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FG spends N8.8 billion on repair of vandalised transmission towers in 2024 – TCN

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The Federal Government has spent about N8.8 billion to repair and put into functional use transmission towers vandalised across the country.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engineer Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.

Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSO) of TCN, Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye, said between January 13, 2024, and now, 128 transmission towers have been destroyed either by vandals or bandits across the country.

He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed and they would return and continue with the vandalism.

“As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. To date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use. It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to the police for prosecution, police would incident them for theft, instead of vandalism and they will be bailed.

“If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.

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“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hours in some days. In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there.

“How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector,” Abdulaziz said.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also said that the Federal Government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.

Adelabu, who was represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, at the meeting, said the Nigerian government was working with the Word Bank and the African Development Bank to get 300 million Africans to have access to electricity by the year 2030.

He said the Ministry of Power is collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get this process achieved.

“Mission 300 is being driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 million from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process.

“The compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January 2025. We worked extensively with the World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.

“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and microgrid, grid extension and connection.

“The reality is that it is not feasible, based on the resources we have, to extend the grid to all Nigerians, one, from the funding point of view and secondly, it may not be commercially viable to begin to talk of grid extension to those parts that are not viable, but that does not mean that we should not deliver electricity to them, which is their right and as part of the dividends of democracy. But we will start with the home solar system in those areas where the grid may not work,” the minister said.

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Terror attack rumour: UNN beefs up security on Nsukka Campus, bans okada riders

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The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has assured staff, students and parents of adequate security on campus, dismissing as false and unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media about an alleged impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, the institution said there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims contained in the viral social media post.

The university, however, disclosed that it had adopted additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the Nsukka campus.

According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s security unit.

Management also announced the temporary closure of some access gates to the campus to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the university.

As part of the new security measures, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect. Only motorcycles belonging to authorised security personnel will be allowed beyond the university gates.

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Staff members who use motorcycles for transportation have been advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their offices.

The university urged members of the academic community to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear, stressing that there was no known security threat to the institution.

It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among students, staff and the general public.
While reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning and research, the management encouraged students and staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the University Security Department or relevant security agencies.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of all staff, students and stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known,” the statement said.

The university further advised the public to treat anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages with caution, particularly those containing sensational claims intended to generate fear and uncertainty.

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How police rescued Adelabu’s sister and her twin sons in kidnappers’ den (Video)

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The rescued victims
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A video circulating online has shown the moment operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) rescued the abducted sister of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, from suspected kidnappers in Oyo State.

The footage captured heavily armed operatives storming a suspected hideout where the victims were allegedly being held after spending several days in captivity.

In the video, a suspected kidnapper was seen attempting to evade arrest by hiding inside the ceiling of the building.

However, police operatives discovered his location during the raid and brought him down before securing the premises.

It was gathered that during the operation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during a gun battle with security personnel, while several others escaped with gunshot

The victims were subsequently rescued unharmed and evacuated from the scene.

Police confirm rescue operation

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Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Anthony Placid, said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

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In a statement issued late Saturday, Placid said the rescue followed days of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance.

“The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson, the operation took place at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.

“The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.”

Placid explained that the victims were kidnapped while Mrs. Adegoke was driving her children to school on the morning of June 3.

“Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.”

Two suspects killed, Rifles recovered

The police said intelligence-driven operations enabled investigators to track the movements of the kidnappers and locate their hideout.

“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.”

During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded.

“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.”

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who fled during the operation.

“Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.”

Family Thanks Tinubu, Makinde, Security Agencies

Meanwhile, the family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu confirmed the safe rescue of the victims and expressed gratitude to Nigerians, security agencies, and government officials for their support throughout the ordeal.

In a statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the family described the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts.

“We are delighted to announce that the victims have been rescued safely and are in good condition.”

“This outcome is a testament to the power of collective action, unwavering commitment, and the resilience of our security institutions when adequately supported by citizens and government at all levels.”

The family also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Oyo State Police Command, and other stakeholders for their intervention.

Rescue Comes Amid Security Concerns in Oyo

The successful operation comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

About 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the area on May 15, sparking public outrage and protests by education stakeholders and civil society groups.

While celebrating the release of Adelabu’s sister and her children, the family said its thoughts remained with other victims still being held captive across the country.

“This experience has once again demonstrated that insecurity is a challenge that transcends partisan politics, ethnicity, religion and social status. Together, we can build a nation where every citizen feels safe, protected and free to pursue legitimate aspirations without fear.”

The police have assured residents that operations are continuing to dismantle the remaining members of the kidnapping network and bring all those involved to justice.

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ESUT lecturer breaks down in tears as students surprise her with gifts (Video)

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The students with the female lecturer
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An emotional moment unfolded at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) when a female lecturer was brought to tears after her students surprised her with gifts in appreciation of her dedication and impact on their academic journey.

The surprise took place during a lecture session as students presented the lecturer with several gifts, including wrappers, packs of bottled water, a black handbag, household items and other wrapped presents.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, the lecturer became emotional as the students celebrated and applauded her for the positive role she has played in their lives.

Reacting one @nwaeze5056 said, “That’s my lecturer y’all ❤️❤️🤭…the best mother to us ..so kind and looking out for us..she deserves moreeee good things❤️.”

ekeneudemadu wrote, “This method of appreciation is therapeutic and relieving. 👏.”

ak_aifyscollection remarked, “I bought my lecturer a Gold chain n pendant the day I graduated n she cried heavily!! That woman really helped me in life though she later died a yr after we graduated !May her soul continue to rest in peace amen !!!i missed my final day exam n it was her course,that woman gave me a “B” n said her mind told her that I was under an attack for me to wake up n not rember it was my final day exams😭😭😭😭😭I cried heavily that day.”

 

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mumboiz1 noted, “Her children must be proud of her, unlike those Mamas wey dey follow Tinubu dey campaign.. 😀.”

 

abikefabricsng added. “She is indeed a good mother. She still dips her hand in the purse to give them money . God bless her good heart.”

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