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Tag: Army

  • CATE salutes Army over responsiveness to Boko Haram threats to disrupt polls

    The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism [CATE], has saluted the Nigerian Army over its responsiveness to Boko Haran threat to disrupt the 2019 general elections.
    CATE commended the gallantry exhibited by the Nigeria Army in neutralizing Boko Haram threats in some parts of North East Nigeria in the build-up to the general elections.
    The group gave this commendation on Saturday in a statement by its National President, Gabriel Onoja.
    CATE equally commended the show of professionalism by the troops in this critical elections period.

    Read Also:Election postponement: Security personnel suffer more — Experts

    He said, “CATE also urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with the troops who are more than ever ready to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”
    “While it is common knowledge that during election periods some unscrupulous elements would want to disrupt public peace, in some states and in a way attempt to scuttle the nations democratic process, CATE, therefore, calls on the leadership of the Nigeria Army to continue to rise to the occasion in this critical period of our existence.”
    “CATE is therefore confident that the Nigeria Army would rise above any form of political interference, as usual, to ensure that all citizens of Nigeria are protected during and after the elections. This much the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has been doing and would continue to do in line with its constitutional mandate.”
    “The Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai has also displayed a rare commitment to ensuring that there is peace and tranquillity before, during and after the elections. This is highly commendable.”
    “Also worthy of mention is the setting up of situation room by the Nigerian Army to keep abreast of its various operations across the country. CATE sees this noble initiative as one of the numerous proactive measures introduced by the Chief of Army Staff since his appointment in 2015.”
    “CATE is therefore pleased with the operations of the Nigeria Army in terms of its preparedness for the general elections and wishes to state that it behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to continually extend their support to the operations of the Nigeria Army in their quest to keep the country safe from internal and external aggressors.”
    “The numerous operations of the Nigeria Army have led to the dislodging of countless Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State and its environs.”
    “CATE wishes to encourage officer and soldiers of the Nigeria Army to continue in this fashion towards ensuring that the territorial integrity is not eroded by any terrorist, religious, ethnic or militant group internally or externally.”
    “CATE consequently hereby affirm that the Nigeria Army has been a worthy partner in the fight against terrorism and extremism in Nigeria through the laudable initiatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in the past three years.”
    “CATE commends the Chief of Army Staff, and others in the operational division of the Nigeria Army like the Special Forces Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole, 231 and 331 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion.”

  • Understanding Nigerian Army’s role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty 

    I recall that a section of the polity has decided to drag the Nigerian Army into the murky water of politics for their selfish reasons. This arose from the charge given by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Muhammadu Buhari for the Nigeria Army to deal ruthlessly with those who intend to snatch ballot boxes during the elections or engage in acts of thuggery aimed at disrupting the polls.
    I must confess that I am amazed as to how the PDP bigwigs and sympathizers have blown the issue out of proportion. They forgot that for the credibility of the polls to be achieved, there ought to be a level of security in place to guard against vices such as ballot box snatching, vote buying and other evil acts associated with elections in this country.
    While I am not against these folks airing their opinion on issues they have reservations, I am however taken aback with the way and manner they have so politicized the issue with the aim of misleading the unsuspecting members of the public to believe that there is indeed something sinister in the directive.
    Yes, the Chief of Army Staff addressed his principal officers that included the General Officers Commanding the various divisions in the country to remind them of the task at hand which is necessary to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and the need for the troops to respect the constituted authorities. I see nothing wrong with this. And I wonder how the PDP interpreted or is interpreting issues, especially in the build-up to the elections.
    It even gets confusing when it is common knowledge that over time, the Nigerian  Army in discharging its constitutionally recognized and authorized mandate, focuses on two cardinal objectives, and they are subservience to constituted authority and the respect for human rights.
    This is also sufficing to add that the Nigeria Army has overtime provided that needed support to the Nigerian police in the effective discharge of its duties in times of elections and other emergencies. And if this is and has been the case, why cry wolf where none exist? I think that the members of the general public should resist the antics of some unscrupulous elements hell-bent on causing disaffection in the polity to win the sympathy of the electorates with some days left to the general elections.
    There are abound instances where the Nigerian  Army had ensured that voters carry out their civic responsibility without fear or favour. The Ekiti and Osun states elections are glaring examples of the invaluable role the Nigerian  Army plays in entrenching and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.  Ordinarily, Nigerians should not have any cause for worry or concern if they do not have ulterior motives during the elections.
    But those that want to incite and cause mayhem should have every reason to be afraid because I think that any action that negates peace and tranquility would and should be resisted by the Nigerian  Army. And this should give every true lover of democracy a cause for concern.
    The desperation to rig the election at all cost is what has driven the PDP to begin to act towards every other citizen even worse than what Boko Haram have done in North East Nigeria.
    This desperation led by Obasanjo and some Governors to return an Atiku Abubakar who has become desperate as to drag the Nigerian  Army despite its apolitical nature into politics is what many today have become afraid of.
    The fear of ballot box snatcher is real, and every Nigerian looks up to the Army to be able to provide the needed security for them to be able to exercise their franchise. One would, therefore, plead with the PDP to allow the Nigerian Army to focus on its role and responsibilities as those who have nothing to hide should have nothing to fear.
    The Nigeria Army under Lt GenTukur Buratai is a responsive organization and one that has tremendously shown respect for the constitution of the Federal  Republic  of Nigeria. Worthy of mention also is the fact that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is a professional officer and one whose loyalty can never be doubted.
    He is also a refined promoter of human rights as evident in his numerous interactions with the civilian populace through the Directorate of Civil-Military relations.  This much has been said about him in multiple forums and how he has done so much in three years to reflect on the average soldier in the country.
    It is also on record that the Nigerian  Army has not unlawfully engaged any citizen in any arms’ struggle and this very much we are aware the Army has continued to imbibe. An example of the professionalism of the Nigeria Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai was in 2016 in Rivers state when militants opened fire on troops during a rerun election. Guess what?  The Army didn’t retaliate but instead fished out the criminals and handed to the police.
    Now, that is just an example of the professionalism of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in recent times. The public outcry by the PDP and its agents are in poor taste and meant to mislead. Needless I add that there is no rest for the wicked. And make no mistakes, the Nigerian  Army would rise to the occasion during and after the elections in Nigeria. For those who may not want a python dance with the Army, it is simply thumb print on your ballot paper and AVOID the box itself.

  • 2019, Buhari and sustaining good  governance 

    Its partisan times, so differing views have invaded the political space on the persona and leadership content in President Muhammadu Buhari.  He is both loved and hated. But it’s normal in life, especially for leaders who must step on toes or bruise many to find the illuminating trajectory of leadership.
     President Muhammadu Buhari is Nigeria’s latest subject of praises and vituperations. First, everyone must understand that Buhari is the incumbent President of Nigeria, who is seeking reelection in the February 16, 2019 presidential ballot.  But inevitably and consonance with democratic ethos, some political power mongers are seeking to unseat him. They have assembled in their numbers on different political platforms.
    To this category of opposing politicians and Nigeria’s potential leaders, President Buhari has performed so poorly in the last three years. They chant everywhere that he deserves to be ousted; but hardly justify their stand with incontrovertible facts. What is palpable in their eyes is the naked scramble for power. So,  “Buhari must go!”  is what electrifies every campaign fora of the opposition gangsters.
    The opposition ought to be genuinely piqued with Buhari for several reasons. The CBN ATMs, the unfettered access to the official exchange rates of  foreign currencies; the blockage of fake  oil subsidy claims, terminating the regime of inflated and abandoned contracts, and the arms procurement deals which stashed diverted dollars into several accounts have been blocked by Buhari.
    So, there are veiled and subterranean plots to ensure President Buhari does not stage a comeback in the next presidential polls. Some former Nigerian leaders, with the exception of a few like Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) are neck-deep into this evil design. They have some handful minions, most of whom are  in subordinate leadership positions who are prosecuting the agenda of President Buhari’s ouster very satanically.
     The opponents, especially in the main opposition PDP  have forgotten that in 16 years of acclaimed “perfect” leadership of Nigeria, they neither delivered on good governance nor leadership. They dislocated Nigeria in all sectors.
    But it  was under their watch Nigeria’s foreign reserves were depleted and shared on the table mutilated parts of a hunter’s game. It was under their watch local contractors and oil subsidy claimants were owned awful trillions of naira for questionable debts.
    It was under their cursed regimes, 27 out of 36 states in the federation, including the central government could not pay salaries and allowances to public servants. The defunct PDP government personified poverty and misery.
    It was under their leadership insecurity in Nigeria peaked. Boko Haram terrorists captured and conveniently occupied 20 LGAs in Borno state alone and another four LGAs in Adamawa and Yobe states. Nigerians witnessed Boko Haram detonating their bombs everywhere in Abuja and other major cities in the North. The government of the day condoned it as signs of the times.
    Nigerians tolerated for years, and inexcusably, how the so-called ideal leadership supervised Plateau, the home of peace and tourism turned the epicenter or turf of testing ethnic supremacy by clannish warlords. Farmers and herders clashes reigned in most rural communities of Northern Nigeria unrestricted and blossomed every day, starching its tentacles to virgin territories.
    Armed bandits and rustlers roamed freely with the gait of conquerors in Northwest Nigeria. Militancy in the Niger Delta region was job for both the young and the old.  And its intensification blighted Nigeria’s economic fortunes.
    Nigerians, except these odious leaders, barricaded by fenced walls and sentries knew everything was wrong with Nigeria. The masses realized only a puritan of angelic endowments like President Buhari was competent to re-fix Nigeria. He was fervently persuaded to redeem Nigeria from the manacles of leadership slavery.
    Thus, Buhari landed like the eagle in 2015 in the poll of these sickening national malaises. President Buhari mounted the stage with messages in three main critical sectors to kick-start the recovery or redemption campaigns for Nigeria. Security was topmost on his agenda; the economy and anti-corruption wars were aspects of Nigeria as a country he vowed to vigorously pursue in his first years in office.
    Looking back at yesterday and today, one observes a positive and significant difference in these critical sectors in the nation. President Buhari has been able to recover a nation pushed into recession back on its feet. It happened when national oil revenues’ declined considerably; but he combined wisdom and prudence to effectively apply the meagre national resources to achieve results.
    Aside initiating capital projects, he has been able to complete abandoned capital projects in infrastructure, power generation, health,  public transport, education, oil and gas, agriculture   and so forth to lay the base for industrial development.
    Buhari has been able to impressively  shore-up Nigeria’s foreign reserves which declined to as low as  $29.6 billion in May 2015  to $47.5 billion  by  May 2018.  This is alongside checkmating inflationary trends in the economy, which have also witnessed a progressive decline since January, 2017.
     Similarly, the Sovereign Wealth Fund portfolio has appreciated with the injection of $650 million so as to strengthen local investments in various sectors of the economy. It has  also yielded positive results.
     President Buhari’s anti- corruption crusade anchored by both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have recovered looted commonwealth amounting to billions of naira, alongside forfeiture of assets acquired with illicit wealth worth trillions of naira.  EFCC has netted the highest record of recoveries of loots  since the establishment of the  anti-graft agency  nearly two decades ago.
    But Buhari’s brightest star shines  in the area of the hitherto suffocating national insecurity.  It is repetitious to assert that President Buhari  has splendidly curbed raging terrorism and insurrections which nearly crumbled Nigeria.
    Under the Buhari Presidency, the Nigerian military have been  able to properly dissect the numerous security challenges confronting the country. It has adopted both combat and psychological strategies to conveniently counter the menace of insecurity threats that held Nigeria to the jugular.

    Read Also:Durojaiye: Buhari deserves another tenure

    A transparent, accountable and disciplined leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the COAS,  Lt.Gen. TY Buratai has secured for Nigeria victory over Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen /farmers crises, violent militancy, dubious secession movements  and  the repulsive  armed banditry  and cattle rustling criminalities in the country.
    Truly, many people are excited at the prospects of leadership; but not everybody is endowed with leadership wisdom to lead a country as complex as Nigeria, with its multifaceted challenges. Most leaders of Nigeria have failed because they mixed greed and personal enrichment at the expense of the people. President Buhari is outstanding in this regard, which makes him an incontestable Prince of the Savannah.
    Nigeria cannot afford to mortgage President Buhari’s leadership at this moment. There is every need to support him to succeed and continue in office beyond 2019 to concretize these gains. As far as Nigerians committed to the recovery of this country from the hands of the leadership vultures, Buhari remains the unbeatable choice and hope for a secured and prosperous nation.
    Only President Buhari who has the moral rectitude and commitment can sustain the gains that have been recorded in some of the nation’s critical sectors and most profoundly on security.
    Okanga wrote this piece from Agila, Benue State.

  • Army deserves better welfare, says Atiku

    PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has promised that his administration will improve the welfare of military personnel, if elected the next President.

    At a news conference at the PDP Secretariat in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the former vice president hailed the contributions of men of the Army to the country’s growth and survival.

    According to him,  men of the Army deserved better welfare, considering their services to the nation.

