Troops eliminate 3 bandits, recover weapons in Zamfara
Bandits
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 30, 2023 (NAN) Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji on Sunday neutralised three bandits in an ambush at Anka-Dan Kapani crossing in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Danmadami said the troops also recovered one PKT gun with 48 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, three AK 47 rifles, three magazines with 63 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three motorcycles.
“The military high command commends troops and encourages the public to avail troops with credible and timely information on terrorist and all criminal activities within their area,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Weapons recovered from raided factory in Taraba by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke on Friday (28/4/23)
Gunrunners
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 29, 2023 (NAN) Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have raided a weapon fabrication factory at Wukari in Taraba and apprehended two suspected gunrunners.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, in a statement on Saturday, said the troops acted on credible intelligence.
Danmadami said the troops on Friday recovered two GPMG, one KPM, four AK 47 rifles, three pistols, one PKT, five 9mm ammunitions, two 7.63 x 54 ammunitions, seven rifle butts and several parts of different rifles.
He said the arrested criminals, recovered weapons and ammunition were handed over to appropriate authorities for futher action.
“The military high command commends troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on terrorists and all criminal activities within their area,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Insecurity: Elders forum agrees with Buhari on military’s performance
Military
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 29, 2023 (NAN) The National Elders Forum (NEF) has agreed with President Muhammadu Buhari on the performance of the Armed forces in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges since 2015.
Buhari has during the Nigerian Army Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade 2023 on Thursday, said that the fighting power of the nation’s armed forces had significantly improved in the last seven years.
The president said that at inception of his administration, the nation’s security situation was greatly challenged by the activities of violent non-state actors.
He said the situation had tremendously improved, adding that remarkable progress had been made in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkerers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country.
According to Buhari, remarkable transformation of the military in the areas of fighting power, training, operations, manpower, remunerations and medical services, in addition to maintenance efficiency, accommodation and expansion of forces has been recorded.
Reacting to the President’s remark, the NEF, in a statement on Saturday said the military had proven that it had the capacity to defend the country in the face of daunting challenges.
The statement was signed by the President of NEF, Otunba Aremu Obatoke and Secretary, Malam Abdullahi Gambo.
They agreed that even more advanced countries had faced and continued to face security challenges, adding that Nigerian armed forces had done well looking at the available indices.
“Here in Nigeria, we have criminal elements that are surrendering in numbers because the Armed forces is not giving them breathing space.
“We may not have completely wiped them out, but we can boldly say that our country is far better than it was, especially since the present leadership of the Armed forces came onboard 2 years ago.
“We agree with a recent assessment by the Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, Ojo Ademola, who awarded the current leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria pass mark over their commitment to root out Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements from the country.
“He noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, has brought in a professional touch and unique variety of administration that has proven to be a masterstroke in the war against insurgents.
“NEF therefore say that our military has done very well, we should support them and not weaken their resolve,” the Forum added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NAF inaugurates operations support facilities, wings additional 6 pilots
Newly Winged NAF Pilots for A-29 Super Tucano (A-29ST) aircraft
Operations
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 28, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force has inaugurated operations support facilities and winged six additional pilots on the A-29 Super Tucano (A-29ST) aircraft.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Famuyiwa said the latest facility induction was a major milestone recorded by the NAF in its acquisition of the United States-made aircraft.
He said the ceremony signified the official completion of the A-29ST projects by the Government of the United States as part of the government-to-government sale of the A-29ST aircraft to Nigeria.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, said the projects are the last of the infrastructure development packages executed towards actualising full operation and security of the A-29ST aircraft.
He expressed the hope that the facilities would ensure optimal employment of the aircraft in furtherance of NAF readiness and responsiveness to security challenges in the country.
“As the A-29ST programme winds up, the event provided the opportunity to wing six pilots who constitute the last batch of a total of 24 pilots trained within the package.
“Recall that discussion about NAF acquisition of the A-29ST aircraft started in 2016; however, the contract for the production of the aircraft was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation in 2018.
“The contract comprised supply of 12 aircraft and infrastructure and facility upgrade to support the aircraft operation.
“The first phase of the contract has since been completed with the delivery of the entire aircraft, while the infrastructure handover and inauguration marked the completion of the second phase,” he said.
He expressed appreciations to the Governments of Nigeria and the United States and everyone who made the project a reality. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NAF @59 : Buhari to induct UAVs, attack aircraft into inventory
Celebration
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 28, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 6, inaugurate the newly procured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and attack aircraft into the NAF order of battle inventory to mark its 59th Anniversary Celebration.
The Chairman, Organising Committee, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day Celebration 2023, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh, made this known while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Illoh, who is the Commander, 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna, said the service was determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country.
He said the forthcoming NAF 59th anniversary celebration with the theme “Doctrinal Imperative for Successful Nigerian Air Force Operations” ha been scheduled to hold from May 4 to May 7 at the NAF Base, Emene, Enugu State.
Illoh said the activities marking the NAF Day celebration were expected to end on Saturday, May 6 with a ceremonial parade, aerial display and induction of new platforms into the NAF Order of Battle.
He stated that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari was expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.
He said that the service had grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and even beyond.
“The new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV” he said.
“Pursuant to its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of our dear nation through the application of air power, the Service is also determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country.
“It is pertinent to note that the NAF has also made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy on the African continent.
“It is only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years”.
Illoh said that NAF was a highly technical service with the fundamental mission of ‘ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other air power tasks demanded by national defence and security imperatives.
“To this end, this year’s Theme is aimed at emphasizing and promoting air mindedness among NAF personnel and ensuring a common frame of reference on the most effective approach to air power employment especially in joint military operations at this critical stage in our Nation’s history.
” Accordingly, to mark this year’s NAF Day Celebration, series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of NAF efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the Country.
“There will be series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, April 28, 2023 (NAN) The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has over the years, attained a higher level of air power precision in the conduct of its operations.
Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, NAF Headquarters, AVM Muhammed Yakubu, said this at the Juma’at Prayer in commemoration of the 59th Anniversary and 2023 NAF Day Celebration in Abuja.
He said the officers, airmen and airwomen were grateful to the Almighty for the journey so far, saying it was a milestone to celebrate 59 years.
“We are happy and we believe that we have come a long way and we are still going far.
“Today we are where we have precision guided munitions, where we can even sit somewhere in the comfort of a room with air conditioner and see the enemy and destroy him from where we are sitting without having to go there.
“So, it is a journey that we have come very far but we are still moving.
“With technology we are getting to do a better job and we are only here to celebrate what we have achieved so far.
“We say for us, we can assure the nation that it is a motion only forward.
“We will keep moving and we keep improving our means and ability to fight to defend the nation,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who also prayed at the Air Force Base Mosque, commended the NAF for its commitment to defending the nation.
Yahaya said he was at the mosque to celebrate with the air force being a sister service that had been a committed partner in the ongoing operations across the country.
He prayed for the wellness of the service and as well as the armed forces and the country in general.
The COAS used the opportunity to send goodwill message to NAF on its 59th anniversary, being a spectacular partner to Nigerian Army in all its operations and activities.
“Nigerian Air Force has done everything for us. We have no complaint, we have no issues because there is no time we call for the air support that they have not provided and they have been key in our operational success along with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders.
“So any opportunity we have to appreciate the Nigerian Air Force we will seize it and that is why I am seizing this opportunity to congratulate the NAF on its anniversary and pray that God is infinitely to grant them and all of our success.
“So, congratulations, Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
The Imam and Director of Islamic Affairs, NAF, Air Commodore Luqman Lawal, said that NAF had come a long way, hence the need to roll out drums and celebrate its achievements.
Lawal said the NAF Day 2023 had commenced with prayers in the mosque and would continue in the church on Sunday, adding that the military believed in God for guidance and protection.
He said the importance of prayer could not be over-emphasised, quoting a verse in the Quran that says “it is a natural law that no victory will be achieved except from God”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COAS tasks think-tank centre on bridging operational lapses
Top officers of the Nigerian Army at the Inaugural Lecture and Orientation Programme of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, in Abuja on Friday (28/4/23)
Centre
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 28, 2023 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has challenged the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to proffer solutions to identified lapses in the operations of the army.
Faruk gave the directive at the centre’s inaugural lecture and orientation programme, on Friday in Abuja.
The lecture with the topic ‘From Colonial Occupation to a National Force, Nigerian Army Past Experience, Present Realities and Future Prospects’, was delivered by Prof. Abayomi Akinyeye.
He said the growing threats to national security by non-state actors made him to urgently reposition the Nigerian army with a view to effectively defeat the threats and contain the myriad of security challenges.
Yahaya said the centre should serve as “loyal opposition” with the mission of serving as a research organisation for the army through formulation and development of policy frameworks.
“Other roles and responsibilities of the centre include developing plans for the entrenchment and preservation of army heritage.
“Monitoring the implementation of bilateral agreements that affect the Nigerian army and institutionalising and mainstreaming novel solutions to its tactical, operational, administrative and logistics challenges.
“In addition to these responsibilities, the centre will regularly receive list of key strategic issues from Army Headquarters for consideration while also supporting the research and development efforts of the Nigerian army,” he said.
The COAS expressed the hope that the thought-provoking discourse during the lecture would “kickstart and give direction to the future activities of this centre”.
The Director-General, NAHFC Maj.-Gen. Kamila Kadiri, said that the Nigerian army has had very rich heritage and history, founded on its successful prosecution of the Nigerian civil war and several operations within and outside the country.
Kadiri however said appropriate lessons had not been drawn from such history to improve the current and future operations of the army.
He said that global trends and practices necessitated the establishment of the center to articulate strategies for continuous modernisation of the army and better means of fighting and winning land battles.
According to him, it has become pertinent to organise the maiden lecture and orientation for the faculty members recently posted to the center to be able to achieve its objectives.
“It is believed that this occasion would lay a solid foundation for a seamless take-off of the center in line with its mission and vision,” he added.
Among those present were former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, and retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, represented by former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), retired Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, as well as retired and serving top military officers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria, Italy reaffirm commitment to global counterterrorism efforts
L-R: Mr Steven Hill, Executive Secretary IIJ. Ms Francesca Santoro, Head of Department Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa , Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre at the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) 7th Plenary Meeting in Malta.
Counterterrorism
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 28, 2023 (NAN) Nigeria and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening criminal justice and rule of law in combating terrorism across the globe.
This commitment was demonstrated when the two countries co-chaired the seventh Plenary Meeting of the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s (GCTF) Criminal Justice and Rule of Law (CJ-ROL) Working Group in St Julian’s, Malta.
This is contained in a statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Friday in Abuja.
The Coordinator, National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, said the administration of criminal justice terrorism-related cases could neither be efficient nor effective if the rights of those concerned were not protected.
Musa, who represented Nigeria at the event, said the effect of lack of protection for witnesses had resulted in the striking out of cases by the courts involving heinous crimes because witnesses often refuse to testify due to the absence of a system designed to cater to their protection.
He said that Nigeria had on May 23, 2022, signed the Witness Protection and Management Act into law to specifically address that challenge.
According to him, Nigeria first co-chaired the CJ-ROL Working Group with Switzerland in 2018 and developed the Abuja Recommendations on Collection, Use and Sharing of Evidence for Purposes of Criminal Prosecution of Terror Suspects.
He said the recommendation was endorsed at the 2018 GCTF Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly.
“It also co-organised the First Expert Meeting of the Working Group for the development of a set of recommendations on Rule of Law-Based Administrative Measures in the Counterterrorism Context held at The Hague, The Netherlands,” he said.
The NCTC coordinator said the CJ-ROL working group had since inception, accomplished a lot through the development of recommendations and good practice memoranda, such as the Rabat Memorandum on good practices for effective ccounterterrorismpractice in the criminal justice sector.
He added that the working group’s Hague Memorandum on Good Practices for the Judiciary in Adjudicating Terrorism Offense had also been compiled to assist judges to more effectively adjudicate cases that involve terrorism.
“It will also assist them in respecting the rights of all parties involved in the cases, in particular the rights to a fair trial for the accused, and the protection of victims and witnesses.
“We intend to build on the accomplishments of this important working group and further the knowledge and good practice to support the effective dispensation of effective criminal justice, rule of law and human right-based responses to terrorism,” he said.
Musa said the meeting, which was the first under the new working group co-chairs, focused on the presentation of priority areas highlighted in the group’s work plan for the period of 2022-2024.
“The meeting will guide the activities of the group as it offered an opportunity for members to discuss collaboration and synergies with other GCTF working groups and initiatives.
“The CJ-ROL Working Group of the GCTF focuses on the critical role played by the criminal justice sector in combating terrorism and demonstrates the GCTF’s commitment to supporting rule-of-law-based and human rights-compliant approaches.
“The GCTF Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group, co-chaired by Italy and Nigeria, is dedicated to supporting the development of effective criminal justice systems within a rule of law framework and fully respecting human rights.
“It aims to ensure that persons who plan, perpetrate or support terrorist acts are brought to justice,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigerian army’s fighting power significantly increased since 2015 – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari with Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya during the Nigerian Army Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade 2023 in Abuja on Thursday (27/4/23)
Army
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 27, 2023 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari says the fighting power of the Nigerian Army has increased significantly under his administration making its fourth in ranking among African militaries as against seventh in 2015.
Buhari said this at the Nigerian Army Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade 2023 on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the fighting power of the nation’s army was at low ebb as at May 2015, adding that the situation had tremendously improved with remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country.
According to him, this administration has achieved remarkable transformation of the military in the areas of fighting power, training, operations, manpower, remunerations and medical services.
“These are in addition to maintenance, efficiency, accommodation and expansion of forces.
“The improvements in these areas have collectively enhanced the army’s capacity to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.
“The fighting power of our army was at low ebb as at May 2015,” he said.
According to him, however, seven years later, its fight of power has increased significantly, making its fourth in ranking among African militaries as against seventh in 2015.
“Our interventions and budgetary allocation to the army between 2020 and 2022 alone has been able to procure hundreds of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, troops carrying vehicles, utility vehicles, tanks and armored personnel carriers to augment those earlier procured from 2017 to 2022.
“Significant numbers of new fighting and the utility vehicles, along with artillery guns, machine guns, rifles and correspondent ammunition were acquired and inducted into various theaters of operations.
“This will lead to significant increment in the animal equipment holding since 2015 with a significant improvement in the fighting power as a result of the procurement of equipment and mission specific training,” he said.
Buhari said army had restructured the conduct of its operations to meet current realities, saying the quantum of platforms induced into the army since 2015 had enabled troops to take the battle to the terrorists and criminals, particularly in the northeast.
This, he said, had resulted in the recapture of territories hitherto held by the insurgents, adding that the efforts of the troops leading to unprecedented successes was evident in the increased number of neutralised insurgents and those that voluntarily surrendered alongside their families.
The president said the successes had led to the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes and the restoration of economic activities, in addition to the contribution of the army to global peace support operations.
He said the creation of army aviation was one of the aspects of the ongoing expansion process in the Nigerian army, saying the renewed vigor for authorisation of the aviation unit emanated from a strong desire to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges across the country.
According to him, if the units is fully operationalised, it will provide rapid deployment, closed air support, casualty evacuation, prompt delivery of logistics supply, among other roles.
“As an administration, we have demonstrated commitment to increase the strength of the armed forces in my resolve to secure the country against all challenges.
