Category: Security and Crimes

  • Police arrest suspected cultist for attempted murder in Ede

    Police arrest suspected cultist for attempted murder in Ede

    The Osun State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of the Alora cult group, Segun Ogunfunmilayo for allegedly attempting to murder a provision shop owner in Ede, Osun State, REPUBLICAN NIGERIA reports.

     

    The incident occurred on 8 March 2025 at around 9:00 pm at a grocery shop in the Bihari/Ishola area of Ede, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Adeola Adeoye.

     

    Ogunfunmilayo reportedly purchased an energy drink worth N500 and collected N400 in cash from the shop owner, promising to transfer a total of N900 to the seller’s account.

     

    However, after waiting for the payment alert, the shop owner realised the transfer had not gone through and approached the suspect to inform him of the issue.

     

    Aftermath, the suspect allegedly drew a cut-to-size pistol from his bag and shot the shop owner in both hands before fleeing the scene.

     

    “On 8 March 2025 at about 9:00pm, Segun Ogunfunmilayo went to the complainant’s shop, bought an energy drink for N500 and took N400 cash from the seller, promising to transfer N900.

     

    “When the seller did not receive the credit notification, he approached the suspect. To his surprise, Ogunfunmilayo brought out a cut-to-size pistol and shot him in his left hand and right arm before running away,” Adeoye added.

     

    Following the attack, the police, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF, tracked the suspect to his hideout and arrested him. A cut-to-size pistol and a live cartridge were recovered as evidence.

    The suspect confessed to being a member of the Alora cult group. He will be charged to court after the completion of the investigation,” Adeoye confirmed.

     

    The victim is reportedly receiving medical treatment, and the police have assured the public of their commitment to tackling cult-related violence in the state.

  • Untitled post 65806

    IGP commends Osun CP for maintaining peace

     

    By Lawal Abdullahi-Jubril

     

    Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has commended the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mohammed Abba, for ensuring a peaceful and secure environment.

     

    In a statement by CSP Yemisi Opalola, Police Spokesperson on Wednesday in Osun, Egbetokun gave the commendation during a visit to the Police Command in Osun on Tuesday.

     

    Opalola said the IGP was in Osun with the aim of supervising and gaining firsthand view of the situation in the state.

     

    She said the IGP, represented by Ari Muhammed Ali, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in-charge of Operations, commended the officers, who worked tirelessly over the week to maintain peace and order.

     

    “He also commended the Osun Commissioner of Police for his exemplary leadership and role in ensuring a peaceful and secured environment.

     

    “He praised the officers and men for their dedication and hard work, and expressed gratitude for their support,” she said.

     

    The spokesperson said the IGP concluded by thanking the officers for supporting the nation and the Police force. (NAN)

  • Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.

    Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.

    Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State Government has pledged to take a tough stance on crimes and criminalities, reassuring residents of adequate security and safety.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired CP Fatai Owoseni, gave the assurance while briefing journalists after a security stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Owoseni explained that the meeting aimed to review and revamp security strategies, strengthen measures to combat banditry and criminality in Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and parts of Ibadan.

    “Just like we have always said, when it comes to the issue of security, you periodically review your strategy.

    “In the course of reviewing the security situation, we discovered that we have renewed attacks around Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa as well as at the outskirts of Ibadan.

    “Heads of security agencies held a meeting yesterday to look at what we are not doing right and the need for us to restrategise so that we won’t rest on our oars.

    “Concluding the meeting, we found out that there is a need to engage our people — society approach.

    “Today, we had an opportunity to meet with stakeholders — Chairmen of the local government in Oyo axis and the Honourable members representing the axis in the House of Assembly; the elders from Oyo including some traditional stakeholders.

    “We are also exploring every possibility of synergy with Kwara State, just like we have been doing with Ogun State.

    “We want the people to know that we have what it takes to prevent all acts of criminalities. And we also have what it takes to respond effectively.

    “I want to use this opportunity to tell our people that there is no cause for alarm. The Service Commanders in Oyo State are rejigging their strategy to strengthen their collaborative efforts to ensure that we are able to put a stop to all that is happening.

    Owoseni commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s security architecture, noting its positive impact on the state’s economy and businesses.

    He urged residents to be security-conscious and report suspicious activities using the toll-free Emergency Number 615.

    The meeting, attended by service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional leaders, and community leaders, was part of a strategic decision to revamp security efforts in the state .(NAN)

  • Ex-I-G Idris, tasks new Lagos CP, Jimoh on professionalism

    Ex-I-G Idris, tasks new Lagos CP, Jimoh on professionalism

    By Flowerbud News

    Alhaji Ibrahim Kpotun-Idris, a former Inspector-General of Police (I-G), has advised the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Moshood Jimoh, to exercise high degree of professionalism in discharging his duties.

    Kpotun-Idris gave the task while felicitating with Jimoh on his appointment by the incumbent I-GP Kayode Egbetokun, in Bida on Wednesday.

    The ex-police chief enjoined the Jimoh not to disappoint the Police Service Commission and his bosses.

    He expressed optimism that Jimoh’s leadership would enhance law enforcement strategies and improve public trust in the police.

    Kpotun-Idris, urged Jimoh to bring his wealth of experience to take the Lagos command to greater heights.

    Kpotun-Idris described the new police commissioner’s role as recognition of his dedication to the Nigeria Police Force.

    He recalled that Jimoh had diligently held reputable positions, including CP Communications Operations, Force Headquarters, Force Public Relations Officer, and CP Eastern Port, Rivers State.

    “CP Jimoh’s extensive background in communications, administration and public relations, combined with his operational expertise, makes him uniquely qualified to head the Lagos command.”

    According to former I-GP, Jimoh’s training in counterterrorism, maritime security, and crisis management, locally and internationally, demonstrate his competence.

    “His impressive credentials, including his tenure as Force Public Relations Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Investigation, prove his competency in ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst the people of Lagos State and indeed Nigerians.

    “I wish him all the best in his new role, and I’m confident that he will work tirelessly to maintain law and order in Lagos State.

    “CP Jimoh’s experience and expertise can bring about positive changes to Lagos State’s security and policing,” Kpotun-Idris said

    The 19th I-GP also recalled that Jimoh served the nation meritoriously as the Force PRO when he held sway as the I-G.

    “While again congratulating him, I am truly confident that Jimoh will take the Lagos State Command to an enviable level.

    “I’m optimistic that CP Jimoh will use his experience and expertise to strengthen security efforts in Lagos State by ensuring a safer and more peaceful environment for all residents,” he said.

    Kpotun-Idris also prayed Almighty Allah to guide Jimoh in fostering unity between law enforcement agencies and the public.

    He also prayed the Almighty to grant Jimoh more wisdom, strength and guidance in his duties to give Lagos residents the much needed peace and crime-free environment.

    NAN

  • ”Enough is Enough,” NAFDAC DG Vows, as Agency Battles Drug Counterfeiters in Aba, Lagos,etc

    ”Enough is Enough,” NAFDAC DG Vows, as Agency Battles Drug Counterfeiters in Aba, Lagos,etc

     

    – as Agency Uncovers More Massive Fake Drug Warehouses, Depots in Aba, Onitsha, etc

    – 3000 Shops Screened, Sealed In Idumota, 14 truckloads of fake drugs seized in Aba, 10 across Anambra, and more in Onitsha

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    FLOWERBUDNEWS: The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has declared total war against fake drug peddlers across the country, warning – enough is enough.

    Prof. Adeyeye, who gave the charge while speaking on the ongoing NAFDAC Enforcement Operations, disclosed that two more massive warehouses full of fake and expired medicines were uncovered over the weekend in Aba, truckloads in Idumota and Onitsha.

    ”The goal is to stop the sale of counterfeit, substandard, expired, and rebranded drugs that pose significant health risks to Nigerians with a continued goal to safeguarding the health of Nigerians,” the NAFDAC Boss stated, statement by Sayo Akintola, Resident Media Consultant disclosed.

    (NAFDAC Boss, Prof. Adeyeye, herself leading a combined team of NAFDAC Operatives and Security agents on the enforcement operation)

    Prof. Adeyeye gave details of the recent NAFDAC successful operations saying:

    Last week, the Agency uncovered a major operation depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa area of Abia State where the illegal operation was being run from multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.

    The expired medicines were repackaged and revalidated for resale, posing a significant health risk to consumers.

    Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments. Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site.

    The depot was discovered when NAFDAC operatives raided the facility in collaboration with a joint security team as part of the Agency’s intensified crackdown on counterfeit medicines which commenced on Monday.

    During the raid, some individuals were arrested, but the prime suspect remains at large. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members.

    Later in the week, the NAFDAC enforcement officers and security forces from NSA uncovered another drugs depot at 269 Faulks road, Aba.

    During the raids, NAFDAC operatives discovered machines used to rebrand and alter the expiry dates of medications, along with a large quantity of rebagged containers and fraudulent packaging materials.

    This operation followed extensive data collection and intelligence gathering, which revealed large-scale repackaging of counterfeit drugs in the market,

    At Onitsha, the Agency uncovered and seized fake, expired and falsified drugs (14 trucks loaded) at the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The operation, which commenced on Monday, February 10, 2025, has already led to many shop raids, revealing a disturbing volume of adulterated and substandard medications worth billions of naira.

    NAFDAC’s investigation highlighted the market as a hub for repackaging and revalidating expired medicines, which are often sold to unsuspecting consumers with fraudulent claims of authenticity.

    Also commenting, the Director of NAFDAC’s Southeast Zone, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, said that several containers bearing fake NAFDAC approvals were among the seized drugs.

    So far, we have confiscated no fewer than 14 trucks, each carrying a 40-foot container filled with fake, substandard, and adulterated drugs from the market. Some of these drugs even bear fraudulent NAFDAC approval claims, he stated.

    ‘We detected these fraudulent claims using our scanning and detection machines.’ The seized drugs include expired, banned, substandard, defective, repackaged, and recalled products.’ Iluyomade disclosed

    The continued enforcement operation in Lagos, targeted major distributors suspected of supplying counterfeit drugs to pharmacies and hospitals across the state.

    In the first week of the enforcement operation, NAFDAC screened and sealed over 3000 shops inside Open Drug Market Idumota in Lagos. Items discovered were vaccines in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with Iron sheets in very filthy environment.

    Others were banned products like large consignment of banned Analgin Injections, diverted Free HIV and Retroviral Drugs, expired drugs kept for revalidation, unregistered drugs, etc.

    The Agency was able to evacuate illicit Pharmaceuticals of equivalent of 12 trucks.

    Furthermore, empty packs of cartons of expired unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop with the vials removed. Various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup and Tramadol 225 were discovered in a warehouse within the market, away from the pharmaceutical section where other products are sold.

    The Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, however, insisted that the Agency would not rest on its oars until the market is completely sanitised.

    She said, ‘enough is enough’, we shall not look away while a few disgruntled elements in society continue to kill unsuspecting consumers through substandard and falsified medicines.

    The NAFDAC boss further explained that the extended enforcement operation targets the three major markets simultaneously in Idumota, Onitsha and Aba, which distribute significant percent of medicines in the country.

    ‘The goal is to stop the sale of counterfeit, substandard, expired, and rebranded drugs that pose significant health risks to Nigerians with a continued goal to safeguarding the health of Nigerians’ (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

     

  • NCS INAUGURATES AEO TO BOOST TRADE FACILITATION WOC/LSG COMMEND CUSTOMS

    NCS INAUGURATES AEO TO BOOST TRADE FACILITATION WOC/LSG COMMEND CUSTOMS

    Lagos, Feb. 15, 2025 (NAN/FLOWERBUD) The Comptroller General, (CGC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, says the launching of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme by the service would enhance trade facilitation across the globe

    Adeniyi said this during the inauguration of the programme in Lagos on Friday night.

    He said that the evolution in customs-business relationships reflected the dynamic nature of international trade and the growing need for secure and efficient supply chains.

    According to him, AEO as defined by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) is a party involved in the international movement of goods.

    “This has been certified by a National Customs Administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards,”he said.

    Adeniyi acknowledged the success of the AEO programme which relied heavily on collaborative efforts across all stakeholders.

    He also expressed gratitude for the exceptional support that the service had received at the highest levels of government.

    “The direct oversight and strategic guidance from President Bola Tinubu, coupled with the support of the Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, Mr Olawale Edun, have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.

    “The synergy established with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other agencies in the ports have further strengthened our implementation framework.

    “The decision of NCS to implement the AEO programme aligns with global best practices that began around April 2024,”he said.

    He said that the service, in developing its framework, strategically, benchmarked against two leading customs administrations.

    “His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) UK and South Africa Revenue Authority (SARS) represented best practices both globally and within the African continent,”Adeniyi said.

    The Customs boss said that AEO certification validated a company’s commitment to security, compliance, and operational excellence in international trade.

    He said that through the AEO programme, certified operators would gain access to streamlined customs procedures and reduced physical inspections.

    Our six pilot AEO companies have demonstrated exceptional growth, with their collective trade value increasing significantly from N185.8 billion in 2023 to N563.8 billion in 2024.

    “This growth is mirrored in the customs revenue generated from these companies, which rose from N18.4 billion in 2023 to N51.1 billion in 2024.

    “This contributed meaningfully to our overall revenue which grew from N3.2 trillion in 2023 to N6.1 trillion in 2024,”he said.

    He said that the pilot phase had yielded transformative improvements in operational efficiency.

    According to him, an ambitious target was set to reduce clearance time from 168 hours to 48 hours.

    “By Dec. 31, 2024, our AEO-certified companies were achieving an average release time of 43 hours, surpassing our target by 5 hours.

    “This represents a remarkable 66.9 per cent reduction in cargo clearance time compared to the pre-AEO status of five days, and significantly outperforms the seven-day clearance period required for regular Economic Operators (EOs).

    “This aligns perfectly with our national economic objectives, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030,” he said.

    He said that the AEO programme strategically complemented the President’s eight-point agenda by supporting food security through faster clearance of agricultural inputs and machinery.

    “This is contributing to economic growth through trade facilitation and creating jobs through expanded business opportunities,” Adeniyi said.

    Also during the launching of AEO programme by NCS,

    The World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Lagos State Government also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme to improve trade facilitation.

    They gave the commendation during also the inauguration of the AEO programme .

    The Secretary General of WCO, Mr Ian Sanders, in a virtual message congratulated the NCS for delivering on its commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity in line with the organisation’s standards

    He said that NCS, with a committed leadership and a sense of purpose, embarked on the effort using a phased approach.

    He said that the service had tested the programme in a pilot that included businesses of various sizes and models, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

    “We celebrate the inspiring journey toward implementation of an authorised economic operating room aligned with international standards and best practises, specifically the WCO’s safe framework of standards.

    “Over the past 24 months, the NCS has translated its commitment to trade,

    exploitation and supply chain security into visible steps to align its operations with the WCO revised,” Sanders said.

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the AEO Programme would serve as a catalyst towards economic growth, trade facilitation, and global competitiveness.

    Represented by Folashade Ambrose, Commissioner for Commerce,

    Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Sanwo-Olu said that the initiative reflected the Federal Government’s resolve to encourage investment, trade expansion, and national development.

    He said that the programme would ensure faster cargo clearance, fewer trade barriers, and a more seamless business environment.

    “The AEO programme is nothing short of a game-changer for trade and security as it will strengthen partnerships between customs and businesses committed to compliance, security, and best practices in supply chain management.

    “By granting AEO accreditation to businesses that meet these high standards, we are not only enhancing security but also streamlining trade operations,” he said.

    According to the governor, as Nigeria integrates into the global trade ecosystem, the AEO programme stands as a pivotal initiative.

    “It will not only boost national revenue but also solidify the country’s position as the preferred trade hub in West Africa, ” he said.

    He commended the customs for its unwavering dedication to modernising procedures and aligning Nigeria with international best practices.

    The House of Representative Committee Chairman, Custom and Excise, Mr Leke Abejide, said that the AEO programme was for efficiency and also about building compliance and competitiveness for businesses in the global chain.

    Abejide was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Mr Shehu Husaain.

    He urged stakeholders to embrace AEO initiative with commitment and cooperation, adding that the success of the programme depended on strong public-private collaboration.

    The Representative of Private sector, Mr Muda Yusuf, urged players in the sector to balance their commitment of revenue generation to trade facilitation.

    According to Yusuf, the private sector contributes enormously, perhaps over 80 per cent to the GDP of the country, as well as contributing to employment and revenue generation.

    The Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, said that with the launching of AEO, Nigeria was focusing on efficiencies and productivities.

    Dantsoho said that those would enable Nigeria to be a preferred destination and port of origin in West and Central Africa.

    The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mr Pious Akutah, commended NCS for successfully innaugurating AEO,

    and for championing initiatives to improve cargo clearance, enhance trade facilitation and improve customs operations.

    President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, NACIMA Mr Dele Oye,

    commended customs for providing clear guidelines for its operation to assist the private sector to remain in business.

    He urged customs to invest more in capacity building by providing training and further tackling e-commerce deploying technology to improve transparency.

    The Deputy Comptrollers General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said that the AEO programme would not only improve efficiency at the borders but also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global markets.

    She urged stakeholders to show commitments to the programme to encourage eligible businesses to embrace the initiative and leverage on related clearance, reduce costs and earn global recognition.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi presented certificate to the six pilots of the AEO programme.

    They include Lelook Nigeria Ltd.,

    Frieslandcampina WAMCA Nigeria Ltd., Double one PLC, First Class Refreshments Ltd., Huawei and Ideal Royal Crown Logistics Ltd.,

    Adeniyi also said that NCS would bbegin ertification of the Authorised Economic Operators in Feb. 17

  • Nigerian Pastor Shot Dead During Church Service

    Nigerian Pastor Shot Dead During Church Service

     

    A 54-years-old prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Eagle Parish has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Odo Eran, Idiroko area of Ogun state.

    The victim identified as Yomi Adetula, was shot at about 10:30am on Sunday, during a church service and his head severely damaged with an axe.

    DAILY POST gathered that the three assailants came into the church, brought out a long double barrel gun, opened fire on the victim and thereafter fled the scene.

    Confirming the incident to DAILY POST, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the victim was found in the pool of his blood with his head faced up.

    Odutola said, “Police officers raced to the scene and saw one Yomi Adetula, male, aged about 54yrs lifeless in the pool of his own blood which stained his white celestial garment, lying face up.

    ” On careful observation, his body was riddled with blets and his head was not speared, to ensure the victim was really dead it was mangled with axe.

    “On police inquiry, information further revealed that three men came into the church, brought out long double barrel gun, aimed at their target and fired a shot that brought the deceased down”

    Odutola noted that with the effort of the Idiroko Divisional Police officer, the corpse was deposited at the General Hospital morgue, Ilaro.

    She stated that investigations has been launched into the very sad occurrence and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects who escaped towards the border area.

     

     

  • Gov. Adeleke commends DSS for arrest of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members in Osun

    Gov. Adeleke commends DSS for arrest of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members in Osun

    By Flowerbud News

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa-Osun.

    In a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor’s Spokesperson, made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Saturday, Adeleke hailed the alertness of the DSS operatives.

    He said that the DSS move to eliminate threats posed by the suspected terrorists, gives assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.

    Adeleke commended the intelligence gathering skills of the personnel of the State Service, who painstakingly monitored the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.

    “This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government, but to the people of the state and Nigerians in general.

    “I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation.

    “We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us,” the governor said.

    He also assured the people of the state that his administration would continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property in the state.

    “As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people.

    “I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun.

    “We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state,” he said.

    Adeleke enjoined residents to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency.

    He said, “Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria. ”

    NAN

  • Security investment is centre of our infrastructure development – Gov. Mbah

    Security investment is centre of our infrastructure development – Gov. Mbah

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says security investment is the centre of his administration’s infrastructure development as it holds the key to a striving and holistic state socioeconomic development.

    Mbah said this on Saturday during 82 Division West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024, which marks the end of 2024 Operational Year for the Division at Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.

     

    The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Dr Patrick Ubru, noted that the state would continue to build and invest in security, especially cutting edge technologies that are game changers.

    According to him, the government and people of Enugu State appreciate the Nigerian Army and the Division’s efforts and sacrifices to ensure security and peace in the entire state.

     

    He assured the Division of the state government continued support as it carries out its mandate and continued its security successes in the state, South-East and Division’s area of coverage.

    On WASA, the governor lauded the Nigerian Army for upholding his tradition even from the time of the colonial era, adding that it shows the level of responsibility within the Nigerian Army and its personnel.

     

    “WASA remains an event that brings Nigerians together, promotes our rich culture and heritage as well as helps to unify us as a people and nation.

    “The essence and spirit of WASA is in line with this administration’s resolve and target to make Enugu State a tourism and hospitality hub in the country,” he said.

     

    Earlier, Maj,-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said that WASA provided an opportunity for officers, soldiers and their families and friends to meet in a convivial environment.

    Dada, who is also the Force Commander of Joint Security Task-Force South-East, code-named ‘Operation Udo Ka’, noted that WASA provides avenue to share love, understanding and display rich indigenous Nigeria heritage and culture.

     

    According to him, WASA also signifies the end of Nigerian Army operational training calendar for the year.

    “In 2024 Operational Training, troops of Operation Udo Ka performed exceptional well in curtailing activities of criminals, terrorists and nefarious activities of proscribed armed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other anti-social elements.

     

    “The successes were so enormous that there was an unprecedented mass return of people of South-East during the yuletide and continued peace after the yuletide,” he said.

    The GOC noted that in 2024, the Division was able to complete and inaugurate some projects meant to improve welfare of troops and sharpen operational skills of troops in the discharge of their duties.

     

    “Chief among the projects included: the COAS Olympic Size Swimming Complex, Division and Garrison RSM Houses, GOC Guest Houses and Quarters for Senior Officers among others,” he said.

    He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for supporting infrastructure development and programmes of activities in the Division in the outgoing year of 2024.

     

    Dada pledged that troops of the Division would remain loyal and dedicated to the serve of the Nigerian Army and the entire nation.

    The GOC also announced that the WASA would be his last as the GOC of the Division having been redeployed, adding that he would continue to support the Division anywhere and any capacity he finds himself.

     

    “I will also solicit that you extend same cooperation given to me as GOC to the new GOC and to keep the tempo of operations and activities high within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR),” he said.

    The event featured various cultural cuisines and dance displays; masquerade parade, special renditions, tug-of-war and bonfire among others.

    The Division through the GOC also recognised and honoured 22 exceptional performed personnel in its 2024 operational year with awards and certificates.