News
Panic as terrorists group, ambush soldiers, capture sophisticated weapons
The extremist armed group Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists have carried out an ambush against the Nigerien Army in Tillabéri.
The ambush was a shocking development in the ongoing conflict between terrorists and Niger military.
The aftermath of the attack has also revealed some disturbing details about the sophisticated weapons that the militants were able to capture and destroy.
One of the most striking pieces of equipment that fell into the hands of the terrorists was a South Africa-made OTT Technologies’ Puma M36 MK5 MRAP.
The heavily armoured vehicle, originally donated by the United States, was a crucial asset for the Nigerien Army in their fight against terrorism, the report indicated.
“Its loss represents a significant blow to the military capabilities of the country and raises concerns about the security situation in the region.”
In addition to the MRAP, the terrorists also “seized a rare Singapore-made STK/CIS 40 AGL auto grenade launcher. This weapon is known for its high accuracy and devastating firepower, making it a prized possession for any armed group. The fact that ISIS was able to capture such a sophisticated piece of equipment is a troubling sign of their growing strength and influence in the region.
“They also acquired a cache of 107mm Chinese Type 63-2 HE rockets, as well as KPV and Type 85 heavy machine guns. These weapons are highly destructive and capable of causing widespread damage, posing a serious threat to the security and stability of the region.
“The presence of such advanced weaponry in the hands of ISIS militants is a cause for concern and underscores the need for increased international support to combat the growing terrorist threat in Niger.
“In addition to the heavy weaponry, the militants also seized a number of AKM/Type 56 assault rifles. These rifles are commonly used by insurgent groups around the world and are known for their reliability and effectiveness in combat.”
According to the Family Writers Press International, for the fact that ISIS was able to acquire a significant number of these rifles further highlights their ability to outgun and outmaneuver the Nigerien Army.
“The implications of this ambush are clear – ISIS is gaining ground and becoming more emboldened in their attacks on Nigerien security forces. The sophisticated weaponry that they have been able to capture demonstrates their growing capabilities and poses a serious threat to the stability of the region.
“The international community must step up its support for Niger in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to ensure the security of the country and its people.
“The ambush in Tillabéri and the subsequent capture of advanced weaponry by ISIS militants is a troubling development that highlights the growing threat of terrorism in Niger. The loss of the MRAP and other sophisticated weapons is a significant setback for the Nigerien Army and underscores the need for increased support from the international community.
“It is crucial that the government of Niger and its allies take decisive action to combat ISIS and prevent further attacks on innocent civilians and security forces. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for the stability and security of the region.”
News
NECO accredits more foreign schools for SSCE, BECE
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has given accreditation to more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Azeez Sani, disclosed this in a statement.
The newly accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO Accreditation Team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The Accreditation Team inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sport facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO Examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status,” the statement said.
The statement added that the accreditation of additional foreign schools is a testament to NECO’s commitment to providing quality education and assessment beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, offering opportunities for students worldwide to benefits from its expertise, thus contributing to the advancement of education in Africa and beyond.”
In another development, the statement disclosed that candidates are participating in the on-going NECO SSCE External in Diffa, Niger Republic.
“The UNHCR School, Diffa, Niger Republic is the first NECO SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria.”
NECO examinations are now written by candidates in Benin Republic, Togo, Cote’ d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Saudi Arabia.
News
Guardiola suffers worst defeat of career as Tottenham hammer Man City 4-0
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, suffered the worst defeat of his managerial career as they lost 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night.
The Premier League champions were already on a run of four consecutive defeats ahead of the visit of the North London side.
James Maddison scored twice in the first half to set Spurs on their way to a sensational win.
Pedro Porro drilled in a third, before Brennan Johnson got on the scoresheet late in the game.
The result leaves City in second place with 23 points. They could go eight points behind Liverpool by the end of this Game Week.
Guardiola takes his men to Anfield next weekend.
News
FUOYE Re-Marks Exam Papers of Student Failed By Lecturer Over Sex-for-Grade Scandal, Secures Justice
The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.
Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her, and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Wole Balogun, the university confirmed that Olahanloye’s allegations were investigated, and her scripts were re-marked.
“The young lady’s scripts were re-marked, and she performed fairly better than the scores initially awarded by Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia,” the statement read.
According to Balogun, the university management approved Olahanloye’s revised results, which qualified her for graduation.
“The university management has given executive approval for her results to be processed. She has since commenced her final clearance from relevant units of the university,” the statement added.
Balogun also disclosed that Agbegbedia had been sanctioned by the institution for his misconduct.
Olahanloye expressed her joy over the resolution of the case, saying, “I am happy that I have gotten justice, and I really appreciate the university Vice-Chancellor for setting up the committee that investigated the matter.
“I was shown my entire results, including the graduation list with my name on it. I have started my clearance as a graduating student of the university, and I am truly happy.”
Her father, Rasaki Olahanloye, also lauded the university for its commitment to justice.
“I can confirm to the world that FUOYE has served justice to my daughter. I was shown her upgraded results after her scripts were re-marked, and it is clear that she passed.
“The university fulfilled its promise to ensure fairness, and I appreciate the VC, Prof. Sunday Fasina, and the committee members for ensuring my daughter gets justice,” he said.
-
Metro20 hours ago
BusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro20 hours ago
Police recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News20 hours ago
FG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped
-
News18 hours ago
Igbos to boycott Arise TV over Abati’s uncouth statement
-
News3 hours ago
Simon Ekpa: FG’s attempt to extradite self acclimated freedom fighter may hit brickwall
-
News20 hours ago
Again, Dangote Refineries complains over Naira – Crude oil initiative, slams NNPCL
-
News12 hours ago
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
-
News20 hours ago
Why Cameroonian Authorities Detained Five Nigerian Pastors – Sources