Guards Brigade put measures in place to stop ‘Shiites’ protest turning violent in FCT; as Commander commissions projects of 177 Battalion.

The Commander Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen Umar Tamar Musa on Wednesday expressed concern about the activities of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria otherwise known as ‘Shiites’ noting that the frequent activities (protests and matching’s) of the group and causing traffic discomfort in the FCT metropolis. 

Speaking in Keffi where he commissioned some projects embarked upon by the Commanding Officer (CO) 177 Guards Battalion Lt Col Musa Uba at the Shittu Alao Barracks, the Brigade Commander however stated that strong counter security measures have been put in place with sister agencies to nip any plan by such protests to go violent. 

Musa said, “The incessant protests by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) are becoming worrisome to Abuja residents. But the Brigade and the Nigeria Police Force have put more strategies in place to avoid any protest from escalating into violence. 

The projects commissioned include a mini zoo in the barracks, a children’s park named after the commander Gds Bde, Saluting Dais and a car park at the Battalion Headquarters. 

A gallant soldier of 177Guards Battalion Corporal Stephen Adamu was rewarded for bravery when he was shot by armed militia in the state but was able to repel the attack despite the inflicted bullet wound.  

Brig Gen UT Musa presented a motorbike to Corporal Adamu and encouraged the rest of the soldiers not to relent in their duties and to remain professional.  

His words, “I recall that towards the end of last year, the COAS magnanimously Commissioned 177 Gds Bn projects combined with AHQ projects. That singular event was very colourful as it attracted top military hierarchy and other prominent persons within Keffi and the entire Nasarawa state. 

“Today Wednesday 3rd July 2019), history has repeated itself as we are witnessing laudable projects executed by the Commanding officer 177 Gds Bn Lt Col M Uba. So far, 4 projects were commissioned.

 “They include the Mini Zoo, Children’s Park, Saluting Dias and Car Park. Suffice to say that the expansion of the Mascot house to a Mini Zoo is my directive in line with COAS instructions.  

“Similarly, I am aware that the children’s Playground is one of its kinds in the length and breadth of this area beginning from NTA up to Gitata village.  

“I believe it is not only going to serve this Barracks Community alone but also the neighboring villages of Jigwada, Anguwan Ahmadu, Anguwan Maiyaki and Anguwan Sarkin Mada to mention but a few. Please I urge you to make good use of these facilities in order to serve you better. 

Commending the Commanding Officer and the entire Shitu Alao Barracks Community for naming one of the projects after ‘my name’, the Brigade Commander said, “The construction of the Saluting Dias as well as the Car Park is quite a welcome development. At long last, invited guest to the parade ground will have some respite from the harsh weather while Cars parked at the BHQ would be spared from the weather as well”. 

In his remarks, Lt. Col Uba gave honour to the Brigade Commander for his fatherly disposition to the battalion as well as his support for training, professionalism and insistence on discipline always as a hallmark of good soldiering.

He said, “Our special thanks goes to our esteemed guest of honour, the Chief Scorpion, Brig Gen UT Musa, Comander Gds Bde and his esteemed entourage for honouring our invitation despite your tight schedule.

“We really appreciate your support towards the success of this unit and we pray that God Almighty bless you bountifully and grant you more wisdom to enable you steer the affairs of this brigade to greater heights.”

“Our profound gratitude also goes to the chairman Keffi LGA Mr Abdulrahaman Sani Maigoro for gracing this occasion. Let me to use this opportunity to also thank our royal father, HRH the Emir of Keffi Dr Chindo Yamusa the III for being a father, source of support and encouragement to the entire Keffi community.”

 

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