The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Army recovers 45 weapons, repels attack in Nasarawa

    The Commander of Operation Wild Stroke in charge of Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba states, Maj.Gen.Adeyemi Yekini, says the army has recovered 45 assorted weapons and 701 assorted ammunitions from Bassa militia camp in Zwere, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    Yekini while presenting the recovered items on Wednesday before newsmen in Lafia said that the operation followed an intelligence report.

    According to him, Operation Wild Stroke is an intervention force which was established about eight months ago with the mandate to put to an end the incessant killings by armed herdsmen, militia groups and other criminal elements operating in Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba States.

    “We have recovered a lot of items in terms of weapons, ammunition and even in terms of arresting suspects in the last eight months.

    “Two days ago, our force ran into ambush by suspected Bassa militia in Ugya, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State but we thank God nobody died.

    “We were able to clear the ambush and even inflicted injuries on the militia.

    “We began our operation and discovered the Bassa suspected militia camp at Zwere,Toto Local Government Area of the state.

    “We were able to recover 45 assorted weapons and 701 assorted ammunitions which include 39 locally made rifles, 2 G3 rifles, 3 locally made pistols, 1 SMG, 5 G3 rifle magazines, 4 revolver cartridge holdersholders”.
    “Others are 9 mm pistol links, 100 special rounds, Nigerian Army military uniforms, handsets, charms among others, “he said.

    Read Also: One dead, two injured as tricycle rams into truck

    He advised militias and other criminal elements in the area and the state to shun criminal activities in their interest and in the interest of peace and development.

    The Commander said that his men will continue to be up and doing in order to flush out criminals in Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba states.

    The Nation recalls that in 2018, there were incessant clashes between Bassa and Egbura communities inToto LGA of Nasarawa State which resulted to loss of lives and properties.

  • Avoid violence, support the Army – Igbo group charges

    Igbos in Nigeria Movement has urged the people of the south-east states to be discerning in their choices in the general elections saying that strategies that have failed the region in the past must not be repeated again since they will yield the exact same results.
    The movement, which spoke through its President, Maxi Ifeanyi Igwe in Abuja on Friday also urged Igbos to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in ensuring that the elections are not hijacked by thugs that hide under agitation to foment trouble.
    Igwe called on Igbos to disregard the call by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu for the boycott of the elections even as he noted that such demand can only be made by someone that is interested in getting the Igbos to be labelled as anti-democratic elements that did not support the entrenchment of democracy.
    He stressed that “The Igbo states, being peaceful, would not have needed the Army’s nationwide Operation Python Dance had IPOB and other divisive elements not engaged in a needless sabre-rattling that created the impression that war is afoot. But this is not who we are in Igboland, we are pro-democracy any day and we will not allow history to misjudge us as a people because of a few recalcitrant renegades.
    “Every other geo-political zone has been agitating for restructuring and what we have seen them doing is getting candidates across the spectrum to commit to pursuing this agenda. The people of these other geo-political zones have in essence made a strong statement that the agitation for true fiscal federalism will pick up pace once they have elected candidates that are favourably disposed to restructuring.
    “The south-east cannot, in this sense, be different by trying to achieve the same objective through violence and calling for the disintegration of the country as IPOB and Kanu are doing. The region must also not make itself unnecessary enemies by being abusive of other ethnic nationals and directing hate speech against them as we have seen from Kanu since he resurfaced from hiding,” he noted.
    Igbos in Nigeria Movement’s president counselled against bloc support while asking that Igbos should freely
    vote for candidates of their choice without feeling coerced. According to him, “Past experience has shown that Igbos are singled out for undesirable special treatment each time they vote as a bloc for a candidate, something that the other ethnic nationalities do not do. Other geo-political zones allow their people to vote for candidates of their choice, which ensures that whoever emerges the winner will not feel than an entire geo-political zone or ethnic group voted against them.

    Read Also:Army deploy 95 percent troops for polls

    “This is why we advise those creating the false impression that the entire Igbo nation has endorsed any one particular candidate to desist from the unwholesome act as it would be unfair for them to set up the entire south-east for victimization when a wrongly endorsed candidate loses the election as happened in the past.
    “We also urge our people to shun violence and other political actions that inimical to the growth and development of Nigeria.
    This appeal becomes necessary given the worsening instances of threats and counter threats that politicians are issuing against each other. Our people need to read between the lines and appreciate that the ancestral homes of these candidates and cities where they have huge business investments will at no time record political violence even if we allow impassioned support for the them to ignite Igboland.
    “Not only must the people refrain from violence we urge our people in Igboland to support the Nigerian Army and all security agencies that have deployed to maintain the peace during the elections. The support to the army and other agencies is to ensure that thugs that have been hired to unleash violence on the political opponents of their paymasters do not succeed. The people must also be careful of the incitement from IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is now clearly acting out a script that does not accommodate the interest of the Igbos,” Igwe charged.

  • Python Dance III: Igbos lauds Army , pledge support for free, transparent election

    The South East Revival Group [SERG] has spoken on the reintroduction of the military exercise, otherwise known as Operation Python Dance III in Nigeria, particularly the south east region.
    The group said the launch of the exercise, which has sent criminal elements running from the south-east, was a welcome development and will put an end to all forms of intimidation, coercion, force and blackmail which the agents of darkness had programmed to use in truncating the 2019 general elections across the south east.
    SERG pledged that Igbos would give the troops support in the course of their operation to ensure free and transparent election.
    Charles Mbani, the national president of the group, while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, recalled that Operation Python Dance I & II helped reduce incidents of armed robberies and banditry in the five Igbo states and their neighbours.
    Mbani called on the army to ensure that members of the Independent People of Biafra organization or any other organization do not deprive voters in the southeast, especially in Ebonyi and Abia states.
    He said, “We are not unaware of the mixed reactions that have trailed the launch of the exercise at the various brigades across the country. Being a group that has been in the tick of the affairs in the southeast, which has hosted the earlier editions of Operation Python Dance, we are in position to offer a fair assessment and projection of what to expect from the nationwide exercise. The earlier versions of the operation held solely in the Igbo states of southeast as training exercises that dealt with incidental crimes.
    It is on record that these first and second versions of Operation Python Dance, which we know locally as Exercise Egwu Eke I and Exercise Egwu Eke II, were initially opposed by those that did not appreciate what was achievable. We can categorically state that after Exercise Egwu Eke I held with remarkable success, people were less critical of Exercise Egwu Eke II, which has made Operation Python Dance III record better reception than the two preceding editions.
    In those two initial editions were instrumental for certain milestones in the southeast as itemized below:
    “Operation Python Dance I & II helped reduce incidents of armed robberies and banditry in the five Igbo states and their neighbours. Because the exercises were held towards the Yuletide season, towns and cities that use to come under siege of criminal elements practically celebrated the season with reduced crimes. The impact was such that our brethren in the Diaspora, who used to be wary of returning home are now able to not only visit home but also spend quality time with us. Because they are able to spend time at home without feeling threatened we are now beginning to see in them an appetite for investing at home, which was not the case before the initiation of Operation Python Dance. Had Operation Python Dance not held in our geo-political zone perhaps we would have today been in the same situation as the northwest geo-political zone where bandits are sowing terror in the hearts of the people.
    “Crimes thrive on the availability of illicit small arms and ammunition. Troops on Operation Python Dance have in the past been able to mop up the flow of illicit firearms, which has made it possible for other law enforcement organizations to have a more conducive environment to carry out their tasks.
    “These past achievements of Operation Python Dance, particularly when they troops persistently observed the rules of engagement, have endeared the exercise to the people. We recall that there were demands from discerning groups and individuals in the southeast for the exercise to be made into an annual affair to ensure that the security situation does not degenerate badly again before there would be such stabilizing intervention.
    “One gap we noticed in the past edition was the tendency for some criminals to flee across state borders into states not covered by the exercise, in the hope that they will return to resume their evil activities once it is over. This gap has now been plugged since Operation Python Dance III is nationwide. The implication is that criminals will have no hiding place as they can only flee one state where the operation is taking place into another state where it is also taking place.

    Read Also:Army recovers pistol after foiled robbery

    “We particularly laud the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai for expanding the operation to cover the entire country. We further laud the Army and COAS for not excluding the southeast from the third edition on account that the geo-political zone had enjoyed two previous editions of the exercise. We are certain that the current exercise will consolidate on the gains of Exercise Egwu Eke I and Exercise Egwu Eke II while spreading similar benefit across the country.
    The operation is a great initiative that complements other security agencies in their roles to make democracy work for Nigerians.
    “It is reassuring that the ongoing exercise is meant to address the problem of criminality usually associated with general elections. It is apparent that it will positively impact the forthcoming election and ensure that lives and properties are secured, which is paramount. Like Oliver Twist, the South East Revival Group [SERG] will however make further demands of the Nigerian Army in the firm belief that the COAS will be kindly dispose to entertaining them:
    “IPoB and some other separatist groups have been threatening that they will not allow citizens to vote in the southeast. Operation Python Dance should help ensure that members of the designated terror organization or any other organization do deprive voters in the southeast, especially in Ebonyi and Abia states, that IPoB has particularly singled out for disruption as contained in a statement it issued.
    “Troops should continue mopping up illicit small arms since there has been a pattern of upsurge in crimes related to these firearms in the aftermath of elections. We understand that some unscrupulous politicians usually distribute arms to youths, which they then divert into commission crimes once elections are over since the politicians are unable to retrieve same from them. The Army should please ensure that such weapons are not used during the elections and certainly not used after the elections.
    The group further charged Nigerians to support the exercise in their various states to ensure free and fair general elections.

  • Group lauds military for curbing spread of insurgency

    The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has commended the military authorities for ensuring that the Boko Haram insurgency did not escalate to the 2013 and 2014 level.

    The organisation gave the commendation in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Mr Cassidy Madueke on Tuesday in Abuja.

    It also solicited local support for the military authorities to enable them tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram in parts of Borno that were earlier liberated.

    The group said the feat was contrary to the impression given by opposition elements that insurgents have had more successes under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    The group said the Armed forces deserved accolades from every patriotic Nigerian rather than condemnation.

    It recalled that there was a situation where the insurgents had firm control of 20 out of 27 Local Government Areas in Borno, between 2013 and 2014.

    According to the group, Borno suffered the worst time during the period as attested by the state Governor, Kashim Shettima.

    Read Also:Army recovers 45 assorted weapons in Nasarawa

     

    “The insurgents were then known to have carved out an Islamic Caliphate that covered three North Eastern states and opted to use Gwoza, the biggest town under its control, with a population of 265,000 as the capital.

    “Boko Haram was so audacious that it targeted churches in various states on three Sundays in a row and launched bomb and gun attacks on the Kano Central Mosque, killing no fewer than 120 people.

    “This is just part of the security situation that the insurgents created before 2015 that has now been reduced to hit-and run attacks on military outposts.

    “In all these, the military rank and file deserves praises for degrading the insurgent’s fighting ability,” the group said.

    It also hailed the Buhari administration for showing political will in ensuring that the troops on the frontlines got required support, rather than being distracted by the upcoming elections.

    It maintained that under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, there had been more transparency in the purchase of military hardware including 31 aircrafts recently.

    It added that 13 aircrafts were also reactivated and were back in the air to ensure that the armed forces had the necessary air power to wipe out the insurgents.

    It commended Gov. Shettima of Borno for taking the step of inviting stakeholders including traditional rulers and artisans to an extra-ordinary security meeting.

    “The outcome of that meeting, which the governor tagged 10-point demand, has now been presented to President Buhari who reassured the delegation of his administration’s support to overcome the insurgency in the North East,” it said.

  • Buratai tasks soldiers on more dedication

     

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday directed soldiers to show gratitude to the administration’s commitment to their welfare through more dedication.

    Buratai gave the advice while addressing 119 soldiers from 8 Division of Nigerian Army in Sokoto.

    He said that the Northwestern states were faced with challenges of cattle rustling and other crimes which led to loss of lives and property in the area.

    “We most work very hard to defend our country from the current security challenges as well as support the civilian mandates.

    Read Also:Boko Haram: Air Force strikes terrorists

     

    “So as soon as we commence the Python Dance III, we expect you to perform generously in ensuring peace across the country most especially at this election period,” he said.

    Earlier, the Army Chief condoled with the family of late former President Shehu Shagari at his residence in Sokoto.

    He described late Shagari as a gentleman who dedicated his life to serve the country and one who always maintained Nigerian integrity.

    According to him, Shagari did well for the military and facilitated more development of Nigerian Army as well as ensuring safe territorial boundaries.

    Responding, Rtd. Cpt. Bala Shagari, commended Buratai for the visit, noting that it demonstrated that Shagari lived a good life with all categories of people.

    The Army Chief had earlier inspected facilities at Giginya Barrack, Army Hospital and the newly established Army 8 Division Headquarters in the state.

     

     

  • NGO commend Army boss over FOI request

    The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) has saluted the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai for entrenching transparency in the military following his prompt response to the the Freedom of Information request made to the Nigerian Army by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT
    NICreL said it was pleased with the COAS for releasing the requested information without hesitation.
    Rev. Samson Onwu, Executive Director of the group in a statement on Sunday, warned SERAP, EiE and BudgIT against jeopardizing national security with the information made available to them.
    He said, “NICreL recognizes that the COAS and the Nigerian Army broke away from the traditional consideration for national security to comply with the request of the three groups. This is commendable on the part of General Buratai even though Nigerians will be watching to see the use to which these organizations put the information they have acquired. Such outcomes will influence the reaction of citizens in the future when organizations or individuals come under the Freedom of Information Act to request information that impact national security.
    “The culture of transparency, for which General Buratai is known, institutionalized and is now entrenching through the release of the information, is commendable. With due respect, we, however, have the strong belief in his discretion to have released the information only after it is duly certified that there is nothing sensitive contained in the document to jeopardize national interest and security.
    “This concern on our part is informed by the recent experiences, in which an international organization was exposed by the Nigerian Army for passing information it obtained in the course of its work to Boko Haram terrorists in addition to using its activities in the northeast as cover to train and equip the insurgents. The country is equally yet in the throes of the publication of classified military information about an impending operation against Boko Haram by Daily Trust newspaper.
    “This nasty experience with Daily Trust is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians even as NICreL and other CSOs await an apology from the newspaper following a seven-day ultimatum for it to tender it.
    “We therefore hope that some NGOs have no been contracted to make bogus requests to jeopardize national security. This raises suspicion that it is a matter of time before the entire military is buried in an avalanche of Freedom of Information request that will soon extend to proxies asking for details to expose operational strategies of the war against terrorism.

    Read Also:NGOs petition Buhari over insecurity, violence in Ogun

    “Much as SERAP enjoys a remarkable level of public trust as a civil society organization (CSO), not much can be said about other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) especially given their association with foreign NGOs like Amnesty International that is  practically at war with the Nigerian Army. These international NGOs have never been fully absolved of being non-complicit in obstructing the military for the benefit of insurgents and separatists.
    “Our understanding is that there is a limit to the obligation of military and security agencies when it comes to releasing information under the FOI Act. This has to be especially considered in view of the glaring danger of information being legally obtained for the sole goal of passing same to terrorists. We therefore appeal to General Buratai as the COAS and the Nigerian Army as an institution, with the entire military, to be mindful of the limit of information that is passed to such group for the sake of the integrity of the country and national security.
    “We use this opportunity to put SERAP, EiE and BudgIT on notice that they now shoulder the burden of responsibly using the information the Nigerian Army has reeleased to them. This will extend to taking considerable caution against the publication of details that could compromise national security. They should also commit to not transferring these details to any  foreign partners, Boko Haram or any other questionable entity since that was not the intent of the Act. Where they elect to breach the sacred trust anticipated by the Freedom of Information Act, to deploy the information they have acquired for evil use, they can count on Nigerians coming after them with all the actions permissible under the law. NICreL is prepared to lead the charge should the situation arise.”

  • Army: our weapons superior to Boko Haram’s

    THE Army yesterday denied claims that it was using obsolete weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, asserting that such claims were part of the on-going propaganda campaigns against the military.

    It said it would keep fighting the insurgents until the battle is won, irrespective of challenges.

    The response was contained on its social media pages to counter series of videos in circulation alleging that soldiers were bitterly complaining in respect of their welfare and equipment handed to them to fight the insurgents.

    “Boko Haram terrorists are not better equipped than the Nigerian Army. Nigerian Army is the pride of the nation,” the Army said.

    In a recent video following the Metele attacks, a soldier lamented: “Many of our men have died. We have to go home. If Nigeria is ready, they can call us back to fight those idiots (terrorists).

    “But we do not have adequate weapons to fight them. We are going home to be with our families. Weapons make a soldier. Without weapons, you are not a soldier.”

    But, the Army maintained that such claims are untrue, insisting that its men were given superior weapons to fight the terrorists.

    “Fake news, false publication, hate speech and terrorist propaganda cannot deter our resolve from protecting our nation. No retreat, no surrender. Victory is sure,” it asserted

    Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman has, however, warned the public against fallen into the trap of one Dr. Perry Brimah, who claimed to be raising funds for the welfare of troops in the war fronts.

    He described the claim as fraudulent and had nothing to do with the Nigerian Army.

    Brig.-Gen. Usman, who advised Nigerians to ignore Brimah, said in a statement: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a fraudulent and criminal fund-raising by one Dr. Perry Brimah, a Nigerian in diaspora, tagged: ‘Global campaign to provide food for Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram’.

    “The criminal embarked on this fund-raising venture ostensibly to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, especially the international community to fund subversive activities and personal life style. The criminal is using the following contact points for the fund-raising: https://www.gofundme.com/ feed-nigerian-soldiers/

    info @ ENDS.ng. Tel: +1-929-427-5305; WhatsApp: +234-903-420-3031.

    Read also: Boko Haram: Air Force strikes terrorists

    “We wish to state that the Nigerian soldiers deployed in the Northeast or elsewhere, neither lack logistics nor food as the fraudster wants unsuspecting members of the public to believe. The Nigerian Army never faltered in providing necessary logistics to troops to the extent of providing extras, especially during festive periods.

    “Therefore, this move by Dr. Brimah is nothing but a scam as there is nowhere in the world where troops were fed through donations by members of the public.

    “We would like to further state that there has never been complaints of lack of food by soldiers, talk-less of starvation. The so-called Dr. Perry Brimah or his agents do not represent the Nigerian Army or her soldiers.

    “Whoever believes and falls victim to this criminal act does so at his or her own risk. In addition, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the INTERPOL are working hard to declare him wanted and extradite the international fraudster to face justice. Therefore, we request the general public for any information on the whereabouts of this fraudster.”

     

  • Battle of Baga: Maiduguri/Monguno Road not closed, says army

    The Army has denied reports that it has closed the Maiduguri/Monguno highway to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, following the ongoing onslaught on Boko Haram insurgents in Baga town by troops.

    Theatre Command (Operation LAFIYA DOLE) Deputy Director, Public Relations, Col.  Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the reports and insinuations as untrue in a statement yesterday.

    Col. Usman noted that troops have dominated the road with aggressive patrols to keep the highway safe for road users.

    The statement: “The attention of the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been drawn to the information making the rounds in the social media and some online blogs that the road connecting Maiduguri and Monguno town in Borno State, has been closed to motorists and other road users.  This is untrue, as no such closure has been imposed by the Theatre Command.

    “Contrary to the insinuation, Maiduguri -Monguno road remains open to motorists and all law abiding citizens. Troops are dominating the road with aggressive patrols, while clearance operations to flush out Boko Haram terrorists are ongoing in Baga general area.”

    Read also: Second Niger Bridge: Fed Govt votes N2bn for compensation

    The statement also corroborated reports that some hunters in Yobe State dealt a heavy blow on the insurgents that invaded the town on Sunday night.

    “Suspected Boko Haram fighters who invaded Buni- Gari, a town in Yobe state, got more than they bargained for when some hunters engaged them in a fierce battle on Sunday,” Col Onyema explained.

    It was, however, learnt that all the soldiers at Buni Gari fled their camps after getting privileged information that the insurgents were coming to raid the camp.

    The insurgents allegedly wrote a letter on their plan to raid the community.

    A resident of Damaturu, who travelled to Buni Gari on Monday to check on his parents after the attack, told our correspondent on phone that he was informed that the military base in the town had been attacked.

    The source said no house belonging to civilians in the village was torched.

    The source also claimed that political posters and billboards, including those of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mai Mala Buni, who hails from the village, were destroyed by the insurgents.

    “Some people are leaving for Damaturu and Buni Yadi, some are moving towards Biu area while others are heading towards Gulani,” the source said.

    Buni Gari town is the home of the Yobe State APC governorship candidate. It is a small town in  Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, less than four kilometres to the 27 Taskforce Brigade in Buni Yadi,  about 53 kilometres to Damaturu, the state capital.

