News
Chad closes border with Sudan, orders military alert after drone attack
Chad closes border with Sudan, orders military alert after drone attack
By: Zagazola Makama
The Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has ordered the immediate closure of Chad’s border with Sudan and placed the military on maximum alert following a reported drone attack on Chadian territory.
The directive was issued after an emergency defence and security council meeting convened late on March 18 at the presidential palace in Ndjamena.
According to sources, the decision followed what authorities described as a fresh incursion involving Sudanese drones into Chadian territory, heightening tensions along the shared border.
The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister, Allamaye Halina, senior government officials, top military commanders and heads of security agencies.
During the session, Deby Itno reviewed Chad’s diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan, noting that multiple mediation attempts had failed to bring peace between the warring parties.
He expressed concern over the humanitarian burden the conflict has imposed on Chad, as well as the spillover of intercommunal tensions across the border due to shared ethnic and social ties.
In response to the latest attack, the president ordered the complete closure of the approximately 1,300-kilometre border between Chad and Sudan.
He also directed the deployment of a government delegation to the affected areas to assess both human and material losses resulting from the incident.
Furthermore, the Chadian leader instructed the armed forces to maintain a state of maximum operational readiness and to respond decisively to any further aggression originating from Sudan.
The directive applies to any hostile actions linked to forces loyal to Abdel Fattah al-Burhan or the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Officials said the meeting ended with immediate instructions to military commanders to implement the president’s orders without delay.
The development marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, as the conflict in Sudan continues to have cross-border security implications for neighbouring countries, including Chad.
Chad closes border with Sudan, orders military alert after drone attack
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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