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A local AK-47 fabrication factory has been uncovered by the police in Jos
…. ‘Governor’s security adviser’s killers traced him to a restaurant’
Two suspects belived to be behind the factory were paraded.
Seventy nine others, suspected to be kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers, gun runners, and producers of fake number plates were also paraded by the police.
The police also yesterday said the killers of Mr. Christopher Dega, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), who was Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom’s security adviser, traced him to a restaurant in Jos, Plateau State where he was killed.
The names of the weapon fabricators were given as Joe Michael and Iliya Bulus.
Force spokesman Frank Mba told reporters that the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and Special Tactical Squad (STS) in various places across the country.
Mba, a commissioner of Police, expressed concern that the locally-fabricated AK-47 was fast becoming the weapon of choice for criminals. He said the development portends a great danger to the security of the nation.
Mba described the Jos- fabricated Ak-47 as a masterpiece that would require extra knowledge of an expert to differentiate it from the ones made in Europe.
He said during the raid on the factory, 20 pieces of the gun were recovered by the operatives, who for a long time, were on the trail of the suspects.
The spokesman said: “If you look at these weapons locally-fabricated by the suspects, there is no difference from others imported. Unless you are trained, you will not be able to spot the difference. They use the same magazines.
“We will follow up to track down those behind this, we will continue to deepen our intelligence, and continue to work with other sister security agencies to check the proliferation of illegal arms in the country.”
One of the fabricators, Michael, who attended a technical college in Jos, told reporters that he had so far fabricated about 180 units in the last three year which he sold at N80, 000 each.
The suspect also claimed that he acquired the skill from his late boss, whose name he gave simply as James.
Three of the 79 other suspects paraded for alleged mass production and distribution of special fake number plates like those of the Presidency and diplomatic missions.
The Force spokesman said investigations had shown that the syndicate was being patronised by people of shady characters.
“These shady characters get those specialised number Plates and fix them on their vehicles to beat security checks and to enjoy unmerited privileges in the society,” Mba added.
He added that the police were in possession of the full list of persons with such fake number plates.
Also, members of a four-man gang of kidnappers that reportedly kidnapped a university teacher, Prof. Aliyu Mohammed, in Zaria, Kaduna State, were among those paraded.
Mba said the suspects were arrested at a point of the kidnapping of a Catholic priest in Kaduna State recently.
An undergraduate of the University of Jos, Plateau State, was also paraded for being the mastermind of the killing of his friend who gave him a loan of N500, 000 for his wedding.
A trans-border gun runner popularly known as “Baba Busy” was among the paraded persons He was arrested between Benin Republic and Nigeria border with a GPMG chain drive gun and 1,600 live ammunition.
The police yesterday in Jos, spoke on how AIG Dega (rtd) was killed in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
They said Dega, who was trailed to Jos by the gunmen, was shot in the chest many times.
Dega, who hailed from Katsina Ala local government area of Benue State, was commissioner of Police in Borno and Edo states.
Plateau State Police Command spokesman ASP Obah Ogaba, said: “On 31/05/2021 at about 2030hrs, AIG Christopher Dega (Rtd) was shot dead by three yet to be identified gunmen in an isolated restaurant at Bukuru, Jos.”
According to him, from the investigation so far, it appeared that the deceased was trailed and shot.
Ogaba said the late AIG arrived Jos from Makurdi on Tuesday at about 1930hrs.
He said some suspects have been arrested, while, investigation is ongoing.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong expressed outrage over the killing, describing it as unfortunate and totally appalling.
He said the murder was condemnable and will not go unpunished.
Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, said the incident though isolated, was the handiwork of crises merchants who want to rupture the substantial peace of Plateau State and create fear in the minds of the people.
Lalong said the confirmation of arrest of some suspects by the Plateau State Police Command is an encouraging step, adding that more investigation must be carried out to get to the root of the matter by unraveling those behind this dastardly act, their motives and prevent future occurrence.
He appealed to the citizens of Plateau State to do more in being security conscious and pass relevant information to the security agencies as well as using the informal security architecture for necessary action in crime prevention and immediate response.
Ortom condemned the assassination, saying it is a huge blow to his administration and the state.
The governor, who recalled that the retired AIG was very active in retirement, lamented that he was gunned down in such a gruesome manner.
Ortom said: “Retired AIG Dega served with me here and this is someone who has retired but is not tired and was very active. So, for him to have been murdered in the manner they did, a retired AIG gunned down. This is very sad.”
The governor lamented that insecurity had bedevilled “the Northeast, Northeest and Northcentral, Southsouth, Southeast, Soutwest”, and urging security agencies to apprehend the killers.
Facts about AK-47
The AK-47 is perhaps the most widespread firearm in the world. There are an estimated 100 million AK-47s of several variations around the world, according to military.com.
It is a popular weapon among firearms enthusiasts, professional soldiers and terrorists alike.
The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova, is a gas-operated, 7.62×39mm assault rifle developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the aftermath of World War II.
The number 47 refers to the year it was finished. Design work on the AK-47 began in 1945.
AK-47 model weapons are also cheap in many places around the world. Military.com says AK-47s are usually much cheaper in many African countries because the demand is so high that markets are usually flooded.
The AK-47 can fire 600 rounds per minute in a fully automatic setting. The weapon uses a 7.62mm, high-velocity round that can “destroy whole areas of a body,” according to New York City trauma surgeons.
They shatter bones, tear through organs and liquefy other materials as the round tumbles through the body, often in ways that cannot be repaired.
The worldwide availability and durability of the AK-47 also make it an attractive weapon for terrorists, militias and other illegal organisations.
The AK-47 works well in every environment and will still work even if it falls into water, mud, sand or some other muck.
President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, on the Super Falcons and the entire technical crew.
He also allocated three-bedroom apartments in Abuja to each of the players and the technical crew at the Renewed Hope Estate.
The President also directed the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each of the 11-man technical crew.
This came during a reception in honour of the players and the coaching crew at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, “I hereby conferred on the players, the 11 man technical team with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger.
“Additionally, I have I directed the allocation of three bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“Then there is the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 US dollars each 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.”
The President also said he didn’t want to watch the WAFCON final because he didn’t want to have high blood pressure.
Earlier, the President and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa on Monday, following their record victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Saturday.
The coaster buses conveying the players and coaching crew arrived at the forecourt of the Aso Rock shortly before 04:36 p.m. local time.
The Super Falcons, 10-time African champions after their 3-2 comeback over the Atlas Lionesses Morocco, were received by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, upon their arrival.
In a post-match video call on Saturday night, President Tinubu praised captain and tournament MVP Rasheedat Ajibade.
He also praised Nigeria’s rally from a 2-0 half-time deficit to claim the WAFCON title.
Over the past decade, the Super Falcons have won four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024, bringing their total to 10
The Super Falcons emerged champions of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after pulling off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco in a pulsating final.
The Moroccans had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, capitalizing on early momentum and a roaring home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
But the Nigerians, showing the grit and pedigree that has made them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, roared back after the break.
WAFCON final: Oramah FC chairman pledges ₦500,000 per goal to Super Falcons
First Lady rallies Super Falcons to victory in WAFCON final
A spirited second-half display saw the Super Falcons flip the script in dramatic fashion, scoring twice to silence the home fans and reclaim the continental crown.
With this victory, Nigeria completes the 10th WAFCON title
President Tinubu audience with Chairmen of Power Generation Companies in Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday
•From left: Managing Director, Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; Chairman Association of Power Generation Companies, Col. Sani Bello (rtd); President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and president Tinubu audience with Chairmen of Power Generation Companies in Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday
Appeals for patience from GENCOs
Okays bond programme, promises transparency in verification process
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured power generation companies (GENCOs) of his administration’s commitment to resolving the over ₦4 trillion in longstanding debts owed to them, pledging transparency and fairness in verifying the claims while appealing for patience.
The President gave this assurance during a high-level meeting with members of the Association of Power Generation Companies, led by retired Colonel Sani Bello, at the Presidential Villa yesterday.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged the gravity of the sector’s liquidity crisis and promised that the federal government would not shirk from its inherited obligations.
“I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessors, and there is no question about that. But that acceptance must be on credible grounds. I need to wear the audit cap of verifiability, authenticity, and the fact that this inheritance is not a mere deodorant but a support structure for critical economic and industrial promotion,” President Tinubu said.
The President appealed to the GENCOs and their financial backers to give the government time to complete verification and validation of the debts, stating, “we are here. So market it to your other colleagues. Give us time to do verification and validation of the numbers.”
Reaffirming his commitment to a market-led electricity sector, Tinubu emphasised that historical challenges, long left unresolved, are now receiving active attention.
“This is a longstanding issue that is now being dealt with,” he said, referencing the government’s broader reform drive that includes eliminating fuel subsidies and promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternatives.
The President also called for restraint from the financial sector regarding asset foreclosures against the GENCOs.
“To our friends in the banking sector, I ask that we avoid foreclosures. Sharpen your pencils, but keep an eraser handy. Let’s persevere together,” he urged.
In her briefing, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, disclosed that a ₦4 trillion bond programme had received anticipatory approval from the President to tackle the liquidity shortfall in the sector.
However, she cautioned that only verified and legitimate debts would be accommodated.
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“As of April 2025, the total exposure that we are carrying at the moment is ₦4 trillion. This is subject to downward revision pending final validation. Only amounts that the federal government validly owes are the things that will make it into the issuance by the DMO”, Verheijen said.
She attributed the massive debt pile-up to a combination of unfunded tariff shortfalls and market deficiencies that have built up since 2015.
Of the ₦4 trillion claimed by 27 GENCOs, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) has validated ₦1.8 trillion so far.
Highlighting the administration’s strides in power sector reform, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, lauded the President for his hands-on approach and leadership.
“Your presence at this meeting is a clear testament to your unwavering commitment to the sustainability, stability, and long-term development of Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu said.
He noted that since President Tinubu took office, the administration has signed into law the Electricity Act, 2023—decentralising the power sector—and launched Nigeria’s first Integrated National Electricity Policy in 24 years.
Adelabu said reforms have boosted investor confidence, attracted over $2 billion in new private capital, and improved annual revenue collection by 70 percent—from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦1.7 trillion in 2024—thereby reducing government subsidy obligations by over ₦700 billion.
On capacity expansion, he reported that installed generation capacity has grown from 13,000 MW to 14,000 MW, with a record 5,801 MW peak generation and a maximum daily energy delivery of 120,370 MWh recorded on March 4, 2025.
No grid collapse has occurred in 2025, he added.
He further disclosed progress in narrowing Nigeria’s metering gap through the ₦700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank-backed DISREP, which has so far delivered 300,000 of the 3.45 million smart meters procured.
Despite the reforms, Adelabu warned that the liquidity crisis remains a major threat, saying “Mr. President, given the grave implications of this debt overhang, including the risk of a nationwide shutdown of generation assets, I humbly seek your immediate support for defraying these obligations, even if partially, over a defined period.”
In their separate interventions, leading business figures Tony Elumelu and Kola Adesina echoed calls for urgent relief, citing the dire financial state of GENCOs and the need to unlock gas supply to sustain operations.
“Mr. President, we’ve come to you as a last hope. The generating companies are heavily indebted to banks, and foreclosure threats are real, not because we’re not doing our jobs, but because the system owes us trillions,” Elumelu said.
He commended President Tinubu for restoring stability in oil production and banking, saying, “before you took office in 2023, we lost 97% of our daily oil production. Today, we are retaining 98%. That’s transformation.”
On the energy crisis, Elumelu said “we don’t need power to complete your transformation—we need power to enable it. Power is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential.”
Adesina, for his part, stressed that “liquidity is the oxygen of our business,” warning that generation output could stall without urgent intervention.
He proposed leveraging Nigeria LNG to unlock 800 million cubic feet of gas to boost supply to underperforming power plants, especially those in the Afam axis.
The meeting was attended by key cabinet members and officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; as well as regulatory authorities and major power sector stakeholders.
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