By Abbas Bamalli

The Katsina State Safety and Roads Traffic Authority (KASSROTA), has warned commercial road users against overloading and reckless driving.

The Director-General of KASSROTA, retired Maj.-Gen Garba Yahaya-Rimi, gave the warning in a statement in Katsina on Friday.

The statement was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), by the Public Relations Officer of the agency, Malam Marwana Abubakar.

According to him, the DG gave the warning during a meeting with various unions of commercial road users across the state and also block makers in an effort to sanitise them.

Yahaya-Rimi while addressing the gathering solicited the support and cooperation of their leaderships and members of the unions towards achieving the desired success.

The KASSROTA boss also called on them to caution their members against overloading and any form of reckless driving to avoid unnecessary accidents.

He noted that the agency will no longer tolerate all forms of reckless driving by some erring drivers, therefore any one found wanting would face the law.

The block makers were also cautioned by the KASSROTA DG to always abide by the rules and regulations and avoid doing their businesses on roads to avoid accident.

Yahaya-Rimi also advised tricycle riders to avoid overloading or underage driving among other offences.

Some of the unions in attendance are: Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO),

Others include; Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Tippers drivers, Motorcycle Union Associations and Tricycle Union Associations among others. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged operational commanders of the Nigerian Army to recalibrate their strength to deal scientific blows to the enemies of the nation.

Lagbaja said this at the closing of the Combined Second and Third Quarters COAS Conference, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the briefs and deliberations by the commanders during the conference depicted that the task ahead was not an easy one.

The COAS said the army was competent and remained committed to ensuring synergy with sister services and other security agencies to create enabling environment necessary for good governance and economic prosperity.

“Let me reitrate that we cannot afford to show any form of weakness because the adversaries we fight are emboldened by weakness.

“We must recalibrate our strength to give the scientific blows to the adversaries within and without appropriately.

“Therefore, the decisions arrived at during our deliberations will help refine our training and operational activities toward realising desirable outcomes,” he said.

Lagbaja said the conference provided the army top brass a veritable platform to brainstorm and appraise the army’s activities so far in the year.

He said the conference also afforded them quality time to review their training, operational and administrative activities that directly relate to security issues crucial to Nigeria and external environments.

According to him, formation commanders leading the various operations across the country’s geopolitical zone briefed the house in line with the conference programme.

He assured President Bola Tinubu of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the defence of the nation’s flourishing democracy and upholding of the constitution.

“In this regard, the Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its commitment to setting good examples for other armies to emulate,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some Next-of-Kins of personnel  who died defending the nation were presented with cheques as payment of Group Life Insurance claims of the deceased. (NAN) (www.nannews.Ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says  troops of  Armed Forces of Nigeria,  have in the last two weeks eliminated a total of 151 terrorists and apprehended 456 others in different operations across the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated this while giving update of military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 44 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued four kidnapped hostages during the period.

He said the troops recovered 17 AK47 rifles, three locally fabricated rifles, three locally made guns, one berretta pistol, three Dane guns and 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

Also recovered according to him, are five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, 42 empty and cases of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo.

Others are 12 magazines, 50 jerry cans of PMS, three vehicles, five mobile phone, six motorcycles, three cutlasses and the sum of N3.18 million.

Buba said the troops arrested some suspected terrorists’ collaborators in Jere and  Biu in Borno, as well as Gujba Local Government Area in Yobe.

He said that troops also ambushed and raided suspected terrorists’ hideouts in Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno.

The director said that the offensive resulted in elimination of terrorists and recovery of arms and ammunitions.

In North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 16 terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued one kidnapped hostage within the period.

He said they also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two pistols, five locally fabricated rifles, six dane guns, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 magazines and three motorcycles.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested six and rescued one kidnapped hostage as well as recovery of arms and ammunition.

In North West, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 35 terrorists, arrested eight and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages within the period.

He added that the air components of the various operations had continued to annihilate the terrorists from their various hideouts with series of air interactions. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, the Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), says proceeds of kidnapping is being used to partly finance terrorism.

