Kebbi records 113 fire incidents in 10 months

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF)  in Imo has handed over a suspect arrested for transformer vandalism and  two others  to the state’s Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

The commander, 211 Quick Response Group, NAF Owerri, Group Capt. Elisha Bindul, handed over  the suspects and the remains of a dead suspect at the Imo headquarters of NAF in Owerri on Friday.

Bindul said  that suspect Kelechi Anyanwu, 28, along with two accomplices who usually bought allegedly stolen transformer parts were apprehended by men of the NAF at Umuohiagu Community,  Ngor Okpala LGA, on Nov. 27.

He also said  that a second suspect,  Ifeanyi Okpara, had already  been lynched by an angry mob before the arrival of security operatives.

He commended the police for synergising with the NAF in the fight against criminality while expressing confidence in the ability of security agencies in the state to contain crime during and after the yuletide.

He also commended staff of the NAF hospital,  Owerri, for what he described as ‘prompt medical intervention’ in saving Anyanwu  from mob attack while regretting that Okpara had already died before the arrival of his men.

“We commend the police for partnering us and other security agencies in fighting crime and we believe that we are equal to the task of containing criminality especially during the yuletide.

“We also commend our medical team for their prompt intervention because only the living face the law.

“Regrettably Okpara died before our intervention from fatal injuries sustained during mob attack,“ he said.

The commander, however, promised to address the issue of jungle justice through public sensitisation.

”If we lose suspects to jungle justice,  the implication is that their sponsors will get away scotfree.

“Nigerians must learn to alert security agencies when necessary instead of taking laws in their hands,  he added.

Nigeria News Agency reports that the event was witnessed by a representative of the Nigeria Police,  SP Okoro Nneji.

Nigeria News Agency reports that items discovered from the suspects such as electric cables,  spanners and pliers were  handed over to the Commissioner of Police,  CP Rabiu Ladodom,  represented at the event by SP Okoro Nneji.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Orlando Ikeokwu, however, assured that the suspects would be prosecuted by a court of competent jurisdiction without delay. 

Edited by: Donald Ugwu

(NAN)

The Nigerian Army on Friday offered free medical services to no fewer than 802 residents in Ohom Orba community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu state.

During the outreach, the residents got 300 free pairs of eye glasses, tests, insecticide treated nets, physiotherapy massage and de-worming of children, as well as free drugs.

Speaking at the event, Maj.-Gen. Lasisi Adegboye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said that the medical outreach was part of the ongoing “Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1’’.

Adegboye said the exercise was meant to further strengthen civil-military relationship in the 82 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the South East and Cross River.

“The exercise is meant to improve the long standing civil-military relations between the Army and its civil populace as well as promote Civil-Military-Cooperation (CIMIC).

“It is also in line with the Chief of Army Staff vision to cater for the welfare of the host community and win the hearts and minds of the civil populace,’’ he said.

Igwe Everestus Onah, the traditional ruler of the community, thanked the Nigerian army for taking the pain to reach the community notwithstanding its distance from Enugu.

“We are grateful for the army bringing good health, free medication and medical experts to counsel us one-on-one,’’ Onah said.

A beneficiary of the exercise, Miss Kenechukwu Ugwuanyi, lauded the army for the free malaria tests and drug given to her.

“I am also grateful for the treated net and de-worming. It is my first time of receiving free medical care in my community,’’ Ugwuanyi said.

Another beneficiary, Pa Ignatius Nwodo, said that he was surprised to see the Nigerian army providing humanitarian services in the community.

Nwodo, who received a free pair of eye glass, said that his impression of the army as a strict force had changed.

“I now know that they are tender and caring as well,’’ the elderly man said.

The Commander of 82 Division Medical Services, Lt. Col. Ijoma Ijomanta, said that common illness diagnosed during the outreach included malaria, Blood Pressure and dental problems.

Edited by: Johnson Eyiangho/Donald Ugwu

(NAN)

The Chief Of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, has called Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to display fresh innovations in tackling security challenges facing the country.

Buratai made the call during  graduation ceremony of Warrant Officers Academy Course 35, after six months training,  at the Academy,  Jaji Cantonment, in  Kaduna State on Friday.

The Nigeria News Agency reports that Buratai was represented by Chief of Training and Operations Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen Enobong Udoh.

“We must all continue to be innovative as we move toward tackling and resolving  the security challenges currently confronting our great country.

“All hands must continue to be on deck in preserving  and sustaining the cohesion  of the Nigerian Army, as we take steps to provide the required security for our dear nation,” Buratai said.

He explained that the warrant officers academy  was established  to rejuvenate the SNCOs cadre of the Army, which hitherto was lagging behind in professional standards.

