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General Faruk Flags Off Combat Swimming Competition to Enhance Efficiency in Riverine Operations

Published

3 years ago

November 28, 2022

Eric

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has flagged off Nigerian Army Inter Formation Combat Platoon Swimming Championship at the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos, where he tasked participants to take advantage of the Championship to enhance their fighting efficiency to conduct operations optimally, especially in riverine and amphibious terrains towards fulfilling NA’s constitutional mandate.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed that the COAS, who was represented by the Commander, Corps of Nigerian Army Engineers, Major General Kamil Kadiri, gave the charge during the flag-off ceremony of the championship, reiterating that the NA places high premium on qualitative training of its personnel across board, in furtherance of the vision of the COAS, to have “A professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”.

He added that the championship would enhance combat proficiency of troops deployed for operations in maritime environment.

The Army Chief urged participants to strive to bring out their best in the championship, as their efforts and preparation for the competition will translate to relative ease in the conduct of ongoing and future operations. The COAS commended 81 Division for selecting the National
Stadium Surulere and Badagry for the Championship, as both locations will provide realistic and ideal standards, with all requisite features for training of this nature.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General Obinna Ajunwa in his welcome address, reiterated the emphasis placed on training by the NA.

He expressed optimism that the championship would strengthen the swimming skill of NA personnel.

The championship is a five day competition that will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be the conventional swimming phase at the National Stadium, Surulere, while the second phase is the combat swimming at the brown water in Slave Village, Badagry. The participants were drawn from eight Divisions across NA formations in the country.

These include 1,2, 3, 6, 8, 81and 82 Divisions, as well as Army Headquarters Garrison. They will keenly compete for laurels in different categories of swimming exercises.

Featured

Abba’s Decision is Personal to Him, Atiku Reacts to Son Joining APC

Published

13 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Eric

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar’s (Abba) decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Featured

US Cancels Visa Processing for Nigeria, Brazil, Russia, 72 Other Countries

Published

2 days ago

January 14, 2026

Eric

The Trump administration is suspending all visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on the plan, first reported by Fox News, which cited a State Department memo.

The pause will begin on January 21, Fox News said.

Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand are among the affected countries, according to the report.

The memo directs U.S. embassies to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses its procedures. No time frame was provided.

The reported pause comes amid the sweeping immigration crackdown pursued by Republican U.S. President Donald Trump since taking office last January.

In November, Trump had vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” following a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that killed a National Guard member.

Source: Reuters

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‘A Friend of a Thief is a Thief’, Defence Minister Warns Gumi, Other Bandit-Sympathizers

Published

2 days ago

January 14, 2026

Eric

The Minister of Defence Minister, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa, (rtd), has warned Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other persons in the country against including bandits in northern brotherhood.

General Musa, via a statement on Wednesday in Maiduguri, declared: “A friend of a thief is a thief,” warning Nigerians against supporting terrorists and bandits in any form.

He said that the warning statement is neither accidental nor symbolic; explaining that it is a clear response to narratives previously promoted by Sheikh Gumi, who described bandits’ hiding in the bush as “our brothers” and argued that society cannot do without them.

General Musa’s message draws a firm line between compassion and complicity. While empathy has its place, justifying or normalising terrorism only strengthens criminal networks that have devastated communities, displaced families, and claimed innocent lives.

Labeling bandit as “brothers” does not reduce violence it legitimizes and undermines national security efforts.

The Defence minister’s warning serves as a reminder that terrorism thrives not only on weapons but also on moral cover. Anyone who excuses, defends, or shields criminals through words, influence, or silence shares responsibility for the consequences. In matters of national security, neutrality is not an option.

Nigeria cannot defeat banditry and terrorism while dangerous rhetoric blurs the line between victims and perpetrators. The choice is clear: stand with the law and the nation, or be counted among those enabling crime.