The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Insecurity: Vested interests working to subvert democracy -Army

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said some vested interests are bent on using insecurity to scuttle and subvert the nation’s democracy. It warned that such people should not only desist but leave the army out of politics.

    It also warned that appropriate legal actions would be taken against purveyors of fake news and those denigrating the army with all manner of publications over the recent attacks of Boko Haram terrorists on troops of 157 Battalion in Metele, Borno State.

    The Army spokesman Brig Gen. Sani Usman in a statement said it smacks of mischief and ignorance for some people to continue denigrating the army over the recent setbacks in Metele in spite of the achievements of the military in degrading the terrorists in the past three years.

    The statement reads in part: “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the deliberate and concerted efforts to mislead the public by some people through misinformation. Thus creating erroneous impression of the Nigerian Army through inaccurate and false publication of casualty figures on the unfortunate attacks on some of its locations in the Northeast.

    “The latest of this worrisome development was the attack on our troops location at Metele, Borno State, in which some persons and media outlets continued to circulate various wrong accounts and inaccurate causality figures of own troops without efforts to verify from the military.

    “This is coming at the heels of our release of 28th November 2018 in which we gave accurate details of the attacks and casualty figures in a bid to set the records straight and inform the public true account of things. We also promised to continuously carry the public along through accurate and timely information dissemination on operations and other activities of the Nigerian Army in the release.”

    The statement deplored what it called “fake news aimed at denigrating the leadership of the Nigerian Army.”

     

  • Army rolls out new strategies to fight Boko Haram…as COAS conference ends

    The Nigerian Army said yesterday that it had put in place new strategies to fight and defeat Boko Haram insurgents in the country.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, at the closing ceremony of the  Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri, stated that the conference  afforded the participants to deliberate on critical areas, such as leadership, command, responsibilities and doctrine.

    The Army Chief gave a stern warning to operational commanders against leadership failure, just as he urged them to remain committed and focused on their duties.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai, who regretted the recent setbacks suffered by troops in the Theatre Command, charged the troops not to be deterred but rather be determined to ending fighting the war to the finish.

    He noted that the Nigerian Army from next year will embark on aggressive training of personnel and ensure more synergy with other security agencies to achieve the desired results.

    Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Chief of Army Staff  called on  officers and soldiers to remain neutral in discharging their responsibilities.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai said the army hierarchy would neither be distracted nor dragged into partisan politics.

    He said: ”The theme was carefully selected to remind us of our constitutional role as an army operating under democracy, especially as we approach general elections. The Nigerian Army is apolitical and must remain non-partisan in the conduct of the elections”

    Read also: Army, Rivers clash over ‘militia training camp’

    The Army Chief said the conference with the theme,  “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria,” was carefully crafted to shun the lures of politicians .

    “It is incumbent on us to maintain peace in our areas of responsibilities and shun the lures of politicians and  in appraising our operations, we noted the need to increase our manpower, maintain our role and get less involved in roles for the Nigerian Police,” he added.

    He said: “We deliberated on a lot of salient issues, including the issues of leadership, command responsibilities. I was pleased to listen to thought-provoking deliberations generated during discussion sessions. I believe there is hope for Nigeria with the officers that will take over the army leadership in future.”

    He said there had been clear leadership failure and lack of initiative among senior and junior commanders, stressing that this must be checked and directed operational commanders at all levels to imbibe leadership virtues in coordinating their subordinates.

    “The recent unfortunate incident involving our troops has given me great concern. We have not done enough in providing adequate protection,” Buratai stated.

    While cautioning the commanders, Buratai said: “We must remember our oath to defend the nation at all cost. In this regard, the recent activities of Boko Haram should not deter us. We must end the menace”.

  • Army, Rivers clash over ‘militia training camp’

    SECURITY agencies have launched a search for the sponsors of “an illegal militia training camp” at the Nonwa Gbam National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The camp was discovered yesterday by troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army during a routine surveillance on the area, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said yesterday in a statement.

