Author: Sumaila Ogbaje

Promotion

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has approved the promotion of two officers who distinguished themselves through their commitment, diligence and patriotism.

The Commander-General, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, announced this at the end of a four-day intensive leadership training workshop, organised by the management of the Service in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Monday in Abuja.

Osatimehin said the officers were promoted for their gallant performance in curbing crimes, arrest of criminals and intelligence gathering.

Those promoted are Mmadunaeme David, who was promoted to the position of Commander, Operations and Ofodile Peter, who was elevated to the rank of Deputy Commander.

The Deputy Commander General in charge of Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, congratulated the officers, saying they deserved recognition and promotion for their exceptional exploits.

Metchie commended the CG for the gesture, adding that it would motivate officers and men of the service to put in more effort towards achieving the objectives of NHFSS.

NHFSS is a registered umbrella body of Hunters in Nigeria with the mandate to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to protect lives and property in ungoverned areas like forests and bushes.

The Bill for an Act to establish the Federal Government Security Service, to detect and prevent forest crime, has been passed by both Senate and House of Representatives and is currently awaiting the President’s assent. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/AMM

=========

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Amnesty report: DHQ challenges AI to substantiate allegations

Allegation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters has challenged Amnesty International (AI) to substantiate the allegations levelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in its recent report.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made the call in a statement in reaction to the allegations on Monday in Abuja.

AI had in its recent report accused soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) of abusing Boko Haram survivors while in detention.

It alleged that Boko Haram survivors said they were insulted and beaten by soldiers and witnessed the beatings of others during their detention in all facilities where they were held by the Nigerian military.

According to the report, in some facilities, CJTF members played supporting roles.

Reacting to the allegations, Buba said the armed forces  of Nigeria was a professional military force that operated within the ambit of International law of armed conflict and adheres to humanitarian law and principles governing human rights.

According to him, the military elects not to join words with organisations such as Amnesty International, rather would encourage them to approach the military high command to substantiate their allegations.

“The military has self regulating mechanisms with which it administers the military justice system to address any proven case of misconduct of personnel.

“It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of improper conduct during operations across the country.

“It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by erring personnel, especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace,” he said.

Buba said the military would remain focused on its objective, saying it would remain unperturbed by such “self serving statements targeted at dampening the moral of troops in operational theatres.”

He added that the military would engage constructively with Amnesty International, where available.

“Overall, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations assiduously to defeat terrorism in our nation,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

================

Hunters’ body begs Tinubu to give assent to NHFSS bill

Bill

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Bill before him for assent to give it legal backing.

The Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, made the call during the training of over 375 officers of the service by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Abuja.

Osatimehin said the signing of the bill would boost and empower the service to do more and contribute to the fight against criminality in Nigeria.

According to him, in the South-South, men of NHFSS are doing fantastically well in the fight against oil bunkering, oil theft and saving money for the Federal Government.

He called for the financing of the activities of hunters and forest security services, adding that the personnel had been working voluntarily.

”We are attacking the bandits because nobody knows the forest more than the hunters.

”We have been saying this over and over, that Nigerian hunters and forest security is the missing link in Nigeria’s security architecture,’’ he said.

Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of its operatives in their quest to actively fight criminals in the forests.

He added that the training would go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests across the country.

The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of security.

He thanked the Commandant-General of the NSCDC for giving them the platform to have well trained personnel and to boost their capacity to deliver on their mandates.

“NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, code of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

”This is geared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality, especially in the ungoverned space which is the forests nationwide.

”The training has been impactful and we have learnt a lot in the last couple of days and it is a good effort in the right direction.

”This is one way to boost the confidence of the citizens that the Nigerian hunters and forest security personnel are well trained and are ready to take up the assignment of protecting the forest,’’ he said.

The NHFSS CG commended Tinubu for the successes so far recorded in the fight against insecurity in the last one year.

The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a train the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers passes same down to the local level.

Metchie said the organisation was determined to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the NSCDC, Police, Army and other security services.

He said the organisation had over the years, been collaborating with all the security agencies to get its personnel adequately trained.

”We have also collaborated with the Police Department of Training and Development on managing security and security challenges within the forested region.

”We have also effectively collaborated with the Department of State Security Service on intelligent gathering within forested region.

”And now with the NSCDC being one of the lead agencies in Nigeria in terms of internal security awareness campaign and the mandate of securing the critical infrastructure.

”So, part of their job is what we are also doing within the forest because pipelines pass through the forest and mineral resources are also embedded within the forest.

