September 17, 2024

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Defence/Security

Army chief seeks support to combat insecurity

By Olajide Idowu

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called for the support and cooperation of Nigerians to combat insecurity in the country.

Lagbaja stated this during the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects on Tuesday in Okuku town, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun.

The army chief, who noted that the military could not overcome the security challenges alone, called for synergy and cooperation from all stakeholders.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that the Nigerian Army is people-centric.

“Accordingly, we are determined to ensure the peace, security, unity, and well-being of all Nigerians.

“The Nigerian Army recognises the fact that our nation’s security and progress depend on the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders.

“We know that military action alone cannot overcome the security challenges we face as a nation.

“Therefore, we seek the support and cooperation of well-meaning Nigerians to combat insecurity in the country.

“I wish to reiterate that under my leadership, the Nigerian Army will continue to pursue both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in collaboration with other security agencies and well-meaning citizens to improve the security situation in the country,” he said

On Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Projects, Lagbaja said the scheme was unique because it allowed the army to identify with communities where they deploy troops.

According to him, the army also identifies with communities where senior officers of the rank of Major Generals hailed to impact their lives positively.

Lagbaja noted that the army had delivered more than 200 projects to communities across Nigeria.

In his remarks, the facilitator of the projects, Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, said that Odo-Otin Grammar School was renovated and provided 200 desks and chairs under the scheme.

Oyinlola said the school’s entry and exit gates were renovated alongside the installation of a 500KVA transformer for the electrification of Ogo-Oluwa, a community within the town.

He said the projects were intended to contribute to both human and infrastructural development in aid to civil authority.

He appreciated the COAS for his exemplary leadership and for providing adequate resources to execute the projects.

Also, a former governor in the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, appreciated the COAS for the gesture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti and Moses Solanke

Defence/Security

COAS calls for more zeal in tackling insecurity

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed army personnel to rekindle their zeal and efforts in tackling security challenges.

Lagbaja gave the charge at the graduation of the 16th Edition of Indigenous Languages Course (ILC) conducted by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Friday in Abuja.

He was represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor.

He said that the army had continued to review the unfolding situations and events in the field to ensure that troops requirements; element of which is the languages course, were provided.

“You must therefore perform assigned tasks professionally and responsibly.

“Furthermore, all the assigned missions must be conducted within extant provisions of the law and in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies personnel, which is the hallmark of our professionalism,” he said.

The COAS said that the indigenous languages programme was important to the army considering the engagement of its troops across the country to tackle the myriad of security challenges.

He said that understanding local languages would help troops in communicating appropriately with colleagues and confidants from other tribes and aid their operations.

According to him, the security environment in the country has necessitated the deployment of  army personnel in the 36 states of the Federation, including the FCT.

“Troops are engaged in various internal security operations, which include counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

“We are also engaged in anti-banditry, herders and farmers clashes, kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities in all parts of the federation.

“Suffice to also state that these operations are intelligence-driven and you must all be aware that credible and reliable intelligence depend highly on effective communication with and from the local populace.

“Effective communication on its part will require some level of proficiency in the local dialect of the operating environment.

“Therefore, proficiency in the three major Nigerian languages of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, will assist you to adequately and professionally relate with the local populace and perform assigned tasks,’’ he said.

The Director-General, NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said that the local languages could be used to enhance Nigerian army’s operation through civil-military cooperation activities, intelligence gathering, and creating cultural awareness among others.

Wahab, who was represented by the Executive Director, Consult, Maj.-Gen. Sadiq Ndalolo, said that the objectives were geared towards winning the hearts and minds of the people in operations areas.

He said that the indigenous language course was designed to develop capacity of army personnel to be able to operate seamlessly anywhere in the country.

“Let me emphasise that to operate seamlessly anywhere in this country, indigenous language is the most valuable means of communication in any society.

“It helps to establish a natural bond with each other and it can build trust and mutual understanding amongst team members.

“Above all, it helps to foster an inclusive and friendly environment where community operations can be planned and executed with population support,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Defence/Security

Army reaffirms ban on unauthorised use of military camouflage

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army (NA) has reiterated that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage remains in full effect.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a video depicting a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing Army Desert Camouflage uniform.

Nwachukwu said the video footage was a stale audio-visual being circulated by individuals with malicious intent to create tension between the military and the civilian populace.

He said that only personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force were legally permitted to wear military camouflage.

Nwachukwu said the regulation became expedient as terrorists, insurgents, and other imposters had exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes, thereby posing significant security threat.

“The Nigerian army remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

“We urge the public to disregard the re-circulated video and to remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and tension within the country.

“The unfortunate incident in question occurred in 2021, and the army took immediate and decisive action at that time.

