News
Eid-el-Ftri: Zulum commends Nigerian troops on peace restoration, as COAS appreciate sacrifices in counter insurgency fight
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno state appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his immense support to the Nigerian troops and other security agents in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.
He also thanked the Chief of Def nice Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor and other Service Chiefs for their immense contributions, concern, visitations and guidance to the Operation Hadin Kai theater Command always towards ending the insurgency and motivating the troops to put in their best in the fight against the terrorists.
The governor further commended the troops and other security agents for their diligence and steadfastness in the restoration of peace where the troops efforts and sacrifices in conjunction with other agencies including the Vigilante CJTF and Hunters have made tremendous achievements and successes in the state and region.
He also enjoined the troops to continue to exhibit their gallant prowess to end the war and high level of successes in restoring peace in the state despite the obnoxious challenges in the fight against the terrorists and bandits .
The governor who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur at the Joint Chief of Army (COAS) , Lt. Gen. Yahaya Umar Farouq and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Amao Eid el Ftri sallah Luncheon with troops of Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri held at the 105 Composite Group, Nigerian Air Force Base ,Old Airport Maiduguri on Monday assured continuous support and cooperation with the security agencies to bring to an end the insurgency finally.
He also assured state government’s willingness to work assiduously with all the security agencies to ensure, peace permanently return to the state, pointing out that, without peace, no meaningful development can take place anywhere in the world.
The governor further urged the insurgents to voluntarily surrennder their weapons and arms as government and the military are ever ready to accept them and reunite them with their families and loved ones after deradicalization and rehabilitation of the surrendered Boko Haram insurgents before they would be reintegrated back into the society to live a better life while congratulating the troops and praying for peace.
In his welcome speech, the Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major Gen. Chris G. Musa commended the efforts and sacrifices of the troops in the counter insurgency fight while paying tributes to those that lost their lives in active service to their fatherland.
He assured that the troops are in too gear to ensure total peace return to the state and region while expressing his delight to felicitate with the troops and charged the troops to live up to expectations, be careful, be professional, and never to relent in their efforts but rather forge ahead in their mission.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yahaya Umar Farouq in his remark thanked Mr. President for his unalloyed support to the Nigerian Army and Operation Hadin Kai Thetaer Command Headquarters in the fight against the terrorists, bandits and other crimes across the country.
He also charged the troops to discharge their duties diligently and be law abiding to make more success deapite the fact that there is no operation without challenges
COAS said there must be complete defeat in the fight with the renewed efforts and commitments, while appreciating the earnest sacrifices of the troops and paid tribute to those who lost their lives while in active service .
Lt. Gen. Farouq further reiterated the need for more efforts and sacrifices against the power elements of the terrorists and bandits, noting that, “we shall continue to do our best to ensure improved welfare of the troops, families and even those who lost their lives.
According to him, a special vocational training center has been established in skills acquisition especially for the widows and orphans of the fallen heroes.
He also appreciated the support and cooperation of the people of Borno, north east and country at large in the fight against insurgency while commending President Buhari for his first and confidence on the Nigerian Army and others.
COAS pledged to the NA unalloyed support to the Chief Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Constitution of Nigeria to remain apolitical and remaining only on constitutional duties which is to defend, protect and maintain the integrity and sovereignty of this country as an nation.
The Chief Air Staff (CAS),0 Air Marshal Isiaka Amao noted that the annual luncheon with the gallant troops was significant and targeted at motivating the troops, boosting their morale, encouraging professionalism, identifying with the troops sacrifices and efforts in the counter insurgency fight operations.
He added it was also aimed at boosting comradeship and establishing social relationship between the officers and troops as well to assure the troops that we are ever ready to provide support and other logistics to man marine, land and air operations.
Air Marshal Amao further said success have been recorded through the renewed strategic desert operations and will continue to be maintained in the Sambisa forest like Alagarno, Timbuktu, Mandara mountains and lake Chad basin.
He noted that the successes could not have been achieved without the efforts and sacrifices of the gallant troops while saluting their gallantry and bravery where some have lost their loved ones, stressing that, in this regard, the NAF remained committed to provide all the necessary equipment and air components in the fight against the insurgents in the support of the joint operations in the region.
According to him, a new platform and helicopters have been procured and are being expected to enable the NAF sustain the equipment that have contributed immensely to achievements recorded so far.
He also warned the politicians during elections to be law abiding and obey electoral laws without causing any havoc in the society as the military will not condone any act of lawlessness and indiscipline in the forthcoming general election while warning officers and men of the NAF to distance themselves from politics and maintain their constitutional duties.
A popular businesswoman with strong interest in oil and gas, Aisha Achimugu has denied being investigated or arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing rumours milling around as baseless.
Her media aide, David Abakpa refuted the claim on Friday, saying his principal Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FELAK Concept Group, is not under investigation by the EFCC.
Abakpa described the rumour of arrest as unfounded and misleading, insisting that Dr. Achimugu who is a businesswoman has no issues with the EFCC or any other anti-graft agency, demanding that elements behind the falsehood should provide evidence.
According to Abakpa, the EFCC is a professional agency that does not act on social media speculations before conducting its investigations.
He criticized what he described as a “sponsored media campaign” aimed at tarnishing Dr. Achimugu’s reputation, asserting that such claims hold no merit.
“It is unfortunate that certain unverified online platforms are being used to spread falsehoods against a patriotic Nigerian and global icon, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who has been earning international recognition for Nigeria,” the statement read.
He further pointed out that the EFCC does not disclose arrest plans prematurely, making it suspicious that anonymous sources allegedly linked to the agency would leak such information to an online media outlet.
Abakpa also noted that no one under an EFCC watchlist could leave the country without being intercepted at the airport, rendering the claim that Dr. Achimugu fled to evade arrest baseless.
“The media campaign against her is empty and has already failed. Falsehood can never prevail over truth. The sponsors of this fake news lack the coordination to tarnish the image of an award-winning entrepreneur,” he added.
Highlighting her national recognition, Abakpa emphasized that Dr. Achimugu’s OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic) honor is a testament to her contributions to Nigeria’s economy through legitimate business ventures.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a hardworking businesswoman who constantly travels across the globe for business engagements. The claim that she left the country to escape arrest is laughable,” he concluded.
Abuja currently is agoged as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds a 3-day mega crusade in Abuja, the Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Abuja Zone 1 and the Chairman, Steering Committee, Pastor Dipo Fisho, yesterday, disclosed that the crusade is basically to spread the love of Christ and save the souls of the people.
According to Fisho, the crusade holds from Friday March 21st-Sunday March 23rd 2025 at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, with the theme ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’.
He said: “The Word of God in Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.” What a profound and deeply stirring exhortation! When meditated upon, this passage can illuminate your heart and open your mind to divine epiphanies by the Spirit of God. Glory to His Name!
“The Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, declared the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind,”* followed by this: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”Brotherly love, therefore, isn’t merely a suggestion—it is a divine mandate! Hallelujah!
“We are utilizing every medium available—social media, billboards, television, radio, and more—to share this divine invitation. Thousands of brethren across Abuja and its environs well branded and kitted are reaching out daily, spreading the Good News, distributing flyers, and inviting everyone to this life-changing program. Yes, ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’ will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of March, 2025, at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, starting at 3 PM daily. Hallelujah!
“To love God is to serve Him and to honor Him with our lives, walking in obedience to His divine instructions. When we follow His Word, our faith is expressed, and therein lies our success. This is the very heartbeat of ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’. For decades, I have had the privilege of pastoring and mentoring countless souls, and I can tell you this: the love of God is the very crux of the Gospel. His love compels us to speak with wisdom, to react with grace, and to stand boldly for the truth. Hallelujah!
“As Christians, we are custodians of the Gospel of Christ. This sacred message is not ours to keep hidden; we are commissioned to take it to the ends of the earth. Matthew 28:19-20 the Master charges us to go into all the world and preach the Good News to every creature. This is our divine calling! For ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’, the Holy Spirit has directed us to bring this message of salvation and divine life to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja. Praise the Lord!
“Regardless of your background—whether you are a Free Thinker, Muslim, Animist, Buddhist, or Occultist—this message is for YOU! The love of God knows no boundaries, and His salvation is available to all who will receive it. We invite you to join us for this extraordinary 3-day event that will transform your life forever. Glory to God!
“This effort is a demonstration of brotherly love. We are so full of the joy, beauty, and reality of God’s amazing grace that we must share it with everyone! Love compels us to act, to give, and to bring others into the fullness of God’s blessings in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord! This is why we are sparing no expense—because some things are worth far more than money. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, and now it is our time to shine His light to the world.
“Beloved, the love of God has brought immense success into my life, and I am passionate about seeing you live victoriously in Christ Jesus. This is why my brethren and I from all Christ Embassy Churches and LoveWorld Fellowships across Abuja extend this heartfelt invitation to you. Come and experience the power of God for yourself!”
Thousands have been stranded at Heathrow in the United Kingdom as fire guts electrical substation that supply electricity to the airport.
The international flights has been disrupted in the early hours of Friday with a yet to be released option as at the time of the press.
Authority said, Heathrow Airport will be closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power
The fire is still burning, London Fire Brigade says, with no power at Terminal 2 and 4 as well as 5,000 homes nearby. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, warns of days of disruption – more than 1,350 flights are thought to be affected today.
The implications will stretch far wider than Heathrow, and could impact flights much further afield,
Edited by Jenna Moon and Barbara Tasch, with Charlotte Gallagher reporting from Heathrow
Smith goes on to say that 29 people from neighbouring properties were evacuated over the fire, adding around 150 people in total were evacuated to a rest centre.
He says the fire brigade will continue to have a presence in the area throughout the day.
Fire safety and fire investigation officers are working with the Met Police to establish the nature of the fire, he adds.
There remains no power at Terminal 2 or Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport, Smith says.
We’re now hearing from the London Fire Brigade, as deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith addresses reporters with an update on the fire at the electricity substation near Heathrow Airport.
The fire involved a transformer comprising 25,000 litres of cooling oil that was fully alight. 10% is still alight, he says.
Met Police declared it a major incident, he adds, saying that firefighters worked under challenging conditions.
Press watch live above to follow along. We’ll bring you more updates shortly.
BBC/CAPITAL POST NIGERIA
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