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  • CDS urges media to promote military’s counterinsurgency efforts through development journalism

    CDS urges media to promote military’s counterinsurgency efforts through development journalism

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged the media to promote military’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts through development journalism.

    He also advocated for sustainable practices through reporting on innovative practices in defence as well as using available data to tell the stories as evidence-based outcomes allows for a more informed public discourse.  

    The CDS said this at the Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria’s Security and National Interest organised by the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN), on Thursday.

    He said that development journalism sought to promote public awareness and understanding of defence as well as security issues, while holding governments, the defence sector and other stakeholders accountable for their actions as well as informing decision-making by policymakers and defence officials. 

    According to him, the adoption of a development journalism approach allows for a more active collaboration with journalists and media organisations, enabling them to play a more effective role in promoting national cohesion and stability thereby advancing Nigeria’s national interest. 

    He said: “Therefore, our national security cannot and should not solely be reliant on the strength of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rather it should be strengthened by Nigeria’s educated, healthy and socially cohesive population underpinned by development journalism. 

    “More so, the development journalism approach will not only require collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, it will also focus on people centrism in the accomplishment of Nigeria’s national interest.  

    “This approach thus resonates with my leadership concept which is, “to Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People-Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment.”

    Read Also: We are progressively winning war  against terrorism, CDS assures Nigerians

    General Musa said that defence beat should be tailored through a development journalism lens through various options available.

    According to him, the options include the continuous prioritisation of human security, adoption of investigative reporting on policy impact and the real-world implications as well as promoting dialogue, inclusivity and stakeholders’ engagement through available fora.   

    He said: “These options will engender trust and cooperation between the military, civil society and other stakeholders and enhance contextual understanding of local dynamics for enhanced social cohesion and effective collaboration.   

    “Today’s occasion presents me the rare opportunity to make a statement on the critical role of the media in fostering Nigeria’s national security and defence matters thus necessitating collaboration to further Nigeria’s national security interest. 

    “The theme for the discussion; ‘National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat’ is apt.

    “This is in considering the propensity of development and sits at the intersection of national pride, global responsibility as well as the pursuit of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development,“ he added.   

    Earlier, the national coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said that journalists were pivotal in shaping public perception and policy on critical issues of national security and interests.

    Laka said that journalists had the responsibility to report with accuracy, fairness and sensitivity in an environment that was often fraught with misinformation and heightened emotions. 

    He pledged the centre’s readiness to continue to collaborate with the media and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the destruction of terrorist propaganda.

    He said the objective of this roundtable discussion was to foster an open and insightful exchange of ideas. 

    “By sharing your experiences, observations and challenges, together we aim to enhance collective understanding of the dynamics of terrorism and its evolving tactics and discover the ethical considerations of reporting on such sensitive issues,” he said.

    In his lecture, former Defence Spokesman, retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that fefence reporting should align with the broader goal of safeguarding national unity and security.

    Olukolade said that journalists must recognise the potential impact of their stories on public perception and national stability.

    He also called for fact-checking practice in counter-terrorism reporting to avoid disseminating false or exaggerated claims that could inflame tensions or jeopardise security operations.

  • Insecurity: Senate urges military to halt spread of Lakurawa insurgency

    Insecurity: Senate urges military to halt spread of Lakurawa insurgency

    The Senate on Wednesday commended the Nigerian Military for their prompt response to the Lakurawa insurgency in parts of Northwest Nigeria and urged them to maintain their vigilance in the affected communities to halt the activities of the group from spreading further across the region.

    The Red Chamber also directed the military to work with the communities and other security agencies, to set up early warning mechanisms to forestall further incursions by the group.

    It further urged the federal government to send an assessment team to the affected areas to estimate the extent of damages and to determine the immediate relief needs of the affected families.

    It observed a one-minute silence in honour of the deceased community members killed in the wake of the terrorists’ incursion.

    The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Urgent need for the Federal Government to take stringent measures to stop the infiltration of a group of violent terrorists known as Lakurawa from entrenching themselves in some North Western parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States” during plenary.

    Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP – Kebbi North) predicated his motion on orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023.

    In his lead debate, Abdullahi said the Senate is aware that a group of terrorists from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, known as Lakurawa has infiltrated the country through the Nigeria-Niger border, at Illela, Tangaza and Silame Local Government Areas of Sokoto and are from there, attacking communities in Augie and Arewa LGAs in Kebbi State.

    He recalled that this violent gang of terrorists had raided and dispossessed the communities, before the large-scale invasion of Mera, a village in Augie Local Government, on November 8, 2024, killing more than 20 people and fleeing with their livestock, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira.

    He said: “Aware that Kebbi State Government promptly responded by sending a delegation with relief materials to the affected villages and assistance to the families of the deceased.

    “Aware that Senator Yahaya A. Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi North Central) and Senator Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South), along with some Members of the House of Representatives, from Kebbi state, have been to those arears, to commiserate with victims of the attacks on behalf of the National Assembly.

    “Aware that if timely, adequate and decisive measures are not taken, this group can spread its reign of terror to other Northern parts of the country and beyond.

    “Notes the prompt response of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces who despatched a well-armed military response squad that was able to dislodge the terrorists and secured the release of herds of cattle and other livestock that were stolen by the terrorists.”

    In his contribution, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, expressed solidarity with the people of Kebbi State, saying the unfortunate development represented a new dimension to the problem of insecurity in that area.

    Barau said: “It is sad that while our security agencies are working very hard to deal with the current situation that we have or the situation that was there before these people came into Kebbi State.

    “When the security agents are working very hard, day in and day out, sacrificing their lives to deal with the situation that was hitherto occurring in that state, now, a new dimension has come to exacerbate the problem of insecurity.

    “This was how Boko Haram started. Those guys came from other parts of the world – different parts of the West Africa sub-region into Borno State.

    “The appropriate action was not taken at the right time. So they got emboldened, and the rest is now history. So, the people of Borno State and the entire northern part of this country were badly affected.

    “Now, we need to urge our security agencies to double their efforts. We know they are doing very well. They are putting their lives on the line, fighting for our safety, safeguarding us, and giving us security so we can sleep with our two eyes closed every night. So, we thank them.

    “We appreciate what they are doing. But this is a new challenge. It’s a new challenge. We urge them to do more. Already, they are doing very well. It’s a new dimension to the entire scenario we have in the state of Kebbi.

    “I’m sure this Senate and, of course, the entire government that is doing very well will also do more to ensure that we assist our security agencies in dealing with this new dimension that has come to increase the problem of insecurity.

    “I condole the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have lost their properties due to the actions of these foreigners who have come to invade our country.

    “I urge the Senate to support this motion because anything that happens to any part of this country affects the entire country.”

    Senator Adamu Aliero in his contribution said the time to act is now if the federal government wants to tame further incursion by the terrorists.

    On his part, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South) also supported the motion and commended the security agencies for dislodging the insurgents.

    Read Also: Lakurawa terrorists’ invasion of Nigeria

    He recalled that when he was governor of Sokoto state, the group invaded the state in 2018 but working in collaboration with the federal government and relevant security agencies, they were dislodged and dispersed.

    He called on the Federal Government to step up security measures to degrade the group’s capacity to inflict harm on communities as well as prevent them from spreading to neighbouring states.

    Tambuwal said: “We need to nip this in the bud. It is too serious for us to take it lightly because these people are well-armed with sophisticated weapons and I believe they even have some international connections.

    “Therefore, there is the need for the government of Nigeria to take this matter seriously otherwise it will snowball as did the banditry from Zamfara into virtually every part of Northwest and North Central.”

  • Nigeria must rebuild military to combat challenges, says Adebayo

    Nigeria must rebuild military to combat challenges, says Adebayo

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said Nigeria needs to rebuild its military institutions to effectively protect democracy, lives and property.

    Adebayo spoke at a public presentation of a book, titled: Nine Lives: The Bello-Fadile Memoirs, authored by a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Babatunde Bello-Fadile, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre on Monday in Abuja.

     The SDP stalwart noted that the problem of insecurity across the country could be traced to institutional deficiencies and indiscipline among those saddled with the responsibilities of steering the wheel of state.

    The former presidential candidate, who recommended the book for students of history, announced the immediate purchase of 1,000 copies that would be distributed to military schools, formations and institutions of higher learning across the country.

    He said aside rebuilding the military institutions, Nigeria also needs to rebuild its civil service, justice system and the industrial sector.

    “We must encourage the rebuilding of four institutions, and four of them need to be rebuilt immediately.

    “We need to rebuild our military. We need to rebuild our civil service. We need to rebuild our justice system and we need to rebuild our industrial sector.

    “In an era where modern challenges are timeless, we need to build these institutions. And to build them, you need to find your way to extract who will say, ‘I dedicate my entire life to one of these four institutions,’ like retired Colonel Bello-Fadile,” Adebayo said.

    The SDP stalwart maintained that most of the historical achievements the country recorded could directly or indirectly be traced to the military, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    He said: “Some of the best brains in the country were officers, well-trained as military personnel and other professionals, like retired Colonel Bello-Fadile, who is wearing two caps.

    “Today in Nigeria, there are hard questions of national identity and national unity. The military is the one keeping these two. So, it is important we know that we cannot do without the military.”

    Read Also: Nigeria, India to deepen trade, military partnership

    Adebayo was the book presenter at the event while a former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, was the chairman.

    Other dignitaries at the event included former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Martin Luther Agwai; General Alkali Kashim; former Senate President David Mark; former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN); former Attorney General opf the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); former Rivers State Commissioner for Justice, O. C. J. Okocha (SAN), a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) across five states, Ahmed Raji (SAN); former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

  • Stakeholders back military’s crackdown on oil thieves, vandals in Niger Delta 

    Stakeholders back military’s crackdown on oil thieves, vandals in Niger Delta 

    Stakeholders under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) have commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa and all the dedicated troops under his leadership for their decisive actions against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    MOSIEND said the ongoing renewed and assertive approach adopted by the military to end economic sabotage had provided the much-needed boost of confidence for the communities of the Niger Delta.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, MOSIEND’s President, Kennedy Tonjo West, said Niger Delta communities had long witnessed and endured the economic and environmental devastation caused by criminal activities in the region.

    But West said General Musa’s public declaration to end the menace signalled a resolve to halt the looting of the nation’s resources and protect the region from environmental devastation.

    He recalled that right from the moment the CDS declared that “oil thieves’ days are numbered”, there had been consistent onslaughts against saboteurs.

    West said: “This firm approach aligns with the government’s objective of reaching the country’s oil production target of 2.1million barrels per day, a crucial goal for Nigeria’s economic stability.

    “MOSIEND views this as a decisive step towards restoring security and economic strength in the region, an area rich in resources but historically plagued by exploitation and environmental degradation.

    “The illegal siphoning and vandalism of oil infrastructures have severely affected the livelihoods of people in the Niger Delta, resulting in an economic burden not only for the local communities but also for the country at large. 

    “Years of unchecked oil theft have led to significant financial losses, deterred potential investors, and caused devastating environmental harm. MOSIEND’s endorsement of the CDS’s actions is rooted in its mission to ensure peace, economic justice, and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta” 

    West said MOSIEND was ready to partner with the authorities to bring long-term solutions that would benefit both the local communities and the national economy.

    He said: “MOSIEND’s recognition of the task force’s efforts reflects a broader optimism that the Niger Delta’s resources can be protected and managed more sustainably. A strengthened security presence around oil installations promises not only to safeguard these assets but also to boost investor confidence.

    “This, in turn, could generate job opportunities and foster social stability in the region. MOSIEND believes that the visible impact of these improvements underscores the importance of governmental accountability and transparency in handling resources critical to the national economy.

    Read Also: Niger Delta safer with NDDC, group assures

    “The organisation has called upon all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society, and government agencies, to unite in support of these security measures. MOSIEND emphasizes that only through collective action can the Niger Delta secure its resources and restore its environment for future generations”.

    West noted that the CDS’ intervention, bolstered by community cooperation, could serve as a blueprint for achieving sustainable peace and security in Nigeria’s resource-rich but troubled regions.

    “In an era where economic security is as crucial as territorial security, MOSIEND’s statement reflects the importance of cohesive national and local efforts to address challenges threatening Nigeria’s oil industry.

    “The commitment from the Chief of Defence Staff and MOSIEND’s collaborative stance represent a shared vision for a safer, more prosperous Niger Delta—one where resources are used to uplift communities rather than to fuel criminal enterprises. 

