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Tag: armed forces

  • Delta Govt pledges continuous synergy with Armed Forces

    Delta Govt pledges continuous synergy with Armed Forces

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborowevri has assured the Military and other sister agencies of the continuous support of his administration to its operations in the state.

    The governor stated this on Tuesday at the launch of the 2025 Emblem Appeal Fund held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

    The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner For Finance, Sir. Fidelis Tilije, honoured and appreciated both fallen and serving heroes of the Armed forces for their efforts in keeping peace and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    He said, “I welcome you all to the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund Launch in honor of our serving and fallen military heroes as well as legionnaires who made sacrifices to defend and protect the territorial integrity and unity of our country.

    “This event affords us the opportunity to remember, appreciate, and honor the brave officers and men who paid the ultimate prize for the sake of the peace and the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the government and the good people of Delta State, I salute our fallen heroes who died in the two world wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and other peacekeeping missions around the world.

    “Our gratitude also goes to the men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who are daily putting their lives on the line in the current fight against insurgency, terrorism, and banditry. These gallant men and women remind us every day of what it means to be a patriot.

    “As a people, we must continually respect and honor our fellow countrymen in uniform for the work they are doing to keep us together. They do not deserve anything less. In the words of one of our elder statesmen to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.

    “In line with the fourth pillar of the M.O.R.E agenda of this administration which is enhanced peace and security, we will continue to collaborate as well as render the necessary support to the Nigerian Armed Forces and allied security agencies in their various operations in the state.”

    The governor appealed to the private sector and well meaning individuals to show strong support to the fallen and serving heroes by donating generously to launch of this Emblem.

    He said: “Before I proceed to launch this emblem I want to appeal to the private sector and indeed all well-meaning individuals to give generously in support of the Nigerian legion Delta state chapter.

    “On the streets at the airports and other public places, please do not hesitate to show support to members of our armed forces and their representatives who approach you for donation in support of this course.”

    The governor directed all the Local government Council Chairmen to launch the 2025 Armed forces Emblem in their respective Council Areas. While charging the state charter of the Nigerian Legion to put the funds realized from the Emblem launch to good use.

    “To the state chapter of the Nigerian legion I appeal to you to ensure that the funds realized from the launch are judiciously utilized and used for the purposes for which they are generated”, he said.

    Earlier, Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Delta State chapter, Mr. Ojei Boniface appreciated the governor for his support to the Legion in his M.O.R.E agenda.

    He solicited for more support in the areas of empowerment and the allocation of farm land to the Nigerian Legion, Delta State Chapter for commercial Agriculture in order to ensure food security and also as a source of revenue generation for the legion.

    Those who launched the emblem alongside the governor includes, the Deputy governor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chairman of the Traditional rulers Council, 63 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army amongs others.

  • Defence Minister, Matawalle gives directive on use of camouflage uniforms

    Defence Minister, Matawalle gives directive on use of camouflage uniforms

    The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has reiterated the ban on unauthorised use of camouflage uniforms in the country.

    Matawalle said the present security situation warranted that only the Armed Forces and the Police should use camouflage uniforms while on joint operations.

    In a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Matawalle warned agencies affected to abide with the directive.

    According to the minister, the present situation does not support unregulated use of military camouflage by people and agencies not authorised to do so.

    “This is because criminals among us have taken advantage of the military, police and other security agencies’ gears to perpetrate crimes,” he added.

    Matawalle therefore said banning paramilitary agencies from using military camouflage was to bring sanity to the system and checkmate criminals.

    The minister said that the armed forces and the police would enforce the ban which was earlier announced by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Those affected by the ban on use of camouflage are the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Federal Fire Service, among others.

  • FG’ll continue to accord priority to Armed Forces – Tinubu

    FG’ll continue to accord priority to Armed Forces – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinibu said the Federal Government would continue to accord priority to the needs of the Armed Forces to enable them to play their constitutional roles without any let or hindrance.

    Tinubu made the pledge at the trooping and presentation of colours in commemoration of the diamond jubilee anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA) on Saturday in Kaduna

    He explained that the Federal Government was aware of the sacrifices that members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to render across the length and breadth of the country, especially in the face of some daunting challenges.

