News Agency of Nigeria
NAN, FRSC deepen partnership on road safety in FCT
Defence/Security

NAN, FRSC deepen partnership on road safety in FCT

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, says the agency will continue to support the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in its mandate of ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.

 

Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Felix Theman, paid a courtesy visit to the agency.

 

Ali congratulated Theman on his recent appointment as the new sector commander in charge of the territory.

 

He said it was good that the sector commander hit the ground running since his assumption of office in Abuja, noting the daunting task of managing traffic in the FCT.

 

According to him, Abuja poses peculiar challenges because “everybody here considers himself an important personality” leading to indiscipline on the roads.

 

Ali said that NAN had always been a dependable partner in promoting road safety education.

 

He described the Corps as “visible everywhere and bringing discipline to the roads despite a few black sheep”.

 

The NAN MD urged Theman to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, particularly in motor parks, against reckless driving, drunk driving, and driving against traffic.

 

“I think it is time we enacted a law against driving against traffic, because only an unstable person would do such a thing. Unfortunately, in Abuja, we see this all the time.

 

“We will support you. It is important that we give you all the necessary media support to rid our road of insanity. We wish you best of luck,” he added.

 

Earlier, Theman said that FRSC bore the huge responsibility of ensuring safety on Nigerian roads, a task requiring not only enforcement but also public education, enlightenment, and advocacy.

 

He described the media as a fundamental partner in road safety management, stressing that FRSC messages could only reach the wider public effectively through collaboration with organisations like NAN.

 

Theman recalled that on Wednesday, gridlock along the Giri-Gwagwalada axis was compounded by indiscipline and lack of patience among motorists after truck drivers blocked the road over an altercation.

 

He appealed for more public cooperation, noting that without discipline and support from road users, the Corps would be handicapped in fulfilling its mandate.

 

The commander said since assuming office in the FCT, his team had identified major violations, including driving against traffic, overloading, beating traffic lights, and drunk driving.

 

“In just two weeks, we have apprehended over 500 offenders with close to 1,000 violations. These included those driving against traffic, overloading passengers and goods, and even drunk drivers.

 

“In one instance, a commercial driver was found drunk as early as 10 a.m., and his passengers didn’t even know.

 

“He was prosecuted and had his licence suspended for six months, while his vehicle was impounded,” Theman said.

 

The sector commander said that the command was working with FCT magistrates to ensure consistent prosecution of traffic offenders, as enforcement had to complement public education.

 

He further expressed concern over pedestrian recklessness, noting that in spite of footbridges, many still risk their lives crossing highways, leading to avoidable deaths.

 

He assured that the command would sustain daily operations to restore sanity on the roads while deepening its partnership with NAN to escalate safety messages.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ICA/ YMU

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FRSC says clearing gridlock on Giri-Gwagwalada Road
Defence/Security

FRSC says clearing gridlock on Giri-Gwagwalada Road

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is clearing the gridlock caused by protesting truck drivers on Wednesday along the Gir-Gwagwalada Road.

The FRSC Sector Commander, FCT command, Mr Felix Theman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the corps has created an alternative lane for all motorist to use before the final clearance is done.

“As of this morning, we have been able to create one lane for smaller vehicles and buses to pass, while efforts are ongoing to decongest the area fully.

“We are restricting movement on the single lane to smaller vehicles and buses to reduce the tension in the area before reopening to larger trucks,” he said.

Therman said that the traffic gridlock was caused by protesting truck drivers who used their vehicles to block the highway.

Theman said that the incident, which began on Wednesday, dragged into the night and extended into Thursday.

According to him, the FRSC quickly mobilised its men from Gwagwalada, Zuba, and the outpost in Giri, alongside other security agencies, to appeal to the drivers and restored order.

“After much persuasion, the trucks were eventually removed late on Wednesday night.

“However, the delay in clearing the road had already caused serious traffic congestion, which spilled over into the next morning.

“To make matters worse, two trucks also broke down on the same road after it was reopened,’’ he said.

Theman appealed to road users to exercise patience, discipline, and cooperation in order to resolve the matter quickly.

“This is an isolated incident. Our men and other security services are on ground to ensure the road is made accessible to the public.

On the cause of the protest, the FRSC boss explained that it was triggered by an altercation involving one of the truck owners.

