Security

CDS, COAS Honour Troops at Christmas

By Web News 290

By Mary Fatile (Lagos) 

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has honoured frontline troops of Operation Fansan Yamma with a special Christmas luncheon at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State.

The operational visit to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed to boost morale, recognise the sacrifices of troops, and reinforce strategic directives guiding ongoing security operations across the North West.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station

Addressing officers and soldiers, General Oluyede conveyed warm Yuletide greetings and commended the troops for their courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty, particularly while many Nigerians marked the festive season with their families.

The CDS praised the operational gains recorded under Operation Fansan Yamma, noting that the troops’ efforts have helped restore public confidence and stabilise the North West geopolitical zone and neighbouring states.

He called for sustained collaboration with other security agencies, federal and state authorities, and continued engagement with local communities to consolidate peace.

General Oluyede assured the troops that their welfare remains a top priority, pledging improved living and working conditions, enhanced healthcare delivery, and sustained support for personnel families.

He also urged heightened vigilance during the festive period, warning that criminal elements often seek to exploit such occasions.

The CDS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his consistent support for military operations, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ resolve to combat terrorism and all forms of criminality nationwide.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the Christmas luncheon as a long-standing tradition to honour the sacrifices, resilience, and professionalism of troops in operational theatres.

He noted that the season offers a time for reflection, thanksgiving, and remembrance of fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to secure the nation.

Lieutenant General Shaibu assured troops that the Nigerian Army would continue to support families of fallen personnel and uphold their legacy.

He reiterated his command philosophy of building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient Army, with strong emphasis on personnel welfare, rewards for excellence, and operational readiness.

Both Service Chiefs reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to safeguarding national peace, unity, and democratic stability, while wishing the troops a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year 2026.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Crime

Hotel Manager’s Death: COAS Orders Investigation into Personnel’s Role  

By Web News 391

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a painstaking investigation into the death of a hotel manager in Abia State, Achimugu Etubi.

Some personnel of the Nigerian Army were said to have brutally tortured Etubi, which resulted in his death.

This was after a Nigerian Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool.

The Army, in a statement on Sunday by Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the service was concerned about the allegations reported in the news against its men.

He added that as a result, the Chief of Army Staff directed an investigation into the incident to unravel the circumstances surrounding Etubi’s death.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media.

“In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable.”

While offering condolences to the families of the deceased, Onyema assured them that justice would be served in the matter.

 “The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased manager,  Achimugu  Etubi, and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served.

“The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and, therefore, any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions.

“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed about the investigation.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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News

Army to Begin Payment of Benefits to Families of Fallen Heroes

By Web News 331

 By Rasheedah Makinde

The Nigerian Army has promised to start the payment of the outstanding funds to families of the fallen heroes of the Military.

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja stated this during the closing ceremony of the Second Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) 2023 Convention in Ibadan.

Lieutenant Lagbaja said the payment of the outstanding eighteen point four billion Naira,(18.4 billion Naira) Group Life Assurance claims to families of late Nigerian Army personnel will commence soon as part of the Army’s efforts to ensure that both the service and dead soldiers benefit from the Command.

The COAS said President Bola Tinubu has given approval to the fund’s payment while the National Assembly has also appropriated funds for it.

”The money will soon be paid to the families of the departed personnel, who died in the line of duty,” he said.

Lieutenant Lagbaja also stated that the Nigerian Army had made several interventions for the benefit of its personnel and members of their families.

”This is in the force’s health facilities, such as the construction and renovation of hospitals in Lagos and Kaduna, as well as education facilities and construction of befitting houses, among others.

“These are other several welfare efforts, and this is because my focus is to keep the morale of our troops high as they discharge their constitutional duties,” 

The COAS noted that motivating the Army’s troops would help them to be able to confront all forms of security challenges facing Nigeria as a nation.

He said the training of RSMs was one of his programmes to promote professionalism in the Nigerian Army.

The Army boss emphasized that the RSMs were major stakeholders of the Nigerian Army’s administrative and command arrangement.

He also explained further that they are the mouthpiece for younger ones on professional, personal and family welfare issues.

The Army boss, therefore, called on the officers to live up to the rank and status of their appointment by championing discipline and fair dispensation of justice across the Army.

In his address of welcome, Chief of Administration, Army, Major Jimmy Akpor, said the training became imperative to enhance the capacity of RSMs.

”This will help them to be able to discharge their role effectively as the interface between the officers and soldiers,” he said.

General Alpor assured the COAS that the training would bring about positive changes in the participants as they returned to their various formations and units.

He urged the participants to pass the knowledge gained to the younger ones as they progress in their careers, as well as the tradition, culture and ethics of the Nigerian Army.

