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Nigeria Army’s Strategic Alliance With UNOCT To Combat Terrorism
The Nigerian Army (NA) has taken a significant step towards bolstering its counter-terrorism capabilities by forging a crucial alliance with the United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism (UNOCT).
This landmark partnership signifies Nigeria’s commitment to combatting terrorism and violent extremism not only at a national level but also within the broader international context.
In a recent meeting held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, extended a warm welcome to UNOCT and expressed the NA’s eagerness to collaborate effectively.
This collaboration holds immense importance as Nigeria assumes a pivotal role in regional counter-terrorism endeavors.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja underscored the Nigerian Army’s remarkable achievements in neutralizing a substantial number of surrendered Boko Haram terrorists.
These successes were attained through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, showcasing the NA’s multifaceted approach to counter-terrorism.
Furthermore, the NA has been diligently conducting disarmament and demobilization procedures in line with globally recognized best practices.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja highlighted that UNOCT’s visit would significantly contribute to enhancing global, regional, and national responses to terrorism, fostering crucial partnerships, and building capacity.
During the meeting, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary General of UNOCT, reaffirmed the office’s unwavering dedication to strengthening its partnership with the Nigerian Army.
Mr. Voronkov stressed the imperative need for intensified multilateral collaboration to address the continually evolving terrorism threat in Africa.
In a separate development on the same day, Lieutenant General Lagbaja welcomed a delegation of 27 accredited Defence Attachés and Advisers (DA) to Nigeria.
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, led this delegation, which visited the Army Headquarters.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja acknowledged the fruitful cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the armed forces of the represented nations, encompassing training, operations, and defense procurement.
He expressed a keen desire for expanded engagements and assured the DAs of a conducive environment for interaction, idea exchange, and shared experiences to nurture and enhance the existing bilateral relations between the Nigerian Army and each represented nation.
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, emphasized the significance of this interaction between the DAs and the COAS.
It presented a unique opportunity to address concerns and explore other areas of mutual interest.
Colonel Legha Romi, the Doyen and Defence Attaché from India, conveyed the DAs’ gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to engage and requested further interactions to facilitate mutual benefits and shared experiences between Nigeria and the respective countries represented by the DAs.
The meeting among the COAS, CDI, and the DAs featured an interactive session, facilitating productive discussions and the exchange of valuable insights.
This extraordinary partnership between the Nigerian Army and UNOCT, coupled with the ongoing engagements with Defence Attachés from various nations, serves as a testament to Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to global counter-terrorism efforts.
It exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to establishing enduring bilateral relationships that not only bolster security measures but also promote peace and stability on a global scale.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.