Military
“GOODBYES ARE NOT THE END, BUT THE BEGINNING OF NEW JOURNEYS,” SAYS MAJOR GENERAL MAINA………as He Hands Over to Major General UM Alkali, the 7th Commandant of AWCN
“GOODBYES ARE NOT THE END, BUT THE BEGINNING OF NEW JOURNEYS,” SAYS MAJOR GENERAL MAINA………as He Hands Over to Major General UM Alkali, the 7th Commandant of AWCN
By: Hashimu Saad
The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) witnessed a memorable leadership transition on 22 January 2025, as Major General Ishaya Maina handed over the leadership to Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, the 7th Commandant of the institution. The ceremony, held at the College Conference Room in Asokoro, Abuja, marked the end of an impactful tenure for Maj Gen Maina and the beginning of a new chapter for AWCN.
In his valedictory address, Maj Gen Maina reflected on his tenure, which began on 30 June 2023, describing it as a challenging yet rewarding journey. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for granting him the opportunity to contribute to training operational-level leaders in line with the COAS’s 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.”
Maj Gen Maina extended his appreciation to the College Governing Council, the Chief of Training (Army), and other Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers for their critical support, which enabled AWCN to fulfill its mission of producing well-trained, educated, and inspired operational leaders for the Nigerian Army.
Addressing the College staff, he urged them to offer the same unwavering support to the incoming Commandant, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Alkali expressed his deep appreciation for the trust reposed in him to lead such a prestigious institution. He pledged to continue building on the foundation laid by his predecessors, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, innovation, and a forward-looking approach.
“The Army War College Nigeria holds a strategic role in shaping the operational leadership of our Army. I am committed to ensuring that we sustain and enhance the standards of excellence that this institution is known for. Together, we will forge new paths, introduce cutting-edge methodologies, and strive for transformative outcomes in the training and education of our operational leaders.”
He called on the faculty and staff to maintain their dedication and professionalism, as their contributions are vital to achieving the College’s objectives.
The event featured several key moments, including a tour of the College facilities, the signing of handing-over notes, the ceremonial transfer of the College flag, the presentation of souvenir, and a group photograph.
As he bid farewell, Maj Gen Maina left the audience with an inspiring message: “Goodbyes are not the end, but the beginning of new journeys.”
“GOODBYES ARE NOT THE END, BUT THE BEGINNING OF NEW JOURNEYS,” SAYS MAJOR GENERAL MAINA………as He Hands Over to Major General UM Alkali, the 7th Commandant of AWCN
Troops neutralise armed militia in Plateau after failed escape attempt
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed militia in Plateau State after he attempted to disarm a soldier during an operation.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Sept. 5 during a follow-up operation to a hideout in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
A day earlier, on Sept. 4, troops had arrested the militia at Kaskra with an AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to involvement in several criminal activities within Barkin Ladi and volunteered to lead troops to the hideout of his cohorts to recover weapons.
Sources said that while the search was ongoing at the hideout, the militia made a desperate attempt to snatch a soldier’s rifle in order to escape.
“He was swiftly overpowered and neutralised by the troops in the process,” one of the sources said.
The remains of the deceased suspect were deposited at a hospital morgue, while follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and recover more weapons.
The sources reaffirmed military’s commitment to sustain the momentum against armed militias and other criminal elements in Plateau, stressing that no effort would be spared in restoring peace and stability across the Joint Operations Area.
Troops neutralise armed militia in Plateau after failed escape attempt
Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have arrested two suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended on Sept. 4 during a fighting patrol to Yaka village by a quick response team.
The suspects, according to the source, are in troop custody for further investigation and action.
Troops arrest terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Sokoto
Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Gajigana, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by ISWAP terrorists on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno.
Zagazola Makama reports that the attack occurred at about 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday.
A reinforcement team joined the operation and engaged the insurgents in a clearance operation.
Sources told Zagazola that one Wednesday that several terrorists were killed while one soldier paid the supreme price in action, while another sustained injuries.
The injured personnel has since been evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the fallen hero were moved to the 7 Division Military Morgue in Maiduguri.
Items recovered from the terrorists during exploitation include AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Baofeng radios, and belted ammunition for a machine gun.
The sources added that the terrorists, who withdrew in disarray, were believed to have suffered several casualties, though the exact figure was not confirmed.
They explained that the general security situation in the area remains calm but unpredictable.
Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Gajigana, Borno
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
Troops barbecued scores of bandits in Kankara, Katsina
Zulum Visits Families of 63 Borno Residents Killed by Boko Haram
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