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Rising insecurity: NASS, ex-generals demand urgent military re-armament

Retired military generals have again called on the Federal Government to urgently equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, amid growing concerns over the resurgence of terrorists’ attacks and killings in the North-East.
This comes as the House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed deep concern over a recent deadly attack on a military facility in Giwa, Borno State, describing the incident as a glaring indicator that Boko Haram insurgents are better armed than the military.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the lawmakers lamented the gradual return of the terrorist group and the loss of lives in recent times in Borno and neighbouring Yobe States.
Though budgetary allocations to the defence and security sectors have steadily increased, there have been complaints and questions about the quality and volume of arms available to the troops.
In 2023, the Federal Government earmarked N2.98 trillion for defence and security. This rose to N3.25 trillion in the 2024 budget, and for 2025, President Bola Tinubu proposed a record N4.91tn out of the N49.7tn national budget, aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of security agencies.
Despite these substantial investments, Nigeria continues to grapple with deep-rooted security challenges, including insurgency and banditry.
The Defence Headquarters did not respond to the assertion by the House that the troops are ill-equipped when contacted on Tuesday.
The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, referred inquiries to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye. But Kangye did not respond to phone calls or a text message sent to him on the issue.
However, retired senior military officers urged the Federal Government to prioritise the procurement of modern combat equipment and improved intelligence support to the frontline troops.
They warned that without immediate intervention, the hard-won gains in the war against insurgency could be reversed.
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) said the question of whether terrorists are better armed than the Nigerian military “is no longer rhetorical.
”Describing it as a red flag that demanded urgent intervention, Aro warned that the insurgent groups have evolved from ragtag militias to highly equipped forces with access to encrypted communications, drone surveillance, night-vision devices, GPS-guided explosives, and coordinated strike systems.
He stated, “While our troops remain committed and valiant, the battlefield has shifted from muscle to machine. Without matching this evolution, we risk sending brave soldiers into asymmetric warfare ill-equipped for modern threats. This isn’t about panic, it’s about parity.
“To stay ahead, Nigeria must make an urgent, strategic shift: fund intelligence, equip the army, and fast-track tech superiority. Gadgets that drive modern warfare, from satellite-linked sensors to AI-based surveillance tools, are prohibitively expensive, yet necessary.
“The army, under the leadership of one of the most competent, tested, and forward-thinking Chiefs of Army Staff in recent times, cannot afford to be left behind.
He has the vision, the field experience, and the strategic acumen; what he needs now is full backing. Not just in words, but in robust budgetary commitments that reflect the true cost of winning an intelligence-driven war.
The political leaders must show they have the willpower to take crucial decisions.
”Similarly, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi called for the military to be empowered with advanced intelligence-gathering tools such as surveillance drones and surveillance technologies that could aid in planning and executing strategic counterterrorism operations.
“You see what they (the terrorists) carry—it is above what our military is carrying,” Adewinbi affirmed. “We need equipment that can gather intelligence, monitor insurgents’ activities so the military knows what action to take,” he added.
Beyond a military solution, Adewinbi advocated for strong political will to address the root causes of insecurity, warning that some political actors may be exploiting the crisis for personal or partisan gain.
“They should be more stringent with whoever is involved in banditry or terrorist activities, regardless of who they are. Nigeria is our country, you don’t invite an enemy from outside just to discredit your political opponent, “ he said.
He also decried Nigeria’s porous borders, which he described as an open gateway for individuals with dangerous intentions.
“Anybody can go and come, anyhow, anytime, without being monitored,” he noted.
A former spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Sadique Shehu (retd.), demanded strict accountability, pointing out that without proper monitoring, funds allocated to the armed forces may be misused.
Speaking in an interview, Shehu said, “If you allow the military on their own to decide how to do their work and how to spend their money, the funds won’t get anywhere.
In a democracy, either the executive branch or the legislature is supposed to be in a position to check these people. The system is awash with money, but there must be accountability.
’’According to him, the Nigerian public did not elect the service chiefs, and as such, the responsibility for ensuring that defence funds are well spent lies squarely with the elected officials.
