Delivering the verdict, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, President of the Court-Martial, declared Sergeant Raphael Ameh, Sergeant Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje guilty on multiple charges. Each was sentenced to life imprisonment. Corporal Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year sentence.

The soldiers were convicted of offences including theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, and aiding the enemy, all in violation of the Armed Forces.

In its ruling, the court described the soldiers’ actions as a serious breach of military discipline and a direct threat to national security. The court found that the men knowingly aided enemy elements and undermined counter-insurgency operations in the region.

Read Also: Nigerian Army Neutralises Bandits Second-In-Command In Kogi

Brigadier General Abdullahi condemned the convicts as “bad eggs” who had betrayed the trust and honour of the Nigerian Army.

“Their conduct is disgraceful and unacceptable. The Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance stance on the illegal sale of arms and ammunition to adversaries. This will not be tolerated in any form or guise,” he stated.

The sentencing is seen as a strong message to personnel engaged in unpatriotic activities amid ongoing security challenges in the country.

Source: Channels

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The troops reportedly intercepted several armed bandits on motorcycles attempting to enter the forest. One bandit was killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. A motorcycle, two mobile phones, a machete, and charms were recovered at the scene.

“In continuation of efforts to deny bandits freedom of action in the Joint Operations Area, troops staged an ambush along known bandit routes leading into Odare Forest. Contact was made with bandits, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect,” Zhakom said.

He added that in a separate operation on Sunday, September 15, troops also launched coordinated offensives around Garga, Showaka, Yuli, and Kukawa villages in Wase and Kanam LGAs.

Read Also: Nigerian Army Neutralises Bandits Second-In-Command In Kogi

Armed with credible intelligence, the soldiers reportedly overpowered the criminals using superior firepower, forcing them to flee. During the operation, a G3 rifle, a magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.

“These operations form part of the military’s ongoing resolve to deny criminal elements any freedom of operation and ensure they are brought to justice,” the statement added.

Source: Punch

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The fresh combatants are members of the 88 Regular Recruit Intake who commenced training at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria on Jan. 13 and have completed the six-month rigorous military training.

A total of 6,450 candidates initiated the training in January; however, 255 were unable to complete the training program.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede is expected to be the reviewing officer at the passing out parade of the new regular combatants, who are expected to boost the army’s manpower needs.

These recruits are expected to be deployed to the various theatres of operation across the country to combat the existential threats in the country.

They will undergo some kinds of specialised training that would prepare them to function effectively in their various areas of responsibility.

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The ceremony, which took place at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, also marked the formal exit of Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who bowed out after nearly four years in the role.

In an emotional farewell address, Nwachukwu described his tenure as “eventful and fulfilling,” highlighting achievements that redefined the Army’s public relations operations.

He listed several milestones under his leadership, including acquiring cutting-edge multimedia equipment, establishing a Strategic Communications Centre, and launching the Nigerian Army Info TV—an online platform aimed at enhancing media reach and public engagement.

In her maiden speech, Lt Col Anele expressed deep gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for the trust reposed in her, pledging to lead with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness.

Anele called on officers, soldiers, and civilian staff within the Directorate to remain “loyal, hardworking, focused and united.

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Tinubu particularly emphasised that the fight should be focused in the Northwest, where these criminals continue to threaten the lives and homes of innocent villagers.

Read Also: Borno Deputy Gov, Over 100 Others Escape Plane Incident

He expressed his profound sympathy to the military authorities following the loss of six brave soldiers during a dawn terrorist attack on January 4, 2025.

His condolence message is contained in a statement  by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, where the President sympathised with the families of the fallen soldiers, whose sacrifice in defending our nation will forever be honoured and remembered.

In the wake of this tragic event, he called for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences.

The President particularly emphasised the Northwest, where these criminals continue to threaten the lives and homes of innocent villagers.

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Recall, Oluyede was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on 30 October in an acting capacity following the death of his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had on 1 November handed him the insignia of office in an unusual ceremony, in line with the Armed Forces Act.

The symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command flag, which signifies the beginning of his tenure, came after the Senate and House of Representatives confirmed his appointment.

Read Also: Tinubu asks Senate to confirm Oluyede as COAS

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and rose to Major General in September 2020.

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On October 20, the army dismissed rumours that Lagbaja had passed on, adding that the army chief was undergoing medical treatment abroad. 

On October 30, Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS. Oluyede was decorated with a new rank of lieutenant-general on the 5th November, 2024.

In a statement on November 6, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, said Lagbaja “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness”.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu,” the statement reads.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.

“On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.

“The president wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

Source: The Cable

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The pro-Biafran group categorically maintained that the Nigerian state was not for Ndigbo and Biafrans.

In a statement, the IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the group was against Igbo youths joining the Nigerian Army because it had no good intentions towards Ndigbo.

Powerful stated that it would be deadly for any Igbo to join an institution that was working against Ndigbo’s interest

.The Indigenous People of Biafra has cautioned Igbo youths against joining Nigerian Army, warning that any youths who fail to comply may be a sacrificial lamb.

The pro-Biafran group categorically maintained that the Nigerian state was not for Ndigbo and Biafrans.

In a statement, the IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the group was against Igbo youths joining the Nigerian Army because it had no good intentions towards Ndigbo.

Powerful stated that it would be deadly for any Igbo to join an institution that was working against Ndigbo’s interest.

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