Author: Sumaila Ogbaje

Army making significant contributions to national development — COAS

Ranking

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army has made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas over the last 161 years of its existence.

Lagbaja said this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, on Monday in Abuja.

He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim.

He said the army had over the years, made progress in the areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres.

According to him, the challenges faced by the Nigerian army over the past 161 years notwithstanding, it has persevered and grown to be the 39th ranked out of 145 countries assessed in the Global Firepower Index of 2024.

“It is due to these accomplishments we always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into July 6, to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God,” he said.

The COAS said that the NADCEL was a celebration of one of the greatest armies in the world.

“The eventful history had spanned 161 years, dated back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.

He said the army had played crucial roles in defence of the country and maintenance of peace and security.

He added that the celebration would provide an opportunity to celebrate brave men and women, who have served and continued to serve in the army.

According to him, it is expedient to state that as the Nigerian army evolves, it continually builds capacity and modernised to effectively meet its responsibilities.

“The capabilities and doggedness of the Nigerian army ensured its troops participated in the First and Second World War and numerous peacekeeping and peace support operations in different parts of the world.

“The Nigerian army also took active part in the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquished” reuniting the country in 1970.

“Its heroic exploits in Peacekeeping, especially in the last two decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.

“The effectiveness of the Nigerian army in peacekeeping resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries.

“In spite of our security challenges, Nigeria submit to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts,” he said.

Lagbaja said that the NADCEL aimed to showcase the army as an instrument of national unity, integration, and development as well as highlight achievements, capabilities and enduring reputation of the Nigerian army.

The theme for the year, according to him, is “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”.

He said the theme was carefully selected considering the significance of transformation for combat readiness and proficiency toward attaining a robust national security that supported economic prosperity and resilient democracy, in accordance with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The COAS said the 2024 celebration would be held in Jos, the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army with lined up activities from July 1 to July 6.

He said the events would include conduct of free medical outreach and inauguration of quick impact projects within the host community.

He added that it would elicit their support and cooperation as well as special lecture on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian army’s transformation.

According to him, the crescendo for the NADCEL is the Grand Finale that will involve parade and COAS Commendation Award.

“It will also include armament and equipment display and exhibitions on historical transformation of the Nigerian army and some research and development efforts of the army including some of its partners.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Abiemwense Moru

NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 Boats

Airstrikes

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo.

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

Gabkwet said the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.

He said that some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkerers fled.

According to him, air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers on June 19, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gun boats

Gabkwet said the air crew also destroyed some illegal refining sites located at about 6-km from Tunu in Bayelsa.

He said that the air component undertook another significant strike on June 22, when the crew spotted 5xJ5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.

“Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.

“The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.

“Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.

“This is  majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.

“These operations will be sustained until activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh

Army chief hails NAOWA on supports, humanitarian activities

NAOWA

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the wives of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their support to their husbands and the humanitarian services rendered to the society.

Lagbaja gave the commendation at the First Anniversary celebration of his wife, Maria Lagbaja, as the 21^st President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), on Saturday in Abuja.

The theme of the celebration is “Journey So Far: Next Level”.

According to Lagbaja, it is said that behind every successful man, there is a good woman, saying the adage rings true for them in the Nigerian Army, where their women have been the bedrock of their successes, providing unwavering support and strength.

He said his wife and NAOWA president had been leading the wives of army personnel and had been doing so much in support of him in the last one year, adding that he had always been away to units and formations across the country.

According to him, his travel log as of Friday revealed that he had been in the air for about 40 hours and on the road, travelling around formations and units of the Nigerian army for about 200 hours.

“In my travels, I have met with strong, industrious, and supportive NAOWA and NASWA members who have undoubtedly supported their spouses.

“Many of our women have evolved into strong decision-makers running the home front effectively while the spouses are in the frontlines, on courses, and even lost in the rhythm of our busy peacetime rear units.

“I must confess that NAOWA has been hugely instrumental to the NA’s successes this past year.

“I thank my dear wife, the President of NAOWA, for her leadership and inspiration.

“We have come together today to celebrate my wife’s one year of purposeful and impactful leadership of NAOWA and mentoring of NASWA.

“The transformation the association has witnessed in one year of her leadership is truly remarkable,” he said.

Lagbaja expressed confidence that NOAWA under his wife’s leadership would continue to undertake impactful projects in the second year of her administration.

He challenged the association to expand its activities in close concert with the Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) to accommodate wider participation on the barracks women.

He assured NAOWA of Army Headquarters’ support to achieve more going forward, having realised the enormous benefits of both NAOWA and NASWA.

The President of NAOWA, Mrs Lagbaja, in her remarks, thanked members, for their constant support and cooperation, which enabled the association to achieve its goals within the past year.

She said the event provided an avenue for them to to reflect on the remarkable journey they had undertaken together, and to plan a progressive course for the future.

According to her, it is a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of every NAOWA member, whose unwavering support has been the backbone of my success.

Mrs Lagbaja said that the association had embarked on numerous outreaches, programmes, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of its members, uplifting the barracks communities, and supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian army.

“I have also commissioned several projects initiated by some NAOWA Chairpersons which effectively demonstrates that NAOWA presiding members at all levels have fully embraced and keyed into my vision of “Sustaining Legacies Through Unwavering Commitment to Unity and Service for the Betterment of Humanity.”

“This vision remains unconditional, and I am committed to ensuring that NAOWA continues to uphold a great reputation in the public eye.

“I am also dedicated to sustaining our association’s legacies by upgrading and improving upon our assets and institutions.

“I therefore urge you all to sustain these efforts,” she added.

NAOWA President said that key projects, such as the modernised NAOWA National Secretariat, remodeled events centre, guest house, and a recreational park would soon be inaugurated.

These projects, according to her, are a testament to their collective efforts in creating lasting and meaningful impact within our communities.

“Today’s celebration is not just a reflection of our achievements but also a platform to inspire us to greater heights.

“Together, we shall continue to build on this foundation, driven by our shared vision of unity, service, and empowerment, in line with my vision,” she added.

A special highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of her ‘Next Level Transformative Initiative’ for all NAOWA members.

The initiative, according to her, aims to further empower and uplift NAOWA members, providing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

She said the project was also a demonstration of her commitment to the continuous improvement of NAOWA and the betterment of their community.

Mrs Lagbaja thanked the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for providing them the needed support and directions as well as her husband for his unwavering support to the association. (NAN) (www.nanmews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

Military making operational adjustment to protect farmers – DHQ

Operation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says operational adjustments have been made by the military to prioritise protection for farmers to ensure a successful rainy season farming.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Friday in Abuja while giving updates on the operations of the armed forces.

Buba said the armed forces had intensified intelligence collection effort targeted at hunting terrorists and striking them where they may be hiding and hibernating.

He said the aim was to eliminate the terrorists and the infrastructure that supports their activities.

According to him, troops will continue to employ significant firepower to neutralise terrorists and disrupt their activities across the country.

“Winning the war against the terrorist is non-negotiable,” he said.

Buba said the troops had, in different operations, neutralised 220, apprehended 395 suspects and rescued 202 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.

He added that troops recovered 432 assorted weapons and 9,004 assorted ammunition comprising three PKT guns, one G3 rifle, 83 AK47 rifles and 18 locally-fabricated guns.

Also recovered were 16 dane guns, 14 RPG bombs, one RPG launcher, two tear gas launchers, 234 smoke grenades and one bandolier.

Others include 5,893 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 401 rounds of 9mm ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 154 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 195 live cartridges, and 17 magazines.

In the North-East, Buba said, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 98 suspects and rescued 61 kidnappers hostages.

Assorted arms were also recovered, he added.

In the North-Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 37 insurgents, arrested 102 violent extremists and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages, he said.

In the North-West, Buba said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 78 terrorists, arrested 103 terrorists and rescued 68 kidnapped hostages.

Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 105 illegal refining sites with 51 dugout pits, 38 boats and 51 storage tanks.

He said the troops also recovered 215 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 44 drums, three tug boats, three barges, four wheelbarrows, one outboard engine, 15 vehicles, three motorcycles and six mobile phones.

According to him, troops recovered 1.09 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.1 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 27,350 litres of DPK and 150 litres of PMS.

“Troops also arrested 55 perpetrators of oil theft and denied the oil thieves an estimated sum of N1.8 billion,” he said.

In the South-East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 37 violent extremists, rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and also recovered a large cache of arms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Arms

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Coordinator, National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Johnson Kokumo, has urged the Nigeria Police to avail the centre with the database of recovered illicit arms.

Kokumo, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), made the request when he led management team of the centre in a courtesy visit to the Inspector -General of Police, Kayode EgbetokunWe on Friday in Abuja.

He said the visit was to solicit for more support and collaboration in the area of intelligence sharing, adding that the police was highly dependable when it came to intelligence gathering.

“We also want to seek for your support in area of enforcement of laws.