“People do not elect the Chief of Army Staff or the Chief of Air Staff. They elected the president and lawmakers. They are the ones responsible. Yes, you are giving the military money, but did you follow the money and see where it was put?” he queried.
He likened the situation to household spending, saying, “Even if you give your wife a million naira and you don’t check how the children are feeding, she might be the kind of woman that likes buying gold or spending at ceremonies.
Certainly, you gave her one million – there’s no doubt about that – but what is being done with that money? There is no oversight.
There’s no oversight by the executive, there’s no oversight by the legislature.
”During the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Satomi, presented a motion of urgent public importance on the renewed attacks by terrorists in his state.
Rallying support for the motion, Satomi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, lamented the recent fire incident in Giwa Barracks and the attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe States.
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WASSCE 2025: Students performance in English, Maths decline by 38.32%
The Council withheld the results of 192,089 candidates, representing 9.75% of the total number of candidates who sat for the WASSCE for various reported cases of examination malpractices.

The Head of Nigeria National Office, WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, said that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results have been released.
Dangut, during a press briefing on Monday disclosed that out of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat for the examination, only 754,545 candidates, representing 38.32%, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
He stated that the Council withheld the results of 192,089 candidates, representing 9.75% of the total number of candidates who sat for the WASSCE for various reported cases of examination malpractices.
“A total of 1,973,365 candidates from 23,554 recognised secondary schools across Nigeria registered for the examination. Out of these, 1,969,313 candidates actually sat for the examination,” he said.
Notably, the examination was not limited to Nigeria, as candidates from schools in Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, where the Nigerian curriculum is used, also participated.
Dangut explained that in comparison with the previous year’s results, there has been a 33.8% decrease in performance.
In the 2024 WASSCE, 72.12% of candidates obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This year’s results show a significant decline in performance, with only 38.32% of candidates achieving the same feat
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Land Banking in Lagos: What Is It and Why Smart Investors Are Doing It, by Dennis Isong
Who Is Land Banking For? What are the risks, and how can you avoid them?

Some years ago, Mr. Adebayo, a civil servant in his late 40s, bought a large piece of land in the outskirts of Lagos—somewhere past Epe. His friends laughed.
The land had no road network, no visible development, and certainly no electricity poles in sight. “You’ve just bought bush,” one friend said, chuckling over a bottle of palm wine.
But Adebayo had something else in mind. Today, that same bush has turned into a budding estate. His plot—bought for N500,000 per acre—is now valued at over N15 million.
And the best part? He hasn’t built a single block on it. This, my friend, is the power of land banking inLagos.So, what is land banking—and why are smart investors flooding into it?
Let’s take a walk through of what makes this quiet, strategic game of land investment so powerful in Lagos real estate today.
1. What Is Land Banking?
Land banking is the act of buying undeveloped or underdeveloped land now—at a low price—with the intention of holding it for future sale or development.
The idea is simple: get the land while it’s cheap, wait for surrounding development or urban expansion, and then reap the benefits when its value skyrockets.It’s not a new concept.
Wealthy families, governments, and savvy investors have been doing it for decades, quietly amassing land in strategic locations.
But in Lagos, land banking has taken on a whole new meaning due to the city’s rapid urban sprawl and high demand for land.
As more people flood into Lagos for work and business, areas that were once considered “far” are now becoming the next hotspots for development.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a millionaire to start. What you need is foresight,patience, and good information.
2. Why Lagos? Why Now?
Lagos is a land-hungry city. It’s the smallest state in Nigeria by land size, but with the highest population—over 20 million people and counting.
Every day, people are moving in, businesses are expanding, and infrastructure is being built. But land? It’s not expanding.
This imbalance between supply and demand is what makes land such a valuable asset here.
Take Ibeju-Lekki for example. Ten years ago, it was mostly bush, sand, and silence. But today, it’s home to massive developments like the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Investors who bought land here when it was “just sand” are now smiling to bank. The Lagos State Government is also pushing development into the outskirts. Projects like the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge and new road networks are opening up areas like Epe, Badagry,and Agbowa.
This means land in these regions won’t remain cheap for long. Smart investors are not waiting until buildings start springing up. They’re getting in early—buying into the future while the price tag is still friendly.
3. Who Is Land Banking For?
There’s a popular myth that land banking is only for the rich or big-time developers.
Not true.It’s actually a smart move for young professionals, retirees, low-risk investors, and anyonethinking long-term. Think of it like planting a tree—you don’t eat the fruit the next day, but whenit matures, it feeds you for life.
Some people buy shares. Others put money in fixed deposits. But land banking offers something more physical and arguably safer—an asset you can visit, touch, and eventually profit from.
Especially great for those who want to leave something for their children or retire in peace with a solid asset base.
Let’s not forget those who aren’t ready to build yet. If you’re not financially prepared toconstruct a house now, buying land and holding it gives you a head start.
By the time you’re ready to build, the land may have tripled in value—and you’d have saved yourself millions in future costs.
Smart investors understand that the best deals are usually quiet. While the world is running after flashy real estate brochures, they’re planting seeds in overlooked areas.
4. What Are the Risks—and How Can You Avoid Them?
Now, this wouldn’t be a realistic article without addressing the elephants in the room: landscams, Omonile wahala, and poor documentation. These are real risks in Lagos, and anyone who jumps into land banking blindly could lose hard-earned money.
The good news is, these risks are avoidable—if you do your due diligence. Always ensure the land is properly documented: look out for a Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment, and if possible, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Work with trustworthy real estate companies or consultants who have verifiable track records and are registered with relevant authorities.
Also, don’t buy land just because it’s cheap. Buy because it’s strategic.
Ask yourself: Is there ongoing or planned development in the area? Are there accessible roads? Is the title clean? In the case of Mr. Adebayo, he didn’t just buy random land. He researched future government plans, asked questions from locals, and worked with a reputable realtor.
That’s why today, his land is not just appreciated—it’s prime.
5. So, Why Are Smart Investors Doing It?Because it works. Smart investors understand that the best deals are usually quiet. While the world is running after flashy real estate brochures, they’re planting seeds in overlooked areas.
They know that Lagos is expanding, and that time, development, and demand will eventually catch up with the land.
Some flip the land after a few years, making huge profits.
Others hold onto it and develop it into residential estates, short lets, or commercial spaces when the time is right. Either way, they win.
The beauty of land banking is that it doesn’t demand much. No tenants. No property management stress. No construction deadlines. Just patience—and strategy.
In Lagos today, the rush is not just about buying houses.
It’s about owning the land under the houses of tomorrow. Those who see the future are already positioning themselves quietly.
Final Thoughts Land Banking in Lagos: What Is It and Why Smart Investors Are Doing It is more than justa trendy topic—it’s a real, practical investment strategy that has changed lives.
It’s not without it’s risks, but it holds enormous potential for those who do it right.If you’ve been thinking about real estate but haven’t figured out how to start, land banking might just be your entry point.
It’s not glamorous at first. It doesn’t make noise. But in five or ten years,it could be the decision that secures your financial future.
So, whether you’re a young worker, a retiree, or just someone who’s tired of letting money sit in the bank, remember: Lagos may not be expanding in size, but the opportunities in its land keep growing.
And like Mr. Adebayo learned—today’s “bush” could be tomorrow’s goldmine.
Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to OwnProperty In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041
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NGE Condemns Arbitrary Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Gov Bago for allegedly promoting violence
Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

• Eze Anaba, NGE President
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State.
In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, NGE President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, they said that the closure of the radio station was a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.
Ohibaba.com garhered that Governor Bago accused the owner of the Station for incitement of the people against government and directed that the license of the Radio station be revoked.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for the security operatives to profile the owner of the radio station as his station promotes violence”, Ibrahim Said
According to the Guild, this act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.
The association referred to section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.
The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression.
Said the statement : ” The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.
The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.
The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.
Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.
Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken.
We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.
We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.
The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”
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