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Defence/Security

Peace keeping: Nigerian Army officer bags Commonwealth Peace Award

Award

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, Feb. 10, 2020 (NAN) The Commanding Officer, 72 Special Forces Battalion Makurdi, Lt. Col. A.D. Alhassan, has been honoured by the West African College of Freelance Journalism, for the tremendous achievements recorded under his command.

The award “Peace Award for Excellence and National Unity and Professionalism” was presented to Alhassan recently in Makurdi, Benue, in collaboration with the Commonwealth College of Bishops and Clergy Councils.

A statement by Bishop Abel King, Executive Director of the council, noted the resilience and commitment of the commanding officer and the professionalism of his troops in combating security threats in the middle belt and the country at large.

King said that the performance of other security agencies had been enhanced through the sterling leadership skills of the commanding officer particularly in the middle belt area of the country.

“This call for recognition is to encourage and further boost the morale of the Nigerian Army and its personnel to continue to do more to restore and maintain the existing peace in the state and the region.

“At a time that professionalism is being tested by activities of criminals, Lt.-Col. Alhassan has lived up to the task of securing lives and property as well as guaranteeing an enabling environment for citizens.

“This has enabled the people to live without difficulty,” he said.

He said that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt.-Gen Turkur Buratai had proven itself time and again by giving responsibility to tested hands such as demonstrated by Alhassan.

He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, not to relent in the support given to the Nigerian Army to compliment the country’s conventional security agencies for lasting peace in the nation.

“The Nigerian Army continues to be our last line of defence at all times and must be encouraged to give out its best for our overall good,” he said. (NAN)

EMAF/IAA
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Defence/Security

Crocodile Smile: Army arrests suspects, recovers vehicles, gun

 

 

Army

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Okitipupa (Ondo State), Dec. 23, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army, has said that no fewer than 31 suspects were arrested and 14 dane guns recovered in a Crocodile Smile IV operation  in Ondo State.

Brig. – Gen. Zakari Abubakar, the Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade made this disclosure at the end of the year activities and award ceremony of Crocodile Smile IV on Sunday night in Okitipupa.

According to Abubakar, during the exercise, the Army conducted kinetic operation, road blocks, raids, ambushes, snap checks, illegal and anti-illegal bunkering.

“The 32 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with the Navy, Police and other security agencies have made efforts within two months to curb criminality in the state.

“We arrested 31 suspects, recovered one AK 47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm special, two AK mag, one x pump action, 14 dane guns, 35 cartridges, 12 vehicles, one motorcycle, 3x boat engines and 3x pumping machines.

“Other items recovered are three Bty, one generator, N3,353,000, two hand held radios, two Binoculars, 3, 000 of 30 litres jerry can of adulterated diesel and 800 litres of petroleum.

“Arrested persons and recovered items were handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution,” the commander said.

Abubakar attributed the success to the role played by superior officers, who mentored and guided the personnel in the exercise.

He also lauded Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the state for the support and necessary logistics made available to ensure the security of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Army rewarded the most well behaved officer in the camp with a motorcycle while 15 others from different security agencies, were honoured with certificate of good conduct.

Others also honoured were the head of the Police, Navy, Immigration, Customs, Correctional Service, NSCDC, FRSC and Vigilante.

The exercise was aimed at check -mating security challenges prevalent in the area as well as prevent the stockpiling of arms and ammunition by criminals.

The exercise, which was also aimed at improving the lives of the local populace, started on Nov. 8 and is expected to end in January 2020. (NAN)

OMA/CHIN/YEMI

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defence/Security

Crocodile Smile IV: 1,500 people benefit from Nigerian Army free medical outreach

 

Army

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Ese-Odo (Ondo State), Dec. 12, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has said that no fewer than 1,500 people had benefited from its free medical outreach; exercise crocodile smile IV in Kiribo community, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The exercise crocodile smile IV is designed to be inter-agency and inter-service driven, which include NPF, DSS, NSCDC, Customs, Immigration, NDLEA, Correctional Service and the Vigilante.

They are to work harmoniously as a team to ensure peace and security in the southern part of Ondo State.

Brig-. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, the Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, made this disclosure while speaking with newsmen during the exercise at the community market square on Thursday.

Abubakar, who said that the gesture was part of the civil military relations of the ongoing exercise crocodile smile IV in the southern part of the state, said it would also cement the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the community.

He explained that the medical services delivered included, general consultation, general eye examination, health education, oral care, laboratory investigations, issuance of free mosquito nets and drugs.

Abubakar, who thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan, Maj-. Gen. Anthony Omozoje for their exemplary leadership for finding the Brigade worthy of hosting the exercise.

The General also thanked them for approving the civil military activities, even as he charged the community to embrace peace and shun violence in return to reciprocate the gesture.

“Nothing goes for nothing and there is no free lunch anywhere, so as we have decided to reach out to the people today, we need you to embrace peace because with peace, people will rest and we will also rest,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army distributed toothpaste, tooth brushes and rice for the beneficiaries in the community to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

Also, since the exercise began on Nov. 8, sheduled to last till Dec. 23, the Nigerian Army had donated some computers and printers, exercise books, generators, stationary and sporting materials to schools at Atijere community.

The Nigerian Army also provided free outreach to people of Ugbo community, all in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

It has also carried out sanitation exercise by clearing garbages and refuse at Irele community market as well as the renovation of four market toilets and boreholes in the Irele Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Omolewa Ojo, the Chairman, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, who lauded the gesture, appreciated the Army for giving out free medical services and rice to the people to celebrate Christmas and the New year.

‘This is a laudable project. I give kudos to the Chief of Army Staff for that. This is the first of its kind because it has never happened since 1960 since Nigeria got independence,” he said.

Ojo, who noted Ese-Odo, as a place where security challenges had become serious and where people felt that they could do anything for a living, said that with the intervention of the Nigerian Army, that would come to pass.

He, therefore, pledged the maximum support and cooperation of the people with the Nigerian Army to enable it enjoin a robust relationship and peace while in the state.

Similarly, Oba Johnson Ajayi, the Alapaka of Kiribo Kingdom, appreciated the Nigerian Army’s gesture and called on it to continue with this kind of programme in the future.

According to Ajayi, the free medical outreach will go a long way in addressing the health challenges of people and help those who cannot afford hospital bills, especially the elderly persons in the community.

Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs Module Ogundowo and Mr Olatunde Tolo, an 80- year-old man, who had a visual problem, appreciated the Nigerian Army for the assistance so far rendered in the community. (NAN)

OMA/YEMI

 

 

Defence/Security

Crocodile Smile IV: Security agencies undertake awareness walk in Ondo

Army
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Akure, Nov. 27, 2019 (NAN) No fewer than 300 soldiers and other security agencies on Tuesday undertook a 5.7km walk in Okitipupa as part of awareness creation for Exercise Crocodile Smile IV.

This is contained in a statement by Maj. Victor Olukoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, which was made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that Brig.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade led the walk.

Olukoya said the march was in compliance with the directive to foster synergy with sister security agencies in tackling insecurity.

According to him, areas covered during the walk are Government Roundabout, Apata Junction, Irewole Roundabout, Old Garage junction, Igbokoda junction, Police Station junction and Ore junction.

“Security personnel who took part in the march were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigerian Customs Service, Department of State Service and the Police.

“Also part of the exercise were the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Correctional Services and some Vigilance groups,” he said.

He further said that the kinetic aspect of exercise crocodile smile IV in Okitipupa had been intensified to ensure effective service delivery.

“Henceforth, all security agencies will act as one body, everyone will play their constitutional role towards ridding the society of heinous crimes,” Olukoya said.

He reiterated the readiness of the security agencies to work collectively in the interest of providing security for the residents of the state. (NAN)
OMA/AZU/ISMA
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Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

Army provides free medical services to community in Ondo

Army provides free medical services to community in Ondo

Army

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Ugbo(Ondo State), Nov.17, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Sunday provided free medical services to people of Ugbo community in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State.

Brig. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, the Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, said that the gesture was part of on-going exercise of Crocodile Smile lV in the area.

He said that the gesture was to enhance the life of the people in the area.

According to Abubakar, it is also to cement the relationship between the military and civil populace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian Army had earlier donated some computers, printers, exercise books, generators, stationary and sporting materials to schools at Atijere community in Ilaje Local Government area on Nov.13.

NAN also reports that the gesture was part of civil-military activities as Crocodile Smile IV  flag off in the southern part of Ondo State will last from Nov.8 to Dec. 23, 2019.

Abubakar said that the medical services delivered included services at the general outpatient department for general consultation, general eye examination, health education, oral care, laboratory investigations, issuance of free mosquito nets and drugs.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and General Officer Commanding 2 Division,Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Anthony Omozoje, for they exemplary leadership and for finding the Brigade worthy of hosting the exercise and approving the civil-military activities.

“The COAS is particularly  concerned about the health and well being of our community knowing fully that health is wealth. It is in this light that he has taken by his step to provide this medical outreach.

“The objective is for you to embrace peace and shun every act of violence and criminality.

“COAS believes with peace, come development. There will not be development without peace,” Abubakar said.

,Maj. James Agbe, the Commanding Officer, 32 Artillery Brigade Medical Centre, Akure, said that one of the services rendered was to teach people on how to brush.

“We also rendering free eye care handled by specialists, free toothpaste and brushes, free drugs for common ailment in the community, free mosquito net to prevent mosquito bite considering the environment in which they living as riverine area.

“Community should take the advantage of the services being provided by COAS to make maximum use of the services and drugs effectively, ” Agbe admonished.

In his welcome address, Oba Akinruntan Obateru,Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, who was represented by the High Chief Hosea Iperepolu and Chairman of Ugbo Council of Chiefs, commended the gesture.

He said that the gesture would bring cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the community.

“The exercise is laudable one because we all know that health is wealth.

“This will bring cordial relationship between civilian and Nigerian Army. People are always afraid of Army, but with this new development, people will not see them as their enemy.

“When Army starts to come nearer to the people like this, people will be able to interact with them and it will reduce the rate of insurgency, kidnapping and all unnecessary crime in the societies,” he said.

Obateru charged the community to see the Nigerian Army as their friend and admonished the Army to continue with their good relationship so that people would not see them as their enemy.

The monarch promised Nigerian Army that Ugbo kingdom would continue to support and cooperate with them so that the issue of kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and many other crimes would reduce in the area.

One of the participants, Mr Akin Adetuo, a 60-year-old farmer with eye problem, thanked the Nigerian Army for the gesture.

“I am here with my eye problem so that I can see very well, but with the service rendered by Army today am very happy. May Almighty God help them as they choose to help us,” he said.

Mr Maigba Israel, who said that he came from the neighboring town near Ugbo kingdom for stomach ache and eye problem, urged the Nigerian Army to continue to support civilians, especially on health related issues.

“I am not from Ugbo kingdom, but I am from Ugbo-Nla town.

“I believe this services will go a long way for our people, especially for me because I don’t have money to go to hospital that is why when I heard that Nigerian Army is giving free eye service, I left my food to benefit from the services,” he said. (NAN)

OMA/TA

Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

 

Defence/Security

Exercise Crocodile Smile lV: Army warns criminals to surrender illegal weapons

Army
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Okitipupa (Ondo State), Nov. 13, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army, has warned all criminal elements in Ondo State to desist from their nefarious activities and surrender illegally acquired weapons or face the wrath of security agencies.

Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan, gave this warning at the flag off ceremony of Exercise Crocodile Smile lV on Wednesday at Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Omozoje, represented by Brig.-Gen. Thomas Ogunsugba, said it had become imperative for all criminals in Ondo State, especially southern part of the state to shun crime or face the full wrath of the law.

“It is in this light that exercise crocodile smile lV is being flagged off today in Okitipupa/Igbokoda southern parts of the state.

“The exercise is part of the Nigerian Army constitutional role of acting in aid of civil authority in combating various security threats faced by the affected parts of the state.

Omozoje listed the prevailing security challenges in the area to include, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and pipeline vandalism.

“Criminal elements in the state are hereby warned in their own interest to desist from their nefarious activities and surrender illegally acquired weapons or face decisive and appropriate actions by the security agencies”.

Omozoje, who said that the exercise was designed to be inter- agency and inter-service driven, urged participants including NPF, DSS, NSCDC, Customs, Immigration, NDLEA and the Prisons Service to work as a team and maintain the existing synergy among them.

“To the participants, as you are aware, the Nigerian army has zero tolerance for human rights abuses. Respect the rights of law abiding citizens as you carry out your assigned tasks.

“You must adhere to the code of conduct and rules of engagement guiding the conduct of the exercise, which has been issued.

“To the people of the state, I implore you to contribute your quota to the success of this exercise by volunteering information that can assist the brigade to realise the objectives of the exercise.

“To members of the fourth estate of the realm, please endeavour to verify information from the appropriate authorities to avoid fake news that can jeopardize the success of the exercise,” he admonished.

Omozoje lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai for his immense support, direction and encouragement in the efforts of confronting the numerous security challenges facing the country, especially Ondo State.

In his welcome address, Brig. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, said that the exercise was to check the various security challenges prevalent in the southern part of the state.

Abubakar said that the exercise would prevent stockpiling of arms and ammunition by criminals and assured that the brigade would continue to collaborate with other agencies to achieve the vision of the COAS.

In his speech, the state governor, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by the  Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, pledged to support any operation towards securing the lives and property of the people.

Akeredolu urged the people to partner with security agencies to reduce crime, adding that government would not relent in its efforts to protect them, especially during yuletide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army donated some computer systems and printers, exercise books, generating sets, stationaries and sporting materials to schools at Atijere Community in Ilaje Local Government Area.

Also, some communities in the Ondo South Senatorial District were provided with free health services as part of the civil-military relations to flag off the exercise, which began on Nov. 8 and to end on Dec. 23. (NAN)

OMA/OIF/YEMI
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

 

 

08135601585

 

 

Defence/Security

We support military’s “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma” –Tiv Youth

Army
By Emmanuel Afonne
Abuja, Nov. 10, 2019 (NAN) 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)
EMAF/ISMA
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

Army begin inter-formation sports festival in Rivers

Festival
By Desmond Ejibas
Igwuruta (Rivers State), Nov. 23, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has commenced the annual Nigerian
Army Sports Festival (NASFEST) for officers and soldiers under the division.

Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, inaugurated
the three-day exercise on Friday in Igwurata, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.

He said that officers and soldiers from formations and units in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers would compete in
half marathon and combat road race events.

He added that “the competition will serve as opportunity to promote mutual cooperation and comradeship among participants.

“It also adds to the training and re-training of troops, which is crucial to achieving the required regimentation, professional
responsiveness and combat efficiency needed to tackle various security challenges.”

The GOC said that officers and soldiers needed to have sharp minds to enable them to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.

According to him, the competition is to bridge the gap between officers and soldiers through requisite level of proficiency and
professionalism in their cadre of ranks.

“The competition could not have come at a better time when there were growing concerns on combat-proficiency and
endurance issues as it concerns the formations and units.

“More so, the various experiences encountered in the conduct of operations in the North-East and Niger Delta, among others,
brought to fore some gaps in our training and execution of operations.”