“Of course, there are laws that prescribe punishment for illegal possession of firearms and the laws are being enforced most appropriately, we will be able to fight the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“We are equally seeking the support and understanding of the Inspector General of Police in area of generating national data, and of course, analysis of this data for planning for the control of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“We know too well that the Nigerian Police force has records of recovered arms and ammunition across the federation.

“I want to seize this opportunity to make this known to the police that the center has a national data center where we collate data recovered by all agencies of governments.

“We don’t only come up with figures of recovered arms from various agencies of government, we go further to carry out investigation into the sources of these weapons,” he said.

Kokumo said the centre was more interested in knowing the source of the guns that the criminals used to commit crimes, urging the police to always involve the centre whenever its investigators come in contact with small arms in the course of their investigation.

According to him, the centre has the capacity to trace the company or manufacturer of weapons and to further trace to whom such weapons were sold by the manufacturing company.

The Coordinator commended the police for the support it had extended to the centre since its creation in 2021 in the area of manpower enforcement supports.

He said the police had assisted the centre to nab some individuals that had been undermining the powers and responsibilities of the centre.

In his response, the Inspector -General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the police had no choice than to continue to work with NCCSALW to deliver on its mandate.

Egbetokun assured the coordinator of the commitment of the police to continue to cooperate with the center, adding that they had realised that the center played important role in curbing the incidences of violent crime in Nigeria.

“We all know that violent crimes in Nigeria is being driven by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“It is the result of illicit transaction in arms and light weapons that is actually aiding banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and even terrorism.

“So your center has a big role to play and I want to assure you that the police will continue to support you in the areas of intelligence sharing, enforcement of all laws and in the areas of all operations that will lead to recovery of arms and that will also lead to tracing the sources of these arms.

“I want to assure you that you should always count on us even in the area of training.

“We will collaborate with you and I have no doubt in my mind that the relationship between the center and Nigerian police is going to improve with you as the head of the center,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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Maritime

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of the nation’s maritime resources for economic prosperity.

Badaru said this in Abuja on Friday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Hydrography Day, organised by the Nigerian Navy (NN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event titled “Hydrographic Information-Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities”.

The minister commended the Nigerian Navy for her instrumental role in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s national hydrographic services capacity.

According to him, it is on record that for decades, the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic office has worked tirelessly to develop our hydrographic capability, ensuring the safety of navigation and contribution to the national security.

He said that the creation of the National Hydrographic Agency was to build upon that solid foundation and expand Nigeria’s capability to meet evolving needs of the nation’s maritime sector.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are committed to harnessing the full potential of our maritime resources and opportunities to take Nigeria out of the present economic doldrums to birth a diversified economy for sustainable growth and development,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of hydrographic information for enhancing maritime safety by providing accurate and up to date information to vessels to navigate the nation’s waters safely.

He also said that it would help vessels avoid hazards and reduce the risks of accidents.

He added that this was particularly crucial in Nigeria where the nation’s ports where busy shipping lines and offshore oil and gas were vital to the economy.

According to him, by providing detailed hydrographic data, the national hydrographic agency will help ensure that our maritime activities are conducted safely and efficiently.

”Moreover, the National Radiographic Agency will play a critical role in promoting environmental sustainability as we strive to balance economic growth and environmental protection.

“Hydrographic information will guide our efforts to manage maritime resources sustainably, monitor coastal erosion and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

Badaru said that the strategic significance of the National Hydrocarbon Agency extended beyond safety and sustainability.

According to him, the agency will enhance the efficiency of Nigerian maritime operations, which will lead to reduce operational costs, increase competitiveness and new economic opportunities.

He assured the agency that the Federal Government would continue to invest in the development of Nigeria’s national hydrographic capacity in areas such as the acquisition of state of the art survey technologies, building skilled workforce and fostering international partnerships.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said the navy had made several attempts at domestic charts for Nigerian waters.

Ogalla said that the effort was in realisation of the fact that hydrography was actually a public good, just like construction of roads.

According to him, you really cannot quantify the impact it will have in terms of value and that is why enormous resources are required.

He added that the navy and other agencies in the maritime domain had made tremendous effort towards fulfilling their roles of providing the information required to produce nautical charts and other aids to navigation and safety of mariners.

”We have charts covering Nigerian waters and most of these charts were based on information obtained by the British when they were here along the line.

”We have had several other improvements on those charts, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years.

”But we still noticed serious gaps when it comes to surveying in our waters and that gap is not only in Nigerian waters, it’s the whole of Africa, particularly West Africa”, he said.

The CNS explained that the Africa integrated multi strategy recognised that the eradication of poverty in Africa depended on the ability of African nations to exploit the resources in the marine environment.

