Senator Ali Ndume commends military for rescuing 360 women and children in Borno
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, praised the Nigerian military for the successful rescue of 360 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Borno State. The victims, who had been held captive since March, were freed on Saturday. This rescue operation occurred three months after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe on March 4. The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also confirmed the release through a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya. Ndume commended the troops for their professionalism and patriotism despite operational challenges. He also expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, as well as Governor Zulum, for their contributions. The lawmaker further praised the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, for providing relief materials and urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support the rebuilding of Ngoshe. Ndume also called for intensified efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, and travelers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai road, and condemned the killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village, Biu Local Government Area.
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The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA have initiated discussions to enhance cooperation in supporting victims of aircraft accidents and their families. This move aims to align Nigeria's emergency response framework with international aviation standards. The discussions, held in Abuja, involved the National Family Assistance Committee, coordinated by the NSIB, and NCAA officials. Both agencies focused on improving institutional coordination, building capacity, and implementing Family Assistance programs within Nigeria's aviation sector. Funke Arowojobe, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stated that the engagement with the NCAA sought to strengthen collaboration on aviation disaster victim and family assistance. Discussions covered the objectives of the Family Assistance Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO policy on assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, and the roles of both NSIB and NCAA. Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for continuous training and retraining of personnel. Both agencies identified practical areas for collaboration, including joint capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder sensitization, to establish clearer institutional procedures for supporting families affected by aviation accidents.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has started a nationwide operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate PET bottles under 200 milliliters. This action aligns with the Federal Government's ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of such alcoholic drinks. NAFDAC stated on X that enforcement is occurring across all six geopolitical zones, following the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities. The agency's enforcement teams are targeting markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to seize banned products. NAFDAC has warned all stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and retailers, to surrender any remaining stock of these products, emphasizing that continued possession or sale is illegal and will lead to seizure, sanctions, and prosecution. The public is urged to support this effort by avoiding banned alcoholic beverages and reporting offenders to NAFDAC.
Wolverhampton Wanderers canceled a training session after striker Tolu Arokodare reportedly refused to leave the pitch, demanding a transfer to Fiorentina. Wolves had rejected an offer from the Serie A club, despite having accepted one from Trabzonspor. The incident, reported by BBC Sports, led new head coach Cesar Peixoto to end Monday's training. Arokodare will not play in Wednesday's friendly against Maidenhead United. This follows a previous disciplinary issue in April involving Mateus Mane. Arokodare, who joined Wolves from Genk for £24 million last summer, scored three league goals as the club was relegated. The situation poses an early challenge for Peixoto, who aims to guide Wolves back to the Premier League.