By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has approved the redeployment of senior officers in an effort to ensure administrative and operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army (NA).

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Saturday, said the new postings and appointments was aimed at sustaining the recent operational successes recorded in combating emerging security challenges in the country.

Nwachukwu said that the officers affected are Major Generals and Brigadier Generals amongst several other senior officers across army formations and units.

He added that those affected in the redeployment include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of Army Training Institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding officers and several others.

In the new appointment, Nwachukwu said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, moves to the North East as Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

He said the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim had been appointed the GOC 3 Division as well as Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), while Maj.-Gen. AS Chinade would moves from Headquarters 2 Division to Headquarters 82 Division as GOC.

He said that Maj.-Gen. GM Mutkut had been appointed the GOC 8 Division and Commander Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plan.

“Those newly appointed Corps Commanders are the erstwhile theatre Commander, OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, as the new Corps Commander, Infantry Corps, while Maj.-Gen. MS Ahmed moves to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps as Corps Commander.

“Maj.-Gen. BR Sinjen moves from Nigerian Army School of Artillery to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as the new Corps Commander, and Maj.-Gen. PE Eromosele moves from National Defence College to Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers as commander.

“Also, Maj.-Gen. AA Ayannuga moves to Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command as commander, while Maj.-Gen. GS Abdullahi moves from Defence Space Administration to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals.

“Among the new Defence and Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers are Maj.-Gen. Solomon Udounwa who is redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes to Defence Headquaters as Chief of Defence Training and Operations.

“Maj.-Gen. SG Mohammed has been appointed the Chief of Training, Maj.-Gen. UT Musa from Headquarters 82 Division to the Department of Army Administration as Director Personnel Management, while Maj.-Gen. Y Yahaya from Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade moves to Department of Army Administration as the Director Manpower (Army) among several others,” he said.

Nwachukwu said that Brig.-Gen. TI Gusau has been appointed as Director of Defence Information while Brig.-Gen. AM Umar was appointed the new Commander of Guards Brigade.

According to him, other Brigade Commander redeployed include Brig.-Gen. S Aliyu from Headquarters 6 Division to Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brig.-Gen. HD Bobbo moves from National Defence College to Headquarters 31 Brigade.

“Brig.-Gen. MT Aminu moves from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters 35 Brigade among several others.

“It is imperative to note that redeployment in the Nigerian Army is routine, particularly with the recent promotion of senior officers as approved by the Army Council for the year 2022.

“The redeployment of all appointees takes effect from Jan 11,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Gov Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has commended the heroic performance of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the restoration of relative peace in the state.

El-Rufai gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at NAF Headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Wap Maigida, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

El-Rufai disclosed that there had been significant improvement in the security situation in the state in the last three months, adding that several terrorists’ commanders had been neutralised by the NAF while the remnants had relocated from the state.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna state, I came to thank the Chief of the Air Staff, Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force for the excellent work done and still being done in the state.

“The security situation in our state and environs has improved drastically. Please keep up the excellent work,” he said.

Responding, Amao thanked the governor for the visit as well as the support and cooperation the NAF had been receiving from the Government and people of the state in tackling the security challenges in the entire North West region.

He said that NAF would continue to do its best to make the country safe and secured in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

“We will continue to do our best until the entire country is safe. We have professional and experienced operational Commanders overseeing various operations across the country,” the CAS said.

The Air Chief said that the numerous successes the NAF had recorded so far in the fight against insurgency and terrorism was as a result of the overwhelming support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the President had been providing the needed resources for the service to achieve its mandate.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The newly appointed Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida, on Friday took over office following the recent posting and redeployment by the service.

Maigida, who was the Commander of 551 NAF Station in Jos, took over from Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who also replaced him in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAF Headquarters on Wednesday announced the redeployment of its commanders at various levels.

Maigida had served as Acting Director Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters before his posting to Jos in 2022.

In his address, he promised to consolidate on the achievement of his predecessor, adding that it was a rare opportunity for him to serve as the image maker of the service.

The director thanked the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, for the honour and privilege, saying he was fully aware of the responsibilities of his office to project the operational engagement and other activities of NAF.

“With the aim of galvanising support and goodwill for the NAF in striving to project air power to conquer the myriads of security challenges currently bedeviling the country.

“Let me assure you that the directorate will keep forging ahead under my watch to continue to churn out and leverage on online social platforms to bring out NAF stories in clear picture.

“Indeed, I will continue to use the media space to strive and bring the narrative of NAF in enhancing national security architecture in the country.“

The NAF spokesman urged media professionals to as partners, bear in mind that the current security challenges facing the country called for concerted efforts to stem the tide.

He appreciated media practitioners for their individual support and cooperation during the tenure of the outgone DOPRI.

“I urge you to remain steadfast as you carry out your work in informing and enlightening the public and bring them abreast of happenings within the defence and security sector.

“I urge you to use your reportage and media outfit to shape public perceptions and views about the NAF towards enduring national security and defence of the country.

“This I believe will boost combat efficiency and effectiveness of NAF towards enhancing operational airpower capabilities to confront the enemies of Nigeria,” he said.

Maigida pledged to continue to project the service towards enhancing critical airpower capabilities and joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperative.

He also promised to promote the clear values of NAF among the airmen and airwomen of the directorate for better services.

The outgone DOPRI, Air Commodore Gabkwet, urged the new spokesman to strive hard to consolidate on what the directorate had done so far during his tenure as the image maker of the service.

He urged the airmen and airwomen as well as other civilian staff of the service to extend the same cooperation he enjoyed during his tenure to the new image maker of the service.

Gabkwet also urged media professionals to give the new director the maximum cooperation and support accorded him.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

=======

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor says 613 rehabilitated low-risk repentant terrorists will be transferred to their state governments for reintegration into the society.

Irabor made the disclosure during the fifth Stakeholders’ Meeting of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Maj.-Gen. Adeyemi Yekini, the CDS said the 613 clients are currently undergoing deradicalization and rehabilitation handled by the OPSC.

He said that the meeting would exhaustively discuss the Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) Programme ahead of the transfer of the rehabilitated clients to their state governments.

Irabor said the OPSC was established by President Muhammadu Buhari in September 2015 as a window for willing and repentant terrorists to lay down their arms and undergo a structured DRR programme.

He added that the scheme was a multi-agency and humanitarian operation utilising the expertise of over 17 services, ministries, departments and agencies, supported by local and international organisations and friendly nations.

The CDS said the successes of OPSC had continued to resonate within the region and in the diaspora, thereby attracting the interest of researchers from far and wide.

“It is also important to mention that upon graduation from the programme, each client will be provided some food and personal items, as well as start-up pack according to the trade learnt during training to enable them set up small businesses and start a new life.”

Irabor recommended that the receiving state governments should provide necessary support to enable the ex-combatants wade through the transitional and most challenging phase of their lives.

“We are optimistic that working closely with local and traditional authorities, the states can deploy security apparatus at their disposal to effectively track and evaluate the re-integrated ex- combatants.

“I must emphasise that it is critical for all stakeholders involved in the reintegration processes in order to mitigate, or completely eliminate incidences of recidivism,” he said.

Irabor said the Armed Forces had significantly degraded Boko Haram and Islamic State terrorists and restricted them to a small portion of Sambisa Forest and isolated islands on the Lake Chad.

According to him, through consistent and effective air interdictions along with well coordinated clearance operations on positively identified strongholds of the insurgents, troops have continued to inflict heavy casualties on the groups and their leadership.

“These sustained operations continue to put pressure and confusion within the ranks of the adversary causing many to surrender to the armed forces.

“As at today, over 83,000 insurgents and their family members have surrendered, while those captured have been tried and convicted to various jail terms by the law courts.

“As we speak, many more captured combatants are being held in several correctional facilities and their trial is ongoing,” Irabor said.

The CDS said that the military has been adopting kinetic and non kinetic methods to win the war against insurgency.

