News
Ministry Begins Investigations Into Police Helicopter Crash
The Acting Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr Mohammed Abubakar says the Federal Ministry of Aviation has begun investigations into the cause of the police helicopter crash in Jos last Wednesday.
Abubakar who announced this Sunday at a joint news conference with the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Calebo Olubolade (rtd), said the crash for now remained an “accident unless the investigation proved otherwise.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation, who is the expert, has been initiated to conduct an investigation. So we should wait to see the outcome.
The IG said that the crash was the first the police had recorded with its helicopters and assured that the accident would not deter its determination to provide security in the country.
This is the price to pay in the service of this country; on our part, we shall continue to do our best to serve this country and we will rededicate our efforts in making safety and security of this country our priority,” he said. Earlier, Olubolade had described the death of Mr Haruna John, a Deputy Inspector General of Police and three others in the crash, as a “tragic loss to the police and a sad moment in the country”.
As a result of insecurity in the land, these officers have to pay the supreme price, it is unfortunate; they lost their lives in the cause of tackling current security challenges.
Olubolade described the deceased as “brilliant and active officers” who were committed to their job.
The minister said the government would support the families of the deceased, adding that already the ministry and the police authorities were working out the modality to support them.
Our correspondent reports that shortly after the conference, the IG paid condolence visit to the family late Sgt. Sonatian Shirunam, the orderly to late Haruna, Nyanya in the FCT, who also died in the crash.
Abubakar re-assured the wife and six children of the determination of the police to assist them.
No fewer than 93 people, including Gov Emmanuel Uduanghan of Delta and former Senate President Joseph Wayas, had signed condolence register opened for the deceased officers at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.
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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