    Tinubu reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to upscale the fight against insecurity until every part of Nigeria was fully protected.
    The president said that over the past six decades, the NDA had undergone various stages of transformation in its quest to fulfill its mandate of training for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He pointed out that the creation of Postgraduate Studies, Research Centres, and the Centre of Excellence to facilitate research and enable cross-fertilization of ideas had made it an institution of choice for students within and around the globe.

    Tinubu recalled that in the last three years, over forty different projects cutting across all sectors of the academy had been completed even in the face of dwindling resources.

    Some of these projects according to the president included physical infrastructure, personnel and cadets’ welfare, improvement in the quality of training curriculum, and provision of training equipment among others.

    Tinubu urged the academy to sustain quality academic and military training so as to attract prospective cadets not only from Africa.

    The president also paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s fallen heroes and assured that their sacrifices would never be in vain.

    He also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to push for the progress, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.

    The high points of the event were the presentation of new national and regimental colours to the NDA by Tinubu and a march past by the cadets.

  • Zamfara Govt to settle medical bills of injured soldiers

    Zamfara Govt to settle medical bills of injured soldiers

    Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has promised to settle medical bills of soldiers who sustained injuries while fighting against insecurity in the State.

    Lawal gave the assurance at the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Monday, in Gusau.

    He said that the assistance was to appreciate the enormous contributions of the troops towards restoring peace in the state.

    Lawal, however, said the Remembrance Day celebration was timely, especially at the time when insecurity had negatively affected the economic growth of the state.

    The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mallam Mani Mummune, also expressed concern that the bandits had already created fear and uncertainty in most communities in the State.

    He urged the troops to confront headlong any attack by bandits in Zamfara.

    According to him, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day provides an opportunity for Nigerians to assist the veterans who are alive but unable to earn a living.

    “The occasion is also a reminder for Nigerians to safeguard the Unity of the country,” he said.

    He appealed to people of the state to support the government’s fights against banditry and other activities towards restoring peace.

    Earlier, State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ladan Aminu, urged the government to support the veterans and families of the fallen heroes.

    He enjoined Armed Forces to put in their best in fighting against insecurity across the country.

  • Ex-Senate President wants improved welfare for military personnel

    Ex-Senate President wants improved welfare for military personnel

    Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has called for an improved welfare for the Nigerian military.

    Lawan, currently the chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, said this in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr Ezrel Tabiowo to mark the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that the annual event served as a solemn reminder of the price paid for the nation’s stability and to reflect on the importance of peace and unity.

    The former senate president enjoined Nigerians to support the efforts of the Armed Forces in building a nation where all citizens felt safe and secured.

    “On this solemn occasion, I join all Nigerians in paying tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have served and continue to serve our nation with great courage and sacrifice.

    “We honour the memory of those who have laid down their lives in the defense of our freedom and security. Their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

    “This annual event serves as a solemn reminder of the price paid for peace and stability. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families.

    “As we remember our fallen heroes, we must also acknowledge the challenges and difficulties that our Armed Forces continue to face,’’ he said.

    Lawal added: “Our military personnel deserve our support, not only on this day but throughout the year.’’

    He also commended the Federal Government for its efforts to improve the welfare of the military.

    “I urge the federal government to continue to invest in training, equipment, and infrastructure for our Armed Forces.

    “We must also ensure that our military personnel receive adequate compensation, benefits and support services.

    “The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is also a day to reflect on the importance of peace and unity. We must all work together to build a nation where all citizens feel safe and secure.

    “I call on all Nigerians to join hands and support our Armed Forces.

    “Let us show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice by providing them with the support they need to succeed in their mission,” he said.

  • AFRD: FG promises better days for armed forces, veterans

    AFRD: FG promises better days for armed forces, veterans

    The Federal Government has promised to ensure better days for military personnel, veterans and their families.

    The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen at the Wreath Laying Ceremony to mark the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, on Monday in Abuja.

    Badaru said it was in recognition of the magnitude of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces that Jan. 15 was set aside to remember those who paid the supreme price for the unity of Nigeria.

    He said it was also a celebration and recognition of the efforts been made by the Armed Forces to unite the country and ensure a peaceful and prosperous nation.

    “First, we have to thank the president for all the support and the love he showed for the fallen heroes and their families.

    “He has been very supportive and we will try as much as possible to take care of them in every means and ways.

    “They should keep working very hard and save us of this menace of security challenges in the country, and I think they are doing wonderfully well now.

    “We will do our best and we have all the support from Mr President to support the family of the fallen heroes in every way and manner possible,’’ the minister said.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said that celebrating the fallen heroes would  encourage those still serving to know that their sacrifices and efforts would not be in vain.

    Fagbemi said the administration had shown commitment to the welfare and well-being of serving and retired personnel, as well as that of the families of the fallen heroes.

    “So far it has been in terms of ensuring that they get the needed support from government.

    “Recently, you remember that the president released a huge sum of money to take care of the servicemen, the fallen heroes, which goes to show that the present administration remembers them.

    “Like I said, no amount of effort is too much to make sure we continue to remember these fallen heroes, the veterans and those who are still serving,” he said.

    On his part, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended the men and women of the Armed Forces for the sacrifices they had continued to make to keep the nation safe.

    Akpabio said the remembrance day was to signify to the members of the Armed Forces and their families that they were not alone and that the entire nation mourned with them.

    “And we continue to pray for God Almighty to console them and provide for the children and the siblings that they have left behind.

    “And again, the presence of all of us, it is also a major significant that yes indeed, the government of the day would never let them mourn alone,

    “We will do everything possible to ensure that their welfare is taken care of and that this event reduces the calamities that we are seeing in our country,’’ he said.

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also assured National Assembly’s support for the veterans and their families.

    “They should know that what they are doing is a noble cause, and we will be with them all the way, we’ll support them all the way and will ensure that they are not left alone. That is a commitment from the National Assembly.

    “As you have heard from our senate president, we will do everything humanly possible to improve the welfare of the falling heroes, their families, and the active men and women in the field,’’ Abbas added.

  • Gov Aliyu pledges support for families of fallen heroes

    Gov Aliyu pledges support for families of fallen heroes

    Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has reiterated that his administration would continue to support retired men and families of fallen ones.

    Aliyu made the pledge during 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration on Monday in Sokoto.

    He noted that the men have sacrificed their lives for country’s unity and peaceful coexistence.

    The governor solicited for more support and considerations for proper up keep of fallen heroes families’ and the retired men in the country.

    He said they deserved to be honoured by the society through sustaining their needs and cater for their families on health, education, housing and others.

    According to him, such gesture would motivate the present servicemen while the retired and deceased families would have a sense of belonging in the community and recognized their love ones’ sacrifice.

    The governor lauded the security men on containing the security challenges bedeviling some parts of the country and reassured more state government support in order to achieve the desired goals.

    Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Danchadi, the Chairman of the state Council of the Nigerian Legion, said that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was set aside to pay tribute to the heroes who paid the ultimate price of death to fight for unity and stability of the country.

    Danchadi commended the state government and individuals for their support to the families of fallen heroes and the living war veterans as well as appealed for continued donation towards improving the welfare of the legion.

    He explained that no fewer than 361 widows received empowerment training along with business working tools that comprised knitting, sewing, grinding machines last year and hoped to repeat the initiative for 460 persons this year.

    He said donations would assist in providing succour to ex-service men and the dependants of the fallen heroes.

    Leader of Fallen Heroes Wives Association, Malama Maryam Yusuf, appealed for more concern from the authorities noting that many of them lacked shelters, clothing and proper schooling of children.

    “We need houses, businesses and scholarships in order to live good living and reduced the pains of  loosing our bread winners” Yusuf said.

    About N55 million was realized during the fund raising ceremony while retired men and fallen heroes families received free healthcare services.

    At the wreath laying ceremony, the event featured military parade, symbolic release of pigeons and placement of wreaths for peace and honour to fallen heroes.

    The event was attended by Sokoto state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, Speaker Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Tukur Bondinga, Police Commissioner, Mr Ali Kaigama and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Godwin Mutkut.

    Others were representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is Galadiman Gari, Alhaji Aminu Attahiru, Heads of Department of State Security Services, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and others.

