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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR ADAMU (NAF/4521)

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Niger Junta Gives French Ambassador 48 Hours To Leave – Report

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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.

LATE 16NA/75/1484 LANCE CORPORAL YAKUBU AYUBA

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Why Europe Is Blocking More Nigerian Goods At Its Borders

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Nigeria’s exports continue to face repeated rejection in European Union markets, a challenge caused by consistent quality failures, weak regulatory enforcement, and heavy dependence on raw commodities.

New trade figures further show that while export values expressed in naira have risen sharply, dollar earnings have continued to decline, undermining Nigeria’s competitiveness abroad.

Meanwhile, South Africa remains one of the African countries with the highest rate of export acceptance in Nigeria and the EU, highlighting the gaps between both economies’ standards and certification systems.

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According to data from International Trade Centre (ITC) , Nigeria’s export earnings fell for a second consecutive year in 2024, dropping by 8.5% to $57.9 billion.

The figure had already declined from $63.3 billion in 2022 to $60.65 billion in 2023. In naira terms, however, total exports rose from ₦26.8 trillion in 2022 to ₦36 trillion in 2023 and surged to ₦77.4 trillion in 2024.

These increases reflect the naira’s steep depreciation, not an improvement in the volume or acceptance of Nigerian goods overseas.

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Intelpoint data show that the naira weakened from ₦645.2 to the dollar at the end of 2023 to ₦1,478.9 in 2024, marking the sharpest yearly decline in a decade.

READ ALSO:US To Cut Military Aid To European Countries Near Russia — Official

EU border agencies have repeatedly rejected Nigerian agricultural and manufactured goods for failing to meet essential sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

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Frequent violations include excessive pesticide residue, poor traceability, contamination detected during inspection, and inconsistencies in certification documentation issued in Nigeria.

These failures stem largely from fragmented supply chains, weak monitoring capacity and a lack of internationally accredited laboratories.

South Africa, Morocco and Kenya maintain far stronger conformity systems, and South Africa in particular consistently delivers some of the highest acceptance rates across EU ports.

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The ITC figures show that oil remains the backbone of Nigeria’s exports, contributing nearly 90 per cent of total earnings between 2022 and 2024. Over that period, the country earned $163.2 billion from crude oil out of total export revenues of $181.8 billion.

Despite this dominance, oil earnings have continued to fall, declining from $57.4 billion in 2022 to $55.6 billion in 2023 and then to $50.3 billion in 2024.

Because crude prices are determined externally and the product is exported with limited value addition, Nigeria gains little competitive advantage from currency depreciation.

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READ ALSO:US To Cut Military Aid To European Countries Near Russia — Official

Non-oil exports recorded mixed fortunes. Cocoa earnings rose from $679 million in 2022 to $759 million in 2023 and climbed sharply to $2.6 billion in 2024.

Fertiliser exports fell from $1.9 billion in 2022 to $935.4 million in 2024. Ores and residues, however, increased from $158.6 million in 2023 to $824.4 million in 2024.

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Despite positive growth in some sectors, quality problems have continued to undermine acceptance in Europe, particularly for foods such as beans, palm oil and processed crops.

Nigeria recorded stronger performance in African markets in 2024 due to the relative strength of the West African CFA franc.

Companies such as Unilever Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria and Guinness Nigeria reported export sales of ₦22.8 billion in 2024, up from ₦9.92 billion in the preceding year. EU markets, however, maintain stricter inspection standards, and Nigeria’s structural weaknesses continue to limit penetration.

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The country’s export structure remains heavily constrained by outdated processing technology, weak inspection capacity, irregular regulatory monitoring, and an overreliance on raw commodities.

READ ALSO:Putin Says Russia Ready For War, Blames Europe For Sabotaging Peace

Also, pipeline vandalism and crude theft also prevent Nigeria from meeting its production benchmark of 1.7 million barrels per day, despite a rise to 1.5 million barrels per day in 2024.

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In December 2023, the Federal Government introduced the Trade Policy of Nigeria (2023–2027), aimed at aligning export regulations with World Trade Organisation rules and boosting global competitiveness.

The policy forms part of a wider reform agenda tied to the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Agenda 2050.

Despite these initiatives, limited investment in quality assurance, industrial processing and standards enforcement continues to weaken Nigeria’s acceptance in high-value markets such as the EU.

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US Imposes Visa Restrictions On Nigerians Linked To Religious Freedom Violations

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The United States government on Wednesday announced visa restrictions targeting individuals involved in violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. The measures may also extend to immediate family members of the affected persons.

In a statement titled “Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally”, the Department of State said the restrictions were being implemented in response to mass killings and attacks on Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and elsewhere.

The statement explained that under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the State Department would now have the authority to deny visas to those who have “directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom,” with the policy potentially extending to their immediate family members.

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READ ALSO:US Visa Adjudication Sparks Concerns Over Diplomatic Relations

It further cited former President Donald Trump’s remarks, noting that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.” The policy will apply to Nigeria and other governments or individuals implicated in violations of religious freedom.

The announcement follows growing international concern over attacks on religious communities in Nigeria, including targeted killings, abductions, and destruction of property attributed to armed groups.

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Putin Says Russia Ready For War, Blames Europe For Sabotaging Peace

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia was “ready” for war if Europe seeks one, accusing the continent’s leaders of trying to sabotage a deal on the Ukraine conflict before he met with US envoys.

The comments came as US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were in Moscow for high-stakes talks on ending the nearly four-year war, which were preceded by days of intense diplomacy.

We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters in Moscow.

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READ ALSO:Trump Blasts Ukraine For ‘Zero Gratitude’ Amid Talks To Halt War

“They have no peaceful agenda, they are on the side of war,” he added, repeating his claim that European leaders were hindering US attempts to broker peace in Ukraine.

He added that European changes to Trump’s latest plan to end the war “aimed solely at one thing — to completely block the entire peace process and put forward demands that are absolutely unacceptable for Russia”.

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Washington has presented a 28-point draft to end the conflict, later amended after criticism from Kyiv and Europe, which viewed it as heeding to many of Russia’s maximalist demands.

READ ALSO:Trump Urged Ukraine To Give Up Land In Peace Deal Talks — Official

The plan to end the war is championed by Trump, but European countries fear it risks forcing Kyiv to cave in to Russian demands, notably on territory.

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Fearing further Russian aggression, Europe has repeatedly said an unfair peace should not be imposed on Ukraine.

The Trump envoys are now seeking to finalise the plan with the approval of Moscow and Kyiv.
AFP

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