“The soldier involved was arrested, tried, and appropriately punished for his unacceptable behaviour, which violated the core values of the Nigerian army, particularly the respect for others and their fundamental rights,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Army chief seeks wide-ranging collaboration to protect nation’s territory

Territory

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called for broad-spectrum collaborative effort in addressing the contentious issues of how armies can better protect the nation’s territory.

Lagbaja said this while presenting a paper at the symposium on “Peace, Security and the Commitment of the Youth”, organised by the French Army, at the Golf de Cicé-Blossac in Rennes, France.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said the event was hosted by the French Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Schill Pierre.

Lagbaja spoke on the topic, “Armies and the Protection of their National Territory: Legal Framework, Issues and Challenges,” at the event attended by 12 other chiefs of national armies across Africa.

He raised concerns on the applicability of local and international laws and conventions in the face of the harrowing struggle against non-state actors and states.

According to him, the actors chose to either ignore or treat the laws with levity.

Speaking the French army chief, Gen. Schill, said the symposium was aimed at enabling the French army exchange its mode of engagement with foreign partners, particularly in Africa.

Schill said the symposium was designed with a view to transiting from solely military to an all encompassing, mutually beneficial approach to relationship cum engagement.

According to Nwachukwu, Lagbaja and his Ivorian counterpart are the only foreign delegates granted the honour of presenting papers at the symposium.

He said the COAS was accompanied by the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochai and other members of his delegation.

“They later attended the commissioning ceremony of cadets into the French Army at the Saint-Cyr Military Academy, Coetquida.

“The NDA Commandant also initiated bilateral engagements on cadets training on the side-line of the symposium,’’ Nwachukwu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

NAOWA building members’ capacity for personal, professional development

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), says it is enhancing the capacity of its members for personal and professional development.

The President of NAOWA, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at a two-day training organised for the officers wives with the theme, “Mind-set and Life Transformation.”

Lagbaja said that the training was organised by the association to help the women to navigate the unique challenges they face as wives of army officers.

She said the challenges range from isolation due to frequent postings of their spouses, handling of complex social structures, finding personal purpose amidst demands of their roles, and scarcity of job opportunities.

She said that recognising those barriers and the impact they had on their lives, made it imperative that there was a critical need to support their personal and professional development.

“In response to these pressing needs, I initiated this comprehensive training programme under the umbrella of my Next Level Transformation Agenda, which was unveiled on June 22.

“This two-day programme has been specifically designed to empower members of the association with the necessary tools, skills, and abilities needed to overcome these identified challenges, fostering personal growth and transformation.

“During this training, we will explore the fundamental concepts of the mind and mind-set, understanding how our thoughts shape our reality.

“Participants will also learn techniques to transform negative thinking into a positive one, among other carefully selected topics.

“As it is, our goal is to build a community of confident, purpose-driven individuals who are not only capable of contributing positively to their families and our association but also to society at large,’’ she said.

The NAOWA President said that the participants were expected to be able to clearly define and achieve their goals as individuals and improve relationships both at home and within the association.

She added that they should also be able to boost their self-confidence, and take active steps towards financial independence and personal fulfillment, among other benefits.

She urged them to fully participate and engage with the facilitators, absorb the knowledge, and apply it in their daily lives.

According to her, the training will be replicated in all NAOWA Chapters across the country, ensuring that all members benefit from this empowering initiative.

Mrs Lagbaja thanked the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering support and encouragement to the association.

“Her Excellency’s dedication to uplifting the lives of women across the nation inspires us all and we are very grateful for her guidance and support which have greatly contributed to the remarkable success of our initiatives.

“I would like to also extend my sincere gratitude to my dear husband, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his steadfast support and commitment to NAOWA at all times,’’ she added.

The facilitator of the training, Mrs Celina Unogwu, expressed confidence that every participant would be able to make a full blown journey forward at the end of the training.

Unogwu, who is the Lead Consultant, Celina Unogwu Visioning Academy (CUVA), said the women would be able to make decisions from the awareness and contribute to the society.

According to her, the training was designed to equip them on how they are supposed to do things on the home front and personally for themselves as army wives. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Nigerian Army unveils water project in Cross River community

By Christian Njoku

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has inaugurated a 70,000 litre solar-powered water project at Alesi in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is a Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation scheme, initiated by the COAS and implemented by Maj.-Gen. Hilary Nzan, the Commander, Four Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa.

NAN also reports that the strategic initiative is aimed at fostering improved relationship between the army and communities through the implementation of people-oriented projects.

The Nigerian Army had earlier provided solar-powered street lights in the community.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, the COAS said the project was designed to complement the existing infrastructure provided by the government and other stakeholders.

He said the water project would provide a sustainable source of clean water for the people of Alesi and its environs..

“This project will help to improve the people’s health, sanitation and overall quality of life,” he said.

Lagbaja said the army had implemented a number of people-oriented projects across the country to support the wellbeing of the communities.

