The 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, on Friday emerged overall winner of the 82 Division Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency competition 2023.
The five-day event which started on Monday was hosted by the 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was organised for officers to test their team spirit and combat readiness.
The GOC 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, presenting a trophy to 13 Brigade, the overall winner, while the Commander, 14 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Nsikak Edet watches closely behind.
Participants were drawn from all the formations under 82 Division, which comprises 13 Brigade Calabar, 14 Brigade Ohafia, 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri, 44 Engineering Battalion Enugu and 82 Division Garrison Enugu.
The soldiers participated in weapon handling, map reading, 10-km combat run, combat swimming and obstacle crossing which was the high point of the exercise during the closing ceremony.
The 13 Brigade won the first position with 460 points and the 14 Brigade clinched the second position with 410 points while 82 Division Garrison came third with 390 points.
Also, at the end of the thrilling competition, 34 Artillery Brigade got the fourth position with 390 points, while the fifth and last position was occupied by 44 Engineering Battalion with 350 points.
The 13 Brigade went home with five of the eight trophies, while 14 Brigade got two trophies during the grand finale that featured individual recognition of officers that excelled in various events.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, commended the formations for their display of discipline and professionalism, team spirit and sportsmanship during the competition.
He said that the competition provided an avenue for members of the lower levels of the officer cadre to showcase their leadership skills, proficiency in weapon handling, regimentation, teamwork and others.
The GOC said that the Division would continue to strive in collaboration with other security agencies within its area of responsibility to secure lives and property in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.
NAN reports that the grand finale was attended by heads of various security agencies, traditional rulers, soldiers’ wives and many others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLEMDI) has called on the Federal Government to revitalise and fund the Man O’ War for intelligence gathering to support the fight against insecurity.
Mr Habila Kayit, Executive Director, GLEMDI, made the call in a statement on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Man O’ War Nigeria is a paramilitary organisation established by the Federal Government through the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre Act as empowered by its enabling ordinance.
According to Kayit, the call is imperative because collective effort is required to tackle the insecurity being experienced in Nigeria.
“Citizens must be deliberate in assisting the government to achieve one of its most important responsibilities which is protection of lives and properties.
“Therefore, it is within the power of President Bola Tinubu to explore the diverse options available in community policing to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
“There is a need to harmonise efforts driven by communities, individuals and groups in the fight against insecurity within their locality.
“The vigilante groups and hunters association have been fantastic, however, empowering them through a formal training in the Man O’ War leadership camps with a specific target to improve information and intelligence gathering will help greatly,” he said.
Kayit also called on the incoming Minister of Youth, Mr Abubakar Momoh, to, as a matter of urgency, revive the Man O’ War and drive initiatives that would enhance synergy with other relevant agencies.
He said there was no better time to foster communal harmonious living, advance peaceful coexistence and mutual respect to enable sustainable development than now.
“The Man O’ War remains a potential reserve and volunteers for all the security agencies to tap for information, intelligence gathering and assist in maintaining law and order.
“It is also a tool for rescue and emergency services in communities, so its operations, if strengthened, can help in the fight against insecurity and much more.
“However, the need for stakeholder’s engagement and improved budgetary allocation for the Man O’ War services cannot be overemphasised,” Kayit said.
Kayit said that reviving the activities of the Man O’ War would help the administration to achieve set goals as well as provide employment for youths to curb social vices. (NAN)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have pledged to join forces in tackling illegal mining activities in Ekiti, Oyo and Osun States.
EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
The statement said that the two agencies made the commitment in Ibadan, when the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Ibadan, ACE I Halima Rufa’u, paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo/Osun States Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.
It said that Rufa’u decried the threat activities of illegal solid mineral operators in the zone posed to national economic growth.
“I am glad to be here today on this familiarisation visit but more importantly; this visit offers an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti States.
“It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve our educational system, etc. are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.
“But the EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations and will ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced,” she said.
The statement added that she called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the NCS.
In his remark, Jaiyeoba appreciated the commander for the visit and commended her for the critical roles the EFCC is playing to combat illegal mining activities and cybercrime in the state.
He expressed confidence in the competence of both organisations to tackle the crimes.
“This visit is coming at the right time, when there is an increase in illegal mining activities in the state.
“But I can assure you that the fight will be won given the fact that both Organisations are willing and ready to partner against the illegal activities,” the comptroller said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State would on Aug. 21 host a retreat, organised by the Committee of Retired Inspectors-General of Police (I-Gs) in Ibadan.