“We are all aware of the relevance  of warrant officers and senior non-commissioned in the chain  of command within the NA.

“This is more critical  at this time  when we are faced with myriads of security challenges in the country.

” Therefore,  to maintain  the cohesion  of the NA, the SNCOs cadre must be brough  to such level  that  they  strengthen the linkage between  the officers and soldiers,” he said.

Buratai  noted that the academy has through  focused training, prepared its graduates to confront contemporary challenges in line with the Army’s vision of having professionally  responsive soldiers in the discharge  of its constitutional  role.

The Army chief told the graduands that the process  of becoming effective SNCOs demands a lot of sacrifice  and immense effort, which is the price all must pay to achieve any goal.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Academy, Brig-Gen. Adeyinka Laguda, said the six-month training was aimed at developing the leadership  and management skills of SNCOs, to equip them efficiently .

“You are now adequately qualified  and equipped  to cope with most challenges that you are bound  to face when you get back to your units, where you would be required to apply the knowledge and skills you have been taught.

“I charge you, therefore, to be courageous, honest, discipline and loyal leaders,” Laguda told the officers. 

/ MZA

Edited by: Kamal Tayo Oropo/Maharazu Ahmed

(NAN)

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has urged for more tie with the Nigerian Defense Headquarters, 1 Division of the Nigerian Army to further enhance the molding of vibrant officers.

This is contained in a statement by Col. Ezindu Idimah, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna made available to Nigeria News Agency in Kaduna on Friday.

Idimah said the NDA Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Jamilu Sarham, stated this during a courtesy visit on General Officer Commanding (GOC) One Div. Nigeria Army, Maj-Gen. Faruk Yahaya in Kaduna.

Sarham stated that NDA was an institution responsible for moulding officer cadets into officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He further said that the training offered by the academy was aimed at equipping the cadets with mental, moral and physical attributes required to face the challenges of the battle field.

“I therefore solicit the support of all Officers of the Division in their determination to produce junior leaders that would be professional in the execution of their military engagements.

“I must commend the GOC for the high level of regimentation and discipline among the troops of the Division and state that he never expected anything less where he was incharge,” he said.

Sarham also praised the effort of the GOC in bringing peace and stability to the Kaduna/Abuja expressway and other troubled areas within the Divisions Area of Responsibility.

He noted  that the areas that were initially bedeviled by cattlle rustling, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities were now enjoying relative peace.

Responding, the GOC described the appointment of Sarham as the the 29th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy as a “round peg in a round hole”.

Yahaya further stated that he was confident that the Commandant would produce young officers for the 21st Century need of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He also urged the Commandant to continue to sustain the collaboration between the Academy and the Division especially in areas of training and operations.

Edited by: Ismail Abdulaziz

(NAN)

Retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi the Minister of Defence, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has come up with credible innovations to address current security challenges in the country.

Magashi stated this on Friday during the graduation of Air Force War Course 5/2019 in Makurdi.

Represented by Chief of Defence Staff (CAS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, the minister commended NAF for the positive steps taken to support counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations where officers and airmen have performed gallantly.

“Iam particularly proud of the innovative steps that have been taken within the last few years to revitalise our Armed Forces for the full restoration of the country’s territorial integrity,” he said.

He said the Air Force War College was an established citadel of knowledge for transiting tactical level officers into operational level commanders adding that its trainees were already adding value to the Armed Forces.

“This transition aptly fits into the needed security architecture of our country in the wake of current security challenges.

“Our country is currently experiencing different forms of security challenge. These includes terrorism, ethno-religious crisis, abductions, incidents of cattle rustling sand farmers/herders clashes across all geopolitical zones.

“The changing nature of warfare poses new challenges to security forces. Sub-conventional threats are on the rise creating a significant more complex strategic environment, both at the global and regional levels.

“The nature of these challenges makes it necessary to be innovative and explore contemporary ways and means to tackle them,” he said.

The minister while congratulating the graduating students further urged them to continue to strive for excellence, professionalism, integrity, dedication, loyalty and high standard of discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Chief of Air Staff (COAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, said the country was facing both complex and dynamic security challenges.

Abubakar disclosed that the Air Force witnessed tremendous boost to its aircraft holding various fleets through systematic acquisition and reactivation of platforms.

Commandant, Air Force War College, AVM Charles Oghomwen said a total of 20 participants graduated in the Course 5/2019.

Oghomwen said that the course lasted for 29 weeks and participants took part in over 115 lectures, 53 interactive sessions during the training.

He said that though the college curriculum was heavily in favour of air warfare studies, the college still exposed participants to an appreciable level of training and research in security and defence studies.

Edited by: Ali Baba-Inuwa

(NAN)