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Buratai celebrates with Nigerians at Christmas, Salutes Troops’ Resilience

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Gen Buratai on facility tour of some commissioned projects at the Ikeja Military Cantonment.

…Calls For More Professionalism and Responsiveness in the Discharge of Constitutional Roles in the New Year

In a special Christmas and New Year Goodwill Message 2019, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai has applauded the pragmatic roles played by all officers and men of the Nigerian Army in counter insurgency operations in the North East as well as those on other operations across the country and abroad.

General Buratai tasked officers and men of the Nigerian Army to remain steadfast and sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, professionalism and responsiveness in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He restated his passion for troops’ welfare and reassure them of the commitment of the President Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari to their welfare and that of their families.

Below is the complete Christmas and New Year 2019 Goodwill Message from Lt Gen TY Buratai to Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army:

“It is with great humility and gratitude to the Almighty that I send this goodwill message to officers, soldiers and indeed the entire Nigerian Army family on the occasions of this year’s Christmas and New year celebrations.

Let me use this opportunity to commend the efforts and sacrifices of our gallant officers and men currently engaged in counter insurgency operations in the North East as well as those on other operations across the country and abroad.

I commend you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours. I want to urge you all to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast as we sustain professionalism and responsiveness in the discharge of our constitutional roles.

On my part, I would continue to ensure that your welfare and that of your families remain of utmost priority. I will also use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare with requisite support for us to perform our duties.

The President Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured us of his total support to the Armed Forces to bring all ongoing operations to logical conclusions.

I thank you all for the good job you have done in 2019 and look forward to us making greater progress in 2020. God bless you all the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army”.

Buhari felicitates with Christians at Christmas

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President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Nigerian Christians on the occasion of 2019 Christmas celebrations with a call on Christians and Nigerians on the the need to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ.

The full statement reads below:

I felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in particular, and all Nigerians in general, on the joyous occasion of Christmas of the year 2019.

As Christendom commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, I enjoin all Nigerians to imbibe and demonstrate the essence of the season of love; goodwill among all the ethnic groups in the country; giving and sharing; strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and good neighbourliness; and focusing on all that bind us together as one united country.

I, therefore, urge our compatriots to shun all actions which negate the spirit of the season.

However, celebrating the spirit and virtues of Christmas need not be a one-day affair, but rather, ought to continue into the New Year.

It is in line with the spirit of Christmas that I call on all elements whose actions are opposed to what the season represents, especially, insurgents, terrorists, armed robbers, kidnappers and economic saboteurs, to retrace their steps and join people of goodwill and common humanity.

If they fail to heed this call, they will meet their end as the armed forces, security and law-enforcement agencies are poised now to confront and defeat them.

Our people must make extra efforts to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours, irrespective of differences.

While it is gladdening to note that incidents of violence and conflicts have reduced drastically owing to the several operations embarked on by our security agencies, we must not let our guards down.

As Christmas indicates good tidings of hope and redemption, Nigerians can look forward to a turnaround in the administration’s priority areas of fighting corruption, providing security, economic diversification, job creation and infrastructure upgrade.

Having recently signed the 2020 Appropriation Bill into Law, I reiterate my promise during the presentation of the Budget Proposals before the National Assembly on October 8, 2019 that, “We remain resolutely committed to the actualization of our vision of a bright and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

The 2020 Budget of Sustainable Growth and Job Creation will be rigorously implemented to further deepen its impact on the generality of our people.

Let me use this occasion to once more thank the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the speedy consideration and passage of the 2020 Budget Proposals.

We are confident that this new era of cordiality and cooperation between the executive and the legislature will fast-track our collective commitment to giving our people better life and governance.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember to pray for members of our armed forces and other security agencies who are making so much sacrifice to protect us from people of evil intent. We should also extend love to the families of those whose bread-winners made the ultimate sacrifice while defending their fatherland.

I appeal to motorists to drive with care this festive season, while road safety and security officials should ensure compliance with safety measures to avoid needless accidents and attendant loss of life and property.

I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a more fulfilling New Year 2020.

Breaking: Presidency orders the release of Dasuki, Sowore

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The Federal Government has ordered the release of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki and convener of online #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami made this public in a statement on Tuesday.

Malami said the decision to release them was in compliance with the bail granted the two by the court.

“The two defendants are enjoined to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land,” Malami said.

Details shortly…

Bethlehem welcomes tourists for Christmas celebrations

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Pilgrims from around the world gathered on Tuesday (Dec 24) in the biblical city of Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, to celebrate Christmas in the Holy Land.

Palestinians and foreigners began converging on the “little town” in the Israeli-occupied West Bank from early morning, with Christmas Eve festivities taking place in and around the Church of the Nativity.

Tourists queued to visit the grotto inside the church, believed to be the exact site where Jesus was born, with Ola, a Nigerian visitor, saying it was a “special day”.

 

Christian pilgrims pray in the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on Dec 24, 2019. (Photo: AFP/Musa Al SHAER)
Outside in the winter sun, hundreds watched as Palestinian scouts paraded to the sound of drums.

“I feel really emotional to be here today, it’s wonderful,” said Germana, an Italian travelling with her husband and two children.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the most senior Roman Catholic official in the Middle East, was due to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Tuesday morning.

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Palestinian scouts perform during a parade at the Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem on Dec 24, 2019 ahead of the arrival of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. (Photo: HAZEM BADER / AFP)

He will lead midnight mass in the Church of the Nativity, with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas expected to attend.

Bethlehem is close to Jerusalem, but cut off from the holy city by Israel’s separation barrier.

The first church was built on the site in the fourth century, though it was replaced after a fire in the sixth century.

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Palestinians wearing Christmas costumes stand with protest signs against Israeli politicians and the occupation by a barbed-wire section of Israel’s controversial separation barrier near the village of Wallajeh, west of the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, on Dec 23, 2019. (Photo: Musa Al SHAER / AFP)    

This year celebrations were bolstered by the return of a wooden fragment believed to be from the manger of Jesus.

Sent as a gift to Pope Theodore I in 640, the piece had been in Europe for more than 1,300 years before being returned last month, Francesco Patton, chief custodian for the Holy Land, said.

“We venerate the relic because (it) reminds us of the mystery of incarnation, to the fact that the son of God was born of Mary in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago,” Patton told AFP at the time.

“TOUGH CHRISTMAS IN GAZA”

In the square by the church, Palestinian tourism minister Rula Maaya told AFP it had been a good year, with 3.5 million tourists visiting the city.

But fewer Christians from the Gaza Strip were in attendance than in previous years, as Israel granted permits to just around 200 of the around 900 people who applied, said Wadie Abunassar, an adviser to church leaders in the Holy Land.

The Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza are separated by Israeli territory and crossing between them requires hard-to-get permits.

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Palestinians wearing Christmas costumes distribute gifts to children seated atop the rubble of a house demolished by Israel reportedly for not being built with official licensing in the village of al-Khader, west of the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, on Dec 23, 2019. (Photo: Musa Al SHAER / AFP)

Abunassar said Christmas remained a time for hope.

“The Holy Land is not only the site of the birth and crucifixion (of Jesus), it is also the place of resurrection,” he told AFP.

“Despite all challenges, difficulties, pain and problems we are facing, we keep the hope in God and people.”

“BUMPY YEAR”

Around the world, people were getting ready to ring in the Christmas festivities.

In her traditional Christmas Day message, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was to describe 2019 as “quite bumpy” after a year of crises in the royal family.

In France, travellers were meanwhile in for more woe in the bitter nearly-three week strike by train drivers fighting government pension reform plans.

France strike
Police and anti-riot Gendarmes mobiles stand in position as railway workers demonstrate outside the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris. (DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP)

The walkout has ruined Christmas travel plans for tens of thousands of French ticket holders unable to reach loved ones in time for Christmas Day.

A frantic scramble for gift promotions left a dozen people injured in an Australian mall.

And in the central Philippines, where Christmas is widely celebrated among the country’s Catholics, thousands of people were warned to leave their homes as a severe tropical storm approached.

Buratai: Soldiering with Mercy and Compassion

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Gen Buratai on facility tour of some commissioned projects at the Ikeja Military Cantonment.

By Moses Okolo

War, insurgency, sectarian violence, communal upheavals, riots, and cross-border terrorism have refused to become old-fashioned, obsolete,
and anachronistic in spite of high-tech and high-resolution developments in globalization and international diplomacy.

Peace-keeping and counter-insurgency have remained recurrent military
engagements as casualties, strife, and misery have remained heart–rending and a melancholic humanitarian cry tasking the leadership versatility of military leaders and leadership who often
have to innovate outside the routine of command and regimentation.

The logic that “no good comes from trouble” is honing the psyche and
professional carriage of contemporary military leaders whose managerial actions are demonstrating the moral that peace is the ideal no matter how much war and insurgency appear inevitable.  It is patriotism put ahead of nationalism; it is the kind of patriotic fervour that does not only define desirable leaders, but lays foundation for a country to rediscover itself, set on a new course, and keep a date with both heritage and destiny.  Writing in 1860, Italian philosopher and politician, Giuseppe Mazzini, scooped the future and perspectivised on patriotic leadership to the effect that “the country is the idea which rises upon (its) foundation; it is the sentiment of love, the sense of fellowship which binds together all the sons of that territory”.

Commenting much later, as recently as 2010, Ben Dupte, arguing the dialectics and propositions of ‘nationalism’, could agree no less with Mazzini as he elucidated further that “at moments of crisis, patriotism can be the mainspring of heroic sacrifice and selfless resistance to oppression; at quieter times, love of one’s native land may inspire a deep and lasting sense of community and social cohesion”. Cast in the analytical and illuminating postulations of great men and thinkers of yesteryears, and born to grapple with the testy challenges of military leadership, peace keeping, cease fire enforcement, and providing humanitarian relief before a United Nations bonded than ever before by digital science and supersonic technology, welcome Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

Ever since he emerged as the Chief of Army Staff in 2015, TY Buratai’s trajectory has been a narrative of soldiering with mercy and compassion.  It is also a story of heroic sacrifice, self-denial, and uncommon passion to bring succour, joy, and happiness to the distressed, displaced, traumatized, grieving, dispossessed, and under-privileged as a result of the sustained ferocious and wanton insurgency war that has ravaged and devastated most parts of North-East Nigeria, and dehumanized the ranks and rungs of its demographic makeup.  At huge personal costs, General Buratai has been working extra time and behind the scene and beyond the war fields to restore hope and confidence.

For TY Buratai, it is about statesmanship and patriotism; raising new
standards in professional leadership, esprit de corps, and comradeship; not religion or tribe or race.  ‘And it is Christmas season again.  The pragmatic General is at it again, providing for, and sharing with his troops – officers and men.  Beyond the Barracks, he also reaches out to depraved and indigent members of the impoverished North East area every Christmas.  As he embarks on this benign gesture and act of sharing which practising Christians admit is a cherished ideal of the festivities marking the birth of Jesus Christ, TYB is about institutionalising a community service ideal.

This is certainly a culture and tradition that will motivate the military rank and file and leave worthwhile memories for the officer corps to emulate as innovations and pragmatism are required as vital components of modern military mobilization, motivation, and command to
respond to counter-insurgency, peace keeping, and ceasefire operations.

A detribalised professional and regimented officer corps, the uniqueness of this end-of-year and annual/seasonal gesture by the
Chief of Army Staff is that it is patently generous; as it is not restricted along ethno-religious and geo-cultural lines.  This annual act has also provided an interface and commonplace for inter-religious unity, understanding, and co-operation.  This offers an unimpeachable ground for why the stewardship of TY Buratai as Chief of Army Staff  should not be assessed based on the primordial prism of longevity or some other whimsical ethno-religious and geopolitical sentiments, but on the beauty, amiability, and core values of patriotism, peace, national integration and human empowerment which it sustains.  This humane disposition of TY Buratai, made even more canonical by a steady and lavish community public relations package which has reassured the North East region of the government’s resolve to restore peace and security; and the responsiveness of government policy direction in this regard.  Buratai’s generosity and kind hearted posture is quintessentially one with a huge humanitarian impetus, and in spiritual and philosophical terms, unmistaken service to God and mankind which enjoys the blessing of Biblical and Quaranic teachings and prescriptions.

The Buratai philanthropic project is exemplary and a sterling exemplar for national strategic studies analysis and discussion.  This could constitute a template, for instance, in military-police partnership for effective and enduring public security, and also offers a workable thematic model for ceasefire negotiations and counter insurgency intelligence gathering in different conflict locations or environments.  It does appear that these soul-touching efforts of
Buratai have been impacting positively on anti-insurgency efforts in North East Nigeria.  Apart from keeping the troops loyal and committed to the struggle and the ultimate imperative of quelling the insurgency and bringing the insurgents to total surrender, TY Buratai has succeeded in bringing a desirable component – that is leadership mentoring, to
bear on the troops who are certainly learning and growing on the job.
The foregoing needs to be emphasized as one of the initiatives that have ensured steady commitment and paroxysm of victory songs as the insurgents have been decimated, captured, and forced to surrender on many counts.

Again, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai, has become a metaphor, an allegory, and even a metaphorical allegory for worthy and worthwhile public officers discourse in Nigeria.  The side bar here is that Nigeria can search internally, for there is a strong human resource base within, to resolve lingering national leadership challenges.  This reality does not yield to ethno-religious proclivities.  It is just time for Nigeria to shine her eyes and shine to the world.

Okolo, an evangelist and author wrote this piece from Yola, Nigeria.

Ndume: Why Buhari Can’t Appoint New Service Chiefs

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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari cannot afford to change or appoint new service chiefs for now.

He told medium in an interview that Buhari could not afford to change the military leadership because Nigeria was in a complete state of war.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

Ndume told this medium that the president could not but retain the service chiefs because Nigeria is in a state of war, not only in the North-east, but all over the country with serious military deployments to quell crisis and maintain peace
He said: “We are in war. Definitely, we are in war. We are fighting the insurgents in the North-east and in the North-west.

The military is so much involved and are being deployed in so many zones of the federation. The security situation is such that that the military is involved almost in all parts of the country. So, we are in war.

“The military is so involved in so many security challenges. In fact, in almost the 36 states, in fact, this is a pointer that we are at war.

“Coincidentally, the president is a retired army general and he knows this war situation better than most Nigerians; and he knows when to change his army commanders and when not to do that. As a commander-in-chief, he understands this war situation better than we the civilians.

“I’m sure he is doing the right thing as the commander-in-chief and when he finds it necessary, he will effect changes.”
He stated that he didn’t think that changing the service chiefs would solve the insecurity in the country.

“I don’t think that changing the service chiefs will be the solution to the insecurity in the country. I don’t think that this war is not won because the service chiefs are still there and have not been changed.”

Scores of ISWAP top commanders, insurgents killed in a failed infiltration attempt at Damaturu as troops step up operations in the theatre

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In a commendable display of sheer gallantry, the troops of Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with the Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE delivered a humiliating defeat to a group of Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on 22nd December 2019 during a massive failed attempt by the criminal insurgents to infiltrate Damaturu, the Yobe State Capital killing over 30 insurgents and their commanders.

 During the encounter, the resilient troops promptly mobilized and blocked the criminal insurgents’ advance along Gashua Road in the outskirts of Damaturu.

 The troops thereafter engaged the criminals in a fierce fire fight with the support of Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE which unleashed devastating fire power from the air to help take out some of the criminals’ Gun Trucks.

 This superior fire power forced the criminal insurgents to withdraw in disarray albeit with very heavy casualty in both men and equipment. It is confirmed that a top ISWAP Commander, Abu Muqhtar, believed to have coordinated several attacks along the fringes of Lake Chad was neutralised along with over 30 other insurgents in that attack. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers were wounded in action during the encounter.

 The wounded personnel are currently receiving treatment and responding positively at a military medical facility. In the aftermath of the encounter, troops captured 1  Gun Truck and destroyed 2 others. Troops equally captured 561 Rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1420 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 1850 Rounds of 7.62mmX51 ammunition and 2 Rocket Propelled Gun bombs. Other items captured by the gallant troops include, one Hand Held Communication Radio, 27 sachets of Meal Ready to Eat wraps and 350 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol).

 In a related development, some criminal Boko Haram insurgents, oblivious of the humiliating defeat suffered by their cohorts barely 24 hours ago, were reportedly sighted heading towards Biu town from Mandara Girau axis of Biu LGA of Borno State late in the afternoon of 23rd December 2019, mounted on 17 Gun Trucks and motorcycles.

 In a swift and commendably bold response, the troops of 231 Battalion moved and engaged the advancing criminals while troops of 331 Artillery Regiment brought to bear deafening artillery  bombardment on the visibly confused criminal insurgents forcing them to withdraw in disarray amid heavy casualty.

 In yet another development, in the early hours of Monday 23rd December 2019, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion deployed at Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State also thwarted another Boko Haram attack on their location with devastating consequence on the marauding criminals. The 2 front attacks by the criminals were effectively contained and decisively repulsed by the gallant troops. In the aftermath of the encounter, 4 Boko Haram criminals including one suicide bomber were neutralized while others are believed to have escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

 In a related development, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Gwoza LGA of Borno State conducted a robust clearance operation deep into Sambisa Forest on 23rd December 2019. The rugged troops cleared Banari, Keluri, Usmanti and Jowlori Villages all of Gwoza LGA respectively. During the operation, troops came in contact with some Boko Haram criminals who obviously could not withstand the troops’ fighting prowess and therefore fled deep into the forest.

 Nevertheless, the troops captured 2 of the criminal Boko Haram insurgents alive, rescued 9 women and 9 children. The rescued children were immediately administered with Polio vaccine before being evaluated to safety. The troops equally recovered several items from the terrorists including 8 rounds of Anti-Aircraft Gun ammunition, 14 ammunition projectiles, one ammunition projectile for Shilka, 9 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Black Boko Haram flag, some quantities of drugs, clothing, wires, bandolier and one Dane gun.

 In an earlier development that occured on 22nd December 2019, troops of Headquarters 19 Brigade defeated a Boko Haram criminals’ ambush between Gajigana and Tungushe in Magumeri LGA of Borno State while on a fighting patrol along the axis. During the brief encounter, 2 Boko Haram criminals strapped with Improvised Explosive Device jackets were neutralised while one AK 47 rifle was recovered from the insurgents.

 

Also, on 21st December 2019, troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed at Ajiri in Mafa LGA of Borno State equally dealt a devastating blow on some marauding Boko Haram criminals mounted on 4 Gun Trucks and motorcycles. The resilient troops intercepted the criminals while advancing from the Dikwa axis with precise artillery fire and unrelenting ground assault which sent the criminals off balance and scampering for safety in total disarray.

 Nevertheless, 4 Boko Haram criminals were neutralized (one of them clad in suicide vest) while one Gun Truck, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 41 Rounds of Anti-Aircraft Gun ammunition, 68 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition NATO, one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 rifle magazine,  were captured from the insurgents. Other items captured include one Baofeng Hand Held radio, some quantities of Boko Haram uniforms and warm clothing. 

9 WOMEN AND 9 CHILDREN RESCUED BY TROOPS OF 7 DIVISION DURING CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN SAMBISA FOREST

 In another development, on 22nd December 2019, a Joint Tactical Team deployed to Borno and Yobe States apprehended a suspected ISWAP spy and logistics supplier, one Mohammed Aliyu at Mega Zaleri area of Konduga LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed series of communications between the suspect, Modu Sulum and Abu Qaqa both of whom are high profile ISWAP Commanders on the wanted list of the Nigerian Army.

MOHAMMED ALIYU AN ISWAP HIGH PROFILE SPY AND LOGISTICS SUPPLIER ARRESTED BY JOINT TACTICAL TEAM DEPLOYED TO BORNO AND YOBE STATES

 During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to have been informing ISWAP of Military and Nigeria Police movements and deployments. He further added that he uses donkeys for shipment of items he supplies to ISWAP as a deception to evade security checks.

 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 finishing the remnants of the criminal elements who are currently strangulated and obviously gasping for their lives in the Theatre.

ONE GUN TRUCK, CACHE OF AMMUNITION AND OTHER LOGISTIC ITEMS CAPTURED FROM ISWAP CRIMINALS BY TROOPS OF 233 BATTALION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELEMENTS OF HEADQUARTERS SECTOR 2 DEPLOYED IN DAMATURU, YOBE STATE AFTER AN ENCOUNTER WITH ISWAP INSURGENTS ALONG GASHUA-DAMATURU ROAD
4 NEUTRALIZED BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS INCLUDING ONE STARPPED WITH IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE JACKET DURING A FAILED BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS’ ATTACK ON TROOPS OF 121 TASK FORCE BATTALION DEPLOYED AT PULKA IN GWOZA LGA OF BORNO STATE
4 NEUTRALIZED BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS INCLUDING ONE STARPPED WITH IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE JACKET DURING A FAILED BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS’ ATTACK ON TROOPS OF 121 TASK FORCE BATTALION DEPLOYED AT PULKA IN GWOZA LGA OF BORNO STATE
ONE GUN TRUCK, CACHE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION CAPTURED FROM BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS BY TROOPS OF 112 TASK FORCE BATTALION IN THE AFTERMATH OF AN ENCOUNTER AT AJIRI IN MAFA LGA OF BORNO STATE
RESCUED CHILDREN BEING ADMINISTERED WITH POLIO VACCINE BY THE NIGERIAN ARMY MEDICAL TEAM AFTER THE CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN SAMBISA FOREST

 

Buhari makes new appointments in parastatals under Ministry of Communications

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Desirous of fast-tracking the targets and mandate of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the following new appointments in the Parastatals listed below:

1. Nigerians Communications Commission (NCC)

(a) Prof. Adeolu Akande (South West) replaces Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye (South West) as Chairman, Board of Commissioners – subject to Senate confirmation

(b) Mr Uche Onwude (South East) replaces Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume (South East) as Non-Executive Commissioner – subject to Senate confirmation.

2. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

(a) Dr Abubakar Sa’id replaces Prof. Adeolu Akande as Board Chairman

(b) Dr Habibu Ahmed Imam (North West) replaces Dr Lawal Bello Moriki

(North West)

(c) Dr Mohammed Sa’idu Kumo as Board Member

3. The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)

Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi (South West) replaces Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi

(South West) as Postmaster General/CEO

4. Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB)

Professor Muhammed Bello Abubakar replaces Architect Yusuf Kazaure

5. The Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat)

(a) Architect Yusuf Kazaure replaces Chief Dr George Nnadubem Moghalu

as Board Chairman

(b) Dr Najeem Salam replaces Hon. Samson Osagie as Executive

Director, Marketing and Business Development

(c) Professor Abdu Ja’afaru Bambale replaces Kazeem Kolawole Raji as

Executive Director, Technical Services

(d) Hadi Mohammed replaces Mohammed Lema Abubakar as Executive

Director, Administration.

Defence Minister, Buratai commission accomodation facilities at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Abuja

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The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd), has inaugurated residential accommodation for the soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army at Muhammad Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.

The cantonment which has 1.5km access road network,3kv generator for alternative public power supply,adequate water also has 150 flats located along zuba express road in FCT Abuja to ease the inadequacy of living accommodation of the its personnel.

In the inauguration ceremony, the minister of Defence, Magashi said the provision of befitting accommodation for personnel of Nigerian armed forces was in line with the next level agenda of Buhari’s administration to improve welfare of personnel.

Magashi who was the special Guest of Honour also said government was committed to supporting the Nigerian army to provide more accommodation within the barracks, adding that provision had been made in the monists 2020 budget.

The minister also pledged the government determination of addressing the welfare needs of personnel of armed forces as well as, supporting it’s laudable programme.

“I am very optimistic that the 150 flats commissioned today will reduce the burden of accommodation you have been facing as well as enable personnel to focus on enhanced operational efficiency.

“The conceptualisation of Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri is in line with the next level agenda of the present administration by enhancing welfare packages of personnel through the provision of adequate office and residential accommodations for the armed forces.

“More so, it is with the knowledge that the government is ever ready to provide the tools that the troops require to fulfil their mission is a great factor in winning battle.

“In addition, the morale component of fighting power is boosted by improving troops’ welfare and their morale.

“The completion of the 150 flats accommodation for officers and soldiers of Nigerian army shows the relentless effort of the government to improving the welfare of troops and by extension, the morale component of the fighting force of Nigerian army,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said because of inadequate and deteriorating effect of the accommodation facilities in the country and the FCT, there was every need to embark on the project in 2017 to address the challenge of the welfare of it’s personnel most especially in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Buratai said that there was nexus between efficiency and conducive environment, adding that the new blocks of accommodation in the barracks had addressed the housing needs of 150 families of officers and soldiers.

Buratai further solicited for the intervention of the Minister in providing more accommodation and other intervention programmes across the country through his ministry

He also urged the personnel to reciprocate the gesture by offering effective service by implementing his strategic direction for the year 2020.

According to him, the project was captured in the capital budget of 2018 for construction in the Cantonment to ameliorate the challenges of acute shortage of accommodation facing the personnel.

“To address the office and accommodation challenges in Abuja, I tasked the Headquarters of Nigerian Army Engineers and the Nigerian Army Special Project coordinator to commence the construction of infrastructures in the cantonment.

“This was based on my conviction that there is a nexus between efficiency and environment from where men live and work.

“In that vain, to have a professionally and responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles, requires having a befitting office and residential accommodation, “ he said.

Recalled that the project had its ground breaking ceremony in 10th July ,2017.

The Muhammadu Buhari cantonment had so far have some occupants including the Nigerian Army Women Corps, Nigerian Army Aviation, Cyber Warfare Command, Nigerian Army Ranch among others.

Christmas: Savouring the joy under PMB

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By Nkechi Odoma

Christmas is here again. It is a season that brings people from far and near together in joy and celebration. It has been so for decades in Nigeria until some evil minded persons saw the assemblage of people occasioned by the conviviality of the season to perpetrate  their wicked plots.

In doing so,  they exerted maximum damage on an innocent and unsuspecting citizenry as they turned the soothing carols of Christmas to dirges and the gathering in social circles to hospital visits as families struggled to cater for loved ones who have  fallen  victims of the acts of evil.
This was what has been happening in Nigeria since a terrorist group invaded the erstwhile peaceful landcape by seizing certain portions of the land.

Between 2009 and 2015, the fun and fanfare of Christmas was gradually replaced with fear and trepidation as the insurgents deepened their resolve to create panic land leaving billows of  smoke almost everywhere.
Nigerians turned captives in their homeland through no fault of theirs. They became like the proverbial Babylonian captives who sang in lamentation ‘how can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? Though they weren’t in any foreign land. The height of such inhuman  recklessness  was in 2011 when on Christmas Day, a day set aside for merry making and panoply, was  turned bloody and the season of happineness to a season crimson  blossom.
No fewer than 37 persons who went to worship at the Catholic Church at a small town called Madalla near Abuja were blown to their graves with 57 others left wounded in one of the most despicable and atrocious acts in recent times.

The bombs investigations later showed,  were planted near the  1,000 capacity church and its effect was felt in the whole vicinity as windows of the houses around were shattered by the explosion. As if that was not enough to shock a bewildered citizenry, another explosion hit the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church in Jos, Plateau State,  on the same day.

The terrorists had intended worse as two other bombs were found in a  building near the church and many testified to seeing gun wielding men fleeing the vicinity shortly after an alarm was raised.
Before people could recover from the shock of the two unfortunate incidents, two major towns in Yobe State, Damaturu and Gadaka also felt the  pang of the grim reality with multiple explosions happening there. The one on Gadaka was also in a church.

The frequency of the occurrences within the same period subsequently made people to develop a different attitude towards spending Christmas in Nigeria. Rather than see the season  as an opportunity to roll out in resplendent robes and to seek  where to catch fun as they all want to do on such occasions, people began to see Christmas as the reason to stay indoors.

Churches cancelled their night programmes and built high walls around their premises while quickly dismissing the congregation  out of fear.
But as people troop out in preparation for this year’s Christmas,  no such fears abound. Since 2015 when the current administration was inaugurated, so much effort was put in place to ensure the life of the citizenry is secured.
The first indication that it was not going to be business as usual for the terrorists was the directive by the president for the relocation of the operational headquarters of the Nigeria armed forces to the theatre of war.

Then followed the appointment of capable hands to head the armed forces.
General Tukur Yusufu   Buratai on assumption of office as chief of army staff wasted no time getting the troops ready for action.
Like Shaka, the great Zulu warrior who initiated military reforms and transformed a ragtag army to a well-organized and centralised millitary might that established the Zulu State, Buratai brought reforms that changed the orientation of the average Nigerian soldier.

Like Shaka’s transformation of the army through innovative tactics and updated weaponry, Buratai brought reforms that served to boost the morale of officers and men and the inherited complaints of lack of proper welfare became a thing of the past
The reforms and  strategy introduced gave the military upper hand as they took the insurgents by surprise in their fortress and the concentration of such onslaught saw the Boko Haram terrorists running for dear lives. Weapons were procured at speed and mobilised across the theatre of war and positive results began to pour in.

The low morale of the army gave way to high spirits as men and officers which under  the previous dispensation were quitting due to lack of confidence became charged begging to be allowed to route out the terrorists. Many of the insurgents on seeing superior fire power and war strategies began to beg for forgiveness. The heavy casualty toll on their  side  caused  a split in their ranks as the centre could no longer hold. Our military took the dreaded Sambisa forest and established a base at Camp Zero.
Gwoza a local government headquarters which was previously captured by the insurgents and designated the capital of the Caliphate was recaptured by Nigerian troops and its people liberated.

Local governments areas in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States that were under Boko Haran were  liberated and the insurgents were pursued to precincts on the fringes of the Nigerian border and began to prey on soft targets to be able to eat.
What was taking place in those territories quickly gave Nigerians a new lease of life.
The miniser of information, Lai Mohamed announced that the insurgents were technically defeated and degraded. He was right as  IDP camps no longer surged with women  and children but were steadily being depleted of displaced persons.

More and more persons in such camps relocated to their recaptured communities living normal lives as before.
This implies that the current administration has lived up to one of its  cardinal promises to secure  the lives of the citizenry. For this, Nigerians are grateful to the president and the military top brass especially the chief of army staff that caused this to happen.
As we wish ourselves happy Christmas, let us not forget the military men who are still at vulnerable communities to ensure we have a peaceful and secured Christmas.  And let us wish ourselves  a happy Christmas again under Buhari.

Odoma is President, Africa Arise for Change Network.

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