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  • Army explains delay in payment of troops’ feeding

    Army explains delay in payment of troops’ feeding

    The Nigerian Army has given reasons for the delay in the payment of feeding allowance of troops providing security for Chinese working at the Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam Project in Niger State.

    It said the delay in the receipt of funds from concerned institution caused the delay.

    The Army debunked a report by an online media outfit that the three months’ Ration Cash Allowances (RCA) was diverted by a senior officer.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    He said: “…Contrary to the insinuations made in the online report, preliminary investigation revealed that troops deployed at the Chinese company in Niger State have always been paid in tranches by the Nigerian Army on receipt of the funds from the institution concerned. 

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    “Accordingly, the last tranche payment of RCA by the affected institution for the troops deployed elapsed on February 28, 2023. While the next tranche of payment is being processed, the Army headquarters has paid the troops covering the period March 1 to June 30, 2023, in a bid to ameliorate the operating conditions of the troops and keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.

    “To cushion the effect of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily, and this has been a routine. The troops’ RCA was, therefore, not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or anyone else, as wrongly portrayed.

    “Much as the Nigerian Army understands the concern raised by the online media regarding these allegations, we wish to state unequivocally that under the leadership of Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the welfare of troops takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations, as it is one of the vital pillars of his Command Philosophy, which is to provide ‘Sound Administration’ for personnel of the Nigerian Army.”

    The statement stressed that the Nigerian Army remained committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the welfare of troops in all operations and other endeavours.

  • Why troops’ feeding allowances were delayed – Army

    Why troops’ feeding allowances were delayed – Army

    The Nigerian Army says three months of Ration Cash Allowances (RCA) of troops providing security to Chinese working at the Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam Project in Niger state, have not been paid due to a delay in receipt of funds from the concerned institution.

    It also said that it is not true that the three months of RCA were been diverted by any senior officer as alleged by some online media.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said this in a statement on Monday, September 25.

    Nwachukwu said the Nigerian Army has a zero-tolerance posture for any form of financial misappropriation and that it is strongly opposed to any action inimical to the morale of troops.

    He said: “However, contrary to the insinuations made in the online report, preliminary investigation reveals that troops deployed at the Chinese Company in Niger state have always been paid in tranches by the Nigerian Army on receipt of the funds from the institution concerned.

    “Accordingly, the last tranche payment of RCA by the affected institution for the troops deployed, elapsed on 28 February 2023. While the next tranche of payment is being processed, Army Headquarters has paid the troops covering the period 1 March – 30 June 2023 in a bid to ameliorate the operating conditions of the troops and keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.

    Read Also: Army launches training to ensure regular promotions of officers

    “To cushion the effect of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily and this has been a routine. The troops’ RCA was therefore not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or anyone else, as wrongly portrayed.

    “Much as the NA understands the concern raised by the online media regarding these allegations, we wish to state unequivocally that, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the welfare of troops takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations, as it is one of the vital pillars of his Command Philosophy, which is to provide “Sound Administration” for personnel of the NA.

    According to the spokesperson, the Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the welfare of troops in all its operations and other endeavours, as contained in the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff “to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”. 

    Nwachukwu said: “The Nigerian Army does not only recognize the importance of ensuring the welfare and well-being of its personnel but also appreciates its positive impact on their overall morale.”

  • Army launches training to ensure regular promotions of officers

    Army launches training to ensure regular promotions of officers

    The Nigeria Army has activated career planning and sensitisation for its commissioned officers to ensure optimum performance and regular promotions.

    The army explained that the sensitisation became necessary following its observation that some officers were performing poorly in courses designed to ensure their career growth.

    The Military Secretary Department of the Nigeria Army held a career planning sensitization lecture for 6 Division Nigeria Army Officer, in Port Harcourt on Friday, September 22.

    The Military Secretary, Nigeria Army, Major Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, who delivered the lecture noted that career training was designed that to ensure that commissioned personnel were promoted as at when due.

    Oyinlola regretted that many officers had yet to appreciate the need to develop their careers adding that the training would equip young officers with skills to succeed in the army

    He said poor performance of commissioned officers did not only impede their promotions, but also affected their postings and apportionments, urging newly commissioned officers to be serious with their careers.

