News

Nigerian Military Neutralizes Over 70 ISWAP Fighters in Borno State

Published

3 months ago

November 9, 2024

The Nigerian Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has successfully conducted airstrikes resulting in the elimination of over 70 fighters and commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The strikes, carried out on November 6, targeted ISWAP camps in the southern Lake Chad region, specifically at Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands near Jibilarram in Marte Local Government Area. These camps were reportedly under the control of a prominent ISWAP commander known as Usman.

Credible sources on the ground confirmed that the operation dealt a significant blow to the group, with over 70 fighters neutralized at Kwallaram camp. While the exact number of casualties at Arainna Ciki remains unclear, reports indicate that several terrorists were also killed during the strikes.

Zagazola Makama, a trusted source, described the airstrikes as among the most effective operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force under OPHK.

Following the assault, reports on November 7 revealed that ISWAP began mobilizing reinforcements, including fighters from its Sambisa Forest faction and elements from northern Cameroon. These reinforcements reportedly gathered in the Kusuma and Sigir areas of Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area, territories still controlled by Usman Russia, a senior ISWAP figure.

The exact intent behind the group’s regrouping efforts remains uncertain.

News

Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka Appointed Deputy Chief Whip of House of Reps

Published

2 hours ago

February 11, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has appointed Rep. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka as the new Deputy Chief Whip.

Rep Isiaka who represents Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), steps into the role following the passing of the former Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, earlier this year.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, confirmed Isiaka’s appointment during Tuesday’s plenary session, stating that it followed consultations with the APC caucus and other stakeholders from the Southwest.

Prior to this appointment, Isiaka served as Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development. Since joining the House in 2015, he has held key positions, including Chairman of the Committee on Ecological Funds, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Governmental Affairs, and leadership roles in several Ad Hoc Committees.

In his remarks to members, Speaker Abbas emphasised: “Let’s take a moment to remember Honourable Onanuga’s invaluable contributions to this House, and to her nation. May her soul rest in peace. We congratulate Honourable Isiaka Ibrahim on this well-deserved elevation and trust that he will bring the same dedication and commitment to his new role as he has demonstrated in his service to this House and to his constituents.”

“We wish him success and God’s guidance as he undertakes this important responsibility. May we all continue to honour the memory of Honourable Onanuga by working together to serve the Nigerian people with diligence, integrity, and a sense of purpose.”

News

More headache for Nigerians as CBN imposes N600 charge on every N20,000 withdrawn from another bank’s ATM

Published

2 hours ago

February 11, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The apex bank in Nigeria, CBN, has imposed a withdrawal charge of between N100 and N600 for every N20,000 worth of interbank ATM withdrawals.

The three free monthly withdrawals that customers enjoy on interbank ATM withdrawals.

According to a CBN circular, FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/001/002 with title, ‘Review of Automated Teller Machine Transaction Fee,’ dated February 10, 2025, the new fees would take effect March 1, 2025.

The Apex Bank said, “In response to rising costs and the need to improve the efficiency of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the ATM transaction fees prescribed in Section 10.7 of the extant CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide)”.

The CBN said customers withdrawing at the ATM of their financial institution in Nigeria would not be charged.

“Withdrawal from another institution’s ATM in Nigeria (Not-On-Us): On-site ATMs (within bank premises): A fee of N100 per N20,000 withdrawal will apply,” the apex bank further directed.

For Off-site ATMs (outside bank premises), the apex bank said a charge of N100 plus a surcharge of not more than N500 for every N20,000 withdrawal would be applicable.

It said that international withdrawals would be based on the exact amount imposed by the international acquirer.

The CBN said, “This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service.

“Accordingly, banks and other financial institutions are advised to apply the following fees with effect from March 1, 2025.”

News

Reps Urge FG to Stop Planned Telecom Tariff Increase

Published

3 hours ago

February 11, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to put the planned increase in telecom tariffs on hold until service quality improves.

This resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance on the “NEED FOR THE NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NOT TO APPROVE THE IMPENDING HIKE IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TARIFFS”, by Rep. Obuku Oforji, member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday T plenary.

Rep. Oforji recalled that after a meeting with mobile network operators in Abuja on January 8, 2025, the minister hinted at an impending tariff hike. According to him, telecom companies have been pushing for an increase, with some proposing a 100 percent hike. However, Tijani clarified that while there would be an increase, it would not be as high as 100 percent, and the NCC would determine and announce the new rates.

The lawmaker explained that telecom operators justified the planned hike by citing rising investment costs, the need for better network infrastructure, and the increasing demand for digital services in sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare.

Oforji expressed worries that “the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase in tariffs, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship, and poor network service delivery.

“It is imperative that the telecommunications companies improve on their service delivery (poor network), which Nigerians have been yearning for in years, before embarking on the increase in their tariffs.”

He also expressed concern that the far reaching effects of these price hikes will deepen financial struggles for the average Nigerian, threaten the country’s vision of leveraging technology to drive economic revival, exacerbate poverty and widen existing inequalities, hitting lower income families the hardest.

“Affordable connectivity is a must for progress in critical sectors like digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture and e- governance. Informal sector workers who depend on affordable mobile data to access gig work opportunities may find it harder to stay connected.

“Saddened that those small businesses, which rely heavily on affordable telecommunication for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face additional financial burden.

“Imagine a scenario where a 10 percent increase is approved. It is estimated that a 10 percent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability up to 7 percent, potentially leading to closure of businesses,” he added.