Police commend Benue people over peaceful LG election The Police Command in Benue has commended the people of the state over their peaceful conduct during the just concluded local government election in the state. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that the election was hitch-free. “The command expresses her highest appreciation to Benue people over their peaceful conduct during the LG polls and urges them to continue in that manner. “No arrest was made during the process because the people conducted themselves in an orderly manner,” she said. Anene said that the command would always strive to ensure that the security of all law-abiding citizens was guaranteed.

Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, says failure will not be tolerated among officers in the rank of captain at the practical promotion exams in the country. Aligbe, who was the examination president, made this known on Monday in Akure during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination (CMPPE). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 200 captains were drawn from different formations and units for the exercise across the country. He explained that the CMPPE was a major pre-requisite to prepare army captains for selection, and to attend the Junior Staff Course at any of the subscribed staff colleges overseas. Aligbe also said that the examination was to evaluate the proficiency of officers on the rank of captain to develop their junior leadership capabilities for higher responsibilities in the Nigerian Army. “Let me assure you all that this is an examination you can pass without resorting to illegal or fraudulent means. “It is therefore important that you put in the seriousness and determination that would produce the best result. “I will like to emphasize that your performance in this examination is a key determinant of your progress in the Nigeran Army (NA). “So, the examination is not just a mere assessment, but an assessment of your present level of proficiency. “As well as determination of your capabilities to undertake higher responsibilities that may be assigned to you now and in future. “Fortunately, you are well-trained and most of you have been in one theatre of operation or the other. Hence, it is presumed that you all had enough time to prepare for the examination. “Therefore, there should be no excuse for failure, and I expect nothing short of 100 per cent pass in this examination,” he said. In his welcome address, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., appreciated the NA headquarters for finding the division worthy to host the 2024 CMPPE. Onubogu said that the division had put in place adequate administrative and logistics arrangements as well as security measures during the examinations. “Accordingly, the importance of this examination towards building the capacity of junior leadership in order to achieve national security objectives cannot be over-emphasised. “It is important to state that the security situation in Akure town is relatively peaceful but unpredictable. Therefore, you are adviced to be security conscious and be cautious of where you go. “The disclosure of information on movement of participants and other actions that could compromise the security of personnel should be avoided,” he said.  

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says training remains the best welfare that can be given to any soldier in ensuring results in areas of operations.

Lagbaja said this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of 585 Special Forces of Exercise Restore Hope VII, at the Nigerian Army Training Camp in Kachia, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Special Forces comprised of 571 soldiers and 14 officers.

Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Training, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammad, said that was why it was encapsulated in his command philosophy as a major area that must continue to be improved upon.

He described the demonstration of weapon handling, targets, team work and combat readiness of the soldiers as commendable.

Lagbaja said it was targeted at operational efforts put in place from the soldiers’ commencement of training in the depot.

“After coming out recently, we were able to bring them here and mould them properly again.

“The obstacles we observed in the field are skillfully addressed and maneuvered here by our gallant soldiers,” he said.

The Army chief, further said, “As the soldiers move out to the field, they become better trained and equipped.

“This will translate to better performance of the troops across all theaters of operations in the country.”

Issuing warning to adversaries, Lagbaja emphasised that the troops’ morale was very high, adding, “they will sustain the tempo of successes across all theaters of operations in the country.

“The Nigerian Army is happy with the support it is getting from the Federal Government and particularly Nigerians.

“They are now embracing the ‘whole-society approach’ in handling insurgency as it will continue to yield better results.”