    But the Rivers State Government accused the troops of disrupting the recruitment of personnel into the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency and advised the army to stay out of politics.

    The army spokesman said the troops met more than 100 recruits sharpening their military skills at the camp.

    The statement said: “Preliminary investigations into the discovery have commenced in conjunction with sister security agencies in the state to fish out the sponsors of the militia and the training camp.

    “Recall that similar illegal militia training camps were discovered and disbanded in Benue and Taraba states earlier in the year and measures were promptly taken to forestall breach of security and safety of citizens.

    “You are kindly requested to disseminate the above information to the general public for awareness. Thank you for your usual cooperation.”

    But the Rivers State government cautioned the military against dabbling into what it called “partisan politics”.

    Speaking though its Information and Communications Commissioner  Emma Okah, the government said the involvement of military in politics could derail the 2019 elections in the Southsouth state.

    The statement titled: “Stay away from Rivers politics, RSG tells Nigeria Army”, the government said it “made this call in reaction to the illegal disruption of the further selection and screening of applicants to the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency at the State NYSC Orientation Camp, Nonwa in Tai LGA of Rivers State today by the officers and men of the Nigeria Army.”

    The commissioner described the actions of the army as an insult to the government and people of Rivers State because it was unprovoked and unnecessary.

    He said: “We have every reason to believe that the action of the soldiers is politically motivated. Rivers State government has always accused the Federal Government of working against the security interest of Rivers State and the brazen sack of a legitimate exercise of screening applicants for recruitment to assist in the fight against insecurity in Rivers State is self-evident.”

    Okah regretted that the Nigeria Army acted wrongly at a time when President Muhammad Buhari has clamoured for community policing methods to support over-stretched conventional security agencies as canvassed by him through Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the two-day summit on national security organised by the Senate in February.

    The commissioner said: “By the illegal actions of the Army, the Rivers State government is constrained to believe that the Federal Government of Nigeria does not mean well for Rivers state. It shows that there are different laws for different states in Nigeria.”

    The statement further accused the Federal Government of applying double standards on the issue of neighbourhood security outfits.

    It said: “On November 13, 2018, Zamfara State Government inaugurated the Civil Joint Task Force who are armed. Their photograph is reported in the front page of The Guardian of November, 14, 2018.

    “Lagos State has the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps; Kwara State has Operation Harmony and Kano State has Neighbourhood Watch (Vigilante Group). Other states like Imo, Enugu, Edo etc have security support agencies which are the equivalent of the Rivers State’s Agency.

    “So, where did Rivers State go wrong? Okah asked. Interestingly, before carrying out the screening exercise, the agency had written to the Nigeria Army and other relevant agencies asking for drill and physical training instructors, security etc but the Army ignored the request and never advised against it but preferred an ambush.

    “The Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency is a body created by act of parliament to assist security agencies in local intelligence gathering and the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps etc are represented in the board of the agency.

    “Rivers State Government urges  President Buhari to call the Nigerian Army to order and avoid provoking the peace loving people of Rivers State. The nation has too many security challenges to contend with including the Boko Haram insurgency and incubating or courting another battle front will be against national interest.”

  • Buhari reiterates commitment toward improved welfare for Army

    President Muhammadu Burhari on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional mandate of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

    Buhari gave the assurance while addressing troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    He said the troops were always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated.

    “I will support you to play your constitutional role of defending the integrity of the country from both internal and external forces.
    “This is the oath you have taken just as I took an oath as the President and Commander-In-Chief.

    “I assure you that I go to bed and always wake up thinking about you and the conditions under which you operate.

    “Please, maintain your loyalty and defend the country. Whatever happens, a military no matter how equip or how well led, without discipline is no use to the country,’’ he said.

    Read ALso: PHOTOS: Buhari arrives Maiduguri for COAS conference

    While commending the troops over their gallantry and sacrifices, Buhari urged them to increase their commitment in engaging the outlaw Boko Haram insurgents, without further delay.

