馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Kogi State Governor pledges to reclaim forests from criminals and enhance security
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo announced plans to reclaim the state's forests from criminal elements during a visit to the Forest Guard trainees in Lokoja. He stated there would be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits, and other violent criminals, emphasizing the state's determination to rid Kogi of such elements by deploying all lawful resources. The governor urged the guards to perform their duties with discipline and patriotism, highlighting that unguarded forest areas have become a major security challenge, providing hideouts for criminal groups. The recruitment and training of Forest Guards are part of a key security strategy to strengthen surveillance and deny criminals safe havens. Ododo noted that this initiative is part of the Forest Guard Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu, implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security institutions. He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to national security and empowering states, and thanked National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi for their support. The governor stressed that his administration is committed to expanding security manpower with individuals of proven character and integrity. This visit followed his inspection of newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers, reaffirming security as a top priority and pledging sustained investment in personnel, equipment, and intelligence-dri
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The Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN has voiced alarm over escalating attacks on electricity infrastructure in Niger State, reporting that vandals have destroyed 14 tower spans of its 132-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line in the Lambata axis of the Gurara Local Government Area. TCN described these acts as economic sabotage, threatening power supply, endangering lives, and hindering efforts to improve power distribution and industrial growth. Musa Shuaibu, General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region of TCN, spoke at a security and community engagement meeting in Lambata, stating that the company is seeking support from traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and security agencies due to repeated vandalism. The affected 132kV line, built over four decades ago during former President Shehu Shagari's administration, was crucial for supplying electricity from the Shiroro axis to the Federal Capital Territory. Shuaibu noted that the line operated without major interference until recently, when criminals began targeting its conductors. He lamented that restoring the 14 vandalized spans would cost approximately N32 million, diverting resources that could have been used for infrastructure improvement. The TCN official warned that power disruptions affect hospitals, businesses, and households, and that residual voltage from fallen conductors poses a fatal risk. He emphasized that these transmission lines supply distribution companies like AEDC, and their destruction impedes the
Must ReadThe Federation Account Allocation Committee FAAC distributed N2.26 trillion among the Federal Government, states, and local government councils as April 2026 revenue. This represents an increase of N217 billion from the N2.04 trillion shared in the previous month, marking a 10.6 percent rise. The total gross revenue available in April was N3.184 trillion. The distributable revenue included N1.260 trillion in statutory revenue, N747.088 billion in Value Added Tax VAT revenue, and N250 billion in augmentation. Gross statutory revenue increased to N2.378 trillion in April from N1.699 trillion in March, while gross VAT revenue rose to N806.617 billion from N664.425 billion. The committee attributed the improved revenue performance to increased collections from Companies Income Tax, CGT, SDT, Import Duty, Oil and Gas Royalty, and Value Added Tax, despite decreases in Petroleum Profit Tax and Hydrocarbon Tax. Of the N2.257 trillion distributable revenue, the Federal Government received N787.351 billion, state governments received N772.360 billion, and local government councils received N540.152 billion. Oil-producing states shared N157.254 billion as 13 percent derivation revenue.
US President Donald Trump announced plans for a major rally in Washington on July 4 to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary. This event will be in addition to a concert scheduled for June 24. Trump stated the July 4 event, named "TRIBUTE TO AMERICA," will be held at the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, featuring flyovers, airshows by military pilots, and keynote remarks from him. He also promised the "LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY." The June 24 event is described as the "kick off" of a summer-long celebration, with performances by military bands, tenor Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood, and military flyovers. Trump has been involved in renovating the Lincoln Memorial's reflecting pool and previously staged a mixed martial arts fight on the White House lawn for his 80th birthday.