Day: September 1, 2023

Troops of the armed forces eliminated 39 terrorists, apprehended 159 others and rescued 109 hostages in different operations in the last two weeks

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a bi-weekly news briefing on military operations across the country.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed and arrested Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe, respectively in the Northeast.

He said that the offensive led to the surrender by some terrorists at Gwoza area of Borno and resulted in the elimination of some others; the rescue of hostages and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

He added that in another operation, troops neutralised 11 terrorists, arrested 45 others and rescued 34 hostages within the period and recovered large cache of arms and ammunition.

According to him, troops recovered six AK47 rifles, one HK21 gun, one GPMG, one fabricated gun, 11 AK47 magazines and 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

They also recovered 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one bandolier, and seven empty cases of 7.62mm special, five motorcycles, eight mobile phones and N368, 950.

Buba said the air component of the operations acquired and engaged terrorists’ enclaves at Wulde in Borno, adding that the outcome was being monitored.

He said that in the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two gunmen, rescued three hostages and arrested 15 crime suspects during the period.

He added that the troops arrested two suspects in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, one of whom was a notorious armed robber on the wanted list of a security agency.

According to him, troops recovered three AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifles, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in the state.

Operation Whirl Stroke the North Central also arrested a member of notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue, neutralised terrorists and rescued hostages.

Buba said troops recovered one FN rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and neutralised two terrorists, arrested 11 suspects and rescued six hostages.

The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the Northwest neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 33 others, rescued 40 hostages and recovered three AK47 rifles, 18 motorcycles and three mobile phones.

Buba also told newsmen that the air component of the military operations conducted an interdiction of terrorists at Sububu Forest in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and degraded terrorists at the location.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Defence College Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) on Thursday gave palliatives to 200 women and some less privileged persons in Piwoyi community in Abuja.

The donation is part of the association’s outreach programme to commemorate the graduation of participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 31.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Piwoyi community hosts the permanent site of the NDC.

The Coordinator of NDCOWA and Wife of the Commandant of NDC, Mrs Rhoda Olotu, said the intervention was to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal and hike in prices of food and other essentials on the citizens.

Olotu said Piwoyi and NDC communities have been living peacefully, with no incident of violence or hostility since the relocation of the college to the area.

“Usually, when military personnel are in a civil environment, they see them as threats to them.

“So, this outreach is just to make the people of Piwoyi community know what NDC is let them know that we can actually coexist in peace,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Martha Lucas, thanked the officers’ wives for the gesture, saying that the palliatives came when it was needed most.

Lucas said the food items would alleviate their sufferings, and prayed God to guide and protect the Nigerian armed forces.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on Defence Attachés of allied countries in Nigeria to close ranks with the Nigerian Army in identifying and tackling issues of mutual interest.

Lagbaja made the call when the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye led defence attachés from 27 countries for interaction with the COAS on Thursday in Abuja.

He commended the attachés for their observations on issues of concern, and pledged to take necessary measures to address some of the issues raised during the discussion.

Lagbaja assured neighbouring countries of the commitment of the Nigerian army to continue to work on mechanisms that would curtail movement of cross-border criminals.

“We look forward to fruitful engagement with all other countries to deny criminal elements and dissident groups from incubating their nefarious activities abroad and bringing them home to perpetrate.

“I look forward to more avenues of engagement with all the DAs; we will try as much as possible to establish other social avenues, sporting avenues through which we can engage and interact.

“So that we can share ideas and experiences towards moving forward the relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army and the various countries that you represent.

“I want to promise you that the Nigerian army is disposed to continue engaging with your various countries. Lines of communications are open,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence said the engagement was the first of its kind, to enable the attachés discuss and interact in commonality, and present their concerns and challenges.

Undiandeye said the DIA was the convent and the interchange point of exchange and interaction with all defence attachés in the country.

He said that the meeting would afford them the opportunity to discuss issues that affect them individually and collectively.

The Defence Attaché of India, Col. Legha Romi, who spoke on behalf of the DAs, thanked the COAS for the combined interaction, which he said, had never been done before.

He therefore called for frank and constructive contributions during the meeting.

Romi said the attachés had been interacting with the DIA, Army and the other service headquarters over the years, but said the combined engagement was different.

He said it was an opportunity to learn from each other for the mutual benefit of their countries.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Oshakati Mayor, Leonard Hango, officially launched the new Oshakati Town Council logo on Friday.

The logo displays an Oshakati Broadcasting Tower and sun rising from the horizon, replacing old logo that carries a palm tree and hoes.

In his remarks, at the event, Hango said the new council logo captures the essence of the town, it’s vibrant energy, it’s unity in diversity and it’s forward looking ambition.

According to him, the colours, shapes and elements of the logo symbolize the various facets that make up the community.

“A community that stands together and embraces progress while cherishing its roots. The rebranding effort is more than just a change in appearance, a statement of commitment to growth and development,” he said.

Hango further noted that the new logo is a pledge to provide better services, improved infrastructure and high quality of life to the residents.

With the new logo, Hango said council embarks on a new chapter, one filled with promise, potential and endless opportunities.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The youth at Oshakati on Friday gathered at the town’s Independence Stadium to commemorate the annual International Youth Day.

The day started with a street parade from the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service (MSYNS) office to the Independence Stadium.

In a speech read on his behalf, Oshana Region Governor Elia Irimari, said as Africa, Namibia embraces the Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint to achieving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.

“We want the youth to champion, be in the forefront, and realise this vision so that in unison they can create a better future for the people.

Therefore, the government remains committed to empowering the youth, and integrating the youth within mainstream economy,” he said.

He further said a sustainable future is possible, and it is crucial to mobilise the young generation to forge a revitalised global partnership towards a common goal.

Speaking at the same occasion MSYNS Executive Director Erastus Haitengela said the International Youth Day offers a platform to honour the qualities of youth and the potential they hold towards developing Namibia and the world while acknowledging the challenges they face.

“Many young people contribute towards community development, protecting the environment and volunteering in various social projects,” he said.

He added that the MSYNS is playing its part by ensuring that the youth are included in socio-economic development by implementing the National Youth Policy.

The International Youth Day is held annually on 12 August, but the commemoration in Namibia was postponed, due to the busy schedule of the MSYNS.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

President Hage Geingob has extended a message of condolences to the wife, children and the entire family of former ambassador to Nordic countries, Hadino Hishongwa, who died on Friday at the age of 80.

Geingob, in a statement availed by the Presidency, here described the late Hishongwa as a leader who walked the difficult path of a freedom fighter and worked hard for the betterment of the Namibian people after independence.

“Through his exemplary deeds throughout his life, Ambassador Hishongwa personified selfless sacrifice towards the cause of Namibia’s independence. His life was filled with hard work in the pursuit of freedom, including on the diplomatic front where he fought tirelessly for Namibians to emerge victorious in their pursuit of their inalienable right to self-determination and self-rule”, he said.

Geingob further said Hishongwa made stellar contributions to the architecture of the liberation movement, SWAPO, the SWAPO Party Youth League, the work of the Constituent Assembly in 1989 and subsequently that of an independent Namibia, through the various roles he has served in the executive and diplomatic missions.

During this difficult time of bereavement, Namibia mourns a true son of the soil, a hero of the Namibian liberation struggle and one whose commitment to the development of the Namibian people shall not be forgotten by current and future generations, President Geingob added.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife Esther Litauleni Hishongwa, children and grandchildren.

Ambassador Hishongwa served as the Swapo Chief Representative to Nordic countries, West and East Africa, Swapo Organizer for Returning Exiles, for Youth and Elections and Foreign Secretary of the National Union of Namibian Workers.

He also served in the executive as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development and has been a member of the National Assembly for 15 years. Following his retirement from public office, Ambassador Hishongwa went on to serve the community as Senior Headman of Omhedi District in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority until his death.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency