Security
Armed forces committed to restoring peace in Nigeria—CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces and other security agencies are unwaveringly committed to restoring total peace in the country.
Musa made the commitment at the Regimental Dinner night in honour of the passing out cadets of the 71 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 28 Army and 32 Air Force of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Friday in Kaduna.
Musa, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the regimental dinner night was an important military tradition.
The CDS said that it afforded the passing out cadets the rare opportunity to meet and interact with senior serving and retired military officers in a relaxed social setting.
He reminded them that the Armed Forces of Nigeria expected so much from them in terms of regimentation.
“I must emphasise on the importance of discipline and integrity in the Service,” he said.
According to him, these are the foremost twin qualities that every passing out cadet is expected to present at all times.
“The absence of these qualities in a passing out cadet renders such individuals unfit for the officer cadre.
“I implore you to ensure that in all your acquisition in the Nigeria Defence Academy; that you gain character glittering with discipline and integrity.
“This is because these are the prime qualities that would sustain you in the officers’ corps,” he said.
Musa, therefore, challenged the passing out cadets to build those regimental attitudes that would distinguish them among their peers and contemporary.
He further said that the training they had undergone in the Academy was in sync with the new paradigm, which would enable them to take up leadership positions and responsibility as military officers.
Musa said, “This is particularly against the backdrop that our dear country is presently confronted with several internal security challenges which have heavily burdened the Armed Forces.
“It is in recognition of this fact that you must therefore arm yourselves with the vital leadership qualities to effectively contribute your bits towards the restoration of the country to its place of pride as it concerns security.”
He enjoined them to make certain that they were fully baked in all ramifications to accommodate the complex prevailing demands of the noble profession.
“I must remind you that you are obliged to be willing, able and ready, to develop yourselves above board,” the CDS said.
Musa charged them to prepare to go through harder huddles after their graduation in order to enable them lead men effectively and courageously in the theatres of operations.
He also charged them to be honest, loyal, brave and above all, have integrity in leading men placed under their command.
“I urge you to remain disciplined, law-abiding and committed gentlemen officers,” Musa said.
The CDS thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cadets who distinguished themselves received awards. (NAN)
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.