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THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE PAYS OPERATIONAL VISITS TO TROOPS IN BIRNIN GWARI, COMMENDS THEIR RESILIENCE, REASSURED THEM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY IN THE AREA
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE PAYS OPERATIONAL VISITS TO TROOPS IN BIRNIN GWARI, COMMENDS THEIR RESILIENCE, REASSURED THEM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY IN THE AREA
By: Musa Adams
The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), His Excellency Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni visited the Headquarters, Sub Sector 3 Operation FASAN YAMMA (OPFY) in Birnin Gwari on 18 October 2024. The HMOD was led on the visit by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FASAN YAMMA (JTF OPFY) Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso in company of his staff officers.
The HMOD was received at the Sub Sector’s Headquarters with a befitting and well turned out quarter guard by troops and subsequently briefed on the operational activities of 1 Division/Sector 1 OPFY by the the Chief of Staff Sector 1 OPFY Brig Gen SS Shehu and later briefed on the operational activities of the Sub Sector 3 OPFY by the Sub Sector Commander, Lt Col A Abdulllahi. Both briefs enumerated the successes recorded by the Division in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and violent extremists within the Division/Sector’s Area of Operation while pointing out some challenges and a few setbacks.
Earlier, the GOC briefed the HMOD on Operation FASAN YAMMA which he said is an integration of the erstwhile Operation HADARIN DAJI in Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto as well as Zamfara States and Operation WHIRL PUNCH operating in Kaduna and Niger States for better efficiency. He added that the new operation has its Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State while the Headquarters of Sector 1 is in Kaduna. He further added that the GOC 8 Division who was hitherto the Commander Operation HADARIN DAJI is now the Sector 2 Commander OPFY with Headquarters in Sokoto. The GOC further reassured the HMOD that the new arrangement would improve troops’ effectiveness and mount more pressure on the criminal elements.
In his remarks, the HMOD expressed satisfaction with the operational activities of the Division/Sector 1 OPFY and applauded the troops for the resilience and charged them to redouble their efforts to neutralised all the terrorists so as to completely free up the area for economic activities to thrive. While addressing the troops, the HMOD said “I thank you most sincerely for the good job you are all doing. For some time now, the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna road has been relatively peaceful and security in Birnin Gwari has improved tremendously.
In the last 6 months, I have not heard of civilian commuters and motorists being ambushed on the road aside one or two cases where our troops had encounter attacked with the criminals along the road. On behalf of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I commend you and assure you of the provision of all needed requirements to bring this fight to a lasting end”.
The HMOD also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II during which he remarked that he was in Birnin Gwari on an operational visit to the sub Sector Headquarters but thought it wise to visit the Emir and commend him for all the support he’s been giving to the troops.
He reassured the Emir of the President’s commitment to bringing a lasting end to the security situation in Birnin Gwari and environs. He also commended the good people of Birnin Gwari for their cooperation and urged them to continue to assist the troops with accurate and timely information to assist the troops in projecting offensives against the terrorists and insurgent groups.
HRH Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari thanked the HMOD for the visit and commended the GOC and his troops for the improved security situation in his domain. He applauded the President for his commitments to ending the security situation in Birnin Gwari and pleaded with him to assist in fixing the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road so as to open up Birnin Gwari for economic activities and assist in free flow of traffic.
The HMOD also visited Headquarters of the Air Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force where he was also briefed before he addressed the Officers, Airmen and soldiers of the Command and the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment at the Air Force Base in Kaduna. He commended the troops and urged them to also redouble their efforts in aid to the troops operation.
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE PAYS OPERATIONAL VISITS TO TROOPS IN BIRNIN GWARI, COMMENDS THEIR RESILIENCE, REASSURED THEM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY IN THE AREA
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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