“I must emphasise that counterinsurgency operation is dynamic and requires a lot of ingenuity and proactive strategies to achieve success.

“One of such strategies adopted by the Federal Government is by extending an olive branch to low profile members of the insurgent groups who form the critical mass,” he said.

The Coordinator of OPSC, Maj.-Gen. Joseph Maina, said the programme had successfully processed 1,573 clients comprising 1,555 Nigerians and 18 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad and Niger since its commencement in 2016.

Maina said that all the foreign clients were transferred to their respective countries for reintegration.

He said that the 613 clients were transferred to the DRR camp on Sept. 8, 2022 to commence training, adding that among them were five foreigners from Chad and Niger.

The OPSC coordinator disclosed that 19 of the clients have been transferred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital neurological center for expert psychiatric management.

On the meeting, Maina said it was to work out modalities for the smooth transfer of the clients to  their national and states authorities for reintegration after graduation in February.

“Specifically, at the end of this meeting, all stakeholders would be fully abreast with activities of OPSC and DRR Programme in particular.

“The State authorities and the MDAs would know in specific terms, the roles they would play in the transfer as well as reintegration process of the clients.

“Identify and recommend in specific terms affordable resettlement package for the clients and assign responsibility to relevant MDAs to provide.

“Determine the mode of community sensitization, camp visitation and community service programmes to take and ratify the graduation date and initiate arrangements for the ceremony,” he said.

The Secretary to the Government of Adamawa, Mallam Bashiru Ahmad, said the state had been collaborating with OPSC to bring clients’ parent together and prepare communities to receive them after deradicalisation.

He said they were at the stakeholders’ meeting to look at what could be done to ensure the effectiveness of the programme and expressed optimism that the effort would yield the desired result.

On her part, Borno Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, said the state had received the largest chunk of the repentant terrorists since the programme started.

Gambo assured that the state would continue to assess the clients even after graduation from OPSC in Gombe to ensure that there were ready for reintegration into their communities.

She said the only difference between the Borno model of deradicalisation and OPSC was the military involvement, adding that the Borno model was more civil in outlook.

According to her, the repentant terrorists live with their families in Borno camps while the camp in Gombe only allows families visits.

She called for more support from federal government and relevant stakeholders for the state government achieve its desired objective. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

==================

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has warned the public and private entities against massive cash withdrawals.

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Malam Modibbo HammanTukur, gave the advisory in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

He spoke on the state of the nation’s security threats and financial liquidity.

HammanTukur advised all federal Ministries, Departments, parastatal Agencies (MDAs), State Governments, Local Government Councils, corporate bodies as well as, civil servants, public and private officers to embrace the cashless policy of money transactions to deepen national security.

This is to strengthen the country’s security and financial systems, he explained.

According to him, the Federal and State Governments as well as the 774 local government councils have made cash withdrawals of about N200 billion, N156 billion and N120 billion, respectively, from 2015 to date.

To curb this excesses, the Federal Government has directed and ordered the stoppage of “direct cash withdrawals by public institutions and officers” with effect from March 1, this year, HammanTukur stated.

He therefore advised all stakeholders to adopt new technologies of financial transactions and abide by the withdrawal limits or thresholds earlier prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for corporate and individual transactions.

It would be recalled that the CBN had in December 2022 prescribed a threshold of N5 million only for corporate accounts and N500,000 only for individuals per week.

HammanTukur however explained that no infractions have been recorded so far, but noted that cash withdrawals are still higher than deposits.

“Liquidity is needed to finance our markets”, he noted, adding that there is no threat to the corruption and money laundering crusade yet.

Besides, the director assured that any body with genuine need for huge cash transactions would seek presidential approval as there was no “standing waiver” on this policy.

While warning that the “guideline is not reversible”, he stressed that any cash withdrawal beyond the approved limit would trigger a red flag by the relevant anti-graft agencies.

He reasserted that Nigeria has been designated as a non-cash society by the World Bank, IMF and ECOWAS, among other stakeholders, with effect from March 1.

This is in addition to the categorisation of Nigeria as a “high risk” country by the concerned parties because of the enormous security challenges facing the nation, HammanTukur said.

“We can’t flow with politicians” because of obvious complications, while the set March 1 deadline was sacrosanct, according to him.

He however expressed optimism that the cash transactions would drop from the current N3 trillion to about N1 trillion when the policy became effective.

The NFIU director reminded Nigerians that three years imprisonment, payment of equivalent value of money involved or both punishments awaited violators of the cashless policy.

HammanTukur underscored the teeth of the “Rnforcement, guidelines and policies for mitigation of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation of weapons and prevention of predicate crimes” Act of 2022.

He particularly cited Sections 2 and 22 of the NFIU laws of 2022 to buttress his threat. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) on Thursday began the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to eligible military retirees and next-of-kins of the deceased pensioners.

The Chairman of the board, Rear Adm. Saburi Lawal, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Lawal said the payment was sequel to the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari for the SDA to be paid to retirees who originally were not covered by the Nov. 9, 2017 effective date.

He said it was also in line with the agreement reached at the ensuing tripartite meetings of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance and representatives of the  veteran associations.

According to him, the board has commenced payment of the first and second tranches covering first and second quarters.

Lawal said the beneficiaries were  military retirees on MPB database who retired before Nov. 9, 2017, deceased military retirees who were alive when the Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA) 2017 was signed in 2017 and non-pensionable retirees who retired before Nov. 9, 2017 but were only paid gratuities.

He said the SDA was calculated as a function of 10 per cent of the retirees’ annual basic salary as at the time of retirement, multiplied by the number of years served in the services.

He urged all concerned military pensioners and NOKs of the deceased military personnel to contact their banks for their entitlements.

The Chairman thanked President Buhari for his support to military retirees and the NOKs of deceased personnel.

“The Board would like to thank our esteemed military retirees for their patience and understanding during the process of getting funds for commencement of payment of this outstanding allowance.

“On its part, the Board pledges to ensure prompt payment of subsequent tranches of this arrears, once funds are made available,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

==========

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the deployment of advanced technology to tackle insecurity in Imo and other parts of the South East.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo revealed this to correspondents after a closed door meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

He said he was in the villa to thank the president for the various supports and assistance given to the state and appeal to him to approve the tech deployment to enable the area to deal effectively with the security menace.

According to him, with the president’s approval, advanced surveillance equipment will soon be delivered to the region that will enhance the fight against insecurity without collateral damage.

The governor particularly thanked the president over the recent conversion of the Federal Medical Centre Owerri to a University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Technology, and the approval that converted Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a Federal College of Education.

While stated that he came to visit the president on behalf of his people.

Uzodinma said the visit was “also to thank him for the various supports he gave to us during our period of security challenges and the support he has also given to us in terms of the various approvals.

“Only two weeks ago, Igbos that came home from Lagos and outside South East enjoyed the benefit of the second Niger Bridge, something that is worthy of commendation.

“I also appealed to him for further support, to support us with some technological deployments; we have planned to be able to do an advanced kind of security control in the South East and he has also given his approval to that.

”And in a moment from now, we’ll be getting some surveillance equipment and some modern technologies that will help us manage security so that we can fight crime with little or no collateral damage to the environment.”

On assurance for citizens of Imo State in the New Year, Uzodinma said: “Well, my people are enthusiastic and committed Nigerians and we believe in the unity of the country.

”We believe that for us to grow as a people, we need the support and cooperation of Federal Government, and that I’ve always stood for.

”So, going forward, I know 2023 will be better than 2022. And the level of development we witnessed from 2020 to 2022 will be improved upon.

“And my people have seen a lot of things. If you go to South East, in imo State for instance, we got approval of Mr. President that has now enabled the government  of Imo to partner with the Nigerian Navy, to dredge Oguta River to Orashi River to the sea,

”This is opening up that maritime route, if there is a naval base that we will now manage and control pipelines vandalism, crude oil theft, and all forms of criminality that besieged that area for a very long time.

”And the crime has gone down tremendously, since the Naval base was established.

“So I think we have hope for a better Nigeria. The road that we just completed that was commissioned by Mr president, the Owerri to orlu dualised expressway, Mr president has approved that Imo State Government be refunded.

“The good news is every day I come to Mr president, one positive approval or the other. So our people are happy, we’re committed, we’re happy; we have never had it so good.”

The governor maintained that the APC led administration had done well in terms of provision of infrastructure and security in Imo.

”So, that is why I continue to tell you, that the party to beat in my state is APC. Those who are fighting me in my state are not saying we’re not working. They’re not saying we’re not developing the place. They are not accusing us of corruption.

”All they are saying is that they are contriving, instigating insecurity out of desperation, and then blaming the security on a government.

“I’ve seen at the sub national that critical security measures are managed and controlled by Federal Government.

”So I cannot be blamed for insecurity, because you cannot single out Imo State.

“National security is about the 36 states of the Federation and FCT inclusive.

“So, I think we’ve done so well. And I’m happy by the grace of God, as soon as we’re able to bring the security to naught, we’ll have an environment that we will all celebrate and be happy with.

“During this season, we had relative peace in Imo State, and Christmas is a very critical period for us and new year is also very critical. And apart from a few scratches in the hinterland we are on top of the security situation now in Imo State.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Government has recruited and trained 8, 000 personnel of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to safeguard highways in the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said on Tuesday in Abuja while decorating the new FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu with his new rank.

He said that the injection of the personnel into the system was among numerous support that the FRSC received since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2015.

Mustapha said that the several interventions were targeted at reducing the high rate of carnages on roads in the country.

According to him, the support include assenting of the six United Nations Conventions and Agreements on road traffic.

“Building and inauguration of world class auditorium, ICT Hall and ultra modern medical centre at FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State.

“Also, building and inauguration of administrative block, hostels for cadets of the Academy and Junior officers of FRSC Staff College at FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State.

“The approval of the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy Document I and II to deepen road safety administration and encourage inclusiveness,” he added.

Mustapha said that the Corps was also able to expand the scope of its national drivers licence production plant with the building of new Print Farm in Lagos.

According to him, this is in addition to a new training school for road Marshal Assistants in Shendam, Plateau.

“Also, the establishment of Marshal Assistant Training School in Awo Alero through effective collaboration with Delta Government.

“The workforce was also increased through recruitment and training of over 8000 personnel.

“On the operational front, a total of 958 vehicles were injected into the Corps and a total of 16 new Sector Commands were built to boost staff welfare and comfort in the work place, ” he said.

The SGF charged all officers and men to consolidate on the successes made so far in achieving the mandate of road traffic crashes eradication in the country.

Mustapha said that the event was historic, as it was the second time a career staff was appointed to head the ISO certified organisation in the capacity of Corps marshal.

Speaking, the new Corps Marshal appreciated President Buhari for finding him worthy of the appointment.

“We will work hard, the appointment is giving us more vigour and we assure you that we will not fail you and we will not let you down,” Biu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari confirmed Biu as substantive corps marshal on Dec. 30, 2022, having served in acting capacity since July 2022 after the retirement of Mr Boboye Oyeyemi. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have eliminated four terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition as well as other items in two encounters in Kaduna State.

Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami ,Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Danmadami said the troops had on Sunday and Monday responded to distress calls of bandits’ attacks at Rafin Sarki village in Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a gun fight and neutralised two ,recovering one AK 47 rifle.

He added that troops had also on Tuesday, carried out an ambush operation at Rafin Taba village, in the same local government area and neutralised two terrorists.

According to him, troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles, four AK 47 magazines, 51 (7.62mm) special ammunition, five mobile phones, one cutlass, two motorcycles and the sum of N206,000.

“The military high command commends troops of Operation Forest Sanity and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji