Decoration of CDS with new rank well deserved

August 1, 2023Benjamin SamsonSecurity0

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A non- partisan advocacy civil society group, Nigeria Reawakening Initiative has welcomed the decoration of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa with the rank of a four star General, saying it is well deserved.

The group in a press release on Tuesday signed by the Convener, Bashir Bello, said the decoration is a call to duty.The group however, said given the CDS track record of performance, he is up to the task ahead.

Nigeria Reawakening Initiative while hailing leadership concept of the CDS released last week, said it gives hope that very soon, the security challenges facing the country will be a thing of the past.

The press release noted that synergy which is one of the leadership concepts is already playing a big role in the successes been recorded across the various theatres of operation.

The group said, “The various services have keyed into the leadership concept of the CDS, hence criminals across the country are having it rough.

“Recently, several terrorists loyal to the notorious terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Nashama, were eliminated by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD).

“Similar airstrikes were also conducted on terrorists’ enclaves at Hanawanka in Shiroro LGA and Palele, a village on the borders of Shiroro and Munya LGAs of Niger State.

“In the Northeast, air strikes were also conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on 25 July 2023 at a terrorists’ hideout located about 1.5Km East of Arra in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

“Between 28-29 July 2023, air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft were conducted in various locations in Zurmi, Tsafe, Faskari and Jibia Local Government Areas (LGA) in Zamfara and Katsina States.

“Specifically, in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, the air component obliterated at least 16 terrorists in enclaves believed to belong to terrorist Kingpin Dankarami.

“Just recently, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), operating in 6 Division Area of Responsibility, in conjunction with operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as operatives of Tantita Security, have uncovered and invaded a major illegal oil refining site at Owahwa community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

“Also, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction missions at Degema and Krakrama in Rivers. Over the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets, damaging some equipment.

““Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines. N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts by troops operating in the Niger-Delta.

“In the course of operations, troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 4,400 litres of dual purpose kerosene

“Similarly, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations against the terrorists’ enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa local councils of Borno State

“Troops are also making sure there is peace in the South-East. Troops of Operation UDOKA raided camps/hideouts of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Oroma, Umuemu and Umuewelum villages in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Similarly, troops raided gunmen hideouts in Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. And, Garki and 9th Mile in Enugu East and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu state.

According to Nigeria Reawakening Initiative, “all these and several others not mentioned coming just a few weeks after assumption of office by the CDS and the service chiefs is an indication that they are up to the task ahead of them.

“We therefore urge Nigerians to give the Armed Forces of Nigeria maximum support to tackle the security challenges,” the group added.