Soldiers

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has advised soldiers serving under the 14 Brigade in Ohafia to respect human rights and safeguard the rights of children while carrying out their duties.

The directive was delivered during the opening of a two-day sensitisation workshop for troops of the brigade. The event took place in Umuahia, Abia State, on Wednesday as part of the Army’s Civil-Military Affairs programme.

Army authorities also warned the soldiers against engaging in gambling and drug abuse. The troops were instructed to maintain discipline and professionalism while performing their responsibilities.

In addition, the soldiers received a warning about the use of social media. They were told not to upload confidential photographs or sensitive information online. Officials said such materials could be accessed by criminal groups and misused.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs in the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the workshop aims to remind troops about their responsibilities and the rights of civilians.

He said the training was designed to educate soldiers on their own rights, the rights of members of the public, and the protection of children. He also stressed the importance of proper conduct while interacting with civilians.

Etsu-Ndagi advised the soldiers to complete their Next of Kin forms accurately and ensure the information remains current. He said updated records would protect the families of soldiers from exploitation if a service member dies.

The senior officer also encouraged the troops to promote unity and understanding within their families.

During the workshop, the Deputy Controller of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bekwele Chukwu, addressed the soldiers. He spoke about the dangers associated with the use of prohibited or controlled drugs. He warned that such substances could affect a person’s mental stability.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for organising the workshop for the troops.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a move to intensify internal security, the Nigerian Army has deployed a fresh batch of specially trained soldiers to reinforce ongoing operations in the central region.

The troops, from the COAS Special Intervention Battalion XV, have completed an intensive Special Forces programme at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora. Their deployment to the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu.

OPWS operates across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states, areas plagued by banditry, armed violence, and attacks on communities. The new deployment aims to act as a “force multiplier,” bringing fresh momentum to efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks, safeguarding farmers, and restoring socio-economic activities.

Welcoming the troops, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, charged them to apply their specialised skills with professionalism and ruthlessness against criminal elements. He emphasized the need for total commitment in a demanding operational environment.

Major General Gara also instructed the soldiers to maintain cordial relations with host communities, uphold human rights, and be cautious in their use of social media to avoid compromising operations. Collaboration with other security agencies was also stressed.

The soldiers, who arrived with high morale, are expected to bolster the fight to restore lasting normalcy to the region.

By Uzair Adam 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N100 million to assist families of soldiers who lost their lives and those wounded in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the northeast.

The donation was announced on Saturday during an Eid El-Kabir Sallah luncheon held at Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri. 

The event was hosted jointly by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Governor Zulum presented the N100 million cheque to Major General Abdussalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. 

He stated that each wounded soldier would receive N500,000, while the remaining funds would be distributed to the families of soldiers who died in action.

The presentation was witnessed by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Godwin Mutkut, the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). 

Also in attendance were a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba, Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tihani, Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, APC Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, and other senior government officials.

Governor Zulum praised the resilience and patriotism of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. 

“Your commitment on the frontlines, often under extreme conditions and far from your families, is not lost on us. We remain eternally grateful for your service and will never take your sacrifices for granted,” he said.

The governor assured the military of his unwavering support, adding, “Borno State will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies in the fight against insurgency and in rebuilding our communities for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgain

iA General Court Martial (GCM) in Enugu has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Hauwa Ali, while Private Abubakar Yusuf received a 10-year jail term for robbery.

The court, convened by the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, found Mohammed guilty under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act.

Despite pleas for leniency, the panel upheld the death penalty, citing the need for justice.

Yusuf was convicted of robbing a mall in Enugu under Section 107(1)(b) of the same law. The court could not impose the maximum penalty due to a lack of unanimity, leading to a 10-year sentence instead. Both rulings await confirmation by higher authorities. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and justice, stating that misconduct by personnel would always be met with strict legal action.