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Tag: Army chief

  • Many Boko Haram suspects arrested in Lagos, says Army chief

    •New GOC takes over at 81 Division

    Former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj.-Gen. Tanmi Dibi yesterday revealed that many Boko Haram suspects were arrested in Lagos State in the last 18 months.

    He spoke in an interview with reporters after officially handing over to a new GOC, Maj.-Gen. Isibor Edet.

    Maj.-Gen. Dibi, who refused to give further details on the arrests, warned the division’s officers and men to always remember that they are actively involved in the war against insurgents.

    He said: “Military job is a challenging task and Lagos State itself is a peculiar state. We have had our challenging times, but we were able to overcome them.

    “Under my watch, we were able to prevent the incursion of Boko Haram insurgents into Lagos. A good number of them were arrested here in Lagos.

    “Having served for 35 years and retiring now, I expect to see a more disciplined and committed army.”

    The Army chief, who addressed personnel of the division both at its headquartres and at the 65 Battalion parade ground, retires from service this week.

    He urged the officers and men to be committed to their duties.

    Maj.-Gen. Dibi noted that although the division had been able to contain the excesses of the insurgents in its area of responsibility, army personnel must not relapse in ensuring the area remains safe.

    He said: “You are all aware of the challenges we are going through – the problem of Boko Haram. The fact that you are not in the Northeast does not mean you are not fighting the war.

    “We are all involved in the war because wars of this nature do not have a front or a rear. So far, we are winning the war and I want you to do more.

    “And so far so good, we have been able to contain their excesses and I want you to do more. We have talked enough about security measures put in place, about your own personal security and that of your families and that of the barracks and how you relate with your friends, but I urge you to do more.

    “Be more vigilant and ensure security of your environment and your barracks. I do not want to be in my village to hear about any careless death. I do not want to read about an attack in Lagos.”

    He added: “I want to hear that this division I am leaving is the most efficient division in the Nigeria army. I give God the glory for making it possible to serve Nigeria for 35 years and retiring today. I also thank all of you for supporting me. Some of you have done so well by co-operating, some of you lagged behind.

    “For those lagging behind, please change your attitude towards work, be more dedicated because you do not have any other job than this job, neither do you have any other army.

    “The army is a voluntary organisation, which you decided to join. Nobody forced you to join. Therefore, do not allow any to force you do your job.”

    Describing his successor as an embodiment of knowledge, intelligence and discipline, Maj.-Gen. Dibi admonished personnel to accord him all loyalty and respect so that the division can succeed.

     

  • Anti-terror, vandalism battle require fitness, says Army chief

    Anti-terror, vandalism battle require fitness, says Army chief

    The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ordered officers and soldiers to be physically fit and mentally alert as the fight against insurgency and oil theft heats up.

    Buratai spoke at the weekend at the inauguration of a gymnasium for the personnel of 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt.

    “As professionals, officers and soldiers must be physically fit at all times; physical training will enable them to have stamina and endurance to withstand the security challenges confronting the nation.

    “We know the challenges the nation is facing in the Northeast and the recent escalation of militancy, piracy and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.

    “So, the personnel must be physically fit and alert to enable them to be in a better position to perform their duties when deployed in operational areas to combat security challenges,” he said.

    Buratai said the gymnasium, built by Brig.-Gen. Koko Essien, the commander of the brigade, conformed to his vision of putting in place a professionally responsive army to expertly perform its constitutional roles.

    The Army chief said that all dilapidated structures in barracks and units in the country would be renovated within six months to improve the living conditions and boost morale of personnel.

    Meanwhile, the Army also said it is the mopping up illegal refineries in Rivers and environs.

    The brigade commander said in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers, that in the operation, which began on July 27, 60 illegal refineries had been discovered and destroyed.

    “The 2 Brigade Port Harcourt, is conducting 30 days operation clean up of illegal refineries in Onne, Kedera, Bedera, Bolo and other areas of the state.

    “The operation is part of our renewed effort to stamp out illegal bunkering and illegal refineries in our area of responsibility.

    “So far, the operation has led to the discovery and destruction of 60 illegal refineries in just 13 days,” he said.