    He noted that many of them have sacrificed their lives for the country’s survival.

    Read also: Governors shower encomiums on soldiers, ex-servicemen, fallen heroes’ families

    Atiku particularly hailed the military for waging serious war against Boko Haram, stressing that the war against insurgency was fought majorly by the Army.

     

  • Appraising Nigerian Army’s strategy towards lasting peace in Taraba

    There has been quite an upheaval on the operations of the Nigerian Army in Taraba state in recent times. So much so that it portrayed the Nigeria army as having ulterior motives in its activities in Taraba state, especially as it concerns the farmers/herders conflict.
    I recall that the Nigerian Army had on numerous occasions denied any form of favouritism in its operations in the state. But some citizens would hear none of it. They went further to allude that the Nigerian Army was taking sides with herdsmen in the state. A claim that was uncharitable and far from the truth.
    There was mutual suspicion amongst the various stakeholders, which led to a very unhealthy relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Taraba state government and a large extent did affect the operations of the Nigerian Army in the state. But, all of that, is now history with the renewed partnership for peace and security in the state.
    In my opinion, the Taraba state government indeed realized that the Nigerian Army under the present Chief of Army staff could not have been so unprofessional to takes sides with a section of the population, whereas it is constitutionally mandated to protect the territorial integrity of the country. I stand to be corrected, would such a scenario be ever possible in a country as plural as ours? Unless the bulk of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army are from a particular ethnicity or religion before such can be possible. but as they say, let bygone be bygone as we focus on the task ahead.
    I am elated and as well of the opinion that with the renewed partnership between the Taraba state government there seems to be an excellent working relationship that has yielded positives in the operations of the Nigerian Army in the state.

    Read Also:Army deserves better welfare, says Atiku

    The first victory for peace, security and development everywhere in the world is overcoming mutual suspicion and clear understanding of the issues at stake which in the present case is the security of lives and properties of the common masses. And this gives rise to appreciation of the efforts of the Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai.
    While this may not be news to some out there, for some of us in the know of the intricacies that greeted the operations of the Nigerian Army in the state as a result of the misinterpretation of the stance of the Army in securing lives and properties, would readily agree with me that indeed this is a welcome development and worth bringing out the drums.
    The centrality of Taraba in North Central Nigeria makes it greater responsibility for the Nigerian Army to ensure a peaceful atmosphere that would bring about the needed development in the state. And this much it has strived to do in recent times, and of course, without the cooperation of the people, there would always be hitches and frictions.
    But now that the various stakeholders in the state have come to terms with the invaluable contributions of the Nigerian Army in their area, they have no choice but to extend the needed support the Army needs towards the success of its operations. I am of the opinion that this partnership should not be restricted alone to Taraba state, but other states in the North East like Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states that experiences a similarity of security challenges.
    I know for a fact the governor of Taraba state Darius Ishaka played a tremendous role in winning the confidence of the stakeholders in the state to extend their support to the Nigeria Army and I also know that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai also ensured that the activities of the Nigeria Army in the state is guided by professionalism. So much so that it was able to win the confidence of a people who were once suspicious of their operations.
    That the Nigerian Army was indeed able to rise to the occasion in such an atmosphere of suspicion and all sorts of insinuations from certain quarters and citizens in the state, is a testament of the dynamic leadership of the Chief of Army staff in line with its mandate of Civil-Military relationship.
    It is, therefore, sufficing to state that the role of the Nigeria Army in internal and external security in the country cannot be overemphasized given the multitude of security challenges confronting the country. The Nigerian Army has been able to rise to the occasion. However, it must be noted that it’s a product of collective responsibility for such feats to be recorded. The case of Taraba state readily suffices, and that was why I mentioned the need for other states, not just in North Central to key into this partnership because there is nowhere in the world where there can be meaningful development in a state of insecurity.
    I commend the governor of Taraba state Darius Ishaku for understanding that good working relationship with the Army is a panacea for the security and lives of the people of the state. I also commend the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for standing resolute even in the face of provocation, falsehood, and distrust of its operations in the state.
    What does this tell us? It tells us that once the head is good, the body would also be useful. This is the case in the Nigeria Army. I could safely say that professionalism and a clear cut understanding of its roles and functions in democratic settings and the need to abide by international best practices were the watch words.
    In as much as this is a welcome development, it behoves on the relevant stakeholders in Taraba state to see that this renewed relationship with the Nigeria Army is sustained for peace to continue to reign and which would ultimately bring about meaningful development. And at the end of the day, Taraba and indeed Tarabans would be the greatest beneficiaries.
    Hosea writes from Jalingo.

  • Buratai as Troops “Man Friday”

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  • Army recovers pistol after foiled robbery

    Soldiers attached to the 145 Battalion, Ukwa West, under 14 Brigade Army Headquarters, Ohafia, Abia State have reportedly recovered a locally- made pistol.

    The Nation learnt that the incident happened after they foiled a robbery on Milverton Road in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.

    It was gathered that the soldiers, who arrived Milverton Road at about 10pm in two Hilux vans, were on a routine patrol in Aba North and South local governments when received a distress call that robbers were operating in the area.

    Read also: Army’s embarrassing siege on the media

    It was learnt that the robbers, on sighting the soldiers, fired shots into the air while escaping from the scene, but the soldiers were said to have fired back.

    Our reporter learnt that the situation made people to scamper for safety, and that some passersby were hit by stray bullets while the soldiers chased the hoodlums.

    Some of the victims, whose identities were unknown last night, are receiving treatment in private hospitals.

  • Special Forces unleashed on Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said Special Forces Troops have been unleashed on Boko Haram Terrorists in series of clearance operations in Borno state leading to the killings of hundreds of the insurgents and the confiscation of their weapons.

    The troops made up of Nigerian Army Special Forces, the Nigerian Navy Special Forces as well as the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, however, lost an officer and a soldier during the clearance operations.

    According to The Nigerian Army Spokesman, Brig. Gen Sani Usman, the operations which commenced December 28 last year ensure that several towns and villages were cleared of the remnants of the insurgents.

    Brig, Gen Usman said in a statement that among towns cleared were Zare, Gudumbali, Kukawa, and Cross Kauwa, while troops have also taken control of Baga and are now clearing the fringes of Lake Chad.

    He particularly lauded the troops for their gallantry in giving the terrorists a bloody nose, saying the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole also gave maximum air support in dealing a devastating blow on the terrorists.

    Brig Gen. Usman said: “In the determined efforts to wipe out remnants of Boko Haram terrorists that now goes by the appellation of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), the gallant troops of the newly formed Nigerian Army Special Forces Command (NASFC), Operation LAFIYA DOLE, have given the terrorists that attacked troops location in Baga a bloody nose.

    “The triumphant troops, particularly the highly revered 707 Special Forces Brigade which is the vanguard of the great exploit, dealt the decisive blow that neutralised several terrorists along that axis despite prior warning to them by some unpatriotic elements.

    “The Special Forces commenced clearance operations on 28th December 2018, where they cleared Zare, Gudumbali, Kukawa and Cross Kauwa without any resistance from suspected terrorists. However, at Cross Kauwa, the unfortunate ISWAP terrorists made a costly mistake of raising their ugly heads.

    ” In professional fashion the troops exploited the situation to instantly and decisively neutralise the insurgents and captured some equipment.

    “Though some of the terrorists attempted to infiltrate troops camp at Monguno, the gallant troops lured them and neutralised many of them and recovered some arms and ammunition.

    “The troops who are in high spirit had since linked up with other forces in Baga where they cleared the Naval Base and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, in the process, the Special Forces lost one officer and a soldier, while 5 other soldiers sustained injuries. The remains of the two fallen heroes and the wounded have since been evacuated. The injured soldiers are in stable condition and receiving medical attention.

    “The troops are now busy consolidating and clearing vestiges of the terrorists within the northern Borno State axis with special emphasis on the Lake Chad region.

    “The Special Forces attained these great strides in close operational synergy with Air Task Force of the Nigerian Air Force who gave Intelligence and close air support by bombarding the ISWAP terrorists. The outstanding and daredevil exploits of the NAF’s pilots gave more courage and firepower to the troops. Similarly, the Nigerian Navy Special Forces were not left out of this gallant efforts”.

