DEFENCE
Nigerian Army Moves to Enhance Capacity of Officers in Military Diplomacy
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday commenced a three-day capacity building workshop on Protocol and Liaison Duties to enhance the capacity of officers in protocol and liaison functions as well as military diplomacy.
The workshop with the theme, “Enhancing the Nigerian Army Protocol and Liaison Capability for Efficient Service Delivery,” was organised by the Army Headquarters’ Department of Special Services and Programmes.
Speaking at the opening, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, said the workshop was borne out of the need for more effective coordination of all Nigerian army liaison, special and ceremonial events as well as other organised programmes in line with best practices.
Yahaya said the establishment of the Directorate of Protocol in the Department of Special Services and Programmes had illustrated the desire to uphold international best practices and regulations in dealing with diplomatic protocol, precedence and etiquette.
According to him, the department so far has been able to take up laudable initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigerian Army’s protocol and liaison duties for optimal performance in support of operational goals.
“Its initiative to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other accredited institutions to undertake specific courses for building personnel capacity on protocol and liaison duties in the Service is indeed a welcome idea.
“This initiative will help in developing the capacity for the newly established Directorate of Protocol to carry out its mandate professionally and efficiently during Nigerian Army international and domestic engagements.
“The increase in military-to-military bilateral contacts and engagements with friendly allies all over the world calls for better understanding of protocol functions in support of our strategic engagements,” he said.
The COAS said the current security environment was dynamic and characterised by uncertainty and complexity which required increased liaison with stakeholders at all levels.
This, according to him, calls for training and capacity development in protocol and liaison duties to facilitate various levels of engagements with internal and external partners.
He said the workshop was expected to develop the capacity of army personnel to conduct protocol duties in furtherance of army’s strategic and operational objectives.
Yahaya said the Nigerian Army would continue to act professionally in building all components of fighting power to demonstrate its readiness to fulfil its constitutional roles in the defence of Nigeria.
He acknowledged the competence exhibited by personnel during the Presidential and Gubernatorial Elections, pledging to continue to provide the right leadership and guidance for troops.
He also promised to sustain commitment towards the acquisition of more equipment and platforms to ensure that the war against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes in the country was brought to an end.
He urged personal to continue to be professional in their conduct and portray the Nigerian Army as the pride of the nation.
The Chief of Special Services and Prigrammes (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, said the army had increased interface with internal external interlocutors towards addressing national and sub-regional security challenges to fulfill its role.
Onumajuru said the purpose of the workshop was to build capacity of personnel across board on protocol and liaison duties to be able to carry out thier mandate professionally and efficiently.
He said it was envisaged that the workshop would provide a more appropriate avenue for relevant interaction among professionals in protocol and liaison.
“It is envisaged that this workshop will stimulate discussion on protocol and liaison issues in the army that will provide the basis for policy and procedural responses.
“Specifically, it would, among others, promote a deeper understanding of protocol and liaison issues, particularly as they support defence diplomacy, military geometric counters and bilateral army to army staff talk,” he said.
The keynote speaker and retired Nigerian Diplomat, Amb. Oluwole Coker, said military diplomacy was an important aspect of the diplomatic relations of any country, hence the need for capacity building of military officers in that regard.
Coker delivered a paper titled, “Building Strong Protocol Capacity for Enhanced Military Diplomacy and National Security: Strategic Option for the Nigerian Army.”
He said it was also necessary for officers responsible for internal activities of the army to be the best and knowledgeable in protocol and liaison responsibilities.
A discussant, Amb Akin Oyeteru, said protocol facilitates smooth interaction between officials, adding that the ultimate aim of pprotocol was the avoidance of unnecessary confrontation.
Oyeteru said protocol officers required knowledge to become valuable, adding that punctuality, politeness, trustworthiness and patience were core attributes of a protocol officer.
According to him, military diplomacy is a subset of defense diplomacy which has to do mainly with military attaches and the functions. (NAN)
DEFENCE
NAF Names Crew, Passengers on Board ill-fated Flight
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has released the names of personnel and passengers in the crashed NAF 931 aircraft.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The crew members and passengers lost their lives in the crash involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
Ejodame listed the crew members as Sqn. Ldr MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Sqn. Ldr AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flt.-Lt. IS Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician) and Cpl.
Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician).He said the passengers included Flt.-Lt. TL Lazarus, Flt.-Lt. M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others he said were Sgt. Ani AE, Sgt. Izibenikien SI, Sgt. Alafuka C, Sgt. Mbadugha AN, Lance Cpl. Ugwuba FC, Lance Cpl. Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF director of public relations and information also said that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke had expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers.
He quoted Aneke as describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation.
The CAS expressed heartfelt sympathies to families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
He assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period, while also directing a comprehensive investigation to establish circumstances surrounding the accident.
He also assured that the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified updates as investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information, while respecting privacy and dignity of affected families.
“A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay respects and convey messages of sympathy to families of the deceased and the NAF,” he said.
25 persons comprising five crew members and 20 passengers were onboard the aircraft which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.
It was reported that search and rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Nab 32 Suspects, Recover 10 Firearms, 43 Vehicles in September
The Police Command in Lagos State says it apprehended 32 suspects and recovered 10 firearms, 43 vehicles and N2.5 million during various operations across the state in September.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police(CP), Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements for the month at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
Tijani said the command also impounded 43 vehicles during an early-morning enforcement operation on Monday against vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles, adding that further checks were ongoing.
He said the command arrested the suspects in connection with armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, breaking and entering, public disturbance and other violent crimes.
The CP said the command recovered 20 live ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms and other incriminating exhibits.
He added that the firearms comprised five pump-action guns and five locally made pistols.
Tijani said a 32-year-old suspect was arrested during a routine patrol along Oko Oba Road after some suspected hoodlums allegedly fled on sighting the police.
“A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size pistol, radiator, car jack, engine block and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools,” he said.
The commissioner said a 29-year-old suspected armed robber was also arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of a man at Ghost and Spirit Lounge, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.
“The suspect was arrested at the Toll Gate, Lagos-Ogun boundary, following investigation into the Sept. 26 incident, in which armed men allegedly robbed the victim of his gold wrist chain and rings.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining exhibits,” he said.
He said police also arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged conspiracy and stealing case involving a gang that reportedly travelled from Idi-Oro, Mushin, to the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah.
According to him, the suspect led operatives to a hotel room in Idi-Oro, where N2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered.
The CP said three suspected robbers were also arrested in Idi-Oro, while intelligence obtained during investigation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
He added that another suspect was arrested in Olorunsogo, Mushin, where a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm ammunition were recovered.
Tijani said the suspect allegedly confessed to membership of the Eiye Confraternity, while two other suspected cultists, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard.
He said 12 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were also arrested in Imeke, Badagry, with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, two vehicle keys, a locally made cut-to-size gun and suspected criminal charms recovered.
According to him, seven of the suspects had been charged to court, while investigation continued to apprehend other members and recover additional arms.
The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested a 15-year-old suspected arms courier at Capa, Oshodi, while allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition concealed inside a loaf of bread.
He said a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of unexpended 9mm ammunition and a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun were recovered from the suspect, while further investigation led to the recovery of an additional cut-to-size gun and 11 cartridges.
Tijani said the command also arrested a 53-year-old man in Ojo for alleged unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and six suspected hoodlums over alleged breaking, looting and destruction of property along Ejigbo–Idimu Road.
He said another suspect was arrested in Badagry for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and public disturbance, adding that two victims had so far made statements against him.
Tijani said the command would continue to protect police personnel lawfully carrying out their duties while holding accountable officers whose conduct fell below expected standards.
He commended the officers and operatives for the breakthroughs and appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Troops Foil Two Abduction Attempts, Rescue 10 Victims in Zamfara
By David Torough, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 people in operations across Zamfara State.
The military said the incidents occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.
In Maru, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba Village in Kanoma District.
The troops engaged the attackers and rescued three victims, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total rescued at the location to four.In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua road, troops conducting a picketing operation near Kwanoni heard sporadic gunshots and moved towards the area. They encountered terrorists withdrawing through surrounding high ground and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee.
According to the military, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants. The occupants escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.
Six other people were rescued from another vehicle that reportedly lost control as a result of the gunfire. The vehicle was later towed away from the road to restore traffic flow.
The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying their actions helped protect civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.
The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained operations against terrorists in the North West and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels.


