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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has disclosed that Vincent Makinde, a former officer seen in a viral video, was dismissed from service as an Inspector in 2022 due to extortion and other serious offences.

This clarification was issued on Wednesday by the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, via a statement on his official X account. Adejobi refuted the claims made by Makinde in the video, describing them as misleading.

According to Adejobi, Makinde was dismissed after a thorough investigation and an orderly room trial for offences including abuse of office, extortion, gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and insubordination.

The police also addressed the viral video showing Makinde in leg restraints, where he claimed to be an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and alleged unlawful detention.

The situation has attracted attention, including calls for his release by renowned legal luminary and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN.

The NPF emphasized that Makinde’s dismissal followed due process, countering the narrative he is pushing online.

The police urged the public to disregard the misleading claims and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding discipline and accountability within the force.

“While awaiting the validation of orderly room proceedings and subsequent prosecution, Vincent Makinde assaulted a senior police officer on duty and subsequently escaped from lawful custody,” he said.

“Around June 2024, he resurfaced, parading himself as a bona fide member of the Nigeria Police Force, adorning the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police without being previously absolved of his offences or promoted. Being made aware of this, the Police authority issued a directive for his immediate re-arrest.

“The suspect was apprehended while personating himself as an active sworn senior police officer, and armed with a rifle. When approached by police operatives, Vincent Makinde exhibited violent and aggressive behaviour while resisting lawful arrest and detention.

“Upon his arrest, the suspect was restrained using feet restraining devices due to his continuous violent nature coupled with the fact that he had previously escaped from lawful custody in a violent manner.

“The officers deemed it necessary to employ the use of these restraints as a precaution to ensure the safety of the officers on duty, prevent another escape, and secure against any potential harm to him and others around him, that might arise from his aggressive demeanour.

“It is pertinent to note that the use of restraining devices is a global practice for individuals actively, aggressively, or aggravatedly resisting lawful detention”.

Adejobi said Makinde remains a dismissed police officer, serial criminal, and is currently in custody awaiting conclusion of investigations and prosecution.

The police spokesman added that further investigations have revealed his involvement in several other nefarious acts in addition to those which led to his earlier dismissal.

As such, Adejobi said intensive investigation into the circumstances of his current impersonation offence is also ongoing.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability within its operations, striving to maintain the public’s trust and confidence.

“Through thorough investigations and strict protocols, the Force is steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice, while ensuring that its personnel who violate the law are held accountable for their actions. This commitment is evident as the Nigeria Police Force continues to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and reinforce the integrity of policing.”