Military
Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts
Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts
By Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu has extolled the efforts and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces as well as the commitments of the Governments and citizens of the North-Eastern States towards Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
Ojukwu gave this commendation at a Traditional and Religious Leaders Forum on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in North East Nigeria, the event which took place in Maiduguri, Borno State.
On the issue of Transitional justice which is the crux of the Forum, the human rights boss urged the traditional and religious leaders to assist the Commission to facilitate the effective implementation of the project.
The NHRC in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union had in 2021 launched a Project on Promoting Transitional Justice, Reconciliation, and Reintegration in Adamawa Yobe and Borno States.
The project was launched on the premise of bringing lasting peace to the communities affected by insurgency through truth-telling, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
The NHRC helmsman stressed that the role of traditional and religious leaders in any peace-building process cannot be over-emphasized. He recalled that “in many of our communities across Nigeria, traditional and religious leaders are the centerpiece of our civilization, facilitating and shaping education and socialization from cradle to grave” He noted that traditional and religious institutions in North-Eastern Nigeria, have advanced social and economic development dating back to many centuries.
He used the medium to thank the governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states for their partnership in the implementation of the Transitional Justice Project, and for the leadership and resilience, they have all shown in tackling the security and development challenges affecting the region.
“You have a partner in the National Human Rights Commission, and we pledge our mandate and resources to continuously work with you in addressing these challenges”, the Executive assured.
The Shehu of Borno His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi assured the Commission and other partners that he is in total support of the project aimed at peace-building and reconciliation, and achieving the goals of the Transitional Justice Project in the North East.
Represented by his Secretary, Alhaji Zanna Umar Ali, the Shehu specifically thanked the NHRC Boss, the project partners, and the sponsors, UNDP and EU for supporting the peace and reconciliation process in the North East.
In his keynote speech, Professor Umara Ibrahim Gudumbali of the Department of Political Science University of Maiduguri, charged the traditional rulers and religious leaders to borrow a leaf from the ancient mechanisms of settling disputes in attempting to address the current crises occasioned by insurgency in the North East.
The University Don gave a historical background of how the Borno Empire used the traditional African/religious culture to resolve conflicts that took place in some communities both within and outside Nigeria in the past centuries. The mechanism used in those days according to the Prof. is a similitude of what we have today as transitional justice.
In his goodwill message, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Borno state, Mr. Abdullahi Hussaini Izge Esq lauded the non-kinetic efforts of the federal government targeted at achieving peace and transitional justice in the North East. According to Izge, the transitional justice system is not new to Northern Nigeria because it has been there before the coming of the colonialists, saying that the modern application can only brush over what we had before.
While encouraging stakeholders to make the best use of the days ahead to achieve the goals of the Transitional Justice Project, the UNDP representative at the event Mr. David Mina, pledged the continuous support of the UN body in the implementation of the joint project.
Security: NHRC Commends Nigerian Armed Forces Efforts
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
By: Olusola Akinboyewa
As part of his operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) establishments in Lagos, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on 13 December 2024, visited Caverton Helicopters Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to evaluate progress on the ongoing 2,500-hour and 5-year major inspections of NAF Bell-412 helicopters (NAF 599 and NAF 600). The visit highlighted the critical role of indigenous expertise in advancing NAF’s operational capabilities and fostering sustainable aviation solutions.
Air Marshal Abubakar commended Caverton’s technical expertise and cutting-edge facilities, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work being done. He noted that NAF 600 was near operational readiness, while NAF 599 was 70% complete.
The CAS emphasized the importance of leveraging local partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign services, enhance NAF’s fleet maintenance, and build national capacity for aircrew training and technical development. He described the collaboration with Caverton as a model for sustainable solutions that align with the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence.
The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, assured the CAS of the company’s readiness to continue delivering top-notch services to support NAF operations. He highlighted the facility’s achievements in overhauling critical helicopter components and noted the value of the NAF partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry. The visit underscored the strategic importance of indigenous collaborations in bolstering national security and advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
CAS Advocates Indigenous Solutions During Strategic Visit to Caverton Helicopters
COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS
By: Our Reporter
The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Major General Philips Eromosele, has today 12 December 2024, paid a working visit to Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State. The visit was his maiden visit to the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
The CCE paid an office call to the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, after which he proceeded to the 46 Engineer Brigade Counter Improvise Explosive Device Squadron, where he thereafter commissioned some projects. The projects commissioned include a Training Area and Laboratory, 26 Support Engineer Regiment Training sheds, and a block of 10 flats of one-bedroom apartments for Coporal and Below constructed by Headquarters 6 Division.
While addressing the troops of the 46 Engineer Brigade, the CCE charged them to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army and, most importantly, role models to their subordinates. He also urged them to be patient with the system and eschew all manner of illegalities, as plans are on the ground for a better future in the NA.
In his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of, the 26 Support Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Usama Yakubu said he was spurred to construct the training shed in his unit to ensure rigorous training of his personnel to prepare them for both current and future challenges. This, he said, is under the CCE’s directive and mission statement, “To develop the capacity of the Nigerian Army Engineer for robust support to the NA in accomplishing assigned missions”. “Another purpose for the ultra-modern 150-capacity training shed with an office space for instructors and convenience for both male and female students respectively, beautiful furniture, and a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning was to equip both young officers and soldiers with basic knowledge and skills required before they proceed for local courses that will prepare them in carrying out both engineer and infantry roles in the field”, he added.
The highlights of the visit were the commissioning of multiple projects, a short presentation of Improvised Explosive Device Management by the Commander, 46 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Ekeoma Odoemele, an address to troops, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.
COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS
RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY
By: Our Reporter
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reassured retiring military personnel that leaving active service marks the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter in their lives, not an end. Speaking today, 12 December 2024, as the Special Guest of Honour at the Passing Out Ceremony of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Participants Course 02/2024 in Oshodi, Lagos, the CAS lauded the graduands for their unshakable commitment and discipline throughout their military careers.
In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the Commandant, graduating participants, and the entire NAFRC community on achieving a significant milestone. He highlighted the importance of the six-month training programme, which equipped personnel transitioning to civilian life with skills pertinent to entrepreneurship, management, and national development.
Reflecting on a popular military saying, “Soja come, Soja go, barracks remain,” the CAS emphasised that while individuals leave the Service, their values and contributions continue to shape the Armed Forces and the nation. He urged the graduands to carry forward the discipline, courage, and commitment they exhibited in uniform, becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in their communities.
Air Marshal Abubakar noted that retirement should not be seen as a death sentence but rather as a new beginning. “Do not entertain fears about your future,” he advised. “With the training, discipline, and skills you have acquired, as well as God’s guidance, you will enjoy a prosperous future with good health and sound mind.”
Paying tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the CAS also commended the families of the retirees for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He assured the audience of the Armed Forces’ commitment to the welfare of its personnel, both serving and retired, and expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to capacity development within the military.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, thanked the special the Special Guest of Honour for honoring the invitation and gracing the occasion. He also extended a warm welcome to all distinguished personalities, commandants, commanders, special guests, and well-wishers in attendance. “Your presence here today is a clear manifestation of how dearly you hold this great institution,” he remarked, acknowledging support and commitment to the success of NAFRC and its graduating participants.
The event also featured an exhibition of various products and services created by the graduating class, as well as the commissioning of a 54-unit ensuite hostel block donated by the NAF to NAFRC. Dignitaries in attendance included the Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) and the NAF Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), amongst many other distinguished personalities.
RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY
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