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    The military secretary said: “Many of the young officers go through their career without understanding what they can do especially, when they were young officers. The army as unique as it is, from the moment you are commissioned, you go on courses and various trainings.

    “So, you need to hit the ground running from when you were young officers. For instance, if you go for a course and you were careless and did not do very well in that course, when you are a senior officer it comes to play, when they are selecting people for promotion and posting or appointments.

    “I am here to ensure that everybody understands that you must be serious from the beginning. We have to give them tips on how to enhance their career. They should ensure they put in the best without resting on their oars.”

    The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigeria Army/ Land Component Commander, Southsouth, Operation Delta Safe, Major-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, noted that the army spells out the terms and conditions of engagements of all personnel.

    Abdussalam stated that the reason for the training was to enable officers get a balanced promotion, postings and appointments while in service.

    He said: “What we have today is the career planning lecture for the officer of 6 Division. This is a rare opportunity to have the military Secretary to be here. It is an opportunity for them to ask questions in gray areas where they have doubts. He will teach them what to avoid and areas they need to concentrate.”

  • Army, police kill six IPOB/ESN fighters in gun battle

    Army, police kill six IPOB/ESN fighters in gun battle

    Troops of the Nigerian Army and the police have killed six armed fighters of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Abia and Enugu states.

    The fighters were killed in a fierce gun battle that ensued during a clearance operation at Igboro Forest, located between Arochukwu and Ohafia local government areas of Abia state, and IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu local government area of Enugu state.

    The director of Army public relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu who disclosed this in a statement said the two incidents occurred on Monday, September 18.

    Nwachukwu said after winning the battle against IPOB/ESN at Igboro Forest, the troops also destroyed several of their hideous camps.

    Read Also: Police raid Ebonyi IPOB/ESN camp, kill member, arrest two others

    He said: “The camps were uncovered after several weeks of credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN was using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.

    “On further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others.

    “The Items recovered include one improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle,  One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun,  One AK 47 Rifle,  One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets, one Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms.”

    The spokesperson said that before the troops’ encounter with IPOB/ESN fighters at Ezioha Mgbowo in Enugu state, “the armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area when the vigilant troops swooped on them.”

    “The armed fighters, who opened fire on sighting troops approaching their camp were however defeated in the firefight that followed, as the troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralizing three of the fighters, while others fled in disarray. The troops recovered three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters.”

  • Army chief: securing Nigeria requires support of all

    Army chief: securing Nigeria requires support of all

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said securing Nigeria requires harnessing the support of all citizens.

    Lagbaja, represented by Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, spoke at the maiden of Army Human Rights Seminar, yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the support of citizens was necessary since some operations were conducted in civilian populated areas.

    According to him, prevailing security challenges had necessitated deployment of troops to theatres of operation.

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    “These deployments involve kinetic and non-kinetic approaches that require collaboration between security agencies and all well-meaning individuals and organisations.

    “I wish to state that securing a country within the ambit of contemporary security environment involves harnessing the efforts of citizens in a whole of nation approach because the operations are conducted within civilian populated areas.

    “Hence, the seminar was conceptualised to engage organisations, security agencies, media and other stakeholders in human rights advocacy and protection of civilians in conflict areas on issues relating to human rights during conflicts.”

  • Alleged land-grabbing : Osun community absolves Army, accuses neighbouring town of mischief

    Alleged land-grabbing : Osun community absolves Army, accuses neighbouring town of mischief

    The leaders of Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, have reacted to the allegation of land grabbing levelled against the Nigerian Army by its neighbouring Ifon-Osun town, headquarters of Orolu Local Government Area.

    Ifon-Osun on Tuesday staged a protest accusing the Army of plotting to take over its land for the alleged purpose of building a facility for the said area.

    Allegation

    Led by its regent and Eesa of Ifon-Osun, Babatunde Oyetunji, the people of the community on Tuesday staged a protest and addressed the media, accusing the Nigerian Army of possible hijacking their community’s parcels of land allegedly in connivance with Ilobu community.

    The protesters said as an indigene of Ilobu community, the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, was planning to use his position to forcefully take over the community’s land.

    Ilobu reacts

    But in its reaction on Wednesday, the palace of Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, debunked the claim by Ifon-Osun, describing it as an attempt to cause trouble within the area.

    Addressing reporters on behalf of the palace, a senior chief and legal practitioner, Adegoke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, said the community was surprised to hear the news of the protest against an “innocent army chief” whose appointment, he noted, has been hailed by many Nigerians as the right peg in a right hole.

    Ogunsola said it was important to clarify the controversies surrounding the land issue, noting that several court cases already determined have consistently giving verdicts in favour of Ilobu.

    He also said the community’s royal father was visited by a retired soldier and an old friend, who was said to have discussed possibility of facilitating a development centre for the town, and was taken to a possible location to confirm suitability.

    The chief said: “On Monday 28 August, Olobu of Ilobu, His Royal Majesty Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II (J.P) received a retired military personnel as a guest. In the course of the visitation, the Olobu of Ilobu suggested a project under the Military-Civil Relationship of the Nigerian Army. The retired General, who is a friend of Olobu of Ilobu was then taken to parts of Ilobu community where people are in need of the project.

    “The places visited are without mincing words, parts of Ilobu Community. Court judgements and Osun State Gazette have, for the umpteenth time, confirmed this assertion.”

    He listed various cases to include those in cases with suit no: HOY/20/70 between Oba J. O. Akinyooye II, the Olufon of Ifon Osun, Oba Aminu Siyanbola, as delivered on 17 July, 1973; judgement in Appeal No FCA/I/1978 between Oba J. O. Akinyooye II, the Olufon of Ifon Osun, and Prince Salami Adesina and Prince Kola Oyewumi delivered on 22 September, 1981.

    Other judgements as listed by the chief included those with Suit No: HOS/22/86 between Jimoh Adigun & Amusa Akanni and Oba Asiru Olaniyan, as delivered on 18 October, 1991, and Appeal No CA/I/153/98 between Amusa Akanni and Oba Asiru Olaniyan delivered 7 July, 2005, among others.

    Ogunsola, the immediate past chairman of Irepodun Local Government, also listed the judgement with Suit No: HOS/40/2015 between HRM Oba A. A. Magbagbeola (OLufon of Ifon) & Orolu local government and the Governor of Osun State & five others, which was said to have been delivered recently on 13 July, 2018.

    “Don’t distract army chief”

     Ogunsola, who described the protest by the palace of Ifon Osun as mere rantings, said a review of the past conduct of the community would reveal that it is out of envy and desperation.

    He said: “The recent rantings by Eesa of Ifon-Osun and Jide Akinyooye were not different from their past lies. The Olobu of Ilobu, Chiefs and people of Ilobu once again appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu for finding worthy for national assignment, a prominent son of Ilobu, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. 

    “We want to reiterate that the claim by Ifon-Osun community is an attempt to distract the Chief of Army Staff and the president from pursuing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.”

    Army’s reaction

    Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, described the allegation as malicious and false, calling on the public to disregard it.

    He said the Army was not yet involved in any process regarding acquisition of any piece of land for any project whether in Orolu or elsewhere, but that the protesters were “only out to tarnish the good image of the army chief and the institution it represents.”

    In its statement published on its official Facebook page, the Army explained: “The Nigerian Army ( NA) has been notified of malicious allegations reportedly peddled in a press statement by one Chief Babatunde Oyetunji, Eesa of Ifon in which he levelled   allegations that the Nigerian Army (NA) has decided to forcefully acquire land for a proposed project in Orolu Community of Orolu Local Govt of Osun State.

    “Without mincing words, the NA wishes to clarify, that the report is entirely false, malicious and an effort by some vested interests to tarnish the good reputation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and drag the name of the institution in the mud.”

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    Possible reason for allegation

    Mr Nwachukwu explained that part of the measures taken by the Nigerian Army to boost the trust of the populace in the Nigerian Army is “through the instrumentality of     Civil-Military Cooperation activities or programmes of the Nigerian Army.”

    “This effort is fundamentally geared towards fostering cooperation and galvanising support of the civil populace for NA’s diverse operations to mitigate security challenges across the country. Hence, the NA usually executes special community intervention projects, such as hospitals, boreholes,  electrification amongst others based on needs assessment, after consultations with the leadership of such communities, at the behest of senior officers, who hail from the benefiting community,” the army spokesman said.

    He, however, added that the particular case is only being conceptualised by a retired senior officer and to be proposed to the Nigerian Army. He said the proposal has not been made.

