DEFENCE
Tiv Youths Declare Support For Army’s – “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma”
Tiv Youths Declare Support For Army’s Operation- “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma”
The Tiv Youth Council (TYC) Worldwide has declared its support for the Nigerian Army after it commenced its routine military exercise, code named “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma” in Benue.
A statement issued on Sunday by Mike Msuaan, President, TYC, noted that the military authorities were eager to secure the country in general and the middle belt in particular and as such would give it the needed support.
Msuaan expressed optimism that the society would be totally rid of insecurity if the army gets the support it needed to succeed.
“This exercise and many others in the past have not only restored peace in the middle belt, but they have also reinforced confidence of the masses in the Nigerian Army’s ability to protect the citizens.
“Recall that in recent years, issues of communal clashes between communities as well as herders and farmers clashes had posed a great deal of danger to our collective peace as a people and as a nation.
“The timely intervention of the Nigerian army therefore at various times to quell violent uprisings is highly commendable and must be encouraged by every stakeholder whose patriotism is not in doubt.
“You will agree that since the Nigerian Army intervened, relative peace has returned to the villages, and several thousands of internally displaced persons have resettled into their ancestral homes and living normal lifestyles.
“This great feat would not have been possible without the intervention of the Nigerian army in her previous exercises,” Msuaan stated.
He pleaded with the media and other stakeholders to support the army in its quest to win the war on terrorism to guarantee a better society.
“To our traditional rulers who are the true custodians of the people, we encourage you to support the peace efforts of the Nigerian army to return lasting peace to your various communities.
“We believe that as the true owners of the communities, you have access to local intelligence that is critical for peace processes. It will therefore be in the best interest of our communities if this intelligence is properly shared and utilised with the Nigerian Army.
“To our religious leaders, you are the true moral conscience and shapers of the society; we appeal to you to use your channels to support and enlighten the masses of the merits of this very important exercise.
“To the political class, we appeal that the Nigerian Army requires your support to provide a peaceful environment for you to govern, and the least expected of you is to show solidarity by way of peace advocacy and responsible leadership,” he added. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Ban Covering of Vehicles, Motorcycles Registration Number Plates in Benue
In a bid to curb the escalating security situation, the Police Command in Benue, on Sunday ordered motorists and motorcyclists to stop covering their registration numbers plates.
The order was contained in a statement signed by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, in Makurdi.
According to Anene, covering vehicle number plates was an offence and would be met with the appropriate sanctions.
“The practice of covering number plate has become increasingly prevalent in the state, and this is posing a significant security threat to the state, as criminals can take advantage of this practice to perpetuate crime and get away with it.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of police (CP), Benue State Command, Hassan Yabanet, has ordered all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, to impound such vehicles for investigation and prosecution.
“Motorists are hereby advised to ensure that their vehicle registration number plates remain clearly visible at all times while driving within the state, to avoid any inconvenience that may be caused by the enforcement.
“Together, we can contribute to the promotion of public safety and the maintenance of law and order in Benue State.”the PPRO said in the statement. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Troops Rescue Abducted Kogi Varsity Students, others in Multiple Operations
The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued the nine abducted students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State.
The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Sunday, said the troops in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes carried out a successful search and rescued the victims.
It said the troops encountered the scouts deployed by the kidnappers in the vicinity of the Osara Forests and nearby areas, resulting to a fierce fire fight.
According to the post, the superior fire power of the troops led to the kidnappers abandoning nine of the kidnapped students, who were subsequently rescued.
It said the troops had in a series of successful operations across the country, dealt substantial blows to terrorist groups and rescued several kidnap victims while a notorious militant surrendered.
The post also revealed that troops in the North West also rescued two persons abducted by terrorists in Danzara Village in Kanoma District in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.
It said the troops demonstrated their rapid response capabilities, when they received a distress call on the abduction of the two locals by violent extremists.
According to the army, the terrorists, who had seized the victims in a red Golf car, were pursued by the troops but flee and abandon the hostages without harm in the cause of the confrontation with troops.
In Katsina State, the post revealed that the proactive efforts of the troops led to the rescue of 17 abducted victims in the Solar General Area of Batsari Local Government Area.
It said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, compelling them to abandon the kidnap victims, who were later safely returned to the care of Batsari Local Government officials.
“In Borno, a notable incident occurred when Alhaji Wosai, identified as a notorious member of the Boko Haram Terrorists operating within the Garno Village, in Dikwa Local Government Area, voluntarily surrendered to troops.
“Wosai handed over his AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing two rounds of ammunition.
“These operations, highlight the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Army troops in combating terrorism and underscore their commitment to the safety and security of all citizens.
“Troops’ resolve in addressing the threat posed by terrorists and kidnappers remains unwavering, as they continue to work towards restoring peace and stability in the affected regions,” it said. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Gombe: Army Assesses Barracks Infrastructure, Restates Commitment to Troops, Veterans’ Welfare
A team from the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Department of Army Administration, on Wednesday visited the 301 Artillery Regiment (GS) in Gombe, to assess the state of barracks infrastructure in the state.
This is contained in a press statement issued in Gombe by Capt. Mazinho Attah, the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support).
Attah said that the Acting Deputy Chief of Administration (Army) Veterans Affairs Department (VAD), Brig .
Gen Umaru Alkali, led the team to the state.Attah quoted Alkali to have said that the visit was directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, and aimed at improving facilities and enhancing the welfare of veterans and serving personnel.
“The visit is to address current conditions of legions, Nigerian Army cemeteries as well as command schools and hospitals,” he said.
He further highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army leadership to ensure that troops and family welfare of serving and retired personnel remained top priority of the service.
While receiving the team, the Commander 301 Artillery Regiment, Colonel Musa Ahmed, briefed the team on the current conditions of facilities in Gombe State.
Ahmed noted the significance of completing ongoing projects at the new barracks and making it befitting for the regiment.
He further said that the assessment visit was crucial to boosting the morale of troops as well as impact positively on their living conditions.(NAN)