    “MOSIEND’s support for the task force’s efforts is a testament to the power of unified action in the face of adversity and an essential step toward reclaiming the region’s future”, he said.

  • Military confirms emergence of new terror group in Sokoto, Kebbi

    Military confirms emergence of new terror group in Sokoto, Kebbi

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the emergence of a new terror group known as ‘Lukarawas’ in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

    It said the new terror group is exacerbating insecurity in the North West region. 

    The Military High Command disclosed this through the Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Edward Buba during a press conference at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    Buba said that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

    He said the terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in Niger Republic.

    According to him, prior to the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces which kept the terrorists at bay. 

    He said: “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology.”

    Read Also: Military, police officers killed in Nasarawa

    The defence spokesman said that the group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought it meant well for them, adding they failed to report the movement to the military and security agencies.

    Buba assured troops had sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to degrade the terrorists.

    He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals. 

    According to him, troops are locating them and eliminating the threat.

  • Military confirms soldier’s killing by colleague in Katsina

    Military confirms soldier’s killing by colleague in Katsina

    The Defense Headquarters says a naval personnel deployed at FOB Dansadua for Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in questionable circumstances, opened fire sporadically, killing a colleague.

    The Director, Defense Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Friday, said the incident happened on Friday at about 0312hrs in the Dansadau area of Katsina State.

    Buba said the personnel identified as Leading Seaman Akila A, has been arrested, disarmed and detained, while investigation into the incident had commenced.

    According to him, after investigation, the case will be escalated to a standing court martial, which is usually setup to address such misdemeanors among troops.

    Read Also: Under-fire Ten Hag blames injuries for Man United’s woes

    “Meanwhile, the administrative procedure for notifying the family of the deceased is ongoing.

    “It is for this reason his name is not yet released to the public. Nevertheless, the name will be released in due course.

    “Accordingly, we urge the media to exercise caution in reporting in order not to further demoralise the family of the deceased,” he said.

  • Military denies detaining civilian in TRADOC

    Military denies detaining civilian in TRADOC

    The Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), has denied allegation of illegal detention of a civilian by the command’s Military Police (MP) in Minna Military Cantonment.

    The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for TRADOC, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, dismissed the allegation in a statement on Friday.

    Uba said the allegation published by an online medium on Wednesday had alleged that some officers of TRADOC connived, arrested and detained a civilian on the ‘Orders of the Commander’, over suspicion that he wanted to defraud a food vendor.

    He said it was important to address the misinformation that sought to undermine the integrity of both TRADOC NA, its leadership and the entire personnel of the command.

    Read Also: Military operations against terrorism reached advanced stage, says Defence Ministry

    “It is essential to set the records straight as to what transpired between Miss Lynda Moses (one of the food vendors in TRADOC Officers Mess) and the man Deekae Sunday Kiaka (a dismissed NAF personnel) of the Nigerian Airforce Base in Minna.

    “Investigation revealed that Miss Lynda Moses had reported a case to the Military Police (MP) in Minna Military Cantonment sometimes in September 2024 of theft against one fake Sgt Deekae Sunday of the NAF Base in Minna.

    “She alleged that the sum of N1.1 million was withdrawn from her First Bank Account.

    “On receipt of the case, the MP was able to arrest the suspect on Oct. 6 since the offence was committed in Minna Cantonment when the suspect visited the victim at her business place.

    “Upon investigation it was discovered that the accused was a dismissed personnel of the NAF Minna.

    “Investigation further revealed that the accused has been impersonating as a serving ‘Sgt’ in the NAF whereas had since been dismissed from the NAF over a similar fraudulent crime in the past,” he said.

    Uba said that the suspect further confessed that he came to TRADOC officers’ Mess to see Miss Lynda Moses where he requested for her mobile phone to play game, to keep himself busy while Lynda was attending to her customers at her sales point in TRADOC Mess.

    According to him, during interrogation, the suspect pleaded that the matter should be resolved by MP in Minna Military Cantonment and should not be taken to Nigerua Police Force ( NPF ) .

    He added that the suspect also signed an undertaking to refund the stolen money while the MP asked him to get a surety to perfect the undertaking.

