…Cautions against acts to suppress Christianity in Nigeria
Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has released his prophecies for the year 2020.
Enenche prophesied that the year 2020 would be a season of Supernatural Shift his members and Nigeria as a nation, adding that the year would usher in “drastic, dramatic and dimensional shifts.”
He made the disclosure during the cross-over service held at the church’s headquarters, Glory Dome in Abuja on Wednesday morning.
A swam of worshipers at the Dunamis Glory Dome Abuja. Photo: Lawrence Audu/TVN
Enenche also warned against any plot to “de-Christianize” Nigeria, stressing that such a move will not see the light of day.
He said: “For those connected and associated to this commission, 2020 equals a supernatural shift and for Nigeria as a country its supernatural shift. Whether the devil likes it or not what has tied you down as a nation is broken. The shift would be in three folds which are drastic, dramatic and dimensional.
“2020, what will happen in this time in our country Nigeria will not take time, it will happen like a dream. It shall be drastic, dramatic and dimensional in nature.
Worshipers at the Dunamis Glory Dome Abuja. Photo: Lawrence Audu/TVN
“2020 will usher us, Nigeria into infrastructural releases.
“2020 is a season of revival explosion in Nigeria, raw evangelism, a shift in the spiritual realm.
“Any devil that thinks Nigeria would be de-Chrstainized should have a rethink. Those who want to wipe Jesus Christ out of Nigeria will be buried, all of them.
“No level of frustration and intimidation from the East to the West will suffocate Christianity out of Nigeria.
“It’s too late for the devil, any terrorist and their sponsors to de-Christianize Nigeria will fail.
“2020 is a season of signs and wonders in Nigeria as we have never seen before.
“2020 is the beginning of a financial explosion
“2020 is a season of infrastructural explosion
“2020 is a season of speed, lifting and it’s a time for a change of order in Nigeria. Things won’t continue the way they have been,” he added.
The Nigerian Army said it has commenced the reconstruction of Kuru Muhammad Barracks in Bama, Borno State which was overran by the Boko Haram terrorists.
The insurgents overran the barracks at the peak of insurgency in the North East in 2014.
The terrorists occupation of the barrack led to the destruction of the building and critical infrastructure.
The Nigerian troops retook the barracks in 2015 almost a year after.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who visited the barracks on Tuesday to inspect the level of work, expressed satisfaction and urged them to redouble their efforts.
He was briefed by the Brigade Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Saidu Audu, on the level of work.
A number of blocks of flats have been completed.
Buratai also inspected the Nigerian Army Aviation Base Station under construction in Bama to see the progress of work.
He also visited troops in 122 Battalion, Konduga also in Borno where he commended the troops for the recent successes against the insurgents in Sambisa forest.
He urged them to ensure that the terrorists remained defeated.
Buratai assured them of better motivation in the coming year in terms of equipment and welfare for them and their families.
“Let me congratulate you on the successes from the operations you recently carried out in Sambisa and when next you meet them, do not spare anybody, clear them completely.”
The Chief of Army Staff also visited the Amphibious Forces at Allo Dam in the outskirts of Konduga in Borno. (NAN)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), have been asked to probe the activities of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) over alleged financial mismanagement.
This came following the recent revelation by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), that the agency received N993.3billion from the Federation Account between 2012 and 2016 but “does not have a comprehensive accounting and operational manual.”
DAILY POST observed that TETFUND is an educational fund established with the mandate to administer the two per cent education tax imposed on profit-making taxable companies registered and doing business in Nigeria.
A Board of Trustees, BoT, constituted to manage the Fund was charged with the responsibility of utilizing the oil and gas and non-oil and gas revenues from companies to rehabilitate, develop and improve the quality of tertiary education in the country.
National Anti-Corruption Ambassadors of Nigeria (NACAN), which made the call on Monday, lamented that ninety percentage of TETFUND’s projects were neither publicly advertised in National Tenders journal or any known newspaper where reputable companies would see and bid for them rather.
The group said it has sufficient evidence that at TETFUND under the leadership of Prof Elias Suleiman Bogoro, the Executive Secretary, award of contracts is no longer on the basis of performance or competence but strictly driven by “an insatiable, inordinate plot to receive kickbacks.”
Recall that the Nigerian government had in January 2019, sacked Abdullahi Bichi Baffa as the agency’s Executive Secretary and reinstated Suleiman Bogoro, who was dismissed in 2016.
Nigerian Army has recognised five soldiers with awards and special promotion for their gallantry in the fight against insurgency in the north eastern part of the country.
The awards were given at the 2019 Nigerian Army West African Social Activities (WASA) on Monday in Gwoza, Borno State.
Two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were also recognised for their gallantry and bravery in the fight against insurgence.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said that WASA was an age long tradition of Nigerian army that brings all officers and soldiers together to mark the end of the year and usher in a new year.
Buratai said that the event was also an opportunity to reward the gallantry of personnel in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
He said that the choice of Gwoza for the 2019 edition was an indication that the troops had recorded success in the war against Boko Haram insurgency in the north east.
He commended the personnel for the successes so far recorded in all other operations across the country and assured them of improved welfare in the year 2020.
Buratai also commended the field commanders and principal officers for the support and implementation of all the strategic directives.
According to him, if you pass directive from the headquarters to the field commanders and they fail to execute it, that directive becomes useless.
“Your operational and tactical capabilities have contributed to the successes recorded so far,” he said.
He commanded President Muhammadu Buhari for his guidance, support and motivation for the army to have the wherewithal to win all wars as well as the national assembly for their support.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said that activities like WASA could serve as a tool to encourage the troops and boost their mental capacity.
Zulum said that the celebration of the annual event by Nigerian army had over the years confirmed its commitment to appreciate and promote diverse cultural diversity in the army.
While commending the successes recorded by the military in the war against insurgency in the state, he lauded the effort of the civilian JTF and hunters for their support for the army.
He however implored the military and other security agencies in the state to redouble their effort with a view to permanently end the scourge of insurgency.
The governor also called on the government and army authorities to ensure that the necessary logistics needed was provided for the troops to successfully prosecute the war.
He also called for judicious utilisation of resources available to them, urging them to develop the mindset to reduce corruption and sabotage.
Zulum also donated N200,000 each to the seven outstanding gallant soldiers and civilian JTF and pledged to double the allowances of the recognised civilian JTF members.
On his part, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Army, Mr Abdulrazak Namdas, said that the successful hosting of WASA in Gwoza, was a confirmation that the Boko Haram has not only been ‘technically defeated but practically defeated’.
Namdas observed that there was synergy between the army and other paramilitary agencies in the country and urged them to continue in that manner.
He however requested for details of the soldiers recognised for their gallantry to be presented to the national assembly for recognition.
WASA is an annual event of the Nigerian Army to mark the end of the year and usher in the new year. (NAN)
For five days, the sky of Otukpo lit up in pink, red and black colours. Others flash like strobes. The night skyline of St. Mary’s Primary School, venue of the grand gathering glowed in a grandiose carnival of shade like the night skies at Christmas.
Albeit, it was Yuletide season, but the brilliant colours were neither sparkle from fireworks by jubilant kids, nor from crackers fired by adults celebrating the New Year. The sparkles were shimmers blazing forth from the galaxy of stars and colours of culture that were in attendance.
It was billed to be moments of glamour and excitement. And so it turned out to be. The city of Otukpo, the southern flank of Benue Valley will not in a rush forget the experience and groove in the air for a long time to come.
It was a moment that stars shone and nearly set the city ablaze by the sheer force of their brightness. Dignitaries from government, business, diplomatic circles, and of course, artistes, were all at the 2019 edition of the Idoma International Carnival, which drew its curtain on Friday, December 27.
This was the seventh edition of the annual festival.
The 2019 edition of the Idoma International Carnival might have come and gone, but the memories still linger, especially in the heart of those who partook in the yearly ‘ritual.’
Dubbed the biggest street party in the northern end of the Niger, Idoma Carnival bore on its shoulders glitz, glamour and razzmatazz.
The 2019 edition of the five-day event tagged ‘Agbenu Kacholalo’ (Wealth of Our People) could only be summed up with the caption: optimis optimus.
Before the main event, there was a football tournament, which was won by Emirates FC of Otukpo.
‘Agbenu Kacholalo’ kicked started on December 22 with the jeans carnival, which literarily held residents and tourists in Otukpo, Africa’s acclaimed ‘Texas’ enthralled.
From Ogiri Okoh to Ojira Streets, Ajene to Ogwonu Igbahapa, streets of Otukpo were ‘jeaned’ from sun till moonlight.
The jean party over, drums were rolled out for celebration of people, whose public conduct and action helped to inspire hope for a better Idoma/Nigerian community with the award night.
Recognition for hardwok, sacrifices
Topping the list of the awardees were:
1. Idoma Man of the Year 2019 – Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche
2. Most Outstanding Legislator of the Year- Comrade Abba Moro
3. Legal luminary of the year – Chief Godwin Obla
4. Lifetime Achievement Award
a. Mrs Rosemary Oganyi – Children of Mary Home Orphanage
b. Senator David Mark
c. AVM Monday Morgan Riku
d. Bongos Ikwue
e. AIG Wilson Inalegwu
f. Susan Peters
g. Chris Morgan Ochogwu
5. Posthumous Award – Peter Otulu (in Recognition his Promotion of Idoma Music)
6. Public Servant of the Year – Mrs Elizabeth Ede
7. Artist of the Year (Circular) – Tuface Idibia
8. Artist of the Year (Gospel) – Owi Abutu
9. Upcoming Artist of the year – Emmanuel Olofu (Meddy)
10. Comedian -Emmanuel Abogonye (Chokoli)
11. Actor of the Year -Lucy Ameh
12. Philanthropist of the Year – Arc Apeh Iwodi
13. Local Government Chairman of the Year – Chief George Alli
14. Alumni Association of the Year – Otukpo Government Secondary School Old Boys Association
15. Entertainer of the Year – Joseph Oche Udeh (MC Smart)
16. Idoma Sports Personality of the Year – Anthony Ujah
17. Idoma Diaspora Person of the Year – Barr. Emmanuel Ogebe
18. Most Idoma Friendly Person of the Year- Felicia Ijachi
19. Broadcaster of the Year – Mike Okwoche (TCV News)
20. Youth Trail Blazer of the Year – Hon. Barr. Aida Ojema Nat-Ogwuche
21. IdomaInventor of the year – Engr. Michael Friday
22. Most Outstanding Transport Company of the Year – Joe Silver Travels
23. Most Outstanding Idoma Caterer of the year- Jane Onyechi Ikpeme (Queen Restaurant Otukpo)
Beyond just a carnival
For the founder and brain behind the Idoma International Carnival, Chief Edwin Ochia, the yearly event is more than just a carnival. It is an umbrella to unite the Idoma nation. Bridge the gap between the elite and poor. Quash the enone, enochi dichotomy that has long divided the one united people of the Kwas ancestry.
These were part of his speech at the opening ceremony of the epoch-making event.
For seven consecutive years, Chief Ochai has single-handedly held high the Idoma red and black banner high in promotion of its rich cultural heritage through the carnival.
“To me, this is not just a carnival. It is beyond just a celebration or street party. Idoma International Carnival is a platform created to unit our people irrespective of status, religion or political affiliation. It is a platform of Idoma by Idoma and for Idoma.
“Why am I saying this? If you observe carefully, the rate of moral decadence in our land is alarming and our elite seem to have turned the other way. Our youths are including in social vices and are being killed on a daily basis, no one cares. Idoma International Carnival is aimed at changing this narrative and giving the community a new name.
“Today, we have many carnivals in every nook and cranny of Idoma land. We need to collapse them into one and tell the Idoma story with one voice.
“Idoma International Carnival is here to stay and together, we shall make Idoma land grate again,” Chief Ochai submitted amid cheers and applause from the mammoth crowd.
Day of strength, culture and more
DAY 2 23nd December, 2019 was a beehive of activities as the Cultural Day/Ogbureke Traditional Wrestling and Comedy Night/Rap Battle took centre stage.
The second day indeed witnessed the display of the rich cultural heritage of Idoma people, nay, Nigeria.
Masquerades and cultural troupes from the 9 LGAs that formed Benue South Senatorial were fully displayed.
On the other hand, the Ogbureke Traditional Wrestling recalled the strength of Iduh, the founder of the Idoma kingdom.
The contest left many people with mouth ajar as able-bodied men ‘danced in the dust’ for the star prize. At last, it was Yahaya Yahuza, who won the ‘golden arrow.’
Last activity of the night was a talent hunts tagged ‘Comedy Night battle.’ There, young people with budding talents wowed the crowd with what they know how to do best.
MC Obobo was the star of the night as he was garbed with the royal robe.
Texas City on fire
DAY 3: 24nd December, 2019 was the Carnival/Parade of the Bands and All Stars Party. Otukpo literarily went up in flames as the parade bands took over the red dust city.
Different bands and groups thrilled residents of the ancient city with never-have-seen kind of entertainment. The city stayed awake for A-list of Nigerian entertainers who mounted the stage to dazzle guests for the All Stars Party.
Christmas gift for Idoma people…a new queen is birthed
DAY 4 (25nd December, 2019.
Earlier on Christmas Day, organizers and contestants of Face of Idoma went on a courtesy to Och’Idoma Palace, where they received the royal blessing of the custodian of Alekwu K’Idoma, HRM, Agabaidu Elias Obekpa.
The night gifted the Idoma community a queen with the crowning of Abbah Margaret as the Face of Idoma International 2019 (a keenly contested beauty pageant).
Miss Abbah floored several other contestants to pick the golden crown. She won the star prize of a brand new Hyundai Veracruz SUV and other mouth-watering prizes.
The two runners-up, Patience Ahubi and Ruth Ene Brooks also went home with other consolation prizes.
No one was left behind, the children too
DAY 5 (26nd December, 2019 was a special day set aside to celebrate the Idoma child with the Idoma Children Party where the kids were treated to a sumptuous gala.
Roll call of entertainers
J Martins
HarrySong
Blackface
Chris Morgan
Owi abutu
Dextalker
Aproko
Dan d humorous
Terry g
Style Plus
Meddy
King Henzee
Double G
Monica Oga
Geoffrey Oji
Mark Owi
Mc Smart
Mark Owi
Mr Lyriq
Linda Ochagla
Naomee Oboyi was the host of the event.
In conclusion, the 2019 edition was truly a display of Agbenu Kach’Idoma.
The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has frowned at the United Nations and other international organizations for being relatively mute, without any strict measure to address terrorism in Africa.
According to the Centre, the UN is doing little and doing late by not sanctioning countries that promote and watch Boko Haram/ ISWAP spread its ideology of senseless killings across Africa.
This was made known at a press briefing on Saturday in Abuja on the “worrisome bid by Boko Haram/ ISWAP to regain relevance from the tacit support enjoyed from unscrupulous countries and international organizations”.
In a statement signed by convener, Princess Ajibola, the Centre revealed that the UN’s failure to interrogate what is unfolding in the northeast of Nigeria and adjourning territories of Niger, Cameroon and Chad has encouraged nations backing Boko Haram to grow bold.
CALSER, forthwith, called on the UN to condemn the activities of the terrorists rather than destructive indifference.
It further advised the intergovernmental organization to create a coalition of willing nations that are committed to do what the right-thinking citizens of the earth expected.
Read full address below:
Gentlemen of the press, the Centre For Africa Liberation and Socio- Economic Rights (CALSER) is an apolitical, non-religious, not for profit humanitarian organization that was born in response to the untold rights abuses unleashed against the civilian populations by non-state actors in conflict impacted areas in Africa. CALSER’s focus on abuses by non-state actors was informed by the fact that the reported or alleged instances affecting government forces have been adequately taken care of by local, regional and international rights groups.
These rights groups have however not paid attention to the series of abuses committed against civilians by known non-state actors like separatists, terrorists and insurrectionists, who often get no mention in the slew of reports that emanate from established rights groups.
Ignoring the atrocities committed by such groups have further imperilled local populations. Because government forces are often wrongly accused for and credited with the human rights abuses, including murder, committed by these groups, they are able to continue killing knowing that there is no effort to hold them accountable or brought to justice for the crimes they have committed against humanity.
There is also the troubling pattern of rogue nations, even though they parade impressive democratic credentials, scaling up their tactical, policy and, material support for criminal groups such that they are able to continue launching attacks against non-combatant population while making attempts at staging spectacular stand offs against established militaries. These countries have a need to retrace their steps and begin to side with common sense and logic while stopping support for terrorists, something that CALSER is committed to achieving.
BOKO HARAM/ISWAP
In the period leading up to the Yuletide, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ratcheted up their activities ostensibly in a bid to cause the most outrage possible, with a troubling pattern to their strategy.
Specifically, on Christmas Day, Boko Haram killed 11 abducted persons. This act is condemned in its totality as it is despicable, wicked and barbaric. Equally condemnable are the attempts by both Boko Haram and ISWAP to increase their attacks in order to create a sense of terror in the affected areas and by extension in the rest of Nigeria and neighboring west African countries.
These attacks should provoke consequences from other countries that had asserted their commitment to deal terrorism crippling blows. These countries should be driven by the United Nations (UN), which should take the lead in guaranteeing that no set of the earth’s population have to be put through the horrors these terrorists are making Nigerians go through.
This failing on the part of the UN to properly interrogate what is unfolding in the northeast of Nigeria and adjourning territories of Niger, Cameroon and Chad has encouraged the countries backing Boko Haram to grow bold. This has in turn made these countries funnel more support to the terrorists. In recent weeks, it seems this support has. Now been further increased to include the recruitment of corporate media to help amplify terrorist propaganda. At such, the murders being committed by Boko Haram/ISWAP are being glamorized in a manner that not only trivializes the lives of the victims and trample on the emotions of their loved ones, the accompanying videos and the way they are reported have become materials for supporting the recruitment drive of terrorists.
MISSING ACTIONS
We are yet to see the UN condemning the activities of the terrorists, which it has not also called for actions against. This has given the terrorists and their state backers the boldness to commit more atrocities on daily basis. So long as they see the UN as incapable of playing its roles the situation will only get worse.
Yet, the actions that are needed demand that there is no prevarication. They demand that the UN immediately stops its culture of destructive indifference. It must step out to boldly demand an end to state support for terrorists. It must then back such demands with resolutions that impose sanctions for any country that breaks rank to support Boko Haram, ISWAP and any other terrorist organization.
Additionally, the UN must create a coalition, an alliance, of willing nations that are committed to do what the right-thinking citizens of the earth expected. Such coalition must condemn and a take a stand against any nation that fails to sell military hardware to nations that are being tormented by Boko Haram/ISWAP and their sponsors.
We demand that the UN immediately take these steps.
About 250 elephants have been sighted in Borno, close to the borders with Cameroon and Chad by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service, UNHAS.
The elephants were spotted moving across the forest of Rann, Kalabalge Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to RFI, it is the first reported sighting of elephants in the region since the Boko Haram insurgency began a decade ago.
The report said further that “hundreds of elephants used to migrate through the region up until a decade ago at around the time Boko Haram began fighting to establish an Islamic state.
“In 2014, Abubakar Shekau’s faction of Boko Haram set up camp in the Sambisa Forest that was formerly a game reserve the size of Belgium and The Netherlands.”
Commenting on the development, Kabiru Wanori, Borno State’s environment commissioner, told RFI that “It shows that peace is slowly re-emerging.”
Concerned Professionals Congress, CPC, has commended the military and other security agencies for last Sunday’s and Christmas eve’s massive defeat of Boko Haram insurgents in Biu, Borno State and Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, in the North East.
The civil advocacy group praised the troops’ gallantry, describing the successful operations as another proof that they have effectively pushed Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) out of the Nigerian territory in spite of asymmetric hit-and-run attacks.
The group stated this in a joint release issued in Abuja yesterday by its Chief Media Strategist, Mr. Emeka Nwankpa and the Northern Regional Rapporteur, Kasim Baba Kasim, praising the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and the service chiefs for driving effective machinery and fire power to rout the insurgents.
There were widespread reports recently of fierce shoot-out in which troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and men of the Civilian-JTF under the coordination of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) effectively repelled the insurgents in Damaturu last Sunday and killed 48 Boko Haram fighters on Chritmas-eve in Biu leaving some of the sect’s members fleeing with severe gun-shot wounds.
DHQ’s spokesman, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu told reporters in Abuja last Monday that the Nigerian military had effectively pushed Boko Haram and ISWAP into hibernation in Tombus Islands within the neighbouring Republic of Chad and Republic of Niger from where he said they launched hit-and-run attacks on soft targets. He emphasised that no Nigerian territory was under the terrorists groups.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State praised the military and the security joint forces for effectively repelling the Boko Haram fighters who invaded Damaturu last Sunday, citing the troops’ courage and determination as responsible for the sustained onslaught that denied the insurgents the chance to unleash terror in the state capital.
The group called for more public support for the military and other security agencies across religious, regional, political and governmental levels in the country, cautioning against what it called careless public statements and narrations in some quarters that are capable of giving publicity to Boko Haram.
‘’There is no better time than now for all Nigerians across divides to give support to our military and other security forces currently combating Boko Haram, ISWAP, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other criminals fighting against the peace, security and stability of the country.
‘’The Federal Government has no greater duty than defending the Nigerian people, the Nigerian territory, and Nigerian interests including promoting its peace, prosperity, well-being, security and stability. Today, even as the optics are getting more challenging, it is good news that our defence forces have contained and restricted these extremist and criminal gangs to the fringes’’, Nwankpa said.
‘’The choices we make today and in the immediate future have profound and lasting consequences for our security, liberty and prosperity. We must therefore square up to the challenges now and this is what the CDS, the service chiefs and their team of patriotic officers are doing for the Nigerian people,’’ Nwankpa said.
The group observed that the several successes recorded by the troops were fallout of the policy of inter-agency synergy, collaboration and cooperation efficiently driven by the Defence Headquarters under the CDS, General Abayomi Olonisakin.
It maintained that the entire Northern region would have been lost to the terrorists if the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations were not being courageously and vigorously executed by the armed forces.
The group disclosed that the successful series of military onslaught on the insurgents is a bold testament to the deliberate policy of jointness being driven by the leadership of the nation’s top military command under the CDS, General Abayomi Olonisakin.
It praised President Muhammad Buhari for his confidence in the capacity and competence of the armed forces to dislodge criminal elements to guarantee the security, stability, peace and unity of the country.
‘’We commend the energetic Chief of Defence, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin. His unique style of leadership rooted in jointness, synergy and inter-agency cooperation has galvanized the entire national security architecture to effectively tackle Boko Haram and other national security threats’’, he said.
The advocacy group urged remnants of Boko Haram to drop their arms, saying that their days ahead were numbered. It maintained that time was fast running out on them in the light of the re-calibrated counter-terrorism operations.
It charged Nigerians to close ranks and fully support the military and other security forces by volunteering credible, useful and timely information to aid ongoing operations to rid the country of criminal elements in the interest of the security, unity, stability, health and sovereignty of the nation.
‘’We should remind ourselves where we were and where we are now and what happened in-between. The Borno State people know what our military and other security agencies have done in the past years, paying the supreme price to deliver peace to the people. It could have been worse’’, he said.
The relentless clearance and other offensive operations being conducted by the troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE against remnants of the Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists under the ambit of a special operation nicknamed Operation RUFE KOFA is gaining traction by the day.
