News
COAS CHARGES COMMANDERS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, PRIORITIZE TROOPS’ TRAINING, WELFARE

COAS CHARGES COMMANDERS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, PRIORITIZE TROOPS’ TRAINING, WELFARE
… As he presents Group Life Insurance Cheques, Hilux Vehicles to Army Warrant Officers
By: Our Reporter
In a bid to enhancepacross the theatres of operations across the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has charged commanders at all level to demonstrate exemplary leadership, actively motivate the troops to tackle security challenges. He gave the charge on Monday, 16 December 2024, while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 Asokoro, Abuja.
The COAS directed the commanders to adopt decisive action, set good examples, and lead with determination, resilience, empathy, and unyielding commitment to the mission objectives of the Nigerian Army. Sharing his views on the current operations across the country, the Army chief noted that the year 2024 has been an eventful year for the NA, particularly on the operational front, adding that the NA has increased the tempo of its operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and wanton killing of innocent citizens. The COAS also stressed the need to upscale both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across all the theatres of operations to ensure the peace and security of citizens.

Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed gratitude to the executive and legislative arms of government for prioritizing the re-equipping drive of the NA and refurbishment of combat enablers which he noted, has impacted hugely on NA operational effectiveness. The COAS maintained, as contained in his Command Philosophy “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” that training drives operational success.

He reiterated his commitment to promoting realistic and focused training, prioritizing the “Soldier-First Culture” through enhanced welfare support schemes, including those for the Widows, Next-of-Kin of fallen heroes, as well as the personnel who have suffered disabilities in the line of duty. He stressed that the practice is essential for preserving the physical and mental well-being of troops, preventing fatigue, boosting morale across the force, and ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness.
Commending officers and soldiers for their inestimable sacrifices in ensuring that the NA fulfills its constitutional responsibilities, the COAS urged personnel to redouble their efforts in the coming year to surpass the NA’s accomplishments in 2024. The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and unrelenting support to the NA.
He pledged the unalloyed loyalty and commitment of the NA to defend the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also thanked members of the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their commitment to ensuring the Nigerian Army’s budgetary and non-budgetary allocations are accorded due attention.

Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, while welcoming participants to the conference noted that the event also serves as a tribute to the legacies of the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja and reaffirmed the commitment of the NA to the values he championed. He noted that the conference was critical to assess NA’s operations and other activities with a view to boosting its overall performance.
In fulfilling part of the welfare schemes for NA personnel, the COAS presented Group Life Insurance Cheques to the next of kins of fallen heroes and 12 Hilux vehicles to Army Warrant Officers of the NA. The event also featured display of the newly produced Vanquisher Light Armoured Vehicle.
COAS CHARGES COMMANDERS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, PRIORITIZE TROOPS’ TRAINING, WELFARE
News
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.
Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.
She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.
She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”
Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.
She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.
“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.
Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.
She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”
Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”
He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.
“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.
The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
Crime
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.
Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.
They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.
“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.
Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
News
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.
Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.
He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.
“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.
He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.
“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.
“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.
He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.
Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
News6 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria