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DEFENCE

COAS Harps on Effective Training to Enhance Army’s Combat Readiness

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says a combat ready Nigerian Army requires effective training using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, genome sequencing and other software applications.

Lagbaja, who was represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Maj.

-Gen.
Henry Wesley, said this at the opening of the Simulation Workshop of the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the workshop is, “Effective use of Simulation Technology to Enhance Nigerian Army Operation in a Joint Environment.

He said the theme reflected his Command Philosophy for the Nigerian army which is, “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.

“A Nigerian Army that is always combat ready can only be achieved through effective training using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, genome sequencing and other even as they come software applications.

“Simulation training which involves the application of these technologies is thus a contemporary essential enabler for preparing Nigerian army personnel for current and future operational challenges.

“It is reassuring to say that in this regard, the centre has justified the purpose for which it was conceived and established.”

Lagbaja said he had approved the equipping of the centre with all the hardware and software essential to its efficiency.

He added that approval had also been given for the procurement of two 10 Lane Virtual Firing Range, a 100-KVA solar-inverters with lithium batteries as well as Aluminum Composite External Cladding for this Centre, to enhance its aesthetics.

He added that his overall goal was to make the centre a one-stop shop for all operations planning training in the Nigerian army in both peace time and during war.

According to him, the simulation centre is now well and sufficiently equipped to carry out simulation training for all combat arms, combat support arms and combat support services of the Nigerian Army.

“Battle Simulation Centres such as this help trainers to formulate training models by testing their operations planning and theories without expending scarce live ammunition, manpower fatique and the requirement for operational logistics supplies, especially in a dwindling economy.

“It is my firm belief that ultimately, the Centre would not only enhance the Nigerian Army training and operational readiness but also provide training support to our sister services, other security agencies, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“I am delighted to note that the Centre has so far conducted several capacity building programmes in line with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events 2023, with considerable successes.

“I am aware that the in-house training conducted at the centre has significantly improved the capacity of the new centre staff since their deployment,” he said.

The COAS pledged to continue to support all the efforts of LFSCN within available resources to make it one of the most respected in the world.

The Director General, LFSCN, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said the centre had since its establishment in 2019 made concerted efforts to provide the necessary hardware and software to make it functional and a centre of excellence.

Yusuf said the centre was being ranked among the best simulation training centres in sub-Saharan Africa and in the world, owing to the necessary support provided it to function optimally.

He said LFSCN had so far held in-house simulation exercise, four battalion simulation exercises, three brigade simulation exercises and three joint simulation exercises.

According to him, the centre conducted seminars and workshops to enhance the capacity of its staff as well as create awareness within the Nigerian army, sister services, security services, ministries, department agencies and other stakeholders. (NAN)

DEFENCE

Troops Rescue Wounded Civilians, Recover 117 Cows, Stolen Vehicle in Zamfara

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By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of operational successes in Zamfara State, including the rescue of three civilians, recovery of suspected rustled livestock and retrieval of a stolen vehicle.

The troops responded to a distress call over an attack by armed bandits on travellers along the Dampo–Rumba Road in Bakura Local Government Area.

According to the operation’s statement, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush and abandon three injured civilians.

The victims were given first aid by the troops and evacuated for medical treatment. Security patrols have continued along the road to maintain safe passage for commuters.

In a separate operation around the Magami axis, troops acting on intelligence intercepted five trucks suspected of transporting rustled livestock to Gusau.

A search of the trucks led to the recovery of 117 cows, two donkeys, one goat and five cow skins. The recovered livestock and items were handed over to the Chairman of the Zamfara State Committee on the Recovery of Rustled Animals in Gusau for identification and return to their rightful owners.

Meanwhile, troops in the Tsafe Local Government Area recovered a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 804CL following intelligence shared among joint tracking teams.

The driver reportedly ignored a stop signal and fled towards a nearby community.

Troops pursued the vehicle, prompting the suspects to abandon it and escape on foot.
The recovered vehicle has been secured for further administrative and legal processes, according to the statement.

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DEFENCE

Kano Police Arrest 10 Suspected Inter-state Car Thieves

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The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen vehicles linked to the group.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made this known while newsmen in Kano, on Wednesday.

Bakori said the arrests and recoveries were made by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) following credible intelligence and coordinated operations across Kano and its neighbouring states.

He said five suspects were initially detained in Adamawa on Sept. 7, during which a white Mercedes Benz GLK 350 was recovered.

According to him, discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up resulted in the recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states.

He added that five other suspects were arrested on Sept. 12 at about 8:30 p.m. at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, while in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux.

The CP said the suspects confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.

He said the suspects also disclosed that their modus operandi involved stealing vehicles, concealing them in different locations and moving them across state borders for sale.

Bakori said investigation was ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover other stolen vehicles.

He said 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult for the police to trace some of their owners.

The CP urged vehicle owners to ensure proper registration of their vehicles, warning that the command would not tolerate the use of unregistered vehicles or vehicles with covered or concealed number plates.

He said the operation was conducted in line with the Inspector-General of Police, I-G Olatunji Disu’s, ”Handshake Patrol” initiative aimed at dismantling inter-state criminal networks through intelligence sharing and inter-command collaboration.

Bakori urged owners of the recovered vehicles to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 07063407910, the Police Public Relations Officer’s office or the Officer-in-Charge of SIS at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, with valid proof of ownership.

He appealed to members of the public to report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers.

The CP said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

GOC Tasks Troops on Vigilance, Commitment to Tackling Insecurity

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has advised troops to be vigilant and committed to tackling insecurity in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.

-Col.
Jonah Danjuma, made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Danjuma quoted Mahmuda as giving the advice during his visit to the troops’ location near the Old Oyo National Park in the state.

The GOC, who inspected the lIgbeti–Igboho–Sepetari Road in Olorunsogo Local Government Area (LGA) said that the visit was part of a broader framework of visiting formations and units to have an on the spot assessment of troop deployment.

Mahmuda was received and briefed on the security situation in the area by the Commanding Officer (CO), 81 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Chiemezie Asogwa.

“The GOC also visited the 169 Motorcycle Battalion Headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile, and Abaja Response Area, both in Oriire LGA, and was received by the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt.-Col. Waziri Ayuba.

The commanding officers conducted the GOC round the deployment areas and briefed him on the operational disposition of the battalion.

Addressing the troops, Mahmuda urged the soldiers to be alert, disciplined and to maintain an aggressive posture.

He also commended the troops for ensuring safety in their areas of responsibility while urging them to adhere to the core values of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)

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