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Tag: Army

  • Army’s error drone strike

    Army’s error drone strike

    The challenge before the Bola Tinubu administration in respect of the error drone strikes in Kaduna last Sunday is how to strike a balance between pacifying angry victims and their families and sustaining the morale and fighting spirit of Nigeria’s overstretched military in the war against bandits and terrorists. The Nigerian Army accepted responsibility for the drone attacks on Tudun Biri village in Igabi local government area of Kaduna State which left 86 people dead and 75 injured. It has instituted a probe and pledged to re-appraise its rules of engagement and improve on them. The federal government is also rightly instituting a probe. Neither probe is likely, ultimately, to recommend prosecution as some commentators have advocated and despite initial promise to punish erring soldiers. Investigations, not rhetoric, should determine what should be done.

    Read Also: EFCC: We’ll go after those keeping looted funds abroad 

    In their preliminary assessment, the Army indicated where it thought the error came from: inaccurate intelligence. It has promised to improve significantly on its war tactics. But whether the country likes it or not, this mishap will probably make the military more cautious than it has been. Whether that caution would prove harmful or not to the anti-terror war remains to be seen. The error strike and the massive backlash it elicited will, however, unfortunately slow the hands of the military and strengthen the hands of terrorists in wreaking havoc. But if the anti-terror war is not to flag, the federal and state governments must intensify efforts to enable accurate intelligence gathering, especially in terrains like Igabi LGA where bandits had tended to roam fairly freely. It is not an easy task. But that balance must be found.

    The military will undoubtedly review its operations, which may lead to some reshuffling and movements in the ranks, and the federal government will deal with the issues of compensation and community rebuilding. The Igabi bombing is of course not the first time mistakes will be made, and despite hoping it will be the last, there is no guarantee it will be the last. The unsavoury and troubling fact is that no military in the world has yet found the formula to make collateral damage nonexistent.   

  • Army graduates 73 Warrant Officers, set for deployment against bandits, B’Haram

    Army graduates 73 Warrant Officers, set for deployment against bandits, B’Haram

    Amidst the escalating security challenges facing Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has graduated 73 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from the Warrant Officers’ Academy Course 42/2023. 

    The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a rigorous 22-week training program designed to equip the officers with the necessary skills and expertise to address the ongoing threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits.

    The graduation ceremony, graced by the presence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja represented by Maj Gen Sani Mohammed, Chief of Training Nigerian Army, emphasised the critical role the freshly trained officers will play in enhancing the Army’s efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency across the nation.

    According to the Chief of Army Staff, “I want to also urge you all to be innovative and creative as we all reinvigorate our efforts to address the security challenges confronting our great country. Your contributions are critical in ensuring that the Nigerian Army continues to achieve its mission of winning all land battles in the defence of the country’s territorial integrity and protection of its interest thereby providing the required security for our dear nation.”

    Read Also: Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast

    In his address, the Commandant, Warrant Officers’ Academy, Brigadier Gen. Auwal Mahmuda, commended the graduates for their dedication and discipline throughout the training period.

    He highlighted the importance of the academy’s role in bridging the gap between officers and soldiers, ensuring these newly graduated officers possess the skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage in the face of adversity.

    The Commandant further stressed the relevance of their training, acknowledging the prevailing security threats across Nigeria, including the scourge of Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry, and kidnapping.

    He assured that the “graduates were well-prepared to confront the challenges head-on,” emphasizing the need for courage, honesty, and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

    Brig. Gen. Mahmuda emphasized the Academy’s “evolution in aligning its curriculum with contemporary security dynamics, incorporating joint training initiatives with sister services and welcoming allied students from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Nigerian Air Force in the upcoming courses.”

    The ceremony also witnessed expressions of gratitude towards the Nigerian Army leadership, various commanding officers, and institutions for their support in ensuring the success of the training programme.

  • Army seeks removal from envelope funding system

    Army seeks removal from envelope funding system

    The Nigerian Army yesterday restated the call for it to be removed from the general system of funding in the country.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made the request while defending the budget proposal of the Nigerian Army before a joint budget defence session at the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja.

    The Army chief explained that the system has continued to encourage gross underfunding of the Army.

    He urged the National Assembly to facilitate the passage of the Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill before the end of the 10th National Assembly’s tenure.

    Read Also: Army explains accidental drone attack on villagers

    Lagbaja said this would ensure efficiency and the required manpower, including the expansion of the theatre of operations of the Army.

    The committee observed a minute silence, after which the COAS again expressed regrets over the Kaduna accidental drone bombing.

    He described it as an error.

  • Army neutralises bandits, arrests 54 suspects in Plateau, Kaduna

    Army neutralises bandits, arrests 54 suspects in Plateau, Kaduna

    Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV within a week of its operations, have neutralised bandits, recovered arms/ammunition and arrested 54 suspects in connection with kidnapping, murder, arms dealing, criminal attacks, railway vandalism, cattle rustling and farm destruction.

    A statement by spokesman Oya said: “On November 20, 2023 following manhunt on suspected killers of Pastor Mako Maraya and the kidnap of his wife at Damakasuwa village in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, troops conducted raid operations at a hideout of the suspected criminals in Bakin Kogi general area and arrested seven suspects, namely Yahaya Haruna, Idris Abubakar, Haruna Bawa, Abubakar Ado, Ibrahim Haruna, Ayuba Adamu and Jamilu Adamu. The suspects are undergoing interrogation.

    “On November 22, troops responded to a distress call on the activities of suspected kidnappers at Fobur Kassa village in Jos East Local Government of Plateau State. Troops in conjunction with hunters mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a battle. In the process, one of the criminals was neutralised, while the other fled with gunshot wounds. 

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    “Also, troops raided a hideout of suspected drug peddlers within Mangu town, Plateau State on the same day and arrested nine suspects with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs. Suspects will be charged to court after investigation has been concluded”.

    Oya said on November 23, troops raided a local weapon manufacturing factory at Ban village, Heipang District in Barkin Ladi Local Government and arrested one of the manufacturers, Mr. Sunday Markus Dung.

    He said the troops recovered one rifle, one sub machine gun, one pistol, seven unfinished fabricated rifles, rounds of 7.62mm NATO and one Lister generator.

    “Other items recovered include fabricating materials, military kits, four mobile phones and sums of money.” 

  • Army mourns as soldier dies in Rivers boat accident

    Army mourns as soldier dies in Rivers boat accident

    A soldier attached to the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has died in a gunboat accident that occurred along Bolo waterways in Ogu-Boli Local Government of Rivers State.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Maj. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the death of the soldier in a statement yesterday.

    The statement said the incident occurred last Saturday during an operation along the waterways, adding that the unnamed soldier was initially declared missing.

    It said: “The soldier was one of the soldiers posted on duty on the waterways in the Niger Delta, to safeguard critical national assets.

    “The gunboat conveying the late soldier was hit by a turbulent wave, which led to the unfortunate accident. The soldier was declared missing after the boat accident.

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    “Consequently, a search and rescue mission was launched, and his body was recovered. The boat involved in the accident has also been recovered.

    “The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, NA/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, while commiserating with the bereaved family, expressed sadness about the unfortunate incident.

    “He said the late soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of his fatherland land and service to humanity, adding that he would be greatly missed by the Army and the nation at large. He prayed for the repose of his soul and prayed that Almighty God grant him eternal rest.”

  • Army probes allege suicide by officer in Akwa Ibom

    Army probes allege suicide by officer in Akwa Ibom

    The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has reacted to reports that its officer, Lt. Alphonsus Alexander Kathy Bazza committed suicide in Akwa Ibom State saying it is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

    Acting Deputy Director, Maj. Danjuma Jonah, in a statement on Tuesday, described the death as unfortunate saying the late officer died while on duty at the 2 Brigade Step-Up Headquarters for Exercise Still Waters III at Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

    He said: “For the records, on 11 November 2023, the officer was not seen at the Step-up Headquarters, all efforts to reach him proved abortive. Hence, a search was launched in the general area, and his lifeless body was discovered. 

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns first Nigerian female Army General, Kale

    “The Division sympathizes with the deceased officer’s family over his unfortunate demise and wishes to call on the media to refrain from publishing narratives suggestive of complicity in his unfortunate demise. 

    “The NA remains a professional organization that places a high premium on the welfare of its troops and would not take the demise of any of its personnel in any controversial circumstance for granted. 

    “While not joining issues with the media houses propagating this misinformation, it is important to state that there are regimental precepts through which such occurrences are handled in the NA. 

    “The Division wishes to inform the general public that the issue is being thoroughly investigated and the public will be dully informed on the outcome of the investigation”.

  • Army hailed for protecting Nigeria’s territory

    Army hailed for protecting Nigeria’s territory

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bullion Go-Neat Global Ltd, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, has hailed Nigerian Army for protecting the country’s territory.

     Ajadi, who addressed reporters during the celebration of promotion of over 60 dedicated soldiers from private ranks to warrant officers, at the 174 Battalion in Odogunyan, Lagos State, said the country appreciated soldiers’ determination to protect Nigerians from external aggression.

     He also praised their commitment to duty and excellence, urging them to maintain their dedication and discipline.

     Ajadi advised them to keep striving for greatness and excellence.

    Read Also: Army kills bandits, arrests others

     He said the soldiers’ new ranks were a testament to their leadership qualities and dedication.

     The Commanding Officer of the 174 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abdurrahman, stressed the significance of soldiers to national unity.

     He lauded Ajadi for his support and enjoined the newly promoted officers to see their promotion as a gift from God.

     Abdurrahman said they should be more dedicated to their duties and maintain discipline and loyalty to the Army.

  • Army kills bandits, arrests others

    Army kills bandits, arrests others

    Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV, in a coordinated operations from October 29 to November 5 killed suspected bandits and arrested 19 suspects in connection with kidnapping, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, armed robbery, farm destruction and theft. They recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.

    Read Also: Army mobilises for peaceful elections in Bayelsa

    “On October 29, based on credible information, troops arrested two suspected drug dealers, Obinna Nwafor and Fatai Lawal at Kujiya Market, Bukuru in Jos South Local Government of Plateau State. During the arrest, troops recovered one locally fabricated rifle. The suspects are being profiled for further action. Similarly, on October 30, troops of Sector 7 OPSH arrested a suspected kidnapper, Bawa Ahmad, at Kamuru village in Zango Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State and recovered one locally fabricated rifle with cartridges in his possession.

  • ‘We’ll strengthen Army to tackle insecurity’

    ‘We’ll strengthen Army to tackle insecurity’

    The House of Representatives Committee on Army has pledged its commitment to place the Nigerian Army on a pedestal to tackle insecurity facing the country.

    Chairman, Abdullahi Mamudu, spoke at the committee’s inauguration yesterday. He enjoined members to give maximum cooperation for the objective to be achieved.

    According to him, the committee has developed a four-year work plan that will be judiciously followed within specific periods in order to achieve its mandate. 

    He said: “Let us take this responsibility with all seriousness and know that it is our duty to put the Army on a proper pedestal to be able to end the many security challenges in the country. 

    “The House Committee on Army is one the Standing Committees by virtue of the power conferred in Section 62 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Order XVIII B Rule 131, Ninth Edition, Standing Order of the House of Representatives, 2016. This Order XVIII rule 131 gives it the oversight mandate on the activities of the Army, and may also by specific mandate of the House engage on any matter as directed.

    “The committee oversight mandate includes the Army; Ammunition Depots, Forts, Arsenal, reservations and establishments; development projects of the Army; Army Barracks, landed property and appurtenances and annual budget estimates of the Army.”

    Read Also: Army kills bandits, arrests others

    Also, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Makki Yalleman, urged members of committee to work hard to address insecurity beyond the expectations on Nigerians.

    Yalleman made the call at the inaugural meeting of the committee yesterday. According to him, members have been empowered by constituents and entrusted by the Speaker to oversee key issues relating to policing and law enforcement.

    “Let me remind you that the leadership of the committee will dwell more on your wealth of experience, expertise, hard work and dedication to discharge its functions. We are to ensure adequate funding for agencies under our jurisdiction, provide useful legislation, carry out performance audits and other allied oversight functions geared towards efficient service delivery and repositioning the Nations internal security architecture.

    “Stewardship of our national security portfolio is an immense responsibility that requires diligence, vision and sacrifice,” he said.

  • Army mobilises for peaceful elections in Bayelsa

    Army mobilises for peaceful elections in Bayelsa

    The Nigeria Army has begun mobilising its troops to provide adequate security during the November 11 governorship and state house of assembly elections in Bayelsa.

    Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt stated this in a statement issued by the division’s Spokesman, Maj. Danjuma Danjuma in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Abdussalam was quoted as having announced the mobilisation while addressing troops and members of other security agencies participating in a special military exercise tagged “Exercise Safe Conduct 2023.”

    Abdussalam said the mobilisation of troops for the election was aimed to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of elections in Bayelsa.

    “We are doing this to ensure the good people of Bayelsa state come out in their numbers to vote for candidates of their choice without any fear of intimidation.

    “This is one of the ways the Nigeria Army will support democracy to thrive in Nigeria.

    “We must ensure that everywhere is safe and people see sufficiently that we are fully on the ground to boost public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

    The army officer said that troops have been adequately briefed on the subsisting Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement before, during and after the elections.

    “To this end, personnel must conduct themselves in the most professional manner as no form of complacency will be tolerated at all levels.

    “No stone will be left unturned in dealing decisively with any individual or group whose stock in trade is to cause mayhem or snatch ballot boxes during the elections.

    “If the troublemakers feel they have two heads, then they must make ready the second head because the first head will surely be taken off,” he added.

    Abdussalam said the era of snatching and stuffing ballot boxes and other forms of electoral was gone, as adequate arrangements have been put in place to deal decisively with defaulters.

    He said the army would in the coming days launch an operation to identify, isolate and deal with political thugs hired to disrupt the smooth conduct of the Nov. 11 elections.

    According to him, the army has also identified flash points used by political thugs to deny the electorates access to freely exercise their franchise during elections.

    “Those thinking along that line should bury their thoughts because the security forces will go all out to ensure the election is conducted in a peaceful manner.

    Read Also: Army, DSS, avert planned Boko Haram attack in Kano

    “Hence, I am pleased with the level of synergy that exist between the Nigeria Army and sister services that culminated in a joint route march and show of force in Yenagoa, and environs.

    “The show of force essentially sends a clear message to those who are bent on causing trouble before, during and after the poll, to have a rethink,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bayelsa is among states that has always recorded electoral violence and snatching of ballot boxes by alleged sponsored political thugs in previous elections.

    The election would be a close call between incumbent governor, Douye Diri of the PDP, who is seeking a second term in office and his closest challenger, former governor Timipre Sylva of the APC. (NAN)