The convention which started on Monday had as its theme “Leveraging Sound Administration for Highly Motivated Force and Operational Efficiency in the Nigerian Army”.

Highlights of the event include tree planting. 

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Security

I’m committed to operational effectiveness – COAS

By Web News 360

By Rasheedah Makinde

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has reiterated his efforts to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Army through effective motivation of troops. 

The Chief of Army Staff stated this in Ibadan while declaring open this year’s second Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention, RSM, with the theme “Leveraging sound administration for a highly motivated force and operation efficiency in the Nigerian Army”. 

The army boss who spoke through the commander Infantry corps, Major General Olufemi Oluyede said the importance of sound administration in raising the morale of troops in the field would go a long way toward achieving a calm, safe and sound environment. “With this in mind. I urge you to leverage extant Nigerian Army administrative policy instruments to further improve unit administration in your respective domains.”

He said the convention, besides enhancing their capacity to adequately execute assigned roles, would also create a conducive atmosphere to secure valuable inputs from RSMs on other appropriate measures the Nigerian Army could adopt to cope with novel administrative challenges. 

“I am well aware that some Nigerian Army policy documents, including NA Administrative Policies and Procedures and Nigerian Army Dress Regulations, were recently reviewed in tandem with emerging realities.”

He said it was pertinent to state that RSMs have a critical role to play in ensuring that the least soldier of the Nigerian Army understands and appreciates the contents of these policy documents. 

“It is heart-warming to note that the first RSMs convention for this year dwelt on an emerging trend that could impact negatively on my Command Philosophy, which is the appropriate use of social media by Nigerian Army personnel.”

“RSMs as the embodiment of discipline and regimentation in the Nigerian Army, have a key role to play in upholding the professional status of the Nigerian Army in the face of pervasive effects of social media engagements by soldiers.”

He noted that as human resources are essential to the success of organizations, sound administration was made a critical component of the Command’s Philosophy. 

“There is no gainsaying that the Nigerian Army has undergone series of transformational strides in recent years and it has led to a great expansion in almost all spheres in the Nigerian Army ranging from welfare schemes, training, courses, increased manpower and infrastructural development.”

“In the light of these, it is my drive to leverage sound administration to harness resources and opportunities within the Nigerian Army environment to motivate troops and improve operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army.” 

The Chief of Army Staff, therefore urged the participants to support the vision by maintaining discipline and ensuring that the cherished Traditions, Customs and Ethics of the Nigerian Army were 

continuously upheld.

It therefore, requires that you all be up to date with respect to these responsibilities to cultivate grow and nurture professional and appropriate behaviours amongst personnel thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

“Let me at this juncture, sincerely thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army and also to the Oyo State Government for the cordial relationship and support to the Nigerian Army formations and units across the state.”  

On his part, the chief of administration, Army, Major General Jimmy Akpor said the convention would keep the RSMs abreast with the latest administrative innovations of the Nigerian Army which was designed to improve troops’ morale and defeat malfeasance among personnel.

He, therefore, enjoined the participants to feel free to express their views and have a cross-fertilization of ideas.

The event which featured an award ceremony was graced by representatives from all other security agencies in Oyo State.

The 2023 Regimental Sergeant Majors convention which started on Sunday is expected to end on Saturday, 18TH November 2023.

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Governance

Adeleke Lauds Nigerian Army for Shunning Anti Democratic Acts

By Web News 565

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the Nigerian Army for shunning acts that can truncate the nation’s democracy.

Governor Adeleke stated this while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoheed Lagbaja at his country home in Ede, and condemned military coups in some parts of Africa.

The Osun State helmsman described the recent spate of military incursion into governance as setback to democratic development.

He described the Nigerian Army as thorough bred professionals upholding respect for the constitution while defending democracy as well as national stability.

The Governor while inaugurating some projects by military at Local Authority Primary School, Alusekere, Ede, said the Nigerian Army is a critical pillar of the country and deserved accolades and commendation for securing and protecting the nation.

He lauded the military for reaching out to the civil population through the project, saying it was a giant step to further unite the nation.

Governor Adeleke advised the pupils, staff and the community to imbibe good maintenance culture to keep the classroom in good shape for many years to come.

In his remark, the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoheed Lagbaja said he was in the state in continuation of his nationwide visit to army formations in the country, noting that he was at the Governor’s residence to pay homage.

He said the Nigeria Army was collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives.

General Lagbaja pointed out that Nigeria Army is not out to competing with any government but exists to complement the government and community efforts towards enhancing the quality of life of the people.

He maintained that the project would go a long way in enhancing education in Alusekere and other neighbouring communities.

The project donated by Chief of Defence, Account and Budget, Major-General Kamal Yusuf included a block of 3 classrooms with Teacher’s office, renovated 2 blocks of 3 classrooms, borehole, and distribution of 2,400 exercise books for the pupils.

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Security

We are restrategizing on combating insurgency – COAS

By Web News 561

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Nigerian Army says it is restrategizing and brainstorming on tackling contemporary security challenges and improving the capability of support elements to combat insurgency.

The Chief Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja made this known while speaking in Akure at the Nigerian Army combat support Arms Training week.

He said that the army would be transformed to adopt local indigenous capacity to address security challenges.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja explained that the training was to enhance conversations between serving officers and Retired Generals on way to adopt Technology through research to enhance security in the country.

In an address, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa commended the selfless service and unwavering support of the Nigerian Army to the relative peace in Ondo State.

He however called for synergy between the army and other security agencies including Amotekun corps established by South-West governments to stem security challenges in the region.

Mr Ayedatiwa also admonished the military to adopt new security architecture for operational efficiency and national security.

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Security

Adeleke Congratulates COAS, Custom Boss

By Web News 661

By Funmi Adekoya

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has hailed the appointments of Major T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff and Adewale Adeniyi as the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as recognition of his capacity and outstanding track record.

The Governor who welcomed the elevation of the two indigenes of Osun State as a great honour, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for trusting the duo with those important roles.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said Major Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi are pride of the State, expressing strong belief in their capacity to deliver on their assigned mandates. 

Eulogizing the two agency heads as men of thoroughbred professionals, Governor Adeleke said the records of General Lagbaja and Mr. Adeniyi in their respective services are assuring that they will take their organizations to greater levels of efficiency and optimal performance in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

The Governor assured the two agency heads of his government’s support and cooperation, noting that his prayer is to see Osun indigenes excel in their respective endeavors.

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Security

7 Army Formations in Combat Competition

By Web News 808

Continuous training of soldiers would go a long way toward achieving the military’s goal which is to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya stated this while declaring open the 2022 inter-Division Combat Company Obstacle Crossing Competition at Obstacle Crossing Ground of Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, 2 Division Ibadan.

The Chief of Army Staff who spoke through the Corp Commander of the Nigerian Army Supply and Transport, Major General Erema Akerejola said teamwork and regular training of soldiers play important roles in maintaining and achieving an effective and professional competence of officers and men of the military. 

While speaking on the importance of the competition, Lieutenant General Yahaya said, “that teamwork is important to obstacles crossing as well in all aspects of the military formations.”

 “Training is one of the key factors that play a vital role in bolstering effectiveness and professional competence of troops of the Nigerian Army, it is for this reason the Nigerian Army ensure regular training and healthy competitions among troops at all levels, it is therefore important to charge all participants of this inter-division combat company obstacle crossing competition to take the activities outlined for this week seriously.”

“It is only by this that you will all benefit maximally from this competition, I must also emphasize that teamwork is important to obstacles crossing as in all aspects of the military, a selected team of impartial judges have been carefully drained to ensure smooth conduct and assessment of the competition devoid of favouritism and victimization.”

“I will therefore keenly follow with interest and urge to emplace measures for a hitch-free event, hence all participants and officials are to ensure good sportsmanship and abide by the rules to enable the attainment of my vision, it is hoped that all competitors will make good use of this competition to deepen comradeship and be a good ambassador of their formations.”

“Finally I wish all the competitors success in this competition, you should have aimed towards achieving the overall purpose of this event and also be conscious of safety and security and comradeship while participating. On this note, it is my pleasure to declare this Inter-Division Combat Company Obstacle Crossing Competition 2022 open.” 

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, GOC 2 Division Ibadan, Major General Aminu Chinade said the event became imperative to ensure that soldiers get all the necessary training and exercise needed for maximum service delivery. 

“It is my belief that all the participants have settled down for this event, it is an established fact that training plays a vital role in the growth and development of every organization”.

The GOC noted that regular training especially physical fitness training at all levels remains a critical requirement for building troops’ capacity to effectively discharge their roles.

He stated further that the Inter-division Combat Company Obstacle Crossing Competition 2022 was significant among training and events in Nigerian Army designed to develop their capabilities to meet contemporary security challenges facing the country. 

“As we all know the Nigeria Army is currently engaged in various operations in attacking among others terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other threats in various parts of the country.”

“There is no doubt that we cannot live up to expectations without a level of professionalism and competence, this can only be achieved through training, the obstacles competition we are to commence is a climax of a series of physical training activities towards at aiming through your performances in the ongoing fight against aforementioned security challenges, indeed the competition is in tandem with the Chief of Army staff vision which is to have a professional Nigeria Army ready to accomplish the assigned mission within the joint environment and Defence of Nigeria.”

