Major General assumes office as 7th Commandant of Army War College

Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, has on Wednesday, taken over command of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) from Maj.-Gen. Ishaya Maina, as the 7th Commandant of the college.

This is contained in a statement by the College Public Relations Officer, Maj. Hashimu Abdullahi, on Wednesday in Abuja.

In his valedictory address, Maj.-Gen. Maina described his tenure as both challenging and rewarding journey.

He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for granting him the opportunity to contribute to training operational-level leaders in line with his Command Philosophy.

Maina extended his appreciation to the College Governing Council and army leadership for their support, which enabled AWCN to fulfill its mission of producing well-trained, educated, and inspired operational leaders for the Nigerian army.

He urged the college staff to offer the same unwavering support to the incoming commandant.

In his remarks, the new Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Alkali expressed his appreciation to the COAS for the trust reposed in him to lead such a prestigious institution.

He pledged to continue building on the foundation laid by his predecessors, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, innovation, and a forward-looking approach.

According to him, AWCN holds a strategic role in shaping the operational leadership of the army.

“I am committed to ensuring that we sustain and enhance the standards of excellence that this institution is known for.

“Together, we will forge new paths, introduce cutting-edge methodologies, and strive for transformative outcomes in the training and education of our operational leaders,” he said.

Alkali called on the faculty and staff members to maintain their dedication and professionalism, as their contributions are vital to achieving the College’s objectives.

The event featured several key moments, including a tour of the College facilities, the signing of handing-over notes, the ceremonial transfer of the College flag, the presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph. (NAN)

Govt alerts Residents to be cautious of fleeing bandits due to Military bombardment

The Sokoto State Government has alerted boarder communities and other citizens of the state to be cautious of fleeing bandits.

Ahmad Usman, Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, gave the warning in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Sokoto.

He said the move was sequell to the sustained military onslaught against the bandits in the eastern part of Sokoto State and its environs.

He noted with delight that the joint military operations in the area had been successful, leaving the terrorists disorganised.

”Many terrorist enclaves were identified and destroyed, with several bandits neutralised, hundreds of kidnapped victims are also rescued in the ongoing operations.

”As security operatives put more pressure on the bandits, they are fleeing to other areas with their injured members.

”Therefore, we want our people to be cautious, as some bandits may disguise and seek refuge in villages or receive treatment at local clinics,” Usman said.
According to him, government encourages residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies, so as to contribute to the efforts of securing the state.

This, he said, would facilitate in making the state economically viable, in line with Gov. Aliyu’s 9-point agenda. (NAN)

Governor allocates 100 hectares of land for Nigerian Navy to build Naval Base

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun says the state government has completed the formalities of allocating 100 hectares of land to the Nigerian Navy for the citing of a Naval Base and Dockyard.
Abiodun , in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, disclosed this when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, in Abeokuta.
The governor explained that the naval base would be located at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.
He also stated that the state government had waived all fees and charges, which amounted to several billions, and had forwarded the Certificate of Occupancy to the Naval headquarters.

According to him, we have been envisaging prospective activities in our riverine areas.

” The former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, gladly obliged us and accepted that it is important for us to have a naval base and a dockyard in Ogun State.

“We proceeded to make different positions available, and at that time, a committee was set up between members of the Nigerian Navy and the state government to identify locations.

“Subsequently, a location was identified in Ogun Waterside, and we allocated a parcel of land, 100 hectares, for the purpose of setting up the facility,’’ he said.

Abiodun noted that the access road to the Naval Base and Dockyard would be ready by the end of the week.

He disclosed that the state was looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Naval Base and Dockyard.

The governor added that it was important to have a Naval presence in the state to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not take advantage of all the economic benefits that were on the horizon.

In his remarks, Oamen commended Abiodun for the support he had been providing to the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the state.

He also noted that it was necessary to assist the state in ensuring security in its maritime space.

Oamen added that the Navy was poised to ensure that all coastal states were free of unscrupulous elements by maintaining a presence of Naval personnel in all the waterways and creeks.

“The governor has taken the security of life and property of residents and indigenes of the state very seriously, and the Nigerian Navy is very ready to support this effort.

“The Naval Base is part of the Chief of Naval Staff’s plan, and very soon, work will commence there.

‘’Be assured that the Navy will be fully on the ground in Ogun State,” Oamen said.(NAN)