Mr Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Police Service Commission (PSC) said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Ani said the retreat would hold from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23 at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
He said the retreat, with the theme: “Intervention Of Ex-Inspectors General of Police For Strategic Contribution To Effective Policing In Nigeria” would brainstorm on effective policing in Nigeria.
The PSC spokesman said dignitaries expected at the retreat are all retired I-Gs, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chairman of PSC, Dr. Solomon Arase and the acting I-G, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun.
According to him, Gov. Makinde will be the chief host at the event.
Ani said papers to be presented at the retreat are Current State of Police Preparedness; Issues, Challenges and Prospects as well as Strategic actions and steps towards restoring NPF’s primacy in internal security architecture of Nigeria.
He said the discussion and experience-sharing session on the imperativeness of employing the experiential knowledge of the retired I-Gs in the effective management of internal security in Nigeria would be part of the retreat.
The PSC spokesman said Alhaji Aliyu Attah, a retired (I-G) and the chairman of the committee is the convener of the retreat. (NAN)
The Police in Jigawa have arrested a 50-year-old man for alleged murder of his four-year-old stepson in Roni Local Government Area of the state.
Police spokesman in the state, DSP Lawan Shiisu, said in Dutse on Friday that the suspect was arrested on Aug. 8.
Shiisu said the suspect was arrested at Unguwar Dinya village after the police received a report about the incident on the same date at about 9.00 p.m.
He explained that upon receipt of the report, the police rushed to the scene and took the victim to General Hospital Kazaure for medical attention, where he later died while receiving treatment.
“On Aug. 8, at about 9 p.m, an ugly information was received from Unguwar Dinya area of Roni LGA of Jigawa that on the same date at about 7:42 p.m., one Salmanu Umar aged 4 of Unguwar Dinya village was seen covered with blood and with a deep cut on his throat done by unknown person.
“On receiving the report, a team of detectives led by Divisional Police Officer, Roni Division, rushed to the scene of crime and conveyed the victim to General Hospital Kazaure for treatment who later died while receiving treatment,” he said.
The spokesman said that investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, husband of the deceased mother.
Shiisuu said that when interrogated, the suspect confessed to committing the crime.
He said that the suspect further revealed that he developed hatred for the deceased due to the fact that he could not afford to be feeding someone else’s child.
Shiisu said the suspect also confessed that he attempted to kill the child for the first time, but the attempt was foiled by the deceased’s mother who reported him to her in-law.
He said the suspect had since been arraigned in court. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has commiserated with the Nigerian military over recent tragedies in which some soldiers died during an operation in Niger.
A statement by AANI National Publicity Secretary, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, on Friday in Abuja, expressed the association’s condolences to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and families of the fallen gallant officers and soldiers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, families, friends, and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or wounded in these unfortunate incidents.
“The recent ambush of Nigerian soldiers and the subsequent air crash in which we lost precious and gallant officers and soldiers have left our nation in shock and sorrow.
“During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the government of Nigeria, the Nigerian military, and the Niger State government.
“We recognise the immense sacrifices our gallant troops and their families made to safeguard our nation’s security and stability. Their dedication and bravery will always be remembered and honoured,” he said.
Usman said that AANI acknowledged the challenges posed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, secessionists, violent extremists, and other criminal elements across the country.
He said that those incidents underscored the urgent need for a united and multi-sectoral approach to address the disturbing security threats and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and residents in the country.
The association also called for enhanced collaboration between government, security agencies, and local communities to combat the evolving security challenges effectively.
He said the AANI believes that “it is also essential to engage local vigilantes and community leaders who possess valuable insights into the dynamics of their respective geopolitical regions in tackling these security challenges.
“Their involvement can significantly contribute to intelligence gathering and implementing targeted security measures”.
He further said “AANI encourages the government of Nigeria to prioritise a comprehensive and inclusive strategy that encompasses not only military interventions but also socio-economic development, education, and empowerment.
“By addressing the root causes of insecurity, we can work towards creating lasting peace and stability across our nation.
“Our association stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people, offering our support and prayers during these trying times. We remain committed to contributing our expertise and resources to foster a safer, more united, and prosperous Nigeria.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Scholars unveil book in honour of former NDA commandant
By Sumaila Ogbaje
No fewer than 52 scholars on Thursday, unveiled a book titled, “Warfare Command and Capacity Building” a festschrift in honour of retired Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, the immediate past Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).
The book presentation, which was done at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, had in attendance the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya and representatives of the Defence and service chiefs.
The book was re-edited by five scholars led by the Provost of the Mational Defence College Centre of Strategic Studies and Research, Prof. Adams Ahmed.
Others are Prof. Jacob Akindapo, Onipe Yahaya, Nkechi Egbe and Bem Audu.
Speaking on the book and the honouree, Lt.-Gen. Yahaya described Gen. Yusuf as a professional military officer who gave his best to the development and advancement of the Nigerian army and capacity development of personnel.
He said that Yusuf was one of the senior officers that assisted him to succeed as army chief and when he served as theatre commander in the northeast.
Yahaya said the book captured three main areas of command, welfare and capacity building.
He said that Gen. Yusuf was versatile in all areas while in service.
“If you excel in command, you have perhaps excelled in everything and the celebrant has succeeded as commander.
“These three key areas are necessary for somebody to succeed, not only in the military but in life,” the former COAS said.
In his remarks, Yusuf said the driving force behind the book was to give back to the army, the armed forces and the country that had invested so much in developing his capacities.
He said a lot was invested to develop his capacities right from the Army Children School to Nigerian Military School and NDA.
According to him, what the scholars have done is collate all his experiences, particularly in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations to enable younger generation of officers to learn from.
“So bringing our experiences, we focus on the capacity building of the future generation of officers for armed forces and already we are seeing the impact of what this capacity building programme is doing.
“For example, one of the officers out there, a naval officer while on exercise, a personnel fell overboard. This naval officer who has been trained in the amphibious aspect was able to jump into the water and under 18 minutes, rescued this rating.
“We are beginning to see the exploits that the young officers that just left NDA are making barely one year ago. We are getting the feedback of their exploits in the field.
“The ones from NDA that we sent to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, you saw on the documentary there they are still on training but have won laurels, which shows that the training they are receiving in the academy in Nigeria is yielding the desired outcome,” he said.
Prof. Ahmed who led the editing of the book said the focus was on making impact in whatever responsibility one is given.
He said the book would assist writers to do scholarly work on the armed forces of Nigeria and the military generally, in view of scarcity of materials in this area.
The Book Reviewer, Prof. Oloabasi Akpan, said the book had 51 chapters written by 52 authors and edited by five scholars with in-depth scholarly works covering different areas.
Akpan said that the first chapter captured the profile and early life of Maj.-Gen. Yusuf who grew through the ranks in the army and retired as a general and commandant of the nation’s elite military institution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several individuals including Yusuf’s superiors, subordinates and course mates poured encomium on him. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria had in the last two weeks neutralised 28 terrorists, apprehended 113 and rescued 82 victims in various operations across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said the apprehended suspects comprised 92 terrorists, six gunrunners, three kidnappers, six collaborators and seven perpetrators of oil theft.
He said the troops also recovered 108 weapons and 564 ammunition comprising 22 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, six pump action guns, four dane guns, one fabricated rifle, one galil ace rifle, one RGP bomb, one RPG tube and 44 hand grenades.
“Also recovered are 322 rounds of 7.62mm special, 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 12 rounds of 5.6mm ammo, 33 AK47 magazines, one empty case of 7.62mm special and 3 empty magazines.
“Other items include; 14 motorcycles, 16 mobile phones, 3 motorolla radio, one boafeng radio, 2 motorcycle tyres, 5 torch lights, 2 solar panels, 104 livestock and the sum of N2.8 million,” he said.
Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 62 wooden boats, 73 storage tanks, one vehicle and 75 cooking ovens during the period.
He added that the troops also impounded four pumping machines, five outboard engines and 33 illegal refining sites, as well as recovery of 1,166,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,491,250 litres of illegally refined AGO, 54,750 litres of DPK and 800 litres of PMS.
In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated seven terrorists, arrested five and rescued 31 hostages while 28 family members of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists comprising of nine adult females and 19 children were also rescued and taken into custody.
He said the troops recovered; 20 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one galileo rifle, three dane guns, one AK47 rifle loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62mm special, 154 rounds of 7.62mm special, 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, among others.
In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven eliminated two gunmen, rescued two hostages and arrested six kidnappers as well as recovered arms and ammunitions during the period.
He said the troops apprehended a notorious kidnapper gang leader and other foot soldiers at Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau.
In the North West, Buba said that troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had continued to degrade the terrorists in Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
He said the troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested seven, two informants and two collaborators as well as rescued 16 hostages and recovery of seven AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, one AK47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62mm special, five AK47 magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special.
“Others include; six motorcycles, three mobile phones, three motorolla radios, one radio charger, two solar panel, one old sewing machine, a par of woodland camouflage and the sum of N2.4 million,” he said.
In the South East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA eliminated three IPOB/ESN terrorists recovered four pump action guns, one single barrel loaded with 100 live cartridges, one locally fabricated rifle and three live cartridges.
