Federal Govt honours Chief of Army Staff COAS, others with gallantry, service awards
Federal Govt honours Chief of Army Staff COAS, others with gallantry, service awards
The Federal Government has conferred various honours on senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation and outstanding contributions to national security.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awards were presented at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Nite held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Among the recipients is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Also, Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, received the Service and Sacrifice Award under the Legacy Award category for his reforms and expansion of operational capacity during his tenure be.
Buratai was also recognized for his stint in the diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Others honoured with the Service and Sacrifice Award included Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos.
Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno.
Also, Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for playing a critical role in foiling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero clinched the Innovation Award for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
Late Col. B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his critical intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI.
Late Lt.-Col. Thomas Ebisingha-Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, a former Director of Army Public Relations, received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu, clinched the Phoenix Award for demonstrating resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to serve in senior defence roles despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
There were also recipients from other services.
Speaking on the awards, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, said the awards went beyond individual achievements, as each honour represented stories of courage, quiet sacrifice and unwavering commitment to duty, many of which were carried out away from public attention.
Musa said such acts collectively formed the bedrock of the nation’s security architecture.
He paid special tributes to the families of fallen heroes, particularly spouses, for bearing the silent burden of sacrifice, assuring them that the legacy of their loved ones would remain an enduring part of Nigeria’s history.
He also saluted military veterans, whose service, he said, laid the foundations upon which the Armed Forces continue to build.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, Buratai expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, and the Ministry of Defence for instituting awards to recognise gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice within the Armed Forces.
He described the gala and awards as a historic initiative that not only honoured deserving officers and soldiers, but also paid tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
Buratai commended the leadership of the President, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police for their courage and resolute efforts in implementing measures aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
He also paid tribute to troops on the frontlines, describing their sacrifices as a source of inspiration to serving and retired personnel alike.
He thanked Nigerians for their continued support to the military, veterans and families of fallen heroes, noting that such solidarity remained the strength of the Armed Forces and would endure in the memories of those who have served the nation.
The event featured different categories of awards to some deserving serving and retired officers of the armed forces.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes and recognising serving personnel whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty. (NAN)
News
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
The Police Command in Rivers on Wednesday, said it has arrested an alleged notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 10.
She said that the suspect aged 30, was identified as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, that coordinated several abductions for ransom across the state.
According to her, the suspect who is responsible for multiple kidnappings along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.
“The suspect was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme Local Government Area before his arrest,” she said.
She said that the recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125 and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.
The spokesperson said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of the kidnapping syndicate.
According to her, the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)
News
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.
Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.
The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.
Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.
Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.
The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.
News
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)
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