Military
A HERO ’S FAREWELL: LIEUTENANT GENERAL JEREMIAH USENI LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS IN LANGTANG
A HERO ’S FAREWELL: LIEUTENANT GENERAL JEREMIAH USENI LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS IN LANGTANG
By: Aliyu Danja
In a poignant ceremony that united government officials, family members, and military personnel, the remains of the late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Timbut Useni were interred with full military honours in his hometown of Langtang Plateau State. The funeral, held on 22 February 2025, paid tribute to a man whose life was marked by dedicated service to Nigeria both as a military leader and a senator.
The ceremony began with a solemn church service at the Cocin Church Headquarters in Langtang, where His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, extolled the virtues of the late general. “Lt Gen Useni was not just a soldier; he was a national icon who dedicated his life to the service of our country and humanity,” Governor Mutfwang stated, highlighting Useni’s legacy of development, progress, and stability in Plateau State. He further drew parallels to other esteemed figures from the state, such as General Bali, General Dogonyaro and General John Shagaya, emphasizing their collective contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.
In his address, the governor reflected on Useni’s later years, during which he prioritized reconciliation and forgiveness among the people of Plateau. “There is no unity without forgiveness and reconciliation,” Governor Mutfwang urged the congregation, encouraging them to embody the spirit of compassion that Useni exemplified during his lifetime. A prayer for the departed general concluded the service, with the governor assuring attendees that the impact of Useni’s work would remain etched in the hearts of the people.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General OO Oluyede mni NAM, delivered a stirring funeral oration, emphasizing Useni’s noble character and dedication to service. Represented by Major General EF Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, the COAS remarked, “General Useni was a loving father, a caring husband, and a cherished grandfather. His commitment to both military service and public office was unwavering.” Major General Oyinlola recounted Lt Gen Useni’s impactful tenure as the military administrator of former Bendel State, where he implemented initiatives that advanced infrastructure, education, and social development.
The COAS further noted Useni’s vision as a leader; he recalled his implementation of local government self-help projects, which empowered communities to take an active role in governance and facilitated the completion of numerous developmental projects. His advocacy for food production programs revitalized abandoned agricultural projects, significantly boosting food security and economic stability in the region.
Lieutenant General Useni served as a senator from 2015 to 2019, a role in which he continued to champion the cause of national development. His tenure as Minister of Transportation and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was marked by transformative policies that modernized Nigeria’s transport and aviation sectors, fostering economic growth and enhancing national connectivity. His exceptional leadership in urban development improved public infrastructure, city planning, and service delivery in the FCT.
The ceremony concluded with the reading of the funeral oration, sounding of thr last post, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of reveille, signifying deep respect for the late general and his contributions to the nation. The vibrant display of military precision and honour was a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service.
The funeral of Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni not only commemorated a distinguished military career but also emphasized the profound impact he had on the lives of many within Plateau State and beyond. As the community mourns his loss, the legacy of his commitment to progress and reconciliation will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
A HERO ’S FAREWELL: LIEUTENANT GENERAL JEREMIAH USENI LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS IN LANGTANG
Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have recovered about 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Sources told Zagazola that troops of the 146 Battalion (Maritime) discovered a wooden boat anchored around the Lady B creeks, loaded with the crude oil suspected to have been illegally bunkered.
The recovered items were handled in accordance with the directives of OPDS, the statement added.
Military authorities reiterated their commitment to combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, urging residents and stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to protect national resources.
Army troops recover 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil in bonny, River state
Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected spy attempting to infiltrate a military defensive position in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday at Isabang settlement while allegedly conducting reconnaissance on troops’ locations.
According to the sources, troops of the 245 Battalion intercepted the suspect during a routine security sweep, leading to his arrest.
Items recovered from the suspect include a short locally made pistol, a cutlass, a torchlight and two mobile phones.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted to being a spy allegedly sent by a criminal group to carry out reconnaissance within the community,” the source said.
He added that the suspect also provided useful intelligence, including the identity of one Christopher Emmanuel, popularly known as “Black Stone,” as a member of the group responsible for a recent attack on troops in the area.
The sources noted that troops have since intensified aggressive patrols across the Odonget general area and its environs to deter further hostile activities.
They reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.
Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a raid in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on March 14 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Crush, Sector 1.
According to the sources, the troops carried out a targeted raid on a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout located along Bende Road following credible intelligence about illicit drug activities in the area.
During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while in possession of substances suspected to be psychotropic drugs.
The troops recovered the exhibits at the scene and secured the area before concluding the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects and the recovered items had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Umuahia for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security officials noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities within the state.
They reiterated the commitment of troops to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
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