senate.

“We are unable to find reason in your verdict of our client’s sole culpability in the said suspension. “We therefore plead non est factum for our client. ”

The letter further reads: “In addition to the above and contrary to the contents of your letter under reference, our client was at no time your client’s accuser, prosecutor and
judge.

“Our client’s role at the session of the Senate that led to your client’s suspension was and remains the statutory role of a Legislative House Presiding Officer.

“Which role equally includes pronouncing the majority decision of the Legislative House at the end of debate and voting.

“Permit us to mention your attempt at drawing our client’s attention to legal authorities and pronouncements of our Courts of record on the
unconstitutionality of suspending members of Legislative Houses.

“Which attempt we dare say was unhelpful, due to your failure or refusal to make available, the relevant particulars of the said Court decisions in your letter.

“You may wish to provide these legal authorities which you have alluded to, bearing in mind that every decision of a court emanates from its peculiar facts, circumstances and extant laws.

“In as much as it may not be necessary to canvass herein all the remedies available to our client, in response to your threats of a court action and
petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC)…

“It is important we mention that legislative proceedings are guided by rules.

“We urge you to give due consideration to the legal issues raised in this letter and be guided accordingly in your further and future action in respect
of this matter.”(NAN)

By Naomi Sharang

Ondo APC chairman warns against polarising the party

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

Ondo APC chairman warns against polarising the party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has warned supporters of aspirants against divisive utterances and actions ahead of the party’s April 20 gubernatorial primary.

The state chairman of the party, Mr Ade Adetimehin, gave the warning on Thursday in Akure through a statement issued by Mr Alex Kalejaye, the state Publicity Secretary.

Adetimehin described as unnecessary, the idea of some people constituting themselves into “the aborigines of APC” in the state, adding that the party was built on equal opportunities.

He said the party in the state would not condone acts that were aimed at making some members inferior to others, on account of when they joined the party.

“The chapter is for all, and would continue to encourage equal opportunities for all the members. New members should entertain no fears in this regards,”Adetimehin assured.

The chairman urged gubernatorial aspirants to be weary of desperate supporters, who would fan embers of disunity for personal gains, saying such act was unhealthy for the success of the party.

Adetimehin appealed to politicians to exhibit regards for the party’s governorship aspirants, and other stakeholders to avoid unnecessary friction in the political space.

According to him, the state is known for organisation and enviable political history that should be demonstrated at critical moments.

He said that the party owed it a duty to showcase the rare ability to go into any political contest without rancour. (NAN)

By Alaba Olusola Oke

Military denies oil thieves over N20bn in 3 months

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

Military denies oil thieves over N20bn in 3 months

In fulfilment of its vow to deal decisively with the challenge of oil theft in Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja has revealed that troops denied oil thieves over N20bn in the first quarter of 2024.

The Director of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO)Major General Edward Buba disclosed this during the bi-weekly briefing held on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba noted that the armed forces is fighting a vicious enemy in the ongoing operations across the country, adding that the military is ready, prepared, equipped and focused on what to do with terrorists and their cohorts.

“Surely, we have been collecting intelligence, hunting them and striking them where they maybe hiding and hibernating. Our aim is to kill this terrorist and the infrastructure that supports them.

“Accordingly, we have employed significant firepower to neutralize several terrorists and disrupt their activities.Indeed, significant terrorist commanders killed include and is not limited to the following: Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorists who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops in 21 Feb 24.

“Others are : Kachallah Damina ( Neutralised in Mar 24, by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo,
Kachallah Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.

“The above was achieved through synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, lmmediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves.

“Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against the terrorist. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period Jan _ Mar 2024 resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralize , 2,308 persons arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued.Troops recovered 2,847 weapons, 58,492 ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20 bn (N20,331,713,910.00) only,” he said.

He added,”Breakdown for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,497 AK47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.

“Others are 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other item.

“The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented. Accordingly, the military is raising the bar in the prosecution of the war.”

Gen. Buba assured that citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces.

By Chimezie Godfrey

Troops neutralize 2,351 terrorists, arrest 2,308, others in 3months

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

Troops neutralize 2,351 terrorists, arrest 2,308, others in 3months

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja says no fewer than 2,351 terrorists have been killed by troops and 2,308 persons arrested in the first quarter of 2024.

The Director of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO)Major General Edward Buba disclosed this during the bi-weekly briefing held on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba who acknowledged that the military has been dealing with vicious enemies assured that they would up their game against the criminals.

Meanwhile he revealed that within the period under review which is between January and March 2024 that about 2,351 terrorists have been eliminated among other achievements recorded.

He also said,”The armed forces is fighting a vicious enemy in the ongoing operations across the country. Nevertheless, the military is ready, prepared, equipped and focused on what to do with these terrorist and their cohorts.

“Surely, we have been collecting intelligence, hunting them and striking them where they maybe hiding and hibernating. Our aim is to kill this terrorist and the infrastructure that supports them.

“Accordingly, we have employed significant firepower to neutralize several terrorists and disrupt their activities.Indeed, significant terrorist commanders killed include and is not limited to the following: Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorists who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops in 21 Feb 24.

“Others are : Kachallah Damina ( Neutralised in Mar 24, by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo,
Kachallah Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.

“The above was achieved through synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, lmmediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves.

“Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against the terrorist. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period Jan _ Mar 2024 resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralize , 2,308 persons arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued.”

Similarly within the timeframe, Gen. Buba also disclosed that troops recovered 2,847 weapons, 58,492 ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20 bn (N20,331,713,910.00) only.

“Breakdown for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,497 AK47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.

“Others are 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other item.

“The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented. Accordingly, the military is raising the bar in the prosecution of the war. Consequently, citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces,” Gen. Buba assured.

By Chimezie Godfrey

Military kills 2,351 terrorists in Q1 – DHQ

Lead Stories

admin

-

April 4, 2024

0

The Defence Headquarters says troops neutralised no fewer than 2,352 terrorists, apprehended 2,308 and rescued 1,241 kidnapped hostages in different operations nationwide between January and March.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj -Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on military operations across the country.

Buba said some of the terrorist commanders killed were Abu Bilal Minuki, aka Abubakar Mainok, the Head of Is-Al Furqan Province of ISGS and ISWAP, and Haruna Isiya Boderi.

He added that some terrorists commanders who operated in Birnin Gwari forest, Kaduna State, and along Abuja-Kaduna highway were killed by troops on Feb. 21.

He listed those eliminated to include Kachallah Damina, who was neutralised in March alongside more than 50 combatants, Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Kachallah Ubangida, and Alhaji Baldu, among others.

He said the feat was achieved through synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves.

”For instance, immediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves”, the defence spokesman said.

Buba added that troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against terrorists.

He said that the attacks and offensive actions by troops between January and March resulted in the recovery of 2,847 weapons and 58,492 ammunitions while oil thieves were denied more than N20 billion returns.

The breakdown of the weapons and ammunition seized include 1,497 AK-47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.

”Others are 21,573,310 liters of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 liters of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 liters of DPK and 52,730 liters of PMS among other item.

”The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented.

”Accordingly, the military is raising the bar in the prosecution of the war and citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces”, he said. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje