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Kalu condemns killing of soldiers, urges military restraint

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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the 144 Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of the Abia State over the recent killing of three soldiers by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

He appealed to the military to exercise restraint while combing the city and its environs in search of the perpetrators of the crime.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu issued on Sunday night quoted Kalu as saying, “In a time when we are trying to see how to encourage the soldiers and the police who we believe need more for the sacrifice they make for this nation; at a time when we in parliament are struggling to see how we can better their lives, people are carrying guns. What a pain!

“Whatever made them do this, it’s a painful thing for this country. That is why all of us are rising boldly to condemn it, to condemn this act in its entirety.

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“It has no justification especially when we have been begging with our Peace in South East Project. Since December 29, 2023, we’ve been pleading that we should no longer use kinetic ways to settle conflicts.

“We’ve been begging the security agencies. Enough of shooting, and they have respected our call. Even the Chief of Army Staff has gone around preaching non kinetic means to settling our conflicts. He has been going around. I watch him.

“And he has been selling this to the rank and file, saying, everything cannot be solved through guns. We can negotiate, we can talk, we can apply other skills. Not because they are weak, but because by their training, they are trying to employ a better approach to spill less blood.”

He warned of the dangers of provoking armed soldiers, saying, “If you allow the military to be angry in this State, none of us will be safe. If they get angry and say they want to retaliate, we will not be safe in this Abia State. And that is why we are still begging that a non kinetic approach is still what will work.

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“We want to urge the military to please continue using your non kinetic means. Do not because of this provocation, go on rampage. But if there is any step to be taken to find those people, please do it. Do all you can because I know you can.
I know your military intelligence skills. I know the security agencies in this country can come together if not for anything, but this one. Find us those who did this and let it be made public.

“Let the military, the Navy, the Air Force, the Police, the DSS, all of you should come together, find these people who did it. I’m happy Mr. President stood up and spoke firmly against this because he is a lover of peace.”

The Deputy Speaker in conjunction with the Peace in the South East Initiative Project made a donation of N10 million to assist the wives of the slain soldiers.

“You are not alone. Weep no more. I know it is difficult but we are standing with you. That was why we decided to show you the first sign of love. We didn’t come empty handed.

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“We said since the Governor came here and gave you a scholarship, we are going to open an account, a fund for all lovers of the work people are doing, to support the welfare of those who have lost their lives in the course of their duty.

“But in launching that fund, we are starting with M10m. We are giving you today the sum of N10m. We want at least each of them to get N2m to start a business on the side, not for school fees since the Governor has taken care of school fees. This is coming from the Peace In South East Project and the Office of the Deputy Speaker,” he said.

In his response, the Brigade Commander of the 114 Battalion, Brigadier O Diya who received the deputy speaker said efforts are already ongoing to apprehend the killers.

Diya said, “We can assure you, sir, that those that committed this, we will look for them. We will find them and we will smoke them out wherever they are.

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“Efforts are already in place to ensure that we find them and make them pay for what they have done for making these women and children go through this pain, this irreparable pain. It’s very unfortunate.”

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Army acquires 43 drones, wings 46 Turkey-trained personnel

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The Federal Government has bolstered the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the acquisition of 43 Bayraktar TB2 drones, primarily for deployment in the North-West theatre of operations.

The Commander of the Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig. Gen. U.G. Ogeleka, disclosed this on Tuesday during the winging ceremony of 46 personnel trained in the operation and maintenance of the drones.

The initiative, codenamed Project Guardian, aims to strengthen military operations against insurgency and other security challenges in the region.

“Between May and September 2022, a team of 35 officers and 11 soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s routinely piloted aircraft system regiments underwent specialised training in Turkey on the operation and maintenance of the Bayraktar TB2 drones,” Ogeleka said. “The training crew included multi-piloted aircraft pilots, mission operators, avionics, and mechanical engineers and technicians.”

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Out of the 46 trained personnel, 14 are multi-piloted aircraft pilots, seven are mission operators, and 23 are engineers and technicians.

Ogeleka presented 22 of the trained personnel for the winging ceremony, noting that the others are actively engaged in operational duties.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the acquisition of the drones and the training of personnel as significant steps toward enhancing the army’s professionalism and combat readiness.

“The winging of these 22 officers and soldiers as pilots and certified maintenance engineers is a morale booster for others in service,” Oluyede said. “It confirms their readiness to operate and maintain the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones in our inventory.”

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Oluyede further revealed plans to procure additional unmanned aerial systems in the coming year to strengthen military operations across all theatres in the country.

The drones will play a critical role in addressing security challenges in the North-West, a region plagued by banditry and insurgency.

Their advanced surveillance and strike capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.

This development underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve national security and highlights the Nigerian Army’s drive to modernize its arsenal and build capacity within its ranks.

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With more unmanned aerial systems set for acquisition, the military’s ability to conduct precise, real-time surveillance and combat operations is poised for substantial improvement.

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Ondo Assembly mulls 10-year jail term for land grabbers

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The Ondo State House of Assembly is considering a bill that proposes harsh penalties for land grabbers, including up to 10 years imprisonment for forceful entry or illegal takeover of properties.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has further reinforced the fight against land grabbing by signing an Executive Order to prohibit such activities.

The order aims to end forceful entry, illegal occupation of landed properties, and fraudulent or violent conduct related to land in the state.

To strengthen enforcement, the governor has established a Task Force to protect property rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a secure environment for property owners and residents.

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The proposed bill also includes severe penalties of up to 21 years imprisonment for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

Hon Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, the lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 1, who sponsored the bill, spoke during a public hearing on the bill

Hon Ogunwumiju assured stakeholders that the bill would improve land administration, protect landowners, attract investors, and foster peace and development in the state.

He explained that the bill sought to regulate land dealings, protect landowners and buyers, penalise encroachers, and criminalise unregistered agents.

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Ogunwumiju said the bill proposed penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forceful entry or takeover of properties and up to 21 years for selling family land without the consent of the family head or secretary.

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Olamide Oladiji, urged committee members and stakeholders to ensure the bill served the interests of the people.

He said the bill would maintain order in the state and impose necessary sanctions on offenders.

“Land grabbers pose a significant threat to property acquisition. Their activities ranging from trespassing, forceful occupation, and illegal sales of properties to multiple buyers must be confronted decisively.”

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Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi,  said the bill, would benefit the society at large

Ondo Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo said the bill would enhance land administration and complement the executive order signed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Stakeholders including traditional rulers  called for full implementation of the bill when signed into law.

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FG earmarks N250bn for Lagos-Abuja rail project in 2025 budget

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The federal government has made an allocation of N250 billion in the 2025 budget for the Lagos–Abuja mass transit rail project.

This budgetary investment is part of a broader plan to revitalize Nigeria’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

The government’s focus on infrastructure development is rooted in the belief that it is a cornerstone of long-term economic planning.

By investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, energy, healthcare, and education, the administration aims to create a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment.

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The Lagos-Abuja rail project, in particular, is expected to have a transformative impact on the Nigerian economy.

By improving transportation connectivity between two major economic hubs, the project will facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate economic activity.

Additionally, the project is expected to create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the country’s overall employment rate.

The government’s infrastructure investments are also aimed at addressing regional disparities.

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By connecting different parts of the country through improved transportation networks, the administration hopes to stimulate economic growth in underserved regions, reduce poverty, and promote equitable development.

The 2025 budget signals the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.

By investing in critical projects like the Lagos-Abuja rail line, the administration aims to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and connected Nigeria.

However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective planning, efficient implementation, and transparent governance.

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