DEFENCE
Security Challenges : DHQ Reaffirms It’s Commitments To End Banditry Operations In The Country

By Gom Mirian, Abuja
In a bid to effectively tackle armed banditry in North Western part of the country, the Defence Headquarters(DHQ) has revitalized it’s anti- banditry operations launching operation HADARIN DAJI and Joint Task Force Operation THUNDER STRIKE.
Addressing journalists at a joint armed forces conference on the activities of the two operations on Tuesday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Director Defence Information, Col.
Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed that about one hundred and thirty-two(132) bandits were killed by the troops in the operations.“The troops of OPHD have recorded strings of successes against criminals, including a daring rescue operation in which troops neutralized 54 armed bandits in an encounter in fortified enclaves in moriki, madada and Dumburum forests in zamfara state, recovered assorted fire arms from the bandits “.
“In the last 2 months, since the commencement of the joint operations, the gallant troops of Operation ‘Hadarin Daji’ have in series of successful encounters rescued over 50 kidnapped victims and neutralized about 78 armed bandits from various fortified enclaves in zamfara and contiguous states.
“The troops have also recovered a total of 39 firearms which include 16 AK 47 rifles, 1 light Machine Gun, 14 Dane guns, 2 pump action rifles, 3 semi- automatic rifles, 3 pistols and 2,437 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
He revealed that the bandits whom were sourcing fund for their criminality through cattle rustling, said two thousand, two hundred and seventy – eight cows were recovered and duly returned to their respective owners.
Onyema said troops would still be deployed to zamfara for the ongoing operations.
“Presently, the troops are jointly dominating Flashpoints with aggressive land and aerial patrols, amongst others to deny the bandits freedom of action”.
He further reiterates other security Operatives commitments to make the states conducive for reactivation of farming and other socio-economic activities which has greatly suffered in the heat of banditry crisis.
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)