Tag: military

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commenced the construction of Invictus Centre for treatment of wounded military personnel in Abuja.

The construction of the centre marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing resolve and commitment to providing comprehensive care for its brave men and women who have endured physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja on yesterday, The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the launch of the construction of a state-of-the-art facility would ensure the physical and mental well-being of personnel of the armed forces.

The CDS said that the military profession is “one of the most demanding and perilous careers in the world”, which requires physical strength, technical expertise, mental resilience, emotional fortitude and unwavering commitment to duty.

He said: “It is therefore essential for our societies to recognise and honour their sacrifices to provide adequate support for their physical and mental well-being, and ensure its veterans are cared for after service.

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“The Invictus Centre is thus designed to offer innovative rehabilitation programmes for experts in military medicine and psychology.”

He explained that the programmes will focus on holistic recovery, addressing both physical injuries sustained during service and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The CDS said: “The Centre will therefore serve as a sanctuary where our soldiers and veterans can receive medical treatment and psychological support tailored to their unique medical challenges.

“This centre will not operate in isolation, but partner with our other medical facilities, non-governmental organisations and other internal bodies dedicated to veteran affairs.

“With these partnerships, we will create an environment that promotes understanding, compassion and support for those who have sacrificed so much,”.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commenced the construction of the Invictus Center for wounded military personnel in Abuja. 

The construction of the centre marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing resolve and commitment to providing comprehensive care for its brave men and women who have endured physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. 

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja on Friday, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the launch of the construction of a state-of-the-art facility would ensure the physical and mental well-being of personnel of the Armed Forces.

The CDS said that the military profession is “one of the most demanding and perilous careers in the world”, which requires bith physical strength, technical expertise, mental resilience, emotional fortitude, and unwavering commitment to duty.

He said: “It is therefore essential for our societies to recognize and honor their sacrifices to provide adequate support for their physical and mental well-being, and ensure its veterans are cared for after service.

“The Invictus Center is thus designed to offer innovative rehabilitation programs for experts in military medicine and psychology,”

He explained that the programmes will focus on holistic recovery, addressing both physical injuries sustained during service, as well as mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The CDS said: “The Center will therefore serve as a sanctuary where our soldiers and veterans can receive medical treatment and psychological support tailored to their unique medical challenges.

“This center will not operate in isolation, but partner with our other medical facilities, non-governmental organizations, and other internal bodies dedicated to veteran affairs.

“With these partnerships, we will create an environment that promotes understanding, compassion, and support for those who have sacrificed so much,”. 

Gen. Musa said the DHQ choice of the took cognizance of the strategic disposition of existing landmarks, including the presence of military facilities, sufficient space for future expansion, and proximity to the airport, before arriving at the choice of the location.

“This location will enable challenged individuals from outside the federal capital territory to easily access the facility without having to go through the city center,” he said.

He said the centre symbolises not just buildings, but a sanctuary of hope, healing, and empowerment for wounded, injured, and sick personnel.

 “Let this center remain a beacon of support and resilience where our heroes can rebuild their lives, rediscover their strengths, and reintegrate into the society with dignity and purpose.

“This center is a testament to our gratitude and a promise that we will always stand by you, no matter the challenges we face. This center will embody that spirit, empowering our heroes to take charge of their futures and inspiring generations to come” he said.  

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the center, which is the first of its kind in Africa, aims at providing a state-of-the-art facility that will aid rehabilitation and psychological recovery of the wounded, injured, sick officers and soldiers and veterans of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He said: “Our soldiers are the pillars of our nation’s security and freedom. They face unimaginable challenges, both on international battlefields and here at home. Some return with both visible and invisible scars, and many with sacrifices that cannot be measured.

“In line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this center will give hope for recovery and reintegration of our gallant troops. This center will not only serve as a home for training, but as a place for health and wellness programs, social development through sports, among others. 

“As we begin this construction, let us remember that this center represents not just bricks and mortar, but aspirations of our people. It signifies our resilience, dedication and our unwavering belief in the potential of our dear nation” he added.

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The Duke of Sussex and founder of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry represented by David Wiseman said the ground breaking was an important milestone in the journey for improving recovery and rehabilitation for service personnel. 

He expressed hope that generations of future competitors for future games will gain help, hope and happiness as they pass through the armed Forces of Nigeria Invictus centre.

The Project Manager, Engr Gambo Gimbal said the project was designed to be completed in 13 months.

Military retirees on Tuesday staged a protest at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, barricading the entrance with canopies and chairs as they demanded full payment of their long-overdue entitlements.

This demonstration follows a similar protest in December, during which retirees shut down the ministry over the government’s failure to settle their claims.

The protesters alleged they were owed a 20% to 28% salary increment covering January to November 2024. 

Despite receiving official approval for payment, they claimed ministry officials cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay.

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The Nation gathered that, in response to their December protests, the federal government paid 50% of the owed entitlements. 

However, the retirees insist on the settlement of the outstanding balance.

The retirees are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including: Palliatives for the period between October 2023 and November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, a bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance and a refund of pension deductions from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.  

At the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, the retirees erected canopies and placed chairs to block the gate, effectively preventing staff from driving into the premises, forcing many to park their vehicles outside.

The military high command has said it might harness the skills of law-abiding citizens in the local production of firearms and military grade equipment.

It expressed a resolute commitment to ending the production and circulation of illegal arms in the country.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, announced the military’s consideration during an operational visit to the frontline troops of Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State.

The CDS was reacting to the review of a cache of locally made arms and ammunition seized within the areas of operation.

In continuation of his operational visits to troops and military formations, the first port of call of the CDS was the headquarters of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Gen. Musa was received by the General Officer Commanding and he inspected the quarter guard at the cantonment.

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The entourage of the CDS also visited Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven in Mangu and inspected military hardware and operational equipment in the forward operation base.

He said additional resources, including advanced weaponry, vehicles, and welfare improvements were on the way to further enhance the operational capabilities of the troops.

Gen. Musa urged the troops to take the fight to criminals’ hideouts and flush them out completely as a renewed and greater vigor in the fight against insurgency in the new year.

The CDS reviewed a cache of locally-made arms and ammunition that troops seized from the areas of operation.

He said the military might consider engaging the skills of local manufacturers of such arms at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Gen. Musa stressed the need for professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the conduct of military operations.

The CDS hailed the troops for maintaining peace and security in their areas of operations, despite numerous challenges.

The combined efforts of the military, the police, and other security forces led to the killing of 8,034 terrorists, the arrest of 11,623 suspected terrorists, and the rescue of 7,967 kidnap victims in 2024.

Their efforts also resulted in the recovery of 10,200 weapons and 224,709 ammunition from terrorists and other non-state actors.

The office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) announced this on Monday during a press briefing by Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) in Abuja.

Reading the speech of the briefing, the Director of Legal Services in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, said 30,313 suspected criminals were arrested, while 1,438 stolen vehicle were recovered from criminals within the year.

Mijinyawa said efforts of the security forces in 2024 prevented oil theft valued at over 57 billion naira, and raised crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, thereby aligning with the Presidential mandate of eradicating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

He said the feat was made possible through the deployment of advanced naval assets, including personnel, helicopters, and UAVs, conducting surveillance and interdiction across the Niger Delta region.

Mijinyawa said: “Key successes from January to date include the seizure of illegal refinery sites, the recovery of stolen crude oil, and the disruption of oil bunkering activities. In August, the Navy seized nine nine illegal refinery sites and recovered large quantities of stolen oil. 

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“September saw the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of 19 illegal refinery sites, while October saw 23 illegal refinery sites dismantled. November’s efforts led to the dismantling of 27 refinery sites, the seizure of 75 wooden boats, and the arrest of 17 suspects. 

“The Navy also rescued eight victims of human trafficking and apprehended eight stowaways. These actions have contributed to a rise in crude oil production, reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, aligning with the President’s mandate to eradicate crude oil theft.”

Military authorities yesterday retired 656 senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs).

The soldiers, who had served their fatherland for 35 years, underwent six months of demilitarisation training and were disengaged from service at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) at Oshodi in Lagos amid fanfare.

They comprised 535 soldiers of the Nigerian Army (NA), 86 from the Nigerian Navy (NN), 35 from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and two from the Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Praising the retirees for their invaluable service to the country, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubarkar, said the culmination of their unwavering commitment, relentless hard work, and steadfast discipline throughout their service years led to the graduation.

He said: “No doubt, this six-month training has equipped you with the knowledge and skills to transition effectively into civil life, becoming resourceful managers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to national development.

“The essence of our gathering today brings to mind a local adage: ‘Soja come, soja go, but barracks remain’.

“While many of us may have joked about this saying during our careers, it holds a profound meaning worthy of reflection. It reminds us that the Nigerian military is more than the individuals who serve within its ranks; it is a resilient institution that safeguards our nation’s existence and endures the test of time. 

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“As individual service members transition to new chapters in life, the values, traditions, and impact of their service live on, continually shaping the Armed Forces and the nation as a whole. This adage also highlights the significance of the foundation you have built and the legacy you leave behind.

“Although you may no longer wear the military uniform daily, the discipline, courage, and commitment that defined your careers will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps, ensuring that the strength of the military remains steadfast.

“As you reintegrate into civilian life, I urge you to carry these values forward, becoming pillars of strength and ambassadors of the military profession in your communities.