Musa said this on Wednesday in Abuja during the `Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell Media and Communication workshop’, organised by ONSA in collaboration with the British High Commission.

“Kidnapping for ransom is also identified as one of the means of funding terrorism.

“Thus, carnage unleashed by kidnappers in affiliation with terrorist groups all over the world leading to loss and disruption of lives and properties, is a major concern.

“Hence the need for collective efforts in advancing measures to check the threat.

“Evidently, the menace requires concerted and sustained efforts by every citizen, government at all levels, international community and the media which of course is the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

“You will agree with me that proceeds of kidnap for ransom enterprise have continued to serve as a platform for financing terrorism not only in Nigeria but across the Sahel,” he said.

Musa said the workshop was pertinent to the overall success of the government’s effort to curtail the menace of kidnapping.

He added that the media would help to build the kind of relationship the NCTC-ONSA desired on the efforts of security agencies in the protection of lives and properties in the country.

According to him, the agenda setting role of the media cannot be over emphasised in the fight against terrorism and other associated crimes like kidnapping.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, where information spreads at an unprecedented pace, the media has the power to either amplify or mitigate the impact of security-related news events.

“The consequences of inaccurate or sensationalist reporting can be detrimental to public trust, exacerbate fear and anxiety, and even hinder counterterrorism efforts,” he said.

The coordinator said it was vital that the government and the media work together to establish a framework of synergy and standardisation for reporting on security-related matters.

He said that such collaboration would not only enhance the accuracy and quality of news reporting but also contribute to national security.

The Programme Manager, National Crime Agency UK, Mr Chris Grimson, said the workshop was a fall out of a number of agreements between Nigeria and the UK to create a multi-agency kidnap fusion cell.

Grimson said the purpose of the workshop was to identify and explore what was needed to create the fusion cell or whatever it turns out to be.

One of the facilitators of the workshop, retired Rear Adm. Leye Jaiyeola, said “the fusion cell workshop was designed to come up with a joint decision model to allow for an effective multi-agency use and conflict resolution’’.

Jaiyeola said the workshop was meant to set up principles that would provide participants with an agreed framework to support decision making, and develop appropriate legislation for effective management and resolution of kidnapping issues.

He said that kidnapping had become a major threat in Nigeria, hence the need to develop an agreed national kidnap fusion and coordination mechanism.

“Our focus is to make sure that we maintain a strategic national kidnap operation posture, get all the agencies involved in doing it, so that we will be able to put our feet at the right spot and come up with a set of principles so that the commanders will be able to deliver.

“We have looked at coming up with standard operating procedure, looked at developing the doctrine itself and this session of workshop is the session that involves relating with the public so that they will build trust and confidence in the security.

“Before now that is missing. As to what the security agencies are doing and in some instances, it is assumed that the security agencies are not doing anything, which in most instances is informed by lack of knowledge of what the security agencies are doing.

“So the essence of this phase of training is for us to develop what we call a clear and effective information sharing strategy and an effective information sharing platform,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop has participants drawn from the media, military, security agencies, ministries, departments and agencies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Maharazu Ahmed

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Coalition for Peace, has commended President Bola Tinubu and his National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for the improved security across the nation.

The group gave the commendation In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, signed by the its President, Malam Adamu Haruna and Secretary, Jonah Simon.

The group said it recognised the inter-agency collaboration initiated by the two which had improve peace and security across the country in the last few months.

It attributed the improved harmonious working relationship to why terrorists and criminals are currently on the run.

In commending the efforts of Mr President and the NSA, it said that such had instilled confidence in the minds of the farmers who are now returning to farm this rainy season for planting.

It said that was a departure from the previous administration when insecurity was the nightmare of everyone; as farmers and vulnerable residents in communities got killed, kidnapped and their women raped.

“This administration has been responding swiftly to distress calls, particularly acting on intelligence reports leading to attacks and arrests of criminals.

“The inter agency cooperation and harmonious working relationship have led to improvement in security across the nation.

“There is no doubt about this fact which President Tinubu and the NSA should be commended for.

“It is worth of saying that farmers are back to farm because they have confidence in government’s prompt response to security threats obviously lessening security challenges.

“Last week, the revelation of the high number of terrorists killed by this administration reflects the seriousness of government in tackling insecurity,” the group added.

It went further said that ‘there can not be anything equal to prompt security response and taking action on intelligence, a development that led to killing of large number of terrorists since Tinubu took over power on May 29.

“The increased security at the nation’s borders has also reduced the incidences of kidnapping in the North West and North East geopolitical zones of the country.”

The group therefore urged the security agents not to relent, assuring them that Nigerians are willing to give them maximum support and encouragement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army will upscale its operations against all threats in all zones of the federation to bring the much desired peace, stability and relief to law abiding citizens.

Lagbaja gave the assurance at the opening of the Combined Second and Third Quarters COAS Conference, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that attention would be focused on banditry, kidnapping and other sundry crimes in the North West; insurgency and terrorism in the North East; farmers-herders clashes and kidnapping in the North Central and the insurrection in the South East.

Lagbaja added that economic sabotage and associated crimes in the South-South region would also receive serious attention.

According to him, the army will not leave any zone unprotected.

The COAS said the Nigerian army would upscale its manpower and equipment in all the theatres of operation.

He said Operation Hadin Kai in the North East had effectively curtailed Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in the region resulting in large-scale surrender of members of terrorist groups and submission of large cache of arms and ammunition.

According to him, the good people of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are steadily picking up their livelihood as the military, in collaboration with the government, is helping to restore governance to hitherto ungoverned areas.

Lagbaja also said the operational activities of troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, had greatly checkmated banditry and insurgency in the North West and North Central regions.

“We have equally heightened our efforts in containing criminalities perpetrated in the South East Region by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.

“Through Operation UDO KA, our troops have, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, put an end to the infamous sit-at-home order that has almost crippled socio-economic activities in the region.

“Law-abiding citizens of the region now go about their businesses and everyday life.

“Similarly, our joint efforts with various government agencies have quelled attempts by criminals to disrupt economic activities in the South West Region.

“Our troops’ upscaled anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in Operation Delta Safe in the South-South Region, which have also yielded tremendous outcomes.

“Although we are not there yet in terms of the level of success we hope to achieve in our anti-illegal bunkering operations; there is no denying the fact that we have seen appreciable improvement in the country’s daily crude production,” he said.

The COAS said the military had suffered some painful setbacks and paid for their successes in blood and treasures.

He however assured that troops have remained resolute in the drive to deny all criminal elements freedom of action and have intensified onslaught against them.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian army had established Special Forces units specially trained to tackle various criminalities across the country and further enhance the army’s operational efforts.

According to him, the special forces units have continued to record impressive performances through intelligence-led operations and use of special equipment.

“As we continue to procure and induct more sophisticated platforms and equipment into the various theatres as force multipliers, I charge field commanders to ensure the maintenance of these platforms and equipment to prolong their life span and enable the nation to optimize its investment.”

Lagbaja said the quarterly conference was designed to provide veritable platform to review the conduct of the army’s administrative, training, logistics, and operational activities, as well as other key issues relating to the service.

He urged the senior officers and commanders to brainstorm and holistically review all operations and related activities carried out by the army in and outside Nigeria within the period under review. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

==========

By Sumaila Ogbaje

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate payment of insurance entitlements owed families of officers and soldiers who died while fighting to defend the nation.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made this known at the opening of the Combined Second and Third Quarters COAS Conference, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference is being attended by army field commanders and heads of institutions and establishments.

Lagbaja said said that the welfare of troops and their families was of paramount importance, and pledged to consolidate all existing welfare arrangements to enhance the well-being of troops and their families to keep them focused on their tasks.

“In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our personnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high- quality post-service homes for our soldiers work.

“We shall also ensure that our injured warriors get the best medical care and continue to support the widows and next-of-kin of our fallen heroes.”

Lagbaja appreciated President Tinubu for directing that all pending insurance payments owed the families were paid without delay, and for his strategic guidance of the Armed Forces.

“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I want to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty and pledge our total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The COAS urged army personnel to continue to work with other security agencies to decisively deal with all security challenges facing the country.

He told the participants of his Command Philosophy, which was to “transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained force, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.

According to him, the philosophy would guide and drive the actions and engagements of the army in all operations within and outside the boundaries of Nigeria.

In his address, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, said the conference was for the officers to brainstorm on the state of affairs of the Nigerian army and develop plans for future engagements.

Ibrahim said the conference was also an avenue for the COAS to physically convey his command philosophy to the field commanders and heads of institutions and establishments.

He said the kinetic operations of the army across various theaters of operations had continued to record unprecedented successes, just as the non-kinetic efforts had continued to yield desirable outcomes.

“We are encouraged not to be demoralised by the incident in Niger State, but intensify our efforts to make the adversaries to continuously pay for their sins until they disappear or surrender.

”This conference is designed to provide us with a platform to reflect on achievements while appraising our operations and activities in the second and third quarters of this year in order to obtain plans that align with our overall goals.

“It will also provide us the unique opportunity to engage in honest discussions and insightful conversations and decisions that will guarantee more successes in our operations,” he said.

NAN reports that Lagbaja used the occasion to present new Toyota Hilux vehicle each to eight Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) from different army units and formations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has given visibility to the Nigerian Army through its educational and social intervention programmes in barracks and civilian communities.

Lagbaja said this while playing host to the leadership of NAOWA led by the President, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the association had also contributed immensely to the infrastructural development and the health and educational needs of barracks children.

“I also want to thank you for being the symbol of peace, unity and service in our barracks, thank you for keeping the Home front stable while your spouse are deployed in far away location, keeping peace.

“Thank you for the energy of the home front, for giving your spouses the peace of mind to be engaged in national service without thinking too much about what is happening back home.

” I also want to thank you for continuing to advance the course of humanity,” he said.

The COAS said the army would continue to support NAOWA in the conduct of its activities, including the remodeling of its National Secretariat and Event Center.

He urged NAOWA to work closely with the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) in various barracks to give them the needed support while their husband are on national service.

“I want to reassure you that the Army Headquarters will continue to provide the meeded support to NAOWA, because we see you as a symbol of support and a loyal partner.

“We will continue to offer interventions and support wherever you need one,” he said.

Earlier, the President of NAOWA, Mrs Lagbaja said the visit was to congratulate the COAS and also register their appreciation to the Nigerian army for being the major sponsor of NAOWA activities.

She said the many successes recorded by NAOWA over the years were achieved through their unwavering support.

Mrs Lagbaja assured the army chief and his principal staff officers of their loyalty and support, through prayers and keeping the home front while their husbands discharge their national assignments.

She said they would sustain the legacies of past leaders through continuous improvement of NAOWA facilities, assets and institutions.

“This is aimed at preserving the rich legacies of NAOWA Past Leaders and also advancing the cause of our noble Association.

“Therefore, my vision statement for NAOWA can be summarized as “Sustaining Legacies through Unwavering Commitment to Unity and Service for the betterment of humanity.

“Our journey as an Association is driven by compassion and commitment to the well-being of the barracks community and as such, we have undertaken numerous initiatives over the years to enhance lives of NAOWA and NASWA members.

“We have also carried out numerous programmes to support widows, orphans, and less privileged persons within and outside the barracks community.”

She said the association has earmarked several projects, including the remodeling of the NAOWA National Secretariat, and Events Centre in line with modern standards.

The president appealed to the COAS to support the association in completing the NAOWA Guest House meant to address the challenge of accommodation for their members whenever in Abuja for functions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Josephine Obute/Maharazu Ahmed