Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have killed two bandits in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday evening near Doruwa Babuje in the Marit area and the ambush followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed men.
The suspects were said to be linked to attacks, sexual assault and armed robbery in the area.
The troops engaged the gunmen in a firefight after laying an ambush. Two of the suspects were killed during the operation. Others escaped into nearby bushes.
The troops recovered a locally fabricated rifle and five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. Other items recovered include a cutlass, a jackknife and a mobile phone.
The military said troops have maintained presence in Marit and Lajam villages, adding that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation is part of efforts to curb criminal activities and protect residents in the area, even as the military urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The Federal Government has launched a major push to deepen Nigeria’s digital economy with a call for private sector investors to participate in a $20 billion infrastructure programme under the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth initiative otherwise known as Project BRIDGE.
The programme, known as Project BRIDGE, is a joint effort involving the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the World Bank. It is designed to accelerate the deployment of critical digital infrastructure nationwide through a structured public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The Ministry says Project BRIDGE will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) “aimed at deploying at least 90,000 km of Fiber Optic cables as Nigeria’s core connectivity Infrastructure and national backbone for universal access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Nigeria, under a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) funding model.” This initiative will complete Nigeria’s intended target of 120,000 km of fibre-optic cable roll-out in Nigeria as identified in the Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025.
Project BRIDGE to complete Nigeria’s intended target of 120,000 km fibre
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. Image credit: FMCIDE.
Under the framework, the government will take a minority stake of between 25% and 49% in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be established for the project, while private sector investors will hold a controlling interest of at least 51%. The SPV will serve as the central vehicle for mobilising investment and executing the programme.
Quest Merchant Bank, which has been appointed as Transaction Adviser to structure the initiative and coordinate the process of identifying qualified private investors, is inviting expressions of interest from eligible investors with demonstrable experience in infrastructure financing, development, and operations.
The fibre project is positioned as a strategic intervention to close Nigeria’s digital infrastructure gap, expand broadband access, and strengthen connectivity across key sectors of the economy. The initiative aligns with broader national goals to drive digital inclusion, enhance economic productivity, and support innovation-led growth.
Under the framework, the government will take a minority stake of between 25% and 49% in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be established for the project, while private sector investors will hold a controlling interest of at least 51%. The SPV will serve as the central vehicle for mobilising investment and executing the programme.
According to the invitation by the Transaction Adviser, the total project cost is estimated at $20 billion, with the government already securing $800 million in funding support from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Private investors are expected to contribute at least $10 billion in equity, alongside additional debt financing to fully capitalise the project.
Prospective investors, according to the Transaction Adviser, are required to submit detailed proposals outlining their corporate profile, financial capacity, investment strategy, and track record in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. Submissions must also include disclosures on litigation status, conflicts of interest, and compliance with anti-corruption regulations in line with World Bank procurement standards.
The selection process will be guided by the World Bank’s procurement regulations for investment project financing, with evaluation criteria focusing on technical expertise, financial strength, and the ability to mobilise funding within defined timelines. Successful applicants will be shortlisted and invited to proceed to the next phase of the transaction process.
Applications are to be submitted electronically to ProjectBRIDGE@questmbl.com, with hard copies delivered to Quest Merchant Bank’s head office in Lagos, according to the announcement.
The announcement also noted that the invitation does not constitute an offer or solicitation for securities, and participation will be subject to applicable regulatory approvals. The initiative, however, signals a significant step in Nigeria’s effort to crowd in private capital for large-scale digital infrastructure development, a critical enabler for the country’s digital transformation ambitions.
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The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was removed from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, clarifying that he voluntarily resigned on health grounds.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Edun formally tendered his resignation before the President announced a replacement on Tuesday.
Similarly, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also stepped down from his position, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Mr. Edun, who marked his 70th birthday on Monday and has recently experienced health challenges, submitted his resignation on the same day. In his letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation.
“It has been an honour to be part of your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he wrote.
“Under your leadership, Nigeria has become stronger, more stable, and more respected internationally.
“I wish you continued success in the years ahead.”
Before his exit was officially announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Edun paid a farewell visit to President Tinubu at the State House on Tuesday. He later left following a private meeting that lasted about an hour, indicating his intention to focus on personal engagements.
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, a professional architect, previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank from 2015 to 2022 and as Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his appointment as minister in August 2023.
Edun, an economist and investment banker, served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
He earlier worked at Chase Merchant Bank in Lagos from 1980 to 1986 before joining the World Bank under its Young Professionals Programme, where he contributed to economic and financial projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and later established Denham Management Limited in 1994, which evolved into the Chapelhill Denham Group. He served as chairman of the company from 2008 to 2021.
President Tinubu has commended both Edun and Dangiwa for their service and contributions to the administration’s economic reform agenda, and wished them success in their future endeavours.
The President has also directed the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen the administration’s fiscal and economic policies with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
In addition, President Tinubu is expected to forward the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina State, to the Senate for confirmation as Minister of Housing.
