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 police have confirmed the abduction of Blessing Adagba, the coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, sending shock waves through the community.
The Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, while confirming the incident, said that the Anti-Kidnapping Squad is working hard to secure the victim’s release.
Channels Television gathered that the abduction took place around midnight in the Okposhi Eheku community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
“Around 12 a.m., a group of men disguised as soldiers invaded the residence of Hon. Blessing Adagba. They demanded she open the door, but she refused, questioning why soldiers would come at such an (odd) hour.”
“The kidnappers brandished firearms, overpowered the coordinator and abducted her to an unknown location”.
Residents and security operatives in Ohaukwu are reportedly making efforts to ensure the safe return of the victim.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the rise in abductions in the area. They are calling for increased security measures to protect residents.
Residents of Otukpo in Benue south district have staged a protest against the incessant cases of kidnappings and killings by suspected herdsmen.
The Tuesday demonstration saw protesters, mostly youths, occupy the Otukpo-Enugu federal highway, calling on the government to address the growing insecurity in the state.
There has been a surge in cases of killings and kidnappings allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in several LGAs in Benue state.
When contacted, Catherine Anene, the police spokesperson in the state, told TheCable that the protest was brought under control by security operatives.
“The protest is under control at the moment; we would let you know as soon as there is further information,” Anene said.
On March 10, 13 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen on Katsina Ala LGA of the state.
The gunmen were said to have attacked several communities, including Utange council, Kpav, Dikpo, and the Imande Gberihwa area of the state.
The Takum Renaissance Forum(TRF)has condemned a press release issue by STYCOP headed by Rikwensi Muri associating’s increasing surge in insecurity and unrest in Southern Taraba to former Takum local government chairman Shiban Tikari.
In a statement issue by the group secretary Emmanuel Joro, it says for the avoidance of doubt, they wouldn’t have dabbled into the issue, but for the sake of records, they’ve chosen to react.
In Muri’s press release which states that “We must also remember the actions of Hon. Shiban Tikari, former chairman of Takum Local Government Council, who similarly exploited the “Tiv Militias,” “Kuteb Militias,” and “Fulani Militias” narrative to destabilize the region”.
The Group responded by saying “It is on records that Hon. Shiban stabilized the atmosphere of Takum and environs during his tenure. His administration was not marred by state-sponsored kidnappings, murders and sacking of more than 100 communities by mercenary bandits brought against the Kuteb communities as claimed by Rikwensi Muri, in his usual false accusations. Muri and his co-travellers are the same ones who were bent on throwing Takum and Ussa communities into the pool of crisis. Everybody knew it. Fulani herdsmen were said to have paid millions to their kuteb Chiefs before being given permission to bring their cows to graze in ussa LGA. Muri is quiet about it.”
The group further stated that the former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku agreed to compensate the herders on the lost of their cows to stop attacking Kuteb communities, but instead after the money had come to their possession for compensation to be paid to the Fulani, it was diverted. They instead opted for the money to be used for arms procurement to fight the Fulani herdsmen.
“Why are the likes of Muri and their cohorts, who wanted war with Fulani and called for it, still turning around to blame Gov DDI led administration alongside the then chairmen of Takum and Wukari for their woes”?
“It’s good to note that we are above media trials and other sensational lies to curry public sympathy. Muri has been attacking the image of the Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas and other notable personalities in the state like our fathers, Gen TY Danjuma and the Aku Uka, The Chief of Takum and other notable personalities, but we are not beginning to take this as an exception. Muri’s height of media rascality is a charade taken far”.
“Of all these, none of us or even the authority have chosen to arrest him for defamation. Why? Because of his lunatic approaches and the cheap relevance he is looking for, we can’t give him. The public is always aware of his sponsors and where he is driving. But we repeat, with exception, if he decides to take this further because at hand, we are beginning to gather his incisive and inflammatory posts for litigation against him in court” the statement reads.
The group further highlights that Muri press Release is to incite the gullible public against Hon. Shiban over lies and fabrication of falsehood and also maliciously attacking the present chairman of Wukari local government, Hon Agbu Samaila “having known that the attackers of those innocent KYK members of CRCN in Jootar were Tiv militia, those he has been calling for coalition with”.
The group defend that Hon. Shiban Tikari has never been on the run, but in his hometown in Takum. And the media trial being stage-managed by Muri to demean his image has long fallen.
“We are therefore calling on the general public to be wary with the activities of the so-called STYCOP being handled by Muri. It is not a peace building organization as being peddled but an organization aimed at stirring chaos in the southern part of Taraba state. It is a potential terrorist breeding camp”.