“One of the truck drivers used his vehicle to block the road following an altercation. Other drivers, in solidarity, joined him without even asking what the issue was.

“Members of the public tried to appeal to them that blocking the road does not solve their problem but only infringes on the fundamental rights of other Nigerians who have freedom of movement,” he said.

Theman said that such acts were illegal and causes hardship to travellers, adding that the FRSC and other security agencies had restored order.

“Our men are fully on ground to ensure this matter doesn’t drag on for too long. So, we appeal to everyone to exercise restraint and patience,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

TICAD9: Tinubu hails Armed forces for successes in fight against insurgency
Defence/Security

TICAD9: Tinubu hails Armed forces for successes in fight against insurgency

‎TICAD

‎By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their success in fighting insurgency and criminality, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity through stronger governance and economic reforms.

‎Speaking at the Peace and Stability plenary of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Tinubu highlighted the critical role of national stability in development.

‎This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, in Yokohama, Japan.

‎‎Tinubu described the armed forces’ growing momentum as a foundation for long-term development, while emphasising Nigeria’s strength in inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law.

‎Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in his opening remarks underscored the need for mutual understanding, local solutions, and global collaboration for Africa’s growth.

‎‎He unveiled Japan’s priority areas: private sector-led sustainable development, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration across the continent.

‎

‎Ishiba announced a new economic partnership with the African Development Bank to deliver up to $5.5 billion, using JICA’s private sector investment finance as a springboard.

‎Tinubu also noted ongoing investment in infrastructure, institutional reform, and partnerships with civil society and global allies as crucial to uplifting Nigerians’ quality of life.

‎”Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” the President said.

‎Tinubu stressed that peace and stability are essential to Africa’s development, warning that many conflicts still persist despite isolated progress.‎

‎He cited recent peace agreements in the Congo as a sign that new mediation approaches, tied to economic opportunities, can succeed.

‎”We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had. In the past, competition for resources has weakened states and triggered conflict.”

‎”Now, we see mediators directly linking outcomes to investment in Congo. It is working and underlines the need for fresh thinking in everything we do to deliver peace and stability.”

‎”Nigeria understands this process well. We believe inclusivity and diversity under the rule of law are our strengths. We have argued for this vision, and we have fought for it. We are still fighting for it today.”

‎”We have learned that our brave armed forces can win many battles. But we can do justice to their heroism and sacrifice only when we, as governments, display the courage to be tough, not only on terror, but on the causes of terror.”

‎The president called for a shift from foreign aid dependency to market-driven cooperation and meaningful global partnerships.

‎He also urged Japan to support long-overdue reforms in the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to amplify Africa’s voice.

‎”It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand.”

‎”Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto. Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent seat category of the Security Council, as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”

‎Tinubu highlighted the potential of information and technology as tools for global trust, urging international cooperation to harness tech for peace, not division.

‎Prime Minister Ishiba during plenary reiterated the importance of locally-rooted development strategies shaped through mutual understanding and co-creation.

‎”Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa.”

‎”So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa.”

‎He appealed for Africa’s support as Japan faces a population crisis and shrinking agricultural land, threatening future growth.

‎”In 75 years from now, the population of Japan would have been halved. In the local communities, the population continues to decline; this is one big challenge Japan is facing. All agricultural land is being reduced, another major challenge for Japan.”

‎‎He praised Africa’s demographic advantage and urged the continent to harness it through industrialisation and job creation.

‎”There is another potential in Africa; there is so much growing young population in Africa, but for the power of young people in Africa to flourish, you need to create a manufacturing industry and create employment, and that, I believe, is very important.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

‎

Military spouses hold forum on PTSD, pledge support for officers
Defence/Security

Military spouses hold forum on PTSD, pledge support for officers

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Defence College Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) has convened a forum to promote peer support and build resilience among families in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with counter-terrorism operations.

The Coordinator of NDCOWA and Wive of NDC Commandant, Mrs Isabella Okosun, made this known at the forum tagged, “The Military Family and Mental Health” in Abuja.

Okosun said the forum was part of a series of events lined up for the graduation of NDC Course 33 slated for Friday.

The event brought together spouses of officers who are now advancing to the rank of generals in their military careers.

She said the programme was aimed at empowering wives with strategies to better support their husbands as they take on higher responsibilities.

“A lot of our officers have been deeply involved in counter-terrorism operations, especially in the North-East, and many families are grappling with the realities of PTSD.

“We thought this would be a good platform to network, learn, and find ways to support our husbands as they continue their careers,” she said.

Okosun added that the initiative was inspired by the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, who she said, had consistently championed outreach to families of affected officers.

According to her, the DEPWOA President has been leading by example with visits to wounded soldiers and outreach programmes in places like Benue and Maiduguri.

“We are following the path she has laid by putting this forum together,” she said.

She pledged to sustain the initiative and collaborate with DEPWOA to provide greater psychosocial support to military families.

One of the resource persons, Dr Lewis Okoh, who is the Health Research Coordinator of the college, enlightened the participants on the courses, symptoms and prevention of PTSD.

Okoh said that nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts about combat/operations as well as withdrawing from loved ones, avoiding reminders of deployments or operations, among others, were symptoms.

He said that medical and psychological support and early diagnosis by consulting mental health professionals was important for effective management of PTSD.

According to him, peer groups like officers’ wives associations, military spouses’ circles, or NGOs that specialise in trauma recovery were other ways of managing it. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Civil society commends Ribadu, Buba, urges stronger security efforts
Defence/Security

Civil society commends Ribadu, Buba, urges stronger security efforts

By Daniel Obaje

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Sen. Shehu Buba, for their pragmatic approach in tackling insecurity in the country.

 

 

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN, made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on findings by the Council’s Directorate of Security and Intelligence Matters.

 

 

He said the directorate had, since the commencement of 2025 operations, been documenting developments around Nigeria’s security architecture with a view to assessing progress and rating performances of key actors.

 

 

“Our findings have been very interesting and encouraging, especially from the offices of the National Security Adviser and that of the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

 

 

“Indeed, there have been commendable achievements and remarkable improvement in the sector in the last one year, which are traceable to the policies and strategies put in place through the joint efforts of the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

 

 

“Both Sen. Buba and Malam Ribadu have shown exceptional commitment to service beyond normal bonds of duty.”

 

 

Akinlosotu noted that while most policymakers relied solely on hardline measures such as weapons and troop deployments, Ribadu and Buba had consistently insisted that banditry and insurgency could not be defeated by force alone.

 

 

According to him, their insistence in combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches has led to a drastic reduction in violent incidents across the country.

 

 

“Under the eagle-eyed watch of the NSA and the legislative oversight of Sen. Buba, coupled with the diligence of our security apparatus, dialogue, negotiations and non-kinetic approaches have helped to douse farmers/herders conflicts and inter-communal violence in recent times,’’ he said.

 

 

He, however, lamented that in spite of the progress made, some detractors had deliberately misinterpreted the duo’s approach, tagging them as weak or even as alleged allies of bandits.

 

“As would be naturally expected in complex geopolitics, backlashes, deliberate misinterpretations of intent and mischievous scandals are normal occurrences against performing leaders and astute administrators.

 

 

 

 

“Some mischief makers have gone ahead to attack their capacity and successes, all in the aim of tarnishing their reputations and instigating the public against them.

 

 

 

 

“The Civil Society Council feels compelled to speak up against these unsubstantiated allegations aimed at discrediting and undermining the achievements of the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the NSA.”

 

 

 

 

Akinlosotu said global evidence supported the adoption of dialogue and non-kinetic methods in addressing security challenges, citing research conducted in the Lake Chad Basin by UNIDIR and ISS in 2023, which confirmed their effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

He added that crisis negotiation units institutionalised by the FBI and other security agencies worldwide, as well as Nigeria’s own amnesty programmes were further proof that negotiated peace could help restore stability.

 

 

 

 

“Negotiations and dialogue have recorded global success rates up to 94 per cent, thereby prompting many security authorities across the globe to reconsider conventional military approaches to fighting terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.”

 

 

 

 

The NCSCN director said while commending Ribadu and Buba for their efforts, the Council also urged them to intensify actions as much ground still needed to be covered.

 

 

 

 

“While once again commending their laudable achievements, we enjoin them to redouble efforts and be more proactive, as the quest for satisfactory national security is yet to be attained,’’ Akinlosotu said (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Insurgency: IOM hails Nigeria’s reintegration efforts
Defence/Security

Insurgency: IOM hails Nigeria’s reintegration efforts

Reintegration

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has commended Nigeria for implementing the “Operation Safe Corridor”, describing it as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants.

Mrs Ogechi Daniels, Deputy Director-General, Operations, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

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

According to her, the programme, initially designed for the North-East, had expanded to the North-West and North-Central.

She said that IOM was prepared to deploy experts on disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas such as Zamfara.

The IOM official also stressed the importance of strengthening data for disaster risk reduction, improving border management, as well as sustaining early warning systems.

She disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of  Understanding (MoU) with the UK Development Office, to launch phase four of the rehabilitation and community-based reintegration programmes.

Daniels reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to supporting the safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons, with a focus on development and joint research to ensure sustainability.

Responding, the CDS acknowledged the organisation’s long-standing partnership, especially in the Northeast.

He assured of the Armed Forces’ readiness to collaborate with the IOM and other stakeholders, irrespective of  limited funding.

“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” the CDS said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/CCN/YMU
=======
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu and Yakubu Uba
 

Ansaru terrorist leaders’ arrest significant to Nigeria’s anti-terrorism war —U.S.
Defence/Security

Ansaru terrorist leaders’ arrest significant to Nigeria’s anti-terrorism war —U.S.

By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government has described Nigeria’s recent arrest of suspected terrorist leaders linked to the Ansaru terrorist group as a laudable achievement by the government.

This is contained in a statement posted on X by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday.

It said that the development was a significant step by Nigeria in its commendable war against terrorism and violent extremism.

“We commend the Nigerian Government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Malam Mamuda).

“This is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism,” it wrote.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Aug. 16, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), announced the terrorist suspects’ arrest.

Ribadu disclosed that Mahmud Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Malam Mamuda), who were on Nigeria’s wanted list, were captured following a series of intelligence-led operations between May and July.

He said that Bara’a, the self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru, coordinated terror sleeper cells across the country and masterminded kidnappings and robberies to finance the group’s operations.

The NSA linked the duo to several high-profile attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break in Abuja that freed dozens of Boko Haram inmates.

Ribadu further disclosed that the suspects were also implicated in the 2013 attack on a uranium facility in Niger Republic, and the kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina.

He added that they were also involved in the 2019 abduction of Musa Uba, the Magajin Garin Daura, and the kidnapping of the Emir of Wawa in Niger State. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Army reshuffles high command, appoints new PSOs, GOCs
Defence/Security

Army reshuffles high command, appoints new PSOs, GOCs

Appointment
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has approved a major shake-up in the Nigerian Army with the redeployment of senior officers into key command and staff positions.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt -Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja.
Anele said the postings affects Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, and Brigade Commanders.
She said that Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka was appointed Chief of Logistics (Army), Maj.-Gen. A.A. Adekeye became Chief of Personnel Management (Army), and Maj.-Gen. T.B. Ugiagbe took over as Chief of Standard and Evaluation.
She added that Maj.-Gen. A.A. Idris was named Chief of Military Intelligence (Army); Maj.-Gen. M.O. Erebulu was also appointed Provost Marshal (Army).
“Others include Maj.-Gen. E.A. Anaryu as Corps Commander, Supply and Transport, and Maj.-Gen. J.E. Osifo as Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
“Maj.-Gen. S.A. Akesode was posted as Head of Mission, African Union Verification Mission in Tigray, Ethiopia.
“The new GOCs are Maj.-Gen. A.S.M. Wase, appointed GOC 1 Division/Commander Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, appointed GOC 2 Division/Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA,” she said.
Anele further disclosed that Maj.-Gen. M.O. Ihanuwaze had been appointed new Commandant, Nigerian Army Finance School, Maj.-Gen. K.O. Osemwegie heads the Army Signal School, while Maj.-Gen. A.J. Aliyu takes over at the Ordnance School,
She added that Maj.-Gen. A.C. Adetoba becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management.
“Also redeployed are Brig.-Gen. M. Jimoh as Commander, 1 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. N.E. Okoloagu as Commander, 2 Brigade, and Brig.-Gen. A.A. Bello as Commander, 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE.
“Oluyede charged the newly appointed officers to redouble their efforts in sustaining ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and other security threats, while assuring that troops’ welfare remained his priority,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba
=========

How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders- NSA
Defence/Security

How security forces captured top Ansaru terrorist leaders- NSA

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said on Saturday that security forces recorded a major breakthrough with the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group.

