It emerged, recently, that ousted Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, recruited several young Nigerians into his armed forces in his heyday.

Security sources told the Nigerian Tribune that the former Libyan leader targeted young university graduates, who were about going for the youth service.

A security expert told the Nigerian Tribune that the deposed Libyan leader had a network through which he identified young Nigerians who could be recruited into the Libyan army and other forces.

Another source said that the former Libyan leader usually offered those recruits scholarships and opportunity to pursue lifetime career in the Libyan Armed Forces.

It was learnt that the Libyan leader deliberately did not restrict the recruitment drive to a section of the country and that while many from the North and South-East took up offers in the military, those from the South-West and South-South usually did not take up the offer.

It was also gathered that the development lasted many years and that many of those recruited were encouraged to leave the youth service for a more promising career in the Libyan Armed Forces.
A source said that one young man from the South-East approached by Gaddafi's agents once asked for advice after receiving a letter of offer to serve in the Libyan army.

"You have to note that the anger of the militants, who are fighting Gaddafi, against Nigerians initially was largely fuelled by the realisation that many Nigerians were actually recruited by Gaddafi and were part of the last vestiges of resistance for Libya's long-standing leader," a source told the Nigerian Tribune.

The source further said that the Libyan leader was told that Nigerian youths generally faced difficulties of unemployment after graduation. He was said to usually target graduating students, who fulfilled the requirements for military recruitment.

"He (Gaddafi) saw the advantage of getting Nigerians into his armed forces since he knew that many of them were aware they would be roaming the streets of Nigeria after graduation. Through the process he got many recruits,” the source said, adding that many northern youths, who also travelled to Libya for studies, ended up in the military.

Meanwhile, Moussa Ibrahim, Gadaffi's spokes-man has been arrested, a local Libyan television reported recently.
According to Freedom TV based in Misrata in northwestern Libya, Ibrahim was arrested by fighters of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) on Wednesday night near Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte.

The television quoted a NTC fighter as saying that the former spokesperson of Gaddafi mixed himself into a group of local villagers who were fleeing Sirte, where prolonged fighting were going on between NTC forces and remnant Gaddafi loyalists.

The report said the footage of Ibrahim's arrest would be broadcast once he is sent to a safe place.
Meanwhile, Interpol has issued an international alert calling for help in finding and arresting Gaddafi's son, Saadi.

The international police agency said on Thursday it issued a "red notice" at the request of provisional authorities in Libya, where an warrant has been issued for Saadi Gaddafi's arrest.

President Goodluck Jonathan has commended Nigerians for their resilience, patriotism and commitment to nation-building in spite of various daunting challenges confronting the country.

The President gave the commendation in his 51st independence anniversary broadcast to the nation.
He commended the people for keeping the spirit of nationalism and patriotism that inspired the country's founding fathers who he said, set aside their differences to secure the unity and independence of the country 51 years ago.

Jonathan thanked Nigerians at home and abroad for their support for his administration, noting that the mark they are making in all fields of endeavour have remained the source of hope and pride.
``I value all Nigerians. I see our youths who are looking for jobs and yet remain hopeful. I see the farmer, and fisherman toiling everyday to earn a living.

``I see the teacher, working hard to train our future generations, with much sacrifice. I see the market women whose entrepreneurial spirit helps to generate income for their children and families.
``I see our sportsmen and women training hard to bring glory to our nation. I see our resilience and commitment as a nation to defend our democracy and secure our future.

``I see every single profession and vocation making positive contributions to national progress. I value you all,'' he said
According to him, Nigeria has reasons to celebrate at 51 for its ability to turn adversity to hope and for making its presence felt all over the world through diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts.

He gave the assurance that his administration would remain resolutely committed to defending the peace and stability of the nation and would spare no effort in fighting crimes.
``We condemn all acts of violence and declare that such acts of mindless savagery shall not be allowed to define our country. We will not be deterred. Our resolve is strong.

``I have put in place a new and reinvigorated national security strategy, to combat the threat to our safety.''
He appealed to leaders and all citizens to make peace their Number One priority adding, however, that government could not fight crime all alone.

Jonathan also called on political leaders to put aside partisan politics, for united action towards the advancement of the nation.
He expressed the optimism that the incidence of violence and terror in parts of the country would surely be overcome.