The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Buratai

  • Youths slam Fayose over Buratai

    Youths slam Fayose over Buratai

    The National Committee of Yoruba Youth (NCYY) has described as mischievous, the assertion by Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose accusing the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, of corruption, among other allegations.

    Reacting to the statement credited to the governor during his state of the nation interview on a popular television station, the group, at a news conference addressed by its President, Comrade Odeyemi Oladimeji and other officials in Lagos, described Fayose’s allegations as frivolous and mischievously concocted to distract the Army chief from his focus, which was the war against terrorism and other crimes.

    It said: “We challenge Governor Fayose and others as true Yoruba sons to substantiate their allegations against the Chief of Army Staff or shut up.”

  • Open letter to Buratai, Nigerian Army

    Open letter to Buratai, Nigerian Army

    SIR: It is with unimaginable tears of joy that I express my hearty congratulations on your victory against the deadly Boko Haram sect. The entire country has been thrown to a hysterical moment with the news of this victory. Big congratulations to you and our gallant soldiers who achieved this great feat. Words really can’t thank you all for your sacrifice and will to protect our fatherland at all cost. The timing of this triumph is perfect as we edge closer to a new year of renewed optimism.

    For some years now, we have endured horrendous carnage in the hands of those terrorists. People, especially in the North-east, particularly Borno State, have been rendered homeless, businesses and properties shut down and vandalized, kept apart from their loved ones and psychologically living in anticipation of the worst. It is pathetic how we lived in fear, run at a fast acceleration with the strike of a flat tyre, filled with trepidation in market squares, viewing centres and social cum religious gatherings as our safety was under constant threat.

    Perhaps it was a long wait. It is now fully deserved. The patient dog eats the fattest bone. Before now, many of us have ruled out the possibility of winning the war. And for those that remained hopeful for long, it faded gradually till the odds became apparently not in our favour. It looked as though Boko Haram have come to stay ad infinitum. But as reports emanate about the final assault by operation Lafiya Dole to invade the stronghold of their fortress: Sambisa forest, we grinned, prayed and had renewed hopes. And as such, we salute your efforts, for masterminding the final push that disgorged the sect to their demise. You and your men alone knew what ensued at the battleground that purged them to the embrace of your bullets and for that, we remain in your awe. This is a victory we have craved for, dreamt of and lived for!

    While we continue to celebrate your triumph, it is imperative for us not to rest on our laurels and do the needful. The security conundrum has always been lack of preventive measures cum consistency. More often than not, we are not proactive; we wait to arrest the situation after the worst has been done. We are caught off guard in most cases because we fail to instill consistency in detecting, preventing and sustaining effective security measures. Now, this has to change. It must change. Boko Haram may have been defeated, but we must not slumber for a return to dark days. We must not give room for any terror group to ensconce themselves in our territory again.

    The reward of your sacrifices is with God. May He reward you in plenitude. I also congratulate and appreciate the man whose strong will, alacrity and resolve to eradicate Boko Haram remains second to none since taking the mantle of leadership: President Muhammadu Buhari. Thank you. Wishing you all a prosperous new year ahead!

     

    • Jamila Usman,

    IBB University, Lapai, Niger State.

  • Troops to train in Sambisa forest, says Buratai 

    Troops to train in Sambisa forest, says Buratai 

    The conquered Sambisa forest will serve as training ground for troops from next year, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said yesterday.
    Gen. Buratai stated this in Damasak, Borno state, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima. The road was closed three years ago at the height of insurgency.
    He said troops were already conducting a mop up operation in the forest after the last strong hold of the Boko Haram terrorists was captured.
    “We are also opening up roads to Sambisa and Alagarno forest. Sambisa forest is going to be one of our training grounds.
    “I have already directed that we should conduct Nigerian Army small arms championship in that forest next year.
    “And we are going to use it also to test fire our fighting vehicles, other key equipment and weapons that requires testing whenever we want to induct new weapon and equipment into the Nigerian army inventory.
    “It will afford us very good ground for basic tactics and indeed advance tactics, including but not limited to tactics at the Platoon, company, battalion, Brigade and even division levels.
    “We are going to make it more robust to make sure that these criminals do not come back to that forest again.

  • Army will use Sambisa forest as training ground – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said Sambisa forest would serve as training ground for personnel of the Nigerian Army as from 2017.

    Buratai said this in Damasak, Borno, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Governor Kashim Shettima, after three years of closure.

    He said troops were already conducting a mop up operation in the forest after its capture from Boko Haram insurgents.

    “We are also opening up roads to Sambisa and Alagarno forest. Sambisa forest is going to be one of our training grounds,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the army chief as saying at the forum.

    “I have already directed that we should conduct Nigerian Army small arms championship in that forest next year.

