NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Army tackles trauma, drug abuse among personnel
Defence/Security

Army tackles trauma, drug abuse among personnel

117 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Army is working to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse among its personnel, particularly those deployed in combat.

 

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was a special guest of honour, disclosed this at a combined seminar on Intensifying Warrior Ethos, PTSD and Drug Abuse in Kontagora.

 

The News Agency (NAN) reports that the seminar titled: “From Trauma to Triumph: Building Combat Ready Warriors in the Nigerian Army, was organised for officers of Nigerian army Corps of Artillery and Nigerian Army Training Center.

 

Oluyede, represented by Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, Commander, the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, emphasised the importance of warrior ethos in the army, particularly in the face of contemporary security challenges.

 

“The warrior ethos embodies a deep sense of commitment, an intangible force that inspires soldiers to give their best in any situation.

 

“Today, warrior ethos is increasingly threatened by societal pressure and the growing trend of illicit use of drugs among army personnel,” he said.

 

He said the seminar aligned with his command philosophy which aimed to transform Nigerian army into a well motivated and combat ready force.

 

The COAS added that the seminar aimed to create awareness on the devastating effects of drug abuse and highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD

 

He said the seminar would present opportunity for troops to strengthen their inherent warrior ethos, enhance cohesiveness in military operations and promote the core values of discipline, loyalty and selfless service.

 

He reiterated the army’s commitment to providing effective leadership, sound administration, professionalism, and combat readiness to better secure the territorial integrity of the nation.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Olusegin Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, said the seminar was designed to enhance the leadership capacity of senior and middle cadre officers and to instill warrior ethos among troops.

 

Abai, represented by Maj.-Gen. Collins Adetoba, the Deputy Chief of Transformation and Innovation, added that the workshop is aimed at creating awareness on the devastating effects of drug abuse.

 

“It will also highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD enhancing combat readiness,” he said.

 

NAN reports that presentations were made on Intensifying Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army by retired Maj. Gen. Charles Ofoche and Combat Stress Management and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Nigerian Army by retired Lt. Col. Susan Dibal.

 

Also, Ibrahim Chikaji, the Area Commander of the NDLEA Niger Command, presented a lecture on Drug and Substance Abuse: Impact on Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander
Defence/Security

Soldiers must remain mission-ready at all times – Commander

99 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQGARR), Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to maintain mission ready soldiers at all times through continuous training.

Dangana stated this at the closing of the AHGARR Warrant a officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2025, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the competition underscored the importance of the senior non-commissioned officers to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army.

He commended the participants for the display of precision during the drill competition, the skill and marksmanship at the shooting range, and the tactical awareness during navigation exercises.

The commander also hailed them for the strength and endurance shown in swimming, obstacle crossing, and combat race.

According to him, these activities mirror real battlefield scenarios and are essential in preparing our soldiers to remain mission-ready at all times.

“From what I have seen and witnessed today, and of course, over the few days of this competition, there is no doubt that the competition has actually achieved a purpose for which it was meant.

“The competition is actually in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command philosophy, which is the consolidation of the transformation of Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he said.

“The participants completed drill competitions, shooting, navigation, swimming, and combat races, which concluded today and this morning with obstacle crossing.

“These are not mere competitive exercises, they are the core of our soldiering ethos, representing the skills, discipline, endurance, and mental alertness that define the strength and reliability of our armed forces,” he said.

The Commander said the senior non-commissioned officer had demonstrated exceptional level of commitment, resilience, teamwork, and regimentation throughout the event.

He said their efforts had strengthened the bond within the garrison and reinforced the vital role they play in upholding standards, enforcing discipline, and mentoring young soldiers.

Dangana urged all competitors to carry forward the lessons learned, continue to build on them, and remain worthy role models for the soldiers under their command.

He congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance and congratulated others not to relapse, but to work harder for future competitions.

“Let us remember that the goal is not only to win trophies, but to build capacity, promote esprit de corps, and improve the readiness of our troops for any eventuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition commenced on Monday with three teams drawn from AHQ Garrison area of responsibility.

At the end of the competition, Team Alpha (A) emerged overall winner with 380 points, Team Charlie (C) came second with 280 points, while Team Bravo (B) came third with 180 points. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Army arrests 43 suspected oil thieves in 3 states
Economy/Business

Army arrests 43 suspected oil thieves in 3 states

315 total views today

Arrest

By Desmond Ejibas

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have apprehended 43 suspected oil thieves during a coordinated raid on illegal artisanal refineries across Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

Spokesman for the division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday, noting that 14 artisanal refineries were also dismantled during the operations.

Danjuma also revealed that troops seized 14 boats and confiscated about 254,000 litres of various stolen petroleum products between March 31 and April 6.

Providing details of the operations, he explained that soldiers in Delta raided the Old Ogorode community in the Sapele area, where they recovered 90,000 litres of petroleum products loaded into a bus.

“Furthermore, troops confiscated 74,107 drums filled with 16,600 litres of petroleum products and 1,600 litres of illegally refined engine oil.

“Other items recovered include a tank filled with over 20,000 litres of stolen products, an empty tank  with a capacity of 5,000 litres, eight pumping machines, two generators.

“Two suspects were arrested at the crime scene,” he stated.

In a separate operation in Amukpe, Sapele, Danjuma said that soldiers intercepted a truck carrying 56 drums containing 13,400 litres of stolen crude oil.

He confirmed the arrest of three suspects connected to the incident.

“In Rivers, troops dismantled illegal sites, seized about 83,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Andoni, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Akuku-Toru, and Degema Local Government Areas.

“The petroleum products were found stored in more than 80 cooking pots and ovens, as well as in sacks, metal receivers, iron pipes, and a reservoir pit,” Danjuma stated.

In Bayelsa, the army spokesman reported the seizure of 13,500 litres of stolen crude following the destruction of four illegal refineries in Yenagoa and Ekeremor LGAs.

During the raids, Danjuma revealed that troops also dismantled over nine cooking drums and receivers, 11 ovens, four drums, and a dug-out reservoir.

According to him, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their successful operations and urged stakeholders to support the fight against illegal oil bunkering.

“The GOC assured Nigerians that these ongoing operations form part of broader efforts to boost oil and gas production and enhance the nation’s economy,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

COAS pledges commitment to developing combat-ready force
Defence/Security

COAS pledges commitment to developing combat-ready force

412 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a highly motivated and combat-ready force through structured career planning and digital transformation.

Oluyede gave the assurance at the opening of the 6th Career Planning and Management Seminar for Officers, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary on Tuesday in Abuja.

The seminar has as its theme: “Effective Career Planning for Nigerian Army Officers: Imperative for a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”.

Represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, the COAS, emphasised that career development was a critical pillar in maintaining a professional and effective military.

He highlighted the army’s ongoing efforts to modernise career management by ensuring that officers were deployed based on their skills and competencies.

He commended the Department of the Military Secretary for digitising officers’ records and urged them to accelerate the rollout of an electronic performance evaluation report set for 2025.

“As we navigate evolving security challenges, it is imperative that our officers are well-prepared, motivated, and assigned roles that align with their expertise.

“This will not only enhance operational effectiveness but also boost morale within the force,” he said.

Oluyede reiterated his vision for a digitally advanced and combat-effective Army and encouraged officers to embrace career planning as a tool for professional growth and operational success.

He added that the initiative reflected the Nigerian army’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening personnel development and improving military readiness.

“This therefore brings to the fore the need for efficient career planning and management of personnel.

“As the world continues to evolve and with several organisations embracing novel and new strategies in human resource management, we must continually seek to improve our approach to career planning and management of our military human resources.

“This will ensure that we keep producing the right crop of personnel adequately prepared and equipped to deal with our present and future threats.

“We must all continue to try to ensure that our officers and men remain professional in the discharge of their duties,” he added.

The Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Everest Okoro, said the seminar was designed to focus on achieving motivated and combat-ready Nigerian army officers through recruitment, appointments, and deployments within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Okoro said that it was also designed to guarantee the desired output and future packages that would encourage participants to contemporarily approach military resource management with a view to improve career planning at all levels.

In his lecture, the former Military Secretary, retired Maj.-Gen. Shehu Abdulkadir, said that the Nigerian army had continued to face a critical need for a modernised human resource management system.

Abdulkadir delivered a paper titled, “Military Human Resource Management in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment: The Nigerian Army in Perspective”.

He said that a comprehensive talent management system, similar to that employed by the US Army, would help identify and promote personnel based on their skills, experience, and leadership potential, ultimately improving the army’s overall effectiveness.

He added that ongoing reforms could focus on improving the balance of personnel within the army and ensuring that human resource management decisions were data-driven, transparent, and focused on long-term personnel development. (NAN) 

Edited by Deborah Coker

Army constructs secondary school in Kontagora cantonment
Defence/Security

Army constructs secondary school in Kontagora cantonment

396 total views today

By Rita Iliya
The Nigerian Army has commenced construction of Command Day Secondary School in Kontagora Military Cantonment in Niger.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, inaugurated the construction of the school in Kontagora military cantonment on Tuesday.

Oluyede was represented at the occasion by Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre.

He said the establishment of the secondary school was a key component of his command philosophy, which prioritises the welfare of troops and their families.

He said the absence of a secondary school in the cantonment had been challenging to the smooth transition of pupils from primary to secondary school.

He said that the new secondary school would provide access to quality education for the children of military personnel and the host community.

The COAS said the project would boost the morale of troops, knowing that their welfare and that of their families is given priority.

“The school will serve as a hub for community engagement, promoting peaceful coexistence between the military and the host community,” he said.

He reiterated the Nigerian army’s commitment to providing quality education for children.

Earlier in his welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Commander Corps of Artillery, said the project would provide quality education to the children of military personnel and the host community.

“On assumption of duty, we observed a gap in the educational system of wards in the cantonment. Since the establishment of the barrack, it has no secondary school.

“This was evident as the only educational facilities available within the cantonment were the Army Children School established in 1973 and the Vulcan Nursery and Primary School established in 1995.

“The yearly enrolment from the barracks and host community over the years number over 1,000 pupils.

”These pupils are faced with the challenge of transiting on graduation from primary to secondary school,” he said.

He said following the needs assessment, it was observed that this lapse was a challenge to the wards of personnel, adding that it has also affected the morale of the troops.

Abubakar commended the COAS for approving the establishment of the school, saying the gesture would bridge the transition from primary to secondary school gap.(NAN)
RIS/IS

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

No French military base in Maiduguri- Army
Defence/Security

No French military base in Maiduguri- Army

568 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

The Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Nigerian Army, has dismissed claims of the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri.

In a statement on Monday, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Army Public Relations, OPHK, described the claims as baseless and misleading.

The clarification followed allegations by a social media influencer, Mahdi Shehu, on his X handle, claiming that a French military base had been established in Maiduguri.

Shehu supported his claim with a video showing the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, alongside a foreign officer, who he alleged to be a French military representative.

Kovangiya, however, clarified that the video in question was recorded during a recent press briefing at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, after the donation of equipment to the army by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

“The officer seen in the video is a representative of BMATT, not a French military official.

“The donation, received by the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Oct. 25, was part of an ongoing military partnership with BMATT to strengthen counter-IED capabilities in the theatre of operations,” he said.

Kovangiya emphasised that there was no French military presence in Maiduguri, nor any plans to establish one.

He accused Shehu of deliberately spreading falsehoods and attempting to manipulate public opinion through the use of doctored content.

“The claims made by Shehu Mahdi are baseless misrepresentations and a deliberate attempt to cause misinformation and incite the public.

“Such antics are malicious and aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” he added. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Army chief charges junior officers to be enterprising, resourceful
Defence/Security

Army chief charges junior officers to be enterprising, resourceful

393 total views today

By Sani Idris

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged students of the Junior Course 98 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to be enterprising, diligent and resourceful.

Oluyede gave the charge while addressing the students at their regimental dinner night on Wednesday in Jaji, Kaduna State.

According to him, possessing the attributes will enable them build successfully on their career and personal lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner night is one of the major events lined up for the graduation of the students on Friday.

Oluyede said the objective of the college was to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers to prepare them for staff and command appointments.

He said the officers in the last 23 weeks had learnt some vital concepts like counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, estimate process and manoeuvring approach to warfare and peace support operations.

“It is also gratifying that you learnt the rudiments of time management, perseverance, determination, team spirit, staff work, self confidence and most importantly, discipline while on this course.

“Your leadership, dedication and ability to inspire and guide your teams are essential to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.

”As junior leaders, you must be able to inspire confidence in subordinates and not lead through intimidation or be overtly coercive.

“Your impact significantly contributes to the overall plan and objectives at the operational and strategic levels,“ he said.

The army chief congratulated the students on the successful completion of their course

NAN reports that prizes were given to students who distinguished themselves (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Security: Army advocates more inter-agency collaboration
Defence/Security

Security: Army advocates more inter-agency collaboration

516 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Army has stressed the need for synergy among security agencies to combat insecurity in the country and Niger.

 

Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), made the call at the 2024 Joint West Africa Social Activities (WASA) held at the Minna military cantonment.

 

Aligbe said the event provides an opportunity for social activities and showcases the cultural heritage of Nigerians.

 

He commended the troops of TRADOC and 31 Artillery Brigade for their bravery and sacrifices, adding that they successfully conducted all their activities for the training circle for the year 2024.

 

According to him, the success was recorded in spite of the complex security operating environment in Niger.

 

Aligbe expressed optimism that the brigade and units in the state are set to consolidate the operational gains made so far.

 

He acknowledged the efforts of other security agencies, including the 013 Quick Response of the Nigerian Air Force and all other security and intelligence agencies.

 

The commander also lauded the financial and moral support of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and the present COAS Lt.-Gen. Femi Oluyede to training, operations, and welfare of personnel.

 

Aligbe described WASA as an annual event that promotes unity and peaceful co-existence among the Nigerian army family.

 

Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Hamidu Bobbo, Commander, 31 Artillery Brigade, commended the troops for their bravery and sacrifices.

 

Bobbo said the army would continue to work towards winning all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting national interest, and accomplishing tasks in a civil authority.

 

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, commended the Nigerian army’s efforts in improving the security situation in the state.

 

Bago, represented by Rtd. Gen. Bello Muhammad, Commissioner for Homeland Security, cited improvements in travel safety, farming activities, and harvests.

 

The governor said WASA had fostered unity and cohesion among the army, and promoting a sense of oneness among Nigerians.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WASA is an annual event organised by the Nigerian army to celebrate the diverse rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

 

The event brings together officers, soldiers, and their families in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate and mark the end of the year’s activities.

 

Highlights of the event included cultural displays, dance performances, and regimental activities by the troops and presentation of awards to officers for their outstanding performance. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Acting COAS pledges to prioritise welfare of soldiers
Defence/Security

Acting COAS pledges to prioritise welfare of soldiers

549 total views today

 

By Abiodun Azi

The acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says he will continue to prioritise the welfare and health of the personnel for utmost service delivery.

Oluyede said this after inaugurating an 84-bed space accommodation facility for military interns at the 66 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba (NARHY) on Thursday in Lagos.

He assured that the welfare of soldiers and officers would continue to be given prompt attention while underscoring the importance of personnel at the military medical Corps to soldiers and their families.

Oluyede charged the beneficiaries to ensure maintenance of the facility, saying that it would improve their comfort and better state of mind for the effective discharge of their duties.

Earlier, the acting Commander, Corps of Medical, Brig.-Gen Samson Okoigi, commended the COAS for gifting the command such an edifice.

According to him, the facility is not just a building, but a representation of the authority’s commitment in nurturing the future of the Nigeria Army Medical Corps.

“It is a commitment that ensures that our interns have the best possible environment to learn, grow and thrive.”

Okoigi noted that having such an edifice was an important requirement for the accreditation of the hospital’s continuous internship training.

“With a hospital with 250 Intens, this 84-bed accommodation will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of some of the interns who have to come to work from distant places with the attendant increased cost of transportation.

“The Ag COAS’s leadership has been instrumental in making this project a reality.

“It reflects our shared commitment to the health and well-being of our personnel and their families.

“To the interns: You are an integral part of the medical community.  Your dedication, resilience and passion for service are what drive us forward.

“The new accommodation was designed with your needs in mind providing a space that fosters collaboration, learning and camaraderie,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Army must select recruits with physical, intellectual capacity– Experts
Defence/Security

Army must select recruits with physical, intellectual capacity– Experts

701 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Some serving and retired army generals have emphasised the need for the Nigerian Army to select recruits with both physical strength and intellectual capacity to meet future operational demands.

The views were canvassed at a one-day Nigerian Army Military History Seminar organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme “Military History and Decision Making in the Nigerian Army Drawing Lessons from the Past Challenges and Prospects.”

Retired Maj.-Gen. Stephenson Olabanji, who delivered a paper on “Nigerian Army’s Cultural Evolution Since 1863”, said that little emphasis was placed on educational qualifications of enlisted men at inception.

Olabanji said that the force had, however, metamorphosed into a highly educated upwardly mobile band of professionals across all facets of learning.

He explained that “the current Nigerian army is making commendable strides to modernise the force.”

He emphasised that recruitment must be enhanced with improved processes to be able to achieve an ideal soldier.

According to him, recruitment system should be up-scaled with heightened emphasis on physical fitness, mental toughness, strategic thinking and
adaptability to diverse operational environment.

“This is because future battlefield will not only require physical strength, but intellectual capacity and emotional resilience.

“The concept of ideal soldier is central to Nigerian army’s vision for operational success, while the skills and competencies of the ideal soldier must align with Nigeria’s national interest.

“Ideal soldiers function as cohesive and highly effective force in pursuit of national interest.

“Ideal soldier is expected to exhibit profound love for homeland because love for country translates to readiness to defend the country at all cost, soldier with strong patriotism likely to uphold Nigerian army’s values and contribute to successes,’’ he added.

In his remarks, Retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, the Special Assistant, Technical to the Minister of Defence, said the seminar would help to expose soldiers to lessons learnt from past wars and battles.

Jibrin said it was not enough for the military to prepare and go to war but having it in mind that some of the plans made might not come true.

According to him, each and everyone of the principles of war is derived from the lessons learned in history.

“And so, since we are using the principle to fight the present war and even the future war, then it is necessary for us to know that without history, we cannot build today and the future.

“In the past, these technological advancements were not in the stage, but the lesson of history has taught us that things will not continue to be as they used to.

“Nations will continue to strive to make efforts to come up with more modern ways and means of dealing with security situations confronting them.”

The Deputy Chief of Training (Training and Exercise), Army, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the soldier of the future must be a smart soldier that should be well-educated.

Etsu-Ndagi said such a soldier should be in tune with realities of the time such as technology, to be able to navigate the battlefield of the future.

The Director-General of NARC, Retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, described the seminar as an “indirect approach training to look at what was being done right from lessons learnt from the past.”

Wahab said that the first seminar had been of immense benefit to the army, adding that the second edition was expected to help them come up with lessons and gaps needed to be filled.

According to him, it is not just for the soldier to be physically fit and man the weapon, but ability to relate with the community, and be able to communicate effectively.

He said: “it goes beyond handling of weapons because that weapon is being held in trust for Nigerians to be able to secure them.

“So, we have to find a way of ensuring that trust is built between not only the army, but all the security agencies and the community they are securing.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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