Minister tasks National Defence College on knowledge-based armed forces

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammed Matawalle, said the National Defence College (NDC) should develop a curriculum to aid in producing knowledge-based Armed Forces.

Matawalle spoke as a Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration of the Course 32 of the NDC in Abuja.

A statement by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, quoted Matawalle as saying that the Federal Government would not relent in building a resilient Armed Forces in the face of unpredictable economic and environmental conditions.

He said this would be in response to risk that might threaten national security, economic prosperity and societal wellbeing.

The minister reiterated the President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to combat corruption and improve the economy of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker, Dr Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, noted that Nigeria was blessed with people born with talents and capacities to produce and develop.

On the topic “Strengthening national unity for security and development in Nigeria”, Kana said there might be challenges today, but assured that the country would soon take its rightful place.

“I assure you that Nigeria will soon take its rightful place because of the realisation of the importance of human capital development,” he said.

Earlier Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the support to the college.

Olotu urged the participants to use the opportunity to prepare for higher responsibilities as well as establish strong bond of friendship.

“It is worthy to note that 108 members participated at this year Course 32, and out of that figure, we had total number of 15 foreign participants,” he said.

DHQ: Troops eliminate 31 terrorists, apprehend 81 in one week

The Nigerian troops have in the last one week neutralised 31 terrorists and apprehended 81 others in various operations across North East, North Central and North West.

A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated this on Sunday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also rescued 10 kidnapped hostages, while a total of 63 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troop across theaters of operation.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted fighting patrols to Bama and Chibok local government areas of Borno, as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

Buba said the troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two locally fabricated rifles, three dane guns, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, four magazines, three motorcycles, among other items.

He added that the troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued five kidnapped persons.

In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested five suspects, recovered arms and ammunition, as well as 145 rustled cows during the week.

He said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke had On Oct. 1, arrested two IPOB/ESN criminals in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue while on patrol.

He stated that the criminals were arrested at the residence of a top herbalist, while the herbalist fled.

He added that “troops recovered one body armour and bullet proof vests.

“Overall, troops arrested three suspects and recovered two locally fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five cutlasses, one body armour, one bullet proof vest and a jack-knife.”

In North West, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised six terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 33 kidnapped persons.

He said the troops also recovered four AK47 rifles, two dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, three motorcycles, fuve mobile phones, one cutlass and five solar panels.

Troops of Operation Whirl Punch also eliminated one terrorist and recovered three AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm war heads, one cutlass, amongst other items.

He stated that the armed forces and citizens are partners in combating common enemy, which are the terrorists and violent extremist groups.

“Accordingly, the military, through its operations, continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress,” he said. (NAN)