News
Yuletide Season: Nigerian Army Reaffirms Commitment to Security in Plateau State
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, has reassured residents of Plateau State of the Nigerian Army’s steadfast dedication to their safety during the festive season.
During the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) event at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Major General Abubakar outlined the army’s proactive strategies through Operation Golden Peace, a security initiative designed to protect lives, secure harvests, and ensure a peaceful holiday season throughout Plateau State and beyond.
“Operation Golden Peace serves as a proactive security measure aimed at maintaining tranquility, deterring criminal activities, and safeguarding our communities during this festive period,” the GOC stated.
He emphasized that this initiative is part of the army’s continuous efforts to ensure regional safety and to cultivate a secure atmosphere for residents.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, Major General Abubakar commended the collaboration among various security agencies and the robust support from local communities in Plateau State.
“The peace and security we currently enjoy are the results of our collective endeavors. We must continue to strengthen these partnerships to preserve the progress we’ve made,” he remarked.
The GOC also highlighted the importance of WASA, describing it as a platform that promotes unity, camaraderie, and cultural appreciation within the military and its surrounding communities.
“This gathering embodies the spirit of togetherness and mutual support that characterizes us as a military family. It showcases the rich cultural diversity that unites us as one nation,” he stated.
In his address, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, Barr. Peter Gai, praised the Nigerian Army for its relentless efforts in maintaining peace within the state.
He stressed the significance of this collaboration in ensuring that Plateau remains a bastion of tranquility and opportunity.
“Plateau State is reestablishing itself as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism.’ This advancement is a testament to the sacrifices made by our security agencies. As a government, we will continue to offer steadfast support to uphold these achievements,” he affirmed.
The event concluded with cultural performances, talent showcases, and the ceremonial lighting of a bonfire, symbolizing unity and hope for the future. Awards were also given to outstanding soldiers in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service throughout the year.
Senator David Jimkuta (APC), representing Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly says 19 senators have been denied landing permit at the Kashimbilla airport in Taraba.
Jimkuta made the complain at his Senatorial Empowerment Programme in Wukari, Taraba, where he donated assorted items to the constituents.
He explained that the 19 senators were selected by the Senate to accompany him and to witness his empowerment programme.
The senator lamented that he got the report that the Kashimbila air port was temporary shut down, after he had completed every procedure required to fly into the airport.
Jimkuta, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, said that the visit would have allowed the know the needs of the state to be of support.
He said that the situation had prevented the senators from gracing the occasion.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their equipment.
Jimkuta also promised to support security with logistics to enhance security of lives and properties in the district.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their items but use them to better their lots.
Earlier, Chief David Kente, Chairman of the event, thanked the senator for the massive distribution of items to his constituents.
Kente, a philanthropist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the empowerment as unpresidented in the history of the district.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that items distributed include cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, vulcanizing machines among others.
By Nathaniel Irobi
David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Parradang, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Security agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.
In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.
Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”
“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.