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NiMet Alerts On Approaching Dust Haze

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet), has alerted the public on the possibility of approaching thick dust hazes that can lead to deterioration of horizontal visibility within the next 24 hours.
According to a release from the Agency this afternoon, , “the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity, ITD (currently at about 9.60N Lat) is expected to retreat slightly Southwards in the next 24hrs.
Winds over 10m and 925hPa (700m) are favourable for Dust-Haze propagations into the Northern parts of the country.

Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/ PR, in a press release on November 15, 2023 stated that stations in the source region (Sahara Desert) from Chad (Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche and Ndjamena) and sources from Niger, that shares border with Northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, Zinder and Birni-n-Konni), have been reporting Dust-Haze in poor horizontal visibility between 300m and 5000m in the last 24hrs.” the alert reads.

Explaining further the statement revealed that due to strong winds, the dust in suspension is expected to propagate to some states in the northern part of the country. This is expected to further deteriorate horizontal visibility over the Northern parts of the country, especially over Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Potiskum and Maiduguri in the next 24hours.
NiMet therefore advise members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.

People with Asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.
Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations

NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.

Defence Perm. Sec. Commissions 30-seater Buses To Boost Staff Welfare

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni has said that the Federal Government was committed to boosting the welfare of Staff by providing incentives that would make them happy and be committed to their work.

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director (Press & PR), in a press release he signed disclosed that he stated this when he commissioned the state-of-the-art three 30-seater buses on Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 in Ship House.

Speaking during the commissioning, Dr. Kana said the buses were provided to support and augment the welfare of staff in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8 Point Renewed Hope Agenda and to implement the Federal Civil Service Strategic and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) reforms.

In addition, the Permanent Secretary said that the buses would ease transportation logistics that will contribute to a positive and motivated workforce.

“As we celebrate this milestone, the Ministry reiterates its commitments to supporting the welfare and professional growth of the staff,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude for the unwavering dedication of staff to work, saying to whom much is given, much is expected. Dr. Kana further stated that log book would be attached to the well trained drivers in order to ensure maintenance and sustainability of the bus scheme which he hopes will continue to increase in numbers.

The highpoint of the event was the test run of one of the buses by the Permanent Secretary to signal the commissioning of the well equipped 30 seater buses for use by the staff.

Bandit Meets Waterloo In Kaduna…as Troops Recover Weapon

In its effort to clear bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements from Kaduna forests, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army acting on credible intelligence laid ambush on bandits arms and ammunition supplier at Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State along road Kwant – Kabai – Kubusu on 14 November 2023.

During the operation and the fire fight that ensued when contact was made, one bandit was neutralized while others fled in disarray with gun shot wounds due to troops overwhelming fire power. One AK 47 rifle, one magazine, veterinary medicine and clothing where recovered.

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA and Force Commander operation WHIRL PUNCH, Major General Valentine Okoro has again commended the troops for their resilience and implored the locals to continue availing the NA and other security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.

MUSA YAHAYA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army
15 November 2023

NEMA Boss Advocates Safety And Setting Up Of Local Emergency Management Committee

The Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, led a delegation to Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on a condolence visit to Governor Dr Kefas Agbu.
The primary objective of the visit was to extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Taraba following the tragic incidents of boat mishaps that claimed numerous lives in the state.

The Director General NEMA was represented by Director Search And Rescue, Air Commodore KR Mataluwo, accompanied by Deputy Director Operations Bashir Idris Garga , Head of NEMA Yola operations office Ladan Ayuba and other staff of the Agency.

In his remarks at the Deputy Governors office the DG underscored the urgent need to reevaluate disaster risk management, particularly in the context of annual flood disasters and boat accidents along major rivers. Emphasizing that some of these disasters are predictable and avoidable, he advocated for a collective effort to enhance safety measures on inland waterways, including the mandatory use of life jackets, adherence to safe canoeing practices and also the need to strengthen the capacity of Taraba state Emergency Management Agency and local Emergency management committee at the local government level.

The Governor represented by his deputy Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali expressed gratitude to the Director General and his team for the visit, acknowledging NEMA’s effective emergency response while appreciating the collaboration between Taraba state and NEMA ,
The Deputy governor also commended the agency’s commitment to bringing succour to those in distress .

In addition to the focus on disaster risk management, the representative of the DG pointed out that NEMA is actively exploring partnerships with state governments and stakeholders to organize a national workshop on mitigating the recurring incidences of boat accidents to put in place practical measures such as public sensitization and the distribution of life-saving protective gear to vulnerable communities.

The visit concluded with both parties affirming their commitment to collaborative efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Taraba State.

Nigerian Army Holds Second Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention In Ibadan

The Nigerian Army today 13 November 2023 flagged off the second Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) Convention at El’edua Multipurpose Hall Ibadan.

In his opening remarks the Chief of Administration (Army) Major General Jimmy Akpor welcomed the participants and urged them to pay close attention to well packaged lectures and also to ensure that takeaways in the convention is internalized in their various units.

Also, in declaring the Convention open, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Olufemi Oluyede stated that the theme of the Convention captures one of the crucial elements of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command philosophy which is sound administration.

He further stated that one of the major preoccupations of the Chief of Army Staff is to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Army through effective motivation of troops. He reminded the Regimental Sergeant Majors of their roles as the link between the officers and the soldiers as well as in their sustaining discipline and regimentation in NA units, formations and establishments.

The First Lecture delivered by Brigadier General Adebayo Babalola on ‘Sound Administration as a Catalyst for Improved Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army: The Role of the Regimental Sergeant Major’s’ adviced RSM’s must remain open minded and ensure that he or she uses emotional intelligence to ensure that greater attention to the feelings of subordinates are ensured.

The convention which has its theme as ” Leveraging Sound Administration for a Highly Motivated Force and Operational Efficiency in the Nigerian Army” is geared towards creating an environment for RSMs to solve emerging security challenges in the country.

Also in attendance were includes serving and retired Senior Officers, Members of Sister Security Agencies and RSMs from all the formations and units in the Nigerian Army.

The highlights of the event was the presentation of souvenir to the Representative of the Chief of Army Staff by the Chief of Administration and a group photograph to climax the event.

WELFARE OF TROOPS REMAINS COAS’ PRIORITY – BRIG GEN NDAHI

The Commander 4 Brigade Nigerian Army; Brigadier General DH Ndahi has said; the welfare of officers and soldiers remains the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja’s utmost priority. He made the statement during the commissioning of the newly upgraded and reconstructed Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess at 4 Brigade Headquarters on Friday 10 November 2023.

During his remarks – the Commander lauded the COAS for providing funds for the reconstruction of the project which he said; will enable Sergeants and above to have a conducive place to unwind when necessary – he further urged the beneficiaries to maintain the project while he assured them of more impacting projects from the COAS.

The Occasion had in attendance the Acting Chief of Staff 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant Colonel HA Ikeh, Commander 4 Brigade Garrison Lieutenant Colonel A Chinedu, the Commanding Officer 322 Artillery Regiment Lieutenant Colonel AO Adewara, Officers and Soldiers.

Defence Ministry Set To Collaborate With Interior To Fight Internal Security

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON mni has said that the Ministry of Defence will collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to fight internal insecurity.

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director (Press & Public Relations), Badaru disclosed this when he received the Minister of Interior on a courtesy visit to Ship House Abuja on Tuesday, 14th November 2023.

According to the him, the Ministry has recorded successes in the fight against insecurity and is ready to work with the Ministry of Interior to rid the country of its security challenges.

“The Ministry is ever ready to work with your Ministry in solving the security challenges bedeviling our country, we will succeed if we work with you and you will succeed if you work with us,” he said.

The Minister directed that a technical committee be set up between the two Ministries to forge ahead on areas of collaboration in tackling the security challenges in the country.

Earlier, the Minister of Interior Hon. Olubumi Tunji Ojo said that there is a need for the Ministry of Interior to synergize with the Ministry of Defence to combat internal security in Nigeria.

He noted that the reality on ground is not the same as in 15 years ago. “To curb the current security situation on ground now, we have to come together like never before and device means of tackling insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

He also explained that securing our land, sea and air boarders would enhance our nation’s security and that: “A country with a save boarder is a save nation. If you cannot secure your boarders, you cannot secure your nation,” he said.

“My plea is for the Ministry of Defence to know that the Agencies in the Ministry of Interior are very key to internal security. We need to work together,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni while expressing his welcome address noted that the 8 Point Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu calls for synergy amongst the Ministers and Ministries to deliver on the mandates of this administration.

He noted that the two Ministries can work together harmoniously to the benefit of Nigerians.

Act Within The Confines Of International Law- Defence Minister tells Nations

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has opined that in leveraging Defence Diplomacy and effective regional collaboration for enhanced national security, nations should act within the confines of International law.

According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr
Director (Press and Public Relations), in a press release he signed on Tuesday, disclosed that the Minister stated this during the opening ceremony of the CHIEF OF DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE Annual Conference 2023 held in Abuja. The minister said that acting within the confines of International law would foster equality, guaranty mutual respect, enhance peaceful coexistence and ultimately enhance national security.

He said the Defence Attache system is a veritable Defence Management for solving many problems of a nation, stressing that Nigeria must rise to the occasion and lead the way in these efforts. “In doing so, I urge you, the participants to respect principle of sovereign equality and non- interference in internal affairs of other nations. You must emphasize cooperation rather that competition and act within the confines of international law,” he charged them.

Furthermore on Diplomacy, he said that for any country’s defence strategy to succeed, it must recognize the critical role of diplomacy in reducing military risks as well as fostering shared understanding for enhanced national security.

Badaru therefore urged the Defence Attache / Advisers who are the participants of the conference to pay attention to the global and regional challenges as diplomats and continue to positively represent the DIA, the Ministry of Defence and the nation in general.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, called on the participants to utilize the opportunity to re-energize their resolve in developing strategies that would continue to improve security, political, economic and diplomatic efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He charged the Defence Attaches/Advisers to build strong relationships with their host country’s Defence establishments, Government officials and Defence industry stakeholders.

In his keynote address, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stated that the objective of the annual conference is to provide an avenue for participants to review progress made during the receding year, assess current and emerging challenges, leverage on past efforts and strategize for the future.

He assured that the Federal Government would not rest on its oars in ensuring a robust and viable Defence Management and security apparatus to address contemporary challenges.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana mni who delivered the progress report on Defence Attaches 2022 communique called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the 2022 conference as contained in the communique.

He said the implementation of the recommendations was very crucial as the nation is witnessing disturbing conflicts of different magnitude from the North East, North West and South East to other African Countries.

“This is why our full efforts should ensure that our use of diplomacy to sustain peace and preserve human lives is sustained,” he said.

Dr. Kana called on the DEFENCE ATTACHEs to play their roles in the Defence Diplomacy Management in intelligence gathering and sharing and provision of security policy capable of helping in times of troubles in order to create favourable atmosphere that would be beneficial to Nigerians.

Earlier, the CHIEF OF DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE, Major General EAP Undiandeye, said that the theme of the 2023 Annual conference: “Leveraging Defence Diplomacy and Effective
Regional Collaboration for Enhanced National Security” was carefully chosen following recent developments confronting the West African Subregion and Africa at large.

Speaking on milestone achievements of the Military, he said Nigerian Military has recorded considerable successes in its effort to confront Nigeria’s security challenges.

He said that the Military onslaught against insurgents is evident in the massive surrender of the Boko Haram, Islamic State West African Province Terrorists and the containment of the Lake Chad Region.

“Similarly, intensified anti banditry operations in the North West and North Central Zones are yielding the desired results,” he said.

The CDI said that there is the need to sustain the collaborative efforts at all levels of Defence diplomacy in order to consolidate the records gained.

He called on the Defence Advisers and Attaches to live up to expectations saying that their roles were key in ensuring effective regional collaboration in order to strengthen mechanisms to address identified threats.

