₦airaland Forum

By Olayemi Esan 

... Physical Training Strategic and Leadership Training Workshop begins in Abuja

The renewed efforts on reinvigorating physical fitness training has improved the state of fitness of our troops and reduced complaints about fitness level in the Nigerian Army.

The Chief Of Training (ARMY) Major General AB Ibrahim represented by Deputy Chief of Training, Major General  Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye gave this assertion on Wednesday when declaring open a 3 Day Maiden Strategic and Leadership Training Workshop of the Directorate of Army Physical Training 2022 at Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja. 

General Ibrahim who is a special guest of honour said the Directorate has ventured into constructive engagemenots with relevant stakeholders towards capacity building and repositioning for greater performance. 

He stated that, the drive has led to the conceptualization of this Maiden Strategic and Leadership Training Workshop with an apt theme of “Capacity Building of Directorate of Army Physical Training’s Leadership for Fitness Training Towards Combat Effectiveness in a Joint Environment”. 

General Ibrahim noted that, the successes of Nigerian Army sportsmen and teams under the tutelage of the Directorate of Army Physical Training, the victory in the Inter Services Games 2021, which was the first in over 12 years, the First Position in the Military Category and the Overall Second Runner up Trophy in the National Open Swimming Championship 2021 among others are gratifying. 

He expresse optimism that the discourse at the Workshop would be constructive and lead to actionable recommendations which would appropriately prepare and re-position the Directorate to address contemporary fitness issues and preparedness for future requirements. 

Earlier while welcoming participants and guests, the Acting Directorate of Army Physical Training, Brigadier General Olawale Fawole  stressed that the renewed diligence by officers and soldiers of the DAPT on the conduct, evaluation and assessment of physical efficiency at the tactical level would require a drive at the critical strategic level of leadership. 

He is optimistic that this drive could only be properly defined and impactful with a symbiosis of ideas and constructive engagement with critical stakeholders across the spectrum of training. It is this important need for collaboration with others, especially at the formation and training institutions level that informed the conceptualisation of this Workshop and its attendance.

He said, the Theme for this Workshop, which is "Capacity Building of DAPT's Leadership for Fitness Training Towards Combat Effectiveness in a Joint Environment" is therefore very apt for the objective of this maiden event in the history of the Physical Training. 

Brigadier General Fawole further said the 3 Day workshop and training was organised to improve fitness for combat efficiency and in sports by the Nigerian Army, which will lead to the attainment of the Vision of the COAS which is to have "A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria. 

"This is in addition to the re-orientation of junior commanders and soldiers on the need for integrity in the conduct of physical efficiency tests, physical fitness assessment and other fitness sporting competitions", he said.

By Olayemi Esan

One of the the victims of Mondays attack where suspected terrorists  detonated bombs on the railtrack of Abuja-Kaduna train has narrated his ordeal and how Nigerian Army troops rescued all passengers from the deadly hands of Terrorists.

Read:

We boarded the 6:27 train to Kaduna the journey was very typical and uneventful until roughly 25 minutes from Kaduna. We heard a bang and the coach started wobbling. I realized that our coach had derailed and it started leaning to one side; fortunately the train came safely to a halt and then we started hearing gunfire. 

"We all dropped to the floor. I heard muffled voices with Fulani accents from outside the train, they eventually forced their way into the train screaming in what sounded like Arabic and went to the coach behind ours. They let out some shots which we later learnt killed a passenger rattling them and causing them to leave the train with many passengers from that coach. They continued shooting until they left us. 

In the meantime, the police escorts rallied together and resisted the onslaught. 

They exchanged gunfire for so long after the attack. We remained on board the train in the dark and in silence until soldiers came and announced their arrival. 

They secured the train, removed the injured and some of the dead and shepherded (if there's such a word) of the train. We were told by the security details that many coaches had gone of the tracks and so the train wouldn't be able to move further. 

On getting out I observed that there were steep escarpments on either side of the train. The military helped us all up the steep slope and got us to sit in the ground at the top.

A Brigadier-General whose name I didn't catch addressed us. He said that vehicles were on their way to pick us up. 

However, we were going to have to walk to where it would be easier for the vehicles to maneuver due to the poor state of the tracks to our point of rescue. 

We then walked to the Kaduna-Abuja road what we were immediately loaded onto busses and brought to Kaduna. In my case we were dropped off at Leventis flyover at roughly 1:45 am. 

We're grateful to God for the deliverance from injury, being kidnapped and death. 

Our hearts bleed for those that died in this incidence; it could have happened to any one of us. Let's pray for those they left behind and that this dangerous security situation is brought under control.

Meanwhile, a Twitter user has announced the death of one of the passengers onboard, who according to source said, the last tweet of the Nigerian female doctor, identified as Chinelo, was ”I’m in the train . I have been shot please pray for me.”

Last night the doctor had taken to her Twitter handle to plead with people to pray for her after she sustained a gunshot injury during the attack.

Her friend via his Twitter handle this morning disclosed that she didn’t make it.

”Just woke up to a sad news My friend just woke up to losing a close friend who was shot at the Abuja Kaduna train incident by terrorists She tweeted yesterday that we should pray for her. Sadly she didn’t make it. She was a Doctor Nigeria why..I’m heartbroken

I was just here yesterday tweeting and asking if there were medical personnels on the train who could offer emergency services And some people were here saying why will I think of such a thing..really?..for basic first aid to be provided for injured May Nigeria not happen to us.

#RIPDRCHINELO”

By SpyeTV

Over 10 persons have been reported dead while 16 persons injured.

The injured passengers were Haruna Muhammed; Mohammed Modibo; Ibrahim Wakili; Yakubu Nuhu; Abdulahi Yahay; Ismail Saidu; Abdumalik Rasheedat; Umar Mohammed.

Others are, Hadiza Umar; Musa Ishawan; Aisha Yusuf; Mohammed Ameen; Abubakar Hauwau; Aliyu Sulaiman; Olaosebikan Bilikisu and Mrs Leola Abdulbasit.

More Details later...

Cadamlk:
By the way what are they doing with walking stick? Are they too old to walk on their two legs

That's not a stick dear. It's for Generals ...

By Olayemi Esan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya on Tuesday visited the scene of Kaduna - Abuja where suspected terrorists detonated bombs on the railtrack of Abuja-Kaduna train.

Director Army Public Relations, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu in a press statement said the COAS, who was accompanied by some principal staff officers of the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, on arrival at scene, assessed the security situation around the general area of the attack and inspected the attacked train, as well as the rail track to evaluate the degree of damage.

He ordered the troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to intensify their search and rescue operations to ensure that the kidnapped victims are rescued unconditionally.

The COAS has also assured Nigerians that the troops will be undeterred and vehement in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.

He urged members of the surrounding communities and all Nigerians to continue to avail troops with credible information to enhance their operations across the country.

Gen Yahaya observed that the attack reverberates the need for critical stakeholders to review the security of railways across the country in order to achieve the desired security architecture for railway transportation.

By SpyeNews
The Nigerian Army says, Troops of 82 Division on Monday conducting clearance operations along Anambra/Imo States border communities dislodged a criminal hideout used by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate; Eastern Security Network ( ESN) in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. 

The notorious groups have serially launched attacks on defenceless civilians and security targets from the hideout.

Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a press statement said, during the clearance operations along the border communities, troops were met with stiff resistance from the dissident elements, as they closed in on their enclave. 

They were overwhelmed by troops' superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their hideout. After over running their camp, the gallant troops carried out further exploitation and recovered a cache of arms, comprising 22 Pump Action rifles, 19 Dane guns and 6 machetes. Other items recovered include assorted mobile phones, simcards, monitor and a laptop. 

One operational Hilux vehicle and various voodoo items and charms were also recovered. 
Investigations revealed that the hideout served as the operational base of one Innocent Obieke (aka Double Lion), who is said to be the head of the vigilante group in the area, but surreptitiously coordinates the criminal activities of IPOB/ESN in the area. The suspect is currently on the run, while troops have intensified operations to close in on him and his cohort.

Members of the general public are please enjoined to continue to support troops and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their vicinity. 
Read More: https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2022/03/just-in-troops-swoop-on-ipobesn-hideout.html?m=1

In line with Nigerian Army constitutional responsibilities, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has said, the Army will continue to provide conducive and secured environment for the conduct of the general elections through Operation SAFE CONDUCT in aid to civil authority".

The COAS made this known on Thursday during his remark at the closing ceremony of COAS first quarter Conference held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess Asokoro, Abuja.

According to General Yahaya this is particularly important as the activities outlined in the Independent National Electoral Commission calendar gathers steam.

General Yahaya charges all army personnel to remain professional and glaringly apolitical as they carry out their constitutional duties of maintaining peace and security in aid of civil authority across the Country.

He advise all personnel to continue to uphold human right principles in the conduct of our operations in tandem with the Constitution and Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement.

The COAS also noted nefarious activities of violent criminals that Nigeria confront in ongoing operations of Nigerian Army within the Country has a direct connect with proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in unauthorized hands.

General Yahaya said this has brought to the fore the inherent dangers in arms proliferation and thus necessitated the need for all Army Commanders to exercise effective control of arms and ammunition placed under their care and spare no efforts at thwarting any forms of the arms spread in their domains.

He urged Commanders to sustain the high level of professionalism so far exhibited in employment of these platforms in the field to ensure optimal performance.

"It is a Command responsibility to ensure proper deployment, employment and maintenance of all equipment and facilities.

"I wish to remind commanders to continue to educate and inculcate in the troops on the ‘Core Values’ of the Nigerian Army which among others include, Courage, Integrity, Selfless Service and Respect for Others.

"In particular, the aspect of ‘Courage’ was extensively discussed during the Conference as fundamental requirement in the development and maintenance of the ‘Warrior Ethos’ which is key to accomplishment of kinetic missions, he advised.

General Yahaya stressed that the concept and content of the Warrior Ethos’ should be taken seriously in all aspects of Nigerian Army training.

"The successes recorded so far in our operations can be attributed to the renewed zeal by the troops to decisively confront all forms of security threats. This much appreciated dogged posture must be sustained as no untoward conduct or misdemeanour would be tolerated from any quarters", he said.

General Yahaya also charged all Commanders to sensitize personnel on the use of social media and also conduct regular visits to the frontline to address any immediate challenges and also boost the morale of troops.

He thanked president Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous support and strategic guidance, adding that, the Nigerian Army will work tirelessly in conjunction with sister Services, other security agencies and stakeholders in providing enabling environment for peace to thrive in the Country.

General Yahaya thanked the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) and the Central Organizing Committee for a well-organized Conference and ambience you created provided the enabling environment for fruitful deliberations
Watch the closing ceremony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgdv1J7lmtk

In a bid to have greater situational awareness of Operations from Theatres, the Nigerian Army has commissioned a newly constructed Operations Centre at the Army Headquarters which was necessitated by the growing involvement of the Nigerian Army in a plethora of operations across the country.

In his remark, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya said, the idea of having a befitting Operation Centre for the Nigerian Army was conceived by the former Chief of Army Staff  Lieutenant General TY Buratai (Retd), who is now the Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic at the twilight of his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff. 

General Yahaya said, assuming office, he prioritized the completion of the project. This was in realization of the growing importance of technology to military operations and the need to adequately leverage same to improve the operational picture of Army Headquarters.

He said, the intention was to have an appropriate facility that could provide the Army Headquarters with real time situational awareness on all operational activities across operational theatres where troops are deployed. 

"We will continue and improve on the legacy Lt Gen TY Buratai had laid down, reason why the Operations Centre was uplifted and established.

"The Centre has state of the art facilities that enables it to serve the 3 fold functions of a Command Centre, a situation room and an operations briefing facility.

"We shall conduct our Monday Briefing here in order to talk directly to all General Officer Commanding GOC's, and toallbthe sectors in the Theaters, and Nigerian Army Headquarters in Lokoja", he said.

The COAS thanked the former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Lt Gen TY Buratai (Retd) for his imput and support and leveraging on his wealth of experience to guide the Nigerian Army after his retirement.

The Special Guest of Honour in his remark  Lieutenant General TY Buratai  said, "To have a befitting operational centre is an indication that the Nigerian Army is a very serious and professional organizatin. They are making sure the full implementation of its constitutional responsibilities.

"The Nigerian Army before 2015 is different now. We see new logs ern army, professional and versatile and carrying along all the bother sevices to operate in a joint environment and to operate jointly for the attainment of national objective of territorial Defence and maintainance of our territorial integrity", he noted.

He opined that, the first class edifice, excellently finish should be handle from the rank of Major in the Nigerian Army which is the operational level with the very good background.

He thanked the COAS for the completion of the project Chief of Operations and other senior officers who contributed to the success of the new edifice. He pray it will be utilize for what it meant to be.

Earlier, the Chief of Operations Major General OT Akinjobi while briefing Guest at the epoch ceremony, said the facility has the capability to interface with related assets of the other Services for optimal joint operations.

It affords the Army headquarters the enhanced reach and the ability to quickly intervene, direct and influence ongoing operations. From the Centre, the Army Headquarters would have a common operational picture with commanders in the field. 

More importantly, the facility is scalable and can therefore accommodate further add-ons as the Nigerian Army continues to embrace the technologies of the times with a view to better performing her constitutional roles in line with the COAS’ Vision of “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”. In this light, live feeds from drones and other information technology equipment can be viewed from the Centre. 

 Furthermore, the Nigerian Army Operations Centre is equipped with adequately resourced workstations for dedicated desk officers for all current and future operations. These desk officers would be expected to string together occurrences in each Theatre in order to develop an overarching picture of the generalized operating environment for needed Army Headquarters directives. 

In addition, the Centre has the needed support offices including one for the Chief of Army Staff in the event of exigencies requiring his prolonged stay at the Operations Centre. The Centre is thus well suited to ensure that Army Headquarters has close to the same operational picture as the formations with a view to providing greater guidance for the Army’s operational activities.

 It is therefore gratifying to state that the facility being commissioned today prepares the Nigerian Army for the future. May I at this juncture express our profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for his untiring support and numerous timely interventions to the Department of Army Operations in particular, and the entire spectrum of Nigerian Army operations in general. 

Present at the event are, Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya,  Former Chiefnof Army Staff,  Lt Gen TY Buratai, Commander, Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A Adamu, Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Chief of Training and Operations of Naval Headquarters and Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, as well as the Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters.

Watch the Video:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGaMSfO3AVo

Watch Video Evidence Indicting DCP Abba Kyari in Illicit Drug Trafficking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAcU2epOHNc via

One person was reportedly killed at Orozo Primary School polling unit during the area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday.

It was gathered that the Independent National Electoral Commission had sent a signal directing those, who could not verify their fingerprints by Bimodal Voter Accreditation System to be allowed to vote even after 2:30pm when voting had ended.

We gathered that about seven sponsored thugs brandishing dangerous weapons from Karshi, a nearby town, allegedly stormed the primary school and snatched the ballot boxes.

An eyewitness said some youth from Orozo in the process identified the attackers and hurriedly chased them with the view to retrieving the ballot boxes from them .

He said the youth were able to catch up with them and killed one of the hoodlums while two were arrested.

He said, "The attackers arrived Orozo Primary School after the voting had ended and snatched ballot boxes. They attacked the INEC officials and carted away their materials. 

"But the Orozo boys chased them because they knew that they were from Karshi.

"They hit one of them with plank on his head and he died immediately. They were able to arrest two others but the remaining ones escaped."

Meanwhile, it took the timely intervention of the police and army, who shot sporadically into the air, to disperse the angry youth from the area.

The angry mob in the process also set ablaze a hilux vehicle allegedly belonging to INEC.

We also gathered that three people were killed in Karshi in a reprisal attack but this could not be verified as at the time of this report.

FCT Area Council Election: One Person Killed While... https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2022/02/fct-area-council-election-one-person.html?spref=tw

By Olayemi Esan

The President DEPOWA Barrister Mrs Vickie Anwuli Irabor said, the association is collaborating with the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigerian Army and other service Chiefs to establish a PTSD Diagnostic and rehabilitation Centre to effectively mark, identify and refer health challenges experienced by officers and members of their household to appropriate Channels.

Mrs Irabor who in 2021 proposed the establishment of a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Rehabilitation Support Centre to evaluate, counsel and provide adequate support to officers and by extension their wives before reintegration from the North East and Other operational postings.

Mrs Irabor disclosed this on Wednesday when she paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya at the Army Headquarters, Abuja accompanied by the national executives DEPOWA, with Presidents and members of the NAOWA. POWA, NAFOWA, NOWA and some other high ranking officers wives.

She said that the armed forces already had a good number of hospital facilities across military formations in the country, however, our facilities do not provide thorough diagnostic services to tackle some of these emerging challenges relating to mental health captured in the 2015 united nations SDG goal 3, a requirement for national development in the 15 year period.

"This facility will also serve as a repository for future research on health challenges in the military to provide better solutions and supports." She said.