    “And we are going to use it also to test our fighting vehicles, other key equipment and weapons that require testing whenever we want to induct new weapon and equipment into the Nigerian army inventory.

    “It will afford us very good ground for basic tactics and indeed advance tactics, including but not limited to tactics at the platoon, company, battalion, Brigade and even division levels.

    “We are going to make it more robust to make sure that these criminals do not come back to that forest again.”

  • Army to re-organise ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in 2017

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Saturday restated the force headquarters promise to re-organise the ongoing “Operation Lafiya Dole’’ in the North- East in 2017.

    Buratai spoke when he visited troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, Mafa, Borno, ahead of the Christmas, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The army chief said he would celebrate the yuletide with troops in the front-line.

    He said the re-organisation was aimed at making the operation stronger and relief the fighting soldiers.

    NAN reports that Buratai, Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, Abuja, General Officers Commanding the various Divisions across the country and Corps Commanders are in Borno and other parts of the North-East to celebrate the Christmas with the troops.

    Buratai said: “operation Rescue Final has been quite successful.

    “We still keep our promise of what will happen in 2017.

    “We will make sure that we get the necessary re-organisation to make the operation much stronger and to have very good relief system for everybody.’’

    He commended the troops for their courage and professionalism and urged them to sustain the counter-insurgency momentum.

     

  • Buratai to troops: end insurgency now 

    Buratai to troops: end insurgency now 

    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has given a marching order to the troops in the war front to end the war against Boko Haram now.

    He gave a deadline of end of this month to finish off the terrorists so that “troops will be able to return to the barracks by 2017”.

    Gen. Buratai however urged his men to treat arrested insurgents gently.

    He gave the directive in a goodwill message titled ‘no more time to waste’ to troops of “Operation Lafiya Dole”, the name for the operation against insurgency in the Northeast. “No stone should be left unturned” in the effort to end the war, he said.

    Gen. Buratai said: “ I am sending to you all, the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole best wishes as the Yuletide approaches, I commend you for your sacrifices, commitment, loyalty and courage in the service of our fatherland.

    “I wish to make this call to action and wake up call to you all and to emphasise that we must immediately begin to embark on the final aggressive action and comprehensive sweep of the operational theater with a view to ending the operation on a very high note. In this regard, no stone should be left unturned. I therefore call on all officers and soldiers to buckle up and ensure that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists are completely cleared.

    “I hope to be with you sometime this month to motivate and positively influence the ongoing perations.  This is with a view to having a colourful end of year and peaceful Yuletide in the North East and indeed Nigeria. I urge all commanders to plan and embark on effective patrols, raids, ambushes and deliberate attacks in conjunction with other Services, especially the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, to rescue all those abducted by the terrorists.”

    The Army chief said “captured and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists” must be treated humanely and fairly and in strict accordance with the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and Laws of Armed Conflict.

    He said his men must be prepared to enter all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to flush them out and dominate these areas to ensure they are not reoccupied. He said this month would decide the success or failure of the operation.

    Gen. Buratai addedi: “I wish to reiterate that December is a month of decision.

    It is either we succeed in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists or we continue to live in perpetual circle of their atrocities in the North East.  I hereby want to reassure all troops that I intend to return everybody back to barracks in 2017, only leaving behind a strong, highly mobile, effective and motivated force that will continue to do the good work that we have already started.

    “In this regard we shall also bring reassurances to the populace as normalcy finally returns to the area. “

    Operation Lafiya Dole has successfully pushed back Boko Haram terrorists, taking much of the territories formerly held by the insurgents. However, Boko Haram still operates in some villages, especially in Northern Borno.

  • Troops advancing into Sambisa, says Buratai

    Troops advancing into Sambisa, says Buratai

    •To spend Xmas at battlefront

    THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said troops are advancing into Sambisa Forest, a major stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists.
    Gen. Buratai spoke yesterday in Abuja while unveiling packs of bottled water provided through private initiative, in appreciation of the fighting troops.
    According to the Army chief, the advancement is an onslaught to finally flush out the remnants of the insurgents from the forest and rescue those abducted.
    “This year, the Army Headquarters will be moving into the Northeast to celebrate Christmas and New Year with our troops,” Gen. Buratai said.
    He described the free bottle water-initiative as “quite historic and the first”.
    Gen. Tukur Buratai said the initiative was meant to appreciate efforts of the troops.
    His words: “The scheme involves branding 50cl bottled water with the image of the Nigerian soldier. It has the Nigerian Army logo and that of stakeholders and partners from the private sector with the words “Thank you for your service”.
    “This will boost the morale of troops to show that their labour is recognised and appreciated.
    “This initiative is timely, coming at a critical stage of operations, when the troops have embarked on “Operation Rescue Finale”.
    “It will surely add vigour, impetus and stimulate the troops in this phase of the operation,” Gen. Buratai said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bottle water-initiative was supported by Enugu State government (N10 million), Ebonyi State government (N5 million) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) (N1.5 million), among others.

  • 60 per cent of Boko Haram fighters not Nigerians, says Buratai

    60 per cent of Boko Haram fighters not Nigerians, says Buratai

    Sixty per cent of Boko Haram insurgents are not Nigerians, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has said.

    The Army chief spoke in Maiduguri when he received the Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, at the headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole at the Maimalari Cantonment.

    According to him, it’s easy to conclude the insurgents were not Nigerians judging by their current activities.

    “… I want to tell you that while the insurgency can be said to have started in Nigeria, by and large as at today, I can say that almost 60 per cent of the insurgents are from neighbouring countries.

    “Almost all those who surrendered recently are not Nigerians. This is a challenge that impacts more on the Nigerian side than other countries. But by and large, our military is up to the task and we will continue to do our best to ensure that our country is secured,” Buratai said.

    He reiterated that the terrorists had been defeated, adding that troops will continue with their operations until the insurgents surrender.

    Lt.-Gen. Buratai thanked the UN for identifying with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat the terrorists and solicited more support.

    Dr. Chambas said his visit was an expression of the UN’s identification with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and efforts to restore peace in the Northeast.

    He restated the UN’s condemnation of the terrorists’ group, adding that “we are behind the Federal Government in its efforts to defeat the terrorists”.

    Chambas, who noted that the immediate consequence of the insurgency was the “huge humanitarian crisis” in the Northeast, assured Buratai that the UN had increaed efforts to address it.

    He called on the international community and donor agencies to come to Nigeria’s aid in addressing the crisis.

    Chambas commiserated with the Federal Government, the Army and families of the late Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali, who, with six soldiers were killed by the insurgents on November 4.

    He said their sacrifices would not be in vain.

  • Buratai leads tearful farewell for war heroes

    Buratai leads tearful farewell for war heroes

    Seven mahogany coffins draped with the green-white-green national colours. A long  row of soldiers decked out in their ceremonial dress. Two women cuddling two kids – a boy and a girl. All was sober and gloomy.

    That was the scene yesterday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja where the bodies of Lt.-Col. Muhammad Sarki Yakin (Lord of war) Abu-Ali and six soldiers who died last Friday in an attack by Boko Haram were buried.

    It was a rare spectacle. Soldiers were crying as praises were heaped on the fallen heroes.

    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was all tears as he read the funeral oration.

    At about 5pm, the ambulances conveying the bodies of the soldiers arrived. They  were dropped beside the red earth graves by moody soldiers who undertook the grim but necessary task of burying their colleagues.

    All the military officers wore black bands. There were no banters.

    The dead are: Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali, Seagents Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussani Jafaru, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick Paul.

    Lt Col. Abu-Ali  and the six soldiers died when Boko Haram terrorists attempted to seize Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

    Gen. Buratai said: “They were brave, precise, professional and inspiring. They led the battle to recapture the following towns: Monguno, Baga, New Marte, Bama, Gwoza, Banki Junction, Gamboru-Ngala, Yale, Yanteke, Bita, Deruwa, Daira Kangaruwa and Mallam Fatori.

    “In these battles, they rescued children and women, fathers and mothers, the young and the old and restored peace and hope to Nigerian citizens.

    At last, on Nov. 4, they paid the supreme sacrifice in the battle of Mallam Fatori.’’

    According to him, the deceased epitomised the very best of our military. They exemplified the values of our nation and the military – loyalty, discipline, courage, selfless service, respect, honour and dignity.

    Gen. Buratai had a message for the fallen heroes, who he praised for fighting for the unity of the nation: “Your labour will never be in vain.”

    He promised that the army would take care of their families.

    Gen Buratai’s voice was shaky. Two times he wiped his face and blew his nose.

    There were more tears as the bodies were lowered into the graves. As Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali’s body was removed from the coffin, loud cries of anguish rang out. A woman soldier, identified simply as Corporal Hajira, unable to control herself, fell down and wept.

    Throughout the ceremony, Lt.-Col. Abu Ali’s wife Semira, sat quietly with her children, Fatima (eight), Muhammad (five) and Aseeya (one).

    Fatima was old enough to understand the tragedy. She never kept a dry eye. When her father’s body was lowered, her mother drew her close and they wept.

    Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali’s father, a traditional ruler and retired Brig.-Gen.; sat with the dignitaries. He was calm. The families and other soldiers wept all through the solemn ceremony. A woman met with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin and said: “Please help me; he was all I have. I don’t have anything again.”

    The event was brought to a close with the presentation of flags and swords to the families of the deceased.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, said the deceased had shown unalloyed commitment to the nation.

    “They were fearless, responsive, inspiring, selfless and dedicated to their duties.

