CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH

By: POLYCARP OKOYE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, celebrated Christmas with officers and soldiers of Headquarters (HQ) 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), and other units and formations within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). The celebration was marked with a lunch held at Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, on Tuesday 24 December, 2024.

While delivering his Christmas goodwill message to troops, the COAS, who was represented by the Corps Commander Signals, NA, Major General GO Adesina, expressed delight over an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with troops in 2 Division NA. He gave thanks to God Almighty for assisting the NA in overcoming the many challenges it faced during the year; adding that the achievements recorded so far worth the celebration. The COAS said, “I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude and respect to all officers and soldiers for your doggedness and bravery in tackling the security challenges within your AOR.” This special Christmas lunch is intended to help me meet with troops in the field in an atmosphere of joy and festivity, so as to boost your morale and hopefully invigorate and recharge you all for the task that is still ahead of us in the new year.” General Oluyede further appreciated officers and soldiers who have paid the supreme price while serving the nation selflessly and defending its integrity. He saluted specially, the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, and all NA personnel who died defending Nigeria. “Our hearts and thoughts are always with their families”, he said, praying that God grants them eternal rest in his kingdom.

The Army Chief, also emphasized on commitment of the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to provide all necessary assistance the NA requires to deliver on its constitutional duties. “On my part, I have directed that the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), be enhanced and sustained for the benefit of troops”, he said, urging them to key into the available scheme in Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment. He further stressed that welfare of troops including the injured and families of the dead will remain major focus of his welfare scheme.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, noted that the COAS’ approval of the lunch, was aimed at recognizing as well as appreciating troops for their dedication and commitment in the conduct of their duties. He appreciated the COAS for his strategic guidance and unwavering support which he said was key to the successs recorded by the Division.

He also thanked serving and retired senior officer and dignitaries who graced the occasion, saying their presence was inspirational, and an indication of sustained love and unwavering dedication which they still have for the system. Major General SO Olabanji, Major General A Alabi and Brigadier General D Dahiru, were in attendance and celebrated the festive period with troops.

Highpoints of the occasion, were the distribution of lunch and music displays by 2 Div NA life band. The COAS and GOC, including serving and retired senior officers present served troops extensively to their preferred dishes.

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH

TROOPS DESTROY TERRORIST CAMPS AROUND BICHI HILL IN KATSINA STATE

By: ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have destroyed several terrorist camps around Bichi Hill in the Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State. This operation came in response to credible intelligence that revealed active terrorist activities in the area, which had culminated in assaults on local communities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara Local Government Area on 19 December 2024.

In a combined ground and air offensive, troops targeted these camps in an effort to dismantle the terrorists’ operations and restore peace to the affected areas. The operation involved precision air strikes conducted by the Air Component on identified terrorist locations during multiple passes.

Despite the air strikes, some surviving terrorists attempted to regroup in the vicinity of Bichi Hill, leading to a fierce firefight with ground troops. This engagement lasted for several hours, but the terrorists were ultimately overpowered by the troops superior firepower. As a further blow to the terrorists’ ability to escape, the Air Component platforms tracked fleeing terrorists on motorcycles and conducted additional successful strike against them.

Reports from local sources indicate that the operations resulted in a significant number of terrorist casualties, including the reportedly fatal injuries of notorious kingpins Manore and Dogo Nahalle. In addition to the terrorists neutralised, the operation dismantled several terrorist camps located within the high ground thus crippling the terrorists’ operational capabilities.

Prior to these military operations, communities surrounding Maidabino, Yantumaki and Mara and other parts of Danmusa and Safana LGAs had been under persistent threat from the terrorists, leading to mass displacements among local residents.

In light of the recent successes, the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma want to again reassure the public of our commitment to safeguarding the lives of the people and urged them to refrain from harbouring or supporting criminal elements in any form.

The Theatre Commander Operation Fansan Yamma Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele on behalf of the troops expresses his resolve to combat terrorism and all forms of crimes in the Northwest Zone and Niger State towards ensuring peace and security in the affected communities.

TROOPS DESTROY TERRORIST CAMPS AROUND BICHI HILL IN KATSINA STATE

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