“It is instructive to state that from 2015, when I was sworn in as the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, I facilitated the recruitment of over 60,000 soldiers for the Nigerian army aside thousands of commissioned officers from the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna.
“In the area of troops welfare, this administration has facilitated the approval of Manual for Financial Administration which has greatly enhanced the pay and allowances of troops.
“This has no doubt boost the troops morale and enhanced the deal. To discharge their constitutional mandate.
“Furthermore, in my resolve to cater for the families of disease personnel, over 50,000 children and wards of personnel who died in active service on the Nigerian Army Scholarship from 2015 to date.
“In terms of infrastructural development, this administration has made determined efforts to surmount the deficit in accommodation and other amenities,” he added.
Buhari said the trooping and presentation of colors parade was significant considering the establishment and operationalisation of new units in line with army’s increasing operational commitments.
He said the existing colours had been excessively involved in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries hence desiring of retirement.
“Today’s ceremony is a continuation of our efforts to reinvigorate the fighting secret of our troops through the inculcation of greater pride in their units.
“Let me use this medium to sincerely recommend the officers and men of the army, all members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their exceptional performance in various operations across the country.
“Since the inception of this administration, the nation’s security situation was greatly challenged by the activities of violent non state actors.
“Today, I am pleased to specifically note that the situation has tremendously improved and I wish to also proudly highlight that we have made remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trooping and presentation of colours parade is conducted when retiring the old colours of a regiment/unit and presenting the regiment/unit with a new one.
It entails marching/trooping the old colours past the formed up soldiers of the regiment/unit, retiring the colours, presenting the new colours to the regiment/unit and then consecrating the new colours.
It is usually conducted once in 15 to 20 years as desired by country’s armed forces but the last time such a parade was conducted in Nigeria was in 2007 when 32 units/regiments were issued with new colours.
Today’s event saw the retiring and replacing 53 units’ regimental colours and issuance of 28 new ones for newly established units. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigerian Army retires, replaces 53 units’ colours, issues 28 new ones
Colours
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 27, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Thursday conducted a historic trooping and presentation of colours parade, retiring and replacing 53 units’ regimental colours and issued 28 new ones for newly established units.
The ceremony was conducted by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, in line with military tradition across the globe.
Historically, the British colonial authority was the first to issue the first colours to then Nigerian Recruitment Training Centre, now Depot Nigerian Army located in Zaria, which was established on Aug. 1, 1924, under the command of Maj. Hassar, then a British Officer.
According to the Nigerian history, there is difference between normal flags and military colours.
“Presentation of colours is a rallying point for troops and match location of the commanders in a better view.
“Eligibility of units to receive colours is another milestone as colours are regarded with great reverence.
“Regimental colours are awarded to formations and units after their formation and are retired when the formation or unit becomes defunct as a result of organization or structural changes.
“Colours are retired ceremoniously where the entire parade will give a final compliment to the colours.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that trooping and presentation of colours parade is conducted when retiring the old colours of a regiment/unit and presenting the regiment/unit with a new one.
It entails marching/trooping the old colours past the formed up soldiers of the regiment/unit, retiring the colours, presenting the new colours to the regiment/unit and then consecrating the new colours.
It is usually conducted once in 15 to 20 years as desired by country’s armed forces but the last time such a parade was conducted in Nigeria was in 2007 when 32 units/regiments were issued with new colours.
While commenting on the event, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who was is anchor of the event, said that colours of several units in the army had either been damaged or worn out since 2007.
Nwachukwu said that several units had also been established an operationalised and deserving of new colours.
According to him, these factors necessitated the approval by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for the conduct of the 2023 trooping and presentation of colours parade.
NAN reports that the event involved trooping and retiring of old colours, presentation of new colours, march past, blessing of the colours by the spiritual leaders from the army and presentation of commemorative coin among others.
The event was also graced by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, members of the federal executive council, traditional rulers, services chiefs and members of the diplomatic community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