According to him, it is projected that the marine environment (the blue economy), is the vital ways we can propel ourselves out of poverty.

“we are gradually moving towards having all our charts produced in Nigeria, not only charts, but caribbean graphic information generally.

”And these include notices to mariners and all other aspects of arbitrary things that are required to improve safety on our waters”.

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode, said Nigeria’s advancement in hydrography has laid a solid foundation for the nation’s progress.

Olugbode said that the Federal Government’s investment had bolstered navy’s capacity as a nation to conduct comprehensive surveys of the nation’s territorial waters up to the extremities of its exclusive economic zone.

These vessels, according to him, are not just assets; they are symbols of sovereignty and our unwavering commitment to maritime safety and operational excellence.

“What we have achieved this year will include the launching of a revised national charting scheme, the maiden edition of our catalogue of Nigerian charts, and a chart of the approaches to Lagos harbor.

”All of these were achieved within the first half of this year, even though some of these works commenced even before I came into office.

“The conduct of surveys in Nigeria speaks volumes of a long standing commitment in the field of hydrography, but our progress does not end here.

”Looking ahead, capacity building remains a top priority and we are committed to equipping our hydrographers with the best training and resources, ensuring that they are well prepared to meet challenges of the future,” Olugbode said.

According to him, technologies and innovative methodologies will continue to drive efforts to produce high quality hydrographic data that is crucial to maritime success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

Widows

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Oghogho Musa, the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Friday, pledged continuous support for wives of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Musa said this at the commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day in Abuja.

She said the day was set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the plight of widows worldwide and to advocate for their rights and well-being.

Musa said that widows had historically been left unseen, unsupported and unmeasured in many societies, emphasising the need to support them.

She stressed the need to bring widows’ needs to the forefront and ensure their voices are heard.

According to her, the day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by widows and the need to address their unique social, economic, health and legal issues.

“Widows particularly in developing countries, often experience discrimination, social isolation and economic hardship following the death of their husbands.

“They may face obstacles in inheriting property, accessing education and healthcare and participating in the workforce.

“Many widows and their children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, vulnerability and marginalization,’’ she said.

Musa said that the day was earmarked to honour the strength of women, their resilience and courage.

“We acknowledge the pain and the loss you have endured, but we also celebrate your determination and your refusal to be defined by grief.

“We recognise that your journey is not easy, that there are days when the darkness feels overwhelming but we want to remind you that you are not alone.

“You have your loved ones and you have a global community such as DEPOWA that stands with you in solidarity,” she said.

The DEPOWA president recalled that the association had over the years, impacted positively on wives of fallen heroes, youths and less privileged through empowerments, sponsorships, donations and trainings.

She said some wives of fallen heroes and youths recently were trained at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre, on bag making, ICT, production of household items, hair making, tying of gele, tailoring and culinary.

According to her, the essence of the programmes is to assist them to be financially independent, confident to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

She reiterated the commitment of DEPOWA towards assisting the wives of fallen heroes to ensure they were not marginalised, stigmatised but celebrated and empowered.

Earlier, Dr Juliette Ango, a Consultant, Public Health Physician, said that part of the problems associated with widows included health issues, poverty, violence and finances.

Ango called for empowerment of widows and regular medical screening to check their health status.

According to her, it is so sad to say that women are known to take care of others and do forget to take care of themselves, especially their blood pressure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured medical outreach for widows and empowerment lectures on health, finance and managing widowhood. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deji Abdulwahab

Garrison Commander tasks personnel on commitment to training

Training

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to recommit themselves to more trainings to meet the challenge of safeguarding the nation.

Isoni, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Tilawan, said this at the close of the Warrant and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Competition on Friday in Abuja.

He said the essence of training was to build their mentality, character, and culture, adding that the duty of every soldier was to train himself every day aiming to keep fit and sharpen his combat skills.

“One day situation will come whereby you will need to draw from that capacity you must have built over the years.

“Every army that does not train will not win battle. There is no secret about it.

“To defeat the insecurity currently bedeviling our country and the world at large, consistent training of our personnel to secure the lives and property of low abiding citizens cannot be overemphasised,” he said.

Isoni said the competition was organised for the personnel of Army Headquarters departments and units within Abuja.

He said the competition featured weapons
handling, physical fitness, drill and tug of war.

“It is in line with the Chief of Army Staff. Lt. Taoreed Lagbaja’s commitment of transforming the Nigeria army into a well trained, equipped, highly motivational force towards achieving their constitutional responsibility within a joint environment.

“From the level of enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants for the last four days, it is believed that the aim of this competition has been achieved.

