Short Service: 295 NDA Cadets Concludes Outdoor Field Training In Kachia

No fewer than 295 short service 47 cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna have concluded their outdoor field training which ended in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Saturday.

The final phase of the officers cadets outdoor training was the battle inoculation and fire power demonstration, held at table hill, Nigeria Army area in Kachia.

Also, the tactical drills and battle inoculation drills which took place in Kachia general area lastedfrom 14 – 29 Jan.

While addressing the cadets, the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigeria Army, Maj-Gen Stevenson Olabanji , said the battle inoculation is aimed at exposing the cadets to the sights and sounds of battlefields.

Olabanji said the battle inoculation had truly met the objectives of the exercise.

According to him, “This has given us a semblance of actual battlefield experience albeit without actual casualties and chaos associated with the real battlefield.

“Since we can’t possibly replicate actual battle scenario, this firepower demonstration has shown you some of the destructive effects of war.

He told the cadets that battle inoculation has given them a foretaste of what they may likely experience as they go into the field as subalterns occupying junior leadership positions into the various theatres of operations within and outside the country.

“I am very certain that you are now better prepared mentally andy physically for the tasks ahead.

As we are all aware, our nation is currently faced with numerous contemporary security challenges ranging from, insurgency banditry, kidnapping, militancy and violent agitations, among others.

“The Nigerian army in collaboration with the sister services and the other security agencies, has the constitutional mandate to combat these threat to national security security.

“You the passing out cadets therefore fall in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, which is “To have a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Defence Academy has provided you with all the necessary basic military skills, character development and academic prowess that would enable you to fit into this vision.

“What will separate the chaff from the grain would be your attitude and how you would apply yourselves to your chosen career hereafter, “he said.

He added that, irrespective of the corps you might be posted after your commissioning, you must all be prepared to be drafted at short notice fo perform difficult and sometimes dangerous operations such as Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN), operation , peace enforcement , peacekeeping , or other operations in aid to civil authority.

He said apart from mastering your tactics, techniques and procedures, you also need the requisite physical fitness, mental alertness and stamina to be able to succeed.

“However, watching you here charging through the enemy objective under fire, shows that you are ready for this job.

“I must therefore, applaud the initiative and effort of the commandant in deeming it necessary to extend the training duration for a period of 3 months.

“This initiative was well thought-out and has greatly Improved the training quality, much of which has been replicated in the output of today’s exercise.

“You must continue to indulge yourselves in activities that would enable you to further develop and maintain the desired cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and flexibility to withstand the rigours of military operations,” he urged.

Olabanji congratulate the cadets for successfully completing all stages of military training which culminated today with this battle Inoculation.

“It can only be by dint of hard work determination and commitment that you have been able to survive the rigorous training up to this point.

“However, you must bear in mind that a race is never won until an athlete has crossed the finish line.

“Therefore, you must remain focused, disciplined and levelheaded,” he said.

The Commander appreciated the Chief of Army Staft Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for his strategic direction of the Army and for all the outstanding support he has been providing to all the NA training schools including the NDA.

“Undoubtedly, the endorsement of the Establishment Order for the creation of 37 NDA Demonstration Battalion coupled with the issue of fighting vehicles to the new unit would enhance the capacity of the academy to deliver realistic training to the cadets.

The Commandant of the Academy ,Maj-Gen Ibrahim Yusuf, advice the cadet to always place the nation above all other interest to take away all the lesson, trainings we have impacted on them.

It would be recalled that other phases of the exercise which took place in Plateau State included map reading exercise at Heipang and adventure training at the citizenship and leadership training centre, Shere Hills, Jos, from January 8 to 14.

2023: Achudume’s fake prophesy to Gov. Emmanuel will spark political turmoil in AKS – Prophesy

Pastor Benson Offiong of the Light of Glory International Ministry, Ojota, Lagos, says God has revealed to him that political turmoil will soon engulf Akwa Ibom State because of Pastor Lawrence Achudume’s fake prophesy to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

Addressing reporters at his International Headquarters, the Lagos based Pastor says after more than 24 hours of intense prayer, God revealed to him in a vision that except Governor Udom Emmanuel frees himself from the bondage of Pastor Lawrence Achudume’s fake prophesies, a sudden and unexpected political turmoil will happen in the State which will cause irreparable damage to lives and properties that will crash Udom’s legacies and his succession plan.

Apostle Lawrence Achudume is Senior Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International based in Ogun State.

“I am not one of those pay and carry prophets. I am saying what God has revealed to me. Except the Governor runs away from the many fake pastors and prophets his step brother and Pastor Lawrence Achudume pays to give false prophesy on who God wants as successor, I see the Governor commiting a big blunder because of Pastor Achudume”.

“God has revealed that the Umo Eno project is a pit they have dug for the Governor to fall into. If he goes ahead with it, a political turmoil will erupt in the state at the end of an enlarged PDP caucus meeting convened by the Party which will lead to massive destruction of lives and properties. It will be a crisis that is ten times greater than what the state saw in 2011. In the vision, God revealed to me how the Governor will have to cut short an official trip outside the state to rush back to Uyo before normalcy is restored”, he said.

Pastor Offiong said, while he may not really have a big religious title to be taken seriously, Governor Udom Emmanuel should be careful of fake prophesies from Canadian, Ghananian and local pastors who are on Achudume’s payroll but take out time to go on a personal retreat and seek the face of God again.

“When I prayed and asked God to reveal to me who Governor Udom Emmanuel’s successor will be, God told me He has already revealed that to the Governor more than five times but that some people around the Governor are the ones confusing the Governor. God told me He revealed Himself to Udom and showed him who his successor will be but he has rather chosen to hear the lies of Pastor Lawrence Achudume”.

“God told me to tell Udom to be careful. Some trusted aides will betray him on Umo Eno. God has told me to tell him that he will not send any prophet to tell him who his successor will be as He has already revealed that to him (Governor Udom Emmanuel). God says I should tell the Governor to go on a private spiritual retreat and He will again speak to him, provided he travels out for this retreat without informing Pastor Achudume”, he said.

Pastor Offiong said this was the same way God sent him to warn Obong Attah in December 2006 ahead of the 2007 Governorship election. He said after God revealed to him to tell Attah that his plans to have his son in-law succeed him will not work, he (Offiong) sent a text to the Late Elder Joe Udobia who was Governor Attah’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs who ignored and mocked him for bringing spiritual matters to politics until it came to pass.

“If it is today that we have a strong social media maybe Obong Attah would have gotten my message. The Late Udobia laughed when I sent him a text of the prophesy until it was too late to reverse what was destined to happen”.

Pastor Offiong said the same Attah incidence is what is about to happen to Udom as his close aides will betray him the way they did to Attah. He told the Governor to seek the face of God more and depend less on prophesy from any man of God.

He said if the Governor ignores his warning and the violence God has shown him takes place, it will be hard for the Governor to recover from the damage that will have on his legacy and the hang over of the crisis may lead him to flee the state for his Deputy to hand over power to someone else who will be someone Udom did not want to be Governor.

He said God also reinforced the December 31, 2021 Cross Over Night prophesy given by Prophet Ekong Ituen of Christ Deliverance Ministries (CDM) who warned that Governor Udom Emmanuel should carefully and divinely seek the face of God over the choice of successor because he may not be able to sail through with his succession plan. Pastor Offiong also said God said he should tell the Governor that many advisers will tell him to dissolve the State Executive Council but that will still not be the solution to the problem but he should rather go back to what God has told him in his closet about the future of Akwa Ibom.

