Equity Reporters

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai has unveiled new projects and inspected ongoing works at Rukuba barracks in Plateau State. A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Major Ikechukwu Eze said the development is inline with the  consistent efforts of Gen Buratai to enhance civil - military relations via achieving his vision "to have a professionally responsive Nigeria army in the discharge of its constitutional roles".  The multiple intervention projects was unveiled in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos Plateau State.  The COAS was represented by the Commander Corps of Engineers Maj Gen JS Malu. Among the projects commissioned were the Remodeled Rhino Golf Club House and the rehabilitated road which leads to the Rhino Golf Course.  "Similarly, the representative of the COAS inspected some ongoing projects and laid the foundation of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Multi Purpose Dam which on completion will supply

The 8th Edition of the Inspector General of Police (IGP's) Open Taekwondo Championship, has ended, with the Nigerian Army Taekwando team, winning 7 medals. The competition was held at the Civic Centre, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 24 to 28 July, 2019.  The championship featured participants from the 36 States of the Federation, as well as various Taekwondo Clubs across the country. Some international athletes from West African countries also participated in the event.  About 250 competitors participated in the championship.  Nigerian Army's Taekwondo team, made up of 12 athletes comprising 8 male and 4 female, featured in the exciting tourney. At the end of the 4-day sporting extravaganza, the Army's Taekwondo team carted away 4 Gold and 3 Bronze Medals.  The 7 medalists for the Army Taekwando team include Cpl ThankGod Abah (M) +87kg, Cpl Awoyele Olakunle (M) -74kg, Pte Alexander Daniel (M) -58kg, and Pte James Enomfom (F) -53kg, who all c

Speech and Prize Giving Day for graduating students of the Nigerian Military School Zaria held today in Zaria, Kaduna State. Former Head of State Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar was the Special Guest of Honour while  Mr Babatunde Fowler, Executive Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service was the Chairman of the day. The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai was the Chief Host and was represented by the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation Maj Gen AO Shodunke. Senior Officers and Dignitaries in attendance include Prof Faruk Haruna Rasheed Provost Federal College Of Education, Kontagora (Guest  Speaker), Commandant Depot Nigerian Army Maj Gen S Mohammed, Acting Corps  Commander Education Brig Gen HB Mohammed, Rep of Emir of Zazzau Alhaji  Umaru Mohammed amongst others were present at the occasion.

The Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations (DATOPS), hosted a maiden workshop for Commanders, Commanding Officers and Staff Officers of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on the concept of "Super Camp" held at Headquarters 25 Task Force Brigade (Super Camp 2) Damboa, Borno state. Declaring the workshop open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Major General Enobong Udoh, charged participants to take the workshop seriously, as the concept of the Super Camp is a force multiplier that allows for concentration of manpower and resources.  He further commended  participants  for their sacrifices to the country and for being good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. In his welcome address, the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, appreciated the COAS for the new Super Camp concept, which he said will serve as launching pad for m

By Ajogwu Jerry Ochada A popular African proverb comes to mind immediately I perused the list of ministerial nominees submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari: "a river that forgets its source is destined to dry". It beats my wild imagination how the once upon a time most favoured breeds across the Niger, fell within a twinkle of an eye to this present stage in the spheres of politics. No doubts, everything is possible on the political terrain but ane-Igala from the time of our ancestors never witnessed defeat or failure. We were classified as the most favoured political breeds in the Middle-belt region but the reverse is now the case. Recall that during the Second Republic, the present day Kogi State was under Benue State, yet we successfully produced the Deputy Governor in the person of Alhaji Sule Iyaji without much rancor with other ethnic groups in Benue. It was an easy scale of dominance perhaps because our leaders; traditional and political actors worked together

According to a statement by the  Deputy Director Public Relations,  Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Col Ado Isa, t roops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jakana, on Wednesday, killed unconfirmed number of Boko Haram/ ISWAP Terrorists when they tried to infiltrate their base.  SPY Reporters gathered that "The terrorists came at about 1845 hours in 7 Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by the gallant and patriotic troops who were vigilant and battle ready. "The terrorists couldn't bear the fire power any longer after loosing significant number of both equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire. They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along the Benisheikh -  Damaturu axis, - abandoning a damaged utility Gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items. Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and the following items were captured: a.  1 x Anti Aircraft Gun  b. 2 x R

By Jerry Ochada It was a beehive of activities at the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Thursday as Prof Seidu Onalo Mohammed picked his nomination and interest form to contest the November 2019 gubernatorial election in Kogi State. Prof. Seidu, the immediate past Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) arrived the Party Secretariat at about 1:06pm amidst cheers from his supporters and well wishers from the 21 Local Government Areas in Kogi State. Speaking at a media briefing shortly after purchasing his intent form, he pledged to revamp Kogi State through technology and innovation. He noted that Kogi State has been stagnated since the past three years despite the fact that it is blessed with over 35 certified mineral resources. The renowned professor of remote sensing and space technology promised to build modular textile industries across the State because according to him, the Confluence State is the 5th produ

A book titled The Legend of Buratai was unveiled and presented to students in Maiduguri today by the author, Dr. Abubakar MS. The book is a fictional rendition of the early life,youthful and military exploits of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai. The book was presented to students of Mafoni Liberty Junior Secondary School, Maiduguri by the author. A book reading of the book was conducted by the author where he took time to expound and explain the book. The principal of the school,Mallam Yusuf Tom was very happy to host the book presentation in his school. "I am happy with the choice of Mafoni Liberty Junior Secondary School for this book presentation. This will go a long way in encouraging and motivating our students as well as teachers. All of us consider General Buratai as a legend. I am of the opinion that his life is worth imititating as a role model for youngsters," said the principal. The author told the students that they don't need to know somebody that knows somebo

A statement by the Acting Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa has announced the posting and redeployment of top officers in the Nigerian Army.  According to the statement, "The posting which was approved yesterday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai is a routine exercise carried out to reinvigorate the system for greater professional efficiency.  "The highlight includes the appointment of the newly promoted Lt Gen LO Adeosun, the erstwhile Chief of Training and Operations now redeployed as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj Gen AO Shodunke from Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Logistics, Maj Gen AA Tarfa from Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre to Training and Doctrine Command Minna as Commander, Maj Gen EO Udoh from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics becomes Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Maj Gen MS Yusuf who was the General Officer Comm

President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled all e-passport printing contracts abroad, stating that it will now be the sole responsibility of the Nigerian Security Printing & Minting Company (NSPMC). Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, made this known in a statement released on Thursday. Details later...

A statement by the Acting Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa disclosed that the President and Commander – In –Chief, Muhammadu Buhari has approved accelerated promotion for two senior officers of the Nigerian Army.  The two affected officers are  Major General Lamidi Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations at Army Headquarters who has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and Brigadier General AB Biu, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, promoted to the rank of Major General. Also, promoted to the rank of Captain is Lieutenant AJ Danjibrin of 211 Demonstration Battalion Bauchi. According to the statement, " President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to demonstrate total and unflinching support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the bid to effectively contain the security situation in the country especially activities of terrorists in the North East.  "In particular, the government has shown commitment to recogn

A cross section of Kogi Youths under the auspices of Kogi Youth Advocates for Good Governance (KYGG) has condemned an orchestrated attack on a front line gubernatorial candidate Professor Seidu Onailo Mohammed during a peaceful protest on Monday at the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during a media briefing in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital on Tuesday, Convener of the forum, Comrade Jerry Ochada described the attack as another bid to distract the frontrunner and other aspirants in the race. Ochada enjoined politicians and their supporters to embrace peace before, during and after the November 16 gubernatorial election in the confluence State. "We condemn in strong terms the attack on the convoy of Professor Seidu Onalo Mohammed at the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress during a peaceful protest on Monday 8th July 2019. The attack is highly unfortunate because democracy is a style of government which permits a level playing ground for all and sun

By Ajogwu Jerry Ochada All is now set for the unveiling of an edifice nicknamed "Igala House" built on the soil of Anyigba, a central town of 'Ane Igala' in Kogi State. Resources utilized for this project was ably facilitated by the famous Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) even though the general public, most especially the elites of Igala extraction are yet to be briefed on how funds was expended.  The building is no doubt a welcome development and it is the anticipation of every well meaning son and daughter of Igala extraction that it would survive the test of time perhaps due to the location which is renowned as a theatre of political gun duel for more than two decades but no more counting of casualties because never again; the situation escalated during the conduct of the 2019 General Elections which led to the fatal demise of many party supporters and electorates including a 19 year old undergraduate of the State owned university who attempted to exe

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai  has  288 flats of soldiers accommodation in Ikeja Military Cantonment.  The renovated buildings were affected during Ikeja Bomb explosions  in 2001.  The building has been in shattered conditions until the COAS intervened through the Nigerian Army Engineers Direct Project.  The commissioning is part of activities lined up for this year NADCEL 2019.  The COAS later proceeded to Bonny Military Cantonment Central Mosque where he took part in a Jumma'at  prayer and interceded for the nation and the repose of all souls who paid the supreme price defending the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Mr Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Malam Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff (COS) to the President. In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, both appointments take effect from May 29, 2019.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, have arrested 5 internet fraudsters following a raid at their hideout on July 3, 2019. The suspects however, claimed to be bloggers and experts in bitcoin business at the point of their arrest at Barnawa, Kaduna State. They have been identified as Ibrahim Idris, Sadiq Idris, Martins Abeku, Blessing Nicolas and Esther Micheal. They were accused of creating fake FaceBook pages, and also using display pictures and names belonging to mostly foreigners to deceive unsuspecting victims mostly females of white nationality. Items recovered include a yellow ELEPAC generator, 2 HP and 1 Del laptop, 2 Huawei Network wifi, phones, wrist watch, sim cards and ATM cards.

The supreme court has upheld Gboyega Oyetola, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governor of Osun state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Oyetola winner of the Osun governorship election after a controversial rerun in September 2018. Dissatisfied with INEC’s declaration, Ademola Adeleke, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, filed a petition against at the tribunal. The tribunal declared Adeleke winner of the election in March. Gboyega appealed the verdict of the tribunal. In May, the appeal court gave judgement in favour of the APC candidate. The court set aside the entire proceedings of the tribunal. It said the tribunal panel was not well constituted. At the apex court on Friday, five of the seven judges on the panel were in favour of Oyetola, leaving Adeleke with just two. Details later… Source: The Cable

Oba of Benin, His royal majesty Oba Ewuare II on Wednesday, stormed the Presidential Villa,Abuja, where he pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the political tussle between the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Adams Oshiomhole. The Oba, who doubles as Chairman, Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, said there was need to broker peace between the warring parties in order not to truncate the peace enjoyed in the state. Recall that the relationship between Oshiomhole and the State Governor, Obaseki got strained recently over the leadership structure of the State House of Assembly. “Mr President, we as traditional rulers are concerned about the crisis between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki and Edo State House of Assembly. “If this crisis is not resolved now with immediate effect it may joepardize the progress of the State”.

Nigerian Army troops acting on credible information from good Samaritans have killed two members of a suspected terrorist group operating along Gwoza axis. A statement by the Acting Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa said the insurgents were crushed by troops of 26 Task Force Brigade during an ambush conducted in Sabon Gari and Jirawa Village. According to the statement, the ambush which is in continuation of Operation Halaka Dodo was conducted in conjunction with some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.  "The terrorists were said to be scouting for soft target especially vulnerable farmers to disrupt their faming activities with intention of kidnapping women and children to be enslaved as labourers on farmlands belonging to the terrorists. "At the end of the encounter, the troops recovered the following items: a. One Ak 47 rifle without a butt  b.One Bajaj Motorcycle  c. Clothing and laundry items".