NDA – Advent Cable Network Nigeria

NDA Attack: I Was Embarrassed That We Didn’t Foresee Such A Threat – CDS

ACNN NEWS — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 21:57:33 +0000

Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has said that he was embarrassed that the army did not foresee the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy.

“Nigerian Defence Academy is not a place where we could think that we should fortify to such a level that liberty that is required to be able to emplace the level of leadership learning and skills will be lost,” he said during a programme – RadioNow’s Urgent Conversations – aired on Channels Television on Friday.

“But that, of course, is a lesson we have factored, and it does not in any way dampen the preparedness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to what it should. And it does not in any way speak to our weakness and our inability to defend the nation”.

The academy was attacked by bandits in August, resulting in the abduction of one officer and the death of two others.

The bandits, who came in a vehicle, were said to have passed through the security gate into the academy, disguised in military uniforms, after which they proceeded to the officers’ quarters.

On arrival, they began shooting sporadically and in the process, killed two officers (a Major and a Squadron Leader), and later on, took another Major away through the nearby bush inside the academy.

The sound of the gunfire, however, alerted the troops of the NDA Quick Response Team, who arrived at the scene, but were unable to rescue the kidnapped officer as the bandits were already gone with the victim

NDA Attack: Scores of Bandits Killed as Abducted Major Regains Freedom

ACNN ADMIN — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 12:58:46 +0000

Major CL Datong, who was kidnapped during an attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State by bandits last month has finally regained his freedom.

Recalls that some gunmen suspected to be bandits broke into the Nigerian foremost military school on August 24, killed officers and abducted Major CL Datong.

The abducted Major has been in the kidnapper’s den till he was rescued on Friday.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah who confirmed the development, said Datong was rescued by troops.

According to him, the operations leading to his rescue led to the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in Afaka- Birnin Gwari areas of the state, revealing that scores of bandits were killed during the operation, particularly, in the late hours of September 17, 2021.

He said the Division in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, immediately swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area to find and rescue the officer after a directive by the Chief of Army Staff.

“The troops arrived at a camp suspected to be the location where Maj CL Datong was being held. At the camp, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and overwhelmed them with superior fire.

“In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer. However, the officer sustained a minor injury but has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action,” he said.

He lauded the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and “patriotic Nigerians” who worked tirelessly for the release of the victim.

Source: Newspotng

Commodore Olawunmi Reports Self At Defence Intelligence Agency Following Channels Interview

ACNN ADMIN — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:42:08 +0000

Retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi on Wednesday reported himself at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) after his invitation by the military over his Channel’s TV interview last week

A top source at the DIA told the Nigerian Tribune that the former Navy commander arrived at the agency’s office in the company of his lawyers on Tuesday.

“Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi has arrived at the military DIA in Abuja. He was accompanied by his lawyers,” the source said.

It was gathered that two human rights lawyers, Femi Falana (SAN) and Abubakar Marshall accompanied Olawunmi to the Abuja headquarters of the DIA.

It would recall that the Defence Intelligence Agency had invited Olawunmi for an interactive session for exposing in an interview how President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration refused to probe high profile politicians whom Boko Haram terrorists named as their sponsors.

The DIA had asked Olawunmi to come to its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday with his international passport.

The professor of Global Security Studies had said, “It is an aberration; you don’t attack the Nigerian Defence Academy and get away with it. In 2017, I carried out an investigation by the Minister of Defence that wanted me to check what was going on with the training and the security there (NDA). I remember I spent about a week in the NDA with the commandant and the staff but something struck me: every Friday, the gate of NDA is thrown open and everybody has access to pray in the mosque.

“On Fridays, you are going to see the same thing happening across all military formations in the country. If you go to Defence Headquarters, I served at the Defence Headquarters as the Deputy Director, Defence Administration, between 2015 and 2017, throughout my two years at Defence Headquarters, I received visitors twice because of the strict security architecture there. But every Friday, the gate of the Defence Headquarters is thrown wide open for everybody to come in and observe Juma’at.

“That is the time the terrorists have the time to profile our security environment. It has always been the case. I have served the military intelligence for the past 35 years. Our problem is religion and socio-cultural.”

Olawunmi had added that he was a member of the Intelligence Brief at the Defence Headquarters during the leadership of the then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Abayomi Olonisakin (retd).

The intelligence expert said he told the then CDS that the centre of gravity of the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the North-East and spreading to other parts of Nigeria was the sponsor.

According to him, “I told General Olonisakin then that the centre of this problem cannot be solved the same way we solved the problem of the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta problem was solved during (Ex-President Umaru) Yar’Adua basically by me and I told them that we can’t use that same template for Boko Haram

“I told General Olonisakin to look at the centre of gravity of the problem. I was made a member of the committee in 2016-2017 including former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru that died.

“I told them that the centre of gravity of Boko Haram in Nigeria is the sponsors of the programme. It was beyond us because the job we needed to do was kinetic, but we cannot resolve the issues of sponsors of Boko Haram that were in Buhari’s government; that we know them. That was why we couldn’t pursue that aspect that could have resolved the issue because we need to arrest people.

“Recently, 400 people were gathered as sponsors of Boko Haram, why is it that the Buhari government has refused to try them? Why can’t this government bring them to trial if not that they are partisan and part of the charade that is going on?

“You remember this Boko Haram issue started in 2012 and I was in the military intelligence at that time. We arrested those people. My organisation conducted interrogation and they (suspects) mentioned names. I can’t come on air and start mentioning names of people that are presently in government that I know that the boys that we arrested mentioned. Some of them are governors now, some of them are in the Senate, some of them are in Aso Rock.

“Why should a government decide to cause this kind of embarrassment and insecurity to the sense of what happened yesterday (Tuesday at the NDA)?”

Olawunmi had also said that the Department of State Services had tremendous information on terrorists but they could not do anything except by the body language of the Commander-In-Chief.

Efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the agency, Major A Ojolowo, on the matter, proved abortive as his telephone line was switched off.

Politicians Behind Killings, Kidnappings, Others In North – Zamfara Gov, Matawalle

ACNN ADMIN — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:43:30 +0000

Zamfara State Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged involvement of politicians working against the restoration of peace in the State.

Governor Matawalle who was seriously angry with Nigerian politicians told Newspot in a phone interview that politics now in Nigeria has become a do-or-die affair, saying that democracy is supposed to be ”the government of the people by the people.”

The Governor wondered why some people who claim to be the leaders of the masses would turn back and begin to kill, maim and kidnap those they falsely claim to be protecting.

Reacting to the recent attack on NDA, the governor said that no place in Nigeria was safe in the entire Northern region, calling for urgent action to address the ugly trend.

Banditry: If democracy fails, politicians should be held responsible – Matawalle

“It is unfortunate if the bandits can go up to NDA and kidnap the officers. I think the government has to look into it and maybe declare a state of emergency on security in the entire northern region.

“Some people have been calling on the government to declare a state of emergency on education and other sectors but the lives of the citizens are more valuable than education.

“I still insist that state of emergency has to be declared first on security so that the security personnel can be mobilised for more purposeful assignments in some parts of the country to deal with these criminals.

“If Zamfara to Sokoto could not be accessed due to insecurity, we are in trouble. Many of our rural areas are inaccessible as a result of banditry and the bandits have taken over many parts of the state.

”Even my administration’s jingles towards ending insecurity in the state has proved unsuccessful because politicians are sabotaging my efforts.

“Residents of the state should not see me as a leader that does not care for the people he is leading. Many people do not know that I am grieved over what is happening in my State.

“Just yesterday, we concluded with the repentant bandits to secure the release of the people that were kidnapped in Rini village; about 83 of them and people are there to receive them.

“We are working round the clock with the Police Commissioner on how to make people sleep with their two eyes closed but unfortunately some miscreants are still taking the laws into their hands”.

The Governor accused some politicians of supplying logistics to the bandits for political gains, pointing out that it was bad to play politics with security.

“I have been saying times without number that the issue of security is for all the citizens, not just for the security personnel or the government.

“But it is unfortunate that here in the North, some politicians are happy with what is happening because they think that when people are being killed, they have the chance to come out and campaign; to blackmail the sitting Governors, the President and other politicians.

Matawalle also accused social media handlers who are being used by what he described as disgruntled politicians to be posting negative content on the security situation in the State in order to create tension and confusion.

He called on the Police Commissioner to arrest such social media handlers and bring them to book to serve as deterrent to others.

“I asked the State police boss to take serious measures because sometimes, these people will post an attack even before it happens and after it happened. How did they know this?”

Source: Newspot Nigeria

Killed FL. Lt. Okoronkwo Of NDA Was Expecting His First Child After 4 Years Of Marriage

ACNN ADMIN — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:00:46 +0000

A report from the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA in Kaduna says one of the officers killed by the invading terrorist who was the Head of Department, Department of Laboratory Services, Flight Lieutenant Chinecherem Okoronkwo brought double sorrow breaking the heart of his relations.

According to reports, Chinecherem Okoronkwo, was expecting his first child with his wife after four years of marriage, before the unfortunate incident that claimed his life.

On Tuesday, August 24, bandits invaded the permanent site of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State, killing two officers and abducting one other officer who was later found dead.

Major Stephen Datong who is said to be dead and alive just had his wife put to bed less than a year ago.

Reports said the terrorists on entrance deliberately went to the staff quarters hitting their five targeted families who were all Christians but their offence may never be known to humanity.

NDA attack: Bandits, Terrorists Have Become Too Emboldened – Mr Macroni

ACNN ADMIN — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 09:29:27 +0000

Nigerian Instagram comedian, Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni has said that the invasion of the NDA is a pointer to how emboldened Bandits and Terrorists have become in Nigeria.

Recall that gunmen wearing army uniforms, in the early hours of Tuesday, invaded the country’s foremost military institution, the Nigerian Defence Academy, Afaka, Kaduna, killing two officers and abducting one.

Reacting, the comedian in a post via his Twitter account said he was disappointed in Yemi Osinbajo, the vice-president, over his performance in government since 2015.

Mr Macaroni said the incident further highlighted the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to tackle insecurity in the country.

The entertainer claimed he initially had high hopes that Osinbajo would bring about positive change in the country’s socio-political landscape in 2015.

“I remember how I struggled to present this to the Vice-President during my time as SUG President, he just assumed office then. And with all I read and heard about him, I said the Professor will definitely make us proud. But now they said his hands are tied.

“Those defending the vice-president always admit that the government is incompetent. They claim that as much as the VP wants to make things work, he has no power to. Are we not all saying the same thing? That the government is a failure.

“If you like spread lies about me. It doesn’t change the fact that this government is incompetent and reprehensible!! And no, the vice-president is not an exception. As a matter of fact, he is the number two citizen in the country. Fix the nation!!! That’s all we ask for.

“The invasion of the NDA is a pointer to how emboldened Bandits and Terrorists have become in our Country. It is also a reality check. If the NDA can be attacked and military men kidnapped then who is safe in Nigeria,” he wrote.

Source: NEWSPOT NIGERIA

Attack On NDA Won’t Dampen Resolve Of Our Military To Bring Decisive End To Criminality, Buhari Vows

ACNN ADMIN — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:39:17 +0000

The attack launched on the facility of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on Tuesday, rather than throw a dampener into the morale of our Armed Forces as it is intended to, will buoy their determination to make a decisive end of criminality in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

Noting that the attack, which led to loss of lives, came at a time that the military had put insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other types of criminals on the retreat, the President says the heinous action would accelerate the total uprooting of evil in the polity, which members of the Armed Forces are solidly resolved to accomplish in the shortest possible time.

Commiserating with the families who lost their loved ones, and praying God to comfort them, President Buhari vowed that the deceased would not die in vain, as the degenerate act would have consequences that will eventually clean the country of vermin, and emancipate the polity from deliberate, targeted and contrived atrocious acts.

The President thanks all Nigerians who value and appreciate the efforts of our military, and urges those playing hateful politics with the dastardly act to desist, noting that rather than recriminations, this is the time for all patriots and people of goodwill to support and encourage those who are in the vanguard of the battle against wickedness in the land.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 25, 2021

CDS Seeks Speedy End To Banditry, Describes Attack On NDA As ‘Madness’

ACNN ADMIN — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 11:02:07 +0000

General Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), is bittered and has condemned the attack on the permanent site of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Yola, he described the attack carried out by bandits as madness that must be stopped as soon as possible.

“The incident in Kaduna, of course, has been undertaken by bandits, but it is more of an armed robber coming to your house,” said General Irabor who was in Adamawa State to meet with retired senior military officers in the north-east region.

“The infiltration did not come by virtue of the normal banditry action, but these are things we are already looking at and in due course, you will get the details.

“Any form of insecurity is a cause for worry for anyone and that is why for us, we are more determined that this madness must be brought to an end very speedily.”

‘Everyone Will Be Happy Again’

The CDS, Speaking about the insurgency in the North East, thanked the residents for genuinely supporting the ongoing intensive clearance operations by troops towards the restoration of permanent peace in the zone.

General Irabor stressed that the solutions to the security challenges in the North East lie in the region, with hopes that the situation will get better in the days ahead.

He equally allayed the fears of Nigerians on the ongoing mass surrendering of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) ex-fighters to the military.

A front view of the NDA Headquarters in Kaduna State.

The general encouraged Nigerians and residents to trust the relevant agencies that have been tasked with the responsibilities of planning the rehabilitation of repented insurgents.

Speaking, the CDS said that the military will deal with the matter for the good of the region as there will be no loose ends.

He encouraged the military veterans to take full advantage of the security parley in evaluating the various military operations, saying their patriotic and constructive assessment of the general security situation would add value to the ongoing clearance operations.

“What remains very clear is the desire and will of the AFN to speedily turn around the fortune of the North East to a state where everyone will be happy again,” the CDS said.

Two Officers Killed, One Abducted As Bandits Attacks NDA

ACNN ADMIN — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:59:17 +0000

The Nigerian Defence Academy permanent site in Kaduna State, has been attacked by Bandits and have killed two officers and abducting one other officer.

Major Bashir Muhd Jajira, who is the Spokesman for the academy in the state confirmed that the incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday.

“The security architecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy was compromised early this morning by unknown gunmen,” Jajira said in a statement.

“We lost two personnel and one was abducted.”

The bandits were said to have invaded the NDA territory in a vehicle and were said to have passed through the security gate into the academy, disguised in military uniforms, after which they proceeded to the officers’ quarters.

They began shooting sporadically and in the process, killed two officers (a Major and a Squadron Leader), and later on, took another Major away through the nearby bush inside the academy.

The troops of the NDA Quick Response Team became alerted at the sound of the gunfire. At their arrival to the scene, they were unable to rescue the kidnapped officer as the bandits were already gone with the victim.

With respect to this, a combined team of security operatives has now launched a manhunt of the bandits inside the bush including air surveillance with a view to arresting them and rescuing the kidnapped officer.

The Nigerian Defence Academy is located few metres away from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka, in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where 39 students were abducted by bandits in March.

NDA Spokesman Confirms The Death Of Two Of Its Officers

ACNN ADMIN — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:49:40 +0000

After the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) suffered a breach in security at in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the academy confirmed the death of two of its officers.

Major Bashir Muhammad Jajira the NDA spokesman, made this known in a statement which said that gunmen stormed its residential quarters and during the unfortunate incident, two personnel were killed and one kidnapped.

He said the academy in conjunction with the 1Div, Airforce and other security agencies are tracking the hoodlums.

He said the NDA community and the cadets are safe while assuring the public that the gunmen would be apprehended and the abducted officer will be rescued.

Full text :

“The security architecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy was compromised early this morning by unknown gunmen who gained access into the residential area within the Academy in Afaka. During the unfortunate incident, we lost two personnel and one was abducted.

“The Academy in collaboration with the 1Division Nigerian Army and Air Training Command as well as other security agencies in Kaduna State has since commenced pursuit of the unknown gunmen within the general area with a view to tracking them and rescue the abducted personnel.

“The NDA community and Cadets are safe in the Academy. We assure the general public that these unknown gunmen would soon be apprehended and the abducted personnel rescued.”