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Tag: CDS

  • Protest: We will not accept any individual flying  foreign flag in Nigeria- CDS warns

    Protest: We will not accept any individual flying  foreign flag in Nigeria- CDS warns

    Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has declared that the Federal Government will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.

    Addressing State House Reporters after the Security Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the President’s office, the Defense Chief said the President is clear on his instructions that government would not accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria.

    He also rejected flying of any foreign flag in Nigeria, saying such act is treasonable.

    He said, “Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest, but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.

    “And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.

    “Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government.

    “Democracy is what we stand for democracy is what will continue to defend.”

     

  • Ribadu, CDS, absent at Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    Ribadu, CDS, absent at Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    The planned interface of the Senate with Service Chiefs was stalled on Wednesday, following the absence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa and others at the National Assembly.

    The Senate had Jan. 30 summoned the Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies for an interface on Wednesday.

    Speaking, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the NSA sent apologies for the inability of the security chiefs to attend the meeting as scheduled.

    Akpabio said that the proposed interface had been expanded to include other heads of security agencies.

    “It is important to invite the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Minister of Interior, Minister of Finance, and the National Security Adviser among others.

    ”We received reports that even security officials have lost their lives in the course of struggling and fighting to bring the situation under control.

    ”While we welcome you, we want you to know that it is not because we are passing the buck or blaming any of you for anything.

    ”We believe you are doing your best; we want to hear from you and also make contributions on how to improve the situation,” he said.

    Akpabio added: ”We received apologies from the National Security Adviser that he us in a bilateral discussion with the representative of security chiefs from United Kingdom.

    ”While we welcome you, we believe the team is not yet complete, I don’t know if the Senate will want to proceed but my personal opinion would be that we would like to have with you the Chief of Defence Staff.

    ”We would also like to have the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Minister of Interior, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy.”

    The motion to adjourn the security briefing by the service chiefs was thereafter moved by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro.

    Akpabio thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, for honouring the Senate’s invitation

    He also thanked the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Malam Yusuf Bichi.

    “We thank you all for honouring our invitation for the very important interface on way out of the lingering security crisis at hand.

    ”But due to the absence of the NSA and the Chief of Defence Staff , the interactive session will no longer hold today,” he said.

  • We are coming after bandits, terrorists, vows CDS

    We are coming after bandits, terrorists, vows CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the military will flush out bandits and terrorists from the country.

    The CDS made the commitment on Friday in Kaduna when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Uba Sani at government house.

    He said, “for terrorists and bandits, it’s just a matter of time. We are coming after them and we are going to get them to leave the country completely.”

    According to him, “we are re-assessing our theatres of operation to make them more robust and more result oriented.”

    He explained that the military is expanding its operation to close the gap while changing its mode of operation which could be both kinetic and non-kinetic.

    “As military officers, you must take the two operations together, deploying more troops to close the gap in other to make it more difficult for terrorists to move about freely,” he noted.

    The CDS also appealed to everyone to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements, adding that everyone has a role to play in security.

    Musa reiterated the desire to make Kaduna peaceful, following its strategic nature, and the fact that people regard Kaduna as a home to all.

    He assured that the military will come out successful from all the security and economic challenges.

    On his part, Gov. Uba Sani renewed the state government’s appeal for the prolonged stay of the Special Forces in the ongoing campaign against banditry and terrorism.

    He also requested that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna general area be expanded due to the challenges around Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru and Sanga Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    He said such an expansion will go a long way in containing threats and consolidating ongoing efforts in those areas.

    The governor also noted that measures are required in the Birnin Gwari general area, to restrict bandits and terrorists from using the Kuduru, Kuyanbana and Kamuku forests as their hideouts.

    He said there is also the need to further constrict the corridors connecting Birnin Gwari with neighboring States like Zamfara, Niger and Katsina, and stop criminals from using the corridors.

    According to him, “we have stepped up efforts towards inter-state collaboration in the fight against banditry and terrorism.”

    Sani said he is in constant touch with his colleague Governors and strategies are being finetuned to deny criminal elements safe havens or hideouts in any of the neighbouring states in the North West or North Central.

    He also assured of the state government’s commitment to sustain the cordial relationship with the military.

    “Remember that you can always count on our earnest prayers, sincere support and best wishes as you lead the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

  • I’m leaving military bigger, stronger, more capable – Irabor

    I’m leaving military bigger, stronger, more capable – Irabor

    The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has said that he left the Nigeria Armed Forces bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

    Irabor stated this in his valedictory speech during the pulling-out parade organised in his honour on Friday in Abuja.

    The former CDS said that he felt honoured to be pulled out after 37 years of unblemished service to the nation and having served as the CDS in the past 29 months.

    According to him, ensuring national security in a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task.

    “In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic crux.

    “Efforts made by the Federal Government of Nigeria using the armed forces in collaboration with the police, other security agencies and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation.

    “We were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions.

    “I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions,” he said.

    Irabor acknowledged the outstanding efforts of the nation’s courageous men and women in uniform and hailed them for their bravery, unwavering commitment and dedication to service.

    According to him, their services and courage in the line of duty were unparalleled.

    He pointed out that the services had singly and collectively expanded strategic capacities, operational reach and tactical competencies.

    Irabor added that the services were able to achieve the feat with great impetus and support from the Federal Government, strategic partners, state governments and non governmental organisations.

    According to him, the support came in the form of gross expansion of military strength, platforms acquisition, expansion of equipment holdings, provisions of funding, materials and logistics.

    The former CDS stressed that the support and inputs from the government and strategic partners helped the military under his command to significantly curtail the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings.

    “We successfully worked in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for law and order, critical democratic processes as well as human security and national development.

    “I am very proud of the patrol dizzying dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the upstyle men and women of the armed forces propelled by love for country.

    “Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous and selfless men and women.

    “Your unshakable commitment to our nation, our values and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration.

    “The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity is unbreakable, and I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to have served with each and everyone of you,” he added.

    Irabor said that without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military who have remained unwavering in facing the many security concerns of the country.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: CDS salutes troops, calls for loyalty and support to Tinubu’s administration

    Eid-el-Kabir: CDS salutes troops, calls for loyalty and support to Tinubu’s administration

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, felicitates with gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and their families on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    A statement signed by Tukur Ismaila Gusau, Brigadier General
    Acting Director Defence Information, said the Chief of Defence staff appreciates the selfless sacrifice, committment, doggedness and determination towards dislodging existential threats to the unity, security, stability and peace of the country.

    “The symbolic values and virtues of unflinching faith and total sacrifice which the Eid-el-Kabir festival exemplifies also hold true for the supreme sacrifices which our defiant and courageous soldiers continue to make in the face of challenges to the peace, unity and sovereignty of the nation.

    “The CDS hereby assures of his unflinching support to officers and men of the Armed Forces as they continue to discarge their constitutional duties across the nation.

    “General Musa thank the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Military and commitment towards repositiong the economy and reforms in the security sector.

    ” The CDS pledge unalloyed loyalty of the Armed Forces to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    ” The Chief of Defence Staff also uses this medium to felicitate with all Nigerians on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, and appreciate the support of all Nigerians to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and urge them to continue to show more faith in the zeal and ability of our troops to effectively combat threats to the security and stability of our dear nation.

    “Your trust and confidence in our Armed Forces as collective partners and stakeholders in securing our nation cannot be overemphasized. The security and stability of our nation is the sacred and collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

    “Once again, I wish you memorable Happy Sallah celebrations.”

     

  • 2023 polls: We are good to go on all fronts – CDS, Irabor

    2023 polls: We are good to go on all fronts – CDS, Irabor

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor has reassured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies are ready to provide safe and secure environment for the 2023 general elections.

    Irabor gave the assurance while briefing newsmen shortly after meeting with service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Monday in Abuja.

    The closed-door meeting was attended by Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Directors General of Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

    He said the purpose of the meeting was to review security arrangements for the elections and develop action plans to ensure that the exercise hold under a peaceful atmosphere.

    “We have just finished the meeting. The service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the DSS, represented by the Director of Operations, the DG, NIA and the CDI.

    “Looking at the security for the elections and as you know, the police is the lead agency for elections security, we have compared notes and assessed the entire situation and we are good to go.

    “The assessment is that we are set on all fronts.

    “We got representation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, who of course you have interacted with, and has also told Nigerians and the world that they are ready for this election.

    “By and large, we are good to go and I like to use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that on the security front, we are good to go on all fronts,” he said.

    Irabor also gave assurance that the security agencies would cover every part of the country to ensure peaceful elections, so that all eligible Nigerians exercise their franchise.

    He added that contingency actions had been taken to address areas with peculiar security challenges.

    The CDS warned those that intend to cause trouble during the elections to have a have rethink, “because they will have a bloody nose”.

  • Debarment allowance: Irabor urges military retirees for patience

    Debarment allowance: Irabor urges military retirees for patience

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has urged retired military officers to show understanding with the Federal Government in the effort to pay them the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).

    Irabor made the call at the 42nd Anniversary Dinner of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 28 Regular Course Welfare Association on Saturday in Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2017 approved the payment to the military retirees who retired before Nov. 9, 2017.

    The deceased military retirees who were alive when the Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA) 2017 was signed, and non-pensionable retirees who retired before Nov. 9, 2017 but were only paid gratuities, are also to benefit.

    The SDA, according to Military Pensions Board, was calculated as a function of 10 per cent of the retirees’ annual basic salary as at the time of retirement, multiplied by the number of years served in the services.

    The CDS cautioned those who had made unpalatable comments about the SDA to desist from misleading the junior ones, adding that the efforts of the government in that regard should be commended.

    According to him, “there are a few toxic commentaries that have been made, which I believe are misrepresented and I think that those of us that are here hearing from me and those who actually know the right thing.

    “While appreciating you for changing the orientation of those who have been passing those toxic comments, I need to also encourage that perhaps, they need to go to their creator for forgiveness.

    “The reason I say this is, the policy that brought SDA into being was signed on Nov. 9, 2017 and the provisions made therein, caters for those who retired from that day onwards.

    “There are issues around policies generally which certainly might not be the best but there will always be room for correction.

    “It took the magnanimity of the Commander in Chief, of course a representation that was made to him by the minister, and he was magnanimous enough to look at it again and made the approval that everyone who once served the military should be catered for.

    “I think that it is something that I believe is legendary and must be commended rather than having to vilify those who are making effort to ensure that entitlements as enunciated by virtue of that approval is made,” he said.

    Irabor further said that the resources disposition of the government should be considered, taking into cognisance the issues of military operations and issues surrounding its Table of Organisation and Equipment (TOE).

    “It takes resources to be able to bring our TOE to a reasonable level, to be able to increase the military’s fighting capacity,” he said.

    He added that greater attention must be paid to ensure that the tools needed to be able to perform optimally should be given attention.

    “And so it was not an easy thing to now muster a total of N132 billion just to pay at once because there are other commitments of government.

    “And so approval was given for it to be handled within the period of three to five years, which recently has also been modified for it to be covered in three years.

    “So if some of us that should know now go to incite a few others to now to want to take up some kinds of demonstration, that perhaps needs some form of reconsideration

    “The first tranche was made early this month, which of course we must continuously appreciate it and of course, the government for this feat.

    “So I will like to use this medium to appeal to us, especially on that matter, for it to be put to rest, believing and trusting those who are implementing to faithfully implement it,” he added.

    Irabor also commended the retired officers for their invaluable contribution to the peace and stability of the country and urged them to continue to offer their quota even in retirement.

    The President, 28 Regular Course Welfare Association, retired Rear Adm. Ndidi Agholor, thanked God for making it possible for them to remain in good health and be able to reunite to celebrate.

    Agholor said the association was at its consolidation stage, having made impact in the society, adding that welfare of its members was its main focus at present.

    On the debarment allowance, Agholor commended the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence for being magnanimous in expanding the scope of SDA to cover all retired military personnel.

    He said those of them who retired before 2017, when the SDA policy was formulated, were initially excluded, adding that reasons were advanced as to the use of their competencies and skills in retirement.

    The president urged the veteran community to exercise patience while government continued to implement the debarment policy, which according to him, will have positive impact on them.

    He assured the military authority of the readiness of the veterans to continue to help to secure the nation, especially in ensuring peaceful 2023 general elections.

  • There will be no more coup in Nigeria again – CDS Irabor

    There will be no more coup in Nigeria again – CDS Irabor

    Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has assured Nigerians that the country will not experience coup again in the country,

    Irabor made this known that the armed forces are battle ready to work with the police in order to provide adequate security in the forthcoming general elections.

    The Defense chief gave the assurances to reporters at the National Arcade, Abuja, at the end of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    “Democracy has come to stay; a government of the people, by the people and for the people has come to stay”, he added.