    According to Uba, the accused requested that his cellphone should be given to him to call someone (who turned out to be another of his fiancé), one Miss Chiwendu Nnadozie, a reporter with Daily Independent in Niger.

    “When Miss Chinwendu Nnadozie was invited at MP office in the Cantonment, she introduced herself as fiance to the accused and accepted to stand as a surety to the accused.

    “The acceptance of Nnadozie confirmed that the accused was double dealing in terms of marriage, promised to marry the two ladies at the same time.

    “These allegations represent a calculated attempt by a felon to deliberately tarnish the good reputation of TRADOC NA and its leadership,” he added.

    The spokesman said it was expected that the media outlet (Independent Nigeria) to have thoroughly verified the claims before publication as well as adhering to journalism ethics.

    According to him, this unprofessional conduct could be a huge disappointment to journalism profession.

    He assured that the case would be handed over to the police for possible prosecution on completion of the ongoing MP investigation.

    “As we work together towards achieving the security, peace and development of our beloved nation, we expect all personnel of TRADOC to maintain discipline and sustain their unalloyed commitment in achieving the objectives of the command. (NAN)

  • International Girl Child Day: Military officers’ wives inspire girls to pursue dreams

    International Girl Child Day: Military officers’ wives inspire girls to pursue dreams

    The National Defence College Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child by sensitizing female students of NDC Secondary School in Abuja on the importance of pursuing their dreams.

    The event, held on Friday, October 11, at the NDC premise in Abuja, was aimed to educate and encourage girls to strive for excellence.

    The National Coordinator of NDCOWA and wife of the Commandant of NDC, Mrs. Rhoda Olotu, led the sensitization campaign, emphasizing the need for girls to maintain personal hygiene, use sanitary pads, and stay safe.

    She encouraged the students to pursue careers and dreams, citing examples of successful women in various fields.

    She said: “Gone are the days when girls were relegated to the kitchen. We have female pilots, military personnel, doctors, engineers, and more, doing exceptionally well. As women, we multitask and carry out our duties with excellence.”

    Mrs. Olotu encouraged the students to stay focused by obeying their parents and teachers and working hard in their studies.

    Provost of the NDC Centre of Strategic Research and Studies, Prof. Adam Ahmed, commended the association for organizing the event.

    He said he believed in the ability of the girl child, citing the success of female cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

    In her remarks, Dr. Jumoke Jenyo, of the Defence College’s Department of Conflict, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Studies, urged the girls to believe in themselves, have a defined vision and be what they want to be.

    Read Also: International Girl Child Day: Obaseki appoints Mrs. Ozavize Salami as SUBEB Chairman

    Jenyo said the girl children could be better than their male counterparts in all endeavors.

    She urged them to write their visions in the form of who they want to be, as well as the future and change they want to see.

    Jenyo said: “It is not enough that you have a dream, you must work to achieve it

    “As you are growing up, you must prepare yourself because there are challenges but you must see those challenges as your stepping stone.

    The National reports that the International Day of the Girl Child was declared by the United Nations and first celebrated on October 11, 2012, to gather more support, opportunity, and increased awareness of gender inequality faced by girl children all over the world.

    The theme for this year’s celebration is “Girl’s Vision for the Future highlights the need for urgent action and persistent hope driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.  

  • Military dismisses Naval rating for indiscipline, misconduct

    Military dismisses Naval rating for indiscipline, misconduct

    The military high command has dismissed a Naval Rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna for “Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest and Offences in relation to Public and Service Property.”

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, announced this on Wednesday, October 2, at a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja

    The ex-seaman was dismissed after the Chief of Naval Staff ratified the General Court Martial instituted by the Defence Headquarters.

    Gusau: “The case involving Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 started when he was found misbehaving during a parade. Specifically, the ex-rating was part of the parade during a coordinating conference of the Commanding Officer (CO), when he was addressing troops of Exercise AYAM AKPATUMA preparing for operation.

    “While the CO was addressing the troops, the ex-rating continually interrupted the address which warranted the CO to direct him to report to the guard room. However, the rating refused to obey the order. Thus, the CO directed his arrest but the ex-rating resisted and expended 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition belonging to the NN with the aim of preventing other soldiers from taking him into custody.

