DEFENCE
Army Fetes 62 Retired Generals
The Nigerian Army on Saturday, treated 62 retired and retiring generals to a regimental dinner and awards to honour them for their 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.
The senior officers comprising 24 major generals and 38 brigadier generals are those who retired or due for retirement within 2022.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen.
lucky Irabor, said the event signified the beginning of a process for the retired and retiring senior officers who would transit into another phase of life that would be slightly differently from what they were used to.Irabor said the officers deserved to be appreciated and honoured by the nation, adding that event was a representation of national honors to them.
He said that a lot of changes had occurred in the context of welfare and administration in the armed forces, urging them to ensure that they make themselves happy in retirement
“So let me on that note, wish everyone of you the very best in retirement.
“We want to hear good testimonies about you and we will also appreciate that you do not forget the constituency that made you this past three and half decades.
“Like I said to you guys there is no engagement that would take your time and energy for as long as you live that will be demanding of you the way the armed forces have demanded of you, and of course the army in particular.
“And so it behooves on you to be the ambassadors of the armed forces, to change the orientation of many who do not know us.
“Remain our testifiers as to the uniqueness of the value that we bring to bear within the defence and security architecture of this nation.
“I would like to urge you to please keep up that spirit so that together we will continue to add value to our work,” he said.
Irabor commended the Army Headquarters for honouring its retired personnel for their services to the nation and the armed forces in particular.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, said the regimental dinner was organised to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the senior officers to their fatherland in the past 35 years.
Yahaya said the officers had operated and traversed the gamut of the country and theatres of operations, as well as other countries where they had contributed to peace and security.
According to him, this is a celebration of life to appreciate and thank them, having served the noble profession of the arms and retiring in one piece after 35 years.
He urged them to be good ambassadors of the army and be ready to continue to be useful to the nation, adding that they were better positioned to help propagate and sell the army in good light.
He urged them to continue to deploy their expertise and competences in support of the service, adding that the army had opened avenues to engage retired officers willing to deliver their skills and competencies.
“As we speak, we have some of the retired officers at Army Resource Center, Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army School of Artillery, School of Infantry and across board.
“We are willing and ready to engage you because we know the quality of what was invested in you and what you can deliver and what you have delivered when you were serving,” he said.
Yahaya also appreciated the spouses of the retired officers for the support and sacrifices they made while their husbands were busy serving the nation.
He also advised them to continue make themselves useful by getting themselves engaged in profitable ventures in retirement.
The Chief of Administration (Army) Maj.-Gen. Ogbe Ali, said the event was first held in 2021 to appreciate retired and retiring generals, adding that similar events were being organised at formations level for colonels and below, as well as soldiers.
Ali said the 2022 ooccasion was a continuation of that innovation and the 2nd in the series to celebrate 62 generals of the Nigerian army that retired during the year.
According to him, the ceremony is equally unique as it ushers them into the end of the year and the Christmas season. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Army Destroys 22 Lakurawa Camps, Recover Arms in Sokoto, Kebbi
The special brigade of the Nigerian Army has neutralised scores of Lukurawa bandits and destroyed about 22 camps in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.- Gen. Oluyinka Soyele, disclosed this to the newsmen on Friday in Sokoto.
Speaking through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto, Brig.
Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, Soyele said the special operation brigade was deployed by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for the exercise.He noted that the successes were recorded through a fresh onslaughts lunched against Lakurawa bandits that led to the destruction of bandits camps.
Soyele said that the operation was to consolidate successes achieved in the ongoing operation under ” FOREST SANITY III CHASE LAKURAWAS OUT. ”
He charged the troops to ensure total destruction of the Lakurawas sects and enjoined them to abide by the rules of engagement and ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding citizens.
Soyele further highlighted that troops have been selected and trained for this mission, hence Nigerians are counting on their ability and professionalism to flush out the Lakurawas.
He added that the special operation was to ensure total elimination of the Lakurawas sects in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He explained that the operation reached forests and enclaves at Rumji Dutse East of Sarma, Tsauna and Bauni, Malgatawa, Gargao, Tsauna and Magara forests in Kebbi state.
