COAS FELICITATES WITH OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, FAMILIES ON ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATION 2022…Assures of care for the injured
The Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has felicitated with officers, soldiers and their families on the occasion of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) 2022. The COAS conveyed his felicitation in a Goodwill Message on Friday 7 January 2022 at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. In his goodwill message, Gen Yahaya noted that the Celebration, is organized annually in recognition of our fallen heroes; gallant men and women, who paid the supreme price in the defence of peace, unity and prosperity of our dear nation, Nigeria and the world at large.
He reiterated that many of the fallen heroes laid down their lives during the First and Second World Wars, Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations across the globe and various Internal Security Operations, including ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry and secesionism, amongst other threats to national security.
The COAS maintained that their sacrifices will never be forgotten and prayed for the repose of their souls. The AFRDC, he said also presents an opportunity to honour veterans who are still alive. He stressed that many of the veterans regrettably sustained varying degrees of injuries in the course of their service to the nation and humanity. He added that care for the injured and maimed personnel will remain a cardinal focus under his command.
While appreciating troops for their sacrifices in achieving success across all spectrum of operations conducted by the Nigerian Army(NA), he urged them not to relent but to sustain and consolidate on the successes recorded so far.
The COAS called on officers and soldiers of the NA to be loyal to constituted authority and ensure greater collaboration and synergy with sister Services and other Security Agencies in the pursuit of peace and security in Nigeria. He equally used the medium to reaffirm the unalloyed loyalty of the NA under his watch to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
OPERATION SAFE HAVEN COMMENDED FOR UNITING DIVERSE GROUPS FROM PLATEAU, BAUCHI AND KADUNA STATES
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has commended Operation SAFE HAVEN for uniting youths of diverse backgrounds in its area of operation. The governor gave the commendation today 8 January 2022 during the Grand Finale of the Chief of Defence Staff Peace and Unity Marathon and Football Competition organized by Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof Danladi Attu, Governor Lalong noted that bringing the youths together from 24 local government areas of Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna states is a novel idea towards promoting unity, friendship and teamwork. He maintained that the competition was an indication that sporting activities could be used to unite the youths and take them out of crime.
Governor Lalong further lauded the pragmatic approach of Operation SAFE HAVEN in deploying non-kinetic means to solving communal crises in its area of operation. He urged the participants to be agents of peace in their respective domains in order to consolidate on the efforts of the security agencies in securing citizens’ lives and property.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Governors of Kaduna and Bauchi states represented by the Commissioner (Administration) Kafanchan Municipal, Hon Phoebe Sukai Yayi and Special Adviser to Bauchi State Governor on Security, Brigadier General MJ Yake (Rtd) said the competition was capable of fostering unity and bringing permanent peace to the nation if emulated by both private and public institutions.
They commended Operation SAFE HAVEN for its commitment to national security and congratulated the youths for participating in the competition. They also urged the participants to consider a career in sports which could bring glory to the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, called on all peace loving citizens to unite against the enemies of peace in the society. He urged the youths to distance themselves from activities that will destroy their future, noting that exposing bad eggs in the society is the surest way to achieving peace. He further assured that the competition would enhance robust civil/military relations of the command.
While encouraging the athletes to make good use of the opportunity provided by the competition to discover and develop their potentials towards becoming better persons in the society, General Ali called on community and religious leaders to champion the course of peace in their various domains.
Also Speaking during the event, His Royal Highness the Mbra Ngwe, Rtd Rev Ronku Aka , the paramount ruler of Irigwe kingdom and the Ardo of Gashish, Ardo Idris were optimistic that the event has proved that peace has come to stay. They called on the youths to maximally support security agencies and never to harbour criminals in their communities.
Highlight of the event were presentation of trophies, medals and cash prizes to the champions, second, third and fourth positions of the football tournament as well as winners of the boys and girls categories of the marathon competition. Consolation prizes were also presented to physically challenged, oldest and youngest competitors of the tournament.
You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for the usual cooperation.
ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
8 January 2022
OP Hadin Kai: Troops Inflict Casualty On Boko Haram/Iswap Terrorists, Destroy Illegal Market
Troops of 5 Brigade, Sector 3 Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation HADIN KAI, while consolidating on their dogged push to deplete Boko Haram(BH) and Islamic State West Africa Province Terrorists (ISWAP) in Borno State, recorded a decisive victory against the terrorists in Damask on Friday 7 January 2022.
The gallant troops, while conducting clearance operations, code named Operation DOMINANCE I, came in contact with the terrorists at an illegal market operated by the terrorists in Gallo Malawari Village. In the fierce encounter, three BH/ISWAP terrorists were neutralized, while others, bowing to superior firepower retreated in disarray.
Troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle, a truck, two Motorcycles, four empty magazines and rounds of 7.62mm ammunition amongst others.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Bri. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu has statement at the weekend
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) will conduct its final outdoor Field Training Exercise for Army Cadets of Short Service Course 47, nicknamed Exercise CAMP HIGHLAND, in Plateau and Kaduna States, respectively, from 8 – 29 January 2022.
The Exercise is designed to test the cadets leadership skills, physical fitness, as well as command and control abilities, among other military competencies. The Exercise is an important military training activity used in ascertaining the preparedness of the Army cadets for commissioning as Officers into the Nigerian Armed Forces. Phases of the Exercise that would take place in Plateau State include Map Reading Exercise at Heipang and Adventure Training at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, from 8 – 14 January 2022. Furthermore, Tactical Drills and Battle Inoculation Drills would take place in Kachia general area from 14 – 29 January 2022.
Consequently, communities living around Heipang and Shere Hills, Jos in Plateau State would observe mass movement of military personnel, vehicles and equipment in the general area from 8-15 January 2022. Similarly, residents of KATUL CROSSING – FADAN KAMANTA axis in ZAGON KATAF Local Government Area of Kaduna State will observe same tactical drills involving firing /simulation of small arms and artillery fire from 15 -19 January 2022. Residents in the general areas mentioned above are therefore advised not to panic but to go about their normal daily routine activities without fear. They are to however advised to report any breach of security to the nearest authorities. Furthermore, Battle Inoculation, which would involve live firing of small arms, amour and artillery weapons will be conducted from 20 – 29 January 2022 within the Military Exercise Area near Nigerian Army Base Camp, Kachia. Therefore, locals around ANINKWA, INSAME and neighboring communities are advised to stay away from the live firing area during the period of the exercise. On our part, all necessary safety measures and arrangements have been put in place to ensure safety in the exercise areas.
We wish to appeal for cooperation from the local communities directly affected by the Exercise and Nigerians as a whole as we train future military leaders for our Armed Forces. You are please requested to use your medium to enlighten the general public, particularly the inhabitants of the aforementioned areas. While thanking you for your usual cooperation, please accept the esteemed regards of the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy.
BASHIR MUHAMMED JAJIRA
Major
Academy Public Relations Officer
7 January 2022
Press Release: Defence HQ Reel Out Achievements of Nigeria’s Military
1.Good morning and happy New Year Gentlemen of the Press. I am glad to welcome you back from the Christmas and New Year as we continue in our fortnight briefings on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in this New Year 2022. In the last year, the DDMO worked hard to meet its mandate of managing and disseminating credible information on our military operations from the theatres of operation across the Country. This was made possible by the joint efforts of the Defence Headquarters as well as the various Service Headquarters and of course, you gentlemen of the press, with your full cooperation and support as well as the entire media community. As we continue with our business of keeping the general public abreast with our operational activities, we deem it necessary to jog memories on our achievements through the unrelenting and committed efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in tackling the security challenges across the Country in the past year. This would give a better perspective of the cumulative achievements resulting from our operational engagements in the various theatres. Against this backdrop, the briefing today will cover a cumulative summary of our achievements between 20 May 2021 and 6 January 2022; from when we started our fortnight briefings.
2.Within the timeframe in focus, own troops conducted series of land, maritime and air operations in the various theatres, involving both kinetic and non-kinetic activities across the Country in major and subsidiary operations. Our gallant troops in the frontlines executed these operations with utmost zest that resulted in the incapacitation of terrorists’ fighting capability and neutralization of scores of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, including high profile ones, who were either neutralized in action or arrested. Furthermore, large numbers of terrorists have continued to surrender due to troops’ overwhelming superior combat power and intelligence activities. Also, troops rescued kidnapped civilians as well as repelled and forestalled criminal elements’ attacks on civilians and troops. Troops also recovered caches of arms and ammunition, equipment, vehicles and large numbers of livestock within the period. In the maritime environment, our ever resilient and dogged troops’ operations disrupted activities of economic saboteurs and smugglers, immobilized illegal refining sites and arrested perpetrators as well as recovered tons of petroleum products, arms, ammunition, vehicles, boats and other equipment used for illegal bunkering activities. Besides, troops engaged in various non-kinetic activities as strategies for addressing security challenges in different theatres.
OPERATION HADIN KAI
3.Within the period under review, own troops operational activities in Operation HADIN KAI theatre resulted in the neutralization of 950 terrorists including their high profile Commanders and Amirs. Also, a total of 79 terrorists were arrested and 113 kidnapped civilians were rescued by the troops of Operation HADIN KAI within the period. In the same vein, a total of 195 assorted arms including AK-47 rifles, GPMGs, PKT guns and locally fabricated guns were recovered from terrorist elements in the course of the operations. In addition, a total of 2,385 rounds of different calibres of ammunition and 253 rustled livestock were recovered, while a total of 14 gun trucks of the terrorists were destroyed in the course of the operations, while 16 gun trucks were captured by own troops within the period. Furthermore, a total of 24,059 terrorists and their families comprising 5,326 adult males, 7,550 adult females and 11,183 children have so far surrendered to own troops in the North East. All surrendered elements have been properly profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions.
OPERATION HADARIN DAJI
4.In Operation HADARIN DAJI, the operational efforts of our gallant troops yielded appreciable results between 20 May 2021 and 6 January 2022. A total of 537 armed bandits and other criminal elements were neutralized in action by own troops, while 374 criminal elements including armed bandits and their collaborators as well as armed herdsman and robbers were arrested. Furthermore, 227 assorted arms, including AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns and GPMGs as well as 4,443 rounds of different calibres of ammunition and 3,250 rustled livestock among other items and vehicles were recovered within the period. Similarly, a total of 238 motorcycles and 118 extra rifle magazines were recovered, while 452 kidnapped civilians were rescued by own troops in the course of the operations. This is in addition to several other feats recorded during air offensives executed on bandits’ enclaves by the Air Component. Recent among prominent air offensives were concurrent air strikes executed on bandits’ enclaves at Gusami Forest and West Tsamre village in Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State, which led to the neutralization of scores of armed bandits. The feats were recorded in the early hours of 3 January 2022 on the heels of credible intelligence, which revealed the locations of 2 key bandits’ leaders, the notorious Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga. Consequently, a force package of NAF platforms were dispatched to takeout the enclaves, which resulted in the neutralization of the leaders as well as their cohorts. In addition, several other armed bandits fleeing from the hit of the air strikes, were killed during follow up strikes. No fewer than 100 armed bandits were neutralized in the encounter.
OPERATION SAFE HAVEN
5.Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN within the period recorded attendant successes in their kinetic operations within the North Central Zone. Some of the operations led to the arrest of a total of 1,771 criminal elements including armed bandits, armed herdsmen and livestock rustlers; while 109 armed bandits and other criminal elements were neutralized in action. Also, in the course of the operations, a total of 75 kidnapped civilians were rescued, while 1,306 livestock, 108 assorted arms including AK-47 rifles and locally produced guns as well as 493 rounds of different calibres of ammunition among other items were recovered in the course of the operations. Moreover, troops carried out various non-kinetic activities in different locations of the theatre to contain security challenges in its area of responsibility. Some of these include; organized peace and security meetings with critical security stakeholders to discuss and proffer actionable solutions to security concerns as well as organized sporting activities for youths, in other to dissuade them from criminal activities, with consolation prizes.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
6.Between 20 May 2021 and 6 January 2022, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operational activities cumulatively resulted in the neutralization of a total of 168 criminal elements, while 127 of them, including migrant armed bandits were arrested. Also, 118 different types of arms and 381 different calibres of ammunitions as well as 391 livestock were recovered, while 33 kidnapped civilians were rescued within the period under review. In addition, Operation WHIRL STROKE within the period, held peace and security meetings with community and youth leaders as well as other security agencies and other critical stakeholders as non-kinetic means of tackling insecurity challenges in the its area of responsibility. These meetings were geared towards finding lasting solutions to the security challenges in the North Central Zone.
OPERATION THUNDER STRKE/WHIRL PUNCH
7.Within the Operation THUNDER STRKE/WHIRL PUNCH theatre, own troops in the period under review, engaged in various kinetic operations which cumulatively resulted in the neutralization of 44 and arrest of 46 criminal elements. Troops operations also led to the recovery of 59 assorted arms, 12 extra AK-47 rifles magazines, 113 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 16 motorcycles among other items in the course of the operations. Additionally, a total of 14 kidnapped civilians were rescued and reunited with their families within the period under review.
OPERATION DELTA SAFE
8.In Operation DELTA SAFE, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria working in conjunction with other Security Agencies recorded remarkable results in their efforts against economic sabotage and other sundry crimes in the South-South Zone. Within the period under review, troops discovered and immobilized a cumulative total of 145 illegal refining sites, 209 ovens, 122 cooking pots/boilers, 161 cooling systems, 224 reservoirs, 160 large dugout pits and 367 storage tanks in the Niger Delta Region. Consequently, a total of Twelve million, eight hundred and fourty-six thousand, three hundred (12,846,300) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil as well as 29,237 barrels and six million, four hundred and nighty-one thousand (6,491,000) litres of stolen crude oil were recovered within the period. Similarly, a total of Three million, nine hundred and sixty-nine thousand (3,969,000) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene; Ten million, two hundred thousand, five hundred (10,200,500) litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit were recovered by troops of Operation DELTA SAFE. Additionally, troops recovered 33 assorted arms; 5,268 rounds of different calibres of ammunition and 21 AK-47 rifle magazines, while 3,110 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled smuggled rice, 662 pieces of galvanized pipes, 32 tanker trucks and 119 wooden boats used for illegal oil bunkering activities were impounded and handled appropriately in the course of the operations. Also, a total of 41 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 77 criminal elements associated with pipeline vandalism, piracy, illegal oil bunkering and armed robbery were arrested within the period. All the arrested criminals and recovered items have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further action.
OPERATION AWATSE
9.The troops of Operation AWATSE in the fight against pipeline vandals and economic saboteurs in the South-West Zone successfully forestalled criminal activities within the period under review. In the course of the operations, troops impounded a total of 1,458,600 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit; 9,345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. Additionally, troops recovered a total of 1,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles. Also, within the period, a total of 15 illegal refining sites were immobilized, while 12 boats and 13 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested. In the same vein, within the period 15 kidnapped civilians were rescued, while 28 criminal elements were arrested.
10.In summary, the Armed Forces of Nigeria from 20 May 2021 to 6 January 2022 neutralized 1,910 criminal elements including terrorists, armed bandits and robbers as well as kidnappers across the Country. This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during air strikes within the period. Troops also rescued a total of 729 kidnapped victims across the Country. Furthermore, within the period in focus, troops made a cumulative total recoveries of thirteen million, two hundred and one thousand, three hundred (13,201,300) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and three million, nine hundred and sixty-nine thousand (3,969,000) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene. Also, 38,582 barrels and six million, four hundred and ninety-one thousand (6,491,000) litres of stolen crude oil as well as eleven million, six hundred and fifty-nine thousand, five hundred (11,659,500) litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit were recovered and handed appropriately. Additionally, a total of 912 criminal elements were arrested, while large cache of arms and ammunition as well as livestock among other items of economic and security concerns were recovered by the troops during the period.
11.Gleaning from the available information as I have just presented, there is no gain saying that our operational performance for the year 2021 shows our commitment to ensure peace is restored in the Country. It shows the synergy between the Nigerian military and other Security Agencies is succeeding in tackling the security challenges facing the Country. We will continue to sustain the offensive and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria. The general public is also assured of our commitment to protect lives and properties as well as our economic assets anywhere, with renewed vigour this year.
12.The High Command of the Nigerian Military continues to thank the general public and members of the press for their support and further solicit everyone’s cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in our operations. The Military High Command also commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the Country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment. Troops are further encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in securing the Country. Once again I thank you members of the press for your understanding and support for our course.
BENARD ONYEUKO
Major General
Acting Director
6 January 2022Defence Media Operations
7
Down College Sylvester Oromoni CP Odumosu Gives Full Details Of Investigation
There is no evidence to establish that 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr was tortured, bullied or forcefully positioned, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu stated this at a press conference on Friday while giving update on the investigation into the cause of the death of the late student of the Dowen College.
While speaking to pressmen at the state command, which National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE was represented, Odumosu denied any form cover-up that alleged by Sylvester Oromoni’s parent and members of the public.
According to the CP, eight suspects were arrested which included three House Masters of the College and five students who were said to have mentioned by Sylvester before his death.
The suspects were;
1. Valentine Igbokwe ‘m’ aged 45
2. Ahmed Bariyu ‘m’ aged 52
3. Adesanya Olusegun ‘m’ aged 42
4. Ansel Temile ‘m’ aged 14
5. Michael Kashamu ‘m’ aged 15
6. Kenneth Inyang ‘m’ aged 15
7. Favour Benjamin ‘m’ aged 16
8. Edward Begue ‘m’ aged 16
The commissioner confirmed that the Police Force obtained a remand warrant at the Yaba Magistrate Court to enable the Police detain the suspects for 21 days and all parties were interviewed by him. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that the student’s suspects were granted bail before the expiration of the 21 days and house masters after the expiration of 21 days.
Further, the CP said it was agreed unanimously that another autopsy should be carried out after a post mortem examination was carried out earlier by a Consultant Pathologist, Dr Clement Vhriterhire which attributed the cause of the death to ‘acute bacteria pneumonia due to severe sepsis’. The second autopsy carried out in the presence of all parties representatives attributed the cause of death to ‘septicaemia, lobar pneumonia with acute pyelonephritis and pyomyositis of the right ankle’.
Conclusively, Odumosu reaffirms that the final results of the post mortem and toxicology examination conducted both at Warri and Lagos agreed that the Sylvester Oromoni died a natural death.
In the same vein, the Lagos State Police Command frowns at the protest conducted by a group called Ijaw Youth Council, Lagos led by Comrade Henry Oyobola.
The protest which was said to have happened in front Bowen College for hours witnessed masquerades with placards. According the CP, the act caused panic within the community and was able to come down with the help of men of the Police command.
He warned those threatening to go to any length to protest the outcome of the investigations to go the legal way or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
WEARING OF MILITARY UNIFORM BY UNAUTHORISED PERSONS AND POLITICIANS FOR ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGN POSTERS IS ILLEGAL
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has noticed with dismay that some politicians have formed the habit of wearing military uniforms and accoutrements for electioneering campaign posters.
The campaign posters of some Governors, dressed in military camouflage uniforms, are displayed in noticeable areas in their respective states. This is manifestly illegal and an abuse of the privilege of allowing civilians wear military uniforms during military training exercises.
It is necessary to restate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as a professional institution, remains apolitical and, as such, would not want to be dragged into any form of political bias. Accordingly, it is important to advise politicians and others to desist from the use of military uniforms and accoutrements for political events and other engagements henceforth. Please note, anyone found culpable in this regard would be liable to prosecution
This was contained in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, Honourable Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, dated January 5, 2022.
“I heartily felicitate with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya as he marks another milestone on the occasion of his 56th birthday,” it said
Zailani said just like wine, the older the better, he is optimistic that the new age comes with more wisdom and experience to help Nigerian Army succumb the various security challenges bedeviling the country.
“I am optimistic that he will consolidate on the successes achieved since he was appointed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.
It would be recalled that the COAS, General Yahaya was born on January 5, 1966 in Bodinga Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
He is a Lieutenant General of the Nigerian Army and the 22nd Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 27, 2021.
NAF APPOINTS NEW BRANCH CHIEFS, AIR OFFICERS COMMANDING, OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS
Postings and redeployments in the military are routine exercises intended to reinvigorate the Services for greater performance, enhanced productivity, operational efficiency, and effective service delivery. It is in view of the foregoing that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has approved the appointment of new Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of tri-Service and NAF institutions as well as Unit Commanders. Among the newly appointed Branch Chiefs are Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ayoola Jolasinmi, erstwhile Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command (ATC), Kaduna who is now the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP) at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), former Chief of Aircraft Engineering at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF), AVM Musa Muktar moves to DHQ as Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, (CDTI), former AOC Logistics Command (LC), Ikeja, AVM Charles Ohwo is now the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), HQ NAF, Abuja, AVM Jackson Yusuf, former AOC Special Operations Command (SOC), Bauchi is now appointed Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP), HQ NAF, while AVM Abubakar Liman heads the Air Intelligence Branch as the Chief of Air Intelligence, HQ NAF.
Also appointed are AVM Emmanuel Wonah, former Managing Director NAF Investments Limited (NAFIL) as Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CAcE), HQ NAF, AVM Raimi Salami is now redeployed as the Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS) HQ NAF, while AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya has been appointed as Chief of Logistics (CLOG), HQ NAF. Furthermore, AVM Aliyu Bello, erstwhile AOC Mobility Command (MC), Yenagoa is now the Chief of Standards and Evaluation (COSE), HQ NAF, AVM Nelson Calmday is to take over as the Chief of Administration (COA), HQ NAF and AVM Paul Jemitola is now the Air Secretary, HQ NAF.
In the same vein, former Commander 081 Pay and Accounting Group, Ikeja, AVM John Ochomma is now the Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB), HQ NAF, AVM Idi Lubo, erstwhile AOC Tactical Air Command (TAC) proceeds to Lagos as Commandant Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (AFRC), AVM Anthony Tuwase takes over as the Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji while former AOC Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu, AVM Mohammed Yakubu is the new Commandant of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna just as AVM Sayo Olatunde is now the Commandant Air Force War College (AFWC), Makurdi. The newly appointed AOCs are AVM Abraham Adole, AOC TAC, Makurdi, AVM Tajudeen Yusuf, AOC SOC, Bauchi, AVM Iboro Etukudo, AOC MC, Yenagoa, AVM Nanjul Kumzhi, AOC ATC, Kaduna, while the former Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Ibikunle Daramola is now the AOC, GTC, Enugu and AVM Hassan Abubakar who is now the AOC LC, Ikeja.
Also appointed are AVM Emmanuel Eze as the Group Managing Director NAF Holding Company, Air Commodore Esen Efanga now the Commander Air Task Force Operation HADIN KAI while Group Captain Dogari Apyeyak is now the Air Component Commander, Operation Thunder Strike.
While congratulating the new appointees, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, charged them to continually task and explore their critical thinking mindsets towards proffering workable solutions and strategies to be deployed against the various security challenges in the Country.
This, the CAS noted, is imperative particularly at this period that the NAF, in tandem with sister Services and other security agencies, are consolidating on the gains being recorded against all forms of criminality in the Country. The newly appointed and redeployed senior officers are expected to assume their new offices on or before Friday, 7 January 2022.
Minister of Defence Charges Newly Promoted Generals on Loyalty and Professionalism
…Urges them to restore peace and security in the country
The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD) Major General Bashir Magashi(rtd) has charged newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Army (NA) to discharge their duties professionally and remain loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The HMOD made the remarks today 30 December 2021during the decoration of newly promoted Brig Gens to substantive rank of Major General and Colonels to the rank of Brigadier General at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
The HMOD, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, felicitated with the newly promoted senior officers, describing their elevation as a recognition for their diligence and selfless sacrifices individually and collectively to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation in general.
He reminded the promoted senior officers of the enormous responsibilities that come with their promotion, adding that the country relied on their wealth of knowledge, character and professionalism to develop an enduring panacea that will completely defeat insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality in the country.
The HMOD assured that the Federal Government will continue to support the NA, especially in the acquisition of military hardware to facilitate the conduct of its operations across the country.
Speaking at the investiture, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya charged the newly decorated senior officers to remain loyal to the President and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He reminded them of the current security challenges and urged them to remain focused in their effort to ensure peace and security across the country.
He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and for his strategic guidance and the confidence reposed in the NA and other security agencies.
One of the newly decorated senior officers, Major General Chijioke Onwunle, who spoke on behalf of all the decorated officers reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion are the Honourable Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd), Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, Chairman House Committee on Army Honourable Abdulrazak Namdas, the Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly Rt Hon Ysuf Zailani, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, His Excellency Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd), Representatives of the Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, President Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Mrs Salamatu Faruk Yahaya, serving and retired senior officers, Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, amongst others.
