NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NDAOWA celebrates democracy day with wounded soldiers, appreciates sacrifices
Defence/Security

NDAOWA celebrates democracy day with wounded soldiers, appreciates sacrifices

169 total views today
By Mohammad Tijjani
The Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA), on Thursday paid a heartfelt visit to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day with wounded-in-action soldiers.
The NDAOWA Co-ordinator, Mrs Halima Ibrahim, expressed deep gratitude and solidarity with the gallant warriors who have made immense sacrifices in service to Nigeria.
Ibrahim said, “On behalf of the entire NDAOWA, I am honoured and humbled to be here today as we commemorate Democracy Day, a day that reminds us of the strength, resilience and unity that defines our great nation.
“Today’s outreach is more than just a visit. It is a symbol of our deep gratitude and a heartfelt expression of love and solidarity with you our heroes who have sacrificed so much in service to Nigeria.
“Each one of you is a living testimony to courage. Your scars are not signs of defeat but of duty fulfilled.
“You stood in defence of our democratic ideals, our freedom and our peace at a great and personal cost.”
She appreciated their services, courage and sacrifices not just in words, but through the token of appreciation, adding, “we hope it will bring warmth to your hearts and light to your spirits.
“You are not forgotten, you are honoured and you are loved.
“NDAOWA remains committed to supporting the welfare of our soldiers, our husbands and their families.
“We will continue to stand by you, for you and with you in prayers, in actions and in outreaches such as this, because you stood and still stand for our dear country Nigeria.”
Ibrahim said that democracy was thriving in the country sequel to their invaluable contributions, saying, “it is also because men and women like you guard it with unshakable resolve.
“Our freedom endures because of your sacrifices. May God bless you, heal you and strengthen you. May God bless our Armed Forces.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that items distributed to the wounded soldiers included toiletries, detergents, food flasks, towels, toothbrushes, airboards and bottled water, among other items.
NAN also reports that the Chief Medical Director, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, received the NDAOWA co-ordinator and led her to wards where the wounded soldiers were undergoing treatments. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
We’re deploying technology to tackle smuggling – Customs CG
Defence/Security

We’re deploying technology to tackle smuggling – Customs CG

132 total views today
By Abiodun Lawal
The Comptroller–General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, says the Nigeria Customs Service is deploying technology to tackle smuggling, manage transporting between Nigeria and Republic of Benin.
Adeniyi disclosed this on Wednesday during a working visit to Ogun 11 Area Command in Abeokuta.
He said that the technology had already been developed and being piloted at Seme-Krake border (Nigeria/Benin Republic).
The Comptroller-General said that once the piloting was successful, the technology would be deployed along the borders, saying it would help reduce smuggling drastically.
“We have a robust relationship with border countries.
“I have been to Republic of Benin to meet with my colleague over there and since then we have had opportunities to work together on a number of issues.
“They have always been forthcoming in providing the platform, we exchange information, we exchange intelligence.
“What we are doing currently is to have a joint task force for processing of goods that are coming on transit to Nigeria.
“We are going to deploy technology to manage transporting between the two countries, we have already developed it, we are only piloting it now in Seme-Krake border.
“By the time we finish the piloting, once it is successful, we are going to deploy it along the borders, it will help us to reduce smuggling,” he said.
Adeniyi stated that there were cordial relationships between the Customs and border communities.
“All our customs commands around the borders are encouraged to have structures with which they relate to members of the community.
“We operate there, we live with them, we also acknowledged the fact that they know the terrain where we operate.
“We leverage on the intelligence they provide for us in our operations,” he said.
He commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for repositioning the state for industrial development.
Abiodun assures that the customs would continue to remain a partner in the strive for economic prosperity.
Earlier, the Area Controller of Ogun 11 Area Command, Bisi Alade, disclosed that the command generated over N15 billion revenue in the first quarter of 2025.
Alade attributed the success recorded in the command to the support and encouragement of the Comptroller-General. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
DHQ prioritises civilian protection during operations
Defence/Security

DHQ prioritises civilian protection during operations

133 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje 

In a significant step towards minimising harm to non-combatants, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising civilian protection during military operations.

This was demonstrated with the hosting of the Civilian Harm Mitigation Seminar organised by the DHQ in conjunction with the US Institute for Security Governance, in Abuja.

In his remarks at the closing of the seminar on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole, said the protection of civilians during operations was paramount to the military.

Bankole said that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had placed a high premium on safeguarding civilians, emphasising that the protection of innocent lives was a top priority in all military operations.

“Civilian mitigation is critical to our operations right now.

“As you are aware, unfortunately, Nigeria has been fighting an insurgency for the last 15 years and has been fought in mostly populated civilian areas.

“Some of the civilians are used as collateral damages or are being forced.

“That is why the CDS in his wisdom, as part of his command philosophy, noted that he will be human-centric or people-centric in his philosophy.

“So there is a need for us to care for civilians and that is why the Institute of Security Governance from the USA now decided to team up with the Defence Headquarters Department of Civil Military Relations to sensitise and educate our men on civilian arm mitigation,” he said.

Bankole said the two-day intensive training was designed towards sharing lessons learned for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to learn from.

According to him, this is close to the heart of the CDS who wants to protect the civilians and make sure that nobody is discriminated against.

He said the course had participants from all the theatres of operations and all the services to sensitise them on the need to protect civilians, infrastructure, as well as protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

Bankole said the DHQ had enhanced its non-kinetic efforts, recognising the importance of collaboration with local communities to be able to win the war against terrorism and other forms of security threats.

He thanked the team of experts from the US for the impactful training, urging the participants to adequately apply the knowledge gained in achieving the operational aims of the military in their various places of operation.

The Country Lead, US Institute for Security Government (ISG), retired Maj.-Gen. Miguel Castellanos, said that civilian harm mitigation was a joint effort of all actors, especially the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Castellanos urged them to enhance cooperation to coordinate and understand each other’s strengths to be able to succeed.

He reiterated the commitment of the organisation to continue to partner the Nigerian military to further strengthen its capacity in other areas. (NAN) 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Group seeks enhanced youth involvement in counter-insurgency initiative in NE
Defence/Security

Group seeks enhanced youth involvement in counter-insurgency initiative in NE

140 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Kalthum Foundation for Peace (KFP) and partners, have evolved strategies to foster enhanced youth involvement in counter-insurgency and counter violent extremism efforts in the North East.

The foundation is leading conversations in collaboration with Network of Civil Society Organisations Borno (NECSOB) and Borno Youth Parliament (BYP).

This is contained in a statement by the Founder/CEO of KFP, Amb. Ummu-Kalthum Rabiu, Executive Director, NECSOB, Bulama Abiso and Speaker of BYP, Abubakar Usman, on Wednesday in Abuja.

They said the conversation was designed to address the pressing issues surrounding violent extremism, promote effective conflict resolution strategies, and foster a culture of peace within their communities.

According to the statement, the one-day gathering would be dedicated to engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, with a particular focus on students and young individuals.

“This critical event is scheduled to take place on June 28 at the University of Maiduguri to provide an inspiring setting for open dialogue and collaboration among participants,” they said.

The group said the gathering of political, traditional and military leaders at the event would further emphasise their collective efforts to combat the challenges posed by violent extremism.

They added that the participation would enrich the discussions and provide a comprehensive perspective on those critical issues.

According to them, the one-day summit is set to attract over 1,000 students from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.

“The event aims to enhance the efforts of these students in the areas of community engagement and peacebuilding, particularly through the framework of the COIN (Counter-Insurgency) strategy.

“This gathering presents an opportunity for participants to discuss and develop collaborative approaches to address regional challenges, fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding among the youth.

