Author Archives: daudupress

In a bid to further ensure that Nigerian Army (NA) troops continue to comply with International Humanitarian Laws (IHL) in the conduct of their constitutional responsibilities, Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Cooperation organised a One-day Sensitisation Workshop for troops of 7 Division /Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). The theme of the workshop was “Constitutional Responsibilities of the Nigerian Army Soldier through Adherence to Humanitarian and Human Right Laws.”

The GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General Peter Malla disclosed that the workshop was aimed at sensitising troops on their obligations under IHL in the conduct of Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East. He noted that this sensitization effort was necessary in realising the COAS’ command philosophy which is “to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) Major General Nosakhare Ugbo who declared the event open remarked that the NA was involved in numerous operations across country and thus has the sacred obligation of ensuring personnel operate in line with international best practices. The CCMA reiterated that the workshop would sufficiently enlighten troops with international humanitarian and human rights laws as well as treaties to guide them in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The workshop was attended by senior officers from Headquarters Theatre Command, 7 Division and troops drawn from various units across the Theatre of Operations.

By Emmanuel Daudu

Major General
Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations has disclosed that troops neutralized 52 terrorists, while 204 of them were arrested.

Major General Edward Buba Made this known in a Press Release On Ongoing Military Operations By The Armed Forces Of Nigeria As At 1 December 2023.

According to him, the ongoing military operations continues to decimated the fighting force of the insurgents, terrorist and violent extremist across the country. Accordingly, their fighting capacity is low and they are on the run.

Troops are targeting the leadership of these groups to ensure they pose no further threat to the safety and security of citizens.  Significantly, on 29 Nov 23, at Tarum Village located on the outside of Bauchi Metropolis in Bauch Stage. Troops collaborated  with personnel of DSS to conduct a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of the leader of ISWAP terrorist group incharge of North Central and North West Zones. He is in custody.

Similarly, air interactions have been conducted on several enclaves of these of these terrorist  leaders in the NW and NC zones with much success. 

Sadly in the fight economic saboteurs in the SS, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-35P helicopter  crashed at 7.45am in  Port Harcourt on 1 December 2023. The incident took place in Port Harcourt shortly after the aircraft took off to embark its operations. Gladly, the entire crew of 5 survived the crash with very minor injuries. They are responding to treatment at NAF Medical Centre Port Harcourt. Nevertheless, the incident would be investigated and the outcome commnicated.

The operations of the week in focus, resulted in 52 neutralized terrorists, while 204 of them were arrested. Troops also arrested 58 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 234 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Six  Hundred and Sixty Eight Million Seven Hundred Thirty One Thousand Naira (N668,731,000.00) only.

Furthermore, troops recovered 46 assorted weapons and 148 assorted ammunition. The breakdown are as follows: 30 AK47 rifles, 2 josef magnum pump action gun, one double barrel gun, 2 single barrel guns, 12 locally made pistols, 13 dane guns, one hand grenade, 9 locally made rifles, 3 RPG chargers, 2 locally made hand grenades.

Others are: 120 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 364 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 54 live cartridges, 11 rounds of empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 magazines, 34 vehicles, 64 mobile phones, 47 motorcycles and sum of N1,582,690.00 amongst other items.

Troops in the Niger Delta area destroyed 7 dugout pits, 25 boats, 47 storage tanks, 5 vehicles, 141 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, one outboard engine, one tricycle, one speedboat, one tugboat and 51 illegal refining sites.  Troops recovered 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of DPK.

The leadership of these groups remain the prime targets of ongoing operations. Accordingly, the armed forces remains determinate to destroy the terrorists, insurgents and violent extremist groups in the country and degrading their military capability.

By Emmanuel Daudu

Following the unfortunate crash of a Nigerian Air Force MI-35P attack helicopter in Port Harcourt on Friday, 1 December 2023, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar travelled to Port Harcourt to assess the situation, visit the crew and encourage the personnel of 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG).

According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force in a press release signed on 3 December 2023 disclosed that while addressing the personnel of 115 SOG, Air Marshal Abubakar encouraged them to see the setback as a setup for a resilient comeback, channelling efforts toward thwarting the activities of economic saboteurs and countering oil theft. According to him, “You must therefore never be discouraged as the hopes of millions of Nigerians rest on our shoulders. The realization of these aspirations is hinged on our ability to combat all forms of criminality that threaten our peace and stability.” He went on to inform them to see air accidents or mishaps as impetus to propel all NAF personnel towards seeking improved safety management measures, while remaining undeterred and focused in tackling the myriads of security threats facing the nation. According to the CAS, “Times like these are a sad reminder of the inherent risks in military aviation, especially when flying activities, occasioned by our current security challenges, have tremendously increased. As we continue to fly intensively, incidents are bound to occur. Nevertheless, we must continue to ensure we minimize the risk factors as reasonably practicable.”

Air Marshal Abubakar also commended the crew for the professional manner in which they handled the emergency situation they found themselves. “Your actions were commendable and a decisive factor in mitigating the extent of damage to public property and loss of lives” he noted. Speaking further, the CAS stated that 115 SOG has been well known for its gallantry and fighting spirit and the mere presence of the MI-35P helicopters on the battlefield has been a game changer. He went on to state that the helicopters have, over the years, continued to strike fear deep into the hearts of terrorists and other criminals while at the same time boosting the morale of surface forces.

While extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation for their sacrifices, Air Marshal Abubakar assured them of their welfare and other needs to ensure they effectively carry out their assigned duties. He also informed them that he had directed for the immediate commencement of the accident investigation, “So that we can learn exactly what happened and prevent future occurrences.”

Earlier, the CAS had visited the 5 crew members of the ill-fated aircraft and directed the Commander of the Medical Centre to ensure they received the utmost attention required.

By Emmanuel Daudu

…….. As FG Secures Partnership With UAE Red Crescent On  Response and Setting of Humanitarian Regional Hubs in Nigeria!

The Federal Government is seeking the partnership of the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Policy on Humanitarian Response in Nigeria.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR),
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister,
MHAPA, in a press release he signed on 03/12/2023, disclosed that the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu made this known when she visited the Acting Secretary General of the UAE Red Crescent  Hammoud Al-Junaibi on the side line of COP28 to foster  partnership between the two countries which will strengthen humanitarian Response in Nigeria.

Edu, who commended the UAE Red Crescent Authority, for their impact in the region, appealed that it is time to expand their intervention to Nigeria and other African countries ,explaining that
Nigeria sincerely appreciate their support in the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister said her  Ministry has articulated a blueprint tagged “The Renewed Hope Strategic Roadmap for Humanitarian Response and Poverty Alleviation” duly endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She said the blueprint aims to set up humanitarian response systems in the entire country that can respond to emergencies effectively while improving the lives of persons affected and providing social safety net coverage to those affected by humanitarian crises, explaining that the buying-in of the UAE Red Crescent Authority will give a boost to the interventions.

“Recognizing the scope and complexity of the task at hand, the Federal Government through the  Ministry is eager to collaborate with the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority and your global team, to achieve durable solutions to some of the  challenges within our mandate”

“The roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategic response program aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our citizens and providing much-needed support in critical areas such as durable shelter, nutrition, health, safe water, grants for vulnerable, livelihood, Regional Humanitarian Hubs, support for out-of-school children’s programme for conflict-affected areas where children have been displaced and a host of several other initiatives.

Continuing, the Minister said: “The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in line with this mandate, is committed to fostering collaboration with strategic and reputable international organizations like yours, to effectively implement this ambitious strategic roadmap.

“Our target through this partnership is to reach approximately 3 million individuals of concern, whose lives have been deeply affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

“We recognize the inevitable expertise, financial resources, and experience that the UAE Red Crescent Authority brings to the table, your track record of principled humanitarian work and dedication to improving lives aligns perfectly with our objectives”The Minister stressed.

Responding, the Acting  Secretary General of UAE Red Crescent Authority(ERCA)His Excellency Hammoud Abdullah Al-Junaibi,  said the ERCA was pleased to work with the Nigerian Government through its humanitarian and poverty Alleviation community policies and initiatives.

Al-Junaibi emphasized the role of the authority in the Emirate and was ready to partner with Nigeria in fulfilling its humanitarian set goals as part of its international commitment and shared responsibility.

