By Sumaila Ogbaje

A civil society group, South-East Coalition for Sustainable Development (SECSD) has commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria over its non-kinetic approach towards peace and stability in the region.

This is contained in a statement by President of SECSD, Onu Ikenna and Secretary, Uchechi Mgbidi, on Monday in Abuja.

The group said the military had embarked on school rehabilitation projects, improvement of laboratories in schools, provision of portable water and other non-kinetic measures in the region.

They said it was a promise kept by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, to ensure Nigerians had peace, adding that the initiative should be appreciated by the people of the South East region.

They lamented that recent activities of enemies of the region had affected socio-economic development, hence the need for a rethink.

The group urged the youth to eschew all forms of violence, saying that development could not thrive where there is disorder.

They also urged the people of the region to cooperate with the armed forces to deescalate the violence and wanton killings going on in the region.

According to them, on assumption of office, the Chief of Defence Staff promised to use all available means for peace to reign in the country.

“We are grateful that the Armed Forces under him have gone ahead in the the implementation of activities aimed at having the people of the region live in peace.

“We plead with our people to support the military as the development strides associated with the Igbos is being eroded by the activities of a few.

“We cannot continue in this violence and wanton killings that is beginning to make us look like cannibals.

“We also welcome the promise by the CDS that the military and other security agencies will not tolerate any threat to the 2023 general elections.

“This is the time for our people to speak on who to govern their affairs. They must not be denied that right,” the group said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has urged retired military officers to show understanding with the Federal Government in the effort to pay them the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).

Irabor made the call at the 42nd Anniversary Dinner of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 28 Regular Course Welfare Association on Saturday in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2017 approved the payment to the military retirees who retired before Nov. 9, 2017.

The deceased military retirees who were alive when the Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA) 2017 was signed, and non-pensionable retirees who retired before Nov. 9, 2017 but were only paid gratuities, are also to benefit.

The SDA, according to Military Pensions Board, 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.

The CDS cautioned those who had made unpalatable comments about the SDA to desist from misleading the junior ones, adding that the efforts of the government in that regard should be commended.

According to him, “there are a few toxic commentaries that have been made, which I believe are misrepresented and I think that those of us that are here hearing from me and those who actually know the right thing.

“While appreciating you for changing the orientation of those who have been passing those toxic comments, I need to also encourage that perhaps, they need to go to their creator for forgiveness.

“The reason I say this is, the policy that brought SDA into being was signed on Nov. 9, 2017 and the provisions made therein, caters for those who retired from that day onwards.

“There are issues around policies generally which certainly might not be the best but there will always be room for correction.

“It took the magnanimity of the Commander in Chief, of course a representation that was made to him by the minister, and he was magnanimous enough to look at it again and made the approval that everyone who once served the military should be catered for.

“I think that it is something that I believe is legendary and must be commended rather than having to vilify those who are making effort to ensure that entitlements as enunciated by virtue of that approval is made,” he said.

Irabor further said that the resources disposition of the government should be considered, taking into cognisance the issues of military operations and issues surrounding its Table of Organisation and Equipment (TOE).

“It takes resources to be able to bring our TOE to a reasonable level, to be able to increase the military’s fighting capacity,” he said.

He added that greater attention must be paid to ensure that the tools needed to be able to perform optimally should be given attention.

“And so it was not an easy thing to now muster a total of N132 billion just to pay at once because there are other commitments of government.

“And so approval was given for it to be handled within the period of three to five years, which recently has also been modified for it to be covered in three years.

“So if some of us that should know now go to incite a few others to now to want to take up some kinds of demonstration, that perhaps needs some form of reconsideration

“The first tranche was made early this month, which of course we must continuously appreciate it and of course, the government for this feat.

“So I will like to use this medium to appeal to us, especially on that matter, for it to be put to rest, believing and trusting those who are implementing to faithfully implement it,” he added.

Irabor also commended the retired officers for their invaluable contribution to the peace and stability of the country and urged them to continue to offer their quota even in retirement.

The President, 28 Regular Course Welfare Association, retired Rear Adm. Ndidi Agholor, thanked God for making it possible for them to remain in good health and be able to reunite to celebrate.

Agholor said the association was at its consolidation stage, having made impact in the society, adding that welfare of its members was its main focus at present.

On the debarment allowance, Agholor commended the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence for being magnanimous in expanding the scope of SDA to cover all retired military personnel.

He said those of them who retired before 2017, when the SDA policy was formulated, were initially excluded, adding that reasons were advanced as to the use of their competencies and skills in retirement.

The president urged the veteran community to exercise patience while government continued to implement the debarment policy, which according to him, will have positive impact on them.

He assured the military authority of the readiness of the veterans to continue to help to secure the nation, especially in ensuring peaceful 2023 general elections. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

===========

Participants and guests at the the graduation of participants of Anti-piracy Course 4/2023 on Friday, in Abuja.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to rid the nation’s maritime domain of sea piracy and other organised crimes.

Agba, who was represented by Dr Sampson Ebimaro, Director, Bilateral Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, said this at the graduation of participants of Anti-piracy Course 4/2023 on Friday, in Abuja.

The course was organised by Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the Government of Japan.

Agba, while stressing that reports had shown that there was significant decline in the incidences of maritime crimes, said that the Federal Government had continued to support initiatives, projects and programmes that would consolidate measures against sea piracy.

According to him, the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has recently launched the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure also known as the Deep blue project.

He said the project also set up the Maritime Security Unit comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air force, Nigerian Police, and Department of State Services to conduct simulation exercise and surveillances in the region.

“ Deep blue project is the first integrated maritime Security strategy in West and Central Africa which aimed to tackle incidences of piracy, sea robbery and maritime crimes.

“The Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with Nigerian navy and other specialised MDAs have equally taken step to mitigate issues of piracy and established rules of engagement for Anti-piracy operations,” he said.

The minister said the anti-piracy course was part of government efforts to build skills and capacity on anti-piracy operations with a view to further consolidate towards militating against the incidences of piracy, sea robbery and maritime crimes on sea.

He said that the Ministry of Finance had demonstrated its commitment to ensure sustain collaboration with the MLAILPKC on related initiatives, adding that it would continue to encourage more training of officers and personnel in anti-piracy operations.

According to him, the course which will eventually be applicable to addressing issues of maritime crimes and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

He commended the support of key international organisations such as UNDP and Government of Japan towards hosting the anti-piracy course.

The Commandant of MLALCPK, Maj.-Gen. Parker Undiandeye, said the objective of the course was to enhance the collective understanding of participants on piracy especially in the Gulf of Guinea.

Undiandeye expressed confidence that the participants had received the requisite training and broadened their knowledge on the root causes of piracy and methods of combating it especially in the GoG.

He said the course might have drawn their attention to the complexity and dynamism associated with piracy in particular and other transnational organised crimes.

“It is hoped that what you have learnt here would reflect on your performances and general conduct in your various organizations as well as places of deployment/work.

“Therefore, as you graduate today, you must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much more would be expected from you.

“I urge you not to see the Course only in terms of certificates acquired but its utility must manifest in contributions you can make,” he said.

The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Matthew Alao, commended the centre for the successful organisation and execution of the course.

Alao said the government of Japan had also approved funding for another period of training to be undertaken by MLAILPKC with UNDP.

He, however, tasked the participants on feedback about their assessment of the course with a view to encouraging the donor organisations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=======

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Thursday called for enhanced synergy between Defence and Services Headquarters the information management of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Gusau made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Director of Public Relations and Information ( DOPRI) Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Wap Maigida, on Thursday in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, an officer in the Directorate of Defence Information

The defense spokesman commended the air force spokesman for the existing harmony between the services in the information management of the armed forces.

He promised to build on the ‘jointness’ with a view to projecting the good image of the armed forces, adding that synergy was key in the information management of the current security challenges facing the nation.

Gusau assured the DOPRI of his assistance in area of timely information sharing.

In his response, Maigida assured the DDI of his readiness to enhance the existing collaboration between the Directorate of Defence Information and his office to positively project the image of the armed forces.

Maigida said that successes in modern warfare could only be achieved through jjointnes.