”So we are here to learn from them being one of the parenting bodies of security,’’ he said.

Metchie further said that the NHFSS had been clamouring for presidential assent to its bill to be able to prove to the public and the federal government that they were up to the task.

”We want Mr President to give official assent to empower our officers the command structures to work with the constituted authority to curb crimes and criminality within the forest.

”You will agree with me that forest is the treasure base of any country, and 80 per cent of our mineral resources are located within the forested region and bandits and other criminal elements have taken over this forest”, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/DCO/

========

Edited by Deborah Coker

NAF engineers undertake 4800-hour inspection on DO-228 aircraft

Inspection

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) In a significant engineering milestone, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engineers have, for the first time, successfully undertaken a 4800-hour Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) on a Dornier -228 (DO-228) aircraft.

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

Gabkwet said that such level of scheduled maintenance on the DO-228 aircraft, previously performed by foreign Maintenance Repair Organisations (MROs), was completed at a significantly cheaper rate and with reduced aircraft downtime.

In his remarks, the Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CACE), AVM Pius Oahimire, said that the completion of the in-country PDM was a major boost to capacity building and demonstrated a newfound confidence in aircraft maintenance in the NAF.

Oahimire said the motivation for the feat was no doubt derived from a key enabler of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Command Philosophy which harped on prioritising logistics support and strong maintenance culture.

He commended the Unit Commander, AVM Olanrewaju Oyename, for his exceptional leadership and creating the enabling environment for his engineers to thrive and achieve this remarkable milestone.

Oahimire encouraged the engineers to continue striving for excellence, adding that the NAF would remain committed to providing the necessary support and conducive working environment for personnel to function effectively and achieve the service’s mission objectives.

He appreciated the CAS for his unwavering commitment to ensuring quality aircraft maintenance in the NAF.

On his part, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Kaduna, AVM Nnamdi Ananaba, expressed delight at the command for the attainment of the feat.

Ananaba said that the vision for the 431 Engineering Group Kaduna, was to be an MRO, saying the accomplishment of the 4800-hours inspection indicated that the vision was achievable.

Earlier, the Commander, AVM Oyename, said the inspection of the aircraft which was designated NAF 031, began in May 2021 but faced several delays, primarily due to challenges in acquiring necessary spare parts.

He praised the determination, commitment, and expertise of the engineers and technicians who undertook the historic task.

According to him, this is the first PDM on a NAF aircraft conducted entirely by NAF personnel in the First Engineering Unit of the NAF at the Premier NAF Base in Kaduna.

The Commander emphasised the need for NAF engineers to undertake further specialist training to enhance their maintenance capabilities.

In his remarks, the Commanding Officer of 30 Engineering Wing, Wing Commander Micheal Aransiola, explained that the 4800-hours inspection was the highest level of maintenance carried out on the DO-228 aircraft.

Aransiola said the PDM was done in five-phase processes, saying that Phase one involved acceptance, documentation and docking while the Phase two included paint stripping and removal of components.

According to him, Phase three focused on repairing discrepancies; Phase four involved reinstallation of components and operational checks; and Phase five concluded with ground checks, taxi checks, and a Functional Check Flight.

“The successful completion of the 4800-hours inspection marks a new era of self-reliance and technical proficiency for the NAF,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/AMM

=========

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Troops foil kidnap attempt in Delta, rescue passengers

Rescue

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Troops of the Nigerian Army, successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt by suspected terrorist group on the  46 Km Ughelli-Patani Road in Delta on Sunday.

A post on its official X Handle on Sunday, the Nigerian army said its troops’ swift response to a distress call resulted in the rescue of passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling in a commercial bus.

It said the troops upon receiving the distress call, rapidly mobilised and confronted the terrorists, who were armed with assorted weapons.

According to the post, a fierce firefight ensued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene.

“The rescued passengers have been taken into safe custody, where they are receiving necessary care and support.

“Meanwhile, the troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/SH

========

edited by Sadiya Hamza

NAF airstrikes destroy illegal oil refining sites in Imo

Airstrikes

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed two Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) situated along the banks of Imo River.

NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the operation was carried out on Saturday.

Gabkwet said the strike was conducted barely hours after the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had discussions with Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on plans to set up a NAF Base in the state.

He said the illegal sites were located near Obiaku and in close proximity to the Imo-Abia-Rivers borders.

According to him, the sites consist of two tanks and a reservoir in one location and three tanks and two reservoirs in another location along the Imo Riverbank.

“Observing that these sites were active, authorisation was sought and received for air strikes on the targets.

“Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, which destroyed the 2 sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs.

“Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe, will be intensified, especially within the areas of interest, as part of efforts to curtail the activities of criminal elements.

“The successes recorded in destroying these IRS bring to fore the necessity of a NAF Base in Abia, which Gov. Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue,” he said.

Gabkwet said that NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations underscored its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over the Nigerian skies, while collaborating with surface forces towards the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OYS/KOO/AMM

=============
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

Championship

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The First Edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Democracy Day Basketball Championship has kicked off on Sunday in Abuja with 14 teams.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 14 teams are from the military, paramilitary and civil organisations participating.

NAN reports that the event will feature more than 270 players while the grand finale will take place on June 12.

Declaring the event opened, the Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, said the event marked an important milestone in celebrating the spirit of athleticism and camaraderie within the armed forces, security services and civil organisations.

The CDS said that the championship would also showcase vibrant youth from 10 male and four female teams while featuring 40 veteran basketballers from across the country.

He said the objective was to promote Civil-Military Cooperation and Inter Agency collaboration, and also aimed at engaging the Nigerian Youth positively in furtherance to military’s non-kinetic approach to improving security throughout the country.

“By organising this competition, it is my hope that Basketballers from the military, paramilitary and the civil society including our veterans would continue to maintain a high level of mental alertness and physical fitness.

“The timing of the competition is not only apt but also key to building stronger bonds that resonates across the military and other parastatals of government,” he said.

The defence chief appreciated the teams, players, coaches, and organisers for their dedication in making the championship a reality.

He said that their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship had exemplified the values they hold dear in the nation.

He, therefore, urged the participants to embody those values both on and off the court, inspiring others with courage and determination.

Musa also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support to the growth and development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Let this championship be a platform for building lasting friendships, fostering healthy competition, and showcasing the immense talent within our ranks,” he said.

The Chairman, Organising Committee of the Championship, retired Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the Basketball Championship was also aimed at engaging the youth positively in continuance with the non-kinetic approach, to improving security in the country.

Abdullahi said the championship would take place in two venues namely Monaliza Sports and Recreation Centre at Area 11 and at the Old Parade Ground.

“To the participating teams, I encourage you all to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie in an effort to put in optimal performance toward the championship.

“For the officiating official, you are to be fair and professional in your tasks while officiating the event to ensure acceptable results,” Abdullahi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/MAM/AMM

=============

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Niger Delta: CSOs back NASS resolution to halt divestment by IOCs

IOCs

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations have aligned with the resolution passed by the House of Representatives to halt ongoing divestment of oil and gas assets by multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta.

The coalition made its position known at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

The coalition was led by Botti Isaac of Social Action Integrated Centre (Social Action), Nigeria; Dr Prince Ekpere of OLESH Centre for Community Development; Arigbabu Sulaiman of HEDA Resource Centre and Dr Barrister Uko Etuk of Policy Alert.

Others are Shehu Akowe of Health of Mother Earth Foundation; Prince Ayanfe Akintola of Legislative Media and Citizens Advocacy Initiative (LeMCAI).

They said that their position was made known when they met with Executive Secretary of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Kayode Komolafe, in Abuja.

Speaking on the resolution, Isaac expressed worry over the rationale behind Federal Government’s plan to hurriedly approve the IOCs’ divestment plans without proper assessment.

Isaac said the coalition was worried at the pace that Federal Government was taking to grant these approvals.

”You would recall that Federal Government has set this June as deadline for granting the divestment approvals to all these oil companies.

“But we are worried that in spite of the cries and complains of Nigerians the Federal Government is interested in completing the transactions not minding the implications on the people.

“So, we are saying that the Federal Government should slow down that pace, carry out comprehensive audit and investigation around the divestment process,” he said.

Isaac also urged the Federal Government through NURPC to put necessary measures in place to ensure that the process transparent, accountable and in compliance with international best practices.

These, according to him, are some of the demands that government should put a halt to the divestment to ensure the right thing is done.

He said it would enable any of the oil companies that had applied for divestment through divestment application to make sure they comply with the standards and the requirements that government had put in place for them to divest.

According to him, government should not be in haste to grant the approval but rather listen to the voice of wisdom.

“The National Assembly has asked them to suspend the process, they should suspend the process and ensure the right thing is done before going ahead with the approval,” he added.

On his part, Dr Prince Ekpere affirmed that companies operating in the country had the right to re-order or divest investments, but alleged that the funds to be used by the Consortium which intends to acquire SPDC assets would be provided by Shell.

Ekpere called for proactive steps to hold the IOCs accountable for their historical activities in the oil producing region.

He added that the assessment report conducted by Bayelsa State Government indicated that the sum of 12 billion dollars, would be required to clear the environmental degradation in the state.

“These are some of the reasons why most likely these oil companies are divesting from the Niger Delta. They want to evade the long historical liabilities they’ve caused thjbhe the Niger Delta,” he said.

In her remarks, Cecilia Ogwuchie, Legal/Programme Officer for HEDA Resource Centre, explained that one of their concerns was the Environmental Liability and Cleanup.

Ogwuchie said the divestment had raised critical questions about responsibility for past and ongoing environmental damages due to oil pollution.m

According to her, with assets changing hands, there is concern about the commitment of new local owners to address legacy pollution issues and invest in necessary cleanup and remediation efforts for the past and recent liabilities.

She lamented that contentious award of cleanup contracts and oil spill management had often intensified tensions, underscoring the necessity for equitable and transparent divestment.

She harped on the need to ensure effective regulatory oversight and legal clarity.

She added that “minimal involvement of regulatory bodies in supervising previous asset transactions and ensuring the addressing of environmental liabilities raises alarms about the efficacy of existing frameworks to safeguard community rights and ecological integrity amidst divestments.

“We are a delegation representing Nigerian civil society organizations and community groups working to promote the best interest of Nigerian citizens, their natural environment and livelihoods in the context of oil and gas extraction and energy access in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

“We have collected over 1000 signatures from community leaders of the Niger Delta, national and international organizations, academic scholars and concerned individuals.”

According to her, they are all calling on the Federal Government to address the critical issue of Shell’s divestment from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

“This proposed divestment, which entails Shell’s withdrawal from its Nigerian onshore operations by transferring its interests to a consortium comprising various Nigerian and international energy entities—demands an immediate halt to enable scrutiny given the historical and ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta region.

“We acknowledge and applaud the recent resolution of the House of Representatives directing the NUPRC to withhold consent for all international oil companies intending to sell off assets in the Niger Delta region.

“We are expecting that NUPRC will respect the views of the National Assembly and the Nigerian people, especially the members of the communities in the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta, and halt approval of all divestment requests.

“Our delegation is here to offer our partnership towards ensuring that no divestment proceeds without clear commitments to environmental remediation, community compensation, Payment and Escrow of Host Community Fund, participatory and implementable decarbonization plan, and the establishment of robust regulatory oversight,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/IAA

========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

NSCDC trains hunters on operational, leadership skills

Training

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , (NSCDC), has trained no fewer than 300 key officers of the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), on Operational, Leadership Skills and Organisational Management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the participants of the 4-Days Capacity Workshop were drawn from the ranks of Assistant Commanders,  Commanders, Assistant Commanders General, (ACG) and Deputy Commander General (DCG).

The training is being conducted at NSCDC Headquarters in Sauka Abuja.

In his remarks, the Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of NHFSS operatives as being rendered in public service.

Osatimehin said the training would be a continuous one, adding that the move would also go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests accross the country.

He reiterated the commitment service to training and retraining of its officers and men.

The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the area of security.

“NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, mode of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

“This is feared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality most especially in the ungoverned space which the forests nationwide,” he said.

Osatimehin advised the participants to take what they have learnt during the four days Capacity Workshop to their State Commands and Structures by replicating the gains of the training on their junior officers most especially in the 774 Local Government Areas towards realising the objectives.

The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a train the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers pass same to down to the local level.

Metchie said the organisation was determined to make sure that all its officers from the rank of deputy commanders upwards to were properly trained and well equipped on how to handle issues.

“We want to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the civil defense, same level as the police, same level of all our parent bodies in the army and everybody.

“ It is expected that when they go back to their various commands, everybody will be very professional doing their work.

“They will go back and train their own commands so that what they have learnt here, they will pass it down to their different state commands,” he said.

In a paper presentation entitled “Security Threats and Risks” a Commandant at NSCDC,  Mr Vincent Ogu, advised the participants to always be alive to their responsibilities in line with the current trend in security business and operation.

He emphasised the need for beneficiaries of the capacity workshop to reciprocate the gesture through efficiency in their various duty posts.

Other lectures and paper presentation during the Workshop included Dress Code,  Discipline, Security Tips and Identifying Security Threat and Risk among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/SH

========

edited by Sadiya Hamza