Category: Defence/Security

Army hands over 8 rescued students to Kogi Gov.

Rescue
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Monday handed over eight students of Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State, who were rescued on Sunday, to Gov. Ahmed Ododo, at Army Headquarters Abuja.

The handing over was conducted by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Emekah said the troops of the Nigerian Army in synergy with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, successfully rescued the abducted students who were taken hostage by terrorists.

He said the rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara following an intense clearance mission.

He added that the operation was still ongoing to apprehended the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo thanked God Almighty for making it possible for the rescue of the students, adding that it was a mixed feeling for him as two of the 31 abducted students were murdered.

Ododo said that 29 of the students were successfully rescued while appreciating the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the military for the fight against insecurity in the country.

He also thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA) for making the country’s security apparatus more effective, efficient and technology driven.

“At this level, I have come to realise that the Nigerian army has all it takes to stamp out kidnapping, banditry and all forms of criminal activities from our land.

“Because the level of synergy, the level of understanding, collaboration and coordination carried out by them professionally is highly commendable and I sincerely appreciate you and your men.

“I want to promise that Kogi State will always be there to partner with you and we are ever ready to answer your call at any point in time and fighting crimes and criminality in our land.

“We have all it takes in terms of equipment and we will continue to collaborate and synergise with your agencies to make sure our land is free of all these criminalities,” he said.

Ododo assured the student that the government would continue to support them to ensure that they succeed in their aspiration and educational pursuits.

According to him, Kogi is a state that is well known to be well blessed with mineral deposits and that deposit must work for the state.

He said the criminals had now known that Kogi was not a safe heaven for them, assuring that no criminal that entered the state would be spared.

The governor commended the army for its efforts and display of professionalism in carrying out the rescue operation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Nigerian Army Education Corps pulls out 16 Generals

Pull-out
By Deborah Coker

Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN)The Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC) has pulled out 16 Generals who retired from active military service.

This is contained in a statement issued by Capt .Yemi Sokoya, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Education Corps in Abuja.

Sokoya said that the event took place at the Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin.

He also said that the pulling out parade was to celebrate the illustrious and selfless service the retired Generals have rendered to the Nigerian Army, NAEC and the nation at large.

Sokoya said that in a key note address, retired Maj.-Gen. Muktar Bunza, the Special Guest of Honour and also one of the celebrants said that it was a thing of gratitude to have the opportunity to serve the nation.

According to him, today, we are extremely grateful for the opportunities to serve our nation. Our service years had indeed given us the leeway to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the NAEC and NA in general.”

Bunza noted that the NAEC had remained an elite corps in the NA, adding that the place of the corps in the history and development of the NA as a pacesetter in human capacity development in art, science, curriculum as well as languages were still relevant.

He implored the corps to always be ahead through proactive application of science and technology to help the NA achieve its dynamic responsibilities.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his unwavering support to the corps, especially his commitment to the sustainability of Command Schools and reviving their past glory.

This he said was through strategic interventions in infrastructural development which had been pivotal.

He also appealed to the COAS to continue with the noble endeavor to ensure Command Schools once again become citadels of excellence in education across the country.

He further expressed appreciation to the Commander, NAEC, Maj.-Gen. Baba Alhaji Tsoho for organising the pulling out parade.

Bunza also commended the commitment and determined resolve of the commander to put the corps in its rightful position.

To his fellow retirees, he said, “with utmost respect, our legacy and wisdom are invaluable to the NAEC, NA and the nation as a whole.

“Let us keep the corps close to our hearts, offering guidance and support whenever needed.

“Our experience and insights are crucial as NAEC navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DCO/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Police promise hitch-free council election in Yobe

Election
By Ahmed Abba
Damaturu, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Yobe Police Commissioner, Mr Ahmed Garba, has assured the residents of the state of a safe and hitch-free local government election on June 8.

Garba gave the assurance on Monday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of a security meeting in Damaturu.

He said that the meeting focused on mapping out strategies to ensure a free and fair council election.

The state police boss said that the State Government considered the election crucial and had charged security agencies to carry out their responsibilities diligently.

