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Tag: Army

  • Army apologises for soldiers’ attack on NUJ secretariat

    Army apologises for soldiers’ attack on NUJ secretariat

    The Army yesterday apologised for the attack on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abia state secretariat by some soldiers during a show of force.

    The NUJ members said about 20 soldiers, who were on a ‘show of force’ halted their convoy, jumped out of their trucks and headed for the NUJ office at No. 1 Aba Road, Umuahia.

    They invaded the NUJ hall, manhandled two journalists and destroyed their working tools.

    The Commander of the14 Brigade Nigeria Army, Ohafia, Brigadier Gen. Abdul Kalifah Ibrahim condemned the solduier’s action during a visit to the Press Centre.

    He was accompainied by the commander of Naval Command and School of Finance Logistics Owerrinta, Navy Capt Abdulahi Aminu.

    Gen. Ibrahim described the attack as “a disaster of unimaginable proportion.”

    He promised to fish out the soldiers who carried out the unauthorised operation with a view to sanctioning them.

    He also promised to pay for the cell phone belonging to one of the journalists which went missing after the attack and warned soldiers to respect the rights of civilians during Operation Python Dance.

    Deputy Director of Information Col Musa Sagay, who was also in Umuahia, on behalf of the General office Commanding (GOC) 82 division of the Army, Major-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, also condemned the action of the soldiers.

    Col Sagay said immediately his boss heard what happened he was detailed to go to Umuahia to meet with journalists and to appeal to them for calm as the army was on top of the situation.

    He said: “It is regrettable that this ugly incident happened to a group of people I have known and worked with since 2010-2011 when kidnapping was at its peak in the state and I would not want that cordial relationship to be destroyed.

    “I am in Umuahia on behalf of my boss Gen Abubakar who is the commander of 82 Div Enugu to express our concern over what happened today (yesterday) which is not the normal way we operate.

    “I want to assure you that all those who took part in the action against journalists will be fished out and dealt with accordingly, the Operation Egwu Eke (Python Dance) will commence from 15th of September to 14th of October and the exercise is not targeted at any group.”

    Col Sagay insisted that there is no military siege at the home of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu as being reported in some sections of the media, adding that the issue of insurgency starts in a small way which the soldiers would not allow.

    The Correspondent of The Oracle Today Ezeogo Bonny Okoro said it was a shame that the military would invade the NUJ state secretariat over the flimsy excuse that journalists were taking their pictures.

    Okoro wondered why the soldiers would not want their pictures taken by journalists.

    He said he was slapped, gun cocked at him while his IPad and the telephone handsets  of his colleagues were smashed by the soldiers. He called on the military to fish out those behind the act and deal with them accordingly.

    The correspondent of Daily Times, Mr Sunny Nwakanma, said the military personnel accosted him as he retreated from the blacony into the hall, “grabbed my handset and smashed it”.

    The chairman of the state council of NUJ, Mr John Emejor, described the attack as “a desecration of the hallowed chambers of journalists in the state”.

    Emejor said “the attack was unprovoked.

    “It is unheard of that journalists who are rendering selfless service to humanity and the nation, including the military, should be a target for military attack.”

     

  • Panel to rule on convicted soldiers’ cases against Army

    Panel to rule on convicted soldiers’ cases against Army

    THE Presidential Investigation Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligations and Rules of Engagement will today rule on whether or not to hear complaints by some convicted soldiers against the Army.

    The chairman of the seven-man panel, Justice Biobele Georgewill, chose the date yesterday after taking arguments from lawyers to the complaining soldiers and the Army.

    The affected soldiers include those sentenced to various punishments by some courts martial.

    Among the soldiers is a former Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, Enitan Ransome-Kuti, who was demoted from the rank of Brigadier-General to Colonel.

    Others include Lt.-Col. A.O. Ojo, who was dismissed by the Nigerian Army for alleged negligence of military duties, and 54 soldiers, who claimed to have been illegally tried and convicted by the court-martial for demanding weapons for counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast region.

    Also included are Lance Corporals Bankole Taiwo, Ayodele Olawale and Isiah Olofu as well as Private Adebayo Gbenga.

    Arguing the soldier’s position yesterday, their lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), said although his clients have pending appeals before the Court of Appeal against their convictions and the sentences passed on them by the courts martial, the panel could still hear aspects of his client’s complaints relating to rights violation.

    Falana said his clients were not requesting the panel to review the decisions of the courts martial, by sitting on appeal over them, but were seeking to explore the platform provided by the panel by asking it to recommend to the President to grant them pardon.

    He noted that nothing in the panel’s terms of reference precluded it from hearing issues relating to a matter pending in court.

    Falana said: “Notwithstanding the pendency of the said appeals, the Federal Government has set up this panel with clearly defined terms of reference to consider all cases of violations of human rights and departure from the Constitution and the African Charter on People’s Rights.

    “Nowhere is it stated in the terms of reference of the panel that it shall not look at cases in court. Section 198 of the Armed Forces Act provides that notwithstanding the pendency of a case in court, the exercise of the prerogative of mercy by the President shall not be affected.

    “What we have before this honourable panel is a prayer that this panel should recommend to the President to grant pardon to the petitioners.”

    He told the panel what his clients had done to secure the presidential pardon and how the Presidency and the Chief of Army Staff responded to their request.

    “I, therefore, urge your lordship and honourable members to allow us to make representations on behalf of the petitioners. We are not here to try the cases before the Court of Appeal,” he said.

    He added: “Our clients were tried before the courts martial because they demanded weapons to fight the war and the authorities said there was no money to buy weapons.

    “After the trial, facts emerged that huge funds earmarked for the purchase of weapons were diverted.

    “The matter before you are not before the Court of Appeal. This matter goes to the root of violation of human rights in the military,” Falana said.

    But, lawyer to the Nigerian Army, Biola Oyebanji, who also appeared alongside Brig.-General D.O. Idada-Ikponmen (rtd), urged the panel not to entertain the soldiers’ complaints.

    Oyebanji argued that the “limited” scope of the panel’s terms of reference did not give room for entertaining such complaints.

    He argued that the complainants’ quest for pardon was an afterthought, because it was not prayed for in soldiers’ petitions submitted to the panel.

    The panel has announced that it will hear other petitions by Falana, including that relating to the alleged violation of human rights by the military justice system.

    It will be heard in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the panel’s Northeast sitting is to take place.

    It also promised to hear a petition by Falana in relation to the bombing of a camp in Rann, Borno State, which caused the death of thousands of displaced people being sheltered in the camp.

  • Army apologises for invasion of Abia journalists centre

    Army apologises for invasion of Abia journalists centre

    The Commander of the 14 Brigade Nigeria Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General Abdul Kalifah Ibrahim has condemned the military invasion of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Umuahia on Tuesday.

    The Army Chief who visited the Press Centre in company of the Naval Command and School of Finance Logistics Owerrinta Capt Abdulahi Aminu apologised for the attack, describing it as a disaster of unimaginable proportion.

    General Ibrahim promised to fish out the soldiers who carried out the unauthorised operation with a view to sanctioning them and called on journalists not to allow the invasion of their office to cause any bad blood between the army and them.

    While commending the journalists for their comportment and maturity during the invasion, the General promised to pay for the gadgets damaged by his men.

    He also promised to pay for the cell phone belonging to one of the journalists which went missing after the attack and warned soldiers to respect the rights of civilians during the operation python dance.

    After his visit, the deputy Director of Army Information, Col Musa Sagay  in Enugu came on behalf of the officer in charge of 82 division of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen Adamu Abubakar and condemned the action of the soldiers.

    Col Sagay said immediately his boss heard what happened, he was detailed to go to Umuahia to meet with journalists and appeal to them for calm as the Army is on top of the situation.

    “It is regrettable that this ugly incident happened to a group of people I have known and worked with since 2010-2011 when kidnapping was at its peak in the state and I would not want that cordial relationship to be spoiled.

    “I am in Umuahia on behalf of my boss Gen Abubakar who is the commander of 82 Div Enugu to express our concern over what happened on Tuesday which is not the normal way we operate.

    “I want to assure you that all those who took part in the action against journalists will be fished out and dealt accordingly, the Operation Egwu Eke (Python Dance) will commence from 15th of September to 14th of October and the exercise is not targeted at any group.

    “The exercise is targeted at all security flash points in the entire South East geopolitical zone which is the reason behind the army show of force but it is targeted at kidnappings, armed robbery, cultism, insurgency and session agitators,” Sagay stated.

    Col Sagay insisted that there is no military siege at the home of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu as being reported in some sections of the media, adding that the issue of insurgency starts in a small way which the soldiers will not allow.

    In his response Ezeogo Bonny Okoro said that it was a shame that the military would invade the NUJ state secretariat over the flimsy excuse that journalists were taking their pictures.

    Okoro wondered why the soldiers will not want their pictures taken as journalists would have been doing their job if such action occurred on the side of newsmen which never took place.

    He said that he was slapped, gun cocked at him while his IPad and the phones of his colleagues were smashed by the soldiers and called on the military hierarchy to fish out those behind the dastardly act and deal with them accordingly.

     

     

  • Army storms Abia NUJ secretariat

    Army storms Abia NUJ secretariat

    Over  20 soldiers of the Operation Python dance stormed the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and beat up journalists and  smashed their gadgets.

    The soldiers who patrolled  the streets of Umuahia in their show of strength, otherwise called python dance came into the NUJ centre saying that journalists were taking pictures of their action.

    Riding in fifteen Armour Personnel Carrier (APC), 20 Trucks and Six hilux vans, the solders on getting to the Abia Tower, where the Abia NUJ state secretariat is located, three trucks carrying close to twenty soldiers packed and personnel jump down.

    The Nation reports that immediately the soldiers came down, they ran upstairs where the Press Centre was located and invaded the state Council office where journalists and correspondents were seated.

    “The soldiers surrounded the journalists and cocked their rifles and alleging that someone took their pictures when the show of force was ongoing, in the process some journalists were slapped and beaten up.

    “The soldiers collected phones, iPad belonging to journalists  and smashed them while the soldiers took away some phones, one of the journalists slapped is a traditional ruler and a national trustee of NUJ, Ezeogo Bonny Okoro”.

    “When some us tried to introduce themselves as journalists to the military men, they shouted at us saying shut up I will kill you while, another shouted killed them like chicken after the damage was done the left”.

    The Nation noted that while the soldiers were beating up journalists, food vendors and other defenseless people doing their legitimate business ran for their lives as the soldiers took over the NUJ premises and turned it upside down.

    In his reaction, the State Chairman of Abia NUJ Comrade John Emejor condemned the invasion of the Press Centre by the soldiers, adding that they were not on national assignments where journalists were not required to cover.

    Emejor noted that since the soldiers were doing their show of strength which they called operation python dance, “Journalists have the right to cover it and alert residents of the city not to panic when they see such large number of soldiers”.

    He said that with the action of the soldiers that they have desecrated the NUJ press centre, which is a threat to journalism practice in the state, stressing that no journalist ever took pictures of the soldiers operation in the state capital.

    Also speaking, member of the  National Trustee of NUJ whose iPad is among those destroyed by the military invasion Ezeogo Boniface Okoro describe their actions on journalists as unfortunate.

    In his own reaction, Uche Nwosu a journalists of the Daily Independent called on the the army hierarchy to withdraw the Operation Python dance as it is making the state to be under unnecessary tension.

    When contacted the public relations officer 14Brigade Ohafia, Major Gbadamosi Oyegoke denied the incidents and said the soldiers cannot do what they have being accused of doing.

    The Nation also observed that several vehicles and army APCs were sighted parked at a petrol filling station at Ntigha Isialangwa North council area of the state along the Port Harcourt-Enugu express way.

    In Umuahia soldiers were seen parading around Afaraukwu, where the country home of the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu is located, while residents of the village closed their shops for the fear of the unknown.

  • Insurgents killed as Air Force, Army bomb village

    Boko Haram insurgents were yesterday killed in two successive air strikes by Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in an ambush by troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade.

    The strikes were carried out at Zanari, Borno State, while troops of Operation Lafiya Dole attacked terrorists in an ambush at Bocost, on Ngurosoye-Bama Road, Borno State.

    A statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the insurgents were hit by two aircraft in rapid succession, with structures housing them going up in flames.

    NAF operations were supported by video footages released by Air Commodore Adesanya.

    He said: “In furtherance of the recently-commenced Operation RUWAN WUTA, on September 7, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) conducted air interdiction on structures, with two hoisted Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) Organisation flags at Zanari, a location with significant BHT presence at the northern fringes of Borno State bordering Lake Chad.

    “A number of BHTs had earlier been sported, from a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform, entering the buildings, apparently for meetings.

    “The F-7Ni and Alpha Jet aircraft were detailed to attack the target. Overhead the location, the target was acquired and engaged by the two aircraft in rapid succession. Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment showed the targeted structures went up in flames, killing occupants.

    “The objective of Operation RUWAN WUTA is to further degrade the capability of the BHTs, thereby preventing them from regrouping to cause havoc for our surface forces.

    “The operation also aims at softening the ground for our surface forces to subsequently move in and conduct mopping up operations.”

    Army spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman said in a statement: “The troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade, on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, at the early hours of September 10, laid a successful ambush on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ crossing point at Bocost, on Ngurosoye -Bama Road, Borno State.

    “The troops neutralised a large number of Boko Haram terrorists, while others sustained gunshot injuries.

    “The troops recovered AK 47 rifle, registered as 1029, AK 47 magazine, 60 rounds of 7.62mm Special, three bicycles, four empty jerry-cans, a cutlass and N5,600 from the insurgents.”

  • Many injured as IPOB alleges plot to kill Kanu, others

    Many injured as IPOB alleges plot to kill Kanu, others

    The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State has alleged a plot by security agencies in the state to eliminate their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

     Soldiers in three patrol vans and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) on Sunday reportedly shot and injured many IPOB supporters at the country home of their leader (Kanu) at Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, the state capital after some of their members foiled attempt by the soldiers to gain entrance into the palace of Kanu’s father.

     They alleged that they had before the foiled invasion got information from a source that the army authorities in the state have concluded plans to come and abduct Kanu since the court was yet to reverse his bail.

     It was learnt that three members of IPOB were reportedly shot,while others sustained different injuries as the soldiers were said to have shot sporadically following the resistance to allow them gain entrance into Kanu father’s compound.

     Narrating the incident, Nnamdi Kanu in a telephone conversation with newsmen said he was resting at about 6.30pm on Sunday when one of his relatives drew his attention to heavy presence of soldiers at the main entrance to his family home.

     He said before anyone could know what was happening, the soldiers who he claimed came to kill him started  shooting sporadically and in the process wounded so many people.

     The IPOB leader who described the incident as “crude show of power” on innocent and defenceless people of Biafra, said nothing warranted such show of shame on the people that are demanding and charting the course that they believe in.

     He called on his supporters and IPOB members to remain calm in the face of unwarranted attack on them.

     Kanu’s father and the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Community, HRH Eze Israel Kanu described the invasion as “unwarranted and shocking “.
    The monarch said his son committed no crime to warrant military invasion of his palace.

     When contacted, the Army Public Relations Officer, 14Brigade Ohafia, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi denied the allegations saying  that the soldiers were on routine patrol and did not shot at any IPOB member.

     Gbadamosi however accused the IPOB members of attacking the soldiers and injuring some of the officers in the process.

     But the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeleye Oyebade in response to a text message sent to him by our reporter confirmed the incident.

     Part of the text message stated “Unfortunately, a policeman on guard duties going to work was matcheted by the IPOB group, while a soldier man and a civilian were equally injured. All are being treated in the Police Clinic for minor injuries sustained. Normalcy has been restored, as our men are fully on ground, to ensure no further breach of the peace.”

  • Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others against violent agitation

    Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others against violent agitation

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai on friday warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other groups and individuals in the Southeast against any action capable of breaching the peace of the region.

    Addressing a press conference at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Army Chief said the warning has become necessary as the military commenced the second phase of Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) by September 15.

    General Buratai whose address was presented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu, said no stone would be left unturned to tackle the problems of kidnapping, cultism, violent agitations, theft of weapons, armed banditry and other security challenges which had become a daily phenomenon in the southeast of the country.

    He warned would-be trouble-makers that there would be no hiding place for them in the southeastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo as the operations would be carried out by the military, the Department of State Security, DSS, the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    The Army Chief said the operations which he tagged a show of force would last between September 15 and October 14, 2017 and enjoined the people of the southeast not to panic as a result of the exercise.

    General Buratai said: “As you are all aware, the Nigerian Army is constantly carrying out training activities for its personnel in line with its constitutional role in aid of civil authority. More so, Exercise EGWU EKE II has become more expedient due to the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.

    “The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise. Also, in actualising the COAS vision, which is “To have a Professionally Responsive NA in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”, accentuates the call for the conduct of this exercise in conjunction with other security agencies.

    “This operation will be conducted with the involvement of other security agencies such as Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. It will also afford the troops an opportunity to effectively checkmate the despicable activities of the marauding criminals perpetrating criminal acts in the region and its environs.

    “Additionally, OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations thereby fulfilling both training and operations objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon. As precursor to a peaceful ember period and yuletide, provision has already been made for the smooth conduct of the operation.

    “Operation EGWU EKE II will be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

    “It is pertinent to mention that Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country.

    ” In this regard, members of the public especially the residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.

    “The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. In order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, we shall make contact phone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193.”

    While General Buratai urged the people to go about their normal businesses without fear, he enjoined the media as partners in progress to educate and enlighten the people about the operation.

  • Again, 9 Brigade wins Army combat competition

    For the second year running, the Nine Brigade of the Nigerian Army (NA) in Ikeja Cantonment has won the divisional combat proficiency competition.

    The Brigade beat three other units under the 81 Division in the four-day competition that featured obstacle crossing, map reading, night navigation, combat swimming, weapon stripping, assembling and shooting.

    Praising the winning unit, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke said their performance showed that NA personnel were fit and combat-ready for security challenges.

    He noted that continuous training had prepared the personnel to perform their statutory responsibilities which include the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and aiding the police in internal security.

    According to Dauke, training was the best thing anyone could give a soldier, adding that the personnel have acquired new skills from the interface with their colleagues.

    Also at the ceremony was the Commander, Nine Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.

  • Boko Haram top commanders killed by Army

    Boko Haram top commanders killed by Army

    The Nigerian Army said on Thursday it had neutralised several Boko Haram commanders and many of their foot soldiers in the ongoing operation against the insurgents in the North East.

    READ ALSO: Boko Haram destroyed 75% water, sanitation infrastructure in Northeast – UNICEF

    Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement that the operation was conducted jointly with the Nigerian Air Force.

    Usman said the operation, undertaken based on credible intelligence information, targeted Boko Haram hideouts, adding that “more details of successes achieved will be made available as the operation continues.”

    READ ALSO: Boko Haram Escapee recounts orderal in Sambisa forest

    The spokesman named five top Boko Haram commanders neutralised in the operation to include Abu Dujana, Man Tahiru, a Deputy to Boko Haram terrorists group Hisba leader, Man Chari, Malam Abdullahi Abu Sa’ad and Goni Bamanga.

    “The Nigerian military would continue with the concerted onslaught on the reported Boko Haram terrorists’ locations till they have been eliminated,” he added. (NAN)

  • 68 Boko Haram insurgents surrender in Borno–Army

    68 Boko Haram insurgents surrender in Borno–Army

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said 68 Boko Haram insurgents surrendered to troops in Borno in the last three weeks.
    Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, said in a statement released in Maiduguri.
    Nwachukwu said that the military had intensified campaign through coordinated air and land offensive against the insurgents.
    “Air and artillery bombardments were backed by long range patrols and ambushes targeted at preventing fleeing Boko Haram insurgents from escaping and also denying them access to logistics supply,” he said.
    Nwachukwu said that the sustained operations had brought the insurgents to the brink of defeat thereby forcing many of them to surrender.
    “In their testimonies, the insurgents revealed that most of their enclaves are untenable which made life unbearable for them.
    “The relentless offensive forced many of them to surrender to the troops.
    “Those who surrendered are currently undergoing rehabilitation and deradicalisation process under the Federal Government’s Safe Corridor operation.
    “Undoubtedly, the ongoing operations by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE are yielding results by putting enormous pressure on the insurgents.
    “Evidently, this led to the recent plea by one of the factional group leaders calling for international support”.
    The command’s spokesman called on Boko Haram insurgents to renounce their heinous acts and surrender.
    Nwachukwu reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to guarantee their safety and well-being. (NAN)