Security
Nigerian Army Gears Up For COAS Annual Conference 2023 In Maiduguri
In anticipation of the COAS Annual Conference 2023, the Nigerian Army (NA) has finalized arrangements to convene in Maiduguri, the vibrant capital of Borno State.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, disclosed that the conference, themed “Personnel Motivation for Effective Operational Performance in a Joint Environment,” will kick off on 10 December and extend through 16 December 2023.
The chosen venue is the Major General MSA Aliyu Hall at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri.
This week-long event stands as a cornerstone in the NA’s annual schedule, holding paramount significance for national security, peace, and stability.
It serves as a platform for comprehensive reflection, evaluation, and in-depth scrutiny of the NA’s ongoing operational involvements across all six geo-political zones throughout the year.
The conference promises to be a pivotal juncture for the NA, facilitating informed decision-making to address the country’s intricate security challenges effectively.
The conference will initiate a thorough assessment of the NA’s operational engagements across diverse theatres of operations.
This inclusive review spans activities within the six geo-political zones, enabling the NA to gauge progress and strategize for the future.
During the event, there will be a focused interface between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and General Officers Commanding, Field Commanders, and other senior officers.
This interaction aims to provide strategic guidance, enhancing NA operations and activities.
Scheduled to open on 11 December 2023, the conference will have the honour of hosting His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as the Special Guest of Honour.
A lecture titled “Whole of Society Approach and Military Operations in Nigeria” will be presented by Lieutenant General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, adding valuable insights to the conference agenda.
On 12 December 2023, the conference will witness the commissioning of Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation projects, aimed at bringing relief to communities in Borno State.
From 13 to 14 December 2023, a series of briefs and operational updates will be presented and deliberated upon, addressing various activities of the NA.
The conference will culminate on 15 December with closing remarks by the COAS, marking the end of this significant gathering.
The explosion followed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists on the dilapidated and deserted road which passes through the Sambisa forest.
According to several sources, the explosion happened while cars on a scheduled military-escorted convoy were transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri on Saturday leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.
The Maiduguri-Damboa Road links Maiduguri to several local government areas in Southern Borno and has been a hotspot for Boko Haram terrorists for over a decade.
The road was closed to vehicles and commuters until the administration of Babagana Zulum opened the road for passengers to travel to Damboa, Chibok and other LGAs in southern Borno with the help of a military convoy serving as security cover for the commuters.
The convoy traverses the road two times a week after scanning for IED by the military and this has been going on for over two years now.
The injured persons whose numbers are yet to be specified have been conveyed to a hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.
A student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has been abducted by unidentified gunmen following an off-campus hostel attack.
Channels reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Istijaba Villa in Unguwar Jeji area of the state.
Witness accounts said five armed men entered the hostel to demand money from students who were taking a walk outside.
But the students refused to give in to their demands, which led to an assault from the attackers.
A resident, who was said to have attempted intervention, was shot dead while a final-year student of economics, simply identified as Madubiya, was whisked away by the assailants.
Responding to the incident, Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, the vice-chancellor of FUBK, visited the scene in the company of the officers from the Kalgo police division and Department of State Services (DSS).
Addressing the students, Zaiyan-Umar said the university is committed to ensuring their safety and security.
It is understood that the VC has communicated the incident to Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi state, through the secretary to the state government and the director of security services at the cabinet office.
As of this reporting, the Kebbi state police command has yet to respond to enquiries about the incident.
In 2021, rumours soared of a planned attack by bandits after a heavy security presence was observed on campus.
At the time, the management of FUBK dismissed the claims.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding a lasting solution to the incessant attacks and killings in Plateau State.
Speaking at Operation Safe Haven headquarters in Jos during an operational visit in the aftermath of attacks in some communities of the Bokkos Local Government Area LGA) of the state, Ribadu promised to end the killings.
Over fifty persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities that left over three hundred houses burnt by suspected herdsmen.
The Plateau State Government, through the Secretary to the Government Samuel Jatau, also visited some of the affected communities to ascertain the extent of damages and also donate relief materials to affected victims.
Adu expressed the Federal Government’s determination in finding solutions to the incessant attacks and killings.
Also, speaking about the killings, the District Head of Manguna wants the government to provide more security personnel in the affected communities to curb rural-urban migration.