    “The Nigerian Army hereby absolves itself of any involvement in an attempt to confiscate any community land. The Nigerian Army is a professional and law-abiding institution that has always followed due process in all her intervention projects, so far undertaken. Therefore, members of the public are enjoined to discountenance the allegations and continue to support the Nigerian Army and its Kinetic and Non-kinetic operations across the country.”

  • ‘Men in Army uniform’

    ‘Men in Army uniform’

    Disturbing allegations by Senator Solomon Adeola on the mysterious and tragic killing of his senior aide, Adeniyi Oluwatosin Sanni, in Lagos, on August 5, introduced unexpected possibilities. He alleged that the killers were soldiers of the Nigerian Army, in a recent statement he personally signed, and demanded justice.  

    He said “based on available facts at the disposal of the Police,” Sanni “was killed by a syndicate of soldiers operating under the newly deployed Commander of 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Nsikan John Edet, through mounting of checkpoints and robbing of lone occupants of cars.”  This is a serious accusation, which should be treated seriously.  

    He added: “Top Police sources familiar with the investigation informed me that a similar brutal killing and armed robbery occurred around the same Ojodu- Berger late Thursday night of August 17, 2023 resulting in the killing of another Nigerian whose body was discovered around Iyana- Ipaja after he was taken away by soldiers from the checkpoint.”  

     He continued: “Unknown to the soldiers, the occupant of the car they killed, and took away his car, was the second car in a convoy of two heading towards the same destination. 

    “The first car passed the soldiers checkpoint but the second car was stopped to check his vehicle’s papers. 

    “On noticing the absence of the second car after a while, the occupant of the first car (name withheld) placed a call to his colleague in the second car who informed him that he was being taken to Iyana Ipaja by the soldiers at the checkpoint. 

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    “That was the last he heard from him and his dead body was later discovered dumped on the road just like Mr. Sanni. 

    “The survivor in the first car reported the case to the Police and a pattern of armed robbery and killing in the area involving men in Army uniform was established.”

    In Sanni’s case, he was initially said to have been stopped by “security agents” at a checkpoint around the Ojodu- Berger Area of Lagos on his way to his home at Isheri.  He was asked to provide the documents of the car he was driving, and he called his wife who sent the documents to his phone via WhatsApp. His bullet-riddled body was later found at the Toyota Bus Stop area of Oshodi, close to a military barracks. The senator lamented that “the black Toyota Camry of Mr. Sanni, his phones and other valuables are yet to be recovered.”

    The Nigerian Army authorities should be concerned about Senator Adeola’s specific details regarding the alleged killers, their base, and how they operate.  

  • Many feared dead as gunmen attack IPOB protest in Enugu community

    Many feared dead as gunmen attack IPOB protest in Enugu community

    Many people were feared dead In Ugbakwu at Eha-Amufu, Enugu, on a Sunday afternoon after a confrontation between indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and some gunmen.

    The clash reportedly began around 5pm when some the guunmen disrupted an IPOB gathering at the Eha Market Square beside community secondary school Ugbakwu with the aim of dispersing the group and making arrests.

    The situation escalated as the gunmen allegedly overpowered the IPOB members and proceeded to target the leader, Obiajulu Ejimede.

    According to eyewitnesses, he was the head of the group who stood firm for freedom.

    In response, a heavily armed security team, including the Police, Army and DSS, arrived in several patrol vehicles and launched a crackdown on the scene.

    Gunfire and tear gas filled the area, spanning St. Joseph Catholic Church along the Old Mba Road.

    Eyewitnesses described the premises of St Joseph Catholic Church as chaotic, with reports of violence and bloodshed, as fleeing IPOB members and the gunmen were pursued. The violence disrupted the environment, causing serious death and injuries.

    The incident started on December, 2022 at Eha-amufu community, in Isi-Uzo local government where residents discovered the bodies of residents with bullet wounds after armed men attacked their community.

    This made the community to start pointing hands and accusing Obiajulu Ejimede who was the main leader of the gathering, for organising the protest.

    He was involved in the protest to champion the creation of Biafra Republic but there was misunderstanding when the gunmen ambushed the protesters causing the military and police to intervene.

    They later opened fire, killing several of them. He died from a gunshot wound.

    The community blamed Ejimede and claimed they had tried to warn him against organising the protest because they feared it might result in violence in their community, but he did not listen.

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    Armed plain clothed men have also allegedly visited the community to trace members of his family after his dead body was found on 22nd December. They have also taken some young men for questioning and are yet to return them.

    A source from the community said many youths have fled the community, which has become a ghost of itself because the youths of the community now fear for their safety.

    Among some of the youths that are running for their lives are Ifeanyi Asogwa, Afamefuna Ude, Obiajulu Ejimede son named Emeka Emmanuel Ejimede, Uchenna Umeh and Azubuike Okereke and others.

    A leader of a community, Ogbuabor Samuel, also confirmed the attack. “Several people have been killed, at least we have recovered the bodies of ten people,” he said.

    “As I speak to you, we are combing bushes in search of those killed. I can’t tell now the exact number of people killed as we are still combing the bushes,” another source said.

    Enugu police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development.

    He said: “Sketchy report at my disposal shows that there was an attack, but the assailants were repelled by a joint Police and Army Team that is currently tracking them.”

  • ‘Fake army captain,’ two others charged with forgery, assault

    Three men, who allegedly forged documents belonging to the Olatunji Ruling House of Badagry, Lagos, assaulted two princes and damaged N55m properties, were on Wednesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    The first to third defendants are: Agosu Thomas, 47; Atunisha Isidore, 59, who allegedly claimed to be a Nigerian Army Captain and Segun Alfred Awhanmienu, 46.

    They were arraigned by the police on an 11-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, threat to life, assault occasioning harm, wilful destruction of property and impersonation.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh said the defendants and their accomplices, who are on the run, committed the offences at lragbo Community, Badagry, between 2012 and 2015.

    He said: “In 2012, the defendants conspired and forged the letterhead of the Olatunji Ruling House dated 20th September 2012.

    “They also forged and executed a Deed of Assignment dated 3rd November 2008 between Madam Rafatu Olatunji (assignor) and Captain Isidore Atunisha (assignee).

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    “In 2015, the defendants threatened to kill Monday Olatunjjl, Joseph Okoya and other famliy members of the Olatunji Ruling House.”

    The court heard that the defendants later allegedly unlawfully assaulted Olatunji and Okoya “by beating them up and causing them bodily harm.”

    Mameh said the defendants also willfully and unlawfully “destroyed or damaged building structures, and cement blocks valued at N5million, cash crops valued at N50million property of the Olatunji Ruling House, and a Volkswagen Golf car with Registration Number BDG 289 AX valued at N170,000, a property of one Emmanuel Olatunji.

    Count 11 of the charge reads: “That you Atunisha Isidore on the same date, and place did with intent to defraud Olatunji Ruling House, falsely represent yourself as a Captain in the Nigerian Military via a Deed of Assignment dated 3rd November 2008 between Madam Rafatu Olatunji (assignor) and Captain Isidore Atunisha (assignee).”

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate M. O. Ope-Agbe granted each defendant N10million bail with two sureties in the like sum, among other conditions.

    She remanded the defendants in prison custody pending the fulfilment of the bail terms and adjourned till July 17.

  • Insecurity: Army deploys drone in Ondo, Ekiti forests

    The 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army (NA) Owena Barracks, Akure, has deployed the use of technology to fight the scourges of kidnapping and banditry within the Ondo and Ekiti States axis.

    The Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen Zakari Logun Abubakar, disclosed this on saturday during the launching of a high tech drone device in the Osi community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State to combats the criminal activities in the vast forest of the two states which has become a den of kidnappers.

    Abubakar explained that the drone, a Phantom 5DGI, procured by the Army would assist the military formation of the Anti-kidnapping Squad in identifying the movement and activities of suspected bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

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    According to him, the device which would also help the survey targeted areas in the two states is the latest technology in aerial surveillance and can cover up to seven kilometer radius with capabilities of recording and transmitting report back to the base.

    He said “There are thick forests in these states and that is the advantage some of the criminals are using because some of the places you cannot penetrate them easily. So in line with the Chief of army Staff directive to have a responsive Nigeria Army in the discharge of its constitutional role, we decided to use technology in addition to the Anti-kidnapping Squad. We have two of this drone, one for Ondo and the other one for Ekiti State which would easily help us to fight the issue of this kidnapping headlong.”