The Troops of the Nigerian Army, Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed ten Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush between Magumeri to Gubio road in the North of Borno state.
It was gathered that the terrorists who came in their numbers on motorcycles mount a check point and abducted two gulf vehicles and the Perssengers on board in the axis of Titiya village on July 12.
An Intelligence Sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad that the highly spirited troops who acted on distressed calls were right on hand to counter the move and inflicted humiliating defeat on the terrorists who abandoned their evil mission and took to their heels.
The sources said that the troops chased the retreating terrorist and killed ten of them while some of them managed to escape with bullets wounds.
The sources explained that all the Perssengers were rescued while the two stolen vehicles were handed back to the owners.
Zagazola understand that the Boko Haram, otherwise known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, had intensified in armed robbery activities along the roads to sustained its terror campaigns in the North East.
GOVERNOR LALONG DELIGHTED OVER CANDIDACY OF IBRAHIM JAMES PAM AS REGISTRAR, INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed delight over the candidacy of Ibrahim James Pam who has been shortlisted for the post of the Registrar, International Criminal Court, Hague-Netherlands.
Governor Lalong while congratulating Ibrahim James Pam for being the only Nigerian shortlisted among the twelve candidates for the position, expressed optimism that he will be successful in the selection process going by the experience and knowledge he brings along.
Lalong said Pam who has worked for over two decades in the area of International Criminal Justice, investigations and prosecution of the Rome Statutes crimes, internal oversight, administrative and criminal investigations, fraud risk management and fraud prevention among others, will bring enermous value to the office when appointed.
Ibrahim Pam previously worked meritoriously with the International Criminal Court in the Hague; the African Development Bank; and is currently an Executive Director with the Green Climate Fund in South Korea.
Governor Lalong while assuring him of the support and prayers of the people and Government of Plateau State said his candidacy is not only a thing of pride for Plateau State and Nigeria, but of the entire African continent. He wishes him well and urges him to continue to demonstrate the true Plateau spirit of resilience, honesty, diligence and excellence.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 12th July 2022.
RE: UNSUBSTANTIATED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA BY MR FEMI FANI-KAYODE IN A VIRAL VIDEO IN CIRCULATION
The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a video produced by Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, wherein he made wild and unsubstantiated allegations against the Armed Forces of Nigeria, regarding the recent spate of terrorist attacks particularly, the attack of the prison in Kuje – Abuja on 5 July 2022.
Ordinarily the video and its maker would have been ignored, considering the antecedents of the person behind it as a known Rabble-Rouser. However, in the interest of members of the public who might be misled by the deliberate falsehood and the sensibilities of service personnel and their families who have been paying dearly to keep Nigerians safe, it has become urgent to respond to the video currently circulating in the social media.
Among other allegations, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode claimed that the Department of State Security (DSS) informed the military about the impending attack on Kuje Custodial Centre and even the previous attack on the Kaduna – Abuja rail service. He also claimed that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison attack. In all these allegations, Mr Kayode is merely playing to the gallery. He is not in any position to know whether the DSS notified the military of any attack or not. It may not be impossible that such a claim is part of a calculated attempt to cause division and rivalry amongst all Government Agencies that have been working collaboratively in addressing issues of insecurity in the country.
The claim that soldiers were withdrawn from the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre before the attack is laughable. It is sad that Mr Kayode is ignorant of whose responsibility it to guard prison.
Mr Femi Kayode further claimed that the military took no action on the recent Shiroro terrorists’ attack, which resulted in the unfortunate death of some soldiers, some policemen and members of the public. This is also an attempt to smear the military and create bad blood between service personnel and the military high command. A despicable statement that dishonours the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price whilst responding in defence of the civilians and the mining community. What a shame! Mr Kayode is encouraged to pay more attention to the weekly briefs by Defence Media Operations. Defence Media Operations gives weekly briefs/updates on operations being conducted across the country; press releases on military operations are also made when the need arises.
Mr Fani-Kayode is also called to refresh himself on the constitutional roles of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In all, subordination to civil authority, is key. It is pertinent to state that, the Nigerian Armed Forces has toiled to sustain and nurture our democracy, hence the same military cannot contemplate a coup de tat, as alluded to by Mr Kayode in his video. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor has always stressed the unalloyed loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the President, Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution. Accordingly, as the 2023 General Elections approach, desperate persons must depart from their evil ways, for never again would they lure the military into their wicked machinations. If a confession must be made, Nigerians must know now: the military is always the worse victim of military rule.
Finally, in a miserable attempt to malign the leadership of the military, Mr Kayode gave the impression that, while junior military commanders and non-commissioned officers are working hard, senior commanders are doing nothing. This is sheer ignorance and nothing more. Mr Kayode is completely oblivious of the fact that in the military, orders, instructions and directives are issued from the hierarchy to the lower rungs of command. Therefore, junior commanders cannot be working hard while their superiors are idle.
This is indeed a difficult time for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigerians as a whole. It is not time for attention-seeking individuals to cause needless distractions. Members of the public are therefore urged to ignore Mr Femi Fani-Kayode and continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies.
JIMMY AKPOR Major General Director Defence Information
NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONGRATULATES THE NEW MISKHAM MWAGHAVUL.
Former Comptroller of Customs, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi has congratulated Da John Putmang Hirse over his recent selection as the new Miskham Mwaghavul.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Media Aide, Boniface Kassam, the Captain of the DVD Movement in Plateau State said the selection of the new paramount ruler was the best thing that would happen to the Mwaghavul nation.
He described Da John Putmang Hirse as a seasoned public servant who will bring his wealth of experience toward enthroning peaceful coexistence among his people and Plateau State as at-large.
“Having served at the Federal level and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary before becoming the Miskham Mangu and now the entire Mwaghavul nation, I have no doubt that the Mwaghavul people have made the right choice. He will bring his wealth of experience to bare as the paramount ruler of the entire Mwaghavul nation”, he said.
He therefore urged the new paramount ruler to ensure unity among his people and other ethnic groups in the State.
He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom as he seats on the throne of one of the largest ethnic groups in Plateau State.
GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS DIASPORA BIKER KUNLE ADEYANJU; RESTATES COMMITMENT TO POLIO ERADICATION, SPORTS AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received Kunle Adeyanju the diaspora biker who rode from London to Nigeria.
Kunle who is in Jos as part of his advocacy for the fight against Polio met with Governor Simon Lalong at the oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913.
He said he is still going round the country to encourage Nigerians to keep on doing what they have done to fight against Polio so that the disease will not come back again.
Adeyanju stated that just last week, Polio was recorded in the UK and also reiterated the fact that Malawi, Cote D’Ivoire and Togo still have Polio. Therefore it is very important for the country to sustain its efforts to permanently kick polio out of Nigeria so that Polio will never return.
Governor congratulated Kunle Adeyanju for a successful trip from London and also welcome him to Plateau State, describing him as a hero and worthy ambassador of the nation.
Lalong also appreciated his effort in fighting against Polio, a disease which he said did a lot of damage to Nigeria and took a very long time to be checkmated.
The Governor also told him that he is a major donor in the fight against Polio by his reason of being a member of the Rotary International, a body that has led in the fight against Polio globally.
He assured him that the Government of Plateau State will continue to do its best to not only address polio related matters, but also handle other diseases that pose a threat to public health and safety.
Lalong also told Adeyanju that his administration has continued to create the right atmosphere for tourism and sports to thrive thereby making it possible for more people to visit Plateau State for leisure and business.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to Adeyanju to use the benefit of his visit to Plateau State to send out the correct information about the fact that a new Plateau that is peaceful, accommodating and investor- friendly has emerged out of the sustained efforts of the Rescue Administration.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th July 2022.
GAGDI FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-KABR, DISTRIBUTES 430 RAMS, TWO TRAILERS OF RICE FOR SALLAH CELEBRATION
No fewer than 430 rams and 1700 (50kg, 25kg and 10kg) bags of rice were distributed to Muslim constituents of PKK by the member representing the constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to facilitate a hitchfree 2022 Eid-el-Kabr celebration for the beneficiaries.
It is a sacrosanct tradition of the lawmaker to distribute food items and cash donations to his constituents during festive period in tandem with the spirit of giving and to also assist the less privileged members of the constituency celebrate without much hassle, this has been a yearly ritual he has maintained since 2015, when he was elected to the State Assembly.
This year’s celebration came at a time prices of foodstuffs and animals have skyrocketed, jeopardizing the chances of many households to provide for their families, hence the lawmaker’s intervention comes handy, as attested to by many of the beneficiaries.
Traditional rulers, party officials, various youths and support groups, as well as religious leaders from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam local government areas benefitted from the lawmaker’s gesture, and were appreciative of the intervention.
Cash support raging from 10 thousand to 50 thousand naira were distributed to those some selected perambulation alongside the rams and rice to different individuals and groups to assist in buying soup ingredients. The cash distribution totals 5 million naira.
About 81 rams were shared to salaried village heads within Kanam Traditional Council, 25 to Jahr Chiefdom and 50 to Kanam Emirate Council, making a total of 156 to the entire traditional institution in Kanam LGA.
30, 10 and 12 rams were distributed to Imams of Jummat mosques in Kanam, Pankshin and Kanke local government areas respectively. Similarly, distribution committees in Kanam alongside leadership of KPY and Jos got 33 and 15 rams respectively.
Friends and relations got 54 rams, Jos based stakeholders got 50 while the Kanam APC caucus got 27 and some youth groups got 25 rams.
As for rice distribution, Imams of Jummat mosques got 234 bags, 500 bags were distributed to stakeholders in PKK, VOGA officials shared 100 bags, Babayo boys got 100 bags, youth groups in PKK got 300 bags, Kanam LGA Exco and Ward Chairmen 41 bags, while 247 bags were shared to village heads and traditional rulers.
OUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR AMBITION IS UNDILUTED, ARTISTS TELL RT HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI
In what appears to be a tacit approval of the competence of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to be returned to the House of Representatives, a group of artists have thrown their support behind his ambition.
The group, which included lyricists, composers, musicians and other creative artists, were at the Gagdi Support Group Foundation at Yingi, Rayfield, Jos, on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 to confirm their support for his re-election to represent the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
The group which was received by Pharm Mizim Dagung Haruna, Senior Legislative Aide to Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi, noted that the constituency has continued to be inundated with myriad of life changing projects and other social intervention needs that have never been witnessed before.
Describing Rt Hon Gagdi as one not satisfied with what he has done so far has exhibited uncommon passion for setting a record that would be difficult to beat.
Corroborating what has been said about Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, one of his aides, Comrade Saminu Maigoro, said Hon Gagdi remains committed to providing the people with life changing and people-oriented projects in virtually all communities in the constituency.
He told the guests who have composed songs, videos and other creative contents in honour of Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi to remain committed to the cause of selling him to the larger societyty.
Speaking severally, the artists, made glowing reviews of Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi’s contributions towards uplifting the lives of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
While pledging to work harder towards helping to sell his candidacy, the group prayed for his success in 2023 and offered suggestions on the way forward.
Those who attended the meeting included, MC Dan Angas, Ayuba Dutse, Xtra P, Jaafar Danja, Lasgidi, and Glamor amongst other 40 artists.
HON. GAGDI HAS BEATEN THE BLUEPRINT SET FOR HIM BY PKK – GOBAK A former Secretary to Plateau State Government, and an elder statesman, Chief John Gobak mni, OFR, has showered accolades on the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, over his achievements as a federal legislator. Speaking to THE BEACON in his office today, Gobak said that Gagdi’s performance in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, and what he did to improve the welfare of his constituents is beyond their (PKK constituents) expectations and has the blueprint initiated for him by his constituents drawn from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas. According to him, when Gagdi newly won his election in 2019, he enlisted him (Gobak) as head of the team that will come up with a blueprint of what his constituents will like to be done for them. And he (Gobak) asked Gagdi why he wanted to kill his political career, knowing fully well that any blueprint presented to him, will serve as a yardstick of judging his performance. He said, “I asked Gagdi whether he will be able to accomplish all that will be prepared for him as a blueprint. He gave me the assurance that he will be able. We then set out to work by nominating from each local government of the federal constituency those that will come up with a very good and life bettering blueprint. After completing their assignment, we presented to him as a document and he launched it in Pankshin.” Beyond our wildest imagination Gobak went on, Gagdi did remarkably well more than what was enunciated for him. “ On the issue of a single term of four years in office being advocated for by some of Gagdi’s constituents, Gobak said, “The All Progressives Congress, APC, has given Pankshin the Senate ticket of Plateau Central Senatorial District to Pankshin, the Governorship Ticket to Kanke and the House of Reps of PKK to Kanam. The party faithful of PKK deems it fit to return Gagdi for a second term based on his remarkable achievements. This has balanced the equation. Those saying there shouldn’t be second tenure for Gagdi, which local government would they want to take double ratio, and why would they want Kanam to go empty? The people of Kanam have presented him as the person whom they want to fill in their portion, and they are not complaining, why would someone from Pankshin or Kanke complain? Is the Senate and Governorship not enough for them? Is politics not give and take?” Furthermore, he said that reward system is an active ingredient in boosting the morale of elective office holders to do more. “Gagdi has made a very great impact on the lives of his constituents and we are praying that he will do more if he wins again, “he added.
Rt. HON. YUSUF GAGDI TO BE UNVEILED AS AMBASSADOR FOR THE 2022 OPSH PEACE AND UNITY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT / SECURITY AND LEADERSHIP YOUTH SUMMIT
The commitment of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency to creating various platforms for the utilization of the energies of the youth to national development has been praised.
This was the view of the representative of Major General IS Ali, General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division and Commander, Special Task Force Operations Safe Haven (OPSH), when he visited him in his office at the Gagdi Support Group Foundation in Jos Wednesday, July 6, 2022.
Represented by Navy Captain HA Hassan, the Sector 1 Commander,Major General I.S Ali, noted that the choice and recognition of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi as Ambassador for the 2022 OPSH Peace and Unity Football Tournament/Security and Leadership Youth Summit was instructive given his pedigree in the area of youth empowerment and his youth friendly disposition.
While responding, the Senior Legislative Aide to Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi, Pharm Mizim Dagung Haruna said the choice of his boss was well conceived, as it was an idea whose time has come.
He noted that Gagdi over the years, has remained consistent in his drive to ensure that the youth are given a place in the scheme of things to showcase their endowments.
He reiterated the fact that one of the things which the Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is closely associated with was the burning passion to unite young people through various initiatives.
Present during the meeting were members of the Operation Safe Haven Youth group led by their Coordinator Domtur Victor.
EID-EL-KABIR: GOVERNOR SIMON LALONG ADVOCATES UNITY, LOVE AND BROTHERHOOD
Plateau State Governor and Chairman Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.
Governor Lalong in a Sallah message congratulated the Muslim Ummah for commemorating another significant event in the Muslim calendar which brings to fore the message of sacrifice, love, tolerance and unity as preached by the Holy Prophet (PBH).
The Governor urged Muslims to celebrate this significant spiritual event by reflecting on the issues that Nigeria has been confronted with such as insecurity, intolerance, religious bigotry, ethnic bias and poverty among others that can only be tackled when there is unity, collaboration and sacrifice among all Nigerians.
He said the matters that are weighing down national progress are such that Nigerians must look beyond parochial and selfish interests to enable people from all strata of society get equal opportunities contribute to solutions irrespective of their backgrounds.
While expressing optimism that Nigeria will surely overcome its challenges, Lalong challenged all stakeholders to work hard in building values and ethos that promote national agenda, equity, justice, fairness and respect for diversity particularly now that political activities are in top gear.
He also called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for Plateau State and Nigeria and support the government as it works hard to fulfil its electoral mandate to the people.
Lalong also urged those in the holy land to pray and offer supplications to God for divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 8th July 2022.
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