    He said the operation had adopted the use of “Swamp Buggy” machine, which crushed metallic tanks, thereby making it impossible for oil thieves to revive destroyed refineries.

    Essien, represented by Lt.-Col. Adebayo Lawal, the commanding Officer of the Brigade’s Intelligence Group, said the operation was in response to the renewed commitment to tackle oil theft.

    “We realised that whenever we burn down illegal refineries with metal tanks, some days after our troops leave the scene, the oil thieves would return and revive the refineries.

    “The use of Swamp Buggy machines is very effective because it makes the refineries impossible to be restored,” he said.

    Essien said the exercise would be sustained until all illegal refineries in the state were completely destroyed.

    He said that despite the destruction, the task force would continue to carry out air and ground surveillance of the creeks to ensure that new illegal refineries did not spring up.

    He warned criminals to look for legitimate means of making money as the task force would arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable of sabotaging oil and gas installations.

  • Army chief to troops: time to defeat insurgents is now

    Army chief to troops: time to defeat insurgents is now

    CHIEF of Army Staff (COAS), Maj-Gen Tukur Buratai has arrived in Borno State after spending the Sallah holidays with troops in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

    He immediately went to Konduga, headquarters of Konduga Local Government Area, where he launched ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole’, a new operational code for the counter-insurgency fight in the Northeast.

    Accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Zannah Umar Mustapha and other military top brass, the COAS appealed to the troops and other security agencies?

    He also called for collaboration from the general public to end the Boko Haram crisis, stressing that “without cooperation, determination and discipline among all and sundry, it would be difficult to defeat terrorists”.

    His words: “The ongoing activities of Boko Haram is assuming an alarming dimensions in Borno and other parts of the Northeast. We’ll not tolerate the killing of citizens and destruction of property, in as much as we urge you (troops) to adhere strictly to human rights’ abuses. The time to crush Boko Haram and other criminal activities in this country is now or never.

    “As Chief of Army Staff, I will be actively involved in this ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole’ to end the madness of Boko Baram if I will have your collective maximum support and cooperation.

    “My doors will always remain open to all of you for constructive criticism and advices towards restoration of peace in this part of the country.

    “Therefore, we are here to identify with you and to officially inform you that as from today henceforth, we have changed our operational code from ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya’ to ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole’.

    The deputy governor praised the Army chief and the General Officers Commanding 7 and 3 Divisions for taking their time to visit the state to see the troops.

    He promised that the state government will continue to support the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram even as he said that the sect once sacked almost 22 local government areas of the state with thousands of people mostly villagers killed and millions displaced.

    At the Shehu’s palace, Buratai described the visit as a homecoming for him.

    “This is my first official courtesy call since my appointment as army chief,” he said.

    He said the peace and tranquility associated with Borno will now return, pledging the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to restore peace.

    Buratai said: “We will need the support of the royal father and the people of Borno that we will ensure peace return to the entire region.

    “Since BH terrorists have rejected peace (Zaman Lafiya), we’ll now force them to accept peace. The peace that permeated Borno and transcend Lake Chad will soon return.”

  • Boko Haram has operated for too long — Army Chief  Buratai

    Boko Haram has operated for too long — Army Chief  Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Major  General Tukur Buratai said  yesterday  that the terror sect,Boko Haram ,has harassed  Nigeria enough and it is time to stop the terrorists.

    “It is time to put a stop to their madness,” Buratai declared in Damaturu,the Yobe State capital,at a  Sallah gala for  soldiers fighting the insurgents.

    The army chief , Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe and Deputy Governor Abubakar Aliyu  personally  went round to serve   the troops  at the event.

    The gala and the visit were aimed at boosting the  morale of the troops.

    Buratai  who was appointed last Monday was confident  that soldiers would  not run away from Boko Haram   during his tenue,but stand and fight to defend the country.

    He said: “This period is quite challenging and it just manifested itself this morning (yesterday). There are several others and it’s this challenge and unfortunate incident not only here in Yobe but also in Borno, Adamawa, Gombe states as well as in Kaduna and  Plateau.

    “These  act  of terrorism is what we all detest and it’s what we want to bring to an end. This why we are here as members of the Nigerian Army and indeed members of the Nigeria armed forces like the police, and the department of state service.

