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Bandits kill 17 in Zamfara

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Bandits kill 17 in Zamfara

Suspected bandits have killed 17 people in an attack on Magami Village of Faru District in Maradun Local Government Area (LGA) of Nigeria’s North West Zamfara State.

The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the attack and the figure on Sunday.

The spokesperson of the police in Zamfara, Mr Mohammed Shehu, said the assailants stormed the village in the late evening of Saturday and attacked innocent villagers.

Following the incident, he said the command deployed an additional unit of operatives comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) in the area.

According to the command’s spokesperson, the police personnel were directed to operate in collaboration with the military and other security personnel already deployed in the area.

He added that the team was asked to restore normalcy in the area and prevent any security threat by any disgruntled person or group.

Shehu revealed that the Acting Governor of the state, the Commissioner of Police, and heads of other security agencies in Zamfara had visited the scene earlier on Sunday.

He said efforts were ongoing to arrest the culprits and bring them to justice while appealing to the people to cooperate with the security agencies.

The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to Confirm the death Seventeen (17) People in Magami Village Under Faru District of Maradun LGA, after an attack by Suspected Armed Bandits who stormed the village in the late evening of 22nd December 2018.

The Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Police Command along with the Acting Governor of Zamfara State and other Heads of Security Agencies were at the Scene in the early hours of Sunday for on the spot assessment.

The visit was to put in more proactive security measures that will bring lasting solutions to the security challenges in the area and other parts of the state.

The unit personnel has already arrived the village and they were directed to operate in collaboration with the military and other security personnel to restore normalcy and prevent any security threat by any disgruntled person or group of persons.

While the Command has condoled the government and people of Zamfara State over the unfortunate incident, it has also vowed to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

The Command in this regard appeals for continued collaboration with all the security Agencies in the state to bring lasting peace, safety and security to Zamfara State.

West Africa is global shining example-UN

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West Africa is global shining example-UN

The United Nations has described the West African region as shining example of peace consolidation and democracy on the continent making the positive role of ECOWAS recognised.

Mr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General said this at the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Saturday.

Chambas, who is also the Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), said significant progress had been made in the ECOWAS region.

“The past months have witnessed the successful conduct of elections, contributing to the progress the sub-region is making in consolidation of democracy.

The envoy, however, called on member states to intensify efforts to address “contentious issues” to prevent and mitigate election-related violence, human rights abuses and promote respect for the rule of law.

“Peace and security remain under threat, including an increasing number of terrorist attacks, the consequences which have a direct impact on development.

“We must intensify our efforts to reverse the trend. Conflicts between farmers and herders are among threats to peace and stability in the sub-region.

“The implementation of measures taken at the ECOWAS ministerial meeting of April 26 on this issue, will prevent and peacefully resolve these conflicts,” he said.

He also urged member states to strengthen efforts to ensure greater representation of women and youth in decision making positions across the region to harness its full human resources potential.

Chambas further called for enhanced collaboration to implement regional strategies to promote peace and stability in the region.

“Other significant challenges in the sub-region, for which concerted efforts are required, include Security Sector Reform, maritime piracy, drug-trafficking and transnational organised crimes,” he said

He reiterated the commitment of the UN in the promotion of inter-regional cooperation.

In his address, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou, lauded the efforts made in the development of the region.

Brou further urged member states to consolidate efforts to address challenges and promote peace and security in the region.

“Despite these undeniable advances, our community faces significant challenges.

“It is for us to continue to consolidate our Customs Union and common market, to deal with extremism and terrorism and to fight effectively against the effects of climate change on our economies.

“Employment, especially for young people, remains a priority for each of our member states. As in the past, these challenges will be overcome only in the solidarity and cohesion that have characterised our organisation since its creation,” he said.

The summit would consider the reports on ECOWAS Single Currency, the political situation in Guinea Bissau and Togo and any other business.

The Heads of State would also sign Community Acts and Decisions and consider the Annual Report of ECOWAS, reports of the 41st Ordinary Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council and the 81st Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

Nigeria, Senegal charged on credible polls

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Nigeria, Senegal charged on credible polls

The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have charged Nigeria and Senegal to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the conduct of elections are peaceful, free and transparent.

The leaders, who gave the charge in a final communiqué issued at the just concluded 54th Ordinary Session in Abuja on Sunday, directed the ECOWAS commission to provide the necessary support to the two countries.

“The Authority notes with satisfaction, the status of preparation for the general elections in Nigeria on Feb. 16, 2019 and presidential election in Senegal on Feb. 24, 2019 and urges the government and relevant electoral bodies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the elections are peaceful, free and transparent.”

They also lauded the smooth conduct of the presidential elections in Mali and congratulated President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on his re-election.

They instructed the commission to take measures to support the democratic process and implement the Agreement and the roadmap of March 22.

On the political situation in Togo, the leaders commended the endeavors of President Nana Akuffo-Addo of Ghana, President Alpha Conde of Republic of Guinea and ECOWAS facilitators in the resolution of the crisis.

They noted the readiness of the Togolese Government to organise local elections in 2019 and encouraged the active involvement of all stakeholders for a peaceful process.

The Heads of State encouraged the Togolese Government to intensify the peace and confidence-building measures between all political stakeholders to further ease the socio-political situation.

They also urged security forces to demonstrate professionalism in their mission of maintaining order and ensuring the security of people.

On The Gambia, the Authority lauded the positive developments in the political and security situation and further took note of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission.

They also called on the country to swiftly implement the security sector reform programme.

On Guinea Bissau, the Heads of State expressed concern on the continued delay in the conduct of parliamentary elections, taking note of the challenges involved.

They further encouraged stakeholders to work towards the conduct of the forthcoming parliamentary elections on March 10, 2019 and also urged the commission to intensify technical support for smooth electoral process.

“The Authority mandates the Chairman to impose sanctions on the basis of proposals for the President of the commission, against stakeholders who obstruct the smooth conduct of the electoral process,” they directed.

The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of peace, security and stability in ECOWAS for the economic development of the region.

They also reiterated their condemnation of terrorist attacks and expressed solidarity with the affected countries.

They lauded the cooperation among certain member states intending to effectively combat the scourge of terrorism and instructed the commission to support and extend cooperation to the states.

The Heads of State also urged member states to expediate the simplification of information and intelligence sharing mechanisms and the harmonisation of their legal systems to respond to terrorist attacks.

The 54th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had in attendance nine presidents while five were represented.

They are presidents Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Roch Kabore of Burkina Faso, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Alpha Conde of Guinea, José Mário Vaz of Guinea Bissau, Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger, Julius Madaa Bio of Sierra Leone and Faure Gnassingbe of Togo.

Sengal was represented by its Prime Minister, Mahammed Dionne, while The Gambia, Mali and Liberia were represented by their foreign ministers.

Benin was represented by its ambassador to Nigeria while Cape Verde was not present at the meeting.

Poultry excited over improved sales at Yueltide

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Poultry excited over improved sales at Yueltide

Some poultry farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed delight as they recorded high patronage ahead of the Christmas celebration.

The farmers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said in spite of the economic hardship, the level of patronage was encouraging.

Samuel Magaji, an old layer bird farmer in Gwagwalada, said that he had about 3, 000 birds and sales had been encouraging in the last few days compared to 2017.

Magaji added that due to paucity of funds, he was not able to rear so many birds as he would have wanted.

“I am very impressed with the level of patronage despite the economic hardship in the country, people are still buying.

“If the level of patronage continues the way it is going, all my birds would have been sold before Christmas.

“Some customers said they were advised by their doctors to avoid beef and red meats for health reasons, and should eat fish or chicken,’’ he said.

Magaji said that some old layer birds were going for N3, 000 and 4, 000, depending on the size, adding that they have rich taste than the broiler birds.

However, Mrs Sarah Kaka, a broiler bird farmer in Kuje Area Council, appealed to the government to support farmers with soft loans to boost their businesses.

Kaka said that poultry farming could promote the Federal Governments diversification of Nigeria’s economy if supported with soft loans.

According to her, poultry farming was capital intensive, saying that it was expensive to purchase farmlands in FCT as well as other farming inputs.

She said average size of broiler went for N3, 500, while a bigger size was between N4,000 and N5,000, depending on the size.

“I am very happy with the level of patronage so far, but due to lack of funds, I was not able to rear many birds as expected.

“Poultry farming in Nigeria is probably one of the most lucrative farming businesses you can do but requires adequate funding for it to thrive.

“The farmers we presently have are not producing enough poultry products because of inadequate funding.

“The government, especially ministry of agriculture should assist farmers with soft loans to enable us boost our business,’’ she said.

Another poultry farmer in Abaji Area Council, Mr Audu Musa, lamented the increase in the price of feeds, saying that it affected the prices of chicken sales during Christmas season.

He said that he had to increase the price of his chicken during the yuletide to enable him recover his capital and also make a little profit.

Buhari warns police against illicit conducts

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Buhari warns police against illicit conducts

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the police against unprofessional conducts such as illegal detention, extrajudicial killings, torture and violation of fundamental human rights.

All these demeaning acts were unacceptable and should be avoided by the Nigeria Police Force at all times, he said at the convocation and passing out parade of the First Regular Cadet Course at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

The President warned the police against acts that could bring the community in conflict with them.

”We must abide by the constitutional code of conduct in policing our people.

”The Police in its efforts to fight crime must work in partnership with the community. You cannot properly police the people without their consent,” President Buhari told the 602 graduands.

He also used the occasion to remind police officers to shun corruption and resist all temptations that impede the integrity and professionalism of the Force.

The president said: ”It is appropriate to warn you as Police Officers not to see yourselves as being above the Law. You must be above board and resist all temptations. Be contented with your salaries and allowances.

”The Government recently increased your general emoluments to make you more efficient and effective in the discharge of your duties. With this increase in your salaries, you have less reason to fall into temptations of financial or other inducements.

”Let me again reiterate that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. Corruption is the major reason the Nigerian economy has not developed at the rate of other comparable countries.

”If we must develop and reap the fruits of our democratic dispensation, we must shun corruption at all levels.

“It is, therefore, your responsibilities and other anti-corruption agencies to kill corruption before Corruption overtakes Nigeria.”

While commending the police for the successes they recorded in the fight against various aspects of crime in the country, the President acknowledged that they had worked closely with the military in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.

”I am aware that you have just deployed over 2000 Police Officers, including Special Forces to the North East to support the efforts of the Military.

”The success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East cannot be related without mentioning the support you are giving to the Military.

“The group is no longer occupying any Nigerian Territory as it used to before the advent of this administration.

”The recent attacks by the Boko Haram group can be likened to attempts of defeated insurgents to re-organise its ragtag and scattered individuals.

“This, however, will not be possible as adequate strategic plans have been put in place in conjunction with our neighbouring countries to completely wipe out the group, ” he said.

On the 2019 elections, President Buhari reiterated that it was the duty of the police, supported by other security agencies, to adequately secure the elections.

He said that the elections must be conducted in a violence free environment for it to be adjudged credible, free and fair in the eyes of both local and international observers.

”You must do everything possible to make the election violence free to avoid ballot box snatching, multiple voting, vote buying on sites, attack on electoral officers and other acts which might negatively impact on the elections and their outcome, ” the president said.

According to him, his administration will continue to do all that is possible to make the Nigeria Police efficient and responsive to the security needs of the country by providing the necessary assistance to make the operations technology based.

While congratulating the graduands on successfully completing the five-year training programme in the institution, President Buhari enjoined the new officers to be courageous and determined in the fight against all forms of crime in the country.

The President said he was happy to be the first serving President to witness the passing out parade of the first batch of Nigeria Police Academy Cadet Officers.

”You should consider yourselves privileged, not only for being able to complete the course but for being adjudged worthy in character, fitness and in learning to pass out as Cadet Assistants Superintendents in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a sword of honour to the best graduating Cadet ASP Shuaibu Aminu by the President.

He also presented an award to the best female graduating Cadet ASP Evangeline Babuba.

The event was also witnessed by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and other senior police officers.

PDP suffers massive defection to APC

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PDP suffers massive defection to APC

A major political setback has hit the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Kano state, as several party big guns switched to the ruling All Progressives Party.

Professor Hafiz Abubakar, former deputy governor of Kano state, who resigned recently to join Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is one of the politicians who made his way back to the APC.

Abubakar was among the staunch allies of Kwankwaso, members of his Kwankwassiya Movement, who have retraced their steps to the APC and who met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Buhari meets Hafiz Abubakar, former deputy governor, a supporter of Kwankwaso

In welcoming the party leaders back to the APC, President Buhari said the house was large enough to accommodate everyone and promised to speak to the leadership of the party and government in Kano to accommodate and work with the returnees.

He also appealed to stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country to work for genuine reconciliation “for the benefit of our people and our nation.”

Other returnees at the meeting include a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Aminu Dabo; the immediate past National Treasurer, Bala Mohammed Gwagwarwa; Security Adviser to Kwankwaso, retired Gen. Danjuma Dambazau; Eng. Mu’azu Magaji, all of them staunch members of Kwankwasiyya, as well as Sen. Isa Zarewa who left in protest against the last primaries.

The returnees were led to the President by the Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru.

Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje was also at the meeting with the President.

Responding to the Presidential directive, Gov. Ganduje welcomed the return of the party stalwarts and assured the President that he was ready to work with everyone to record yet another historic victory in the general elections.

Benue South 2019: Abba Moro kicks off campaign in Obagaji, Agatu December 28

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Benue South 2019: Abba Moro kicks off campaign in Obagaji, Agatu December 28

 

The senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue South, otherwise known as Zone C, Comrade Abba Moro, would on Friday, December 28, 2018 kick off his campaign at Obagaji, the headquarters of Agatu Local Government Area of the state.

Moro, fondly called the Ogigo Mebe K’Idoma would be flying the PDP flag in the National Assembly election slated for February 16, 2019.

A statement by Ameh Comrade Godwin, Director, Media and Publicity of the Abba Moro Campaign Organisation said: Expected to grace the flag off ceremony are; the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, his Deputy, Engr Benson Abounu and immediate past President of the Senate, Chief David Mark.

Others are: PDP chairman in Benue State, Sir John Ngbede, all LG chairmen of the party, all serving commissioners, members of the national and state assemblies representing PDP, local government chairmen and councillors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, party leaders across the senatorial district as well as all sons and daughters of Benue South.

During the event, Moro and his entourage would visit the palace of the traditional ruler of Agatu community, otherwise known as Ad’Agatu for royal blessing.

Interestingly, the party would also be welcoming thousands of new defectors to its fold from various political parties at the flag off.

“All sons and daughters of the land are invited to be part of this epoch-making ceremony as we kick-start the final journey to a #Better2Moro,” the statement read.

Insurgency: Nigerian Army restates commitment to protection of children, women in north east

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The Nigerian Army has restated its commitment to continue to safeguard the lives of women and children in the north eastern part of the country.

This was made known by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TY Buratai, at a media parley with Guild of Editors and media influencers in Nigeria.

The event took place at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri on Saturday.

The Army boss further disclosed that the Army was partnering with the United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and local NGOs in the north east in ensuring the safety of women and children in crisis-ridden areas.

Lt Gen Buratai reminded them that the army has also been doing its best in the discharge of its constitutional duties, respecting extant rules.

He blamed some Non-Governmental Organizations such as Amnesty International for consistently undermining their reputation and demoralizing troops through consistent and unfounded allegations of human rights abuses.

He said, “I want to emphasize that you play a vital role in security and national development. While we fight with guns to protect the society, you fight with your pens to do the same. Consequently, fighting without one another can be compared to fighting with one hand tied behind your back. That is why this interactive session is organized to fashion out ways of coming together to fight against the security challenges facing our dear country. We also invited you here with the best of intention, to commend you for the wonderful role you have been playing in nurturing our nascent democracy and also solicit your support in our efforts to rid our society of daunting security challenges. We also noted that most of the security problems we are confronted with in this country are associated with misinformation. Therefore, we have a great task of educating and enlightening the members of the public on the true situations, as the more enlightened a society is, the more it understands its roles and contributes positively towards an enhanced national security and development.

“We are therefore appealing to you to be more understanding in the discharge of your professional duties. Your support is highly required because of the immense role you play in shaping national focus and thus, national security. We want you to trust us more as we continue to defend the territorial integrity of our country. It does not augur well for national security and troops’ morale when the military is portrayed as weak and corrupt, not trusted or respected as was the case with the recent unfortunate attacks on our locations and the lopsided reports on them. The war against terrorism and insurgency need to be viewed and reported as it is; war between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and terrorists and criminals, not Nigerian Army versus the Boko Haram terrorists. We are carrying out these operations on behalf of the Nigerian State and the people. Therefore, we should enlighten the people to enable them understand, support our efforts and appreciate our sacrifices.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Nigerian Army, like every other human system or institution, is not, and cannot be perfect. Indeed, there were instances of observed gaps. For instance, when I took over command, I realized the need for an enhanced civil-military relations, hence our concerted efforts at strengthening the Department of Civil-Military Affairs through the establishment of Human Rights desk. We have also improved on our military justice system and do not spare any officer or soldier found culpable of human rights abuses and other offenses. I have ordered the constitution of General Court Martial to try various acts of indiscipline and other offenses at Operation LAFIYA DOLE, 2 Division, 81 Division, 82 Division and Army Headquarters Garrison. We have also created new formations and training institutions to enhance operational capacity and professional efficiency. These include the establishment of 6 and 8 Divisions of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, 16 and 17 Brigades of the Nigerian Army, Cyberwarfare Command and the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, amongst others.

“The world over, no Army has all its required resources; nonetheless, we are doing all we could to give the best of service to our combatants. The Nigerian Army under my leadership has made giant strides in the area of discharging our constitutional duties. My Command of the Nigerian Army is doing everything possible to ensure better welfare for the soldiers. We have constructed and renovated so many living and office accommodations for both officers and soldiers across the country and more is being done. We have also upgraded and rehabilitated various Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospitals, created Barracks Investments Initiative Programme that also caters for the welfare of troops’ families. In the Nigerian Army nobody tampers with pay and allowances of any officer or soldier. And wherever there are proven cases of deviation from our rules of engagement or laws, appropriate disciplinary measures were always taken against such erring personnel. However, we have noticed that there are consistent unjustified attacks against the Nigerian Army over troops’ welfare, particularly on pay and allowances, as well as allegations on human rights abuses. The allegations are rather unfortunate as they are not done in good faith and were mostly based on ignorance.

“At this juncture, I must clearly say that nobody loves Nigeria more than we do; therefore, we have been doing our best in the discharge of our constitutional duties, respecting extant rules. It is therefore preposterous for Non-Governmental Organizations such as Amnesty International to consistently be undermining our reputation and demoralizing our troops through consistent and unfounded allegations of human rights abuses. There is no doubt the organization cannot do what it is doing in Nigeria in many other sovereign countries.”

Osaro Onaiwu at 60: The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness celebrates an icon

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Osaro Onaiwu at 60: The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness celebrates an icon

Over the years, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has like old wine, mature into a rare and fine specie of those endowed with grace and are living gracefully.

Onaiwu, though a man of many parts, lives the conviction of his belief, one reason he has weathered not a few storms to remain a near-permanent feature of Nigeria’s political and social space.

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Edo state was born on December 23, 1958 in Benin City. A scion of educator parents reputed for their disciplinary streak, he attended Ogbe Primary School and Baptist High School, Benin City, Auchi Polytechnic majoring in Mass Communications and have attended several executive courses.

Onaiwu is not only a successful business man but has a rich political resume, which started in the Second Republic.
In 1983, he was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties to the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the famed former Governor of Old Bendel State, credited for the many legacy projects in Edo and Delta states.

In 2007, having washed his hands clean, the late former Vice-president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, appointed him as Special Adviser on Political & Public Affairs, a position he held until 2010.
Having ground himself in public organization with those and many other positions, Onaiwu was positioned to offer his patriotic service as coordinator, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from 2012- 2013; and later coordinator and then director general, PDP Governors’ Forum, in 2013 to 2015.

It was in this position that Dr. Bamaga Tukur, former PDP National Chairman 2013 – 2015, appointed him as Special Adviser on Governors and Government.
In 2018, he rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party and will be appointed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, sometime in August this year, as Special Liaison on State Matters.

For many, the appointment was a crystallization of the long held notion in the political space that the Edo state born experienced politician and public administrator, understands the matrix of engagement with state governors and governments.

Before his active foray in politics, Onaiwu, who many of his followers call the Earl, had cut an enviable niche for himself on the social space with his sartorial taste and love for the arts and entertainment generally.

Owing to this, the Earl remains a toast of Nigerian entertainers as he provided a platform in the bourgeoning days of the country’s film and video industry to the upstarts.

The vehicle which he used to not only print his imprimatur as Nigeria’s primus inter pares in protocol services and events management, but to galvanise the top echelon of society is Red Carpet Protocols.

Over the years, Red Carpet Protocols became the signature for those who are keen on details to attention when planning their occasions.

The point needs to be made that Osaro’s odyssey – political and business-wise- has not come cheap but through dint of hard work, loyalty and commitment to excellence backed by the patience of learning, retooling and knowledgeable about timing.

Over the years, he has demonstrated that he is a man of many parts; entrepreneur, socialite, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and fundamentally, a vehicle for the formation of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

In the early days when the governors were without a coordinating body to present a common front on issues affecting states, Onaiwu proposed a peer review mechanism to the then chairman of the NGF and his current boss, Senate President Saraki, where states can leverage on their economies of scale for accelerated development. Years on, his vision has lived on leading to his being a pivotal presence in the circle of governors over the years.

Speaking on what drives him in an interview recently, he said: “There is no shortcut to doing well in any human endeavour especially in wanting to serve your people. You need to have vision, focus and sincerity of purpose and for you to do that you have to put in your energy, drive, passion, creativity and loyalty or commitment if you like.”
It is something of a cheer that he sees the solution in every challenge. Little wonder he cringes when others find fault rather than seek for answers. According to him, it is common for people to lament, point out faults of a system that is not working but rarely offering clear perspectives on solutions.
And true to his conviction, as a governorship candidate, his motto was ‘Solution!’

As he clocks 60 this Sunday, there is little doubt that this man who towers imposingly as Nigeria’s Number 1, protocol impresario is not your normal run-of-the-mill politician with all sorts of baggage. He has managed to stay the course, eschewing political divisions, shunning religious schisms and the temptation of filthy lucre.

A true and passionate family man, it is only fitting to say, may you continue to sail the winds like Odysseus and always come up with the crown.

Supplied by Dr. Gabriel Nwambu

CDS, Olonisakin leads Service Chiefs to visit troops

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CDS, Olonisakin leads Service Chiefs to visit troops

By Ajogwu Jerry

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, alongside the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, accompanied by some Principal Staff Officers from the Defence and Services Headquarters have paid an operational visit to Operation LAFIYA DOLE theatre in the North East to dialogue with troops.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations
Theatre Command, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu they were received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai who has been in the theatre of Operation for weeks.

During the visit, the CDS was briefed by the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, on the operational activities of the troops in the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations.

The CDS and the Service Chiefs used the opportunity to interact with other field commanders who in turn gave updates on the operational activities in their respective areas of responsibility.

“The visit which was essentially to evaluate the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East, ended on a successful note as it was entirely hitch free,” the statement concluded.

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