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Fani-Kayode Tasks FG On National Security …As Trump Appoints New Security Chief
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has advised the Federal Government to do more in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism and national security.
He said this in reaction to President Donald Trump’s appointment of Richard Grenell, as the acting United States Director of National Intelligence.
The former presidential aide expressed delight at the appointment and advised the Buhari administration to brace up and be ready for Grenell.
Fani-Kayode stated that Grenell is now the most powerful man in America in terms of intelligence-gathering, espionage and security matters.
The outspoken critic said the envoy recognises the strategic importance of Nigeria to the United States and fully appreciates “what we are being subjected to by the present administration”.
“He has a deep interest in our affairs, he cares for us and he knows the mess that we put ourselves in by electing Buhari and allowing him to steal his mandate both in 2015 and 2019.
“Needless to say, the events of the last five years have vindicated him and proved him right. They have vindicated and proved yours truly right as well,” he added.
In 2015, Grenell in an article titled “Nigeria On The Brink” published on Washington Times, warned Nigerians against electing General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) as President.
The current Ambassador to Germany noted that “Buhari had spoken sympathetically about members of the terrorist group, Boko Haram”.
Grenell declared that Buhari’s election as Nigeria’s head of state would be a disaster for Africa.
The verdict rattled the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ruling party called the new US Intelligence chief a paid agent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Garba Shehu, who was then APC Presidential Campaign media director, labelled Grenell’s opinion “provocative”.
He described it as an” advertisement by a failed President (Goodluck Jonathan) and his ruinous party, the PDP, to tarnish the hard won credibility and integrity of Buhari”.
After Buhari assumed office in 2015, he appointed Shehu as his senior special assistant on media and publicity.
The president retained Shehu, a former media adviser to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, for the same position in 2019.
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.