“This competition was intentionally conceived considering the importance of battle readiness in the successes of armies all over the world.

“It is therefore my charge to all the participants, to take lessons learned back to our respective units and be worthy ambassadors of this competition,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the competition was the presentation of prizes to the winners in different categories. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

Counter-insurgency: Nigerian army puts to operation 2 Bell UH1 helicopters

Aviation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 20,2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Thursday,  put to operation two new Bell UH1 Helicopters to herald its aviation unit and to strengthen its counter-insurgency operations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two helicopters arrived the Nigeria Police Air wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 4:37 p.m.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the journey to realising the dream of army aviation had come to reality with delivery of the two helicopters.

Lagbaja said the renewed drive to have an aviation wing started in 2014 when the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, established and operationalised the army aviation coordination office with a 10-year implementation plan segmented into three phases.

“I am glad that, as conceptualised 10 years later, we have today,  taken delivery of our first set of platforms.

“The journey, as predicted by the initial dreamers, has not been easy but here we are today by the grace of God, realising our dream.

“We are new to this business, and as newcomers, we must acknowledge our forerunners like the NAF, NN, and the NPF.

“We are on our learning curve in the aviation business, and we hope it will be a pleasant experience that will enhance our operational successes,” he said.

Lagbaja said the new helicopters would be a game-changer for the army in its operational activities, adding that the platforms would be used for casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance.

He said new platform would ensure flexibility in providing support to  troops in the field in terms of casualty evacuation, supply and insertion of troops in critical areas.

The Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the introduction of the advanced air platforms marked a new chapter in the army’s operational readiness and ability to respond swiftly and effectively to diverse security challenges.

Alkali said the platforms were not just an addition to army fleet but a leap forward in its quest for excellence and efficiency toward getting its aviation unit operational.

He said the journey had been defined by rigorous planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering support of the Nigerian army leadership and partners.

According to him, the acquisition of these air platforms is a clear demonstration of our resolve to continuously improve and adapt in the face of evolving security landscapes.

“These platforms will significantly bolster the reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities, thereby enhancing our overall operational effectiveness.

“As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines.

“Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the bedrock upon which our success is built,” he said.

The Consultant, retired Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu, commended the leadership of the Nigerian army for making the aviation unit a reality.

He said the Nigerian army invested in him so much to become an aviation professional but could not render the service to the army because of the absence of aviation unit until his retirement.

“The army invested so much in me in this aspect of military operations but unfortunately, I didn’t use those skills when I was in service.

“It was a great pleasure a few months ago when I heard that the Nigerian army was about to operationalise the aviation corps, and I met the Chief of Army Staff, and he trusted me to be involved.

“These platforms will form the foundation for the growth of the Nigerian army,” he said.

NAN reports that the COAS had in 2023, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, had approved  acquisition of the initial 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters for actualisation of army aviation.

He said the acquisition of the new attack helicopters was part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to boost  operational capabilities of the army aviation to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats.

The attack helicopters are still being expected. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

Insecurity: NHFSS hails Kogi Govt  on recruitment of 1,050 hunters

Hunters
By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), has commended Kogi Government on the recruitment of 1,050 young men and women to join its fold to boost security in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Commandant-General of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, on Thursday in Abuja.

Osatimehin said the recruitment would go a long way in helping the government’s resolve to deal with the challenges of terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other related criminal activities in the state.

He said that Ododo had through the action, demonstrated that he meant business when he recently gave quit notice to all criminal elements to leave the state.

According to him, the recruitment of 1.050 indigenes of the state into the NHFSS will ensure that criminal elements operating within the forested regions of the state will henceforth be flushed out.

Also speaking on the development, the Deputy Commander General of NHFSS, Technical Services, Amb. John Metchie, commended the speaker and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly for the promptness with which they approved the governor’s bill.

Metchie described them as true representatives of the people who were committed to the security, peace and overall wellbeing of the state and its people.

He also used the opportunity to urge other state governments to emulate Kogi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Borno and others that are currently working with the NHFSS.

According to him, their synergy with the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, DSS and others, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing, has been a major contributing factor to the relative peace in the states.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kogi State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, approved the recruitment, with a view to strengthening the security architecture of the state.

Gov. Usman Ododo had earlier forwarded a letter to the assembly requesting for approval of the recruitment of 50 people from each for the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

After reading the letter, the Speaker, Aliyu Yusuf, said it was previously resolved by the lawmakers that there was need for the recruitment hunters into the NHFSS, given the security challenges in the state and the shortage of manpower.

In a voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters, adding that the payment of their salaries would be paid by the respective Local Government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza