DEFENCE
Insecurity: Army Desirous of Meeting Expectations of Nigerians — COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt- Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said the Nigerian Army under his leadership was desirous of meeting the expectations of Nigerians in addressing security challenges in the country.
Attahiru stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan Oyo State while declaring open the First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar for Brigade Commanders and General Officers Commanding 2021.
The two-day seminar with the theme: “Enhancing the Capacity of Nigerian Army Senior Level Field Commanders for Optimal Performance in a Complex Operational Environment” holds at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters in Ibadan.
The COAS said challenges were part of lives which organisations or countries passed through that would definitely be overcome based on determination of all stakeholders.
Attahiru assured Nigerians that the country would surmount her security challenges based on the renewed determination of the Nigerian army and other security agencies in the country.
“Upon assumption of office as the 21th COAS, conscious of the growing threats in the national security, I identified the compelling needs to urgently reposition the Nigerian army to effectively conduct operation to defect threats and curtail security challenges facing the country.
“I articulated my mission to have a Nigerian Army that is professionally repositioned to defect all threats in a joint environment, in line with my vision hinged on eight leadership goals,” he said.
He urged the general officers and brigade commanders to key into his mission and rededicate themselves to drive the process toward attainment of the desired goals and objectives.
Attahiru said the Nigerian Army under his leadership would do things different which was why the training was being organised for the senior officers to have a better outcome and effectively deal with the country’s security challenges.
Attahiru said he had set mechanisms in motion to invigorate, effectively plan and conduct operations and as well draw lessons from ongoing operations and partners with relevant stakeholders to achieve the desired result.
“I want you to understand that our dear nation is facing formidable and unprecedented attacks from non-state actors and security threats that are unstructured, with the impact felt on land, sea and cyber domain.
“We must continue to device multi-faceted approach and multi-disciplinary dimensions to defeat them.
“Training like this seminar creates fora for senior commanders of Nigerian Army to frankly share experiences, identify gaps in our operations and gain experiences,” he said.
Attahiru urged the participants to take the seminar seriously, saying they were the vacuum in which the operation of Nigerians army rested on.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Training, Maj- Gen. Okudili Azinta, said the training would help the army defect all emerging threats in Nigeria and meet the yearnings of Nigerians.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj- Gen. Gold Chibuisi, appreciated the COAS for approving the training and urged the participants to utilise the training to improve their knowledge.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Ban Covering of Vehicles, Motorcycles Registration Number Plates in Benue
In a bid to curb the escalating security situation, the Police Command in Benue, on Sunday ordered motorists and motorcyclists to stop covering their registration numbers plates.
The order was contained in a statement signed by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, in Makurdi.
According to Anene, covering vehicle number plates was an offence and would be met with the appropriate sanctions.
“The practice of covering number plate has become increasingly prevalent in the state, and this is posing a significant security threat to the state, as criminals can take advantage of this practice to perpetuate crime and get away with it.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of police (CP), Benue State Command, Hassan Yabanet, has ordered all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, to impound such vehicles for investigation and prosecution.
“Motorists are hereby advised to ensure that their vehicle registration number plates remain clearly visible at all times while driving within the state, to avoid any inconvenience that may be caused by the enforcement.
“Together, we can contribute to the promotion of public safety and the maintenance of law and order in Benue State.”the PPRO said in the statement. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Troops Rescue Abducted Kogi Varsity Students, others in Multiple Operations
The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued the nine abducted students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State.
The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Sunday, said the troops in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes carried out a successful search and rescued the victims.
It said the troops encountered the scouts deployed by the kidnappers in the vicinity of the Osara Forests and nearby areas, resulting to a fierce fire fight.
According to the post, the superior fire power of the troops led to the kidnappers abandoning nine of the kidnapped students, who were subsequently rescued.
It said the troops had in a series of successful operations across the country, dealt substantial blows to terrorist groups and rescued several kidnap victims while a notorious militant surrendered.
The post also revealed that troops in the North West also rescued two persons abducted by terrorists in Danzara Village in Kanoma District in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.
It said the troops demonstrated their rapid response capabilities, when they received a distress call on the abduction of the two locals by violent extremists.
According to the army, the terrorists, who had seized the victims in a red Golf car, were pursued by the troops but flee and abandon the hostages without harm in the cause of the confrontation with troops.
In Katsina State, the post revealed that the proactive efforts of the troops led to the rescue of 17 abducted victims in the Solar General Area of Batsari Local Government Area.
It said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, compelling them to abandon the kidnap victims, who were later safely returned to the care of Batsari Local Government officials.
“In Borno, a notable incident occurred when Alhaji Wosai, identified as a notorious member of the Boko Haram Terrorists operating within the Garno Village, in Dikwa Local Government Area, voluntarily surrendered to troops.
“Wosai handed over his AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing two rounds of ammunition.
“These operations, highlight the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Army troops in combating terrorism and underscore their commitment to the safety and security of all citizens.
“Troops’ resolve in addressing the threat posed by terrorists and kidnappers remains unwavering, as they continue to work towards restoring peace and stability in the affected regions,” it said. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Gombe: Army Assesses Barracks Infrastructure, Restates Commitment to Troops, Veterans’ Welfare
A team from the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Department of Army Administration, on Wednesday visited the 301 Artillery Regiment (GS) in Gombe, to assess the state of barracks infrastructure in the state.
This is contained in a press statement issued in Gombe by Capt. Mazinho Attah, the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support).
Attah said that the Acting Deputy Chief of Administration (Army) Veterans Affairs Department (VAD), Brig .
Gen Umaru Alkali, led the team to the state.Attah quoted Alkali to have said that the visit was directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, and aimed at improving facilities and enhancing the welfare of veterans and serving personnel.
“The visit is to address current conditions of legions, Nigerian Army cemeteries as well as command schools and hospitals,” he said.
He further highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army leadership to ensure that troops and family welfare of serving and retired personnel remained top priority of the service.
While receiving the team, the Commander 301 Artillery Regiment, Colonel Musa Ahmed, briefed the team on the current conditions of facilities in Gombe State.
Ahmed noted the significance of completing ongoing projects at the new barracks and making it befitting for the regiment.
He further said that the assessment visit was crucial to boosting the morale of troops as well as impact positively on their living conditions.(NAN)