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  • Army to set up FOB in Falgore forest – Buratai

    Army to set up FOB in Falgore forest – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday, said a Forward Operation Base (FOB) would be set up in the once dreaded Falgore forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State to address security challenges in the area.

    The army chief announced this when he paid a visit to troops undergoing training in the forest, which once served as safe haven for banditry, cattle rustlers and kidnappers.

    Buratai said that the forest would henceforth serve as one of the permanent training grounds for Nigerian Army.

    This, he said, was made possible as the Kano State Government had allocated the forest to the army.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a joint exercise tagged “WAZOBI Kungama” which begun on Nov. 17, billed to end on Nov. 25, is ongoing in the area.

    The exercise is the the conclusion of training to assess the 76 Regular Regular Recruits of the Nigerian Army and other participants in tactical, command and control, as well as all manners of maneuver warfare on counter insurgency.

    Other participants were drawn from Nigerian Army Schools of infantry and Artillery, as well as Nigerian Defence Academy.

    Buratai said “exercise WAZOBIA Kungama is a training for Nigerian Army School of Infantry, as well as the Depot, where they put their students together on what they were taught indoors.”

    He said since his appointment as chief of army staff in 2015, the army had been purposeful in its training schedules.

    He added that “we have been seeing areas that have challenges and we bring troops to have a feel in real terms where they will be operating once they graduate and this terrain, vegetation and environment – Falgore forest is a very good training ground.”

    He noted that the forest would both serve as training ground and provide the needed security to address banditry, kidnapping and other criminal acts common in the area.

    He explained that “our presence will serve as deterrence, where our troops on training meet such criminal elements and deal with them accordingly.”

    The army flushed bandits and other criminal elements from the forest through “Operation Harbin Kunama I and II ” in 2016 and early 2017.

    The forest is in Tudun Wada, Doguwa and Sumaila local government areas of the state and extends its boundary line between Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

    It covers an area of about 1000 square kilometers.

  • Soldiers chased weapon-laden truck into Kanu’s home, says Buratai

    Soldiers chased weapon-laden truck into Kanu’s home, says Buratai

    •Court hears case on Kanu’s whereabouts

    Soldiers chased a truck laden with weapons into a house said to belong to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu’s father   in Afara-Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, on September 14, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has said.

    Gen. Buratai said owners of the truck detonated the explosives on the day Kanu was last seen in public.

    He said the suspects’ intention was to frustrate the move to arrest them by the troops

    Gen, Buratai stated these in a counter-affidavit he filed in reaction to a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja in Kanu’s name by his lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

    The suit seeks, among others, an order to compel Gen. Buratai, listed as defendant, to produce the IPOB leader, who the plaintiff claimed was in the custody of the military.

    IPOB claimed, in the suit filed shortly after Kanu went missing, that the soldiers, who allegedly invaded his father’s house on September 14, took him away.

    But, in the counter-affidavit deposed to on his behalf by Col. A.A Yusuf, attached to the COAS’s office at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, Gen. Buratai denied the plaintiff’s claim. He said the soldiers had no contact with Kanu

    He said: during “a peaceful movement” which was part of the “Operation Python Dance II” on September 14, some soldiers saw a truck and flagged it down, but the truck and its occupants ran over Army’s barricade and defied soldiers’ order stopping them to be searched.

    He said the soldiers pursued the fleeing truck, loaded with arms and ammunition, into a compound.

    Buratai said the compound turned out to be the one Kanu later claimed, in the suit, to belong to him and his father.

    He said soldiers, who pursued the truck into Kanu’s father’s  house, did not fire any shot but that the occupants of the fleeing truck deliberately ignited the ammunition in the truck.

    “It was the legitimate attempt by the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to arrest the fleeing occupants of the truck and impound the truck that precipitated the deliberate igniting of the ammunition in the truck by persons now believed to be IPOB members.

    “The act of the IPOB members resulted in sporadic explosions within the said applicant’s compound.

    “The applicant (Kanu) is not and has neither being in our custody nor in the custody of any person, officer or institution receiving instruction directly or indirectly from him.

    “The applicant was not at any time whatsoever arrested, taken into custody or detained by the Officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

    “The officers and men of the Nigerian Army did not have any contact whatsoever or confrontation or any operational engagement with the applicant on September 12 or 14, 20l7 or any other date thereafter, contrary to the  allegations in the affidavit in support of the  application.

    “The allegation of invasion of the South-Eastern part of Nigeria by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, especially the applicant’s home and or residence is totally false,” the COAS said.

    He added that his men, acting in compliance with “approved Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct which prohibit any form of human right abuses” did not kill scores of people during the military operation in the South East as alleged in the suit.

    “The allegations of firing of live bullets on the applicant’s relatives, killing of scores of persons, wounding and arrest of many, attack and invasion of applicant’s home, barricade at Isialangwa, arrest and torture of civilians by officers and me of the Nigerian Army, as stated by the deponent, are a figment of his imagination as same are not true,” he said.

    The case is expected to come up today for hearing before Justice Binta Nyako.

  • Security: South West Youths Laud Buhari, Army Achievements In 2017

    Youths From the South West region under the umbrella of the Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress have commended the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt gen. Tukur Buratai in tackling the various security threats the nation faced in the outgoing year.
    Recall that recently, the army said the country faced over 14 various security threats, ranging from terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, among others. But the youth group said the President and the Army have demonstrated capacity in handling the security situation in the country.
    Addressing journalists in Lagos,

    President of the Progressive Yoruba Youth Congress, Hon. Desmond Abiona said the choices of the President in appointing his security chiefs played critical role in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
    He explained that the Youth Congress has taken stock of what has transpired in Nigeria in 2017, especially around the security circle because of its importance to economic development and concluded that the Buhari administration deserves to be commended.
    He said, “It is common knowledge that security was the biggest challenge for Nigeria before President Muhammadu Buhari came into office. The worst form of the insecurity that bedeviled the nation was the insurgency being waged by Boko Haram as a terrorist group. Its reign of terror was such that people had expected that the whole of Nigeria would have been under sustained attacks from the terrorists by now.
    “There were also militant groups and separatists that those wishing to destroy Nigeria have primed to replace Boko Haram. To the glory of God and to the credit of President Buhari, these threats have all been managed and Nigeria’s integrity maintained. It must be acknowledged that this remarkable feat was no accident even when it has God’s blessing written all over it. The military chiefs appointed by Mr President brought the needed experience, skills, dedication, and commitment to the job to ensure that the country returned to being secured.
    “We have seen results by way of a Boko Haram that is not able to spread its terror further than what it did before President Buhari came to power thanks to the Army that has denied its fighters breathing space. We have seen a Boko Haram that has been flushed out of areas once touted as its stronghold. We have also seen several other aspiring terror groups consigned into undertaking exercises in futility as they try to stake claims to being notorious terror groups.
    “We commend the President for restoring security to the land through the instrumentality of the Nigerian Army and other military and security services. It is a singular achievement for which we are grateful as Nigerians.”
    According to Abiona, the army under Buratai is one that has been rated as the best in recent times and it is something Nigerians are happy to identify with especially when it has done much to secure the country.
    He stated further, “We declare that Mr President has demonstrated capacity in handling the security situation in the country as we recognize the leadership he has provided as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This in our view was what trickled down to the Nigerian Army which has adjusted itself into the new role as Guardian of democracy.
    “We salute President Buhari for appointing Lt gen. Tukur Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who has proven that the administration must be thanked for the appointment and responsible leadership as he has demonstrated. The army under Buratai is one that has been rated as the best in recent times and it is something we are happy to identify with especially when it has done much to secure the country.”
    He noted that the Exercise Crocodile Smile organized by the Army that just ended in some parts of the south-west addressed the challenges that were threatening to destabilize the region.
    He said challenges like those of cultism and ritual killers were dealt with by the exercise.

  • Operation Lafiya Dole troops write emotional letter to Buhari, Buratai

    Members of the Nigerian troops in north eastern part of the country under the operation tag, ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ have written an emotional letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai in response to his recent letter to the team.

    The army chief had in a recent letter sent to the troops in the battle field encouraged them never to give up on their quest to bring back lasting peace to the volatile region.

    Buratai subsequently promised to off-set the two months’ allowances owed soldiers involved in Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The troops in the letter on Monday evening uasserted that the COAS’ recent letter to them in the battle field was a boost to their muscles.

    The letter jointly signed by Pte Samson Okwudili, Sgt. Aliyu Bala, WO2 Bode O. Ola assured president Buhari and the army chief that they troops won’t relent until the battle over insurgency is totally won.

    The letter reads:
    “Sir, on behalf of Nigerian troops of the “Operation Lafiya Dole,” we acknowledge with joy, the receipt of your endearing letter of encouragement, commendation and assurances to the Nigerian Army troops on special assignments’ within and outside Nigeria, dated, November 5, 2017.

    “Similarly, we are extending our heartfelt appreciation to the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Monsur Dan. Ali (rtd) for their endless support and encouragement of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian military generally in the face of the daunting and multifarious insecurity challenges confronting our dear country, Nigeria.

    “We also, seize this unique opportunity to send our special salute to you, the Corps Commanders and Commanders of Nigerian Army Training Institutions in Nigeria.

    “Sir, we cannot conceal our excitement over the good news conveyed by your letter to us at the warfront. We are disarmed and encouraged by the soothing words of encouragement, commendations and assurances from your splendid and patriotic leadership of the Nigerian Army in the last two years. We dare say, your mail to us is timely, comforting and a morale booster to greater determination and result-orientated military expeditions by the troops of “Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduiguri.

    “We cannot pretend that your humble message to us has enlivened our spirits and energized our strengths to unfathomable depths. It has again, reactivated our sense of patriotism, loyalty, commitment and rededication to our professional duties. We are indeed motivated and in high spirits to defiantly pursue the cause of the defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country, Nigeria, by ensuring the final termination of Boko Haram Terrorism and other sects of armed local conflicts afflicting the nation.

    “Sir, may you be informed that troops are not unmindful of the tendency of insurgents to attempt a bounce back anytime to undermine the successes so far recorded by the military in the counter-insurgency operations. We are not unaware that some unscrupulous elements within and without, may set out to mastermind such aberrations’ by sowing seeds of discord among troops and their commanders.

    “Please, you have our assurances, never to neither let you down or allow terrorism in whatever guise sprout or fester in any part of the country. We are prepared never to accept unwholesome influence in our fold, until collectively; the final song of victory against terrorists is chorused.

    “We further wish to specially acknowledge you, our Chief Commander and COAS, for your sterling leadership qualities and purposeful leadership of the Nigerian Army. We have all come to know you as not just as astute leader of Nigerian troops, but a reformist, performer, comforter, a humanist, a welfarist, an exceptional officer and stickler for high professional discipline and performance. We pray God to continue to replenish your wisdom and strength to lead us to further victories in battle.

    “ Therefore, we wish to end with our open appreciation of the priority, premium and seriousness you attach to matters of welfare of troops. The prompt and timely payment of salaries and allowance of troops, especially, those at the warfront, the expeditious attention to the medical needs of troops, particularly, those injured on the battlefield, the special attention you pay to welfare of our families back home and your economic enhancement packages for soldiers have infinitely endeared us to you and your leadership. We are obliged to reciprocate same through impressive performance.

    “Lastly, we are impressed with the unflinching support extended to your leadership of the Nigerian Army by President Muhammedu Buhari and the Minister of Defence. Please, convey our assurances to them about our resolute confidence and determination to emerge victorious from the terrorism wars against our country soonest.”

  • Buratai orders troops to Lake Chad region

    Buratai orders troops to Lake Chad region

    •Decries use of unregistered SIM cards

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday ordered the redeployment of troops who participated in the special military exercise in the Niger Delta to Lake Chad region.

    Buratai announced the redeployment at the closing of Exercise Crocodile Smile II in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He said those redeployed to Lake Chad would flush out the remnant of Boko Haram insurgents, and also complement efforts of security outfits in the area.

    He said: “I want to assure that most of the troops that excelled in the operations across the (Niger Delta) region would be redeployed.

    “The Troops would be redeployed especially within the Lake Chad waters to flush out remnant of Boko Haram terrorists that are within the Lake Chad islands and other areas.

    “Boko Haram remnants which are virtually within the border areas of our neighboring countries would have to be properly identified and flushed out in a joint effort.

    “This is a task that we must ensure is accomplished,” he said.

    Buratai expressed optimism that the redeployment of troops would complement efforts of security outfits including the Multinational Joint Task Force to flush out insurgents from the area.

    Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali said the exercise was held in the Niger Delta and some states in the South West to access army commanders and train troops.

    Gen Burutai also frowned at the use of unregistered SIM cards in the country in spite of subsisting government ban.

    Burutai said the development was a major setback in the use of digital and mobile forensics by the Nigeria military in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other national threats.

    The army chief spoke at the opening of the 6th International Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics Conference and Training Expo organised by the Computer Forensics Institute of Nigeria (CFIN).

    In a paper edtitled, “Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics as a Tool in Fighting Terrorism and Internal Threats”, he said military investigators were able to get unregistered SIM cards from vendors last week without difficulty.

    Burutai, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, also identified improperly registered SIM cards in use in the country as a challenge.

    These, he noted, were making identity tracking, especially in the case of kidnappings, terrorism and other forms of criminal acts in the country almost an impossible task.

    “In some instances, these SIM cards are registered with phony names, untraceable addresses or even unrecognisable photographs.

    “For those who are involved in investigation of those kinds of things, when you go to the service provider, you will discover that the data on some people is blank; there is no face attached to it.

    “In some cases, the users live in the bush or hills, but registered the SIM cards with addresses that don’t exist because the man who registered them allowed such a thing without any method of confirmation.

    “So, when it comes to the analysis, you discover that you are hitting a brick wall because to do a link analysis becomes very difficult or unfortunately impossible.

    “I believe there is the need to raise this issue because as at a week ago, we were still able to get some SIM cards that are unregistered from vendors without any problem, and they are still working till now”.Burutai identified other challenges of Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics.

     

  • Buratai warns criminals as Army renovates first oil well

    Buratai warns criminals as Army renovates first oil well

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has asked Nigerians to expect more military operations, following  threats across the country.

    He spoke in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, at the weekend when the 16th Brigade renovated the first oil well, Oloibiri Oil Well 1, as part of the community relations activities of the Army in its Operation Crocodile Smile II.

    Oloibiri, a community at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government, is where oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in 1956.

    Buratai, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, vowed to deal with criminals.

    He said military operations were conducted to deepen civil-military relations and combat threats.

    Buratai said the Army must be professionally-responsive and discharge its roles.

    He praised the 16 Brigade for rehabitating the historical oil well,  saying it would enable Oloibiri to regain its status as a tourist attraction.

    The Army chief urged the brigade to ensure security at the Oloibiri oilfield, to prevent hoodlums from destroying the national monument.

    He warned criminals in  Niger Delta to desist from crimes, saying the Army was positioned to deal with militancy, piracy, cultism, kidnapping and others.

    Buratai said: ‘’The Army, in consonance with my vision, is to provide a professionally-responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles to conduct operations/training in order to position itself to respond professionally to threats we have across the country.

    ‘’You know the threats are many; we have robbery, kidnapping, cultism, militancy, oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, piracy, oil theft, among others. The Army will continue to have these operations.

    ‘’We have had Operation Python Dance and we have been running Operation Crocodile Smile II. These operations are conducted to position the Army to combat crimes threatening our nation.

    ‘’We also conduct operations so that we can have a conducive environment for business activities to thrive and to guarantee the safety of law-abiding citizens, in order to enable them go about their activities.

    ‘’During such operations, the Army goes close to the people because in the first place, we belong to the people, identify with them, carry out community relations, medical services and conduct sanitation activities.

    ‘’As in the case of Oloibiri oil well, the 16 Brigage decided to rehabilitate this place as part of its activities so that it can be positioned to regain its status as a tourist attraction, which it is.’’

    Deputy Governor Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.) said the Army had challenged the government through the Oloibiri initiative.

    He appealed to Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of the Army, saying some people had not been fair in the interpretation of the roles of the military.

    Jonah said:’’The military has evolved over the years. Like they say, crocodiles never used to smile, but they have smiled now; and pythons also danced.

    “Now, they are going for octopus grip. We are moving on. The most important thing is that what has been the textbook teaching is now getting translated into reality in our lives.

    ‘’The military as much as it is trying, I do not think it is getting the right attention, interpretation of the roles it has been playing. It is not easy to leave one’s family in the defence of the country.

    ‘’Tourism is one area we are concerned about, to generate funds. Oloibiri, given its historical significance, is one area we are interested in. For the Army to have taken this initiative, it is a big challenge to us.’’

    The Commander, 16 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, said the renovation was carried out to underscore the historical and economic significance of the well.

  • Malu made me, says Buratai

    Malu made me, says Buratai

    •Ex-army chief buried with full military honour

    Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Buratai has attributed his military success to former Chief of Army Staff, the late General Victor Malu.

    He spoke at a receptionfor him and his entourage by Senate Committee Chairman on Army,Dr George Akume, in his Makurdi residence.

    Buratai was in Benue State for Malu’s burial.

    The Army boss said he almost retired as a Major at a point until God usedMalu to intervene in his case and others.

    Declaring he was indebted to the deceased, Buratai said every rank and stature he attains in the Military are dedicated to the former Commander of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

    The Chief of Army Staff describedMalu as a brave soldier who recorded successes through dedicated efforts.

    He said Benue has lost a rare gem and dependable asset that was the envy of not just Nigeria but the entire continent.

    The remains of Malu were laid to rest in Tse- MaluAdoor village in Katsina Ala, local government area of Benue State.

    Hundreds of mourners witnessed the burial rite, which was strictly a military affair.

    Buratai led top military officers to the funeral.

    Governor Samuel Ortom, former governors Gabriel Suswam and George Akume as well as a delegation from the Senate were all in attendance.

    Ortom said he would consult with Benue State House of Assembly on how best to immortalise the late Army chief, whom he said has brought honour to Benue state.

    Speaking when a delegation from the Senate led by Jeremiah Useni paid him a condolence visit at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, Ortom saidMalu is still attracting development to his communities even in death.

    As a mark of respect and honour for the late General, Ortom said his country home, Adoor village, had been connected to public power supply for the first time, courtesy of the Benue State government.

    While appreciating leadership of the Senate for their show of love for the departed former general, the governor said discussing the death of General Malu at plenary was a mark of honour at the highest level.

    He described the late general as a great leader, friend to many and professional to the core who offered himself for selfless services to his fatherland.

    In a condolence letter to the Governor, Senate President Bukola Saraki noted Maludutifully canvassed and undertook reforms aimed at preserving an apolitical army.

    Senator Useni statedMalu was globally applauded for turning around the fortunes of the sub regional peace force (ECOMOG) during the first Liberian Civil war.

  • In praise of Buratai

    Since assumption of office the incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has re-invigorated and enhanced the internal working mechanisms of the Nigerian Army, inspiring men and officers alike to professionally give allegiance, patriotism and loyalty to the country. As the country basks in the euphoria of yet  another  independence celebration, it is pertinent to take stock of one of the oldest military institutions in the country and how far it has fared in spite  of the enormous challenges of the 21st century – terrorism, kidnappings, herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, oil pipelines vandalism, cultism, among others.

    Under the present leadership of Lt. Gen Buratai, Nigerians have severally praised and commended the army with high approval ratings in terms of professionalism, rule of law, welfare, training provisions of officers, military strategies adopted against insurgency and the institutional capacity building currently taking place including the transparent dogged, innovative and dynamic leadership in the administration of the army.

    Though not without its  challenges, the Army has also come to terms with the use of sophisticated weapons and accoutrements to fight today’s terrorism, the use of intelligence gathering mechanism from social media and other internet facilities to gather information, hard-wares and weaponry and the shortage of manpower have never been so easy.

    But when the current COAS took over the mantle of leadership with the plethora of challenges facing him, he went straight to work by dismantling and decimating the ferocity of the Boko Haram insurgency, reduced criminalities across the country including the herdsmen clashes with farmers by looking inwards to see what have been left undone for decades by his predecessors, and taking them head-on.

    First and foremost, the internal working mechanism of doing things was changed from the former to the new where ‘change’ management became the order of the day. In terms of contract specifications and the purchase of military hardware, the Ministry of Defence is wholly in charge of dealing with the manufacturers directly. Human capital development has become the front burner of its cardinal focus as training and retraining are now the order of the day. A lot of military officers now go on courses even beyond our shores to expand their capacity and scope. Improved conditions of work, office environment, welfare policies and the rehabilitation of the barracks across the country are also another major focus of the current leadership. Since the COAS came on board a lot of new barracks have been built and commissioned while the ones that needed rehabilitation have been revamped. In order to conform to the best global practices, a new set of commands, battalions, brigades and departments has been established to keep with the latest development of doing things.  Such as the creation of legal department, human rights desk, civil-military affairs, department of procurement, among others,  all in a bid to run an efficient and transparent Army of the 21st Century and cater for today’s challenges. This set of departments is today responsible for the smooth running and civil-military relationship enjoyed by Nigerians and the respect for human rights and other standards of engagements have been entrenched.

    The proactive decision making of the COAS has in a long way assisted to keep the Nigerian army on track like never before, in securing of the territorial integrity of  the nation and on issues of national unity and peaceful coexistence. The routine exercises carried out across the country have made Nigerians proud of the Army’s determination to sustain its constitutional role of  defending the nation, as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace in the entire country.

     

    • By Kenneth Aigbegbele,

    Citizens Watch Nigeria (CWN).

     

  • Fed Govt acquiring modern arms to fight Boko Haram, says Buratai

    Fed Govt acquiring modern arms to fight Boko Haram, says Buratai

    CHIEF of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has affirmed that the Federal Government is acquiring and installing modern technologies in the fight against the Boko Haram.

    He said the development was made possible through government’s collaboration with the United States (U.S.), Israel, United Kingdom (UK), Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that these countries are also helping regarding capacity building for personnel of the Armed Forces.

    The Army Chief did not, however, disclose the categories of technologies that are being acquired to defeat insurgency in the Northeast.

    Lt.-Gen. Buratai spoke at the opening of a four-day international seminar on Managing Asymmetric Security Challenges in the 21st Century at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    He announced that the Army under his leadership, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, has substantially degraded Boko Haram.

    He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the needed resources to the Armed Forces in the fight against terror.

    According to Gen. Buratai, the armed forces would continue to invest in capacity building for its personnel to enable them update their skills and fine-tune their knowledge.

    Buratai said: “Let me observe that the array of participants in this seminar which cuts across members of the academia, military and other security actors both from within and outside Nigeria clearly shows the seriousness and concern we accord the issue of managing asymmetric security challenges in particular and world peace in general.

    “Let me at this point commend the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for taking this bold step to translate an idea earlier conceived by me into reality.”

    Buratai emphasised that achieving success in tackling the emerging global security threats remains a collective responsibility and urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the seminar to exchange ideas, information and knowledge.

    Minister of Defence Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, while opening the seminar, described it as timely.

    He noted that the army by hosting the seminar has demonstrated its growing understanding of the complexities of managing contemporary security challenges.

    “This is particularly against the backdrop of our recent experience in responding to the Boko Haram-led insurgency in the Northeast and the grievances induced militancy in the Niger Delta.

    “It is pertinent to say that managing these challenges revolve around the intricate interplay of hard and soft power,” the minister stated.

    Among the countries participating in the seminar are Bangladesh, Cameroun, India, Mali, Niger, Pakistan, United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.).

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FG acquire technologies to fight Boko Haram- Buratai

    FG acquire technologies to fight Boko Haram- Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai said on Tuesday that the Federal Government (FG) is currently into acquisition, installation and application of modern technologies in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group in the country.

    He said the development was made possible through the federal government collaboration with the United States of America, Isreal, United Kingdom, Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that these countries are also helping regarding capacity building for personnel of the Armed Forces.

    The Army Chief did not, however, disclose the categories of technologies that are being acquired to defeat insurgency in the Northeast of the country.

    Lt. General Buratai made the remarks at the opening ceremony of a Four-Day International Seminar on Managing Asymmetric Security Challenges in the 21st Century at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    He also announced that the Nigerian Army under his leadership in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, has substantially degraded the Boko Haram terrorist group.
    He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the needed resources to the Armed Forces in the fight against terror.

    According to Gen. Buratai the armed forces would continue to invest in capacity building for its personnel to enable them update their skills and fine tune their knowledge particularly as the world is currently challenged by emerging security threats.

    Buratai said: “ Let me observe that the array of participants in this seminar which cuts across members of of the academia, military and other security actors both from within and outside Nigeria clearly shows the seriousness and concern we accord the issue of managing asymmetric security challenges in particular and world peace in general.

    “Let me at this point commend the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for taking this bold step to translate an idea earlier conceived by me into reality.

    Read: 45 Boko Haram members jailed

    “This forum is important as it will accord our nations the opportunity to re-think and re-strategize on the best approach from shared experiences to confront the challenges posed by asymmetric warfare in the 21st century as exemplified by insurgency, terrorism and other strategies used by adversaries to undermine constituted authorities”.

    Buratai emphasized that achieving success in tackling the emerging global security threats remains a collective responsibility, and urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the seminar to exchange ideas, information and knowledge.

    The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali who was represented by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin, while declaring the seminar opened, described the seminar as timely, noting that the army by hosting the seminar has demonstrated its growing understanding of the complexities of managing contemporary security challenges.

    “This is particularly against the backdrop of our recent experience in responding to the Boko Haram terrorist led insurgency in the northeast and the grievances induced militancy in the Niger Delta.

    “It is pertinent to say that managing these challenges revolve around the intricate interplay of hard and soft power”, the Minister stated.

    Among the countries participating in the seminar are Bangladesh, Cameroun, India, Mali, Niger, Pakistan, United Kigdom and the United States of America.

    Read Also: 400 Boko Haram fighters surrender