He listed some of the projects to include construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools and laboratories, roads, town halls, water facilities, among others.

He pledged the commitment of the army to sustain initiatives capable of promoting the security of the nation and the wellbeing of the people.

Earlier, Nzan, said the army chose to implement a water project after consultation with the community.

He urged members of the community to ensure good maintenance culture while using the project to enable it to serve them better

Speaking on behalf of Alesi Community, Dr Odigha Odigha, a Community Leader, described the project as a good omen to the community.

He commended the army for the initiative and said that the water project would impact positively on the wellbeing of the people.

“This project is a huge relief to the community, it would help in the reduction of waterborne diseases such as cholera. It will also reduce the burden of long treks to the stream.

“We commend the Nigerian Army for its visionary interventions in the community, this has truly enhanced the relationship between the people of the community and the force,” he said

NAN reports that the inauguration ceremony was greeted with traditional dances and the conferment of the traditional title: “The Leader of People ” on the COAS.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Azubuike Okeh

Defence/Security

NDA honours first female Nigerian Army general

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Tuesday unveiled the monument of the first female general in the Nigerian Army, late Maj.-Gen. Aderonke Kale.

The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said the academy would continue to prioritise gender equality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that a lecture was held in honour of Kale at the academy’s auditorium in Afaka, Kaduna State.

Ochai said the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a plethora of set skills that women can equally participate even in combat operations.

He assured that the academy would continue to guarantee equality and inclusiveness to all Nigerians, irrespective of gender, race or religion.

Cross section of cadets of NDA during a lecture in honour of the first female Maj.-Gen. in the Nigerian Army, late Maj-Gen Aderonke Kale, on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Also speaking, Maj.-Gen. Abimbola Amusu, who was the second female general in the Nigerian Army, described Kale as a trailblazer who broke the jinx against all odds.

Amusu advised female cadets and officers to remain committed, resolute and leverage on the available opportunities and training for their career progression.

High point of the event was a lecture presentation by Navy Capt. Feyisara Solebo, entiled:  “Impact of Traditional Roles on Women’s Participation in the Armed Forces: Exploring Gender Stereotypes and Cultural Barriers”.

NAN reports that monument of the Kale was unveiled in her memory at the female cadets’ lines of academy.

Kale was the first female Nigerian to attain the rank of a Major General in the army, and the pioneer female Medical Corps Commander in the Nigerian Army.

She died in November 2023 at the age of 83 in London. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Defence/Security

NADCEL 2024: Army takes medical outreach to Niger community

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The 31 Artillery Brigade Minna, on Wednesday, conducted a medical outreach for residents of Garatu Community in Bosso local government area of Niger.

The outreach is in commemoration  of the 2024  Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Hamidu Bobbo, said the gesture was part of the military tradition of offering humanitarian services to civilians to foster cordial relationship and cooperation.

Bobbo urged the people to see the Nigerian army as part of the society, adding that the free medical outreach was to commemorate the 161 years of the Nigerian army formation and to enhance the Military-Civilian relations.

The brigade commander said the free medical outreach was part of the brigade’s way of saying thank you to the community for their continued support to military.

He  said the theme for the year; “Transforming the Nigerian Army Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment”, was in line with the Chief of Army Staff command philosophy.

He said the community has a great role to play toward combating the security challenges in the state by being vigilant and providing useful information to the Nigerian army.

“Useful information from our communities can help the Nigerian army greatly in the fight against banditry, insurgency and other forms of criminal activities in the country.”

He said the brigade started off  the NADCEL activities on Tuesday with a public lecture in some selected secondary schools in the state,  where some educational materials, including exercise books were distributed to the students.

“No fewer than 300 people including women, children and the elderly in the community benefited from the free medical outreach by the Artillery brigade medical corp.

“Medical services rendered to the people, includes general medical consultations, blood pressure check, blood sugar level check and general drugs administration,” he said.

Earlier of the Chairman of Bosso local government area, Mrs Ladidi Bosso, thanked the brigade for choosing the local government for the 2024  medical outreach to mark the NADCEL 2024.

Bosso, who was represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, Malam Danlami Maiangwar, said the free medical outreach by the army would go a long way in boosting the civil-military relation.

She assured the military of the council’s support at all times in its effort to rid the state of banditry, insurgency and other criminal elements. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

There’ll be peace across Nigeria in foreseeable future – Army chief

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reitrated Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating all threats and ensuring peace in the foreseeable future.

Lagbaja stated this during the Inter-denominational Church Service to commemorate the 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the threats that Nigeria was facing as a nation were complex and adaptive, assuring that the troops are adapting to the situation.

“I would say we are one step ahead of the threats and in doing so we have been able to restore peace to some parts of the country”.

Accoording to Lagbaja, in the areas where the army is still experiencing challenges, the authorities are  reviewing the situation.