“The anticipated attendance underscores the importance of youth involvement in peace initiatives and highlights the potential for constructive dialogue in promoting stability in the region.

“This event promises to be a pivotal moment for youth engagement and collaborative action toward building a safer, more peaceful future for all,” they added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

WHO declares Mpox public health emergency concern
Defence/Security

WHO declares Mpox public health emergency concern

163 total views today

mpox

By Franca Ofili

The World Health Organisation (WHO), says the Mpox upsurge has continued to meet the criteria of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) set forth in the International Health Regulations (IHR).

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said this in a statement.

Ghebreyesus said  the announcement followed the fourth meeting of the IHR emergency committee regarding the upsurge of mpox, held on June 5.

According to him, the committee, recognising progress in the capacity to respond in certain countries, advised the WHO boss that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC.

He said that it was based on the continuing rise in number of cases, including a recent increase in West Africa, and likely ongoing undetected transmission in some countries beyond the African continent

“Ongoing operational challenges in responding to the event, including concerning surveillance and diagnostics, as well as a lack of funding, make prioritising response interventions challenging and require continued international support,” he said.

Ghebreyesus concurred with the committee’s advice and issued the committee’s revised temporary recommendations to Member States experiencing mpox outbreaks.

He said  the recommendations will guide countries’ efforts to prevent and control spread of the disease.

According to him, the full report of the fourth meeting will be issued in the third week of June.

“The upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighbouring countries was first determined to be PHEIC by Ghebreyesus on Aug. 14, 2024.

“Since then, the  committee has met on three additional occasions, each time, advising the director general that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

74% inmates captured in ongoing NIN registration – NCoS
Defence/Security

74% inmates captured in ongoing NIN registration – NCoS

170 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it has successfully enrolled over 74 per cent of inmates nationwide into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, contrary to media reports suggesting otherwise.

The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, made this known on Sunday in Abuja.

Umar described as “misleading and inaccurate” a publication claiming that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise was yet to commence in custodial centres across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NIMC had granted the NCoS the license to conduct the registration at 256 custodial centres nationwide.

This followed a request by the NCoS Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche.

The initiative, approved in January 2025, is intended to integrate inmates into national development plans, enhance their security, and facilitate their identification in case of jailbreaks.

Umar clarified that the NIN registration of inmates in the custodial centres was not only ongoing but has recorded significant progress.

He said that a majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database.

“The exercise was actively ongoing across all facilities and has so far captured 59,786 inmates out of a total custodial population of 80,879 as of June 7, 2025.

“This means that approximately 74 per cent have been captured into the NIMC platform.

“This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the NCoS and the NIMC,” he said.

Umar, however, said that concrete mechanisms were in place to ensure the seamless registration of the remaining inmates.

He also reaffirmed the service’s commitment to data integration as part of national efforts to enhance rehabilitation, reintegration, and digital inclusion of persons in custody.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.

“The claim that the registration has yet to commence in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done,” he added.

The NCoS spokesman urged members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication.

This, he said, was in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Yakubu Uba

 

Eid-el Kabir: NDC Alumni distributes palliatives to 380 beneficiaries
Defence/Security

Eid-el Kabir: NDC Alumni distributes palliatives to 380 beneficiaries

154 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Sunday distributed meat palliative to no fewer than 380 beneficiaries who are families of NDC community in Abuja.

The association made the distribution in collaboration with Near Foundation as part of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

The President of AANDEC, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, said the distribution was an annual event aimed at providing support for the military community, especially the NDC community.

Abdullahi said the beneficiaries were drawn from the barracks and widows of fallen heroes, as well as selected vulnerable members of the society.

According to him, a total of 15 cows were donated by the donor partners to be slaughtered and distributed to the beneficiaries at the premises of the college.

Abdullahi said the association had in the last five years been organising such humanitarian activities for the NDC community, widows of fallen heroes and also the needy amongst them.

“This is in the spirit of Salah and we have been able to reach out to some of our friends and partners to make donations through which we are reaching out to a number of people today.

“The beneficiaries are mostly the needy, widows of our fallen soldiers, and others that we can support in the spirit of the Salah celebration.

“Previously we have even had much more than this but now, due to the situation of things in the country, we have less donations to us, and that means that we are reaching out to less people this year.

“Previously we have done about 600 plus, but now we have just about 380,” he said.

Abdullahi said that the alumni association recognised the need to touch lives positively, adding that addressing hunger was part of national security efforts.

He thanked the donor partners for the continuous support and urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the effort of the Federal Government in addressing the current hardship in the country.

“We are partnering with the Near Foundation and with Ufuk Dialogue who are the key contributors in this, but there are so many of them I cannot mention.

Some of the beneficiaries commended AANDEC for the gesture, adding that the NDC community was happy for the distribution of cow meat for the Salah celebration.

AANDEC is the association of former participants of the National Defence College comprising both serving and retired senior military officers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Ooni lauds Tinubu’s Forest Guard initiative
Defence/Security

Ooni lauds Tinubu’s Forest Guard initiative

144 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has commended President Bola Timubu’s newly proposed forest guard security structure.

Ogunwusi gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Sunday.

While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Ooni expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve security.

He hailed the President’s push for grassroots security reinforcement amid ongoing national challenges.

He said the proposal on restructuring of the Forest Guard system is a critical step toward lasting peace and investor confidence.

“We’re very happy with the Forest Guard structure and the new platform to bring in more police force to continue to comb the entire forest, both in the north and in the south.

“Once security is addressed, there will be a solid platform for investment to flow into Nigeria,” he said.

The Ooni also said he visited the President to appreciate the great things he was doing for the country.

“I went to Kazakhstan and came back with feedback. The good things he’s doing are opening Nigeria up to so many nations that now want to work with us,” he said.

Ogunwusi highlighted how Nigeria’s international standing is improving under Tinubu’s leadership, especially in terms of foreign investment and macroeconomic policy stability.

“In history, there is no arbitrage again. You bring dollars to Nigeria to do business, and you take it out, no dual exchange between the central bank and the parallel market.

“The world is watching us as a nation, and we don’t need to leave everything to the government,” he said.

The traditional ruler also emphasised the evolving and increasingly important role of traditional rulers toward nation-building.

“Traditional rulers should lead by example, work in tandem with the government, and give hope to our youth. This is another testimony of hope for Nigerian youths,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining
Defence/Security

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining

156 total views today

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.

 

The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.

 

“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.

 

“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.

 

“We have, however, always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage the misunderstandings if and when they arise.

 

“It is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.

 

The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.

 

“We are, however, beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.

 

“What we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.

 

He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.

 

“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.”

 

He said that the marshal uses both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its operations for maximum results.

 

He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.

 

“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.

 

“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers, families of fallen heroes
Defence/Security

Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers, families of fallen heroes

148 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman 

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N100 million to support wounded soldiers and the families of troops killed in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the state.

The governor made the donation on Saturday during an Eid-el-Kabir Sallah luncheon jointly hosted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

Zulum presented a cheque of N100 million to the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, with a breakdown of N500,000 for each wounded soldier and the balance to be shared among the families of soldiers who died in action.

The presentation was made in the presence of Oluyede, Abubakar and the Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut.

Speaking at the event, Zulum commended the gallantry, resilience and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency.

“Your commitment on the frontlines, often under extreme conditions and far from your families, is not lost on us.

“We remain eternally grateful for your service and will never take your sacrifices for granted,” he said.

The governor assured the military leadership of his continued support, saying Borno would remain a committed partner in the ongoing military operations and post-conflict recovery.

“Borno State will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies in the fight against insurgency and in rebuilding our communities for a peaceful and prosperous future,” Zulum said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Constance Athekame and Abdullahi Mohammed

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