By Sumaila Ogbaje

Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVEIT), an NGO, has commended the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, for the giant strides in the fight against maritime crimes.

BRAVEIT is a non-governmental strategic initiative determined to fill the gap that exists between safety and youth involvement in the fight against violent extremism, insurgency and terrorism in the North East.

The National Coordinator of BRAVIT, Dr Sani Abubakar, in a statement on Saturday said the Nigerian Navy under Gambo recorded huge successes against piracy, oil bunkering and other crimes in the last two years.

Abubakar said the Nigeria’s maritime space was now considerably secure while the country’s international standing had improved dramatically.

He said the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) was included in Nigeria’s maritime zone of interest, which extends beyond her immediate environs, approximately 2,874 nautical miles long, stretching from Angola in Southern Africa to Senegal in West Africa.

“Due to the absence of narrow maritime shipping lanes, straits or chokepoints connecting key global shipping destinations, the region is geographically positioned with a comparative advantage.

“Unfortunately, the GoG’s wealth has the unintended consequence of attracting threats such as piracy, smuggling and abduction for ransom, which continue to threaten the economic vitality of the region’s countries.

“Under the leadership of Admiral Gambo, the Nigerian Navy has established dedicated naval operations and initiatives to counter piracy, sea robbery attacks in Nigeria’s maritime environment, as well as engage in more extensive consultations with maritime stakeholders.

“Several successful anti-piracy operations have resulted from these initiatives.

“Nigeria will never forget how the Nigerian navy acquired the Falcon Eye at a discount.

“Falcon Eye’s satellite-based Automatic Identification System extends beyond Nigerian waters to Cote D’Ivoire in the west, Cameroon in the east, and Angola in the south-east.

“The International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Global Piracy Report of July 14, 2021 reveals the lowest total of piracy and sea larceny against ships in 27 years.

“In 2021, 11 incidents of piracy were recorded in the GoG, as opposed to 44 incidents in 2020.

“Similarly, there was a decline in pirate attacks and sea robbery in the waters of Nigeria, which reported only 11 pirate incidents and three sea robberies in 2021, compared to 22 pirate incidents and 16 sea robberies in 2020.

“These numbers demonstrate the efficacy of maritime security operations conducted by the Nigerian navy,” he said.

Abubakar said the group deemed it appropriate to congratulate the former CNS for his distinguished service career that had aided Nigeria’s economy in immeasurable ways.

“We wish to use this forum to recognise former CNS, Vice Adm. Gambo, for his exemplary service during his tenure.

“Our expectation is that the new CNS will continue the successes of his predecessor,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Maj.Gen. Samuel Adebayo handing over command of the Defence Intelligence Agency to the new Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, in Abuja on Friday (23/6/23).

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The new Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, has warned criminals and those with intentions to plot evil against the country to shelve the idea forthwith.

Undiandeye gave the warning on Friday in Abuja when he formally took over command of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) from the erstwhile CDI, Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo.

He warned the criminals to avoid being on the ‘wrong side of the knife’, saying there will not be room or excuse for failure under the present President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu.

The spy chief said intelligence gathering would be strengthened in such a way that anyone with evil intention, particularly adversaries like bandits, terrorists and other criminals, would not have their way.

He charged officers of the intelligence community to adequately deploy the resources at their disposal to ensure that Nigerians sleep with their eyes closed.

“When I said there is no room for failure, what I meant is that, there is no way the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces will task us to do something and come back with excuses to give him that we’ve failed.

“With all the resources, both the human and materials, I think it behooves on us that we succeed at all times because insecurity means loss of human lives and we must secure people from unnecessary deaths.

“First and foremost, we should re-double our efforts. Secondly, we should be professional. Thirdly, in all we do, we must go beyond the ordinary call of duty to ensure that the people we are tasked to secure sleep with their two eyes closed.

“Any person that intends any evil and ill for our nation will have himself in the wrong side of the knife,” he warned.

Undiandeye pledged that he would not let the country down in the discharge of his duty in line with the mandate given to him by the president to protect the country from criminal elements.

“I commend the efforts of my predecessor for his efforts in projecting the agency, he fought for the independence of the agency and I will keep your flag flying.

“To the staff of agency, the intelligence community, we need your support and guidance, correct us where we are getting things wrong so that we can adjust,” he added.

On his part, the erstwhile CDI said he was happy that he was leaving the agency in the hand of a capable officer.

Adebayo said he came to the agency with a set goals, adding that he is leaving as a fulfilled man.

“I am happy that I am leaving the agency in the hand of a competent officer, so, I can go to sleep.

“Dear staff, kindly extend the same hands of fellowship to my successor so as to take the agency to greater heights,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, on Friday pledged to ensure safer maritime domain as he assumed office as the 22nd indigenous naval chief.

Ogalla took over leadership of the Navy from Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, who has been in command since January 2021.

In his remarks, the new naval chief thanked God for the privilege and pledged to ensure that the Nigerian navy sustain the aspiration of being the best.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, and pledged unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of the nation in line with the vision of the President.

Ogalla therefore expressed his commitment to serve Nigeria with utmost dedication and integrity.

He said the navy under his predecessor had made remarkable strides in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting national interests, and contributing to regional peace and stability.

“Most auspiciously are the fleet recapitalization efforts culminating in the hosting of a Presidential Fleet Review.

“Infrastructural development milestones and gladly as a hydrography officer, the establishment of the National Hydrographic Agency amongst several significant achievements, are worthy of mention.

“Sir, your dedication, strategic vision, and tireless efforts have set a high standard for all of us in Nigerian navy.”

The new CNS solicited the cooperation of all personnel in ensuring the success of the navy and upholding highest standard of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to duties.

He however said the task ahead was still challenging, as Nigeria face significant threats such as crude oil theft, illegal refineries and unregulated fishing, piracy, sea robbery, various forms of trafficking and other maritime crimes.

According to him, these are not just threats to maritime security, but also to Nigeria’s economic stability and development.

“We are committed to tackling these security challenges head-on and we will intensify our efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining.

“We will enhance our capabilities to combat piracy and sea robbery and ensure the general safety of our maritime domain,” he said.

The outgone CNS, Rear Adm. Gambo said the navy under him pursued a single purpose target to address the subversive and nefarious activities in the nations’ maritime domain.

He said the service evolved more stringent operations, concepts and strategies to tackle the devastating impacts of piracy, sea robbery, proliferation of illegal refinery, brazen crude oil theft, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, among others.

“To this end, we heightened our commitment to anti-piracy operations, anti-COT operations, choke point operations as well as riverine and swamp operations.

“To give impetus to this resolve, we embarked on massive fleet renewal, robust logistics management, acquisition of additional platforms, human capital enhancement and holistic infrastructural development and effective collaboration with local and international partners.

“Our determination to face the several maritime security challenges will have been weakened if not for the immense support we received from the various quarters,” he said.

Gambo expressed gratitude to the personnel for their dedication, teamwork and professionalism, urging them to keep up the high standards and remain devoted to the service. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has assumed command of Nigerian Army as the 23rd army chief with pledge to discharge responsibilities with fairness.

Lagabaja took the baton from the 22^nd Chief, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya who had been in command since May 2021.

He said that God had made it his turn to receive the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian army, an aspiration of every combatant army officer.

The new army chief said the Nigerian army had in the past 25 months, witnessed milestone transformation under his predecessor, Gen. Yahaya

He said these included unprecedented procurement of equipment and prudent management of human and material resources, which Nigeria had begun to reap the dividends.

Lagbaja thanked the former COAS for mentorship and empowering his military career.

According to him, following the leadership style of Gen. Faruk Yahaya, repentant terrorists have been surrendering in droves like never before.

“Currently we are witnessing more than ever before massive surrender by repentant insurgents in the North East in a manner that beats the expectation of any observer locally and internationally.

“There is no doubt that the experience and exposure garnered under you will help in the discharge of my duties as the chief of army staff, as you transit into retirement on this glorious day.

“I wish to assure you that I shall do everything within my power to improve on your legacy of a proficient, effective and admirable Nigerian Army,” he said.

Lagbaja also promised to improve on the legacies of his predecessors of a proficient and professional Nigeria army, adding that hard work would be rewarded under his watch.

“I promise that I shall discharge my responsibilities as COAS with fairness; merit and hard work shall be dully rewarded while appropriate measures taken to bring back in line anyone that errs,” he added.

Earlier, the former chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yahaya said he was leaving the Nigerian Army better than he met it, adding that the army made remarkable successes in the fight against insecurity.

He said that the adversaries are currently in disarray across all theatres of operations, and charged officers and men to maintain the tempo.

“You must always conduct yourselves professionally in accordance with the ethics, customs and traditions,” he added.

Yahaya said, “You must continue to make deliberate efforts to improve your performance for heightened security, especially at this time of a new administration in our growing democracy.

“I charge you all to re-double your efforts in supporting the incoming Chief of Army Staff to achieve even greater heights.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has urged the United Nations and development partners to strengthen support towards implementation of regional strategy for stabilisation, recovery and resilience of areas affected by terrorism in Lake Chad.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, made the call at the ongoing 3^rd UN Counter-Terrorism Week in New York.

The CT Week is a biennial gathering of Member States and international counter-terrorism partners with the theme: ‘‘Addressing Terrorism through Reinvigorated Multilateral and Institutional Cooperation’’.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Strategic Communication, NCTC, Mr Ozoya Imohimi, on Friday in Abuja.

According to the National ´Coordinator, the reintegration of the vast number of repentant and low-risk individuals associated with Boko Haram and ISWAP poses a significant new challenge for the government of Nigeria.

He said there was the need for more international support to address the menace.

Musa said that Nigerian Government had in the last six years since the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2349, undertaken several responses to address the impact of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin.

He said the efforts had guided the 2022 Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, the 2019 National Security Strategy, the 2017 National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, as well as the 2016 National Counter Terrorism Strategy.

He expressed gratitude for the tremendous support from the UN and its entities for the rehabilitation efforts in Nigeria and emphasised the need for more global awareness and support to address the inherent challenges and risks in reintegrating all categories of returning terrorists, especially those moving around the sub-Saharan Africa.

“In the Lake Chad Basin region, the UN and Developmental Partners must continue to strengthen support towards the implementations of the regional strategy for stabilisation, recovery and resilience of Boko Haram affected areas,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The wife of the new Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Maria Lagbaja,  on Thursday, assumed office as the 23rd President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA).

Mrs Lagbaje took over from Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, the wife of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya.

While handing over the mantle of leadership to the new president, Yahaya advised Lagbaja to be firm, focused and ensure that the association’s vision was sustained.

She urged her to see leadership as a place to learn and take responsibilities, adding that there were high expectations from the public.

Yahaya called on members to extend the same support she enjoyed from them to enable her succeed in achieving NAOWA objectives.

According to her, people fail in leadership because they tend to think that leadership is about show.

“Yes, there is the glamour parts of leadership but the most important part of leadership is in ability to impact the lives of others,” she said.

In her remarks, Lagbaja commended her predecessor for the positive impact of her leadership on the well-being of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

She also thanked the former president for her novel, attentive, charitable, and charismatic role in mentoring the women to be better wives to their husbands.

“I vividly remember how I used to listen when you advise me on several occasions.

“You are no doubt a role model to us all. You have indeed left a big shoe which I will depend on the grace of God to wear.

“I will try my best to do best in sustaining and improving the standard I met.

“For our dear members, I appeal to you to please give me the maximum support you give my predecessor for the development of our great organisation.

“As a team, we shall continue to achieve greater heights, God’s willing,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited  by Chidinma Agu/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association has trained and empowered a total of 948 barracks youths in various fields of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other skills in the last one year.

The outgoing President of NAOWA, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, made this known at the graduation of the fourth and fifth batches of NAOWA Youth Development Projects on Thursday in Abuja.

Yahaya expressed happiness that NAOWA under her leadership had been able to train and empower the youths in ICT, fashion design and tailoring.

She said the youths were also trained in various fields of ICT, namely Get Connected, Python for Beginners, Introduction to Cybersecurity, Information and Communication Technology essentials and web design.

“Today, I am here to graduate the 4th and 5th batches of the ICT trainees and the second batch of the fashion design and tailoring trainees.

“I am indeed very fulfilled and happy to mention that this is the last graduation ceremony that I will host as the President NAOWA and our Youth Enterprise Development Projects is one of my most cherished and rewarding programme.

“I consider it so because of its resounding positive impacts on the lives of the beneficiaries, their families, the barrack community and the society at large.

“The training of these youths is indeed contributing immensely in enhancing their academic prowess as well as their productivity in various ways of life.

“From inception of the programme, we have successfully trained and graduated 695 youths in various fields and today we are graduating an additional 253 youths,” she said.

Yahaya said that out of the 253 beneficiaries, 28 would receive brand new laptop computers, including the best three graduating trainees in each of the five ICT courses.

She added that starter packs comprising of brand new industrial machines, sewing machines and weaving machines would also be presented to all graduating trainees of fashion design and tailoring.

According to her, the laptop computers to be issued is a mark of recognition of excellence and encouragement for continuous learning.

“Similarly, sewing and weaving machines would be issued as our own way of actualising the trainees’ self empowerment.”

The outgoing Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, commended NAOWA for for its commitment to uplifting the youths and preparing them for a better future.

He said the association has been involved in construction and provision of medical facilities and schools in support of the Nigerian army, to improve the welfare of personnel and their families.

He said the training programme was meant to promote the talents inherent in the youths, and advised the trainees to make use of the knowledge acquired effectively.

The wife of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Zainab Kana, commended NAOWA for supporting the young generation by equipping them with skills and knowledge.

Kana said that it was important to properly train and provide the youths as future leaders, with necessary skills necessary to face the challenges of the future.

According to her, the country is veiled by a youth bulge as a result of the country’s demographic data.

“If we look at the demographic transition of Nigeria, we would see that the changing patterns of mortality, fertility, growth rates will continue to translate into an increase in youth population.

“Therefore, we as leaders of the country today have to put our mechanisms and systems in place in order to reap the demographic dividends.

“Let me refer us to a World Bank prediction for Nigeria, which projects Nigeria’s population to reach 400 million by 2050 thereby doubling the current estimates.

“This represents a demographic nightmare for the country that is already beset with several development challenges.

“This can be a time bomb, but we have the opportunity of changing the narration from doom to prosperity,” she said.

Kana encouraged the trainees to use the knowledge in productive ways to further strengthen the economy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

As part of efforts to promote stability in areas affected by insurgency, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has donated educational facilities and boreholes to Toumour community in Diffa Region, Niger Republic.

The Chief of Military Public Information for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, made this known in a statement on Thursday in N’Djamena Chad.

Abdullahi said the facilities, which comprise a block of three classrooms, a staff office and four boreholes, was handed over by the Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Col. Bamouss Ngarsara.

He said the project was facilitated by the European Union through the COGINTA Non Governmental Organisation.

According to him, the projects are part of the MNJTF’s Civil-Military Activities (CIMIC) meant to strengthen the relationship between the military and civilian population in the region recovering from Boko Haram crisis.

“It symbolises the commitment of the MNJTF and its partners to promoting peace, stability, and development in the areas affected by Boko Haram.

“The MNJTF is working closely with other stakeholders to restore normalcy in the region and provide the necessary support for the humanitarian and development needs of the affected communities.”

The MNJTF commander expressed gratitude to the people of Toumour for their warm reception and contribution to the return of peace and security in their communities.

He said that education was a tool for transforming communities and building lasting peace and commended COGINTA and the EU for their efforts in the region.

The Governor of Diffa region, Smaïne Younouss represented by his Secretary General, Barde Dauda, lauded the MNJTF for working tirelessly to restore peace and security in communities affected by Boko Haram.

He expressed the commitment of the local authorities to work more closely with the MNJTF and other development partners in promoting socio-economic development in the region.

Younous said the facilities would provide enabling environment for the education of children and young people in the locality while the boreholes will help to alleviate the water shortage in the area and improve the living conditions of the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Thursday, assumed office as the 22nd air chief as Air Marshal Oladayo Amao bowed out of the service.

Until his appointment, the new CAS was the Chief of Standards and Evaluation at Air Force Headquarters.

In his maiden speech, Abubakar appreciated the Almighty God for the unique privilege to lead the Nigerian Air Force at this crucial time in the life of the nation.

He said his appointment came at a time that the expectations of Nigerians towards accelerated actualisation of peace and security was high.

Abubakar said NAF under his command would reinvigorate the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and a host of other challenges bedeviling the country.

He promised to sustain the cooperation and joint efforts that existed between the air force and sister services during the tenure of the outgoing service chiefs, adding that it was responsible for the successes achieved in the various theatres of operations.

“In conjunction with my colleagues, we will uphold these attributes in line with Mr President’s directive issued during the maiden National Security Council meeting.

“We shall also begin to make additional efforts and evolve measures and approaches that will continue to diminish our challenges and enhance the disposition of our various theatres of operations,” he said.

The new CAS congratulated his predecessor for his achievements and distinguished career in the military and pledged to continue to build on his legacies, as well as do more to move NAF to higher heights.

He thanked the President and Commander in Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for the honour and privilege he gave him to serve as the air chief.

In his valedictory speech, the outgone Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao, expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to serve the nation and lead the air force, describing it as a special privilege.

Amao said that NAF was able to attain greater heights in line with his vision for the service with recorded successes in key areas.

The areas according to him include doctrinal development, air operations, human capacity development, fleet enhancement, establishment of new units, and directorates.

Others include logistics support, system research and development, personnel management, and safety standards.

He said the capacity of NAF to conduct air operations across the full spectrum of air power employment and interdictions had significantly improved.

According to him, the Nigerian effort is now able to expeditiously conduct simultaneous combat operations, night operations, and precision strikes.

He urged the new CAS to ensure optimal operational capacity of the air force to sustain and surpass the ongoing efforts at eradicating insurgencies, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country.

Amao commended the support of the Federal Government in the development of capacity of personnel, which enhanced their efficiency and effectiveness.

He also appreciated the government for the acquisition of new platforms and several other major support equipment.

“These platforms include the 829 Super Tucano, Diamond 62 Surveillance aircraft, Winglet 2CH3 Unmanned Combat Aerial vehicles, and the CH4 Unmanned Combat Aerial vehicle.

“Additional platforms such as Beefcraft A360 aircraft and Diamond 62 aircraft, as well as T1229 attack aircraft and the Booster 109 Trica Montoro aircraft as well as M346 attack aircraft, are expected to further enhance Nigerian Air Force air power employment and projection capabilities.

“In the areas of human capacity development, NAF has in the last two years trained and retrained personnel for professional and operational effectiveness.

“For instance, the Nigerian Air Force conducted training for a total of 7,424 personnel out of which 5,945 were trained locally and 1,140 were trained overseas.

“This number is also inclusive of the 429 pilots and 203 UAV operators. These efforts in particular reduced the acute shortage of combat pilots that we used to have in the past,” he said.

Amao expressed confidence that the new chief would lead NAF effectively given his humility, excellent career, leadership qualities, wealth of experience, and outstanding accomplishments in previous appointments.

He said the new CAS was part of the successes recorded when he served as the Air Officer Commanding Logistic Command and Chief of Standards and Evaluation, where he contributed to the improved safety records that NAF currently has.

“Today, I want to commend your loyalty and dedication to duty. I, therefore, urge you to put in your very best to consolidate on the various achievements to further propel the NAF to greater heights.

“Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate all officers and airmen and airwomen, as well as the civilian staff, for their dutifulness, discipline, and cooperation accorded me during my tenure as the Chief of the Air Staff,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Naval Headquarters has dismissed as false, the allegation that the outgoing Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, had refused to handover to the newly appointed chief, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, in a statement on Wednesday, said that handing over in military was procedural.

Ayo-Vaughan said the publications by some online was malicious lies, misleading and capable of spreading falsehood to unsuspecting members of the public.

“It is therefore necessary to put the record straight.

“Suffice to state that handing and taking over ceremony in the Nigerian Navy from inception is procedural.

“Upon the announcement of the change of the ‘Watch on deck’, the outgoing CNS is expected to give detailed brief to the incoming CNS, tour key naval facilities and perform the ceremonial lowering of ensign.

“Accordingly, the programme of events leading to the formal handing and taking over ceremony has kicked off to culminate at a public ceremony on Friday June 23 in line with age-long naval tradition,” he said.

The Navy spokesman also said that sister services were also due to hand over as they had set aside specific dates for their handing and taking over ceremonies.

He urged members of the public to discountenance the “malicious publication and erroneous information” which was the figment of the reporter’s imagination. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed