By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammed, has advised officers to take advantage of the availability of technology to improve themselves and fully key into the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.

Muhammed gave the advice at the graduation of the participants of Leadership Skills Development Course 7/2023 of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), on Friday in Abuja.

He reiterated the commitment of the Army to enhancing leadership skills of officers and soldiers, so as to be innovative in the evolving security environment.

Muhammed said the two weeks course was designed to address some of the leadership gaps identified at tactical levels, adding that a lot of improvements were brought into the course.

He said the personal of the army could not afford to be left behind in the digital age as it is essential to critical thinking and skills in emotional intelligence.

According to him, it is important for them to also take note of the mobile phones which could also be used to conduct a lot of researches.

“This is because most of the things that are being taught here are aimed at adequately equipping you to apply them in your daily activities.

“We expect that as you go back to the field, we are going to contact your commanders as a way of getting feedback.”

He commended the centre for it’s commitment to capacity building of army personnel for optimal performance.

The Director General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said the course was conceived to train and equip senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO’s) and the mid-level officers cadre.

“This is to imbue them with relevant leadership skills, creativity and critical thinking, essential to bridging observed leadership gaps and skills deficits.”

Wahab said the centre had conducted seven editions of the course, adding that the feedback had been wonderful.

He said the course had been expanded to include digital training, which  is key for soldiers in the 21st century.

The DG uurged the participants to go back to their units and fformations and deploy the knowledge acquired in improving their activities.

Giving the course highlight, the Director of Leadership Development Institute, NARC, Brig.-Gen. UM Aliyu, said the course had 60 participants, comprising 31 oofficers 28 soldiers and one civilian staff from the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command.

Aliyu said the course was primarily intended to train NCOs up to lieutenant colonels, to lead effectively in the contemporary security environment and bridge observed gaps especially while operating in joint environment.

He added that the objective was to increase creativity and critical thinking skills for optimum performance.

“It was to introduce adaptive leadership for innovative and creative skills to develop participants emotional intelligence and decision making,

“It will also enable the senior NCOs understand the significance of coaching and mentoring for successful career development in the Nigerian army,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/MAM/MZA

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army on Friday, buried the former Director of Defence Media Operations, Late retired Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, who died on Aug. 26, few weeks after his retirement from active service.

Onyeuko, a member of the 38 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), was until his retirement the Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters.

He was of the Ordnance Corps and served in various capacity in the Nigerian army in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Enugu, Jos, Lagos and Abuja as well as in ECOMOG and United Nation Peace Keeping Operation in Morocco.

Speaking at the funeral, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who was the deceased course mate, described the late senior officer as a saint sent from heaven to touch lives on earth and a dedicated military officer.

He urged the the wife and children as well as other family members to take solace in the fact that the deceased retired general had a wonderful career in the military with great impact.

“He remains an example to all of us, how to live our lives, how to appreciate one another, and how to give your all in service to God and humanity.

“He made his mark and we are proud of him. I’m proud of the kind of life he lived and I think that is wonderful, and not the other way around when people feel so bad about an individual,” he said.

Musa assured the family of the continuous support of the military to ensure that they are comforted.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the demise of Gen. Onyeuko should be seen as one of the moments of reflection and time to strengthen friendship and comradeship.

Lagbaja assured the family that the army would stand by them in their grief and give them the necessary support.

He described the late Onyeuko as a fine and dedicated senior officer whose footprints would remain indelible in the Nigerian army having served in different capacities meritoriously.

On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by the Chief of Administration (Navy), Rear Adm. Kennedy Ezete, extended the condolences of the navy to Nigerian Army and the family.

Ogalla said it was painful that Onyeuko had to die just when he should have time for his family and himself shortly after retirement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the remains of the general was buried at the National Military Cemetery after the funeral service at the Holy Family Catholic Church, NAF Base, Asokoro.

It was well attended by principal staff officers from defence and army headquarters as well as members of the 38 Regular Course. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Real Estate agents to join hands with the Commission in the fight against corruption and avoid being used as conduit for money laundering.

Its Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement in Abuja

He said that the Commander of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission, Michael Nzekwe  made the call  when he received executive members of the Kwara Chapter of Estate Rent and Commission Agent Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association was led on the visit to the commission by its Chairman, Mr Adewole Onibokun.

Nzekwe said his Command was determined to fight financial crime through enforcement of all regulations with a view to curtailing sharp practices and money laundering especially in the real estate sector.

“Real estate is an avenue through which corrupt Nigerians launder proceeds of crime.

“I was delighted when I got your letter that you would be coming on a courtesy visit because I know the visit will offer us the opportunity to discuss how we can deal with this issue,” he said.

Nzekwe described the association as one of the critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption and admonished members to live above board.

He urged them to pay serious attention to the provisions of the new Money Laundering Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Advance Fee Fraud Act and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

He called on them to adequately acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations guiding the real estate sector particularly Section 3 of the AFF Act, 2006.

According to him, the Act stated that “A person who, being the occupier or is concerned in the management of any premises, causes or knowingly permits the premises to be used for any purpose which constitutes an offence under this Act commits an offence

“And, is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not more than 15 years and not less than five years without the option of a fine.”

He said this provision of the law placed serious responsibilities on Real Estate Agents to make “KYC” (Know Your Customer) a precondition in dealing with customers so as to be free of liabilities in case of any eventuality.

He also called on members of the association to ensure compliance with the regulation requiring registration and certification of their businesses by the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML).

He urged them to report suspicious transactions to the appropriate agency as required by the law.

Earlier, the Association’s Chairman commended  the giant strides of the Ilorin Zonal Command in fighting corruption.

Onibokun expressed  the willingness of his members to assist the Commission in fighting money laundering and other financial crimes in the real estate sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Diana Omueza

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Capital Territory Command, has sensitised traditional leaders in Gwagwalada Area Council against discrimination of ex-offenders.

The sensitization, which took place at the place of Aguma of Gwagwalada, was organised in partnership with the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA). and Hope Behind Bars Africa.

The Comptroller of the command, Mr Ibrahim Idris said on Thursday, that the sensitisation was part of activities to commemorate the 2023 Yellow Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness against discrimination of ex-offenders.

Idris said that it was dangerous to discriminate against ex-offenders, stressing that discriminating against them could worsen their situation and make them more dangerous to society.

“If we condemn ex-offenders and don’t give them opportunities to contribute to the development of the country, society will become worse.

“The pronouncement of imprisonment itself is enough punishment for offenders, and not everyone that has been to the correctional centre is an offender.

“The correctional service does not punish but reforms and rehabilitates offenders through skills training, business, farming, and other skills to earn a living.

“Also, the Nigeria Correctional Service Act, 2019, has empowered the Comptroller General of NCoS to give certification that an inmate who served his term is fit to return to the society,” he said.

He warned that if people do not integrate ex-offenders after certified fit to be reintegrated back to society, there was every likelihood that the offender would go back to crime.

The comptroller urged residents to accept ex-offenders back into society, give them job opportunities and allow them to participate in politics, business, and family life, including marriage.

This, according to him, will significantly reduce crimes in communities.

In her remarks, the Deputy Director of PRAWA, Mrs Ogechi Ogu, advised residents against discrimination, out-casting, and condemnation of ex-offenders, which she described as “second prison”.

Ogu noted the disturbing negative profiling of persons who were out of correctional centres in most communities.

She pointed out that reformed citizens were usually considered as castaway, isolated, denied access to job opportunities, and sometimes rejected even by their families.

“International human rights instruments on detention specifically noted that such treatment by society, is one of the reasons why offenders go back to crimes,” she said.

She advised that employment rules against ex-offenders should be expunged and other laws that go against the human rights of ex-offenders be addressed.

She lauded the NCoS for the reformation and rehabilitation programmes put in place to ease the reintegration of ex-offenders back to the society.

She called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to come to the aid of offenders by settling their fines to reduce their stay in custody.

On his part, Mr Samson Onuche, the Programmes Manager, Hope Behind Bars Africa, urged traditional leaders to take the messages against discrimination of ex-offenders to the doorsteps of their subjects.

This, according to him, will make local communities more receptive and accommodating to ex-offenders.

Responding, Alhaji Mohammed Magaji, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, promised to mobilise members of the communities to be accommodative to offenders.

Magaji, who was represented by an official of the traditional council, Mr Madaki Waziri, said that council would ensure that no ex-offenders were denied any opportunity due to him or her. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Philip Yatai

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, says the association will commence training of widows drawn from the military and police by the end of September.

The president made this known when she led the leadership of all the officers’ wives associations from the services and police on courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday in Abuja.

The DEPOWA boss said the move was one of integral objectives of the organisation.

According to her, the association has over the years, touched so many lives positively through skill acquisition and empowerment programmes

She said the association had helped in providing schooling facilities, charity and economic growth opportunities to the less privilege amongst others.

”Having carried out a needs assessment, we intend to do more for the youth in the barracks through skill acquisition programs, more knowledge in Information Technology (IT) and to further reduce poverty.

“We have begun reaching out to the most vulnerable in our various barracks and surrounding communities.

“We intend to commence the training of widows drawn from all the associations by the end of this month which is one of the integral objectives of the Association.

“We intend to embark on various campaigns and initiatives to support women development and also pay visits to orphanages and Internally Displaced Persons camps outside the military community.

“We will also pay visit to wounded soldiers to provide additional aid for their recovery as being part of the Armed Forces Peace Building agenda all channeled towards the non-kinetic support in the fight against terrorism,” she said.

The DEPOWA president said the support of the chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police was needed to be able to cover all the identified target support areas.

She said that their activities, dreams and aspirations would only come to fulfilment with the cooperation and extensive insight of their husbands, adding that they were fully ready to keep contributing their part in nation building.

“I wish to formally congratulate you on your appointment as the COAS and we pray that God will continue to grant you the strength as you tackle insecurity to the barest minimum.

“I pray that God in his infinite mercies continue to give you the strength and grace to deliver,” she added.

Responding, the COAS commended DEPOWA for standing as a unified force of the officers’ wives association in various services and the police and also extending their activities beyond the barracks community.

Lagbaja said the activities of DEPOWA as highlighted by the president, fitted into his command philosophy on sound administration.

Lagbaja said the military needed an association like DEPOWA to act as a bridge between them and the larger contingent of their children, wards and the people that reside inside the barracks and cantonment.

He pledged that the Army Headquarters would continue to partner with DEPOWA to extend the frontier of their reaching out to the home fronts.

The COAS added that his command philosophy recognised that the support of the home front was key, urging the association to ensure that its lofty objectives were translated into key deliverables in the barracks.

“We will continue to provide the support and we will continue to intervene in whatever area that the DEPOWA seeks the supports of the army headquarters.

“We want to thanks you for looking in the direction of our widows and less privileged in our barracks to embark on skill acquisition programme and even the training in ICT for our youths.

“Be rest assured of the supports of at headquarters in this drive and other laudable initiatives of DEPOWA,” he said.

Lagbaja said that there was nexus between the home front and the frontline, saying that the stability of the home fronts would translate into successes in the frontline. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says his command philosophy is critical towards building the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for future air warfare.

He said his command philosophy was to transform NAF into an agile and resilient force that would effectively meet the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.

Abubakar said this while delivering a paper titled, “The Future of Air Warfare in the Nigerian Air Force – My Command Philosophy,” at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji on Thursday in Kaduna State.

He said this in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar said any armed forces that failed to prepare for the probable future would always be reactive rather than proactive in its approach to national security issues.

The CAS said the nature of future air warfare would be determined by a number of factors, including internal and external threats to national security, the national economic fortune, and the air power capabilities of the Service.

He said the NAF under his command would acquire Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for real time Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance and precision strikes and replacing its medium and heavy airlift capabilities for more effective and rapid mobility.

He added that efforts were in the final stages to conduct the first-ever capabilities-based assessment of the NAF, which would enhance the operational effectiveness of the Service in current and future air warfare.

