Military
CAS REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO C-IN-C, BACKS SENIOR LEADERS ON NAF TRANSFORMATION
CAS REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO C-IN-C, BACKS SENIOR LEADERS ON NAF TRANSFORMATION
By: Our Reporter
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The CAS also expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Senior Leadership to spearhead the ongoing transformation for greater agility and resilience, towards more effective airpower delivery in pursuit of Nigeria’s national defence and security imperatives. This was communicated during the CAS Second Biannual Meeting with Headquarters (HQ) NAF Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) of NAF field commands and Commandants of Tri-Service and Major NAF institutions. The 2-day meeting began today, 17 October 2024, at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room, HQ NAF. In his opening remarks, the CAS congratulated those newly appointed to their roles, emphasizing that the appointments were indicative of their pedigree of hard work and dedication. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they steer their respective Branches and Commands to greater heights.
Addressing the security challenges facing the nation, and speaking particularly to the expanded counterinsurgency operations in the North-West as well as anti-oil theft operations in the South-South, the CAS commended the transformational leadership of the AOCs and Branch Chiefs. He credited their tireless efforts for the significant results seen on the ground, but emphasised the need for continued innovation, resilience, and adaptability to confront evolving threats. The CAS also reflected on the NAF’s recent achievements, noting the induction of 12 aircraft into the Service inventory in the past year, with an additional 50 aircraft expected by 2026. He described this development as a “Golden Era” of transformation for the NAF, expressing optimism that under the leadership of the current Branch Chiefs and AOCs, the Air Force would continue to rise to the occasion and fulfil the airpower requirements of national security. The meeting serves as a platform for critical review and recalibration of strategies to enhance the operational effectiveness of the NAF. In this light, the CAS employed the analogy of Colonel John Boyd’s “Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) Loop” decision-making framework, to drive home the need for commanders to continuously assess, adapt, and act decisively to stay ahead of security challenges.
The CAS also used the opportunity to reaffirm the NAF’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a safer and stronger Nigeria, pledging the absolute support of the NAF in contributing to national security and stability. He noted in particular Mr President’s determination to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is equipped with the best weapons, platforms and logistics to effectively carry out it’s constitutional role.
The CAS also expressed appreciation to members of the 39 Regular Course there present, for their continued support and their enormous wealth of experience which undoubtedly had been a critical contributor to the NAF’s ongoing transformation. He called for open, objective and constructive dialogue during the two-day meeting, expressing confidence that the outcomes would further consolidate the NAF’s capabilities for decisive airpower employment to ensure the security, safety and prosperity of the country.
CAS REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO C-IN-C, BACKS SENIOR LEADERS ON NAF TRANSFORMATION
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
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 Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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