    “We are here to put a stop to this madness being perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorists. They have been operating for too long. It is time to put a total stop to it and by the grace of God their end is near. What you are seeing here this evening is a clear testimony of the commitment and dedication and indeed loyalty of the Nigerian army to the Nigerian State.”

    He  assured families of soldiers who have died in the fight against insurgency  that their death  ”would never be in vein.”

    But he enjoined the soldiers  to  exhibit professionalism and  responsiveness in the course of their duty.

    He said: “One major problem that we have been having in this operation Zaman Lafiya is lack of responsiveness. We have received various reports across various state and across the divisions that troops failed to respond to distress calls and situations that could easily be remedied with their timely presence. This under my watch will stop. From whatever quarters you get information especially when we relate very well with other sister agencies and government officials. We must coordinate and we must operate together.”

    Earlier yesterday,General Buratai  vowed   that he would not tolerate indiscipline in the army.

    He ruled out  the possibility of recalling the over 4000 soldiers sacked  for  alleged indiscipline in the anti Boko Haram fight.

    “I don’t know how they would become a problem to us concerning your questions. But what I would tell you is that I cannot tolerate indiscipline in the force,” Buratai  told reporters in Damaturu when asked about the fate of the dismissed soldiers.

    The Chief of Army Staff explained that his visit to Damaturu to celebrate Sallah with the troops  was  part of the measures to boost their  morale and also to enable   him access their  equipment and level of  discipline.

    He said: “I cannot tell you why I am here on the strategic level because it’s a strategic decision. We all know the importance of Damaturu and Yobe State in particular.

    “My presence here is to improve civil military relation, we need the cooperation. My presence will boost the morale of the troops. This is one of the reasons why I am here. To see  for  myself ,and it will also help me to access the state of readiness in terms of equipment and indeed their state of  discipline and we would be able to access the threat properly from this perspective.”

  • Army chief to soldiers: defeat insurgents to honour your dead colleagues

    Army chief to soldiers: defeat insurgents to honour your dead colleagues

    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah has called on soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents to win the war as a mark of honour for their fallen colleagues.

    Lt.-Gen. Minimah spoke to soldiers at the cemetery of the fallen heroes in the war against insurgents during a wreath-laying to mark this year’s Army Day celebration in Maiduguri.

    He said: “The only way to honour our fallen officers and men is to ensure that this war is won and I promise that we will win.”

    To the families of the dead soldiers, he said:  “I will also want to assure the families of departed colleagues that they will not be forgotten. All statutory requirements and privileges for children and families they left behind would be honoured and be executed.

    “The Army is the strength of any nation and it is used to rate a nation in the international arena.

    “I want to thank the Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima for his continued support to the Nigeria Army in pursuance of ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya’ and for also hosting the Nigeria Army Day celebration. This has come with a cost and logistics, which the governor has undertaken.”

    Acknowledging the solemnity of the ceremony, the Army chief said:  ”It is a sad ceremony, but it is also a ceremony that we must undertake for we have to honour the dead. Nigeria Army Day Celebration as it is for the living, it is also for the dead; and today we are honouring the dead.”

    Shettima, who was among the dignitaries at the ceremony, hailed the Army for keeping Maiduguri safe.

    “Believe me, at the risk of exaggerating issues, Maiduguri is as secured as Lagos or Kaduna or any other city in this country. They all face the same challenges that Maiduguri is facing and we want to pay tribute to the gallant officers and men of the Nigeria Army, who have laid down their lives for this country to remain one indivisible entity.

    “Hundreds of our soldiers have died in this counter-insurgency war. We have to respect our fallen soldiers and pray for the repose of their souls. But most importantly, we have to make their families realise that they did not die in vain.

    “This singular act of coming down to Maiduguri to celebrate the Army Day and coming to identify with us shall be written in gold.

    “There is psychology in warfare and the fact that the top hierarchy of the Army are here in Maiduguri convey a lot of message to the soldiers and to the rest of the world that Maiduguri is safe, accessible and secured,” the governor said.

    He hailed the military for respecting the fundamental human rights of the suspects arrested during the battle against the insurgents.

    Medals were awarded to injured soldiers and those that were killed in the battle against the insurgents were also posthumously recognised with medals for their gallantry.

    But Maiduguri was locked down for the celebration.

    The Army authorities, it was learnt, decided to mark the day in Maiduguri to boost the morale of troops fighting the insurgency.

    Many residents of the metropolis were turned away by security agents as they try to access some roads to their offices.

    Most of the major roads in the city were either barricaded by the military or reduced to one lane, which caused a gridlock.

    Lt.-Gen. Minimah and other top Army chiefs arrived in Maiduguri on Sunday to participate in the grand finale of the celebration.

     

  • Army chief pledges to end terrorism

    Army chief pledges to end terrorism

    As Nigerian troops record more gains in the war against terrorism in the North, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Keneth Minimah promised yesterday to end the menace.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the reconstructed 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina,  Lagos, where he noted that the activities of extremist Boko Haram sect have threatened the nation’s unity and brought the army to disrepute.

    He vowed to contain the menace, adding “never again will Nigeria walk this path where insurgency and terrorism will come to redefine our oneness as a nation and bring the Nigerian Army to a low level of concern to its own.”

    Expressing hope that more Boko Haram captives would be rescued alive, Gen. Minimah stated that the 293 hostages found by troops were all located in one camp inside Sambisa forest.

    He said: “We will continue to push in major operations in the fight against insurgency to a close. It is achievable and we are working towards that.

    “It is our wish that we find them (Chibok girls). It was in just one of the camps that were destroyed that we found that number of Nigerians.

    “I am sure that as we edge further into the forest, we will begin to capture more camps. We pray that we rescue more people. Every Nigerian looks forward to this.

    “Let me commend the efforts of our gallant officers and soldiers who continue to make enormous sacrifices to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe, united and stable country.

    “I wish to reassure all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will continue to do what is in the interest of the nation in pursuant of our constitutional roles.

    “We will always rise to the occasion wherever and whenever duty calls. We will not fail Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “May I express our profound thanks to President Goodluck Jonathan for his unwavering support for the Nigerian Army. He has in various ways, particularly his morale boosting visits to the North-east operational theatre, demonstrated unique leadership and solidarity.”

  • Northeast: Governance may not return soon, says Army chief

    THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, has expressed doubts whether there will be full return of governance structures in the liberated communities of the Northeast before next week’s presidential elections.

    He spoke with State House correspondents at the end of about six hours Security Council meeting convened by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    But, he said he was not in a position to speak whether elections would hold in the area or there would be need to postpone all the elections.

    According to him, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, who was part of the meeting, would be the right person to decide on whether the elections will hold.

    He added that the council gave a vote of confidence on the military following successful anti-terrorism operations in the Northeast and that only three local governments in Borno State were yet to be liberated from the control of Boko Haram.

    He said: “Council reviewed the Northeast operations, particularly in the last three weeks and council renewed its confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and commended them too.

    “You know Yobe and Adamawa states have been liberated completely and we look forward to the reinstatement of structures of government and governance.

    “I am also sure you know that in Borno State out of the 27 local government areas, we have three local governments remaining – Abadam, Kalabaldi and Gwoza. We are optimistic that with time, we will liberate those local governments.

    “I am not competent to speak on the elections. INEC is still there. INEC has to re-access the situation and evaluate because the areas that have been liberated.

    “But I can also tell you that not all structures of governance have been reinstated and they will need to be reinstated so that citizens can go back to their areas. It is then, I think, they can execute their rights as voters.”

    But he said that he didn’t know how soon the structures would be reinstated.

     

     

     

  • No Boko Haram in the Southeast, says Army Chief

    No Boko Haram in the Southeast, says Army Chief

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah, has allayed the fear of Nigerians living in the Southeast part of the country over possible infiltration by members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

    He said that the few security threat recorded in the zone may not be blamed on the insurgents.

    Speaking during his visit to the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze as part of the familiarization of 82 Division Enugu on Thursday, the COAS, noted that the two incidents in Imo and Abia state allegedly linked to the Islamic Sect may have been the handiwork of some elements within the zone which wanted to take advantage of the insurgency in the country to cause mischief.

    “What happened at the Winners Chapel Church in Imo and the arrest made in Abia cannot be totally blamed on the insurgents because some mischievous elements can be making bombs to cause trouble and make it look like Boko Haram.

