DEFENCE
NAF kick-Starts A 3- Days Outreach In Zamfara State

By Gom Mirian, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a 3-day medical outreach in Kanoma Community in Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
The medical intervention, which began today, 30 July 2019, is designed to bring succour to villagers who were displaced by the activities of armed bandits prior to the commencement of the ongoing dialogue between the Zamfara State Government and the bandits.
The humanitarian initiative is in furtherance of the directive by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, for the NAF Medical Services Branch to provide immediate medical assistance to residents of Kanoma and adjoining communities in Maru LGA.
While flagging off the medical outreach, the Representative of the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Bello Moru, was full of appreciation to the NAF for the kind gesture in assuaging the plight of the people.
He stated that the Zamfara State Government was happy with the initiative.
The Governor noted that, as part of the ongoing negotiation with the armed bandits, more than 200 persons in the hands of the bandits had been released while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining captives.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the leader of the NAF Medical Team and Director of Public Health and Humanitarian Services, Headquarters NAF, Group Captain Ali Tanko, explained that the Team would remain in the area to provide medical services to about 3,000 patients, while those requiring basic surgeries would be operated upon.
According to him, the medical outreach would also provide free medical consultations, laboratory tests, free drugs, as well as insecticide-treated mosquito nets to pregnant women, visual acuity checks, de-worming of children and distribution of prescription eye glasses to about 1,000 persons from the benefiting communities.
The first day of the medical outreach witnessed a large turnout of villagers who were treated for different medical conditions.
A statement by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information said the beneficiaries, who were visibly elated by the gesture, expressed appreciation to the NAF for the services provided by the Medical Team.
Also present at the flag-off ceremony were the Permanent Secretary Zamfara State Ministry of Health, Commander 207 NAF Quick Response Group (207 QRG) Gusau, Chairman of Maru LGA and Village Head of Kanoma, amongst others.
It would be recalled that, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Bello Matawale, recently visited the CAS to commend him for the role played by the NAF in helping to force the armed bandits terrorizing innocent people to the negotiating table.
During the visit, the Governor had also requested for more assistance in the area of provision of healthcare services to help alleviate the shortfall in amenities caused by many months of banditry.
DEFENCE
Army to Review Troops’ Conduct During Elections, other Operations

The Nigerian Army is set to review the conduct of troops in Operation Safe Conduct during the just concluded 2023 general elections across the country.
The review is expected to take place during the forthcoming Chief of Army Staff First Quarter 2023 Conference.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.
-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja.Nwachukwu said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, would interact with the General Officers Commanding (GOC), field commanders and other senior officers.
He said that the interaction would help to provide possible guidance towards enhancing army operations and other activities.
He said the conference, which would hold from April 3 to April 6 would offer an avenue for reappraisal of the administrative affairs of the Nigerian army.
He added that it would also help in evaluation and comprehensive review of ongoing operational engagements within the first quarter.
According to him, this will provide the army an in-depth insight to enable far reaching decisions towards achieving its set objective of addressing the multifaceted security challenges confronting the country.
Nwachukwu said that the COAS would present a new Toyota Hilux vehicles each to 14 Army Warrant Officers who had attained the peak of their soldiering career.
“Similarly, the COAS will commission the newly constructed Faruk Yahaya Historical Park located at Asokoro Abuja.
“The conference will also showcase some research and development effort of the Nigerian Army in an exhibition.
“The three days conference promises to be very eventful, as it will witness a review of the conduct of troops during the recently concluded Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2023 and other operations across the country,” he said.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed the commitment and resolve of the Nigerian army to discharging its constitutional mandate professionally.
“We will also be resolute in upholding our values of courage, selfless sacrifice, respect, discipline and unalloyed loyalty to constituted authority,” he added. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Buhari Pleased with Troops` Performance in North East – Gen. Irabor

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, says that President Muhammadu Buhari is happy with the troops performance in the fight against insurgents in the North East.
Irabor stated this on Thursday in Maiduguri while addressing troops at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai.
“The Commander in Chief is happy with you and has asked me to relay to you to keep up the standard and momentum that you are displaying in the north east operation,” Irabor said.
The CDS also lauded the successes being recorded by the troops, adding that it was based on their sense of patriotism and resilience.
He said that the troops` performance showed the true manifestation of the training provided to them.
Irabor said that commanders in the theatre were putting final touches for more onslaughts on remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“You must ensure that the criminals wherever they are hiding you smoke them out
“I know that you will do that, very soon we will be back to celebrate together,” Irabor said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CDS also held a meeting with the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, GOC 7 Division, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu and other operational commanders.
He also interacted with wounded soldiers at the military hospital in Maimalari Cantonment. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Former CGS, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya dies at 79

Former Chief of General Staff under Gen. Sani Abacha’s government, retired Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya(GCON), is dead.
The former military governor of Ogun died at the age of 79.
His death was announced on Sunday in a statement by his son, Oyesinmilola Diya.
It read, “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother, Lt- Gen.
Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd).“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of March 26, 2023.
Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period.Further announcements will be made public in due course,” he said.
(NAN)