He gave assurance that adequate deployment of security personnel would be made to various polling units to ensure a safe and secure exercise.

Garba urged the residents to come out and exercise their civic rights without fear of threats or harassment.

He also appealed to the public to report any security threats or concerns to the nearest security agents.

Other security issues raised at the meeting, according to him, include farmer-herder conflicts and remnants of terrorist elements in some parts of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police commissioner’s assurance came as a relief to the residents, who had been eager to exercise their democratic rights. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AIA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Cycling
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The President, Africa Urban Cycling Organisation, Mr Emmanuel John, has advocated for cycling in Africa for affordable, reliant and environment-friendly mode of transportation.

John made the call during a media briefing to mark the celebration of the 6th World Bicycle Day on Monday in Abuja.

He said that world leaders recognised the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle which he said had been in use for two centuries.

He also said that the theme of the observance — “Cycling as a tool for Urban Freedom” — would be a way to call for change in mindset.

“What we are saying as regards this year theme is that we need freedom from congestion.

“Freedom from delays and man hour losses in traffic, which health and socio-economic losses are estimated to be more than three per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in developing countries.

“We need freedom from road accidents that claim lives, damage property and render families helpless with its costs estimated at 3.5 per cent of GDP in developing countries.

“We need freedom from car centric mindset that has forced all road infrastructure budgets into building and expansion of wide roads for speeding cars instead of sustainable mobility systems,” he said.

John said that there ought to be freedom from emissions that “pollute the air, damage human health and environment and put the human future existence in danger.

“Cycling emits nothing because it burns nothing other than calories, achieving this freedom means that all hands must be on deck.

“We need all stakeholders to go to work, the press should champion the mindsets change; and we need government at all levels to take steps towards the change we need’.”

John call on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to provide the lead by recovering bicycle lanes on all arterials and higher road corridors in Abuja as provided for in the master plan.

He also urged the FCT minister to include cycling in the light rails and other public transport development.

He called for the provision of bicycle parking facilities in all rail and bus terminals, public building, markets and office premises.

Earlier, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, said that many might wonder why the international for safety bodies, FRSC and key stakeholders attached so much relevance to a simple age long non-motorised machinery such as the bicycle.

“The answer is not far-fetched as the bicycle is not only simple and reliable but it is also environmentally fit and sustainable means of transportation that has a positive impact on the climate.

“FRSC is dedicated to creating a safer and more supportive environment for cyclists throughout Nigeria”, he said.

Earlier, the Director General, Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRRI), Prof. Samson Duna, said that the agency would provide technical support.

He commended the FRSC for championing the course of cyclists to enhance transportation system in the country.

Highlights of the event included the FRSC Corps Marshal riding a bicycle with pupils of a private primary school in Abuja to symbolise the beginning of the activities to mark this year’s World Bicycle Day.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ICA/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Embrace cycling for healthy living, transportation – FRSC tells Nigerians

Cycling
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed has urged Nigerians to embrace cycling for healthy living and transportation.

Mohammed gave the advice while addressing newsmen  mark the 6th edition of the United Nations World Bicycle Day on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the FRSC had provided leadership on the subject since 2010, adding that the corps would continue to uphold the cause while streamlining the objectives with policies and programs for maximum impact.

He also said that the corps has reviewed the Nigeria Highway Code to reflect this new thinking of safe and sustainable transport system as witnessed across the world.

He added that advocacy had also been adequately captured in the Nigerian Road Safety Strategy II, 2021-2039 as approved by President Bola Tinubu.

This, he said included all legal and regulatory documents, which where were being aligned to ensure that cyclists could ride safely on the roads.

According to him, the motoring public should therefore be reminded that we shall continue to enforce the provisions of the law including the protection of the rights of cyclists.

”Without mincing words, no mode of transport promotes the culture of serenity, orderliness, friendly neighborhood and urban peace as the bicycle.

”It is the only individual means of mobility fit for all residents irrespective of age, gender and class.

”We hereby emphasise the use of bicycle as a panacea for promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance with a sense of community, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion”, he said.

