By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has commended participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 for offering innovative and futuristic solutions to national security challenges.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said that Oluyede gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja, at the presentation of the COAS Research Paper, a requirement for the award of the Fellow, Defence College (fdc).

The paper titled “Directed Energy Weapons and National Security: Strategic Options for the NA by 2040″, explores the strategic utility of emerging military technologies in strengthening Nigeria’s defence posture.

The COAS applauded the participants for their forward-thinking approach and urged them to continue developing practical solutions that aligned with the nation’s evolving security landscape.

He also directed the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation to strengthen partnership with key stakeholders and sustain efforts in military capacity development.

Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. James Okosun, noted that the COAS had earlier tasked Course 33 participants to research topics that would shape the future of the Nigerian Army.

Okosun said the college’s training modules provided a platform for critical interrogation of contemporary national security and development issues.

He expressed appreciation to the army chief for approving the research topic and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to supporting the army’s modernisation agenda.

Presenting the paper, the Course Representative, Col. Obinna Eke, said advanced technologies such as directed energy weapons were increasingly being adopted globally to address complex threats.

Eke noted that Nigeria’s ongoing military modernisation efforts placed it in a strategic position to adopt such innovations in line with regional and global defence trends.

The Course 33 participants include 99 senior officers and officials drawn from Nigeria’s Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as allied countries across Africa and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Ibironke Ariyo

The FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in partnership with two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), has inaugurated a barbing salon and laundry skills centre at the Custodial Model Farm Centre, Dukpa, in Abuja.

Speaking at the event on Friday, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed gratitude to the NGOs for their resolve to add value to inmates.

A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, stated that Nwakuche was represented by Deputy Controller of Corrections, Mr Usman Yahaya.

Nwakuche said that the landmark event underscored the shared commitment to enhancing rehabilitation opportunities for persons in custody.

“We appreciate the two NGOs today, Legend Golden Care Foundation and Public Awareness on Rights and Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Persons Initiative for this great move.

“We are grateful for equipping the inmates with sustainable vocational skills that support successful reintegration into society,” he said.

Nwakuche urged the inmates to utilise the vocational skills to improve their lives during and after incarceration.

He, however, encouraged the NGOs to extend their support to other custodial centres across the country.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Legend Golden Care Foundation, Kanayo Olisa-Metuh, highlighted the initiative’s purpose.

“Our goal is not only to provide succour but to empower inmates with a source of income, making them independent upon discharge,” Olisa-Metuh said

In his goodwill message, Rep. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, represented by Rep. Donatus Matthew, pledged the 10th Assembly’s commitment to enhancing rehabilitation opportunities for inmates nationwide.

He made a donation to support the launch and promised further assistance.

In his remarks, the FCT Controller of Corrections, Olatubosun Ajibogun, expressed appreciation for the partnership and support, assuring the partners of the command’s commitment to proper use of items donated.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian Correctional Service’s efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate persons in custody into society,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event drew traditional and religious leaders, and other critical stakeholders in the justice system.

It served as a platform to celebrate the synergy and progress made in promoting human rights, reformation, and rehabilitation of inmates. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Mohammad Tijjani

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday graduated eight Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) pilots in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were graduated at the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, NAF Kaduna.

The Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, AVM Patrick Obeya, was the Special Guest of Honour at the Operational Conversion Training Course 3/2024.

Obeya said the graduation marked a significant milestone for the dedicated professionals who successfully completed the rigorous training programme for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations’.

He congratulated the graduands on their achievement, emphasising the importance of their role in air operations, national security, and NAF’s objectives.

Obeya applauded the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his commitment to training and human capacity development.

According to him, the training programme was facilitated by experienced instructors, equipping the graduates with essential skills and knowledge to carry out their vital tasks with diligence, accuracy, and integrity.

He said some of the graduands would be deployed to Maiduguri, Borno, to contribute to the air efforts in Operation HADIN KAI.

Obeya advised the graduates to stay updated with technological advancements and work collaboratively with other aviation personnel.

He commended the training unit and award winners, encouraging them to excel further.

Obeya said, “NAF is commitment to capacity building and its efforts to enhance air operations.

“The graduates are now fully equipped to seamlessly fit into NAF air operations across various theatres.

“The graduates are now equipped to play a vital role in national security and the NAF’s objectives.”

Earlier, the Commander, 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, Group Capt. Augustine Idoko, underscored the significance of the training programme in developing agile and resilient Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operators.

The commander expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for his visionary leadership and commitment to training and force development.

Idoko said the group had made significant contributions to NAF’s mandate, conducting precision air strikes, ‘Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)’ missions, and ‘Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)’.

He said the unit had conducted over 130 missions and accumulated more than 950 hours in the first half of 2025.

Idoko said, “The unit has maintained an aircraft serviceability rate of over 80 per cent across its fleet.

“The unit has achieved several milestones, including conducting the first-ever NAF Type-Rating Course (NAFTRAC) for RPA operators in NAF.”

He said the unit plans to inaugurate the next Operational Conversion Training Course early next month, which would add more operators to the operational manpower pool and enhance operational effectiveness.

He said the unit remained committed to sustaining its effort in training and human capacity development, aligning with the policy thrust of the current NAF administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video showing troops allegedly expressing dissatisfaction over food supplies.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.

The video, which surfaced on social media and had since been picked up by mainstream outlets, featured soldiers displaying food items purportedly sent by military authorities.

While the full context and authenticity of the video remained unclear, the COAS said the matter would be treated with utmost concern.

According to him, findings from the investigation will be made public in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

The COAS reaffirmed commitment to troops’ welfare, emphasising the army’s “Soldier First” initiative, which prioritised the well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of personnel and their families.

He urged personnel to channel complaints through established military procedures rather than resorting to unauthorised platforms, which is a violation of military ethics and discipline.

He restated the dedication of the Nigerian Army to maintaining high standards of leadership, integrity, and troop’s welfare in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

“Troops’ welfare remains topmost priority, in line with consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army toward bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“This philosophy is further reinforced in the recently launched “Soldier First” Concept, which places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions.

“The Nigerian Army encourages personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints especially on welfare services.

“The use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline.

“The Nigerian Army reassures all its personnel and the general public that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops’ welfare and institutional integrity in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate.

“The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remains central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Ibukun Emiola

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigeria is charting new strategic solutions to strengthen national security amid growing global fragility.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Musa stated this on Thursday while delivering the First Distinguished Personalities Lecture of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management (TECESM), University of Ibadan.

According to him, Nigeria is shifting towards sustainable and multi-layered security management in response to transnational threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and climate-induced migration.

“We are enhancing our security architecture with novel innovations that draw from community resilience, technology, and regional collaboration,” Musa said.

He said that Nigeria’s new security approach was rooted in four major pillars: stronger institutions, economic empowerment, local resilience, and global partnerships.

The CDS said that efforts were underway to reinforce democratic institutions, promote inter-agency cooperation and modernise the armed forces for rapid threat response.

“Strong institutions form the bedrock of sustainable security, effective governance and national stability,” he said.

Musa called for border fencing and the deployment of technological sensors among measures to curb the influx of illicit arms and extremist movements across Nigeria’s 4000 kilometres porous borders.

He underscored the need to tackle youth vulnerability to crime and extremism.

Musa said that the government needs to do more in expanding vocational training, supporting startups, and investing in agriculture to generate jobs in rural areas.

“We must empower our youths through affordable education, healthcare and meaningful economic opportunities,” Musa said.

The defence chief also highlighted Nigeria’s Whole-of-Society approach, where security agencies work closely with local communities, civil society and traditional institutions to build trust and gather intelligence.

He said that communities were being equipped to serve as first responders to non-traditional threats like pandemics and environmental disasters.

On the global front, Musa called for stronger partnerships with multilateral institutions and development actors to jointly address terrorism, cyber insecurity and climate change.

“Broadened global cooperation is crucial to addressing the root causes of insecurity and building resilience against fragility,” he said.

Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, while adapting to the changing nature of global threats.

The chief of defence said that solving Nigeria’s security challenges requires an all-of-society approach, urging every citizen to take responsibility, support the military and government, and foster unity.

He stressed the importance of loving the nation and one another, adding that Nigeria’s problems are best solved by Nigerians themselves.

The Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen. Tukur Buratai, whose address was delivered by retired Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, emphasised that these challenges were worsened by governance weaknesses, institutional failures, and corruption.

He called for a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to security management—one that includes governance reforms, enhanced professionalism in the security sector, and socio-economic development.

Buratai also advocated for improved training, equipment, and border security to combat the flow of illicit arms and goods.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, emphasised the importance of partnerships between academia and the security sector in tackling Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

Adebowale said that this would be helpful particularly in the face of terrorism, banditry, and other threats.

He lauded the CDS for sharing insights and real-world experiences, which, according to him, will enrich academic discourse and policy formulation.

The VC reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting TECESM’s mission and contributing meaningfully to national peace and development.

Earlier in his address, the Acting Director, TECESM, Dr Benjamin Aluko, said that the lecture was the first under the centre’s new name and refined focus on Security Management and Early Warning Systems.

Aluko assured the CDS of the centre’s full intellectual support in advancing national security goals.

The highpoint of the event was the conferment of the award of first Fellow of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management on Musa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) on Tuesday successfully intercepted and neutralised dozens of terrorists near Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

A statement by the Media Information Officer, OPFY, Capt. David Adewusi, on Wednesday, said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight.

Adewusi said the terrorists were advancing from the Baban Doka axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara in a large group towards Ragada and Warari Communities in Niger.

He said the troops, comprising joint teams from the Mariga and Zuru axes, swiftly launched a coordinated assault.

According to him, the engagement of the Air Component of OPFY provided vital intelligence, surveillance, and air strikes in support of the ground troops, enabling a decisive response.

“Several terrorists were neutralised, and numerous motorcycles and communication equipment were recovered.

“The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 18 motorcycles, among other items.

“The successful joint assault thwarted the terrorists’ plans to destabilise the area and rustle livestock. Sadly, one brave soldier was fatally injured during the fire fight,” he said.

The statement reiterated the commitment of OPFY to remain resolute in its mandate to defeat terrorists and criminal elements operating across the North-West and parts of the North-Central region.

“We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to achieving this mandate and urge continued cooperation through the provision of credible information that will support ongoing offensive operations,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Yakubu Uba