    “Consequently, an investigation was conducted and the ex-rating was recommended to be tried by court martial. The ex-rating was eventually tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) from 20 December 2022–7 February 2023. Notably, the trial of Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 by GCM was based on the authority that as serving personnel, he was subject to both military and civil laws.

    “Ex-Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 was arraigned before the GCM on 3 counts charge of Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest and Offences in Relation to Public and Service Property contrary to Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation (LFN) 2004, respectively.

    “At the trial, the GCM deliberated on the testimonies of the prosecution and Defence witnesses as well as the exhibits tendered by the prosecution surrounding the circumstances of the case. It is important to note that the ex-rating pleaded guilty to all the charges during the trial.

    “The GCM therefore, considered the nature of the offence committed by the ex-rating, his plea of guilty and plea in mitigation of punishment as well as the legal advice of the Judge Advocate in arriving at its verdict.

    Read Also: Military, Police, LASTMA, NURTW set for Apapa football tournament

    “Accordingly, at the conclusion of proceedings, the GCM found Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 guilty on all counts. Based on this, he was sentenced to Reduction in Rate from Seaman to Ordinary Seaman on Count One and Dismissal with Ignominy on Counts 2 and 3 with effect from 7 February 2023.

    “Thereafter, the ex-rating was placed on open arrest at the arrival hall in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja pending confirmation of the sentences by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The Record of Proceedings (ROP) of the trial was forwarded to DHQ on 27 June 2023 and subsequently transmitted to Naval Headquarters (NHQ) on 8 August 2023. The sentences of the GCM were thereafter confirmed by the Chiec of Naval Staff with effect from 19 September 2024.”

    Gusau said contrary to information on the social media, ex-seaman Haruna was mentally stable before the trial.

    He said: “He has been going in and out of hospital, but all the hospitals he attended shows that he is mentally fit to stand trial. In fact, because of his in and out of hospital, that’s why the first court-martial was dissolved, to give him enough time so that he can go and seek for medical attention. But all reports came back saying he is physically and mentally ready to stand trial.”

  • Military, Police, LASTMA, NURTW set for Apapa football tournament

    Military, Police, LASTMA, NURTW set for Apapa football tournament

    To promote peace and unity among Nigerians through sports, a non-profit organisation, Twenty Bucks Creative is set to organise a football competition in Apapa area of Lagos State in October.

    This historic tournament which has never been organised will bring together government officials, civilians, military and other security agencies for the epoch-making competition.

    The convener, Charbel  Olusanya Jarrouge who spoke with journalists explained that each participating teams will compete and showcase their diverse skills, teamwork and community spirit.

    Participating institutions include: Nigerian Army, Police, Nigerian Navy, Artisans, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Apapa LG staff, peoples’ team, others.

    The tournament will take place between  October 3rd  and 13th  at  the Navy Sport Camp Football Field, Apapa, Lagos.

    Read Also: NFF back Girls Play Sports Football Tournament

    He emphasised the commitment of his organisation to providing more opportunities for young talents to showcase their skills, adding  the first prize is  One  million Naira; second price is 600,000; and third price is 300,000 Naira.

    Charbel who is a Lebanese-Nigerian,  disclosed that his grandfather is a retired Brigadier-General, George Emdin of the Nigerian Army.

    He said: “I’m a great football lover. Football is a tool of unity in Nigeria. So, the purpose of this event is to promote unity. Unity not only for the youth, but something different. Unity for government and civilians.

    “I’m not a soldier but I consider myself a family of  the force. As I told you, back then when grand pa was serving, where ever he goes we follow him. So, the purpose of this football tournament is to promote unity, especially between the government, armed forces and civilians.”

    He added: “I was born and brought up in Lagos. I’m a Lagosian. Eti-Osa precisely, So, I’m a proud Lagosian and a proud Nigerian. This football competition having all the security agencies and other relevant institutions has never been done before in this manner. So, this is history in the making.

    “There will also be women empowerment. How? During halftime, like any other football game, 15 minutes halftime, we will involve women. The MC will call random women in the field that are watching the game to come and play. Maybe they will juggle the ball or other games. Whoever juggles the highest, wins different items and other gifts.”

    The tournament is sponsored by brands including: MIDEA, Mikano, MTN, Lillie’s spa Abuja, Twenty bucks creative and Pep talk Naija