She added that DEPOWA cannot go alone on this journey without the support of the COAS, hoping that, the association can rely on COAS technical support, cooperation and extensive insight as an association is fully ready to cooperate with COAS to bring the idea to fruition.

She stressed that the major objective is to ensure a healthy and holistic military and police community.

DEPOWA President commended the Chief of Army Staff for starting a campaign on sensitizing the military on PTSD and for hosting a seminar addressing 'post-traumatic stress disorder in the armed forces' thus is coming at a time when the women have also prioritise PTSD as a major issue for officers wives across the country.

DEPOWA, therefore, is seeking the collaboration of the Nigerian Army to create a solution on the area of emotional health and welfare of their husbands who are serving on the war front saying, through collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff will provide solution through the root cause analysis to have a reintegration structure for officers and husbands to ensure their return in good health and total wellness.

She congratulated Lt Gen, Faruk Yahaya on his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff and was grateful to God for his progress since the assumption of office as it is much deserved.

Mrs Irabor intimate COAS the activities of DEPOWA as an umbrella body to unify all wives of serving officers of armed forces and police with the mandate to ensure that wives are responsible amid challenges faced by their husbands in the cause of duty.

She noted that over the years DEPOWA has involved from being an association of idle women to becoming an organisation strategically poised to annex and refine the potentials of all women in the military community to enable them to create an environment of support to their spouses thereby, contributing to nation-building.

She said, in the last one year, DEPOWA has trained 100 widows of fallen heroes and as well vulnerable youths in various vocations at the DEPOWA state of the art Skill and Acquisition Centre, further empowering them with one year rent, start-up capital and equipped starter kits.

She stated that DEPOWA has engaged in troops motivation visits, specifically at the theatre of operations Hadin Kai in Maiduguri. The association have visited the 44army reference hospital Kaduna and donated 30 Motorise wheelchairs and other hospital equipment to the wounded soldiers as well as the Maimalari Cantonment hospital to visit the wounded soldiers toward their treatment and rehabilitation as well as provide nutritional aid for recovery.

In her concluding note, she said that DEPOWA has embarked on various campaigns and initiatives to support women's development and for the armed forces peacebuilding agenda.

"We have engaged in capacity building and development programmes for military wives both locally and internationally.

"We have also visited orphanages and internally displaced person camps within and outside the military community, all channel towards a non-kinetic support to the fight against terrorism faced by our nation," She said.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya thanked the President and every member of DEPOWA for this courtesy visit. He also thanked the president DEPOWA for proposing the establishment of a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Rehabilitation Support Centre to support the Armed Forces Nigeria and police and he pledge his full support and collaboration.

General Yahaya appreciates the effort of DEPOWA as an association in key aim to our areas of concern, particularly the PTSD, widows and other vulnerable members of barracks communities.

He urged and encouraged DEPOWA not to relent but to continue in the drive, pledging to continue to support the association activities.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, has said only the best candidates who are medically and physically fit will be recruited into the Nigerian Army. 
Army Chief gave the assurance today Tuesday 25 January 2022, when he visited the Nigerian Army Battle Fitness Centre (NABFC) in Falgore, Kano State, where the ongoing screening exercise for 82 Regular Recruit Intake is being conducted.
This was contained in a statement signed by Director,  Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said, Lt Gen Yahaya charged the recruitment officers to leverage on the experience garnered from the previous recruitment exercises to improve upon the conduct of the ongoing recruitment and ensure that the goals of the exercise are not compromised.
He said, Gen Yahaya also assured them of equipping the centre with more training aids and facilities to further enhance training at the centre.  
The Director Manpower  Planning, Maj Gen Umar Musa, while briefing the COAS, pointed out, that over 3,800 candidates are currently undergoing screening at the centre, adding that the main goal of the exercise is to recruit young and physically fit Nigerians to fill the manpower needs of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS also took a tour of the centre during which he inspected completed as well as ongoing projects at the centre. Gen Yahaya also interacted with the candidates and left them with some words of encouragement.
Accompanying the  COAS during the visit ate the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Maj Gen Kabiru Muhktar, Chief of Administration (Army) Maj Gen Usman Mohammed, Chief of Operations Maj Gen Olumide Akinjobi, Provost Marshal (Army) Maj Gen Robert Aiyenigba and the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army) Maj Gen Ibrahim Salihu
Source: Army Recruitment: Nigerian Army Will Recruit Only The Best - COAS https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2022/01/army-recruitment-nigerian-army-will.html?spref=tw

By Olayemi Esan 

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has said, Nigerian youths are segment of the population which could play a pivotal role in advancing the course of national security. 

The CDS disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a 2-day Youth and Security Summit themed, “Building Trust for an Improved Security Response in Nigeria,” organized by Abuja Global Shapers Community (AGSC) in collaboration with Defence Headquarters. 

Acting Director Defence Information, Air Commodore Wap Maigida in a statement quoted, the Chief of Defence Staff  saying, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is advancing the whole of society approach towards addressing national security

General Irabor who was the Special Guest of honour at the event, said, for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain progress as part of the larger architecture addressing security challenges, the military is currently advancing the whole-of-society approach as a means of solving these challenges.

The Defence Chief commended AGSC for organizing the summit which seeks to engage the Nigerian youths on issues of national security as well as other intervention targeting the youths to be more focused in building the society.   

The CDS described the collaborative venture between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and AGSC as  enlightening the participants in order to better understand the roles and responsibilities of the military in surmounting internal and external threats as well as protection of lives and property. 

In his words, “engaging the youths is practically making them to become part and parcel of the fabric of stability of the society towards enhancing national security.” 

Gen Irabor further identified freedom from dangers and threats to nation’s ability to defend and develop, promote its core values, and legitimate interests as well as enhanced wellbeing of its citizens as component of national security.

The AGS Hub Curator, Mr Umar Addulmalik, in his welcome address, said the summit was series of programmes being conducted by AGSC aimed at engaging the youths on security conversations through collaboration with security agencies. 

According to him, AGSC is at the forefront of this security conversion and initiatives as a result of the evolving security challenges facing the nation.  

The Youth and Security Summit was attended by senior officers from the military, security agencies and paramilitary organizations. 

The Minister of Interior was represented at the event.

By Olayemi Esan

Following credible intelligence on the activities of a serial impostor and fraudster kingpin, Mr Bolarinwa Oluwasegun Abiodun, troops of 81 Division Nigerian Army(NA) conducted a joint operation with men of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) today 13 January 2022.

The operation led to the arrest of the kingpin, who impersonated the Chief of Army Staff(COAS) and was alleged to have forged the signatures of the President and Commander-in -Chief and the Chief of of Defence Staff in 2021.


The notorious fraudster who usually goes about his criminal activities with fake military escorts armed with AK-47 rifles, was alleged to have duped a businessman of the sum of Two Hundred and Seventy Million(270,000, 000.00). He was arrested at River View Estate, Iyana Ipaja Lagos.


The suspect usually posses as a Major General of the NA to dupe unsuspecting individuals in Lagos and environs.

Items recovered at his residence include; 4 pump action rifles, 1 locally manufactured gun, 2 radio sets, one pepper spray, 4 vehicles (including a Hilux van with siren), with National Defence College banner hung in the inner mirror, photo frames and album with his photographs dressed in Major General and Brigadier General uniforms and a photo frame of picture with former President Olusegun Obasanjo among other exhibits.

The suspect and the exhibits are currently with the EFCC for further investigation.
Read more: https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2022/01/car-importer-arraigned-for-over-n264m.html?m=1

By Olayemi Esan 

The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at early hour on Saturday 1st January, 2022 neutralized several bandits including a notorious Bandits leader, Alhaji Auta, Kachalla and Others.

Some of their Camps and logistics were also destroyed.
A military Intelliegence officer in Zamfara confirmed this victory to SpyeTV News on Saturday.

In addition a North West security expert, Yusuf Anka on his Twitter Handle on Saturday, 1st January, 2022.

According to Anka, “One of the most senior and notorious Bandits of Zamfara Alhaji Auta has been killed with scores of his men in the early hours of today by the Nigerian Airforce".

Meanwhile, there is no yet official statement from the Nigerian Air Force, Director of Public Relations & Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet to corroborate the report at the time of publication.

It would be recalled that bandits killed three persons during an attack on Gada community in Bungudu Local Government Area of the State.

During the invasion of the community, the gunmen killed the District Head, Umaru Bawan-Allah, and his two sons.

Details Later...