Abubakar also said human capacity development in the NAF under his watch, was consciously tailored towards achieving assigned tasks and bridging current and future gaps in NAF capabilities.

He said about 1,476 personnel were currently enrolled in several training programmes, both domestically and internationally with a view to addressing present and future air combat needs of the NAF.

“All selections for course will be merit-based to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.

“NAF is implementing a holistic aircraft maintenance planning system, which entails that all the spares and consumables requirements for future aircraft inspections for the next four quarters are compiled in advance and processed with immediate effect.

“This will invariably ensure that aircraft were available for quick combat against enemies in order to meet national security objectives,” he said.

Abubakar said NAF had continued to make significant gains toward domestic manufacturing of required capabilities through research and development activities in addition to utilising cutting-edge technologies.

According to him, NAF has been manufacturing various military equipment to support counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations through the Air Force Research and Development Centre.

He added that NAF had maintained a highly motivated force by enhancing personnel welfare and infrastructural renewal to eneble personnel accomplish personal organisational goals.

This, according to him, led to his decision to convene a committee of officers to ascertain the accommodation deficit of the NAF with a view to addressing the lingering problem.

The air chief said new uniforms and accoutrements would also be issued to all personnel on a yearly basis, adding that payments of all entitlements were being made as and when due.

These efforts, according to him, will put NAF personnel in the right state of psychological readiness for air warfare now and in the future.

Abubakar said efforts were being made to address the challenges militating against operational effectiveness of the NAF to enhance its combat readiness for future warfare.

He reiterated the commitment of the NAF to surmount the challenges and build its combat readiness for both current and future battles. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mr Emmanuel Umar, a former Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs in Niger, says the wide uncovered spaces in the state helped to breed terrorism, banditry and other criminalities.

Umar said this while delivering a lecture titled, “Ungoverned Spaces and National Security: A Personal Perspective”, at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, on Thursday Abuja.

He defined ungoverned spaces as areas that lack effective governance and control by legitimate authority which can exist within boundaries of a country and in various forms.

Umar said that ungoverned  spaces had presented significant challenges and remained a huge threat to national security, especially in Niger which has the largest landmass in Nigeria.

According to him, the state has  76,363 square kilometers of land and is bordered by six states of Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Kaduna, Zamfara and Kebbi, as well as Benin Republic.

“It has over 2,500 communities and 96 Forest Reserves and most of the rural communities are hard-to-reach due to either terrain or lack of access and infrastructures with no or minimal presence of government institutions or facilities.

“Such spaces provides safe haven and breeding grounds for terrorist, banditry and all sort of criminality.

“It allows easy recruitment, radicalisation and training grounds making it more difficult to monitor and police criminal activities.

“Ungoverned spaces facilitates easy criminal activities which include drug business and trafficking, arms and human smuggling, illegal mining of mineral resources and logging of economic trees.

“Criminal elements exploit the absence of law enforcement and regulation presence to operate freely at will, and engage in illegal extraction and exploitation of natural resources, thereby undermining the security and stability of the state,” the ex-commissioner said.

Umar explained that lack of effective governance often produce mass displacements of people who had became vulnerable to exploitation and often express their resentment against government institutions.

He added that such ungoverned spaces could also erode the authority and legitimacy of the state, allow non-state actors to assert control over specific areas, challenge constituted authorities, and undermine the state.

Umar said this would make it difficult to enforce legal systems, protect citizens’ right and maintaining social order, thus undermining public trust in government, spark civil disobedience and provide another opportunity for criminal networks to operate with impunity.

He said there was need to address the national security implication of ungoverned spaces through comprehensive and multidimensional approach, including effective governance, developmental efforts, security sector reforms, and strengthening institutions.

The ex-commissioner canvassed for the strengthening of the capacities of military and security forces, traditional institutions and functional local government authorities.

The Director General of the centre, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, thanked the guest speaker for delivering a well packaged paper, and the participants for their insightful contributions.

Ajunwa urged Umar to articulate the contributions of the participants to document another paper for the benefit of the Nigerian army. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

 Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has tasked the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), on thorough analysis of policies, practices and procedures towards enhancing the capabilities of the army.

