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Tag: Armed Forces

  • First Lady urges Armed Forces to encourage more women for enlistment

    First Lady urges Armed Forces to encourage more women for enlistment

    • ‘There’s need to review requisite laws in this area’

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advised the leadership of the nation’s Armed Forces to encourage more women to join the military.

    The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, spoke at the Defence Headquarters’ one-day Gender Mainstreaming Conference with the theme: Building Capacity Through Gender Mainstreaming to Meet Security Challenges.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi, said the First Lady hailed the leadership of Armed Forces for organising the programme, acknowledging that the event was timely.

    “The theme is apt because it is about shaping a safer, better and more equitable world for all.

    “I commend the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for accepting the gender mainstreaming concept in line with the Global Best Practice and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325,” she said.

    Senator Tinubu noted that security challenges in the nation have become increasingly complex.

    “Addressing these challenges effectively requires innovative and comprehensive approaches, and gender mainstreaming stands as a powerful tool in our arsenal.

    Read Also: First Lady charges armed forces to encourage more women enlistment

    “Gender mainstreaming is now much more than a charity and a policy agenda. Tthis is a fundamental issue about the way we perceive and address security challenges,” she said.

    The First Lady noted that everyone had come to acknowledge that security encompasses not only military strength but also the protection of human rights, economic stability, social and environmental sustainability.

    She said it requires a collective effort to address security issues and advance gender mainstreaming.

    “We can start by ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into security policies and strategies, encouraging more women to join and progress within the forces.

    “We must promote women’s participation and leadership in security institutions, peace negotiations, conflict resolution efforts and bring a more reconciliatory perspective into negotiations,” she said.

    According to her, more cooperation is required to eliminate gender-based violence within the security forces.

    “Through the Renewed Hope Initiative project, we have strengthened women empowerment by letting women have access to training and education. Additionally, we have equipped the women with laptops and grants to support their educational and professional pursuits.

    “This is because we believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a community and, inevitably, a nation. We, therefore, hope that the leadership within the Armed Forces will extend this dialogue beyond the confinement of this conference and empower women and their ranks,” she said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Baduru, concurred to examine the First Lady’s recommendations.

    The maiden edition of the Nigerian Defence Gender magazine, which featured the First Lady as its cover story, was launched at the event.

  • NAF nabs 10 suspected bandits with weapons in Kaduna

    Following the directives from Defence Headquarters to the Armed Forces to carry out Operation SAFE CONDUCT to ensure peaceful and conducive atmosphere during the 2019 general elections, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has arrested and paraded 10 suspected thugs and bandits.

    Parading the suspects and items recovered from the suspects at the Airforce Training Command (ATC) Tuesday, the Commander 453 Base Services Group NAF Kaduna, Air Commodore Idi Sani said, “In the course of performing its duties, a patrol team from Command, Base Services Group, NAF Kaduna at about 2:45am on the 16 February 2019 intercepted 7 suspected thugs/ bandits armed with dangerous weapons around the Hajj Camp, Mando”.

    The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Adam, Halilu Rilwan, Lawal Hassan, Idris Yusuf, Kabir Muhammed, Badamasi Alhassan and Idris Abukabar.

    Items recovered from them include 8 Dane gun, 3 cutlasses and Volkswagen Golf 3 car without number plate.

    In a related development, “around NECO junction, Mando on 16 February 2019 at about 2:30am, one Mr. Abdulrauf Yusuf (AKA GORILLA FIGHTER) was arrested in company of one Mr Muhammad Bello in a Volkswagen Golf 3 car with registration number EG 181 ABS.

    Read Also: NAF kills scores of bandits in Zamfara

    “Furthermore. Another suspect, Mr. Shehu Yahaya was arrested at Amana Kasuwa on 15 February 2019 at about 11:45pm with 5 machetes and a knife.

    “It is also necessary to inform that, on 2nd February 2019, the NAF Special Operations Team tasked with dealing with kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed banditry, intercepted a group of cattle rustlers at Riyawa Forest”.

    The Commodore disclosed that in the face of superior fire power from the NAF Team, the cattle rustlers fled the scene abandoning 44 cows and 13 rams.

    He informed that the 453 Base Services Group NAF Kaduna under the guidance of the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Training Command AVM MZ Suleiman will continue to work in synergy with other security agencies, to dominate its Area of responsibility with aggressive patrols with a view to ensuring peace and security throughout Kaduna State.

    All the suspects and items recovered have been handed over to the police for necessary prosecution.

  • Ambode advises armed forces, security agencies on abuses

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode yesterday advised members of the Armed Forces and security agencies to respect human rights and improve their understanding of the tenets and principles of the rule of law.

    This, he said, would guarantee cordial civil/armed forces relationship.

    The governor spoke when declaring open a two-day National Workshop on: “Citizen in Uniform; Implementing rule of Law and Human Rights in the Armed Forces”.

    It was organised by the Ministry of Defence at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ambode said the workshop was apt because there was need to strengthen the capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies to understand the rule of law and observe the tenets of human rights in dealing with their personnel and the civilians.

    “By fulfilling their national security functions, security agencies play a key role in enabling an environment in which the rule of law is maintained. The fundamental role of any government is to guarantee the welfare and security of citizens. To this extent, security agencies represent an institution and an instrument through which this overriding responsibility of government is achieved,” he said.

    The governor hailed members of the armed forces and security agencies for giving their best to ensure peace.

    He urged them to always remember that they are bound by the rules of law and constitution while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

    Ambode cautioned them to act professionally with great care for the rule of law and rights of the citizenry while performing their duties.

    He enjoined the public to support and pray for the success of the armed forces and other security agencies in their efforts at restoring peace and bringing stability to the country, noting:  ”A threat to life and safety of the armed forces must be seen as a threat to the stability of the society as a whole”

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, had said the workshop was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the participants at the strategic level to contribute to the ongoing professional understanding and application of human rights and the rule of law in administering justice to security personnel.

    He added that the workshop would provide intellectual impetus that would boost and sustain mutual trust and understanding between security forces and the civilian populace to safeguard the internal security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

    In order to avoid abuses and unfriendly civil/military relations at all times, the Chief of Defence Staff noted that there was the need to prudently interrogate the contradictions inherent in the campaign of violence by the adversary forces.

     

     

     

     

  • Reps pass bill to regulate peace-keeping for Armed Forces, others

    The House of Representatives on Thursday passed through second reading a bill to regulate the participation of Nigerian Armed Forces and others in peace-keeping missions.

    “Nigerian Peace Keeping (Support & Participation) Bill, 2018” was sponsored by Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman House Committee on Public Procurement.

    It is expected to strengthen the Nigerian experience in future peace-keeping operations and to define the boundaries as well as set out the regulatory framework for such.

    The bill, which has 18 sections specifically, speaks to members of the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security organisations.

    While arguing for the second reading of the bill, Hon. Oke said: “Since its independence, Nigeria has been a frontline State and major contributor to United Nations (UN) and NON-UN peace-keeping initiatives.

    “It is worthy of note that in 1960, Nigeria deployed the first set of individual Police officers in Africa.

    “It is estimated Nigeria has spent over US$ 8 billion in peacekeeping missions it has provided within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    “Some of the ECOWAS countries that Nigeria has provided such missions are –Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali and Sierra Leone.”

    The lawmaker said despite the nation’s contributions to peacekeeping missions, Nigeria does not have a regulatory framework that guides the deployment and withdrawal of troops and security personnel from conflict zones.

    He said similarly, the constitution is silent on the issue as the power of the President to deploy troops is restricted to the boundaries of the country.

    According to him, when the need arises, “the President simply gives his approval for involvement in peacekeeping mission(s).”

    The bill addresses aspects like organisation, chain of command, internal order and authority, budgeting, training, discipline of personnel on peace keeping and composition, appointment of Commander and terms of service amongst others.

    When Speaker Yakubu Dogara called for a voice vote, members passed the bill through Second reading without dissent.

  • 46 political associations in Katsina commend Armed forces

    The coalition of 46 political associations in Daura zone of Katsina state on Wednesday, commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for resilience, determination and commitment to the promotion of peace and unity of Nigeria.

    Alhaji Ali Rabe, the Zonal Chairman of the coalition, made the commendation during a news conference in Daura.

    He said the Armed Forces had maintained track record of achievements in numerous peace-keeping operations, stressing that ‘’we will continue to pray for them.’’

    The zonal chairman noted that many members of the Armed Forces had sacrificed their comfort and pleasure toward making Nigeria great by ensuring lasting peace and stability of the nation.

    Rabe said the unity and fraternity for which the armed forces were known for served as the guiding principle in their operational activities and the rule of engagement.

    He also lauded the Service Chiefs for their loyalty, commitment and unwavering support toward the corporate existence of the nation.

    Read Also:  Katsina trains 60 journalists on poultry, fishing, bee-keeping

    The chairman described the recent comments by retired LT. – Gen. Theophlus Danjuma as divisive and

    He said the statements credited to Danjuma were unfortunate.capable of inciting Nigerians against the armed forces.

    ‘’We never expected such unguarded utterances from one of the highly respected generals in this nation,” ‘he said.

    Rabe, however, called on Nigerians to continue to support the armed forces and the Federal Government, with a view to ridding the nation of sporadic security breaches.

    The News men reports that members of the coalition recently drummed unconditional support in a mammoth political rally in support of the re-election bid of President Muhammad Buhari.

    They also demonstrated similar support for the entire APC aspirants in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    NAN

  • Armed Forces Remembrance

    Armed Forces Remembrance

    •Two soldiers slump in Anambra
    •Okorocha to recruit ex-servicemen
    •Ikpeazu to support security agencies

    Two  military personnel – a soldier and Naval officer – slumped at the parade ground yesterday in Anambra State at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.

    Last night, the status of their health was uncertain.

    A medical team, including Commissioner for Health Dr Josephat Akabuike attended to them before they were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

    A military officer, who pleaded for anonymity, said the victims might have been affected by ‘sun-stroke’.

    “It’s not unusual to see such occurrence during parades, more so under intense sunshine. We hope they would come back in the end,” he said.

    Dr Akabuike, however, declined to speak.

    “Go on with your investigation. I will get back to you later,” he said.

    When The Nation visited the Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, security was heavy, but a source said their condition was critical

    “The soldier here is in a critical condition. He fell flat on his forehead, hitting the floor.

    “He is at the intensive unit and we pray he would survive. We suspect he had malignant malaria which aggravated his condition.”

    Governor Willie Obiano, after laying the wreath, prayed for the souls of the departed and enjoined Nigerians to remember families of fallen heroes.

    He urged the Armed Forces to continue to with the courage to defend the country.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said his government would recruit ex-servicemen into as volunteer workers.

    The governor, who promised to build a befitting headquarters for the legionnaires, said the gesture will help the ex-servicemen conduct their affairs well, and to remind those in power of the need to relate with the legionnaires “especially at this painful moment of their life”.

    His words: “We are gathered here today to give honour to who it is due, and to pay our respect to fallen heroes. The greatest love that a man can show is that he dies to save his friend, and the greatest love a soldier can show to his country is that he dies to save its territory. This calls for patriotism and nationalism is simply the love for one’s country.

    “This is a very difficult moment in the history of the country, but suffice to say that we are consoled by the fact that we have gallant soldiers who are ready to lay their lives to save our country.

    “Mine today, is to salute all of you, encourage and urge you to continue doing this job without counting cost of returns. A hero to me is that man who fights without counting the cost of return, who is willing to make sacrifice of all sorts only to serve humanity. We are proud of the Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria because you have not let us down.”

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu promised to continue to partner the Nigeria Legion and other security agencies to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state.

    Ikpeazu, who was represented by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, hailed the contributions of the Armed Forces in stemming activities of Boko Haram insurgents, and maintaining national, regional and global peace and security.

    The governor said the government would provide the legion a land at Ubani Ibeku to build its permanent secretariat, and more.

  • Buhari has clear plans to end herders / farmers clashes – El-Rufa’i

    Buhari has clear plans to end herders / farmers clashes – El-Rufa’i

    Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, says on Monday that the Federal Government has very clear plans to end herders/farmers clashes in the country.

  • Thoughts on Armed Forces Day Celebrations

    Thoughts on Armed Forces Day Celebrations

    Several nations of the world hold an annual Armed Forces Day Celebrations in honour of their military. Nigeria is not left out. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in Nigeria is an annual event organized to honour members of the armed forces who fought in the first and second world wars. It is also an event to honour those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian Civil War.