The Pastor said the Governor started well but the confusion around him is not ordinary so Akwa Ibom people must pray for him so that he will not make a decision that will bring shame to him and jeopardize the peace the state is enjoying. The man of God said God told him to tell Martha Emmanuel to pray hard for her husband as she has an important role to counsel the Governor on what God has revealed to her.

“I am not saying this for the Governor to come and give me anything. I do not need anything from my State Governor. I am comfortable by God’s grace. I am one person that is contented. But I have to say what God has revealed to me. If Udom allows this crisis I am seeing in this vision to come to pass in Akwa Ibom State, mark my word and write today’s date, the state will never be the same again till his last day in office and he may not have the courage to perform the handing over ceremony on May 29, 2023”, Pastor Offiong said.

The Pastor when asked by journalists if this is the only prophesy he has for the Governor said he has decided to embark on a 7-day dry fasting and during the period anything God reveals to him, he will tell the Governor as it is for the sake of Akwa Ibom State.

*OPERATION HADIN KAI: GENERAL SHAIBU ASSUMES COMMAND OF 7 DIVISION/SECTOR 1 OPHK*

…Succeeds General Eyitayo as the Number 11 GOC. 
Major General Waidi Shaibu has on Friday, 21 January, 2022 assummed command and leadership of 7 Division Nigerian Army as the number 11 General Officer Commanding and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI.
General Shaibu a member of Course 41 Regular Combatant Course and from the Nigerian Army Armour Corps whom until his appointment as the GOC was the Director of Training at Army Headquarters Department of Training Abuja. He was also the former Commander, 21 Special Armour Brigade Bama with wealth of experience in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East having been at the forefront of the Sambisa Forest and environs.
The handing and taking over ceremony was conducted in 3 phases in accordance with the Nigerian Army tradition. It commenced on Thursday, 20 January with a facility tour to notable ongoing projects within Maimalari Cantonment. A guided tour was also taken to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital where they met and commisserate with wounded in action troops.
The second day of the handing over ceremony and grand finale was the signing of handing and taking over notes, address to officers and troops by the outgoing and incoming GOC as well as the lowering of the old flag signifying the end of an era and hoisting of a new flag also signifying the begining of a new command.
Earlier, the outgone GOC Major General AA Eyitayo expressed immense gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life and blessings upon him. He also appreciates the immense support, sacrifices and commitment of Formations and unit Commamders, officers and troops of the Division adding that their absolute cooperation and loyalty earns him the accolades and successes he recorded during his tenure. He therefore urge them to extend same cooperation to his successor.
In his remarks, the new GOC commend the outgone GOC for his leadership style in ensuring the Division maintains the tempo in the fight against insurgency.  While soliciting for same cooperation and supoort accorded to his predessesor, he charged officers and troops to remain resilient, dogged and more committed with  determination, we will bring an end to this insurgency he stated.
Highlights of the occasion were the signing of handing and taking over notes, address to officers and troops, lowering of old and hoisting of new flags at the quarter guard, group photograph with officers and finally departure by the outgone GOC.

The ceremony was witnessed by Formations and Units Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 7 Division and gentlemen officers amongst others.

African Union Commends MNJTF Efforts, Approves Renewal Of Mandate

The transformation of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) into a formidable force commenced in 2014, when Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) scaled up their nefarious activities leading to the wanton destruction of lives and properties of the communities in the Lake Chad Basin.

According to a statement signed by the Chief of Military Public Information HQ MNJTF N’Djamena Chad, Colonel Muhammad Dole, dated January 21, 2022, this necessitated the members nations of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to fall back on the existing security framework of the MNJTF.

Accordingly, at its 484th Meeting of Heads of States and Governments held in Addis Ababa on 29 January 2015, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) decided to support the efforts of the LCBC Member States and Benin through an authorization of the deployment of the MNJTF.

Thus, the MNJTF was remodeled and re-operationalized with an increased capacity of about 10,000 troops and its new Headquarters located in N’Djamena – Chad.

The MNJTF was then mandated among others to “create a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, in order to significantly reduce violence against civilians and other abuses.

The Force started operations on 30th July 2015 with Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria as Troops Contributing Countries.

In a reminiscence of the activities of the Force against the BHT/ISWAP terrorists, the AUPSC at its 1057th virtual meeting held on 14 January 2022 considered the report on MNJTF and decided to renew its mandates for another period of twelve (12) months with effect from 01 February 2022 .

During the meeting, members of the Council, Chairpersons of ECOWAS, and ECCAS, the Head of Mission MNJTF, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu and the Force Commander MNJTF Major General AK Ibrahim extensively deliberated on the progress and challenges of the Force.

The Council noted with appreciation and commended the significant recorded progress and display of commitment by the Force in fighting the insurgents.

They applauded the dedication and determination of the troops towards degrading the operational capability of the BHT/ISWAP terrorists in the region.

The Council equally paid tribute to the soldiers and civilians that have paid the ultimate price and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and Governments of those that have lost their lives in the course of fight against terror.

While condemning the obnoxious activities of the terrorists against the civilians and troops, which have exacerbated serious humanitarian crisis in the region, the Council reiterated its resolve to mobilise adequate resources and support for the MNJTF to enhance its professional capabilities in combating the menace of the insurgents.

In recognition and appreciation of the tremendous support of the European Union (EU) to MNJTF, AU repeated its appeals to members states, other strategic partners and international community to redouble their humanitarian support to the affected communities to enable them safely resettle in their ancestral home.

The AU Commission assured the MNJTF of its necessary support to enable it consolidates on the recorded operational successes against the BHT/ISWAP terrorists and violent extremism in the Lake Chad region.

Adding that it will heighten its efforts to supporting the LCBC to deepen the partnership with the ECOWAS and ECCAS, as well as other relevant regional institutions and non-Governmental organisations.

Force Commander Visits Troops On  Field, Receives Un Delegation At   MNJTF HQ

The Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim made an operational visit to Headquarters 3 Battalion in Gamboru Ngala on  January 18,  22.
According to a statement signed by the Chief of Military Public Information HQ MNJTF Ndjamena Chad, Colonel Muhammad Dole dated January 19,  2022,  the FC was received by the Commanding Officer (CO) Lt Col AS Olasegbe.
 The FC and his entourage were given an operational brief by the CO and thereafter, entertained by the cultural dancing groups of the Ngala community. 
The FC addressed troops of the Battalion and thanked them for their courage doggedness and dedication. 
He encouraged them to be more focused and ruthless in decimating the remnants of the BHTs/ ISWAP by supporting their CO in his operations. 
He also informed them that he has been briefed on their extended stay in the mission area and he is also aware being their former general officer commanding,he however assured them that the AHQ was working assiduously to rotate them soonest and that they should remain patient disciplined as always. 
The FC then addressed the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters in Gamboru by thanking them for volunteering to assist the military whenever called upon and assured them that plans were underway to ensure an end is brought to the menace of the BHts/ISWAP. He also met separately with  government officials and representatives of security agencies in the area. 
Thereafter, the FC and his entourage accompanied by the CO 3 Battalion visited the MNJTF Sector 1 (Cameroun) troops at Wulgo. 
The Commander Col Njock John William received the FC and his entourage and gave them an operational brief at his Headquarters. 
The FC commended the Commander and his men for their hard work in holding their ground in-spite of the repeated attacks by the BHTs/ISWAP. He thanked them for their service and promised to support them at all times. 
The FC called for more collaboration between the MNJTF troops and the 3 Bn troops in order to rid their AOR of the terrorists. The FC then addressed the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters in Wulgo by thanking them for volunteering to assist the military whenever called upon and assured them that plans were underway to ensure an end is brought to the menace of the BHts/ISWAP. 
The FC was taken on a guided tour of   Wulgo town where it was observed that normalcy had been restored as traders were in the markets and farmers were in their farms. 
The FC also had a meeting with the Theatre Commander Op HADIN KAI who was also on an operational tour of his area of responsibility. Issues discussed bordered on improving synergy and cooperation between the 2 operations. 
Visit was hitch free and the FC has returned to his Headquarters in Ndjamena Chad. 
In another development, the FC MNJTF Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim assured the United Nations (UN) continuous collaboration and synergy with its agencies in the course of execution of MNJTF mandates. 
The FC made the remarks when he received a UN delegation led by the Deputy Director, Regional Operations Division, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Mrs Poussin Florence at the HQ MNJTF on 19 January 2022. 
General Ibrahim welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit, which he said will surely reinforce and enhance the exiting relationship. 
As part of the activities marking the visit, an information brief detailing the MNJTF activities was presented to the delegation and thereafter an interactive session took place.
While highlighting some of the MNJTF mandate, the Force Commander was emphatic on the positive impact of critical roles of the UN agencies and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the implementation of the MNJTF mandate.
He added that, the MNJTF facilitates the return of the IDPs and refugees to their ancestral homes, hence the urgent need for UN intervention to stabilize the situation in the Lake Chad region. 
“The personnel of the MNJTF across the sectors are equally engaged in retraining on Human rights and International Humanitarian laws, so as to keep abreast with contemporary global best practices” he said.
In her remarks, while acknowledging the unique nature of the MNJTF of using a collective approach to solving the security challenges within the region, Mrs Poussin Florence thanked the FC for the detailed brief and warm reception to the delegation. 
She said, UN will continue to support and collaborate with MNJTF to enable it achieve its mandates. Explaining that, the UNDSS is responsible for risk management by assessing the level of risks of any programme proposed by the UN to its different strategic partners. 
She commended the recorded successes of the Force, as she noted that the intensity of the terrorists’ obnoxious activities have considerably reduced in the Lake Chad basin. The visits were hitch free.

2023 Presidency: PDP Wishing Gov. Yahaya Bello Will Run on their Platform – Group

A political support group ‘Got Your Back Nigeria’ said Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has the support of even the opposition party to run for the presidency come 2023.

National coordinator of the group, Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, stated this in a press statement on Tuesday.

Prof. Nwaokobia Jnr was reacting to a recent debate on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’.

He said Segun Sowunmi, a former spokesperson of Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation in the 2019 presidential election and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, both profound speakers had their turns as the anchor grilled them on the politics of 2023 and the chances of presidential aspirants seeking to emerge as candidates of the two leading political parties.

He said: “The names listed on the PDP side were Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal, Bukola Saraki, Bala Mohammed, Peter Obi, Sam Ohuabunwa, Goodluck Jonathan and Pius Anyim. And on the APC side were names like Bola Tinubu, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Yahaya Bello, Rochas Okorocha, Rotimi Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio, Kayode Fayemi and Babatunde Fashola. And Kingsley Moghalu, Akinwunmi Adesina, Jack Rich Tein, Oby Ezekwesili, and Tunde Bakare were those mentioned outside of the two major parties.

Prof. Nwaokobia Jnr said the guest from the PDP, Segun Sowunmi, was seen clearly in admitting that besides his boss, Atiku Abubakar, Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) was perhaps the most prepared to take Nigeria to the next level.

“He admitted that GYB is broad minded (can carry along Nigerians of different tendencies), sagacious (creative and has the capacity to generate the ideas needed to make Nigeria work), youthful (has age and fitness), is competent, and can unite Nigerians. He practically craved and called on GYB to move over to the PDP to make real his ambition. It was an endorsement beyond Partisanship, and a testimony of the competency and the capacity of the phenomenon called GYB

“GYB is a pan Nigerian political and social vehicle, GYB is young, fit, active and vivacious, GYB has the ideas and is 21st century compliant, GYB is passionate about the Nigeria of our dreams, GYB is an apostle of human capital development, and GYB in so many ways have proven that the call to berth a new Nigeria is his unalterable commitment and destiny.

“Finally on the program in reference, the Guests and the Anchor of that didactic show on politics (Politics Today), were unanimous in the chances of the name that stole the show. It was Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) everywhere throughout the duration of the show. It was Atiku Abubakar a few times, it was Kayode Fayemi and Babatunde Fashola once or twice, and the name Bola Ahmed Tinubu BAT hardly featured in the 1hour long program because apparently his age, fitness, and perhaps ideas needed to weave a united and cosmopolitan Nigeria is suspect. Baba BAT is obviously old and tired, and should be asked by all men and women of goodwill to rest,” he claimed

OPHK AND MNJTF Air Strikes Neutralizes 3 High Profile ISWAP Elements, 4 Others

A coordinated precision air strike by Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has neutralized three high profile Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) elements.

Our correspondent gathered that those killed in the Air Interdiction (AI) include Chimake Bulama (Amir), Abu Zakari Bello (Amir) and Osama Khalifa, (Amir).

It was gathered that the air raid was conducted between December 27 and 28 2021 and was very successful.

It was further gathered that the AI was conducted at the fringes of Chad N’Djamena near Mandara Mountains.

Other areas include around Gava Mountain, Hraza Mountain and Kunde Mountain.

It was further gathered that there were also four Arab tribesmen suspected to be linked to ISIS core elements, who were also neutralized.

Those affected include one Abubakar Ibn Maliki, a Libyan national.

The marauding remnant elements of ISWAP/BHTs desperate in search of food and other logistics now revert to attacking soft targets and isolated villages and communities. There end is near.

source Gamji Reporters

OPERATION SHARAN FAGE: MNJTF NEUTRALISES SEVERAL BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS, AS BUNKERS AND EQUIPMENT WERE DESTROYED

In its continued commitment to swiftly end the menace of the insurgency in the Lake Chad Region, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) recently conducted OP SHARAN FAGE with MNJTF troops drawn from Sector 3 Monguno (Nigeria) and Sector 4 Diffa (Niger). The recently concluded operation which was heavily supported by OP HADIN KAI (Nigeria) targeted Boko Haram/ISWAP criminal terrorists hibernating in the vicinity of Mallam Fatori town towards the fringes of the Lake Chad.

This was contained in a statement signed by the chief of military public information Headquarters Multi National Joint Task Force N’Djamena Chad and made available to the press on 30th December 2021

In line with its mandate of support for facilitating willing Internally displaced persons and refugees to return voluntarily and safely to their ancestral homes, the MNJTF provided security for the continuous security enhancement work in this area and would do so until the inhabitants return. The operation also created a favourable atmosphere under which the festivities marking the 63rd Anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Niger was peacefully conducted on 18 December 2021 in Diffa, with His Excellency, President Mohamed Bazoum in attendance. It should be noted that this was the first such celebration in many years.

Troops met strong resistance from the terrorists, who launched several mortar attacks, laid Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the troops route of advance and further attacks with Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). However, the troops brought superior fire power to bear on the insurgents forcing them to abandon their enclaves. Operation SHARAN FAGE was massively supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and other partners with air assets and surveillance Equipment. This Support spurred the determined troops to successfully clear enemy hideouts in and around AREGE, GASHIGAR, ASAGA, KAINOA, BANA and KAMAGUNMA among other general areas. In the course of this operation 22 Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised, 5 of their gun trucks destroyed, 5 motorcycles and several logistic bunkers were destroyed while 8 AK47 Rifles were recovered. Regrettably, 6 members of the JTF (2 officers and 4 other ranks) from both countries paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty with about 16 wounded in action. 17 suspects were arrested in the general area of operations and are being profiled.

On Wednesday, 29 Dec 21, the Force Commander, MNJTF, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim on a debriefing mission visited the MNJTF Headquarters in Diffa Niger Republic where he addressed the officers and men after receiving an after action brief by the Operational Commanders. He commended the uncommon display of gallantry professionalism and courage by the troops who have taken the fight to the criminals hideouts in their areas. He said after listening to the brief, that a lot still needs to be done but this was a good starting point. He promised to mobilise more equipment and other operational enablers to the Sectors. He declared year 2022 as a year of decision for the MNJTF as he vowed to uproot the criminals from their hideouts in the lake. He paid tribute to the fallen heroes whom he described as martyrs of freedom. He appealed to the people of the Lake Chad Basin to continue to support the MNJTF and to bring forward information. He further assured them of the MNJTF resolve to clear the operational area and make it safe for all in the coming year in compliance with directives of the Service Chiefs of the Lake Chad Basin Countries. He was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Force Commander MNJTF, Gen Abdou Assoumane (Niger) and other key commanders of the MNJTF.

Relatedly, in the side line of this visit the FC alongside other MNJTF senior officers decorated some rotating staff of the MNJTF Sector 4 with the MNJTF medal of service. He thanked them for their meritorious service. The visit was rounded with a virtual conference with Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Security Council in Addis Ababa who thanked the FC and DFC for their untiring efforts and asked that his best wishes and End of Year/New Year greetings be passed to all members of the MNJTF in all the countries. He charged the MNJTF to do all it can within its powers to end the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin area soonest. He assured of the continuous support of the AU Headquarters in achieving this. Visit was hitchfree and the FC has safely returned to his Headquarters in N’Djamena Chad.

FORCE COMMANDER ATTENDS PROCLAMATION OF 63th ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NIGER AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASK FORCE (MNJTF)

The Republic of Niger marked its 63th anniversary of proclamation of the Republic in a colourful celebration on 18 December 2021 in Diffa, Headquarters of Diffa region. The event took place in a peaceful atmosphere, following the restoration of relative peace and security in the region. The ceremony was presided over by the President of the republic His Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief of Military Public Information Headquarters Multi National Joint Task Force N’Djamena and made available to the press on 19 December 2021

The ceremony had in attendance the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament of Niger. Other esteemed invited dignitaries are the Prime Minister of Chad ,Mr Pahimi Padacke Albert and Special representative of the President of Nigeria Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was accompanied by the Governors of Jigawa, Katsina ,Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe states.

The Force Commander (FC), Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF) Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim and some Military Staff Officers also attended the occasion as a Guest. Recall that Diffa town is the Headquarters of Sector 4 MNJTF, The FC was received by the Sector Commander, Colonel Mamane Sani Kiao. General Ibrahim took part in all the lined up activities of the celebration.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, the FC met with President Bazoum and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Major General Salifou Mody. During the meeting discussions centred mainly on improving the synergy and cooperation between MNJTF and national forces with the aim of generally confronting the scourge of the BHT/ISWAP terrorists in the Lake Chad region. Restoration of peace and security in the region will surely enhance the socioeconomic activities of the people. Therefore, President Bazoum reiterated his total commitment to support the MNJTF to achieve its mandates. The highlights of the 63th anniversary were the march pass by the members of the Armed Forces, Police and security agencies and display of military hardware and equipment. A grand Durbar whereby the people of Diffa region displayed their rich cultural heritage was also held.

In another development, on 13 December 2021, the HQ MNJTF hosted a French military delegation comprised of students and the Directing staff from Centre of Advanced Military Studies Paris France. The delegation was led by the Director of the centre, Rear Admiral François Xavier Polderman. They were received by the Deputy Force Commander MNJTF Brig Gen Abduo Harouna Assoumane on behalf of the FC, who highlighted the various kinetic and non kinetic measures conducted which contributed to operational successes. Additionally, a detailed brief on the activities of the Force was presented and interactive session to clarify issues were conducted. The Team leader ,Rear Admiral François Polderman commended MNJTF for the recorded operational successes and explained that, they were on tour of Sahel region, because of its strategic importance to the France and their desire to have a peaceful Sahel region adding that the MNJTF presented a perfect model of study.

Likewise, as part of capacity building to improve troops’ operational proficiency and readiness, recently ,series of trainings and courses for the HQ MNJTF military staff officers and personnel drawn from the 4 sectors were concluded in collaboration with the Centre for Coordination and Liaison (CCL) Operation TURUS, European Union (EU) Direct support and UNITAR. The training focused on Battlefield First Aids, Nautical Unit Trainers and Information Management

The Battlefield First Aids involved 64 MNJTF troops, who were impacted with the skills and knowledge to help save lives and ultimately reduce the rate of avoidable deaths on the field. While, during the nautical unit training, 60 MNJTF personnel were exposed to acquiring good aquatic skills, operational navigation, Rules of Engagement in nautical environment and requirement of the crew work, among others. All the activities ended on a hitch free note.

Commandant Tasks 73 Course Cadets On Shunning Indiscipline

The Commandant Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf has reminded all cadets in the academy that there would be zero tolerance for all forms of indiscipline, examination malpractices and brutality.

Manu said this in his speech on Thursday, during the 10th matriculation ceremony for 73 regular course cadets held at the academy’s auditorium.

According to him, “I must remind all cadets that here in the Academy, we have zero tolerance for all forms of indiscipline, examination malpractices and brutality.”

He remanded them that, “Like others before you, you must not only be serious with your training, but you must also take full responsibility for your actions and inactions.”

Manu explained that, “today we shall be witnessing the matriculation ceremony to formally enroll 453 officer cadets of 73 Regular Course into their respective degree programmes. These cadets undertook an oath of allegiance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria thus subjecting them to the Doctrine of Compact which makes them bound by all military laws in addition to civil laws.

His words, “l am happy to report that the cadets of 73RC have commenced their military training based on a revised curriculum which is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to deal with the emerging threats confronting the country.”

He noted that withinn the past eight weeks, the cadets have undergone rigorous military training designed to condition them to be mentally sound and physically fit to participate in a tough regime of military training and academic education.

Manu explained that the exercises were also designed to instill military skills and group cohesion in the carets, adding that, “I am happy to report that the cadets of 73RC have commenced their military training based on a revised curriculum which is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to deal with the emerging threats confronting the country.”

He urged parents and guardians of the cadets to encourage them to desist from any attempts to interfere with their administration while in the academy.

The commandant said that he was happy to report that the cadets of 73RC have commenced their military training based on a revised curriculum which is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to deal with the emerging threats confronting the country.

He said , “in the past eight weeks, the cadets have undergone rigorous military training designed to condition them to be mentally sound and physically fit to participate in a tough regime of military training and academic education.

“This is in addition to meeting the basic physical fitness requirements of completing 30 push-ups in one minute, 40 sit-ups in the same period and running up to 6.4km in 35 minutes.

“This matriculation ceremony therefore, marks the formal induction of the 73 Regular Course cadets into the Academic Branch and brings to an end their admission and registration processes,” he said.

While congratulating the cadets of 73 Regular Course for their well-deserved admission into the prestigious institution, the commandant said after now, the cadets shall undergo five years training with the academic programme culminating at the end of the fourth year.

He expressed appreciation to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for giving them the opportunity and guidance to kickstart new courses across their faculties.

Also in remarks as special guest of honour, Professor S.U. Abdullahi noted that it is significant that NDA has embraced best practices in higher education by introducing the matriculation of cadets in the past few years as conducted in other conventional universities.

He urged the matriculating cadets to take their academics serious as much as military training, since both compliment each other.

He charged them not give up easily no matter the difficulty, saying that, “remember the saying that the ends justify the means as you will always look back with happiness at the end of your cadet training and you will see all that you went through as fun.”

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