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2024: 1 Division Nigerian Army succeeds in improving security – GOC
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, has said the division has recorded modest achievements in improving security in its Area of Responsibility (AOR) in 2024.
Saraso stated this at the annual 2024 West African Social Activities(WASA), held at the 2 Battalion parade ground in Ribadu Military Cantonment on Saturday in Kaduna.
He commended the troops for their robust and aggressive clearance operations against insurgents in Niger and Kaduna States, which had led to the release of kidnapped victims and the surrender of bandits.
The GOC acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies and stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WASA is an annual event that marks end of the year training and the regimental activities.
It affords officers, soldiers and their families the opportunity to socially interact, showcase their rich cultural heritage that enhances the unity of people.
Saraso recalled that the security situation in Kaduna when he assumed duty as the GOC was disturbing due to criminal activities.
“In the beginning of the year, there was the abduction of the Kuriga school children and also the unfortunate bombing of the Tudun Biri community, which we seriously regretted and took measures.
“But, here we are running through this year, most of these incidents have been curtailed, criminal activities have also reduced to a large extent,”he said.
According to him, commuters can now freely drive unescorted, unlike the beginning of the year where the travelers were put together and escorted to and from by the military especially along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
Saraso said, “With time, we stopped escorting, we started picketing the road at intervals.
”Today, we are only doing patrol along the road, with commuters driving freely. It is a big achievement for us.”
Similarly, the GOC said along the road and rail line of Kaduna-Abuja corridors, they have also recorded tremendous progress, almost free of criminal activities as compared to the previous years.
He, therefore, said with all the achievements they have recorded, there was every reason for them to come together with their families, friends, stakeholders to celebrate and think of what they would do in the new year.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the support and guidance in the conduct of their operations.
Saraso also expressed appreciation to the Army chief in enhancing professionalism and regimentation in the Nigerian Army.
He also thanked the government and people of Kaduna state, the media and other stakeholders including security and law enforcement agencies for their cooperation and support.
Gov. Uba Sani said he was particularly impressed by their division’s achievements in combating kidnapping, cattle rustling, and banditry.
Sani, represented by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr James Kanyip, said the division successes have had a profound impact on the security of the state and its surrounding areas.
He said the collaborative approach with other security agencies through Operation FANSAN YAMMA had significantly contributed to the peace and stability of the state.
Saraso said, “The gallantry and courage displayed by your troops in these operations are both commendable and deeply appreciated.
”As we look toward 2025, I assure you of my steadfast support and encourage you to remain focused and resilient in confronting emerging challenges.”
Sani urged the 1 Division to continue embracing the highest standards of professionalism, steadfastness, proactiveness, and ever-committed to the noble task of safeguarding Kaduna state and nation in general.
NAN also reports that awards were given to the soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024. (NAN)
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has assured that all security challenges facing the nation will be effectively addressed by the year’s end.
This statement was made during the launch of attack drones and the demonstration of locally produced bombs, developed by a homegrown technology firm.
The event was attended by security specialists and senior government officials, as General Musa showcased the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the audience.
Accompanied by Ajao Adewale, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, and Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the ongoing bureaucratic obstacles in acquiring military equipment from abroad.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the urgency for decisive measures against insecurity, calling on leaders to prevent any entity within the nation from possessing military capabilities.
The operational features of the UAVs were also demonstrated, with General Musa expressing satisfaction with this advancement, labeling it a pivotal step in combating insecurity in the country.
The Supreme Court has set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have pronounced Abure National Chairman of the LP having earlier found that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
It held that issue of leadership was internal affair of a party over which courts lacked jurisdiction.
The court allowed the appeal filed by Senator Ester Nenadi Usman and one other and held that it was meritorious.
It proceeded to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the LP got being unmeritorious.
Details shortly…
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has resigned from his position, According to Daily Trust.
The newspaper quoted sources as saying that the former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) resigned two weeks ago.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Baba-Ahmed as special adviser on political matters to Shettima in September 2023.
Baba-Ahmed is the elder sibling of Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election.
Baba-Ahmed served as chief of staff to Bukola Saraki, former senate president, from 2017-2019.
CONFRONTATION WITH MATAWALLE OVER NEF
In April 2024, Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, described the NEF as a “political paperweight” after the group stated that the north made a mistake voting Tinubu in 2023.
In his reaction to Matawalle’s remarks, Baba-Ahmed said it would have served the Tinubu administration better if Matawalle had listed his achievements as minister — and the achievements of the other northern appointees — instead of attacking NEF.
“Scathing criticism of NEF by a junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised. He could have done a better job for this admin if he identified contributions of especially northern ministers and other appointees like me to improving security and reducing poverty in the North,” Baba-Ahmed said.
In a riposte, the minister said any appointee must defend and promote the administration they work for.
“Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) is well-known,” Matawalle said.
“The fact now is that he is an appointee of the administration as Special Adviser and it is incumbent on him to work for the success of the government he is part of, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons.
“It is pertinent to state that every appointee of President Tinubu including Dr. Baba-Ahmed owes the government a copious duty to promote, elucidate and advance the good works and commendable efforts of the government across all sectors.”
He added that northern appointees must defend the government or take their exit.
Matawalle is a native of Zamfara while Baba-Ahmed hails from Kaduna.