    The day is therefore to celebrate both the dead and the living heroes including all those who suffered various deprivations as a result of wars. The day was formerly marked on November 11 of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day popularly known as “POPPY DAY” or “11 – 11” for the first and second world wars veterans in all commonwealth countries. However in Nigeria, in view of some significant historical events, notably the surrender of Biafran troops to the federal troops on January 15, 1970, it is celebrated on January 15 every year.

    From thence, military personnel including the army, the navy, the air force and the Nigerian legion converge in different centres across the federation to celebrate the day and give honour to the fallen and living heroes who hazarded and continue to hazard their lives for the territorial integrity of the nation and for peace to reign worldwide. The event is held at the federal, state and local levels where either serving military officers reside or where living ex-service men occupy.

    Several events including release of pigeons to symbolize peace, placing of wreaths, playing of the last post, Remembrance Day Parade, firing of 21 gun salute and others characterize this memorable day. The military officers are usually attired in diverse colours typical of their fields, be it navy, air force, army and the ex-service men. The event also witnesses religious services in both mosques and churches nationwide.

    Looking at the historical background of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, it is obvious that it is purely a military affair, since they are primarily saddled with safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation.

    However, the present internal security challenges on different theaters for almost a decade now has, without mincing words, stretched the military beyond its limits and expectations as is evident that the military alone could no longer handle the situation especially in the North-east where the Boko Haram held sway for some time.

    This had led to a lot of alignment of forces, contributions, supports and collaboration from various security agencies to fight the series of insurgencies that have been confronting the nation. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for instance, has been known to participate in both peace keeping and peace support operations all over the world while to a lesser extent the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Security (DSS) have all contributed personnel on peace support operations in UNMIL in Liberia, UNAMID in Darfur and the UNMIS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan), during which lives were even lost.

    I also wish to add that a lot of officers and men of the various security agencies that formed the Joint Task Force (JTF) to combat the Boko Haram insurgency have lost their lives in the process of performing military operations outside their statutory duties; just like the military is now fully involved in the internal security operations to secure the lives and properties of citizens in this country which is primarily the function of the Police. This synergy and collaboration is needed particularly at a time like this when the capacity of the armed forces is stretched thin. This is where the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) which has contributed significantly to the fight against terrorism and lost many of their men deserves a special place in the annual celebrations.

    It is observed that Nigeria as a sovereign nation, considering her unique historical events and challenges changed her own Remembrance Day Celebration from November, 11 to January 15 of every year and also the form or scope of the celebrations to suit her own purpose and the dictate of the situation till date.

    In as much as the essence of the Remembrance Day Celebrations is to honour officers and men either dead or living who served in various peace support operations worldwide, including those who fought in the world wars and the Nigeria Civil War; it is highly recommended that the scope of the celebrations be expanded to take care of the new security developments in the country especially those figting in the Boko-Haram war among other insurgencies ravaging the country. It is good and morally right that the leadership of the various security agencies other than the military and the police that have contributed to the achievement of international, regional and national peace especially in Nigeria where its corporate existence has and is still being threatened, be made to lay wreaths during the Remembrance Day Celebrations in honour of their own service heroes too.

    The organizing committee of the event can schedule and incorporate the sequence of laying of wreaths by the concerned service chiefs in their programme for the day.

    “What is good for the goose is good for the gander”

  • Avengers: Armed Forces will stop violent agitation—Olonisakin

    Avengers: Armed Forces will stop violent agitation—Olonisakin

    •Dickson meets Clark

    THE Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, has said the armed forces will continue to strictly prosecute threats of violent agitation against the country.

    Speaking yesterday at the base of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri, during the commissioning of 20 new 400 horsepower gunboats, newly procured by the Nigerian Navy, he lamented the continued threat posed to the nation’s maritime interests by activities of criminal elements.

    Explaining the reason why the Niger Delta environment had come under heavy military watch in recent years, Olonisakin condemned the new threat of violence by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), noting that violent agitation is unconstitutional and would not be allowed to go unchecked.

    Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday met with Chief Edwin Clark, in Abuja to discuss critical issues affecting the Niger Delta region especially threats by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) resume hostilities.