Some of the specific areas of partnership requests include the Regional Humanitarian Hub system. Durable shelter, nutrition, safe water, access to quality healthcare, and  grants to vulnerable for livelihood, among others.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has that Federal Government was willing to collaborate with religious and non-governmental organizations in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.

Henshaw Ogubike mnipr,
Director (Press & PR) in a press release he signed on Friday disclosed that the Minister who was represented by the Special Adviser ( Technical) to the Minister, Major General Ahmed Tijani Jibril (rtd) said this when he received the delegations from the Messengers of Peace Foundation (MOP) and Jam’iyyah Ansarideen Altijaniyya separately at Ship House, Abuja.

The Messengers of Peace Foundation is a duly registered Non-governmental Organisation that is saddled with the responsibility of promoting peaceful co-existence irrespective of tribe, gender or religion among all Nigerians.

The Minister who was confered with the life Patron award by the organisation commended the Initiative of the Foundation and  that no country survive without peace adding that Nigerians should embrace peace regardless of our ethnicity.

The Messengers of Peace Foundation (MOP) said that the Minister has demonstrated high sense of commitment in ensuring that there was peace in Nigeria.

Also, the leader of the Foundation, Dr Suleiman Adejoh, said that the aim of the Foundation is to promote peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

He pledged support for the Military in the fight against insecurity using the non kenethic approach.

“Through music, drama and books publications we will preach peace to overcome violence and other forms of criminalities.

In another development,  the Minister who was represented by his Specisl Assistant (Technicsl)  Major-General Ahmed Tijani Jibril (rtd) also  hosted the Jam’iyyah Ansarideen Altijaniyya and he promised to work closely with the group in fostering peace in the country.

According to the Minister, religious organizations live with the people and can support information gathering that would aid in the fight against criminals, adding that religious organizations’ prayers are important in society for the fight against insecurity.

The Minister thanked the organization for nominating him as Guest of Honour at the forthcoming  event with the theme: “Prophetic  Solutions, Questions and Answers” to be held on 10th of December in Lagos.

The National Secretary of Jam’iyyah Ansarideen Altijaniyya, Sayyidi Muhammad AlQasim Yahaya said their religious organization is known for peace and collaborating with Government will bring about improvement in security challenges in the country.

“As an organization, we have a strong network and know the yearnings of the people. You can collaborate with us to gather information that can help in fighting insecurity and this task is a task for all,” he said.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu is set to detail the Agency’s plans and strategies for rural electrification in Nigeria using homegrown technologies.

Olusegun Ayeoyenikan,
Director of Information,
NASENI, in a press release on 30/11/2023 disclosed that the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, though officially opened today, 30th November 2023, also known as Conference of the Parties (COP28), holding at the Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) will see Mr. Halilu on December 3rd, 2023, to deliver opening remarks and also participate at a panel session titled ‘Advancing Sustainable Rural Electrification through Homegrown Technologies’

The COP28 also referred to as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) will hold from November 30 to December 12, 2023, and is intended for governments to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.

The event will be graced by Presidents and Heads of State, government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners, civil society organizations, academics and media.

Halilu, NASENI’s EVC/CEO during the panel session, to be moderated by Al Amin Idris, CEO of Interface Africa, will speak alongside Gunther Beger, Managing Director of the Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO; Gov Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State, Nigeria; and Miklós Veszprémi, Climate & Sustainability Expert Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The NASENI boss is expected to discuss the roles which NASENI currently is playing, back home, to promote development and adoption of homegrown technologies for rural electrification in Nigeria as well as other initiatives undertaken to advance sustainable rural electrification in the country.

Mr. Halilu since assumption of office in September 2023 has made sustainable rural electrification via renewable energies one of his key priorities, having embarked on partnership commitments with government agencies and companies such as Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) to ensure rural communities are provided with affordable renewable energy solutions and also homes. This is being accomplished through provision of fund toward research and development, facilitating technology transfer, and support for commercialization of innovative solutions.

In September, NASENI and REA agreed to work together to deploy NASENI solar resources and other renewable energy technologies to increase electricity supply to Nigeria’s rural areas. Also in November, the Family Homes Funds Limited signed an MoU with the Agency to promote modern and sustainable building designs for affordable housing across Nigeria. According to NASENI’s EVC during the MoU signing event with FHFL, he said “the Agency will contribute toward reducing the cost of building materials so that Nigerians can build, own homes and to deploy affordable solar energy solutions”

Family Homes Funds Ltd is a limited liability company owned by the federal government of Nigeria and represented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

  *More About NASENI*
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) was established in 1992 by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the mandate specifically in the area of capital goods research, production, and reverse engineering.