The FRSC boss implored relevant authorities to create an enabling road features and environment that would aid stakeholders and all motoring public to advance the use of the bicycle.

He assured that the corps would continue to champion the course in solidarity with the objectives of the United Nations and desire of all safe and sustainable transport enthusiasts all over the world.

Mohammed cautioned cyclists to remain vigilant on the road and assume responsibility for safe roadway cycling.

He also admonished the motoring public to treat cyclists with the same precautions and respects accorded any other vehicle on the roads.

He further assured that the renewed hope of scaling road traffic administration and safety management in Nigeria would stand the test of time.

”Roads must be safe to unleash the pore of cycling and encourage riders to have buy in.

”The corps responds to this concern by pledging to continue the use of the powerful and effective tool of advocacy to get the desired change.

”We will not relent in bridging the gaps to ensure cycling is a shining priority and gets appropriate attention”, he added.

Similarly, Mr Emmanuel John, President, African Urban Cycling Organisation, said that since the inception of the World Bicycle Day in 2018, the organisation had been resolute and committed to promoting the use of bicycle as a means of eradicating poverty.

John said that the organisation had also been committed to furthering sustainable environment and development as well as strengthening education.

This he said included physical education for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.

”We have collaborated with relevant stakeholders for the hosting of activities to mark the day in Nigeria including workshops, cycling rallies among others.

”We call on relevant stakeholders at all levels to join hands to champion the course”, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the year 2024 is the 6th annual World Bicycle Day with the theme ”Cycling As a Tool For Urban Freedom”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/DCO/SH

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

Embrace cycling for transportation, healthy living – FRSC tells Nigerians

Bicycle

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Abeokuta urged Nigerians to adopt cycling as a means of transportation and as a way of keeping fit.

Mr Anthony Uga, the state’s Sector Commander, during an awareness ride to commemorate the World Bicycle Day explained that bicycle-riding had a positive effect on the human body’s physical well-being.

He noted that cycling remained a sustainable and environment-friendly mode of transportation that could promote health equity and sustainability.

Uga emphasised that cycling had numerous health benefits, including improving cardio-vascular health, and therefore encouraged motorists to consider using bicycles as a supplement to their vehicles.

“This is United Nations’ Bicycle Day and the country falls within this ambit and FRSC in particular is concerned as the lead agency in road transport and management.

“We encourage all motorists to also get a bicycle because it adds value to your health,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development in the state, Wasiu Isiaka, highlighted the importance of cycling.

Isiaka described cycling as a sport that promotes sportsmanship, as well as teamwork.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, commended the FRSC for organising the event, emphasising the need for road users to spare cyclists and ensure their safety on the roads.

“The road users should also spare cyclists to also use the road. They have the right to be on the road and a right to be kept safe,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/DCO/SH

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

Range

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Dutse, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Jigawa says it will build a 100-hectare shooting range to enhance training of its personnel in the state.

The spokesman of the command, DSP Shiisu Lawan stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Monday.

He said the Jigawa government had allocated 100 hectres of land in Birninkudu Local Government Area for the project.

“The Jigawa government has allocated 100 hectares of land to the Police Command to build a standard shooting range in Birnin Kudu LGA,” he said.

According to Shiisu, the facility will fasttrack training of police personnel in musketry and weapon handling, adding that it would also be utilise for Kano, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina commands.

“This is also an opportunity for training institutions like as Police Training School (PTS) Bauchi, Police Academy (POLCOM), Wudil in Kano State, and other sister security agencies to expose their cadets/trainees to weapon handling.

“The Birninkudu area of Jigawa is characterised by the activities of fraudsters, where innocent people within and outside the state are lured with counterfeit foreign currencies, particularly U.S. dollars.

“Having a shooting range there will terrify or disrupt their heinous actions and the area will be more secure,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNB/RSA

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Bicycle

By Thompson Yamput

Lokoja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Kogi Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander Samuel Oyedeji has called on the public to engage in cycling to keep fit and deal with minor ailments.

Oyedeji made the remarks while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the celebration of the World Bicycle Day in Kogi.

