FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025

By: Zagazola Makama

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pledged the federal government’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army, emphasizing modernization, operational readiness, and the welfare of personnel. The statement was made during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos on Monday.

Represented by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted the critical role of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace amid evolving security challenges.

“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. The Nigerian Army has always risen to the nation’s call, and this administration remains resolute in mobilizing all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate threats and protect lives and property,” he said.

The Vice President commended the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and officers across all ranks for transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, resilient, and adaptable force capable of operating decisively within joint and multi-agency frameworks.

He noted that since assuming leadership, the government had closely monitored the army’s progress in training, administration, and operations.

The conference, themed “Examining the Current Landscape of Terrorism through Diplomatic and Military Lenses: Strategy for Long-term Prevention and Stabilization”, was described as timely and critical to national security planning.

“I urge frank and constructive discussions guided by realism and experience. Lead your engagements here, produce enduring strategies that will strengthen our collective resolve to secure Nigeria today and stabilize it for generations to come,” he stated.

The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the modernization of the armed forces, citing the induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation, the training of pilots, procurement of additional mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, armored and patrol vehicles, and the refurbishment of over 100 armored fighting vehicles now returned to active service.

“These measures underscore our clear commitment to strengthening operational readiness and enhancing the army’s capacity to confront evolving threats,” he said.

In addition to operational support, Senator Shettima emphasized the welfare of personnel, noting the administration’s resolve to improve amenities and programs that reflect appreciation for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers.

“We must continue to motivate and enhance the welfare of serving personnel through improved amenities and programs that reflect our appreciation for your selfless service,” he said.

Paying tribute to past and present army leaders, the Vice President acknowledged the contributions of former Chiefs of Army Staff, retired generals, and serving commanders whose leadership shaped the army’s enduring legacy.

He also recognized the presence of members of the National Assembly, senior military personnel, and other distinguished guests attending the conference.

Concluding his address, Senator Shettima declared the COAS Annual Conference 2025 officially open on behalf of President Tinubu, reiterating the government’s firm support for the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate to defend the nation.

“With a deep sense of duty and unshakable faith in your professionalism, it is my singular honor and privilege to declare this conference open,” he said.

Zagazola report that the conference provides a platform for rigorous evaluation, strategic planning, and the formulation of practical, actionable solutions to reinforce national security, stabilize the nation, and secure Nigeria’s future.

FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025

Mothers in Gombe laud campaign to reduce maternal, infant mortality

Some mothers in Gombe have commended the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on the inauguration of integrated health campaign to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the state.

They gave the commendation in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday during an inspection visit by journalists to various healthcare facilities within Gombe metropolis.

NAN reports that recently, the Gombe State Government inaugurated a five-day National Immunisation Plus Days campaign in collaboration with the Federal Government and UNICEF, with support from other donors.

The event, inaugurated in Swa community and Balanga Local Government Area, also marked the launch of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), targetting 832,427 children and 214,126 pregnant women in the state.

A mother of two, Mrs Hauwa Gambo, said the campaign made it possible for her to access healthcare together with her children, who were also going to be vaccinated for polio.

Gambo said that visiting Gidan Magani Health Facility, once for their health needs, had saved her transportation cost and the stress of going to the facility more than once.

“I commend the state government, UNICEF and all partners for integrating the campaign; its impact will help to reduce maternal and infant death, as well as under-five deaths, ‘’ she said.

An expectant mother at Madaki Health Facility, Aisha Ibrahim, worried over high cost of the needed nutrients and requirements for babies to grow healthy during pregnancy, expressed gratitude over the supplements provided by UNICEF in partnership with the state government.

Ibrahim said “the supplements are good for the health of pregnant women. Before now, I have been wanting to get the supplements which contain all the required nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, but I could not get them because they are expensive.

“Thank God we got the supplement free and the money saved from buying some of these essential nutrients can now be used to buy more food.”

Another mother of three and expecting her fourth, Aisha Muhammad, said she had been accessing free healthcare at the Madaki facility and she never had complications when giving birth or after birth.

She said all her children were taking their routine immunisation and had not been falling ill like their peers in the community.

“I encourage mothers and pregnant women to come out with their children and take advantage of the ongoing campaign toward improving the health of women and children in the state”, she said.

Other mothers who shared similar sentiments called for more awareness on the importance of embracing such campaign on the health of mothers and their children.

Mothers in Gombe laud campaign to reduce maternal, infant mortality

Troops neutralise kidnapper, arrest informants in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper, arrested three informants and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in Plateau State.

The operation followed reports of simultaneous kidnapping incidents at Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded swiftly to the distress calls and made contact with the kidnappers during the operation, leading to the neutralisation of one of the suspects.

Items recovered from the neutralised kidnapper include one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

The suspect was later identified as a resident of the community, who was allegedly operating with the kidnapping syndicate from within the area.

The sources added that troops also arrested three persons suspected to be informants providing support and intelligence to the kidnappers.

The souces said the arrested suspects, along with the recovered arms and ammunition, are currently in custody, while troops have launched follow-up operations to track and arrest the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.

The military reassured residents of Plateau State of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

Troops neutralise kidnapper, arrest informants in Plateau