By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the alleged recruitment of de-redicalised Boko Haram ex-fighters into the Nigerians military.

The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu described the information being peddled on social media as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to disregard it in its entirety.

According to him, DHQ wishes to state that the claims are not only bereft of truth, but laced with mediocrity emanating from poorly researched and uninformed position.

Contrary to his claims, no Boko Haram ex-fighter has been recruited into the Nigerian military and no such plan is in the offing.

The de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme is a Federal Government programme conducted under the auspices of Operation Safe Corridor as a non-kinetic operation.

Nigerias de-radicalization model is a very effective one, targeted at low risk combatants and has become a classical example in the Lake Chad Basin Region and West Africa, he said.

The defence spokesperson further disclosed that over 250 repentant insurgents, who willingly abandoned their struggle and surrendered to federal troops, had been de-radicalised, rehabilitated and re-integrated into the society.

He explained that Nigerias de-radicalisation model was in tandem with global standard as being done in Algeria, Colombia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where persons involved in violent extremism have been de-radicalised and rehabilitated.

So far in Nigeria, the de-radicalized ex-fighters are doing well in their respective communities, as no adverse report has been recorded against the de-radicalized repentant ex-fighters by Operation Safe Corridors monitoring unit.

There has not been report of molestation or harassment of any sort against them by members of the communities, where they are resettled.

As a matter of verifiable fact, the reintegrated ex- fighters are doing well in their various endeavours and are positively impacting on their respective communities.

It is also expedient to state, that the Federal Government of Nigeria has continued to prosecute BHT/ISWAP suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction and over 500 terrorists have so far been convicted.

Meanwhile, the next round of prosecution of another batch of terrorism suspects is due to commence shortly.

The Defence Headquarters reiterates its commitment to ensuring a well motivated, trained and equipped Armed Forces that is professionally responsive to national security commitments, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Maj-Gen. Muktar Mohammed-Bunza, Commandant, Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria presenting a medal to an athlete from Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Zaria at the closing ceremony of Third NMS Sports Week held at the NMS playing ground on Saturday

By Mohammed Lawal
Brig.-Gen. Adeyinka Laguda, Commandant, Warrant Officers Academy, on Saturday urged Nigerians to use sports to mend sour relationship towards promoting national cohesion.

He stated this while declaring close the 3rd Nigerian Military School (NMS) Sports Week held at the school sports ground in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Laguda described sports as a critical factor that would not only keep individuals physically fit but also facilitate togetherness.

He said that sports and physical activities remained a routine training in the Army, adding that Boys of the NMS aspiring to join the Armed Forces of Nigeria must imbibe the tenet of being physically fit.

It is in this light that the Nigerian Army Training Directorate makes provision and emphasises on the need for regular physical training for personnel in the service.

Today, one of the import of the physical fitness requirements of the policy directive is the Sports Week which has been organised by the school in order to promote and enhance the physical fitness and mental development of the Boys.

It is without doubt that the tournament has enable the school to discover more talents in different sports that will represent the school in Inter-Command/Nigerian Military School Games, Kaduna State Schools Competition and even at the national level, he said.

Laguda noted with satisfaction that all the events were keenly competed for by the representatives of different training companies.

While appreciating the Boys for putting extra-ordinary efforts to win and bring laurels for their repetitive companies, the Commandant said such efforts would help to foster better team spirit and healthy competition.

He said: Today, we saw a fashion and uncommon desire through dexterity displayed by the Boys in order to bring honour and glory to their companies.

However, in every organised tournament, there will always be a champion and at the end of this competition, Lagos company has shown the greatest zeal and commitment, thereby emerged champions.

Boys of Nigerian Military School (NMS) in a Tug-of-War during the closing ceremony of NMS Third Sports Week held at the school in Zaria on Saturday.

Laguda saluted other training companies for putting up good and healthy fights throughout the competition, advising that as soldiers they should imbibe the spirit of regular training and sporting activities not only for competitions.

He commended the Commandant, NMS, Maj-Gen. Muktar Mohammed-Bunza for effectively piloting the training and administrative affairs of the military school within the ideals and expectations of the Nigerian Army.

The Commandant has repackaged the NMS to become a darling baby of the Chief of Army Staff and also a proud entity of all the products of this great institution of learning.

Looking around the entire school environment, the serenity is laudable and commendable, please sir, keep up the good work.

To the Boys, you must take full advantage of the enormous training and learning facilities made available for your progress and prospects in life.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the end of the the week long competition, Lagos Company emerged overall winners with 12 Gold, seven Silver and six Bronze.

Enugu Company came second with nine Gold, nine Silver and four Bronze while Zaria company clutched third position with seven Gold, 12 Silver and 11 Bronze.

NAN also reports that invited schools for the closing ceremony included; Federal Government Girls College, Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Demonstration Secondary School, Foundation Science School, Zaria and Faith Academy, Zaria.

Source: NAN

By Emmanuel Afonne

Nine prominent Nigerians including First Lady Aisha Buhari and Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu, have bagged the Maiden Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Pillar of Sports Award, for their role in youth and sports development.

The awards presented by Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, Vice Chancellor, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, also saw billionaire businessman Prince Ned Nwoko, Osun State Governor Mr Gboyega Oyetola and former Oyo Governor Alao Akala, honoured with the same award.

Other awardees were Engr. Gideon Ikhine, a PDP Governorship Aspirant in Edo, Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mr Frank Okiye, and Chief Ken Imasuagbon, proprietor of Pace Setters Schools, as well as Mr Brown Ebewele, former Edo Commissioner for Sports.

Prof. Onimawo said the awardees deserved to be honoured going by their pedigree and contributions to sports development in the state and in the country.

We looked at their pedigree and what they have been doing for sports; take the case of deputy governor of Edo State, as a deputy governor he plays for Bendel Insurance Football Club as a team member.

Is it Brown Ebewele? This is someone who has contributed his quota in sports as commissioner for sports; Ned Nwodo is building stadium somewhere.

These individuals have done so well in the area of youth and sports development when you look at them one after the other.

Chief Imasuagbon popularly known as the rice man is supporting sports everywhere in Edo State, so we dont just give award because somebody has money; if it were for money, we know people to contact.

Some of them are not sportsmen but they like sports and they contribute to its development, so, they deserve the award, Onimawo said.

Onimawo who was decorated with a special belt by the Karate Association in Edo State also commended the awardees for donating to the universitys N500 million endowment fund for the construction of a mini stadium.

The stadium the VC said when completed would have an indoor sports hall facilities and also a tartan track for athletics.

We will have an indoor sports hall where we can play badminton, table tennis and then, develop a new arena for hockey, volleyball and handball, these are things we want develop.

My vision is that by the time we are leaving office, all round development of sports must have taken place, he added.

PDP Governorship Aspirant Ikhine who dedicated the award to the youths of the state, noted that sports epitomizes so many things in the development of many nation especially when taken from the grassroots.

He said that sporting activities usually determined the progress, tenacity and focus of any individual.

Like I always say what makes up for a great nation is the ability to fail and rise from the failing; people dont really see the dignity in failing because each time you fail it builds up your muscle to remain focus in what you are doing.

Sports is not all about winning, sports is all about taking off, failing and rising to win. The greatest of men in sports Mohammed Ali was not Mohammed Ali because he kept winning all his fight but how he always comeback each time he was knocked out.

So, we should train our children especially in the University to be able to retrace their steps whenever they fail; that is what builds up the muscle for a great nation and as sportsmen and sportswomen we must train and retrain ourselves to remain very competent for any competition.

Prof. Felix Okokhere who received the award on behalf of Aisha Buhari and Mr Okiye, the Edo House of Assembly Speaker said the award was an indication that sports development and people go hand-in-hand.

This University is located in a place where talents abound; Super Eagles players Victor Osihmen and Odion Ighalo are from this environment and we want to encourage more of their likes to come up.

Okokhere who is a member of the award committee said the award is not about grandstanding but bringing development to the grassroots.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that businessman Dr Fola Akinsonun received the award on behalf of Gov. Oyetola. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the alleged recruitment of de-redicalised Boko Haram ex-fighters into the Nigerians military.

The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu described the information being peddled on social media as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to disregard it in its entirety.

According to him, DHQ wishes to state that the claims are not only bereft of truth, but laced with mediocrity emanating from poorly researched and uninformed position.

Contrary to his claims, no Boko Haram ex-fighter has been recruited into the Nigerian military and no such plan is in the offing.

The de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme is a Federal Government programme conducted under the auspices of Operation Safe Corridor as a non-kinetic operation.

Nigerias de-radicalization model is a very effective one, targeted at low risk combatants and has become a classical example in the Lake Chad Basin Region and West Africa, he said.

The defence spokesperson further disclosed that over 250 repentant insurgents, who willingly abandoned their struggle and surrendered to federal troops, had been de-radicalised, rehabilitated and re-integrated into the society.

He explained that Nigerias de-radicalisation model was in tandem with global standard as being done in Algeria, Colombia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where persons involved in violent extremism have been de-radicalised and rehabilitated.

So far in Nigeria, the de-radicalized ex-fighters are doing well in their respective communities, as no adverse report has been recorded against the de-radicalized repentant ex-fighters by Operation Safe Corridors monitoring unit.

There has not been report of molestation or harassment of any sort against them by members of the communities, where they are resettled.

As a matter of verifiable fact, the reintegrated ex- fighters are doing well in their various endeavours and are positively impacting on their respective communities.

It is also expedient to state, that the Federal Government of Nigeria has continued to prosecute BHT/ISWAP suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction and over 500 terrorists have so far been convicted.

Meanwhile, the next round of prosecution of another batch of terrorism suspects is due to commence shortly.

The Defence Headquarters reiterates its commitment to ensuring a well motivated, trained and equipped Armed Forces that is professionally responsive to national security commitments, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Dutch police arrested a suspect in the stabbing of three teenagers in a busy shopping street in The Hague, the citys police force said.

Following the stabbing incident in Grote Marktstraat, a 35-year-old man has just been arrested in the centre of The Hague. The man has no fixed place of residence, police said on Twitteron Saturday.

He will be transferred to a police station where he will be questioned.

The three people injured, two 15-year-old girls and a 13-year-old boy, were all discharged from hospital late on Friday.

The attack caused panic in The Hague as it happened just hours after a man stabbed two people to death in London.

Police initially said they were looking for a man, about 45 to 50 years old, in a grey jogging suit.

But in a later update police spokeswoman Marije Kuiper said they did not yet have a description of the suspect, adding the initial statement was wrong.

Images on social media showed shoppers running in panic away from the scene on a nighttime retail street lit by Christmas fairy lights.

I saw two girls screaming and running away. A man fled. He jumped very athletically over benches to get away. He looked like a cheetah, one witness told broadcaster NOS.

People were trying to get away but that didnt work. I was shocked.

A similar stabbing occurred in Amsterdam a year ago when two US citizens were wounded in a knife attack that prosecutors say had a terrorist motive.

Source: NAN

By Stephen Adeleye

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Sunday congratulated Sen. Smart Adeyemi for his victory at Saturdays Kogi West re-run Senatorial District poll announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed issued in Lokoja, described the victory as a collective manifestation of intellectual, moral and cultural virtues, and mandate given by the good people of Kogi West.

Bello commended the APC supporters and the people of Kogi West for exercising their civic rights in a peaceful manner.

He also lauded INEC officials and security agencies for doing their best within the ambit of the law to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the re-run.

Bello restated his commitment to use his second term for groundbreaking developmental strides in all parts of the state, while expressing his gratitude to the people for their support for his administration.

The APC as a party is particularly grateful to the people of Kogi West for their peaceful conduct at the polls and embracing the promise of the party to work assiduously to ensure development of the area and the state in general.

Now that we are having all three APC senators representing Kogi at the National Assembly, my administration will work in synergy with them and other APC lawmakers to attract more projects to our state, to make life more meaningful for its citizens, Bello said.

NAN reports that the returning officer, Prof. Olajide Lawal, announced on Saturday that Adeyemi polled 88,373 votes to defeat the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye who recorded 62,133 votes.

INEC had a week ago declared the election inconclusive due to the margin between Adeyemi and Melaye, which was lower than the number of registered voters in 53 polling units of the 20 registration areas in the zone where elections were cancelled.

Source: NAN

By Aminu Garko

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Niger Command, has arrested one suspect with 1,072 kg of substances suspected to be marijuana in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

The NDLEAs Commander in the state, Mrs Sylvia Egwunwoke, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Saturday.

Egwunwoke said the 56-year-old suspect is from Bangi village in Mariga Local Government Area.

Egwunwoke disclosed that the suspect, who had just finished his jailed term on Oct. 8for similar offence, was arrested following through intelligence report that the suspect was transporting the prohibited weeds to Sokoto state.

(The suspect) was arrested by the command last year along Kontagora with 64kg of Indian Hermp and was convicted by a court and served one year jail term.

The command will, however, not relent in curbing the activities of drug peddlers in the state and the nation at large, she said.

She appealed to members of the public to always report any suspicious activity of drugs peddlers to relevant authorities, to rid the state of drug trafficking and its attendant crises.

We have sincereached out to traditional and religious leaders to mobilize residents to give relevant information on those in the illegal business in their midst, she said.

Source: NAN

At least 14 people including teenagers have been shot dead at a church in Burkina Faso during Sunday mass.

Several other people were wounded in the attack which took place in the village of Foutouri in the Est region of the country.

Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore tweeted: I condemn the barbaric attack against the Protestant Church of Hantoukoura in the department of Foutouri, which left 14 dead and several wounded.

I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.

An Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso this year has ignited ethnic and religious tensions, leaving large parts of the country ungovernable, especially in northern areas bordering Mali.

Source: NAN

A bloody weekend clash between Mexican security forces and drug-cartel gunmen left 21 dead and a shell-shocked city looking like a war zone.

The violence began at noon Saturday when a convoy of cartel trucks stormed into the city of Villa Union in the state of Coahuila, an hour south of the Texas border, and opened fire on the municipal building, which houses the mayors office.

The move prompted an hourlong gunfight between the cartel and security forces with photos of the aftermath showing the town hall (above) and a pickup truck with Texas plates riddled with bullet holes. On the drivers side door are the letters CDN from the Spanish for Cartel of the Northeast.

Four officers and 10 gunmen were killed in the initial exchange of gunfire, with the other seven cartel members gunned down Sunday by Mexican officers who pursued the convoy after its members fled the city, officials said.

Miguel ngel Riquelme Sols, the governor of Coahuila, told reporters Sunday that the government reacted decisively to the attack. He toured the scene, looking at police vehicles left riddled with bullet holes in the assault.

State officials said forces were deployed by land and air, so as not to let the cowardly attack go unpunished, according to a statement released by Coahuila Sunday.

But the attack dealt another blow to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has failed to curtail the cartels, despite promising to do so when he took office a year ago.

Mexican security forces were left red-faced on Oct. 17 when they captured the son of jailed drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman only to be forced to release him hours later when cartel thugs turned the town of Culiacan into a war zone.

Lopez Obrador has felt added pressure from the United States following the Nov. 4 massacre of three women and six children with dual American and Mexican citizenship who were living in a breakaway Mormon community in the state of Sonora.

US Attorney General William Barr is scheduled to visit Mexico next week to discuss security issues.

Tensions between the US and Mexico intensified last week when President Trump announced that he plans to designate Mexican cartels as terror groups and start hitting them with drones.

Lopez Obrador said Friday he would not accept any foreign intervention to deal with the gangs.

Mexican forces vowed to remain in Villa Union for several days to restore calm to the rattled city and to keep the cartel from storming the city again.

These groups wont be allowed to enter state territory, officials in Coahuila said.

Source: NAN

By Nicholas Obisike

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday lost 1-3 to Pyramid Football Club of Egypt in the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) group stage match.

Rangers took the lead in the 28th minute from Ibrahim Olawoyin but had Tope Olusesi red carded before the interval.

Rangers goal lasted after the interval till Mohammed Salama levelled things for the visitor in the 57th minute from the penalty spot.

Mohammed Eldin made it 2-1 for the visitors in the 86th minute before Islam Attia rounded it 3-1 in the 90th minute of the match.

In his reaction, Rangers Coach, Salisu Yusuf said that his players did well but needed to believe in themselves.

We were doing well until the red card to Tope Olusesi. The technical crew is going to work on that before our next match, he said.

Pyramid Coach, Sebastine Desabre said that they met a strong team in Rangers but took their chances once it came.

Rangers was up to the game until they were reduced to ten men and they slacked back, Desabre said.

The Flying Antelopes captain, Uwadiegwu Ugwu said that they did well and would keep improving.

He noted that the technical crew really improved the team and believed that they would do better when the technical crew handled them subsequently.

Rangers will next week travel to Egypt to play another North African team, Al Masry Soccer Club.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rangers technical crew was sacked last week after three consecutive losses.

Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusufu took over the team barely one week to the CAF tournament. (NAN)

Source: NAN