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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO: Army Reacts To Robbery Attack On Military Vehicle, Personnel In Benin

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Tears As Nigerian Military Buries 20 Soldiers Killed In Niger

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Fake Labubu Dolls Worth Millions Seized In London Raid Amid Growing Safety Fears

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Thousands of fake Labubu dolls believed to be worth millions of pounds have been seized at an industrial estate on the outskirts of London following a major crackdown led by Trading Standards and law enforcement agencies.

The operation, which followed weeks of investigation, traced the fake merchandise from a corner shop in Swansea, south Wales, to a warehouse complex in London.

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Officers discovered rooms stacked floor-to-ceiling with fake goods, but it was the imitation Labubu dolls at the centre of a viral TikTok craze that drew the most concern.

The dolls, produced by popular toy company Pop Mart, have surged in global demand, with some genuine pieces retailing for up to £80. The popularity of the brand helped the company double its revenue to £1.33 billion last year, according to Forbes. However, authorities say the boom has also attracted criminal enterprises looking to profit from the trend through counterfeit production.

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“The head comes off. The feet pull off. The eyes aren’t glued in,” said Rhys Harries, a Trading Standards officer, while examining one of the seized dolls. “These are clear choking hazards.”

Using a plastic tool modelled after a child’s throat, Harries demonstrated how easily parts of the fake dolls could become life-threatening. “These parts would get stuck and potentially cause choking,” he warned.

The scale of the operation was alarming. Border Force officials say they have intercepted hundreds of thousands of fake Labubu dolls at UK ports in recent months, with many traced back to manufacturers in China, Hong Kong, and Turkey.

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In one case, a mother from Caerphilly, Jade, recounted how fake Labubu dolls she bought for her six-year-old son Harri’s birthday began falling apart within hours. “The hook came off and ended up in his mouth,” she said. “Luckily he was old enough to spit it out and tell me.”

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Despite knowing the dolls were fakes, Jade said she bought them due to the high cost of the original ones and peer pressure from other children. She got the knock-offs for just over £10 each.

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Authorities say the rush to cash in on the craze has led to the use of substandard and potentially dangerous materials, including toxic plastics. Kate Caffery, deputy director of intelligence and law enforcement at the UK’s Intellectual Property Office, said counterfeiting is the second most lucrative source of criminal income worldwide, after drug trafficking.

“There’s a complete disregard for safety,” Caffery said. “They’re made from anything from the inferior to the outright dangerous.”

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TikTok collector and plush toy enthusiast Meg Goldberger, 27, said she struggled to find genuine dolls due to scalpers bulk-buying authentic stock and reselling them at inflated prices. “They sell out in seconds,” she said. “Some resellers are using bots to buy hundreds at once.”

Investigators found invoice books showing the dolls were destined for locations across the UK. Some of the seized dolls will be used as evidence, while the rest will be stored in a secure location before being recycled or destroyed.

Pop Mart has been contacted for comment on the counterfeit issue, which authorities say is now a national concern.

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Young Catholics Converge On Rome For Pope Leo’s Vigil

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Thousands of young Catholics began assembling Saturday for an evening prayer vigil led by Pope Leo XIV, the culmination of a week-long pilgrimage and a key event in the Jubilee holy year that is expected to draw up to a million people.

The “Jubilee of Youth” — when the Vatican invites Catholics aged 18 to 35 to the seat of the global Church’s power — has seen young pilgrims from around the world flood Rome, waving flags, singing or praying in groups.

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It comes nearly three months after Leo, 69, the first American pontiff, began his papacy, and 25 years after the last such massive youth gathering in Rome under Poland’s Pope John Paul II.

On Saturday morning, thousands of young pilgrims had already gathered at the vast open space in Rome’s eastern Tor Vergata neighbourhood where the pope will lead the vigil, the ground already dotted with blankets and mattresses.

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Elsewhere in the Eternal City, numerous groups of young people were seen preparing to set off for the venue.

On the plaza outside the Basilica of St John Lateran, they filled water bottles, applied suncream and checked bags of food and snacks — ready to spend the next 24 hours surrounded by a swarm of people and then sleep under the stars.

