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Author: Tijjani Mohammad

  • Wounded-in-action soldiers true heroes of Nigeria – NDA Commandant

    Senior military officers in a group photograph with wounded-in-action soldiers during a dinner in their honour at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, Wednesday.

    Wounded-in-action soldiers true heroes of Nigeria – NDA Commandant 

    Dinner

    By Muhammad Tijjani 

    Kaduna, June . 19, 2024(NAN) Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, Commmandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Wednesday celebrated with wounded-in-action personnel and declared that they were true heroes of Nigeria that must be celebrated.

    Ochai celebrated the heroes at a dinner in honour of wounded soldiers receiving  medical attention at  the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event was organised by the NDA to honour the wounded soilders.

    “The soldiers are the real heroes because they took the bullet on our behalf,” Ochai declared.

    According to him, the event is part of the tradition of the military which stipulates that leaders must ensure that troops wounded in action are provided with needed succour.

    “Just within the week, we were at our various houses and villages to celebrate Sallah holiday, but the wounded-in-action action soilders were here in the hospital, not out of choice, but out of necessity.

    “They took bullets for the nation to be at peace.

    “So, a gathering like this gives them a sense of belonging and makes them understand that we truly appreciate their sacrifice.

    “This is an encouragement to all those out there in the field on operations. It shows that in the event of injury or death, we’ll continue to be with them and ensure they and their families receive necessary support.

    “It shows that their sacrifices are not in vain,” Ochai said.

     

    Maj.-Gen. Ochai and other senior officers serving wounded-in-action personnel on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    In a message, Samuel Aruwan, overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, said that the wounded-in-action personnel were the reason for Nigeria’s stability,

    “They stand between us and the enemies and the enemies of our existence,” he declared.

    Col. Stephen Onuchukwu, Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), appreciated the NDA Commmandant for the kind gesture, and particularly commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his leadership.

    He further commended Lagbaja for providing the necessary resources to ensure the well-being of  soilders wounded in action.

    The Acting Chief Medical Director, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Col. Stephen Onuchukwu, making his remarks at the Dinner in honour of wounded-in-action in action soldiers on Wednesday in Kaduna.
    “This is a clear commitment to national service,” Onuchukwu said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/ETS
    ======

  • COAS hails troops’ gallantry, sacrifice in combating terrorism

    From the right, the GOC serving food to troops of Operation Whirl Punch during Chief of Army Staff Sallah Luncheon in Birnin Gawri Local Government Area, on Sunday.
    COAS hails troops’ gallantry, sacrifice in combating terrorism
    Commendation
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Birnin Gawri(Kaduna State), June. 17, 2024(NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the Nigerian Army’s troops for their commitment and gallantry in confronting the country’s security challenges and threats.
    Lagbaja gave the commendation during the Chief of Army Staff Sallah Luncheon with Troops of the Operation Whirl Punch in Birnin  Gawri Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Sunday.
    “There is no doubt that the “Feast of Sacrifice,” as it is known, is one of the significant celebrations in the Islamíc calendar during which Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing animals.
    The COAS was represented by the General Commanding Officer (GOC), I Division Nigeria Army,  and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
    He said it is a celebration that commemorates the great virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
    “This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration particularly calls for introspection on how we have fared as individuals and an army this past year, as it comes just six days to my completing one year in office as Chief of Army Staff.
    “It is thus a period reflect on the past year and show gratitude to God for the  gift of life, relative peace that we have been able to restore to most
    parts of our country, and above all, hope for a better Nigeria.
    ”It has been a year of unquantifiable sacrifice in blood and treasure as we have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment to our ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, secessionist agitations, and oil-related economic crimes, amongst others.
    “Our men have displayed uncommon courage and faith in our dear country in the face of grave danger and, like the good soldiers that they are, come out victorious for our nation.
    “Many bear the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and deformities, while others are lucky to only have memories and stories to tell of their sacrifice to our beloved country, “he said.
    Lagbaja  enjoined  the Nigerian Army personnel and their family members to renew their commitment to personal sacrifice for the growth and
    development of our great country, Nigeria.
    “Your dedication is not unnoticed, and I assure you of my commitment to providing always the leadership you require to train, live, and fight well.
    ” Your efforts are crucial to our national
    security, and I assure you that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed.
    Lagbaja also commended President, Bola Tinibu  for his unwavering support and focused leadership.
    He also appreciated the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff for their strategic guidance.
    ” I sincerely thank the Nigerian public for their unwavering belief in their Army and their continuous support.
    “The Nigerian army looks forward to more formidable collaboration to end all forms of insecurity and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity and other democratic dividends, “Lagbaja said.(NAN)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/SH
    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • CNS charges junior  officers  on respect for rule of law 

  • Why coups persist in Africa- UNDP

    Why coups persist in Africa- UNDP

    Coups

    By Muhammad Tijjani

    Kaduna, June. 15, 2024(NAN)The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified lack of core value and over-ambition of young military officers who do not want to wait for their turn as the major causes of coups d’état in Africa.

