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Nigerian Army Confirms 3 Casualties During The Attack On Presidential Guard Troops

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The Nigerian Army says it recorded three casualties when its troops from the guards brigade’s 7 battalion ran into an ambush by gunmen on Sunday.

The battalion is a unit under the guard’s brigade, which is responsible for protecting the president.

The soldiers were said to be on routine patrol along the Kubwa-Bwari road when they ran into the ambush.

It was earlier reported that three soldiers sustained injuries from the attack and were moved to the army’s hospital.

Speaking on the attack on Tuesday, Godfrey Abakpa, spokesperson of the brigade, said no soldier was abducted by the gunmen, but the troops recorded three casualties in the encounter.

“No soldier was abducted; we only had three casualties and they were evacuated,” he said.

He also said the troops had dislodged “the criminals” from the area and had continued an exploitation operation within the vicinity of the attack.

At the time TheCable reported about the injured soldiers, a military source had said details on the extent of their injuries were still under confirmation.

It is, however, not clear if the recorded casualties were the same as the injured soldiers.

Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, on Tuesday, commiserated with the families of the deceased.

In a statement by Onogwu Muhammed, his press secretary, the governor, who expressed sadness over the incident, said two of the officers were indigenes of Kogi.

“Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed grief over the death of Army officers killed during an ambush on the Presidential Brigade Guard on Sunday by suspected terrorists after the Army responded to a distress call from the Nigeria Law School, Bwari,” the statement reads.

“Governor Bello in a press release signed on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, said that it was more saddening to find out that two out of the fallen gallant officers, namely, Captain Samuel Attah and Lieutenant Ibrahim Suleiman were illustrious sons of Kogi State.

“Governor Bello condemned the terrorists’ ambush, describing it as a dastardly act and a show of cowardice while urging authorities to expedite actions and ensure the capture of those responsible and also forestall any future occurrence.

“He added that the incessant but cowardly uncoordinated attacks by terrorists must receive keen attention and brutal response from respective security agencies, asserting that the Nigerian internal sovereignty must not be at the mercy of criminal elements.

“The governor commiserated with the families of the deceased, particularly the father of Lt. Suleiman, Col Suleiman Ahmodu Babanawa (Rtd) from Okpo, Olamaboro Local Government, and Captain Samuel Attah from Ibaji Local Government Area of the State.

“He also extended his commiseration to the Nigeria Army over the death of some of their finest officers.

“Governor Bello prayed for God to grant the souls of the deceased officers eternal rest and that every person hurt by their shocking and painful demise, should receive succour from their pains.”

BIG STORY

National Grid Instability Will Persist Until Repairs Are Completed — TCN

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says instability in the national grid will likely persist as the system undergoes repairs after another round of shutdown.

The national grid collapsed again on Thursday, the second time in 72 hours, leaving the country in darkness.

Providing updates on the incident in a statement, Ndidi Mbah, general manager of public affairs at TCN, said the grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 am, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

She said the frequency surge was triggered by issues at one of its substations, which was then shut down to prevent further complications.

“Recovery efforts began immediately, and the Abuja Axis was restored within 28 minutes. Recovery is still ongoing,” the statement reads.

Mbah said the TCN is actively engaged in significant repair work on several critical transmission lines and substations.

The facilities, according to Mbah, include the 330kV transmission lines along the Shiroro-Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba transmission substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV transmission line.

The public affairs manager said following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, TCN has started working to address the identified weaknesses in the transmission system.

Mbah said efforts are afoot to address the gaps outlined in the report and to strengthen the grid’s overall stability and resilience.

“These efforts include both technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations,” she added.

“However, it is important to note that while these repairs and improvements are underway, some degree of instability in the system is likely to persist until all major works are completed.”

Mbah, acknowledging the impact of the disruptions, appealed to the public for their patience and understanding during the challenging period.

She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving the reliability of electricity supply, acknowledging the crucial role that stable power has in supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.

The TCN official also assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to secure the grid’s long-term stability, following the investigative committee’s recommendations.

She added that the transmission company is addressing infrastructure issues, including damage from vandalised transmission lines.

On October 5, the grid experienced a collapse – the ninth time in 2024.

TCN had blamed a series of lines and generator trippings for the instability of the grid and a partial disturbance.

On October 17, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, said the frequent system failure at the national grid is inevitable due to the outdated infrastructure.

Adelabu also said the country will continue to experience grid disturbances until there is a complete overhaul of the system.

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BIG STORY

Defence HQ Declares ‘9 Lakurawas Lerrorists’ Wanted

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine suspected members of the “Lakurawas” terrorist group wanted.

They are Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba a.k.a “Abu Muhammed,” Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

Buba noted that the new terror group emerged from the “Niger Republic” following the coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and the country.

He said the terrorists began infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from “Niger Republic” and “Mali.”

Buba added that prior to the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces had kept the terrorists away.

He said the group continues to use the vast under-governed areas to evade troops and harass local populations.

“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited the difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.

Buba added that the group was initially welcomed by locals who believed they had good intentions.

He noted that the locals failed to inform military and security agencies of the terrorists’ movements.

He assured Nigerians that troops have sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the terrorists.

He said the troops are “actively locating the terrorists to neutralise their threats.”

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BIG STORY

Equitorial Guinea Sacks Senior Government Official, Baltasar Engonga Over “Sexcapade”

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The Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been dismissed following the discovery of over 400 explicit videos involving him with high-profile women across the country.

The dismissal, ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, was confirmed by Real Equatorial Guinea, which referenced Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4.

According to the decree, Engonga’s removal was due to alleged professional misconduct and personal behavior deemed incompatible with his public position.

The scandal surfaced during a fraud investigation involving the 54-year-old economist, leading to a surprise search of his house and office by ANIF officials.

During the search, they uncovered several CDs containing explicit videos that revealed his sexual encounters with different married women.

One of the women involved has since committed suicide. It has not been confirmed whether Engonga will face prosecution for his actions.

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