Jonathan's Officials Stole N197bn Monthly –Sanusi

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, says Nigeria lost about $1bn (N197bn) every month under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Sanusi, who is a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said this during a programme titled ‘How a cancer of corruption steals Nigerian oil, weapons and lives’, which aired on The PBS NewsHour, an American daily evening television show. The former CBN governor said many shady deals took place under the immediate past Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is being investigated in the United Kingdom. The monarch said, “In Nigeria, there is no accountability at all and that is why I think Nigeria’s corruption is worse than corruption in most parts of the world. It is the worst type of corruption. It’s stealing.

Top 18 Updates: Russia Military Map - DEC. 4, 2015

 

Executive Summary

As 2015 is drawing to a close, it is clear that the Russian military is expecting 2016 to e at least as eventful as this and last year were, with the still-smouldering conflict on the Donbass and the still-escalating war in Syria, both of which could conceivably demand a Russian military commitment up to and including a sizable ground operation. Considering the combination of the recent developments such as the formation and/or reorganization of combat units, the intensification of combat training, and the emergence of growing number of units staffed solely or mainly by contract soldiers, it is evident that plans for ground operations are being developed, so far only as contingencies. However, 2014 and 2015 showed that Russian contingency plans can very quickly become a reality should the situation demand it, and 2016 is not likely to be different.

Strategic Forces

1. New command and control aircraft delivery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UlSh4kzhTc

Location: Chkalovskiy; Nizhniy Novgorod

The Il-86VKP is a “doomsday aircraft” intended to command Russia’s nuclear forces in wartime. It can also fulfill the role of a command aircraft for conventional military operations.

Continue reading after the page break bellow.

2. Strategic Rocket Forces to undergo more surprise inspections in 2016

Location: Moscow

While RVSN units conducted about 100 alerts and battle drills, this number will increase in 2016.

Ground Forces and Airborne Forces

3. Russian units reported participating in ground fighting in Syria

Location: Latakia

Syrian journalists Russian Naval Infantry supported by T-90A MBTs and Su-25 attack aircraft conducted offensive operations against militant strongpoints at various sectors of the front. There were separate reports that Syrian mechanized units were using T-90A MBTs which, however, could have been crewed by Russian servicemen.

4. Two motorized rifle brigades to undergo battle drills

Location: Nizhniy Novgorod

The brigades will train at the brand-new Western Military District training area patterned after the US NTC. The training will entail live-fire exercises, maneuver training, as well as a brigade-level force-on-force exercise.

5. New artillery brigade

Location: Buryatiya

It appears this is a reactivation of cadred unit, as it is equipped with mostly self-propelled systems of older manufacture, including 122mm 2S1, 152mm 2S5, and 204mm 2S7 SP howitzers. More than 85% of the brigade’s soldiers are serving on multi-year contracts as opposed to one-year draft, suggesting the brigade is intended for deployments outside the country.

6. New training regimen for peacekeeping brigade

 

Location: Samara

The Central Military District motorized rifle brigade that is optimized for peacekeeping operations will implement a new training regimen for units that are fully staffed by contract soldiers. The combined individual and unit training cycle is scheduled to last 10 months.

7. Army aviation reorganization

Location: Krasnopol, Rostov, Stavropol

Army aviation bases at these locations are being transformed into army aviation regiments and brigades in order to improve their ability to plan and conduct combat operations.

8. First assault engineer battalion formed

Location: Murom, Vladimir Region

The newly formed battalion is part of the Supreme Command reserve, and there are plans to form a battalion of this type in each combined arms army. The battalions’ mission is to facilitate offensive operations by overcoming enemy fortified defensive positions.

9. Increase in contract soldier staffing

 

Location: Dagestan

The Dagestan-based motorized rifle brigades received 400 contract service soldiers this year, or 35% more than in the previous year. In general, contract-staffed units tend to be the more likely ones to be sent on missions abroad, and the increase in contract staffing in this case reflects the desire to improve readiness and deployability of affected units.

Air Forces

10. S-400 live-fire exercise

 

Location: Kapustin Yar

The missile systems were used to destroy maneuvering ballistic targets.

11. Eleventh S-400 regiment delivered

 

Location: Kapustin Yar

Almaz-Antey also delivered three Buk-M2 medium-range air defense battalions this year.

