Connect with us

News

NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building

Published

on

NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building

…as Buratai Lauds President Tinubu’s Increased Support in Counterinsurgency Operations

By Lawrence Audu

Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, played host to the 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA as they gathered for their 2024 Annual General Meeting. The event was a celebration of their rich heritage and a reunion of old colleagues.

The evening was filled with cultural dances, jokes, and sumptuous meals, creating a relaxing atmosphere for the members.

Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, commended the federal government for the support in the war against insurgency.

“Nine years ago, we would never have had the opportunity to gather like this here in Borno and in Maiduguri in particular. Once it is 2 o’clock as someone said, everyone goes inside and remains there till the following morning probably nine or ten. The restrictions were heavy, the atmosphere was charged with so much insecurity. But today, to the Glory of Almighty God, we are thankful to God for the sustained counterinsurgency operations leading to the sustainable security being achieved and being experienced today in the Northeast,” he said.

“We must appreciate the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the increased support to the Armed Forces to prosecute the counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and its subsequent version of ISWAP.”

Buratai also praised the members for their support during his tenure as Army Chief. “You have been wonderful for over forty years precisely 44 years when we met together for the first time 3rd January 1981 and we have maintained that relationship. I want to thank you for your support to me in particular.

“You stood by me when I was Chief of Army Staff in a very difficult period, the time of the Boko Haram rampage and it was a period that was volatile, uncertain, complex and of course ambiguous environment and times as well. The environments were charged with so much opposition and mischief that is within the sociopolitical environment and within the geographical environment of the northeast also was tensed with the various attacks that have been going on in this area but you stood by me and supported me and together, we succeeded.” He adds.

Commodore MB Teidi (Retd), President of the Association, reflected on the journey that began over four decades ago. “Let me take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment. The history of NDA 29th Regular Course started on 3rd January 1981 when 155 young men reported for military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Most of us received the Presidential Commission and thereafter were posted to various services in the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force to pursue their Military career, while some opted out of the training to pursue their next best destined options.

“The inaugural meeting of this association was initiated by Major TY Buratai when most of the members were on Staff Course at the Command and Staff College Jaji. It was not until 2014 after the burial of one of our course mates, that the idea of a formal body with a constitution was muted. Since then the association has enjoyed consistent yearly meetings in line with its constitution.”

The event brought together former colleagues from across the services and the business community, including serving military personnel such as Major General Wahidi Shuaibu, Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, and the Air Component Commander.

The reunion demonstrated the strong bonds and camaraderie forged during their military careers. As they reminisced about their past experiences, they celebrated their achievements and the progress made in the fight against insurgency.

The 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy is no doubt, a shining example of the power of friendship and service to the nation. As they look to the future, they continue to stand together, committed to their objectives and to the development of the nation.

NDA 29th Regular Combatant Course Reunites in Maiduguri, Reaffirms Commitment to Nation-Building

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

Published

on

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

Continue Reading

News

Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe

Published

on

Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised a prominent member of the ISWAP Shura Council during an operation in Yobe State.

Security sources said the development was confirmed at about 6:12 p.m. on April 22 following intelligence reports that the senior terrorist figure, identified as Abu Jarir, was eliminated by troops in the Babangida area.

According to the sources, the neutralisation is considered a significant blow to the terrorist leadership structure in the Lake Chad region.

The sources further disclosed that the overall ISWAP commander in the Lake Chad axis, identified as Ba Shuwa, reportedly dispatched a team to recover the body of the slain commander on the same day.

The search party was said to have been sighted moving on about 12 motorcycles around the Aljanna Jaule area.

Further details on the operation are expected as exploitation continues.

Troops Neutralise ISWAP Shura Member Abu Jirir in Yobe

Continue Reading

News

Troops respond to attack in Bindi Community

Published

on

Troops respond to attack in Bindi Community

By: Our Reporter

In a related development, troops deployed at Ganawuri also responded at about 11:30 a.m. the same day to a report of destruction of cabbage farms belonging to two residents, Mr. Haruna Badung and Mr. Elisha Musa, in Bindi community of Riyom LGA.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the Fulani herders responsible had fled the area with their cattle. Community leaders were subsequently invited by the troops to facilitate an amicable resolution and prevent escalation.

Similarly, in Mangu Local Government Area, troops of Sector 8 responded at about 12:30 p.m. to a report of injuries to a local resident, Mrs. Gift Zaphania, in a confrontation with a Fulani herder while fetching water at a stream in Maijankai village. The victim was found with injuries and was evacuated to a nearby clinic for medical attention.

The herder reportedly fled on sighting troops, abandoning 29 cattle, which were taken into custody pending further action.

Zagazola Makama’s series of reports has illustrated how cattle rustling, livestock poisoning, farm invasion by Fulani herders, and targeted attacks on pastoralists’ livelihoods by Berom militia in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu and Riyom LGAs have continued to fuel tensions and violent confrontations.

Both Berom and Fulani criminal elements have carried out coordinated attacks, sometimes leading to loss of lives and destruction of property across the affected local government areas.

Recent security operations have also uncovered networks involved in cattle rustling and illicit livestock trade. On April 19, operatives in Nasarawa State intercepted suspected stolen cattle linked to Plateau, leading to the arrest of a suspect in Lafia. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to purchasing twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld), but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.

Further investigations identified the livestock as part of a herd rustled in 2025 from Bokkos, pointing to the scale and persistence of the problem.

Other similar incidents include the recovery of 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa, Barkin Ladi LGA, on April 15, and 92 cattle in Bassa LGA on April 13 after security forces pursued fleeing Berom suspects.

Such recurring incidents remain a major trigger for retaliatory violence, complicating peace efforts and heightening insecurity in affected communities.pp

Efforts are ongoing by troops and other security agencies to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.

Troops respond to attack in Bindi Community

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights