By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Navy says it has reshuffled the appointments of some top senior officers comprising 56 Rear Admirals and a Commodore to reinvigorate the service towards efficiency.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Ayo-Vaughan said the recent shake-up saw Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole formerly the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration, appointed as the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters while Rear Adm. Alexander Bingel, formerly Director, Combat Policy and Tactics, now appointed Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters.

He said that Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu becomes the Chief of Defence, Civil-Military Cooperation, Defence Headquarters, while Rear Adm. Kennedy Ezete resumes as the Chief of Administration, and Rear Adm. Livingstone Izu becomes new Chief of Logistics.

Other appointments, he said, are Rear Adm. Musa Madugu, now Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot; Rear Adm. Daupreye Matthew appointed Director of Training, Defence Headquarters while Rear Adm. Zakariya Muhammad appointed Chief of Training and Operations.

“Rear Adm. Emmanuel Nmoyem has been reappointed Director, Human Rights Desks at the Defence Headquarters, while Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, formerly Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Plans.

“The former Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Monday Unurhiere has been appointed the Chief of Defence Administration, while Rear Adm. Hamza Kaoje, former Director, Equipment Standardisation and Harmonisation, Defence Headquarters has been appointed Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited.

“Rear Adm. Sulaiman El-ladan, erstwhile Chief of Naval Engineering, is now at the Defence Research and Development Bureau at Defence Headquarters as the Director, Marine Research, while Rear Adm. Idi Abbas has been appointed Chief of Naval Safety and Standards,” he said.

According to Ayo-Vaughn, Rear Adm. Mohammed Abdullahi takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, while Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande formerly the Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria, has been appointed Director, Operations, Naval Headquarters.

Ayo-Vaughan said that Rear Adm. Istifanus Albara had been redeployed from the ECOWAS Maritime Security Coordination Centre, Abidjan to Naval Headquarters as Navy Secretary, while Rear Adm. Clement Atebi, was reappointed to Naval Headquarters as the Director, Audit.

He added that Rear Adm. Samson Bura had become Director of Logistics at the Defence Intelligence Agency, while Rear Adm. Umar Chugali, formerly Director, Cyber at Defence Space Administration, would take over as the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command.

He explained that those reappointed included Rear Adm. Oluwole Fadeyi, Director, Record Returns and Analysis; Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire was reappointed Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command and Rear Adm. Eugenio Ferreira was reappointed Commander, Operation DELTA SAFE.

According to him, Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan has been redeployed to Naval War College Nigeria, Calabar, as the Commandant, while Rear Adm. Baratuaipri Iyalla has been appointed Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Oghara.

Ayo-Vaughn added that Rear Adm. Kohath Levi would take over as the Chief of Naval Engineering, while Rear Adm. Bashir Mohammed, former Chief of Logistics, had been appointed as the Director, Project Monitoring, DHQ, and Rear Adm. Julius Nwagu, now appointed Commandant, Defence Intelligence College.

“Meanwhile, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu has been reappointed Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, while Rear Adm. Mike Oamen, who was the Director, Veterans Affairs, Naval Headquarters is now the Chief of Naval Transformation.

“Also, Rear Adm. James Okosun has been reappointed Commandant, Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele; Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode formerly Managing Director, Admiralty Maritime Services Limited, takes over as Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy.

“While Rear Adm. Abolaji Orederu formerly Director of Ships Design and Acquisition at the Naval Headquarters has been appointed as the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The immediate past Commander, Naval Drafting, Rear Adm. Habilla Zakaria resumes to the Headquarters Naval Doctrine Command as the Flag Officer Commanding, while Rear Adm. Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly Managing Director, Navy Exchange Limited, is now the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration at the Defence Headquarters.

“The erstwhile Chief of Accounts and Budget, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Kasimu Bushi has been appointed Managing Director, Navy Hotels and Suites Limited, while the immediate past Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan resumes at the Naval Headquarters as the Chief of Policy and Plans.

“Rear Adm. Abdulmajid Ibrahim has been appointed Director, Defence Transformation; Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu takes over as the Commandant, National Defence College; while Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shehu is appointed Managing Director, Navy Building and Construction Company Limited, and Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed has been appointed Deputy Chief of Defence, Space Administration.

“Rear Adm Fredrick Damtong resumes as the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Shipyard Limited; Rear Adm. Abdul-Rasheed Haruna has been reappointed as the Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command while Rear Adm. Hamza Ibrahim has been appointed Managing Director, Admiralty Marine Services Limited,” he added.

The Naval spokesman said that Rear Adm. Sunday Oyegade had been appointed Director, Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation, while Rear Adm. John Mamman was reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Western Naval Command and Rear Adm. John Okeke was reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Central Naval Command.

