DEFENCE
NAF Commissions New Accommodation For Troops in Benue
By Gom Mirian, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned newly constructed block of 10 x 1 bedroom flats for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) at the 21 Quick Response Wing (21 QRW) in Agatu, Benue State.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, explained that the commissioning of the project was a commitment by the force to adding value in the ongoing efforts to end communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the State and its environs.
The CAS disclosed that the newly constructed accommodation was provided to create a conducive environment that would motivate the personnel to perform optimally as well as reassure them that the Service was sensitive to their welfare needs.
He assured that the Headquarters NAF would continue to support the Unit, while working with other security agencies when the need arises, with the deployment of helicopter gunships and other air assets in order to be effective in securing the people.
Abubakar recalled that the nefarious activities of criminal elements, particularly in Agatu, which had affected economic activities within the Zone, necessitated the emplacement of highly-trained, well-equipped and properly-quartered personnel to deal with the threats.
He commended the Unit for its current efforts to deal with communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Benue State and environs.
The CAS also used the occasion to express the gratitude of the NAF to President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support to the Service. He assured that the NAF would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity while ensuring respect for human rights.
He enjoined all personnel of the Unit to maintain the highest level of personal and collective hygiene, while abiding by the regulations stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19.
In his welcome address, the Commander 211 Quick Response Group (211 QRG) Owerri, Group Captain Elisha Bindul, stated that the commissioning would further motivate personnel of the 21 QRW to continue putting in their best towards the attainment of the NAF’s mission.
According to him, the welfare project would not only ease the accommodation deficiency in the Unit but also improve the quality of services the personnel would provide.
He therefore assured the CAS of the Unit’s determination to continue to deal decisively with militia groups, kidnappers and other forms of criminality in Agatu and other parts of the Benue-Nasarawa corridor.
It would be recalled that the 21 QRW was established in 2018, alongside 22 QRW Lafia, Nasarawa State and 23 QRW Gembu in Taraba State, as a part of the CAS’ strategy aimed at responding to national security imperatives by bringing security closer to the people.
The Unit’s major role is to further enhance the NAF’s ability to respond to internal security threats within the Benue-Nasarawa and Taraba States corridor, working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies within its Area of Responsibility.
The Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna has urged residents of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya and Afaka general areas not to panic over its scheduled shooting exercise.This
This is contained in a statement issued by the NDA Public Relations Officer, Maj. Mohammed Maidawa, on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Maidawa, said the exercise is for the Army cadets of 73 and 74 Regular Courses.
The exercises, he said, are scheduled to hold from April 18 to April 20 abd from April 26 to April 27.
“The NDA assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place for the successful conduct of the exercise.
“However, the general public is advised to avoid trespassing in the general area throughout the period of the exercise,” the army said.
.(NAN)
The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested an Enugu resident, one Mmaduabuchi Okonkwo, 24, suspected to be in possession of, and transacting in, fake Naira notes.
A statement by the Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said that operatives serving in Abakaliki Road Police Division, with the support of law-abiding citizens, arrested Okonkwo of Mkpologu, Emene, Enugu, at the Old IMT Bus Stop, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, on April 10.
According to him, the suspect’s arrest is sequel to his alleged possession, and transacting in, counterfeited Naira notes.
“A total of ₦40,000 suspected counterfeited one thousand denominated Naira notes were recovered from him.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect boarded a minibus from New Haven Junction to Old IMT Bus Stop, Enugu, and gave the driver one of the counterfeited notes.
“The driver, however, scrutinised and observed that the currency was fake, and quickly raised an alarm that led to the suspect’s arrest.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having paid the sum of ₦25,000 genuine Naira notes to his cohort at large for the counterfeited Naira notes worth ₦50,000,” he said.
Ndukwe said that he further confessed to having spent ₦10,000 out of the fake notes, with the remaining ₦40,000 recovered from him.
“The suspect will be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are concluded,” he said. (NAN)
Umar Mohammed, the Kwara Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday in Ibadan called for an increase in vigilance.
He said the appeal was necessary to confront the challenges of insecurity, violence and other social vices in various communities in the state.
The Commandant said the recent rise in security challenges in the state necessitated the upgrading of the police outpost to a fully operational divisional office.
p”This is in order to address insecurity more effectively.
“The establishment of the division will no doubt improve operational efficiency, thereby reducing possible threats to peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The Commandant applauded the people of Ipee community, most especially Mr Olayiwola Oyebode, Deputy Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, for their unwavering commitment and support for the project.
He assured the community that their efforts would not go in vain.
”I promise utmost security and well-being, and the NSCDC will work tirelessly to address all your security challenges,” Mohammed said.
He urged members of the community to remain vigilant and actively support the Corps by providing credible and timely information that would enhance their operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility and everyone should play their part in keeping their community safe, by working together and sharing information promptly,” the Commandant said.
The Deputy Speaker of State House of Assembly, Mr Olayiwola Oyebode, thanked the Commandant for his cooperation and efforts in ensuring the protection of lives and properties in the community and the state in general.
He urged the Commandant to deploy additional personnel to the new division in order to increase the safety and security of the people in the community.
In his remark, the Onipe of Ipee, Oba Lawal Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the Corps for the steadfast dedication to ensuring safety in the community and urged for sustained efforts.
Oba Adebayo also thanked Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his continuous support in upholding peace and security within the state.(NAN)
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