Crime
Nigerian Army: Emulating General Buratai’s Accounting Aura
I have followed the operations of the Nigerian Army keenly since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of Nigeria. My interest in the activities of the Nigerian Army stems from two factors. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
I must state that I haven’t been disappointed so far with the leadership strides of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, who has indeed displayed that burning passion in repositioning the Nigerian Army for greater exploits. The various innovations introduced indeed buttress this point.
The achievements of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai did not come to me as a surprise because as one who has held various commands and positions in the Nigerian Army before his appointment, he has understood the importance of accountability as a panacea for service delivery in public service.
The Nigerian Army of today is such that has elicited commendations from far and near. The Nigerian Army of today is that which is involved in counter-insurgency operations, as well as internal security operations across the country simultaneously and still achieving results. All of these were made possible because of the regime of accountability that has characterized the operations of the Nigerian Army with Lt. Gen. Tukur Buaratai at the helm of affairs.
I recall some years back when some civil society organizations led by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT issued a joint Freedom of Information request, requesting the Chief of Army Staff to use his “good office and leadership position to provide information on spending on military operations across the country, particularly in the Northeast.”
This was indeed the first time such a request would be made to a military institution in Nigeria and as usual, social commentators debated extensively on the merits and demerits of such request. It was even speculated in some quarters that the Nigerian Army was not going to honour the request due to precedence and the likes. But guess what?
The country was stunned when the Nigerian Army responded to the request not just to the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations; it indeed went public in a rare display that elicited commendations from all and sundry in the country. I recall that in response to the gesture of the Chief of Army Staff, one of the Civil Society Organizations, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in a rare act of endorsement of public institution accountability, was profuse in eulogising the Nigerian and only stopped short of condemning other public institutions for not being so transparent.
It stated thus: “While we ascertain the level of compliance of the information provided, we welcome Mr Buratai’s demonstrated commitment to the Freedom of Information Act by responding to our request, especially at a time when high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola continue to exhibit a blatant disregard for FOI requests by refusing even to acknowledge several of such requests.
“The National Assembly, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ministries, agencies and departments should also learn from the good example shown by Mr Buratai by at least honouring and responding to FOI requests from Nigerians, NGOs and others if they are ever to contribute to the efforts to achieve a greater level of transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
“A quick look at the documentation shows a list of several projects reportedly implemented by the Nigerian Army. Among those listed and displayed, which appeared to show specific projects the Nigerian Army carried out with budgeted funds, include places where operations were carried out; renovation of barracks and military hospitals, spending to honour late soldiers; training and workshops; repairs of some old military equipment; and completion of offices and housing projects. Others are feeding of soldiers; the building of new barracks and schools; acquisition of arms and ammunition and vehicles for military operations; as well as the provision of welfare for soldiers. These are indeed commendable”.
I can bet that the response of the Nigerian Army indeed shocked quite a number and silenced a majority that had the erroneous impression that in the Nigerian Army, anything goes as in the previous times where a lot indeed went wrong in the operations of the Nigerian Army. But little did they know that it was indeed a new regime that was anchored on nothing less than patriotism, the sincerity of heart and purpose, as well as dedication to duty.
It is my view that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai quickly understood that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has a covenant with the Nigerian people to lead with transparency and accountability towards attaining our developmental goals. The Chief of Army Staff was also aware that President Muhammadu Buhari took an oath to defend the Nigerian state. He is fully aware that the Army which he leads must be accountable to the Nigerian public, hence, the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in its operations.
I can go on nonstop with regards to the transformation of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. However, I must not fail to mention that some of the projects implemented by the Nigerian Army in the past five years were indeed phenomenal.
Taking the example of the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu, a unique university in all standards and designed to make it a solution provider and a centre of excellence for a variety of technologically related ventures such as generation and armament production as well as the development of counter-insurgency manuals for use by the Nigerian Military.
Another example of the ingenuity of the Chief of Army Staff is the recent commissioning of a 200 bed Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State to cater for the health needs of soldiers who sustained injuries while fighting the counter-insurgency war. The hospital would also attend to the health needs of families of soldiers, civilians and people in the host community.
Also, the Nigerian Army inaugurated a water treatment plant in Enugu State capable of treating and supplying one million litres of water daily to the barracks and its environs constructed by Nigerian Army engineers.
This is, aside the numerous inventions of the Nigerian Army in projects across the country. I dare to say that without transparency and accountability, the Nigerian Army would not have been able to achieve results, not just in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war, but also inadequately attending to the welfare of officers and soldiers whose morale have been bolstered in recent times.
It is thus, my considered opinion that, if the Chief of Army Staff decides to invite members of the general public on a tour of its projects, it is not for grandstanding, but to be accountable to the people and that should be commended and emulated by others entrusted with public offices in Nigeria.
It is on this premise that I give a charge to other public institutions in Nigeria to emulate the Nigerian Army regime of accountability. If the Nigerian Army can do it, I do not see why others should not give account of their stewardship.
(Yemi Itodo, an unbiased Public Affairs Commentator, is the Chairman, National Assembly New Media).
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Crime
Police Confirms Killing of 3 Officers by Gunmen in Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three of its officers by unknown gunmen in a checking point in Egbe, a community sharing boundary with Kwara State.
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The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP William Ovye Aya who confirmed the incident noted that it happened in the early hours of Wednesday, September 10th, 2025.
Aya asserted that the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye has deployed Police tactical team to the area adding that they are on the trail of the gunmen.
“I can confirm to you that three of our officers on duty was killed today in Egbe; a border community with Kwara State.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical squad to the area. We are currently on the trail of this Men of the under world and they will all be arrested”he started.
Meanwhile the Kogi State Government has commended the swift response of security agencies and local hunters, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja–Obajana road on Thursday.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government confirmed that the victims were freed following the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, who pursued the abductors and ensured the safe release of all passengers. The rescued victims have since been taken to medical facilities for examination and care.
The Government also expressed deep concern over the reported attack on security operatives in Yagba West Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of some police officers. While expressing condolence to the families of the slain officers, the State described them as gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the State of criminal elements, assuring that personnel and security equipment are being deployed to strategic locations to restore security.
He called on citizens to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information, stressing that the perpetrators of the attacks will be brought to justice.
“The Government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror. Together with the support of the people and the commitment of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” the statement added.
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Crime
Ododo Donates Security Equipments To Kogi Poly
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
In a proactive move to enhance safety of lives and properties across tertiary institutions in Kogi State, the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration has donated advanced security gadgets to Kogi State Polytechnic, covering both the Lokoja and Itakpe Campus.
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The donation includes installation of modern CCTV surveillance cameras, lithium-powered torchlights and rapid response scooters, all aimed at strengthening campus security infrastructure.
This initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to the safety of students, staff and educational facilities across Kogi State.
Engr. Sani Isah of Sufpay Limited, Project Executor, who handed over the items to the Polytechnic management, stated that the items were carefully chosen to meet the specific security needs of the institution.
According to Engr Isah, “the CCTV cameras will ensure real-time monitoring of critical areas, the lithium-powered torchlights will support night patrols, and the rapid response scooters will guarantee swift mobility in emergency situations”.
He also emphasized that designated security personnel would undergo technical training to ensure the efficient and effective use of the equipments, noting that continuous support would also be provided.
In his remarks, the elated Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman commended the Governor for his tremendous security support, describing the intervention as timely, strategic and impactful.
Prof Usman further stated that, “we are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the people’s servant and the Executive Governor of Kogi State for yet another remarkable, generous and thoughtful gesture. These tools in the addition to the recent fencing of the Itakpe Campus will significantly boost our internal security framework and help maintain peace and order within our campuses”.
The Rector specifically highlighted the Governor’s visible commitment to the institution’s security architecture, referencing recent infrastructural achievements such as the historic fencing of the Itakpe Campus which has helped prevent land encroachment and enhanced security.
Professor Usman stressed further that the CCTV installation and other safety devices would help prevent internal disturbances and ward off intruders who may pose threats to peace and order on campus. He pledged that the Polytechnic would ensure the judicious use of the donated items, stressing their critical role in sustaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment.
The presentation was done in the presence of the Principal Officers and the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic.
Highlight of the brief ceremony was the tour of the security installation within the Lokoja campus and virtual demonstration of the installation at the Itakpe Campus.
Ends.
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Crime
COAS Urges Young Nigerians To Shun Criminality
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal activities.
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The COAS gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, to commemorates the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, who spoke on behalf of the COAS, emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behavior among young people.
He said this year’s celebration was particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.
Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.
He emphasised the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.
He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.
He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.
The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.
The commander reaffirmed the determination of COAS to continuing strengthening the Nigerian Army in its operational strategies through various engagements.
He reiterated Army’s commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity, emphasising its role in contemporary security and defense management.
In their respective lectures, Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah, conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.
They also enlightened the students on patriotism, imbibing the principles of honesty and integrity at all times.
They advised the students to avoid criminal company and criminality, cultism, as well as drug and substance abuse, and its attendant consequences.
In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
“I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.
“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.
The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme has broaden their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of educational materials to students, and souvenirs to dignitaries at the occasion.
The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.
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