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UPDATE: Profiles of the deceased military personnel in Niger crash

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The Nigerian military is currently holding a mass burial for soldiers who lost their lives in an attack and plane crash in Niger state.

Bandits ambushed the troops, resulting in the death of 14 soldiers and injuring seven others. To respond to the situation, the Air Force deployed an evacuation aircraft, which unfortunately crashed, claiming the lives of all passengers, including two pilots and two crew members.

As seen in the programme of events, these are the profiles of the deceased soldiers;

LATE MAJOR SEGUN ABIODUN ONI (N/14427) AND OTHERS

1. Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni was born on 20 December 1986 in Benin City and hailed from Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. He attended Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School llorin from 1992 – 1998 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate, thereafter, he proceeded to Nigerian Military School Zaria from 1999 – 2004 for his West African School Certificate. The late senior officer was granted Regular Combatant Commission on 17 September 2011 in the rank of second lieutenant. He was of Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and rose to the rank of Major effective 8 July 2020. Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni died on 13 August 2023.

2 The late senior officer has attended several courses and performed credibly, notable amongst are; Young Officer’s Course Infantry, Basic Airborne and Rigger Course, Platoon Commander Battle Course in the United Kingdom, Ranger and Special Purpose Commando Course in Belarus, Green Barret Special Forces Course in the United States of America, Counter Terrorist Course in South Africa and Junior Staff Course. During his Junior Staff Course, he was remarked as a smart, energetic and hardworking officer who exhibited good military bearing and leadership qualities worthy of praise.

3. Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni proved his mettle as a professional soldier while in Service and held several appointments. Notably are, Platoon Commander 72 Special Forces

Battalion, Company Second in Command Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion, Second in Command Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Battalion. As Platoon Commander in 72 Special Forces Battalion, he was described as a very hardworking officer whose personal integrity was exemplary. As Second in Command Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Battalion, he exhibited high sense of commitment and intelligence in discharge of his basic responsibilities and assigned task. His combat operations capability was impeccable and outstanding. He demonstrated an awesome tactical knowledge and good administration which kept his subordinates always in high morale and in turn yielded several operational successes.

4. The late senior officer was a brilliant, resourceful and hardworking officer. He was a disciplined, confident, diligent and professional officer with impeccable integrity and a consistent will to undertake additional tasks.. He was very patriotic and left marks of excellence everywhere he served. He was a forthright gentleman with vast experience and ability to impart knowledge. He had remarkable conduct and an overwhelming moral standard. In recognition of his distinguished service to the Nation, he was bestowed with the following decorations: River Niger Star, Passed Junior Staff Course, Golden Jubilee Medal, Centenary Medal and General Operations Medal.

5. It is said that from dust we came and unto dust we shall return Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni has bowed to Mother Earth. His death is a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation in general. We love you but God loves you more. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, here lies on this day 25 August 2023, 3. the body of Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni a gallant professional soldier, a gentleman officer and a worthy son of Nigeria. Late Major Segun Abiodun Oni Adieu. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!

LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ALFRED ANTHONY DURYUMSU (NAF/4481)

1. Late Flight Lieutenant Alfred Anthony Seth Duryumsu was born on 19 February 1995 at Dengi. He hailed from Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012 and commissioned Pilot Officer on 16 September 2017. He was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on 22 September 2022. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Nigerian Defence Academy.Kaduna.

2. The late officer had attended several courses including the Primary Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna, Flight Safety Officers’ Course at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety Kaduna and Basic Helicopter Flying Training in USA. Similarly, he attended the MI-171 Helicopter Conversion Course, MI- 171E Co-Pilot Training at 201 Composite Group Bauchi, Air to Ground Integration Specialist and Qualification Course in Kaduna. Additionally, the late officer had undergone the Air to Ground Tactical Communication Course at Army War College Nigeria, Helicopter

Instructor Pilot Training at International Helicopter Flying School, Enugu and MI-171E Recurrency Simulation Training at Czech Republic.

Until his demise, the officer had served in 401 Flying Training School as a Student Pilot, 201 Composite Group, Bauchi as well as 115 Special Operations Group, and Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Port Harcourt as a squadron pilot and safety officer, respectively. He was a brilliant, intelligent and highly resourceful officer with strong leadership skill who had shown high level of initiative in the performance of his official duties. He was diligent and had demonstrated high level of expertise and professionalism as a pilot. He was highly dedicated, resourceful and gallant officer who had actively participated in military operations including Operations HADARIN DAJI, HADIN KAI, WHIRL PUNCH, SAFE HAVEN amongst others. The late Flight Lieutenant Duryumsu was single and he loved flying, reading, travelling and badminton.

4. Late Flight Lieutenant Anthony Duryumsu will be sorely missed by all for his gallantry, courage and invaluable contributions to towards a safe and secure Nigeria. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR ADAMU (NAF/4521)

1. Late Flight Lieutenant Ibrahim Abubakar Adamu was born on 19 September 1993 at Burra. He hailed from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy 64 Regular Course on 22 September 2012 and commissioned Pilot Officer on 16 September 2017. He was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on 22 reading. September 2022. He held a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical/Electronics) degree 4. from Nigerian Defence Academy.

2. The late officer had attended several courses including the Primary Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna, Flight Safety Officers Course at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety Kaduna and Instrument Rating Course at the United States of America. Similarly, he attended the MI-171 Helicopter Air Training Course at Czech Republic, MI-171E Co-Pilot Training at 201 Composite Group as well as the MI-171E Recurrency Simulation Training at Czech Republic.

3. The late officer served at 401 Flying Training School Kaduna as a Student Pilot, 303 Medium Airlift Group Ilorin as Administrative/Operations Officer. Equally, late Fight Lieutenant Adamu served at 201 Composite Group, Bauchi and 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt as a Squadron Pilot. Late Flight Lieutenant Adamu was a highly focused, intelligent and goal- oriented officer who would go extra mile to achieve result. He was a sincere, humble and result-oriented officer who believed in team work. He was highly resourceful and determined officer who had actively participated in military operations including Operations HADARIN DAJI, HADIN KAI. WHIRL PUNCH, SAFE HAVEN amongst others. In the course of his military career, he had displayed a high level of professionalism as a pilot. He was a gentle man officer and highly religious who had memorized the Holy Quran. The late Flight Lieutenant Adamu was married and blessed with a son. He loved travelling and Late Flight Lieutenant Ibrahim Adamu will be sorely missed by all for his gallantry. courage and invaluable contributions to towards a safe and secure Nigeria. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may the Almighty forgive all his shortcomings.

LATE LIEUTENANT GBENGA MICHAEL ODUSAMI (N/17314)

1. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami was born on 20 May 1993 in Lagos and hailed from Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2018.The late officer was granted Regular Combatant Commission as a member of Regular Course 65 on 6 October 2018 in the rank of second lieutenant. He was of the Nigerian Army Infantry and was recently promoted captain effective 21 September 2023. Until his death, he was serving at Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Brigade from 19 October 2022. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami died on 13 August 2023.

2. The late officer has attended several courses and performed creditably. Some of the courses include Special Counter Terrorist Training in Pakistan, Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Company Amphibious Operations Course and Basic Airborne Course. During his Company Amphibious Operations Course, he was said to be a verified strong swimmer where he maintained his Class One rating throughout the course with ease. He was described as a disciplined and unassuming officer in his Young Officers’ Course report which was confirmed during his Basic Airborne Course. He successfully went through the rigorous ground training and also satisfied the 5 airborne jumps requirement to earn the Nigerian Army prestigious airborne badge.

3. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami proved his mettle as a professional soldier as a Platoon Commander at 103 Battalion where he was found to be a focused and hardworking officer with a high sense of military bearing. He was noted to be proactive in identifying and assessing security challenges in his area of responsibilities. He was also a Platoon Commander in 153 Task Force Battalion where he was noted with an exceptionally high ability for navigation and map reading which he brought to bear during operations.As a Platoon August Commander in Defence Headquarters Special Forces Battalion, he conducted several operations leading to the neutralisation and capture of several bandits and paid the supreme price in one of such operations.

4. The late officer was a brilliant, resourceful, hardworking, disciplined, confident, diligent and professional officer with impeccable integrity and a consistent will to undertake additional tasks. He was very patriotic and left marks of excellence everywhere he served. He was a forthright gentleman and an Infantry officer per excellence with vast experience and ability to impart knowledge. He had remarkable conduct and an overwhelming moral standard.

5. It is said that from dust we came and unto dust we shall return. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami has bowed to Mother Earth. His death is a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation in general. We love you but God loves you more. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, here lies on this day 25 August 2023, the body of late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami, a gallant professional soldier, a gentleman officer and worthy son of Nigeria. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami, Adieu. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.Amen!

LATE LIEUTENANT USMAN SHEHU ALKALI (N/18250)

1. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali was born on 25 March 1978 in Gombe and hailed from Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State. He attended Talo Waziri Primary School and Government Teachers’ College where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate and Secondary School Certificate in 1990 and 1996 respectively. He was granted Executive Commission as a member of Executive Course 1/2020 on 9 May 2020 in the rank of Lieutenant. The late officer obtained his National Diploma in Public Administration from Kogi State Polytechnic in 2014. He was of the Nigerian Army Infantry. Until his death, he was serving at 45 Battalion since 31 January 2022. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali died on 13 2023.

2. The late officer has attended the Young Officers’ Course (Infantry) where he performed creditably. During the course, he was described as a hardworking and unassuming officer who made positive contributions to classroom discussions and outdoor exercises. Though quiet in disposition, he had a good understanding of the use of English and adequately expressed himself well. He carried out his responsibilities with high sense of commitment and proved to be physically fit as he completed the 10km mandatory Walking/Jogging and the Tactical Walk-back in good time after Exercise WAZOBIA HUNTER.As Ambush Commander in Exercise BAUTAN KASA, he effectively played his roles while exhibiting utmost sense of responsibility.

3. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali proved his mettle as a professional soldier as a Platoon Commander at 146 Battalion where he exhibited a good level of commitment to duty as he treated all assigned tasks with the desired urgency. He proved to be a well groomed Infantry officer with sound military bearing. He was also a Platoon Commander in 45 Battalion where he was described as a disciplined, hardworking and courageous officer and was observed to be committed to duties. He participated actively in numerous operations conducted by his Battalion in Rafi, Mariga and Munya Local Government Areas. He led several fighting patrols to Kagara and environs to help his Battalion in the domination of its area of operations.

4. The late officer was a brilliant, resourceful, hardworking, disciplined, confident, diligent and professional officer with impeccable integrity and a consistent will to undertake additional tasks. He was very patriotic and left marks of excellence everywhere he served. He was a forthright gentleman and an Infantry officer per excellence. He had remarkable conduct and an overwhelming moral standard.

5. It is said that from dust we came and unto dust we shall return. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali has bowed to Mother Earth. His death is a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation in general. We love you but God loves you more. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, here lies on this day 25 August 2023, the body of late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali, a gallant professional soldier, a gentleman officer and worthy son of Nigeria. Late Lieutenant Usman Shehu Alkali,Adieu.

6. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!

LATE 02NA/51/512 SERGEANT FAROUK MOHAMMED

1. Late Sgt Farouk Mohammed hailed from Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Farouk on 25 May 1982. He was enlisted Into the Nigerian Army as a member of 51 Regular Intake in year 2002 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Mohammed attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification of Special Weapon X2.

2. His last unit in the NA was 26 Bn in Sokoto and served the NA for a period of 21 years. He

children. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Allah forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 03NA/53/2083 CORPORAL IBRAHIM GARBA

1. Late Cpl Ibrahim Garba hailed from Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. He was born on 14 October 1987. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 53 Regular Intake in 2003 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Garba attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was DHQ Gar in Abuja and served the NA for a period of 20 years. He was a devoted Christian and happily married with children. May his gentle soul rest In perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 09NA/64/4275 CORPORAL CHIROMA POGUYAMTA

1. Late Cpl Chiroma Poguyamta hailed from Borno State. He was born into the family of Mr Chiroma on 15 April 1987. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 64 Regular Intake in year 2009 and posted to the Infantry Corps. Chiroma attended various courses commensurate to his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 192 Bn in Owode and served the NA for a period of 13 years. He was a devoted chiristian and happily married with children. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.
LATE 11NA/66/10694 CORPORAL ADAMA ISSAC

1. Late Cpl Adamu Isaac hailed from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was born into the family of Mr Adamu on 28 September 1989. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 66 Regular Intake in 2011 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Isaac attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 18 Bn in Sokoto and served the NA for a period of II years. He was a devoted Christian and happily married with children. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly

LATE 11NA/66/11292 CORPORAL HARUNA JAMILU

1. Late Cpl Haruna Jamilu hailed from Hadeja Local Government Area of Jigawa State. He was born into the family of Mallam Haruna on 3 September 1991. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 66 Regular Intake in year 2011 and posted to the Nigerian Army Armour Corps. Jamilu attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification of Special 2. Forces XI.

2. His last unit in the NA was 242 Recce Bn in Monguno and served the NA for a period of 11 years. He was a devoted Muslim and happily married with children. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 12NA/68/5890 CORPORAL SAMAILA BASHIRU

1. Late Cpl Samaila Bashiru hailed

Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Samaila on 13 July 1990. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 68 Regular Intake in 2012 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Bashiru attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification of Watermanship XI.

2. His last unit in the NA was 4 Demo Bn in Jaji and served the NA for a period of 11 years. He was a devoted Muslim and happily married with children. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE ABLE REGULATOR SULEIMAN MAHMUD KAILANI OFFICIAL NUMBER-X14168

Late Able Regulator Suleiman Mahmud Kailani X14168 was born to the family of Mr Suleiman Kailani on 10 May 1992 in Garku Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. He attended Trust Academy Primary School Garaku from September 1998 July 2003. – Thereafter, he proceeded to Government Secondary School Aloce, Akwanga Local Government Area from 2008-2011. In his pursuit of knowledge, he also attended Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Late Able Regulator Suleiman Mahmud Kailani’s passion for the military was his motivation for joining the Nigerian Navy on 9 July 2012. Accordingly, he underwent the Basic Military Training at Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) Batch 21 in Onne Port Harcourt, Rivers State. On successful completion of the Basic training, he served both onboard and ashore. Some of the ships he served are Naval Unit Abuja, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Nigerian Navy Ship WEY from where he was drafted to Defence Special Force and subsequently deployed for OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH in Bida, Niger State where he met his untimely death.
LATE NAF19/35900 CORPORAL JAURO AMOS

1. Late Corporal Jauro Amos was born on 15 November 1995. He hailed from Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 40/2019 on 19 August 2019 and allotted Regiment specialty on completion of his Basic Military Training.

2. Until his demise, the airman had served in 213 Forward Operations Base Katsina, Air Force Military School Jos, 371 Nigerian Air Force Detachment Warri, (now 320 Forward Operations Base), 25 Force Protection Wing Kerang, Defence Headquarters Operation Thunder Strike (Special Operations Forces). He was a disciplined, determined and courageous airman who had participated actively in many military operations. As a Special Force personnel, his proficiency in weapon handling and marksmanship made him stand out among his peers. Late Corporal Jauro Amos was single. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

LATE 12NA/68/5192 LANCE CORPORAL SUNDAY OKOPI

1. Late LCpl Sunday Okopi hailed from Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. He was born into the family of Mr Sunday on 25 February 1992. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 68 Regular Intake in year 2012 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Okopi attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification of Band Al.

2. His last unit in the NA was 4 Demo Bn in Jaji and served the NA for a period of 11 years. He was a devoted Christian. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive

all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 13NA/70/3552 LANCE CORPORAL

EKPEYONG EDET

1. Late LCpl Ekpeyong Edet hailed from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. He was born into the family of Mr Ekpeyong on 02 July 1993. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 70 Regular Intake in year 2013 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Edet attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification ofWatermanship X2.

2. His last unit in the NA was 4 Demo Bn in Jaji and served the NA for a period of 9 years. He was a devoted Christian. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE NAF13/28034 LANCE CORPORAL ALARIBE DANIEL NNAMDI

1. Late Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel Nnamdi was born on 15 December 1993. He hailed from Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 32/2014 on 15 August 2014 and allotted Aircraft Technician as a trade.

2. Until his demise, the airman served in 115 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt and 201 Composite Group Bauchi. He was a very loyal, diligent and very hardworking aircraft technician who would give his best without complain. He had participated in numerous military operations as a flight technician on the MI-171E helicopter across the country. Late Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel Nnamdi was married with a son. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

LATE NAF14/28578 LCPL BRIGGS STEPHEN

1. Late Lance Corporal Briggs Stephen was born on September 22, 1995. He hailed from Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 34/2015 on 14 June 2015 and allotted Aircraft Technician as a trade. Until his demise, the airman had served in 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt, 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja Lagos as well as 413 Force Protection Group, Kaduna. He was a highly disciplined, very hardworking and calm airman. He participated actively in various aircraft maintenance and military operations across the country as an aircraft technician. The late Lance Corporal Briggs Stephen was single. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

LATE 16NA/75/1484 LANCE CORPORAL YAKUBU AYUBA

1. Late LCpl Yakubu Ayuba hailed from Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Yakubu on 02 March 1994. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 75 Regular Intake in year 2016 and posted to the Nigerian Army Signal Corps. Ayuba attended various courses commensurate to his rank where he attained a course trade classification of Radio Operator B3.

2. His last unit in the NA was 54 Signal Bde in Enugu and served the NA for a period of seven years. He was a devoted Muslim. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 16NA/75/4442 LANCE CORPORAL NURA MOHAMMED

1. Late LCpl Nura Mohammed hailed from Gabasawa Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Alhaji Mohammed on November 3, 1997. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 75 Regular Intake in year 2016 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Nura attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 6 Div Gar in Port Harcourt and served the NA for a period of seven years. He was a devoted Muslim. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 20NA/79/4397 PRIVATE HABIB ALIYU

1. Late Pte Habib Aliyu hailed from Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State. He was born into the family of Mallam Habib on January 9, 1999. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 79 Regular Intake in 2020 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Aliyu attended various courses commensurate to his rank

2. His last unit in the NA was 2 Bn and served the NA for a period of three years. He was a devoted Muslim. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE 20NA/79/4412 PRIVATE TANKO WAJE

1. Late Pte Tanko Waje hailed from Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was born into the family of Mallam Waje on September 6, 2000. He was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a member of 79 Regular Intake in 2020 and posted to the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. Tanko attended various courses commensurate with his rank.

2. His last unit in the NA was 2 Bn and served the NA for a period of three years. He was a devoted Muslim. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May Almighty forgive all his shortcomings accordingly.

LATE NAF17/33175 AIR CRAFTMAN ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHAMAN

1. Late Aircraftman Abubakar Abdulrahaman was born on February 4, 1999. He hailed from Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was recruited into the Nigerian Air Force as a member of Basic Military Training Course 38/2017 on February 2, 2018 and allotted Regiment Specialty as a trade.

2. Until his demise, the airman had served in the following units, 201 Composite Group Bauchi, 407 Air Combat Training Group, Kainji, National Air Defence Corp, Lagos, 320 Forward Operations Bara, Warr and Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces (Operation Thunder Strike). He was a highly disciplined, smart and well behaved airman. He was a calm, very hardworking and highly religious airman. As a Special Force personnel, his proficiency in weapon handling and marksmanship made him stand out among his peers. The late Aircraftman Abubakar Abdulrahaman was single. His death is a great loss to the Nation and the Nigerian Air Force family. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

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Police begins enforcement on vehicles with covered number plates

Lagos State police public relations officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement, explained that ,” The exercise will commence today, June 15, 2026, and will be led by the Commissioner of Police,Tijani Fatai.

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The Lagos State Police Command has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), across the State to commence enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced or no registration number plates.

This was n compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

The Command said that the enforcement is aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening security, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and activities.

Lagos State police public relations officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement, explained that ,” The exercise will commence today, June 15, 2026, and will be led by the Commissioner of Police,Tijani Fatai.

He further directed that any vehicle found violating the directive be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with extant laws and established procedures.

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DHQ vows justice for slain retd Gen Rabe

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Dikko Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe thanked the military leadership for the show of solidarity and support.

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Photo: Other members of the delegation included Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, Rear Adm. A.H. Haruna, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, Brig.-Gen. I.M. Ibrahim, Brig.-Gen. S.K. Usman (retd), S.I. Kaita (retd), Maj.-Gen. M.S. Bindawa (retd) and A.Y. Abdullahi.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that those responsible for the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abdullahi will be brought to justice.

The assurance was given yesterday when a high-powered military delegation paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government.

The delegation, led by the Chief Administration Officer, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. I.M. Abdullahi, conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of the retired senior military officer.

Abdullahi described the late Rabe as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would remain indelible.

He said that the retired general’s death was a painful loss to his family, Katsina State, the Armed Forces and the nation at large.“We share in the grief of the people of Katsina and the family of the deceased.

The Armed Forces will continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he said.

Other members of the delegation included Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, Rear Adm. A.H. Haruna, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, Brig.-Gen. I.M. Ibrahim, Brig.-Gen. S.K. Usman (retd), S.I. Kaita (retd), Maj.-Gen. M.S. Bindawa (retd) and A.Y. Abdullahi.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Dikko Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe thanked the military leadership for the show of solidarity and support.

Jobe said the visit underscored the strong partnership between the state government and the military in the fight against insecurity.

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JUNE 12: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day Address (Full Speech)

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has addressed Nigerians following the marking of June 12 Democracy Day today.

The President speaks on economic reforms, and new minimum wage.

Read full speech below:

Fellow Nigerians

Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.

In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.

To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.

To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.

Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.

Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.

We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.

At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.

June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.

June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.

The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.

Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.

Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.

By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.

To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.

Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.

Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.

We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.

Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.

Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.

Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.

Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora 
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana 
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin 
Barrister Titus Mann 
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta

We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;
Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe;
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu;
Major General Chris Eze;
Major General Harris Dzarma;
Col Isa Jibrin;
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.

The honours list will be released in the next few days.

Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.

Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.

May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.

Happy Democracy Day.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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