Security
Nigerian Army pulls out 15 retired Artillery Corps Generals
The Nigerian Army on Saturday pulled out 15 Generals of the Artillery Corps who retired from active military service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that out of the 15 retired artillery officers pulled out of active service at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA), in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, 11 were of the rank of Maj.-Gen. and four of Brig-Gen.
The Reviewing Officer leading the pack was retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, who spoke on behalf of the retirees .
Myam said , “Having come this far, we can only say that we feel highly fulfilled and give all the glory to the Lord God Almighty for his benevolent mercies, grace and preservation over the years.
“I would like to express our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for giving us the opportunity to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“We also thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, we pray fervently, for the Almighty God to continue to grant you the strength and wisdom to lead the Nigerian Army to greater heights.
“On behalf of the retired senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery being shelled out on this remarkable occasion of our final disengagement from active service in the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces of our great nation, Nigeria.
“Today is indeed a unique landmark for us as we retire to a well-deserved rest after serving our dear country meritoriously.”
Myan recalled that their military careers started when they left their various places of abode across the nation and reported for training as Officer Cadets at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. “
He offered words of wisdom to serving officers, emphasizing loyalty, vigilance, and security consciousness.
Myan also shared three traits that guided him as an Artillery officer: ”Empathy, proactiveness, and effective communication.
“To those of you who are determined to make the military a career, please note that our country is enjoying full-fledged democratic governance and the era of military involvement in politics has gone and gone for good.”
Myam urged them to be loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically-elected Federal Government of Nigeria.
He said it was apparent that the government has been on top of itself, doing all it can to provide the necessary requirements for the Armed Forces to perform its constitutional roles.
“We must therefore understand that the demands of the Armed Forces form a very small sector amidst other competing demands in our nation that require government attention.
“We must also understand that the government usually prioritises allocation of resources based on competing needs of the various sectors, “Myam said.
He said this understanding should elicit your support to government activities at all times.
Myan urged, “You must continue to demonstrate total commitment to your duties to the nation just as you have exemplified in the successes so far recorded in the fight against armed and criminal non-state actors across the country.”
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He appreciated the support of their spouses, families, and friends, as well as instructors and mentors.
Myan expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian Army and the Corps of Artillery, encouraging the “Gunners Family” to continue striving for excellence.
NAN also reports that the former Chief of Army Staff, retired Maj.-Gen. Alwali Kazir, other senior retired and serving military officers were present at the ceremony.(NAN)
Orji Kalu, the senator representing Abia north, says the federal government should urgently address the growing insecurity in many parts of the country.
In a video posted from China on his social media page on Monday, Kalu warned that terrorists may overrun the south-east region and Borno if no action is taken.
The senator said the worsening security situation requires decisive intervention devoid of politics.
Kalu, who chairs the senate committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), urged the federal government to commit more resources to security agencies to confront the threat.
He warned that insecurity in Nigeria is no longer a matter of political argument but a dire national crisis.
The senator was reacting to a recent warning by Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, who said insurgents have regained control of parts of the state.
Kalu said the situation in Borno mirrors the growing threat in the south-east and called for immediate intervention to prevent a total collapse.
“I want to believe Professor Zulum that the security situation is deteriorating every day, so we need to step up, especially in the south-east,” the lawmaker said.
“Our south-east governors are doing their best to fight insurgency. I would like the federal government to step up security in the south-east because it’s a gateway for people transporting goods from the ports and refineries.”
Kalu also faulted the ongoing disagreement between Zulum and Mohammed Idris, minister of information, over the state of security, insisting the president must be told the truth.
“For me, Professor Zulum and the minister don’t need to argue. These are fundamental issues. If we don’t tell President Tinubu the truth, the place will be ungovernable,” he said.
“So, it is better we tell him the truth on the condition of the insecurity situation in Nigeria.”
He commended the efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that they have shown commitment in the face of limited resources.
“Our Nigerian Army has been doing their best, and I congratulate them — especially the chief of army staff, the inspector-general of police, and other security chiefs — for all the efforts they have been putting in,” he said.
Kalu urged the federal government to channel more funds, equipment, and attention to Borno and the south-east.
“We cannot play politics with insecurity; we should take the art of governance very seriously,” he said.
The senator advised the minister of information to consult security chiefs before issuing public statements on security matters.
“No governor or president wants his people to die, so I urge the minister of information to step down some of the statements he is making about insecurity and should also consult the chief of army staff and the inspector-general of police,” he said.
“The national security adviser has also been on top of his game, but people should stop making statements without consulting the security agencies.”
Kalu expressed confidence in the security leadership, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), and called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu in tackling insecurity and rebuilding the economy.
“The DSS will continue to provide information. I believe Tosin is very capable — he is a young lad who is capable,” he said.
“We can rid all these criminals away and build our economy to be strong. Let us stop politics and concentrate on the economy of Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has done his best; let’s support him to build our economy together.”
Zulum recently expressed concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across the state.
He spoke on April 8 at a security meeting attended by military commanders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders.
On Sunday, Mohammed Monguno, senator representing Borno north, said any government that fails to guarantee the safety of its citizens does not deserve to remain in power.
Speaking in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, after a security meeting, Monguno, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said security is the fundamental purpose of government.
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.