The Nation Newspaper

Tag: officers

  • Defence chief advises military officers on financial literacy

    Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, has called on military officers to embrace financial literacy and save for retirement.

    He spoke during a three-day workshop conducted for the Nigerian Armed Forces by ABO Services and Konsult, an investment and personal finance training company. The training titled: ‘Impact of Financial Literacy on Successful Retirement Planning and Wealth Creation’, was held at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    Olonisakin, who was represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs Division, Maj-Gen. Edmond Obi, said the workshop was necessary to train officers on how to navigate the financial challenges they might experience when they are no longer on regular salary incomes, adding that it would help them to be financially organised and appreciate their jobs better.

    He attributed the hardship faced by many retired officers to “poor or lack of proper planning while in active service” and called on officers to embrace proper financial management skills from the early days of their careers.”

    He added: “The aim of the workshop is to educate officers and men of the armed forces on the significance of financial literacy with a view to preparing them for a successful retirement life. It has been discovered that lack of financial literacy is one of the major reasons there is wide economic disparity in the country.

    “It is believed that, in addition to the vocational and professional skills that are taught in training institutions, money skills, which can only be acquired through financial education, must be taught to fully equip individuals for retirement.”

    Managing Director of ABO, Abimbola Olanrewaju, said financial literacy was necessary for all categories of employees and professionals. He said financial literacy skills would help individuals to have blissful retirement.

  • Immigration officers tortured me at border, alleges businessman

    Immigration officers tortured me at border, alleges businessman

    •NIS spokesman: I’ve important things to do

     

    A businessman, Chidi Nzelu, yesterday accused officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Oron border, in Cross River State, of torturing and extorting money from him.

    Nzelu, an indigene of Ojoto, in Anambra State, alleged that he was stripped, beaten up and made to call his relatives to send N100,000 or be killed.

    He alleged that he was tortured on February 20 and accused of defrauding Deyong Bruno, who he claimed to have assisted on February 12 while returning to Nigeria from Cameroon.

    Nzelu said he innocently assisted Bruno, who claimed to be a Cameroonian and was in Nigeria for the first time, not knowing the man was a mole in a gang of fraudulent officers, who specialised in extorting money from people.

    The victim said: “I sell pharmaceutical products and usually travel to neighbouring countries. I cannot walk. I am in pains following the torture Immigration officers at Oron in Cross River State meted out to me.

    “On February 12, I was returning to Nigeria after a business trip to Cameroon. I boarded a boat from Edinau in Cameroon to Oron and in the boat; I met a man who showed courtesies.

    “He introduced himself as Deyong Bruno and we chatted. He told me he was coming to Nigeria for the first time and that he wanted to do a survey on a bakery he planned to establish in the country. I told him I knew nothing about bakery.

    “After about two hours, we arrived Oron. I stepped out of the boat and went for my clearance. When I finished and was about to leave the office, Bruno approached me and pleaded that I should help him beg the Immigration officers to consider him because he didn’t have the required documents.

    “I joined him and begged the NIS officers and they gave him discounts on the amount he was to pay. They collected N3,000 from him.

    “As I was about to leave, Bruno approached me and asked my next destination. I told him I was to go to Onitsha, but since it was late, I would sleep at Uyo and continue my trip the next day. It was about 7 pm.

    “This man said he wanted to visit Uyo. I innocently allowed him to follow me. I did not know he had evil intention. I was just being nice to a foreigner.”

    Nzelu said he boarded the same taxi with Bruno to Uyo and they lodged at the same hotel.

    He went on: “We stayed in different rooms. While I was checking out the next morning, the man came to me again and said he would be returning to Cameroon to go and prepare and then come back with the machines for the bakery.

    “Then, he begged me for fare, saying he didn’t have money. I gave him N5,000 and left him. I was returning to Cameroon on February 20 through the same route when a group of persons, including Bruno, accosted me after I had undergone immigration procedures and boarded a boat.

    “The man, who claimed to be a Cameroonian a few days ago, pointed at me and I was asked to disembark. They took me to their office, asked if I knew the man and I said yes. I narrated how I knew him.

    “They said the man told them he gave me CFA420,000 (N276,000) to buy goods for him and that he had not seen me since then.

    “Before I could utter a word, the officers started beating me. I had a terrible experience. I told them I was innocent, but they refused to listen.

    “They tortured me to admit that I collected CFA420,000 from the man. They used tear-gas on me and said if I didn’t comply, they would kill me and throw my body into the river. I begged them to hand me over to the police, whose office was next to theirs, but they refused.

    “They asked how much I had and I told them it was only N31,000. They kept beating me. I bled, but they did not stop. They asked me how much was in my account; I told them there was no money in it. When the torture became unbearable, I agreed to give them N100,000.

    “They gave me my phone, which they had earlier seized and said I should call my family to pay the money into my account. I called my wife and told her it was an emergency and that she should look for the money and send it. I told her I was in danger.

    “She called friends and relatives and finally raised the money, which she sent to my account. Immediately I received alert, the Immigration officers took my ATM card and went to the bank. They withdrew the money, returned to their office and forced me to sign a document that Bruno gave me N100,000, not CFA420,000 and that I had repaid the money.

    “After signing, they asked me to go. I could not walk or sit down. I am taking this opportunity to appeal to human rights defenders and others to intervene in this matter. I want justice.”

    Contacted, NIS spokesman Sunday James told The Nation that he had important things to do.

    James, who was sent a copy of the victim’s petition and pictures on Monday night, kept mute on the allegations until he was reminded on Tuesday afternoon.

  • Vigilante group gets new officers

    A para-military outfit, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has inaugurated new officers for its Lagos State chapter.

    Speaking during the inauguration held at Ikeja, State Commander of the group, Otunba James Udoma urged the new officers to see their appointment as a call to service.

    The list of the new officers include, Deputy Commander,Tajudeen Odeyemi; Administration Officers, Grace Remilekun Grace; Owolabi Amusat; Salaudeen Lateef, Finance Officers, Obayomi Osilade; Akabuike Charles and Egbemoade Saibu, among others.

    Udoma disclosed that the appointments were in response to the provision of the recognition bill of the group recently passed by the National Assembly in Abuja.

    He said:’’ We have new development from the national command due to the Bill that was passed by the National Assembly of our great country.

    ‘’With this new development, the national officers of our organisation deemed it fit to restructure the organs of our organisation to suit the new bill; this would enable the body to function according to the new Bill.

  • Brothers ‘push officers into the gutter’

    Brothers ‘push officers into the gutter’

    Two brothers, who allegedly assaulted a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and a Superintendent of Police (SP) were yesterday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    Abubakar Bello, 16, and Sikiru Bello, 19, were arraigned alongside a woman, Risikat Arowolo, 33,  before Chief Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya.

    The trio are standing trial on two counts of conspiracy and assault.

    According to the police, the defendants and the alleged victims are neighbours at Macarthy Police Barracks on Lagos Island.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Peace Chukwudi identified the alleged victims as CSP Onojaife Kent and SP Nwaimo Christopher.

    Chukwudi said the Bello brothers’ father is also a Police Superintendent.

    She told the court that the incident occurred on February 10 at Macarthy Barracks.

    According to her, a fight broke out following a heated argument during last Saturday’s morning clean-up exercise at the barracks.

    The court heard that trio allegedly conspired and assaulted both men.

    Chukwudi said the defendants beat the officers with belts and pushed them into a gutter.

    According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 411 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Adekomaiya granted each defendant N50,000 bail, with a surety in the like sum.

    The case continues on March 14, 2018.

  • NIS promotes 78 officers in Osun

    NIS promotes 78 officers in Osun

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has promoted 78 officers in its Osun State Command.

    It urged the officers to rededicate themselves to their duties and keep working hard.

    Out of the 78 newly promoted officers, 77 were decorated with their new ranks at the Immigration office in Osogbo, the state capital, amidst joy and excitement.

    Deputy Comptroller Ogba Edward, who was promoted to the rank of Comptroller, was decorated in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The state’s Comptroller of NIS Mr Adebowale Idowu said the state command was known for discipline and hard work.

    He urged his men to do more.

    Idowu also urged them to justify their elevation.

    The ceremony was attended by Police Commissioner Fimihan Adeoye; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Aboluwoye Akinwande Ebenezer; the Comptroller of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Mr Segun Oluwasemire; the Assistant Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Indubusi Agu and the Assistant Comptroller of the NIS, who is also the Passport Control Officer (PCO) in the state, Prince Adedayo Oyinlola.

    Police Commissioner Fimihan Adeoye urged the newly promoted officers to add value to the service and the nation.

    He said: “The actual value of a man is not by what he has received but by what he has given. You are expected to do more by giving more to humanity. That’s when you are valuable in real sense.

    “I congratulate you and I appreciate your families for their sacrifices, which enable you to do your work and reach this level.”

    NPS Comptroller Segun Oluwasemire and NSCDC Commandant Aboluwoye Akinwande Ebenezer also congratulated the newly promoted officers.

     

     

  • Police seek end to attacks on officers

    Ebonyi State Police Command has urged residents of Ikwo Local Government to stop attacking officers on official duties.

    Spokesperson Loveth Odaa, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in Abakaliki, said officers were intermediaries, who settled problems, adding that they should not be attacked.

    She said: “We enjoin stakeholders, especially the media, to assist us in making residents of Ikwo Council to see us as friends, who need their collaboration to protect life and property.

    “We should be treated like life-savers who confront problems when people run away from them, as exemplified in two incidents when youths attacked us.”

    Odaa said most worrisome was the attackers’ penchant for disarming officers.

    “Youths in Ikwo on January 3 dragged the rifle of an officer who tried to restore peace in company of others during a soccer fracas.

    “The officer dragged the rifle with them with all his strength because they had snatched the rifle of an inspector whom they beat up to unconsciousness.

    “It was during the dragging that the trigger went off and unfortunately killed a fan,” she said.

    The spokesperson said youths earlier attacked a police patrol team, which mistakenly hit a youth leader riding a motorcycle.

    “The youth attacked the officers, destroyed their patrol van and tried to disarm them,” she said.

  • BURATAI WARNS ARMY OFFICERS TO STEER CLEAR OF POLITICS

    BURATAI WARNS ARMY OFFICERS TO STEER CLEAR OF POLITICS

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, yesterday warned officers and soldiers of the Army to steer clear of politics.

    Represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, Buratai said his men should “leave politics to the politicians and concentrate on your chosen career.”

    The warning came  at the graduation ceremony of officers who underwent a Regimentation and Leadership training of the 64 RC and SSC 44 course at the 20 Infantry Battalion, Serti in  Taraba State.

    He charged the graduating officers to use the knowledge and experience acquired during their training to help in tackling the current security challenges in the country.

    The COAS said the relevance of the just concluded course in their career as commissioned officers cannot be over-emphasised.

    “It is pertinent to state that the recent gains of the Nigeria Army in the North-East and other internal security operations all over the country is expected to present the challenges of a growing rank of criminal elements and criminal activities,” he said.

    “Such challenges are characterized by kidnapping, assassination, sabotage, armed robbery and other acts of terrorism,” he noted while urging them to lead by example.

     

  • Air Force redeploys 41 senior officers

    Air Force redeploys 41 senior officers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has redeployed 41 senior officers mostly Air Commodores and Air Vice Marshals.

    The shake-up affects 19 Air Vice Marshals, 14 Air Commodores, four  Group Captains, two Wing Commanders, and two Squadron Leaders.

    Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the redeployment, which he described as routine, is with effect from tomorrow.

    In a statement, AVM Adesanya described the redeployment as routine and in line with the recent promotions in the Service.

    He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had also directed that newly appointed Commanders of NAF field units and other commanders to attend a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday to boost their capability.

    AVM Adesanya said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the postings and redeployment of a total of 41 senior officers comprising 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), 14 Air Commodores (Air Cdre), 4 Group Captains (Gp Capt), 2 Wing Commanders (Wg Cdr) and 2 Squadron Leaders (Sqn Ldr). The postings and redeployment came as a result of the recent promotion of senior NAF officers to the next higher ranks. Though a routine exercise, the posting exercise is aimed at ensuring that the NAF is effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness.

