President Bola Tinubu on Saturday sought Nigerians’ support for his re-election in 2027, promising sustained economic recovery, prosperity and development.
Tinubu made the appeal on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna.
He thanked Nigerians for electing him in 2023, saying a renewed mandate would enable his administration to sustain ongoing reforms and development projects.
The President blamed previous administrations for the hunger and poverty criticised by opposition parties, saying his government was working to address the challenges.
He cited regular salary payments, economic recovery and efforts to combat corruption and fuel smuggling as areas of his administration’s commitment.
Tinubu urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the 2027 general election.
Earlier, Minister of Works David Umahi said the Federal Government had completed more than 348 kilometres of roads in the North West, while 1,800 kilometres had been partially completed.
Umahi said ongoing federal road projects in the zone covered 4,083 kilometres, out of about 17,000 kilometres nationwide.
He highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, saying 81 kilometres of its 118-kilometre first section would be commissioned at the ceremony.
According to him, the first section was completed in 13 months, while more than 144 kilometres of the 164-kilometre second section had been completed.
Umahi said the remaining 20 kilometres of the second section were expected to be completed by the end of November.
He added that Tinubu had directed the installation of solar streetlights along the 375-kilometre Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor.
The minister commended Tinubu for funding the projects and Kaduna Gov. Uba Sani for his efforts towards their completion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the occasion is the presentation of flags to the seven APC governorship candidates in North West.
(NAN)
Troops rescue over 70 abductees, recover N10m suspected ransom
Troops have rescued more than 70 abducted persons, recovered N10 million in suspected ransom and arrested several suspected terrorists and kidnappers across the country in one week.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on ongoing military operations between Oct. 15 and 22.
Onoja said troops rescued 27 villagers abducted in Gamji community, Katsina, and 29 residents who fled into nearby bushes during a terrorist attack in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger.
He said troops also rescued 11 passengers after suspected attackers assaulted a commercial bus along the Ayere-Kabba road in Kogi.
Onoja added that troops tracked kidnappers to Falgore Forest, neutralised two suspects and rescued a victim abducted from Fanyabo village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State.
He said the troops recovered N10 million suspected to be ransom paid by the victim’s family and handed the money and victim over to the family.
Onoja said troops also arrested a wanted terrorist kingpin and an accomplice at the kingpin’s residence in Mokwa, Niger, recovering four mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
In the North-East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe.
He said troops arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators at Benisheikh Market in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno on Oct. 16.
According to him, further arrests were made in Yobe and Borno, including suspected collaborators allegedly supplying clothing materials for terrorists’ uniforms.
He said 19 terrorist fighters and family members surrendered to, or were intercepted by troops in Bama, Konduga, Mafa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno during the period.
“The individuals reportedly cited hunger, hardship and clashes between rival terrorist factions as reasons for leaving terrorist camps.
“Troops also rescued an abductee who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains and arrested suspected ISWAP members in Borno and Yobe.
“Following an attack on troops’ location at Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area, troops conducted clearance operations and recovered weapons,
“Items recovered are eight AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 300 rounds of PKT ammunition, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and chargers, a handheld radio and a motorcycle,” he said.
In the North-Central, Onoja said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by their captors along the Okoloke-Isanlu-Esa route in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi.
He said the troops also rescued a kidnapped herder in Nasarawa and arrested a wanted gunrunner and militia leader at Jape village in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue.
Onoja said troops arrested a suspected arms dealer in Jalingo, Taraba, over an alleged attempt to sell 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
According to him, the suspect reportedly disclosed the location of three AK-47 rifles.
He said troops had in another operation, arrested a suspected kidnapper in Taraba and subsequently apprehended other members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly operating with six AK-47 rifles.
“Troops also raided the residence of a militia leader at Abako in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, destroying the militia’s hideout.
“In Plateau, troops rescued two people abducted while travelling to Jos and arrested three suspects during an operation at a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Riyom Local Government Area.
“One of the suspects was identified as an alleged logistics supplier,” he added.
The defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested five suspects over the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo.
The operation, according to him, was conducted around Irete and Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area, leading to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one English pistol and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In Anambra, he said the troops responding to a suspected secessionist attack pursued the fleeing suspects, who abandoned a bus and escaped in another vehicle.
According to him, the troops recovered the bus, a pump-action gun and five cartridges.
In the South-South, Onoja said the troops of Operation Delta Safe conducted an offensive operation against suspected kidnappers in Amendokhian Forest, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo.
He added that the operation led to the neutralisation of one suspect and the recovery of a pump-action rifle and six live cartridges.
Onoja said the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged terrorists in Sokoto and Katsina, recovering AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, ammunition and other equipment.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and the collaboration of other security agencies.
“He urged personnel to remain disciplined, respect human rights and comply with the rules of engagement, warning that terrorists remained dangerous despite sustained pressure.
“The CDS also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to report threats promptly, reject mob action and avoid providing safe havens for criminals.
“He called on the media to verify reports, particularly those involving sensitive communal issues, to avoid inflaming tensions,” he said.
Onoja said the Armed Forces would sustain operations until peace and security were restored across the country.
(NAN)
