Author: Sumaila Ogbaje

Late Adm. Ogohi was patriotic till end – CDS

Mourning

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has mourned the passing of Nigeria’s 8^th CDS, retired Adm. Ibrahim Ogohi.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in Sunday in Abuja.

The  CDS  said other service chiefs also joined the family of the late Admiral and all the  Nigerian people to mourn the exit of the distinguished naval officer,who ,he said ,was patriotic till the end.

The CDS also described the late Ogohi  as   a distinguished elder statesman ,who  provided his wealth of experience to the armed forces ,even after retirement .

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant his soul peaceful repose.

According to the statement , late Ogohi died in the early hours of Sunday, at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness at 75.

He was born in Okura Lafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Nov. 14, 1948.

In 1967, he enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna as a member of 4th Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1970.

He was a Principal Warfare Specialist Officer ,who majored in Under Water Warfare.

Ogohi started his military training as a Midshipman in the United Kingdom in 1971 and attended the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course in India in 1972.

He also attended his Staff and Defence courses at the United States Naval War College in 1980 and 1991 respectively.

The late Admiral held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy including; Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship YOLA – 1976 – 1977; Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ships OTOBO and DORINA – 1980 and Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship EKUN – 1982.

He became the Naval Provost Marshall in 1982 and commanded Nigerian Navy Ship ANANSA from 1985 – 1986.

The late Admiral was the Director of Administration Nigerian Defence Academy from 1986 – 1987 and a Directing Staff at the National War College (now National Defence College) from 1992 – 1993.

In 1995, he was appointed Chief of Policy and Plans at the Naval Headquarters and became Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, in May 1996.

He was promoted Rear Admiral in July 1996 and promoted Vice Admiral in June 2000. He became Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff in 1999 and retired as Admiral in 2003 after 33 years of distinguished service to the nation.

While in the Service, Admiral Ogohi was decorated with the Forces Service Star, passed staff course, fellow of the United States War College and Distinguished Fellow of the National War College.

He was also conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic by then President Olusegun Obasanjo. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Buhari Bolaji

There’ll be peace across Nigeria in foreseeable future – COAS

Peace

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt..-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assured Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating all threats and ensuring peace across Nigeria in the foreseeable future.

Lagbaja gave the assurance during the Inter-denominational Church Service in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the threats that Nigeria was facing as a nation were complex and adaptive, assuring that the troops were adapting to the situation.

“I would say we are one step ahead of the threats and in doing so we have been able to restore peace to some parts of the country, ” he said.

He said that in the areas where the army was still experiencing challenges, the authorities were  reviewing the situation.

“We are tweaking with our strategy and the troops are raring to go and we will continue to provide the necessary support to the troops in the front line.

“My pledge to the nation is that the army will continue to be up and doing, the troops will continue to combat the threat and in the foreseeable future we will experience peace all across the nation,” he said.

The COAS called on Nigerians to continue to support the army by providing information, moral, spiritual and whatever support to enable it to address the situation.

Lagbaja said,  “With this support, the soldiers in the front line will be motivated to give their all in the defence of the nation and in doing that, we will experience sustainable peace across the nation.”

He thanked the clergy for their diligence in lifting holy hands in prayers on behalf of the Nigerian army families, particularly those in the front lines and the families they left behind.

Lagbaja also congratulated officers and men of the army and members of their families as it marked its 161 years since its inception and counted its successes.

He said the service had experienced wars, low-intensity conflicts, and military operations other than war, such as peacekeeping/peace enforcement and military aid to civil authority engagements.

The army chief said Nigeria today boasts of a force that is globally reckoned with, renowned for its tenacity and adaptability and a force that is victory-focused.

He added that the Nigerian army understood the underlying spiritual component of fighting power, and ascribed battle successes to God as conspicuously captured by its motto: “Victory is from God Alone.”

“I believe it is in recognition of the place of thankfulness to God for the past year and the need to seek divine guidance and blessings for a new year that our forefathers initiated the NADCEL religious activities.

“Therefore, our gathering today is to thank the Almighty for His guidance over the past year and seek His continued blessings, grace, and favour.

“Like the eagle bird that symbolises strength in the army logo, we have congregated before the Almighty to renew our strength to soar higher and accomplish missions in the new year,” he said.

Lagbaja said that the NADCEL Church service was also to commemorate the fallen warriors, celebrate the living and pray for a brighter future for the Nigerian army.

He urged all to keep praying for the repose of the souls of their beloved colleagues who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defending the nation as well as for the recovery of the growing population of wounded-in-action warriors.

The Director, Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Nigerian Army, Brig..-Gen. Anthony Maimagani, said the theme of the Interdenominational Church Service was, ‘Integrating Religious Morals in the Society: Imperative in Combating Contemporary Security Challenges in a Joint Environment’.

Maimagani said the Nigerian army believed that victory only comes from God as encapsulated in its motto.

He said it was God that guided personnel and gave them inner courage to fight to overcome the enemy.

According to him, prayer is a key thing in their lives as they struggle with insecurity in the country.

“That is why we talk about a non kinetic way of dealing with this insecurity and prayer is one aspect of dealing with such insecurity,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Bashir Rabe Mani

Former defence chief, Adm. Ogohi dies at 75

Death

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A former Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ibrahim Ogohi, has passed on after a brief illness at the age of 75.

In a brief statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Sunday, the former defence chief died in the early hours of Sunday, at his Abuja home.

He was the defence chief between 1999 and 2003, and was the first Nigerian Navy officer to attain a four-star general rank.

“With deep sorrow, I announce the death of Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (rtd), a former Chief of Defence Staff (1999-2003).

“He passed on in Abuja in the early hours of today. More details will be communicated later,” Gusau said.

Born on Nov.14, 1948, Ogohi hails from Okura Olafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to his public profile, he had his early education at St John’s College, Kaduna, from 1962 to 1966 and enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967 of regular course 4, passing out in 1970.

Ogohi attended his Midshipman course in the UK in 1971, and technical course in India in 1972, under water Warfare Course India in 1976, then the U.S. Naval War College Course in 1980 and 1992.

He was Commanding Officer, Eken NNS France in 1982; Commander NNS Anansa in 1985, and Director of Administration at the NDA from 1986 to 1987.

In 1992, he was Directing Staff in the National War College, and Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command Staff College, Jaji in 1995.

In May 1999, he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff till 2003. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Rail tracks vandalism wicked, barbaric – Group

Vandalism

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A civil society group, Security, Economic and Development Initiative (SEDI), has decried the spate of rail tracks vandalism across the country, describing it as wicked and barbaric.

The Public Secretary of SEDI, Mr Abiodun Daniels, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Daniels stated that it was inconceivable that some unscrupulous persons would use their hands to destroy what they were supposed to protect.

According to him, it is wicked, evil and act of murder to remove rail tracks and expose train passengers to danger, which in some instances can lead to fatalities.

“We are therefore saying that anyone found guilty of rail tracks vandalism should face life imprisonment to serve as deterrent to intending vandals.

“We use this opportunity to commend troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa for going after the vandals.

“The vandals, wherever they are, must be apprehended, tried and face the music for their wicked and callous behaviour,” he said.

He said troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army in Kaduna recently apprehended 47 suspected rail track vandals while on routine patrol along Kakau Daji-Anguwan Ayaba in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

He added that the suspects had loaded two trucks with the vandalised rail tracks before their arrest.

He recalled that operatives of the Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology in Kachia, Kaduna State, also recently, intercepted three trailers loaded with vandalised railway track materials, discreetly concealed in animal feed.

“This interception occurred at Makyali in Kachia Local Government Area,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

DEPOWA seeks end to sexual abuse in barracks

Abuse

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, has called for collaborative efforts towards addressing the menace of sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in military barracks.

Musa made the call at a seminar on “Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” to mark her one year in office as the 15^th President of DEPOWA, on Saturday in Abuja.

She said that the menace of sexual exploitation and abuse was prevalent in the society, adding that many occurrences have gone unreported without exemption of barracks community and its environs.

According to her, the event was an opportunity to discuss the issue and echoed the voice of Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General in stating that, “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse have no place in our society”.

“We recognise the severity of the consequences and we aim to work towards reducing its prevalence within our communities and immediate environs.

“We also thought it necessary to sensitise the youth on the menace of drug abuse and how to avoid it so they can have a promising future.

“In all of these, it is important to know who you are, know what you want to achieve in life and develop some personal values that will guide you into achieving your goals,” she said.

Musa said that resource persons have been brought in, to guide barracks teenagers and youth to be able to adopt the lessons from the sessions, into their daily living and eventually attain the future they desired.

She pledged unwavering support to any victim who reports any form of sexual exploitation, or attempt to be initiated into the use of illicit substances within the barracks domain.

She called on appropriate authorities to investigate and address same, when any of the menaces was reported.

“Indeed, perpetrators ought to be held accountable,” she said.

The DEPOWA president said the event was organised to celebrate the association’s significant milestone, reflect on its achievements, acknowledge their challenges and look forward to the future.

She said the DEPOWA had in the past one year, done as much as it could in making positive impacts in the lives of women and youth, especially the vulnerable within their sphere of influence.

“As we all know, DEPOWA is the melting pot that unifies wives of serving officers’ in the Armed Forces and the Police.

“I am glad to note that we have witnessed remarkable achievements from the various spousal associations that make up DEPOWA and by God’s grace we will continue to impact lives within and outside the barracks communities in diverse ways.

“The activities of DEPOWA within the past one year have focused on adding value in the lives of women and youth, especially in the areas of healthcare, fitness, education, agriculture and skills training.

“All of these align with my vision of “Seeing Women and Girls Become Productive and Contributors to Family and Society Driven by Deep Sense of Values and Hard-Working Spirit”.

“We will not relent in our efforts to keep touching lives in ways that are necessary,” she added.

One of the resource persons, Dr Chika Anozie, said that alcohol, illicit drugs and substances abuses have their negative impact on young people.

Anozie, who delivered a paper titled, “the Risk of Teenage Drug Abuse: Prevention and Awareness”, urged youths to take charge of their environment, circle of friends, and peer pressure.

According to her, there have been 20 per cent increase in drug use in the past 10 years and that Africa will experience the largest growth in absolute numbers of drug users while four of 10 drug users in Africa will be youths by 2030.

On her part, Dr Olajumoke Jenyo, who presented a paper title, “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Prevention and Response”, said that two of every 10 male child have been sexually abused.

She said that more of sensitisation was required to address the menace of sexual abuse in the society, saying that more girls have been victims of such abuse unreported. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Abiemwense Moru

Pray for military to overcome security challenges – Army

Prayer

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, Land Forces Simulation Centre (LFSC), Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the Armed Forces  to be able to overcome the security challenges facing the nation.

Yusuf made the call while speaking with newsmen at a Special Juma’at Prayer held  in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 on Friday in Abuja.

He also called on Nigerians to give the military as much information as they could give to enable them win  ongoing battles against those threatening the security of the country.

According to him, the special Juma’at prayer is to kick-start activities lined up  for  the week -long 2024  NADCEL commemoration , which ends on July 6.

“I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the country, pray for our leaders, for Almighty God to guide them aright.

“And to also pray for the Armed Forces to be able to overcome all the security challenges we are facing.

“We also beg Nigerians to give us as much information as they can give us so that we can win these battles as quickly as possible,” he said.

The Brigade Imam, Guards Brigade, Capt. Salisu Musa, who led the Juma’at prayer on behalf of the Director of Islamic Affairs, urged parents to train their children with the fear of God.

Musa said the insecurity ,such as terrorism, emanated from lack of proper religious training, adding that those involved in such acts lacked the fear of  God and sympathy of humanity.

He said there was need to continue to preach that every member of the society should become a potential preacher and counsellor.

“We need to put all our hands together to continue to counsel and guide and we need to be more prayerful and  be more God -fearing.

“Individuals should adjust themselves, fear God and move close to him and then, they should also pray for the nation.

“We closed this with prayer for the country, for our president, for all the commanders and leaders. We also pray for all our troops ,who have been deployed and those who are yet to be deployed,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NADCEL is an annual event organised  to celebrate the journey and achievements of the Nigerian Army since its establishment 161 years ago(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Buhari Bolaji

FG approves e-verification for military pensioners

Verification

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB), AVM Paul Irumheson, says the Federal Government has approved an electronic verification system for military pensioners to ensure sanity in pension administration.

Irumheson stated this while addressing newsmen on the commencement of the electronic verification exercise nationwide on Friday in Abuja.

He said the initiative was aimed at sanitising military pension administration and elimination of issues of impersonation.

The chairman said the board adopted an electronic verification system to reduce the risk of traveling from one place to another, and the cost of transportation owing to their old age.

“You may recall that on Feb. 15, I briefed this honourable press about the board`s intention or plan to move from physical verification to electronic verification for our military retirees.

“The reasons amongst others include security risk of travelling from one place to the other; old age of some of our pensioners; and high cost of transportation, particularly for those staying abroad,” he said.

Irumheson said the board successfully conducted a pilot test from Feb. 15 to March 1, adding that only 15 of the 2,000 pensioners verified failed the process.

He said the little observations noticed had been used to improve on the system.

According to him, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, have approved the commencement of the verification for the esteemed pensioners.

The chairman assured that the board would carry out sufficient public awareness to enable pensioners to navigate the system with ease.

He called on military pensioners to take advantage of the electronic verification exercise as those who failed to, would seize to receive their pensions.

“I hereby declare the Electronic Verification Exercise officially open on full scale for all our retired pensioners for a period of three months from July 1 to Sept. 30.

“Finally, the Board wishes to advise all pensioners to take active part in this exercise.

“Those that fail to take part in the verification exercise will not get their pensions going forward,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

CAS reiterates commitment to students’ safety, academic excellence

School

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says his utmost concern remains the safety, wellbeing and academic excellence of all students of Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools nationwide.

Abubakar said this while interacting with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

The CAS warned that any attempt to infringe on such priorities would not be tolerated.

He also warned that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff or instructors in charge of NAF schools nationwide, that could lead to injury or threat to life of any student would not be tolerated.

According to him, it is their responsibility to follow laid down guidelines as well as other means, in identifying red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within school environments so as to forestall avoidable incidents or tragedies.

“I will not condone any act that will lead to injuries or the death of any of our students.

“The NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential,” he said.

Abubakar tasked commandants and staff of NAF schools to always ensure they put the interest of the students first before any other interest.

He said that NAF’s investment in education was a vital aspect of its welfare package, aimed at supporting the families of personnel as well as those of civilians, while also contributing to the nation’s human capital development.

’’It is also part of its soft power strategy aimed at endearing it to the populace and enabling it to engage with the civil populace through the provision of affordable and qualitative education for their wards.’’

The CAS during the visit inspected ongoing renovation works at the students’ hostels and classrooms of the school, as part of his wider phased School Intervention Strategy.

He said the intervention was to holistically renovate, upgrade and carry out repairs in NAF schools across Nigeria.

According to him, NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide consisting of nine boarding and four day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students.

’’NAF also runs 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13, 758 pupils.

“Its oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while its oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.

“Currently, the NAF is building additional schools at NAF Bases located at Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna and Igbara-Oke in Osun State, all expected to come on stream by September 2024,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru

Troops  kill 5 terrorists, rescue hostages in Sokoto

Troops

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State on Thursday  foiled a kidnap attempt, neutralising five terrorists and rescued  two hostages held by them

This is contained in a post on the official X Handle of the Nigerian Army on Thursday.

The Army  said troops responded to a distress call from the Baniguntu and Gohonau forest areas in Gudu Local Government Area of the state and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

It said  terrorists who survived the encounter fled with gunshot wounds

According to the Army , the rescued hostages, identified as Nura Isya and Saluhu Hamza, were safely handed over to the Chairman of Gudu Local Government Area for medical attention and reunification with their families.

“The successful operation not only prevented a potential tragedy, but also led to the recovery of 5 AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of ammunition, and a Tecno phone, further disrupting the activities of the terrorist group.

“This heroic rescue mission highlights the resoluteness of the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism and ensure  the safety and security of citizens in Sokoto State and across the country.

“The troops’ swift and decisive action serves as a testament to their dedication to protecting the lives and well-being of the people they serve,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Buhari Bolaji