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The Nigerian Army field training exercise code named Exercise STILL WATER was flagged off in Cross Rivers State with free medical outreach targeted at hundreds of residents living in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State.
In his remarks, the Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Brigadier General Peter Malla said during the exercise troops will be practised on the preparation, planning and conduct of operations in both land and riverine area. He request all stakeholders to cooperate and support the successful conduct of the Exercise.
The Governor of Cross Rivers State represented by Dr Patrick Mboto, Permanent Secretary Services delivered the goodwill message of the state for the Exercise commending the troops for their conduct in the state.
Highlight of the flag-off ceremony include unarmed combat demonstration and guided tour of the step up Headquarters.

The Islamic State of West African Province(ISWAP), confronted with the obvious reality of defeat embarked on a  desperate move to undermine the unprecedented depletion in its fighting force, have resorted to attacks on surrendered Boko Haram members and their families. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu and made available to the press on 3rd October 2021
This antic of terror within terror is being employed by ISWAP to discourage intending surrendering terrorists in their ranks. The latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group as top ranking commanders and members denounce violent agaitation to embrace peace in recent times.
This palpable apprehension might have led ISWAP on Saturday, 2 October 2021 to embark on a mission to annihilate or capture BHTs, who surrendered in Damboa. The gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade Operation HADIN KAI whose superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, ensured Damboa did not fall to their antics. The terrorists made futile attempt to access the facility housing the surrendered BHT members, but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of own troops. 
The Nigerian Army(NA) wishes to reassure the good people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses as vigilant troops would proactively continue to  provide security of lives and property. The general public are also enjoined to provide actionable and timely information on the activities of these criminal elements and their collaborators. 
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending troops for their doggedness, charged them to take the fight to the terrorists’ enclaves to deny them freedom of action. He also reassured them of requisite support as they record  more operational gains in Operation HADIN KAI. 

Nigeria would continue to cooperate with her neighbours to defeat insurgency and restore normalcy in Lake Chad region.

This assertion was made by the Force Commander, MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah in statement on 2nd October 2021 during Nigeria’s 61th Independence Anniversary celebration organized by the Defence section of Nigerian Embassy in N’Djamena Chad.

The statement which was Signed by Chief of Military Public Information Colonel Muhammad Dole, the Force Commander said good neighbourliness is a prerequisite for peace and stability.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion Ibrahim said Nigeria is a friendly nation, who advocate collective efforts in mitigating regional security challenges.

While appreciating the enormous support of the neighbours in the fight against terrorism, he used the occasion to assured the strategic partners and donors to remain steadfast and increase the offensive tempo against insurgents and return the region to its glorious prosperous past.

Citing example with Liberia and Sierra Leon as case studies, he disclosed that Nigeria mobilized resources and member states of West African region to combat rebellions and ultimately facilitated the installation of democratic governments in those countries.

Earlier, in his welcome, address, the Nigerian Defence Adviser to Chad, Colonel Hassan Bukar expressed appreciation to the friends and supporters of Nigeria for identifying and cooperating with her in this surmountable trial times.

The occasion witnessed high attendance of members of Nigerian community in Chad, diplomats, representatives of regional organizations and Non Governmental organizations as well as the citizens of the host country (Chad).

Highlights of the event were cutting of Anniversary Cake, 3 hearty cheers and toast for Nigeria and exchange of souvenirs to deserving attendees.

Former NDA Commandant Lt Gen Abel Akale has tasked the commissioned Cadets of 68 Regular Course Cadets to lead men in combat either at home or abroad.

In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the luncheon organized in honour of the Passing Out Cadets of 68 Regular Course 2 in Saturday 2 October 2021 held in kaduna he said, “ From my experience over the past decades, the Nation can bestow no higher honour to you than trusting you to lead men in combat either at home or abroad”.

While congratulating them for their enduring the exhaustive training that spanned for a period of 5 years, he added, this is the kind of positive recognition you should seek to achieve and be fondly proud of for the rest of your life.

“The purpose of this luncheon is not only to wine and dine but to interact and guide your Service aspirations drawing from our wealth of experiences’ he added.

His words:” I have no doubt that you have been adequately trained and prepared for the challenge ahead by some of the very best officers the Armed Forces of Nigeria can present at this moment”.

He continued, the baton of responsibility for leading and inspiring troops which is the very essence of being a commissioned officer is just about to be handed over to you, adding it is both an immense privilege and a daunting challenge.

“ Indeed, it is no accident that you have made it this far and each of you has demonstrated the very special values that are essential for leadership, saying that if you did not possess such values, you would not be for this luncheon.”

He urged them to get as much as you can from your interactions with them to chart a better future for yourself in the military, pointing out we are rightly gathered here to recognize and celebrate your success.

According to him, the reward for the discipline, hard work and resilience that you have exhibited is the Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His words:” As commissioned officers, you are leaders of men, pointing out that good leadership is often difficult to define, it is in a way easy to recognize, emphasing that be the good leaders that troops can risk their lives to follow even in the most dangerous circumstances.

He stressing that if you cannot attain this virtue at any leadership role; you are nothing but an individual taking an aimless walk in the park.

While appreciating the Commandant and the officers and soldiers who he noted that have worked tirelessly to groom you to this level, he disclosed that the Commandant and I share a very unique historical relationship that the time permitted by this event may not give me the space to highlight, pointing out that being in this compound gives me fond memories of the period I was the Commandant of this noble institution.
He disclosed that it would interest you to know that during the period I piloted the affairs of the Academy, your Commandant was my Military Assistant and once acted as the Academy Adjutant.
He noted that need not to tell you the close relationship between the Commandant and his Military Assistant or the Academy Adjutant as the case may be, adding it was indeed my pleasure to have worked with the gentleman senior officer in the capacities.

He then noted that other senior serving officers including the retired ones have endured the path you have just undertaken as cadets and the Service life you are yet to experience.

Troops must remain on high alert and cautious to enable them swiftly end Boko Haram Terrorists/ISWAP terrorists madness and return safely home, Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim has charged.

Gen. Ibrahim stated this  on Thursday while speaking during his familiarization and operational tour to troops’ locations at the Forward Operating Base in Mallam Fatori and Headquarters, 5 Brigade at Damasak in Sector 3.

Khalifa also commended the troops for their operational successes by dislodging insurgents’ camps and for denying  terrorists the freedom to operate within their areas.

Ibrahim reminded the troops that operations remains the best test of their fighting spirit, as such, good training and physical skills are essential elements in the life of a soldier. 

The Force Commander reassured the troops that MNJTF HQ will reinforce their operational capacities with equipment and other essential materials towards  improving surveillance and tactical manoeuvre in the fields.

He also cautioned on the misuse of social media which he observed, does more harm than good and can also be a source of intelligence on the activities and movements of the troops to terrorists. 

Khalifa also expressed satisfaction with the conduct, discipline and display of determination by the troops to fight Boko Haram terrorists. 

In a statement by the MNJTF’s Chief of Military Public Information, Col. Muhammed Dole,  the visit was aimed at getting first hand information and current reality in the field.

The Force Commander was accompanied on the he visit by some officers and Commander Commander  Sector 3, Brig. Gen. GM Mutkut.

The FC was impressed by the warm reception accorded to him and his entourage. Likewise, he commended the conduct and content of the briefings which covered operational activities, achievements and challenges of both FOB Mallam Fatori and HQ 5 Brigade Damasak.

”It is noteworthy that these formation and unit have significantly and progressively won several tactical victories against the BHT/ISWAP insurgents in their previous encounters, thus paved the way for the resettlement and relocation of Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to their ancestral homes.” He added.

A former Chief of Army Staff retired Lt-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, has charged cadets of 68 Regular Course of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) to be submissive to civil authority after their commissioning.

Ihejirika made the charge at the NDA award ceremony and beating of the retreat for the cadets, on Tuesday in Kaduna.

The dual ceremony is an old tradition of the NDA, as part of activities to mark the end of successful training for cadets.

Ihejirika noted that the nation has been investing a lot in shaping the cadets’ character, providing them quality military training and a sound academic foundation.

“In discharging your duties after commissioning into the tri-services, always place the country first above all other interests, always uphold your constitutional roles and subordination to civil authority”, he said.

The ex-Army chief further urged the cadets to be good leaders after commissioning and uphold the standards in the management of both human and material resources that would be entrusted in their care.

He congratulated the graduating cadets for the journey so far and wished them a successful career in the defence of their fatherland upon their commission as officers.

He commended the Commandant of the academy, staff, and instructors for their combined efforts in training the cadets, urging them not to relent.

Earlier, Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf reiterated that the reward of hard work through the presentation of awards encouraged excellence and optimized performance by individuals and units in the armed forces.

Over five hundred members of Cross Kauwa, ranging from children, aged women and men, pregnant women and physically challenged persons benefited as Sector 3 OPHDIN KAI and Multinational Joint Task Force extends its Medical Outreach to Cross Kauwa Community in Borno State today, Sunday 26 September 2021.

The Outreach witnessed a massive crowd of members of the community, where over three thousand members of the Community were recently relocated from the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Monguno, addressing the gathering the Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General Samalia M Uba, who represented the Commander Sector 3 OP HADIN KAI and Multinational Joint Task Force Brigadier General GM Mutkut, said the Medical Outreach is evidence of the excellent synergy and mutual understanding between the Sector and the Community.

Brigadier General Samalia M Uba urged community members to continue their cooperation with the Sector as one of the better ways to encourage the Civil-Military Relation and fight against the terrorists within the Sector Area of Responsibility.

During the medical Outreach, free medical services were rendered, including eye, blood count, height, weight and blood pressure checks. Mosquito nets were shared, and Wheel Chairs were also presented to physically challenged persons by Brigadier General Samalia Uba on behalf of the Sector.

The Federal Government has said that security and good governance are fundamental to the attainment of sustainable development.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed stated this at the 19th convocation of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, while delivering a lecture on Thursday September 23, 2021

Mrs. Shamsuna Ahmed explained that insecurity discourages investment, lowers productivity and destroys livelihood, hence, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was found to be slowest in conflict-afflicted countries.

She maintained that in the absence of security, governance structures of a country are vulnerable to collapse, thus undermining sustainable development because it forms a critical part of the super-structure on which economic growth and development can be achieved.

Also speaking, Commandant of the NDA, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf noted that the academy is focused on genuine military professionalism, academic excellence and character development along with the vigour and optimism that will sustain graduands to take on the challenges of the New World Order.

In a message at the event, Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i who was represented by Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Honourable Samuel Aruwan, charged the graduands to apply innovation in the creation of opportunities for themselves and others.

The 18th lecture was held in honour of the 68 Regular Course Cadets and Postgraduate students.

● 3 Kidnap Victims
Rescued
● Security Agents On The Heels of Kabba Kidnap Suspects

A group of bandits terrorizing some parts of Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State have met their waterloo as officers of the State Vigilante Group killed 11 of them and arrested others while 3 kidnapped victims were rescued successfully

According to information at the disposal of our reporters, Security operatives acting on intelligence, nabbed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Inspector Abdullahi Saidu who alongside a friend supplies the criminals with weapons and information to undertake their heinous crimes

The successful operation by the security operatives was carried out in series working with credible intelligence.

A source within the Kogi State Vigilante Service had this to say: ”Alaidi is their ring leader. He was killed during the first camp attack. Rabo and seven others were crushed. Madei and one other were killed in the second kidnappers’ camp while Umar escaped with gunshot injuries but was recaptured”.

They also confirmed that five of the kidnappers arrestsd, including the civil defense operative were in the custody of the Department of State Security for further investigations.

Reacting the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Muhammed Onogwu noted that such security success by the operatives was a welcome development and a proof that the security architecture of Kogi State was strong and solid enough to quash all forms of criminal vices

He opined that the Local Vigilantes across the state have continued to record good results because of the morale boost and support the Governor has continued to give as well as the cooperation from the citizens and synergy between the security operatives

Onogwu noted that the continued efforts of the Kogi State Government to keep the momentum as the safest state in the country were so far yielding remarkable results noting that the Governor has severally made a commitment to securing the lives and property of the citizens and make the state a no go zone for criminal elements

He reiterated that Government at all levels would continue to make efforts towards sustaining the drive for a peaceful Kogi state by making every nooks and cranny of the state unsafe for criminal elements and their sponsors.
In the same vein, security agencies are on the trail of kidnappers who were reported to have carried out attack on certain individuals in Kabba.
The State Government said it is in touch with security agencies and that the Governor already gave a marching order that those kidnapped must be rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
A source within the Kogi State Security circles who doesn’t want his name in print said they are getting “encouraging headway” in their operations against the kidnappers.

Is the young man that superintend the State of Kogi from the Lugard House in Lokoja one of the best performing Governors in Nigeria, today? The answer is YES in caps. Is his watch over Kogi uneventful and mediocre? The answer is a NO in caps. So you wonder why he courts the flak of political opponents like ants and honey. Don’t bother too much, they criticize him, they oppose him, and they lie against him and the State of Kogi because he doesn’t belong to the cult of egocentric and self serving political operators. He has done, and is yet doing great things in Kogi.

Have you wondered why lately there is an uncanny desperation to de-robe Kogi State of her deserving feat as the safest State in the North and the second safest State in the whole of Nigeria? It is about the politics of 2023. It is about the wickedness of selfish politicians and the ungodly quest for power by all means devious, foul, impish and impious. But do not despair just yet because the Security agencies in Kogi are compiling the names of the agent provocateurs and their sponsors, and shall as always bring them to book. Yahaya Bello has kept that promise several times over, and regarding the contrived jailbreak a few days ago, tell the rumour mill that almost all the fleeing convicts are back in custody. And tell them that we are watching.

If they are not contriving violence, they are sponsoring falsehood in the media. If they are not procuring and sponsoring violence, they are lying and paying the media to build mountains out of mole hills. And if they are not lying about salaries that have since been cleared, they are sponsoring mendacity in the media about corruption and monies allegedly fixed in Banks, tales most unfounded and demonic. How more confused and wicked can they be? But their lies, won’t stick.

Against Kogi State and Yahaya Bello is a growing hoard of soulless lie mongering, rumour churning, falsehood growing, deceit cultivating, blackmail dishing and tale feasting political hirelings, their brief is satanic and wicked. But then again their lies won’t stick because we are ready, willing and able to puncture their devious script with the bludgeoning fervency of TRUTH.

The truth is that Kogi State under the watch of the 46years old Technocrat in Lugard House fondly called GYB, Governor Yahaya Bello is the safest State in the North, and the second safest State in Nigeria, and adjudged so by all available Security Index locally and internationally.

The truth is that Kogi State is the most gender sensitive State in Nigeria, with the longest serving female Secretary to State Government in Nigeria, with mind blowing minimums like females as Local Government Council Deputies in all the Local Governments where men serve as Chairmen, with females as Speakers of all the Local Government Council Legislatures, with the only Female ADC to a Governor in Nigeria, and the highest number of women in any State Government (cabinet) in Nigeria. Kogi State surely stands out as a manifest example of what governance and leadership must be.

The truth is that Kogi State tops the chart in the servicing and cutting down of local debts. The Accountant and Auditor cum Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello has clearly excelled in the management of the States resources such that beyond the effective running of the State, he has been able to service and also reduce the local debts of the State. So tell the liars and the peddlers of falsehood against GYB that their lies won’t stick, and that the truth shall always prevail over falsehood.

The truth is that Kogi is not owing her workers, and Kogi State is not owing Medical Doctors and Health worker at all. We shall therefore consistently debunk the perfidy and the chicanery of political jobbers and their pay masters, yes their lies won’t stick, as Kogi will consistently remain a question mark on their conscience, nay on our collective conscience.

The truth is that Lokoja the capital of Kogi State is presently one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Do your research and avoid the blinding deceit of blackmailers and haters who wonder at the capacity and the competency cum magic of the magician called Governor Yahaya Bello GYB.

The truth is that in Kogi State under GYB’s watch is one of the most functional Rice mills in Nigeria. In Kogi State is the biggest health facility in West Africa over 60% done. In Kogi State today is one of the most effective Skill Acquisition programs in Nigeria, and that Kogi State is one of the best agriculture friendly State in today’s Nigeria. So when you hear the lies of the conscienceless political operators out there, confront them with the unequivocal truths that we put before you.

We shall continue to point out the lies that they trade against GYB whilst putting the records straight. And we shall not relent in meeting their falsehood with the unwavering and redemptive force of TRUTH.

We shall continue to drum up and consistently raise the phenomenal Youth called GYB as the bastion of the new deal for Nigeria come 2023. And we shall relentlessly call our nation to the politics of ideas and policy rather than falsehood and mudslinging. God Bless Nigeria.

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
National Coordinator
Got Your Back Nigeria
GYB NIGERIA.