Troops of Sector 3, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in collaboration with the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have thwarted an attack on the Kukawa community in Borno State.

According to the task force, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists used a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) to ambush the troops.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Monday in Maiduguri that the terrorists launched their attack with the SVBIED, but the troops swiftly responded.

Soldiers of the 101 Special Forces Battalion thereafter killed the terrorists in an ensuing fierce gun battle.

Additionally, he added that other surviving insurgents were forced to abandon their rifles and logistic supplies, fleeing towards Lake Chad.

Makama reiterated that the troops received aerial support from the Air Component of OPHK, which carried out precision airstrikes on the retreating ISWAP terrorists.

Besides the airstrikes, he added that the reinforcement of the special forces battalion has helped consolidate military dominance, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

The troops also recovered several fighting equipment during the coordinated military operations in the Lake Chad region.

Military intelligence sources warned that ISWAP may attempt to regroup by potentially targeting reinforcements or military posts with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He, therefore, urged the troops to maintain heightened vigilance.

“This is in anticipation of a possible attack on the military base at Malam Fatori, a border community with Niger in Borno State,” said Makama.

The Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Dr. Mustafa Sugungun, has announced that the ongoing Quick Fix Project for the Kaduna Refinery is on track to be completed by the end of 2024.

This ambitious project is part of a $741 million contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction, aimed at revitalizing the refinery.

Under the terms of the contract, Daewoo will restore the 110,000-barrel-per-day refinery to at least 60% of its operational capacity by the project’s conclusion.

Speaking at the commissioning of two Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—the renovated Rido Community Primary School and a solar-powered borehole in Maraban Rido, Kaduna State—Dr. Sugungun reaffirmed KRPC’s commitment to uplifting the living standards of its host communities.Represented by the Manager of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ajiboye, Dr. Sugungun highlighted the broader economic implications of the Quick Fix Project.

According to him, once completed, the project will not only revitalize refinery operations but also generate significant economic benefits, including job creation, enhanced petty trading, and the growth of local businesses in the region.

The CSR initiatives commissioned alongside this announcement reflect KRPC’s dedication to sustainable community development.

The renovation of Rido Community Primary School is designed to provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers, while the solar-powered borehole addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in the community.

Dr. Sugungun emphasized KRPC’s broader efforts toward sustainable development through programs such as youth empowerment, rural electrification, periodic medical outreach, and other community-centered initiatives.

He also called on the Rido community to support the ongoing Quick Fix Project, emphasizing that its success would further strengthen the bond between KRPC and its host communities.

In her remarks, the Head Teacher of Rido Primary School, Mrs. Rachael Aduwak, expressed gratitude for the company’s intervention, describing it as a much-needed relief for the school.

However, she appealed to KRPC for additional support, including the construction of a perimeter fence and the provision of classroom furniture such as tables, chairs, and chalkboards.

She lamented that many students are currently forced to sit on bare floors during lessons, which undermines their learning experience.

The dual focus on large-scale infrastructure development and grassroots community support underscores KRPC’s commitment to driving positive change at both economic and social levels in Kaduna State.

Some Muslim scholars under the umbrella of the League of Islamic Leaders in Mushin, Lagos, have launched an initiative called the Market of Convenience (MFC) to sell foodstuffs and essential commodities at reduced prices.

This innovative approach aims to alleviate the economic challenges facing residents of Lagos, especially within the Muslim community.

The establishment of the MFC was highlighted during a one-day sensitization programme held on Sunday in Lagos.

The event emphasized the importance of affordable food markets and encouraged Muslims to embrace this initiative. The Convener and Chairman of the MFC, Alhaji Musoddiq Sanni, underscored the market’s role as a practical solution to the escalating cost of living and a demonstration of the community’s commitment to easing economic hardships.

Sanni explained that the Muslim community introduced the MFC as a strategic response to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“This market serves as an alternative where residents can shop for essential food items at affordable prices,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the MFC would significantly reduce the financial burden on Lagos residents, aligning with the Islamic principles of justice and fairness in commerce. “Allah has commanded us in the Qur’an to maintain justice and fairness during business transactions,” he added.

The chairman also advocated for the expansion of the initiative, urging Muslim leaders in Ikeja and other parts of Lagos to establish branches of the market.

By doing so, he noted, more communities could benefit from affordable food items, further strengthening efforts to combat economic hardship.

Sanni also emphasized the importance of cooperative societies in ensuring the sustainability of the market.

To ensure compliance with Islamic laws, the League of Islamic Leaders plans to develop a blueprint for the market’s operation in conformity with Sharia principles.

He revealed that the MFC has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, demonstrating the seriousness of the initiative.Alhaji Sulaimon Olanijo, Chairman of the League of Islamic Leaders in Mushin, called on other Muslim groups to support the MFC initiative.

He emphasized that such markets would not only reduce the economic difficulties faced by Muslims but also contribute to the Federal Government’s agenda on food security.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Council of Imams, Ikeja Division, Alhaji Abdul-Rahmon Abdul-Azeez, praised the initiative, stating that it was a timely intervention.

He acknowledged the rising cost of foodstuffs and expressed confidence that the MFC could significantly mitigate the financial struggles of Nigerians.

With cooperation from Muslim leaders and other stakeholders, the MFC could potentially be replicated across various communities, promoting economic fairness and reducing hardship nationwide.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that an attempt to embrace smoking as a young man could have led him down a destructive path, stating, “I could have become addicted.”

Obasanjo made the disclosure on Sunday during the Fly Above The High anti-drug campaign conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo, who admitted he once attempted smoking, claimed that his inability to tolerate it saved him from a path of potential addiction.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted. Once you get involved, it is difficult to get out,” Obasanjo said.

The former president also spoke on the troubling rise of drug abuse in West Africa, a problem he said he encountered firsthand as Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Obasanjo stated that members of the commission crisscrossed West Africa with the belief that the region was free from drugs, which he said came mainly from Latin America and go to North America and Europe.

“But to our dismay, displeasure, and pain, at the end of the exercise, we found out that West Africa has equally been a centre for drug consumption in a very bad way,” he added.

“That was more than 10 years ago, so the situation has since gone worse. And whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa.”

The former president, however, warned Nigerian youths to steer clear of psychoactive drugs, adding that “There’s nothing drug can do for you except destruction.”

He also urged those already addicted to psychoactive drugs to seek help and warned the society against stigmatisation.

In 2023, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency reported that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse.

The agency said 14.3 million Nigerian drug abusers are within the age range of 15 and 64 years, adding that more women are now involved.

Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.

US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.

Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.

While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.

Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.

All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.

SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)

Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens) 

The usage of the Contactless Passport Application System app would commence on the 1st of December, 2024.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) announced this in an update it provided on its official X account on Sunday evening.

“The Contactless Passport Application System app is now available on Google Play store as “NIS Mobile”,” NIS announced.

“Please remember that the worldwide usage would commence from the 1st of December, 2024.”

According to the statement, the current Geo-fencing feature means it is only available for use by Nigerians in Canada and the United States of America (USA).

The Federal Government, meanwhile recently partnered with the United Kingdom (UK) to strengthen security in Nigeria and also work on a lasting contactless biometrics solution.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this in a statement on his official X account after meeting with the Home Secretary of the UK, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper early November.

Tunji-Ojo said the FG’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that enhance security and public service delivery was reinforced after the meeting.

“We discussed mutual goals to strengthen security, efficiency, and service delivery, showing our administration’s dedication to sustainable development through cooperation and shared purpose,” he said.

“In line with our initiative to extend contactless biometrics solution to the UK, having successfully launched in Canada with impressive success rate, I also led senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on an oversight visit to the Nigeria High Commission.”

According to Tunji-Ojo, the visit reaffirms the federal government’s support for the attachés working to improve their services to Nigerians abroad.

The NIS decided to implement the contactless biometric solution process for passports and visa applications to ease challenges associated with the process and curb corruption.

Tunji-Ojo while presenting a scorecard of his achievements within one year in office had explained that the contactless biometric system allows applicants to apply for passports or visas from the comfort of their homes or offices.

He added that they would do this without visiting any passport office, particularly for Nigeria’s consulates, where the number of applications often exceeds the daily capture capacity.

“With the contactless biometric solution, you won’t need to go to the embassies to book an appointment anymore because of the new system,” the minister explained.

“The era of resource wastage in the passport process is over. In Canada, for example, over 16,000 applications are received as against 260 captures per day.”

Tunji-Ojo was joined in the meeting with the UK Home Secretary, Cooper by key Nigerian officials including the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap and the Controller General of Fire Service, Engr. Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji.