COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 to uphold professionalism, integrity and loyalty as they begin their careers in the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna State.

The COAS described the occasion as a significant milestone and congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the rigorous training that qualifies them for the Presidential Commission.

He urged the new officers to remain focused as they take up responsibilities in various operational theatres across the country.

“Your pips will be unveiled shortly, and you will begin individual and collective journeys filled with opportunities, challenges and important decisions,” he said.

“Amidst these, one thing must remain sacrosanct Nigeria must come first in all decisions and actions throughout this new phase of your careers.”

Shaibu emphasised the need for right character, courage, professionalism and resilience, assuring the cadets that the Nigerian Army Officers’ Corps would always stand with them as comrades and brothers-in-arms.

He advised them to rely on the training received at NASI and their experiences in service, stressing that in moments of doubt, their training should remain their guide.

The COAS reminded the officers that leadership required the ability to inspire confidence and make sound decisions.

“A bad plan is better than no plan at all, so ensure that you always have a plan,” he said.

“Always act with the hope for success and not the fear of failure.”

Shaibu highlighted the Army’s efforts to address welfare concerns related to their type of commission, assuring them of measures to support their professional and personal development.

He urged them to pursue continuous improvement through courses and trainings available in the Army, aligning with his Command Philosophy to transform the force into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready institution.

COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji

COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, describing the project as a major milestone in strengthening operational training and military education in the country.

Shaibu, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, said the state-of-the-art centre would significantly enhance the capacity of officers to engage in advanced operational planning, mission rehearsal and strategic decision-making.

He said the completion of the project demonstrated the military’s collective resolve to equip officers with the skills required to address contemporary and future security challenges.

“This centre is not only significant to this College but to the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

“The successful completion of this project is a bold statement in our determination to deepen officers’ operational planning capabilities, enhance military education and further prepare our officers for emerging threats.”

The COAS commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence in producing high-quality middle-level officers who contribute to national defence objectives.

“As a proud graduate of this College, I am pleased to remain associated with its continuous transformation,” he added.

Shaibu applauded the progress recorded by the Department of Land Warfare, noting that the execution of several key projects by his predecessors had contributed to improved academic outcomes and a more effective learning environment.

He described the new Wargaming Centre as a necessary complement to the Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai Operations Centre, adding that it would enhance the training of officers in land warfare doctrine and joint operations.

The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army,” saying such support made the execution of strategic projects possible.

He also thanked the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM HI Alhaji, for his commitment to improving the college’s infrastructure and training systems, and commended the Director of the Department of Land Warfare, Brig.-Gen. N.U.C. Ogili, for ensuring the timely and quality completion of the project.

Shaibu acknowledged the contributions of the directing staff, administrative officers and college community, noting that they were collective stakeholders in ensuring the effective utilisation and maintenance of the new facility.

He urged students, who are the primary beneficiaries, to make optimal use of the centre to enhance their understanding of operational art, strategic planning and battlefield decision-making.

“I congratulate the Commandant, staff and students of AFCSC on this historic achievement,” he said.

COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning

Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims at Orokam forest in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops of Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Friday at about 1:30 p.m., following credible intelligence from locals indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.

The source said troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised to the location alongside vigilante personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch.

“While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops. The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims,” the source said.

The sources said 14 abducted persons, who were returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend before being kidnapped, were rescued unhurt.

The sources added that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted from two separate communities Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.

According to the source, the victims were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Udenu Division, for onward reunification with their families.

The source added that the troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any incident.

The sources noted that troops had intensified monitoring of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims at Orokam forest in Benue