PRESS RELEASE 

BOLAJI ROSIJI'S FUNERAL SERVICE DATE ANNOUNCED 

The family has concluded arrangements to hold the Funeral service for late Popular Nigerian Philathropist and Former Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Mr Bolaji Rosiji on Tuesday, 14th December 2021 at Shell Hall MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos by 10:00AM West Central Africa.
Interment will follow immediately after the Funeral service according to his Religion Faith, International Society for Krishna Consciousness ISKCON.
"Due to the recent outbreak of Omicron variant and COVID-19, we have created a Zoom Meeting for our friends and distance relatives.
Mr Bolaji Rosiji died on Sunday 5th, 2021 after a brief illness at the age of 56.
He is survived by a son Alvin Narada and Siblings.
All COVID-19 protocols would be strictly adhered to, for all the events.
Mr. Bolaji Rosiji was born in Lagos on the 8th of August, 1965 to the family of Mr. Ayotunde Rosiji of Ake, Ifo and Kemta all in Ogun State.
Bolaji spent most of his early childhood years in the United Kingdom where he attended both Primary and Secondary Education at Friends School, Safron Waldon Cambridge. He was an ardent swimmer, he won several laurels in various competitions while in school. It was here Mr. Bolaji Rosiji, started to unlock his creativity that would later blossom to become his passion and achievements within the Entertainment industry in Nigeria.
To know Mr. Bolaji Rosiji was to know a man who had an irrefutable love for humanity; he was a faithful Hare Krishna devotee, an Artist and a talented Musician.
He had interest in Natural Therapy, Transdermal Therapy and Holistic Medicine. In 2004, he founded Gaurapad Charities, a foundation which was focused on providing holistic wellbeing to mankind with record breaking research and development of Transdemal Products for supporting various health conditions. Bolaji used this medium to launch a scheme to enable affordable housing for Nigerians which was tagged “Sack your Landlord”; this scheme was to help empower Nigerians to self-sufficient business. One of Bolaji’s goals was to help all see “the beauty, the miracle and the joy and the possibilities that abound in our Universe”. Through Gaurapad Charities, Bolaji empowered millions of Nigerians.
He was an active politician, in fact, he served as Secretary of Pro National Conscience Organization (PRONACO); an organization made up of intellects and activists, notably Prof Wole Soyinka, Chief F.R.A Williams of blessed memory, Amb. Emeka Anyaoku and a host of others.
Mr. Bolaji Rosiji had genuine love for people and a selfless drive towards good governance. This led to interest in contesting for the Leadership of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) where he emerged the winner. In his capacity as PMAN President, Mr. Bolaji Rosiji was a galvanizing force in the Music Industry, improving the viability of the industry and paving the way for Nigerian Music on the global scene. Some of the initiatives that he implemented have yielded fruit in how the world embraces Afro Beats today.
Mr. Bolaji Rosiji was a philanthropist with a heart of gold; he was fondly known as the gift to our generation, that keeps giving. He poured out his heart with such vigour, to people around him, some of whom he did not know. He was always a call away to help anyone in need. He maintained a Soup Kitchen from where he fed over 200 people daily for several years. Most of these people were destitute and homeless people living under bridges across Lagos. He enjoyed these humanitarian activities with passion and drive. His love for people, helped him to serve through his time as Secretary General of the Nigeria Network of NGO.
Mr. Bolaji Rosiji was an astute businessman a flare which he took from his late father, Chief Ayotunde Rosiji. He served on the Board of Nigeria Distilleries Limited, amongst other Boards.
Mr. Bolaji Rosiji maintained a strong relationship with the Indian community in Nigeria with whom he partnered for various charitable causes; most notable was the fanfare he brought to Tafawa Balewa with the Festival of India - Lagos in August 2016.
Mr. Bolaji Rosiji’s philanthropic acts also included charitable support for widows and free cars for many people who needed them.

Signed
Olayemi Esan (anipr)
Public Relations Officer 
Gaurapad Charities
12th December, 2021

Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) has congratulated the Chief of Atmy Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for the critical role it has played in ensuring the defence and security of the country. 

The Minister made this known during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff's Annual Conference 2021, saying, the Conference is an avenue to re-assess the preparedness and operational readiness of the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional roles. 

The Minister who was represented by Director, Army Affairs Ministry of Defence,  Mr. Attah Sunday said, this has been made possible by the visionary leadership and direction of our noble President especially in the area of addressing the security challenges in the country. 

"I am bold to say that due to the doggedness of the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Army in particular, peace is gradually being restored to all the troubled areas in the country. 

He implore military personnel to continue decimating the bandits, terrorists and insurgents within our country.

He said, "It is imperative to state that the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province are being curtailed to the barest minimum in adherence to the President Buhari's directives. 

"I am confident in the capability of our Armed Forces to decimate these terrorist and this must be achieved soonest. 

"I am optimistic that the deliberations during the Conference will generate new strategies for enhancing stability in our country and greatly assist you in charting a better course for the Nigerian Army in the coming Year 2022", he said.

The Minister added that, in line with the Ministry of Defence core mandate of maintaining men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in a state of combat readiness on land, sea and air; he appreciate the President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick intervention in the approval of funds for the immediate/emergency procurement of critical equipment and platforms for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to tackle the spate of insecurity across the country. 

"We are indeed most grateful for the enormous support given to the Armed Forces handling the series of security challenges confronting our nation", he added.

He called for jointness and unity amongst the three Services especially in the conduct of various ongoing operations within the country.

He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for putting in place measures to achieve this, adding that, more synergy is still required to ensure that all operations on the ground reflect that jointness in all ramifications for greater successes.

The Minister also commiserate with the Armed Forces and families of those personnel who have paid the supreme price to keep our country safe and to implore the Service Chiefs to ensure that those wounded in action are given the best medical attention possible, saying, the Federal Government will continue to support the families of those who lost their lives and the wounded personnel.

He therefore emphasized on the need for the Armed Forces to remain professional in carrying out its constitutional roles. "Remember that this was the oath you swore on joining the military", he said.

The Nigerian Military on Tuesday, charged Nigerian Army Barracks Youths to remain positive and contributes their quota to the social development of the state and the nation at large.

The Theatre Commander (TC) Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Christopher Musa gave the charge while flagging off the maiden edition of the Theatre Commander's Ball Games tagged "Barrack Youths Tournament 2021" at Lieutenant Colonel BU Umar Sport Complex Maimalari Cantonment.

The Theatre Commander said that the games is to create an avenue for unification and building the future generations of the Nigerian Army Barracks.

Read more on https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2021/11/military-charges-barrack-youths-to.html?m=1

He stated that the game will be used as an avenue to select good sports men and women who will represent the barracks community in future sporting activities in the state especially as peace is building up all over the North East.

Furthermore, he urged all the participating teams to see the tournament as a starting point.

" I want you to look at this as the opportunity to showcase yourself, play to protect yourself and play fairly to showcase the talent you have.

"We are looking forward to having a fantastic outing from all of you, we are hoping to have a team each from all the event that will represen this Cantonment in future sporting activities in the future",he said.

Major General Christopher Musa also call on the officiating officials to ensure they maintain absolute neutrality throughout the games.

Earlier in his welcome remarks the Acting Assisstant Director of Physical Training 7 Division Major Adebayo Oloruntoba said, the aim of the games is to foster unity amongst the youth, build their self-esteem and social interactions, to make them responsible, discipline and develop their sense of confidence as well as to discover their talents in various sports.

Major Oloruntoba further disclosed that the tournament comprised of 18 teams competing in the various events which includes football, volley ball and basketball respectively.

He also stated that the games is expected to last between 23 to 27 November, 2021 where the winners of the various games will be announced and awards presented to the deserving teams and officials he added.

Present at the flagging off were the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General AbdulWahab Eyitayo, Maritime Component Commander, Commodore RM Shammah, Theatre Intelligence Coordinator, Brigadier General ES Buba, Commander 107 Div Equipment Support, Brigadier General Babatunde Alaya, Chief J9 Captain (NN) SB Ayuba, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa and other Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division respectively.

In line with its strategic collaboration and partnership drive, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday, renewed ties and collaborated with the Nigerian Army on personnel training, traffic control, other activities aimed at promoting national safety and security, urging Nigerian Army to relaxed all the Check points for the flow of traffic during the yuletide.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi and his top senior Officers who paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya at Army Headquarters, Abuja explained that during the end of the year Patrol, especially at the peak period traffic is heavy, hence urged Army to relax Check points for travelers to get to their destinations at deadline because of the prevailing situations.

Oyeyemi said, the purpose of the visit is, first to congratulate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for his appointment as COAS and second, to thank him for assisting the Corp since he assumed Office.

"Nigerian Army birthed the FRSC about 33 years ago and over the years, we got approval for the trainings of our personnel and drivers at the Nigerian Army Corp of Supply and Transport and the intending receipt of fund for the procurement of vehicles needed to train about 600 FRSC drivers.