 

Ribadu told newsmen in Abuja that the intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July decapitated the leadership of the Al-Qaeda-linked group and dealt “the most decisive blow against them.”

 

He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders.

 

Ribadu added that the operation was launched against Ansaru enclaves in and around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara, with links extending into Benin Republic.

 

He identified one of the suspects as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled “Emir of Ansaru.”

 

Ribadu also identified the second suspect as Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Malam Mamuda),Bara’s deputy and Chief of Staff.

 

He said both suspects had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years.

 

“Abu Bara was described as the coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism.

 

“His deputy, Malam Mamuda, was said to have trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) fabrication,” he said

 

The NSA said the two leaders jointly spearheaded multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and the attack on a Niger uranium facility.

 

Others, he said, included the 2013 abduction of French engineer, Francis Collomp, in Katsina, the 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura) and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

 

He added that they were also linked to Ansaru’s networks across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

 

According to him, the capture of Abu Bara and Mamuda marks a turning point.

 

” It has dismantled Ansaru’s central command structure and signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders in Nigeria,” Ribadu said.

 

He said security forces also recovered valuable materials and digital evidence during the operation which were now undergoing forensic analysis.

 

According to him, these are expected to generate further actionable intelligence against residual Ansaru cells and their foreign collaborators.

 

“This feat exemplifies Nigeria’s advancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

 

“It followed months of deep surveillance, human intelligence and technical tracking, demonstrating enhanced sophistication and seamless inter-agency synergy,” he added.

 

The NSA commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance as well as the armed forces, intelligence agencies and security services for their doggedness in achieving the success.

 

He reassured Nigerians that the government would sustain the momentum, stressing that the fight against terrorism was far from over.

 

“Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with precision, resolve and unwavering determination,” he added.

 

He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, noting that “national security is a shared responsibility.”

 

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the military and other security forces for the collaborative efforts.

 

He also urged the media to continue to deny the terrorists the opportunity to use the media to propagate their evil agenda.

 

“It is incumbent on all of us to ensure that we work collaboratively together so that Nigeria can be safe again,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Lead with integrity, discipline – NDC Commandant urges graduating participants
Defence/Security

Lead with integrity, discipline – NDC Commandant urges graduating participants

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. James Okosun, has charged participants of Course 33 to translate the 44 weeks of intensive training and their hard-earned knowledge into selfless service to the nation.

Okosun, represented by the College Secretary, AVM Ayodele Hanidu, gave the charge on Friday during the special Jumaat service held in honour of the graduating participants in Abuja.

He commended the participants for successfully completing 44 weeks of rigorous academic training in higher defence and strategic management, noting that the process demanded intellectual discipline, sacrifice, and resilience.

“The pressure you have faced here has been by design, to mould you into strategic leaders and policy makers who place the nation above personal interest.

“Beyond seeking knowledge, we carry the responsibility of service and sacrifice for our beloved country, knowing that only Allah knows the time when such sacrifice may be called upon.

“We accept this with full readiness and faith,” he said.

The Commandant reminded the officers that the Qur’an and Hadith enjoin the pursuit of beneficial knowledge  which improves individuals, strengthens communities, uplifts the Ummah, and contributes to a better world.

He also acknowledged the wives of the participants for their steadfast support, describing them as silent pillars of strength throughout the demanding training period.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating officers, Col. Umar Abbas, said the training had tested their resilience, patience, and intellectual capacity, but also reinforced the importance of humility and service.

Abbas noted that while some participants might have achieved all their goals during the course, others might not, adding that both should accept their experiences as part of Allah’s divine decree.

“Please, whatever you have gotten from here, take it as what Allah has decreed for you. It is never the end of life,” he said.

Abbas warned against attributing successes solely to personal effort, stressing that achievements should be seen as blessings from Allah and used to uplift others.

He urged his colleagues to leave the college with “clean minds,” ready to forgive any wrongs committed knowingly or unknowingly during their stay, and to maintain the spirit of brotherhood built over the past year.

“For almost 12 months we have lived and worked together. If at any time we offended anyone, knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive us,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Jumaat service marks the beginning of a series of events leading to the graduation of Course 33 participants, scheduled for next week. (NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba

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