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Category: Nigeria Armed Forces

  • Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026

    Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026

    The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said the Nigerian Navy is pursuing advanced maritime platforms and enhanced technology transfer to strengthen its operational capacity.

    Abbas made this known at the 9th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) held in Qatar.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu.

    According to the CNS, the Nigerian Navy has made significant progress in local shipbuilding, having constructed five seagoing platforms domestically. These include MV Sauka Lafia, NNS Andoni, NNS Karaduwa and NNS Oji.

    He noted that improved technology transfer would further reposition the Nigerian Navy as a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.

    DIMDEX 2026, held from January 19 to January 22 under the patronage of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.

    The exhibition, regarded as the largest maritime defence and security showcase in the Middle East, offered the Nigerian Navy opportunities to explore cutting-edge maritime technologies and innovative naval platforms.

    During the four-day event, Vice Admiral Abbas engaged with leading global defence solution providers on emerging trends in shipbuilding, acquisition of naval platforms and technology transfer aimed at enhancing indigenous ship production.

    Several warships from partner nations were also berthed at Hamad Port and opened for inspection by dignitaries and participants.

    DIMDEX 2026 also enabled the Nigerian Navy to preview a range of precision-guided munitions suitable for maritime security operations and naval gunfire support within Nigerian waters.

    The CNS said the Navy’s participation aligns with his vision of building a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies.

  • CDS Assures Nigerian Troops of Improved Salaries, Welfare in 2026

    CDS Assures Nigerian Troops of Improved Salaries, Welfare in 2026

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that concrete steps are being taken to improve their salaries and overall welfare.

    Oluyede gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night for soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen.

    He said the initiative was being pursued in collaboration with the Service Chiefs and with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    “If I tell you we are working on something, please be hopeful. Something positive will come up,” the CDS said, pledging that 2026 would be a better year for personnel of the armed forces.

    Beyond salary enhancement, Oluyede disclosed that arrangements were being finalised to improve post-service welfare, particularly through access to soft loans for spouses and affordable housing schemes for serving and retired personnel.

    According to him, discussions are ongoing with financial institutions to provide low-interest loans to spouses of service members to enable them establish sustainable businesses, while housing loan options are being expanded to ensure personnel retire with dignity.

    The defence chief commended soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen for their resilience and professionalism in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty across all theatres of operation, noting that their sacrifices had continued to yield significant operational successes nationwide.

    He also paid tribute to fallen heroes and acknowledged the vital role of military families, describing their prayers and sacrifices as a silent but powerful force behind every successful mission.

    Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces, as well as to the Service Chiefs for their leadership and commitment to improving the welfare and morale of personnel.

    Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Adm. Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate gathering designed to give personnel an opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate.

    Kachim said the occasion also provided a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remained a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel.

    The Social Night was part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

    Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

    Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving personnel for outstanding performance and dedication to duty, as well as musical performances by legendary artistes Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito

  • Nigerian Army Disowns Fake DSSC 29 Recruitment Advertisement

    Nigerian Army Disowns Fake DSSC 29 Recruitment Advertisement

    The Nigerian Army has warned members of the public to disregard a recruitment advertisement circulating on social media claiming that the “Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 Application Form 2026” is available.

    The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

    Colonel Anele described the advertisement as fake, false, and misleading, stressing that the Nigerian Army has not commenced any recruitment or commissioning exercise for the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) or the Short Service Commission (SSC).

    She explained that all legitimate recruitment exercises are announced only through the Army’s official communication channels, including the Nigerian Army website, verified social media platforms, and national newspapers.

    The Army spokesperson further reminded the public that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is free of charge and does not require payment of any kind.

    She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraudulent recruitment activities to the nearest security agency or relevant authorities.

  • Nigerian Army: 82 Division trains 120 personnel for special mission

    Nigerian Army: 82 Division trains 120 personnel for special mission

    The Nigerian Army has added a new layer to its specialised formations as the 82 Division on Saturday, graduated 120 personnel for special intervention mission.

    The exercise was executed as part of the its special Company Strength Training at the Division’s Training School, Enugu.

    Speaking at the culmination of the training at the Division’s Shooting Range in Udi near Enugu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, commended the graduating personnel for their resilience and commitment.

    Olatoye, who is also the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, code-named “Operation UDO KA”, said that intensive eight-week combat training was designed to enhance personnel expertise for both conventional and asymmetric warfare.

    The GOC said that the training, which was an initiative of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, aligned with the COAS Command Philosophy.

    Olatoye said that the COAS Command Philosophy was aimed to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army to a well-motivated and combat-ready force that could effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

    He added that the training was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism, leadership and ensure combat readiness across all theatres of operation.

    The GOC urged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge acquired as they embarked on future tasks.

    He noted that the Division remained committed in building a formidable force through rigorous training, strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to national service.

    Earlier, the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. M.J. Abubakar, lauded the personnel for their exceptional endurance, teamwork and fighting spirit.

    Abubakar emphasised that the training was designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios, with a strong focus on jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations and internal security tactics.

    He noted that the graduating soldiers had been scheduled for deployment to a special intervention mission where they would apply the acquired skills in support of national security objectives.

    The event featured demonstrations on rifle stripping and assembly, armed combat drills, presentation of certificates.

  • Remember the sacrifices of your fallen heroes – group urges Nigerians

    Remember the sacrifices of your fallen heroes – group urges Nigerians

    The Centre for Wounded Servicemen and Fallen Heroes Support Fund (CFWS&FHSF) has urged Nigerians from all sectors to remember the sacrifices and valour of fallen military heroes.

    The group’s Board Chairman, Retired Gen. Cecil Esekhiagbe, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, marking the upcoming 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    January 15 is observed annually as Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honour fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

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    Esekhiagbe described the day as an opportunity to reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of these heroes, emphasising that their sacrifices highlighted the true cost of freedom and the high price paid for the nation’s liberty.

    He also encouraged Nigerians to show support for the families of fallen and wounded servicemen.

    Esekhiagbe prayed for the families of the fallen heroes, asking God to provide them with strength and peace.

    “We will never forget the service they gave; we owe them an incalculable gift of gratitude, “he said.

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    The Board Chairman commended President Bola Tinubu, the Military Service Chiefs, and other security heads for their role in securing the nation, especially highlighting the successes under Tinubu’s leadership in combating security threats.

    He lauded the military’s efforts in addressing the Lukurawa insurgency in the North-West and noted the military’s success in containing terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.

    Esekhiagbe also acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers and security personnel, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC, who continue to work tirelessly to protect the nation.

    He expressed heartfelt sympathy for the families of fallen heroes, particularly widows and orphans, underscoring the critical role these individuals played in ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

    “Their sacrifice will never be in vain,” he assured.

  • Nigerians Condemn New Retirement Package for Army Generals

    Nigerians Condemn New Retirement Package for Army Generals

    The internet has gone into a frenzy as Nigerians curse and swear in condemnation of a new retirement package approved for Service Chiefs and other generals by President Bola Tinubu.

    The highlight of the package include bulletproof SUVs, annual medical allowances of up to $20,000, and domestic aides.

     The package provides luxury benefits like personal assistants, security escorts, and free local and international medical treatments.

    Top-ranking officers, such as the Chief of Defence Staff, will receive bulletproof SUVs, Peugeot backup vehicles, and five domestic aides, while lieutenant generals will get Toyota Land Cruisers and similar perks. 

    Lower-ranking officers, such as brigadier generals and colonels, will receive lesser benefits, including medical care and cars.

    Medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), criticized the allowance for foreign medical treatment. They argue that officials should receive healthcare in Nigeria to strengthen the local health sector.

    The public has raised concerns over the fairness of these benefits, especially given Nigeria’s economic challenges. Critics believe government funds should be used to improve healthcare, infrastructure, and social services rather than offering luxury retirement perks to retired officers.

  • Oluyede Takes Over as New Chief of Army Staff

    Oluyede Takes Over as New Chief of Army Staff

    Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, today in Abuja, takes over as the 24th Chief of Army Staff.

    He replaces Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja who died recently after a brief illness.

    A formal ceremony entailing the lowering and raising of the command flag was staged at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Monday to start off his leadership.

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    Oluyede’s appointment followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu on October 30, stepping into the role after the passing of his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. 

    His position was confirmed by both the Senate and House of Representatives, ensuring his leadership was officially endorsed.  

    Prior to this role, Oluyede was the Commander of the elite Infantry Corps, headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna.

     The 56-year-old officer was commissioned in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major General by September 2020. 

    His extensive military career spans years of service, and he shares a strong professional connection with his predecessor, as they were both members of the 39th Regular Course at the Nigeria Defence Academy.  

    The handover of the insignia of office by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Christopher Musa followed the provisions outlined in the Armed Forces Act, completing Oluyede’s transition into his new role.