    Irabor disclosed he’s been discussing with the Inspector-General of Police to work out modalities on election security.

    “We’ve also made contingencies should we be required to give support to the police as the election is conducted”, the CDS added.

    In his reaction, IGP Usman Baba commiserated with families of deceased officers and men of the military, the police and other paramilitary agencies.

    Baba advised Nigerians to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain as “we embark on drives that will continually promote peace and unity, peaceful coexistence”.

  • Owo attack: DHQ clarifies identities of arrested suspects

    Owo attack: DHQ clarifies identities of arrested suspects

    The Defence Headquarters has given details of the suspects arrested in connection with the June 5 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church Owo in Ondo State.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, had on Tuesday during a parley with media executives and editors revealed the names of the terrorists who masterminded the Owo attack.

    The Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, in a statement on Wednesday, said the clarification became necessary because of the conflicting feedback on the earlier announcement.

    Akpor said that Irabor had confirmed the arrest of four suspects through the collaborative efforts of the military and DSS personnel at Eika, in Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi on Aug. 1.

    “Those arrested included Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (a.k.a Bin Malik), Momoh Otohu Abubakar, Aliyu Yusuf Itopa and Auwal
    Ishaq Onimisi.

    “The Defence Chief said, preliminary investigation revealed that Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza was the mastermind of the terror attack on the Owo Catholic Church.

    “As well as the attack on a Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi State on 23 June 2022, during which a policeman was killed and weapons carted away,” he said.

    Akpor said Irabor also mentioned the arrest of another terrorist, Idris Ojo, aged 32, who was apprehended at Ayetoro Osi, Ondo State through the combined effort of military and DSS personnel on Aug. 7.

    “Idris Ojo, the CDS said, was one of the suspected ISWAP terrorists who escaped from the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre on 5th July 2022.

    “The CDS also mentioned that Ojo was arrested alongside Jimoh Ibrahim, 39 years, a sympathizer of the terrorist group, who accommodated him.

    “The CDS further revealed that, the arrest of Idris Ojo was crucial as he, along with others, were already planning terrorists’ attacks against some selected targets, in order to create fear amongst the citizenry aimed at discrediting the government,” he said.

  • 2023 elections: Irabor warns politicians against instigating trouble

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has warned politicians and their supporters who are planning to cause trouble during the 2023 general elections to desist.

    Irabor gave the warning while addressing newsmen during the Defence Headquarters bi-weekly news briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that considering the fact that some individuals don’t usually desire peaceful elections, the armed forces would give the necessary support to the civil authority to ensure peaceful elections.

    According to him, they will ensure a peaceful period in the coming elections so that every one of us will have a country we will be proud of.

    The CDS advised those eying positions and appointments after elections to see themselves as men and women that conducted ourselves peacefully.

    “For anyone who is looking forward to be elected, he must do it within the ambit of the provisions of the law because we will not in any way stand aside and see those who perpetrate violence all because they are looking for political office or appointive offices.

    “Nigeria remains nation that must live in peace, desire to live in peace, and Nigerians deserve to live in peace.

    “And so, we will not allow criminals among those or if you like, thugs that might have made themselves available for anyone to use.

    “We are working very closely with the police and we stand ready to give them all the support that is necessary, because going forward, Nigeria must be peaceful and that is what we are looking forward to,” he said.

    Irabor, however, called on journalists and the public to continue to support the military and other security agencies in the quest to return peace to trouble spots in the country.

    He urged the media to continue to educate Nigerians on the need to trust the military with actionable information in dealing with security challenges as issues of insecurity did not only rest with the military and other security agencies.

    According to him, Nigeria belongs to every one of us and we have a duty to contribute in one way or the other in ensuring that criminals among us are exposed and dealt with.

    Fielding questions from newsmen, the CDS said availability of effective equipment for the troops in theatres of operations had been a major focus of the government.

    He said the acquisition of fighting equipment was largely dependent on what was available in the market that had been assessed and adjudged to be effective, especially in dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) attacks.

    According to him, IEDs attacks have remained the greatest challenge, especially for the operations in the North East over the years.

    On moles within the troops, Irabor said the military had a mechanism of identifying enemies within, adding that a number of culprits had been arrested and court marshaled in different theatres at different times.