-Sun

Nigerian Navy impounds vessel with 406 illegal migrants

Philip Nwosu, Lagos

The Nigerian Navy said it has impounded a passenger vessel with 406 illegal migrants allegedly travelling from Libreville, Gabon, to Lagos.

The Navy said there were indications that the vessel which brought the illegal migrants into the Lagos waterways might be on mission to dump all the passengers in Lagos.

The vessel, MV CHIMBA EXPRESS, is alleged to have left on Libreville on April 20, 2018, with some deportees of Togo, Benin, Niger, Mali and Nigerian nationalities.

The over 400 illegal immigrants of different nationalities are said not have valid travelling documents to enter into the country.

Addressing journalists on the interception of the migrants and arrest of the vessel, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Okon Eyo, said that the vessel was scheduled to arrive Benin Republic on Sunday April 21, to disembark both regular and deportee passengers from Benin, Togo, Mali and Niger and thereafter proceed to Calabar to disembark Nigerian deportees.

Commodore Eyo said rather than arrive Benin, the vessel surfaced at the Lagos Bar on Wednesday April 25 with 406 passengers, including 18 deportees from Gabon who are Nigerians.

“The vessel has about 406 persons onboard from the Republics of Togo, Benin, Niger, Mali and Nigeria. The total number of Nigerians onboard and whether or not the vessel did berth in Benin is yet to be confirmed. Nonetheless, among the Nigerians are 18 reported deportees,” Eyo said.

The Commander revealed that the charterer of the vessel has been identified, with useful information to operatives of Nigerian Navy, adding that the force is working with NIMASA, DSS, Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Customs to ensure that the passengers are cleared.

“Additionally, we discovered that the international passports of the passengers were with the agent who claimed to be processing them. It was also obvious that there was no formal contact at governmental level for the delivery of the deportees or returnees. However, there is unconfirmed report that the Nigerian Embassy in Libreville was aware of the deportation,” said Eyo.

Most of the passengers, the Commander said, had been travelling without food and water.

He noted however that naval authorities were able to provide food for the famished to mitigate the suffering onboard.

“It is pertinent to add that the condition onboard as the vessel was brought into custodial detention was not conducive; the passengers were without food and water. As at the time of boarding the vessel, the passengers were seen to be famished and agitated. To mitigate the sufferings onboard, the base made arrangement where it purchased and took onboard food, water, mineral drinks and other provisions to the people.”
Commodore Eyo said the vessel MV CHIMBA EXPRESS, apart from bringing into Nigerian waters some illegal migrants, does not have an Automatic Identification System (AIS), explaining that “the vessel’s gross tonnage is about 677 tonnes, and international law mandates vessels of more than 350 tonnage to install AIS on board. Hence, MV CHIMBA EXPRESS was operating in violation of the law.”

He went on to reveal that: “MV CHIMBA EXPRESS’s visual identity was found to be mismatched with her registered name which was identified as Ramadan IV. Ship documents also show that the ship was flagged at Cameroun as against the electronic documentation of registration in Honduras. The action is contrary to the provision of the International Maritime Act.”

-Sun

Soldiers arrest 4 Boko Haram terror suspects in Yobe

Molly Kilete, Abuja

Soldiers on internal security operations in Yobe State have arrested four suspected members of Boko Haram in Mingel and Damagun in Fune Local Government Area of the northern state.

The terrorists, all indigenes of Borno State, were arrested by troops of 233 Battalion deployed as part of counterterror Operation LAFIYA DOLE while on a raid in the area.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, gave a statement about the arrests, which reads:

“Troops of 233 Battalion deployed in operation LAFIYA DOLE on 27 April, 2018, while on raid operation to Mingel and Damagun in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, nabbed four Boko Haram terrorists with their collaborator.

“The suspects, who are all from Borno State, include:

a. Chari Masaa – 40years

b. Gonbuzu Abar – 30years

c. Modu Moduchollo – 20 years

d. Titta Masawa – 20 years

e. While their collaborator is Gambo Idrisa – 30 years.

“Items recovered include:

a. Four Tecno phones.

b. A cash [amount] of N150,000.00 only.