He thanked the acting DDI for the visit and wished him the best of luck as he assumed command of the daunting task as the Defence image maker. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Philomina Attah

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, says President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will continue to give prominence to the use of technology in fighting crimes.

Kana said this at the inauguration of completed projects and launching of Telemetry magazine at the Defence Space Administration (DSA) in Abuja.

“I must state that this administration is now well positioned and ready to take on the task which has become very relevant, given the wide issue of security challenges facing the country.

“The use of technology in fighting crime will continue to give more prominence within the entire Nigeria security architecture, considering the volatile and complex war which the country is facing today.

“In this regard, this administration’s effort has contributed to victory being recorded in various theatres of operations across the country,” he said.

According to him, the projects commissioning are critical infrastructure that will further enhance the capacity of the administration to effectively carry out its statutory mandates.

He said the DSA was established with the aim of coordinating and exploring Nigeria’s space to enhance military and paramilitary operations.

He enjoined the Chief of DSA and his team to double their efforts towards supporting the accomplishment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to bringing an end to insecurity in the country.

He said this will ensure peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections and safe handover to the next administration.

“I hope this success will be maintained and sustained while I look forward to seeing the DSA growing from strength to strength in supporting the country’s strive to end insecurity in the country.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, said there was no doubt that the DSA holds greater goal for the Armed Forces and the nation at large.

He added that the intention of the founding fathers for the establishment of the DSA was quite laudable and “that speaks to the great expectations that everyone is actually placing on you.”

He stated his commitment to do everything possible to support the administration and to ensure that the outcome of all their engagement would bring good use.

He assured the administration that the Defence headquarters was always ready to provide assistance and necessary resources required to be able to achieve its objective.

He promised that the Ministry would go to every length in doing so. “I’m happy the Permanent Secretary who has done so well is also here.”

On his part, the Chief of DSA, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Muogilim, appreciated the Federal Government for all its support to the DSA.

He said the projects was initiated upon his resumption in office about a year ago, adding that this would contribute to the operations of the administration.

“The completed projects today is because of the effort and dedication of the entire staff of this administration and the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for capacity development in the domain of cyber space which the DSA represents.

“These facilities will provide more conducive atmosphere for work and research for staff of the administration and other researchers that might want to use it in furtherance of space science and technology in the country.

“The DSA, under my leadership in the past 12 months, conducted local training for staff to develop capacity on how to handle these facilities effectively.

“I believe there won’t be any staff deficit. Though, training is continued. We will not rest on that.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the facilities commissioned were, Multipurpose building, Cybersecurity, Laboratory, Geospartial intelligence fusion/data centre, Ambulance, and fire truck bay, Automatic fire hydrant, and security outpost. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Defence Headquarters says the troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, have in the last two weeks  destroyed 39 illegal oil refining sites in the South South zone.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known at a bi-weekly news briefing on military operations on Thursday, in Abuja.

Danmadami said the troops in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations destroyed 48 cooking ovens, 103 storage tanks, 27 dugout pits and 33 wooden boats during the period.

He said the troops also recovered one tug boat, a barge, 3 pumping machines, three speed boats and 13 vehicles.

According to him, troops recovered 274,000 litres of crude oil, 71,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 15 Ak47 rifles, while 40 suspected economic saboteurs were arrested.

“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action” he said.

“Equally, the air component of the  Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction to several illegal refining sites and creeks at Gogokiri Degema and Okrika Local Government Areas both in Rivers State between Jan. 12 and Jan. 24.

“Crew observed the sites to be active make shift tents sighted as well as illegal refining activities been carried out.

“Targets were engaged with weapons and the locations were observed to have exploded in an inferno while the illegal refining equipment’s were also destroyed,” he said.

In South East, defence spokesman said the military and other security agencies had sustained the offensive against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals in the zone.

He said the troops had  neutralised six terrorists, arrested 24 and rescued 16 abducted civilians.

According to him, several calibre of arms and ammunition including AK47 rifles, pump action rifles, IEDs and locally made explosive pipes among other items were also  recovered. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Isaac Aregbesola