The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Buratai warns criminals as Army renovates first oil well

    Buratai warns criminals as Army renovates first oil well

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has asked Nigerians to expect more military operations following rising threats across the country.
    Buratai spoke in Ogbia Bayelsa State at the weekend when the 16th Brigade of the Nigerian Army renovated the first commercial oil well, the Oloibiri Oil Well 1, as part of the community relations activities of the Army in its Operation Crocodile Smile II.
    Oloibiri, a community situated at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area, is the place where oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in 1956.
    Buratai, who was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminals.
    He insisted that the military operations were conducted to deepen civil-military relations and to combat threats.
    He said the Nigerian Army must be professionally responsive and capable of discharging its constitutional roles.
    Buratai praised the 16 Brigade for rehabitating the historical oil well,  saying the move  would enable Oloibiri regain its status as a tourist attraction.
    He urged the brigade to ensure security at the Oloibiri oilfield to prevent hoodlums from destroying the national monument.
    The army chief further warned criminals in the Niger Delta region to desist from criminalities, adding that the army was positioned to deal decisively with militancy, piracy, cult activities, kidnapping and other vices.
    Buratai said: ”The Nigerian Army, in consonance with my vision is to provide a professionally-responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles to conduct operations/training in order to position itself to be able to respond professionally to the threats we have across the country.
    ”You know the threats are many; we have armed robbery, kidnapping, cult activities, militancy, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, piracy, oil theft among others. So, the Nigerian Army will continue to have these operations.
    ”We have had the Operation Python Dance and we have been running Operation Crocodile Smile II. All these operations are conducted to position the Nigerian Army to be able to combat the crimes that are threatening our nation.
    ”We also conduct operations so that we can have a conducive environment for business activities to thrive and to guarantee the safety of law-abiding citizens in order to enable them to go about their normal business without let or hindrance.
    ”During such operations, the Nigerian Army goes close to the people because in the first place, we belong to the people, identify with them, carry out some community relations, medical services and conduct sanitation activities.
    ”As in the case of Oloibiri oil well, the 16 Brigage decided to rehabilitate this place as part of its activities so that it can be positioned to regain its status as a tourist attraction which it is.”
    Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.), said the Army had challenged the state government through the Oloibiri initiative.
    He appealed to Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army, saying that some Nigerians had not been fair in the interpretation of the roles of the military.
    Jonah said:”The military has evolved over the years. Like they say, crocodiles never used to smile, but they have smiled now; and pythons also danced.
    “Now, they are going for Octopusgrip. We are moving on. The most important thing is that what has been the textbook teaching is now getting translated into reality in our lives.
    ”The military as much as it is trying, I do not think it is getting the right attention, interpretation of the roles it has been playing. It is not easy to leave one’s family in the defence of the country.
    ”Tourism is one area we are concerned about in the state to generate funds. And Oloibiri, given its historical significance,  is one area we are interested in. For the army to have taken this initiative, it is a big challenge to us.”
    Also, the Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, said the renovation was carried out to underscore the historical and economic significance of the well.
    Aligbe said:  ”What we are doing today, therefore,  is to give a facelift to this iconic monument. I believe that whatever we are doing here today has sufficiently agitated the minds of tourism enthusiasts across the country to come to this place and explore  the unique potential of this place and make it a place for global recognition.
    ”The brigade in the execution of this community relations activities decided to seek permission from the state Ministry of Tourism Development to renovate it in a symbolic manner being the first commercial oil well in this country.”
  • Army, Air Force renew offensive against Boko Haram

    Army, Air Force renew offensive against Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their attacks against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, destroying their structures and killing scores of them in various military operations.

    According to a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. General Sani Usman, troops of 112 Task Force Battallion and Mobile Strike Team were able to locate the hideouts of the insurgents in parts of Borno State and launched attacks on them, recovering weapons and vehicles from the insurgents.

    Similarly in a separate statement, The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the NAF has continued its air strikes against Boko Haram to ensure the group is cleared from the Northeast as soon as possible.

    Gen Sani Usman said : “Troops of 112 Task Force Battalion and Mobile Strike Teams of 22 Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole in collaboration with some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have (on Friday, 27th October 2017), based on credible information from well meaning Nigerians, carried out clearance operations in Gawa, Bone, Kajeri 1, Kajeri 2, Kube, Dubula, Boboshe 1 and Boboshe 2 villages, Borno State.

    “During the operation, the gallant troops discovered that the terrorists had make shift night market in Boboshe with newly harvested farm produce on display for sale.

    “After conducting a thorough search of the vicinity, they recovered three Isuzu vehicles, four Dane guns, one dummy gun, suspected to be used for training of inducted Boko Haram terrorists and mattresses hidden under shrubs, amongst several other items ahead of Bone village.

    “They also rescued five persons taken captives by the criminal terrorists gang at Boboshe 1 and Dubula. The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole are more determined and resolute to ensure that the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists are located and neutralised.

    “Accordingly, the general public is please requested to continue to volunteer credible information to security agencies in the ongoing clearance operations in the North East.”

    On his part, Air Commodore Adesanya said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its intensive day and night aerial bombardments of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) locations within the Northeast.

    “On 26 October 2017, the fourth day of the ongoing Operation RUWAN WUTA II, the NAF conducted air interdiction on some structures in DURE, a BHT-infested location, 12km east of SAMBISA. Reports from NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms had revealed the gradual resurgence of BHT activities in the settlement, particularly at the targeted structures, which were hideouts for the terrorists.

    “Five aircraft namely three x Alpha Jet aircraft and two x F-7Ni aircraft conducted the air interdiction missions. The Alpha Jet aircraft and the F-Ni aircraft took turns to attack the location with bombs, destroying the targeted structures and killing the terrorists.”

  • Army arrests 399 suspects in Lagos, Ogun

    Army arrests 399 suspects in Lagos, Ogun

    The Nigerian Army on yesterday said no fewer than 399 suspects were arrested for various offences during the Exercise Crocodile Smile 2 in Lagos and Ogun States. The 35 Artillery Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Bassey Adonkie, disclosed this while giving an appraisal of the exercise during the closing ceremony of the Crocodile Smile 2 at 192 Battalion, Ajilete, Ogun State.

    He said the Crocodile Smile 2 was aimed at flushing out pipeline vandals, kidnapers and miscreants. “The exercise led to the arrest of suspects including armed robbers, kidnappers and recovery of ammunition. So far, a total of 399 suspects were arrested for different offences across as the South-West region and handed over to various security agencies concerned. In addition, 20 assorted arms were recovered, while illicit drugs were also recovered and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he said.

    The commander, who said over 1,000 officers participated in the exercise, added that criminal activities had reduced following the crackdown which denied the hoodlums freedom of action. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, said that the exercise leveraged on the gains of the Crocodile Smile 1.

    “Experience drawn from the exercise conducted in 2016 revealed that criminals and miscreants do fled from areas of ongoing operations to seek safe haven and cause security menace in areas hitherto regarded as peaceful. It was in line with this development, that I deemed it necessary to extend the areas of coverage for this year’s exercise crocodile smile, to cover the South-West and South-South regions of the country,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a medical outreach was rendered to the Ajilete community by the army to commemorate the closing ceremony of the Crocodile Smile 2. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke, in his opening remark, said that the exercise was flagged off by the chief of army staff on Oct.7.

     

  • Alleged invasion: Edo community sues Army AGF for N700m

    Alleged invasion: Edo community sues Army AGF for N700m

    Some indigenes of Ajakurama and Tarila Zion communities in Edo State have sued the Nigerian Army and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for N700 million damages.

    The petitioners, in a case with suit number FHC/B/CS/116/2017, filed before a Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, alleged that the Nigerian Army, through the 4 Brigade Command, Benin, violated their fundamental human rights during the October 20 military operation in their communities, destroying the property and disrupting their normal lives.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army had explained that the operation, which was carried out in the communities was pursuant to a credible intelligence, exposing the activities of some militants who were operating from the communities.

    The petitioners; Felix Odowu, Ogolugha Odowu, Aye Nisor, Christopher Felix, Ibenatei Ipuluwei and Teacher Magic, had prayed the court to declare the said military operation, during which their property were seized and wantonly destroyed, as unlawful and a violation of their constitutional rights.

    According to a statement by the counsel to the petitioners, Napoleon Egin, the prayers included an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the Army, the Attorney-General of the Federation and five others from further victimization of the communities.

    According to Egin, the petitioners’ prayers included “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their privies and servants from further harassing, intimidating, humiliating the applicants and or invading Ajakurama and Tarila Zion communities, an order of injunction restraining the army from further occupation of both communities as well as a letter of apology by the respondents to be published in a national newspaper.

    “Our clients are asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further breach of their fundamental rights and the sum of N700million as general damages for injuries already suffered.

    “We equally filed an ex parte motion praying the court to order parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and final determination of the originating motion on notice. This step was taken in view of the sinister mission of the Nigerian army to annihilate any adult male indigene of our clients’ communities.

    “As we brief you this moment, the army’s act of hostility against the good people of Ajakurama town in Egbema Ijaw clan of Edo State continue unabated and it is however hoped that with the service of this process on them today, there will be sign of peace and normalcy returning to the troubled area,” he said.

    Meanwhile, spokesman of the 4 Brigade Command, Benin, Captain Muhammed Maidawa, said the operation was in response to credible information on the activities of some suspected militants who he said are living in the communities.

    The army had earlier claimed to have discovered a cache of ammunitions and military regalia from the hideout of the suspected militants in the community, an allegation the residents describe as “giving a dog a bad name just to nail it.”

  • Army, Air Force renew offensive against Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their attacks against the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, destroying their structures and killing scores of them in various military operations aimed at decimating the ability of the group.
    According to a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. General Sani Usman, troops of 112 Task Force Battallion and Mobile Strike Team were able to locate the hideouts of the insurgents in parts of Borno state and launched attacks on them, recovering weapons and vehicles from the insurgents.
    Similarly in a seperate statement, The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the NAF has continued its air strikes against Boko Haram to ensure the group is cleared from the Northeast as soon as possible.
    Gen Sani Usman said : “Troops of 112 Task Force Battalion and Mobile Strike Teams of 22 Brigade of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have on Friday, 27th October 2017, based on credible information from well meaning Nigerians, carried out clearance operations in Gawa, Bone, Kajeri 1, Kajeri 2, Kube, Dubula, Boboshe 1 and Boboshe 2 villages, Borno State.
    “During the operation, the gallant troops discovered that the terrorists had make shift night market in Boboshe with newly harvested farm produce on display for sale.
    “After conducting a thorough search of the vicinity, they recovered 3 Isuzu vehicles, 4 Dane guns, 1 Dummy gun, suspected to be used for training of inducted Boko Haram terroists and mattresses hidden under shrubs, amongst several other items ahead of Bone village.
    ” They also rescued 5 persons taken captives by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists gang at Boboshe 1 and Dubula.
    “The troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE are more determined and resolute to ensure that the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists are located and neutralised.
    “Accordingly, the general public is please requested to continue to volunteer credible information to security agencies in the ongoing clearance operations in the North East.
    On his part Air Commodore Adesanya said : “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its intensive day and night aerial bombardments of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) locations within the Northeast.
    “On 26 October 2017, the fourth day of the ongoing Operation RUWAN WUTA II, the NAF conducted air interdiction on some structures in DURE, a BHT-infested location, 12km east of SAMBISA. Reports from NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms had revealed the gradual resurgence of BHT activities in the settlement, particularly at the targeted structures, which were hideouts for the terrorists.
    “Five aircraft namely 3 x Alpha Jet aircraft and 2 x F-7Ni aircraft conducted the air interdiction missions. The Alpha Jet aircraft and the F-Ni aircraft took turns to attack the location with bombs, destroying the targeted structures and killing the terrorists.
    “The Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the strikes revealed that some of the structures were set ablaze by the bomb explosions.
    “On the same day, the NAF conducted air interdiction missions on a BHT-infested settlement in MANGUSUM.
    “The location was attacked, in succession, by 2 F-7Ni aircraft and 3 x Alpha Jet aircraft. The F-7Ni aircraft and some of the Alpha Jet aircraft attacked the targets with bombs, destroying BHT structures in the location and sending a few BHT survivors fleeing.
    “Thereafter, another Alpha Jet aircraft followed up with rocket and cannon attacks in the target area, strafing the fleeing terrorists in the process. Subsequent BDA of the attack indicated some burnt structures and significant casualties inflicted on the BHTs.
    “Operation RUWAN WUTA II, which was initiated by the NAF leadership, as a follow-up to the hugely successful Operation RUWAN WUTA, has so far proved to be even more successful”.
  • Crocodile Smile 2: Army arrest 399 suspects in Lagos, Ogun

    Crocodile Smile 2: Army arrest 399 suspects in Lagos, Ogun

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said no fewer than 399 suspects were arrested for various offences during the Exercise Crocodile Smile 2 in Lagos and Ogun States.

    The 35 Artillery Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Bassey Adonkie, disclosed this while giving an appraisal of the exercise during the closing ceremony of the Crocodile Smile 2 at 192 Battalion, Ajilete, Ogun State.

    He said the Crocodile Smile 2 was aimed at flushing out pipeline vandals, kidnapers and miscreants.

    “The exercise led to the arrest of suspects including armed robbers, kidnappers and recovery of ammunition.

    “So far, a total of 399 suspects were arrested for different offences across as the South-West region and handed over to various security agencies concerned.

    “In addition, 20 assorted arms were recovered, while illicit drugs were also recovered and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he said.

    The commander, who said over 1,000 officers participated in the exercise, added that criminal activities had reduced following the crackdown which denied the hoodlums freedom of action.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, said that the exercise leveraged on the gains of the Crocodile Smile 1.

    “Experience drawn from the exercise conducted in 2016 revealed that criminals and miscreants do fled from areas of ongoing operations to seek safe haven and cause security menace in areas hitherto regarded as peaceful.

    “It was in line with this development, that I deemed it necessary to extend the areas of coverage for this year’s exercise crocodile smile, to cover the South-West and South-South regions of the country,” he said.

    He said that the closing ceremony should not be regarded as the end of the exercise and urged the men to sustain the tempo of the operation.

    “The army places premium on training and thus Exercise Crocodile Smile is one of the training activities embarked on to sharpen the skills of personnel in the conduct of operation,” he said.

    He said that the exercise was a joint operation conducted with other sister agencies, adding that it improved comradeship, inter-agency cooperation and synergy.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke, in his opening remark, said that the exercise was flagged off by the chief of army staff on Oct.7.

    “The exercise was designed to develop and enhance professionalism among units, foster relationship and synergy among participating services, security agencies.

    “It was also designed to improve the overall planning and conduct of internal security operations in combating prevalent security challenges.

    “It is gladdening to note that the exercise was able to mitigate prevalent security challenges such as reduction in pipeline vanderlism, militancy, ritual killings, smuggling, kidnapping and drug related offences amongst others,” he said.

    The GOC said troops were exposed to the rudiments of administration in the field, operational staff work and battle map marking during the operation.

    “It is pertinent to note that all these activities were done in collaboration with other sister services with each playing its statutory roles in internal security duties,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a medical outreach was rendered to the Ajilete community by the army to commemorate the closing ceremony of the Crocodile Smile 2.

    NAN reports that free eye test, health talks and other medical services were rendered to over 100 residents in the area.

    Present at the closing ceremony were senior military, para-military officers.

  • Alleged invasion: Community sue Army, AGF

    Alleged invasion: Community sue Army, AGF

    Some indigenes of Ajakurama and Tarila Zion communities in Edo state have slammed a N700 million damages suit on the Nigerian Army and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
    The petitioners, in a case with suit number FHC/B/CS/116/2017, filed before a Federal High Court in Benin, Edo state, alleged that the Nigerian Army, through the 4 Brigade Command, Benin, violated their fundamental human rights during the October 20 military operation in their communities, destroying the property and disrupting their normal lives.
    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army had explained that the operation, which was carried out on October 20 in the communities was pursuant to a credible intelligence, exposing the activities of some militants who were operating from the communities.
    The petitioners; Felix Odowu, Ogolugha Odowu, Aye Nisor, Christopher Felix, Ibenatei Ipuluwei and Teacher Magic, had prayed the court to declared the said military operation, during which their property were seized and wantonly destroyed, as unlawful and a violation of their constitutional rights.
    According to a statement by the counsel to the petitioners, Napoleon Egin, the prayers included an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the Army, the Attorney-General of the Federation and five others from further victimization of the communities.
    According to Egin, the petitioners’ prayers included “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their privies and servants from further harassing, intimidating, humiliating the applicants and or invading Ajakurama and Tarila Zion communities, an order of injunction restraining the armyfrom further occupation of both communities as well as a letter of apology by the respondents to be published in a national newspaper.
    “Our clients are asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further breach of their fundamental rights and the sum of N700million as general damages for injuries already suffered.
    “We equally filed an ex parte motion praying the court to order parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and final determination of the originating motion on notice. This step was taken in view of the sinister mission of the Nigerian army to annihilate any adult male indigene of our clients’ communities.
    “As we brief you this moment, the army’s act of hostility against the good people of Ajakurama town in Egbema Ijaw clan of Edo State continue unabated and it is however hoped that with the service of this process on them today, there will be sign of peace and normalcy returning to the troubled area”, he said.
    Meanwhile, spokesman of the 4 Brigade Command, Benin, Captain Muhammed Maidawa, the operation was in response to a credible information on the activities of some suspected militants who he said are living in the communities.
    The Army had earlier claimed to have discovered a cache of ammunitions and military regalia from the hideout of the suspected militants in the community, an allegation the residents describe as “giving a dog a bad name just to nail it.”
  • Troops destroy Boko Haram grain market in Borno

    Troops destroy Boko Haram grain market in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said it’s troops destroyed a Boko Haram grain market at Boboshe village in Borno.

    Director Army Public Relations Sani Kukasheka, who disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri, said this was part of efforts by the armed forces to degrade the remnants of the insurgents.

    Kukasheka said that the troops discovered a make shift night market at Boboshe village set up by the insurgents with newly harvested farm produce on display for sale.

    He said that the troops conducted clearance operations in seven villages, rescued five persons and recovered three vehicles, four Dane guns, a dummy gun and mattresses.

    “Troops of 112 Task Force Battalion and Mobile Strike Teams of 22 Brigade of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Friday, carried out clearance operations at Gawa, Bone, Kajeri I, Kajeri II, Kube, Dubula, Boboshe I and Boboshe II villages in Borno State.

    “During the operation, the gallant troops discovered that the terrorists had erected a make-shift night market at Boboshe village with newly harvested farm produce on display for sale.

    “After conducting a thorough search of the vicinity, the troops recovered three Isuzu vehicles, four Dane guns, one Dummy gun, suspected to be used for training of inducted Boko Haram terrorists and mattresses hidden under shrubs.”

    Kukasheka explained that troops rescued five persons abducted by the insurgents at Boboshe 1 and Dubula villages.

    He reiterated the commitment of the military to root out the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

    Kukasheka called on members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies in the ongoing clearance operations in the region. (NAN)

  • Army promotes Diya, 122 senior officers

    Army promotes Diya, 122 senior officers

    The Army yesterday announced the promotion of 123 senior officers, including 66 Lieutenant Colonels and 57 Majors to the next rank.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the army spokesman said the promotion followed the recommendation of the Army Promotion Board 3 and 4 “as reflected in the 2017 Nigerian Army Forecast of Events.”

    The newly promoted officers are  moving from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to   Colonel.

    They include  the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Lt.- Col. K.M Samuel and Lt.-Col. O.O Diya of 707 Special Forces Brigade.

    Others are Lt.- Col. I. A.M Tukur, Commanding Officer of 119 Task Force Battalion, Lt.-Co. I M.B Shehu, Commanding Officer 158 Battalion and Lt.-Col. K.C Uwa, Commanding Officer 146 Battalion.

    One of the beneficiaries, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Suleman, was promoted posthumously.

    “Promoted Lieutenant Colonel is the Acting Commanding Officer of 115 Task Force Battalion, Major MD Olaseni, and Acting Commanding  Officer of 151 Task Force Battalion, Major OJ Okwoli, amongst others,” he said.

     

  • Army promotes Diya, 122 senior officers

    Army promotes Diya, 122 senior officers

    The Army Council has approved the promotion of 123 senior officers, including 66 Lieutenant Colonels and 57 Majors to the next rank.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the army spokesman on Saturday, said the promotion followed the recommendation of the Army Promotion Board 3 and 4 “as reflected in the 2017 Nigerian Army Forecast of Events.”

    Usman listed some of the beneficiaries in the category of those elevated to Colonel as the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Lt.- Col. K.M Samuel and Lt.-Col. O.O Diya of 707 Special Forces Brigade.

    Others, he said are Lt.- Col.l A.M Tukur, Commanding Officer of 119 Task Force Battalion, Lt.-Co.l M.B Shehu, Commanding Officer 158 Battalion and Lt.-Col. K.C Uwa, Commanding Officer 146 Battalion.

    According to him, one other officer, late Lt.-Col. Aliyu Suleman was promoted, posthumously.

    “Promoted Lieutenant Colonel is the Acting Commanding Officer of 115 Task Force Battalion, Major MD Olaseni, and Acting Commanding Officer of 151 Task Force Battalion, Major OJ Okwoli, amongst others,” he said. (NAN)