Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Benin Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (RTD), has said the appointment of Oba Dr Lekan Balogun Aliiwo Okunmade II as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land is well deserved.

The former Chief of Army Staff said this in a congratulatory message to the Olubadan-designate who will be installed as the new Olubadan, Friday next week.

Buratai also prayed for wisdom and good health for the new traditional ruler of the Oyo State capital in order to justify the trust and confidence reposed in him by the government and people of the state.

General Buratai, in the congratulatory message which he personally signed and dated 5 March, 2022, said the appointment of the new was in recognition of his long years of service to the people of Ibadanland, the country and the global community.

“Your Royal Majesty, it is my pleasure to, on behalf of my family and the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, Benin Republic, heartily congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as the new Olubadan of Ibadan Land, by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde.

“Your appointment to this exalted throne is indeed well deserved and a resounding acknowledgement of your many years of meritorious service to the good people of Ibadan Emirate and our dear nation as well as the global community at large.

“As you ascend the throne and assume office, our fervent prayer is for the Almighty Allah to grant you added wisdom and good health to justify the trust and confidence reposed in you by the government and good people of Oyo State.

“While wishing you a successful reign, please be reassured of our personal support and prayers at all times.

“Once again, congratulations Your Majesty and please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards and best wishes to you and your dear family,” the congratulatory message read.

The T. Y. Buratai Football Club based in Kaduna has undertaken a tour of Yobe, Kebbi and Niger Republic, were it met and played friendly games with clubs in the area.
The main aim of the tour is to foster friendship among youth of those areas.
Speaking to journalists after successful completion of the tour, the club’s president, Engr Hassan Mohammed, expressed  satisfaction on the performance of the team in all the friendly games  played during the tour.
He also commended the way the  team behaved and  their level of discipline.
 “We were able to win some of the marches we played and also lost some, notably is the one we lost to  Ni’ima Football Club of Diffa in Niger Republic by 3-4,” he said.
Members of the team also expressed  gratitude to the founder and sponsors of the team in the person of the Ambassador of Nigeria to Benin Republic, His Excellency, T. Y. Buratai for all his contributions to the upliftment of sports and youth development.
They also thanked their hosts for  the hospitality accorded to them during the tour.
The team presented gifts of football kits to many clubs during the tour.

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.

GAMJI REPORTERS

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.

There are strong indications that the operations of troops of the Nigerian military in the North East are gaining results in the annihilation of terrorists and their counterparts in their various hideouts.

Investigation by our reporter revealed that life has become so unbearable in the terrorists various camps as evident in their desperate efforts seeking for attention and to show their presence in some parts of the North East leading to the sadly act of indulging into attacking innocent civilians in Borno State especially in Damboa and environs on Friday, 19 November, 2021. 

Following the activities of the terrorists, four innocent children and youths were injured namely; Bukar shugaban, Ahamed kallama, Alhaji fannami and Bukar kallama.

Some of the natives who sought for anonymity explained that the attack was due to the anxiety and apprehension that has engulfed the terrorists camps following the recent massive destruction they suffered in the hands of ground troops and Air Components of the Nigerian military thereby causing them to device other means of seeking attention.

The natives commended the activities of the troops of the Nigerian military and other security agencies for dislodging the terrorists from their hideouts in order to ensure sanity in the region.

The sources called on Nigerians to cooperate with the security agencies towards ensuring absolute peace in the country by reporting suspected elements in the society to the security agencies for prompt action in order to ensure total peace and harmonious coexistence in the north east and the country at large.

END

  The Force Commander , Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF) Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim and his entourage paid a 5 days working visit to the Republic of Cameroun from 31 October to 04 November 2021. The visit commenced at the African Union Continental Logistics  Base (AU CLB) in Douala on Monday 1  November 21. 

According to a statement signed by the Chief Military Public Information Headquarters Multi National Joint Task Force N`djamena Chad Colonel Muhammad Dole. The FC and his entourage were received by Col Billy Winter, the Chief of the Mission Support Unit (MSU) of the AU and members of his team. 
The FC and his entourage were briefed on the AU CLB and their mandate by Col Nanci Raoul the Team Leader of CLB who explained the role of the AU CLB in details  and how they could be of assistance to the MNJTF based on approval from AU HQ. The FC and his entourage later engaged the CLB team in an interactive session to facilitate better understanding of the AU LCB. 
Thereafter, the FC and his entourage were given a guided tour of the CLB where equipment in the Base were displayed. The equipment included  assorted military equipment  including armored  personnel Carriers , troop carrying vehicles, water tankers, and other combat  support equipment. 
These are actually meant for the African Standby Force but could be used to support the MNJTF and other AU authorized missions. In his concluding remarks, the FC thanked the AU CLB team for their professional presentation and unique storage procedures , he praised the idea of the AU CLB which he said was very strategic and timely in view of the security challenges Africa faces. He called for more support by the AU Headquarters for the AU CLB  to make it more functional.
 On Tuesday 2 November 2021, the visit continued in the Camerounian capital city of Yaoundé with a courtesy call by the FC to the    Honourable Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cameroun, Honourable Beti Assomou Joseph, the Minister congratulated the FC on his appointment as FC MNJTF and wished him a successful tour of duty. He said the idea of the MNJTF shows the unity of purpose of leaders of the Lake Chad Basin region in combating the scourge of Boko Haram and terrorism in the area. He welcomed the surrender of the insurgents but warned that the fight is not yet over and there is therefore the need to remain vigilant and take the fight to the insurgents.  He reiterated the support of the Republic of Cameroun to the MNJTF in its noble cause of eradicating terrorism in the region.
 The FC was also in the Cameroun Defence Forces (CDF)Headquarters on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt Gen Jean Claude Meka who was away on official assignment, the FC was however received by the Deputy CDS ,Maj Gen Chemo Hector who also congratulated the FC on his appointment and restated the commitment of the CDF in partnering with the MNJTF to ensure that it achieves its mandate. He pledged to also continue to support the AU CLB in its operations. The FC pledged greater synergy and reinvigoration of the fight against the insurgents and briefed on recent successes in the Lake Chad region area with return of thousands of IDPs and refugees to their ancestral homes and reestablishment of civil authority to some key towns in the region and pledged to achieve even more. He paid tribute to the gallant men of the CDF who paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and referred to them as heroes of freedom who would never be forgotten. 
 Exploring the imperative and positive impact of collaboration with national forces, the  visit was rounded up with a visit to the 2nd Joint Military Region Headquarters in Doula on Wednesday 3 November 21. Discussions bordered on synergy and cooperation,The Commander , Brig Gen Eba  Bede reiterated his commitment to cooperating with the MNJTF in helping it achieve its mandate. The FC lauded the Republic of Cameroun for being a stabilizing factor in the region and a very committed partner in the fight against terrorism.Later that evening,the Commander hosted the FC and his entourage to a dinner attended by the Governor of the Littoral State, other top government officials and senior military officers. This visit aims at improving synergy, visibility and operational efficiency of the MNJTF in its fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in its operational environment. The visit was adjudged successful and hitch free. The FC and his delegation have since arrived Ndjamena safely.

Calls For Synergy Among Stakeholders…

Immediate past chief of army staff, now Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin republic Amb Tukur Buratai has emphasized the need for holistic synergy between stakeholders in other to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration.

Gen Buratai made the remarks at the convocation lecture on Friday at the Moddibo Adama University Yola.

The retired military chief and now diplomat said there was every need to focus on ideological aspects of addressing our nation’s challenges”

” We must address the ideological, economic, social and political factors that influence development, he stressed that the opportunity given to him by president Buhari to serve in the diplomatic capacity has sharpened his views more on how best to move forward” he maintained.

“Central to this conversation is that security and development is a collective responsibility of every nigerian so as to compliment military Interventions” all over the world, development is a joint venture between the stakeholders. Every one of us is a stakeholder in the development of our dear nation.

He further expressed desire to use his wealth of knowledge to deepen peace and stability efforts of the Nigerian government.

Reacting to misreading reports in some online platforms, Conference Of harmonised Civil Society Organisations (CHCSON) said Amb Buratai desire to always lend his wealth of experience for National growth is highly commendable and urged other stakeholders to sustain the call for national growth.

Theater Commander Operation Hadin Kai, North East, Maj. Gen Christopher Musa has called for improve capacities of Junior officers and soldiers, urging participants of Course 5, Nigerian Army War College to develop realistic strategies that will aid the counter-terrorism operation in the country. 

General Musa made the call in Maiduguri when he received the participants of Course 5, Army War College at the Headquarters, Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, Borno State. 

The Commander urged the participants to dig deep while coming up with modules as the war on insurgency is changing.

He commended the Army War College of Nigeria for its initiatives and contributions to operational plans and Strategies.

He said with the successes recorded and efforts being put in place as well as other operational plans and strategies, Insurgency will soon come to an end in the country.

The Theatre Commander who expressed delight for the visit, equally noted that “the participants would see for themselves what they have been taught theoretically in the college in order for them to have opportunity to see the practicality at the warfront.

He also advised them to avail themselves of the privileges available at their disposal by engaging practically in various army operations while pointing out that their different experiences will help them contribute to their roles, capabilities and quality leadership.

The Commandant of the Army War College, Major General Solomon Odounwa said the participants were visiting the theatre to seek how they can expand studies on military operation in the north-east.

He said it was also an opportunity to contribute to what the theatre is doing and to lay foundation for the young officers who will be the military commanders in the nearest future.

He said the college had been monitoring the development at the theatre and the successes recorded despite the challenges including difficult terrain.

“We are here to see how we can contribute to what you are doing and to lay foundation for our young officers who will be our military commanders in the nearest future,” disclosed the commandant. 

The Director of the college, Brig Gen Alkali said the institute was established to train educational leaders of the Nigerian Army with various modules including military contribution to existing operations, peace building among others.

He said the college has a mandate to produce well trained military officers and the Course 5 participants include 30 military officers, four allied forces from Niger, Togo, DR Congo and Liberia.

Vice president Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN says since Federal Government came on board  have had it share of social upheavals, political instability, religious intolerance and economic hardship.
In his address on Thursday  as a guest of honor  at the 31  Convocation ceremony  31ST  of 68 Regular Course  and Post Graduate, Yemi said  these are challenges which most nations face. 
Represented by Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi retired, Yemi  explained that as the foremost military University and a citadel of learning in sub-saharan Africa, government shall spare no effort to sustain the continuing development of the Academy.
According to him “We have invested vital resources in confronting our national problems, and we will continue to do so across all facets of our economy and polity, adding that as part of our commitment to this great institution, we shall sustain the tempo of funding and infrastructural facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment.”The Vice president continue, great nations never succumb to momentary challenges, neither do they as a nation, Nigeria has always defied the odd,  pointing out that rather than falter or lose hope, we should draw inspiration from the brighter chapters of our history and in a determined spirit engage the reservoir of our resourcefulness. He further explained that National development is not attained only by a select group professionals but by all with everyone contributing his/her quota.He said  creativity, sense of sacrifice and national commitment which we as a people can accumulate only from institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy. Since I became VicePresident of this great country, I have had opportunities to come to this institution and in all my periods of visitation. “I  have always been marveled by the uncommon enthusiasm of the cadets, military instructors, staff, and postgraduate students,  adding this is so because what I have always seen in this institution by way of academic activities, research and association with the larger society has always captivated my interest. While commenting on the Nigerian Defence Academy, Yemi said  “ We appreciate the Academy as the foremost military university and a citadel of learning in sub-Saharan Africa,  adding  we shall spare no effort or resources to sustain the continuing development of this Academy.”Yemi also  draw the attention of the management of the Academy that despite the integrated knowledge provided to cadets, pointing out that military training must not be watered down to unnecessary intellectualism or abstract theorizing that would undermine military prowess and professionalism.According to him, In this age of revolution in military affairs, cadets should be provided a balanced diet of learning- centered, technology-driven and dynamic knowledge and skills set that will prepare them for military leadership, regimentation and combat readiness.He maintained that  in this direction, those modern disciplines that bother on sound military thought and philosophy should be given priority with subjects like modern weaponry and engineering, intelligence, logistics and asymmetric warfare relevant to our contemporary needs rather than curriculum requiring argumentative judgments and mere regurgitation of facts, hypotheses and theories.On the  convicting cadets and postgraduate students,  Yemi  charged them to should know that knowledge is power, adding that  it is meaningful to you when you develop the corresponding skills set and competences to the application of its principles to life situations and appeals.According to him, “ I have no doubt that you are equal to the task because the Nigerian Defence Academy has given you all you require in terms of knowledge, character and networking to be valuable citizens of our dear country.”Earlier, Commandant of the Academy Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf said over the years, the Academy has made its mark as the foremost military university in sub-saharan Africa through its contribution to human development in military and academic circles.The Commandant urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of NDA where ever they find themselves.A total of two thousand Eight hundred and five graduands comprising two hundred and forty-nine cadets and two thousand, five hundred and fifty-six post graduate students participated in the convocation ceremony.Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to deserving cadets, post-graduate students as well as honourary doctorate degrees on Alhaji Aliko Dangote and post humous doctorate degrees on late Alhaji Ahmed Joda and former chief of Army Staff, late Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru.

The Convener Country First Movt, Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr,  has called on the youth to rise and take the country back come 2023.
Prof Nwaokobia started this in a broadcast to mark the nation Independence day celebration.
He stressed that at sixty one Nigeria is still facing many challenges raging from Insecurity, poverty , joblessness , hungerAnd under development.
he said Hope is low , courage is down but people should not despire but have faith .
He advised that as Nigeria approach the next election in few months , the youth must realise that now is their time.
He called on all youth especially those who will be clocking 18 years come 2023 to register and get ready to vote.
He stressed that the only work for the youth is to walk towards the Youth O’clock.
He said it is time when Nigerian youths will begin to think what is proper and do what is proper .
He said the time has come for the youth to take control of the leadership of the country Nigeria in all realm and change the narrative of the country