Crime
Aviation Ministry Under Scrutiny For Selling Two Helicopters Worth $4.8m For $1.2m
Officials from the Ministry of Aviation are facing intense scrutiny for allegedly selling two helicopters, originally purchased for $4.8 million, to private individuals for just $1.2 million.
The transaction has sparked widespread outrage, particularly because several government agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Navy, and police, had expressed interest in the helicopters.
In response, Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, has ordered the arrest of the ministry officials involved.
Hon. Ademorin Kuye voiced deep concern over the sale’s impact, stating, “This is a blatant misuse of public assets. Lives have been lost due to the unavailability of these helicopters, which were sold off without proper consideration.”
Technical reports from Zaria, Kaduna State, detailed that one helicopter had only 42 flight hours, while the other had 46.
Despite their minimal use and excellent condition, the helicopters were reportedly sold without sufficient consultation with potential government buyers.
Hon. Kuye emphasised “we provided proof of maintenance and received interest from other government entities. It is unacceptable that despite the clear demand from government agencies, these helicopters were auctioned off at a fraction of their value.”
The auction, reportedly held on May 24th, concluded with both helicopters being sold for $1.2 million, as indicated by internal memos accessed by sources.
Concerns have been raised about the transparency and documentation of the sale process.
Hon. Kuye pointed out significant discrepancies in the conduct of this auction, highlighting concerns about procedural irregularities.
“The Ministry of Aviation must be held accountable for this negligence and lack of transparency,” he emphasized.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
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According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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