General
Late Abu-Ali Remains A National Hero—Niger Governor
By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has described late Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Abu Ali as a national hero whose battleground conduct was worthy of commendation and emulation by all Nigerians.
Mr Sani Bello said Abu Ali’s discipline, gallantry, bravery, patriotism, selfless service, commitment and clear understanding of the battle space and what was at stake ensured various successes recorded in operations he led in the fight against Bokom Haram particularly liberation of earlier occupied territory by terrorists in the North East.
The Governor, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, said Abu Ali was an example of a gentleman officer who lived by the professional demand of his calling through tactical deployment of strategic directive from military high command in support of counter terrorism operation (Operation Lafiya Dole) in the North East.
“Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Abu Ali’s understanding of military regimentation, command and control structure as well as leadership spirit imbued in him ensured that his troops respected him; and senior commanders at strategic and command levels had confidence in him.
“He lived and died for Nigeria. The tributes, testimony and outpouring of emotions by his troops and others who encountered him in the course of his professional career which earned him accelerated promotion and Chief of Army Staff, COAS’s Award for Exceptional Bravery and Excellence was an indication that he was a war hero, who knows nothing more than service to God and Nation,” the Governor said.
Mr Sani Bello said that Mr Abu Ali’s timeless quote (pray, stay alert and stay alive. If someone must die let it be me”) which has become viral with his death revealed the kind of personae and life that he lived as a military officer.
Governor Sani Bello condoled President Muhammadu Buhari; Defence Minister, Brigadier Gen Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd); Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai; Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; Etsu Bassa Nge, Brig. Gen. Abu Ali (rtd); Officers and Men of 272 Tank Battalion and entire Abu Ali family over the irreparable loss.
He prayed Allah to grant late officer ‘aljana fidausi’ and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Until his death, the award-winning officer fondly called Sarki Yaki was the Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Battalion at Malam Fatori in Northern Borno State. He is survived by his father, Etsu Bassa Nge, Brig Gen Abu Ali (rtd); wife and three children.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
