News
Arms Shipment Won’t Affect Nigeria, Iran Relations -Ajumogobia
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Odein Ajumogobia says the shipment of arms from Iran to Nigeria does not in any way affect the relationship between the two countries as it was not designed to undermine Nigeria.
Ajumogobia stated this during an interview with The Tide at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
He noted that as one of the United Nations communities, Nigeria voted for the sanction against Iran for refusing to subject itself to international inspection and monitoring of nuclear materials, saying that the sanction is for interest of the international community.”
According to him, Nigeria plans to start nuclear power for the purposes of electricity supply, it has already subscribed to international regime, pointing out that the shipment of arms through Nigeria was a violation of those sanctions by Iran, and Nigeria is under obligation to vote against Iran.
“We are all subject to the tragic consequences of terrorism such as that which occurred in Abuja on October 1, 2010. Nuclear weapons get into wrong hands so it behoves on all of us to ensure that nuclear materials are monitored and controlled,” Ajumogobia said adding “we have good relationship with the Republic of Iran and we are members of the G-8, the OPEC and the OIC and hoped that both countries would as able to work together.”
The foreign affairs minister noted that before any country ships of arms, it must be with the consent of the National Security Adviser and explained that the suspects are being prosecuted for illegal importation of arms because there was no consent in the shipment.
He was confident that the International Community and ECOWAS would use legitimate force to remove Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d’Ivoire, if displomacy faileds, adding that “a process whereby UN moves from peace-keeping to peace-enforcement may be used. We are not shirking our responsibilities of ECOWAS but we are saying that we need the sanction of the UN Security Council to be able to exercise force in a sovereign country.
Shedie Okpara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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