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COAS Admits 36 Years Service In Military
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen Farouk Yahaya, has told the House of Representatives Committees on Defence and Army that he joined the Nigerian Army about 36 years ago, one year above the 35 years mandatory retirement period in public service.
This is coming as the House of Representatives insist on synergy among the security services in the country in other to win the war against insecurity.
The minimum age for enlisting into the Nigerian Armed Forces is put at 18 years old for voluntary service, and personnel are expected to retire from service at 55 years or after putting in 35 years of service, according to the Federal Civil Service Rules.
The new Army Chief is 55 years old this year, and has put in 36 years into the service of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking when he appeared before the joint committee of the House for confirmation as the new Army Chief, Yahaya said, he was coming on board as the head of the Army with 36 years of experience as well as a load of experience from his various service units.
Yahaya, a member of Course 37 at the Nigeria Defence Academy, however, assured that when confirmed, he will have a very close working relationship with other service chiefs whom he said he had worked with in the same mission in the past, with a special nickname they often called themselves.
He said; “I joined the military 36 years ago. So, I bring along with me, 36 years of military experience, having joined the Army in September, 1985, as a member of Course 37 at the NDA. I have had experience commensurate with my career. So, I’m abreast with the security requirements of Abuja, and so on.
“I have been involved in several security operations. The challenges we are facing now, all are characterized by the areas I mentioned, where I have firsthand information and have commanded troops and I administered them in achieving what we’ve done.
“I believe I have the requisite requirements by the grace of God to now provide my services in this office of the chief of Army Staff if confirmed. What I am bringing is wealth of experience and commitment. So, I’m committed and determined to provide my best having known what is required to achieve results.
“Security is everybody’s business because the job cannot be done by one person. So, we need all the support. And with the support of the people will win our fight against insecurity.
“From experience this job cannot be done by any single service or entity. Indeed in the Army, the Army itself is a group work not individual that’s why we arranged in sections and companies and battalions and brigades.
“This job is collective and as it was captured in the vision of the late Chief of Army Staff and in my own mission too. There is also mentioned of joint environment in what we do, having realized that this job is not one service’s job.
“Not only that, it also requires the collaboration of other agencies, services and stakeholders. We have always operated together. That is why you see the composition of a joint team made of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and now, including the Police, DSS, and Civil Defense.
“As we know, internal security is intelligent driven operation. So, we need others, including communities, including traditional rulers and all others who can provide information. We need to work together.
“At the Defence Headquarters level, all the service chiefs now, we are all mates at the academy. At one time or the other, all of us work together. So, the synergy can’t be anything better now that we’re brought up together, we have trained together.”
In his remark, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, said the exercise was unique in view of the sad event that has necessitated its repeat, following the death of the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru.
He said further that, “this exercise comes at a very challenging time in the history of our dear country, Nigeria. Our nation has been besieged by several security issues across all the geo-political zones with banditry, militancy and self-secessionists stretching our military to the extreme.
“The worst is the lingering insurgency in the North-East. This war has cost the country a lot both financially and in terms of human lives. This must stop. The Armed Forces of Nigeria needs to adopt innovative measures to curb the killings and wanton destruction of property as a result of these cases of insecurity.
“I, therefore, hope that, if confirmed, the new Chief of Army Staff will do everything possible, working with other service chiefs, to bring this to an end. You will agree with me that Nigeria deserves a re-invigorated Armed Forces that is robust, well-trained, adequately equipped, efficient and fully motivated to protect Nigerians from the devastating effects of terrorism and other security challenges in the country.
“This screening exercise comes at the heels of Nigeria’s twenty two years of uninterrupted democratic experience. I must say that the relationship between the National Assembly and Armed Forces of Nigeria has progressively improved as the parliament continues to exercise the necessary democratic oversight of the defence sector.
“Let me reiterate the firm resolve of the 9th House of Representatives, ably led by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and particularly, the Committees on Defence and that of Army’s pledge to continually ensure a secure, peaceful and prosperous country for all Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to achieve this.
“Let me assure you that the Joint Committees on Defence and Army will be thorough, transparent and sincere in the conduct of this screening. We owe this to Nigerians as their representatives. Consequently, we seek your cooperation as we embark on this constitutional legislative process.
“The worsening security situation in the country has been blamed on lack of functional local government system arising from inefficiency and absence of fiscal federalism to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Bashiru Magashi, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, expressed optimism that the House would find the army chief worthy of confirmation.
Asked to introduce himself and defend his appointment, Yahaya, who chronicled his military exploits since his sojourn in the Nigeria Army 36 years ago, said he was fit for the job and will deliver.
He said, “I joined the Navy 36 years ago. So, I brought along with me 36 years of military experience. I’m abreast with the security requirements of Abuja, and so on.
“I was involved in several security operations. The challenges we are facing now, all are characterized by these areas I mentioned where I have first-hand information and have commanded troops and I administered them in achieving what we’ve done.
“I believe I have the requisite requirements by the grace of God to now provide my services in this office of the chief of Army Staff if confirmed. What I brought is a wealth of experience and commitment. So, I’m committed and determined to provide my best and also having known what’s required to achieve results.
“Security is everybody’s business. The job cannot be done by one person. So we need all the support. And with the support of the people will win our fight against insecurity.”
Responding to a question of lack of synergy among the hierarchy of Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies in the theatre of war posed by the Chairman of the committee, Namdas, Yahaya said there were perfect understanding, interaction, and cooperation within them.
Namdas had attributed their inability to win the war in the North-East to the lack of cooperation amongst the various security institutions.
But the Army chief said he enjoyed a robust relationship with the other service chiefs who he said were well known to him even at the academy.
He, however, called for the cooperation of all Nigerians at various levels to enable him to succeed.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a large consignment of cocaine concealed in heads of imported dry stock fish and arrested a key member of the syndicate responsible for shipping the drugs abroad.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
He said the arrest and seizure followed intelligence on trans-border criminal activities.
Babafemi said the intelligence led to a sting operation by operatives of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command of the Agency at the Ojo area of Lagos on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
“In the course of the operation, three jumbo size bags were found in possession of the kingpin 36-year-old Akputa Dickson Ejike.
“A search of the bags led to the recovery of Two Hundred and Thirty-Seven (237) wraps of cocaine buried in the heads of imported dry stock fish locally known as ‘Okporoko.’
“The cocaine pellets have a gross weight of 5.80 kilograms. The consignment was intended for export to Delhi, India,” the statement read.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, March 25, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted two consignments bound for the United Kingdom at a courier company in Lagos.
“In one of the shipments that originated from Cotonou, Benin Republic, 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine were found concealed in automobile filters while the second parcel contains 40 ampoules of Morphine Sulphate and nine ampoules of Fentanyl,” the statement said.
Babafemi added that on March 26, a Special Operations Unit (SOU) raided the home of 46-year-old Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, known as “Iya Ghana,” at 13 Carter Street, Yaba, Lagos.
According to him, she and her associate, 31-year-old Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka, were arrested after operatives recovered 135 blocks of cannabis weighing 76.30 kilograms.
“Same day, the SOU operatives also arrested Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, 39, at Doyin bus stop, Surulere, Lagos following credible intelligence. A total of 78 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 41kg were seized from him,” he said.
In Ekiti State, the statement added that “an 80-year-old grandpa, Oke Samuel, was on Thursday 26th March arrested by NDLEA operatives during a special raid operation at Mosafuneto camp, Erinmo road, Efon-Alaaye Ekiti. A total of 2.2kg skunk and 1.8grams of methamphetamine were recovered from him.”
Another suspect, 37-year-old Enuwa Kehinde Kingsley, had 894.72 kilograms of skunk seized from an uncompleted building in Ogbese, Akure North, Ondo State.
Elsewhere, 35-year-old Saater Nyam was apprehended at Pevi village, Guma LGA, Benue State, with 116.7 kilograms of skunk on Tuesday, March 24.
In Edo State, a warehouse raid in Ekpoma town, Esan West LGA, on Monday, March 23, led to the arrest of 25-year-old Felix Donald and the seizure of 576.5 kilograms of skunk and 33 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
In Taraba State, Babafemi said NDLEA officers intercepted a truck carrying 100 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 135 kilograms concealed in animal feed bags from Garbachede to Gombe State on Tuesday, March 24.
Two suspects, 21-year-old Osama Mamuda and 22-year-old Auwal Umar, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Babafemi noted that the agency has also continued its War Against Drug Abuse social advocacy, conducting sensitisation lectures in schools across Cross River, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, and Lagos states.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), commended operatives from MMIA, SOU, DOGI, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba Commands for their efforts and praised all commands nationwide for balancing drug supply reduction with drug demand reduction initiatives.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on political leaders at all levels to demonstrate empathy and take urgent steps to ease the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians, as Christians mark Palm Sunday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the significance of Palm Sunday offers timely lessons for leadership, particularly during a period marked by economic strain and global uncertainty.
Reflecting on the biblical account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Okoh noted that the moment symbolised humility, peace, and purposeful leadership rather than a display of power.
“Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope,” he said.
He stressed that the country’s current socio-economic realities demand similar qualities from those in authority.
“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising, and for countless families, daily life is getting harder,” Okoh said.
He linked domestic economic challenges to global developments, particularly tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which he said are disrupting energy markets worldwide.
“The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing,” he said, warning that such pressures are intensifying the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
The CAN president emphasised that in times of uncertainty, the tone and actions of leaders are critical in restoring public confidence.
“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, people need reassurance, stability, and the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through,” he stated.
He further urged leaders to embrace a style of governance rooted in restraint, compassion, and commitment to the common good.
“True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in empathy and in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom,” Okoh added.
Beyond government, CAN also called on the Church and citizens to promote unity and peace, drawing inspiration from the collective spirit associated with Palm Sunday.
“It reminds us of a moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace, strengthen unity, and support one another,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians and those most affected by the economic downturn, Okoh encouraged resilience and hope.
“The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story,” he said, urging citizens not to lose faith amid difficulties.
He expressed hope that the lessons of Palm Sunday would inspire renewed commitment to national cohesion and shared progress.
“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all,” the statement added.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South -South to be united and work together to ensure that the ruling party achieves its ultimate goal in the region.
The governor who spoke at the South South Zonal Congress in Asaba, Delta State, said working in unity and with a common purpose will enable them deliver optimally to the electoral fortunes of the party in 2027.
“We can only achieve our goal when we are united and we work together. I surely believe that this is the right time, the right people and the right place. My charge to those of you elected today is that the responsibility is going to be very tasking but I believe strongly that they will deliver for our party,” he said.
Fubara expressed confidence that the newly elected leadership of the party would be equal to the task.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State Government for hosting the Zonal Delegates Congress, stressing that he believes that the best will come from the South South region.
The Congress which attracted the creme de la creme of the APC in the zone, saw the re-election of the zonal leadership through consensus. The reinstated leaders were promptly inaugurated at the ceremony.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance include the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Duoye Doris of Bayelsa State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Sheriff Oboroevwori of Delta State.
Also in attendance were the members of the National Assembly as well as members of the State Houses of Assembly from the South South Zone.
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