The sector commander, who led a team of officers and men of the corp and members of the cycling association to a ride on some streets of Lokoja metropolis, described the experience as “very good encouraging.”

He also described the topic of the year — “Promoting Health, Equity and Sustainability through cycling — as apt.

Oyedeji noted that cyclists were one of the unprotected road users that must be adequately cared for while on the road.

“For centuries, bicycle has been a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, environmentally fit and sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health.

“What some people don’t know is that through bicycle usage many health challenges could be avoided.

“Today, we the staff members of FRSC Kogi Sector Command and the cyclist association in the state are riding round the town.

“It is to showcase the usefulness and advantages derived from riding bicycle to commemorate the world Bicycle Day in Kogi, ” he said

On safety, the sector commander said that as much as cycling should be encouraged, safety must be paramount to all citizens..

He recommended safety measures such as wearing helmets, strict compliance with road traffic rules, regulations and observing lane discipline while cycling.

According to him, there is need for government at all levels to construct roads designed with bicycle lanes to enhance the safety of cyclists given the recklessness of some motorists on the roads.

He, however, warned that every cyclists must be careful while on the road to avoid any attitude that could lead to road traffic crash.

Oyedeji, however, warned all participants and drivers travelling through the state to obey traffic rules and regulations, be patient and safety conscious on highways.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/KAY

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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Remaining 8 kidnapped Kogi varsity students rescued – Govt

Rescue

By Stephen Adeleye

Lokoja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.

The Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja.

Fanwo said that Gov. Ahmed Ododo, has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities were being put in place to make Kogi safer for all.

“The government expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing the mobilisation of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students.

“We also thank the National Security Adviser for his immense commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the State.

“The governor thanked all the Security Chiefs, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police, all officers and men of the Armed Forces including the Pilots, who put in their best to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.

“The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat,” Fanwo said.

“The governor also expressed immense gratitude to his Kwara State counterpart, Gov. AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak, for his personal commitment, cooperation and support towards the success of the operation that led to the rescue of the remaining kidnapped students.

“The Kwara governor showed the reason he is effectively leading the Nigerian Governors Forum. His actions have also reinforced the Kogi/Kwara cooperation and unity of purpose,” Fanwo said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Ododo’s administration to continue the drive to re calibrate the security architecture and pay an uncompromising attention to the Safe School Initiative.

He added: “As the State with the lowest out of school children in the North, we have put structures in place to keep our schools safe to ensure every child is not deprived of his or her right to education.

“Kogi has domesticated the Child Rights Act and we will defend the right of our children to quality education.

“In Kogi, education is free up to the Secondary School level.

“We also pay the registration fees for our students to write all internal and external examinations with a budgetary allocation that is way above the UNESCO benchmark for education.

“We do all of these to educate our children and make them responsible contributors to the economy of Nigeria”.

The commissioner urged citizens to always volunteer intelligence to security agencies to enable them to prevent crime. This is safer, cheaper and better for us all.

“All of us must come together to defeat banditry, kidnapping and any form of criminality in our society,” Fanwo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/EBI/SH

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

FRSC Corps Marshal commiserates with Bauchi state Governor

Death
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 2, 2024(NAN)The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed has commiserated with the Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State over the death of the Commissioner For Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Ahmad Jalam.

This is contained in a statement issued by the FRSC Spokesman, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide stated this on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Victim was involved in a ghastly road crash which on Saturday, June, 1.

The Corps Marshal however, expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as unfortunate.

He vowed to intensify the safer road campaign to avert such incidents in the future.

He said “the unfortunate incident was another sad reminder of the need for us at the FRSC to increase the tempo of our campaign on the nation’s highways which the Corps is committed to doing.

Mohammed prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and enjoined the Governor and people of Bauchi State to have the fortitude to bear the great and irreparable loss.

“We therefore pray Allah’s for forgiveness for his shortcomings while on the earth and for him to be granted Aljanah Firdaus,” the Corps Marshal added.

The FRSC boss reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to dealing with the menace of road traffic crashes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders at the various levels.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza