The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Counter-terrorism

  • Counter-terrorism: United States promises technical backing for air to ground synergy

    Counter-terrorism: United States promises technical backing for air to ground synergy

    The United States (U.S.) Government has promised to continue providing technical support, training, and expertise to sustain and expand the gains of the Air-Ground Integration (AGI) programme in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

    It said Nigeria has not only become a regional leader in counter-terrorism in West Africa but in advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation.

    The leader of a delegation from the United States Institute of Security Governance, retired Maj.-Gen. Miguel Castellanos, said this during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja.

    The U.S. retired military officer noted that the ultimate goal of the AGI programme is to build enduring joint processes across the Armed Forces of Nigeria to enable them to counter emerging security threats.

    “What we are developing together is more than operational capability. It is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations,” Castellanos said.

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    “Nigeria’s leadership in embedding Civilian Harm Mitigation into military operations sets a strong example for the region, and the United States is proud to stand as a partner in this endeavour.”

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that AGI, which was supported by the U.S. Government, had “significantly improved” the NAF’s ability to deliver precision firepower in support of ground operations while reducing risks to civilians.

    The CAS emphasised that the programme was central to achieving synergy across the various services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and embedding global best practices in Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM).

    He said: “The Air-Ground Integration programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower at the right place and at the right time with precision and restraint.”

    “Beyond enhancing synergy, it reinforces our commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. The technical and advisory support provided by the United States has been instrumental in making this progress possible.”

  • Counter-terrorism: US govt assures sustained support for air-ground synergy

    Counter-terrorism: US govt assures sustained support for air-ground synergy

    The United States government says it will continue to provide technical support, training, and expertise to sustain and expand the gains of the Air-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

    It said Nigeria has not only become a regional leader in counter-terrorism in West Africa but in advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation.

    Speaking on Tuesday, September 9, during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters Abuja, the leader of delegation from the United States Institute of Security Governance, retired Major General Miguel Castellanos, noted that that the ultimate goal of the AGI programme is to build enduring joint processes across Armed Forces of Nigeria that will enable them to counter emerging security threats.

    “What we are developing together is more than operational capability, it is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations,” Castellanos said. 

    “Nigeria’s leadership in embedding Civilian Harm Mitigation into military operations sets a strong example for the region, and the United States is proud to stand as a partner in this endeavour.”

    Read Also: 23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina

    The Chief of Air Staff, Sir Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that AGI, which was supported by the US government, had “significantly improved” the NAF’s ability to deliver precision firepower in support of ground operations while reducing risks to civilians. 

    He emphasized that the programme was central to achieving synergy across the various services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and embedding global best practices in Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM).

    He said: “The Air-Ground Integration programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower at the right place and at the right time with precision and restraint. 

    “Beyond enhancing synergy, it reinforces our commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. The technical and advisory support provided by the United States has been instrumental in making this progress possible.”

    According to a statement by the NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, both Nigeria’s Air Chief and the American security team emphasized on the ultimate goal of the AGI programme, which it said was to “build enduring joint processes across Armed Forces of Nigeria, enabling them to counter emerging threats decisively while upholding humanitarian standards.”

    “The visit reaffirmed the deepening Nigeria–US partnership, with both sides committing to further strengthen cooperation in areas of precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration, and civilian protection, cornerstones of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations,” the statement said.

  • “Lakurawa” terror group will be neutralised in no time, says Counter-terrorism boss

    “Lakurawa” terror group will be neutralised in no time, says Counter-terrorism boss

    Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has assured Nigerians that the threats posed by the” Lakurawa” terrorist group in the North West would soon be neutralised.

    Laka gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on the activities of the group on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the recent wave of terrorism in Sokoto State and parts of the North West by the Lakurawa terrorists was being tackled under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Laka said that much had been achieved in their collective efforts against terrorism and other crimes in the country.

    According to him, officers and men of the armed forces and that of other security agencies have been in the forefront of the efforts to ensure peace and security across the nation.

    “This accentuates the patriotic zeal and total commitment of the armed forces, police and other security agencies in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

    “Sadly, a new wave of threats by the Lakurawasa has emerged. Although they are not new, they have been around for quite some time, but it is being made as if it is something new.

    “Since their emergence, the NSA, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies have met severally to address the menace squarely.

    “It may interest you to know that concrete steps based on informed decisions have been taken to completely contain the activities of these groups in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.

    “Like all terrorist groups, they aim to spread fear and undermine the efforts of governments, but I am confident that with the commitment of our armed forces, security agencies and united community, we will stand resilient and overcome them in no distant time,” he said.