“Permit me to highlight some of the benefits from the event of today, Inter-division Combat Company Obstacle Crossing Competition will cover important ingredients of soldering that are very important to the discharge of your roles notable among these are the use of initiative, teamwork, endurance, resilience, Espri de Corps and spirit of sportsmanship.”

“I, therefore, urge all of you to participate actively in order to drive maximum benefit from the training. At this juncture, I wish to acknowledge the support of our special guest of honour and our amiable Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya to the division and in particular for the successful Plano and conduct of the occasion.“

Major General Chinade, therefore, appreciated the sister security agencies and all other security services who graced the occasion. 

The formations that are participating in the 2022 Inter-Division Combat Company Obstacle Crossing Competition are 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu and Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja.

Rasheedah Makinde

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Security

COAS: Military Determined to End Insecurity in the Country

By Web News 569

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Farouq Yahaya says any criminal who takes up arms against the state will certainly be subdued. 

General Yahaya stated this during an operational visit to the headquarters, Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri. 

The Chief of Army Staff during the visit also inaugurated projects executed at the cantonment which included Theatre Command Conference Hall, one block of 36 flats for Soldiers, RSM 7 Division Garrison House and Independent Solar Power Plant.

General Yahaya commended the troops for their ingenuity in overhauling some of the battle tanks used in prosecuting the war on terror, noting that some of the tanks would be redeployed to other theatres of operation.

He described the recent upsurge in attacks by terrorists and other criminals in parts of the country as ‘panic action’, expressing determination to achieve the Presidential mandate. 

The Army Chief assured that the military would not relent until all the criminals and terrorists are fished out from their hideouts. 

Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai Major General Christopher Musa expressed commitment to delivering on his pledge to ensure troops were provided with requisite combat equipment and logistics to effectively conduct their operations. 

He remarked that the visit by the Chief of Army Staff to the North East theatre is a morale booster to the troops and assured that they would continue to give their best as they strive to bring an end to insurgency in the North East

Dauda Iliya/Omotola Oguneye

Security

Nigeria Army is putting the right peg in the right hole – COAS

By Web News 756

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya says all hands must be on deck towards achieving the strategic objectives of having a highly motivated and effective Nigerian Army. 

Lieutenant Yahaya stated during a 5day office management and document security workshop organized by 2 Divisions Nigerian Army Ibadan. 

Speaking on the theme of the workshop which is “Enhancing the Capacity of Nigerian Army, Checks for Improved Professionalism in Office Management and Document Security” Lieutenant Yahaya said it was putting the right peg in the right hole, considering the present security situation in the country. 

The Chief of Army Staff, who spoke through General Officer Commanding,  2 Division, Ibadan, Major General Gold Chibuisi said the workshop was aimed at appraising officers with modern development in documents, particularly with the increased use of cyberspace for relaying messages.

“The Nigerian Army has gone to great lengths to source for competent resource persons for this workshop. 

“A team of professionals are partnering with the Nigerian Army in this respect”.  

“These erudite gentlemen, some of whom you may have met while they were in service,  have graciously agreed to share their wealth of experiences with us in office management and document security “.

“They will bring a unique blend of service and civilian dimensions to the topics for you to have a wider and a more encompassing understanding of the challenges in document security “.

Lieutenant General Yahaya, therefore, urged the participants who were drawn from 2 divisions and 81 battalion of the Army to reciprocate by remaining motivated and professionally responsive in the discharge of their roles.

General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division Nigerian Army Ibadan,  Major General Gold Chibuisi, who was represented by Chief of Staff Administration, Brigadier General Muhammed Wabili said the workshop became imperative having recognized the dynamic nature of contemporary challenges which affect almost all spheres of human endeavour’s including cyber and information management. 

“AS you all know, the Nigerian Army is currently tackling terrorism,  insurgency,  banditry as well as other threats in various part of the country. There is no doubt that we cannot live up to expectations without exercising a high level of professional competence driven by committed commissioned officers and soldiers”

“It has therefore become expedient to build your capacity with a view to enhancing your performance in the on-going fight against the aforementioned security challenges”.

On his part, the Chief of Staff Administration, Brigadier General Muhammed Wabili, who spoke through Director of Manpower Planning, Major General PP Malla said in order to address breaches in document security, the idea of the workshop came up for personnel across formations and units for a maximum performance. 

“The knowledge acquired no doubt would go a long way to assist clerks in the protection and handling of vital documents”

The 5-day workshop, which will end on Friday was graced by security heads and representatives from sisters agencies in Oyo State. 

Rasheedah Makinde