Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commissioned 18 newly completed township roads covering 49.7 kilometres in Bauchi metropolis.
The road projects, executed by the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed at a cost of N13.7 billion, are expected to improve urban connectivity, boost trade and enhance access to basic services.
Jonathan commended Mohammed for what he described as impactful governance and the delivery of infrastructure capable of driving inclusive economic growth.
The former president also recalled Mohammed’s contribution to his administration at the federal level and urged residents to protect the newly completed infrastructure from vandalism.
Governor Mohammed disclosed that his administration had completed about 3,000 kilometres of roads out of a 5,000-kilometre target set since he assumed office in 2019.
The state’s Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Titus Uba Ketkukah, said the newly completed roads were equipped with modern drainage systems, durable pavements and solar-powered streetlights.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, commended Jonathan for visiting the state and praised Governor Mohammed for what he described as significant transformation since 2019.
The state government said the road projects were designed as strategic investments rather than mere construction works.
It said the roads were built to engineering standards and equipped with traffic signs, road markings and speed-calming measures to improve commuter safety and support local commerce.
Troops Battle Hundreds of Bandits Along Kebbi-Zamfara Border
Troops of Operation Fasan Yama 8 of the Nigerian Army are engaged in an intense battle with hundreds of armed bandits attempting to gain access to communities in Kebbi State from neighbouring Zamfara.
The armed group, reportedly numbering more than 200 and travelling on motorcycles, was said to have mobilised to attack villages in Kebbi.
The Acting Director of Information of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olayaniyi Osoba, confirmed that troops had engaged the bandits in an effort to repel the attack and prevent them from reaching the targeted communities.
“It is an ongoing operation. We cannot give details because it will compromise the operations. However, we will give details after the intense fighting going on right now,” Osoba said.
He said ground troops, supported by air components of the Nigerian Air Force, were currently engaging the attackers.
According to him, the bandits were attempting to gain access to Kebbi communities after mobilising from areas around the Zamfara border.
Communities reportedly at risk include Gadar Zaima in the northern part of Zuru Emirate, while Onashi and Mai Rairai in the southern part have also experienced spillover attacks from Zamfara.
The Army said further details on the outcome of the operation would be made available after the ongoing engagement.
© 2026, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.