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Defence and Security

Don’t relocate barracks, community begs to Nigerian Army

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By Our Correspondent 

The residents of Ipoti-Ekiti have called on the Nigerian Army to reconsider its decision to relocate the 148 Battalion from the community, citing concerns over economic setbacks and perceived marginalization.

In a statement signed by Dr. (Hon.) Lai Oke, Mr. Adedayo Babajide, and Barrister Gbenga Awoyomi, the group, under the aegis of Ipoti Ekiti Patriotic Indigene, expressed shock at the decision communicated in a military memo dated January 13, 2025.

The statement highlighted that over a decade ago, the Nigerian Army acquired land in Ipoti-Ekiti for the barracks, constructed facilities, and commenced operations before withdrawing personnel last year without explanation.

The sudden announcement of the relocation to another town was described as unjustifiable, especially given the proximity of an existing barracks in Akure to Ikere-Ekiti.

The group noted a history of politically unfavorable decisions affecting Ipoti-Ekiti, including attempts to undermine its status as the headquarters of Irede LCDA in 2022.

They accused authorities of perpetuating marginalization and stifling the community’s development despite its consistent support for government policies.

Appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the National Assembly, and the Chief of Army Staff, the group urged the reversal of the relocation to foster fairness and unity.

They emphasized the need for equitable distribution of public institutions to prevent resentment and maintain communal harmony.

The statement concluded by urging swift intervention to restore the barracks, correcting what they termed a grave injustice against the people of Ipoti-Ekiti.

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Defence and Security

Army Chief Pledges Better Welfare, Fair Postings for Troops

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

 

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to prioritise troop welfare, transparency, and fairness in postings to boost morale and strengthen operational efficiency.

Shaibu made the promise on Thursday in Maiduguri during an interactive session with defence correspondents as part of his operational tour of the North-East.

He commended troops for their resilience in defending the nation and assured that the Army would sustain and improve the soldier-first welfare policy introduced by his predecessor.

“As soldiers get what is due to them on time, we will extend that support to their families while they serve their fatherland,” he said.

The COAS also vowed that merit and professionalism would guide all postings and appointments, ensuring fairness and competence in leadership.

Shaibu, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, described morale as a key component of fighting power and reaffirmed his commitment to timely payment of allowances and other entitlements.

His visit was part of efforts to assess field operations and enhance the welfare of frontline troops battling insurgency in the region.

(NAN)

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Defence and Security

Tinubu Intensifies Multi-Front War Against Terrorism -Alake

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By Onilede Titi Faith

 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Deji Alake, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is intensifying its multi-dimensional campaign against terrorism through military action, socio-economic reforms, and regional diplomacy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Alake said the government’s renewed strategy builds on lessons from past failures.

“If the measures being taken now had been implemented ten years ago, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said.

He noted that recent changes in the leadership of security agencies were deliberate steps to strengthen the fight against insecurity, adding that results were already visible.

Alake dismissed claims that terrorist attacks in Nigeria were faith-based, stressing that most stem from economic or political grievances.

He urged the media to avoid promoting negative narratives and instead spotlight the successes of the armed forces.

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Defence and Security

Mbah-led NEC Security Training Committee Begins Work

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By Omoniyi David

 

The Governor Peter Mbah-led National Economic Council (NEC), Committee on the Overhaul of Security Training Institutions has commenced work, pledging to deliver a comprehensive report within one month.

Speaking during an inspection of the Police Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, Mbah said the committee would address the decay in training facilities to improve professionalism and morale among security personnel.

“It is unacceptable to expect quality officers to emerge from dilapidated environments,” he said, noting that a secure nation was key to President Tinubu’s trillion-dollar economy vision.

Mbah revealed that the committee, which includes seven governors and former IGP Alkali Baba as secretary, has been divided into two subcommittees for efficiency.

Governor Dapo Abiodun said a consulting engineer had been engaged to prepare a detailed report for swift implementation.

Commandant AIG Omolara Oluruntola decried the college’s poor facilities, stressing the need for urgent renovation to produce competent officers.

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