NAF Air Component Operation UDO KA Sustains High-Impact Air Campaign, Consolidates Peace Gains In The South-East

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 6 April 2026 hosted personnel of the Air Component, Operation UDO KA (AC OPUK), and co-located units in Enugu to a special Easter luncheon aimed at reinforcing frontline morale, comradeship, and mission focus.

Represented by the Air Provost Marshal, Air Vice Marshal Ilemoma Ukeh, the CAS commended the gallant officers, airmen, and airwomen for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to internal security operations, noting that their courage and professionalism continue to inspire confidence in the Nigerian Air Force’s ability to project decisive airpower across multiple theatres.

He reaffirmed that the nation’s prevailing security realities demand a versatile, mission-ready Air Force capable of rapidly employing airpower across the full spectrum of warfare, adding that the NAF, in close synergy with sister services and other security agencies, continues to record tangible operational gains nationwide.

Focusing on the South-East theatre, the CAS lauded the Air Component for its critical role in delivering close air support, armed reconnaissance and other precision missions that have significantly disrupted the activities of violent criminal elements and other threats to public safety. He noted that recent joint clearance operations across identified hostile enclaves led to the dismantling of criminal hideouts and the neutralisation of key threat actors, thereby consolidating the relative peace and improved security currently being experienced across the region. He stated that these gains reflect the effectiveness of sustained air-ground synergy, deliberate intelligence-led operations, and Headquarters Nigerian Air Force’s continued investment in advanced platforms, force multipliers, logistics support, and personnel welfare to sustain operational momentum. Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Kehinde, commended the troops for their outstanding professionalism and assured the CAS of their resolve to sustain the current operational tempo across the theatre. In a separate remark, the Air Component Commander, Operation UDO KA, Air Commodore Dooyum Laha, reaffirmed the commitment of personnel to sustain pressure on violent criminal elements and preserve the relative peace across the South-East.

Reaffirming his command philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force, the CAS assured personnel that their welfare remains central to operational effectiveness and mission success. He pledged continued support in the provision of critical operational requirements, while urging troops to maintain the momentum of ongoing missions in support of enduring peace and civil stability in the South-East and other parts of the country.

NAF Air Component Operation UDO KA

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Joint Task Force Commander, and the Governors of states in the South-East for their continued strategic support to Operation UDO KA. The Easter engagement further underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s people-centric leadership approach, projecting a Service that remains operationally decisive, welfare-driven, and fully committed to national security and lasting peace.

ICPC Arraigns Former ARMTI’s Director Of Finance Over Alleged Multi-Million Naira Contract Fraud

Multiillion naira contract fraud. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged multi-million naira contract fraud and abuse of office.

The defendant was brought before Honourable Justice H.A. Saleeman on a 24-count charge bordering on conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds, and making false statements to investigators.

At the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges preferred against him.

Following the plea, defence counsel, Mr. Oluwasheye Adeboye, applied for his bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Mr. David Nwaze.

The court subsequently granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction, one of whom must possess landed property.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

ICPC’s investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly used his position to influence the award of several contracts worth tens of millions of Naira to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.

Notably, the defendant is accused of benefiting from a ₦48.52 million contract for entrepreneurship training on oil palm production for women in Akwa Ibom State, awarded to Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd—a company in which he is allegedly a director and shareholder.

Further allegations indicate that he derived financial benefits from a ₦29.95 million contract for dry season farming training, as well as a ₦40 million contract for youth and women empowerment in agricultural value chains, both similarly awarded to the same company.

In another instance, the defendant allegedly obtained an indirect benefit of ₦550,000 from a ₦28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.

The charges also detailed contracts valued at ₦15.8 million, ₦14.96 million, ₦10 million, and ₦19.83 million, among others, in which the defendant allegedly had interests and therefore exerted influence in the procurement process to favour affiliated companies.

In addition, the prosecution alleged that the defendant dishonestly misappropriated ₦3 million, purportedly collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by ARMTI.

Mr. Moses was also said to have maintained active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd while in public service, alongside his wife, who is also a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.

ICPC

One of the counts also accuses the defendant of making false statements to investigators by denying his directorship and financial dealings with the companies under investigation, claims said to have been contradicted by documentary evidence.

The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations during the trial.

The case has been adjourned to May 26, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Signed
J. Okor Odey, Anipr
Spokesperson for the Commission

Umahi, Others South East Former Governors Forum Emerges, Commends Tinubu’s Nationwide Infrastructure Revolution

South East former governors forum. A new platform bringing together experienced leaders has been formed in Southeast, Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, joined other former governors in Enugu to formally launch the South East Former Governors Forum.

Speaking after the forum’s maiden meeting, Senator Umahi explained the purpose of the forum:

“You must have been wondering what is going on. What was going on and is still going on is that we now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors. Today, the April 7, 2026.”

“Many of the former governors, some are outside the country for medical checkup and some engagement but in our next meeting, we are sure that over 90 percent of the former governors of South East will be in attendance.”

According to him, the forum is meant to work hand-in-hand with serving governors:

“The body is to support our presiding governors of South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters.

The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been governor in South East.”

He also commended current governors in the region:
“We commend the great works that our governors of South East are doing for the benefit of our people.”

The forum praised President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for ongoing development across the country, especially in infrastructure:

“We commend Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that is given to sons and daughters of South East, and for infrastructural revolution in South East, just like what he’s doing in other regions of the country.

We also thank Mr. President for the assistance to the governors of South East. We are grateful to Mr. President.”

He further stated:
“We boldly say that all the governors of South East are supporting Mr. President reelection and we will continue to give them support.”

Former Governors Forum

Looking ahead, he said more former governors will join in the coming weeks:
“Our next meeting, will embrace most of the former governors, in the next weeks.”

He added that the forum will engage with current governors to strengthen cooperation across the region.

The forum later paid courtesy call to the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.

Among those present at the meeting were HE Dr. Sullivan Chime, HE Chief Martin Elechi, HE Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, HE Dr. Chris Ngige, and HE Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works.
April 7, 2026