Military
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH
By: POLYCARP OKOYE
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, celebrated Christmas with officers and soldiers of Headquarters (HQ) 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), and other units and formations within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). The celebration was marked with a lunch held at Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, on Tuesday 24 December, 2024.

While delivering his Christmas goodwill message to troops, the COAS, who was represented by the Corps Commander Signals, NA, Major General GO Adesina, expressed delight over an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with troops in 2 Division NA. He gave thanks to God Almighty for assisting the NA in overcoming the many challenges it faced during the year; adding that the achievements recorded so far worth the celebration. The COAS said, “I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude and respect to all officers and soldiers for your doggedness and bravery in tackling the security challenges within your AOR.” This special Christmas lunch is intended to help me meet with troops in the field in an atmosphere of joy and festivity, so as to boost your morale and hopefully invigorate and recharge you all for the task that is still ahead of us in the new year.” General Oluyede further appreciated officers and soldiers who have paid the supreme price while serving the nation selflessly and defending its integrity. He saluted specially, the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, and all NA personnel who died defending Nigeria. “Our hearts and thoughts are always with their families”, he said, praying that God grants them eternal rest in his kingdom.

The Army Chief, also emphasized on commitment of the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to provide all necessary assistance the NA requires to deliver on its constitutional duties. “On my part, I have directed that the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), be enhanced and sustained for the benefit of troops”, he said, urging them to key into the available scheme in Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment. He further stressed that welfare of troops including the injured and families of the dead will remain major focus of his welfare scheme.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, noted that the COAS’ approval of the lunch, was aimed at recognizing as well as appreciating troops for their dedication and commitment in the conduct of their duties. He appreciated the COAS for his strategic guidance and unwavering support which he said was key to the successs recorded by the Division.

He also thanked serving and retired senior officer and dignitaries who graced the occasion, saying their presence was inspirational, and an indication of sustained love and unwavering dedication which they still have for the system. Major General SO Olabanji, Major General A Alabi and Brigadier General D Dahiru, were in attendance and celebrated the festive period with troops.
Highpoints of the occasion, were the distribution of lunch and music displays by 2 Div NA life band. The COAS and GOC, including serving and retired senior officers present served troops extensively to their preferred dishes.
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Military
Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno
Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
A preliminary intelligence assessment has indicated that a military air strikes on an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) position at Badu village, south of Gudumbali in Borno State, killed more than 40 fighters and destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the strike, conducted on Oct. 10, targeted a concentration of ISWAP’s elite Murabitun fighters believed to have been deployed in the area for mobile patrols and surveillance.
According to the preliminary intelligence report, a prominent Qaid (commander) was among those reportedly killed, while the majority of the casualties were recorded inside and around a building hit during the air operation.
The Murabitun fighters are described as an elite mobile patrol element of ISWAP, typically deployed for periods of two to four weeks to conduct opportunistic attacks and provide early warning along the Gudumbali–Kukawa–Gajiram corridor.
Their reported mission in the area is to deter the advance of Nigerian troops towards the Lake Chad region.
Sources further said that ISWAP elements arriving from the Lake Chad area visited Badu at first light on Oct. 11 to evacuate surviving casualties and recover those affected by the strike.
The sources also alleged that the arriving fighters engaged Fulani herders around the abandoned village.
Further details on the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported engagement with the herders, were still being awaited as of the latest intelligence update.
Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno
Military
Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace
Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace
By Zagazola Makama
Brig.-Gen. T.A. Ayoola has taken over as the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) from Brig.-Gen. M.S. Sule in Jos, Plateau State.
The handing and taking over ceremony took place at about 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace, Jos.

Security sources said the ceremony was conducted smoothly, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing Chief of Staff to his successor.
Brig.-Gen. Sule handed over the position to Brig.-Gen. Ayoola during the brief ceremony.l

Operation Enduring Peace is responsible for security operations aimed at maintaining peace and stability across its area of responsibility in Plateau State and surrounding communities.
Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace
Military
COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security
COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities to enhance intelligence gathering and national security.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, Oct. 9, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.

The COAS was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom.
He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions and host communities in intelligence gathering, early warning, community trust and the promotion of sustainable peace.
Shaibu appreciated the Andoma and the people of Doma for their continued support and hospitality, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remained vital to addressing contemporary security challenges.
He noted that cooperation between the military, traditional rulers and local communities was essential to strengthening security operations and building public confidence.
In his response, the Andoma commended the COAS for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the kingdom.
The traditional ruler pledged the continued support of the institution and the people of Doma to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across the country.

The visit underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in supporting security efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence in host communities.
COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security
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