DEFENCE
Take Insurgency Battle to Terrorists’ Enclaves – Zulum Urges Buratai
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called on the Nigerian Army to take the ongoing war against insurgency in the North East to the insurgents’ enclaves to clear the remnants of the terrorists in the region.
Zulum, made the call when he visited the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday in Abuja.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col.
Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.Zulum disclosed that his visit was aimed at cross-fertilisation of ideas that would help to improve on the counter insurgency/ counter terrorism operations in the region.
He called on governments at all levels to support the military maximally to enable them carryout their tasks of protecting the nation.
The Governor stated that there was need to strengthen Civil-military relations and foster synergy between and among security agencies, adding that the Borno people and the army had common objective.
He expressed optimism that terrorism would soon be a thing of the past.
Zulum however, commended the military for its commitment to tackling the numerous security challenges bedevelling the nation, especially insurgency and terrorism in the North east
He also thanked the Federal Government and the military for their supports to the people and the government of the state while soliciting for more support and cooperation to ensure the successful prosecution of the war.
Responding, Buratai lauded the Governor for his dynamic approach to governance as well as the determination to finding an enduring solution to insecurity in the state.
He also thanked the governor for all his supports especially to the troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed in Borno.
According to him, Borno has high prospects for human capacity development that could be developed for the benefit of Nigeria and other parts of the world.
He also expressed the hope that the state would return to its glorious position of peace and prosperity in the near future.
Buratai urged the Borno government to take into consideration the reintegration, de-radicalisation and employment of repentant members of the Boko Haram sect as the nation heads towards the final phase of the war against insurgencyterrorism.
He expressed the hope that the lifting of ban on fishing activities on the Lake Chad basin would help business activities in the area and Maiduguri metropolis to bounce back.
Buratai also acknowledged the injection of members of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the fight and commended their efforts and that of other security agencies,
He reiterated the readiness of the Nigerian Army to continue to work with its counterparts in the neighbouring countries to ensure that the war is brought to a logical end. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Intensify Security in Cross River Ahead of Easter Festival
The Cross River Police command says it has beefed up security across the State preparatory to the celebration of Easter festival.
Mr. Gyogon Grimah, the Commissioner of Police, made this known in Calabar on Monday.
According to him, the tactical teams of the Police as well as other regular formations have been deployed at strategic positions within the state to secure the lives and property of the residents during the festival.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo and made available to newsmen in Calabar on Monday.
The CP who felicitated with the people of the state and Christian faithful, directed for close surveillance activities, foot/vehicular patrols, and visibility policing across, to forestall security breaches during the period.
He said the Police Area Commanders, Divisional Police Oficers (DPOs) and Tactical Commanders were directed to ensure safety and security of the general public before, during and after the event.
“The Police Command will not fold its hand and watch any group or individuals under whatever guise to obstruct or cause breakdown of law and order.”
“I urge all public spirited individuals to volunteer useful and genuine information to the Police and support the Police and other security agencies to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state and the nation as a whole,” he appealed,” he said
He enjoins citizens residing in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear or panic.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Air Force Knocks out Terrorists’ Enclaves Near Lake Chad
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of the military special task force, “Operation Hadin Kai’’, has continued to decimate terrorists and their hideouts at Tumbuns near Lake Chad.
NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated on Monday in Abuja that intelligence report received made airstrikes on a location Northwest of Arina Woje in Tumbuns on Sunday imperative.
He explained that the report indicated the presence of terrorists’ hideouts at the location.
He added that the report also confirmed an activation of terrorists’ activities around clusters of structures concealed under trees near the location.
“A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their hideouts set ablaze, thereby degrading their capabilities to attack surface forces.
“These strikes have also degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians residing near Arina Woje in Borno,’’ Gabkwet stated. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Army’ll Continue to Build Capacity to Surmount Security Threats -GOC
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigeria, Maj.-Gen Mayirenso Saraso, says the Nigerian Army will continue to build the capacity of its Officers and men to enable them surmount the emerging security threats.
The GOC stated this at a three-day capacity building for 1 Division Operations Planning Cadre 2024 for Officers on Monday in Kaduna.
Saraso said the avenue was to bring together the participants of the ranks of Captains to Colonels in the divsion’s Area of Responsibility to build cohesion and synergize with sister security agencies.
“The training is organized to refresh us on the various aspects of operations planning process in order to enhance our
skills and improve capacity in single and joint service operations planning process,” he said.
The GOC said this was in line with the Chief of
Army Staff’s command philosophy.
It is: ‘ To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment’.
Saraso said, “As we are all witnessing, warfare is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of threats and
advancement in technology.
“In view of this, armies world over
are continually engaged in training and capacity building to enable them surmount emerging security challenges.”
According to the GOC, the Nigerian Army equally recognizes these changes and therefore, seeks to develop capacity through realistic training that will enhance its
operations.
He explained that the division’s experiences in Birnin Gwari,Falgore, Kagara and other forests, among others, had helped it to draw useful lessons and identify gaps in the conduct of its operations.
The GOC said the 1 Division Operations Planning Cadre for this year was expected to explore ways of building on existing efforts by it to meet its operational needs in the areas of Warfare Operations Planning.
“Others are military decision making process, intelligence preparation of the battle space and logistics in operational planning amongst others, “he said.
Saraso urged the participants to have an open mind in order to derive maximum benefits from the cadre.
The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja for providing the resources for the cadre, his exemplary and inspiring leadership, support motivation to the division..(NAN)