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CPPE Estimates War In Niger ‘ll Cost Nigeria $2bn annually, Citing ECOMOG 

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CENTRE For The Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has estimated that war against military junta in Niger Republic to restore constitutional democracy in that country would cost Nigeria a minimum of $2 billion annually.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, the CEO of
the Lagos- based CPPE (an economic pressure group), therefore, called on the ECOWAS leaders headed by Nigeria ‘s President Bola Tinubu, to contemplate the colossal effects military intervention would have on  countries of the sub region and their citizens.

He said that the financial cost of a military campaign could be quite staggering and unpredictable.

Profiles of Nigeria Military Operations In ECOWAS
” There are valuable lessons to learn from the Nigeria’s military operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone over two decades ago.

Nigeria was the arrow head of the then Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group [ECOMOG], the intervention force at the time. 

We lost over 500 soldiers during the Liberia war with hundreds sustaining various degrees of injuries. The war became protracted, lasting for about 7 years, [1990 to 1998]. 

At the peak of the war, there were 16,000 ECOMOG troops in Liberia, 80% of them were Nigerian troops.  The cost to Nigeria of the Liberia war was an estimated $8 billion dollars.

Shortly after the Liberia military operation, Nigeria led another military intervention in Sierra Leone to restore democracy in that country following the coup that toppled the then democratically elected President, Tejan Kabbah.

The story of Nigeria’s military campaign in Sierra Leone was not different.

Nigeria spent over $4 billion and lost about 700 soldiers. The war lasted about five years from 1998 to 2002.

The lesson here is that the cost of military interventions can be very prohibitive.

Similar military operation at this time may cost considerably higher, given the inflationary trend over the past 25 years. 

At the very minimum it would cost Nigeria a minimum of $2 billion annually to prosecute a military operation in Niger, taking into account the prevailing geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel.

It will be difficult to accommodate such huge financial commitment at this time without putting a serious strain on our fiscal operations and foreign reserves.

With the benefit of hindsight, it is doubtful whether Nigeria got any significant benefit from the military interventions in both Liberia and Sierra Leone. 
Yet the operation was a huge financial burden on Nigeria.

The costs to Nigeria were colossal. Military spending in a war situation is largely in foreign currency. 

It could therefore be a major drain on the Nigeria’s reserves.

The loss of lives was also a tragic outcome of the war.

At the end, there was no concrete benefit for Nigeria for expending so much of its financial and human resources,” he said. 

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Five Narrowly Escape Death in Lagos Auto Crashes

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Two people were seriously injured while three others escaped unhurt in separate road accidents over the weekend in Lagos State, caused by reckless driving and brake failure in Mile 2 and Surulere, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said.

According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the first crash occurred at Olohunsogo Bus Stop, inward Mile 2, when a speeding Toyota Camry collided with a stationary Scania truck, leaving the driver and a passenger seriously hurt.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the Camry driver’s excessive speeding caused the loss of control, resulting in the crash,” the statement said.

LASTMA responders quickly rescued the victims and took them to Ademola Hospital near Ijanikin Police Station for treatment. The truck driver was detained by LASTMA officials, while police provided security at the scene.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of obeying traffic rules and maintaining vehicles to prevent such accidents, warning against reckless driving and mechanical failure.

This latest crash comes less than a week after a fatal accident at Ibeju Bus Stop on the Lekki–Epe Expressway, which killed six people, including a child, and injured nine others.

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Egyptian Guest Collapses and Dies at Abuja Hotel

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An Egyptian national, Mohammed Saleh, aged 56, tragically died after collapsing while dining at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel located in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The incident, which took place on Friday night, has sparked an ongoing police investigation into the cause of his sudden death.

Security expert Zazazola Makama shared details of the incident on social media platform X, revealing that Saleh was dining with three other individuals when he suddenly slumped. The hotel’s security supervisor, Francis Yusuf, promptly reported the case to the Wuse Police Division at approximately 9:24 p.m., prompting immediate medical and law enforcement response.

Saleh was first taken to King’s Care Hospital in Wuse Zone 4 before being referred to the Wuse District Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for a thorough autopsy as authorities seek to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his passing.

The police have opened a formal investigation into the matter, with the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, acknowledging the case but yet to provide detailed updates.

This incident adds to a growing list of cases involving foreign nationals found dead in Nigerian hotels, raising concerns about health emergencies and emergency response protocols in hospitality venues. Earlier this year, an 80-year-old Colombian man, Quesada Alfonso, was found dead in a hotel room in FESTAC Town, Lagos State.

Authorities investigated that case as well, noting the deceased had been residing in the hotel for several months prior to his death.

As the investigation into Mohammed Saleh’s death continues, the hospitality industry and security agencies are reminded of the critical importance of swift emergency response and enhanced safety measures to protect guests and residents alike. The outcome of the autopsy and police findings will shed more light on this unfortunate event.

Residents and visitors to Abuja await further information from law enforcement on this tragic occurrence.

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Lagos Cracks Down on Illegal Street Traders at Mile 2

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Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reiterated the government’s resolve to restore order on key roads, as enforcement officers cleared illegal street traders at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2.

A video shared by Wahab on X on Monday showed officers removing traders whose activities blocked traffic, endangered pedestrians, and littered the area.

Describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to keep Lagos roads safe and clean, Wahab said, “Our enforcement team is dislodging illegal street traders causing nuisance at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2. Their actions obstruct traffic, threaten pedestrians, and pollute the environment.”

He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and orderly urban environment, adding, “We will continue to ensure our roads are safe, clean, and free from environmental violations.”

The Lagos State Government has stepped up enforcement against street trading and environmental offenses in recent months to improve safety, reduce congestion, and promote a cleaner city.

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