By Monday Ijeh

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, has scheduled a meeting with the 79 Police Mobile Force Squadrons Commanders to brainstorm on his new operational strategies.

This is contained in a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the meeting will hold on Monday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja

Adejobi said the meeting is to update the commanders on new operational strategies for improved training, deployments and enhanced tactical engagements for better public safety and general security in the country.

He said the I-G had pledged to improve the general security of lives and property in all ramifications in the country.

“The I-G has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under his watch, to attain its primacy in the internal security architecture of Nigeria.

“In furtherance of his vision and painstaking drives to achieve his goals, the I-G will be meeting with Commanders of the Police Mobile Force Squadrons Commanders on Monday,”he said.

Adejobi said the I-G had also said that present leadership of the force had outlined an array of policing approaches that would be of immense importance to public safety. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff ( COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has approved the posting and redeployment of top senior officers to commands, instructional and staff appointments across formations and units.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the redeployments and appointments were to reposition the Nigerian army for operational efficiency and functional administration.

Those affected include Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of Army Headquarters (AHQs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.

He said that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim had been redeployed from Headquarters 3 Division to the Department of Policy and Plans (DAPP) and appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).

Nwachukwu said that Maj.-Gen. BR Sinjen had been appointed Chief of Operations (Army) while Maj.-Gen. OR Aiyenigba, erstwhile Provost Marshal had been appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army).

“Others are Maj.-Gen. NC Ugbo from Nigerian Army Signals School to Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola moves from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to Army Headquarters Department of Logistics as the Chief of Logistics (Army).

“Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi from Army War College Nigeria ( AWCN) to Headquarters 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. AE Abubakar moves from Headquarters 7 Division to 3 Division as GOC and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

“Also, Maj.-Gen. PP Mala, moves from Depot Nigerian Army to Headquarters 7 Division as GOC and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East( NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

“Others are Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi from HQ Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena (MNJTF) to Theatre Command Joint Task Force NE Operation (OPHK) as Theatre Commander, while Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali was redeployed from OPHK to MNJTF as the Force Commander,” he said.

Nwachukwu said that the appointment of Maj.-Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, as Chief of Defence Intelligence has been formalised.

He said that Maj.-Gen. OO Oluyede had been appointed Commander Infantry Corps; Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Commander Corps of Artillery, and Maj.-Gen. AA Adeyinka, Commander of Corps of Supply and Transport.

According to him, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe had been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, while Maj.-Gen. JO Ochai, takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy( NDA), and Maj.-Gen. IB Maina, Commandant, Army War College Nigeria.

“Equally redeployed are Brig.-Gen. TB Ugiagbe who is appointed Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Brig.-Gen. OG Onubogu moves to Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre as Commandant, while Brig.-Gen. N Ashinze moves to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director Fusion.

“The Nigerian Army has also formalised the redeployment of Col. AO Onasanya from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters Guards Brigade as Acting Commander.

“The Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army on Saturday, pulled out of service, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, following the change of leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu had on June 19, approved the appointment of new service chiefs, marking the retirement of the erstwhile chiefs from the service of the armed forces.

Pulling Out Parade is a traditional military ceremony to mark officers’ retirement from service which involves review of parade by the retiring senior officer, March past by troops and pull out if the retired officer by top Generals.

In his valedictory speech, Yahaya thanked God for a successful career that saw him through the ranks and reaching the peak as the chief of army staff.

He said that whatever had a beginning must have an end, saying that Saturday, June 24 marked the end of his career that started on Sept. 27, 1985 when he reported to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.

Yahaya said his time in the army in command positions enjoyed a measure of support from subordinates, quoting Abraham Lincoln who once said, “no man is good enough to govern another man without the other man’s consent or support”.

“The Nigerian army has indeed grown and I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my predecessors for their dedication service to the army.

“Their efforts significantly addressed some security challenges in the country during their tenure and provided good platform on which others can build upon.

“It was on those efforts and platforms that I tried to build which enabled me to contribute my own quota to the upliftment of the Nigerian army,” he said.

He said that his intention was to superintend over a Nigerian Army that would have flexibility capacity and courage to undertake operations in collaboration with other sister services.

Yahaya said that it was on the basis on that that conceptualised his vision which was to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission in a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria.

“I am glad to say that we have made significant efforts in achieving the vision. Our operational activities greatly denied the terrorists and bandits freedom of action.

“In the North East for example, our kinetic and non-kinetic operations, other measures and supports have been successful and it has resulted among other things in the mass surrender of terrorists and have restored confidence in our people.

“Economic and social activities have been restored in most areas and many displaced persons have since been returned to their ancestral homes,” he said.

Yahaya said the army troops had also eliminated several bandits and criminal hideouts as well as neutralised scores with significant return of peace to several troubled areas.

He added that the anti-oil bunkering operations in the South-South and other operational activities in other parts of the country had also achieved tremendous successes.

The former COAS commended troops for the achievements and urged them not to relent but redouble their efforts to ensure that the country is secured.

“I urge you not to be distracted or discouraged by cynical comments by unpatriotic and disgruntled elements but be resolute and discharge your duty decisively with every sense of prove and patriotism.

“Our success so far was as a result of doggedness and patriotism of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to duty,” he said.

Yahaya urged his successor to continue to build on the successes and standards that the army had attained, to be able to take the service to the greater height for the good of the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

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