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Air fares to drop following VAT removal

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Airl are planning to reduce fares in response to the removal of 7.5 per cent ValueOhunayoTax (VAT). The suspension of VAT from air fares took effect from January 1, 2021, as part of incentives contained in the Finance Act 2020.

Airline operators told our correspondent  that they have received the directive on VAT removal from the government, but they are waiting for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to implement the directive before the low fares regime comes into operation.

Investigations have shown  that fares that were around N90, 000 for a one-way trip on some routes, could come down to as low as N27, 500.

Possible reduction, an operator hinted, would take effect in the weeks ahead after airlines have enjoyed the huge passenger traffic on the return leg for the end of year festivities.

Spokesman of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa said airlines were excited over the suspension of VAT, which he said should occasion considerable reduction in air fares.

Another airline official who pleaded anonymity however, said substantial reduction in air fares might not be realisable because even with the suspension of 7.5 per cent VAT on fares, airlines were still grappling with oscillating exchange rate as the airport authority moves to increase Passenger Service Charge (PSC)gooERTISEMENTSEME

Currently, airlines are charging from N27,500 to N38,800 on the Lagos-Abuja route. Airlines are also charging from N27,500 to N42,000 on the Abuja-Lagos route.

On the Lagos-Owerri route, airlines charge from N27, 500 to N33,000. Return fares on Owerri-Lagos route goes for between N60,000 and N90,000.

On the Lagos-Port Harcourt route,  fares are going for between N42,000 and N80,000.

On the Lagos-Kano route, airlines range from N29,900 N35, 700; N42,000.

Operators, however, expressed divergent views on how the removal of 7.5 percent VAT, hitherto factored into domestic airfares, would affect their operations.

They said though the removal of VAT could bring about considerable reduction of airfares, it was a step taken too late after two years of agitation by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the umbrella body of local carriers.

In 2018, the government had suspended five per cent charges on imported commercial  aircraft and spare parts through an executive order but, the FIRS claimed to be unaware of such a directive, hence it was never implemented leaving airlines confused on the pronouncement.

In an interview at the weekend, Chairman of West Link Airlines Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, however, said the suspension of VAT was a good development for domestic carriers.

“If implemented, the removal of Value Added Tax will ease, standardise and harmonise our system with international best practices. It is a good move in the right direction,” Mshelia said.

Chief Operating Officer, Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzor  said Dana Air said: “We are happy about the removal which we feel should naturally reflect on fares and possibly bring it down but with the inflation of other aspects of the chain like dollar rate this might not be possible. We know the government has no control over this but it is a major concern,” Mbanuzor said.

He noted that with all the other extraneous costs being borne by airlines, the adjustment to air fare may be minimal.

“So we are not saying it won’t affect but might be slight because other factors are still springing up and it’s a chain. Policy! Policy! Policy! Will impact the airlines better but this is also appreciated. One step at a time and this is one very good step at getting it right,” Mbanuzor said.

Head, Research, Zenith Travels, Olumide Ohunayo added: “I’m happy to see the implementation of the VAT because in the first place, the airlines were putting it on the ticket and oftentimes as in Virgin Nigeria case, they will not be remitted to the Federal Government and this amount was put on tickets and taken from passengers.

“The fares were loaded with security, fuel surcharge and other charges. I don’t expect much difference in the ticket prices those were the hidden charges airlines benefited from and now it is gone. We expect that airlines should be able to issue tickets stating clearly the fare and what the other charges are; it should not be hidden anymore so we can have some progress in the fare structure,” Ohunayo  said.

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UPDATED: Police Arrest Adeyemi Over Alleged False Claim as PFIPC Director-General in Osun

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

Adeyemi, who had been the subject of an intensive manhunt by security agencies, was apprehended following intelligence-led operations weeks after investigations into allegations about the purported federal agency’s activities.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspect was arrested without incident by a team of IRT operatives and has been moved into police custody for further interrogation.

He confirmed the arrest while speaking to our correspondent in Abuja.

His arrest followed days of coordinated efforts by security operatives, who had earlier raided his family residence while tracking his whereabouts. Reports indicated that investigators questioned his family members during the search for the suspect.

Adeyemi came into national prominence after controversy erupted over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation widely described by government officials as having no legal backing or official recognition.

The controversy deepened following allegations that the suspect claimed close links with top government officials and allegedly used the platform to project influence in government circles.

Oyo police rescue abducted farmer after joint security operation
The matter also generated public attention after claims surfaced that huge sums of money were exchanged in connection with promises of government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.

The Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the activities of the organisation, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied any connection with the group or its activities, maintaining that neither the office nor the Presidency authorised the operations of the PFIPC.

Police investigators are expected to interrogate Adeyemi on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the organisation, the authenticity of documents allegedly used in its activities, and claims that some individuals were deceived into believing it was an official government body.

Investigators are also expected to determine whether other suspects were involved in the alleged scheme and whether additional offences, including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy, may have been committed.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the arrest or announce possible charges against the suspect. Demographics

The arrest is, however, expected to advance investigations into one of the most controversial cases involving the alleged use of a non-existent government agency to project influence within the Presidency.

Adeyemi is expected to remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment before a competent court.

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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation

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Eight kidnappers arrested

Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.

According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.

The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.

Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.

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