  • Armed Forces remembrance: Tinubu, Akpabio, others honour fallen heroes

    Armed Forces remembrance: Tinubu, Akpabio, others honour fallen heroes

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday led the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs and the diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

    The event, which involved laying of wreath at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) celebration.

    First to lay the wreath was the President, followed by the Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

    The wreath was also laid by Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, his Federal Capital Territory counterpart, Nyesome Wike and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

    They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chiefs of Army, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

    Other dignitaries, who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony, are members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerian Legion and the widows of late officers and soldiers represented by the President, Military Widows Association (MIWA), Mrs Veronica Aluko.

    There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting in the warfront to remove the dead from the battlefield.

    Tinubu, thereafter, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.

    The celebration started with series of activities including Jumma’at prayer on Jan. 12, at the National Mosque and Interdenominational Christian service on Jan. 14.

    This year’s celebration also featured sporting activities such as golf tournament and paintball combat competition organised by the Defence Headquarters among other activities.

    The AFRDC is celebrated globally to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.

    In Nigeria, Jan. 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the first and second world wars, Nigerian civil war, peace missions and various internal security operations.

    The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.

  • Gov Fubara pledges continuous support for Armed Forces

    Gov Fubara pledges continuous support for Armed Forces

    Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers,on Sunday pledged continuous support for the Armed forces as they continue to defend the integrity of the country.

    Fubara gave the assurance at the Interdenominational church thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at St.Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

    “For us as a government, we will continue to give our support, not just to the fallen heroes as we are doing, but to also those who are alive defending the integrity of our country,” he said.

    Fubara also affirmed that his administration would  continue to perform as expected by addressing critical issues of governance and furthering the development of the state.

    Fubara stated that his administration would intentionally be remembered for good and positive deeds after his tenure as the governor of the state.

    Fubara said that in attending to the duties of governance, he had prayed to God to grant his administration the grace to perform and ensure that its activities and programmes implemented would meaningfully solve the socioeconomic and developmental problems of the people.

    “As a government, we are performing. My prayer is for the Almighty God to grant us the grace to perform in a manner that when we leave office, people will remember us positively, not for negative purposes,” he said.

    Fubara described the duties of the security agencies as giving their time to perform on the stage of life when they discharge their duties.

    “It is not an easy thing for you to be on the stage just like we are today, and after performing people will remember you. So, I am happy that we are all associated with the good performance of the armed forces,”he said.

    Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta,Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja called on the government and all Nigerians alike to reflect on, honour and to support members of the military for their various levels of sacrifices in the protection of the territorial sovereignty of Nigeria.

    Oko-Jaja acknowledged that the positive traits of patriotism, firm belief in the unity of Nigeria, continual selfless sacrifice, commitment to building the nation and uncompromised dedication to duties are enviable qualities that make soldiers worthy of being celebrated.

  • CAS speaks on best way to pay tribute to Nigerian fallen heroes

    CAS speaks on best way to pay tribute to Nigerian fallen heroes

    Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the best way to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes is to sustain joint offensives against non-state actors.

    Abubakar said this on Sunday in Abuja in his tribute to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    He said there was the need for sustained joint air, ground and maritime strikes against terrorists, insurgents and economic saboteurs in paying tribute to those who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria.

    Abubakar commended Air Component Commanders of the various joint theatres of operation for the series of successful air strikes undertaken since the beginning of 2024.

    He said that as recent as Saturday, air interdiction strikes by the “Operation Hadin Kai’’ at Tumbunma Baba near Lake Chad was successful in eliminating terrorists and destroying their vehicles and structures.

    The Chief of Air Staff noted that Nigeria could never repay fallen heroes for their efforts at restoring peace and tranquillity, stressing that the efforts must be sustained to return the country to its peaceful past.

    “We have no excuse not to deliver on our mandate as the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has provided the wherewithal for us to succeed.

    “We must, therefore, continue to sustain the momentum of our operations and give our citizens the confidence they require to go about their businesses without fear,” he said.

    Abubakar called on Nigerians to continue to offer gratitude, goodwill, solidarity and unrelenting prayers for fallen heroes and their families.

    He said Nigeria should accord fallen patriots the honour and credit they deserved and reassure those still in service that the country would neither forget their sacrifices nor forsake them in their hours of need.