    He said plans were on to adopt a new enhanced salary structure for the military in recognition of their contributions to security, social and economic development of the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president also visit injured troops on admission at the Military Medical Centre. Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri.

    Buhari had earlier inaugurated the 2018 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference and paid courtesy visit on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi.

  • Army arrests suspected kidnappers

    Soldiers attached to 144 Battalion, Ukwa Army Headquarters, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have arrested two suspected robbers and kidnappers operating in Aba and its environs.

    It was gathered that while two other suspected robbers and kidnappers escaped arrest, the soldiers, after conducting a search, found three pistols, cache of yet-to-be expended bullets, a phone, jewellery and cash.

    Sources at the battalion, who gave the ages of the suspects as 31 and 32, said the soldiers also recovered a Toyota Corolla Sports Utility Vehicle, which the hoodlums snatched from the owner on Ehere Road, Ogbor Hill, off Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway.

    Read also: Gani Adams insists on restructuring

     

  • Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Crisis: Delta community pleads for extension of military exercise

    The Ogbe-Ijoh Traditional Council of Chiefs in Warri South-West council area of Delta state has pleaded with the state government and the Nigerian Army authorities to extend the duration of the Exercise Crocodile Smile 3 in their area for the sustenance of peace and security.
    The council, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Chief Anthony Jolomi, noted that the the kingdom, especially in its headquarters, Ogbe-Ijoh, had experienced the sort of peace and calm that had eluded it over the years, especially since the bloody communal crisis between it and the neighbouring Aladja community in Udu council area erupted.
    It would be recalled that the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja communal crisis had lasted for more than two decades, claiming several lives and led to the destruction of multi-million naira properties on both sides.
    The Exercise Crocodile Smile 3, which was kicked off on October 22, 2018, was designed to fight criminals in the country, as well as engender peace and communal harmony from community to community, and was meant to last for one month.
    However, the traditional leadership of Ogbe-Ijoh community, in its statement over the weekend, after commending both the Delta state government and the Nigerian Army, expressed its appreciation for the gains so far made out of the last one month of the exercise and demanded that it be extended in the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja axis.
    It also requested that a permanent military base be established in the border between their communities.
    “Your excellency sir, we want to particularly thank you for the extension of stay by the detachment of operation crocodile smile III sent by the federal government in collaboration with the Delta state government to restore total peace in Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities.
    “As a people, we want to thank the Nigerian military, especially the chief of army staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai for his swift response. Like Oliver twist, we want to ask that the operation crocodile smile III sent to restore normalcy in the area should continue.
    “The people of Ogbe-Ijoh are so happy, we can now sleep with our two eyes closed, all thanks to the military that have truly brought peace to our community. Peace is truly what we need and not violence.
    “It would be recalled that the operation crocodile smile III was declared as a military exercise charged with the responsibility to quell any clash, it was billed to last for a month, it started on October 22nd 2018 and November 22nd makes it one month already. We are so happy that they are still around, we want to believe that they will continue to stay in order to safeguard us.
    “The military is truly working, we can’t really thank them enough, we are ever ready to cooperate with them whenever it is needed. We are also appealing to the Delta state government to please establish a military base in between the two towns. This we believe will put to rest the incessant attacks,” the council stated.

  • Army to prosecute purveyors of fake news

    THE Nigerian Army has threatened to prosecute anyone who “deliberately spreads fake news that aimed to undermine national security”.

    In a statement yesterday, the Nigerian Army it expressed displeasure with “the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms.”

    The Army warned individuals and groups to desist from disseminating “fake videos” depicting alleged attacks by Boko Haram on military locations.

    According to it, the Nigerian Army will file cases against those found culpable regarding fake news dissemination.

    The statement reads, “The NA has continued to observe with great dismay the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms by different calibre of persons. It is indeed shocking to see how these well doctored propaganda materials from enemies of the State has succeeded in creating fear and unrest in the polity. These doctored materials are obviously serving the purposes intended by the terrorists to misinform the populace, spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and above all to undermine national security.

    “The NA wants to categorically state that the videos and images making rounds as the purported attack on Metele base are false and do not in any way portray the reality of the situation on the ground. Unfortunately, many do not know that indiscretional posts and comments from a citizen that is supposed to be solidly behind its military in these trying times could have a way of dampening the morale of the troops. However, the NA’s resolve in protecting the territorial integrity and sanctity of the Nigerian State would not be undermined by detractors or tacit supporters of the enemies of our beloved country.

    “Whilst appreciating the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely care for the well-being of its military, the NA wants to draw the attention of its detractors to the fact that spreading of fake news is an offense and violates the provisions of Section 24(1)(a),(b) and (2)(a),(b),(c)(i),(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

    “In view of this, please note that the NA would henceforth report these infractions and file cases against individuals or groups who deliberately spread fake news that aims to undermine national security, in courts of competent jurisdictions. Equally, the NA wishes to inform the public of its iReport channels on the NA website, Android and iOS platforms via which the public can forward meaningful advice, criticism or observations that would enable the NA better serve the good people of Nigeria. You are to please note this and kindly disseminate through your various channels.”

  • Update: Army confirms Boko Haram Melete attack

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed Boko Haram insurgents attack against military formations in Metele village in Guzamala Local Government Area of North Borno State.

    Boko Haram insurgents had on 18 November 2018 carried out a daring attack against the men of 157 Battalion men of the Nigerian Army.

    The Army command confirmed the attack in a statement posted on it official facebook page and verified twitter handle.

    According to the Statement, the Army said it was true that there was an attack on the location.

    The statement read “The attention of the NA has been drawn to several social media, print, electronic and online publications about the recent attack on 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele. Whilst it is true that there was an attack on the location on 18 November 2018, it has however, become necessary to correct several misinformation being circulated with regards to this unfortunate event”.

    Read also: Metele attack: Army evacuates bodies of dead soldiers

    “It is important for the public to note that the NA has laid down procedures for reporting incidents that involve its personnel who fall casualty in action. Out of respect for the families of our gallant troops, the NOKs are first notified before any form of public information so as to avoid exacerbating the grief family members would bear, were they to discover such from unofficial sources”.

    “Furthermore, it suffices to observe that several social media, print and online publications have been brandishing false casualty figures as well as circulating various footages of old and inaccurate BHT propaganda videos and alluding same to be the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion. Whilst it is understandable how such misinformation can spread in this era of social media frenzy, the spurious circulation of some of these videos only contribute to further propagate the propaganda intent of the terrorists; to misinform the populace and portray themselves as what they are not. So far, the situation is that the location is under control as reinforcing units have been able to repel the terrorists and stabilize the situation”.

    “The NA sincerely, wishes to thank the various arms of government, MDAs and sister security agencies that have stood with her in these trying times; by commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price for the defence of our dearly beloved country. The necessary support being given the NA by the Federal Government and the goodwill of the Nigerian populace will undoubtedly continue to spur the NA towards the ultimate defeat of the highly degraded BHTs”.

  • Metele attack: Army evacuates bodies of dead soldiers

    The Army command in Maiduguri have evacuated bodies of soldiers killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Sunday at Metele village in Guzamala Local Government Area of North Borno State, The Nation has learnt.

    A military source who spoke to the The Nation on condition of anonymity disclosed that over seventy dead soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri by the military after the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole and the GOC, 7 Div on Friday went to Monguno to strategised and recover bodies of the slain soldiers.

    The source further said more than one hundred soldiers were feared dead in the Metele attack.

    The Nation also gathered that the first rescue and evacuation team was foiled after Boko Haram launched an attack that forced them into abandoning the mission.

    “As of today, the bodies of some of the dead soldiers have been evacuated and brought to Maiduguri. More than seventy dead bodies have been brought. But I am sure many may not have been recovered. I am not sure but the soldiers that died in that attack will be more than one hundred” he said.

    A soldier that escaped the attack and doesn’t want his name in print said an advanced team of the insurgents came into the based as friendly forces and went into the office of the commander where they fired at him and five other soldiers that were with him in his office.

    According to the source, the troops got confused after hearing sound of gunshots from their commander’s office.

    Read also: Anger in Senate over troops death in Boko Haram attack

    He said, “We saw some people dressed in full military uniform came into our camp but we thought they were friendly forces. They went straight to the office of our commander. Within a short time, there were gunshots in the office. we got confused waiting for orders but it was too late. Boko Haram had already surrendered us. They killed the commander with five other soldiers that were with him in the office. Before we knew what was going on, there was heavy gunfire from Boko Haram from all sides of the camp with more fire at the entrance. One of our anti–bomb vehicle tried to charge through the barbwire but got hook. It was a terrible fight oga, (sic). We couldn’t do much because they had a large number and their firepower was more superior than ours”.

    The Nation further checks also revealed that Boko Haram in September of this year sacked six military formations from that axis with each of them coming with a heavy casualties on the side of the Nigerian troops.

    It would be recalled that Nigerian troops in Metele suffered similar attacks in September this year where about 18 Nigerian soldiers were killed while another over 151 soldiers and six officers were declared missing in the same area in another devastating attack on the 157 Battalion on October 8, 2018.

    The official figures released by the military where seven soldiers killed and sixteen injured. They claimed to have killed at least 76 Boko Haram fighters in Metele as at then.

    Effort by  The Nation to get Army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Chukwu Texas to react to this report were unsuccessful as as calls and text messages to his known numbers where not answered to.

  • Army donate equipment to hospital in Akwa Ibom

    As part of activities marking the end of Operation Crocodile Smile 111, the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has donated equipment to the General Hospital, Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom.

    The equipment are hospital beds, mattresses, rolling chair, cylinders with oxygen and consumables among others.

    Presenting the equipment to the management of the hospital in Ikot Abasi on Thursday, the Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abdu Hassan said the action was to give back to the community.

    Hassan said that Operation crocodile smile 111 was to reach out to the host community to ensure the success of the exercise.

    The commander said since the Operation was officially launched in 2016, it had been able to flush out criminals and other bad elements operating within the Niger Delta region.

    He said that the military would continue to collaborate with the civil society in the discharge of their constitutional duties, noting that the collaboration been a huge success.

    “As part of activities marking the end of Operation Crocodile Smile 2018, and as part of our civil military responsibility, we deem it fit to come here so that we can give back to this community.

    “The need for us to collaborate with our host community cannot be overemphasised.

    Read Also: Army offers free medical treatment in Kaduna

    “We have chosen Ikot Abasi because we have been operating here for the past three weeks, having been around this community, we realised that this hospital lacks some equipment.

    “So we decided to donate some of these equipment to this hospital as part of our civil-military relationship,” Hassan said.

    In his remarks, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Hospital Management Board, Dr David Umoh, said that the action of the military had endeared them to the people.

    Umoh commended the military, adding that programme like that would cement military-civil relationship across communities of operations.

    According to him, the more the people and communities connect and provide information to the military on crimes and criminal elements, the better for the society.

    “On behalf of the government of Akwa Ibom, I want to welcome you to the sunny beautiful city of Ikot Abasi.

    “I want to thank the military, one more time, because if they did not think it through, we will not be here today.

    “I want to assure you that on our own part, we shall put these equipment to use for the interest of all our patients. Thank you very much for the donation,” he said.

    The Village Head Ikot Obong in Ikot Abasi, Chief Obong Etukeren, on behalf of his people, also thanked the Army for remembering the community.

    He said,  “The equipment is going to affect the community positively and we are very happy about it.

    “We are very grateful to the Nigerian Army for what they donated to this hospital for the benefit of this community.”

    NAN