    “Prominent among those affected by the new postings are: AVM Lawal Alao, who is now the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji and AVM Olusoji Awomodu, who has been appointed as the Director Manning & Establishments at the Defence Headquarters. In addition, AVM Bello Garba has been redeployed as the Chief of Logistics at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) and AVM Mahmoud Ahmed has taken over as Chief of Administration, also at HQ NAF.

    “Other appointments include those of AVM Mohammed Suleiman as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Samuel Babalola as the Director of Personnel Management at HQ NAF, AVM Tunde Awoyoola as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency and AVM Haruna Mohammed as Commandant Air Traffic Services Training Centre, Likewise, AVM Sambo Usman has been appointed as Group Managing Director of NAF Holding Company, AVM Remigus Ekeh appointed as the Director of Evaluation at HQ NAF while AVM Paul Dimfwina becomes the Coordinator Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee at HQ NAF. Furthermore, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi is now the SASO at Headquarters Air Training Command, Kaduna while AVM Frank Oparah has been appointed as Director of Research at Defence Headquarters.

    “Also appointed are AVM Peter Uzezi as Director Earth Observation at Defence Space Agency, AVM Olusegun Philips as Director of Museum and Archives at HQ NAF, AVM Chinwendu Onyike as Director of Technical Services at Defence Intelligence Agency and AVM Emmanuel Wonah as SASO, Headquarters Logistics Command, Ikeja. Similarly, AVM Abubakar Liman has been appointed as SASO, Headquarters Special Operations Command, Bauchi, AVM Mahmud Madi as Director of Launch Services and Space Operations at Defence Space Agency and Air Cdre Noah Oyibo as SASO, Headquarters Ground Training Command, Enugu. Meanwhile, Air Cdre Cosmas Ozouggwu is to take over as Director of Production at HQ NAF while Air Cdre David Aluku becomes the Director of Civil Military Relations also at HQ NAF.

    “The new posting also brought about changes at the Unit level. Some of the new Commanders and Commandants are Air Cdre Edward Adedokun, who is appointed as Commandant NAF Institute of Safety, Kaduna and Air Cdre Paul Masiyer, appointed as Commandant Military Training Centre, Kaduna. In addition, Air Cdre Moses Onilede is to take over as Commander 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja while Air Cdre Elijah Ebiowe is appointed as Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt.

    “The newly posted and redeployed senior officers are expected to take over their new offices not later than 2 January 2018. Furthermore, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed the newly appointed commanders of NAF field units to attend a workshop being organized at HQ NAF Abuja on 3 January 2018 for commanders. Command appointments in the NAF come with a lot of responsibilities, including the management of human and material resources. The workshop is therefore aimed at equipping/reminding commanders of their responsibilities and HQ NAF expectations in the conduct of their activities”.

  • Major shake up in Air Force, 41 senior officers redeployed

    Major shake up in Air Force, 41 senior officers redeployed

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major shake up in its hierachy of  leadership with the redeployment of 41 Senior Officers, mostly of the ranks of Air Commodores and Air Vice Marshals.
    The shake up affected 19 Air Vice Marshals, 14 Air Commodores, four Group Captains, two Wing Commanders, and two Squadron Leaders.
    According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the redeployment is with effect from January 2, 2018.
    In a statement issued in Abuja, AVM Adesanya described the redeployment as routine and in line with the recent promotions in the Service.
    He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had also directed that newly appointed Commanders of NAF field units and other commanders should attend a workshop slated for Abuja on January 3, 2018 as their new postings go with lots of responbilities
    AVM Adesanya said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the postings and redeployment of a total of 41 senior officers comprising 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), 14 Air Commodores (Air Cdre), 4 Group Captains (Gp Capt), 2 Wing Commanders (Wg Cdr) and 2 Squadron Leaders (Sqn Ldr). The postings and redeployment came as a result of the recent promotion of senior NAF officers to the next higher ranks. Though a routine exercise, the posting exercise is aimed at ensuring that the NAF is effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness.
    “Prominent among those affected by the new postings are: AVM Lawal Alao who is now the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji and AVM Olusoji Awomodu, who has been appointed as the Director Manning & Establishments at the Defence Headquarters. In addition, AVM Bello Garba has been redeployed as the Chief of Logistics at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) and AVM Mahmoud Ahmed has taken over as Chief of Administration, also at HQ NAF.
    “Other appointments include those of AVM Mohammed Suleiman as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Samuel Babalola as the Director of Personnel Management at HQ NAF, AVM Tunde Awoyoola as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency and AVM Haruna Mohammed as Commandant Air Traffic Services Training Centre, Likewise, AVM Sambo Usman has been appointed as Group Managing Director of NAF Holding Company, AVM Remigus Ekeh appointed as the Director of Evaluation at HQ NAF while AVM Paul Dimfwina becomes the Coordinator Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee at HQ NAF. Furthermore, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi is now the SASO at Headquarters Air Training Command, Kaduna while AVM Frank Oparah has been appointed as Director of Research at Defence Headquarters.
    “​Also appointed are AVM Peter Uzezi as Director Earth Observation at Defence Space Agency, AVM Olusegun Philips as Director of Museum and Archives at HQ NAF, AVM Chinwendu Onyike as Director of Technical Services at Defence Intelligence Agency and AVM Emmanuel Wonah as SASO, Headquarters Logistics Command, Ikeja. Similarly, AVM Abubakar Liman has been appointed as SASO, Headquarters Special Operations Command, Bauchi, AVM Mahmud Madi as Director of Launch Services and Space Operations at Defence Space Agency and Air Cdre Noah Oyibo as SASO, Headquarters Ground Training Command, Enugu. Meanwhile, Air Cdre Cosmas Ozouggwu is to take over as Director of Production at HQ NAF while Air Cdre David Aluku becomes the Director of Civil Military Relations also at HQ NAF.
    “​The new posting also brought about changes at the Unit level. Some of the new Commanders and Commandants are Air Cdre Edward Adedokun, who is appointed as Commandant NAF Institute of Safety, Kaduna and Air Cdre Paul Masiyer, appointed as Commandant Military Training Centre, Kaduna. In addition, Air Cdre Moses Onilede is to take over as Commander 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja while Air Cdre Elijah Ebiowe is appointed as Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt.
    “​The newly posted and redeployed senior officers are expected to take over their new offices not later than 2 January 2018. Furthermore, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed the newly appointed commanders of NAF field units to attend a workshop being organized at HQ NAF Abuja on 3 January 2018 for commanders. Command appointments in the NAF come with a lot of responsibilities, including the management of human and material resources. The workshop is therefore aimed at equipping/reminding commanders of their responsibilities and HQ NAF expectations in the conduct of their activities”.

  • Two officers, NSCDC man held for ‘abduction’

    The Police Command in Jigawa says it is interrogating two policemen, a personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and one civilian for the alleged abduction of a fake money ‘producer’.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed this in Dutse yesterday.

    Jinjiri said the suspects (names withheld) were arrested in Hadejia Local Government Area after they allegedly abducted the victim, Malam Ahmad Muhammad, also known as “Akrami’’.

    He explained that the suspects allegedly conspired and abducted the victim from his residence at Mahucin Sarki quarters, after they learnt that he produced fake money.

    The spokesman added that the suspects allegedly took the victim to the bush and demanded that he produced money for them.

    “On December 26, we received a report from Hadejia division that two policemen, one personnel of NSCDC and civilian allegedly conspired and abducted Malam Ahmad Muhammad from his residence in Mahucin Sarki quarters, Hadejia town. They kept the captive for one day, insisting he must produce money for them.

    “This is very unprofessional, as they were supposed to take him to the station for interrogation but they decided to keep him with them,’’ the spokesman said.

    He said investigation into the case had begun, and that the suspects would be charged to court if evidence was established against them.