The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Army apologises for attack on Benue Community

    Army apologises for attack on Benue Community

    The Commandant, Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Ogunkale, has apologised to Governor Samuel Ortom for soldiers’ attack on a community in North Bank on Aug. 15.

    Ogunkale tendered the apology during a courtesy call on the governor at the Peoples House, Makurdi, on Wednesday.

    He said he had already instituted a commission of inquiry headed by the Deputy Commandant to investigate the circumstances that led to the incidence, and assured that perpetrators would be punished.

    The commandant maintained that the army would collaborate with other security agencies to forestall the reoccurrence of such ugly incidence in the state.

    He also announced the cancellation of plans to relocate the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies, NAITES, and urged the people to patronise the institution.

    Ogunkale appealed to the state government to provide logistics to the school to enable it resume pumping of water to the neighboring community.

    Ortom, in his response, assured that the state government was compiling a comprehensive report on the crises and would forward it to the president for necessary action.

    He advised the military to always operate within the ambit of the law, adding that two “wrongs do not make a right’’.

    Ortom expressed satisfaction with the commandant’s peace building efforts, and appealed for its sustainability.

    He assured that even though things were tight financially he would provide the assistance which the commandant requested.

  • Army begins review of dismissed soliders’ cases

    Army begins review of dismissed soliders’ cases

    The Army will today in Jaji, Kaduna State begin the review of the cases of about 4,000 officers and men dismissed from Operation “Zaman Lafia” in Northeast.

    The exercise, which was earlier slated for 311 Artillery Regiment Kontagora in Niger State, will now hold at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre (NAPKC), Jaji.

    The cases of officers and men who are  in detention in Jos, Plateau State and those already convicted for various offences under “Operation Zaman Lafiya” will be reviewed.

    A signal dated August 13 and signed by Lt. Colonel P. Y Haruna from the headquarters of the 31 Artillery Brigrade to all its formations across the country directed all affected to appear before a panel at the NAPKC Jaji.

    According to the signal, the review exercise will also look into the cases of officers and men “under detention, trail or convicted by GCM in respect of disciplinary cases emanating from erstwhile Operation Zaman Lafiya to NAPKC Jaji”.

    The development supersedes the August signal by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army headquarters, Colonel D. C Onyemulu directing all affected to proceed to Kontagora.

    Majority of the affected soldiers were dismissed following the fall of the home town of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh to Boko Haram early this year.

    The development led to mass summary dismissal of men and trial of some officers under the Operation Zaman Lafiya for neglegence without strict adherence to military guidelines for dismissal of officers and men.

    Affected officers and men had appealed against their summary dismissal, alleging that they were not tried but were only dismissed.

     

  • Boko Haram: Review of dismissed soldiers’ cases begins

    The Nigerian Army will on Monday commence the review of the cases of about 4,000 officers and men recently dismissed from operation “Zaman Lafia” in North Eastern region of the country.

    The exercise which was earlier slated for 311 Artillery Regiment Kontagora in Niger State will now hold at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre (NAPKC), Jaji.

    The cases of officers and men who are currently in detention in Jos, Plateau state and those already convicted for various offences under “Operation Zaman Lafiya” will be reviewed.

    A signal dated 13th August, 2015 and signed by one Lt. Colonel P. Y Haruna from the headquarters of the 31 Artillery Brigrade to all its formations across the country directed all affected to appear before a panel at the NAPKC Jaji.

    According to the signal, the review exercise will also look into the cases of officers and men “under detention, trail or convicted by GCM in respect of disciplinary cases emanating from erstwhile Operation Zaman Lafiya to NAPKC Jaji”.

    This development supersede the 4th of August signal by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army headquarters, Colonel D. C Onyemulu directing all affected to proceed to Kontagora.

    Majority of the affected soldiers were dismissed following the fall of the home town of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh to the outlawed Boko Haram group early this year.

    The attack led to mass summary dismissal of men and trial of some officers under the Operation Zaman Lafiya for neglegence without strict adherence to military guidelines for dismissal of officers and men.

    Affected officers and men had appealed against their summary dismissal, alleging that they were not tried but were only handed down with their dismissal while some are still in detention camp in Jos.

    Source from the military said that the affected officers and men were drawn from five Battalions of the Nigerian Army.

  • Many Boko Haram suspects arrested in Lagos, says ex-Army boss

    Many Boko Haram suspects arrested in Lagos, says ex-Army boss

    Former General Officer‎ Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major-Gen. Tanmi Dibi on Monday disclosed that many Boko Haram suspects were arrested ‎in Lagos in the last 18 months.
    He made the disclosure during an interview with reporters, after officially handing over to the incumbent GOC, Major-Gen. Isibor Edet.
    Dibi who refused to give further details on the arrest, however warned the division’s personnel to remember that they are actively involved in the war against the insurgents.
    He said: “Military job is a challenging task and Lagos State itself is a peculiar state. We have had our challenging times but we were able to overcome them.
    “Under my watch, we were able to prevent the incursion of Boko Haram insurgents into Lagos. A good number of them were arrested here in Lagos. Having served for 35years and retiring now, I expect to see a more disciplined and committed army.”
    While addressing personnel of the division both at the headquarters and at the 65 Battalion parade ground, Dibi who retires from service this week, urged them to be committed to their duties.
    ‎He noted that although the division has been able to contain the excesses of the insurgents in its area of responsibility, army personnel must not relapse in ensuring the area remains safe.
    He said: “You are all aware of the challenges we are going through- the problem of Boko Haram. The fact that you are not in the northeast does not mean you are not fighting the war.
    “We are all involved in the war because wars of this nature do not have a front or a rear. So far, we are winning the war and I want you to do more.

    “And so far so good, we have been able to contain their excesses and I want you to do more. We have talked enough about security measures put in place, about your own personal security and that of your families and that of the barracks and how you relate with your friends but I urge you to do more.
    “Be more vigilant and ensure security of your environment, your Barracks. I do not want to be in my village to hear about any careless death.‎ I do not want to read about an attack in Lagos.
    “I want to hear that this division I am leaving is the most efficient division in the Nigeria army. I give God the glory for making it possible to serve Nigeria for 35 years and retiring today. I also thank all of you for supporting me.
    Some of you have done so well by co-operating, some of you lagged behind.
    “For those lagging behind, please change your attitude towards work, be more dedicated because you do not have any other job than this job, neither do you have any other army.
    “The army is a voluntary organization which you decided to join, nobody forced you to join, therefore, do not allow any to force you do your job.
    “If you do your job, you are not doing anyone any favour. It is your job and you should do it well,” he said.
    Describing his successor, Major-Gen. Isibor Edet as an embodiment of knowledge, intelligence and discipline, Dibi admonished personnel to accord him all loyalty‎ and respect so that the division can succeed.

  • 15 injured as Army, police clash in Edo

    Fifteen persons, including a pregnant woman, were yesterday injured during a fracas between men of the Nigerian Army and policemen from the popular Oba Market Police Station.

    The clash, which occurred opposite the market, located at the Benin City centre, forced residents and shops owners to flee for safety.

    Tear gas canisters and several shots were fired during the clash, as soldiers who arrived in over 10 Hilux vans, invaded the police station.

    Many residents were injured in the ensuing stampede and from inhaling tear gas.

    Policemen in the station locked themselves inside the station, while business owners locked their shops to prevent looting.

    The soldiers stopped their over two-hour siege at the police station at about 6:20pm, following intervention of top police officers in the state.

    It was learnt that trouble started when 10 policemen beat two soldiers to stupor at the Ibiwe junction close to the Oba Market station.

    The soldiers, according to witnesses, had beaten up a female traffic warden for not allowing them to pass through despite heavy traffic.

    One of the soldiers was said to have repeatedly slapped the woman until other policemen intervened, resulting into a free for all.

    The policemen were said to have dragged the soldiers to the police station and detained them.

     

    Witnesses said a soldier who witnessed the beating called his colleagues and soldiers in 10 hilux vans stormed the police station.

     

    Spokesman for the Nigerian Army, 4 Brigade, Jonah Unuakhalu, said he was yet to be briefed and promised to call back after getting the details.

     

    Also, Edo Police Spokesman, DSP Stephen Onwochei, could not be reached for comments.

  • Troops kill eight, arrest Boko Haram’s fuel supplier

    Troops kill eight, arrest Boko Haram’s fuel supplier

    Troops gained upper hand on Thursday in their counter-insurgency campaign in Borno and Yobe States when they killed eight Boko Haram insurgents and arrested the sect’s fuel and food items coordinator.

    Also, the troops recovered 15 cows, 174 goats and a donkey from rustlers.

    But two vigilantes were wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) fragments.

    These disclosures were contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman.

    The statement said: “The Nigerian troops yesterday made startling discovery while combing and clearing terrorists in and around Dikwa, Borno State.

    “During the painstaking operation, the troops discovered pile of street lamps poles cut into pieces by Boko Haram terrorists which they use in making Improvised Explosives Devices.

    “In another development, during a cordon and search operation in Jakana village, the troops of 7 Division Garrison recovered 15 cows, 174 goats and a donkey from rustlers. The animals have since been handed over to their identified legitimate owners. The rustlers were apprehended and are currently undergoing investigation.

    “Similarly, troops have at Jehu near Jakana, arrested Mai Mustapha a fuel supplier to Boko Haram terrorists and Madu who coordinates buying of food items from neighbouring villages for the terrorists.

    “Additionally, early this morning Nigerian troops blocked elements that attacked Dumbuluwa village in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State and had encounter with the terrorists.

    “The gallant soldiers killed eight terrorists. Unfortunately, two vigilantes were wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices fragments.”

     

  • Troops clears Gwoza road of Boko Haram IEDs

    Troops clears Gwoza road of Boko Haram IEDs


    Nigerian Army Troops of 7 Division on Wednesday began to clear Gwoza-Yamteke road of Boko Haram Improvised explosives devices (IED).