Sarham urged the participants to take advantage of the competition to enhance their fitness and combat proficiency on the job.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were drawn from Army 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom; 16 Brigade
Bayelsa; 63 Brigade Delta and 6 Division headquarter. (NAN) 
DES/KTO/HA
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Hadoza Mohammed-Aliyu

Defence/Security

We will stabilise security situation in Birnin Gwari, Zamfara soon, COAS assures

Assurance
By Mohammad Tijjani
Kachia (Kaduna State), July 31, 2018 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday promised to ensure the state of insecurity in Zamfara and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State was over very soon.

Buratai made the promise while addressing newsmen during an operational visit to the Nigerian Army base in Kachia, as well as the forward operation base in Kafanchan, both in Kaduna state.

He said while the Southern Kaduna area has been stabilised there were still problems around the Birnin Gwari area in Kaduna state and Zamfara as well.

“Nothing is making it difficult. Be rest assured that those places will be stabilised very soon.

“We have reinforced our troops that are there, and we are really reinforcing our equipment too. We are adjusting the deployment in that area.

“We are getting the relevant platforms to ensure that all the security agencies are able to deal with those issues,” Buratai said.

He said the visit was a routine, in order for him to see the troops and look at what the Army has in Kaduna.

The COAS also said the visit would give him an insight into some of the infrastructure being put in place, and what the troops were also doing in respect of operations.
“This place is part of Nigerian Army’s operational bases which we later developed into a full battalion.

“We just acquired some of the equipment needed by the battalion, which we will soon start using in the area,’’ he said.

Buratai warned that the level of insecurity had always been going up and troops therefore needed to be on alert to maintain security.(NAN)
TJ/JPE/OLAL
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi)

 

General news

(Video) NAN News Highlights for Mon., July 16, 2018

 

1. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the intellectual and professional achievements of Nigerian professionals in the Netherlands.

The president stated this during a meeting with members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, Netherlands chapter.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Julius Nwankpa, the Chairman of NIDO commended Buhari for his anti corruption war and urged the government and its security team to accelerate efforts at halting the unfortunate killings in Nigeria.

 

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2. The National Board for Technical Education says it has recommended 29 polytechnics to pioneer the Open, Distance and Flexible Learning Programme.

 

The Executive Secretary of the board, Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure, said the recommendation of the institutions was the outcome of the 2017 Innovation in Vocational Education and Skills Development Meeting with the Commonwealth of Learning aimed at boosting access to technical and innovative skills of Nigerians.

 

The programme is expected to begin once it is ratified by the National Council on Education.

 

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3. The Nigerian Army says it has neutralised 22 suspected terrorists in Bama Local Government Area of Borno, Northeast Nigeria while several others escaped with gunshot wounds after troops repelled an attack.

 

Spokesman of the army, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, denied a report that the terrorists attacked, killed soldiers and carted away some military vehicles.

 

Chukwu said the reported attack was not only untrue, but misleading and blown out of proportion and urged residents to disregard the report as their safety was guaranteed.

 

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4

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The Community and Social Development Project in collaboration with the World Bank is to support poor and vulnerable groups to build social amenities in their communities.

 

The National Coordinator of the Project, Dr Abdul Karim Obaje said the CSDP had so far disbursed N14 billion to 30 participating states and the FCT as part of the Project.

 

 

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5. The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Deny Gauer, has assured Nigerians of his country’s continued security support and commitment to stronger bilateral relations.

 

Gauer said France would support Nigeria’s efforts toward the elimination of Boko Haram, ensuring stability in the country, and promoting mutually beneficial relations for the development of culture, renewable energy, agriculture, and smart cities.

 

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6. Iranian President Hassan Ruhani has given the green light for Iranian women to attend football matches, a spokesman for Iran’s Guardian Council, who announced this said an “absolute ban’’ was no longer rational.

 

Until the presidential green light, women in Iran were banned from entering stadia since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.