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WE’RE IN FINAL PHASE OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST INSURGENCY AND OTHER FORMS OF CRIMINALITIES — PRESIDENT BUHARI
WE’RE IN FINAL PHASE OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST INSURGENCY AND OTHER FORMS OF CRIMINALITIES — PRESIDENT BUHARI
By: Femi Adesina
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno State, urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.
The President, who addressed the troops at the Airforce Base in Maiduguri, said the entire nation remains grateful for the gallantry displayed in ensuring gradual return of peace to the North East, while condoling with families that have lost loved ones, and the wounded.
“I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic end-state which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable North East Geo-political Zone and other parts of the Country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or harassment,” he said.
President Buhari assured families of soldiers who paid the supreme price for the nation and the injured that the Federal Government will cater for their needs, recognizing their sacrifices for all Nigerians.
“I am delighted to be with you today and to convey my gratitude and that of the entire nation to you all, as you continuously strive to secure our dear country.
“Your career is like no other because it is a conscious commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others.
“I am therefore here on behalf of a grateful nation to thank and commend you for your service and sacrifices.
“Let me start by commiserating with you all on the unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu and other personnel of 25 and 28 Task Force Brigades, who died on 13 November 2021.
“I do this mindful of the fact that we have lost others in this Theatre of Operation as well as other operational areas across the country.
“We pray for the repose of their souls and for the Almighty God to comfort the families that they left behind. The people of Borno State and indeed the entire country owe a debt of gratitude to our serving men in uniform for the huge sacrifices in the pursuit of peace,” he said.
According to President Buhari, the Government would continue to ensure that the widows and children of fallen heroes were well catered for, to help them fully realize their potentials.
The President noted that the response exhibited across the theatre had shown extraordinary resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
“That is the spirit, tenacity and resolve that the Nigerian Armed Forces is known for. Well done.
“Our country, just like all the others in the Sahel region, is faced with several security challenges that are largely characterized by the violent activities of non-state actors. This has necessitated several interventions aimed at ensuring the security of persons and property across the numerous hot spots.
“Further improvements in the security situation in Operation Hadin Kai have led to a corresponding rise in the confidence of our people who are now returning in significant numbers to their homes.
“Further to the reorganizations in the military leadership, concerted efforts are being made to improve your equipment holding. I am aware that you have started receiving some of the platforms procured by our administration while others would be received in the weeks ahead,” the President added.
While noting threats posed by criminals through the employment of Improvised Explosive Devices, he said substantial resources have also been directed at procuring equipment for explosive ordnance disposal.
According to President Buhari, similar attention is being given to Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Assets.
“These measures and the platforms being received would accord you the necessary reach, fire power and protection to project force across the Theatre and bring the fight to a logical and successful end.”
President Buhari told the troops that at the onset of the administration he emphasized the need to rejuvenate the Multinational Joint Task Force, which was in realization of the fluid and transnational nature of current threats and their propensity to hibernate in neighbouring countries.
“I therefore urge you to continue to further strengthen your cooperation with the militaries of the other countries under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force in order to further optimize the mutual gains for our respective national security.
“As we step up the military efforts, our administration has remained conscious of the efficacy of the employments of other lines of effort in our drive to ensuring the return of lasting peace to the North East Region.
“The North East Development Commission continues to make giant strides at improving the economic and social welfare of Nigerians in the region.
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“I am also happy with the increased level of cooperation between the good people of Borno State, other stakeholders and the security agencies. I urge you to continue to cooperate with other security agencies with a view to ensuring a full return to normalcy.”
He assured that the administration would continue to work with all well-meaning stakeholders including friendly nations, civil society organizations as well as other credible non-governmental organizations to bring peace to all troubled areas across the nation.
President Buhari expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Borno State for its continuous cooperation with the Federal Government in multiple spheres.
Adding, “This has been critical to the furtherance of our mutual efforts at restoring peace to the State.
“I particularly commend Your Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, for your untiring commitment and cherished collaboration with my administration for the overall good of the people of Borno. Yours is a good example of the inherent benefits that are accruable from conscious positive interaction between the Federal Government and states.”
He also commended the Minister of Defence as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the heads of all other security agencies for forging a common front of collaboration and cooperation which continues to enhance operations.
“It was gratifying to observe some of these examples of collaboration during the Research and Development Exhibition at the recently concluded Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference and the launch of locally constructed Seaward Defence Ship at the Naval Dockyard.
“I urge you all to stay the course towards ensuring that we become self-sufficient in the production of our defence equipment in no distant future.
‘To my dear troops, as your Commander in Chief, I am mindful of your selfless sacrifices which in some cases have entailed paying the supreme price. The nation owes you a debt of gratitude for your commitment, dedication and unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Our Government will continue to work with your respective heads to ensure that your welfare receives priority attention and that our wounded comrades are given the best medical care possible,” the President assured.
The President said the manpower challenges which have limited the rotation of some units from the Theatre would be addressed by concerted efforts to increase recruitment and ensure that the remaining units due for rotation were relieved as soon as practicable.
WE’RE IN FINAL PHASE OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST INSURGENCY AND OTHER FORMS OF CRIMINALITIES — PRESIDENT BUHARI
Nigeria, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Meet to Strengthen Economic Cooperation
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Niger have moved to strengthen economic cooperation especially in operationalization of cross-border markets, trade and energy.
The relationship between the two neighbouring countries was near crashing after the coup d’etat that ousted democratic government in Niger and the Nigerian government leading other countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to place series of sanctions on Niger and two other countries of Burkina Faso and Mali who have had their civilian administration toppled.
The three countries moved ahead to further distance themselves from ECOWAS by denouncing membership of the regional bloc and subsequently forming Alliance of Sahel States or in French, Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).
Though Niger and the other two countries seems to have moved on but a lot need to be done to keep the age long relationship.
Meeting in Niamey, the Nigerien capital on Wednesday the foreign affairs ministers of both Nigeria and Niger, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Mr. Bakary Sangaré respectively had talks on building on the relationship of the two countries.
In a communique they both signed after the meeting, they disclosed the engagement was the initiative of both parties.
The communique read that: “His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf MaitamaTuggar was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, in a spirit of brotherhood that characterizes the warm and friendly relations that have always existed between the peoples of the two countries;
“The discussions took place in a climate of great cordiality and provided an opportunity for an in-depth examination of the challenges facing the two countries and major current issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels;
“The two countries deliberated on various issues of mutual interest that would foster closer relations amongst the people and government of Niger and Nigeria. Some of the concerns raised were the renewed commitment to revitalise the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), which would further consolidate the gains made so far. Furthermore, the two parties emphasized the need to strengthen economic cooperation especially in operationalization of cross-border markets, trade and energy, the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the construction of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic, Bilateral Air Services, local bilateral committees, micro-diplomacy, tariffs and taxes, desertification, good neighborliness policies, migration, tourism, education, new information and communication technologies, agriculture and livestock farming, and infrastructure. In this regard, the two Ministers agreed to cooperate and follow up on these issues through the NNJC as soon as possible;
“During their discussions, the two Ministers welcomed the quality of the relations of fraternity, friendship, cooperation, and good neighborliness that bind Niger and Nigeria, and reaffirmed their shared desire to boost and energize bilateral cooperation between the two countries, to raise it to the level of their ambitions and the legitimate expectations of their respective peoples, who aspire to peace, security, and development;
“On the security front, the two Ministers noted the terrorist threat raging along the border between the two countries, which constitutes a real obstacle to the effective implementation of all development programs initiated by the governments of their countries. Therefore, the two ministers called on the ministries of defense of both countries to continue their security cooperation;
“The delegations expressed their conviction of the need to strengthen social, political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two countries and agreed to increase mutual exchanges at all levels, particularly through the regular holding of meetings of the committees of experts, the Council of Ministers, and the High Authority of the Niger-Nigeria Joint Cooperation Commission;
“To this end, the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs have expressed the need to set up a Joint Consultative Forum that will bring together all relevant stakeholders of both countries to address their common challenges and explore further opportunities for the benefit of their citizens;
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigerien abroad, His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, expressed his sincere thanks to his brother and Nigerian counterpart for his visit to Niamey. He requested him to convey the gratitude and appreciation of the President of the Republic, Head of State, Government, and people of Niger to the Government and people of Nigeria;
- His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar expressed his thanks to the Government and people of the Republic of Niger for the hospitality and warm welcome extended to him and his delegation and invited His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré to pay an official working visit to Nigeria. This invitation was warmly accepted, and the date will be communicated through diplomatic channels.”
- Nigeria, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Meet to Strengthen Economic Cooperation
NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Monday conducted a precision air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Kollaram, within the Marte axis of the Lake Chad region.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the l airstrike, which was executed at approximately 0610 hours, followed credible intelligence and surveillance reports indicating the presence of terrorist elements and their logistical infrastructure in the area.
The sources said that the post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), shows that the air interdiction resulted in the destruction of key terrorist structures and critical logistics, in the Lake Chad corridor.
A senior military source, who confirmed the operation disclosed that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to maintain aerial dominance and sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North East theatre of operations.
“The operation was carried out with precision munitions tp ensure the neutralisation of only hostile targets. The destruction of these facilities significantly hampers the enemy’s ability to regroup or launch coordinated attacks in the region,” the source said.
He said that preliminary intelligence suggests panic and disarray within the terrorist ranks, with reports of survivors fleeing towards nearby islands for cover.
The source added that further reconnaissance is ongoing to track fleeing elements and prevent any regrouping attempts.
NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad
Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18th and Monday, 21st April 2025 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter Celebration.
The Easter festival comes after the 40 days fasting (Lent), with a holy weekend starting with Good Friday, Sunday (the day of Resurrection of Christ) and Easter Monday, all showcasing the virtues of sacrifice and resurrection.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo while making the holidays declaration on Tuesday on behalf of the Federal Government, extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on the joyous occasion.
He emphasized the importance of the holidays to Christians, which embody the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.
In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.
He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, wishing
all Christians a blissful Easter celebration, while extending warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.
Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter
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