The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Defence Headquarters

  • NAFRC prepares 40 Generals for retirement

    NAFRC prepares 40 Generals for retirement

    To ensure a well balanced and productive life after service, the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre ( NAFRC ), Oshodi on sunday commenced a two-week entrepreneurship and management training programmes for 40 senior military officers of the general cadre.

    The officers comprising 15 from the Nigerian Army (NA), 10 from the Navy (NN), 10 from the Air Force (NAF) and five from NAFRC are expected to within two weeks, come up with viable business plans that would be scrutinised by the training facilitators, Empretec Nigeria Foundation.

    Inaugurating this year’s second edition of the course in Lagos yesterday, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin urged the participants to take the training seriously.

    Olonisakin, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Muazu Salami, said: “As senior managers of the military enterprise, you are now being prepared to deploy knowledge already acquired in the course of your career to more civil use. There is no doubt that life after service presents peculiar challenges, one of which is the need for retired officers to be able to still engage in meaningful economic activities with the aim of ensuring a productive and wholesome life after military service.

    “This is the aim of this training workshop. l have been reliably informed that this training will expose you to discussions and exercises that would adequately prepare you to handle challenges encountered in retirement, particularly concerning that of starting your own businesses.

    “I therefore congratulate you all on your nomination to this workshop and urge you to take full advantage of the benefits it offers. I also expect that some of the skills you will acquire would add value to your productivity at your respective services.”

    Noting that it was the first time the training was being conducted at NAFRC since its inception in 2011, the CDS said the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) was working towards a review of the mandate of the centre to accommodate new thinking in line with modern trends.

    Aside the inauguration of the training, Olonisakin unveiled NAFRC’s remodelled 50 bedroomed guest house and a newly built resource centre.

    Earlier, NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Ajibola Jekennu over 42 thousand servicemen and women have benefitted from the skills acquisition programme of the centre.

    Represented by his deputy, Maj.-Gen. Edward Nze, Jekennu said the participants would be taken through various modules specially designed to meet their needs.

    He said: “Records and feedback we get indicate that a good number of out trainees are doing well in civil life. The centre is not stopping at juts training servicemen. The desire of the CDS to extend our services to commissioned officers informed our collaboration with Empretec Nigeria Foundation.

    “The senior officers entrepreneurship and management training workshop is designed to equip them with essential tools and requisite information towards positioning themselves for productive life after service.

    “The objective is mainly ri refocus attention to the fact that a meaningful and productive life can be pursued even after service. Managerial experiences and skills accumulated while in service could be skillfully put to use in civilian pursuits in order to live a wholesome, fulfilling life and still contribute to the progress of the country after military service.”

    Giving a run down of the programme, Empretec’s Country Director, Mrs. Onari Duke tasked the generals to give in their best, adding that those with good business plans would have access to local and international grants available.

    According to her, the initiative was from the United Nations and was currently running through 33 countries.

  • Anambra Elections: No cause for alarm, says DHQ

    Anambra Elections: No cause for alarm, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters Tuesday said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army would determine the security arrangements for Anambra state gubernatorial elections holding on Saturday as the nation’s armed forces, para-military institutions and other security agencies begin a Route March across the country on the same day.

    The Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche who briefed journalists on the Route March, said security arrangements on the elections would be based on the analysis of the situation on the ground by the GOC and other military formations. He added that there was no reason for any confusion or alarm on it.

    He however appealed that the march should not be misconstrued by Nigerians as a show of force as all the nation’s security architecture would be involved in it.

    He dismissed the threat by Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) who have been threatening the people with the slogan of “Vote and Die” regarding the election, saying that Nigerians should go about their normal businesses without fear.

    General Enenche also urged Nigerians not to panic regarding the Route Exercise as there would be movement of troops across the country, asserting that the main objective of the march is to ensure that the armed forces, para-military institutions and security agencies have greater cooperation among themselves.

    He said the exercise would commence at 0600 hours in Abuja and its environs as well as other parts of the country.

    He said: “The physical fitness of members of the Security and Response Agencies is germane to the effectiveness of its members, especially in the face of contemporary security challenges in the Country. In the same vein, group interaction through an exercise such as route march is an enhancer of espirit de corps and harmony among members of the Security and Response Agencies.

    “It is in View of these, that a Route March Exercise titled “TOGETHER WE ARE” is being conducted on quarterly basis involving the Military, Para Military and Security Responses Agencies in Nigeria. The slogan for the Exercise for sake of emphasis as you know is: ”TOGETHER WE ARE”

    “Protecting Lives and Property, Ensuring Unity and Progress, Supporting Democracy upholding the constitution and defending national interests.

    “The maiden “TOGETHER WE ARE” route march exercise was successfully conducted across the Nation on 1 July 2017 which achieved the aim.

    “Thus, the next one will be conducted across the Country on 18 November 2017. Administrative instructions to this effect has been sent to all security and response agencies.

    “It is expected that the aim and objective of the Exercise will be achieved like the maiden exercise. The general public is hereby notified that there will be movement of troops and other security agencies in the course of this exercise.

    “Your cooperation and understanding is highly solicited. Be rest assured that; Together we, as members of the Security and Response Agencies in Nigeria are always there to; Protect Lives and Property; Ensure Unity and Progress, Support Democracy, Uphold the Constitution and Defend our National Interests”.

  • IPOB: Kanu not in Military custody – Army

    IPOB: Kanu not in Military custody – Army

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the various military operations going on across the country to deal with the various security challenges would be sustained, noting that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group, is not in military custody.

    Defence Spokesman, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

    Enenche also said that the exercises were being carried out by the armed forces not only to tackle the challenges but to train personnel, adding that they were being done in line with best international practices.

    He declared the unalloyed loyalty of the military to the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Responding to questions, Enenche urged the citizens not to be alarmed in the face of the presence of the military in almost all parts of the country.

    He explained that they were assisting civil authorities to tackle emerging security threats.

    The defence spokesman noted that the emerging threats were not unexpected as the nation passes through various stages of development.

    According to him, some of the advanced countries have also passed these stages where their armed forces are called in to assist civil authorities to tackle security challenges.

    On the whereabouts of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Enenche maintained he was not in custody of the military as being insinuated in some quarters.

    On the quit notice issued to the Igbo by Arewa youths to leave the Northern part of the country on or before October 1, he said that the issue had been addressed by the political leadership.

    He, however, said that measures had been put in place to address any eventuality and assured the citizens that they were safe to live wherever they chose in the country to carry out their legitimate businesses.

     

  • Beware of fake twitter handle, DHQ warns

    Beware of fake twitter handle, DHQ warns

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday called on members of the public to disregard a fake twitter handle, “@DefenseMonitor’’ currently trending.

    Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, the Director Defence Information (DDI), in a statement said that effort was underway to tract perpetrator of the fake twitter handle “mischievously’’ using Defence logo and already posting tweets.

    “The twitter handle is mischievously using the Defence logo and posting tweets as though they are emanating from the Defence Headquarters.

    “The tweets have started attracting reactions from unsuspecting members of the public.

    “The DHQ hereby call on patriotic citizens of our nation to disregard the twitter account and ignore the tweets, while the effort is underway to track the perpetrator of this heinous act.

    “The official twitter handle of the Defence Headquarters is @DefenceInfoNG which is a verified account.

    “People are advised to be conscious of increase in the number of fraudsters who will go at any length to misrepresent the military and its institutions, sometimes using such channel to swindle innocent members of the public.

    “Please be guided,’’ the DDI said.

  • Troops to begin solidarity march for democracy across Nigeria – DHQ

    Troops to begin solidarity march for democracy across Nigeria – DHQ

    There would be movements of troops across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, in support of the nation’s constitution and democracy, the Defence Headquarters announced Thursday.

    The march for democracy according to the Director of Defence Information, Major Gen John Enenche, would involve the Nigerian Army, The Nigerian Air Force, The Nigerian Navy, The Nigerian Police Force, The Brigade of Guards, The Department of States Security, DSS, The National Intelligency Agency, The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

    Others are the Nigerian Customs Service, The Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Prisons Service, the Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and the Federal Fire Service.

    The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA would not be left out in the march which Major Gen. Enenche, said would hold quarterly henceforth.

    Enenche however did not mention whether the march was in response to the tension generated in the polity following the alert sounded by the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai that some civilians were approaching soldiers for selfish political interests, nor was it in response to the quit notice given to the Igbo ethnic group by the Arewa Youth Forum.

    Major Gen. Enenche who addressed journalists as the Chairman of the Forum of Security and Response Agencies, noted that the movement of troops throughout Nigeria would begin on 1st of July.

    Supported at the briefing by the Spokespersons of all the aforementioned agencies, Major Gen. Enenche added that the march was not just for physical fitness of members of Security and Response Agencies, but also for upholding the constitution of the country.

    Asked whether the march was in response to hate speeches that have been generating tension in the polity, Gen Enenche said no.

    He maintained that it is a corporate excersize meant to foster interaction and good understanding among the Security and Response Agencies, especially in the face of comtemporary security challenges in the country.

    Gen. Enenche said the exercize tagged “Together We Are” would be conducted on quartely basis and the slogan would be Together We Are: Protecting Lives and Property,  Ensuring Unity and Progress,  Supporting Democracy,  Upholding the Constitution, and Defending National Interests.

    Although Gen. Enenche did not disclose the routes of the solidarity march for security reasons, he however said there was no need for panic regarding the exersize.

    His words “The physical fitness of members of the Security and Response Agencies is germaine to the effectiveness of its members, especially in the face of contemporary security challenges in the Country. In the same vein, group interaction through an exercise such as route march is an enhancer of espirit de corps and harmony among members of the Security and Response Agencies.

    “It is in view of these, that a Route March Exercise titled “TOGETHER WE ARE” is to be conducted on quarterly basis involving the Military, Para Military and Security Responses Agencies in Nigeria. The slogan for the Exercise is: ”TOGETHER WE ARE ”

    a. Protecting Lives and Property.  b. Ensuring Unity and Progress.  c. Supporting Democracy.  d. Upholding the Constitution.  e. Defending National Interests.

    “Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Long Live the Security Agencies.

    ” The maiden “TOGETHER WE ARE” route march exercise will take place across the Nation on 1st July 2017. The general public is hereby notified that there will be movement of troops and other security agencies in the course of this exercise.

    ” Your cooperation and understanding is highly solicited. Be rest assured that; Together we, as members of the Security and Response Agencies in Nigeria are always there to; Protect  Lives and Property; Ensure Unity and Progress, Support Democracy, Uphold the Constitution and Defend our National interests. ”

    Gen. Enenche appealled to the media to assist in passing the right message across to Nigerians, saying at this period in the nation’s history we should be working together for the peace, progress and stability of the country.

  • Militancy: DHQ handovers Joint Maritime Training Centre to Navy

    Militancy: DHQ handovers Joint Maritime Training Centre to Navy

    …To improve specialised skills of security forces

    In order to enhance specialised skills of the Armed Forces and other security services, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday handed over the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC) to the Nigerian Navy (NN).

    This move was as a result of the threats to the maritime domain especially the creeks, back waters posed by militants in the Niger Delta and the riverine communities of Lagos and Ogun states.

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin while handing over the centre to the NN said it would ensure a more efficient management of maritime assets and capabilities in line with similar institutions such as the United States Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS).

    Represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Mohammed, Olonisakin expressed hope that the JMSTC would become a centre for excellence in maritime security for the West African sub-region.

    “The idea of establishing JMSTC was mooted in the wake of thr increase in sophistication and types of crimes in our maritime domain. It was conceptualised by the DHQ and the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) and the centre was established in 2009 with the mandate of enhancing the human capacity of personnel of the Armed Forces in littoral and riverine operations.

    “It is a unique training institution in the sense that it is the only centre of its kind in Nigeria where security personnel are trained to acquire specialised skills in order to operate in the maritime domain.”

    Continuing, the CDS said though the centre has done well in the past eight years, a recent assessment conducted by the DHQ showed that for better utilisation, it should be administered and controlled by the NN, which has expertise in maritime matters.

    He said: “It is therefore expected that the NN would ensure the vision of training personnel from other services and security agencies continue woth the same tempo.
    “I strongly believe that the centre would be better repositioned to effectively carryout its duties in line with the objectives of establishing it.

    “The centre was handed over to NN because it is better positioned to control and bring necessary assets within its purview to take it to the next level.

    “Every asset in the centre has been handed over fully to the navy.  We expect the navy to review what they have seen on ground. If there are observations and other things they think need to be done to upgrade the centre, they will forward to DHQ for necessary actions.”

    In his remark, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo assured that security forces would continue to receive quality training in waterman ship, boars handling, weapon handling and underwater warfare to enable them address challenges in the nation’s wsterways and the creeks.

    Ibas said plans were on to ensure that access to the training was expanded to accommodate other agencies and services that haven’t had the opportunity.
    He assured the CDS and other stakeholders that the concept would not change, adding that the NN would improve the quality of training to enhance manpower to address contemporary issues.”

    Earlier, the Commandant, JMSTC, Captain Alexander Bingel said over 3,000 military personnel and officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been trained since the establishment of the centre.

    At the event were the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia, Commander, NNS WEY, Commodore Mohammed Nagenu, Commander, 465 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Hospital, Air Commodore Benjamin Okunola, and representatives of the British and United States military.

  • Boko Haram: Fleeing terrorists now disguise as menial workers – DHQ

    Boko Haram: Fleeing terrorists now disguise as menial workers – DHQ

    Nigerians have been urged to be wary as fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists from the Sambisa forest now disguise as menial workers, infiltrating villages in the North East.This information was released by the Defence Headquarters.

    A statement by the acting defence spokesman, Gen. Rabe Abubakar on Tuesday in Abuja, said the escaping terrorists did that to attack communities and towns in the region.

