A new terrorist group known as ‘Lukarawas’ has emerged, worsening insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, according to the Defence Headquarters.

Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday during a military briefing in Abuja.

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Buba reported that the Lukarawas group, believed to have originated from the Republic of Niger, began operating in Nigeria after the recent coup in Niger disrupted joint security efforts.

With border patrols between Nigerian and Nigerien forces halted, the group made inroads into northern Sokoto and Kebbi States, using rugged border areas between Niger and Mali to establish a foothold.

“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some northwestern states to spread their ideology,” Maj.-Gen. Buba said.

Local communities initially welcomed the group, unaware of its motives, and failed to report their activities to authorities, according to Buba.

The military, however, has intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in an effort to curb the group’s growing influence and protect vulnerable regions.

The Lukarawas group is said to be hiding in remote, under-governed areas, making it difficult for security forces to track and eliminate them.

Despite these challenges, Maj.-Gen. Buba assured that the military is focused on dismantling the group’s presence and restoring stability in affected regions.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared a-three-day mourning period for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

Consequently, Gov Adeleke directed the flags should be flown at half-mast during the period.

Osun State’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in making the disclosure, made it known that Condolence Registers have also been opened at the government house and Governor’s office for the condolence messages of the people of Osun.

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According to the Alimi, the death of the late COAS is devastating, a colossal loss to humanity and the nation, and “we can’t forget him”.

The government is sad at this irreparable loss of one of the Glory of Osun state, and we particularly condole with the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu and everyone, he added.

The mourning period is to start today Thursday November 7, 2024 and end on Saturday 9th, while the Condolence Register is for people to pen down their memories of him, for the immortality of the late COAS, who died at age 56.

Once again, we pray God repose the soul of late Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and grant him Aljanna Firdaus Ameen.

In a significant move to address Lagos State’s ongoing energy crisis, the Lagos State Government has issued an open call for bids from independent power producers and energy solution companies to establish gas-fired power plants.

The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) in collaboration with the Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OPPP), is designed to generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity across four dedicated energy hubs in Lagos.

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This ambitious project is part of the Clean Lagos Electricity Market (CLEM) initiative, aimed at enhancing energy security and sustainability within Africa’s largest metropolitan area, with over 20 million residents.

Current electricity distribution in Lagos falls significantly short, with supply often limited to less than 2,000 MW at peak times, despite demand exceeding 6,000 MW.

Closing the Energy Gap

The project, according to MEMR, includes strategically positioned hubs near existing Distribution Companies (DisCos) substations, allowing optimal power distribution.

Each hub is expected to house a gas-fired plant with a minimum capacity of 100 MW per participating company, aiming to boost the state’s energy supply and address the growing needs of Lagos’ industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.

“The Clean Lagos Electricity Market is crucial to bridging the gap between our energy demand and supply.

This project will support the state’s dynamic economic growth and ensure a stable energy future,” a government spokesperson commented.

Strengthening Energy Security and Sustainability

The Lagos State Government emphasized its commitment to long-term energy security through the initiative, which it sees as a step toward reducing the city’s dependence on the national grid and bolstering Lagos’ leadership in sustainable energy solutions.

Each of the four hubs has a target generation capacity of 500 MW, with support available to private-sector investors for project financing, engineering, construction, commissioning, and plant operation.

Additionally, companies involved in the project will be responsible for securing a steady fuel supply, primarily natural gas, to maintain continuous operations.

The minimum generation capacity of 100 MW per plant is non-negotiable, underscoring the state’s dedication to robust infrastructure that meets Lagos’ demanding energy needs.

Encouraging Investment and Innovation

To attract a mix of technical and financial expertise, the state welcomes bids from both individual companies and consortia, with one company required to serve as the lead in consortium bids.

Detailed application guidelines are available at www.ppplagos.lagosstate.gov.ng, with additional inquiries directed to info@ppplagos.ng.

“Our goal is to foster a competitive environment that draws top-tier energy companies to Lagos. We’re confident this project will bring world-class innovation and expertise to our energy sector,” said the MEMR.

What You Need to Know

As Nigeria’s most populous state, Lagos not only accounts for a large share of the country’s electricity consumption but also relies heavily on petrol for power, consuming around 6.6 billion liters annually.

This dependency contributes to an estimated 17.8 million tons of carbon emissions each year, driven largely by the city’s limited and unreliable grid supply.

The planned power plants represent a critical step in meeting Lagos’ energy needs and reducing its reliance on the national grid, while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.

With these initiatives, Lagos State hopes to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population and position itself as a leader in sustainable energy development.