Author: Dodo Elias Denen

  • COAS Inaugurates Projects in 6 Division, Visits Akwa Ibom Governor

    COAS Inaugurates Projects in 6 Division, Visits Akwa Ibom Governor


    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has just concluded a 3-Day operational visit to 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, during the visit, the COAS commissioned several signature projects, initiated and executed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, and his subordinate commanders.

    While in Port Harcourt Barracks, the COAS commissioned the Headquarters 6 Division Office Complex Extension and the Python Harmony Centre. Additionally, he commissioned projects executed by 6 Division Garrison under the leadership of Brigadier General S Ahmed. These projects include newly constructed 2 x 10-family Corporal and Below Quarters (CBQs), remodeled 7 x CBQs, a remodeled Cantonment Office, and a newly constructed Petroleum Oil Lubricant Point, while 29 Battalion’s remodeled Quarter Guard and a 10XCBQs among others, were also commissioned.

    In 16 Brigade, Bayelsa State, the COAS commissioned the newly built 16 Brigade Annex Complex executed by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo. The COAS also commissioned a electrification project undertaken by NDDC as part of corporate social responsibility. Additionally, a Garrison House newly built by Lieutenant Colonel Sheriff Kaigama was further unveiled. Others included the remodeled 5 Battalion Quarter Guard, the remodeled 343 Artillery Regiment Commanding Officer’s House, the commissioning of a newly installed transformer, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 20 units of two-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ quarters at Elele Barracks. The COAS also inspected the newly remodeled and completely renovated Medical Reception Station at Wellington Barracks, Ibagwa Barracks, Akwa Ibom State.

    Meanwhile, as part of his strategic leadership engagement drive, the COAS visited the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, at Government House, Uyo. During the visit, the COAS reemphasized that the NA belongs to all Nigerians, adding that he was not surprised by the level of support the state government has been providing to the NA which accounts for the state being one of the most peaceful in the country. General Oluyede informed the Governor that he was in Akwa Ibom, one of the states under 6 Division AOR, on an operational visit.

    Responding, Governor Eno lauded the Nigerian Army for its outstanding contributions to peace, security, and development in the state, especially the sustained collaboration between Akwa Ibom State and the NA through the Commander 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi. He commended the NA for the robust Civil-Military Relations in the state and reassured continuous support to the NA in achieving its constitutional mandate.

    The Army Chief also addressed troops at 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt, as well as 6 Battalion Parade Ground, Ibagwa, Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom. During both addresses he commended troops for their unwavering dedication and resilience in the ongoing anti-oil theft and pipeline vandalism operations. He reassured the troops that their welfare has been adequately prioritized in line with his soldier first concept.

  • Posture Cyber Security Technologies Reaffirms Commitment To Safeguarding Digital Assets

    Posture Cyber Security Technologies Reaffirms Commitment To Safeguarding Digital Assets

    Posture Cyber Security Technologies, a leading Nigerian firm specializing in cybersecurity solutions, has reiterated its commitment to strengthening national and organizational resilience against growing cyber threats.

    The company, led by its founder and Chief Security Officer, Emmanuel Enamejewa, operates from Ikota, Lekki, Lagos, and provides a wide range of modern technological services designed to protect critical infrastructure and digital assets.

    According to the firm, its operations cover threat prevention, detection, application security, consultatancy, digital forensic and investigation, with services tailored to support both corporate bodies and government institutions in securing their systems against cyberattacks.

    Speaking on the importance of skilled cybersecurity professionals, Enamejewa emphasized that expertise in the field requires more than just technical knowledge. “A strong cybersecurity profile blends technical skills with analytical thinking, adaptability, and effective communication. Passion for IT, ethical standards, and staying ahead of evolving threats are equally crucial,” he said.

    The company highlighted key areas of cybersecurity practice, including ethical hacking an approach that leverages the mindset of attackers to build stronger defenses. It also underscored the importance of diverse roles such as cybersecurity analysts, security architects, penetration testers, engineers, incident responders, and security managers.

    Posture Cyber Security Technologies affirmed that its team of professionals remains proactive in developing and deploying solutions that align with global best practices. With cybercrime on the rise, the firm expressed its determination to continue providing organizations with the tools and expertise needed to protect sensitive information and maintain trust in the digital space.

  • NECA, CISLAC signs MoU to protect workers, strengthen businesses MoU

    NECA, CISLAC signs MoU to protect workers, strengthen businesses MoU

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect workers, strengthen businesses in the country.

    Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA’s Director-General said this during the MOU signing ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Oyerinde described the MOU as a momentous occasion, uniting the voice of business with civil society’s watchdog role to confront Nigeria’s pressing governance and economic challenges.

    “At NECA, our role is to be the voice of organised business, to champion enterprise sustainability, decent work, economic renaissance, responsible business conduct and to advocate for a conducive business environment.

    “For years, we have worked to build a prosperous Nigeria from the economic perspective.

    “CISLAC, on the other hand, has masterfully championed the cause of transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights.

    “You have been a crucial watchdog, ensuring that policy serves the public good.

    “That is why this MoU is more than a document. It is a declaration that progress comes through collaboration.

    “Together, we will be a more powerful voice for Nigeria’s renaissance,” he said.

    Oyerinde added that the signing of the MoU committed both groups to champion policy reform, decent work, fair taxation, responsible business, gender equity, climate action, and the removal of bottlenecks stifling enterprise and job creation.

    He, therefore, commended CISLAC’s reputation as a leading voice for good governance and reform, adding that businesses and citizens share inseparable needs for transparency, fairness, and stability.

    Also, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC’, described the partnership as a covenant of trust between civil society, employers, and workers.

    He said that the dignity of labour and national productivity could no longer be negotiable.

    According to him, workers are not commodities, but human beings deserving fair wages, safe workplaces, and respect, adding that the undervaluing labour undermines national prosperity.

    Rafsanjani said the goals of the partnership included, evidence-based policy advocacy, stronger labour rights, fair governance, health, and climate action, among others..

    “We will hold power accountable, partner with the private sector, and fight for a Nigeria where dignity of work and justice in governance are protected,”he said.

    Rafsanjani also warned against the rising underemployment and informal labour sector.

    To change narrative, he said it required investment in education, skills, and fair workplace policies.

  • Apapa Customs Will Always Stay Ahead of Smugglers – Comptroller Olomu

    Apapa Customs Will Always Stay Ahead of Smugglers – Comptroller Olomu

    Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu fsi has reiterated that the Command will always be ahead of smugglers by always deploying intelligence with uncompromising enforcement to prevent prohibited items from being brought into the country.

    Comptroller Olomu, who said this on Monday, 18 August 2025, when he received Dr. Martin Iluyomade fsi, Director, Inspection and Enforcement Directorate of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), disclosed that renewed antics by smugglers to use fake registration numbers and false declarations have always failed.

    According to a press statement signed by its PRO, SC JT Ayagbalo the comptroller told the visiting Director, who doubles as Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Fake, Substandard Drugs and Unwholesome Food that Apapa Command is very committed to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Director General of NAFDAC aimed at preventing smuggling of items under the agency’s regulatory purview.

    While urging NAFDAC to expedite action in evacuating handed over containers from the port , the Area Controller assured that efforts will be sustained to achieve arrest of suspects and hand them over with the seizures.

    The CAC added that arresting the persons involved in the acts is a major step to demobilize the human element influence in the smuggling supply chain cycle and deter others from such illegal activities.

    He also disclosed that officers under his watch have joined the CGC in imbibing zero tolerance for smuggling and will do the needful to avoid situations where our laws are circumvented for the lives of Nigerians to be endangered by what they eat, drink or by the use of arms and ammunition brought into the country illegally.

    According to him, a recent seizure of 32 containers that attracted the presence of the CGC who personally supervised their handing over to NAFDAC attests to the smooth working relationship between both organisations and justifying their recently signed MoU.

    Iluyomade commended Comptroller Olomu for being uncompromising and making what he called Life Saving Seizures. He said, “You can kill one or two persons with guns, but you can kill a whole nation with fake drugs, unwholesome food, and harmful medicine. It’s like those importing it are declaring war on the citizens of this country. ”

    While describing Olomu as the best Controller Apapa command ever had, he recalled starting his career as a young employee of NAFDAC many years ago and confirmed that customs anti smuggling efforts have evolved for the better.

    Iluyomade added that awards of best command given to Apapa Area under Olomu were truly earned and very deserving. He also sought support to secure handed over containers from being pilfered ahead of NAFDAC evacuation.

  • Nigeria Customs Service, Shippers’ Council Strategize on B’Odogwu Implementation

    Nigeria Customs Service, Shippers’ Council Strategize on B’Odogwu Implementation

    In line with its modernisation drive and commitment to trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has engaged in a high-level consultation with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System, more commonly known as B’Odogwu.

    Following concerns raised by freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents regarding delays and demurrage linked to the B’Odogwu rollout, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, met with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, on Monday, 19th August 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Service’s headquarters, Abuja.

    According to a press statement signed by Customs National Public Relations Officer, AC Abdullahi Maiwada PhD, mnipr, mniia the engagement provided a platform to deliberate on practical solutions aimed at mitigating the inconveniences experienced by operators.

    The Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council conveyed industry feedback from freight forwarders and agents, noting operational challenges related to system integration, documentation, and port logistics. He stressed the need for urgent responses to minimise financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.

    Furthermore, the CGC reaffirmed that B’Odogwu, being a flagship project under the Customs Modernisation Programme, remains critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process. He assured that challenges in this initial phase would be systematically resolved through structured stakeholder engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades.

    With this engagement, the NCS and NSC underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration, noting that further consultations with stakeholders, including shipping lines and terminal operators, would continue to align processes and address emerging concerns. The Service also emphasised that while transitional issues are expected in large-scale reforms, measures are being implemented to limit disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage.

    It is pertinent to note that the B’Odogwu is an indigenous platform aimed at centralising Customs processes, integrating stakeholders into a unified system while cutting clearance timelines, reducing costs, boosting compliance, and strengthening government revenue. The NCS, therefore, calls on stakeholders to support the implementation process, provide constructive feedback, and partner with Customs in building a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national development.

  • Customs Deepens Integrity Drive as Reputation Campaign Reaches Zone ‘C’

    Customs Deepens Integrity Drive as Reputation Campaign Reaches Zone ‘C’

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again demonstrated its deliberate commitment to building trust and safeguarding institutional integrity as it extended its Reputation Management Campaign to Zone ‘C’, Port Harcourt.

    The campaign, held on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the Zone ‘C’ Headquarters auditorium, brought together officers from commands across the zone for a train-the-trainer workshop. The session was designed to equip selected officers with practical skills and strategies to embed professionalism, accountability, and transparency within their respective commands.

    In his keynote address, Comptroller Chika Dim of the Eastern Marine Command applauded the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his Management Team for initiating such an innovative programme that directly connects institutional reputation with service delivery.

    “Officers today are fortunate to serve under a forward-looking leadership,” he remarked. “But true success will only come from the deliberate effort we invest in protecting and managing the Service’s reputation. The Reputation Management Guide must not be seen as a document to shelve but as a compass for daily decision-making, a tool to reshape our relationship with the public and rebuild trust.”

    Setting the tone earlier, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, underscored that reputation is among the Service’s most valuable assets, though intangible. He stressed that Customs is intentional about earning and sustaining it.

    “Reputation is not given; it is earned through transparency, accountability, and effective communication,” he stated. “Every officer’s conduct contributes to how the Nigeria Customs Service is perceived by the public and stakeholders.”

    In her closing remarks, Comptroller Teressa Ezenwa expressed appreciation to the resource persons and participants, noting that the campaign was not just about learning but about cultivating a culture.

    “Reputation is not built in a day,” she said. “It requires consistency, professionalism, patience, and respect for the values our Service stands for. This campaign reminds us that we must be intentional in how we conduct ourselves and how we serve the public.”

    The event also featured interactive breakout sessions where officers worked through real-life scenarios and case studies, applying the principles of the Reputation Management Guide to everyday operational challenges.

    As participants dispersed, it was evident that Zone ‘C’ had joined the growing list of Zones aligning with the Service’s renewed focus on institutional reputation, a deliberate cultural shift that the NCS leadership believes will redefine the organisation’s image in Nigeria and across the global customs community.

  • NAFRC Empowers 33 Officers with Entrepreneurial and Leadership Skills

    NAFRC Empowers 33 Officers with Entrepreneurial and Leadership Skills


    The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, has inaugurated the 15th edition of its Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course, with 33 participants drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    The Director of Training, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, while welcoming participants, he disclosed that although the Centre had expected 85 officers for Course 15/2025, only 33 nominations were received—17 for mid-level and 16 for senior-level categories. He noted that the participants were nominated by the Army, Navy, Air Force, DIA, and DHQ, but none came from sister security agencies such as the Police, Immigration, and Customs.

    According to him, the course had commenced earlier in August, with modules covering agriculture, entrepreneurship, and management skills. “This is the third senior officers’ entrepreneurship and management training being conducted this year in line with NAFRC’s 2025 forecast of events,” Brig Gen Olatunji said. He explained that the training would include lectures, workshops, and study tours in collaboration with Empretec Nigeria Foundation (ENF), Lagos, and Songhai Farms in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic.

    He further noted that the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, a private-sector initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), remains a key partner in the programme. Highlighting its impact, he said: “The ENF has consistently provided targeted training for the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, and our officers stand to gain immensely from this exposure.”

    Also speaking at the event, Her Excellency Dr. Onari Duke, who represented ENF, described the training as a critical intervention in preparing military officers for life beyond service. She praised the Armed Forces for sustaining the programme and ensuring that officers develop skills relevant for entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable business ventures.

    She revealed that the mid-level officers had already completed their first two weeks of training, which included agricultural modules and the Entrepreneurship Training Workshop (ETW). “The ETW exercise was an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills in taking calculated risks, and one of the participants, Wg Cdr DT Ogunleye, excelled in the Ring Toss activity, winning a monetary award,” she noted.

    Dr. Duke also outlined the training highlights, which include modules on leadership, profitability, project management, conflict resolution, corporate governance, and marketing strategies. “This course is designed to empower both senior and mid-level officers with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s entrepreneurial landscape,” she said. She added that the practical components, including visits to Spectra Industries, the Nigerian Conservation Centre, Commint Buka, and Songhai Farms, would give participants real-life exposure to successful enterprise models.

    Declaring the course open, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal BR Mamman, said the training underscores the Armed Forces’ commitment to capacity building, welfare, and national development. He explained that the initiative was designed to expose participants to the realities of the civilian business environment while equipping them with entrepreneurial and managerial skills.

    “This is not just about preparing you for retirement; it is about equipping you with the resilience, adaptability, and innovation needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business world,” he said. AVM Mamman added that over 235 senior officers have benefitted from the course since its inception, with many establishing small and medium-scale businesses. He further stressed that, unlike the pre-retirement courses, this training gives serving officers ample time to plan and strategize before leaving service.

    The Commandant also revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff had approved the quarterly conduct of the course following positive feedback from earlier editions. “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” he told participants, urging them to take every phase of the training seriously and begin to develop concrete business plans. He also assured them that arrangements had been made for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to facilitate business registration processes during the programme.

  • Army High Command Restructured as COAS Announces Key Appointments

    Army High Command Restructured as COAS Announces Key Appointments

    In a strategic move to strengthen leadership and reposition the Nigerian Army (NA) for greater operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers to key command, instructional, and staff positions across various formations and units of the Nigerian Army.

    According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the redeployment encompasses few Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters (AHQ), two General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, and Brigade Commanders, among other appointments critical to the Nigerian Army’s operational and administrative structure.

    Some of the senior officers appointed as Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters include, Maj Gen AA Adeyinka who was posted from Nigerian Army Corp of Supply and Transport (NACST) to the Department of Army Logistics and appointed Chief of Logistics (Army), Maj Gen AA Adekeye posted from AHQ Department of Standard and Evaluation to AHQ Department of Personnel Management as Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Maj Gen TB Ugiagbe from Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corp to Army Headquarters Department of Standard and Evaluation and appointed Chief of Standard and Evaluation. Others are Maj Gen AA Idris from Defence Headquarters to Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and appointed Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Maj Gen MO Erebulu from the Department of Special Services and Programmes to Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police and appointed Provost Marshall (Army).

    Furthermore, Maj Gen EA Anaryu from Defence Space Administration have been redeployed and appointed Corps Commander Supply and Transport while Maj Gen SA Akesode from Office of the National Security Adviser to African Union Verification Mission in Tigray Region, Ethiopia as Head of Mission, while Maj Gen JE Osifo from Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts, to Nigerian Army Finance Corporation as Director General.

    Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Major General ASM Wase from Department of Training to Headquarters 1 Division/Sector 1 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) as GOC 1 Division/Commander Sector 1, Maj Gen CR Nnebeife is also appointed as the General Officer Commanding 2 Division/ Sector 3 Joint Task Force OPFY.

    Some of the senior officers appointed as Commandants of NA Training Institutions are, Maj Gen MO Ihanuwaze from Nigerian Army Finance Insurance Corporation to Nigerian Army Finance School and Administration and appointed Commandant, Maj Gen KO Osemwegie now the commandant Army Signal School, Maj Gen AJ Aliyu also appointed commandant Nigerian Army Ordinance School, while Maj Gen AC Adetoba was posted from the Department of Transformation and Innovation to Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management as commandant amongst others.

    Other senior officers also affected in the redeployment are Brig Gen M Jimoh from HQ Operation FANSAN YAMMA to HQ 1 Brigade as Commander, Brig Gen NE Okoloagu from Army War College Nigeria to 2 Brigade as Commander as well as Brig Gen AA Bello from Nigerian Army School of Infantry to 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 JTF South South Operation DELTA SAFE as Commander.

    The Chief of Army Staff has charged the newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments. He also reiterates his commitment to welfare of troops as paramount to operational successes.

  • 81 Division Nigerian Army Set For Annual Range Classification Exercise In Ogun

    81 Division Nigerian Army Set For Annual Range Classification Exercise In Ogun

    The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced that it will conduct its Second Annual Range Classification Exercise for 2025 from August 18 to September 28 at the Division’s Shooting Range in Ajilete, Ogun State.

    According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel M.A. Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the Division, the exercise is part of the Nigerian Army’s 2025 Forecast of Events and will include troop movements and live ammunition firing.

    The Army assured the public that the exercise is routine and urged residents of Ajilete and surrounding communities not to panic over the sounds of gunfire or troop activities during the period.

    “For safety reasons, farmers, herders, and other law-abiding citizens operating near the range areas are strongly advised to stay away throughout the exercise period,” the statement added.

    The Division also appealed to the media to assist in sensitizing the public to ensure understanding and cooperation.

  • Army Chief Launches Special Forces School to Enhance Combat Readiness

    Army Chief Launches Special Forces School to Enhance Combat Readiness

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, earlier today laid the foundation for the Nigerian Army Special Forces School (NASFS) in Doma, Nasarawa State, describing it as “a legacy of excellence, bravery and sacrifice” that will redefine the training of Nigeria’s elite troops.

    According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the initiative designed to produce highly skilled warriors capable of dominating complex and unconventional battlefields, marks a strategic leap in strengthening the Nigerian Army’s combat power towards safeguarding the nation’s future.

    Originally established in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, as part of Nigerian Army’s response to evolving security threats, the school’s relocation to Doma offers an enhanced environment for advanced, mission-specific training. The Buni Yadi facility will now serve as the Nigerian Army Acclimatization Center, dedicated to preparing troops for the unique challenges of operations in the North East theatre.

    Speaking at the event, Lt Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to delivering world-class training and equipment, ensuring Nigerian Army’s Special Forces remain “unconquerable” and at par with their global counterparts.

    The COAS also commissioned two other major projects, including the new 4 Special Forces Command Headquarters and a modern Officers’ Mess completed with operational workspaces, conference facilitie and recreational amenities designed to enhance capacity, welfare and morale of personnel.

    Earlier in Lafia, the COAS paid a courtesy call on the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, highlighting the Nigerian Army’s national character and urging collective civilian-military collaboration in securing the country. Governor Sule lauded the Army’s role in maintaining stability, enabling agriculture and mining to thrive in the state despite regional security pressures.

    The ceremony climaxed with a symbolic tree planting, a gift presentation to the COAS by the Andoma of Doma in recognition of his leadership and a group photograph with dignitaries.

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