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Author: Tijjani Mohammad

  • Troops nab 47 suspected rail track vandals in Kaduna

    The railway track vandals arrested by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army.

     

    Troops nab 47 suspected rail track vandals in Kaduna

    Arrests
    By Mohammed Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 29, 2024(NAN) The 1 Division Nigerian Army  Kaduna said its operatives have arrested 47 suspected rail track vandals.
    The division’s acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Officer,  Lt.- Col, Musa Yahaya, made the disclosure on Saturday in Kaduna.
    Yahaya said , “The arrest was made by the troops while on routine patrol along  Kakau Daji- Anguwan Ayaba, they intercepted and arrested 47 suspected rail track vandals on June 26.”
    He said the suspects had loaded  two  trucks with the vandalized rail tracks before their arrests.
    Yahaya stated that the suspects revealed that they were employed by one Alhaji Babawo, who is at large, to load the vandalized rail tracks and off- load the same in a nearby bush along the road.
    He disclosed that the  suspects were profiled  at the 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna.
    The acting Commander, 1 Division Provost Group, Lt..- Col. IY Rena, was quoted as stating that the suspects were  profiled to ascertain their level of involvement  during preliminary investigation.
    He further stated that the suspects were also individually interviewed and cross-examined while efforts were in place to arrest the gang leader who is currently at large.
    Rena added that on visit to the crime scene, some of the vandalized rail tracks were found concealed in the nearby bush waiting to be evacuated by the criminal syndicates.
    The suspects were handed over to the authorities of  the Nigerian Railway  Corporation, Kaduna Station , represented by the Divisional Crime Officer.
    Rena urged the relevant security agencies to make adequate arrangements and deliberate efforts to secure the rail tracks from further vandalisation.
    The representative of the corporation and Divisional Crime Officer,  ASP Inuwa Dahiru,  commended the troops for their proactiveness and  collaboration  with other security agencies in tackling the mirage of security challenges confronting the state.
    He assured the Nigerian Army that all the 47 suspects would be thoroughly investigated before they were charged to Court  to serve as a deterrent to  other criminally-minded persons.
    The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, commended the troops for their professional conduct during and after the successful arrest of the suspects.
    Lt- IY Rena handing over the rail track vandals to ASP  Inuwa Dahiru.
     He also charged the troops to remain resilient and focused in order to bring all the criminal elements in the division’s ‘Operational Area of Responsibility’ to their knees.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NDA seeks FG’s support to boost production of arms, ammunition in DICON 

  • NAF trains 271 specialists,  prioritises capacity building – CAS

    NAF trains 271 specialists,  prioritises capacity building – CAS

    Graduation
    By Mohammed Tijjani
    Kaduna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, graduated 271 of it’s personnel trained in different specialties to enhance its operational capability.

    In a remark at the ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that NAF would continue to place high premium on capacity building and development of personnel for effective and8 imperatives.

    Abubakar described the graduation as a milestone not only in the history of both training institutions but also in the careers of the graduating officers.

    According to him, the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) has continued to provide training in human resource management and other administration-related specialties, in line with global best practices for enhanced professionalism of NAF personnel.

    “Similarly, the NAFSMAM has provided skilled medical professionals for effective healthcare delivery in support of NAF objectives,” he said.

    Abubakar also said that the two  training institutions have continued to live up to their mandates and urged them to keep up the good work they were doing.

    The Air Chief said that NAF, under his leadership, is committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development which, he said, was one of the key enablers of his command’s philosophy.

    “It thus gladdens my heart that the NAFIAM is working towards becoming an accredited diploma-awarding institution.

    “I am aware that the institute is in top gear to affiliate with Lagos State University and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

    “This move will help upgrade the institute and give it the recognition it deserves,” Abubakar said.

    He, therefore, advised the Commandant of NAFIAM not to relent in his pursuit to affiliate the institute with the civil tertiary institutions.

    He further said that NAF Headquarters was reviewing the modalities for the commencement of Advanced Personnel and Administrative Management Officers’ Course.

    “This novel initiative will enable the institute to enhance the skill sets of senior officers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle complex administrative tasks and personnel management responsibilities, effectively.

    Also, he described the Basic Medical Course as being the first of its kind in NAF.

    “I would, therefore, like to commend the Chief of Medical Services and entire Medical Services Branch for this remarkable achievement.

    “I would also like to commend the NAFSMAM for the successful accreditation of Pharmacy Technicians Course by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.

    “The success of the accreditation has paved the way for the commencement of a three-year professional diploma course in the next academic session,” Abubakar said.

    He disclosed that notable accomplishments of the NAFSMAM prompted NAF authorities to approve the German Technical Advisory Group’s proposal to incorporate the Air Mobile First Aid Unit as a department within the school, thereby enhancing its training capabilities.

    “You must show commendable level of professionalism in discharging your assigned tasks, remember that your core duty is to protect the territorial integrity of this great nation.

    “I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar said.

    Accordingly, the NAF  has equally re-strategised for utmost utilisation of all equipment and resources provided by the government in order to continually attain the NAF’s establishment roles and functions.

    “Do not forget that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force.

    “You must, therefore, uphold the high standards of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for,” Abubakar said.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support to NAF.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the graduands were from NAFIAM and NAFSMAM.

    NAN also reports that 248 graduated from NAFIAM and 23 from NAFSMAM.

    Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students, who distinguished themselves during their studies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Kaduna pilgrims agency urges against excessive luggage 

    Luggage

    By Mohammed Tijjani

    Kaduna, June. 28, 2024 (NAN) The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has warned pilgrims against carrying excessive luggage during the outbound flight to Nigeria because weight limits will be strictly enforced.

    Its Public Relations Officer, Malam Yunusa  Abdullahi, who gave the warning in a statement in Kaduna on Friday, stated that the recommended weights for both small and big bags remained eight and 32 kilograms respectively.

    He recalled that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier given the warning during its post-Arafat meeting in Makkah.

    He said the reminder had become necessary as pilgrims were being given their carry-all bags.

    “The Agency also warned pilgrims against packing prohibited items in their hand luggage, which include sharp objects such as knives and scissors, toy guns, firearms, explosives, inflammable materials, meat cleavers, and razor blades.”

    He advised pilgrims not to pack Zamzam water in their main luggage, to avoid being impounded by the Saudi authorities during inspection at the airport.

    He, however, assured the pilgrims that each pilgrim would be given five liters of Zamzam water upon arrival in Kaduna. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/NNO/ADA

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deji Abdulwahab

  • Kaduna: Police nab 985 phone snatchers, 143 kidnap, robbery suspects 

  • Army deploys 177 personnel to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping

    Nigerian Troops to be deployed to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping mission on Wednesday in Jaji Military Cantonment

     

     

    Army deploys 177 personnel to Guinea-Bissau for peace keeping

    Deployment
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 26, 2024(NAN)The Nigeria Army on Wednesday, announced the deployment of 177  personnel for a peace keeping mission in Guinea-Bissau.
    The Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, made the announcement at the graduation ceremony of troops of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji.
    Sinjen said, “Guinea-Bissau is grappling with political instability and institutional crisis, which poses a significant threat to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.”
    He, however, said the Nigerian Government, through  ECOWAS, stood united with the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau.
    Sinjen said the graduation  reaffirmed their unwavering commitment in supporting the Government of the Republic of GuineaBissau to consolidate its authority.
    This is in order to address the security challenges, strengthen democratic governance and foster stability in the country.
    ” This deployment is in line with the mandate of the mission which has been extended severally to consolidate the relative peace and stability in the country.
    “You gallant men of the Nigerian Army have been trained by this renowned Centre of Excellence to play that critical role.
    “This Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) has equipped you with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge to support the government of Guinea-Bissau in stabilizing the country.
    ” I therefore urge you to remain committed to upholding the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping operations, “he said.
    The chief of operations charged the troops  to conduct themselves   professionally in accordance with these guidelines of the mission.
    “You will be operating in a complex and diverse environment, where various ethnic groups coexist.
    ” I implore you to maintain the highest level of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and the sovereignty of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
     “As ambassadors of Nigeria, your behaviour will reflect on the nation’s image, so I urge you to uphold the highest standards of conduct and maintain the integrity of our esteemed profession,” he said.
    Sinjen urged them to embody the core values of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and refrain from any actions that could compromise the mission’s objectives or undermine our nation’s reputation.
    He emphasized  that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse.
    “Any personnel found guilty of such offenses will face severe consequences,” he warned.
     Sinjen cautioned that drug trafficking and abuse were grave offences that would not be condoned in any form.
    “The Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline and integrity remains unbroken,” he added.
    Sinjen appreciated the  Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed  Lagbaja,  for his unwavering commitment towards enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping troops through realistic training which was one of the key pillars of his command philosophy.
    “His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the readiness and capabilities of our troops and I am deeply appreciative of his support, “he said.
    Earlier, the Commandant, MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the PDT that began in May. 19 , was designed to prepare the contingent on contemporary peacekeeping operations for a successful tour of duty in Guinea-Bissau.
    Adedoja said during the course of the PDT, the troops were exposed to a series of lectures on contemporary peacekeeping operations with emphasis on the peculiar nature of the security challenges facing Guinea-Bissau.
    He said the training package also included comprehensive lectures on the background and current situations in the mission area as well as the mandate of the mission.
    “Additionally, the troops were exposed to mentally and physically engaging exercises to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tactical skills required in peacekeeping operations in line with the United Nations Core PDT modules.
    “As you stand ready to embark on this critical mission, I urge you to carry the spirit of excellence with you.
    ”Your contribution to the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission will be instrumental in shaping the future of Guinea-Bissau, thus promoting peace, stability and development in West Africa.
    “You are not just representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also serving as ambassadors of our great nation, “Adedoja said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NDA conducts range exercise, urges communities to avoid area 

    NDA conducts range exercise, urges communities to avoid area
    Exercise
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 24, 2024(NAN)The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), said it will conduct a range classification exercise for cadets of Direct Short Service Course 28, Army and Direct Short Service Course 32, Air Force from June 25 to 28.
    The academy’s sSpokesperson Maj. Mohammed Maidawa, made the announcement in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.
    Maidawa advised  the public, especially communities  of Mando,Tsamiya, Kauya and Afaka to avoid the area.
    He said the exercise was expected to be held at the NDA Open Range Afaka.
    “The NDA assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place for the successful conduct of the exercise,” Maidawa said.
    He, however, urged the public to avoid trespassing in the general area throughout the period of the exercise.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Troops neutralise several bandits in Kaduna– Official

    Troops neutralise several bandits in Kaduna– Official

    Bandits

    By Muhammad Tijjani

    Kaduna, June. 21, 2024(NAN) The Kaduna State Government (KDSG), said several bandits have been eliminated in another coordinated attack by the military in Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Kaduna

    Aruwan said that the coordinated ground and air strikes by the troops of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralised several bandits including some of their leaders at an identified meeting point near Bula community within Yadi forest in Giwa locality.

    He said that according to operational feedback to the state government, the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandits’ kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.

    According to him, the intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi forest general area.

    Arywan said, “Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.

    ”Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to 10 members at a hub in the location.

    “Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas, an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralised Buharin Yadi were confirmed to have been neutralised by the strike.”

    The commissioner said that Gov. Uba Sani has expressed his satisfaction and commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.

    ”The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike.

    “Citizens are encouraged to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the state’s security operations room via the following phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999, (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/DCO/BRM

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

    07033157563

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police nab 5 suspected Kidnappers , 1 car snatcher in Kaduna

    Police nab 5 suspected Kidnappers , 1 car snatcher in Kaduna
    Arrest
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Kaduna State  has arrested five suspected Kidnappers and one suspected car snatcher.
    The Command’s Spokesperson ASP Mansir Hassan confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.
    Hassan said, ” On June. 15,  at about 18:10 hours, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maigana received intelligence from a concerned citizen regarding a group of kidnappers planning to collect ransom money from the relatives of their victim.
    He said that the DPO acting swiftly mobilized his patrol team and some members of the local vigilante group to the location.
    “The operation resulted in the successful arrest of the suspects, Shuaiabu Bala, 23, from Malanta, Gimba Village, and Safinu Musa, 22,  from Bugau Village, Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area (LGA) of the state” Hassan said.
    He said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang.
    Hassan also said that a significant breakthrough in fighting kidnapping was made on June 17 with the arrest of three other suspected kidnappers.
     “Acting on credible intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tafa, it was reported that some suspected kidnappers were sighted roaming around Tafa Town.
    “At about 1700 hours, the DPO immediately mobilized and led a surveillance team, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) of Tafa to the scene.
    “As a result of this swift action, three suspected kidnappers were arrested and brought to the station.
    “The suspects have been identified as Sani Amadu  17,  Sani Lawal, 20, and Aliyu Usman  22, all residents of Dadin Kowa, Tafa LGA , Niger State.
    “During the course of the investigation, incriminating evidence, including pictures and videos of banditry activities, was discovered on their cell phones.
    ” Upon completion of the preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further action,” he said.
    Hassan also disclosed that on June. 13,
     at about 1600 hours, intelligence was received that a criminal element was sighted at Kachia Road by the Railway Station Roundabout in Kaduna with a motor vehicle strongly suspected to be stolen.
    He said acting on the information, a team from the Anti-Car Theft Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) was swiftly mobilised to the scene.
    “The operatives arrested one Chinago Harrison, male, of Manya Street, Ungwan Romi, Kaduna.
    The operatives  recovered  a black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, 2013 model, with registration number KTU 886 JD, chassis number JTMHY7AJXD4017043, and engine number 3UR3151879.
    He said  preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle was stolen from Sir Dingshegyuan Plastic Processing and Manufacturing Company Limited, located at the Interchange in Shagamu, Ogun State.
    “The suspect will be handed over to Ogun State Police Command for further investigations, “Hassan said.
    The command’s  spokesman said that the Police in the state remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
    Hassan quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ali Dabigi, as urging the public to continue to support it by promptly reporting any suspicious activities around their environment to the police. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Hajj: Kaduna agency to refund $50 to 700 pilgrims

    Refund

    By Muhammad Tijjani

    Kaduna, June. 20, 2024 (NAN) Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency says it will refund $50 each, to 700 pilgrims who paid for animal sacrifice while in Nigeria, through the agency in the just concluded 2024 hajj.

    Retired AVM Muhammad Dabo, Chairman of the Hadaya Committee, stated this in a statement signed by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi in Kaduna on Thursday.

    Dabo, who is also a Board member of the agency, explained that the refund followed a downward price review from the company engaged to slaughter the rams for the pilgrims in Makkah.

    He said that 1,357 pilgrims paid through the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, out of which only 700 pilgrims, who paid in Nigeria were eligible for the refund.

    He explained that slaughtering of animals also known as Hadaya was an important component of Hajj rites, because pilgrims were expected to slaughter rams individually or contribute to buy a camel for slaughter.

    He said that a company was engaged to procure and slaughter the rams on behalf of the pilgrims because they were often short-changed.

    The committee chairman said that the first company insisted on 500 Riyals per ram, which amounted to about N200,000, equivalent to $150.

    ‘’We argued that given the shortfall of the Basic Travelling Allowance given to pilgrims, which is $400 because of exchange rate that CBN applied, he should review the price to 300 Riyals.

    “Finally, an Islamic Development Bank-accredited company agreed to collect 375 Riyals per animal.

    “The committee members did not just allow the companies to procure the rams and slaughter, but we went to the slaughtering house to see each ram ourselves before they were slaughtered.

    “With the review, pilgrims that paid for their Hadaya through the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency in Nigeria would get a refund of about $50 each,” he said.

    He said that the eligible pilgrims would either be paid in Saudi Arabia or Nigeria, depending on their preferences.

    Dabo advised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to include the cost of Hadaya in the total Hajj package to protect pilgrims from unscrupulous elements. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/PUO/FDY

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    Edited by Perpetua Onuegbu and Philip Yatai