The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has expanded its train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route.

The acting Managing Director of the NRC, Ben Iloanusi disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos through a statement.

This has thus increased the number of services on the Abuja-Kaduna route from four to six during weekdays, specifically from Monday to Friday.

The declaration was endorsed by Yakub Mohmood who serves as the Deputy Director of Public Relations at the corporation.

“A trend analysis over a five-month period revealed a significant increase of 22 per cent in the number of new passengers registering on the ticket platform to use the Abuja-Kaduna service,” Mohmood said.

“This signifies a surge in the number of Nigerians turning to the use of train services as a comfortable, reliable and safe option of commuting.

“NRC has observed similar trends on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe and Port Harcourt-Aba routes and efforts are already ongoing to beef-up services along these routes as well.

“Our valued customers are encouraged to use NRC ticket platforms online to take advantage of the increased services and shun patronage of ticket racketeers.”

Troops from the Nigerian Military have killed bandits and recovered arms in Plateau after intensifying their crackdown on criminal elements in the state.

Security analyst and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama disclosed this on Wednesday morning in a statement on his official X account.

“The Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, in collaboration with Operation SAFE HAVEN, has achieved significant breakthroughs in countering criminal activities in  an ongoing security operation aimed at restoring safety in Plateau State,” Makama said.

“The intensified operations, conducted over several weeks, have led to arrests, the recovery of firearms, and the neutralization of several notorious criminal figures.

“On October 23, security forces arrested two suspects believed to be masterminds of a foiled attack in Kazok Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State. 

“Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, 96 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 46 cartridges from the suspects. 

“The next day, on October 24, security agencies thwarted an armed robbery on Bot-Foreiyinte Road in Bokkos LGA, rescuing two victims and confiscating a fabricated rifle and ammunition.”

Makama revealed that in a further operation on October 26 in Garkawa, Mikang LGA, security forces dismantled a criminal syndicate, arrested four suspects and seized a Beretta pistol, an AK-47 magazine, and 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. 

Additionally, on October 31, security operatives acting on intelligence apprehended a female suspect in Bassa LGA who had been impersonating a soldier to intimidate residents. 

Authorities confiscated an automatic rifle, military uniforms, and other equipment from her.

On November 2, troops launched an intelligence-based raid in Luwaran Village, Jos North LGA, where the wife of a known bandit led them to an AK-47 rifle buried on the village outskirts. 

The bandit narrowly escaped capture, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. In a dawn raid on November 3 in Kwatas District, Bokkos LGA, security forces arrested two suspected bandits linked to local security breaches, recovering a fabricated rifle capable of firing 7.62mm ammunition and additional rounds.

A major success was recorded on November 4 in Wase LGA, where security forces neutralized Kachalla Saleh, a notorious bandit kingpin known as “Mai Rasha,” during an operation in Kinishi Forest. 

Officials recovered 500,000 Naira believed to be part of a ransom collected by Saleh. On November 5, security forces foiled an armed robbery in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, apprehending two suspects and recovering 130,000 Naira taken from victims.

In Zangon Kataf LGA on November 6, security agencies disrupted a kidnapping attempt, forcing the criminals to flee and abandoning a Magnum pump-action gun, an AK-47 magazine, and other fabricated weapons. 

Makama added that most recently, on November 11, security forces responded to kidnappers’ activity in Anguwan Kwata, Bokkos LGA, neutralizing one armed suspect after a confrontation.

The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) on Monday, November 11, 2024 approved a proposed budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

The announcement was made following an EXCO meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen provided an in-depth breakdown of the proposed budget, which earmarks N587.4 billion (62.75%) for capital expenditure and N348.7 billion (37.25%) for recurrent expenditure.

Breakdown of the 2025 Budget

Ekedayen, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and other commissioners, clarified the structure and guiding principles behind the budget. He outlined: Total Budget: N936,078,818,719 billion.

Capital Expenditure: N587,361,060,084 billion (62.75%) and Recurrent Expenditure: N348,717,758,635 billion (37.25%).

This budget reflects a 29.12% increase from the previous year, underscoring Delta State’s commitment to economic and infrastructural growth.

The proposed budget focuses on key sectors like agriculture, MSME support, youth empowerment, tourism, entertainment, social safety nets, healthcare, education, and physical infrastructure development.

Ekedayen also highlighted that the 2025 budget will be funded entirely organically, without borrowing.

The state will rely primarily on allocations from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), supplemented by its internally generated revenue (IGR), projected to reach N140 billion.

This approach aligns with the Oborevwori administration’s transparency and accountability objectives.

Key Areas of Focus in the 2025 Budget

1. Economic Development: Supporting agriculture, small businesses, youth empowerment, tourism, and entertainment industries.
2. Social Safety Nets: Emphasis on poverty alleviation programs and initiatives to improve citizens’ quality of life.
3. Infrastructure and Urban Development: Significant allocations are set aside for physical infrastructure, healthcare, and education enhancements.

Approved Infrastructure Projects: EXCO approved multiple infrastructure projects across Delta State, aimed at fostering community development and improving accessibility.

Road Rehabilitation and Construction: Rehabilitation of Ugwhru-Ghelli/Ehidi road and construction of Chief Lyn Ivie Akporiche Street, Ughelli North LGA, and Amechi Aguisi Street in Asaba.

Oil Road/Old Okpe Road construction in Jeddo, Okpe LGA.

Ejeba Road Extension, Jelink Road, and Olomoro Road Extension in Isoko South LGA.

Reconstruction of Uzere-Asaba-Ase Bridge and adjoining roads in Ndokwa East and Isoko South LGAs.

Six internal roads in Isoko South and the Alisimie-Owa-Nta Road in Ika North East LGA.

Internal roads and drainage at NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North LGA.

Access road to the Air Force base at Osubi Airport, and Opete Road by Plantation City to Opete Waterside in Udu LGA.

The Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, Charles Aniagwu, added that EXCO has issued a directive to terminate contracts with companies that have failed to mobilize for over a year. This move aims to ensure efficiency and timely completion of projects.

Education and Community Development: Construction of a Model Secondary School in Oporoza, and an access road to Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, Warri South-West LGA.

According to the Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Ebikeme Clark, the governor has prioritized road access to the Nigerian Maritime University, a federal institution, connecting its temporary and permanent sites, a development welcomed by riverine communities.

The Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab has warned Lagosians against the blocking of drainage systems and clogging of canals.

Wahab gave the warning on Monday in a post he shared on his official X account while referring to the flood in Spain.

“Difficult decisions must sometimes be made, prioritizing the greater public good. When drainage systems are blocked or canals are clogged, the consequences are dire, affecting every one of us irrespective of our religion, tribe or ethnic group,” Wahab warned. 

“The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources may be leading these efforts, but this is not merely about one leader, it is about the safety and well-being of all Lagosians. Let’s stand together for a safer, more resilient Lagos.”

Wahab said it is never about ethnicity, tribe or religion, lamenting cars piled like toys, water slushing through the streets and the gory scenes from the vibrant streets of Valencia to the serene coastal town of Cadaquez.

He said situations like the one currently being experienced in Spain should have everyone concerned because we are witnessing the harsh reality of a planet under siege. 

The commissioner said the effects of climate change are indiscriminate, transcending gender, race, tribe, or religion, adding that this is why Lagos State must act now to prevent reaching a point of no return.

“Even in highly advanced environments, vigilance is constant. The city of London, for instance, recently carried out cleanups and removals, understanding that resilience against climate change requires ongoing effort,” Wahab said. 

He warned that Lagosians cannot afford to ignore this issue or dismiss it as someone else’s responsibility. 

According to him, protecting our communities is not just the work of a single commissioner but a collective responsibility that affects everyone.

Three persons have been reported dead in an accident which saw a truck ram into a commercial tricycle and a car in the Epe area of Lagos State on Monday. 

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed this in a post it shared on its official X account.

According to the statement, LASTMA said that the accident occurred as a result of a brake failure by the truck on its way from Ita-Opo. 

“Three lives were lost and they’ve been taken to the morgue at Epe General Hospital while we have a tow truck on the ground to evacuate the affected vehicles,” LASTMA said.

“Traffic has been diverted for easy vehicular movement.”

Efforts to get further details from the Lagos State Police Command proved abortive as calls and a text message put across to the phone of the Spokesman for the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, were not responded to.

In another accident in the Abule Egba area of the state, LASTMA said many passengers suffered injuries after an evangelical bus was hit by a commercial bus that suffered brake failure.

“Injured passengers are now being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while our men are on the ground there to restore normalcy and control resultant traffic backlog,” the agency shared.

The Opoti/Akaliwari families, in Akumoni-Okordia Clan, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, have urged the state government, to prevail on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to construct road.

King Ezi Alubiri, former Paramount Ruler of Akumoni-Okordia community, stated this on Monday, during meeting with Mr Morris Alagoa, the Deputy Director Environmental Defender’s Network/Technical Adviser to the Gov. on Environment.

He appealed to the Bayelsa government to urge shell to construct road to link it location through Okordia than going through communities in Rivers State.

According to him, “In 1970s Ubie 10 Oil Well was discovered then we were under Rivers, but now we are in Bayelsa state Yenagoa LGA, we want shell to construct road that will pass through our community to their location which is on our land.

“We have written several letters to Shell, Commissioner for Environment, the Governor, commissioner, Natural Resources, Oil and Gas Commissioner, LGA Chairman, but to no avail.

“We are inviting shell to come and hold town hall meeting with us, see our grievances, and our benefits that should be given to us.

“Right now as I am talking, not everyone in the community are loyal, some are arrogant and we do not want anything crisis.

“From now before the rig will come to the site, they have to come sit with us, we equally calling on Bayelsa government to call shell to order and let them do the right thing,” he said.

On his part, Jacob Bunata, member of Akaliwari family, said that the oil well is in Bayelsa community but the Rivers community, is the one benefiting more because of the road to the location is close to them.

He appealed to the Bayelsa governor to direct shell to do the needful for the sake of peace among them.

In his response, Alagoa, said he had received several calls from the community, an listen to them on phone I felt looking back with the experiences.

“We had in communities around Bayelsa and the Niger Delta, especially in Okordia. I felt I should come to hear an give them the platform to express themselves to the government.

“Shell which is at the centre of this issue to hear and we have had them. They have written letters about how distress they are for an oil well that is suppose to be in Okordia Akumoni, in there family land.

“But it’s been access through communities in Rivers State, they feel that some benefits are still going to the communities, their complains are germin.

“I think since they have express themselves written letters to Govt. Shell, we fill that shell and govt. should respond to them, because we have had it here in Okordia Clan, not ones or twice.

“Now that we are still looking at the Bayelsa oil and environmental commission report, talking about how polluted Bayelsa state environment is.

“How we are thinking how to get proper clean up, compensation and remediation, of the polluted environment.

“We want to ensure that any other thing that tends further pollution is prevented that is my main reason of coming here,” he said.