NAF Hercules C-130: The Strategic Workhorse Powering Operations, Saving Lives

For decades, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Hercules C-130 has remained a formidable symbol of strength and resilience, serving as one of the most critical operational assets of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Renowned globally for its versatility and reliability, the aircraft has consistently delivered rapid airlift capabilities across diverse and challenging environments.

From transporting troops and military hardware to sustaining frontline operations, as well as conducting humanitarian missions, aeromedical evacuations, delivering relief materials, and saving lives, the C-130 has played a central role in enhancing military operations while supporting the civil populace across the country.

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Its ability to operate from austere and semi-prepared airstrips has made it indispensable in counter-insurgency campaigns and support missions across various theatres of operation.

The aircraft equally proved its strategic value while supporting Nigerian contingents deployed in Liberia and Sierra Leone, reinforcing Nigeria’s military reach and contribution to regional stability through sustained strategic airlift operations.

NAF

Beyond combat operations, the C-130 has remained a vital humanitarian and national response platform. The aircraft has airlifted hundreds of thousands of kilograms of relief materials to disaster-stricken communities, supported flood relief operations, evacuated displaced persons from inaccessible locations, and conducted life-saving aeromedical evacuation missions for wounded personnel and critically ill patients.

During national emergencies and public health crises, it has consistently remained at the forefront of rapid response efforts, transporting medical teams, equipment, and essential supplies across the country.

Through its enduring operational impact and humanitarian contributions, the Hercules C-130 continues to embody the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to national defence, humanitarian service, and the protection of the Nigerian people.

Alleged ₦80.2bn Kogi Fraud: Witness Narrates How Maitama Property Was Bought With ₦550m

A Prosecution Witness, PW14, Shehu Bello, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, was purchased for ₦550 million and paid for in United States dollars cash in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bello on an alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.

Testifying under examination-in-chief by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, Bello, a real estate agent and commodity trader, said the transaction was carried out on behalf of his client, Dr. Faruk Bello.

“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” he said.

The witness further disclosed that he facilitated the purchase of another property for the same client at Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for ₦105 million, which was paid via bank transfer to the seller.

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Bello also told the court that he had previous business dealings with Ali Bello, describing him as a friend. “Ali Bello is my friend. We have done some businesses together in the past—commodity and property business,” he said.

He revealed that he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million, having earlier purchased it for ₦63 million.

He also stated that he assisted in sourcing a buyer for another property in Guzape on behalf of Ali Bello.

While the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement of the witness made to the EFCC, the defence counsel J.B Daudu SAN, objected, describing it as a cautionary statement and therefore inadmissible. In a bid to avoid delay in proceedings, the prosecution withdrew the document and proceeded.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution had called PW13, Baba Isa Usman Baffa, an estate surveyor and facility manager, who testified on a property transaction at Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.

Baffa told the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza, stating that: “He paid an initial deposit of ₦40 million and later paid the balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. A receipt was issued to him, and he was allocated Shop B13.”

He added that the payment was made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company and confirmed under cross-examination that the buyer took possession of the property. The witness was thereafter discharged.

Also testifying earlier was PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, who was cross-examined on his previous testimony before another court regarding a $300,000 transaction allegedly conducted for school fees payment to the American International School.

When asked whether he still stood by the earlier testimony, the witness said: “My Lord, the answer is a little more than yes or no. When I explain, I will then answer.”

Fraud

The prosecution, through its lead Counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, objected to the defence’s insistence on a direct answer, arguing that the witness should be allowed to explain. “He cannot be confined… there’s no law that compels him to answer a question. A witness can keep mute. Muteness is an answer,” he said.

The witness, however, stated that he could not fully recall the details, noting that “it has been a long time.” He also confirmed that E-traders was his company and denied any suggestion that he feared being charged by the EFCC for operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change. “I am a licensed Bureau de Change operator “, he said.

He was subsequently discharged.

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the matter till May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.

ICPC Sets To Deepen Partnership With Nigerian Army, To Tackle Corruption, Insecurity

In a bid to tackle the twin scourges of corruption and insecurity, the Edo State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Army. The move underscores a growing recognition that institutional corruption directly fuels violent crime and undermines national stability.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Edo State, Barrister Adenekan Shogunle, fsi, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Benin City, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun. The engagement marked a significant step towards a more coordinated, multi-agency approach to upholding integrity and public safety in the region.

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During the meeting, Barrister Shogunle conveyed the warm compliments and best wishes of the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN. He lauded the Nigerian Army for its sustained operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo State and its environs, singling out Brigadier General Balogun’s leadership in ongoing security operations aimed at protecting lives and maintaining public order.

Beyond formal commendations, the ICPC Commissioner used the platform to advocate for a transformative national policy. He argued that Nigeria would benefit from introducing compulsory military service for young people; not necessarily as combat personnel, but as a strategic framework to instil discipline, courage, national consciousness and respect for lawful authority.

“Stronger national values anchored in discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility are essential to any lasting anti-corruption drive,” he noted.

Barrister Shogunle thanked the military for its patriotic service to Nigeria, while also stressing that voluntary civic virtue must be reinforced through structured, state-led initiatives that cultivate integrity from an early age.

In his response, Brigadier General Balogun drew a sharp link between corruption and insecurity, describing them as deeply interconnected challenges. According to the Brigade Commander, corruption weakens public institutions, erodes trust in government, and creates the very conditions in which criminality thrives.

“The fight against insecurity cannot be successfully prosecuted without simultaneously addressing corruption in all its forms,” he emphasised.

ICPC

The General warmly welcomed the ICPC delegation and pledged the Nigerian Army’s continued support and cooperation for anti-corruption operations in Edo State.

As a tangible gesture of goodwill and institutional solidarity, Brigadier General Balogun invited Barrister Shogunle to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Brigade’s monthly officers’ celebration.

The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques and souvenirs between the two leaders, a symbolic reaffirmation of mutual respect, partnership and a shared commitment to national service.