NASENI broad areas of operation covers: Engineering Materials, Industrial and Analytical Chemical Materials, Scientific Equipment and components, Engineering Equipment, Engineering Designs and Standardization, Power Equipment, Electrical Electronics and Engineering Materials development, etc. NASENI operates mainly through her Development Institutes, each of the Institutes has a unique mandate of Engineering Infrastructural development and production systems. At present, there are Ten (10) functional Development Institutes and ten emerging Institutes spread across Nigeria.

The Agency has undertaken several initiatives to advance sustainable rural electrification in Nigeria, including establishing the Rural Electrification Innovation Hub, providing grants to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), developing renewable energy solutions, and collaboration with international partners to share best practices.

NASENI’s intervention in the energy sector of Nigeria economy also includes establishment of pioneering projects like local manufacturing of Solar panels in Nigeria (being First of its kind since 2011). NASENI Solar Energy Limited located at Karshi, FCT Abuja is wholly involved in production of solar panels, batteries and other appliances. The Agency has local capacity for design and manufacturing of Small Hydro Power (SHP) turbines and installation. It is also involved in the design locally and production of Pole Mounted Transformers and wind turbines, etc., all of which will boost the power situation in the country especially in rural areas. NASENI also produces energy saving bulbs through one of its Institutes-Electronic Development Institute (ELDI) Awka, Anambra State.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The leadership of the OHANEZE ND’IGBO in the Federal Capital Territory  Abuja has decried the mercantile activities of Officers of the Nigeria Police Force on South East roads and lamented the hardship the people of the area go through while undertaking journeys across the zone.

According to Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations in a press release he signed on Thursday, November 30th 2023, a delegation of the Igbo ethnic group visited the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase CFR, retired  Inspector General of Police in his Office, today, Thursday November 30th 2023 where they complained of the high level extortion by Police men and the  indiscriminate road blocks that has become unpleasant between the citizens and the Police.

They called for  dismantling of the fee paying road blocks in the zone especially with the coming  heavy traffic expected during the Christmas and new year period in the South Zone.

Dr. Arase who promised to take  up the matter with the Inspector General of Police also used the occasion to plead with the leadership of OHANEZE to stop the incessant killings of Policemen in the zone.

According to Arase, ” the killings of Police Officers in the South East is becoming worrisome. They are killing them everyday  and they  should let the killers know that the Police is not there enemy. They have not done anything wrong. The Force have lost quite a number of serving Officers in the South East.

“We are your friends, stop making Police wives widows,  they are your sisters” he noted.

Dr. Arase said the problem of the South East is that of identity  crisis adding that ” we have resolved the perceived marginalisation of the zone in the Police representation in the country.

The leader of the Delegation, Elder (Bar) Onwu Arua, Presudent OHANEZE ND’IGBO  FCT Chapter said the Organization was concerned  about the lack of interest of the Igbos in the current ongoing recruitment exercise for Constables into the Police Force.

Elder Araua however called for a more elaborate  plan in Police Recruitment  apparatus  to redress the disadvantages of South  East in the Nigeria Police structure.

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim has praised the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, (AGILE) project in the seven pioneer states of the federation aimed at improving the education opportunities of the adolescent girls.

The project is aimed at ensuring that all adolescent girls across the country have access to quality secondary school education and benefit from enhanced learning, digital literacy, and life skills.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Project steering committee which took place in Abuja recently, the Minister noted that the project would not only succeed but thrive to leave a lasting impact on the lives of the adolescent girls.

“The collective expertise will ensure that this initiative will not only succeed but thrive, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the adolescent girls we aim to empower.” She said.

The Minister, praised the World Bank for its support, adding that the project marks a significant milestone in the collective commitment to the development and empowerment of adolescent girls across the nation.

Dr. Bio Ibrahim noted that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration desires that the project goes beyond the current participating states of Bornu, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Plateau and the approval for an additional financing of US$ 700 million by the Federal Executive Council has paved the way for the expansion of the project to more states.

