Author Archives: daudupress
GOC 81 Division Kick Starts Combat Proficiency Competition 2023
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army ( NA), Maj Gen Muhammed Takuti Usman has on Monday 14 Aug 23 declared open the 81 Division Combat Proficiency Competition, one of the activities lined up in the NA Forecast of Events for year 2023.
The Competition which is aimed at boosting leadership skills, espirit-de-corps, professional competence and prepare officers for higher responsibilities is hosted and ongoing 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry Lagos State. The competition is also intended to prepare the participating officers for battle readiness in view of the present security challenges confronting the country.
The GOC who was represented by the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brig Gen MA Sadiq, in his remarks while declaring the competition open, said this year’s Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition will be more effective and challenging than the previous one, according to him, “because of the high level of preparations put in place for the conduct of the competition as well as preparations made by the participating formations”, he said. He therefore urged all participating officers to put in their best so as to derive maximum benefits from the competition and also make their various formations proud.
The GOC said training has remained a fundamental precursor for all military operations adding that troop’s performance in peace and war time is a direct result of the qualities of training, which he described as a veritable tool that guarantees enhanced military professionalism.
Maj Gen MT Usman added that the Div is living up to expectation in organizing this year exercise in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, “To transform the Nigerian Army into a force that is well trained, equipped and highly motivated towards discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
The GOC further listed the requirements outlined to test competing formations for this year competition to include: map reading, combat swimming, weapon handling and obstacle crossing. He said the requirements will provide an avenue for improving the combat proficiency and readiness of junior commanders to showcase their leadership skills.
The GOC thanked the COAS for his strategic guidance as well as providing necessary support to all the Div’s training requirements while emphasizing the Division’s commitment towards ensuring that training is given the highest priority by executing all the NA Training Directives for year 2023.
The opening ceremony was fascinated by the first activity outlined for the Competition which was the Map Reading exercise. The exercise was keenly contested and all competing formations were set out as a way of kick-starting the entire process.
Fix roads, refineries, control Exchange rate, to have stable fuel price, NOGASA tells FG
By Emmanuel Daudu
The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, has called on the Federal Government to consider Fixing roads, refineries, and control of Exchange rate as sure way to having a stable fuel price in the country, stressing that if fixing roads is not urgently considered, it might lead to fuel scarcity because the roads are totally bad.
The association’s National President, Mr. Benneth Korie, who made the call in a briefing in Abuja, on Monday, said: “ The VAT that the government has imposed on diesel, today as we speak diesel is going from between N920 to N950. Diesel was like N600 before the tax on diesel.”
He further stated that the FIRS must give the downstream sector a tax holiday because the operators are already losing their seed money.
The NOGASA boss also lamented losses of funds. According to him, “We are suffering too much. We are losing money on daily basis.
“We are in trouble. So there is a need that the government comes into this matter urgently, otherwise we will have problem.”
Asked to confirm whether there will be PMS price hike, he said:”Definitely the price of PMS will go up in as much as dollars price goes up. If you are exchanging $1 for N950, it will go up.”
He however advised the federal government to deploy the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the upstream terminals where crude oil is loaded to collect the tax.
FOI: Group petitions FCT Perm Sec over revenue harmonisation
… Demands information on land allocation
… Asks details of those recruited into VIO
… Threatens to take action if requests are not met
A group, under the umbrella of the FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum, has petitioned the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), Mr Olusade Adesola, over harmonisation of revenues generated by the six area councils in the FCT.
In the petition dated August 2, with the caption “RE: Application for Information/Records/Documents Under the Freedom of Information Act”, the group demanded for details of land allocation in the FCT.
The petition was signed by Suleiman A Ango, Zakari Gambo Babale, Zaka Nehemiah, Yusuf Nadabo, Opeyemi Ismail and Ahmed Mohammed Sanni.
The group said that the letter is a follow up to a previous letter dated 20th July 2023, which was received the same day, but with no official response, which prompted the forum to invokedl the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to request for the aforementioned information.
The letter read: “Warm Greetings to you on behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the FCT Youth Stakeholders’ Forum.
“Recall our earlier correspondence dated 20th July 2023 and received the same day on the above subject. Kindly accept this letter as a reminder of the earlier correspondence as no official response has been received from your office. To ensure transparency and accountability in governance, the forum had invoked the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to request for information on the following:
“1. Comprehensive Information on Harmonization of Revenue Generation: We request detailed information on the harmonization of revenue generation between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Area Council as being proposed. Specifically, we seek comprehensive data on the steps taken to harmonize revenue generation, the funds allocated for this purpose, and the progress made in achieving the objectives of harmonization. As it has come to public attention that revenue generation of the FCTA has not been properly harmonized and accounted for, we request detailed records on the measures taken by the FCTA to address this issue.
“2. Details of Land Allocation in the Past 1 Year: We request the names and details of all land allocations that have been made within the past one year by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This should include information on the beneficiaries, the size and location of the allocated land, and any associated documentation related to the allocations.
“3. Names and State of Origin of Recent VIO Recruitment Beneficiaries: We request the names and state of origin of all recently recruited beneficiaries into the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) positions within the Federal Capital Territory. Additionally, we seek any relevant information on the recruitment process, including the criteria used for selection and any available documentation related to the recruitment exercise.”
They added: “We understand that under the Act, we are entitled to a response within 7 working days of your receipt of the application, it is imperative to note that by our calendar the 7 working days lapsed on 31st of July 2023. Against this background, we wish to state categorically that in case the cause of the delay in compliance is the cost of printing and duplication, we are willing to pay any fees that would be incurred as a result of complying with this application, but we remind you of the provision of section 8 of the Act, which clearly states that fees ‘…shall be limited to Standard charges for document duplication and Fees transcription where necessary’ .
“If upon review of this application, the decision is taken to transfer the request to another agency or a higher authority, we request that you provide us with written notice of this in the manner as prescribed by the Act, and within the prescribed timeframe.
“If our request is denied in whole or in part, we request that you justify such denial or all deletions by reference to specific exemptions of the Act.
“We reserve the right to appeal your decision as guaranteed by the Act and remind you of the provisions of the Act which state that any request not actioned within the prescribed timeframe will be deemed as a denial of the request.
“We look forward to receiving this information as soon as possible.”
Niger Governor Visits CDS, Asks For Further Collaboration
By Emmanuel Daudu
The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) today, Monday 14 August 2023.
According to Gp Captain
OO Ademosu in a press release he signed for the DDI, the governor came to congratulate the CDS on his well deserved appointment and subsequent promotion by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor who noted that Niger State has the largest land mass in Nigeria, also added that the state is very close to Abuja. He said this proximity to the Capital City and the fact that Niger State is surrounded by alot of ungoverned spaces, calls for security concerns. He therefore, asked for the further corporation of the Armed Forces to help Nigerlites leave in a peaceful environment.
General Musa while welcoming the governor and his team also congratulates the governor on his election victory. The CDS said although the AFN is fully aware of the situation on ground, he noted that people always expect the Military to perform magic.
According to the Defence Chief, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain strong, committed and steadfast in the discharge of its constitutional mandates.
General Musa further added that the AFN need to support Niger State in order to attract meaningful development. He also acknowledged the support of the state government towards the military and assured the governor of the AFN readiness to put everything humanly possible to assist Niger State.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of Souvenir.
Under President Tinubu And Ribadu As NSA, Nigeria Can Deradicalize Niger Within 24 Hours – Agbomhere
An expert in security management, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere has expressed shock and disappoinment at the reaction of some Nigerians to the planned restoration of civil rule in Niger Republic through the instrumentality of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) currently under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Agbomhere who is a certified expert on security management and strategic operations from the International Institute of Professional Security, says Nigeria, under the command of President Bola Tinubu (Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces) and Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, has the capacity to deradicalize Niger Republic within 24 hours and restore President Mohamed Bazoum back in office.
In a statement signed in Abuja, Agbomhere said the fears expressed by some Nigerians on the perceived lack of preparedness of the armed forces to deal a decisive blow on the military junta in the shortest possible time is a reflection of the lack of patriotism pervasive in the land and a carry over from the previous administration which struggled initially to contain rampaging insurgents and bandits that ravaged some parts of the country.
He said the pervasive sentiment is not a true reflection of the state of the armed forces of Nigeria ably led by the commander in Chief, President Tinubu who he believes has all the information and strategy required to carry out a quick and successful mission in Niger without necessarily prolonging the process and causing unwarranted casualties to the nation’s troops.
However, Agbomhere, member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and an advocate of Rule of Law said dialogue remained the best approach to resolving the political logjam in Niger but as a last resort, insisted that Nigeria should not shy away from it’s responsibility of maintaining democratic rule in the West African sub region through military action, a role it had played over the years in Liberia, Sao Tome, Sierra Leone and Cote D’Ivoire and will continue to play in defence of democracy and stability in the region.
President Bola Tinubu is prepared to make Nigeria great again, and all we must do is to encourage and support him to reposition Nigeria to take her place of pride as the Giant of Africa.
Dr. Blessing Agbomhere
(Certified Security Manager)
International Institute of Professional Security, Supernumerary Police Officer, ACIArb., DipJ, HDJ, PGD-PRA, APD-SMS, LL.B, LL.M(AW), South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary, All Progressives Congress.
Kogi Guber Polls: OHINOYI TOGE-GOSA says Usman Adodo is the Best Candidate
By Aliyu Juwairat
…SENDS APPRECIATION MESSAGE TO EBIRAS IN ABUJA
The Ohinoyi Anebira Toge-Gosa Airport Road Abuja (Danbassaeni), Mallam Lawal Muhammed Okokoroh has on 13th August 2023 appreciated all the FCT Onobas and the Ebiras in Abuja for their huge effort before and during the official prayers offered for the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and for the anticipated victory of the incoming Governor hopeful, Alhaji Usman Ododo.
The official prayer which took place at the central mosque in Toge-village, Abuja organized by the Ebiras in the village, the Ohinoyi, Mallam Lawal Muhammed Okokoroh further tasked Kogites to see reasons why the APC governorship candidate, Adodo Usman is the rightful candidate to take over from the ever dogged and resilient young Yahaya Bello.
While advising the congregation, he stressed the need for synergy and political unity to ensure that the right candidate emerge as the Kogi State governor.
Similarly, he expressed gratitude to all the Onobas in FCT for always having each other and Ebiraland at heart.
He also appreciated the Chief Imam of Nuwalege, Chief Imam Gosa/Toge, Chief Imam Kuchigoro, and Distinguish Mallam Abdulateef (Islamic Teacher) for their sincere devotion.
“The supportive women of Toge-Gosa who took their time to prepare varieties of delicacy and present to participants under the rain are not left out of this appreciation”.
Earlier, the Ohinoyi Gosa declared his full support for Alhaji Usman Ododo and as well urged and made other Ebiras see reasons why they should stand on their feet in the forthcoming election to make a positive delivery for the love of their state.
Troops Raid IPOB/ESN Camp In Enugu, Bust Gunrunner Syndicate In Obudu, Nab Notorious Commander, Recover Arms
Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army under the auspices of Operation UDO KA II in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have on Thursday 10 August 2023, conducted a raid operation into the hideouts of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Imufu in Igbo-Eze North, Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In the encounter with the irredentist fighters, troops subdued the group with superior firepower, neutralizing two fighters and recovered three Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles and a locally fabricated single barrel gun.
Similarly, troops in conjunction with DSS same day, arrested a notorious ESN Commander, Mr Ezege in a separate sting operation at Obinagu in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. The arrested ESN Commander, recently threatened to unleash mayhem in Enugu state via his viral video and audio message circulated on some social media platforms . He is currently in custody for further investigations.
In another operational engagement, troops of 130 Battalion operating in 13 Brigade Area of Responsibility under 82 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Department of State Services (DSS) have on Wednesday 9 August 2023 busted a notorious syndicate of Gunrunners at Obudu motorcycle park in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River state. The operation followed credible intelligence revealing the illicit activities of the Gunrunners in Obudu and Biaju general areas. In the sting operation, the leader of the gun running syndicate was nabbed alongside his accomplices, including two Nigerians and two Cameroonians.
During preliminary investigations, it was revealed that the accomplices purchased firearms, which they in turn sell to a middle man, who supplies the arms and ammunition to Ambazonian Separatists in the Republic of Cameroon.
Brigadier General
Onyema Nwachukwu,
Director Army Public Relations in a press release today said, a subsequent operation conducted on Thursday 10 August 2023 led to the arrest of the gunrunning kingpin, Raphael aka Biajua, a Cameroonian, at Biajua community in Boki LGA of Cross River State. The troops also recovered 4 Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles and four mobile phones.
The Nigerian Army enjoins the general public to remain vigilant and report any untoward activity to the security agencies, in support of ongoing operations to curb security challenges.
The good and enterprising people of the South East Nigeria are also encouraged to discountenance the illegal sit-at-home order
and go about their daily activities and businesses without fear of intimidation, as ongoing operations will be sustained to counter the enforcement of the unlawful order.
BREAKING NEWS: Troops Of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) Rescue Former Provost, Son In Zamfara State
On the 11th of August 2023, Troops of Sector 1 Operation Hadarin Daji deployed at Forward Operating Base Mada in Zamfara state while on routine patrol along Shemori – Yandoto road at Marke general area encountered an unspecified number of armed Bandits.
The troops engaged the Bandits in a fire fight for several hours, due to the troops fire superiority, the bandits fled in disarray into forest along the area.
The OPHD troops immediately went in hot pursuit of the Bandits into the forest which forced them to abandon 2 civilians who were rescued from the Bandits unhurt. and recovered 2 operational motorcycles of the fleeing bandits.
During an interview with the rescued persons they were identified as Dr Hassan Abubakar Augie, a former Provost Federal College of Education (, Technical) Gusau and his son. Preliminary investigation revealed that the abductees were abducted by Armed bandits late last night from his residence and were taken into the forest before the timely arrival of troops who rescued them.
Accordingly, the duo victims have been reunited with their families amidst jubilation while the troops maintained aggressive vigilance and patrol in the general area.
Troops neutralize 38 terrorists, arrests 175 criminals, 20 kidnappers
By Emmanuel Daudu
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations has disclosed that the military has neutralized 38 terrorists, arrested 175 gunmen/ criminals, 20 kidnappers, 30 collaborator and 17 pipeline vandals. The military also rescued 89 kidnapped hostages.
According to Maj. Gen. Edward, the uncommon cooperation, collaboration and support received from citizens across the country is greatly assisting own operations to yield expected results. Nigerians are speaking up, and the military is doing something about it.
“During the week leading to 11 August 2023, Troops denied the oil theft saboteours the sum of Six Hundred and Seven Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N607,346,750.00) being value of seizures.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 38 assorted weapons and 186 ammunition. The break down as follows; 14 AK 47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one PKT, 3 AK47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, one SMG, 10 dane gun, 5 locally fabricated pistols, 2 fabricated weapon, 2 double barrel guns, one locally made revolver, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 151 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 9mm ammo, 16 rounds 5.56 x 45mm ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 12 AK47 magazines, one G3 rifle magazine, one FN rifle magazine, one magazine containing 30 rounds of 7.62mm special and 7 empty cases of 7.62mm special.
“Miscellaneous items recovered include; 33 motorcycles, 30 mobile phones, 4 tricycles, 4 motorola HH radios, 4 vehicles, 10 bags of fertilizers, 73 livestock, 7 cutlasses, one magazine pouch, 2 solar panels, 10 litres of PMS, Nigerian Police uniform, 2 gas cylinders, one power bank, one pairs of woodland and desert camouflages each. Troops also recovered the sum of Two Million Five Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand Two Hundred and Forty Naira (N2,592,240.00).
“Troops of Operation Delta Safe , destroyed 39 illegal refining sites, 72 dugout pits, 65 wooden boats, 70 storage tanks and 119 cooking ovens. Other sundry equipment include: 2 speedboats, 5 outboard engines, and 4 pumping machines. Troops recovered 1,247,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 132,500 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 57,450 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
“The military would sustain it’s offensive until they quit. The military would do what it knows to do best. Therefore, “Know Something, Say Something, and Military will do Something”. The details of the operational activities, indicating date, location and other information are contained in the attached enclosure”.
He also stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not back down in it’s offensive operations aimed at tackling insecurity across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country. Rather, the military will brutally hunt down the orchestrators and take appropriate actions to hold them accountable for their actions.
“The military, while conducting these operations will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of own objective to promote greater security for all Nigerians”.
Africa Security Investigation News 