The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Army, DSS arrest two thugs in Anambra

    The Nigerian Army in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) said suspected thugs have been arrested and some arms, ammunition and other items recovered in Anambra.

    The Deputy Director Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Onitsha.

    “Following intelligence report, operatives of the DSS, Anambra Command and a patrol team from 302 General Support Regiment Onitsha, successfully carried out a Cordon and Search Operation on three identified locations,” he said.

    “The locations are in Amansi – Umuru, Orukabia and Graceland Housing Estate, Nteje general area, Oyi local government area of Anambra.

    “The operation was conducted in the early hours of Sunday April 23, 2017 at about 06:00 a.m.

    “In the three areas that were searched, specifically, in building number 8, Chukwunonso Ndulue Street in Graceland Housing Estate, Nsugbe near Onitsha, two suspects were arrested.”

    Musa said items such as seven pump action guns, 44 Cartridges, one hunter knife and two cutlasses were recovered from the suspects.

    According to him, the three mentioned communities have been engaged in hostile land and chieftaincy dispute which led to the gruesome murder of three civilians allegedly by suspected thugs.

    Musa said the areas had been under security surveillance for sometime now, adding that was the basis for the Cordon and Search operation in the localities.

    He said the suspects and exhibits would be handed over to the police for further investigation.

    NAN

     

     

  • Army Generals escape IED blast in Borno

    Army Generals escape IED blast in Borno

    Two Army Generals at the weekend escaped death after encountering a hidden Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Banki Junction- Pulka road in Borno state.
    The Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Alkali and the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor O Ezugwu were on operational visit to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade deployed for Operation LAFIYA DOLE currently engaged in Operation DEEP PUSH when their convoy encountered and cleared four IEDs buried by suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists along their way from Bama to Gwoza on Saturday.

    The four clustered IEDs were buried at a crossing point along Banki Junction and Pulka road, about 6 kilometres to Firgi in Borno State.

    The Explosive Ordinance Device team were however able to quickly detect the deadly IEDs and safely extracted and detonated them.

  • Army rescues 1,623 Boko Haram captives

    Army rescues 1,623 Boko Haram captives

    ABOUT 1,623 Boko Haram captives were yesterday rescued by troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Jarawa, Kala Balge Local Governmet Area of Borno State.
    Acting on a tip-off, the troops assisted by 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), went on the offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area.
    According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the troops came under heavy fire at Jarawa village.
    Usman said: “The troops responded decisively and went further to clear Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements. During the operation, the troops neutralised 21 Boko Haram terrorists, rescued 1,623 residents of Jarawa, who were held captives by the terrorists. They also recovered 3 AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 Hand Grenade, 12 Cutlasses and 4 Motorcycles.”
    The military spokesman said the rescued persons have been escorted to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Rann. All the children, he said, were vaccinated.
    Brig.-Gen. Usman the did not record any casualty.

  • Two soldiers killed as Army destroys 13 illegal refineries

    Two soldiers killed as Army destroys 13 illegal refineries

    Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE on patrol around Iyalama Adama axis of Rivers State, have discovered and destroyed 13 illegal refineries.
    However, while no arrests were made, troops deployed at Creek 6 Houseboat Cawthorne Channel during a responce to a distress call of sea robbers attack around Ijawkiri general area engaged heavily armed sea robbers.
    According to a statement by the media coordinator, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, two soldiers were shot dead while three others sustained gunshot injuries.
    He said effort is ongoing by the Joint Task Force (JTF) to track and apprehend the suspects.
  • Army hands over 593 cleared Boko Haram suspects to Borno

    Army hands over 593 cleared Boko Haram suspects to Borno

    •Suicide bombers found dead near varsity fence

    The Army has handed over 593 cleared Boko Haram suspects to the Borno State government for psycho-social rehabilitation. Most of the suspects were rescued from the Sambisa Forest.
    Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya, said the exercise would be a continuous one.
    He assured the government suspects were cleared of any complicity with Boko Haram, noting that their release was in line with promise of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, that nobody will be kept in military custody if not guilty.
    According to Kuliya, only 469 were cleared and conveyed to rehabilitation centre in Bulunkutu, Maiduguri, while the remaining 124 will be handed over in a few days. He said the delay was logistics-based as the suspects were fragile and needed to be handled with care due to their psycho-social state.
    Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Amna Abubakar, who received the suspects on behalf of Governor Kashim Shettima, thanked the Army for their efforts. She promised the suspects will be well-catered for as arrangements are on ground for their comfort.
    Hajiya Abubakar, who was represented by Director of the Rehabilitation Centre, Mrs. Ladi Clark Musa, said necessary facilities for their training and comfort have been provided.
    Two suicide bombers were found dead behind the perimeter fence of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, the police have said.
    Spokesman Victor Isuzu, in a statement, said the incident must have occurred prematurely, stressing that only the two bombers were killed.
    The statement said: “In the early hours of yesterday, the bodies of two male suicide bombers were discovered behind the perimeter fence of the University of Maiduguri. Their death is reasonably believed to have been due to a prematurely detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) before they got to their target.
    “The bodies have been evacuated by SEMA to the specialist hospital.”

  • Army denies abduction of 22 women in Pulka

    •Dog foils attack on wedding

    The Army has denied reports that 22 women were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents after an attack on Pulka town in Borno State.

    According to the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman Kukasheka, the report is false and misleading. He called on the public to disregard the report, adding that Pulka is fortified by security agents.

    “The attention of the Army has been drawn to a story circulating on Social Media and some mainstream media that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Pulka and abducted 22 women, attributing it to an unidentified Bulama as source.

    “We wish to state that the report is false and should be ignored. For the avoidance of doubt, Pulka and environs is heavily fortified and there has been no security breach. Media houses are pleased requested to always cross check their facts before publishing or broadcasting,” the statement read.

    A dog reportedly averted a suicide attack at a wedding in Belbelo community in Jere Local Government.

    A statement by the police spokesman Victor Isuku said the wedding was underway when a female suicide bomber attempted to infiltrate proceedings but was attacked by the watchdog, compelling her to detonate her explosives, which caused her death and the dogs’.

    The statement reads: “Information received today (yesterday) at about 07.33hrs said a female suicide bomber attempted to infiltrate a wedding at Belbelo community in Jere council. She was prevented by a watchdog, so she detonated her explosives, killing herself and the dog.

    “No other casualty was recorded and normalcy has been restored.”

  • Army denies killing 17 herdsmen in Southern Kaduna

    The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Tuesday dismissed reports that troops had killed 17 herdsmen in Southern Kaduna.

    A statement issued in Kaduna by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Kingsley Umoh, described the report as unfounded and irresponsible.

    He said the mandate of the army in the area was to restore peace and ensure mutual coexistence among the people, and warned those spreading the false reports to desist.

    The army spokesman stressed that personnel deployed to the area had developed robust relationship with traditional rulers, community leaders, the Miyetti Allah and other stakeholders.

    “We appeal to citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders to always speak and act in the interest of peace.

    “It serves no useful purposes to continue to fabricate stories about the already delicate security situation in southern Kaduna,” he said.

    Umoh said the army remained committed to the return of peace to the entire area.

    NAN

  • Adesina hails Army for degrading Boko Haram

    Adesina hails Army for degrading Boko Haram

    special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Femi Adesina has lauded the Army for restoring order to the Northeast by clearing remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

    He spoke at the Guards Brigade First Quarter Inter-Unit Short Talk Competition, in Abuja, where he was the special guest of honour.

    The event was designed to enhance the ability of men and officers in communicating effectively with the public, especially on their operations.

    According to him, the Army deserve praises for  curtailing activities of the insurgents, and fighting other criminal elements in the country.

    His words: “I must praise the Army for clearing Boko Haram remnants from the Northeast and for other ongoing operations against criminal elements.

    “We must continue to reflect and remember the great sacrifices our gallant men and women in the Nigerian Army are making to keep our fatherland safe and habitable. Well done and keep it up,’’ Adesina said.

    He said regular training and retooling of the Army was important in view of rising security challenges.

    “I am delighted that the Guards Brigade in particular and the Army in general, is making efforts to train its personnel.”

    Adesina urged the Army to remain resolute and sustain the tempo of equipping its soldiers.

    On improving communication skills for soldiers, the Presidential spokesman said acquiring appropriate skills in public speaking would enhance the Army’s internal and external relations.

    Commander of the Guards Brigade Brig.- Gen. Musa Sani Yusuf said the competition was put together to enhance the personal confidence of officers and men in public speaking.

    According to him, the event will highlight the roles and responsibilities of the Army to the public.

     

     

     

     

  • Why we are holding competition in Sambisa forest – Army

    Why we are holding competition in Sambisa forest – Army

    The Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General  D.D Ahmadu has explained why the Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition (NASAC) is being held  in the dreaded Sambisa forest.

    Maj. Gen. Ahmadu spoke with  newsmen  on Thursday at a media briefing held at the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri.

    According to him, the choice of Sambisa Forest for the 2017 competition is to consolidate on the total defeat of the insurgents, dominate the general forest area and make it safer for other activities.

    “The objective of the Championship is to sharpen the marksmanship skills of the Nigerian Army personnel. The formations will be competing in marksmanship with the best formation carting away the prestigious Chief of Army Staff’s trophy.

    “The championship will also mark the commencement of the on-going plan to move speedily and make the Sambisa forest general area safe for habitation and subsequently make it an area for the Nigerian Army training activities. To this end, provision has already been made for the opening of more roads, construction of culverts and bridges by the Nigerian Army Engineers to facilitate easy movements to the general area.

    “The NASAC 2017 is unique with the introduction of Nigerian Army fire power demonstration as part of the activities. This would enable Nigerian Army to test its armored tanks, infantry weapons and artillery guns as well as various weapons in its inventory to enhance battle marksmanship and professionalism of its personnel,” Ahmadu said.

    While pledging the commitment of the army toward the safety of the people of Borno State and calling on them not to panic, the Army however cautioned residents to be vigilant of any suspicious character within their community and report such to the appropriate authorities.

     

  • DDI wants strategic reportage of military activities

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, has urged the media to strategically report the activities of the military to impact positively not only on troops and Nigerians but also on the international community.

    Enenche, therefore, solicited for accurate and balance reportage of the activities of the armed forces.

    He made the appeal on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.

    Enenche, who was appointed the DDI on March 1, however, noted that NAN had been reporting the military well and urged the agency not to relent in doing that.

    “There is need that we package the news about the armed forces of Nigeria, the Army, Navy and Air Force, with a strategic perspective to have more impact on us and the international community.

    “This is good to encourage our troops in the various theatres of operations.

    “My courtesy call on you is predicated on just one thing and I will not talk too much; you are always a balanced reporter for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which has done us a lot of good internationally, locally and operationally.

    “When you want to know the truth about the news churned out about the armed forces, to a large extent, monitor the News Agency of Nigeria,’’ he said.

    He stressed the need to highlight criminalities going in the North-East and Niger Delta.

    Responding, Onanugu assured that NAN would continue to give priority to the military in its reportage as it was a vital sector.

    “We will continue to partner with the armed forces as long as NAN exists. We so much consider the military important to our operations.

    “All of us know that without security there will be no nation. We have been trying as much as possible to report whatever happens in that sector – military as fairly as possible.

    “You are the armed forces, you are working for all of us in Nigeria, without the armed forces there will be no nation; some rag-tag forces would have overrun everywhere.

    “Count on us, we shall be there for you,’’ Onanuga further assured.

    The managing director, who commended the military for the feat they had achieved in the North-East and other trouble spots, however, lamented that it was being confronted by various security challenges.

    “I pity the Nigerian armed forces, you are living in a very troubled times and all kinds of challenges confronting the military, militancy in the Niger Delta, cattle rustling and others,’’ he said.

    Onanuga further promised that NAN would strengthen its coverage of the Niger Delta to serve as early warning sign to bring to the notice of government and military happenings in that area.