  • 2019 : Army promises to enhance democratic principles

     The Nigerian Army has urged its officers and men to continue to ensure that enabling environment is created to enhance democratic process as the country approaches 2019 general elections.
    The Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Nasiru Jega, gave the advice at the 2018 West African Social Activities (WASA) held in Igbawa barracks in Abak, Akwa IBM.
    Jega urged the personnel of the Nigerian Army to sustain the high standard of commitment towards maintaining peace in the nation.
    “The challenge before us is to ensure that appropriate and enabling environment is created so that the development of democratic process in the country is enhanced. 
    “I urge you to sustain the high standard of commitment towards maintaining peace and stability in the nation.
    “As the general election approaches, we have the task of providing an enabling environment within an area of responsibility for the conduct of a smooth election.
    “In days ahead, emphasis will be placed on internal security training so that we can help our nascent democracy to grow from strength to strength.
    “The transformation process in the Nigerian Army, which is ancoured on attitudinal change among others, is meant for the challenge ahead,” Jega said.
    The commander charged the personnel to continue to remain loyal to constituted authorities and resist the temptations of being used for the promotion of any political interests.
    He commended Akwa Ibom Government for the continuous support to the army,  especially Operation Thunders, to ensure peace in the state.
    He appealed to Gov. Udom Emmanuel to complete the gym project in the Wellington Bassey barracks, started by the former Govenor of the state,  Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
    Jega said WASA was a regular activity of the army, organised annually to bring officers and men, families serving, retired and friends to social gathering to wine and dine together.
    The commander commended personnel of the 2 brigade for their commitment in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
    Gov. Emmanuel acknowledged the contributions of the army in restoring peace to Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo and part of Ika, which was engulfed by insecurity for almost two years.
    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Udo Ekpenyong, applauded the army for their role in internal security.
    Emmanuel promised to complete renovation of some of the structures in barracks as earlier promised during WASA 2017.
    “It is my opinion that without the Nigerian soldiers, Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo and part of  Ika communities would have been consumed by insecurity. 
    “Last year, I made a contribution to the renovation of buildings, that house the Nigerian soldiers and the work is ongoing and very soon the work will  be completed, ” Emmanuel said.
    The governor noted that WASA had engendered proper unity and integration among the soldiers,  as the programme afforded all to assemble in a relaxed atmosphere devoid of rigours of office.
    The News Agency of the Nigeria (NAN) reports that highpoints of the event were  the display of cultural dance and tug-of-war between the 2 brigade and 6 Battalion, Nigerian Army and the lighting of camp fire among others.

  • Christmas: Abuja women celebrate Army over  peaceful yuletide across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Army has received massive commendation from a coalition of Abuja women under the aegis of FCT Women of Honour over the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the Christmas celebration across the nation.
    Under the dogged leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the surge in insurgency during the yuletide has been effectively silenced.
    Prior to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, frequent bomb blast marred the festive periods, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    A good example was the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, a suburb of Abuja in 2011 which claimed over 40 lives and left 60 others injured.
    As a result, inhabitants were forced to mark the festivity at home, staying away from religious and public centres.
    That’s in the past, however.
    The FCT Women of Honour can’t seem to fathom how the Nigerian Army has restored calmness in such a short time, with the dreads of old now forgotten.
    According to its president, Princess Juliana Okolo, at a press briefing in Abuja , she revealed that this is no mean feat and deserves to be applauded.
    The group hailed President Buhari, the COAS and his ever-reliable troops for restoring peace to the nation’s capital and across Nigeria.

    Read Also:Army arrest three gun runners, recover 44 rifles in Niger

    “While in the eyes of the ordinary, it seems an ordinary feat, it is indeed a huge feat when compared to previous years where there was hardly any Christmas period that bombs would not detonate in churches or other recreational spots within the federal capital territory and its environs,” she stated.
    “It is therefore instructive to note that for three consecutive years, (2016,2017 and 2018) residents of Abuja celebrated the Christmas in absolute peace and harmony. We are of the opinion that this was made possible by the total commitment of the Nigeria Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  Group sees and recognizes the sacrifices of the Nigerian  Army in keeping the country safe and secured with it various military operations going on simultaneously around the country.  From the east to the west, to the south and the north, the commitment of the Nigerian  Army has remained unflinching even though it has been stretched thin by these activities.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  also wishes to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his unalloyed commitment in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed leadership of this great country in 2015.
    “The visible inroads experienced in the critical security sector is indeed a demonstration of the political will to ensure that Nigeria is back on the path of glory again.
    “As African mothers, we indeed must continually remember our sons in our daily prayers that are striving day and night for our sake so that we may be free from evil forces that are hell-bent on destabilizing our great country.
    “We are using this medium to extend our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai for his commitment in seeing to an end of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country experiencing various security challenges in one way of the other.
    “This group  is therefore of the opinion that if not for the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria would have indeed collapsed before our eyes due to threat of militant and violent armed groups that threatened the very essence of our foundation.
    “We also appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for leading the onslaught against the Boko Haram Terrorists and the subsequent achievements it has recorded in the past three years.
    “We also wish to appreciate the troops that have continually sacrificed for the country. They are the real heroes of Nigeria, and their sacrifices would never go in vain.
    “We also wish to charge them to more victory and also to disregard the very few that would not appreciate their efforts so far in the fight against Terrorism and other militant and armed groups in Nigeria. “