Tag: Army

The Nigerian Army, yesterday, confirmed the death of two soldiers following an attack by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The incident occurred on Friday at Osina in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Nigerian Army revealed that the attack happened when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade were returning from a routine patrol and responded to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on the Osina community.

The Army stated that its troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.

While the Army did not disclose the number of casualties on the side of the IPOB/ESN operatives, it confirmed the loss of two soldiers and reported that weapons were carted away during the confrontation.

The Army described IPOB and its armed wing, ESN, as “dissidents” and reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the South-East region.

It stated, “Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action and their weapons, an AK 47 Rifle and a Tear Gas Launcher were carted away by the terrorists.”

The statement noted that the corpses of the slain agents had been recovered, and the troops had proceeded in pursuit of the fleeing “terrorists”.

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The statement added, “Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralised while others who could not withstand the troop’s firepower ran into the nearby forest. One (1) AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered.

“The unrelenting troops continued to pursue the remnant of the criminals deep into Umalouma Forest where a heavy firefight further broke out. The dissidents finally abandoned their weapons due to troops’ superior firepower and scampered into the thickly forested area with severe gunshot injuries. An additional five (4) AK–47 rifles, one (1) Fabrique Nationale Rifle, and five (2) magazines were recovered. A total of six (5) AK-47 rifles and a tear gas launcher were recovered.”

“Further exploitation is ongoing as troops will continue to trail the injured terrorists and smoke them out of their hideouts and places of treatment. We urge all IPOB/ESN irredentists and other criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops’ location or meet their waterloo as troops of the Brigade will continue to ensure that Imolites celebrate the Yuletide Season in peace without fear or intimidation.”

“The army in the statement appealed to the people of Imo State to continue to support the military by giving them timely intelligence on the hideouts and movements of the “terrorists to enable us to rid the state of all criminality.”

It was however gathered that five persons including a police officer lost their lives in crossfire.

The victims were reportedly shot dead on the road, with their bodies left in a pool of blood. A video of the incident, which has gone viral, shows the devastating aftermath of the attack.

According to eyewitnesses the gunmen stormed the community and started shooting sporadically with the bullets hitting passersby including a police officer said to be standing near the road.

The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force in the Northwest, called Operation Fansan Yamma, has debunked an alleged military bombing of civilians in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Army urged the public to always verify information from authentic sources before going public to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic about its operations.

A statement last night by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the reports raised concerns among the populace, hence the need for clarification on the alleged incident.

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Abdullahi explained that all military operations were being conducted on the basis of thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups, like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

“There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken,” the statement added.

• Customs lifts 4,291 officers; confirms DCG, 8 ACGs

The Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force have promoted hundreds of their senior officers.

The Air Force Council approved the promotion of 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs) and 33 Air Commodores (Air Cdres) in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The Navy Board on its part approved the promotion of 146 senior officers to various ranks in the Nigerian Navy. The board promoted 24 Commodores to the rank of Rear Admiral, 26 Captains to the rank of Commodore, and 96 Commanders promoted to the rank of Captain.

Similarly, the Army Council approved the promotion of senior officers to the next ranks of Major General and Brigadier General, respectively. The council promoted 35 Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General, while 73 Colonels were also elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.

The Air Force in a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, yesterday  said the newly promoted officers had demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional competence, and dedication to duty in various operational and administrative roles, to earn the elevation.

The statement said: “Those elevated to AVM are: Osichinaka Ubadike, Olusola Akinboyewa, Olasunkanmi Abu, Yohanna Katabiya, Nosiru Folaji, David Pwajok, Albert Bot, Ibitayo Ajiboye, Mikail Abdulraheem, Kennedy Mataluwo, and Gbolahan Oremosu.

“Others are Ayodele Hanidu, Mohammed Omar, Atang Sambo, Jibrin Usman, Ernest Owai, Adindu Ekwuribe, Garuba Bello, and Muhammed Isah.”

