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Why Army Established Its University – COAS

Published

6 months ago

October 30, 2023

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Saturday, explained that the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno state was established as a means to explore a non-kinetic approach in the service operations against insurgency.

He also said the institution was established to achieve social inclusion, gender balance and expand diversity through education.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army Chief clarified the first convocation of the institution.

The COAS who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the institution disclosed that by establishing the Nigerian Army University Biu, the Army adopted the strategic option of exploring a non-kinetic approach to its counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.

“He clarified that the Army sought to achieve social inclusion, and gender balance and expand diversity through education,” the statement read.

Lagbaja also said the emergence and growth of the institution in the heart of the North East was a testament to the successes the Nigerian military have collectively achieved in the counter-insurgency efforts.

He said, “Today, the graduands are a testament to our bravery, courage, and determination, despite the security challenges, to groom youths that would become solution providers and self-reliant in addressing some of the challenges of our dear nation”.

The Army Chief, however, said a total of 417 students graduated from the school.

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Prince Harry visits sick Nigerian soldiers in Kaduna

Published

3 hours ago

May 11, 2024

Alero Danjuma

Prince Harry and his team visited the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna to interact with wounded soldiers who are receiving treatment.

The Duke of Sussex is in Nigeria with his wife to champion the Invictus Games, which Harry founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans.

Nigeria joined the Invictus Community of Nations in 2022 becoming the first African country to join.

Prince Harry’s visit to Kaduna came 68 years after his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II visited the state during the time of the late Premier of Northern Region Sir Ahmadu Bello.

News

Senate approves death penalty for drug traffickers

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2024

Alero Danjuma

Senate on Thursday, May 9, approved the death penalty for those convicted on the charge of drug trafficking in the country.

The punishment prescribed in the extant NDLEA Act is a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of a report of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs and Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters presented the report during plenary, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North).

The bill, which passed its third reading, aims to update the list of dangerous drugs, strengthen the operations of the NDLEA, review penalties, and empower the establishment of laboratories.

Section 11 of the current act prescribes that “any person who, without lawful authority; imports, manufactures, produces, processes, plants or grows the drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroin or any other similar drugs shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life” was amended to reflect a stiffer penalty of death.

Although the report did not recommend a death penalty for the offence, during consideration, Senator Ali Ndume moved that the life sentence should be upgraded to the death penalty.

During a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the amendment on the death penalty to a voice vote and ruled that the “ayes” had it.

But Senator Adams Oshiomhole objected to the ruling, saying that the “nays” had it.

He argued that matters of life and death should not be treated hurriedly, but Barau said it was too late, as he failed to call for division immediately after his ruling.

The bill was subsequently read for the third time and passed by the Senate.