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Boko Haram: Military Vows To Avenge Beheaded Pilot
Commissioner for Information and Communication Mrs Ibim Semenitari (right) hold tape for the Chief of Staff Government House, Sir Tony Okocha (middle) to commission the water project built by her for her Ward 5 Abam/Igbiri Okirika, State Deputy Chairman APC Rivers, State, Prince Peter Odike, recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has warned that it would unleash vengeance on Boko Haram following claims by the sect to have beheaded a pilot of the Nigeria Air Force.
Although the DHQ on Friday disputed the claim that any pilot was killed by the terrorists, friends of the military man who was shown by Boko Haram in its latest video as the man they murdered, had taken to the social media Saturday to ‘confirm’ his death in the hands of the terrorists.
The Nigerian Army Support Group as the ‘friends’ call themselves named him as Wing Commander Chimda Hedima, 39.
They described him as “a true Nigerian hero.”
They said of the circumstances of his death: “On 11/09/14, a company of NA soldiers attempted to overrun a BH position in Borno. Due to the low altitude, the plane suffered significant damage from the terrorists’ gunfire. Wing Commander Hedima and his partner realised that they were going to crash.
“They, instead of hurriedly parachuting to safety within Nigerian controlled territory, chose to embark on a mission to destroy as many terrorists and their weapons as possible. They parachuted out at the last minute but not before ensuring their plane slammed into a column of terrorists; 63 Boko Haram members were killed as a result of their bravery.
“Wing Commander Hedima was captured. On 12/09/14, he was killed.
“He chose Nigeria, he chose all of us. We cannot forget him. Please share his story. His name should be known by everyone.
“Rest in peace, Commander, we are grateful. May you find eternal peace. Thank you for your service.”
But sources at the DHQ said yesterday that regardless of claims about its missing pilot, the military will battle on and deal decisively with Boko Haram.
One of the sources said: “In spite of whatever the insurgents may claim, I can tell you that the battle has shifted more to the air than land. The military has ordered more air strikes against all the positions or camps of Boko Haram.
“We will bombard the insurgents into submission. They cannot intimidate our jet fighters. As a matter of fact, more pilots are willing to join the aerial raid. It is going to be a battle to the finish.
“More fighter jets have been deployed in the relevant areas in strategic manner. The purported shooting down of 10 aircraft is a hoax.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “We are not only after those who claimed to have beheaded a pilot; we will deal with all the leaders of the sect and their members.
“We have the capacity to take the battle to them. We will engage these insurgents and overcome them.”
Already, the military has placed an order for AH-1 Cobra helicopters for attacks on Boko Haram enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the hilly terrains of Gwoza and Madagali in Borno and Adamawa states.
Another source said: “Actually the AH-1 Cobra helicopters are good for the terrain in the North-East. Many countries, including the United States, have used these gunships in the past.
“The Cobra helicopters were deployed by the US during the Vietnam War. The situation in Sambisa Forest could be likened to what was then obtainable in Vietnam.”
The Huey Cobra, according to Wikipedia “provided support for ground forces during the Vietnam War.”
The AH-1 (company designation: model 209) is a two-blade, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell’s UH-1 Iroquois.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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