    The NCTC boss emphasised the need for all to stand together as people of a community, state and of one indivisible country through resilience, security, military and civil cooperation.

    He said the centre was focused on proactive actions for prevention, preparedness and partnership in whole of government and whole of society, which place emphasis on working together to achieve a common front against any threat.

    He said the Federal Government was implementing heightened security protocols in high-risk areas and advanced technology to monitor, gather and analyse intelligence.

    “You may have noticed an increased joint operations between the military and other security forces that have resulted in the neutralisation and arrest of several non-state armed groups.

    “Also, our intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent and counter these threats.

    “We have also maintained close ties with our allies to ensure that we stay ahead of those who seek to harm us on security of our borders.

    “This is to portray the commitment of various security and intelligence agencies towards recovering and sustaining every part of the country,” he added.

    Laka said that boosting public awareness and support was important in the fight against terrorism and other forms of organised crimes, urging the media to play a critical role.

    According to him, efforts of the media in ensuring public awareness can help to prevent and mitigate the impact of security threats.

    He also urged Nigerian to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities as a vital action that could make a whole lot of difference.

    “Let me assure you that the government is doing everything within its power to address the issue of the Lakurawa as comprehensive measures are being implemented to bring lasting peace and security to the affected areas.

    Read Also: Counter-terrorism: FG to acquire 24 M-346 jets, 10 Trekker helicopters 

    “We remain committed to ensuring that all citizens can live without fear and we will not relent in our efforts until these goals are achieved,” said.

    On how the group emerged, Laka explained that the Lakurawa group were providing security to some communities against the bandits, saying it was a case of “today’s solution could be tomorrow’s problem”.

    He assured that the group lacked the capacity to undermine the national security and pose further threats, adding that the security agencies were all out to checkmate their recruitment drive.

    (NAN)

  • Counter-terrorism: FG to acquire 24 M-346 jets, 10 Trekker helicopters 

    Counter-terrorism: FG to acquire 24 M-346 jets, 10 Trekker helicopters 

    The federal government has sent a team of experts led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, to Italy to finalise the process for the procurement of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

    The team, which also comprises officials from Ministries of Defence and Finance, participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A, to finalise the procurement of the platforms.

    The M-346 jet, also known as the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, is an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, with advantages of precision strike, high speed and Maneuverability, close air support, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). 

    The Trekker helicopter, also known as the AW169 or AW189, offers several advantages in military and counter-terrorism operations due to its endurance in the battlefield, quick response to emerging threats, among others.

    President Bola Tinubu had in many fora expressed his determination to equip the Armed Forces to enable them perform their constitutional duties, and effectively combat the security challenges across the country. 

    A statement by NAF’s spokesman on Sunday, October 13, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the first three units of the 24 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to Nigeria by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026.

    The statement said: “While in Italy, the Chief of Air Staff made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company. 

    “He also inspected the first batch of six M-346 jets, noting that three are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.

    “In the Review Meeting, the Chief of Air Staff received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first thy units of the 24 M-346 aircrafts to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. 

    “Meanwhile, with two Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.”

    According to the statement, the NAF boss recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. 

    He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.

    The statement added that, the Leonardo Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346, and highlight its advanced features. 

    It said: “The M-346, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will “significantly” strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities. 

    “On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.”

    According to the statement, the M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are “key steps towards fleet renewal.” 

  • Counter-terrorism operations draining government resources, says FG

    Counter-terrorism operations draining government resources, says FG

    The federal government says the ongoing military operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements have continued to drain government resources, both human and financial.

    It said peace was desperately desired across the country, and without peace, the nation might not have an economy that is thriving to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya, said this on Thursday while delivering a lecture titled, “Managing Financial Resources in the Face of Rising Contemporary Security Challenges: Federal Government Financial Reforms in Perspective”, at the Nigerian Air Force Finance Seminar 2024, in Abuja.

    She said: “In this respect, citizens’ security must be given its rightful place as it helps in minimizing crime and creating the right environment for investments and growth.

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    “Peace-development nexus is a roadmap to progress, and it is required in defining our engagement from the Military and fiscal policy perspectives, the connection between security and Public Financial Management is symbiotic.

    “Without security, economic activities are stifled, revenue generation suffers, and the capacity of the Nation and Sub-nationals to finance its operations, including security, diminishes.

    “Conversely, without sound Public Financial Management (PFM), the resources needed to address security challenges effectively cannot be mobilized.”