12. Five MiG-31BSM delivered

 

Location: Nizhniy Novgorod

Russia’s VKS currently have 72 of these modernized MiG-31s, with additional 50 to be upgraded by the end of 2018.

Naval Forces

13. Caspian Flotilla sortie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf2SZ_gjtA0

 

Location: Caspian Sea

Three Buyan-M missile corvettes sortied into the Caspian Sea on December 1 in order to perform an unspecified combat mission. Each of the three ships carries 8 UKSK launch cells for Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been launched at ISIS targets in Syria during earlier sorties, most recently on November 20. The latest cruise took place against the backdrop of growing tensions between Russia and Turkey over the Su-24M shoot-down over Syria.

14. Admiral Gorshkov cruise missile launch tests

 

Location: White Sea

It was not reported which missiles were used in the tests, however, since they were launched against both land and sea targets it’s fair to conclude that both the Oniks and Kalibr systems (with the ship having 16 dual-purpose launch cells that accommodate both of these weapons) were used.

15. Gepard SSN returns to service

 

Location: Severodvinsk

The torpedo- and cruise missile-armed Gepard returned to service after an overhaul at the Sevmash shipyard.

International

16. Russia’s presence in Syria to expand

 

Location: Shairat, Syria

The Russian government apparently secured Syrian government’s agreement to allow Russian forces to use another major airbase in Shairat in addition to the Hmeimim one. The reports suggest a significant increase in the number of Russian aircraft based there, indicates additional capabilities such as the A-50 airborne early warning aircraft being deployed, and hints at an increase in ground personnel as well.

17. S-300PMU-2 deliveries to Iran begin

 

Location: Tehran

The first systems reach Iran on December 3.

18. Indonesia confirms the Su-35 contract

Location: Komsomolsk-na-Amure

The 12-aircraft contract is worth $3.1 billion.

#Russia, #Syria, #War

Syria: No Escape From Retribution

Russian aviation is attacking concealed and disguised objects of terrorist infrastructure

Originally appeared at VPK, translated by Carpatho-Russian exclusively for SouthFront

What is the mechanism of applying aviation facilities to attack militants of ISIL? How reliable is the information about the arrangement of their bases, warehouses with ammunition, and command points? How, at last, shall we respond to the “stab in the back” on our Su-24M? These and other questions on the “military industrial sector” are answered by the First Deputy Chief of Operational Management of the General Staff of the Air Force (1997-2003), leading adviser of the Committee of the Federation Council for Defense and Security (2003-2013), Major General Igor Semenchenko.

Former Kano Pillars midfielder Abdul Haruna slumps & dies during match.

Ex-Kano Pillars player, Abdul Haruna (Chacha), died this evening after slumping during a football match in Kano. The 27-year-old forward was playing for Kano Professionals against a selected amateur team in a friendly when he slumped and died. He’ll be buried tomorrow morning in Kano according to Islam burial rights.

Nigerian Army Arrests Boko Haram Chief Cameraman, 2 Others [PHOTOS]

Military officers of 28 Task Force Brigade yesterday December 4th, arrested another Boko Haram terrorist suspect, Abdullahi Abubakar Sadiq, believed to be the terrorists Chief Cameraman and suspect number 58 on the list of 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists wanted list. He was arrested at Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The troops also arrested two other suspected Boko Haram terrorists along with two other terrorists at at Rumirgo and Kilakasa.
This was revealed in a press statement released today, November 5, and signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations,Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman. It reads:

7 of Top 7 Things You Need To Know About Reekado Banks On His Birthday

7. Reekado is a graduate of History and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos

The fast rising singer is known for his popular singles like Katapot, Sugar Baby and Chop Am.

Happy birthday Reekado Banks!
  

Syria War 2015 - A Journey "Inside Assad's Syria" Full - Documentary Film HD

The Middle East War SITREP December 5th, 2015 by John Rambo

A quick note: I do apologize for how late this SitRep is. Unfortunately I too must obey the great capitalistic system and submit to their demands (holiday hours) and the CIA is not known for its Christmas bonuses.

It seems great events unfold every 2 weeks in Syria. The downing of a Russian Su-24 by a Turkish F-16 fighter has been the highlight. Russian retaliation has been a complete exposure of Turkish connections within the Islamic States oil trade, the near carpet bombings and artillery barrages of the Islamist Turkmen frontline near the Turkish border inside Syria, and the a more active role in interfering in Turkish geostrategic opportunities. [Source] [Source] [Source]

The Western media quickly rewrote the narrative to obfuscate the facts and to reinforce falsehoods (such as the fabrication that the Su-24 was inside Turkish space when it was shot down and that Turkey responded appropriately). Turkey quickly ran to NATO to hold an emergency meeting.

Terrorism : Sayed Ali Khamenei’s Letter To the Youth in Western Countries

The bitter events brought about by blind terrorism in France have once again, moved me to speak to you young people.

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

To the Youth in Western Countries,

The bitter events brought about by blind terrorism in France have once again, moved me to speak to you young people.  For me, it is unfortunate that such incidents would have to create the framework for a conversation, however the truth is that if painful matters do not create the grounds for finding solutions and mutual consultation, then the damage caused will be multiplied.

Syrian Army Destroys al-Nusra Strongholds in Key Areas Near Turkish Border

The Syrian army destroyed al-Nusra Front terrorists' strongholds in the coastal northwestern Syrian province of Latakia located near the Turkish border, FARS news agency reported Sunday.

The operation was carried out in the al-Nuba Mountains, a strategically important location in the Latakia province, according to FNA.

The Syrian government troops killed dozens of al-Nusra Front terrorists during the fight, the agency said.

Syria Right to Hit NATO Warplanes

Syria is ready to deploy the fearsome S-300 air-defence system supplied by its Russian ally. The anti-aircraft surface-to-air missiles will give Syria control over its territory and the capability to shoot down any intrusive warplane or missile. NATO warplanes beware!

The fatal shoot-down of a Russian fighter jet by a Turkish F-16 two weeks ago has given urgency to installing the air-defence system. It is as much in Russia’s interest as it is in Syria’s to have air cover – and the S-300, and its newer generation, the S-400, are reckoned to be the best technology in the world for that job.

Khrizantema-S: Why Russia's Ultimate Tank Killer Cannot Be Defeated

With a floristic name (translated as "golden daisy") that belies its deadly nature, Russia’s Khrizantema-S supersonic anti-tank missile was designed to destroy current and future main battle tanks, including those protected with explosive reactive armor, small-displacement surface vessels, low-flying aerial targets and field fortifications.


The Khrizantema’s 9M123 missile travels at an average speed of 400 m/s and has a range of between 400 and 6000 meters.
The system is also unique among Russian anti-tank guided missiles in that, depending on the variant, its missile can either be guided by laser or radar.

Buhari Should Ask EFCC, ICPC To Investigate Corrupt Judges, Says Salami

•Advises against use of quota system to appoint judges,
recommends Kenyan model •Wants five-year tenure for CJs

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, wants President Muhammadu Buhari to ask the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to investigate corrupt judges.
The presidency, according to him, should also copy the Kenyan model to rid the nation’s judiciary of corruption, while kicking against quota system in appointing judges.

Balarabe Musa Explodes.■ ACF, Ohanaeze, Afenifere, APC Are Secessionist Groups

Second republic governor of old Kaduna State , Al­haji Balarabe Abdulka­dir Musa in this interview with Abeokuta-based ROCK CITY FM speaks on politics in Nigeria then and now, the various tendencies, leaders, the upheavals that led to his impeachment, corruption, the military regimes and the gov­ernment of President Muham­madu Buhari, among other national issues. Excerpts:
The period you were a governor, we know you had problems with the major­ity party in the House of Assembly, the NPN, which subsequently led to your impeachment. Do you feel bitter about the events of that time?

Minimum Wage: Call Your Governors To Order, NLC Tells APC, PDP

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition Peoples Democratic Party to call their governors to order for some of the governors’ insistence on reducing the minimum wage.
A statement by the president of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, said the governors’ insistence on either abolishing the N18,000 minimum wage or retrench workers was invitation to crisis.

11 Questions For Okonjo-Iweala On Abacha Loot – SERAP

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected the accusation of political agenda by the immediate-past Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saying that “the issue of how over $5 billion recovered Abacha funds were spent under her watch deserves serious attention.”

‪#‎BayelsaDecides‬: 10 Suspects In Police Net, 6 Guns Recovered

DIG Hashimu Argungu briefing newsmen on the latest updates available to the police on the gubernatorial election Bayelsa state.
Police authorities in Bayelsa state have confirmed the arrest of 10 suspects for various offenses in connection with the ongoing governorship election in the state.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hashimu Argungu who is heading the security arrangement of the election made the confirmation Sunday morning at a press briefing held at the Police Officers Mess, in Yenagoa.

‘Obasanjo Only Person Living Or Dead That Has lead Nigeria For 11 Years’

Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he enlisted the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate in the political crisis in Guinea Bissau because of his wide political and military experience.
A statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, quoted President Buhari as saying that he took the decision because Obasanjo was also strongly committed to the unity of Nigeria and Africa.image

Bello Won’t Be Governor In Kogi – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has said the declaration of the All Progressive Congress’ Yahaya Bello as governor-elect of Kogi State is a waste of time, resources and ridiculous shadow-chasing.
INEC had declared Bello as winner of the governorship election early this morning, saying he had satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the majority votes.
However, the PDP alleged that the INEC, in the bid to satisfy the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government, had succeeded in making a mockery of itself and the entire electoral process, by trying to install an individual who it said, was not a valid candidate for the election.
The party also alleged that Bello merely scored, under his name, a paltry 6885 vote in the supplementary election as against the 204,877 votes polled by the PDP candidate, Governor Idris Wada in the overall election.

Biafra: Hausa In Onitsha Go Into Hiding

Members of the Hausa community in Onitsha, Anambra State, who fled the town following the two-day pro-Biafran agitation fracas, which resulted in the death of about nine persons and destruction of properties, are still into hiding.  When our correspondent visited Onitsha on Saturday, the baristas, shoe menders, green grocers, barbecue sellers and allied workers, who are of northern origin, had yet to open shops. Investigations by our correspondent showed that most of them were still in the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police barracks in the area, apparently for fear of attacks.

Kachikwu Removed As OPEC President After Two Days

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has removed Ibe Kachikwu as its conference president.
Kachikwu, minister of state for petroleum, became OPEC president only on Wednesday, replacing Diezani Alison-Madueke.
However, a fresh election was made on Friday at the 168th ordinary meeting of the organisation in Vienna, Austria, Kachikwu’s first meeting at the helm.

Nigerian Government Reacts To Biafra, Says Protest “Completely Legitimate”

The federal government has described the agitations by some Nigerians, largely in the South-East, as “completely legitimate.” There have been mass protests by Igbos in South-East Nigeria for an independent country of Biafra. The protests have sometimes gone violent with reported deaths of about six people, allegedly at the hands of security officials

Saraki: If I Was Not Senate President, I Won't Have Business With CCT

Notwithstanding his many battles, including an ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged falsification of his Assets Declaration Form, the President of the Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is settling in as the head of the National Assembly. In this interview with Ayo Arowolo, Bolaji Adebiyi, Iyobosa Uwugairen and Omololu Ogumade, he spoke about the initial storm that heralded his leadership, dismissing it as the rants of frustrated people from outside the Senate chamber, who were not motivated by the interest of the people. He also bared his mind on several issues of national importance, including the vexed issues of fuel subsidy, corruption and the ailing economy

Social Media Bill: No Blackmail Can Stop Us From Making Laws - Na’Allah

Thunderous criticisms have continued to trail the bill on social media sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC, Kebbi South). The bill proposes a two-year jail term or N2m fine or both for anybody that posts or broadcasts false or abusive statements on the social media. In this interview, Na’Allah who is the Deputy Leader of the Senate defends the rationale for the bill and reiterates his resolve to see to its passage into law.

Nigerians Expelled From Senegal Stadium For Displaying Biafra Flags.

 Some Nigerian football fans were on Saturday expelled from a football stadium in Senegal for displaying Biafran flags. The fans were expelled minutes after they displayed Biafran flags alongside Nigerian flags at a football match between Nigeria and Algeria at the U-23 African Cup of Nations holding in Dakar, the Senegalese capital. There have been protests in South-East Nigeria by Igbos who demand for a separate Biafran country.