The FRSC boss also thanked COAS for maximum care given to personnel and approving a centre at Kontangora for training.

"Two weeks ago, the Armed Forces Staff College in Jaji, guided us to inaugurate course one of the FRSC Cmmmander Staff College with 20 officers of the middle level, who are expected to graduate by 2022.

Oyeyemi emphasized on human capacity development, which is the fundamental core vision of his administration, adding that, without training of its personnel which is the initial blueprint Army guided the Corp, the FRSC would not have better result.

"FRSC is able to build a system now in all the local governments except riverine areas. We expanded with about 1, 361 formations nationwide, 230 drivers license centres ", he said.

He expressed appreciation to the military for its maximum support nationwide from various Amy formations attendance of personnel of Nigerian Army in all FRSC activities. We have enjoyed maximum security with the Nigerian Army.

He therefore called for collaboration with the FRSC in the area of information and communication technology as well as intelligence sharing, pledges FRSC will continue to ensure to play the vital role in security.

He commended the COAS for approving the use of military infrastructures across formations and units of the Nigerian Army for training of FRSC personnel

"FRSC is ready to assist the Nigerian Army intelligence unit with vital information when need arises, training more military personnel, produce free drivers license to Army personnel and Army police drivers, vehicle number plates scheme", he said.

On drivers licence, he employed senior military officers to visit the VIP session of the FRSC Centres between 7am and 8pm for fast issuer of driver licence with ease.

In his remark, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya said, the Nigerian Army is willing and always ready to support all other agencies particularly on Security.

"All elements to be used to support the FRSC will be make available. All our exercises that is ongoing now is in collaboration with other security agencies, including Road Safety.

Yahaya also appreciate the excess of traffic control by FRSC and knowledge impacted during training of some Army Personnel.

"About Basic Driving Techniques Course at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin, Edo State and we will continue to support you on training of your personnel".

COAS therefore commended Oyeyemi for his professionalism and called for sustained compliance by members of the Armed Forces to traffic rules and regulations as they have been noted for.

In attendance was the COPP Major Gen AB Omozoje, COT Maj Gen AB Ibrahim, COPs Maj Gen Akinjobi represented by Maj Gen JO Ochai CCMA Maj Gen MG Kangye, COLOG Maj Gen OA Akintade, CAB Maj Gen AA Adesope, Comd Army Headquarters Garrison Maj Gen Dahiru, PM Maj Gen OR Aiyenigba, and Chief of Mil Inst Brig Gen DI Salihu

The highlight of the visit was the exchange of souvenirs between the Chief of Army Staff and the visiting Corp Marsha.

The Nigerian Army says, troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, BSC Road, Orlu Imo State.

Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Onyema Nwachukwu made this knownto newsmen in a statement on Sunday.

Nwachukwu reveals that, troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30am on Sunday 31 October 2021, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission. 

He said, the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary are safe and unhurt. 

He noted in the statement that, troops will continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and other criminal gangs operating within the sector especially as the elections in Anambra State draws nearer and during the yuletide season. 

The Nigerian Army therefore advised Nigerians to report suspicious movement of criminals as well as hide outs of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom.

A group, the Osinbajo Grassroots Organisation, OGO, has reacted to a report by on online medium where the writer claimed that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had dumped his rumoured presidential bid.

National Convener, Sylvanus Foluso Ojo in a press statement on Friday disagreed with the publication, questioning how Prof. Osinbajo would renounce an ambition he was yet to declare.

“Our attention has been drawn to a report by an online medium, where the writer claimed that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, dropped his presidential bid.

“The online newspaper attributed its source to an aide of the Vice President who allegedly overheard him telling close associates and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) who paid him unofficial visit some days ago at the Presidential Villa.

“The source was also quoted to have revealed that the Vice President had a change of heart following a visit to felicitate with the former Lagos State government and National Leader of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon, Lagos State home.

“As far as we know, the Vice President has not at any time publicly declared an intention to run as successor to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023; we are therefore alarmed that someone who had at different times clarified, that his present attention is to assist the President to deliver on their campaign promises to now be quoted to have jettisoned a bid he was yet to declare is inappropriate.

“Is this not like someone vacating a property not yet built? Our group has at different fora enjoined Professor Osinbajo to indicate interest in the 2023 presidential bid, and he is yet to respond to this appeal; saying that he abandoned such ambition before a declaration therefore suggests that someone is confusing the public.

“The Osinbajo Grassroots Organisation (OGO) considers this a mind game, and ploy to dissuade the Vice President from exercising his democratic and constitutional rights as a leader with unique leadership skills and robust management style, assuming he chooses to give our pleas a thought.

“Without doubt, Prof. Osinbajo holds Asiwaju Tinubu in high esteem and will not contribute in anyway to bring him into disrepute or cause cracks between them; however, as a democrat, we believe that the former Lagos State governor will not shut the democratic door against Osinbajo should the VP decides to run for the President, and he will do this, without bitterness.”

The group then enjoins all lovers, supporters and loyalists of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at home and abroad to disregard the report but to continue prevailing on him until he gives the presidential bid a thought in the interest of Nigeria, and consolidation of the good foundation being laid by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Army War College Nigeria Abuja is conducting its final exercise for participants of Course 5/2021.

Tagged 'Exercise Star Ride', the programme was designed to further develop participants’ skills to effectively respond to contemporary security challenges facing Nigeria.

Commandant, Army War College Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Solomon Udounwa made this known in a statement signed by the institution's Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa on Wednesday.

Udounwa said the Exercise was the culmination of training packages at the Army War College.

The packages involve aspects of national security, inter-agency coordination, logistics planning, counter terrorism and stabilisation operations.

He explained that the exercise will provide participants the avenue to practice planning, preparation and conduct of operations as commanders and staff under different scenarios at operational level.

The Commandant also revealed that the 4-day Exercise which started on Monday 18 October 2021 at the College premises located at WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria will end on Friday 22 October 2021.

"The Exercise will draw umpires and observers from members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Paramilitary agencies," he said.

Sahel Military Games Opening: Let's Cement our African Brotherhood Through Military Sports - Irabor

By Olayemi Esan

The Chief of Defence Stage, General Lucky Irabor has charged Athletes from various Sahel Countries who are currently in Nigeria for the CDS Sahel Military Games in Africa to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and strive to put in Ultima performance towards winning more race.

"By organizing this event, we are mindful of the need to foster comqredship among our personnel in a bid to meet with the detailed of our professional calling.


"This Fiesta is intended to promote synergy through military sports interaction as well as cement our African Brotherhood.

For the officiating team, the CDS General Irabor urged them to be professional in their task of officiating the various events in order to ensure an acceptable result.

He added that, report reaching him says, all participants are well prepared. In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff, therefore emplore all participants to totally commit all energy into achievng success through result.

However, the CDS also expressed a profound gratitude to the President Muhammadu Buhari, Honourable Minister of Defence and Special Guest guest of Honour for their unflinching support to the growth and development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and providing enabling environment to hold the event in Nigeria.

In his keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu said, the ceremony will awaking the the spirit of comradeship and friendship in the Sahel region and beyond.

Onu noted that the Sahel region has the greatest challenge in terms of political instability and crisis in the continent.

"Building friendship and better understanding through sports among the countries in the region is not only creative but very innovative.

" Soldiers from various armed Forces of different countries in the region today come together under a peaceful environment to play games on the same field, eat, drink, crack jokes together is a new beginning, which is the tree of love and brotherhood.

Onu added that the competition is coming at the appropriate time and no doubt it will play an important role to solve many of the security challenges facing the Sahel region through athletics games.

He commended the OSMA President, Brigadier General Abdullahi Maikano for using this event to fulfill one of his campaign promises. This event will promote and inculcate core values of military.

Addressing the media, the OSMA President, Brig. Gen Abdullahi Maikano thanked all services Chiefs, all invited guests, participants and the general public for their supports and confident in OSMA and CISM as a whole.

The epoch event witnessed, March Pass, Oath Taking by Officials and participants from Sahel Countries, flying of Doves of Peace. Hoisting of OSMA flag, Cultural Dance by Nigeria Cultural group, and Skating by Heart of the Nation Academy, Abuja.

By Remi Adebayo

Those promoting politics of bitterness targeted at causing disharmony between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have been asked to desist henceforth.

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu gave the warning in a statement to AbujaCityJournal on Monday.
Read more: https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=2023:-Stop-Politics-of-Division-Between-Osinbajo,-Tinubu---Ojudu-Warns

The warning followed a television encounter between two supposed supporters of the two leaders on Channels TV and a front page story on Daily Independent newspaper.

Speaking on the encounter and the Daily Independent's headline titled; 2023 Presidency: Osinbajo On A Collision Course With Tinubu, Pushes To Succeed Buhari; Senator Ojudu said it was incumbent on him to emphatically state, that neither the Vice President nor his office is aware of the encounter or endorse the divisive engagement and news reports.

"Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are members of same party. Osinbajo regards Tinubu as a respected leader of a political family to which he belongs and will therefore not for any reason endorse an endeavor that seeks to pitch them against each other.

"We are not unaware of some people who may want to foist a crack among our leaders. Such an attempt is abortive. Osinbajo and Tinubu's relationship dates way back and it shall continue to wax strong," the presidential aide added.

He therefore called on individuals and media houses engaged in the act to desist from doing so. "The APC remains one single, indivisible party and Osinbajo remains a loyal member of the party who respects both the party structure as well as its leadership."

He further added that the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has not authorized the commencement of the 2023 politics, saying, the Vice President as a law abiding citizen will not go against the law.

"Moreover, the INEC has not given a go ahead yet for politicking towards 2023. As a law abiding citizen, Osinbajo will not commence any act in this regard until INEC blows the whistle, and in any case the VP has not indicated interest in the 2023 elections

Ojudu, while appreciating individuals clamouring for Osinbajo to contest however pleaded that they should not draw him, or allow themselves into an unnecessary and precipitous controversy.

The journalist-turned politician therefore welcomed the former Lagos State governor back into the country, following his weekend return after months in the United Kingdom where he was said to undergo knee surgery.

"We welcome our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu back into the country. As a great democrat himself, he will certainly welcome politics without bitterness and divisiveness," the former lawmaker said.

He wished Tinubu good health, long life and prosperity

By Olayemi Esan

The Nigerian Army on Saturday has inaugurated a Special and General Court Marshal to trial officers and soldiers for various offences committed.

SpyeTV exclusively reports that the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai North East, Major General Christopher Musa inaugurated the Special and General Court Marshal at Maimalari Cantonment Officers Mess Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.

The Theatre Commander elected the following personnel to oversea their Court: President Special Court Marshal is Brig. Gen Dominic Udofa, Judge Advocate is Squadron Leader Audu Satomi, President of General Court Marshal is Maj. Gen Bainze Mohammed, and Judge Advocate is Lt Col Rotimi Bakari.

About 158 Accused Persons to Be Tried Which Comprised 28 Officers And 130 Soldiers

In his inaugural speech, Maj. Gen Musa said the court martial trials and regimental and judicial exercise is to enforce discipline in the military the end of which may review, reduce or remove the rights and privileges of an convicted service personnel.

He added that it is unique to the military and a tributary of criminal trialthat flows into the sea of Nigeria Criminal Justice System.

"Therefore, conduct of military trials under the Armed Forces Act is to deal with matters that pertain directly to the regimentation, discipline, efficiency and morale of military personnel.

" To maintain the Armed Forces in a state of readiness, the military as an institution must be ready to enforce internal discipline effectively in accordance with the extant law", he said.

Theatre Commander noted that, it is imperrative to state that military compact with the state has placed officers and soldiers on a very high pedestal of responsibility than other citizens reason been that the military is an organization that is guided by two set of laws in the command.

Musa added that the Court martial is not only viewed as a jury trial but also a court speedily to dispose cases and award punishment in the event of conviction.

In this need, emphasis shall be laid on the statute laws and the traditional military of regimentation with due adherence to the fair hearing requirements as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended).

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai therefore urged officers and soldiers to discharge their duties diligently without fear, Favour or affection.

He also employ the Courts to discharge their duties while strictly guided by the need to do justice to the accused, justice to the victims of the alleged infractions and justice to the state whose laws are alleged to have been broken.

There are three martial courts to be inaugurated, two were inaugurated today at the Maimalari cantonment Officers Mess while one will be inaugurated on Monday in Sector 2 Damaturu, Yobe State Capital.

The Historical Society of Nigeria (HSON) on Tuesday conferred the honourary Associate Fellow of Historical Society of Nigeria (AFHSN) award on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya for his outstanding leadership of the Nigerian Army.

Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement to Defence Correspondents in Abuja said the ceremony took place at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Asokoro, Abuja.

He added that the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Manu Yusuf and Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Center (NARC), Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab (rtd) similarly received awards from the Society.

Speaking at the event, the Acting President HSON, Professor Okpeh Okpeh, said the award is very well deserved, considering the visionary and astute leadership provided by the COAS for the Nigerian Army since his assumption of command.

He pointed out that this culminated in the successes being recorded in ongoing military campaigns and other Army operations across the country.

Prof Okpe also commended the Nigerian Army for making a concerted effort in maintaining cordial civil-military relations with the general public.

While accepting the award, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya described HSON as one of the oldest associations in Nigeria, established in 1955. He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has quite a good number of senior officers as members of the body and called on all personnel who are historians to identify with the Society.

Speaking on behalf of all the awardees, the COAS expressed appreciation to the Governing Council of the body of historians, adding that the investiture will spur them to leave a legacy of excellent institutional memory, by demonstrating exemplary leadership in their respective offices and the nation at large.

The President HSON, who congratulated the COAS and other recipients, maintained that the awardees have contributed enormously to the development of History as an academic discipline in Nigeria.

The female officer who was seen in a video clip on the social media, dehumanizing a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State has been sanctioned on the interim by the Nigerian Army.

The officer will also be made to undergo trial in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

Army Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu made this disclosure in a press statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said upon receiving report on the incident, the Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned.

"This act is not only condemnable, but unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the Nigerian Army," he said.

He pointed that the Nigerian Army has remained the pride of the nation and a symbol of national unity that has consistently being in the vanguard of respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

"It is against this premise that the Nigerian Army condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by a personnel in its ranks.

"The Nigerian Army therefore, condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct", he said.

The Army Spokesperson added that the officer's conduct has caused the Nigerian Army monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable.

"This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in anyway represent the Nigerian Army and will not be condoned in its entirety.

"For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar.

Nwachukwu said, the submission that the Brigade attempted covering up was therefore misleading.

He said the Nigerian Army remains a professional force that has zero tolerance for indiscipline among its personnel.

The Army therefore assured the general public that such infractions would not be tolerated from its personnel.

Gen. Nwachukwu also reassured that the rights of the citizenry is sacrosanct and will be respected by all personnel of the Army.

He pledged that any form of infraction will be severely dealt with.

The Army also enjoined Nigerians to continue to report such infractions to its Human Rights Desks in all formations of the of the Force towards dealing decisively with such erring personnel.

The Army thereafter tendered unreserved apology to the victim, her family members, friends, the NYSC and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member.

By Olayemi Esan, Maiduguri
The Defence Correspondents from Federal Capital Territory arrived Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital to tour some major Operation Sectors in the North East.

The objective of the visit was to review the wrong narratives about the surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in recent times.

The Nigerian Army has also vowed to stop the massive recruitment drive of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters in the North east.

The terrorist group is seriously being depleted witnessed by the spate it members have been surrendering to the Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the conflict within its ranks.

Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyeama Nwachukwu made this known during a 3-day media tour to troops in the frontlines, units and formations in the Theatre of Operation Hadin Kai, Sector I and II in the region.

Nwachukwu said the objective of the visit was to review the wrong narratives about the surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in recent times.

He noted that the heat against the terrorists have resulted in depleting its membership therefore, it is very important to stop their desperate recruitment bid and that the media will play important role in that effort.

The team is expected to visit a number of operation areas in north east.

Nwachukwu said that the efforts of military should be brought to media domain for Nigerians to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian troops, particularly in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the North East.

In addition, he said that the purpose of the media tour is also targeted at discussing the issues of rehabilitation of surrendered terrorists and plights of the victims of the conflict towards engaging the media and propaganda in making Nigerians appreciate the joint efforts of the security agencies.

"These fundamentally reasons gave birth to the media tour to the North East", he noted.

"The Boko Haram insurgents have been surrendering. People have questioned the authenticity of the surrendering of these insurgents. People are also questioning why the insurgents are surrendering at this point in time,” said Nwachukwu.

"The fight against insurgency has recorded tremendous success considering what it was in the past.

“At some point, few years back as far back as 2014, Boko Haram was almost advancing towards Lokoja, they were marching towards Abuja. Today, they have been boxed to the Timbuks or the hills," he said.

Responding, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa appreciated the good initiative by Brig. Gen. Nwachukwu for organizing the tour to spread the good tidings of the Nigerian Army success in various theatres of operations in the country.

The Theatre Commander, while welcoming the Defence Correspondents commended the media for the support for military operations across the country which he described as encouraging.

He further noted that the military is doing all within the international laws in the handling of the Boko Haram on the prosecution of surrendered terrorists, especially against the backdrop of the mass surrender of the terrorists.

“We are just doing what we are supposed to do, the laws will naturally take its course, nobody will take them in and tomorrow say ‘go, your sins are forgiven;’ no it doesn’t work that way, and that is why we were able to talk to the Governor and advise him to call for a stakeholders meeting which was held to chart a way forward” Musa said.

The 3-day tour with Defence Correspondents from Abuja and Maiduguri is expected to end by Wednesday.

By Olayemi Esan

The News of the release of the officer who was kidnapped by bandits that attacked NDA Afaka Barracks broke this morning. Before today. Some online media news portal had published the false news that the major was killed.

Investigation by SpyeTV correspondent in Kaduna confirmed that, the Officer wasn't kill. Our investigation reveals that , after a successful mission by the joint efforts of the military and security agencies, Major CL Datong was rescued from the camp of the bandits, leaving scores of bandits killed during the operation.

The troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force and all security agencies to conduct decisive operations have rescued Major CL Datong who was abducted at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Permanent Site on 24 August 2021.
You can read more Security and Defence News here https://www.spyetv.com.ng/2021/09/breaking-nda-atack-troops-rescue.html?m=1

Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Col. Ezindu Idimah made this revelation in a statement on Saturday made available to SpyeTV said, the officer was rescued and not released on ransome.

He said, this was as a result of the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for 1 Division to find the perpetrators dead or alive, the Division in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, immediately swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area to find and rescue the officer.

Idimah said, the operations were being conducted based on several leads received from various sources regarding the abductors and likely locations the officer was being held.

He added that the operations which have been sustained since the abduction of the officer proved quite successful and led to the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka- Birnin Gwari general area and neutralization of scores of bandits particularly, in the late hours of today, 17 September, 2021, the troops arrived at a camp suspected to be the location where Maj CL Datong was being held.

At the camp, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits for overwhelmed them superior fire. In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer.

However, the officer sustained a minor injury but has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action.

The Division wishes to commend the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and patriotic Nigerians for their invaluable support which contributed to the success of this operation.

"Our operations will continue until we capture or neutralize the assailants that killed two (2) officers in the NDA on 24 August 2021." he said

Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, in this interview with Remi Adebayo and George Onmonya Daniel, speak on an array of national issues and governance in Ekiti state. Excerpts...

During campaign, promises were made by the APC government. It’s been 2 years and the people are complaining, with some saying the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is inexperienced. What is your take?

The thing is that there are economic challenges, and hunger defiles logic. When people are hungry, there is nothing you can tell them unless you provide food. We came into government, we met a lot of problems and we are trying to solve these problems in a manner that the solution will endure.

[b]What are these problems? [/b]We came into government and found out that we lost a lot of revenue, the oil price dropped drastically from 110 dollars per barrel to 20 dollars per barrel, which is a huge lost that was compounded by the crises in Niger Delta, there was sabotage of the flow stations that pump oil for export that brings in the foreign exchange that we earn.

As at 2014 we were exporting about 2.4 million barrels of crude oil per day; at a point it dropped to 400,000 barrels because almost all the flow stations were sabotaged, the gas pipelines were also sabotaged and these gas pipelines supply pipes to all power generating stations across the country. That for me is why we have all these problems but gradually we are solving these problems.

In the last two months there have been an end to the sabotage of those pipelines and flow stations, the price of crude has increased from 28 dollars to almost 50 dollars per barrel. If you look at what we have done, you will know that there has been some kind of management of the economy.

Before we came to power, many of the states owed their workers; some owed as much as 18 months’ salary, two years, six months, one year. This government has done three tranches of bailout in spite of the fact that the economy is very low, we still manage by reducing theft within the system, by reducing leakages; we managed to pay those bailout and do a lot of things as well.

In the last two years of this government we have released close to one trillion naira for infrastructure. Lagos-Ibadan expressway has transformed from what it used to be, the second Onitsha Bridge is under construction now and some other ones. It takes time for the government to satisfy the people particularly when things have been rotten over the years. The government is there to satisfy the yearnings of the people but can’t do it over night. This government is set to build a modern rail line from Lagos to Kano, Lagos to Calabar, even the visibility studies will take time and that is what the government is doing now. We are trying to bring relief to people with these social services programs of the government.

In the Northeast, we are trying to rebuild the place, get the farmers to go back to farming. The government is really working but it will take time before the work will show but gradually it is showing. A lot has also happened in the area of fighting corruption. I remember when I was a senator, we have stories of people going into the villa and coming out with 50,000 dollars, 100,000 dollars, 200,000 dollars and so on but now when somebody goes into the villa, you are given a bottle of water, chops and bitter kola and if you are not okay with that don’t come again.

Government does not throw away money anymore; all these money is meant for the development of the country but over the years these money has been shared among the leaders. President Buhari insists that all of these must stop, and every kobo used in providing services for the country.

Is it any surprise that the state government of your home-state and in fact the entire APC states seem to share the same ideology and passion with President Buhari in the fight against corruption?

We are members of the same party and our party does have the same body of ideas and a manifesto. If you go to Osun, you will find the governor feeding the student a meal per day, you find him rebuilding the schools, rebuilding the roads in spite of the fact that there is no money. Whatever you may say of the governor of Osun state, nobody can accuse him of stealing money. You can accuse him of not having enough to do more. He doesn’t have a house of his own anywhere in Osun state beyond the house he built earlier. Similarly across our states people are trying to improve lives.

On the issue of corruption, it goes beyond politicians looting money. When you employ your children and relatives and put them in ‘juicy ministries’ as it’s called in Nigeria, that too is corruption.

For me, I don’t have evidence to support that. If you can give me names of people who are in this government and whose children have been given juicy appointments…

Some time ago an incidence was reported in the media of an employment in the CBN where children of those working in the CBN and top politicians were employed. Nigerians came out to protest the illegality but nothing has been done about it and the CBN did not deny it either.

In the cause of this job, I have learnt not to believe things on social media, you need to have facts and concrete evidence that this really happened. I am a top person in this government but I have two children who are unemployed and I have been reluctant to use my position to get them employment. I have told them to go apply like every other person. The civil service is asking everybody to apply via an internet portal, go and apply, and if you are interviewed and qualify you will be employed. So for me I don’t know of anyone who posts his or her child to CBN or other agencies of government.

Read More ftom the source: https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=Senator-Babafemi-Ojudu:-PDP-Defectors-Not-Helping-Nigeria


There seems to be conflicting interest in the corruption fight within your party the APC. The Senate is saying that the Executive is accusing them of being corrupt and instigating Nigerians to protest against them. They say the problem is with the Executive, and that they don’t get much from the constituency budget. What is happening?

This is democracy in action. The lawmakers are there to have an oversight function over the executive, while the executive is there to execute projects so what they are talking about is not out of place. When they vote money for a particular function, they must see to it that the project is executed so there is nothing strange in my own opinion.

After the 2015 presidential election which former President Goodluck Jonathan lost to President Buhari, the APC government has not been able to unite the country back, especially as regards Nigerians from the South-east and South-south. What do you think is the reason for this division?

The Vice-president and I have been to the east six times in the last six months and the kind of reception we received both from the streets and businessmen is encouraging. I have also been to the South-south with the Vice-president and we received the same kind of reception. The Vice-president and the President came to power with the same manifesto so you don’t separate them. So when the Vice-president is accepted and is accorded love and respect wherever he goes, that in itself is love and respect for the government.

There are defections from the opposition PDP to your party the APC. People are concerned about this trend and the fact that it has the potential to swing Nigeria into a one-party state, taking from the unending crisis in the PDP. As a former lawmaker and a political expert, what do you make of this?

For me it is not positive in anyway. It is not cheering news that people who hitherto would not touch the APC with a long pole are now finding it very attractive. These are political excursionists. You don’t build party by jumping from one party to another. The party which elected you today, you abandon it for another party. If the new party loses tomorrow, you jump to another party. It is not ideal in a democracy; it’s not the best for our country.

I came from a background where whether in power or not, we are comfortable as well as you are comfortable in your position. For the government to perform to maximum there must be a purposeful and strong opposition to it that will point out its wrongdoing’s, failings from time to time. What is happening now is not healthy for democracy. In Italy you have people who have been in a particular party for more than three decades, the same thing in America. There are people whose parents are known as democrats and for generations they remain as democrats and the same thing for conservatives.

I don’t see myself for example joining a party like PDP. I would rather retire from politics. I also want to train my own children to believe in progressive ideas not preservative ideas, that is the only way you can build a very strong party and not this idea of once the election is over and another party has won, you leave your party and join the new party.

But Nigerians see the APC and PDP as both sides of the same coin.

They are probably saying this because of the defections. What rules a party is a body of ideas subscribed to by the founding members. The kind of theft and looting that took place in the PDP will never ever happen in the APC. The people coming into the APC from the PDP will have to abide by the philosophy, ideas, and rules of the APC and if they refuse, they will be frustrated out of the party.

The symbols of our party can be capitalized by saying we are against corruption, we love to work and give to the people not for ourselves. I am the special adviser to the president but I don’t have an official car, no official house, I live humbly, I am not extravagant in my living and these are the kind of things we subscribe to. Rather than live and surround yourself with gold while majority of Nigerians languish in poverty, we want to work hard for the people to ensure we build a better society. That is the kind of things we subscribe to.

One plus for this government is the president’s ability to rally the military, armed forces and the entire security agencies. Although this has helped in taming the Boko Haram terrorist group, we still witness killings by Fulani herdsmen across the country. What is the government doing to put an end to this?

With the security reports we have, the people that are committing these atrocities are not the herd’s men, we find it convenience to call them herdsmen. They are the dispatched Boko Haram elements who have the arm and ammunition going around on rampage destroying things across the country. Nobody who is rearing 100 cows will attack people and run away; where then goes the cattle and cows? It’s simple logic because if you’re rearing cows and cattle you can’t go and commit crime and run. The Fulani’s value cattle more than their own children so it is not possible for one or two individuals rearing cattle to go to a village and kill people and disappear; how are they going to run with their cattle? What security report has revealed is that the Boko Haram element and other element from neighboring countries who are one way or the other misinformed jihadist have found themselves scattered across Nigeria and our communities and they are the ones committing these atrocities in the disguise of herdsmen.

But then the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai confirmed that in the case of his state, it was Fulani herdsmen that had issues with members of the communities in Southern Kaduna.

I cannot say whether he is right or wrong but I’m telling you from my understanding, logic and the information available to me that this is what I think is happening.

On the issue of the abducted Chibok girls, while the Bring Back Our Girls group is demanding that the federal government rescue the remaining 197 missing girls, the government is claiming victory over the fight with the Boko Haram. What is going to happen to the remaining missing girls?

There is no day that the government does not think about the Chibok girls. The way we negotiated for some of the girls to be released, the negotiation continues but you know when you are negotiating with terrorists, it takes effort, bringing people outside the country to help in the negotiation. It is not as if those girls are being kept and locked up by the President, they are not in his custody and so anybody that is protesting, well it’s good to protest, to call the attention of Nigerians to the fact that they are still not yet to be found but they can’t indict the government that is not responsible for losing them in the first place.

Recently the government released an economic plan for 2018 but the Emir of Kano is saying it is not going to work. Have you heard that?

When it comes to economic policy, if you count 10 economist and they have different views, it’s a normal thing in democracy. They cannot all agree on what should be done or should not be done so the Emir has the right to his opinion based on his understanding and information available to him. The government has its own right to read it the way it has appeared to them. What we should watch out for is the outcome of the policy as demonstrated. The criticism in that policy will help in strengthening what we have so it’s not a bad thing to criticize.

The administration of President Buhari is going into the second leg of its first term. As someone that has fought for an equitable, just and prosperous nation, are you satisfied with what we have on ground?

Well we are not there yet, we are working very hard, we are hopeful determined and committed. I can tell you in my adult years, I have not seen any government that is as patriotic as this government in terms of commitment to what it believes in and commitment to Nigerians. Look at the N-Power policy, 200,000 young Nigerians who are unemployed who doesn’t have to know anybody get employment. The portal is open, you apply and in few weeks your name comes out as those who has applied. For me it’s something new in Nigeria, so this government is trying to bring solutions to the problems confronting Nigerians in the area of power supply, provision of infrastructure. This government is committed, we just need time and things will work out well for Nigeria.

Away from the national and now to your state Ekiti. Every day the Governor, Ayo Fayose is either in the news for buying oil or eating amala. He calls himself the Grassroots Governor. How do you rate his government?

Whatever I say might be taken as coming from the opposition. Nonetheless, take Fayose and put him side by side with the Governor of Kebbi state that has been able to produce almost 70,000 out-growers of rice and wheat; 7,000 indigenes of Kebbi state are out-growers. Put him side by side with a man who is always on air abusing everybody and eating all over the street and just making noise. Put Fayose side by side with the Governor of Lagos state that is doing all those gigantic works in Lagos that everybody is commending. As I’m talking to you the IGR of Lagos is about 35 billion naira per month, and the state is boasting that in the next 4 to 5 years they will have no less than 100 billion naira per month.

Put Fayose side by side with the Governor of Cross River state. You will want to say I’m saying all these because these governors are from my own party but Cross River is PDP, look at what the young man is doing in Cross River and several other governors like that. What will he say he has done, has he mobilized the young people in Ekiti who are ready to go to farm and do something for themselves; has he been able to generate power to the state? How many industries has he assisted? How many employment has he generated? For me he is a disaster to the people of Ekiti. Well his time is almost over. I have told him to start packing his things and I will assist him to go to jail by the time he finishes his tenure.

If he spends half of the time he spends on social media on developing Ekiti, the state will be a better place to stay and live in.

What would you say is the major problem facing Ekiti state?

Poverty! There is no company in Ekiti state that employs up to 30 people, there is no production going on there, no wealth creation. People are coming out of schools and having nothing to do. All of the lands cultivated are not up to 100 hectares in the entire state. A governor who has his senses right would be thinking of how to bring companies to come and establish in the state but no Fayose is just busy abusing Buhari, APC, eating rice all over the place as if life is all about food. The young men in Ekiti are very bright and smart; he can create a befitting environment for them to use their brains to create software, application etc, which will generate a lot of income for the state. He can direct their energy into doing something productive. All the young men end up with okada. Have you seen anybody who retires and earns pension in okada riding? Governing a state requires being sober, reflective and having the vision of taking the people from where they are to a higher place. Fayose is just acting Nollywood drama.

You are one of those seen as having what it takes to rescue Ekiti state. When will you answer the call to serve the state?

I have always answered the call as long as I can remember. I have also pointed out the right facts in Ekiti state. In 2006 when there were killings of people, I organized and removed the governor and I brought people who are decent and well educated, one from PDP and ACN to contest for the election and we brought sanity to the state for a while, but things have gone wrong again but we are going to rectify it. I don’t have to be the governor of Ekiti before I answer the call. I have always fought for the interest of the people in the state. If there are other things to do for the state in the future I am ready to answer the call.

Why not as governor?

As a governor, it is a possibility, and I am not ruling that out but, it’s not time yet to say if I want to become a governor or not. It is the desire of the people of Ekiti state to have people who have their interest at heart, who are passionate about the state to come up and lead them. When the time comes all of us who are progressives will come together and identify that person who has enough capacity and capability to run the place in a manner that will make Ekiti the pride of Nigeria and model for the rest of the states in the country.

If the people give you the mandate would you go?

I will consult with my family, party and myself before I take the decision.

Let’s assume after consideration and election you win, what are the first five things you will do for your people?

Agriculture! Agriculture!! Agriculture!!! Agriculture!!!! Agriculture!

This interview was first published by Montage Africa on June 29, 2017.

The Video here: https://youtu.be/Eis4vC8_FRA
... Commanders would be held responsible for any security breach

By Olayemi Esan

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya on Wednesday declared that ‘laissez faire’ attitudes on the part of commanders would not be tolerated in their approach to matters of security breaches.

Yahaya also reeled out strict rules expected for all personnel towards returning to the basic tenets of soldering, and charged for strict adherence to the customs, traditions and ethics of the Nigerian Army.

The Army Chief gave this order at the closing ceremony of COAS Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2021 which was held at Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess 1 in Abuja.

Lt. Gen. Yahaya stressed that Army personnel must uphold regimentation as well as emplace transparent sanctions and rewards system developing competencies while undertaking their constitutional duties.

He noted that in doing so, personnel must remain determined to change the tides of events.

He reminded formation and unit commanders on the need to ensure adequate security of their bases, barracks and cantonment, declaring that "Commanders would be held responsible for any security breach."

"In the conduct of our operations, commanders must ensure that their troops maintain a state of constant alertness and vigilance at all times to avoid any surprise attack by the adversary.