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Tag: Abayomi Olonisakin

  • New Defence spokesman resumes duty

    The new Acting Director of Defence Information, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu on Friday assumed office at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

    In a brief handing over ceremony, the outgoing Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen John Agim, said he felt fulfilled for attaining the peak of his career in the military as the ceremony marked his disengagement from the service.

    He lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the opportunities they gave him, saying the task of managing the image and reputation of the Armed Forces is very important but quite challenging.

    He called on the media to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the fight against terrorism and other criminal acts across the country, saying the Boko Haram Terrorists have become the common enemy of the country.

    Nwachukwu enjoined the media to change the narratives of their reportage of events in the Northeast in a manner that the Boko Haram Terrorists would not enjoy publicity in the media anymore, asserting that publicity had become oxygen for terrorism.

    He said: “May I seize this opportunity to remind us as media and public relations professionals, that publicity has been severally identified as the oxygen of terrorism. It is the life of the terrorists and keeps them going.

    “Terrorism is a societal ill and an aberration. It is a threat to our collective peace, unity and national development and must not be allowed to thrive.

    Read Also: Civil Defence holds suspected cable vandals

    “It is therefore pertinent, to work hands in gloves to deny our common adversary the oxygen of publicity and crush the grandiose ego of terrorism.”

    Colonel Nwachukwu, who was the spokesman for Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast before his new appointment, further called on media practitioners across the country to remain resolute and professional in their reportage of events regarding the military for the peace and security of the country.

    Colonel Nwachukwu said: “There is no gainsaying, that contemporary security challenges have orchestrated a paradigm shift from the traditional interstate warfare between nation states to intra state conflicts, engendering a plethora of security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, militancy, banditry and other sundry crimes.

    “These developments have been most times, overwhelming for the paramilitary agencies, thereby occasioning the invitation of the military to act in aid of civil authority to restore law and other and ensure peace and stability.

    “Therefore, in addition to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is engrossed in containing security challenges that are of internal disposition. I therefore urge you to use your respective reputable media to support and appreciate the AFN for its commitment and steadfastness in ensuring national security.”

     

  • We will end Boko Haram activities, Says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured that his administration is committed to bringing an end to Boko Haram activities in the northeast and further make all parts of the country safe for Nigerians to live peacefully with one another.

    President Buhari noted that the vision of his administration was anchored on building a stable and prosperous Nigeria that would be the pride of future generations, but added, that the vision cannot be achieved without peace, stability and security.

    The President made the remarks while declaring open the maiden edition of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) International Air Power Seminar holding at NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja.

    The Seminar with the theme “Air Power in Irregular war: A Framework for Understanding and Responding” was being attending by Air Force Chiefs from the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and South Africa among other countries.

    President Buhari said while there has been steady improvements in the security situation in the northeast, it is also important for the nation’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force to draw from the experiences of other armed force to defeat terrorism and insurgency in the country.

    Said he: “It is important to stress that there has been steady improvement in the security situation in the North East where the Boko Haram activities have been confined in recent times. We have denied them the ability to hold territory and the freedom of movement to operate at will and they now resort to skeletal attacks on soft targets.

    “Our thougths and prayers are always with the victims and families of the Boko Haram atrocities. We remain committed to ensuring that the crisis comes to an end, while making the North East and indeed all parts of Nigeria safe for all to live and prosper.

    Read Also: Troops kill two Boko Haram commanders

    ” Let me, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces once again assure the military that I will continue to ensure appropriate funding for our armed forces in order to enhance capacity building and deepen professionalism.”

    President Buhari described the theme of the Seminar as timely, noting that since the outbreak of the Boko Haram crisis in the northeast, the nation’s armed forces have been engaged in various operations that have challenged services’ doctrines, tactics, training, order of battle and force protection architecture.

    He said “Even though we require substantial military input in combating an insurgency, its root cause is inherently political in nature”.

    President Buhari told the gathering among whom were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas and Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris as well as the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali that “Successful counter-insurgency operations would therefore require unity of efforts across multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies covering political, economic, law enforcement, intelligence and of course the military, in what is popularly called whole of the nation approach.

    “In this regard, we have mobilized relevant agencies and international organisations to support the counter-insurgency effort in order to ensure success”.

    The President commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar for initiating the seminar, saying the nation’s air force had over the years contributed immensely to ensure peace and security of the country.

    The President further said: “Our vision is to build a stable and prosperous Nigeria that would be the pride of future generations. It is however pertinent to note that this cannot be accomplished without peace, stability and security.

    ” Peace and stability can only be achieved if we are committed to emplacing reforms that will entrench true democracy in our polity. In the same vein reforms would be required to enable us build a virile economy that can support our aspirations

    “This administration is therefore committed to diversifying our economy. We have been partnering with other stronger economies to attract the much need Foreign Direct Investment. We are also looking at alternate means of generating electricity to power our industries and meet domestic demand.

    “I assure you all that a lot has been achieved in this regard and we are putting in more effort in order to achieve more. This is to ensure that we build an economically prosperous, politically stable, socially just and truly democratic Nigeria, where security of lives and property is guaranteed. “

  • Boko Haram: Olonisakin visits troops in North-East

    Boko Haram: Olonisakin visits troops in North-East

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, on Wednesday began an operational visit of troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

    The CDS visited the Military Command and Control Centre, and the Theatre Command of the Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri.

    The Theatre Commander, Maj. -Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said the visit was part of a routine exercise to the Theatre of operation.

    Attahiru explained that the CDS would be briefed on activities of troops and the campaign against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

    “We are to provide first-hand information on the operational activities in the theatre.

    “The visit will avail the CDS with the opportunity to understand the issues, challenges and how to address them,” he said.

    Olonisakin was accompanied by senior military and police officers during the visit to the Theatre Command.

    NAN

    Read Also: Boko Haram may be regrouping, NLC warns FG

  • Ambode inaugurates DNA centre to reduce crime

    Ambode inaugurates DNA centre to reduce crime

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Wednesday inaugurated the state’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Forensic Centre to accelerate collection of evidence and improve its quality to quicken justice dispensation.

    The centre is located at CMS on Lagos Island. The centre is the first government-owned in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DNA is a molecule that reveals the chromosomes in the centre of cells of living things.

    Ambode said: “Before now, most of, if not all DNA analysis and testing, were performed outside Nigeria, a situation that caused longer turn-around time and an overall higher cost of bringing closure to a case.

    “I am, therefore, convinced that the establishment of the centre will assist our courts in quick dispensation of justice.

    “This centre is a definite boost for our administration’s justice sector reform programme, and it will further transform the system of administration of justice in Lagos in particular and Nigeria as a whole.’’

    The governor said that the centre had the capacity to provide the police, prosecutors, defence attorneys and private citizens with crime scene processing and serological screening for blood and semen.

    He said that it would also provide services such as DNA analysis of bone, teeth and hair; maternal and paternal relationship DNA analysis, expert witness and case handling services.

    “Besides, it will help in paternal and maternal ancestry DNA analysis; cold case file review and mass disaster human identification.

    “With the successful completion of this stage of the facility, our administration plans to include additional capacity in the areas of toxicology, trace evidence and controlled substance analysis, fingerprint and latent prints, firearms, ballistics and tool marks, digital forensics and questioned documents examination.

    “The development of these other forensic sections at the facility will complement the DNA and forensic section and enhance the level of services offered today.

    “This will be helpful when dealing with organised crimes, as scientific methods can now help prosecutors to exonerate or convict a suspect, thereby reducing incidence of crime in the state,” Ambode said.

    He said that his administration established the centre in the realisation that security was vital for good governance and sustainability of investment.

    Mr John Bray, the U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, said that the centre would better equip Lagos and Nigeria to deal with social challenges in an effective and scientific manner.

    He said that the centre was set up in partnership with an American company – IPSI Bio-Science Company – adding that U.S. would continue to collaborate with Nigeria to bring about growth and progress.

    Dr Richard Somiari, Managing Consultant of the centre said that the project was initiated in 2016 for consultation on old and new cases, crime scene processing and evidence collection.

    Somiari said that the centre could carry out serological screening for blood, semen, saliva and mass disaster victims’ identification and cold case files’ review.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, lauded Lagos State Government for establishing the centre, saying that it would also help to fight insurgency.

    Mr Imohimi Edgal, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, said that the centre would make police investigations and prosecution easier.

    “It will help in solving crime cases; even our old and pending cases will now have closure with this centre,’’ he said.

    Mr Adeniji Kazeem, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, said that efforts at transforming the judiciary and fighting crime would be incomplete without a modern crime laboratory centre.

    Kazeem said that lack of proven scientific evidence had made trial of many cases difficult.

    “We can now move away from relying on confessional statements,” he said

  • CDS to NAF cadets: No compromise on loyalty, patriotism

    CDS to NAF cadets: No compromise on loyalty, patriotism

    Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, on Thursday challenged officers and men of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) to remain loyal, disciplined, dedicated and patriotic in their assignments.

    Olanisakin gave the challenge during the graduation of 106 direct short service cadets held at the Military Training Centre, NAF Base, Kaduna.

    He particularly told the cadets that the service would not compromise on discipline and patriotism, adding that they must gear up to be part of the efforts to restore peace in parts of the country.

    “You must at all times, subordinate yourself to constituted civil authority and protect democracy.

    “Indeed, you must remain absolutely loyal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force of the Federal of Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, the security situation in the country was largely caused by criminal vices which directly or indirectly provide impetus to the existential threat posed by insurgency and terrorism.

    Olonisakin however stressed that a lot have been achieved in degrading the capacity and capability of insurgents and terrorists.

    “Much more need to be done to achieve the level of peace and security we desire for Nigerian people,’’ he stressed.

    The Chief of Defence Staff told the cadets that their “ commissioning into the service should therefore be regarded as part of government’s efforts to restore normalcy.”

    He said, “It is imperative to state that your decision to choose military profession must be one borne from the desire to make sacrifices because of your love to our country.

    “You are passing out at a time when our nation is facing numerous security challenges in the face of dwindling financial resources.’’

    The general noted that the NAF and the Armed Forces was at the forefront in ridding the country of criminal elements and restore normalcy.

    He pledged that the Federal Government would continue to provide the resources required for the NAF to perform its statutory responsibilities.

    The Chief Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, said NAF would continue to build on the capacity of its personal, to produce a very proficient and mobile attack force.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were given to four best cadets, who displayed exemplary conduct during the training.

  • FG to de-radicalise repentant Boko Haram members

    FG to de-radicalise repentant Boko Haram members

    The Federal Government on Tuesday pledged to ensure the total de-radicalisation and rehabilitation of all ex-Boko Haram members before re-integrating them into the society in line with international best practices.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, stated this at a National Stakeholders’ Forum on Re-integration in the North-East organised by the Kukah Centre in Abuja.

    Olonisakin, who was represented by the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Shafa, said the operation was designed by the government as part of efforts to find lasting solution to the lingering crisis in the North East.

    The CDS said: “The OPSC is an initiative of the Federal Government which emanated from National Security Council meeting of September 2015, to encourage willing and repentant Boko Haram insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.

    “The primary objective of the operation is to facilitate easy access and passage for surrendering insurgents to security forces for subsequent de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration process (DRR.”

    He explained that the ex-combatants would be made to go through a 16-week DRR programme, involving advanced profiling, therapies, counseling, capturing on National Identity Card data and vocational training.

    He said the OPSC is a joint multi-national and multi-agency humanitarian operation involving security agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA) and National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

    “At the moment, there are 96 ex-combatants in camp (Gombe) while 565 women and children are being prepared to undergo a 12-week rehabilitation programme very shortly,’’ he added.

    ‎Olonisakin, however‎, said one major challenge for the programme was the notion in some quarters that the beneficiaries were being given undue favourable treatment at the expense of their victims.

    He also said reluctance to accept the ex-combatants back into the society after the DRR was another challenge.

    The CDS promised to continue to engage relevant stakeholders such as the Kukah Centre, community, and traditional and religious leaders in finding lasting peace in the North East.

    ‎The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese and convener of the programme, Rev. Matthew Kukah, said the forum was meant to develop a framework on continuous community engagement, reintegration and transitional justice in the North East.

    NAN

  • ‘Nigeria spent $2.6bn on Boko Haram humanitarian crisis in 2016’

    Nigeria spent more than $2.6 billion  in 2016 to address the humanitarian challenges caused by Boko Haram terrorists, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, has said.

    The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olonisakin stated this at the meeting of the ‘Global Coalition Working to Defeat ISIS’ in Washington, D.C.

    “After  over 2.6 billion dollars was spent by the Nigerian Government to address humanitarian needs in 2016 – more needs were seen when areas were recovered from Boko Haram.

    “Many in this room joined us in Oslo, Norway just last February to show support with Nigeria.

    “Coalition is fundamental. We, therefore, commend Secretary Rex Tillerson and President Donald Trump for remaining committed to fighting the global enemy of us all – terrorism,” Olonisakin said.

    The defence chief explained that Iraq’s story in the war against ISIS was similar to Nigeria’s story in the fight against Boko Haram.

    “This meeting, therefore, will further strengthen our collective resolve and determination to destroy and defeat ISIS.

    “To this end, Nigeria is prepared to work with the coalition in the pursuit of the first lines of efforts towards the realisation of the aims of the global coalition,” he said.

    He commended the steady progress made in Iraq, and Syria in denying ISIS access to territories and closing up their supply routes.

    According to him, it is, therefore, imperative that as part of the objectives of the meeting, global leaders consider the value of timely sharing of information and best practices on addressing cross-border threats.

    He also emphasised the need for mobilisation of resources for partners in the conflict and confronting violent extremist organizations with the digital battle space or cyberspace.

    He added that reshaping the public narratives around ISIS to one of failure, was also critical in the battle to defeat ISIS.

    “Let me also add that this meeting is of great importance to Nigeria.

    “This is because, Nigeria’s effort to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists is viewed as part of wider efforts to combat violent extremism globally especially, the defeat of ISIS.

    “Nigeria is open and willing to adopt strategies from the coalition that could further enhance its success story,” Olonisakin said.

    U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in his welcome remarks, said “it is indeed encouraging to see the attendance”.

    “When the forces of ISIS tune into their TVs and their computer monitors, they will see the strength of a combined 68 nations and organisations.

    “Together, we share a resolve to deal ISIS a lasting defeat. Our coalition is united in stopping ISIS resurgence, halting its global ambitions and discrediting its ideological narrative.

    “And we’re ready to grow stronger and stay aggressive in this battle.

    “President Trump, in his recent address to the joint session of Congress, made clear that it is the policy of the United States to demolish and destroy this barbaric terrorist organisation”.

    NAN reports that the meeting was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior leaders of the 68 countries of the global coalition working to defeat ISIS.

    NAN also reports that among those who attended the meeting were Chargé d’affaires of the Nigeria Embassy in Washington, Hakeem Balogun and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.