The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Military is winning war against terror – GOC

    The Military says it is winning the war against terrorism in spite of some challenges.

    Brig. Gen. Victor Ezugwu, GOC, 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.

    “We are winning the war. We are bringing the war to conclusion, very soon,” Ezugwu said.

    He, however, said that Nigerians must support the military to sustain the successes so far recorded.

    “We want everybody to help us to support the peace that is emerging.

    “The peace is more enduring and more gratifying for us in Borno and other parts of the North-East of Nigeria,” Ezugwu said.

    He commended the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as well as Non-Government
    Organisations (NGOs) that had been partnering with the military toward the
    success of the counter-insurgency operation.

    “I thank traditional rulers and NGOs that are stakeholders to us in the fight against insurgency.

    “Their accurate information, their support and advice to us have given rise to a growing civil/military relationship that is existing between the military and the authorities in our areas of operations,” Ezugwu said.

  • War movie: Army seek partnership with filmmakers

    War movie: Army seek partnership with filmmakers

    Unlike the Nigeria Police, whose activities are common in Nollywood films, the Nigerian Army only enjoys references  in war-related and historical movies – the military thinks with their subtle war against insulgents, there is need to partner Nollywood filmmakers on movies that will endear the military to the people.

    Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, Chief of Civil/ Military Affairs, Nigerian Army Headquarters revealed that this is part of the new focus of the military under the leadership of Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Army Staff.

    The army chief made this known at the unveiling of the movie, 76, set against the backdrop of war and nation building. The movie which stars Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme and Ramsey Nouah among others is an Adonis and Tonye Princewill production which was inspired by events around the botched 1976 coup d’etat.

    Interestingly, Princewill who is the Executive Producer of the movie, disclosed that the execution of the movie was done with approval and support from the Nigerian Army. He revealed that the army made available the facilities at Mokola Barracks, Ibadan, where the movie was shot.

    The Major General said, “With every regime come different concepts and ideas. So with the coming of Maj Gen T.Y Buratai as Chief of Army Staff, he has a vision which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian army in discharge of its constitutional mandate. And part of that is to develop a military/ civil relationship that will close the gap between the military and the civilians. That is what we are trying to do. The issue of people not having channels to complain is now a thing of the past. Right now, we have a human rights desk in our office. We are collaborating with the National Human Rights Commission and the Nigerian Bar Association.”

    “We welcome and encourage any filmmaker who wants to do a movie on the insurgency war as long as it is within the confines of the law. Interested participants can come up and we will look into it and collaborate.”

    Asked about funding, the army chief said, “When we are collaborating with a filmmaker, it means that there is counterpart funding for it. This means that it is a two-way traffic, not that the Nigerian Army alone will fund such movies. If you come up with a proposal and you think that it will be beneficial to the Nigerian Army and indeed, Nigerians as a whole, then we will be ready to look into it.”

    Adonis Productions is already considering the challenge thrown by the Nigerian military. Princewill who is also the patron of the Nigerian Association of Movie Producers expressed his willingness for collaboration with the Nigerian military.

  • Rivers rerun: Politicians arming criminals, says Army

    Rivers rerun: Politicians arming criminals, says Army

    •‘Suspected patrons, sponsors closely monitored’

    The 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has accused politicians of arming criminals.

    It said any criminal arrested would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

    The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of 2 Brigade, Capt. Eli Lazarus, spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt.

    He said: “Some politicians are arming these groups and encouraging them with inciting comments to breach the public peace. No one should be in doubt of the capacity of the military to deal with such persons. Persons caught breaching public peace, particularly during the elections, will have themselves to blame. Some suspected patrons and sponsors of these criminal groups are closely monitored by security agencies.”

    Capt. Lazarus advised parents and guardians to warn their children or wards against any form of association with criminal groups/sponsors.

    He added: “In the early hours of Sunday, February 7, 2016, pipeline vandals destroyed a gas facility at Akala Olu village in Oshie community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, thereby disrupting the production activities of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). The vandals threatened to carry out further acts of vandalism, unless their demands are met.

    “The vandals are suspected members of Icelander cult group. The group demanded the release of a detained suspect, Emmanuel Odum, undergoing interrogation in connection with pipeline vandalism and cult-related activities.

    ‘’The 2 Brigade will not be cowed into doing the bidding of any criminal group. For the avoidance of doubt, anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will be severely dealt with, in accordance with the law.”

     

  • DHQ dares Niger Delta militants, IPOB others

    DHQ dares Niger Delta militants, IPOB others

    The Nigeria Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned the Niger Delta militants and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) not to engage in any act that would threaten the peace and unity of the country, or embark on acts of sabotage against the Nigerian state.

    In a release signed by the Defence Information Director, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, the DHQ warned that the military and other security agencies will not condone any acts by individuals or group that is capable of breaching the security and economy of the Niger Delta or in any part of the country.

    “This is because; the nation’s interest is above that of individual or group’s interest. In as much as the military recognizes the supremacy of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression and association, the constitution also frowns against individuals or groups hiding under it to stir up trouble and insecurity in the land.  Any individual or groups who have genuine complain or grievances should use the available means of dialogue for amicable resolution but certainly not violence, as it will not be tolerated,” the Defence Spokesman said.

  • Army to rebuild schools in Northeast

    Army to rebuild schools in Northeast

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Brig.- Gen. Muhammed Isa Aliyu, has said the Army will rebuild schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states.

    He said the measure is part of Federal Government’s efforts to resettle the communities destroyed by the terrorists.

    The GOC, who addressed reporters in his office yesterday, said: “Army will soon begin a rehabilitation and reconstruction programme because we are confident that the battle against Boko Haram has been won by the federal troops.”

    He said: “The Army has overcome counter-terrorism  because today Boko Haram has no existence in the country.

    “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, is committed to the rehabilitation of victims. Displaced people have started returning to their homes.

    “As far as the COAS is concerned, the war against terrorism will not only stop at the defeat of Boko Haram, it will not be completed until  displaced people are returned to their homes.”

    Brig.-Gen. Aliyu

    urged reporters to join in the fight against insurgency by informing the public of the success attained, especially the use of new equipment, which made their men to win the war against terrorism.

     

  • Army enlists 600 soldiers for vocational skills

    Army enlists 600 soldiers for vocational skills

    To ensure retired military personnel have decent and sustainable livelihood, the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, has begun the training of over 600 soldiers.

    Commandant NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Mike Iloenyosi who inducted the soldiers into the six – months pre-retirement course, noted that about 80 percent of the trainees were from the Nigerian Army.

    Eexamining that the centre was a vocational training institution set up to ensure smooth transition for retiring military personnel, Air Vice Marshal Iloenyosi said the trainees will be equipped with skills and trades that could power them for a productive after service life.

    He, however, emphasised that NAFRC does not prepare officers for re-engagement in the military after retirement, stressing that the lectures the trainees will receive are geared towards profitable self sustainability and easy integration into the civil populace.

    “The training they get here is not to be redrafted for active service. The essence of this course is to give them vocational skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to be able to manage their resources more efficiently, as well as easily adapt to post – service life.

    “These gallant soldiers have been in service for an average of 35 years and so, redrafting them into active or combat service is not the essence, rather, it is for them to be adequately prepared to manage their resources and package, so that if some of them have cottage industry, for instance, they will be able to run same well.

    “You must call to mind that their capital base is minimal and so, we are interested in their being able to harness it through low capital budget ventures,” he said.

    Speaking ealier to the trainees, Air Vice Marshal Iloenyosi said that the centre has produced a good number of successful graduates who are doing well in their acquired skills in society and employing others.

    “In the light of this, your stay here will enable you to learn a trade of your choice that will channel your integration into a smooth and rewarding civil life.  By the time you leave the centre, all of you would have become skilled professionals, ready to explore and exploit the outside business world, different perhaps from what you are used to.

    “Invariably, you are here to develop yourselves; and your personal commitment, hard work and sacrifice will propel you to your desired end…Your success depends largely on how best you utilise the time available in the programme.

    “This is a unique opportunity that enables you to acquire your chosen skill free-of-charge towards making life more meaningful and rewarding when you finally disengage from active service.

    “If you do not complete this course, NAFRC will not issue you any certificate of completion. If you do not record at least 50% attendance, you will equally not be issued certificate of course completion,” he said.

    At the event were the Deputy Commandant, Maj.-Gen. L.W. Wiwa;  Director Training, Brig.-Gen. Victor Nnorom; Commodore Aliyu Sule;  Director Logistics, Commodore F.O Ezeogwu, among others.

    Commandant NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Mike Iloenyosi  (second left); his deputy, Maj.-Gen. L.W. Wiwa (left); Director Training, Brig.-Gen. Victor Nnorom (second right) and Commodore Aliyu Sule at the induction of about 600 trainees for pre-retirement course.

  • Army: sealed house not General’s

    Army: sealed house not General’s

    •Air Commodore is owner

    The Army yesterday said none of the property sealed off by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kaduna belongs to its Chief of Training and Operation, Major-General Yushau Mahmood Abubakar or his spouse as reported on Monday.

    In a statement from the Directorate of Army Public Relations Department,  signed by Col. Onyema Nwachukwu on behalf of the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the Army also said General Abubakar was never invited or interrogated by the anti-graft agency.

    While demanding a retraction and an apology over the publication, the statement said Gen. Abubakar was recently appointed as the Chief of Training and Operation after an excellent performance as Commander, Operations Lafia Dole”, which was established to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

    The rejoinder reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the Tuesday, 26 January, 2016 publication by The Nation newspaper alleging that the former Commander, Operation Lafia Dole, Major General Yushau Mahmood Abubakar has been linked to the $2.1 billion arms deal by the EFCC and properties belonging to him and his wife have been sealed off by the same anti-graft agency.

    “It is quite unfortunate that in total disregard for fairness and balance reportage, your reporters rushed to the press and proceeded to publish same without taking necessary steps to inquire and ensure that the correct identity of the person involved is clearly established.

    “It is crucial to point out here that contrary to your publication, none of the properties sealed off by EFCC as mentioned in your publication belongs or is linked to major General Yushua Mahmood Abubakar or his spouse as insinuated in your report.

    “Additionally, as at the time of this rebuttal, the senior officer has not been invited or grilled by the EFCC as published in your newspaper.

    “It is expedient to inform you that Major General Yushua Mahmood Abubakar is the immediate past Theater Commander of Operation Lafia Dole established by the current Chief of Army Staff to combat terrorism and insurgency in the Northeast and was recently appointed Chief of Training and Operations at the Army headquarters as a result of his excellent performance in the theatre of war.

    Your publication therefore did not only misguide the public, but constitutes monumental embarrassment to the Nigerian Army, the Senior officer and his family.

    “Given the serious nature of the allegation which has not only severally dented the hard earned good image of the senior officer, but also has exposed him to enormous emotional distress, it is requested that you retract the misinformation and officially write a letter of apology clearing the senior officer’s name without which he may be compelled to resort to legal action.

    “You are also requested to publish same on the front page of your newspaper and accord to same publicity as given to the erroneous publication through which the general public was misinformed. Thank you for your usual cooperation.”Mobile policemen yesterday laid siege to the property sealed off by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kaduna belonging to suspects being investigated in the arms deals scandal.

    Also yesterday, The Nation gathered that the 5C Sultan Close mansion reported to belong to Gen. Abubakar actually belongs to Air Commodore Yishahu Abubakar (retd) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Similarly, the shopping mall reported to be owned by General Abubakar’s wife belongs to Air Commodore Abubakar’s wife.

    Policemen are guarding the property, according to a source, to prevent any attempt by unknown persons to erase EFCC’s inscription on them.

    A resident of the area said some men around 8pm on Monday tried to erase the EFCC notice written in thick red paint, but mobile policemen arrived on the scene and the unknown men fled.

    The EFCC seal destroyed by the intruders has been replaced by the anti-graft agency. Some of the red paint has been cleared off.

    A resident pleaded not to be named confirmed that the property actually belongs to the retired Air Commodore who, according to her, has not been seen in the neighborhood for some time.

    She also confirmed that the owner of the shopping mall on Lamido Road is the wife of the retired officer.

    It was also gathered that the retired Air Commodore was a one time Director of Finance and Account at the NAF Headquarters.

     

  • Boko Haram: Army reopens case of personnel desertion

    Boko Haram: Army reopens case of personnel desertion

    Seven officers including a Brigadier General, two Colonels and four Lieutenant Colonels appeared before the Nigerian Army Court Martial held in Lagos Tuesday.

    The army officers that appeared at the court martial are – Gen. J.O. Komolafe, Colonels I.B. Maina and I.A. Aboi, Lieutenant Colonels N.N. Orok, C.A. Magaji, A.O. Agwu and O.O. Obolo,

    The officers were among the initial 22 whose trial commenced in 2014 at the Nine Brigade, for alleged desertion and cowardice in the fight against Boko Haram sect.

    They are also being tried for alleged negligence and complicity in the invasion of the 21 Artillery Brigade, Bama, by Boko Haram insurgents on September 2, 2014.

    Also standing trial before the Court Martial is a soldier, whose identity could not be ascertained.

    Although the court martial suffered several adjournments, it was learnt that the cases of 14 officers- Colonels A. Laguda, V. Ebhaleme, V.O. Ita, I.M Kabir, M.H. Abubakar, A. A. Egbejule, A.J.S. Gulani, A.M. Adetuyi; Major M.M Idris; Captains M. Adamu, O. A. Adenaike, M. Gidado, M.M. Clark and S. Raymond as well as a Second Lieutenant, S.O. Olowa- have been decided.

    Since inception, journalists have been barred from covering the trial, which usually held under tight security.

    Confirming the development, Col. Kingsley Samuel said: “The court martial resumed sitting on Monday, January 25, to continue hearing cases of seven officers and a soldier.

    “This is against erroneous news reports that 19 officers of the Nigerian Army are facing trial at the court martial.

    “The case was part-heard and now the court martial board has continued to hear the case. This is not a fresh court martial but a continuation of the former one.”

     

  • $2.1b Armsgate: Army denies General’s ownership of property

    $2.1b Armsgate: Army denies General’s ownership of property

    The Nigerian Army said Tuesday that none of the property sealed off by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kaduna belong to its Chief Training and Operation, Major General Yushua Mahmood Abubakar or his spouse as earlier reported.

    In a statement from the Directorate of Army Public Relations and signed by Col. Onyema Nwachukwu on behalf of the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the Army also said General Abubakar was never, at any time invited nor interrogated by the anti graft agency.

    While demanding a retraction and an apology over the publication, the statement said that General Abubakar was recently appointed as the Chief of Training and Operation after an excellent performance as Commander, Operation Lafia Dole, established to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

  • Army begins rebuilding of Northeast villages

    Army begins rebuilding of Northeast villages

    The Army said yesterday it would rebuild the villages ravaged  by Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.

    General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Gen. Isidore Edet, who addressed 796 members of the Nigerian Battalion 44 (NIBATT) returnee peacekeepers from Dafur in Sudan, at the headquarters, 65 Battalion, restated the Army headquarters’ claim that Boko Haram had been defeated.

    He said the terrorists could no longer attack troops’ locations and villages.

    Gen. Edet said rebuilding would be done after the terrorists had been decimated, because it was the last phase in counter insurgency operations.

    He hailed the contingent for not losing any of its men, urging them to key into the change agenda of the government and apply the Army core values to become change agents.