    The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Matthew Alao, said this in an interview with newsmen after the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course  at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

    Alao said that though the military cannot be divorced from the society where it situates, but over-ambition by young military officers, eroding core societal values, religious beliefs, and lack of education are the key reasons for more coups in West African countries and Africa at large.

    Alao who noted that the fundamental problem the world is facing today is the lack of core values, said this resulted to persistent coups and counter-coups staged in Africa by military officers.

    “Our core values are fast breaking down. You will see agitation and expectation on so many issues that may not be reality.

    “Most people don’t go to school. Some do go to school but do not have employable skills. This contributes to what is happening.

    “And, because the military cannot be divorced from the society where it situates, they also feel part of that agitation. When that cry is going on, it speculates and overshadows the event. I think that is one of the reasons for coups.

    “Then, may be over-ambition by the young officers, they don’t want to wait for their turn. The idea of young people wanting to be there is another cause of coups.

    “Young people need to learn, because if young people don’t learn, we will continue to somersault. After all, this country was ruled by 27-year-old officer at a time.

    At a point they delivered, but they didn’t deliver well. If the military of those days had the necessary experience and requisite vision, when Nigeria was still in the morning, they would have planned our future and laid the foundation and we wouldn’t be where we are today.

    “We wouldn’t be clamoring for roads, infrastructure, and all that.

    Suppose the people that found this country, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were able to do something up to the late 80s, Nigeria would have been better than this. The situation we are now is dangerous.

    “In those days, Ibadan was flourishing, Kaduna was a hub, Lagos was a factory ground, but within a blink of an eye under the Structural Adjustment Program, everything collapsed.”

    He expressed concern that this leadership deficit was taking a toll on the country and should be addressed right from the family unit to the community level.

    Alao described Nigeria today as very individualistic, saying, “We have lost it. Now it’s all about I and my family. And this is leading us nowhere. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.”

    ”Leadership starts with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots.

    ”Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about I and my family. And this is leading us to nowhere. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.

    ”If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community unit and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money cannot save our society.”

    “As an individual, how much do we need, how much can we use to take care of ourselves in a day? And how much are we earning?

    “And how much of resources committed to us are we diverting that is causing the crises today? That communal relationship and values been thought to us while growing up has left us and that is why we are stuck today.

    “Everybody is looking for downfall of our leadership. We don’t build up by looking for downfall of our leaders,” he said.

    He said the leadership course, which happened to be the brainchild of the past Commandant of the Peacekeeping Centre, Major General Obinna Onubogu was born due to the spate of coups happening in West Africa.

    “They felt that providing leadership training to the middle-level military and civilians is an antidote to it.

    ”They felt that because that quality training, that orientation on subordination is weakening in the military and political space of West Africa.

    “They felt that UNDP, with the funding made available by the government of Japan, is sponsoring it,” Alao added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    TJ/EBI/IAA

    =========

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

  • Sallah : NSCDC deploys 1, 850 personnel in Kaduna

    Sallah : NSCDC deploys 1, 850 personnel in Kaduna
    Deployment
    By Mohammed Tijjani
    Kaduna,June. 15, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command said it has deployed 1,850 personnel across the state during and after the sallah celebration.
    The state Commandant NSCDC , Mrs Lucy Fakoya, disclosed this in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer,  Habeeb Badamasi, on Saturday in Kaduna.
    Fakoya said the deployment, which was immediate, was to safeguard lives and  property of residents and visitors to the state before, during, and after the sallah.
    The commandant warned the personnel against indolence, warning that any personnel found wanting would be seriously dealt with.
    She  further reiterated the corps’ unwavering support to the protection of critical national assets and warned that officers deployed to various nooks and cranny of the state must ensure full compliance
     Fakoya enjoined law-abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses, without fear as the personnel were on guard to protect them and their families.
    She advised the residents to stay away from trouble and report any strange faces around their environments to the  nearest law enforcement agency for urgent action.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
    ==========
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • CAS inaugurates runway lights, airfield facilities, other projects in Kaduna

  • National cohesion critical for fostering stability, progress -UNDP

     

    National cohesion critical for fostering stability, progress -UNDP

    Graduation

    By Muhammad Tijjani

    Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 24, 2024(NAN) The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says good leadership and national cohesion are critical for fostering stability, progress, and prosperity within our great nation.

    The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 1 (LNC), at Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday.

    Alao said the graduation was a significant step towards the advancement of peace, security, and unity within our beloved nation, Nigeria and ECOWAS sub-region.

    ”Leadership start with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots.
    ”Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about i and my family. And this is leading us to no where. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.
    ”If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community unit and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money can not save our society,” he said.
    He commented the participants of the training for dedication to the programme

    “Over the past two weeks, you have dedicated yourselves to an intensive programme that not only on leadership skills but also fosters an understanding of the essential tenets of national cohesion.

    “Your presence here signifies a commitment to making Nigeria a better, more unified country, “he said.

    ”Today, we recognize your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead.

    ”I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Commandant and his team of instructors and resource persons at the Centre for your unwavering commitment to equipping our future leaders.

    ”Also acknowledge the generous financial support and strong partnership of the Government of Japan,” he said

    He said the funding and partnership had made the course possible, and dedication to promoting peace and stability in the continent, ECOWAS and Nigeria is deeply appreciated.

    “Together, we are working towards a brighter and more unified future for our planet,” Alao said.

    The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Sani Mohammed, noted that the collaborative effort between MLAILPKC and the Japanese Government through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) which gave raise to the course.

    The Chief of Training was represented by Maj-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

    He said a country without national integration was often implied as the country deprived of social cohesion, sense of nationalism and with a failed socio-politico-economy.

    “In bringing up these values, there lies a strong leadership role,” he said.

    He said the overall objective of the LNC was to develop human capacity to equip the participants to be able to handle challenges that arises with leadership.

    “It was aimed at identifying, analyzing and evaluating the drivers of disunity, disintegration and insurrection in the polity in order to provide a pathway for national integration and cohesion,” Mohammed said .

    Also in his remarks the Commandant, MLAILPKC Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the LNC was designed to provide the participants with the skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a complex dynamic multi-disciplinary, multi- cultural and religious environment.

    He said it was also aimed at equipping participants to become role models in their various establishments and in addition, good ambassadors of this Centre.

    “As you graduate today, as the pioneers of the LNC, please know you are vanguards of improved Leadership and National Cohesion.

    “You must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much is expected from you as trained Leadership and National Cohesion Officers, “Adedoja said.

    Adedoja appreciate the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their enormous support towards achieving success of this course.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Nigeria deploys troops for peace keeping in Gambia

    Troops deployed for peacekeeping mission in Gambia on Friday at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre Jaji Kaduna state.

     

     

    Nigeria deploys troops for peace keeping in Gambia
    Deployment
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Jaji(Kaduna State), June. 14, 2024(NAN)The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia.
    The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen made the announcement in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State.
    According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff , Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.
    He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.
    “It  has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate.
    “You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area.
    “You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect.
    “Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of
    uncertainty and instability, “he said.
    According to him, the country’s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region.
    “Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development.”
    Sinjen  charged  the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
    He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS’ mandate, which guides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights.
    ”Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.
    ”Additionally, your training has exposed you to the culture and religious diversity of The Gambia.
     “You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area.
    ”You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and   avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,” he said.
    He said that as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation, they must adhere strictly to the UN principles and guidelines for peacekeeping operations.
     “Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia and avoid any actions that may be perceived as interference in the country’s internal affairs.”
    He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations’ policies.
    ”Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences.
    “As ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country, “Sinjen said.
    Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.
    Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.

    He said as  part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.

    “This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment of her mandate.

    “The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.

    ” It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia, “Adedoja said.

    He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/IAA

    ======

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

     

  • FRSC deploys personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in Kaduna

    FRSC deploys personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in Kaduna
    Deployment
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, said it has deployed its personnel and Special Marshals across the state to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
    The Sector Commander, Mr Kabir Nadabo, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday in  Kaduna.
     Nadabo explained that the special marshals would complement the efforts of the regular marshals in the enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns.
    According to him, the corps has released an operational order to guide patrol and rescue operations nationwide during the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
    He said in view of this, the command  has outlined modalities and strategies in line with the operations order from the FRSC National Headquarters.
     He explained that the objective was to achieve crash free, hitch free and seamless vehicular movement around the state during and after the festival.
    Nadabo said that these modalities were aimed at sensitising and enhancing public awareness on routes likely to be affected by mass vehicular movement during the Sallah season.
    “The Command has arranged a series of interventions and mobilisation of sufficient manpower and Logistics on critical routes.
    “These routes include the Abuja to Kaduna Road which stretches from Katari to Doka down to Gonin Gora, a road still under construction but with monumental presence of FRSC Formations and personnel.
    “Additionally, the command has set aside eight Ambulances, stationed at Katari, Doka, Kakau, Rigachikun, Mando, Zaria and Tashar Yari for prompt response to road traffic crashes,”, he said.
    He further disclosed that the command has made adequate arrangements in the deployment of more staffers to other formations across the state.
    According to him, these formations are:  Zaria, Soba, Pambegau, Saminaka, Kachia and Gwantu.
    Nadabo said, “This is to compliment their efforts in traffic control and rescue operations along their routes which interconnect to various parts of the country.
    “To ensure adequate visibility during the festivity, staff have been deployed to enhance optimal performance, particularly, in response to road traffic crashes.”
    The sector commander also said that the operatives would focus primarily on offences such as overloading, loading of humans and animals, driving with worn out or expired tyres, drivers license violation, excessive speeding and lane indiscipline.
    He added that the command had also deployed bikes for effective patrol and tow trucks for prompt removal or clearance of obstruction along the highways.
    Nadabo appreciated the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in supporting the  corps activities in the state through various intervention support.
    “The corps will continue to collaborate  and engage with the state government to achieve less crashes and fatalities as well as ensure compliance to traffic rules and regulations by the citizens.
    “FRSC Kaduna sector command will monitor the implementation of all directives to ensure  successful Eid-El-Kabir Sallah Patrol Operations, ” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/DCO/BRM
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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • CAS charges junior officers to be decisive in discharging duties