    “Available information indicates that some fleeing Boko Haram terrorists are now disguising as menial workers to melt into communities and towns with a view to organising terrorist attack against our innocent citizens.

    “The unfortunate recent incidents in Madagali and Maiduguri are instructive.

    “The Defence Headquarters, therefore, advises citizens to be on the alert and be wary of these tricks of the defeated terrorists who are hell-bent on remaining relevant in spite of their lost battle,” the statement said.

    According to it, the sensitisation becomes necessary now to create security awareness to our citizens to be conscious of some strange faces that can take menial jobs in their communities or towns, especially now that festivities are around the corner.

  • Military scraps JTF, replaces outfit with ODS

    Military scraps JTF, replaces outfit with ODS

    The Defence Headquarters has scrapped the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) in the Niger Delta region.

    The outfit according to a statement signed by the acting Director, Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, has been replaced with Operation Delta Safe (ODS).

    This is the second time the outfit domiciled in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will undergo reforms and change of name.

    The force which was formed before the Federal Government granted amnesty to ex-militants in the region was then known as Operation Restore Hope (ORS).

    But following the amnesty programme, it was reorganized with a new mandate to protect oil installations under a codename, Operation Pulo (oil) Shield (OPS).

    With the renew militancy and economic terrorism in the region by various militant groups led by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), it was learnt that the Defence Headquarters reformed, refocused and renamed the outfit ODS.

    The statement by Abubakar said: “The OPERATION PULO SHIELD in Niger Delta has been scrapped with immediate effect and replaced with OPERATION DELTA SAFE.

    “This is in line with the Defence Headquarters initiative to restructure the Joint Task Force for better service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness in line with the vision and mission of the Chief of Defence Staff to contain the current security challenges in the Niger Delta especially protection of critical national assets and provision of security in the area.

    “Under this arrangement, the Joint Operational Areas of the new outfit have been delineated into 3 sectors and 5 Operational Bases covering the entire Niger Delta, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States.  The Headquarters of OPERATION DELTA SAFE would be in Yenagoa.

    “This development, according to Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin becomes expedient in order to inject new tactics and robust operational initiative to tackle the emerging security challenges in the Niger Delta region such as piracy, bunkering, vandalism and other criminalities prevalent in the area”.

     

  • Arepo killings update: DHQ absolves soldiers of accusations

    Arepo killings update: DHQ absolves soldiers of accusations

    The Defence Headquarters’ spokesman, Colonel Rabe Abubakar has said that there was no truth in the allegation that soldiers rounded up and killed the deceased.
    He described as unfair, the people’s claim, urging them to point their fingers elsewhere.
    According to him, all security agencies engaged in that operation have been committed towards protecting government infrastructure and the lives of innocent residents who were easy target for vandals.
    “To accuse soldiers of any of the killings is unfair. There is no iota of truth in that. I have received the details and I can tell you that there was no sign of gunshots nor was there anything to show military personnel or operatives engaged in Operation Awatse were responsible. In as much as we sympathize with the people over their loss, we advise that they should point their fingers elsewhere.
    “Why would soldiers kill people now? There has been no operation since Easter holiday. No encounter and nothing has happened. If the military was hostile towards the populace there, it would have taken revenge when some personnel were killed but we maintained peace.
    “How can we kill people we are out to protect? Caution should be applied in allegations like this. Miscreants have been siphoning fuel and vandalizing platforms of government. The government decided to give protection to the facilities as well as innocent residents by deploying security forces to the area,” he said.

  • Rabe takes over from Olukolade as defence spokesperson

    Rabe takes over from Olukolade as defence spokesperson

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday named Rabe Abubakar, a colonel as its new director of information.

    He replaces Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who has attained the retirement age of 35 years in the military.

    Gen. Olukolade, who is proceeding on retirement, remains in active service till September.

    Addressing newsmen shortly after taking over, Col. Abubakar said he was aware and conscious of the security challenges in the country as well as the need for collective efforts to confront it.

    He said:  “There is absolute need for synergy of efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders to re-strategise in the area of information collection, management and determination in counter terrorism and insurgency.”

    The new director of information promised to make himself readily accessible, available, responsive and proactive in dealing with the media and other partners in the course of promoting military/media relationship.

    He promised to maintain excellent and robust relations with the media and rally every organisation to support Armed Forces operations and activities.

    Col Abubakar reiterated his intention to adopt positive measures in his resolve to promote excellent civil/military relations, thereby gaining public understanding and goodwill for troops in the theatre of operations.

    He promised to maintain the professional standard set by his predecessor, and even work hard to improve upon it by tapping from his wealth of experience and knowledge from time to time.

    Col Abubakar was born on April 7, 1965. He hails from Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    On completion of his secondary education, he proceeded to obtain his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and was later commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1989.

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