The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Alia seeks Army’s support for tackling insecurity

    Alia seeks Army’s support for tackling insecurity

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has called on the Nigerian Army to focus on the state to secure it.

    The governor made the call yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

    He said the once very peaceful state has been  besieged by criminals ranging from murderous armed herders, bandits and local gangsters.

    He said: “A week hardly passes without reports of two, three or more persons being killed in the villages, mostly on their farms by armed herders. Most of these are not reported in the media.”

    He decried the lack of manpower for other formations operating within the state, including Operation Whirlstroke and the 401 Special Forces  Brigade, adding that if properly equipped, the men of the formations might begin to enter the hinterlands to tackle the menace and would not only be standing on the roads as it is the practice.

    Read Also: Tinubu sets up committee to consider gaps in police legal framework

    He called for the establishment of Force Operation Bases in Anyiin, Naka, Ukum, Agatu, Udei and Gbajimba.

    The COAS stated that he had served in the state for nine years and had a good understanding of its security situation.

    “In my capacity as COAS, I do receive on a daily basis security reports both formal and informal from Benue State,” he said.

    He promised that the Nigerian Army would turn its attention to Benue, especially now that the dry season is about setting in, adding that it is the time that the state usually witnesses a lot of crisis.

  • Army kills notorious bandits’ kingpin in Kebbi

    Army kills notorious bandits’ kingpin in Kebbi

    The Nigerian Army stationed in Malekachi, operating in Sangeko forest in Danko Wasagu Local Government of Kebbi State, has neutralised a suspected notorious bandits’ commander, nicked-named ‘Mainasara”.

    The Director of Security, Cabinet Office, Birnin Kebbi, AbdulRahman Usman, disclosed this to reporters yesterday in Birnin Kebbi.

    Read Also: Bandits kill one, abduct 25 in Southern Kaduna

    He said: ‘’As the troops were on routine patrol in Sengeko forest around 0730hrs, they suddenly engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel.

    ‘’During the exchange of fire, the bandits tried to escape, but were neutralised by the Army and two of their bikes were also recovered and destroyed in the process before the troops withdrew back to FOB Malekachi  by 1230hrs.”

  • Army records success against Boko Haram in Yobe

    Army records success against Boko Haram in Yobe

    The troops of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai in the North East of Yobe State, has made significant progress in countering Boko Haram activities.

    During a fighting patrol in Babangida, Tarmuwa Local Government, the troops ambushed and eliminated four terrorists.

    This operation was conducted in response to intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected terrorists in the Bajingo general area of Tarmuwa.

    At Kurnawa, troops engaged the terrorists, resulting in the death of four insurgents.

    The soldiers also recovered an AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles, among other items.

    Although two soldiers sustained minor injuries during the firefight, they received immediate treatment and are in stable condition.

    Additionally, on October 25, troops from the 159 Battalion in Geidam conducted a successful operation in Jororo village, Gaidam LGA.

    Read Also: Nigerian Army records success against Boko Haram in Yobe

    This operation was in response to reports of terrorists harassing civilians and collecting levies from locals. Two insurgents were killed, and two AK-47 rifles and two motorcycles were recovered.

    In a separate incident on the same day, the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade thwarted an attempted attack by ISWAP terrorists on Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area.

    The attackers, arriving on motorcycles and two guntrucks, were met with superior firepower from the troops, compelling them to retreat to the forest.

    In a similar development, following credible intelligence, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army have arrested two terrorists’ collaborators and ammunition suppliers in Awon general area of Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya,  said they made the arrest the early hours of Tuesday 24.

    According to Army spokesman, the criminals were arrested in their various houses around Awon based on intelligence from a previously arrested collaborator who has been in troops custody.

    The arrested suspects are Shuaibu Lawan and Salihu Usman. Items recovered include one locally made AK 47 rifle, 2 dane guns, 8 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 7 live cartridges and 5 shells of expended cartridges.

    Yahaya also stated that in another operation the same day, “troops of the Division while on clearance operation around Dogon daji-Saulawa general area in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area made contact with terrorists and criminal elements. Troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel forcing them to scamper in disarray due to troop’s superior fire power. Items recovered include a G3 rifle, 16 Motorcycles, 2 locally made guns and a phone.

    “The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Major General Valentine Okoro has charged the troops to sustain the tempo and rid all criminal elements from the Division’s Area of Responsibility.”

  • Army to dispose unexploded ordnances

    Army to dispose unexploded ordnances

    Nigerian army says  it will dispose recovered unexploded ordnances at its range in Ajilete-Yewa in Ogun State tomorrow. 

    In a statement, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at 81 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said: “The clearance of remnants of unexploded ordnances from the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast began October 10, as  “Exercise Cleansweep”.

    He noted the exercise has reached an advanced stage resulting in recovery of various unexploded ordnances to be professionally disposed.

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    “In line with the plan, as highlighted during the inaugural press briefing and launch by the COAS, Lt Gen T.A Lagbaja, on October 10, the Army will be disposing recovered unexploded ordnances at its range  in Yewa- Ajilete, Ogun State on Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm.

    “Accordingly, there will be movement of the ordnances from Ikeja Cantonment to the Ogun State range.

    ‘’There will be large sounds during the exercise,  in line with the disposal routine.

    “Consequently, the public, especially those around Owode, Ajilete and environs, are not to panic as the sounds will not raise security concern.

    “The public should also be aware safety measures are in place throughout the exercise”, Lt. Col. Ayeni said. 

  • Army court-martials 25 soldiers, one officer in Enugu

    Army court-martials 25 soldiers, one officer in Enugu

    No fewer than twenty-five soldiers and an officer are facing trial in 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu for various offences.

    The personnel facing the trial are drawn from various formations within the division, which Area of Responsibility (AoR) covers the entire Southeast States and Cross River.

    Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, while inaugurating the court martial in Enugu, said the process was instituted in pursuant to the Nigerian Armed Forces Act.

    According to him, court martial is one of the vehicles used by the military to instill discipline among its personnel.

    He noted that the accused, who are Nigerian Army personnel, accused to have committed various offences, could not be tried summarily without a duly constituted court martial to give them fair hearing.

    The GOC said that just as in civil court, the accused remained innocent until proven otherwise after going through the court martial and given due fair hearing and ability to defend themselves.

    He noted that the court martial had been empowered to try the accused persons, and if they were not found wanting, would be discharged and acquitted of their alleged crimes.

    Dada noted that if the accused were found guilty, he or she would be penalised according to the law criminalising such an offence committed.

    “Let me assure you that this court martial will be guided by the principle of natural justice and fair hearing as encapsulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and to other extant laws and procedures related to your trial.

    Read Also: Army flags off exercise still water in Delta

    “The court is free from any external influences and we will ensure adequate time and facilities to ensure you defend yourselves,” he said.

    The GOC assured all of justice, adding that evidence and allegations laid against the accused would be clearly verified and authenticated to ensure that “the innocents were never victimised”.

    He, however, urged the defence counsel of the accused to avoid unnecessary adjournment and time wasting.

    The court martial has a President, Col. Usman Ahmad, leading other 10 members of the panel as well as one awaiting panel member.

    The court martial also has a Judge Advocate, Capt. S.A. Sadiq, to duly advise the panel as the proceedings continued. 

  • Army conducts promotion exams for 354 Master Warrant Officers

    Army conducts promotion exams for 354 Master Warrant Officers

    The Nigerian Army has commenced a two-week promotion examination exercise for 354 Master Warrant Officers to fill the available vacancies in the rank of Army Warrant Officer (AWO).

    The Army however warned the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to avoid use of performance enhancing drugs and discard the notion they need to have a god-father to be promoted to the enviable rank of AWO.

    Commander Infantry Corps Nigerian Army, Major General Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Major General Yakubu Yahaya while addressing the 354 candidates at Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment told the candidates to put in their best, as only the best will be promoted.

    Major-General Yahaya while congratulating the candidates for their nomination for the promotion screening exercise, urged them to take care of their personal health and avoid the use of any performance enhancement drugs in the course of the physical fitness test. 

    According to him: “Let me congratulate each and every one of you the candidates for coming thus far in your career and for your nomination to be part of the crop of Master Warrant Officers to be considered for promotion to the rank of AWO which is the highest rank attainable in the enlisted cadre of the Nigerian Army. This underscores the need for each and every one of you to do your utmost best in order to earn the promotion.

    “During the course of this exercise, you will undergo physical and medical examination to ascertain your stability to pass through the selection process. Other areas are weapon handling, current affairs and general service knowledge which will involve physical activities as well as written examination and oral interview. You will also undergo drill or basic computer knowledge as may be applicable to you as general duties personnel or clerk.I believe you all have made your personal preparation and are ready for the exercise.

    Read Also: Abducted Zamfara university students rescued by troops – Army

    “Let me reiterate that utmost standard of discipline is expected of you throughout. Also, in as much as you are going to be competing amongst yourselves for the available promotion vacancies, you must avoid unwholesome acts as it is not a do or die affair. In the same vein, you must ensure you take care of your personal health and avoid the use of any performance enhancement drugs in the course of the physical fitness test.”

    He however assured the candidates a level playing ground will be provided for everyone to prove themselves, while the highest degree of fairness will be applied in arriving at the final outcome of this exercise.

    “We cannot afford to do otherwise because the responsibilities attached to appointments reserved for Army Warrant Officers are enormous and much will be expected from those who will eventually turn out successful at the end of this exercise,” he said.

  • Army begins security operation in Bayelsa

    Army begins security operation in Bayelsa

    The Nigerian Army has commenced a security operation code-named Exercise Still Waters III to tackle pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping and other crimes in Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was inaugurated on Tuesday in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    In his speech, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa hailed the military for the exercise, saying security was imperative to ensuring good governance.

    He welcomed the exercise, saying that the operation came at a time the country was approaching the yuletide and Bayelsa was preparing for off-cycle governorship election.

    Diri also appreciated the efforts of the military in reducing crime and criminality in the state and urged them to continue to be proactive in making the state safe for all.

    Diri pledged the support of the state government to security agencies to keep Bayelsa peaceful.

    According to him, the success of previous security exercises had contributed immensely to peaceful yuletide period in the state, and commended the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining the exercise.

    “In our state and as we all know, we are in a period called the ember months, which attract criminal activities.

    Read Also: Stop harassing Lagos community over land dispute, Reps tells Army

    “So, it is necessary to set in place the machinery to check criminal activities as well as more importantly for the governorship election.

    “Since assuming office, I have given priority to the security of our people and this is the essence of good governance. I have ensured that our people sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “I appreciate the sacrifices and commitment of our gallant forces, which have helped reduce crime in our state,” he added.

    In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, said the exercise would focus on key aspects of cyber warfare to counter negative propaganda in the social media space.

    The GOC added that it would address other security challenges experienced during the end of the year.

    He assured that personnel of the Nigerian Army were ready to pay the supreme price for the peace and security of Nigeria.

    Abdussalam hailed commanders from other security formations for their participation and support to the efforts at maintaining peace and security in the state.

    Earlier, the Commander 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Yakassai, said the exercise was designed to cover all areas of security concerns in Bayelsa, adding that relevant stakeholders within the security architecture were involved.

    He said the exercise was aimed at checkmating criminal activities such as pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping among others.

    The commander added that it was also designed to prepare the troops for the Nov. 11 governorship election.

    NAN reports that the inauguration featured gunboats display highlighting the readiness of the military to tackle any security threat, and also a free medical outreach for residents of Otuokpoti.

    (NAN) 

  • Stop harassing Lagos community over land dispute, Reps tells Army

    Stop harassing Lagos community over land dispute, Reps tells Army

    The House of Representatives has issued a plea to the Chief of Army Staff, urging restraint and requesting that Nigerian Army personnel, particularly those stationed at Epe Barracks, cease any form of harassment, intimidation, or attempts to acquire communal land in Iraye-Oke.

    It said this should be pending the resolution of the land dispute by the House.

    The House mandated the Committee on the Army to ensure compliance.

    The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Alleged Intimidation, Assault and Trespass by the Nigerian Army, Epe Barracks Regarding Land Tussle with Iraye-Oke Community in Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State” moved by Hon.Tasir Olawale Raji.

    The House noted that a petition against the Nigerian Army, Epe Barracks by the Iraye-Oke community over acts of intimidation, assault and trespass of 329.588 hectares of land was presented before it on October 4, 2023, for investigation and resolution.

    Read Also: Abducted Zamfara university students rescued by troops – Army

    The House was concerned that since the petition, soldiers from Epe barracks have embarked on forceful acquisition of the people’s houses, lands and fishing ponds by extending the fence of the Army barracks to cover these properties.

    The House said the Army also stationed armed soldiers at the perimeters, thus denying the owners access to their properties.

    The House was also concerned that the people now live in constant fear of attacks from the Nigerian Army as many of them have fled their homes and farmlands which is their major source of livelihood.

    It was worried that if the Nigerian Army is not prevented from carrying out further acts of intimidation, harassment and acquisition of Iraye-Oke communal land pending the resolution of the petition, the people may suffer irreparable damages.

  • Abducted Zamfara university students rescued by troops – Army

    Abducted Zamfara university students rescued by troops – Army

    The Nigerian Army said troops swiftly mobilised and blocked the route they suspected the terrorists would take after the abduction of the university

    Soldiers attached to Operation Hadarin Daji have rescued the abducted students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, after a gun duel with terrorists Sunday morning.

    The students were abducted on Saturday when terrorists stormed off-campus hostels in Sabon Garin Damba, Gusau, and took away four students.

    It was the second time the terrorists would be attacking the university’s off-campus hostels in less than 30 days.

    The spokesperson for the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army in Gusau, Ibrahim Yahaya, said while two of the students escaped during an exchange of fire between the troops and the terrorists, the two others were rescued by the soldiers during the encounter.

    Read Also: Bloody day in Zamfara as soldiers kill five bandits

     Yahaya said in a statement that the soldiers responded swiftly after receiving reports of the abduction by blocking the route the terrorists were to follow.

    He said the terrorists ran into the soldiers while taking the students to their den through the route.

    “This was achieved as the troops responded swiftly to distress calls on the kidnapped students by terrorists. Troops immediately mobilised and formed a blocking position at a possible withdrawal route which led to a heavy gun duel with the terrorists.

    “Troops’ superiority forced the terrorists to abandon the victims and fled. During the encounter with the terrorists around 12 a.m., two of the students were able to escape while other two students – a male and a female – were safely rescued by the troops,” Mr Ibrahim, a captain, said.

    He didn’t say if any casualty was recorded by any of the sides in the encounter.

    Northern Nigeria is witnessing incessant cases of terrorist activities, especially the abduction of students. In September, 24 students of the same Zamfara university were abducted by terrorists. Though some of the students were rescued, many remained with the terrorists.

    A few days ago, four female students of the Federal University Dutsin Ma in Katsina State were also abducted by terrorists. Later, the Vice-Chancellor, Armaya’u Bichi, said the terrorists were on a revenge mission when they attacked the school.

    Four students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi were also abducted by terrorists last week.

  • Army launches manhunt for oil thieves, criminals with Exercise Still Waters

    Army launches manhunt for oil thieves, criminals with Exercise Still Waters

    The Nigerian Army has declared war against oil thieves, sea pirates, kidnappers and other criminal elements in Niger Delta following its decision to begin a special operation codenamed, Exercise Still Waters III.

    The exercise was personally inaugurated at the weekend by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army’s Step Up Command, Ahoada in Rivers State.

    Lagbaja also inaugurated 10 gunboats and three vehicles for the Army’s 6th Division in Port Harcourt to enhance troops’ capabilities to deal with expected rise in criminal activities during the ember months.

    Other security agencies participating in the Exercise Still Waters were identified as the Navy, Air force, Department of State Security (DSS), the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

     Lagbaja expressed confidence that the exercise would tackle  sea piracy, illegal bunkering and cultism in the region and urged officer to increase the tempo of the war against oil theft.

     Lagbaja noted that the exercise would run concurrently with similar operations across the country designed to tackle insecurity.

    He said the addition of 10 gunboats in the fleet of the 6th division would help to escalate the battle against oil theft in the region.

    Read Also: Army re-arrests three escapee prisoners, 10 others in one week

    He said: “What will be happening in 6 Division is Exercise Still Waters III because of the maritime environment of this region. The troops are expected to react to real time intelligence to combat security challenges in their areas of responsibility”.

    In his remarks, the GOC Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army,  Maj. Gen. Jamaar Abdulsalam, assured Lagbaja that the division was ready for the exercise.

    He said the division had already  conducted preparatory operations at its different formations to get the troops ready adding that no criminal elements would be spared within the Area of Responsibility.

     Abdulsalam noted that the synergy among security agencies involved in the exercise would enhance the operation.

    He said: “I assure the Chief of Army Staff that the Exercise objectives will be achieved and no criminal element will have freedom of action throughout the period and beyond.”