Officers promoted to Air Commodore, according to the statement, include Abdulahi Abu, Sani Ma’aji, Olamiju Obasa, Eyo Benson, Bashiru Amunemi, Nuhu Hassan, Oluwasegun Okeniyi, Abang Oyong, Eze Onu, Folarin Agbebi, Mohammed Aliyu, and Muzamil Muhammed.

Other officers elevated to Air Commodore are Gp Capts Ibrahim Musa, Nkechi Esionye-Uzodinma, Rapheal Garba, Daniel Komo, Eric Kpokpogri, Bature Usman, Adebunmi Ola, and Dooyum Laha. Also promoted are Gp Capts Bello Argungu, Bello Aliyu, Ahmed Saidu, Isiaka Yakubu, Abba Muhammed, Olusoji Olarenwaju, Joshua Nalazai, Kingsley Obi, Hafsat Ali, Ademola Adejimi, Abdullahi Abubakar, Ayuba Abubakar, and Mustapha Elkhojah.

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Also providing details about the promotion of its officers, Navy’s spokesman Commodore Aiwuyor Aliu-Adams, yesterday said the Navy Board released the promotion on Thursday December 19.

The newly promoted Rear Admirals, according to the statement are: Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina, Suleman Dahun, Gideon Jinjirim Kachim, Abolade Olanrele Ogunleye, Seminu Adisa Adepegba, Bob-Manuel Kokoete Effiong, Yusuf Sani Idris, Danjuma Mohammed Ndanusa, Ifeanyi Chidi Okpala, Mushin Yahaya Abba, and Victor Dabess Choji.

Other are Vincent Burabari Gbaranwi, Madumom Ide, Desmond Okechukwu Igbo, Kolawale Olumide Oguntuga, Adedokun John Siyanbade, Raheem Taofeek, Kabiru Tanimu, Bai Haruna Sabo, Jonathan Ojone Ajodo, Paul Efe-Oghene, Musliu Olatokunbo Yussuff, Abiodun Alade and Samuel Innocent Ngatuwa.

“The newly promoted Commodores are Mohammed Ahmed Abdullahi, Kabir Umar Rabiu, Bashir Abubakar, Olayinka Ayodele Aliu, Uche Aneke, Temitope Adeshola Bamidele, Ekuma Raphael Ekuma, Nsikan Friday, Ibrahim Ari Gwaska, Maksum Abdullahi Mohammed, Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, Murtala Aminu Rogo, Umar Saidu, Aminu Shehu, Mohammed Saghir Shettima, Jelani Umar, Olusegun Abiodun Awofe, Manga Salisu Danjuma, Mohammed Auwal Jibrilla, Adamu Mohammed Mohammed, Kelechi Kingsley Ogbonna, Makanjuola Yakub Olowu, Saidu Sulaiman, Yahaya Jaja Muhammed, Sylvester Kennedy Ogogo and Babatunde Usman Quadri,” the statement said.

Announcing the promotion of its officers yesterday, Army spokesman, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a press statement said “those promoted to the rank of Major General, according to the statement are: Brig Gen A Garba Acting Provost Marshal Nigerian Army, Brig Gen UM Alkali Deputy Chief of Administration, Directorate of Veteran Affairs (Army), Brig Gen AGL Haruna, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brig Gen IA Ajose Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 North West Operation FANSAN YAMA, Brig General NB Ebulue Headquarters Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig Gen LG Lepdung Commander Operation WHIRL STROKE, Brig Gen OA Awolo, Director Military Training Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig Gen UG Ogeleka Commander Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig Gen OA Fadairo Commander 12 Brigade, Brig Gen OD Williams Commander 22 Brigade , Brig Gen JR Lar Commander 32 Brigade, Brig Gen AG Mahmuda Commandant Warrant Officer Academy, Brig Gen VD Beryo Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brig Gen AOD Okoro Director Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes, Brig Gen SO Adejimi Director Movement Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, Brig Gen TT Sidick Director of Finance Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig Gen MCE Ejike Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brig Gen MF Babayo Commander Sector 3 North East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Brig Gen H Yanet Commander 51 Signal Brigade and Brig Gen MK Gara Army Headquarters Department of Training.”

Others promoted to the rank of Major General are Brig Gen BP Koughna Deputy Chief of Military Affairs, Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs,Brig Gen I Otu Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig Gen AO Adegbite Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Brig Gen IE Ekpeyong Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Brig Gen AA Idris Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, Brig Gen SA Gumel Nigerian Army Resource Centre Strategic Management and Policy Studies, Brig Gen MT Jinadu Commander 82 Division Ordnance Services, Brig Gen SA Jimoh Deputy Director Tender Board Department of Procurement, and Brig Gen UT Opuene Deputy Director Policy and Plans Defence Intelligence Agency, among others.

Officers promoted from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General are Col SM Iliya Commander 43 Engineers Brigade, Col O Igwe Commander 78 Supply and Transport, Col NE Udofia Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers, Col UR Okoroji Commander 404 Engineers Brigade, Col GS Oyinwola Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Col S Ahmadu Defence Intelligence Agency, Col CI Nwonyi Commander 81 Division Provost Group, Col AS Aliyu Commander 1 Division Military Intelligence, Col T Garba Commander 77 Supply and Transport Brigade, Col K Imam Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Ordinance Services, Col NS Onuchukwu Chief Medical Director 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Col A Musa Commander 108 Division Equipment Support, Col DM Baba Office of the National Security Adviser, Col OA Obochi Defence Headquarters, Col PAJ Ebuk Commander 1 Division Supply and Transport, Col IP Omoke Office of the COAS Directorate of Procurement and Col P Elayo Headquarers Department of Space Administration.

Others elevated to the rank of Brigadier General are Col NI Abdullahi Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Col JC Mbanefo Army War College Nigeria, Col IO Amah Department of Operations Defence Headquarters, Col M Jimoh Defence Headquarters Garrison, Col TA Ayoola Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, Col SA Jimoh Office of the Chief of Army Staff Department of Procurement, Col OC Ameni 103 Division Equipment Support, Col OU Okwuosa 2 Division Medical Hospital and Services, Col AO Odubiyi Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Col NE Udofia Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, among others.

Customs lifts 4,291 officers; confirms DCG, 8 ACGs

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), at its 61st regular meeting held during the week promoted 4,291 senior officers and confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and eight Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs).

The occasion was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The newly confirmed Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Management Team members according to the statement issued by its National spokesman, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada include, DCG S Chiroma (North-East) and ACGs ZM Gaji (North-East), OA Adebakin (South-West), GM Omale (North-Central), MS Yusuf (North-Central), DA Nnadi (South-East), HK Ejibunu (North-Central), and D Hassan (North-East).

The Army Council has approved the promotion of senior officers to the next ranks of Major General and Brigadier General, respectively. 

The council promoted 35 Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General, while 73 Colonels were also elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.

Army spokesman, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this in a press statement on Friday.

Those promoted to the rank of Major General, according to the statement are: Brig Gen A Garba Acting Provost Marshal Nigerian Army, Brig Gen UM Alkali Deputy Chief of Administration, Directorate of Veteran Affairs (Army), Brig Gen AGL Haruna, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brig Gen IA Ajose Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 North West Operation FANSAN YAMA, Brig General NB Ebulue Headquarters Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig Gen LG Lepdung Commander Operation WHIRL STROKE, Brig Gen OA Awolo, Director Military Training Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig Gen UG Ogeleka Commander Nigerian Army Space Command, Brig Gen OA Fadairo Commander 12 Brigade, Brig Gen OD Williams Commander 22 Brigade , Brig Gen JR Lar Commander 32 Brigade, Brig Gen AG Mahmuda Commandant Warrant Officer Academy, Brig Gen VD Beryo Commander Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brig Gen AOD Okoro Director Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes, Brig Gen SO Adejimi Director Movement Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, Brig Gen TT Sidick Director of Finance Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig Gen MCE Ejike Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brig Gen MF Babayo Commander Sector 3 North East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Brig Gen H Yanet Commander 51 Signal Brigade and Brig Gen MK Gara Army Headquarters Department of Training.

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Others promoted to the rank of Major General are Brig Gen BP Koughna Deputy Chief of Military Affairs, Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs,Brig Gen I Otu Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig Gen AO Adegbite Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Brig Gen IE Ekpeyong Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Brig Gen AA Idris Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, Brig Gen SA Gumel Nigerian Army Resource Centre Strategic Management and Policy Studies, Brig Gen MT Jinadu Commander 82 Division Ordnance Services, Brig Gen SA Jimoh Deputy Director Tender Board Department of Procurement, and Brig Gen UT Opuene Deputy Director Policy and Plans Defence Intelligence Agency, among others.

Officers promoted from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General are Col SM Iliya Commander 43 Engineers Brigade, Col O Igwe Commander 78 Supply and Transport, Col NE Udofia Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers, Col UR Okoroji Commander 404 Engineers Brigade, Col GS Oyinwola Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Col S Ahmadu Defence Intelligence Agency, Col CI Nwonyi Commander 81 Division Provost Group, Col AS Aliyu Commander 1 Division Military Intelligence, Col T Garba Commander 77 Supply and Transport Brigade, Col K Imam Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Ordinance Services, Col NS Onuchukwu Chief Medical Director 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Col A Musa Commander 108 Division Equipment Support, Col DM Baba Office of the National Security Adviser, Col OA Obochi Defence Headquarters, Col PAJ Ebuk Commander 1 Division Supply and Transport, Col IP Omoke Office of the COAS Directorate of Procurement and Col P Elayo Headquarers Department of Space Administration. 

Others elevated to the rank of Brigadier General are Col NI Abdullahi Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Col JC Mbanefo Army War College Nigeria, Col IO Amah Department of Operations Defence Headquarters, Col M Jimoh Defence Headquarters Garrison, Col TA Ayoola Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations, Col SA Jimoh Office of the Chief of Army Staff Department of Procurement, Col OC Ameni 103 Division Equipment Support, Col OU Okwuosa 2 Division Medical Hospital and Services, Col AO Odubiyi Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Col NE Udofia Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, among others. 

According to the statement Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had congratulated the newly promoted senior officers and their families, charged them to redouble their efforts to justify their elevation and the confidence reposed in them. 

“He further tasked the newly promoted officers to lead their subordinates by example and evolve out of the box ideas and innovations to speedily tackle contemporary security challenges bedeviling the nation,” the statement said.

The Nigerian Army has re-opened the Rescue Market, popularly known as Malaysia Market, Onuimo in Obowo Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj-Gen. Hassan Dada, reopened the market which was closed three weeks ago after an attack on a military checkpoint by suspected IPOB members resulting in the death of two soldiers.

Speaking to traders at the market on Friday, Dada charged them to take responsibility in protecting their communities by supporting security agencies.

He said his visit was part of community engagement with the people for them to understand that the Nigerian Army is there for them.

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“It is our responsibility as the military to protect you but we will not tolerate killing soldiers.

“Once you see something wrong and you don’t act, it is going to consume you,” he said.

The GOC said that he had directed his commanders in Imo and Abia to always interface with the people to find out their security challenges.

Dada who also decried the poor number of registration by Igbo youths during Army recruitment exercise, seized the opportunity to urge the people to consider joining the Army as a noble profession.

The GOC distributed some 10-kg bags of rice and vegetable oil as palliatives to some elderly traders to cushion the effects of the market closure.