Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Nov. 6 for the conduct of mock accreditation in Ondo State.Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.According to him, this is in continuation of its preparations for the state governorship election.

Olumekun said that the exercise was to test-run the deployment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result upload to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the election, using live voters in select locations in the state. He said that the mock accreditation would take place at 12 designated polling units (PUs) across six local government areas covering the three senatorial districts of the state.Olumekun said that the exercise would take place in Akure South and Idanre Local Government Areas in Ondo Central Senatorial District.“In Akure South LGA, the centres are Alagbaka Primary School in Akure and Ijapo High School, also in Akure.“In Idanre LGA, Our Saviour Primary School, Aiyetoro/Owena I and Open Space in front of Plot 6, Beside Teaching Service Commission, Owena, are the designated venues.“In Ondo North Senatorial District, the two LGAs are Owo and Akoko South-West.“In Owo, Methodist Primary School, Fajuyi Road and Imade College Gate, Ajaka Street I, shall serve as centres while the Open Space at Ago Ajayi, Oba and L. A. Primary School, Oba are the designated locations for Akoko South-West LGA,” he said.Olumekun also said that in Ondo South Senatorial District, two LGAs: Odigbo and Okitipupa had also been selected for the exercise.“In Odigbo LGA, the selected locations are: St John’s Primary School, Ajue and Isero Grammar School, Odigbo.“In Okitipupa LGA, the Open Space at Oladipupo Lebi Street, by Zhomelo Lodge and the Baptist Primary School, Ode Aye, shall serve as centres,” he said.Olumekun said that the mock exercise would take place at the designated polling units from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.He added that a graphic containing the names and locations of the centres had been uploaded to INEC website and social media platforms for public information.Olumekun appealed to registered voters to come out with their PVCs for the exercise.According to him, only registered voters for the designated polling units are expected to participate in the exercise, adding that no voter from another polling unit will be accredited by BVAS. (NAN)

 The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, said he will be visiting military formations in Kaduna State, including Birnin Gwari and Kachia.

According to him, the visit is to commend the troops for their efforts and encourage them to maintain momentum in the fight against insecurity.

The minister made this known when he led a delegation on a courtesy  visit to the Kaduna State Government House on Thursday.

He praised the state government, led by Gov.

Uba Sani, for its support, highlighting infrastructure rehabilitation, patrol vehicles’ donations and the provision of NYSC camps for troops’ accommodation.

 Badaru also lauded the collaboration between the state and federal governments, emphasising the importance of continued cooperation to tackle insecurity in the North-West.

Sani, while responding,  reiterated the state’s commitment to bolstering security in the state

The governor highlighted the significance of the visit, saying that it allowed the finalisation of preparations for the launch of Operation Fansan Yamma, a new theatre command for the North-West and neighboring states like Niger.

He described the operation as a strategic initiative to address the complex security challenges in the region.

 Sani lamented the devastating effects of insecurity on the North-West, which once served as Nigeria’s food basket.

He decried, ”But it now faces widespread food insecurity, poor access to healthcare, and educational disruptions.”

Sani, however, expressed optimism that the establishment of the joint military theatre would lead to improvements in these areas.

According to hi, it will also create a better environment for investment, economic growth, and the revival of key infrastructure.

Sani also urged the minister to review Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for possible restructuring under the 1 Division in Kaduna.

 The governor also provided updates on the progress of Operation Safe Corridor in the North-West, thanking all the parties involved in its development.

Sani stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the security agencies and neighboring states to create a unified strategy against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

He also called for a ‘Marshall Plan’ for the North-West’s development, with the newly established North-West Development Commission.

Sani stated that this would lead efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and lack of infrastructure.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for their support.

Sani also pledged to continue pushing for reforms that would strengthen security in the North-West and across Nigeria.(NAN

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 65 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in the last one week.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also discovered and destroyed two dugout pits, 58 boats and 39 storage tanks, 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, four speed boat and 13 vehicles during the period. He said the troops also recovered 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined AGO.He added that troops rescued one kidnapped hostage, apprehended 35 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremist as well as recovered assorted arms.According to him, the Air Component conducted air interdiction aimed at curbing security challenges, crude oil theft, and damage of oil and gas infrastructure among others.“During the operations, several illegal refining sites, storage tanks, reservoirs, barges and boats were destroyed,” he said.In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA, had meeting engagement with suspected terrorists, conducted raid, offensive operations as well as arrested violent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists in Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo States.He said the troops neutralised nine terrorists, apprehended 21 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered large cache of arms and ammunition. (NAN)