The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Why I sacked 93 top military officers in 1999 – Obasanjo

    Why I sacked 93 top military officers in 1999 – Obasanjo

    Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says  his decision to retire 93 top military officers on his assumption of office  in 1999 has gone a long way in  saving  and stabilizing  the nation’s democracy.

    Obasanjo branded the move as a kind of engineering in politics, pointing out that the mass retirement was inevitable  on account of the  lavish life style of some  top military men in the corridor of power.

    He spoke at his 80th birthday celebration organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja at the weekend.

    The former president also warned people from referring to him again as Matthew, a name he said he dropped a long time ago.

    He said: “If anyone does not want to see my red eyes, don’t call me Matthew again.”

    He said that  moving people from one position to another could be a blessing in disguise, citing the examples of former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade .

    Oyinlola was military administrator of Lagos during the Abacha regime and was one of those affected by the Obasanjo purge while Gemade lost his position as PDP chairman in a move believed to have been sanctioned by the ex-president.

    Obasanjo said the development has not affected his relationship with both men because to him, Nigeria comes first in everything.

    He said: “Talking about engineering in politics, when I got into office as elected president, I got 93 officers of the armed forces out of the military because they were used to what is called the chummy chummy life in government house, and if I had left them in the military they would have been the ones that would have created more problems for us and our democratic dispensation would not have lasted as it has.

    “Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola was one of the 93 officers, but in everything in life there may be a silver lining. If he hadn’t been out at the time he may never have been governor. If Senator Gemade had not been kicked out as chairman he would never have become a senator, but I’m happy that I was looking for perfection and what is best for Nigeria.

    “Gemade is my friend and is still a friend and will remain a friend, but when it comes to Nigeria even with the best of my friends, Nigeria will come first. And for that I have no apology and I will have no apology for that.”

     

  • DICON boosts Army Infantry School

    Nigerian Army School of Infantry Commandant Brig-Gen. J. Sarham has reiterated that the school would always explore possible areas of collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

    Brig-Gen. Sarham said the school was one of the stakeholders as well as benefactors of the corporation’s products.

    He stressed that NASI has benefited much from the premier defence industry.

    The commandant, who spoke when he visited DICON headquarters, Kaduna, noted that he was delighted with the success stories emanating from DICON, especially in the area of fabrication of new spare parts for the back-loaded weapons from the theatres of operation across the country, especially the Northeast, through reverse engineering.

    He said the Director General of DICON, Maj-Gen. Bamidele Ogunkale mentored him as a cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy and he was quite abreast of his antecedent as a trail-blazer. He added that he could not assume new office in Jaji, without paying him homage.

    According to him, he would always capitalize on the proximity of Jaji to Kaduna to constantly solicit the support and tutelage of the DG, gleaning from his wealth of experience.

    “I was in the Northeast for a period and it is true that the Electronic Jammer and the Integrated Reinforced Obstacle Belt (IROB) patented by General Ogunkale, which were launched into the theatre of operation, dramatically changed the narratives of the fight against the insurgents for good,” he said.

    He noted that DICON was being looked upon as home of research and technology, hence the need for NASI to always come to the corporation for solution.

    According to Brig-Gen. Sarham, there could be no business in the School of Infantry without definite assistance from the premier industry.

    Maj-Gen.  Ogunkale gave a detailed brief of the current activities of DICON, noting that in the past, the perception of some members of the public was that the corporation produce only furniture.

    According to him, when the production of military products were at the low owing to break down of machines or low patronage, excess capacity from the wood factory established solely to produce rifle butts as well as ammunition boxes for packaging was used to produce furniture.

    He stressed that the corporation was able to offset bills through that, while at the same time, carrying out civil function in aid to civil authority.

    He added that DICON was taking some giant strides through reverse engineering, adding that many repairs have been carried out for the army and Airforce.

    He promised to send a team to NASI, who would assess their area of need before swinging into action.

  • Badoo: Ogun govt, security chiefs meet

    Badoo: Ogun govt, security chiefs meet

    ….warn cult group to steer clear of Ogun

     

    Ogun State government and security chiefs from the Army, Police, Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) among others, met on Wednesday to fashion out ways to prevent the deadly cult group – Badoo, from entering the state from Ikorodu – Lagos.

    The meeting which was chaired by Governor Ibikunle Amosun followed intelligence reports that the badoo group which had been visiting residence of with bloodshed, were planning to infiltrate the Gateway State.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, who issued the warning while speaking with journalists on behalf of the government in Abeokuta, the state capital, after the meeting, said   the administration has taken proactive measures to secure the lives and property of its people against badoo cult group or other criminal elements.

    “We just rose from a meeting with the Governor and all the Security Chiefs where we evaluated the current challenges, especially as it relates to the Badoo cult group. We want to sound a note of warning to them not to come to Ogun State as we are determined to make our State uncomfortable for them to operate.

    “We have mapped out our plans to deal with them and we are leaving no stone unturned in this regard,” Adeoluwa said.

    He reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing heavily in security, and urged residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities peacefully without any apprehension.

    He explained that security agencies in the state were working hand in hand to ensure their safety at all times, as the state government would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements, under whatever guise unleash terror on people.

    And Speaking on behalf of the Service Chiefs in the state, the Commissioner for Police, Ahmed Illiyasu said “the security agencies in the state are united and committed,” adding that they “are ready to dislodge any criminal and bring them down.”

     

  • Army honours I Go Dye, Oyo-Ita

    Army honours I Go Dye, Oyo-Ita

    For positively projecting the laudable virtues of the institution, the Nigerian Army, through the Chief of Army Staff, General TY Burutai, has presented The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita and popular comedian, Francis Agoda popularly known as I Go Dye with an award of commendation.

    This was part of the activities marking the celebration of its Nigerian Army Day Celebration on Monday.

    Recall that last month, the humour merchant joined other eminent African leaders to receive the 2017 African Child Prize which he dedicated to the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whom, he said have been resolute in their war against terrorism and commended their singular act of returning some of the abducted Chibok girls, back to the waiting arms of their families.

    The excited Delta State born comedian took to his Instagram page to express his gratitude to the Nigerian army, while also pledging his continued support.

    “Never did I envisage that my little contribution will be identified for commendation. I’m indeed grateful for this honour presented to me by the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian army. It will challenge many others to cooperate and expand partnership with the army, promoting a sense of responsibility to all citizens of this country to understand that the fight against terrorism and other agitations are in our best interest. I will continue to use this medium to seek support, using my artistic work to project and express the laudable virtues of this noble institution,” he wrote.

    The comedian further expressed optimism that the honour will change the perception of ordinary citizens towards the Nigerian army.

     

  • Group commends Army over 700 surrendered Boko Haram members

    The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has commended the Nigerian Army over the recent surrender of Boko Haram top commanders in Borno State.

    The centre noted that the feat was a clear indication that the military had truly won the battle against insurgents in north east.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had on Monday revealed that about 700 Boko Haram insurgents around Sambisa Forest in Borno, had surrendered.

    “A short while ago, I received the good news that about 700 Boko Haram terrorists within the fringes of Sambisa Forest have surrendered.

    “Some others are in the process to surrender, This is a clear indication that the Boko Haram war is clearly being won,” the army chief had said.
    Reacting to the development at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Joyce Adamu, CESJET’s Executive Director, said the organisation was happy with the progress recorded so far in the war against terrorism in the volatile north east.

    Adamu, “We have always reposed an untainted confidence in the Nigerian Army to defeat Boko Haram terrorism completely on our land and this is the turning in that history.

    “We echoed loudly after soldiers dismantled Sambisa forest in December 2016 that terrorism in Nigeria has ended. But many of our compatriots doubted us, especially as terrorist bombs  still intermittently detonated in parts of Maiduguri, Borno state.

    “But we were precise that the counter-insurgency war has reached a stage where the sounds of guns or marching boots of soldiers would soon pave way to less combativeness in ending the terror war. That terrorists could no longer withstand the sheer force of the army, pleaded for armistice and en masse surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, Operation LAFIYA DOLE on the fringes of the Sambisa forest is a worthy accomplishment. Coming out in that amazing number to renounce terrorism is Nigeria’s ultimate and strategic victory in the anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency war.

    “Of particular importance to us is the commitment of terrorists to the pledge of armistice as according to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, 70 of such Boko Haram insurgency including top commanders and terrorists on the Army’s list of most wanted terrorists have turned themselves to the Nigeria Army and are being profiled. The number is expected to swell in the coming days until the target is exhausted.”
    Adamu added that the surrendering of that huge number of terrorists attests to the effectiveness of the soldiers mop-up operations in the Northeast, hence terrorists could no longer find convenient hiding places.

    “It is indication of our military’s  superiority over the insurgents and it is express illustration of the penchant of the Nigerian Army under General Buratai in keeping with its promise to uphold and respect the human rights of all actors in the counter-insurgency war.

    “Again without any doubt, those of us who have keenly and painstakingly followed the counter-insurgency war in the Northeast can certify that the Nigerian Army had never at any point in time relaxed  in the war against insurgency in Nigeria.

    “It has always lived up to expectations and the netting of 700 Boko Haram  surrendees is just icing of the cake. Even in April 2017, a terrorists kingpin Bulama Kailani Mohammed Metele,  affiliated to the Mamman Nur’s faction of Boko Haram led  by Abu, let himself off terrorism hook when the heat became unbearable by surrendering to troops of the 145 Task Force Battalion, 5 Brigade at Damasak. He was also on Nigerian Army’s list of most wanted  terrorists,” he said.

    She further stressed the singular act has put to shame the ignominious campaigns’ of vested external interest in the destabilization of Nigeria and the blind accusations of the Nigerian military of betraying the people in the counter-insurgency war through unwholesome acts.

    Ends……..

    Group commends Army over 700 surrendered Boko Haram members

    The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has commended the Nigerian Army over the recent surrender of Boko Haram top commanders in Borno State.

    The centre noted that the feat was a clear indication that the military had truly won the battle against insurgents in north east.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had on Monday revealed that about 700 Boko Haram insurgents around Sambisa Forest in Borno, had surrendered.

    “A short while ago, I received the good news that about 700 Boko Haram terrorists within the fringes of Sambisa Forest have surrendered.

    “Some others are in the process to surrender, This is a clear indication that the Boko Haram war is clearly being won,” the army chief had said.
    Reacting to the development at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Joyce Adamu, CESJET’s Executive Director, said the organisation was happy with the progress recorded so far in the war against terrorism in the volatile north east.

    Adamu, “We have always reposed an untainted confidence in the Nigerian Army to defeat Boko Haram terrorism completely on our land and this is the turning in that history.

    “We echoed loudly after soldiers dismantled Sambisa forest in December 2016 that terrorism in Nigeria has ended. But many of our compatriots doubted us, especially as terrorist bombs  still intermittently detonated in parts of Maiduguri, Borno state.

    “But we were precise that the counter-insurgency war has reached a stage where the sounds of guns or marching boots of soldiers would soon pave way to less combativeness in ending the terror war. That terrorists could no longer withstand the sheer force of the army, pleaded for armistice and en masse surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, Operation LAFIYA DOLE on the fringes of the Sambisa forest is a worthy accomplishment. Coming out in that amazing number to renounce terrorism is Nigeria’s ultimate and strategic victory in the anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency war.

    “Of particular importance to us is the commitment of terrorists to the pledge of armistice as according to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, 70 of such Boko Haram insurgency including top commanders and terrorists on the Army’s list of most wanted terrorists have turned themselves to the Nigeria Army and are being profiled. The number is expected to swell in the coming days until the target is exhausted.”
    Adamu added that the surrendering of that huge number of terrorists attests to the effectiveness of the soldiers mop-up operations in the Northeast, hence terrorists could no longer find convenient hiding places.

    “It is indication of our military’s  superiority over the insurgents and it is express illustration of the penchant of the Nigerian Army under General Buratai in keeping with its promise to uphold and respect the human rights of all actors in the counter-insurgency war.

    “Again without any doubt, those of us who have keenly and painstakingly followed the counter-insurgency war in the Northeast can certify that the Nigerian Army had never at any point in time relaxed  in the war against insurgency in Nigeria.

    “It has always lived up to expectations and the netting of 700 Boko Haram  surrendees is just icing of the cake. Even in April 2017, a terrorists kingpin Bulama Kailani Mohammed Metele,  affiliated to the Mamman Nur’s faction of Boko Haram led  by Abu, let himself off terrorism hook when the heat became unbearable by surrendering to troops of the 145 Task Force Battalion, 5 Brigade at Damasak. He was also on Nigerian Army’s list of most wanted  terrorists,” he said.

    She further stressed the singular act has put to shame the ignominious campaigns’ of vested external interest in the destabilization of Nigeria and the blind accusations of the Nigerian military of betraying the people in the counter-insurgency war through unwholesome acts.

  • On the proposed army varsity

    SIR: It was reported recently that the Nigerian Army plans to establish a university in Biu, Borno State. According to details released to the media, the university is billed to take-off September next year.

    Establishing a university for the Nigerian Army is a welcome development as it will serve as a means of accommodating admission seekers who don’t make it into other universities. It could serve as a research centre which will develop solutions to enhance our security infrastructure at a time the nation is being confronted with myriad of security challenges.

    Despite all the good purposes the university may serve, however, caution must be exercised before going ahead with the university. It is one thing to establish a university, and quite another to ensure its viability. As of now, no Nigerian university makes the list of top 1000 universities in the world, which brings to question the quality of our institutions.

    Currently, the federal government has established universities in every state of the federation but these universities have not achieved the aim of their establishment. They are confronted with financial, administrative and labour-related issues. Salaries are not paid as and when due, research grants are not available for lecturers, some universities cannot afford diesel to fuel their generators, while some can’t provide potable water for their students. Some do not have a functional website while those who do update it for admission purposes only.

    The timing and location of the army university is wrong considering some factors. Currently the army is still battling with the Boko-Haram menace which is taking a toll on its scant resources. Establishing the university at this time will deplete the funds of the ministries of education, defence and army at the same time.  Besides, why do we need to start a new university in Biu when we have the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna which is a degree awarding institution? Equipping and expanding  the NDA will cost less for the government than establishing a new university in a fresh location considering the economic reality of the country  at this moment.

    Equipping the existing universities should be a national priority. To make them more viable, necessary equipment should be provided for the students as some science-based universities still use kerosene stoves as Bunsen burners in their laboratories. Incessant industrial actions by ASUU and other labour unions in the universities should be addressed and salaries paid promptly. Funding for education should be increased from its current inadequate state so as to make these universities work.

    Before we go ahead with the Army University, the existing rot in our public universities must be addressed.

     

    • Adesina Tosin Nathaniel,

    adesinatosin1@gmail.com

  • We will defend Nigeria and Democracy, Says Army Chief

    We will defend Nigeria and Democracy, Says Army Chief

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai has said the Nigerian Army would remain solidly behind the democratically elected government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and further maintain its apolitical stance in the political arena.
    The Army Chief further assured that the army is capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country when threatened.
    Lt General Buratai, who made the remarks during the Nigerian Army Day Interdenominational Church Service, held at All Saints’ Military Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, on Sunday insisted that the Army, under his watch, would remain totally loyal to the President, and ensure the sustenance of the country’s growing democracy.
    He therefore charged officers and men of the Nigerian Army  to remain focus, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority, while ensuring that they carry out their roles effectively.
      “I want to on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander- In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    “The Army will continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustenance of democracy, “Lt Gen. Buratai asserted .
    The Nigerian Army boss was represented at the Church Service by Major General Chris Jemitola, Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja.
    He said  it was his desire to transform the army into a more potent and responsive force that would effectively curtail contemporary security challenges, and commended the personnel of the army for their selflessness and commitment in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
    He said issues bordering on their training and welfare were being taken seriously and addressed accordingly, adding that  “we will continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of our officers and soldiers including their families.”
    Lt Gen. Buratai further used the occasion  to acknowledge and  thank all officers and soldiers “for their tireless contributions in making the Nigerian Army victorious in the fight against insurgents and in other internal security operations.”
    He said:  “You have shown commitment, dedication, courage, resilience and the will to succeed.
      “You have all done very well and I am proud to be your Chief of Army Staff.  However, I will charge you to remain focus, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority while ensuring that we carry out our roles effectively, “.
  • Troops arrest notorious Boko Haram terrorist

    Troops arrest notorious Boko Haram terrorist

    Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, deployed to Buni Gari in Borno said they have arrested another suspected Boko Haram terrorist.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director Army Public Relations, made this known on Thursday in Maiduguri.

    Usman said the suspect, 20, was arrested by the troops on June 25 while on perimeter patrol.

    He added that “preliminary investigation was initially difficult as he was found to be under influence of heavy dosage of drugs.

    “However, he has since stabilised and making useful statement.”

    The director noted that the troops of 29 Task Force Brigade also Discovered Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route.

    “Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade also discovered an IED planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while on patrol on June 28 along Wajiro-Mallam Kuramti cattle route.

    “The team safely removed and detonated it,’’ he said.

    Usman said the troops of 151 Battalion of the 21 Brigade also cleared an ambush by suspected terrorists.

    He added that “on June 28, at about 3.30 p.m. troops of 151 Battalion of 21 Brigade on patrol to Mayanti Village were ambushed by suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The troops successfully cleared the ambush by neutralizing some of the terrorists, while a re-enforcement was immediately dispatched to mop up the general area.

    “The team recovered a 60mm Commando Mortar Bomb, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 51 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition’’.

    Usman said the remains of two soldiers killed in action were also buried in Gombe.

    “On June 28 the remains of two gallant soldiers that paid the supreme price on Saturday June 17, along Damboa-Biu road in Borno State, 11NA/66/10788 Lance Corporal Auwal Halliru and 15NA/73/0188 Private Halilu Aliyu of 254 Task Force Battalion were buried according Islamic rites at the Gombe military ceremony,’’ Usman said.

  • Youths write US over IPOB’s suit against army

    A group, the National Committee of Yoruba Youth (NCYY) and the Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria have lodged a protest to the United States government over a suit by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against the leadership of the Nigerian Army.

    The petition to the US Secretary of State, sent through the American Embassy in Lagos, was signed by Comrade Odeyemi Oladimeji of the African First Ladies Peace Mission and National Secretary of the coalition, John Atani, a lawyer.

    The suit was said to have been filed by one John Doe on behalf of 10 Biafran agitators under the Torture Victims Protection Act and Alien Tort Claims Act at the District of Columbia court for leave to sue the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, and 13 others for alleged complicity in the 2016 torture and extra-judicial killing of IPOB members.

    The petitioners said the IPOB members had posed security threats not just to Nigeria, but to the world, with its leaders on trial for various offences.

    The coalition, comprising over 40 civil society organisations, said the suit was designed to demoralise officers and men of the army and its leadership.

    “We, therefore, consider the suit against General Buratai and the leadership of the Nigerian Army as a direct attack on Nigeria’s corporate existence since the endgame is not to extort payment for damages from the Nigerian government but to push General Buratai and his would-be successors into a corner from where they would not be able to defend Nigeria’s integrity and sovereignty,” the groups wrote.

    They urged the US to see that suit as “a cleverly deviced plot to curry undue favors from the most benevolent nation on earth, the USA”, adding that those behind it only intended to exploit “America’s kind-heartedness to achieve their own narrow, selfish and dangerous goals”.

  • The coming army

    SIR: It’s more than a ticking bomb; it’s a combined army, an army of uneducated population plus another more dangerous army of unemployed educated youth; indeed no amount of bullets can stop their march.

    The maestro of rhetoric himself once said “A day will come when the Nigerian masses from the North and the South, Christians, Muslims and Animists will merge as a force of progress and unity, and kick against rigging, corruption and tyranny”. I wonder what late Chief Obafemi Awolowo saw when he said this.

    Indeed, it’s going to come very soon like a flash, like a dream, nightmare of dreams, the call by pastors would be ignored, Imams won’t be listened to, and parents will turn the other way. An army like no other, sophisticated, intelligent, idle, hungry and above all angry.

    They will rise like a morning sun, climb above all on their path, they will be shot but won’t stop, they will be injured but won’t get tired, when it starts, those at home will hear about it, those in the bush too will feel it- the sun won’t set at the west, but set everywhere it wishes, not even nature can control such.

    A time to say NO to the oppressors, No to those who have become what they used to fight against, an emotional day where every form of reason would be thrown into the canal. Someone said the military will crush them, I said the children of the military men are among them, retired military men are there, even the military men are not left behind, they all have brothers and sisters who have gone to school, and just sitting at home and watching the children of the oppressors flaunt their wealth on the social space of the Internet. The military men are hungry and angry.

    This is not a civil war or a secessionist agitation; it’s a war of conscience. Real calls for change, a call for solidarity from all sides, not even a call to arms because the armed will call themselves. A time when the enemies’ call to divide them by tribe, religion, and language will fail. A time when they will realise that they are suffering the same thing and they have a common enemy, and it’s not about tribe or religion.

    The West will realise that her enemy is not the North, the North will realise that her enemy is not the East, the East will realise that her enemy is not from the West. They will put aside their differences and focus on a common enemy.

    A time when those from the land of the rising sun will say that they will not run away and will stay to fight for their right, those in the land where the sun sets will wake from their slumber, those who lives up there will reject the crumbs from their slave masters, and those in the oil rich deep will also rise to their feet. I am not talking about a time to crown a “hero” or a “general”. The general and commander is inside each person, the commander of the army lies right there inside each of them, he is being bred by anger and hunger, two of the most dangerous influencers.

    A time will come when the golden estates shall be taken by the desolates; the oppressors will run away. A war like no other, you don’t need to predict such, just make sure you live long enough because it is inevitable, it will just happen.

    It will happen very soon, very very soon unless something change.

     ‘Wole Fasina,

    <fasinaadewole@gmail.com>