In a laudable demonstration of bold action in combat, on 24th December 2019, troops of 192 Bn, Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE conducted clearance operations from Madagali through Waga Lawan, Jaje to Fadama all in Madagali LGA of Borno State. During the operation, the troops had a meeting engagement with elements of the Boko Haram criminals and a fire fight ensued.
The Boko Haram insurgents were decisively dealt with, forcing them to hurriedly flee the location in disarray. Troops destroyed all of the criminals’ structures, farmland, harvested grains stored in underground bunkers and one Lister grinding machine.
In another encounter at Fadama Village, the criminals’ flag hoisted on a tree was captured and immediately lowered after the troops had effectively subdued the criminal insurgents with superior fire power forcing them to flee in disarray.
Items recovered from the criminals include 2 bicycles, copies of Quran and several other personal effects. Interestingly, no causality was recorded by the gallant troops.
Similarly, the troops of 151 Bn, Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE handed a humiliating defeat to a bunch of Boko Haram criminal insurgents in the early hours of 25th December 2019 while on clearance operation conducted deep into the Sambisa Forest. During the encounter, one Boko Haram suicide bomber tried to force himself into the troops’ firm base, but the gallant troops aborted this heinous intent by promptly neutralising him and his cohorts with effective fire in the general area.
The Improvised Explosive Device strapped to his body got detonated in the process and his body parts were found scattered across the field. Items recovered in the aftermath of the encounter include 81 mm mortar muzzle cover, 2 rounds of Anti-Aircraft ammunition, one AK 47 magazine and one passport photo.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai extends his goodwill message to the troops and further admonishes them to remain resolute in their efforts at clearing and destroying all the hideouts and enclaves of the remnants of the criminal insurgents across the Theatre.
…. as eight other govs, distinguished Nigerians bag awards
Following his historic victory in last November Bayelsa State Guber polls, governor-elect, David Lyon, has been recognised as “Man of the Year” by foremost media group, TheNigerian News.
Mr Lyon will be awarded at the third anniversary and book launch by publisher, Philip Agbese, in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Against all odds, Mr Lyon of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was overwhelmingly elected to govern the oil-rich state, breaking the power of incumbency and ending the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) two-decade-long hegemony in last month’s polls.
On the choice of the 48-year-old Southern Ijaw native for its most-coveted recognition, the organisation said “ like morning dew, he rose from political oblivion as an underdog to defeat two serving senators in a fair and transparent election to emerge as Governor-elect of Bayelsa State.”
The statement added that “his soft-spoken mien and humility saw him defeat vote-buying, thuggery and manipulations to win the heart of Bayelsans thus proving that power belongs to the people.”
Here’s a rundown of other award recipients:
HE, Obong Udom Emmanuel, award for Infrastructure Star of the Year
Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, award for Role Model of the Year
Lt Gen TY Buratai, award for Most Outstanding Legend of the Year
Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, award for Public Order Personality of the Year
Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, award for Politician of the Year
Col. Muhammadu M Abdallah (rtd), award for Change Agent of the Year
HE, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, award for Education and Worker Welfare Star of the Year
HE, Mr Godwin Obaseki, award for Fiscal Policy and Transparency Star
Mrs Ibukun Awosika, award for Woman of the Year
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, award for Most Valuable CEO of the Year
Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, award for Activist of the Year
HE, Rt Ahmad Fintiri, award for Grassroots Democracy Development Governor of the Year
HE, Engr David Umahi, award for Nationalist of the Year
HE, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, award for Human Capital Development Star
HE, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, award for Pillar of Security Vanguards
HE, Hon David Lyon, award for Man of the Year
OFAB Foundation, award for Most-Outstanding Pan-African Group in the Diaspora
Engr. Nuruddeen Rafinddadi, award for Social Service Icon of the Year
The book titled, “Integrity Vs Power Play: Understanding the Buhari Phenomenon”, meanwhile, aptly captures the first-term administration of President Buhari and many of his giant exploits as a five-star democrat.
The event is billed to hold on Monday 30th December at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.