He added that Rear Adm. Olatunde Olodude, the former Fleet Commander, Western Fleet would resume at the Naval Headquarters as the Director of Plans, while Rear Adm. Peter Zakaria had been appointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Logistics Command and Rear Adm. Sunday Atakpa reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Naval Training Command.

“Rear Adm. Abdul-hamid Baba-Inna is now Director of Administration; Rear Adm. Patrick Effah is now Director of Naval Intelligence and Rear Adm. Abubakar Mustapha assumes office as the Director of Training, Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie takes over as the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

“Rear Adm. Olusegun Soyemi is appointed Director of Policy while Rear Adm. Abraham Zipelle, formerly Commandant Defence Intelligence College now moves to Naval Headquarters as the Director of Manning.

“Furthermore, Commodore Omotola Olukoya who was the Commander, Central Pay Office resumes as the new Chief of Accounts and Budget, Naval Headquarters,” Ayo-Vaughn said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Oluyinka Fadare

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, has felicitated the gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and their families on the this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The CDS expressed appreciation to the troops for their selfless sacrifice, commitment, doggedness and determination towards dislodging existential threats to the unity, security, stability and peace of the country.

He said the troops had continued to make supreme sacrifices in the face of the challenges to peace, unity and sovereignty of the nation.

The sacrifices, according to him, is in tandem with the symbolic values and virtues of unflinching faith and total sacrifice which the Eid-el-Kabir festival exemplified.

He reiterated his support to officers and men of the armed forces in the discharge of their constitutional duties across the nation.

Musa thanked the President, Bola Tinubu, for his support to the military and commitment towards repositioning the economy and reforms in the security sector.

He pledged loyalty of the armed forces to the present administration.

The defence chief also felicitated all Nigerians on the Eid-el-Kabir festival, and appreciated the support of all Nigerians to the military.

He urged them to continue to show more faith in the zeal and ability of the troops to effectively combating threats to the security and stability of the nation.

“Your trust and confidence in our armed forces as collective partners and stakeholders in securing our nation cannot be overemphasised.

“The security and stability of our nation is the sacred and collective responsibility of all Nigerians,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Idris Abdulrahman

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Wives of military officers under the aegis of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) on Tuesday, honoured their immediate past president, Mrs Vickie Irabor.

This came as Mrs Irabor handed over the mantle of leadership of the association to the new president and wife of the new Chief Defence Staff (CDS), Mrs Oghogho Musa.

In her maiden remarks, Mrs Musa thanked God for grace and mercy towards her husband to become the defence chief and expressed her readiness to serve with passion and dedication.

She commended her predecessor for her remarkable leadership, love, care and dedication to DEPOWA, promising to sustain the passion and love for humanity.

She also promised to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of members and work to foster an inclusive and supporting environment that would promote the growth of DEPOWA.

“I wish you God’s love and blessing as you begin a new life outside the Barracks.

“I stand today inspired by the legacy of those who came before me and committed to building upon the foundation laid by my predecessors, ready to fulfill our humanitarian and social objectives.

“I implore you to join me in this noble cause, let us harness our strengths, talents and resources to uplift our association and provide opportunities that bring hope for all.

“Collectively, we can create a lasting impact and make alot of difference in the life of those we serve.

“I pledge to uphold the values of accountability, transparency and good governance in all activities of DEPOWA.

“I will prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of our esteemed members and work to foster an inclusive and supporting environment that promotes the growth of our association in collaboration with you,” she said.

In her valedictory remarks, the former DEPOWA president, Mrs Irabor, thanked all officers’ wives for supporting their husbands in their roles of defending the nation, as well as the team that made her tenure a success.

She said that DEPOWA had in the last two years, embarked on a journey of transformation, empowerment and community service.

Mrs Irabor added that DEPOWA had implemented numerous projects and initiatives that had positively impacted the lives of members and the wider military and police community.

She prayed for the new president to lead with passion, wisdom and compassion and take DEPOWA to greater heights.

“I have full confidence in her and the Presidents of NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA and POWA for your abilities to carry on the vision and mission of DEPOWA, to build on the foundation laid by our Golden leaders,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance the presidents of the Nigerian army, navy, air force and police officers’ wives association and their members.

There was also an empowerment of widows and less privileged with bags of rice and other food items among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army is set to showcase its capabilities in operations, research and development as it celebrates 160 years of existence at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023 in Ibadan.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made this known while briefing newsmen as part of the activities marking the NADCEL-2023 on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lagbaja, who was represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, said the Nigerian army had evolved in all ramification in the last 160 years of its existence.

He said the Nigerian army, as an enviable national institution saddled with the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, had rich history of the service dates back to 1863.

The COAS said the force had undergone several transformations through different phases of growth and development until it witnessed an astronomical increase in strength from 10,500 to 250,000 all ranks during the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War.

According to him, the war ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquished,” reuniting the country in 1970.

“Thereafter, the Nigerian army downsized into a compact army with a four division structure of 1 Division, 2 Division, 3 Division, and 82 Division.

“It has, however, again, in response to the contemporary security environment in the country reorganised into an eight divisional structure complemented by other commands,” he said.

Lagbaje said the 2023 NADCEL slated to hold in Ibadan on July 6, was to commemorate the day the Nigerian Civil War broke out.

According to him, it also marks the day the very first shot of the war was fired at Garkem in the present- day Cross River State.

He said the date was set aside to remind them about the past and the need to address problems peacefully rather than resorting to arms.

According to Lagbaja, the week-long NADCEL is an important event due to its significance to National security peace, and unity.

“It offers the Nigerian Army an opportunity to take stock, assess its performances, interface with the public, and set goals for continued professional growth.

“This will enable it to better perform its constitutional roles and also compete favourably with other armies around the globe

“The theme of the NADCEL 2023 is “Sound Administration as a Panacea for Effective Military Operations”.

“This year’s celebration is to celebrate Nigerian army’s achievements.

“It will also showcase the army’s operational activities as well as its transformational strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement.

“The celebration is also aimed at projecting the Army as an instrument of national unity and development as well as highlighting its capabilities,” he said.

The COAS said there would be series of events, such as Juma’at prayer, Interdenominational Church service and medical outreach across army formations nationwide, to mark the year. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Kalthum Foundation for Peace (KFP), a charity organisation, says the former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, did his best to restore peace and security to the country as army chief.

The Chairperson and Founder of KFP, Ummu Kalthum-Rabiu, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Kalthum-Rabiu, said the foundation had collaborated with the military in the North-East in counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations through non kinetic approaches.

She said the recent outbursts by one Garus Gololo against Buratai, was uncalled for considering the former army chief’s patriotic efforts in taming insecurity in Nigeria.

According to her, the foundation wants to set the record straight and make it abundantly clear that troops allowance and welfare under Buratai was at its peak and everything was done through the banks to block corruption.

“Similarly, former President Muhammadu Buhari, did his best to procure arms and all gears needed for the troops to checkmate the insurgents thus the victory Nigeria recorded under Buratai as COAS.

“This was acknowledged by the World Terrorism Index and other reputable international bodies.

“Gen. Buratai did not only ensure that troops’ allowance was paid as at and when due but also introduced cigarette allowance of N6,000 monthly to them to boost their morale.

“This is why the last time he was passing through Buniyadi, the troops forced him to stop to show their appreciation and solidarity to him.

“The video went viral wherein the troops referred to him ‘Baba oyo lyo’,” she said.

She urged the public to disregard “jobless and destructive minds and their vindictive utterances” because such people have no any moral compass.

“Certainly, Mr Gololo can not go to the North-East and say what he said here in Abuja to the press.

“This is in no way an attempt to lobby for any appointment in the cabinet of President Tinubu for Buratai but to set the record straight and clear the name of a patriotic officer who gave in his best to stabilize the North-East.

“It is up to the president to do whatever he thinks is best and right for the country. It is his prerogative to work with whom he wishes,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Centre for Accountability and Good Governance, a civil society group, has cautioned politicians against blackmailing fellow citizens to get political appointments.

The group made the call in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Mr Olamide Badmus, on Monday in Abuja.

Badmus said the recent online media report of an alleged corruption against a former Permanent Secretary, Dr Mohammed Dikwa, was malicious and cheap blackmail.

He said the former permanent secretary was one of Nigeria’s most outstanding public servants.

According to him, all the allegations raised in the said publication against Dikwa by the online medium accusing him of conniving with a female staff of NDIC to hide and launder money in an apartment in Abuja is totally false and malicious.

Badmus said: “For the avoidance of doubt, we want to make it categorically clear that we have been interacting with Dr Dikwa for years, and we can vouch for him.

“He is a man of impeccable character and his clean and excellent track record in the Borno and the Federal Civil Service has been consistent.

“There was never a time that the name of Dr Dikwa, who retired as a permanent secretary, was mentioned in any case of corruption or official recklessness.”

“We hereby use this medium to caution those behind the malicious story to retract it with immediate effect.

“One doesn’t need to blackmail and tarnish the image of an individual simply because the individual poses a threat to his or her ambition.

“It is wrong to try people on pages of newspaper for offences they never commit simply because we do not like or hate them. This trend has to stop,” he cautioned.

Badmus said the fact that the author of the story waited till 2023 before talking about event that they alleged to have happened in 2020 showed the real intention of the writer.

“We call on Nigerians to disregard the story and see it as the handiwork of desperate politicians lobbying for appointment and using Machiavellian tactics to eliminate those who pose a threat to their ambitions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola