Tag: Army

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a probe into alleged administrative discrepancies at 3 Brigade in Kano.

General Lagbaja also ordered the suspension of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General MA Sadiq, to ensure a thorough investigation.

The probe was launched after reports of administrative discrepancies within the army brigade surfaced on social media.

Armsy’s spokesman, Maj.-General Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, October 9.

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According to General Nwachukwu, the army “being a self-regulatory institution founded on the bedrock of discipline, justice, and accountability, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and will therefore not condone any form of misconduct or illicit actions and inactions that could undermine the threshold of its values and principles.”

The spokesman assured the public that the allegations would be “thoroughly investigated, and appropriate administrative action will be taken.”

He said: “We guarantee that the process will be fair, impartial, and in line with our established procedures.”

The Nigerian Army emerged as the overall champion at the Armed Forces Games, clinching 172 gold medals at the event held in Kaduna. 

The Army’s total haul reached 264 medals, including 60 silver and 32 bronze.

The Nigerian Air Force finished second with 187 medals—33 gold, 103 silver, and 51 bronze—while the Nigerian Navy secured third place with 18 gold, 43 silver, and 68 bronze medals, making a total of 129.

The games, which took place at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, featured over 1,600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event also served as preparation for the Africa Military Games, set for November 2024 in Abuja.

Kaduna  Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, praised the military for its professionalism and combat readiness. 

He reiterated the State’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in tackling security challenges.

“The timing of this competition is apt, given the security challenges facing the country. Our military personnel must maintain physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional stability to address these threats,” the governor said.

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He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for organizing the event, which he noted served as a trial for Team Nigeria ahead of the Africa Military Games.

General Musa expressed pride in the spirit of unity and discipline displayed by the athletes. He emphasized that the values demonstrated in sports—perseverance, discipline, and respect—are equally important on the battlefield.

“This event has brought together the finest men and women of our armed forces, showcasing not just physical prowess but also the spirit of camaraderie that defines our military,” he said.

Musa added that the games were vital in preparing Nigeria’s military personnel for the upcoming Africa Military Games and underscored the connection between physical fitness and operational readiness.

The Army has promised to continue its ongoing collaboration with the media to combat misinformation and win the war against insecurity in the Southeast region and across the country.

The General officer Commanding, (GOC) 82 Division Nigeria army, Enugu, Maj-Gen. Hassan Dada made this known when the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jubril Ndace paid a courtesy call on him in Enugu.

Dada believed that strategic information sharing between the army and other security agencies with the media in addressing the prevailing insecurity challenges across Nigeria especially in the Southeast region of the country.

“This meeting is to touch on joint efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation that threaten national security, with VON’s platform serving as a credible source of information,” the GOC said.

Dada stated that the army would explore ways to leverage VON’s broadcasting capabilities and other government media establishments to promote national security, stability, and unity, by considering the critical role the media play in reshaping narratives.

The Director General of VON, Ndace hailed the  Army for its humanitarian initiatives and peacekeeping efforts both in Nigeria and the world over.

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“Through VON’s broadcasts, we shall showcase the army’s positive impact in curbing insecurity and banditry as well as kidnapping in Nigeria”, Ndace said.

The Director General and the GOC also exchanged ideas on collaborating with international partners to amplify Nigeria’s voice on global issues and promote cultural exchange by exploring areas aimed at Strengthening VON’s role in promoting Nigeria’s interests and values globally.

Mallam Ndace called on the army to continue to give their best in defending the territorial integrity of the nation and to maintain loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 He further reiterated the commitment of Voice of Nigeria under his leadership to sustain and improve on the existing partnership with the military and other security agencies in projecting Nigeria’s image positively

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja on Thursday, September 26, disclosed that the Nigerian Army has successfully responded to all security threats in all regions of the country to safeguard the national security of the country. 

He stated this in Makurdi during the Nigerian Army civil-military cooperation media chat third quarter 2024, with the theme “The media and the military: Allies in pursuit of National Security”.

The Chief of Army Staff was represented by the Commander 4Special Forces Command headquarters Doma, Major Gen Hilary Nzan.

He said: “The Nigerian Army has intensified operations across various regions with tailored strategies to address the unique security threats in each region. I’m pleased to report significant successes in these efforts across multiple theatres.

“These include the neutralisation of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes. Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.

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“In response to recent human-made and natural disasters in parts of the country, we activated our emergency response capabilities, we leverage our unique competencies, as demonstrated in the recent flood incident in Maiduguri.

“As we continue our operations to eliminate threats to our beloved country, I call on all Nigerians to support the Nigerian Army and urge the media to adhere to responsible and balanced reporting. 

“The Nigerian Army reaffirm it’s commitment to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the media, essential for securing our nation’s territorial integrity and advancing socio-economic development Together, let us strengthen our civil military cooperation and uphold democratic principles, human rights, and freedom of the press.”

Speaking earlier in a welcome address, the chief of civil military affairs, Major Gen Nosakhare Ugbo said the conduct of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic line of operation is geared towards securing the support and cooperation of the civil populace “as we carry out our constitutional responsibilities. The people’s support and cooperation are crucial to our operational effectiveness and successes”

Two lawyers – Mr Siraj Hamza and Junaid Sanusi – have called on the Nigerian Army to comply with the judgment of a Borno State High Court directing it to release 14 of their clients from illegal detention.

Hamza also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to establish a mechanism to audit detention facilities across the nation.

Hamza has A. Aliyu as the second lawyer representing the detained men.

Explaining that despite the judgment which declared that detention of his clients without trial violated their rights, the Army has refused to obey court order, suggesting that it is above the law. 

He said his clients were arrested and detained on their way to rural communities where they went to buy cows meant to be slaughtered and given to indigent Muslims during Sallah.

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Hamza told reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital: “Sometimes on May 17, 2024 along Buratai-Miringa Road, our clients, 12 of them, were riding in two buses on their way to Tashan Alade Cattle Market to buy cattle which were to be used during the Eid Al-Kabir festival, an annual event being organised by a non-governmental organisation where cows in their hundreds are slaughtered and shared or distributed among the indigent members of the society. The exercise had been on for over a decade and has been impacting on the indigent members of Abuja and its environs, including the military.

“The exercise was extended to Bauchi, Yola and Maiduguri, hence the need to buy about 600 heads of cow for the exercise in Maiduguri. Before the incident of May 17, 2024; our clients had already purchased 241 heads of cow and transported them to Maiduguri and were entrusted with one Musa Mustapha Umar at the Maiduguri Cattle Market; while one Abubakar Ibrahim Murabus Potiskum was in the company of our clients assisting them to source money from Point of Sale (PcS) operators and filling stations due to impracticability of electronically transacting business in the various cattle markets.’’

“As earlier stated, our clients were stopped by the Civilian JTF who searched them without finding anything incriminating on them, save for the $88,737,200. When they discovered that our clients had over $88,737,200 with them, they demanded for gratification before they could be cleared to leave, but they declined as a result of which they were transferred to the military outpost in Buratai where they were again interrogated and detained. The following day which was May 18, 2024; they were transferred to Sector 2 at Damatur from where they were transferred to the Headquarters of Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri which marked the beginning of their incarceration.

“It is also worthy to state that the first 12 of them came from Dei-Dei Livestock Market, Abuja, led by Danlami Muhammad Bashir, the alter ego of Fatima Meat, the company that was contracted to procure the heads of cow.

Few weeks after, when the detention of the judgment-creditor that is, our clients was becoming prolonged, the Chairman of their association, Alhaji Shagari Usman Yusuf, flew into Maiduguri to see them in company of their lawyer which was unsuccessful.

“Prior to that, Alhaji Musa Mustapha Umar too had been arrested and detained for having the audacity to visit them at the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai.

Shagari was displeased with the actions of the military which prompted him to approach the popular Berekete Family in Abuja to ventilate their grievances. The president contacted the Army spokesman and Shagari was invited to the Army Headquarters twice.

“Ironically, a day to the Eid Adha festival, some armed military personnel armed to the teeth, stormed the Dei-Dei International Cattle Market where they arrested him, hooded him, tortured him and later found himself in an underground cell in Abuja before he was eventually brought to Maiduguri by one Colonel Wasiu Ademola Adegoke 18 days after,and detained with the others at the Giwa Barracks.”

The lawyers insisted that the disobedience to court order is against the rule of law, adding that the Army was free to appeal the judgment and apply for of execution if it so desires.

The August 6 judgment by Justice Babagana Karumi of Borno State High Court directed the Army to release the men or sue them within seven days if a prima facie case is established against them.  Hamza said the Army was still keeping his clients in detention after over 45 days of the judgment, saying it signals danger for the society.

The Nigerian Army has called on troops to deploy modern warfare strategies in the rapidly evolving security environment to defeat insurgency, banditry, terrorism and crude oil theft.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam 

spoke on Tuesday during the 2024 Planning Operations Cadre Conference, in Port Harcourt.

The GOC harped on the importance of adapting to the dynamic nature of modern warfare, where he said  technology played a crucial role observing that the security environment was evolving rapidly with multidimensional, complex, and often transnational challenges.

He said: “The theme of the operations planning cadre is apt, considering the dynamic nature of modern warfare and the increasing role of technology in shaping military operations. 

“As we gather here today, it is imperative to remember that the security environment is evolving rapidly.The challenges we face today are multidimensional, complex, and often transnational. 

“Whether it is countering insurgency, tackling terrorism or banditry, combating crude oil thieves and illegal bunkerers or maintaining internal security, the need for innovation and adaptability in our operations planning process cannot be overemphasized”.

The GOC noted that the drive was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, designed to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force. 

He said that the cadre provided a platform for resource persons and participants to develop effective plans, enhance operational planning skills, and make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.

He added that the Nigerian Army recognized the need to evolve strategies and methodologies to stay ahead of potential adversaries, noting that the integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities, and advanced surveillance systems, was critical to achieving successful missions.

He said: “To maintain our edge and stay ahead of potential adversaries, we must continuously evolve strategies and methodologies. This cadre also provides us with an excellent opportunity to discuss and explore how new technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities and advanced surveillance Systems can be integrated into our operations planning process.”

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The GOC insisted the ability of troops to effectively harness technology had become paramount in a joint environment involving coordination among different services and agencies.

He highlighted the need for collaboration, saying that the Army no longer existed in isolation, but required partnership across multiple domains and partners. 

He said: “As commanders, we must be able to synchronize our efforts, share intlligence and make informed decisions in real-time. This demands a new way of thinking and planning which embraces innovation and technological advancement. As we embark on this cadre, I urge you all to approach the discussions with an open mind and willingness to learn.”

The Nigerian Army has presented 31,000 notebooks and 19,000 writing materials made up of biros, pencils, rulers, and erasers to pupils and students in the schools in Minna Military Cantonment for the 2024/2025 Academic Session.

The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, said that the donation was part of the second series of the TRADOC Educational Support Programme.

Making the presentation at the closing ceremony of the TRADOC Library Study Day Period 2024 organised by the Directorate of Army Training Support Centre (ATSC) in TRADOC NA, the TRADOC Commander stated that the gesture was introduced to subsidise the educational expenses of personnel in the Minna Military Cantonment and its neighbouring communities who have children in the schools. 

Aligbe said that over 80 percent of the 7,200 beneficiaries were students and pupils who are children of civilians from outside the cantonment, adding that the initiative was also one of the Civil-Military Cooperation efforts of his command in support of the overall Nigeria Army’s effort towards shaping and winning the hearts and minds of communities where the army operates.

Speaking on the Library study day period, the Commander urged the participants to use the library facilities provided by the Nigerian Army to boost their intellectual and research potentials and use it as a platform for engaging with contemporary issues related to library resources.

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Aligbe said that the forum came at a time when all efforts were geared towards training, research, and innovation while leveraging modern technology.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Army Training Support Centre (ATSC), Brigadier General Victor Ita noted that despite the essential functions of libraries, they face challenges such as low patronage and a lack of modern reading materials.

He urged participants to engage openly during the discussions, aiming to develop strategies that would enhance the library’s effectiveness and accessibility.

• …debunks alleged mass soldiers’ resignation

The authority of the Nigerian Army has explained why it publishes the names of soldiers who disengaged from the service.

It said soldiers’ disengagement from service is “routine and in line with laid down procedures.”

The army made the clarification in a statement by its spokesman, Maj.-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, on Sunday.

The explanation came after a report in some online media alleging mass resignation of soldiers from the army due to poor welfare and corruption.

But Gen. Nwachukwu described the allegations as false, unfounded and a “deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.”

He said: “Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike. 

“Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures. Only in an unorganized army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years. This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatory or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation. 

“In the instance cited in the hasty and haphazardly compiled report, due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption. Whereas reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagement, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others. The notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.”

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The army spokesman said that contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. 

He said: “Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families. A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been launched across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post service accommodation. This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army is currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families. 

“Additionally, allowances have been regularly paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters. This is aside the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments. Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.”

“Therefore, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media.”