DEFENCE
Piracy: Okowa Tasks Navy on Operational Efficiency
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has urged the Nigerian Navy to strengthen its operational efficiency to check piracy and criminal activities in the maritime sector.
The governor made the call on Wednesday when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Awwal Gambo, and his delegation visited in Asaba.
Okowa, however, lauded the operational performance index of Naval personnel in the state.
He noted that with sustained surveillance and peace, Delta as a coastal state, would increase its contribution in crude oil production to the national treasury.
“I welcome you to Delta State. I want to thank you also for this visit.
“There is no doubt that Delta is a very important coastal state, particularly because, it is a major producer of crude oil in our nation.
“I want to thank the Navy for the efforts they have put in consistently in helping to secure our state and even working with other sister security agencies in securing even our lands.
“So, we want to appreciate you for the good work you are doing in the state.
“We are aware that you work with a lot of our people who assist in area of intelligence in being able to carry out your various surveillance activities.
“We are also grateful to the officers you have sent to us. They have been quite helpful and committed to their works both on land and in waters,” he said.
Okowa assured the Chief of Naval Staff that his administration would continue to assist in making the job of Naval personnel both on the land and in water easier through the provision of logistics.
Okowa said that the synergy among various security agencies has yielded positive results.
On the Admiralty University, Ibusa, the governor thanked the Navy for bringing the institution to the state.
He said that his administration would contribute toward the growth of the university.
“As for the barracks, we have spoken about it through your officer at the state security council.
“It is a contract awarded before we came in. I think we are sorting out the issue of re-costing after six years, so that the contractor can commence work very soon.
“The internal roads in Logistics Command would be done because there is a provision for it in the budget,” he said.
Earlier, Gambo said he was in Delta to familiarise with the state and to also, build on the existing cordial relationship between the Delta State Government and the Navy.
He said the Nigeria Navy was committed to the safety of the maritime space especially in ensuring that piracy and crude oil theft were stamped out from the maritime sector.
Gambo disclosed that legitimate socio-economic activities would thrive as a result of the security that was being provided both on water and land in active collaboration with other sister security agencies.
He appealed to Gov. Okowa to do more in the provision of facilities in the various Naval formations in the state.
Gambo outlined measures in place to stem the tide of piracy to include surveillance, response and maritime law enforcement.
He stressed that the approach had reduced criminal activities in the maritime space.
“Delta, as a coastal state, has a very long cordial relationship with the Nigerian Navy and off course, with our shared value.
” It is only apt to use this opportunity to consolidate on the already existing relationship between the Nigerian Navy, the government and the good people of Delta State,” he said. (NAN).
The troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits camps and recovered ammunition in Taraba.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Jalingo signed by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.It said the successes were recorded in a series of clearance operations under Commander of the Brigade, Brig.
Gen. Kingsley Uwa, across multiple bandits hideouts in Taraba. “The operation code named OP GOLDEN PEACE commenced after extensive confidence building patrols, clearance missions, and stakeholder engagements, which proved effective in the northern part of the state.“The latest phase of the operation began on 28 November 2024 in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on known bandit and terrorist hideouts around Lijam High Ground.”The statement indicated that during the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed, and troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 Magazine, one handheld Baofeng radio and 2 motorcycles.“To further solidify the safety of residents, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA on 30 November 2024, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”The statement quoted the Commander of the 6 Brigade who commended the troops, urging them to remain vigilant.“Together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.“This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals,” the commander is quoted as saying.(NAN)
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says cybersecurity is the bedrock of operational readiness and the key to mission success of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of NAF’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training.
He said the training was a vital initiative that would highlight the future of national security in the increasingly interconnected world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies play pivotal roles.
According to him, the integration of technology into warfare has ushered in a new era where digital bits and bytes are as formidable as physical bullets and bombs.
“The integrity of our nation’s defence systems, the security of our communications, and the sanctity of our data depend on the strength and resilience of our cybersecurity framework.
“For the NAF, which has distinguished itself as being more technological advanced than other services, cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is the bedrock of our operational readiness and the key to mission success.”
The CAS also said that the workshop would serve as a vital part of NAF’s efforts at ensuring that its personnel were equipped to meet the demands of securing the nation’s collective cyber environment.
He added that the recent global events had highlighted the severe consequences of cyberattacks, which could disrupt critical operations and undermine national security.
He disclosed that NAF’s platforms depended on secure digital communications, making them vulnerable to potential hijacking or operational disruptions.
According to him, these vulnerabilities emphasise the urgent need for a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity within our ranks, which is precisely the focus of our gathering here today.
“Cybersecurity is a continuous journey that demands vigilance, ethical conduct, and a commitment to protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.
“Let us continue to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that will enable us to stand ready against any threat, known or unknown that may arise in the digital age.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Communications and Information System, NAF, AVM Suleiman Usman, said the training was designed to equipped personnel with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect both physical borders and digital frontiers.
Usman explained that the training had dominated CAS’ strategic intent to develop and sustain optimal operational effectiveness in the NAF.
He said the cybersecurity training was an essential part of their collective mission to secure the integrity of NAF’s information networks.
“Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, hence the need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures against evolving threats becomes ostensible.
“We are not just guarding the airspace but also protecting data, communications and systems that are integral to the success of every mission we undertake,” he said.
In his lecture titled, “Global Trends and Pillars of Cybersecurity for NAF”, Dr Asogbon Godwin, said that NAF must develop comprehensive cyber security policies and laws that addressed various types of cybercrimes.
He said that the cybercrimes include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and malware attacks.
Godwin urged the air force to invest in raising awareness about cybercrime risks and best practices for staying safe online and training investigators and prosecutors on digital forensics and other technical skills needed to investigate cybercrimes.
He also advised NAF to void ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) police and also practice Zero Trust Principle.(NAN)
The Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian troops have in the last one week apprehended a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim (AKA) Habu Dogo in Sokoto and seven IPOB/ESN commanders in South-East.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Saturday, said that Habu Dogo was apprehended at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to him, Habu Dogo is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross border nature of his terrorist activities.
He said the alleged IPOB/ ESN terror operatives apprehended include; Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (AKA Chapet) who were nabbed in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.
“Others are , Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia who were arrested in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia,”he said.
He said others are, Mr Ifeanyi Eze , Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba were arrested in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia while, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo.
“The ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations has continued to degrade the combat capacity of terrorists across the country,’’ he said. (NAN)
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