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Terrorism: British military trains 150 Nigerian special forces

Published

3 years ago

April 23, 2022

A British Military Advisory Training Team, in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, has trained 150 Advanced Special Forces operatives to be deployed to troubled areas to help in tackling security challenges in the country.
The Special Forces, known as Nigerian Air Force Panthers, graduated yesterday at the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Special Operations Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Bauchi.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, after the Advanced Special Operations Course 1/2022, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ibukunle Daramola said 285 personnel were nominated for the training.

Daramola said: “Out of the 285 personnel nominated for the course, only 150 were found fit after a series of medical and physical screening and inaugurated to commence the course.

“At the end of the course, 145 personnel, comprising three officers and 142 airmen will be graduating today (yesterday) and they have been found worthy in character and learning to qualify as Advanced Special Forces Operatives, also known as Nigerian Air Force Panthers.”

The AOC, Ground Training Command said that the Special Forces operations are characterised by speed, precision, destabilising shock effects and perseverance of forces which require that these Special Forces operations are painstakingly selected to ensure the attainment of desired effects and outcomes.

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He adds: “The kinds of effects that Special Forces operations are able to deliver are very critical at this material time, considering the fact that present threats to our national security are from violent non-state actors waging terrorist and insurgent campaigns against the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As such, these newly bred operatives would be employed as part of our offensive to ensure normalcy and calm are restored to restive communities within Nigeria.

“Ground Training Command remains resolute in ensuring qualitative training to enable us to have the best quality, as well as the right numerical strength of personnel to prosecute the fight against terrorism and insurgency working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies.”

According to him, in equipping them for the task ahead, some of the curricula of the Advanced Special Operations Course entailed counter improvised explosive devices training, air-to-ground integration, remotely piloted aerial systems training, close quarter battle drills, among others, emphasising that, “as expected, the course was intentionally made tough to ensure that our trainees can withstand the gruelling physical conditions of ground operations.”

In his speech, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, expressed optimism that the graduating students have imbibed the necessary skills, tactics, techniques and procedures required to conduct special operations pursuant to achieving the operational objectives of the Nigerian Air Force.

Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plan, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, said that in furtherance of his vision of enhancing and sustaining critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives, the Nigerian Air Force has so far trained about 5,000 Regiment and 2,000 Special Operations Forces personnel.

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Amao said the 150 graduating students of the Advanced Special Operations Course 1/2022 are however the first set of personnel to undergo in-Country Advanced Special Operations training, adding that the NAF’s ability to train this large number of personnel at a reasonable cost was possible because the training was conducted in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Commander, British Military Advisory Training Team, Col. Rory Shannon, described the United Kingdom’s relationship with Nigeria and with its military as “deep-rooted and very strong.”

Shannon said, “At the Security and Defense Dialogue that was held between the United Kingdom and Nigeria’s Armed Forces and other Agencies in January of this year, our Chief of Defense Staff Spoke reiterating a desire to strengthen links between our militaries including in this particular area.

“The Nigeria-UK relations is hugely important. The deployment of what we’ve conveyed here will help save lives and defeat a common enemy. So, I know that there are continuing close cooperation, we will continue to contribute to improving the security situation.”

The Advanced Operatives Course has helped develop the foundation, building on previous training, and setting participants and students up for much more effective counter-violent extremists operations in North-East Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and other troubled areas.

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Police rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest five suspected robbers

Published

6 minutes ago

December 29, 2024

Trends Admin

Police rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest five suspected robbers

Police Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims in Lagos and Kwara

In the past week, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) successfully rescued 13 individuals who had been abducted and held for ransom in Lagos and Kwara states.

The operation underscored the police’s commitment to combating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities nationwide.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relation Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In a determined effort to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality across the country, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have further intensified and reinvigorated their strategies, resulting in the successful rescue of numerous victims and the apprehension of several suspects.

“Over the past week, coordinated operations were conducted in various states, including Lagos and Kwara States, leading to the rescue of 13 individuals who had earlier been kidnapped and held for ransom, and the arrest of several armed robbery suspects.

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“On the 27th of December 2024, Police operatives attached to the Kwara State Command mobilized and stormed a den of kidnappers in the Idofin-Igbana area of the state, after receiving a distress call of the abduction of 13 persons. The operatives encountered resistance from the kidnappers but successfully overpowered the kidnappers, causing them to flee the scene with various degrees of injuries and leading to the successful rescue of the 13 kidnapped victims.

“Similarly, on the 28th of December 2024, following a report of a public disturbance at Pinnacle Depot, Lekki, Police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command visited the scene and accosted two individuals identified as Lawan Mustapha ‘m’ 38 years, and Aina Daniel ‘m’ 38 years. A thorough search was carried out, resulting in the recovery of one double-barrel rifle, 90 live cartridges, and five model rifles.

“The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution. Furthermore, on the same day, at about 12:45 PM, Police operatives of the Lagos State Command arrested 3 suspected armed robbers at GRA Ikeja. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 1 locally made pistol, 4 live cartridges, and 2 cutlasses. These suspects are likewise in custody and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigations”.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Egbetokun said the Force will continue its operations, leveraging all available resources to eradicate these heinous crimes from our society.

He said the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to create a safer environment for all Nigerians.

Police rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest five suspected robbers

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El-Rufai accuses Tinubu govt of Yoruba agenda, Reno Omokri reacts

Published

37 minutes ago

December 29, 2024

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and Reno Omokri, former presidential aide

El-Rufai accuses Tinubu govt of Yoruba agenda, Reno Omokri reacts

Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, has refuted allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is advancing a “Yorubacentric” agenda in his appointments within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the financial sector.

In a detailed analysis shared on social media, Omokri dissected the composition of key federal appointments, particularly within the NNPCL, to debunk claims of ethnic favouritism.

Omokri shared the current structure of the NNPCL Board:

Chief Pius Akinyelure (Non-Executive Board Chairman): Southwest
Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari (Group CEO): Northeast
Adedapo Segun (Chief Financial Officer): Southwest
Mr. Ledum Mitee (Non-Executive Director): South-South
Mr. Musa Tumsa (Non-Executive Director): Northeast
Mr. Ghali Muhammad (Non-Executive Director): North-Central
Prof. Mustapha Aliyu (Non-Executive Director): Northwest
Mr. David Ogbodo (Non-Executive Director): Southeast
Ms. Eunice Thomas (Non-Executive Director): South-South
Omokri emphasized that only two board members hail from the Southwest, contrary to claims of ethnic dominance.

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He also reviewed executive oversight at the cabinet level:

Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Oil): South-South
Ekperikpe Ekpo (Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Gas): South-South
Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella (Permanent Secretary, Petroleum Resources): North-Central

According to Omokri, the South-South enjoys the most significant representation, both at the board and executive levels.

Omokri also addressed leadership within the top revenue-generating agencies in Nigeria:

NNPCL: Mele Kyari (Northeast)
Nigerian Ports Authority: Abubakar Dantsoho (Northeast)
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria: Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku (Southwest)
Nigerian Communications Commission: Aminu Maida (Northwest)
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency: Dayo Mobereola (Southwest)
Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation: Bello Hassan (Northwest)

He noted that out of these six agencies, only two are led by individuals from the Southwest.

Omokri accused El-Rufai of engaging in “ethnic baiting” and spreading misinformation. He warned that such claims if left unchallenged, could create unnecessary tensions and destabilize market confidence.

“Flowing from the above, where is the Yorubanisation or Yorubacentricity?” Omokri queried.

El-Rufai accuses Tinubu govt of Yoruba agenda, Reno Omokri reacts

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Farotimi appreciates Nigerians, says his release was due to public outcry

Published

49 minutes ago

December 29, 2024

Trends Admin

Dele Farotimi

Farotimi appreciates Nigerians, says his release was due to public outcry

Human rights advocate Dele Farotimi was overcome with emotion as he reflected on the collective voice of Nigerians that he said saved his life from detention.

Speaking on Sunday via YouTube and spreading on X, Farotimi attributed his freedom to the unflinching support of Nigerians who stood by him during his experience.

“We stopped being human because we became Nigerians. They divided us, and we fell for it.

“Because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. Because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Nigeria couldn’t happen to me because you spoke,” Farotimi said.

He emphasised the power of unity in the face of oppression, saying, “You found your voices. I became you. And in our collective, you couldn’t be silenced.”

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Farotimi was released after being arrested on December 3 by police from the Ekiti State Police Command on accusations of defamation and cyberbullying.

The arrest followed claims made by noted legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, who accused Farotimi of defaming him in a 116-page book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

According to the police, the book claimed that Babalola and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) had corrupted Supreme Court Justices.

These allegations led to Farotimi’s arraignment in an Ekiti State Magistrate Court, followed by 12 further charges filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at an Ekiti Federal High Court on December 6.

On December 21, the magistrate court granted Farotimi bail with strict restrictions, including a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must possess property), forfeiture of his passport, and a prohibition on media interviews following his release.

Farotimi maintained his innocence, telling journalists that he had never lied against anyone.

“It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil. Some years back, before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria,” he stated.

He added, “In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know.”