Uncategorized
Army Chief Urges Troops to Make Nigeria Safer
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has urged troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) to make the country safer and more secure to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
The COAS gave the charge while addressing the troops at parade ground during his maiden Operational visit to 12 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA), Charimaigumeri Barracks Lokoja.
He commended the troops for the good job they were doing and their sacrifice in maintaining national security, defending the country’s sovereignty, and upholding its interests.
“When you look at the security challenges in the North West, North east, North central and other parts of the country, you will know that there is a need to do more.
“As it is now, every Nigerian is looking up to us to make the country safer, and this will entail more commitment, more sense of duty, responsibility, and more courage on our part,” he said.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of soldiers and their families, recognizing their sacrifices and commitment to the nation.
He said that the NA under his leadership had doubled the ration cash allowance (RCA), Instructors’ allowance as well as an affordable housing scheme to enable soldiers to have their own houses after retirement.
Gen Oluyede also assured the troops of regular provision of uniforms, kits and combat enablers, improved office and residential accommodation, as well as access to a soft loan scheme for challenged troops.
He urged the soldiers to take advantage of the soft loan and housing schemes by key-in to it, to have a house of their own after leaving service.
He further assured that the NA would continue to do its very best within the available resources to ensure that things get better for the troops and their families.
He added: “As my own philosophy, I am going to do my very best to make things better for you and by extension the officers under us, so that we can have a better Army, better welfare and better life for you and your families.
“If there is no security there can’t be development, so it is a collective responsibility to make Nigeria safer and more secure, so that Nigeria can develop and your children can have a better country to live in.
“As your leader, I am going to do my utmost best to make things better for you, but you must be more committed to making Nigeria safer”.
The COAS further advised the troops to always live according to their earnings, while cautioning them against extravagant lifestyles.
Our Correspondent reports that the Commander 12 Brigade NA Lokoja, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi, led the COAS and his entourage on an inspection tour to some executed and ongoing projects within the barracks.
The COAS also performed ground breaking ceremonies for construction of electrically powered borehole with 6000 litre-capacity, as well as the foundation laying for three blocks of two-bedroom two-family semi detached senior non commissioned officers’ quarters.
Our Correspondent reports that the COAS also inspected the remodelled and upgraded 12 Brigade Medical centre.
In the entourage of the COAS was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj. -Gen. Obinna Onubogu, and other senior officers in the Nigerian Army.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists across the state, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of firearms and ammunition.According to a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, the arrests were made through a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out by various tactical units within the Command.
In a major crackdown on kidnapping, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested three suspected members of an interstate kidnapping syndicate on May 16 and 17. The suspects — Idirisu Yakubu (21), Bello Amodu (40), and Umar Mohammed Beto (38) — were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.The gang is believed to have been responsible for kidnappings in Delta, Rivers, Enugu, and Imo states. Following their arrest, the suspects led police to a bush along the Ughelli-Ozoro Road in Delta State where officers recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a pump-action shotgun with seven live cartridges. Investigations into the syndicate’s operations are ongoing.In another operation, the Eagle Net Surveillance Team based in Ughelli arrested a 53-year-old suspect, Benjamin Benemor, in Warri South Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence, officers searched his residence and uncovered a deadly arsenal which included one English Beretta pistol with magazine, an English double-barrel pump-action gun, an English single-barrel gun, two locally made firearms, and a battle axe. Fifteen live cartridges were also seized from the scene.Further demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive policing, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) intercepted a Jetta vehicle along the Asaba-Benin Expressway on May 15. Two suspects — Blessing Ngbajime (49) and Okpako Oghenhovo (27) — were arrested, and one fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from the latter. Investigations are currently underway.Reacting to the successful operations, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commended the officers for their professionalism and dedication.He reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property across Delta State.“These achievements demonstrate our readiness to confront all forms of criminality head-on. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information that can assist in maintaining peace and order,” Olufemi stated.The arrests and weapon seizures come as part of the Command’s intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal syndicates and maintain law and order.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Chairman of Agatu Local government area of Benue State, Melvin Ejeh yesterday raised the alarm that criminal herders are bent on causing a crisis in his domain despite the painstaking efforts by his administration to restore permanent peace in Agatu land.The chairman, who raised the alarm in a press statement in Makurdi, lamented over the tragic attack on some innocent citizens who were returning from the market around Ogwumogbo and Okpo’okpolo communities by a group of criminal herders resulting in the loss of six lives.
According to him, ‘the report that reached me indicated that the victims who were traders returning from Oweto Market in Agatu to their various villages were ambushed by their attackers.”It is sad and highly regrettable that some criminal herders are bent on causing yet another crisis despite all efforts we are making to restore peace in the area.”This barbaric, criminal, and heinous crime is condemnable in its entirety. The perpetrators and their sponsors must not go unpunished. They must be fished out from their hideout to answer for their evil act”.Ejeh who is also the Deputy Chairman, ALGON said the police, military, DSS, and other security agencies have begun action with a view to apprehending those involved.Said he, “I wish to allay the fears of citizens in the Council and appeal that they should continue with their normal activities.”The local government will work with all the security agencies to uproot the criminals from their hideout to face the wrath of the law, no matter how highly placed. Anybody who is found to be aiding and abetting criminality in the local government area will be dealt with according to the law.”I call on every citizen to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or movements to security agencies in the local government”.
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
A Prof. of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Portharcourt, Prof. A.W. Obianime has said that the prospect for the future of Ijaw Nation looks good but will require a broad review of the people’s emotional and psychological state.
He said there should be a reorientation of the people, saying the need for environmental and social Justice is paramount and to enshrine corporate and environmental responsibility is an aspect they need to pursue and promote. Obianime handed down this during a Public Lecture/Dinner organized to mark the 2025 Isaac Boro Day celebration at the state Banquet Hall Government House Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capitalAccording to him, the existing lawsuit and social campaign should be used for the development of the people and the region. “We must change the erroneous narrative by people who mean us no good and present us as aliens, senseless Agitators or militants, not as educated people seeking their rights, justice and Fairness”.In a lecture titled: The Ijaw Struggle for Self Determination: Challenges, New Frontiers and Prospect, Prof. Obianime said, “Politics and the allure of monetary gains and their supposed benefits have disunited our people and therefore there is no more Ijawness in our daily operations”. Rather than ljaw, we talk along party lines (PDP VS APC).”The build-up to 2027 is more important than the jaw National and ancestral interest. Peace building, Dialogue and constructive engagement between the Ijaw nation, the federal government, oil companies, and civil society are key to lasting peace and mutual development.”The Ijaws as an ethnic nationality must take action, their cause must be given the needed global outlook. Our message must be well packaged and placed on the front burners of international human rights platforms, environmental courts, and policy institutions.”Our youths are our future and empowering them with the right information via formal and non-formal education, global exposure and leadership training will sustain the desire for a better future, keep alive the struggle and secure the dream.”We must begin to learn to accommodate and network our interests. We must purposefully go out to make new friends, establish new relationships and begin a new phase of what I consider a high-powered PR activity.”Finally, the new frontiers are not about bullets and guns, it is about brains and brawn. The Ijaws must rise above petty educational pursuits but seek education that is liberating and fair. Therefore brethren, if we must establish the concept of fairness and justice as it concerns the ljaws people, we must also preach it as a national ethos because injury to one is an injury to all” , he said.While acknowledging some challenges said, theater and the complexities/complexion of the war or survival in the Nigerian political space have changed. Saying the physical environment has changed due to environmental degradation and toxicity.In his closing remark, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei said, the younger generations should emulate what Issac Adaka Boro stood for during his lifetime.According to him, Boro’s struggle contributed to the creation of the old Rivers state and now Bayelsa state too was created. “Our politicians, youths and all stakeholders in Ijaw Nation should see the interest of Ijaw man above their personal interest “.
Philippine President Calls for Resignation of All Cabinet Secretaries
Share Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked all of his Cabinet secretaries to submit their resignations on Thursday in what...
Reps to Investigate Alleged Irregularities in Driver’s licence Issuance, Revenue Generation
ShareThe House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate operational issues related to driver’s...
Those Waiting for Wike’s Downfall ‘ll Wait Endlessly – Aide
ShareMr Lere Olayinka, spokesman to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says those waiting for the minister’s political downfall will wait...
2025 Budget: FCTA Secretariats, Departments to Spend N351.2bn on Capital Projects
Share The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has earmarked N418.9 billion for its Secretariat, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) in the...
Abia Moves to Regulate Scrap Metal Trade, Tackle Scavenging Menace
ShareFrom Chidi Precious, Umuahia The Abia State Government has pledged to create a business-friendly and regulated environment for operators in...
We’re Actively Expanding Training, Mentorship, Funding Access – Lokpobiri
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), said they...
ESUT Secures Full Accreditations in Law, Engineering, Sciences, Others
ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has further secured full accreditations for its...
Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Funds Landmark Maternity Clinic to Boost Maternal, Child Healthcare
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta In a groundbreaking display of community leadership and philanthropy, the revered Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has personally...
Adamawa NSCDC Promotes officer Who Returned $500
ShareFrom Yagana Ali, Yola The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recognized and rewarded the honesty of Corps...
Bagudu Seeks Citizens Advocacy, Participation in Budgetary Processes
ShareBy Tony Obiechina Abuja The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has called on the Civil...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish