By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu says the forthcoming Chief of Army Staff  Conference will evaluate the conduct of all ongoing operations in the country.

Nwachukwu said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that it would also appraise trainings and other activities of the army.

Nwachukwu said the second and third COAS conference slated to hold from Sept. 11 to Sept. 15. would also enable the Army to make projections for the fourth quarter.

He particularly said it would serve as an avenue to appraise ongoing counter-terrorism counter-insurgency operations in the North East and North West, as well as other operational engagements nationwide.

Nwachukwu said the participants would have the privilege of gaining insight into the Command Philosophy of the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and his agenda for the Nigerian army.

According to him, participants would equally be sensitised on the critical drivers of the COAS’ command philosophy, for effective implementation.

“The conference would as well feature presentation of briefs on training, operations, administration, logistics and other Nigerian Army activities, as captured in its 2023 Forecast of Events.

“During the conference, far-reaching decisions that would give impetus to the objectives of the service will be taken into consideration.

“Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, corps, formations, operations commanders, commandants of army schools, and tri-service institutions, as well as select officers holding key appointments are expected to participate in the conference,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, Sept. 7, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has pledged to escalate partnership with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) and Defence Space Administration (DSA) to enhance its operations.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja made the pledge when he met separately with the Director-General of DRDB, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Ndagi and the Chief of DSA, AVM Abdullahi Shinkafi on Thursday in Abuja.

Lagbaja, in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, particularly said that the partnership with DSA would ensure that the Army maintains formidable presence in the cyber space.

The COAS appreciated the DSA’s space and cyber support to the army and other services, saying that space and cyber domains were significant in modern warfare.

According to him, it is paramount for the army to develop the requisite competencies to defend itself against any cyber threat and attack.

He therefore assured the DSA of continuous collaboration, adding that DSA products would be extended to all formations and units to enhance the conduct of land operations.

The COAS also acknowledged the enormous work being done by the defence bureau in coordinating research and development efforts of the Nigerian military.

He said the army would tap the research outcomes of the bureau in countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IED),  to save the lives of personnel and civilians, as well as military equipments.

Lagbaja said that enhancing operational efficiency of troops was crucial to meeting the constitutional responsibilities of the army of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

He said that the partnership would provide the requisite platforms for the army to leverage cutting-edge technologies, strategies and practices to enhance its operations.

In his remarks, Ndagi said the visit was aimed at strengthening the collaboration between the bureau and the army.

He said that the mandate of the bureau was to coordinate research and development activities of the armed forces, with emphasis on developing indigenous technological capacity for the military.

On his part, AVM Shinkafi commended the army for its support to the DSA in the areas of infrastructure and cyber warfare. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ Gar), Maj.-Gen Koko Isoni, on Thursday inaugurated a General Court Martial to try 14 officers and nine soldiers alleged to have breached different provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

The court martial was convened at the Scorpion Officer’ Mess, Asokoro Abuja, pursuant to the powers conferred on him by Section 131 (2) (d) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 LFN, 2004 for the trial of Nigerian Army personnel alleged to have committed different offences.

The Garrison Commander in his inaugural speech assured the accused persons that justice would be done to all parties concerned by members of the court.

Isoni said that members of the court are men of integrity and high standing character who would bring to bear, their years of experience and service knowledge.

He named the Court President as Brig.-Gen. MO Eteng; while the udge Advocate is Maj. AD Roberts, adding that the duration of the sitting is 60 days

He urged them to eschew technicalities and do substantial justice to all.

He also advised all those appearing before the court to shun unnecessary delays that could prolong their trials, saying that justice delayed is not only justice denied, but not justice at all.

The commander said that the court is independent of his and challenged the court to carry out its responsibilities without fear or favour to anyone. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng).

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for an end to the security challenges in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Badaru made the call on Thursday in Abuja, when he received a delegation from Jigawa, led by the state Governor, Malam Umar Namadi.

He said that with the complexities of the security challenges and other aspects of national development, “one could only but ask for prayers to succeed”.

The defence minister, however, said that though the task before them was enormous, they were determined to surmount the challenges.

Badaru therefore canvassed for the support of all Nigerians, including their prayers, in order to entrench peace and stability in the country.

Earlier, the Jigawa governor who led traditional rulers, religious leaders, the business community and public office holders from the state, said that the visit was to congratulate the minister and assure him of their support at all times.

“It is not only to say congratulations, but also to pray for you. We know how you succeed as the governor of our state, we also pray for you to achieve same or even more in this new task as the Minister of Defence.”

Namadi reminded the minister that Nigerians have high expectations that he would priotise and deal with insecurity in the country, adding “once you can do this, it covers every aspect of the nation”.

“We are lucky that we are peaceful in Jigawa, but that does not mean that we don’t need your assistance, we also need your assistance as you help other states.” Namadi added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Patricia Amogu

A rights group, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has challenged the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to prove its non-involvement in the security infractions being experienced in the South East zone.

SNM’s challenge is contained in a statement on Wednesday by its Convener, Rev. Solomon Semaka.

Semaka advised IPOB to prove its innocence rather than continually accuse SNM of being a stooge of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IPOB had in a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, accused the movement of siding with the Federal Government and argued that the only way to end insecurity in the region is through the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB reacted to a letter SNM wrote to the Speaker House of Representatives, urging him to caution Hon. Obinna Aguocha, House Ad-hoc Committee Chairman on Insecurity in Abia over his unpatriotic calls for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

It argued that it amounted to interference with court processes and went contrary to the position of the House.

SNM described as contradictory statements made by one Emma Powerful where he accused the Federal Government of sponsoring insecurity in the South-East zone and saying that the only solution to insecurity in the region is the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

The statement read in parts: “It Is unfortunate that IPOB thinks Nigerians are fools.

“How can they say the federal government is sponsoring insecurity in the Southeast and that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is the only solution to insecurity?

“Was it the federal that started the recruitment and brainwashing of vulnerable youths in the so-called Eastern Security Network (ESN)?

“Is it the federal government that initiated the primitive and retrogressive sit-at-home order that has brought down the businesses and livelihood of the people of the region?

“Or should we believe IPOB that it is the federal government that goes about burning down houses of traditional rulers in the region?

“The blood of the innocent Ndigbo and other Nigerians is on the terrorist organization and they must come to equity with clean hands.

“Our position remains the same: Nnamdi Kanu should remain in custody while far-reaching consultations, investigations, and ongoing campaigns until a sustainable solution is found that will restore the peace and tranquillity of the region.

“This is our position and that of average well-meaning easterners.”

The movement advised IPOB and other stakeholders to shun violence and come to terms with the reality of the prosecution of its leader rather than continue to threaten Nigerians and blackmail the Federal Government with more violence with the expectation that Kanu would be released for peace to reign in the region.

The CSO observed that, in describing Hon. Obinna Aguocha as a stakeholder who knows the situation in the Southeast, IPOB has shown that they only listen to stakeholders whose utterances embolden them to unleash mayhem on the region and not those who call for calm and constructive engagement.

The movement said, “If IPOB is sincere in ending the needless insecurity in the South-East region, it should embrace peace and end all forms of hostilities.

“All that concerns us is for peace to return to the South East region and nothing more.’’ (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Caroline Adepoju, has commended the Bwari Area Council for donating three hectares of land to its FCT Command.

The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Dr Adedotun Aridegbe, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adepoju gave the commendation when the Council Chairman, Hon. John Gabaya, led a  delegation to present the deed of title to the Ag. CGI, at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

She stressed that the gesture was timely, as it supported her vision in providing welfare incentives.

This, she said, included housing units that would alleviate accommodation challenges faced by officers and men of the service.

Speaking earlier the Council Chairman said the gesture was part of the council Corporate Social Responsibility to the service.

Gabaya said that the land allocation was to assist officers and men of the service in their quest to have better accommodation.

Present at the event were the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Human Resource Management Directorate, Usman Babanginda.

Also, Comptroller Tony Akuneme of the FCT Command, as well as Deputy Comptroller of Immigration  Aridegbe, the Service Public Relations Officer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, says the massive deployment of troops for military operations among the civil populace requires new approach in handling human rights issues.

Ugbo said this at the maiden seminar on human rights,  organised for troops of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The seminar has the theme, “National Security and the Complexities of Human Rights”.

Ugbo said the seminar was part of multidimensional approaches adopted by the Nigerian army in dealing with human rights issues within the contemporary operating environment.

He said the army as a professional force created by law, would always operate within the ambit of the law, including International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict.

“To its credit, the Nigerian army has operated in places like Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo, Angola, former Yugoslavia and many other places outside Nigeria without any significant infringements on the rights of the civil populace,” he added.

Ugbo however said that the Army would continue to educate troops engaged in internal security operations in all states of Nigeria, to respect the rights of citizens.

“Thus, this seminar is one of the means of dealing with human rights issues arising within the contemporary operating environment.

“The seminar will expose participants to the values and perspectives of organizations engaged in human rights advocacy and the protection of civilians in conflict areas.

“It will also expose us all to the values and perspectives of the Nigerian Army as well as other security agencies engaged in the conduct of operations for the defence and protection of civilians while upholding human rights,” he added.

Ugbo said that whenever troops were deployed for internal security operations, it was pricipally to protect civilians and their rights.

He added that the army and human right groups share common goals, which is the protection of innocent civilians in conflict areas.

According to him, this underscores the relevance of the interface between the Army human right groups provided by the seminar

The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu, represented by Deputy Director Legal, Mr Kabiru Aliyu, commended the army for organising the seminar.

Ojukwu said the seminar represents a strategic effort to reinforce the constitutional role of the Nigerian army and other services in strengthening national security.

He said it also highlighted the need to promote and protect human rights in line with human rights and humanitarian norms and tenets.

According to him, the National Security Strategy 2019 has indicated that kidnapping, banditry and militia activities constitute about 40 per cent of the security challenges in Nigeria.

Ojukwu observed that the current security challenges had led to widespread violations of international humanitarian and human right laws and raised the risks in protecting civilians.

These risks according to him, loss of lives, the sacking of communities and displacement of civilians from their original places of habitation.

“This has led to multidimensional poverty, sexual and gender based violence and lack of access to justice.

“It is significant that the National Security Strategy and other related policies articulate a human security and people centered approach to deal the emerging security threats in the country.”

Ugbo said this would sustain the country’s political, economic and social stability, and marshal support for the military from the civil populace.

“We are encouraged by the relentless efforts of the Nigerian army to foster a deeper understanding of the intersection between the imperatives of national security and the complexities of human rights in Nigeria.

“It is worthy to mention that the National Human Rights Commission has established a strong synergy with the military and other law enforcement agencies.

“This has resulted in improved relations with the military and recorded tremendous success in the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria,” he said.

In a lecture, the Country Director, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Dr Benson Olugbo, canvassed for constant dialogue and discussions between the military and civilians on issues of human right.

Olugbo said the reality was that the military would never win the battle without winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace.

He added that there was need to infuse non kinetic means into military operations, in addition to the protection of the rights of civilians in conflict areas.

Olugbo’s lecture was titled, “Defeating Terrorists While Upholding Human Rights”.

Similarly, Mr Gad Shamaki, Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, said there was need to dispel the wrong notion that the military has no no respect for human rights.

Shamaki delivered a lecture titled, “Combating Violent Security Threats in Nigeria: Balancing Human Rights with National Security”.

He agreed that there were bound to be issues of human rights violation during internal security operations by the military.

He said conversation at the seminar was to strengthen existing relationship and give people more insight into the workings of the army.

Shamaki added that the should also explore what should  be done to ensure that people show respect to the military when doing their jobs and when issues of human rights occur.

“I know there is a lot of effort in the military for civil military relations that need to be made known so that people know who to speak to, where to go and raise those kind of concerns,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed