News
US Says Withdrawal from Sahel Region Fueling Nigeria’s Terror Attacks
These attacks, coming after a considerable period of lull in terrorist activities, have targeted both civilians and security forces, leading to huge casualties and displacement
The Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), US Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Langley, has said that the absence of his country’s intelligence and counterterrorism support, which had previously helped monitor and disrupt extremist networks across the Sahel, might have created security gaps that terrorist groups were now exploiting.
Langley disclosed this, weekend, during a digital press briefing after the “African Chiefs of Defence Conference” in Kenya.
Langley stated, “I’ll just say that since we left Niger in September of last year, we’re observing a rise in attacks by violent extremist organisations, not only in Niger but across the Sahel to include Nigeria as well as going into Burkina Faso and Mali.
“Now, this increase is measurable by both frequency and complexity of these attacks driven by persistent and socio-economic grievances and the proliferation of weapons and increased capable terrorist groups across the board.
“So, unfortunately, with our withdrawal from the region, we have lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely but we continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can.”
In Borno State, North-east Nigeria, Boko Haram and its faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have intensified their assaults.
In central Nigeria’s Benue and Plateau states, violence attributed to armed herders has also surged.
These attacks, coming after a considerable period of lull in terrorist activities, have targeted both civilians and security forces, leading to huge casualties and displacement.
The Nigerian Senate has officially approved the N1.485 trillion budget proposal submitted by the Rivers State government for the fiscal year 2025.
The approval, granted during today’s plenary session, marks a significant step in the state’s financial planning and development agenda.
The budget, which outlines the state’s projected revenue and expenditure for the upcoming year, will now pave the way for the implementation of various projects and initiatives across Rivers State.
Details of the budget’s allocation, including specific sectors and priorities, are expected to be released by the Rivers State government in the coming days.
The Senate’s approval underscores its commitment to supporting the economic growth and development of the states within the federation.
This action enables Rivers State to proceed with its plans for infrastructure, social services, and other key areas crucial for the well-being of its citizens.
Further updates and analysis of the approved budget are anticipated as the year progresses.
News
Lagos Alerts Motorists on 110-Day Ogudu/Ifako Bridge Repairs
The first to fourth phases, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere, will commence from Saturday, June 28 and end on Saturday, August 16 (50 days).
The Lagos State Government has released a diversion plan ahead of the repair of the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge, which will take 110 days.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, revealed this in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.
Osiyemi said that the repair, postponed earlier, would begin from June 28, 2025 and end on October 15, 2025.
The commissioner said that the repair was expected to be carried out in eight phases on both lanes.
He said: “The first to fourth phases, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere, will commence from Saturday, June 28 and end on Saturday, August 16 (50 days).
“Phases five to eight, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako inbound Oworoshoki, will be fixed between Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, October 5 (51 days).”
Scores of daredevil terrorists and some military personnel have been killed following a gun battle in Niger and Kaduna States.
Nigerian Army Headquarters made the disclosure in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
The statement said the operations were carried out in Kwanar Dutse Mairiga and Boka, Niger State, and Aungwan Turai, Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
The daredevil terrorists had launched an unprovoked attack on the aforementioned areas.
According to the statement, in response to the attacks, “land and air component troops launched several counter-attacks that eliminated scores of bandits in the encounters.
“Sadly, some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in the day-long battles, while four wounded in-action troops are currently receiving treatment for their gunshot wounds.
More updates later.”
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