“We are tweaking with our strategy and the troops are raring to go and we will continue to provide the necessary support to the troops in the front line.

“My pledge to the nation is that the army will continue to be up and doing, the troops will continue to combat the threat and in the foreseeable future we will experience peace all across the nation,” he said.

The army chief urged Nigerians to continue to support the army by providing information, moral, spiritual and whatever support to enable it to address the situation.

Lagbaja said that:  “With this support, the soldiers in the front line will be motivated to give their all in the defence of the nation and in doing that, we will experience sustainable peace across the nation”.

He thanked the clergy for their diligence in lifting holy hands in prayers on behalf of the Nigerian army families, particularly those in the front lines and the families they left behind.

Lagbaja also congratulated officers and men of the army and members of their families as it marked its 161 years since its inception and counted its successes.

He said the service had experienced wars, low-intensity conflicts, and military operations other than war, such as peacekeeping/peace enforcement and military aid to civil authority engagements.

According to him, Nigeria today boasts of a force that is globally reckoned with, renowned for its tenacity and adaptability and a force that is victory-focused.

He said the Nigerian army understood the underlying spiritual component of fighting power, and ascribed battle successes to God as conspicuously captured by its motto: “Victory is from God Alone.”

“I believe it is in recognition of the place of thankfulness to God for the past year and the need to seek divine guidance and blessings for a new year that our forefathers initiated the NADCEL religious activities.

“Therefore, our gathering today is to thank the Almighty for His guidance over the past year and seek His continued blessings, grace, and favour.

“Like the eagle bird that symbolises strength in the army logo, we have congregated before the Almighty to renew our strength to soar higher and accomplish missions in the new year,” he said.

Lagbaja said that the NADCEL Church service was also to commemorate the fallen warriors, celebrate the living and pray for a brighter future for the Nigerian army.

He urged all to keep praying for the repose of the souls of their beloved colleagues who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defending the nation as well as for the recovery of the growing population of wounded-in-action warriors.

The Director, Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Anthony Maimagani, said the theme of the Interdenominational Church Service is: ‘Integrating Religious Morals in the Society: Imperative in Combating Contemporary Security Challenges in a Joint Environment’’.

Maimagani said the Nigerian army believed that victory only comes from God as encapsulated in its motto.

He said it was God that guided personnel and gave them inner courage to fight to overcome the enemy.

According to him, prayer is a key thing in their lives as they struggle with insecurity in the country.

“That is why we talk about a non kinetic way of dealing with this insecurity and prayer is one aspect of dealing with such insecurity,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Bashir Rabe Mani

Defence/Security

Army making significant contributions to national development — COAS

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army has made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas over the last 161 years of its existence.

Lagbaja said this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, on Monday in Abuja.

He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim.

He said the army had over the years, made progress in the areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres.

According to him, the challenges faced by the Nigerian army over the past 161 years notwithstanding, it has persevered and grown to be the 39th ranked out of 145 countries assessed in the Global Firepower Index of 2024.

“It is due to these accomplishments we always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into July 6, to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God,” he said.

The COAS said that the NADCEL was a celebration of one of the greatest armies in the world.

“The eventful history had spanned 161 years, dated back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.

He said the army had played crucial roles in defence of the country and maintenance of peace and security.

He added that the celebration would provide an opportunity to celebrate brave men and women, who have served and continued to serve in the army.

According to him, it is expedient to state that as the Nigerian army evolves, it continually builds capacity and modernised to effectively meet its responsibilities.

“The capabilities and doggedness of the Nigerian army ensured its troops participated in the First and Second World War and numerous peacekeeping and peace support operations in different parts of the world.

“The Nigerian army also took active part in the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquished” reuniting the country in 1970.

“Its heroic exploits in Peacekeeping, especially in the last two decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.

“The effectiveness of the Nigerian army in peacekeeping resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries.

“In spite of our security challenges, Nigeria submit to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts,” he said.

Lagbaja said that the NADCEL aimed to showcase the army as an instrument of national unity, integration, and development as well as highlight achievements, capabilities and enduring reputation of the Nigerian army.

The theme for the year, according to him, is “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”.

He said the theme was carefully selected considering the significance of transformation for combat readiness and proficiency toward attaining a robust national security that supported economic prosperity and resilient democracy, in accordance with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The COAS said the 2024 celebration would be held in Jos, the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army with lined up activities from July 1 to July 6.

He said the events would include conduct of free medical outreach and inauguration of quick impact projects within the host community.

He added that it would elicit their support and cooperation as well as special lecture on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian army’s transformation.

According to him, the crescendo for the NADCEL is the Grand Finale that will involve parade and COAS Commendation Award.

“It will also include armament and equipment display and exhibitions on historical transformation of the Nigerian army and some research and development efforts of the army including some of its partners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Abiemwense Moru

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