  • Group hails Buratai, Army over election security, sues for continuous loyalty amongst troops

    The Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance has hailed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian  Army over responsiveness to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and the sovereignty of the country.
    The group, therefore, called for continuous loyalty amongst troops to constituted authority before, during and after the elections.
    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, Emmanuel Itodo, the Executive Director of the group, said since the directive for the military to ruthlessly deal with ballot snatchers it observed that the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion, particularly in the way it has intensified operations to counter incidents that could have undermined the elections.
    According to him, “Such calls condemning President Buhari’s directive came from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who even went to the absurd extent of asking the Army to disregard the directive was totally unacceptable to close watchers of events around the county.
    This is sad as it betrays the desperation of Atiku who now wants the country to be set ablaze since it has become clear that he is likely to come a distant third in the election.
    “We wonder how he would react to the military disregarding his orders if he were the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
    Benue state governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, also asked the Army to disregard the President even though the same Army continues to save his state from the self-inflicted violence that has gripped the state.
    “The people he armed under the guise of being herdsmen had unleashed attacks on the state and it took the intervention of the Army to curtail them. One can only wonder what the outcome would have been if the Army had gone with his request not to shoot at anyone, even those that are carrying weapons just as would be ballot box snatchers will do.
    The confidence that the Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance has in the Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has increased with the way he has handled the situation in which members of the opposition are asking him to politicize the military by siding with them and disregarding the directive from the C-in-C.
    “Our confidence is informed by the professionalism and apolitical nature of the current Nigerian Army under Lt. General Buratai.
    “We are pleased that he has made it amply clear that the Nigerian Army is not on sale to the highest bidder. The PDP and Atiku Abubakar should at this stage get the message clearly that the Army is not the same as some of the compromised electoral officers that trampled on patriotism upon being paid in dollars.
    “The Army is also not the same as foreign agents masquerading as foreign observers that shamelessly became the spokespersons for a corrupt opposition. Both classes of compromised persons are not interested in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, which the Army has sworn to protect and is doing a good job of.
    “General Buratai must however be wary as the PDP has continued to put officers under pressure of monetary and career inducement. He should leverage on intelligence reports to conduct hourly risk assessment until the elections are over. This is because the PDP has promised some officers in the Army dollar payment in six and seven digits once they agree to allow ballot snatching under their watch in contravention of President Buhari’s order. The contact persons that made these offers on behalf of Atiku has promised at least six different officers the position of COAS if they allow ballot box snatching and rigging so that Atiku can win.

    Read Also:Breaking: 12 presidential candidates back Buhari

    “This is why general Buratai’s charge to army personnel to be apolitical is timely but we urge him to back this up with proactive measures to identify anyone that contravenes his directives by hobnobbing with the PDP or its agents. The Army must also suspend its officers and personnel from having any interface with foreigners and foreign organizations as these so called foreign observers are being used to convey the PDP’s messages and offers to officers. They use avenues like break times during briefings and innocuous meetings to attempt recruiting members of the Armed Forces to take sides with the opposition.
    “Even as we urge General Buratai to exercise caution, we warm politicians, especially the opposition PDP to desist from dragging themselves into the administration of Nigerian Army and must cease their ongoing attempt to compromise the institution because there is a thin line between what they are attempting and treason. There is no provision in the Constitution that empowers the opposition to  dish out instruction to the Army neither does the opposition form part of the chain of command between the C-in- C, the Service Chiefs and the troops. The fact that the PDP, its presidential candidate and chieftains are attempting to compromise the Army therefore lends credence to earlier intelligence report that foreign agents have perfected a plan for the PDP to reject the outcome of the elections, declare a parallel government and get the backing of its foreign partners.
    “In view of the fact that the Army is a key institution in preventing ballot box snatching and averting a descent into chaos for the country, it will come under sustained attack aimed at intimidating its ranks and leadership to capitulate and become politicized. Nigerians must consequently be prepared to resist the attempt to destroy key institutions of the country by supporting the Army in its determination to protect the sovereignty of the country and to remain subordinated to constituted authority without any iota of disloyalty.
    The commendable arrests of troublemakers commissioned by dubious politicians to cause confusion must be sustained. The Army should not be deterred by the lies being told by those claiming that it is clamping down on the opposition. What is required of it is to maintain its apolitical stance by ensuring that anyone that foments trouble is made accountable for their actions.”

  • Remembrance Day: Army announces road closure

    The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday said some roads in the city centre in the FCT would be closed on Jan. 15 for the celebration of the 2019 Armed Forces Day.

    According to a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brig.-Gen. John Agim, the roads leading to Court of Appeal junction, Foreign Affairs junction and Bayelsa House junction will be closed to vehicular traffic.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Army locks down Borno/Yobe highways

    Others to be closed are Benue House junction, Phase 3 flyover Aso Drive by phase 3 and Mopol gate behind National Arcade.

    While regretting all inconveniences, the DDI urged Nigerians to join the celebration for remembering the fallen heroes who had sacrificed their lives for peace and security of the nation.