News
BUILDING CAPACITY OF FUTURE MILITARY LEADERS: STUDENTS OF AFCSC SENIOR COURSE 47 VISIT HEADQUARTERS 1 DIVISION

BUILDING CAPACITY OF FUTURE MILITARY LEADERS: STUDENTS OF AFCSC SENIOR COURSE 47 VISIT HEADQUARTERS 1 DIVISION
By: Musa Adam
The students of Senior Course 47, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, visited Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army on Friday, January 17, 2025. The tour was meant to familiarize the students with the organization and operational activities of a typical Infantry Division in the Nigerian Army.

The 387 participants, comprising 262 Nigerian Army Officers, 60 Nigerian Navy Officers, 57 Nigerian Air Force Officers, and 8 international Students, 2 each from Botswana and Tanzania and one each from Kingdom of Eswatini, Mali, Republic of Chad and The Gambia were received at the 2 Battalion Training Shed/Parade Ground, in Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.

In his welcome remarks, Brigadier General David Nwakonobi, representing the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, emphasized the critical partnership between AFCSC and 1 Division. He highlighted the Division’s support in training future leaders of the country’s Armed Forces and those of allied nations.
Brigadier General Nwakonobi reassured the College of the Division’s continuous support in facilitating field exercises and other training programmes. The Division showcased its combat readiness through a static display of infantry weapons, artillery guns and other communication and engineer support equipments.

According to Lt Col U Tanimu, the Sponsor Directing Staff for the visit, the operational tour provided the students with firsthand insights into the Division’s efforts to combat insecurity in its Area of Operational Responsibility. This knowledge will enhance the students’ capacity to address Nigeria’s dynamic security situation.
Major MI Kisira, a student, also expressed gratitude to the Division for the package, particularly the static displays and demonstrations. He noted that the visit deepened their understanding of operational capabilities and would have a lasting impact on their careers.
The visit included a detailed brief on the organization of 1 Division and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, static displays of weapons and equipment, an interactive session, exchange of souvenirs, signing of visitors book, and group photographs.
BUILDING CAPACITY OF FUTURE MILITARY LEADERS: STUDENTS OF AFCSC SENIOR COURSE 47 VISIT HEADQUARTERS 1 DIVISION
News
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
News
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa

Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Crime
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto

Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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