The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on Nigerian youths to channel their creativity and intellect toward shaping the future of air operations through the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Literary Competition.

The call was made in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the 2025/2026 edition of the competition, which opened on Nov.

He said the initiative, introduced at the instance of the CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, provides a platform for young Nigerians to express ideas and creative interpretations on contemporary security and technology issues aligned with modern airpower needs.

According to him, the competition will feature three categories—Essay, Art and Poetry—under the theme, “Optimising Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Air Operations,” reflecting the NAF’s drive to leverage cutting-edge tools to improve operational effectiveness and prepare for future security challenges.

“Beyond competition, the programme seeks to strengthen civil–military relations, inspire informed youth advocacy and empower participants to see themselves as stakeholders in national development and technological advancement.

“Interested participants are advised to consult the competition flyer for guidelines, eligibility and submission requirements,” he said.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Government on Tuesday honoured serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army for gallantry, leadership, innovation and post-service contributions to national development at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Awards Ceremony in Abuja.

The awards were presented during the AFCRD Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall of the State House on January 13, recognising officers and soldiers whose actions have strengthened national security and community development.

Among the awardees was the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for what organisers described as selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres.

Also receiving the Service and Sacrifice Award were Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, in recognition of their operational leadership and dedication to duty.

Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously honoured with the Gallantry Award for leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, while Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks under intense pressure.

In the area of innovation, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was presented with the Innovation Award for redesigning and deploying a ballistic gunboat that enhanced operations under Operation DELTA SAFE.

Several posthumous and veterans’ honours were also conferred. Late Colonel B Umaru received the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for his role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), was awarded the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for reforms implemented during his tenure and his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin.

Other recipients included Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), who received the Sentinel of Freedom Award; Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd), honoured with the Phoenix Award for resilience despite injuries sustained in action; and several retired officers recognised for entrepreneurship, community service and veterans’ advocacy.

Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba also received the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and post-retirement community development efforts.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour fallen heroes, recognise serving personnel and celebrate veterans whose service continues to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has constituted a committee to investigate the cause of the death of a volunteer operative, Halifa Abdullahi.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Kano and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

The deceased, who was attached to the Fagge Divisional Office in Kano, reportedly took ill on Jan.

According to the statement, the State Commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, “ordered a discreet and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident to ensure justice for the deceased and his family”.

He assured the bereaved family and the general public that “no staff found culpable would be shielded”, stressing that anyone found wanting would face the full weight of the law.

 “There is no sacred cow. We are all equal before the law.

“Justice and fairness will be allowed to take their full course, as the Nigeria Police Force is actively involved in the investigation,” the statement added.

Hassan-Agalama expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased and prayed for the repose of his soul.

He also appealed to the public to remain calm, law-abiding and peaceful, and to allow due process and the justice system to take their course in the matter.