Government pleads with Nigerian Youths to join Military
Government pleads with Nigerian Youths to join Military
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday appealed to indigenous youths to enrol in the military.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, made the appeal during the quarterly meetings with the Chairman and members of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), in Ikeja.
Salu-Hundeyin said that security of a nation was everybody’s business and being in the military was a service to the state and the nation at large.
She said it was disheartening to know that indigene youths of the state were not enrolling into the military, as seen during the last recruitment.
According to her, the Federal Government has said that recruitment into the military must be on equal number, that each state has 150 slots into the military.
“We discovered that in the military in Nigeria, Lagos State has been seriously short-changed. We hardly have people there. So, we are looking at this opportunity now, that it should not escape indigenes again.
“The military is about security of a nation, and security of any nation must be everybody’s business. It should not be for a particular group only, but because everybody cannot wear uniform, the government, in its wisdom, now says those of you that want to do this job, you will apply.
“Unfortunately, in Lagos State, our children don’t like to join the military. They don’t see any reason why they should be part of the army. If your state does not participate, you are short-changing your state.
“We all know that security is key. We cannot leave you to the hands of only a certain people. I think it is a disservice to our country, for me to come from Lagos State, and be eligible, and I refuse to join. I am not being a good Lagosian or a good Nigerian,” she said.
The SSG said that instead of youths getting involved in things that were not very pleasing, that they should join the military and be useful there.
“Today, the military is not just about gun carrying, even though they teach them to carry guns, because that is a basic thing. You can be a medical doctor there. You can be a nurse, you can be a mechanic.
“You can do anything if you are in the military. So, it’s not as if it is a bad thing to do.
“It is the number one service you can give to your nation. It is a great service, it is a service you should be proud to be part of.
“It is a thing of pride, and we should let our youth know that the greatest thing they can do to themselves and for their country, for their state, is to be a part of the military,” she said.
Also speaking, Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, Chairman of PCRC, Lagos State Command, said that it had become a reoccurring situation, especially in the South-West, that people don’t want their children to be in the forces.
Sowemimo said that there was the need to change the orientation of people that one was being sent to the military to be killed.
“It is not, because there are other professions in the military, and of course; some people must also defend your community; defend your environment; defend your tribe, defend your country.
“It cannot be only one part of the country that will be defending the country. You must all come together to defend the country, so that it is not one-sided.
“So, it is continuing education of our people, letting them know that military is not signing off to death. Joining the military or joining the Police is enhancing your generational belief, that is making your community to be safer, and that makes your generation to be safer,” he said.
The chairman said the essence of the committee was to complement government’s effort and security in local communities, working with the policing authorities to enhance the security operators in that area.
According to him, the committee reports to the government and police, what they see or hear, and work together to mitigate against crimes and criminalities.
He said that there was the recent challenge of the menace of lorries resurfacing at the Apapa axis, hence, the taskforce should step up on that.
“We are already seeing that people are having challenges of petrol hawking because of the scarcity, and it is becoming imminent where people are buying and putting kegs everywhere,” Sowemimo said.
He called on the government to improve on the availability of this product, and address the issue of lack of vehicles at the police stations, for effective service delivery.
The troops’ overwhelming weaponry overpowered the terrorists during the attack, which targeted a well-known Boko Haram stronghold in the Iza woodland.
Ten terrorists were killed during the operation, while the others were left in ruins. Two AK-47 weapons and two loaded magazines were found in the aftermath.
In addition, a significant terror collaborator—known for extorting ransom on behalf of various terrorist and bandit groups—was captured.
Elsewhere, in a separate operation in Tunfa village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops carried out a successful ambush based on credible intelligence. They neutralized a bandit and apprehended a high-value suspect tied to the notorious Sani Black terrorist faction.
The captured suspect provided vital information that led to a raid on Tunga village, a bandit hideout dealing in stolen cattle. Several bandits were arrested, and all bandit infrastructure in the area was dismantled.
Furthermore, troops in Sokoto State acted on human intelligence to arrest a suspected terrorist at Illela Market in Illela Local Government Area.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their exceptional efforts and operational precision.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminal activity across the nation. He also urged citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to bolster the military’s ongoing efforts.
Military
208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination
208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination
The Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced the 2025 Lt. to Capt. practical promotion examination, with 208 candidates participating in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long examination is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Addressing the candidates, the President of the Examination Board, Commander, TRADOC , Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe,. charged them to focus fully on the important task ahead.
He said, “The examination aims to evaluate the officers’ proficiency in various aspects of the military profession, including command ability, tactical employment, and physical fitness.”
Aligbe also emphasised the importance of the examination, stating that it was a critical milestone in the officers’ careers.
He urged the candidates to remain focused, intuitive, and confident in their abilities, assuring them that the examination board was committed to transparency and fairness.
Aligbe disclosed that subjects to cover during the examination include tactics and low intensity conflicts, map reading, communication and skills at arms proficiency test.
Others are driving and maintenance, administration in the field, French language and physical fitness test.
Aligbe said: “Candidates are required to score a minimum of 50 per cent in all the subjects, with a minimum aggregate score of 60 per cent overall score to pass the examination.
“Let me remind you that Army Headquarters policy allows a maximum of three attempts for any candidate to pass this examination.
“I urge you all, particularly the candidates on their second attempt, to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to earn a pass.
“Be confident in yourselves and do not be discouraged.
“Just be focused and I assure you that if you give your best, you will pass the examination.”
According to the commander, to ensure the integrity of the examination, the Nigerian Army has put in place strict security measures, including video coverage and invigilation by experienced officers.
“The top-performing officers will be rewarded with Certificates of Excellence and Letters of Commendation, as well as cash gifts.
“We shall, in the conduct of this examination, be guided by good conscience and the extant provisions of the NA Charter r Promotion Examinations (Revised) September 2022, “he said.
Aligbe added that there was no need to be pessimistic or contemplate failure, adding, “this is if you have prepared well for this examination.
“In fact, our desire is to see all of you pass this examination.
“On our part, I assure you of our determination to carry out a meticulous and painstaking assessment of your performances and accurate recording of your marks.
“We shall be firm, but fair to all of you and will not tolerate any actions that would jeopardize the integrity of the process.”
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding ,(GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, urged the candidates to put in their best in passing the examination with all sense of integrity.
Saraso appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the division to host the promotion.
He urged the candidates to take the examination seriously as it was a critical milestone to their progression career in the army.(NAN)
Military
BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane
BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane
During airborne training in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army Brig. Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu made history on Wednesday by becoming the second person in the Nigerian Army to ever execute such a daring jump from a moving plane.
He accomplished this feat by making a spectacular leap from a moving aircraft and landing with the help of a parachute.
“The General has in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General KTJ Minimah.
”As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Lt Gen Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.
“Brig Gen Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army. He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him, marking their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“By leading from the front, Brig Gen Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: “No guts, no glory.” This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership. For the cadets who jumped alongside him, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.
“Brig Gen Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead. As the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Brig Gen AS Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding them that leadership is about stepping forward, into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle, the Nigerian Army told journalists.