Victoria Perez, who carried a Spanish flag, could not contain her excitement at seeing “the Pope up close.

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It’s the first time I’m going to see him, and I can’t wait,” the 21-year-old told AFP, excited to experience the “night of prayers under the stars”.

French pilgrim, Quentin Remaury, 26, said he had been inspired by the late Pope Francis’s rousing message to youth during a 2016 visit to Krakow, Poland.

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Pope Francis told us to ‘get off your couches,’ and that really gave me a boost,” he said.

– ‘What is his message?’ –

Since the youth jubilee began on Monday, attendees have participated in various Church-planned events throughout the city.

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On Friday, approximately 1,000 priests were on hand to take confession at Circus Maximus, one of Rome’s top tourist spots.

Some 200 white gazebos lined the hippodrome where chariot races were once held, and youths lined up to speak to priests in 10 different languages.

Of the many languages heard on the streets of the Italian capital this week, Spanish seemed to dominate. The Vatican has said that more than 146 countries were represented, and it expects up to a million people to attend the vigil.

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The pilgrimage is taking place as economic uncertainty and anxiety over climate change rise among the under-30s, with many saying they were curious to hear the Church’s position on global warming, wars and economic inequalities.

Samarei Semos, 29, said she had travelled three days from her native Belize to get to Rome.

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“We are still trying to understand his leadership,” she said of the new pope, adding she hoped he would have a strong say about “third world countries”.

As Parisian student Alice Berry exclaimed, “What does he have to say to us? What is his message for young people?”

– Raising voices –

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The youth pilgrimage also comes amid global alarm over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and more than three years of war in Ukraine.

READ ALSO:Pope Leo XIV Outlines A Path For A Modern Church That Follows Francis’ Steps

The Vatican has praised young Catholics who managed to travel to Rome from war-scarred countries, with Pope Leo saying the voices of the world’s youth “will be heard to the end of the earth”.

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In an unprecedented move, Leo hosted a mass on Tuesday for Catholic social media influencers, signalling the Vatican’s openness to supporting the Internet-savvy youth.

More than 4,300 volunteers will be working the event to welcome the young pilgrims, along with over 1,000 police, according to organisers.

Roman authorities have tightened security in the city — which has seen an unprecedented number of people, with both tourists and pilgrims inundating the city.

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Ukrainian Drone Strikes Kill Three In Russia

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Ukrainian drone strikes killed three people and wounded two others overnight in western Russia, regional governors said on Saturday.

One woman was killed and two other people were wounded in an attack on an enterprise in Penza, the region’s governor, Oleg Melnichenko, wrote on Telegram.

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An elderly man was killed inside a house that caught fire due to falling drone debris in the Samara region, Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev posted on Telegram.

In the Rostov region, a guard at an industrial facility was killed after a drone attack and a fire in one of the site’s buildings, acting Rostov governor Yuri Sliusar said.

READ ALSO:CAF Awards 2024 Final Nominees Revealed [Full list]

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The military repelled a massive air attack during the night,” destroying drones over seven districts, Sliusar posted on Telegram.

Russia’s defence ministry said its air defence systems had destroyed 112 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory — 34 over the Rostov region — in a nearly nine-hour period, from Friday night to Saturday morning.

In Ukraine’s central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, overnight Russian drone attacks left three people wounded, governor Sergiy Lysak wrote on Telegram.

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Several buildings, homes and cars were damaged, he said.

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Russian forces have claimed advances in Dnipropetrovsk, recently announcing the capture of two villages there, part of Moscow’s accelerated capture of territory in July, according to AFP’s analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War.

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Kyiv denies any Russian presence in the Dnipropetrovsk area.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire in the more than three-year conflict, said Friday that he wanted peace but that his demands for ending Moscow’s military offensive were “unchanged”.

Those demands include that Ukraine abandon territory and end ambitions to join NATO.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said only Putin could end the war and renewed his call for a meeting between the two leaders.

“The United States has proposed this. Ukraine has supported it. What is needed is Russia’s readiness,” he wrote on X.

AFP

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