She added that the expansion of the project will ensure that its positive impact reaches even more communities which demonstrates the unwavering dedication to inclusivity and equitable opportunities for the youth.

Dr. Ibrahim, as a member of the steering committee, assured that the members would form a formidable team that would be dedicated to providing strategic guidance and oversight to the implementation of the AGILE project in the participating states.

The Minister called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the success of the project for the good of the nation.

In her words, “Let us join hands in ensuring the success of the AGILE project, working collaboratively to uplift the lives of our youth and build a brighter and more empowered future for our nation.”

World bank Country Director to Nigeria, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, in his goodwill message, appreciated the success of the project and assured of his organisation’s continuous support.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman inaugurated the National Project Steering Committee and charged members to execute the project diligently so as to deliver success.

Mamman added that the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project is a World Bank assisted project of the Federal Ministry of Education geared at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20.

Maryam Aminu

Across Africa, the lack of good primary healthcare facilities is evident in most communities, especially remote ones. Disease outbreaks, high mortality, and the rise in non-communicable diseases are affecting the booming population of the various societies of the continents.

Declaring it’s commitment to take concrete steps to improve health equity across sectors and geographies and to help build a resilient and inclusive global economy that drives value for all, the Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed it’s commitment to adopt initiatives of 2023 Africa Center for Disease Control Youth pre- conference to achieve practical improvements in public health in the country

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim made this known while delivering her keynote address at the occasion held in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, recently.

In a statement by the Head, Press & Public Relations Unit, Maryam Umar Yusuf, the Minister assured members that resolutions from the conference will be adopted in Nigeria in collaboration with Nigerian Center of Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health.

“This is an initiative we also commit to adopt in Nigeria in collaboration with Nigeria CDC and the Federal Ministry of Health.” She said.

The Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference (YPC 2023), with the theme “Youth Leadership for a safer and healthier Africa,” is actualising this to forge innovative solutions for health security through initiatives

According to the organisers, the overall goal of the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference is to advance and institutionalise the
strategic engagement between Africa CDC and young people by providing a space for young people to critically reflect on the current state of public health in Africa, to share perspectives on the role of young people in public health, and exchange prospects and innovative solutions to enhance meaningful youth engagement in this area.

From records, the African continent with at least 65% of the population under the age of 30 has the world’s largest demography of young people.

Africa has an opportunity for the growth of the youth, but only when these new generations are fully empowered to realize their best potential. It is very important that young people are included in decision-making and given appropriate opportunities to work and innovate.
Youth innovation and participation in health systems are vital to building a safer and healthier Africa.

Maryam Aminu

Across Africa, the lack of good primary healthcare facilities is evident in most communities, especially remote ones. Disease outbreaks, high mortality, and the rise in non-communicable diseases are affecting the booming population of the various societies of the continents.

Declaring it’s commitment to take concrete steps to improve health equity across sectors and geographies and to help build a resilient and inclusive global economy that drives value for all, the Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed it’s commitment to adopt initiatives of 2023 Africa Center for Disease Control Youth pre- conference to achieve practical improvements in public health in the country

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim made this known while delivering her keynote address at the occasion held in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, recently.

In a statement by the Head, Press & Public Relations Unit, Maryam Umar Yusuf, the Minister assured members that resolutions from the conference will be adopted in Nigeria in collaboration with Nigerian Center of Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health.

“This is an initiative we also commit to adopt in Nigeria in collaboration with Nigeria CDC and the Federal Ministry of Health.” She said.

The Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference (YPC 2023), with the theme “Youth Leadership for a safer and healthier Africa,” is actualising this to forge innovative solutions for health security through initiatives

According to the organisers, the overall goal of the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference is to advance and institutionalise the
strategic engagement between Africa CDC and young people by providing a space for young people to critically reflect on the current state of public health in Africa, to share perspectives on the role of young people in public health, and exchange prospects and innovative solutions to enhance meaningful youth engagement in this area.

From records, the African continent with at least 65% of the population under the age of 30 has the world’s largest demography of young people.

Africa has an opportunity for the growth of the youth, but only when these new generations are fully empowered to realize their best potential. It is very important that young people are included in decision-making and given appropriate opportunities to work and innovate.
Youth innovation and participation in health systems are vital to building a safer and healthier Africa.