Lagbaja gave the directive at the inaugural seminar of the centre with the theme, ”Transforming the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre from Dream to Reality,” on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the centre was conceptualised and established by the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya with the mandate to serve as a research hub for generation of ideas, policies and strategies for the army.

According to him, army is currently confronting a myriad of security challenges across all geopolitical zones in the country, ranging from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes to oil theft.

“I believe today’s event will enhance Nigerian Army’s capabilities through analysis of policies, practices and procedures by proposing novel and pragmatic options, through innovation and application of technology.

“The mission of NAHFC is to serve as a research hub for generation of ideas, policies and strategies, leveraging the core competencies of the army to defeat current and future threats while preserving its heritage,” he said.

Lagbaja said it was expected that the inaugural lecture and the subsequent interactive session would generate new ideas and outcomes that would elucidate on the nexus between the centre’s vision and his command philosophy.

His command philosophy is “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

He urged officers and other staff of NAHFC to tap from the knowledge and wealth of experience of the resource persons for the benefits of themselves and the centre.

According to him, NAHFC is the first of its kind in West Africa and its staff must, therefore, work hard to ensure that the quality of work done at the centre was comparable to any of its kind anywhere in the world.

“I am aware that the calibre of officers here are result-oriented officers that are ready to carry out the task of taking the army to enviable heights.

“I want to assure you of my continuous support as the centre sets out to carry out its activities.

“The staff of the centre will be exposed to workshops, seminars and field trips, amongst others, to gain experience and make sound inputs to the Nigerian Army’s activities where necessary,” he added.

The Director-General of NAHFC, Maj.-Gen. Obinnna Ajunwa, said the centre was created as a research hub to address specific thematic challenges of the army through studies, analysis and policy formulations that targeted optimal operational and administrative outcomes.

Ajunwa said the one-day seminar was carefully planned to drive home the intent of the founding fathers and the establishment mandate of the centre in support of the army in line with the COAS’ command philosophy.

He said he had since assumption of office on July 18, continued to peruse relevant documents, committee reports and made physical contacts with some senior officers, serving and retired on how to realise the dream of the founding fathers.

“I have convened several committees to address some specific areas of concern to the centre as well as gray areas capable of impacting on army’s operational and administrative activities in the future.

“We have also conducted some lecture series on contemporary security issues of interest to the army, the last being ‘The Future Warfare and Modernisation of the Nigerian Army in the next 10 years.’

“So far, the results have been rewarding and would no doubt help in reshaping the policies and decisions of the army on the emerging thematic challenges.

“We are determined to make the centre a hub for research on past military exploits, while casting for future of the Nigerian army in a complex and uncertain security environment,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yahaya attended the event, while the lecture was delivered by the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), retired Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says road traffic fatalities significantly reduced in the first half of 2023 by 15.5 percent.

This is contained in statement released by FRSC’s Spokesman, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Kazeem said that the corps recorded a total of 5,700 road traffic crashes (RTCs) as against 6,627 recorded during the same period in the preceding year 2022.

He said there was 14 per cent reduction in RCTs as captured in the FRSC road traffic crash dashboard within the period under review.

According to him, the corps also witnessed 14 per cent reduction in the number of rescued victims with injuries between January and June.

He added that the corps rescued a total of 16,716 accident survivors in 2023, as against the 19,440 injured in accidents during the same period in 2022.

“On the number of people killed, the corps also recorded a significant reduction within the same operational period in review

“According to the crash data report, in the first six months of the year 2023, the corps recorded a total of 2,850 fatalities as against 3,375 fatalities in the same period in 2022, representing 15.5 per cent reduction, ” he said.

Kazeem quoted the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, as attributing the modest achievement to a number of strategies and innovations in enforcement activities.

He said that there was improved presence and visibility of FRSC personnel, public enlightenment and engagement with partners within the period under review.

Biu charged motorists to desist from bad driving habits, adding that the Corps would continue to monitor and deal with any driving infraction.

This, he said, would be by sanitising the highways and entrenching safety values and measures on the over 200,000 kilometers road network across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maharazu Ahmed