General
Nigerian Army to End Operation Python Dance II October 14
By Dipo Olowookere
The Nigerian Army has said it would conclude its Operation Python Dance II in the south east region of the country on Saturday, October 14, 2017.
Deputy Director of Public Relations at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sagir Musa, disclosed in a statement that the field training exercise code named Exercise Egwu Eke (Python Dance) II, which kicked off on September 15, 2017, is meant to sharpen the skills the troops in the conduct of internal security operations.
Colonel Musa further said the exercise was also aimed to combating the security challenges in the South East, pointing that the army was well equipped to deal with the rising cases of insecurity such as kidnappings, farmers-herdsmen clashes, cultism, armed robbery, communal crisis, violent secessionist agitations, insurgency among others.
“For emphasis, it is necessary to restate that the exercise and similar ones with different coded names in some parts of the country were deliberately initiated and conducted with an overarching aim of checkmating identified security challenges prevalent in the regions where they were carried out.
“Some of the successful military exercises include: Operation Sharan Daji in tackling livestock rustling and armed banditry in the Northwest; Operation Awatse to tackle militants and oil installation vandals in South-West, especially in the creeks between Lagos and Ogun States; Operation Shirin Harbi in addressing restiveness in the North-East, especially Bauchi and Gombe States; Op Shirin Harbi in containing the rein of killers in Southern Kaduna; Op Harbin Kunama in resolving rustling and armed banditry in forest along Sokoto-Zamfara axis and Op Crocodile Smile, popular in the South-South to combat Criminal elements engaged in the destruction of oil pipelines and installations,” he said.
The army spokesman urged law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses without fear, emphasising that the exercise “is not targeted at any individual or group.”
Recall that the first Python Dance exercise was carried out in the South Eastern Region from November 27 to December 27, 2016.
The peculiar security challenges in the region such as kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery, farmers/herdsmen clashes, communal crisis, traffic gridlock and violent secessionist agitation among others as the targets of this exercise were successfully addressed.
The concept of the current exercise, like the previous one is purely Command Post, Field Training and Real-Time Exercise, the army said.
It added that the exercise is aimed to enhance troops’ agility and preparedness across the spectrum of contemporary and emerging security challenges peculiar to South Eastern region.
The statement pointed out that the exercise is three in one, in that – it was – deliberately designed as – a Command Post Exercise that transmuted into Field Training Exercise and where necessary dovetailed into real-time mission or activities such as anti-kidnapping drills, patrols, raids, cordon, and search, check points, road blocks and show of force.
The army said one interesting aspect of the exercise is that it is multi-agency in nature and execution.
Relevant para-military organizations such as elements of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, State Security Services and Federal Road Safety Commission synergized and collaborated to ensure successful execution and attainment of outlined objectives.
Also, the non-reliance on only military line of operation to achieve the end states of the exercise was part of the texture of the strategy.
For this reason, an elaborately generous civil-military cooperation line of operation had been successfully planned and executed during this exercise, the statement said.
“In this regard, some relevant Nigerian Army Corps and Services such as the medical corps and engineers corps carried out medical outreaches, roads and schools repairs across the South Eastern region.
“On the whole, the exercise has numerous objectives. Some of which are; to practice participating units on planning, preparation and conduct of internal security operations, intensify training on counter terrorism and internal security operations as well as to deter the activities of kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and violent secessionist agitators.
“Others are – synergizing with relevant Para- Military services to address the identified threats and sharpening the skills of troops towards curtailing current and emerging security challenges peculiar to the South Eastern region,” the Army noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
To ensure reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents, Access Bank Plc has facilitated the installation of boreholes in 10 underserved communities in Nigeria.
The communities are Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa.
This is part of the lender’s commitment to sustainable development and community well-being through its Access Clean Water Project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
The project, implemented in partnership with HACEY, a leading development organisation, directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and access to pipe-borne water in urban households declining from 32 per cent in 1990 to just 3 per cent in 2015, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent.
The Access Clean Water Project addresses this challenge by providing functional boreholes and WASH education to communities in Obafemi Owode and Otta Local Government Areas, benefiting over 500,000 residents.
This initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy and reinforces its position as a leading sustainability-focused financial institution.
By supporting clean water access, the Bank is fostering community growth through improved health, education, and economic opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development and long-term positive impact.
The Programme Officer for Health at Access Holdings Plc, Ms Esther Graham, said, “Access Bank is proud to support this vital initiative that not only improves lives but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth.”
“Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress,” she added.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Access Bank Clean Water Project includes comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, equipping community members with essential knowledge on hygiene practices and the prevention of waterborne diseases.
The impact of this initiative is far-reaching. By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, enhance hygiene standards, and promote healthier living conditions.
Ultimately, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, drives sustainable development, and reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and well-being across Nigeria.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria plans to launch a state-by-state home ownership and housing development campaign as part of the Renewed Hope Housing initiative.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known at the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja, noting that the initiative aims to address housing needs across Nigeria, regardless of income level, by providing various housing options and facilitating access to homeownership.
Mr Dangiwa said the campaign, which will be rolled out in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, will make housing accessible to all Nigerians
According to the Minister, the biggest gaps in housing delivery are at the sub-national level where many state governments lack technical capacity, planning systems, and financial tools to act decisively.
He said that the programme would be implemented in collaboration with state governments, private sector investors, and international development partners.
“I am pleased to announce our plan to launch a State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign, a high-impact outreach initiative in collaboration with state governments, the private sector, and development partners.
“The goal is to bridge the gap between national housing policy and state-level execution while empowering citizens with the knowledge and tools to access affordable housing opportunities.
“As part of this initiative, we aim to embed housing reform champions as Special Advisers to State Governors, convene State Housing Roundtables to review existing housing development plans.
“We will also provide technical advisory, develop actionable roadmaps, and offer hands-on support to structure viable projects and unlock financing.”
Mr Dangiwa said that the campaign would also ensure alignment with federal programmes, thereby enabling states to access funding and technical support from institutions.
The institutions include the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Family Homes Funds, the MoFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), Shelter Afrique Development Bank, and others.
“I therefore call on our development partners, DFIs, donor agencies, and private sector leaders to support this initiative.
“Let us take the knowledge we share in conferences like this and transform it into concrete action in our communities.”
Mr Dangiwa also said that to underscore the government’s renewed political will to housing delivery, plans have been finalised to establish an Experts-led National Housing Policy Coordination and Monitoring Committee.
He said this was to evaluate, and report on the implementation of the National Housing Policy and related housing sector programmes.
“Housing is not a privilege, it is a right. It is not just a roof, it is the bedrock of health, dignity, productivity, and national stability. When we invest in housing, we are investing in people, in jobs, in cities, and in the future,” he said.
Mr Dangiwa also acknowledged that the government alone cannot mobilise the funding required to fix the housing need.
He said that was why the government was leveraging Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with reputable developers to deliver Renewed Hope Cities which target mid to high income earners.
He said that so far, over N70 billion in private sector capital have been attracted by the government .
By Adedapo Adesanya
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 11 individuals, including seven Chinese nationals, for engaging in illegal mining of ilmenite in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Ilmenite, the mineral allegedly mined illegally, is a key source of titanium and is in high demand globally for use in aircraft manufacturing, paints, and electronics.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended at Emem-Asuk community, where they were reportedly operating two unauthorized mining sites.
The group was caught while setting up equipment at a second location, having already begun the illegal extraction of ilmenite, at their first site.
Those arrested included Chinese nationals Yang Chaobao (32), Zhong Dun Yi (33), Cheng Jiang (35), Zhong Dun Long (37), Pan Peiming (33), Lai Yiping (37), and Zhu Lekun (35). Their Nigerian collaborators are David Israel (18), Jonah Bartholomew Jim (24), Samuel Samuel Timothy (20), and a female interpreter, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23).
In her statement to investigators, Ms Ajaga, the only female suspect, claimed she had no direct role in the mining operations.
“I am a student studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State. I only work with them as a translator,” she told EFCC operatives.
Preliminary findings indicate the suspects lacked the requisite permits or licences to carry out mining operations at either location.
The EFCC says the arrests are part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on economic sabotage and environmental crimes in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the EFCC said in a statement posted on X.
This development underscores growing concerns over the influx of illegal mining operations in Nigeria, often run by foreign syndicates with local collaborators, leading to revenue losses and ecological degradation.
The EFCC has stepped up efforts to enforce the laws against illegal mining as part of a wider national effort to curb the activity.
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