    It was gathered that the meeting focused on the state of security especially the breakdown of law and order in some areas and the escalating tension in the oil-rich region.

    In Warri, the military chief, who was in company of a huge number of senior members of the nation’s armed forces, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Alhassan, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, the Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, and many others, commended the navy for living up to its task in the Niger Delta region.

    He said, “Recent purported declaration of intent to resume hostilities by the Niger Delta Avengers rather casts an unfortunate gloom on the well being of the region and serves a sad commentary on the security environment. While the right to agitation is inalienable to any group, its association with violence is unconstitutional and will always be strictly prosecuted by the armed forces.

    “In this regard, I note with satisfaction that in synergy with other arms of the armed forces, the Nigerian Navy has continued to maintain effective deterrence and appropriate operational posture.”

    In his remark, the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibas, said out of the 20 gunboats, 16 were locally sourced; built by the Epenal Group of Companies Limited, adding that the other four were bought from South Africa.

    The event was graced by many dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Festus Ovie Agas, who represented the governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa; the Olu of Warri, HRM, Ogiame Ikenwoli; the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd.); the Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Joseph Timiyan; Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Couple Oromoni; the representative of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom and spokesman of the Gbaramatu Traditional Council, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, and many others.

    After the meeting with Clark, the Ijaw leader, Dickson, said that the deliberations focused on the need to establish contacts with the federal government and the aggrieved youths as part of efforts to prevent a major crisis in the area.

    The governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, said that the discussion also condemned the disruption of the fourth quarter general meeting of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) by security operatives in Port Harcourt.

    Dickson was quoted as saying that the meeting called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disruption of the PANDEF’s meeting.

    Dickson and Clark condemned the action of the security agencies arguing that PANDEF like other organizations had the right as provided by law to hold their meetings.

    He also called on the agencies responsible for the disruption of the meeting to tender an apology to the elders who were embarrassed by the unprovoked reaction from the agencies.

    Dickson said: “Chief Edwin Clark and I just had a meeting on issues affecting the Niger Delta region. In specific terms, the meeting dwelt on the breakdown of law and order, general security in the Niger Delta. We explored how we can step up contacts with the federal government on the one hand and the agitators on the other.”

    The governor said that the meeting also discussed the ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the umbrella bodies of Ijaw organizations especially the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

  • ‘Medical outreach’ Armed Forces’ responsibility – Enenche

    ‘Medical outreach’ Armed Forces’ responsibility – Enenche

    The Defence Headquarters on Sunday described the Armed Forces’ medical outreach as part of the Forces’ constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property of Nigerians.

    Maj Gen. John Enenche, the Director Defence Information, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that there were no sinister motive behind the Armed Forces medical outreach exercise.

    Enenche dismissed as misrepresentation and smear campaign against the military regarding the Monkey Pox disease outbreak in parts of the country.

    He said that the Armed Forces had been conducting medical outreach during operations and routine training exercises such as the war against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and Egwu Eke II in the South-East.

    “Categorically, the practice of reaching out to the general public medically is akin to the key task of securing the lives and property of Nigerians; therefore, it can never be done with ulterior motives.

    “Thus, Nigerians should be assured that the Armed Forces will continue to carry out its all-encompassing constitutional responsibility of “National Security,” health security inclusive.

    Read Also: Officers’ promotion exam: Army urge Enugu residents not to panic

    “In this regard, quick impact medical outreaches were usually conducted during deliberate operations such as the war against insurgency and terrorism in the North-East and routine training exercise such as Egwu Eke II in the South-East”.

    Enenche added that the Nigerian Armed Forces had been in the global best military practice and had impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians through the medical outreaches.

    He noted that the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force had carried out various medical outreaches including to victims of natural disasters in the six geo-political zones in the country in the past.

    The director stressed that the exercises were conducted without any negative observation or insinuations.

    “In specific terms, the campaign of calumny against the Nigerian Army regarding the outbreak of Monkey Pox disease should be disregarded.

    “It is the machination of the usual mischievous and disgruntled elements in the business of blackmailing the Military for their myopic selfish interests”.

    The director assured members of the public of the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to genuine and sincere medical outreaches by the Armed Forces in view of their positive impact on the people.