HammerTimes News Online

Tag: #Armed Forces

  • Invictus Centre: Demonstration of CDS’  commitment to troops’ welfare – CSO

    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Citizens Awareness Initiative (CAI), a civil society group, has lauded the Defence Headquarters’ plans to construct a state-of-the-art Invictus Centre to facilitate complete recovery and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers and veterans.
    The Secretary of CAI, Mr Adams Igonor, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had shown commitment to the welfare of troops with the initiative.
    According to Igonor, the plan was unveiled recently in Abuja, at a reception in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, who were on private visit to Nigeria on the invitation of the CDS.
    He said the centre was expected to be equipped with world class facilities that would aid recovery of the wounded soldiers and offer them post traumatic stress remedies as a result of trauma they might had experienced during operations.
    “We commend Gen. Musa for his avowed commitment to personnel welfare.
    “Nigeria is privileged to become the first African country to join the Invictus community.
    “According to Prince Harry “when person’s trauma affects those around them, the healing of that one person can affect and improve the entire community.
    “We have been following the CDS since his days in the North-East and he has continued to show genuine concern for his troops.”
    The secretary noted that there was no doubt, that the centre would spur them to intensify their fight against enemies of the state.
    “We use this opportunity to congratulate troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, on the proposed centre because it is a big relief, especially for wounded troops,” he added. (NAN)

  • Okoloba/Okuama Crisis: Ijaw Group  Decries Campaign of Calumny  Against Military

    Concerned Ijaw Citizens (CIC) has
    denounced unwarranted attacks and campaign of calumny against the Nigeria military over the Okoloba/Okuama crisis.
    The group in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu jointly signed by its Coordinator, Mr Seigha Manager and the Publicity Secretary, Chief Andrew E. Elijah said it has uncovered a string of sponsored and unwarranted attacks and a well orchestrated campaign of calumny by a section of the media with a view to discrediting the Nigeria military on the Okoloba/Okuama crisis.
    It stated that the aim was to blackmail the Armed Forces with deliberate falsehood and unfounded stories in the media space as a ploy to demand for the removal of the Service Chiefs.
    While commending the level of professionalism of the military in handling the Okoloba/Okuama crisis, the group urged the Military Command, not be blackmailed to abandon their professional duties.
    The group stated that the Okoloba people believed in peaceful means to end the conflict and agreed to submit themselves to the Military Board of inquiry.
    It commended President Bola Tinubu for adopting an unbiased approach
    to the Okuama/Okoloba crisis despite the sponsored media blackmails
    The letter stated that the Okoloba people have been notifying the relevant security agencies, local and state government on the recklessly activities of the Okuama people including (but not limited) alleged unwarranted harassment of defenceless women and men with machetes, clubs, bows, arrows, guns in their farms and fishing lakes, rape, kidnap, arson, murder among others.
    The letter states “We are duty bound to alert the rest of the country and Mr President that the sole objective of the Okuama people rejecting the panel of inquiry is to hoodwink the rest of the country into joining their ungodly attempt to rubbish the efforts of the Armed Forces that lost officers and men in Okuama in the most barbaric manner, in order to distract their attention from another planned attack from Urhobo communities.
    “The recovery of arms and ammunitions from Olota Community (Ewu-Urhobo community) few kilometres from Okoloba is a proof that the hostile attitude of Okuama to the Military panel of inquiry was to divert the attention of military from their peace-keeping duties
    “It is unfortunate that a section of the media would throw away ethics of the profession anchored on truth, and go ahead to publish cooked-up stories with the sole aim of blackmailing and
    discrediting members of the Armed Forces still mourning their loved ones. yet working hard to safeguard lives and properties in the creeks of the Niger Delta. They have carried this smear
    campaign to the civi societies, professional groups and the
     international community, but failed
     We are ready for their antics, tactics and strategies.
    “Your Excellency, the recovery of countless arms and ammunitions at Olota, an Ewu-Urhobo community has vindicated the Okoloba people that the Okuama people and the Ewu kiths and kins have been the aggressors all along and that the army’s ‘cordon and
    search’ operations is the best option for now in our area. Those crying wolf
     against the army have hidden agenda and the activities of the military is in their own best interests.
    “Your Excellency, we use ths opportunity to call on you to use your good offices to direct the inspector-General of Police to carry out the immediate prosecution of Okuama people for the above mentioned heinous crimes, particularly the mercenaries that abducted and later killed the Okoloba indigenes
    “Overall, we thank Mr. President for adopting an unbiased approach
    to the Okuama/Okoloba crisis despite the sponsored media blackmails
    The group condemned the unprovoked killing of the 17 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuama, and expressed deep condolences to the Chief of Defense Staff (COS), the Chief of Army  Staff (COAS) and the families of the tallen heroes, and prayed  the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Ramadan: Ashraaf Foundation, Armed Forces wants citizen to balance religious rites, safety, national security 

     

    By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, the Nigerian Armed Forces and others have called on Muslims across the country to always seeks ways to balance religious rites, public safety and national security.
    They made the call at the 7th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayers for the Nation on Saturday in Abuja.
    The Lecture with the theme; ‘Balancing Religious Rites and Public Safety: The Intersection of Ramadan, Hajj and National Security’ was organised by the Foundation.
    The Chairman/Founder of the Foundation, Dr Sharafudeen Aliagan said the theme is a reflection of what is happening in the country, adding that it is wrong to sit on the fence when things are going wrong.
    According to him, public safety and national security are very important in the life of each and everyone of us.
    “So, we believe that in trying to observe the religious rites, we should be conscious of public safety and national security.
    “Islam has five pillars as parts of the regions rites; strong believe in the oneness of Allah, believe in the messengers of Allah, Zakat, Fasting in the month of Ramadan and Hajj.
    “In observing the Ramadan and fasting, we are to be conscious of public safety and national security. A fasting Muslim would not think of perpetrating evil.
    “He or she would be conscious of Allah along the spirit of Ramadan as a Holy Month, and it worthy to also note that, the Holy Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.
    “So all these will informed the consciousness of a fasting Muslim that Public safety and national security is very important and without them, we can’t have anything moving as far as the country is concerned,” Aliagan said.
    He further explained that Hajj as one of the fifth pillars of Islam is one of the religious rites which a muslim must be well prepared before he or she observed it.
    According to him, the preparation include, the consciousness of worshipping Allah, fear of God, closeness to Allah and having a clean heart.
    He stressed that a Muslim could not go to Hajj with an evil mind, adding that Islam is peace, harmony amd tranquility, and in going to hajj, one has to be conscious of peace, harmony amd tranquility.
    “If you fear Allah, you would not involve in kidnapping, perpetrate evil, go against the law of the land or do something that will be detrimental to the growth of the country.
    Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa represented by the Director of Support Services at the Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Olatunji Bello urged Muslims to pray for the country regarding the issue of insecurity.
    Musa said he held in high esteem the Foundation for hosting the lecture and exploring ways including prayers for the nation to ensure that we overcome insecurity in no distant time.
    “Let me correct a misconception; insecurity has always been in Nigeria and everywhere in the world. The only issue here is the social media that amplifies everything.
    “The armed forces in the country has been doing a lot to deal with insecurity. We work assiduously with traditional rulers and others all over the country to ensure that everyone in this country is safe.
    “We keep the nation safe, especially in the spirit of Ramadan. We want all Muslims to know that, in this period, we are redoubling our efforts to ensure that there is absolutely security amd peace in the land,” Musa assured.
    Similarly, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Director of Islamic Affairs at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Lawal Lukman commended Ashraaf Islamic Foundation for organising the lecture.
    According to him, the Nigerian Air force is not only concerning about how to drop bombs and missiles, but also the spiritual well-being of its officers and the members of their families.
    “When we guide our officers and their families towards getting closer to their creator, the more they become better in the society.
    “However the efforts of our soldiers are yielding fruits and in our barracks, we don’t have issues, because we have religious peace, harmony and tranquility,” Abubakar said.
    In same vein, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla represented by the Director of Policy at the Naval Headquarters, Real Adm. Malami Haruna said the theme of the lecture was vital for discussion.
    He further explained that it is very important to find a permanent balance between religious organisations and ensuring public safety and national security.
    “As we know, during the month of Ramadan, it is necessary to consider actions that will impact and contribute to the well-being of our people and country.
    “The operation environment in place for the Nigerian Armed forces must be resolute to achieve the objective of restoring normalcy in our land,”  (NAN)

  • Ramadan: Ashraaf Foundation, Armed Forces wants citizen to balance religious rites, safety, national security 

     

    By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, the Nigerian Armed Forces and others have called on Muslims across the country to always seeks ways to balance religious rites, public safety and national security.
    They made the call at the 7th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayers for the Nation on Saturday in Abuja.
    The Lecture with the theme; ‘Balancing Religious Rites and Public Safety: The Intersection of Ramadan, Hajj and National Security’ was organised by the Foundation.
    The Chairman/Founder of the Foundation, Dr Sharafudeen Aliagan said the theme is a reflection of what is happening in the country, adding that it is wrong to sit on the fence when things are going wrong.
    According to him, public safety and national security are very important in the life of each and everyone of us.
    “So, we believe that in trying to observe the religious rites, we should be conscious of public safety and national security.
    “Islam has five pillars as parts of the regions rites; strong believe in the oneness of Allah, believe in the messengers of Allah, Zakat, Fasting in the month of Ramadan and Hajj.
    “In observing the Ramadan and fasting, we are to be conscious of public safety and national security. A fasting Muslim would not think of perpetrating evil.
    “He or she would be conscious of Allah along the spirit of Ramadan as a Holy Month, and it worthy to also note that, the Holy Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.
    “So all these will informed the consciousness of a fasting Muslim that Public safety and national security is very important and without them, we can’t have anything moving as far as the country is concerned,” Aliagan said.
    He further explained that Hajj as one of the fifth pillars of Islam is one of the religious rites which a muslim must be well prepared before he or she observed it.
    According to him, the preparation include, the consciousness of worshipping Allah, fear of God, closeness to Allah and having a clean heart.
    He stressed that a Muslim could not go to Hajj with an evil mind, adding that Islam is peace, harmony amd tranquility, and in going to hajj, one has to be conscious of peace, harmony amd tranquility.
    “If you fear Allah, you would not involve in kidnapping, perpetrate evil, go against the law of the land or do something that will be detrimental to the growth of the country.
    Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa represented by the Director of Support Services at the Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Olatunji Bello urged Muslims to pray for the country regarding the issue of insecurity.
    Musa said he held in high esteem the Foundation for hosting the lecture and exploring ways including prayers for the nation to ensure that we overcome insecurity in no distant time.
    “Let me correct a misconception; insecurity has always been in Nigeria and everywhere in the world. The only issue here is the social media that amplifies everything.
    “The armed forces in the country has been doing a lot to deal with insecurity. We work assiduously with traditional rulers and others all over the country to ensure that everyone in this country is safe.
    “We keep the nation safe, especially in the spirit of Ramadan. We want all Muslims to know that, in this period, we are redoubling our efforts to ensure that there is absolutely security amd peace in the land,” Musa assured.
    Similarly, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Director of Islamic Affairs at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Lawal Lukman commended Ashraaf Islamic Foundation for organising the lecture.
    According to him, the Nigerian Air force is not only concerning about how to drop bombs and missiles, but also the spiritual well-being of its officers and the members of their families.
    “When we guide our officers and their families towards getting closer to their creator, the more they become better in the society.
    “However the efforts of our soldiers are yielding fruits and in our barracks, we don’t have issues, because we have religious peace, harmony and tranquility,” Abubakar said.
    In same vein, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla represented by the Director of Policy at the Naval Headquarters, Real Adm. Malami Haruna said the theme of the lecture was vital for discussion.
    He further explained that it is very important to find a permanent balance between religious organisations and ensuring public safety and national security.
    “As we know, during the month of Ramadan, it is necessary to consider actions that will impact and contribute to the well-being of our people and country.
    “The operation environment in place for the Nigerian Armed forces must be resolute to achieve the objective of restoring normalcy in our land,”  (NAN)

  • Nigerian Troops deal decisive blow on BHT/ISWAP terrorists, neutralise 5 in Biu, Borno

    The Nigerian Army said  troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Saturday,  dealt decisively with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

    The troops dealt with the terrorists while attempting to infiltrate the ancient town of Biu in Borno.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. 

    Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said they were annihilated by troops of 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment under Sector 2.

    Nwachukwu said the criminal elements met their waterloo, when the gallant troops swiftly routed them in a failed incursion at Maina Hari village in Biu on Saturday.

    He said the troops unleashed superior fire power on the terrorists, neutralising five of the terrorists, compelling others to withdraw in disarray in the intense battle.

    According to him, the gallant troops also captured from the terrorists, one gun truck, one Deshka M Anti Aircraft Gun, one HK 21 Machine Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade Bomb, 137 rounds of 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft Rounds amongst others.

    “Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists,” he said.

  • Nigerian Troops deal decisive blow on BHT/ISWAP terrorists, neutralise 5 in Biu, Borno

    The Nigerian Army said  troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Saturday,  dealt decisively with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

    The troops dealt with the terrorists while attempting to infiltrate the ancient town of Biu in Borno.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. 

    Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said they were annihilated by troops of 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment under Sector 2.

    Nwachukwu said the criminal elements met their waterloo, when the gallant troops swiftly routed them in a failed incursion at Maina Hari village in Biu on Saturday.

    He said the troops unleashed superior fire power on the terrorists, neutralising five of the terrorists, compelling others to withdraw in disarray in the intense battle.

    According to him, the gallant troops also captured from the terrorists, one gun truck, one Deshka M Anti Aircraft Gun, one HK 21 Machine Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade Bomb, 137 rounds of 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft Rounds amongst others.

    “Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists,” he said.

  • COAS presents vehicles to 14 veterans


    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has presented a brand new Hilux Vehicle each to 14 living heroes of the Nigerian Army In commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) 2022.


    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, in Abuja.


    Nwachukwu said the vehicles were presented to the veterans for serving the nation when their services were mostly needed.


    He added that the presentation was also in honour and recognition of the sacrifices of both the fallen heroes and veterans who were still alive for their services to the Nigerian Army (NA), the nation and humanity.


    According to him, the presentation was done nationwide, across all formations of the Nigerian army to signpost the significance of the celebration.


    Nwachukwu said the Provost Marshal (PM), Army, Maj.-Gen. Robert Aiyenigba, presented one of the vehicles on behalf of the COAS to one of the beneficiaries on Saturday.


    He said that Aiyenigba symbolically presented the vehicle to the former Regimental Sergeant Major, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP), Ex Army Warrant Officer Akinyokun Felix, on the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.


    According to him, the PM stated that AFRDC provided an opportunity for retrospection and appreciation of the patriotism and sacrifices demonstrated by both veterans and fallen heroes.


    “He said it was in appreciation of their services that the COAS presents these vehicles to the retirees, saying the gesture was an affirmation of the high premium, the COAS places on welfare of personnel.


    The beneficiary, retired MWO Akinyokun thanked the COAS for finding them worthy of the award, describing it as a morale booster to them and those they left in service.


    “He added that they would continue to support the NA to succeed in her constitutional mandate, even in retirement,” he said.