    “Some elements within the states may want to cause problem, some mischief makers might want to take advantage of the insurgency in the country to ferment trouble but the Military is ready to check all forms of security threat,”  Minimah said.

    The Army boss who seized the opportunity to commission the modern officers mess at the barracks affirmed that his tour to all the army divisions in the country would help strengthen the morals of his men as well as provide ideas for the protection of the nation.

  • Nigeria’ll defeat insurgents, say Oshiomhole, Army chief

    Nigeria’ll defeat insurgents, say Oshiomhole, Army chief

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, have expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defeat insurgents.

    They spoke at the weekend at the Nigerian Army Corps and School of Supply and Transport, Benin, the Edo State capital, at the inauguration of its remodelled Officers Mess, facilitated by the state government.

    Oshiomhole said insurgency and other violent crimes are alien to Nigeria and would be defeated soon.

    He said: “We in Edo State appreciate the sacrifices the men and officers are paying at this critical time of our history by dealing with new forms of crime that one never thought was possible in this country a couple of years back.

    “We appreciate the will, the determination to confront the risk and to defeat them. I believe the Commander-in-Chief and our President Goodluck Jonathan is providing the leadership and the Nigeria Army is doing an excellent job in making a bold statement that these terrorists will be defeated. By the grace of God, Nigeria will be secured for generations yet unborn.

    “I want to thank Mr President, who graciously approved the Army to support and compliment the efforts of the Nigerian Police. For us in Edo, the Nigeria Army is part and parcel of the community. Edo people are proud of the Nigerian Army and are proud of the contributions you are making to make Edo State safe.”

    The governor thanked the Army for acknowledging the support of the state government.

    He said: “Giving the support is one thing and making judicious use of it is another. I think the officers, who remodelled this building, have shown the capacity of the Nigerian Army to manage resources judiciously.”

    Lt.-Gen. Minimah assured that the Army would overcome the present security challenges.

    He said: “Let me reassure Nigerians that the current security challenges and other security challenges bedevilling the country are surmountable and will soon become a thing of the past. The Army will not relent until all forms of terrorism and criminal activities are driven out of our shores. We cannot, we must not, and we will not fail the nation.

    “At this point, I want to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his untiring support of the Army and the Armed Forces. I equally thank our political leaders at all levels of government for their solidarity with the Army, particularly the Governor and people of Edo state.

    “I want to thank the governor and people of Edo State, not only for this project but also for other interventions in the Army barracks in the state. I recall that just last June, the Edo State Government provided a commercial borehole and a 500KVA generator for Ekenhuan Barracks.

    “This gesture and many other supports by the Edo State Government is deeply appreciated and worthy of every level of commendation. I call on other state governments to take a cue from the Edo State Government and support our troops to confront the current security challenges bedevilling our country.”

    In a welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Nienge hailed Oshiomhole for his interest in the welfare of the officers and men of the Army in Edo State.

  • Army chief unveils tailoring factory

    Army chief unveils tailoring factory

    As part of efforts to stop impersonators and reposition the army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah yesterday unveiled the Nigerian Army (NA) Ordinance tailoring factory, located in Yaba, Lagos.

    Minimah, who has been in Lagos for a week-long familiarisation tour of units and formations under the 81 Division, had earlier told army personnel of plans to change their uniforms and ensure uniformity before the end of the year.

    He charged the NA Ordnance Corps to optimally utilise provided materials and ensure quality production that can facilitate patronage from other military and security services as well as attract commercial interests.

    Unveiling the factory, Minimah said it was a product of continuity aimed at ensuring that troops are kitted with the same type, standard and quality of military wears that will be produced by the factory.

    He said efforts are being made towards self reliance by ensuring that local materials would be used in the production of army uniforms, which will in turn boost local contents and create employment.

    In his welcome address, the Corps Commander, Maj-Gen Adekunle Martins said the factory would operate at full capacity and would run three shifts of 200 tailors each per day.

    “By so doing, the army would be providing employment for over six hundred persons per day as part of its contribution to reducing unemployment.

    “The factory has a computerised cutting machine capable of cutting about two thousand pairs of uniforms in six hours, among other facilities,” he said.