Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has labeled the landing of a private jet on an unfinished concrete road a severe violation of both security protocols and aviation regulations. The incident occurred after the aircraft failed to land at Asaba Airport, opting instead to touch down on a road under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Keyamo provided the following details regarding the event and the government’s subsequent response:

• The Incident: The aircraft attempted a missed approach at Asaba Airport at 7:43 a.m. local time before landing on the nearby construction site. All four crew members aboard the flight were unharmed and were subsequently transported to Asaba by road.

• Unauthorized Departure: The Minister highlighted that the aircraft later took off for Lagos at approximately 11:02 GMT without receiving necessary regulatory clearance, only notifying Air Traffic Control after it was already in the air.

• Regulatory Enforcement: Upon the aircraft’s arrival in Lagos, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) grounded the jet to facilitate an investigation. Additionally, the regulator has suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) and is currently reviewing all relevant maintenance, operational, and flight records.

• Ongoing Investigations: The NCAA is collaborating with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the aircraft operator to determine the full circumstances of the unauthorized departure and the initial emergency landing. Security agencies have taken the crew into custody to assist with these ongoing inquiries.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clarified that American military personnel are present in Nigeria solely at the host nation’s invitation and operate within a bilateral agreement.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During an Space discussion on Tuesday titled “Strengthening Security Through Strategic Information Sharing: United States and Nigerian Military Partnership Against Terrorism,” AFRICOM’s Director of Public Affairs, Col. Rebecca Heyse, emphasized that this partnership is built upon mutual interest and a deep respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. She explicitly stated that U.S. involvement is not an imposition, noting:

• Operations are conducted strictly by invitation and operate under the established U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group framework.

• The United States remains dedicated to this partnership as long as it continues to provide mutual value and address shared security threats.

From the Nigerian perspective, Defence Headquarters spokesperson Maj. Gen. Samiala Uba reaffirmed that the scope and duration of this collaboration are determined entirely by Nigeria. He highlighted several key aspects of the ongoing relationship:

• The cooperation occurs at Nigeria’s request to access the specialized capabilities and expertise provided by the United States.

• Hundreds of Nigerian military personnel are currently receiving training in the North-East.

• The Nigerian Armed Forces are deriving significant benefits from the partnership, including specialized skills development and valuable operational lessons.

Furthermore, Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare praised the collaboration for its positive impact on the country’s national security efforts. He noted that the partnership has resulted in a faster, more consistent counter-insurgency tempo, leading to major successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action against Nigeria’s rapidly deteriorating security situation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