“Similarly, troops of Forward Operation Base Potiskum on 26 April, 2018, while on routine patrol, arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Mr Sailsu Musa – 30 years – of Sabon Gari Duddaye village in Nangere Local Government Area.

“The general public is hereby advised to report any suspicious movements to the security agents for necessary action.”

-Sun

Olaleye Aluko

Fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force conducted air strikes on at least three Benue State communities on Saturday, in an operation which lasted several hours.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, confirmed the air strikes to our correspondent.

He noted that it was an ongoing operation and that he could not reveal further details.

Adesanya said, “It is true that the NAF aircrafts are involved in an operation together with other security services in Katsina-Ala. But the operation is still ongoing and I cannot disclose further details.”

Our correspondent learnt that the air strikes were carried out along the Katsina-Ala to Zaki Biam and Wukari Road and that the affected villages included Gbise, Ayaka and environs.

A reliable source in Katsina-Ala, who is privy to the air attacks, said the operation could be a reprisal on hoodlums in the communities.

Some hoodlums, dressed in military camouflage, had last week attacked the Commander of the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps, Maj Gen John Malu, in his hometown in Tse Adoor, Tiir Ward, Tongov in the Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.

The source said, “Gbise, Ayaka and other nearby villages in Katsina-Ala were on Saturday bombarded by the air force. These are reprisal attacks by the military to clear the hoodlums who attacked Maj Gen Malu when he was home last week.

“There were mortars, artillery pieces, assault rifles and aerial bombardments.”

Our correspondent could not ascertain the number of casualties or dead as of press time because military sources said the operations could last till Sunday (today).

-Punch

Afeez Hanafi

The driver of a Chief Magistrate in Igbosere, Lagos State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly stealing a Toyota Corolla belonging to his boss, Mrs. Folake Oshin.

The suspect, Timothy Yashim, reportedly connived with three other accomplices to sell the car estimated at N5m to a car dealer in Kano State at the rate of N600,000.

The accomplices, two of who had been apprehended, were identified as Ahmed Yerima, Daniel Ishaya and Muhammed Usman, a naval rating, who is still at large.

 Saturday PUNCH learnt that Yashim had reported for work at the magistrate’s house at 9am on Saturday, March 10, 2018 and collected the car key from the magistrate’s housemaid as usual.

He was said to have driven out the car unknown to the boss, who started searching for him around 11am when she wanted to go out.

It was gathered that calls made to his lines indicated they were switched off. The case was reported at the Ikoyi Police Station and was subsequently referred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja.

In a visit to his residence on Ribadu Road, Mounted Troop Barracks, Ikoyi, it was discovered that he had packed out. His roommate, Ishaya, was picked up by the police.

Yashim and Yeriba were consequently tracked down in Kano, where the car was sold to one Alhaji Garuba.

Yashim, a native of the Zango-Kataffi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, told the police that the stealing was masterminded by the officer, who lived at Giwa Barracks, Falomo, Lagos.

The 35-year-old said, “I started working with the magistrate in December 2017. Sometime in March 2018, two friends of mine, Muhammed Usman, a naval rating and Ahmed Yerima called me on the phone and asked me to see them at Giwa Barracks. When we met, they asked me how much I had realised as a driver. They said I was a fool and told me to wake up so that I could make cool money. They said we could make money if we sold my boss’ Toyota Camry car to Alhaji Garuba in Kano. I agreed with them because I wanted to make money. I drove out the car from her premises.”

Yerima, who hails from the Kaltingo LGA, Gombe State, said Yashim brought the car to him and Usman outside the barracks.

The 21-year-old explained that he and Yashim immediately drove the car to a filling station in Ogun State, where they filled up its tank before leaving for Kano.

He said they had an accident on getting to Benue State which led to a major damage to the car, adding that Usman sent part of the money for the repair.

Yerima said, “The mechanic that would repair the car demanded N198,900 for auto parts and workmanship fee. It took one week to repair the vehicle. We continued our journey and around 8pm, we arrived in Kano. It was late and we had to check into a hotel. Alhaji Garuba came to meet us at the hotel the following morning.

“The plan was to sell the car for N1.5m but Alhaji said he could not buy it at that amount because of the accident traces in it. We called officer Usman and he talked to Alhaji Garuba. They both agreed on N600,000.”

Yashim’s neighbour, Ishaya, denied his involvement in the crime.

Our correspondent learnt that the Lagos State Command wrote to the authorities of Giwa Barracks in May 2018 to produce Usman.

The Director of Information, Navy Headquarters, Abuja, Commodore Ayo Olugbode, said the agency had commenced investigation into Usman’s involvement in the alleged crime.

He added, “I want to reiterate that we do not, in any way, condone any form of indiscipline and a breach of safety and security on the part of our men. Whoever is culpable will be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, the three arrested suspects were arraigned on Wednesday on two counts of stealing before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.

The charges read, “That you, Timothy Yashim, Hammed Yerima, Daniel Ishaya and others at large, on March 10, 2018, at 9am, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: stealing, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

“That you, Timothy Yashim, Hammed Yerima, Daniel Ishaya and others at large, on the same date, time and place, in the aforesaid magisterial district, did steal one Toyota Corolla saloon car with the number plate, SMK 324 BJ, valued at N5m property of one Olufunke Oshin, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 287(7) (10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

While Yashim pleaded guilty, the two other defendants pleaded not guilty before the presiding magistrate, Mr. B. I. Bakare. They were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in the like sum.

The case was adjourned till July 4, 2018 for mention.

-Punch

Three hundred and twenty military personnel, comprising 262 from the Nigerian Army, 44 from the Nigerian Navy and 14 from the Nigerian Air Force have voluntarily who bowed out of the Armed Forces.

The personnel dropped their arms after  six-month skill acquisition and entrepreneurial training at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre(NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos.

Bidding them farewell, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)  Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, urged them to continue to contribute their quota towards surmounting threats to lives and property within their domiciled area.

“You will have to prove in your relationships that you have passed through a highly disciplined system such as the military.

“I believe you are all capable of succeeding and positively influencing whatever environment you find yourselves after now,” he said.

The CDS said he had no doubt that the training they have passed through at the Centre would expose them to several entrepreneurial and management skills that would help mitigate the envisaged pitfalls as well as living a stress free life in retirement.

“Let me use this opportunity to intimate you that the Defence Headquarters recently organised a workshop with the aim of harmonising all armed forces veterans associations.

“Thus a Veteran Association of Nigeria has been proposed and modalities for its establishment are ongoing.

“Also, a change in name and mandate of NAFRC is being considered to better reflect the current role of the Centre in capacity development of our retiring officers, soldiers, ratings and airmen,” he said.

The CDS also said that the Defence Headquarters was making efforts towards reviewing the mandate of the Centre, noting that the needs of the mordern day retirement go beyond mere vocational training.

Earlier, the NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshall Austin Jekenu, during his welcome address, urged the retired personnel to make good use of the skills acquired.

He also urged the retired personnel to be obedient to constituted authority while contributing to the progress of their community.

Jekenu urged all the retiring servicemen to positively contribute to boost national economy in whatever business they engaged in.

“The Centre graduates 2 courses annually and it is on record that we have trained over 41, 000 ex-servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces since its inception.

“We have enjoyed tremendous support from the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence,  CDS and Service Chiefs,” he said.

-Sun

Molly Kilete, Abuja

The authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Police have arrested one of its personnel for raping a nine-year-old daughter of his colleagues in the barracks.

The suspect was arrested on June 25, following a complaint by the fatter of the under-aged girl who also happens to be a personnel in the service.

The Daily Sun gathered that the suspect, who is now in the custody of the Air Police at the NAF Base located along the Abuja airport road in Abuja, was said to have confessed to the crime even as the NAF police was continuing with their investigations to unravel if the suspect had been in the act for some time now and probably abused more under-aged girls in the barracks.

The incident, the Daily Sun gathered, which happened at the NAF Valley Barracks adjacent Mogadishu Cantonment, in Abuja, was said to have been detected by the lesson teacher of the nine-year-old girl when she reported for duty to take the little girl on her lesson classes.

The lesson teacher, said to be a female, was said to have noticed the movement and uncomfortable sitting position of her pupil and decided to find out what the matter was.

During her interactions with the toddler, the girl was said to opened up and told her teacher how the ‘Uncle’, who incidentally shared the same block with her parents, defied her and told her not to tell anybody.

She told the lesson teacher that the act took place on June 22, 2018.

Angered by what she heard from her pupil, the lesson teacher immediately reported the matter to the girl’s mother who, in turn, informed her husband who immediately reported the incident to the Air Police.

The suspect was immediately arrested and taken into custody, while the little girl was taken to the NAF Medical Center for examinations.

At the end of the medical examination, doctors on duty at the hospital, reportedly confirmed that there was penetration and that the girl had indeed been defiled.

Daily Sun also gathered that armed with the medical report, Air Police investigators confronted the suspect who confessed and admitted to the crime.

Daily Sun gathered that the suspect would soon appear before a General Court Martial (GCM) as soon as investigations by the Air Police was concluded.

It was also gathered that little girl, who was admitted for further medical investigations and treatment, had since been discharged and medically medical stable.

-Sun

The Nigerian Army has debunked alleged attack on soldiers and capturing of military vehicles by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Texas Chukwu in a statement issued Monday declared that the report was not only untrue but misleading as the incident was ‘’blown out of proportion’’.

‘’Contrary to the report, the Nigerian Army wishes to put the record straight on the issue and assure members of the public particularly residents of the North East to disregard the report as their safety is guaranteed’’ the statement said..

However, the Army Spokesman confirmed that there was an attempted attack on troops at Kwakwa and Chingori communities in Bama area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists as a result of difficult terrain where their vehicles broke down.

Chukwu added that the suspected terrorists attempted to cart away troops operational vehicles, but were successfully repelled by the soldiers with the support of the Nigerian Air Force.

‘’About 22 members of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralized while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are being intensified by the troops to get the fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists.

‘’Unfortunately, one officer and a soldier sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at the military medical facility’’ the Army said.

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWI-THE Nigerian Army yesterday said it will soon commence its annual training programme, the ‘Operation Python Dance III’, also known as Exercise Egwu Eke III, in South East States formations and units under 82 Division, Nigerian Army.

This was disclosed yesterday by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Boman Kabuk, at the 302 Artillery Regiment, (General Support) Onitsha, Anambra State, when he paid a familiarisation visit to the military cantonment, having resumed duties in Enugu on August 6, 2018.

He said: “Exercise Egwu Eke III, is a training exercise for troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and during the training, if there are criminal activities like armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities that distort peace and tranquility of the citizenry along the line, the Army will not close its eyes and watch those criminals activities to thrive.”

The Nigerian Army therefore urged all law abiding citizens of the country, particularly the people of South East to go about their legitimate, lawful and genuine businesses, saying that “those afraid of the exercise are criminal elements that do not want their activities checked and are just being afraid of the consequences of their heinous criminal actions.”

Maj. Gen Kabuk , who was accompanied by some senior Army officers from 82 Division, was led round the Onitsha military cantonment for inspection of equipment and facilities by the Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, General Support, Col. Idongesit Akpan.

…warns pro-Biafra agitators

He warned that the Nigerian Army will not tolerate any distraction or trouble from any group including the pro-Biafra activists and killer herdsmen in the South East, before, during and after the exercise, saying that they will ensure that law abiding citizens in the zone and Nigeria in general live in peace.

“The Army trainS on daily basis and at times, as a group annually, so Exercise Egwu Eke, from the beginning was Python Dance I. We changed it to Egwu Eke to align with the environment which is the South East, still referring to it as Python Dance II and so, we are now saying that Exercise Egwueke III is going to hold. It is still going to be a training exercise.

“Whenever Exercise Egwueke is mentioned, people always think the Army has come to do some dangerous things in the South East. It is a wrong impression, it is a training exercise, but I must tell you that the people that get afraid are criminal elements who are looking for cover in their crimes.

“We want to let Nigerians know that if we are training, we are training to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria. So, the pro Biafra activists and killer herdsmen are also Nigerians who are misguided. We should not allow misguided elements to disturb our peace. What we want is for law abiding citizens to live in peace. If you are not law abiding, the law will take its course.That is all we are saying.”

-Vanguard

-Sun

Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quartet Conference is currently underway at the Army Headquarters Command Officer mess, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The conference is being attended by Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army headquarters, operations Commanders, Commander Multi-National Joint Task Force, Njamena, Chad Commanders of Nigerian Army Training Institutions, Corps Commanders, Directors from Defence and Army headquarters and General Officers Commanding the various divisions of the Nigerian army.

READ ALSO: Gateway Polytechnic to inaugurate ICT Apps devt. Centre

The conference is aimed at reviewing and appraising Nigerian army operations across the country and making amends where necessary.

Also to be discussed at the 4-day conference is the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta, kidnapping, insecurity across the country violent crimes 2019, general elections among other security issues.

-Sun

Two fighter jets have crashed in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.

The jets belonging to the Nigerian Air Force crashed around Mashafa area of Mpape, Abuja.

An Eyewitness told DAILY POST that, ” It just happened and we are all running to the place.”

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement to DAILY POST said the aircrafts were rehearsing for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations.

Daramola said, ”I wish to confirm an air incident involving 2 Nigerian Air Force aircraft taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations. Thankfully no lives were lost. Details will be communicated later. ”

-Daily Post

-Sun

The Nigerian army has, Wednesday, discovered the body of her missing General, Retired Major General Idris Alkali who was killed and buried in a shallow grave at a place called “No man’s land” in Lafande community of Jos, the capital of Plateau state.

In a statement by the leader of the search and rescue operation, Brigadier General Umar Mohammed, the body of General Alkali was found in Guchwet in Shen of Jos South LGA of Plateau State.

According to the statement, a parade will be held for the late retired general and that an honour and a befitting burial would be held for him.

Recall that few days ago, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Benson Akinroluyo,, in a press briefing in Plateau state on Friday, said the army’s search team had discovered the grave where the late Chief of Administration was buried while on a search for the missing general.

He said late Major General Alkali was killed and buried in the shallow grave at a place called “No man’s land” in Lafande community of Jos, the capital of Plateau state.

According to him, “You would recall that on September 2, 2018, at about 8:00pm, unknown gunmen attacked a shopping complex located at Lafande Community on the outskirt of Jos metropolis in Dura-Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“As a result of the attack, 11 people were killed while others sustained various degrees of injuries. The attack triggered protest by the people of the area on the morning of September 3, 2018.”

He said irate youths in the state had barricaded some roads during a protest and that the unknown General who was travelling along the Jos road in his Toyota Corolla car was stopped, attacked and killed by the youths after he had introduced himself as an army general. General Akinroluyo also said that the irate youths, after killing the General, had his valuables, including phones and money “shared by those who killed him”.

He said “The irate youths who followed his car to the abandoned mining pit filled with water on many tri-cycles popularly known as “Keke NAPEP” jubilated for reason best known to them or for mission accomplished. “He was later buried in a shallow grave in an area popularly known as, “No man’s land” within the community.”

Source: Vanguard Newspapers

The Nigerian Army said the body of Maj. General Idris Alkali, after his gruesome murder and exhumation from a shallow grave, was kept in a sack laden with heavy stones and then thrown into an abandoned well.

The additional insight was given by Colonel Kayode Ogunsanya, deputy director, Army Public Relations, in a post on Facebook.

Ogunsanya said the body has been taken to the 3 Division Medical Hospital and Services, awaiting further directives from the military headquarters.

Senior military officers carry the body of General Alkali

The discovery of Alkali’s body climaxed weeks of rigorous investigation by the military, that included an unprecedented draining of a pond in Jos.

The pond yielded several other secrets apart from Alkali’s car and personal belongings. Several other vehicles were also found inside, including a bus.

The absence of the body inside the pond led to the arrests of scores of people and eventually, eight persons, including the district head, were declared wanted.

According to Ogunsanya, it was one of the wanted persons, who gave himself up to the police that led the soldiers to the abandoned well in Guchwet Village in Jos South Local government, where Alkali’s body was transferred after it was exhumed from a shallow grave.

Alkali recently retired as a major general in the army. He was on his way to Bauchi from Abuja. He never reached his destination, hence the army declared him missing.

News about the discovery of his body was first announced by Brigadier General Umar Ibrahim, the Garrison Commander 3 Division. He took journalists to the well.

General Alkali’s remains zipped in a body bag.

According to Premium Times, a “body bag” containing the parts of the missing general was unzipped for reporters to have a look. But no shots were allowed to be taken to preserve the victim’s dignity.

At the scene, a water pump generator was used to drain the water from the well to allow access to the body parts.

The reporter observed that there was a distance of almost 10 kilometres from where his corpse was first buried to the “no man’s land” where it was found Wednesday morning.

Mr Ibrahim narrated how the victim’s body was found.

“You are all aware that Major General Idris Alkali was declared missing on September 3. The Nigerian Army gave us three tasks. One, to find General Alkali dead or alive; two, to find his car which is a Toyota Corolla; and three, if anything happened to him, to find who are responsible for it.

“As you are all aware, on the September 29, 2018, we were able to discover his vehicle and we saw his personal effects which confirmed that it was him. In the same vein, last week, I called you and showed you where he was buried in a shallow grave.

The well where Alkali’s body was found

“We have declared some people wanted and based on that, some of them, reported to the police. Some of them, who took part in his relocation took us where he (body) was relocated.

“He was actually relocated to an abandoned well, which is behind me here. We came here this morning, we drained the water and we were able to salvage the body of General Alkali.

“This is to tell you that now the two aspects of the assignment are completed. The remaining aspect is for all those who took part in this heinous act – nobody, no matter how connected the person is must not go unpunished. For those who have not submitted themselves to the police, we are on their trail. We will find them sooner or later,” the officer said.

While the body parts were being removed, soldiers on site gave a short military parade as a mark of last respect for the deceased officer.

The body was then taken into an ambulance by four generals.

NAN

Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Air Force Council (AFC) has approved the promotion 14 Vice Marshals, 36 Air Commodores and 14 Group Captains.

Also promoted were 3 Air Warrant Officers (AWO) and one Master Warrant Officer (MWO) to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Director Public Relations and Information (DOPR), Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who made this known in a statement, said the promotion was aimed at motivating the officers to re-dedicate themselves towards more effective and efficient service delivery.

He listed the newly-promoted AVMs to include James Gwani, Moses Onilede, Charles Umolu, Olurotimi Tuwase, Musa Muktar, Emmnuel Alade and Musibau Olatunji.

Others were Maxwell Nnaji, Sule Lawal, Aliyu Bello, Ismaila Yahaya, Emmanuel Chukwu, Abdullahi Kassimu and Ibrahim Ali.

Those promoted to Air Commodore were Precious Amadi, Eneobong Effiom, Francis Edosa, Ndubuisi Okoro, Abubakar Sule, Olufemi Odeyinde, Olasunkanmi Abu, Razaq Olanrewaju, Micheal Ekwueme, Simon Peter, David Pwajok, Suleiman Usman, Patrick Obeya, Ahmed Shinkafi, Ayodele Laoye, Nnamdi Ananaba, Esen Efanga and Ademuyiwa Adedoyin.

Also promoted were Abdulrasheed Kotun, Albert Bot, Kennedy Mataluwo, Shehu Bakari, Zayyan Usman, Henry Yurkusi, Bashir Mamman, Jibrin Usman, Mohammed Ibrahim, Anthony Martins, Mohammed Aliyu, John Ukeh, Mohammed Yusuf, Adeniran Ademuwagun, Isaac Abatan,  Gideon Bako, Anthony Ekpe and Okey Ezeanyagu.

Daramola said “In line with the provisions in Chapter 8 of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Officers 2017 (Revised), the AFC also approved the concessional commission of 3 Air Warrant Officers (AWO) and one Master Warrant Officer (MWO) to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

READ ALSO: The politics of a conquered people

“The Air Force Council (AFC), yesterday, 4 December 2018, approved the promotion of a total of 64 senior officers to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force.

“The affected senior officers comprise 14 Air Commodores who were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, 36 Group Captains promoted to Air Commodore and 14 Wing Commanders promoted to the rank of Group Captain.

“In line with the provisions in Chapter 8 of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Officers 2017 (Revised), the AFC also approved the concessional commission of 3 Air Warrant Officers (AWO) and one Master Warrant Officer (MWO) to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Those promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal include Air Commodores James Gwani, Moses Onilede, Charles Umolu, Olurotimi Tuwase, Musa Muktar, Emmnuel Alade and Musibau Olatunji. Others are Air Commodores Maxwell Nnaji, Sule Lawal, Aliyu Bello, Ismaila Yahaya, Emmanuel Chukwu, Abdullahi Kassimu and Ibrahim Ali. “Among those promoted from the rank of Group Captain to Air Commodore include Precious Amadi, Eneobong Effiom, Francis Edosa, Ndubuisi Okoro, Abubakar Sule, Olufemi Odeyinde, Olasunkanmi Abu, Razaq Olanrewaju, Micheal Ekwueme, Simon Peter,  David Pwajok, Suleiman Usman, Patrick Obeya, Ahmed Shinkafi, Ayodele Laoye, Nnamdi Ananaba, Esen Efanga and Ademuyiwa Adedoyin. Others promoted to the rank of Air Commodore are Abdulrasheed Kotun, Albert Bot, Kennedy Mataluwo, Shehu Bakari, Zayyan Usman, Henry Yurkusi, Bashir Mamman, Jibrin Usman, Mohammed Ibrahim, Anthony Martins, Mohammed Aliyu, John Ukeh, Mohammed Yusuf, Adeniran Ademuwagun, Isaac Abatan,  Gideon Bako, Anthony Ekpe and Okey Ezeanyagu.

READ ALSO: APCON: Two sides of the coin

“Those elevated to the rank of Group Captain include Wing Commanders Valentine Oraeki, Abraham Sule, Abubakar Muhammed, Shehu Chindo, Oluwaseun Oluwatayo, Mohammed Ahmed, Adolphus Akins, Ali Idris, Idris Suleiman, Ibrahim Shehu, Dogari Apyeyak, Yahaya Bashir, Logomfa Nansoh and Mba Igbe. The Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) granted concessional Commission to the rank of Flight Lieutenant include Air Warrant Officers Julde Muhammed, Mohammed Madugu, Theophilus Enem and Master Warrant Officer Samuel Ogunnubi.

“The promotion exercise is expected to motivate the affected officers to re-dedicate themselves towards more effective and efficient service delivery. The senior officers and newly commissioned officers will be decorated with their new ranks at a later date.

-Sun

Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Nigerian Army has said eight of its men were killed after Boko Haram terrorists attacked their location at  Buni Gari village, in Yobe State, last weekend.

Director, Army Public Relations Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who made this known in an interview with Daily Sun, in Abuja, also said that the soldiers killed over 10 of the terrorists said to be Boko Haram faction from the Islamic State West Africa Province.

READ ALSO: Military recovers N17m fuel from vandals

The Army spokesman who is speaking for the first time since the attack said, “Indeed eight of our gallant troops paid the supreme price, while over 10 Boko Haram terrorists were killed by the troops during the encounter”.

Two soldiers and six insurgents were initially said to have been killed in the attack where the insurgents destroyed an armoured vehicle and carted away a truck.

-Sun

A file photo of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, has been shot dead by gunmen.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirmed this to Channels Television on Tuesday night.

According to him, the former Defence Chief died from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while he was returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road.

The Air Force spokesperson also confirmed the incident in a series of tweets.

He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce the unfortunate demise of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who died today, 18 Dec 18, from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road.”

“On behalf officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, commiserates with the family of the late former Chief of Defence Staff over this irreparable loss. We pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest.”

Before his death, the former Defence Chief was being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N3.9 billion fraud while in office during the previous administration.

-Channels TV