“Troops also arrested 18 terrorists and rescued two kidnapped hostages.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
“The operations as enumerated is indicative of the professionalism of men and women of the armed forces, their courage and bravery.
“Troops will continue to use superior military force to eliminate any group or groups that constitutes a threat to the safety of citizens and own forces alike,” Buba said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Curbing national security threats such as Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in the maritime domain will improve food security, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla said on Thursday in Lagos.
Ogalla made the declaration at the handover of six Glass Reinforced Plastic Riverine Boats manufactured for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development by the Naval Dockyard Ltd.
Ogalla said the boats would be used to access riverine communities to monitor and support agricultural activities and ensure food security.
“This occasion is particularly special as it connotes several landmark moments that exists between the Nigerian Navy and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
“The relationship between both government institutions is based on mutual interests and shared values that date back in history.
“The production of the boats for the ministry demonstrates the existing collaboration and synergy between both institutions of government to promote food and environmental security,’’ he said.
He added that the boats were conceptualised, designed and built to suit the requirements of the ministry as well as the environment in which they are to operate.
“These boats are part of the first steps the Nigerian Navy has made towards indigenising ship construction and maintenance.
“The vessels are primarily tailored to effectively serve the ministry’s need in reaching coastal maritime communities and boosting agriculture and food production,’’ he said.
Ogalla added that the occasion was symbolic as it underscored the strength and importance of collaboration between government agencies.
“In this case, it is the Ministry of Defence and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture implementing policies and programmes of the central government to ensure overall prosperity of society.
“The collaborative relationship between the Navy and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture can be emulated; it enables agencies of government to work together seamlessly to enhance national security,’’ Ogalla stressed.
L-R):CNS, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Akwa Ibom rep, Dr Offiong Offor, Lagos State Rep, Mr Gboyega Soyannwo and the Director, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Agric and Rural Development, Mrs Fausat Lawal.
In his remarks, Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the boats would facilitate fisheries monitoring, surveillance, collection of and production of data and consequently aid the elimination of IUUF.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Gboyega Soyanwo.
He noted that IUUF was a major threat to the nation’s fisheries resource.
“These illegal activities do not only disrupt fish biodiversity in the state’s aquatic ecosystem, it also adversely affects the livelihood of more than 150,000 fisher-folks operating in 325 artisanal fishing communities.
“This subsector of fisheries currently contributes 177,459 tons of fish representing about 85 per cent of the annual fish production of Lagos State.
“The vessels received today will make it possible for us to actively monitor the waters and take swift action against those who seek to exploit our marine resources unlawfully,’’ he said.
He added that the boats would also facilitate the collection of fisheries data which are essential for planning, design, and implementation of appropriate interventions to develop artisanal fisheries in the state.
“These strategic efforts and other initiatives will contribute to substantial improvement in fish production within the state and set a remarkable precedent for others to follow.
“The patrol boats will undoubtedly bolster these endeavours, enabling us to achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for its unwavering support and for recognising the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle IUUF.
“It is my firm belief that we can successfully combat IUUF, improve artisanal fisheries, positively impact coastal and estuarine communities and create a thriving and sustainable future for all,’’ he stressed.
He called on stakeholders in the subsector to reaffirm their collective commitment to the responsible management of fisheries resources and the protection of the environment for future generations.
“Lagos State with a population of more than 24 million people is faced with numerous challenges which cannot be left to the state government alone.
“I solicit more collaborative efforts from the Federal Government, the private sector and donor agencies to facilitate an inclusive development of the state,’’ he said.
In her remarks, Director, Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Fausat Lawal expressed gratitude to the Navy for its commitment and dedication to protecting national marine resources.
She said the Navy’s diligent efforts had led to the arrest of numerous individuals involved in IUUF.
“As we take possession of these boats, we are strengthening our enforcement capabilities and also sending a clear message to those who engage in IUUF that their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
“I express my appreciation to the skilled individuals involved in the construction of these boats.
“Their expertise and dedication has resulted in these vessels that are functional and built to withstand the challenges of Nigeria’s coastal environment,’’ she said.
The director said that the carrier boats would be distributed to four coastal states of Lagos, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
“Let us use this occasion as a catalyst for further collaboration, innovation and commitment to the sustainable management of our shared fisheries resources,’’ she admonished.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor said the patrol boats would provide security that would help to reduce poverty, enhance food security and enhance rural development.
Offor said Akwa Ibom would continue to work with the Nigerian Navy to improve the livelihood of people in riverine communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Alli Hakeem
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