Other areas raided included; Kaideji, Nakuru, Sama, Sanyinna, Kadidda, Kolo and Dancha villages in Illela, Tangaza and Binji local government areas of Sokoto state.
The operation, he said led to the recovery of four rifles and 409 PKT 7.62mm NATO and 94 pieces of 7.62mm special rounds ammunition besides destruction of about 22 camps, neutralization of several members of the sect members.
He stressed that the deployment of the brigade would be an added impetus in frustrating the activities of the bandits and restoring normalcy to the affected communities and the Northwest states.
Soyele added that prior to the deployment of the Brigade, troops of 8 Division under Operation FANSAN YAMMA had begun precursor and shaping the areas. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Army Destroys Bandits Camps, Recover Ammunition in Taraba
The troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits camps and recovered ammunition in Taraba.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Jalingo signed by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.It said the successes were recorded in a series of clearance operations under Commander of the Brigade, Brig.
Gen. Kingsley Uwa, across multiple bandits hideouts in Taraba. “The operation code named OP GOLDEN PEACE commenced after extensive confidence building patrols, clearance missions, and stakeholder engagements, which proved effective in the northern part of the state.“The latest phase of the operation began on 28 November 2024 in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on known bandit and terrorist hideouts around Lijam High Ground.”The statement indicated that during the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed, and troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 Magazine, one handheld Baofeng radio and 2 motorcycles.“To further solidify the safety of residents, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA on 30 November 2024, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”The statement quoted the Commander of the 6 Brigade who commended the troops, urging them to remain vigilant.“Together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.“This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals,” the commander is quoted as saying.(NAN)DEFENCE
Cybersecurity Bedrock of NAF’s Operational Readiness – CAS
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says cybersecurity is the bedrock of operational readiness and the key to mission success of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of NAF’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training.
He said the training was a vital initiative that would highlight the future of national security in the increasingly interconnected world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies play pivotal roles.
According to him, the integration of technology into warfare has ushered in a new era where digital bits and bytes are as formidable as physical bullets and bombs.
“The integrity of our nation’s defence systems, the security of our communications, and the sanctity of our data depend on the strength and resilience of our cybersecurity framework.
“For the NAF, which has distinguished itself as being more technological advanced than other services, cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is the bedrock of our operational readiness and the key to mission success.”
The CAS also said that the workshop would serve as a vital part of NAF’s efforts at ensuring that its personnel were equipped to meet the demands of securing the nation’s collective cyber environment.
He added that the recent global events had highlighted the severe consequences of cyberattacks, which could disrupt critical operations and undermine national security.
He disclosed that NAF’s platforms depended on secure digital communications, making them vulnerable to potential hijacking or operational disruptions.
According to him, these vulnerabilities emphasise the urgent need for a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity within our ranks, which is precisely the focus of our gathering here today.
“Cybersecurity is a continuous journey that demands vigilance, ethical conduct, and a commitment to protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.
“Let us continue to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that will enable us to stand ready against any threat, known or unknown that may arise in the digital age.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Communications and Information System, NAF, AVM Suleiman Usman, said the training was designed to equipped personnel with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect both physical borders and digital frontiers.
Usman explained that the training had dominated CAS’ strategic intent to develop and sustain optimal operational effectiveness in the NAF.
He said the cybersecurity training was an essential part of their collective mission to secure the integrity of NAF’s information networks.
“Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, hence the need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures against evolving threats becomes ostensible.
“We are not just guarding the airspace but also protecting data, communications and systems that are integral to the success of every mission we undertake,” he said.
In his lecture titled, “Global Trends and Pillars of Cybersecurity for NAF”, Dr Asogbon Godwin, said that NAF must develop comprehensive cyber security policies and laws that addressed various types of cybercrimes.
He said that the cybercrimes include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and malware attacks.
Godwin urged the air force to invest in raising awareness about cybercrime risks and best practices for staying safe online and training investigators and prosecutors on digital forensics and other technical skills needed to investigate cybercrimes.
He also advised NAF to void ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) police and also practice Zero Trust Principle.(NAN)