PSC Commends Police For Resisting Hijack Of Elections By Miscreants -Staff Monitors say they were courteous, approachable and professional

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Police Service Commission Staff Monitors deployed to the nine Senatorial districts of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states says the Police men on election duty were courageous and fairly contained intermittent cases of attempts to hijack the elections.

Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations in a press release he signed on
Saturday, November 11th 2023 disclosed that the Officers in several of the Polling Units visited were said to be courteous, approachable and professional.

Although there were incidents of attacks on voting units, some arrests were recorded in many places especially in Kogi State.

The Police were said to have also contained pockets of attacks in Brass and some other locations in the riverine areas of Bayelsa State.

There were however reports of vote buying in the three states but without the connivance of Police officers on election duties.

The Commission monitored five of the eight local governments in Imo West. In Imo North and East, there were visible patrol of Policemen in collaboration with the Military on the major roads with Police helicopter said to have hovered over the voting space throughout the election period.
Police Officers were said to have arrived in most of the voting units in Bayelsa very early, properly dressed and exhibited high level of professionalism.

PSC Monitors sighted an average of two policemen in most of the voting units while in few others one Police personnel were seen.

The Police were said to have sent early signals in Kogi State where it reportedly arrested several miscreants who attacked Polling Units. The Officers on election duty were complimented by Officers from sister Agencies.

Chairman of the Commission Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police who monitored the exercise in Kogi commended the three Deputy Inspectors General of Police who supervised Police operations in the states for their quick responses to the Commission’s intermittent requests for Police intervention in troubled areas. The DIGs were, Frank Mba; Sani Habu and Daniel Isokari-Pedro.

Dr. Arase advised that the Police should remain on guard and prepared to forstal any breakdown of law and order after the announcement of the election results.

He also directed that in the few places where there were pockets of Police misconduct, the Police Management should quickly investigate and forward its recommendations to the Commission for immediate disciplinary action since every act of misdemeanour must have commensurate consequences.

Dr. Arase said the Commission will continue to monitor police conduct during elections as it serves to put the Police on its toes for optimal performance.

The PSC Staff Monitors operated from the nine Senatorial districts while the National Coordinating team partnered the Civil Society groups and operated from the Situation Room in Abuja.

Terrorists suffers unbearable casualties as troops increases Air Strikes attack

By Emmanuel Daudu

Two major air strikes on 8 November and 11 November 2023 undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have led to the decimation of several terrorists taking cover at Ajigin and Banki Junction areas located in Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force in a press release on 12 November 2023 disclosed that in efforts aimed at clearing the remnant of terrorists coming to terms that their efforts at causing mayhem and disunity among law-abiding Nigerians are efforts in futility, air interdiction missions were conducted on their enclaves situated at 1.9km South of Ajigin on 8 November 2023. The terrorists, who had hidden 4 gun-trucks under thick shrubs had earlier perfected plans to attack friendly troops’ location around Damboa and Wajiroko. During the air strike, 3 of the gun-trucks were struck, as evidenced by the thick black smoke and fire from the trucks after the strike, while the last gun-truck was observed fleeing the scene of the strike. The truck was subsequently tailed for about 26 Km and thereafter disappeared under a tree. The truck was subsequently struck and observed to be on fire with no sign of movement at the location.
“The destruction of the 4 gun trucks, along with the occupants, effectively degraded the capability of the terrorists to attack friendly forces and locals within the area.

“Air interdiction missions were also conducted at a location 7km East of Banki Junction on 11 November 2023. The location was a well-known terrorists’ enclave hitherto deserted but suddenly active with high terrorists’ activities and used as logistics storage area and staging area to attack troops locations at Bank Junction. The need to attack the location thus became necessary. Accordingly, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location. The aftermath of the strike revealed the destruction of the location with the logistics sites on fire.

“In an apparent display of desperation, confusion and at a loss on why they have continually been on the receiving end of the Nigerian military, the terrorists have continued to feel the firepower of both the air and ground forces. Indeed, the inability of these terrorists to move freely and at will is also attributed to the effectiveness of the operational jointness exhibited, especially by the air and ground troops, which should be commended.”