FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY

By: Our Reporter

The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (Retired), has called on personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA) to remain steadfast in upholding their constitutional responsibilities and democratic values while synergizing with other security agencies to address the nation’s security challenges. He made this appeal on Saturday, 18 January 2025, during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024 held at the Army Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

General Irabor who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), commended the sacrifices and dedication of personnel, encouraging them to remain vigilant and focused on their duties. He highlighted the richness and cultural diversity of Nigerian soldiers which he described as source of strength for effectiveness.

General Irabor averred that NA has a long history of heritage and achievements with documented victories in both World Wars, peacekeeping operations, and internal security operations across the country. General Irabor noted that the Army has made significant contributions to national growth and development, beyond their traditional defence and security duties through the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel, some of whom have paid the supreme price through service to the nation.

He urged the Army to continue synergizing with other security agencies, respect rules of law, and subordinate to civil authority. The former CDS commemorate with the officers and soldiers of the Army and urged them to remain focus as the nation looks upto the NA to keep upholding democratic values.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede emphasized the significance of WASA as a platform to celebrate national heritage and promote unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among personnel and their families. The COAS stated further that the event also avails the command the opportunity to thank God and appreciate personnel for their individual and collective contributions peace and security of the citizens.

The COAS posited that WASA showcases the Nigerian Army’s diverse ethnic heritage, rich cultural traditions, extensive geographical representation, and huge expectations of Nigerians in NA’s commitment to addressing security challenges.

The Army Chief appreciated the continued support and cooperation of other security and sister agencies in the execution of various operations, assuring that the NA will continue to foster stronger partnerships to enhance collective capacity to address the nation’s security challenges.

The Army Chief further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Koko Isoni recalled the tradition of WASA dated back to the era of the second World War, during which Officers, soldiers and their families come together to socialize in a relaxed mood to mark the end of the year’s activities.

He affirmed that the event also serves as a vehicle to enhance espirit de corps and the spirit of brotherliness within the NA.

The WASA is an annual event that brings together military personnel and their families to promote unity, camaraderie, and esprit de corps.

This year’s event was marked by various activities including Tug of War, Female Soldiers Bike Display, Band display, presentation of awards, Mega Suya/Nigerian Tradition Cuisine Competition, cultural performances showcasing Nigeria cultural diversity and lightening of burn fire by the SGoH.

FORMER CDS, GENERAL IRABOR CHARGES NIGERIAN ARMY TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND NATIONAL SECURITY

War Against Rebels at an End- Sudanese Government

By: Michael
Mike

Sudanese government has said the war against the rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is at its end as major factors are now against the militias.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nigeria, Mr Ahmed Omer Jaboul said the take over of Al Jazeera by the Sudanese force was a major victory for the Sudanese Army, adding that the condemnation of the activities of the rebel force by United States is a big plus to the people of Sudan.

He noted that the President of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is presently consolidating on the gains recorded so far by embarking on diplomatic visits to Mali, Sierra-Leone, Guinea Bissau and Sierra to drum support for his government and seek cooperation.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since over a year ago have continued to launch a conflict of unmitigated brutality that has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe, leaving 638,000 Sudanese experiencing the worst famine in Sudan’s recent history, with over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands dead.

Reports have shown that the RSF and RSF-aligned militias have continued to direct attacks against civilians, systematically killing men and boys—even infants—on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence.

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in a recent statement while condemning the excesses of the militias, said: “Those same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. Based on this information, I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan.

“The United States is committed to holding accountable those responsible for these atrocities. We are today sanctioning RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, for his role in systematic atrocities committed against the Sudanese people. We are also sanctioning seven RSF-owned companies located in the United Arab Emirates and one individual for their roles in procuring weapons for the RSF. In addition, we are today announcing Hemedti’s designation under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross violations of human rights in Darfur, namely the mass rape of civilians by RSF soldiers under his control. As a result of this designation, Hemedti and his immediate family members are ineligible for entry to the United States.

“Hemedti has wantonly ignored commitments under international humanitarian law, the 2023 “Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,” and the 2024 Code of Conduct produced by the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan initiative. This code includes commitments to allow the unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief and prevent war crimes such as sexual violence, which the RSF and aligned militias under Hemedti’s leadership have committed.”

Reacting to the US action, the Sudanese ambassador to Nigeria, urged other countries to follow suit and brand the RSF a terror group.

He said: “The allegation by American government that the militias have committed some atrocities like genocide and ethnic cleansing would go a long way in dictating the outcome of the war. This condemnation will have positive impact on the other countries to take the same step and take the same decision.

“The evidence against the militias has been shared by the Sudanese government to international organisations and agencies among them UN agencies and AU.”

War Against Rebels at an End- Sudanese Government

MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS

By: OLANIYI OSOBA

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has commemorated the successful completion of Operation LAKE SANITY 2 (OPLS 2 ) with a presentation of medal ceremony that celebrated the bravery and sacrifices of its troops. The OPLS 2 Medal presentation ceremony held at Headquarters MNJTF Farcha in N’Djamena, Chad was graced by the Minister of Armed Forces, Veteran and War Victims of Chad, Issaka Maluoa Djamous, as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH).

The Honourable Minister of Defence Chad, in a stirring address, commended the exceptional heroic action and dedication demonstrated by the troops throughout the operation. He stated that the success of OPLS 2 was not only a significant milestone but also a testament to the unwavering resolve and immense sacrifices of the troops.

The SGOH underscored the critical importance of collaboration between the MNJTF and national forces in restoring peace and stability across the sub-region, emphasizing that solidarity and team work have contributed to strengthening the foundations of lasting peace in the region which has been plagued by instability for several years. The SGOH also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the operation, reiterating that the sacrifices will never be forgotten.

In his welcome remarks, the Force Commander (FC) MNJTF Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali highlighted the critical successes under OPLS 2 over the past year. He said the achievement includes repatriating over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, dismantling of crucial terrorists logistical bases, neutralisation of over 310 terrorists and the crippling of the Terrorists’ operational capabilities.

General Ali also reiterated that OPLS 2 also led to the arrest of over 160 logistics suppliers and informants as well as the surrender of more than 800 terrorists and their families as well as the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, indicating a decline in support for terrorism.

Major General Ali on behalf of the troops, expressed profound gratitude for the continued support and strategic direction provided by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, particularly by the Head of Mission during the operation. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of former force commanders , whose efforts in previous operations such as AMNI FAKAT, GAMA AIKI and YANCIN TAFKI laid the groundwork for the success of OPLS 2.

The occasion was graced by the Head of Mission MNJTF, Governors and Chiefs of Defence Staff of Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) and Key Military Commanders from national forces. Others are top government functionaries from Chad, Royal Fathers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and specially invited guests. Highlights of the ceremony include the decoration of the FC, DFC, sector commanders and troops for their outstanding contributions to OPLS 2.

The Chiefs of Defence Staff of TCCs were also honoured with the prestigious OPLS 2 Medal for their extraordinary contributions to regional peace and stability. In addition, families of soldiers wounded or who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation were presented with tokens as a symbol of MNJTF’s profound gratitude and respect. The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the newly remodelled MNJTF’s Photo Stand by the SGOH

MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS