News
Fake Army Officer Nabbed
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, MajorGeneral Mohammed Isah, has paraded a 41-year old man, Godwin Awawa, for allegedly extorting money fraudulently from unsuspecting members of the public in the disguise of being an officer of the Nigerian Army.
According to the GOC, between February 2009 and June 2010, the Obudu, Cross River State born Awawa went about defrauding unsuspecting individuals in Enugu and its environs to the tune of about Ni0m.
Isah disclosed that the suspect was intercepted while he was on the verge of defrauding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Ebonyi State chapter, Chief Dave Umahi.
Suspecting a fowl play, he said, Umahi called the Division and he was asked to play along and delay the accused, while a call was put across to the GCO in Abakaliki to order his arrest.
The GOC further disclosed that an accomplice, Gabriel Agbo, an indigene of Benue State, is still at large, while Awawa said he operated using a fake identity bearing the name Abraham Musa in the name of raising funds for a non-existing Nigerian Army Control/Charity Programme.
“We printed fake Identity Cards, Letter head Papers and books of the Army on the programme to convince our victims. We also printed forms on which they could pen down their names and signature, then state the amount to be given,” Awawa explained.
Continuing, went further to confirm that “We had no problems because they wasted no time in giving us whatever amount that was pledged until the groove bust. Before now, I lived out of the money we made from this ‘business’.”
Addressing journalists later in his office, Major-General Isah urged Nigerians to be careful of such individuals in the system, stating that it was carried out by a syndicate.
“It is a big syndicate. We almost intercepted one in New Haven, Enugu , recently. The individuals only escaped when they got wind of our coming,” Isah said.
“The public should beware. Whenever they see the dupes, they should arrest them and the Army is ready to parade impostors”, he further assured.
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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