News
Commanding Officers must lead by example — COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged Commanding Officers and their equivalents at the tactical level of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standard of professionalism in their respective units and to set the bar for discipline, courage, and valour.
Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement, said the COAS gave the charge on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the Second Commanding Officers Workshop held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Jos.
Lieutenant General Oluyede noted that the efficient discharge of responsibilities at their level is crucial to achieving the military end state in the campaign objectives across the various theatres of operation.
He therefore encouraged the officers to pay adequate attention to the welfare of their subordinates, stressing that a motivated force is essential for optimal performance.
The COAS further emphasised the importance of leveraging the knowledge acquired during the workshop to enhance leadership capabilities in their respective formations.
According to him, the value of such professional engagements lies in translating theory into action through improved operational planning, decisive leadership, and a renewed commitment to the values and ethos of the Nigerian Army.
Belgium Air Force Airbus 400M Atlas cargo aircraft is reportedly heading to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Brant Philip, a Sahel-region security analyst known for tracking military movements across West Africa, described the development as “unexpected”.
In a post on X, Philip wrote that the Belgium military aircraft was headed to the location where the Nigerian Air Force C-130 cargo plane is currently stationed.
He had earlier stated that an unidentified aircraft from Bamako, Mali, took off a few hours ago towards the north of the country before heading south towards Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
He wrote: “Belgium Air Force Airbus 400M Atlas cargo aircraft is unexpectedly landing in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
“An unidentified aircraft from Bamako, Mali, took off a few hours ago towards the north of the country before heading south towards Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, where the Nigerian Air Force C-130 cargo plane is currently stationed, possible Malian delegation en route”.
Recall that since Monday night at least 11 Nigerian soldiers were being currently held by the Military regime in Bobo-Dioulasso in the South West of Burkina Faso.
They were detained after their aircraft conducted an emergency landing while “violating AES airspace.”
Ekwutosblog reported that a group of military officers had on December 7 announced the overthrow of the Benin Republic government.
However, the Benin Republic presidency said the coup was quashed and that President Patrice Talon was safe.
News
Nigerian government takes fresh action over detention of soldiers, seizure of aircraft in Burkina Faso
The discussions involve senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence Headquarters and ECOWAS desks.
The incident happened after the aircraft, which left Lagos for Portugal, developed a technical problem mid-flight and requested the nearest safe airport.
Burkina Faso’s aviation officials granted clearance, and the crew landed in Bobo-Dioulasso.
They were received calmly, treated with respect, and engineers worked through the night to fix the fault.
Officials in Burkina Faso had already approved the aircraft’s departure after repairs when a sudden political directive halted the process.
Local officers were reportedly surprised by the order because the crew had followed all international emergency procedures under ICAO rules, which allow any aircraft in distress to enter the closest safe airspace without delay.
Burkina Faso’s reversal has now created a diplomatic issue.
Sources in Ouagadougou said some aviation and military officials are uncomfortable with the political decision, insisting there was no tension during the emergency landing.
According to diplomatic insiders, the problem goes beyond aviation.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger now operate under the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) after leaving ECOWAS.
Their withdrawal has created tension with ECOWAS-aligned countries, especially Nigeria.
The detention of the aircraft is believed to be tied to growing political grievances within the Sahel bloc.
Diplomats familiar with the matter said hardliners in Burkina Faso remain unhappy about the recently foiled coup attempt in Benin Republic.
Members of the AES had seen Benin as a possible new entrant into their alliance.
The failed coup, supported by external intelligence including cooperation with Nigeria, disrupted that plan and angered some figures within the Sahel group.
This lingering frustration reportedly played a role in the sudden order to hold the Nigerian aircraft after a routine emergency landing.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama also linked the detention to political resentment, describing the action as a response to Nigeria’s role in stopping the Benin coup.
He said that the crew followed every required emergency step, including declaring distress and requesting the closest runway.
Business
Uche Mark Impressed by Egemba”s sincerity of purpose, rates his ability for productivity high
A well-known dredger, in Imo State, Mr Uche Mark has expressed strong believe in the moves and motives of Imo State Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Barr Jerry Egemba to address the challenges facing dredgers in Imo State and finally champion a transformational moves for the good of the stakeholders and the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking during a familiarization meeting with Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Barr. Jerry Egemba, at the conference room of the ministry in Owerri, he praised Egemba’s sincerity of purpose and ability for productivity, stating that there are obvious signs that he will write the wrongs.
He described the meeting as a commendable move, stating it was a forum with great opportunity for meaningful interaction on issues affecting dredgers.
An elated Uche Mark expressed hope that Egemba would address the problems faced by dredgers, stating that most of them had ended up in court due to neglected cries.
Tracing the genesis of crises faced by dredgers in the state, ge attributed it to the selfish actions of their former chairman, who worked for his own interest
The well known dredger assured Egemba that he and other dredgers were ready to comply with the office of the commissioner, but urged him to address their demands.
He advised Egemba to be careful and watch out for manipulations by some agencies, stating that they would try to corrupt his ideas andefforts.
Stressing the need for careful attention to the environment to in order to avoid environmental disaster, he emphasized the importance of Dredging with caution for environmental preservation.
He urged Commissioner Egemba to put his house in order to avoid distraction, manipulations and spoilers role from real enemies of the ministry and enemies of the state
He described Egemba as a vibrant elderly young man who can match activity with productivity, stating that he had encountered him in the field and seen his tireless efforts.
Uche Mark urged Commissioner Egemba to make the industry safe and collaborative, stating that he had started on a good footing.
His words, Hon.Commissioner, please, I will advised you to check out the Mining Act and fortify your actions with it, all your predecessors had not gotten it right but I believe you will get it write because you started well
I have seen the good heart of the commissioner, I am confidence in his ability to write the wrongs and make a positive difference in the industry , on behalf of company and the dredgers in Imo State, I promise to give you maximum support.
Governor Uzodinma urged to avoid producing incompetent successor
Nigerian Air Force C-130: Belgium military aircraft heads to Burkina Faso
Nigerian government takes fresh action over detention of soldiers, seizure of aircraft in Burkina Faso
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