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NIGERIAN ARMY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT TRADOC MERIT AWARD 2024

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By: Sani Uba

The Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA) in line with its motto which is “Towards Greater Heights ” remains the centre of excellence for the NA in capacity building and resourcefulness.

Additionally, the command evaluates the proficiency of officers while developing their leadership capabilities that will assist NA in the career planning of officers.

Reward for merit occupies a special place in the life of every service personnel. It is in the light of this that TRADOC NA in conjunction with AHQ put together the fourth edition of TRADOC NA Merit Award for the year 2024 which held on Friday 1 November, 2024 at the newly built Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall in Minna Military Cantonment.

At the occasion, 26 officers who distinguished themselves in various promotional examinations were honoured with awards of academic excellence, as well as a deserving NA Division that performed most commendably among various Div Training Schools.

The command also used the occasion to appreciate some distinguished personalities who contributed to the progress and development of TRADOC NA. The award also sought to reward and recognise hard work, dedication and commitment of NA officers while promoting healthy competition among Corps or institutions towards enhancing professionalism. The 2024 Merit Awards was a testament to the NA’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.

In his remarks at the event, the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), acknowledged the significance of the Merit Award to the NA. The Acting COAS, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of officers who excelled in the NA promotion examinations conducted by the TRADOC NA in the year 2024.

He disclosed that the initiative will encourage officers to prepare adequately for future examinations and stimulate junior officers to strive for excellence thereby, enhancing professionalism in the NA. The Acting COAS also emphasised on the significance of recognising commitment and professionalism of officers, noting that the promotion examinations were crucial determinants of officers’ career progression.

The SGoH congratulated the awardees and highlighted the role of the TRADOC in fostering a culture of excellence and healthy competition among officers.

He also thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the NA. The Acting COAS also commended the Commander, TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe for his effort in moving TRADOC in line with international best practices.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Host and Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe, reflected on the significance of the Merit Awards, which was first introduced in the year 2021.

Maj Gen Aligbe noted that the awards had become essential in promoting administrative efficiency and operational effectiveness within the Army. He further stated that the evaluations and assessments carried out by TRADOC NA had led to improvements in the quality of training across various NA schools, formations and units.

“This year’s ceremony introduced a new category, the Best Division Award, which evaluates divisions based on the performance of their training schools.“The change aims to recognize the unique challenges faced by different divisions, ensuring a fair assessment of their training activities towards meeting their respective operational tasks.

Maj Gen Aligbe disclosed that the Army’s training objectives for the year 2024 were met, with a comprehensive report expected at the upcoming COAS Annual Conference in Abuja.

“Also, as part of NA’s commitment to community welfare and broader civil-military cooperation, approximately 33,000 educational materials (exercise books and writing materials ) were distributed to over 7,000 children in 4 schools within the Minna Military Cantonment as part of this year’s TRADOC NA Educational Support Programme,” he said.

The Commander TRADOC NA expressed his profound appreciation to the COAS for his unrelenting material as well as financial support to TRADOC NA.

This support, according to him, ensured the completion of the newly commissioned Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall. The merit awards include the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Award for Excellence, for Lieutenant-Captain Practical Promotion Examination, Awards for the Best Candidates Per Subject in Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination, Captain to Major Written Promotion Examination as well as award for the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination among

The event also marked the commissioning of the newly constructed Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall, underscoring the NA’s commitment to enhancing training and social activities within Minna Military Cantonment.

The gigantic project was commissioned by the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) , Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede represented by the Director General Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa.

Also in attendance at the event were Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Service Headquarters , Heads of Defence, Services, Agencies and Establishments , Commanders and Commandants of NA Formations and Schools, Heads and Representatives of the Security Agencies Heads and Representatives of Federal Government Departments and Agencies, Senior Military Officers (Serving and Retired) amongst others.

Some highlights of the event were goodwill messages by some past Commanders of TRADOC NA ( Maj Gens SU Abdulkadir, MA Koleoso and SO Olabanji retired), special performance by NYSC Cultural Troupe and Stereoman Ekwe.

NIGERIAN ARMY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT TRADOC MERIT AWARD 2024

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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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

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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