    •       Some of the Pickup vehicles arrested from insurgents during military operations
    Army 4  
    • Few of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) commonly used by Boko Haram insurgents
    Army 3   Army clears Gwoza road [news_box style="2" display="tag" link_target="_blank" tag="Army, Boko Haram, Insurgency" count="6" show_more="on" show_more_type="link" header_background="#9e3224" header_text_color="#efefef"]

  • Army rescues 30 persons from terrorists

    Army rescues 30 persons from terrorists

     

    •Military repels attack on COAS’ village

    The Army said yesterday that troops have rescued  30 persons, (including 21 children) from Boko Haram in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    Also rescued were a six-day old infant, seven women, (including three nursing mothers) and two male adults.

    The military also discovered that the palace of the Shehu of Dikwa has been turned into a training ground where weapons handling and engagement of aircraft were being taught new Boko Haram  recruits

    It said troops, however, repelled a fresh attempt by Boko Haram to take over Buratai, the country home of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, made the disclosure in a statement.

    The statement reads: “As a result of ongoing operations under the aegis of Operation Lafiya Dole to clear Dikwa and its environs from Boko Haram terrorist, the troops of 7 Division yesterday rescued 30 persons from the terrorists in Kwayabe and Wufe wards in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “They include 21 children and a six-day old infant, seven women including three nursing mothers and two elderly male adults.

    “The troops also discovered a training shed inside the vandalised and looted palace of the Shehu of Dikwa where weapon handling and engagement of aircraft were being taught new Boko Haram recruits.”

    Troops have repelled a fresh attempt by Boko Haram to take over Buratai.

    Usman, who made the disclosure in a statement, said it was the fourth time the sect would fail in such a bid.

    The statement said: “For about the fourth time since February 2014, Boko Haram terrorists moved against Buratai, the home town of Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, last night, which is also the location of a military camp.

    “In their desperate attempt to capture the town, the invaders struck about 9:30 pm, but were repelled by soldiers.

    “The terrorists returned again about 3am and were equally pushed back.

    “The suspected terrorists made a futile attempt to attack Buratai town in Borno State and a military camp in the area. I am glad to inform you that the gallant soldiers rose to the occasion.

    “They, however, made concerted effort about 3am this morning, which was equally repelled by the gallant soldiers. The situation in the  town is cool and calm.

    “By the time they struck first in February last year, Gen. Buratai was serving as commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta.”

  • Army pulls out 11 generals

    Army pulls out 11 generals

    11 generals of the Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps in Lagos State were yesterday pulled out of service.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officers were eight Major-Generals and 3 Brigadier-Generals who retired between 2013 and 2015.

    The Major-Generals are Manhood Yerima, Abiodun Amao, Olayemi Abidoye, Boniface Azurunwa, Adekunle Martin’s, Christian Ugwu, Bode Ogini and Mashudy Adekanye.

    The Brigadier-Generals are Kachallah, Godfrey Nwafor and Gabriel Oladipo.

    In a valedictory speech, Maj.-Gen. Manhood Yerima, former Chief of Training and Operations, Defence Headquarters, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

    Yerima pledged that the retired officers would continue to keep the Nigerian flag high.

    He admonished the serving military personnel to continue to be loyal and be extra-vigilant.

    “Your loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria can best be given through vigilance and security consciousness.

    “You must continue to demonstrate total commitment to your duty to the nation just as you have exemplified in your recent successes in the fight against terrorism in the north-east.

    “The Nigerian people, especially the retirees, are expecting a lot from you in the face of the current insurgency.

    “Your secondary role is to assist the government in ensuring internal peace and your involvement in internal security duties demand all of you to be non-partisan,’’ he said.

    He expressed the conviction that the Nigerian military would overcome the current security challenges in the country.

    Other retirees also expressed their gratitude to the army and Nigerians for the opportunity to serve the country.

    NAN reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen.Tukur Buratai, was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Tamunomiebi Dibi.

    He wished them well in their post service years.

  • Army urges calm over UNIBEN student’s death

    The 4 Mechanised Brigade in Benin, the Edo State capital, yesterday enjoined students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to remain calm, following the death of one of their colleagues on Tuesday.

    The brigade made the appeal in a statement in Benin by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Capt. Jonah Unuakhalu.

    Two female students of the university were knocked down on Sunday morning in front of the university’s gate by a patrol vehicle of a security outfit, Operation Pulo Shield, driven by a soldier.

    The death of one of the students sparked a protest, which grounded activities at Ogbowo in Benin.

    The Army said the brigade had started investigation into the matter to determine the cause of the accident.

    It said efforts were being made to reach the families of the deceased.

    The statement said: “On Sunday morning, at 8.30a.m, there was a road accident involving Operation Pulo Shield vehicle, driven by a soldier. It knocked down two ladies, who were confirmed to be UNIBEN students.

    “They were, however, evacuated to a nearby hospital where one was confirmed dead; the other student is responding to treatment.

    “Efforts are being made by the command to reach the university authority and families of the two students involved in the accident and to further dialogue with the Students’ Union Government (GUG) to avert the protest. But the students insisted on speaking with government officials.

    “It is advisable that the students should keep calm as the command is looking into the issue.”