    Jafiya said President Tinubu’s administration introduced financial reforms that were audacious to promote accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline, thus ensuring the effective delivery of goods and services to the citizenry.

    She commended the NAF for fostering a culture of accountability in the management of its finances through capacity building of its personnel in charge of managing the funds.

    According to her, the financial management, procurement processes, and audit functions should also be aligned with the Federal Government’s financial reforms.

    She added that this would ensure that the military and security agencies have personnel who are tactically proficient and possess an understanding of the various financial reforms in their day-to-day operations.

    Jafiya advised that the military should place a greater emphasis on the outputs and outcomes that are expected to be delivered based on the public funds they receive, and determine whether the requested resources are commensurate with the objectives to be achieved.

    “They should begin to undertake their activities using the non-kinetic method which is less expensive and more friendly.”

    She described the military as a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian project, not just on the battlefield, but in the broader context of national development and sustainability, hence its “commitment, discipline, and strategic thinking are essential as the nation strives to overcome its myriads of challenges to create prosperity for all.’’

    Jafiya assured the NAF that the Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was “willing, able, and ready” to support it, and indeed other security agencies in maintaining the nation’s sovereign integrity.

  • ‘Use risk mapping for counter-terrorism operations’

    A security expert, Dr Ona Ekhomu, has urged the military to utilise operational risk mapping methodologies in conducting counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

    He said this would reduce the probability of loss resulting from inadequate or failed procedures, systems or policies in combating terrorism and insurgency.

    Ekhomu spoke at the Counter-terrorism and Counter-insurgency (CTCOIN) lecture at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State.

    The security expert noted that threats including insurgency, militancy, terrorism, ethnic rebellion, piracy, trans-border crimes, militant pastoralism and kidnapping require military assets to handle properly.

    Using risk mapping tools will enable the military to be proactive and prevent catastrophic losses, he said.

    Risk mapping, Ekhomu said, involves conducting risk identification, risk assessments, risk mitigation, counter-measures implementation and performance evaluation.

    Speaking on the topic, titled: International and Regional Mechanisms for Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations, Ekhomu, who is President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operations of Nigeria (AISSON), told members of Senior Course 40 of the college that people and processes would inherently incur errors and militate against CTCOIN operations.

  • NSA urges agencies to create counter-terrorism desks

    NSA urges agencies to create counter-terrorism desks

    NATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno has urged Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations (CSO) and other non-government organisations to establish National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) desks in their domains to curb the menace of violence.

    This came as the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the nation’s oil and gas installations and the shipping industry were still exposed to diverse threats on daily basis.

    Maj-Gen. Monguno, however, noted that the establishment of the desks has become imperative given the adoption of various security strategies by the present administration to keep the country safe and secure from the evils of terrorism and other criminal acts.

    He said his office and other stakeholders would leave no stone unturned to ensure the implementation of the National Working Document on Counter-Terrorism, which was presented to the public last week.

    Monguno spoke in Abuja, while declaring open a two-day National Workshop and Capacity-Building organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the safety and security of the nation’s maritime domain and national infrastructure.

    Monguno, who was represented by Brig.-Gen E.O. Ndaji, said: “NACTEST is a call for action to all national and state MDAs, including NGOs and all well-meaning Nigerians, to consciously take up their roles as outlined in the strategy.

    “We must all work together identifying our crucial and collaborating towards achieving the desired objectives of securing our nation against terrorist groups and other criminalities. It against this backdrop that the initiative by NIMASA to co-host this event is both timely and commendable.

    “I, therefore, wish to call on all other MDAs to follow the example of NIMASA in not only setting up NACTEST desks and designating Desk Focal Point Officers, but should take practical steps towards implementation of the strategy consistent with their mandates.

    “Towards actualising this, MDAs are encouraged to make budgetary provisions for carrying out NACTEST activities. The Office of NSA stands ready to collaborate with any MDAs, including through facilitating contacts with resource persons – both local and foreign.

    “The fight against terrorism and other criminalities stresses the need for inter-agency collaboration and cross-border relationships to stem the current tide because terrorism recognizes no borders.”

    Peterside hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the pragmatic step his administration has taken for the country’s security.

    Describing the workshop as timely, the NIMASA boss said there was “need for strong synergy and collaboration among security agencies in the war against terrorism and insecurity”.

    Peterside, who was represented by Alhaji Ali Ndabawa, a director in the agency, said: “All of our security apparatuses must be united and determined in the knowledge that government is committed to providing all the supports needed to guarantee victory.

