Defence and Security

Gen. Lagbaja Vows Enhanced Welfare for Nigerian Army Personnel

Published

2 weeks ago

May 7, 2024

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed his dedication to elevating the standard of administration to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel and their families. Emphasizing the crucial link between welfare and operational effectiveness, Gen. Lagbaja made this commitment during the opening ceremony of the Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.

Addressing the significance of this year’s CAT Week theme, “Sound Administration: A Panacea for Improved Combat Arms’ Efficiency in a Joint Environment,” Gen. Lagbaja underscored its alignment with his Command Philosophy, particularly emphasizing the pivotal role of sound administration in military efficiency.

Drawing from his firsthand experience residing in barracks, Gen. Lagbaja acknowledged challenges such as poor accommodation and infrastructure decay in medical centers and schools. In response, he outlined intervention programs aimed at alleviating these challenges, including accommodation improvements and family support schemes such as the COAS Empowerment Loan and the Affordable Housing Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) schemes.

As his inaugural CAT Week as COAS, Gen. Lagbaja seized the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to enhancing combat arms capabilities in fulfilling the Nigerian Army’s constitutional obligations. He encouraged the Combat Arms to collaborate with Support Corps to bolster doctrine and capabilities necessary for countering contemporary threats.

Gen. Lagbaja expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support and assured unwavering loyalty from NA officers and soldiers.

In attendance, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Security and Homeland Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, commended troops for their resilience in combating terrorism and insurgency. He highlighted the importance of sound administration in national security and revealed plans for a security fund bill to bolster security efforts.

Echoing this sentiment, Commander Infantry Corps Major General Olufemi Oluyede emphasized the holistic approach required to address security challenges, underscoring the CAT Week’s role as a platform for stakeholder collaboration in tackling national security concerns.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Vows Enhanced School Security in Kogi Following Student Abductions

Published

6 days ago

May 14, 2024

Chijioke Njoku

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has promised to put in place a strong system to protect schools and students from kidnappers in response to recent student abductions in Kogi state.

Dr. Hammed Abodunrin, Commander of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), gave this guarantee during a visit to the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara.

Expressing deep concern over the abduction of CUSTECH students by suspected bandits, Mr. Abodunrin emphasized the urgency of fortifying security measures around educational institutions to ensure the safety of students.

The recent incident at CUSTECH, where an unspecified number of students were abducted and 14 have since been rescued, underscores the pressing need for enhanced security protocols.

During his visit, Mr. Abodunrin reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting the management and community of CUSTECH in their time of distress.

He emphasized the gravity of the situation and stressed the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing security challenges facing educational institutions.

Highlighting the establishment of the NSSRCC at the NSCDC Headquarters, Mr. Abodunrin emphasized the government’s determination to tackle the scourge of school attacks and the consequent disruption of education across Nigeria.

The NSSRCC serves as a strategic initiative aimed at proactively addressing security threats to schools and ensuring the safety of students and staff.

In emphasizing the need for proactive measures, the NSSRCC commander urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and attentive to their surroundings. He emphasized the importance of proactive security measures in preventing and mitigating the risk of future incidents.

Defence and Security

Troops Rescue 17, Boko Haram Kingpin Surrenders

Published

7 days ago

May 13, 2024

Patrick Idowu

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 17 individuals abducted by terrorists in the Solar General Area of Batsari Local Government Area in Katsina State. Engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, the troops compelled the assailants to abandon their captives, who were subsequently returned safely to the care of Batsari Local Government officials.

The Army’s official communication on Sunday highlighted a series of successful operations across the nation, dealing significant blows to terrorist groups and resulting in the rescue of several kidnapped victims. Notably, a notorious militant identified as Alhaji Wosai, operating within Garno Village in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, voluntarily surrendered to the troops. Wosai surrendered his AK-47 rifle along with a magazine containing two rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, troops collaborated with other security agencies and local vigilantes to rescue nine abducted students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State. A fierce confrontation with kidnappers’ scouts in the vicinity of Osara Forests led to the successful rescue of the students, demonstrating the superior firepower and rapid response capabilities of the troops.

In another operation in the North West, troops rescued two individuals abducted by terrorists in Danzara Village, Kanoma District, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Responding swiftly to a distress call, the troops pursued the abductors who fled and abandoned the hostages unharmed during the confrontation.

The Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in combating terrorism and kidnapping underscore their unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all citizens. These operations exemplify the troops’ resolve in addressing the threats posed by terrorists and kidnappers, as they continue their efforts to restore peace and stability in the affected regions.

Defence and Security

More Escapees from Suleja Custodial Centre Recaptured, Minister Assures Heightened Security Measures

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

Alvin Terhile

Following the escape of inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre two weeks ago, more individuals have been successfully recaptured. The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this development during his inspection of security projects at the Medium Security Custodial facility in Kuje, Abuja, on Thursday, May 9.

In his statement, the Minister assured the public, stating, “Yes, we have recaptured a lot of people and work is actually going on. We are working with other sister agencies but the details of that, I won’t be able to disclose in front of camera for security reasons so as to avoid jeopardising the hard work of that our men in uniform are actually putting in. But Nigerians can be rest assured that it is not going to be business as usual but business unusual.”

The initial escape, which occurred on April 24, 2024, saw a total of 119 inmates fleeing from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State. However, swift action led to the re-arrest of 10 inmates on April 25, with an additional three captured later that same day. On April 29, three more fleeing inmates were successfully rearrested.