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ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA DECORATES SIX NEWLY PROMOTED BRIGADIER GENERALS

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ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA DECORATES SIX NEWLY PROMOTED BRIGADIER GENERALS

By: Saad Abdullahi

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) held a ceremony on Friday 3 January 2025, to decorate six of its officers recently elevated to the rank of Brigadier General. The event took place at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Hall of the College, located in Asokoro, Abuja.

The newly promoted officers are Brigadier General IB Buhari, Brigadier General SBN Egbulem, Brigadier General AA Sambo, Brigadier General AU Abdul, Brigadier General AM Dikko, and Brigadier General MI Lemu.

In his remarks, the Commandant of AWCN, Major General Ishaya Maina, commended the newly promoted officers for their dedication, professionalism, and loyalty, which had earned them this significant career milestone. Addressing the promoted officers, he emphasized the weight of leadership and responsibility that accompanies their new rank.

Quoting General Norman Schwarzkopf, a revered U.S. Army Commander, General Maina remarked, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.” He underscored the message by explaining that while strategic expertise is crucial, the character of a leader defines their ability to inspire trust and loyalty, especially in challenging circumstances.

He further reminded the officers of the purpose of rank and authority by quoting General Bruce C. Clarke: “Rank is given you to enable you to better serve those above and below you. It is not given for you to practice your idiosyncrasies.” General Maina elaborated on this, urging the newly decorated generals to view their promotion not as a privilege but as a call to greater service, accountability, and humility.

The Commandant also extended his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his unwavering support of the College and for approving the promotions.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director of Administration and Logistics AWCN, Brigadier General JN Garba, commended the officers’ exceptional achievements. He noted that these six individuals were part of the 73 colonels promoted by the Nigerian Army, who had been thoroughly assessed by the promotion board and deemed exemplary in character, military expertise, and dedication.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Senatorial District; the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General HT Wesley; and Major General DG Alu, among others.

ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA DECORATES SIX NEWLY PROMOTED BRIGADIER GENERALS

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Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi

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Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint security forces have neutralised at least 45 armed bandits in a coordinated security operation near Kuchi town in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place in the early hours of Monday, was jointly executed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and military tactical units acting on actionable intelligence.

The bandits, believed to be loyal to notorious kingpin Dogo Gide, were en route to launch coordinated attacks on communities around Kuchi before they were intercepted.

The source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the insurgents estimated to be over 100 in number had mobilised from Bilbis forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara and other hideouts in Kaduna State.

“The intelligence we received showed that these fighters had assembled in numbers and were planning a large-scale assault on several villages in Munya LGA,” the source said. “The operatives moved in under cover of darkness and intercepted them before they could reach their targets.”

He added that the security forces engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle at the outskirts of Kuchi, resulting in the elimination of no fewer than 45 of the assailants, with several others escaping with gunshot wounds.

The operation also led to the recovery of multiple motorcycles, arms, and ammunition. However, five DSS operatives sustained injuries during the exchange and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

The successful operation is the latest in a string of offensives targeting criminal enclaves linked to Dogo Gide, whose network has suffered repeated blows in recent months.

Security agencies have pledged to sustain the momentum and intensify pressure on armed groups threatening peace in the North Central and North West regions.

“The terrain is difficult, but the results are encouraging. We will not relent until these threats are neutralised,” the source added.

Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi

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Nigeria Army’s new strategy shields NYSC members, commuters from kidnappers in North West – GOC

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Nigeria Army’s new strategy shields NYSC members, commuters from kidnappers in North West – GOC

By: Zagazola Makama

For many young Nigerians participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the prospect of being deployed to the north-western states once synonymous with banditry and highway attacks had once triggered apprehension. But now, a sweeping change in the security landscape is restoring hope and confidence among corps members and the traveling public alike.

This transformation is being spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose. Under his leadership, a robust security framework has been instituted to safeguard critical infrastructure, secure highways, and most significantly, protect the lives of NYSC members and civilian commuters traversing the region.

Ajose who disclosed this while interacting with a team journalists, said that since January, no corps member has been abducted or harmed within the division’s operational area, a feat he attributed to deliberate planning and synergy with other security agencies.

“We understand that corps members are a very vulnerable group,” Ajose said. “That’s why we initiated what we call the Secure Main Supply Route strategy not only to secure major supply routes but to ensure that our young patriots serving the nation are given topmost protection.”

The Secure Main Supply Route initiative, according to the GOC, includes the establishment of military checkpoints and forward operating bases along major routes in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina states. Corps members are mandated to report to the nearest base by 1700 hours if traveling. Thereafter, military escorts ensure their safe passage to their destination.

To facilitate coordination, dedicated WhatsApp groups have been set up across states where soldiers, corps members and NYSC officials maintain real-time communication. The initiative has also been extended to provide timely travel advisories and emergency responses.

“We’ve made it a point of duty. Once a corps member calls in, the nearest unit will respond. It’s part of our commitment to restoring public confidence and enhancing civil-military relations,” Ajose added.

Miss Joy Onoh, a corps member from Enugu State, shared her experience, saying she was initially scared about her deployment to the North-West but changed her mind after the journey.

“When we got to Gusau, the bus driver said we had to stop at a military checkpoint. They checked our manifest and asked if there were corps members. Immediately they arranged an escort vehicle for me and other corps members. I felt so safe. It was like a convoy,” she said with a smile.

Another corps member, Jide Akinjide from Osun State, described the presence of soldiers on the highway as “reassuring.”

“You don’t know what it means until you’re traveling through a bushy stretch and suddenly you see soldiers waving you down to confirm your identity and ensure your vehicle is okay. That alone gives you peace of mind,” Sule said.

He also praised the military for their respectful engagement with civilians, saying: “They don’t harass you. In fact, they give you cold water and even help if your vehicle breaks down.”

Beyond corps members, commercial drivers and ordinary travelers have also begun to enjoy the dividends of restored security on highways once plagued by ambushes and banditry.

Alhaji Usman Garba, a commercial driver who plies the Gusau-Sokoto route, said that road travel had significantly improved.

“Before, we used to fear that stretch near Isa. But since this operation started, the roads has become relatively safe. We did not heard of a single attack in the past two months. Soldiers are everywhere, and they even patrol at night,” he said. We thank the Nigerian Army for their support in ensuring safety of commuters on the road.

The protection of NYSC members and highways has emerged as a shining example of civil-military cooperation. The Army’s initiative is gradually transforming the narrative in the north-west.

Ajose has earlier disclosed that a special task force battalion comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and others was constituted to protect the critical Sokoto-Kebbi Superhighway Project. This includes the 120km stretch in Sokoto and the 288km section in Kebbi State. We have not had any hitch since commencement. All project schedules have been met. Security of workers, engineers, and equipment has been 100% effective,” he noted.
In December 2024, the Minister of Works and Housing flagged off the Illelah–Bagagry stretch of the road, and the military immediately deployed to guarantee its uninterrupted progress.

The 1,068-kilometre Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway was designed to enhance Trade, Transport and Security as well as open route traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State.

“Not a single disruption has occurred on that project since inception. All schedules have been met on time,” he said.

Ajose further revealed that the welfare of troops had been enhanced under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede. Troop feeding allowances were recently increased from ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 daily, and new equipment including drones and protective gear continue to flow into the theatre.

“Like Napoleon said, ‘armies march on their stomachs.’ We’re ensuring our men are fed and equipped, so they can protect others,” Ajose emphasized.

“We believe safety should not be a luxury,” he said. “It’s the right of every Nigerian corps member or civilian. And we will continue to pursue the enemies of peace until the north-west becomes safe for all.”he said.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad.

Nigeria Army’s new strategy shields NYSC members, commuters from kidnappers in North West – GOC

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Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

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Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

By: Zagazola Mamama.

Troops of the Nigerian military, late Monday night, repelled an attempted attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno.

Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the insurgents launched the attack at about 2200 hours but met stiff resistance from troops stationed in the area.

According to the sources, ISWAP fighters were unable to gain access into Gajiram town as they were engaged in a gun duel by security forces, leading to the foiling of the assault.

However, the attackers reportedly fired projectiles during the encounter, one of which landed in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp within the vicinity, triggering an inferno.

Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

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