  • Insurgency: Air Force graduates 414 counter terrorism regiment

    The Nigerian Air Force has graduated 414 regiment officers and men trained by the Israeli Military Training Organisation and the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

    The trained Air Force personnel included 18 officers and 396 airmen and air women.

    Speaking at the combined graduation of the Basic Regiment Officers, airmen and Gunnery II Course and Special Forces course 2017, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar, said the service had invested enormous resources in accomplishing the training of the Special Forces personnel.

    He said it would desirable that they “reciprocate the good gesture.”

    The Chief of Air Staff, who was represented by Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, AVM Samson Akpasa said, the training was targeted at arming the personnel with experience to withstand fierce challenges.

    He informed they have received training on Special Forces capabilities, such as commando counter terrorism, fire and maneuver training close mortal combat and among others.

    According to him: “The knowledge you have acquired coupled with the practical exercise in the Basic Field Tactics, Weapon Training ,Map Reading and Airfield Defence Training made designed to prepare you for prompt deployment as the need arises.

    “You must be prepared to put in your best effort and sustain the necessary zeal and courage to face challenges in the service,” he added.

     

  • Buhari arrives Jordan to participate in counter-terrorism summit

    Buhari arrives Jordan to participate in counter-terrorism summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Aqaba, Jordan, to participate in a summit of Heads of State to review strategies in fighting terrorism.

    The summit, tagged, `Aqaba Retreat’, to be hosted by His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan, would also look at ways at reinforcing joint security structures that would be more proactive in preventing attacks.

    The president’s aircraft landed at the King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba, at the about 8.15p.m., local time.

    The President was received at the Airport by Jordanian government officials, the Minister of Defence retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno and the acting Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Dauda.

    Others at the airport to welcome the president include the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Amb. Haruna Ungogo and other Nigerian embassy officials in Jordan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that West African Heads of State, including the Presidents of Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Togo as well as the representatives of governments of 48 countries will be attending the meeting.

    A number of key Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are also expected to participate in the meeting, slated for Dec. 2 and 3.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, had on Nov. 29, in a statement issued in Abuja, said President Buhari would share Nigeria’s experience on terrorism and its spread across West Africa during the meeting.

    According to Adesina, this is with a view to soliciting more support for pre-emptive measures that will neutralise the activities of insurgents in the sub-region.

  • Navy trains special forces on counter-terrorism

    The Special Boat Services (SBS) of the Navy at the weekend certified 45 Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) Special Forces fit for extreme counter-insurgency operations.

    The  personnel were trained on tactical air, land and water combats, fast rope insertion/extraction techniques that would allow them multi-task when deployed in theatres of operations.

    Of the 49 personnel enrolled for the training, three were disqualified for their inability to withstand the rigours and high mental alertness.

    According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, the Special Forces are a very important unit of the military because they are deployed to clear the ground for regular troops.

    Rear Admiral Mohammed, who was represented by Commodore Samuel Kure, said each officer will execute tasks meant for 10 regular forces in the theatre of operation.

    He said: “These ones are specialised section of the military. They are inserted to carry out a particular task to make a place conducive for the regular forces to move in. Sometimes, they come in to remove someone from the theatre of operation.

    “The special forces are not part of the regular forces. By the nature of their work, they are only called upon anytime there is an operation and once they render their services, they are pulled out.”

    SBS Commander, Commodore Rick Michaels said the insertion and extraction system was established to ensure access into inaccessible terrains.

    “The Special Forces unit is a team of small and highly trained military personnel meant for special operations, conducted in denied, hostile and politically-sensitive environments.

    “In the selection process, we task and push every individual to the limit of their mental and physical tenacity. The moment anyone breaks, we take him out. We don’t compromise. It is either you are with us or not.

    “Apart from the fact that it is a very sharp and leading edge training, we need trainees to be able to catch up fast because the special force has wider latitude of skill than the regular forces.

    “That is why we deploy them in small numbers where one person can do the work of many soldiers. They are supposed to be fast thinkers and very smart. It is a very dangerous training. One small mistake can cause a person his limb or even death.

    “As managers of violence, our job is to take risks. It doesn’t mean that those disqualified are not fit for military jobs; they are fit for their regular jobs and not for the Special Forces, where boys are trained to be men and men turned into flaming warriors ready to go on the tide.

    Acting Commander, NN Airbase, Captain Mustapha Braimah, expressed satisfaction at the demonstration of the graduands, saying he was hopeful they would contain insurgency and armed conflicts.

    Captain Braimah explained that the integration of the NN Air Arm with the SBS was to prepare the Special Forces and build their capacity to meet with every challenge.