    “The selflessness of these gentlemen reinvigorates the memories of other great fallen heroes, who stood firm in the defence of our dear nation,’’ the President said.

    These officers have shown unalloyed commitment to rid Nigeria of Boko Haram.

    “They stood firm in the defence of Nigeria and had to pay the supreme price in the fight against insurgency. Their sacrifice will not go in vain as Nigerians will continue to remember your efforts to secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.‎ It is our resolve that the labours of these fallen heroes shall never be in vain, we remain strong and will ensure terrorism is defeated.

    “They say every soul shall taste death. Certainly, this is a monumental loss to their families. I want you to know that they did not die in vain. They lost their lives to ensure that Nigerians continue to enjoy peace, take solace that your loved ones have brought honour to Nigeria,” the President consoled the fallen heroes’ loved ones.”

    Buhari noted that their contributions had resulted in the restoration of normalcy in the Northeast.

    “It is, therefore, our resolve that the labour of these fallen heroes shall never be in vain,’’ he said, adding that insurgency and terrorism would be defeated.

    At the funeral were Service Chiefs, Borno State Governor  Kashim Shettima, Ministers of Information and Culture, and Interior, Communication and Senators Ali Ndume and Phillip Aduda.

    Also there were the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki, among others.

    The remains were interred at about 5.55 p.m. after all military ceremonies.

    Speaking earlier when he appeared before the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to defend the acquisition of disputed land in the Maitama District Territory by the Army, Gen Buratai described the death of Lt.-Col. Abu-Ali as an eye opener in the fight against insurgency.

    He noted that utterances by highly-placed individuals were threatening national security.

    The Army Chief said that one officer, six soldiers and one naval rating were killed in the ambush.

    He said: “I want to tell you that the fight against Boko Haram insurgents is a matter of concern to everyone and what we are going to witness today at the burial ceremony should be an eye-opener. Although we have several cases of soldiers’ dying in battle field in the past, at this point in time, it calls for proper scrutiny because of the responses by individuals and indeed organisations to national defence and security issues.

    “We must take the issue of defence and security very seriously so that collectively we would fight this insurgency to its final conclusion.”

     

  • Abu Ali: Buhari, Buratai mourn fallen soldiers

    Abu Ali: Buhari, Buratai mourn fallen soldiers

    •President says sacrifices won’t be in vain

    THE sacrifices of fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism will never be in vain, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

    He said their memories would be eternally etched in the hearts and minds of fellow citizens for whose sake they laid down their lives.

    The President was reacting to the death of Lt.-Col. Abu Ali, one of Nigeria’s finest and bravest soldiers.

    Also, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, said the death of Lt.-Col. Ali  in the hands of Boko Haram terrorists was an eye-opener in the fight against insurgency.

    Buhari, in a condolence statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said he was shocked by the news of the officer’s death with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

    According to the President, “a courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle; no matter the risks or the obvious danger.”

    He explained that the late colonel “was an extraordinary officer, who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded”, adding that “one of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger.”

    The President said the late colonel and his fallen colleagues brought glory to the Army and the country for laying down their lives for others.

    He noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage”.

    Buhari, who called on the late Col. Ali’s father, Brigadier-Gen. Abu Ali (rtd) to console the family, promised that the death of his son and others in battle would never be in vain.

    “He was a gallant soldier, never to be forgotten. He has brought a good name to the family,” said the President.

    He called on members of the Armed Forces not to let the tragic incident dampen their morale and spirit, adding that under no circumstances should Boko Haram terrorists be allowed to destroy the will of Nigerian troops.

    “Evil should not be given any chance to defeat good and humanity” and that “members of our Armed Forces should remain formidably united in the war against terrorism”.

    The President has appointed a high-powered delegation, led by Chief of Staff Abba Kyari, with Minister of Federal Capital Territory Mohammed Bello and Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development Abubakar Bwari to represent him at the funeral of Col. Ali and others.

    Buratai spoke when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to defend acquisition of disputed lands in the Maitama District Territory, by the Army.

    He noted that utterances by highly placed individuals were posing serious threats to national security.

    The Army chief said one officer, six soldiers and one naval rating were killed in the ambush.

    He said: “I want to tell you that the fight against Boko Haram insurgents is a matter of concern to everyone and what we are going to witness today at the burial ceremony should be an eye-opener.

    ‘Although we have several cases of soldiers in battle fields in the past, at this point in time, it calls for proper scrutiny because of the responses by individuals and indeed organisations to national defence and security issues.

    “We must take the issue of defence and security seriously so that collectively we would fight these insurgents to its final conclusion,” the Army chief said.

    Giving reasons for acquisition of the 238 hectares within the Maitama district extension, Buratai said: “We need to relocate headquarters of the military office. The current location is not so convenient for us.”