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Tag: Buratai

  • Buratai lauds troops for retaking Baga

    The Chief of Army Staff  (COAS), Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, yesterday commended troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole and the Special Forces of Army, Navy and Air Force for retaking Baga, Kukawa and other sourrounding towns in a major clearance operation in which hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists were killed.

    Lt.Gen Buratai, in a letter he personally signed, said the feat should be consolidated with the total elimination of the terrorists wherever they are hiding in the Northeast.

    Read also: Photos: Army buries soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambush

    The Army Chief singled out all the major actors, especially the commanding officers and the troops for their gallantry, asserting that their “efforts and open display of gallantry, as well as patriotism that brought about this unprecedented feat, gladdened my heart, all Nigerians and indeed, peace-loving people around the world.”

    He added:”I would like to enjoin you to consolidate on these gains by the continuous pursuit of these terrorists and neutralise them. You should be more proactive and continue with the clearance operations on any known Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts in your respective areas of responsibilities”.

  • Reporting national security not for ‘all comers’, Buratai warns

    CHIEF of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday emphasised that reporting of national security issues is not for “all comers”.

    He warned that anyone found wanting will be guilty of breaching the Official Secrets Act, 1962.

    The COAS spoke while inaugurating the Army 63 Division in Asaba, Delta State and kicking-off of Exercise Python Dance 111 (Egwe-Eke).

    Buratai appealed to Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that “this is the only country that we have and no effort should be spared to save it from plans of unpatriotic elements fighting to pull the country down”.

    The COAS warned that the unpatriotic elements’ activities were capable of impeding military operations and demoralising troops at the expense of national security.

    Buratai, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (G.O.C) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, said at the end of Exercise Egwe-Eke111, “the python must have swallowed all bandits, rustlers, terrorists, kidnappers, robbers and militants in the country. The python will also have swallowed thugs and other miscreants that may raise their ugly heads”.

    He stressed that the Operation Python Dance 111 is a realistic training package in internal security operations, clearance operations, emergency management, rescue operations, roadblock and cordon and search and anti-kidnapping.

    According to the COAS, the inauguration of the 63 Division was a demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire to have adequate and equitable establishment of Army formations and needs across the country.

    He said the establishment of three brigades under the 6 Division was informed by the need to have a formidable response mechanism and checkmate the myriad of security challenges to national assets, interest in the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea.

    Buratai urged stakeholders “to look in the way of the brigade to fast-track its growth as the Federal Government makes budgetary provisions for the new Division”.

    He said Python Dance 111 was geared towards assuring law-abiding citizens of the Army’s resolve to provide adequate security and safety as the nation approaches the 2019 general elections.

    The COAS boasted that “Exercise Crocodile 111”, which was conducted in the Niger Delta region, has reduced illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

    He urged the troops to sustain the momentum of the operations and maintain professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional mandate in aid of civil authority.

    After the inauguration of the 63 Brigade at its temporary headquarters in Anwai, suburban Asaba, dignitaries, including Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the leadership of the State House of Assembly, Asagba of Asaba Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, headed to its permanent headquarters for the flag-off of exercise Python Dance 111 at Kilometre 11, Okpanam on Asaba/Agbor expressway.

    Okowa promised to provide support to the military formation while hailing the security forces for securing the peace and territorial integrity of the nation.

    He said oil production boost in Delta State was largely due to the efforts of security agencies and enjoined them to sustain the momentum as the nation approaches general elections.

    Chief Patrick Ndeli, who represented Prof. Edozien, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for establishing the military formation in Asaba.

     

  • Buratai condoles with Shagari family

    THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Monday paid a condolence visit to family of late Shehu Shagari whom he said led the country diligently with a sense of patriotism as a true leader.

    Buratai who was along with Principal Officers at the residence of the former President where he was received by the deceased eldest son, Muhammad Bala Shagari said the second republic President made tremendous contributions in building structures as well transforming the military.

    ” We saw the great transformation he brought in the Nigerian Army. The standard of training and equipment were encouraging.

    ” He did greatly to ensure stability against external aggression and in defence of the country’s territorial boundary”, he pointed out.

    Responding, Bala Shagari acknowledged and appreciated the presence of the COAS and his Principal Officers for the visit.

    Read Also: Gabon: Government says ‘situation under control’

    He told Buratai that what gladdens the family about their late father were the beautiful remarks and comments from Nigerians across all class and works of life about him.

    He noted among such comments” Shagari lived a fulfilled and good life. He was a man whose experience advanced the course of the country in good light.”

    Bala who is also the District Head of Shagari town said the comments were quite encouraging and consoling.

    Meanwhile, Buratai who seized the opportunity to tour some military facilities at the 8 Div Nigeria Army Sokoto also directed the army to ensure they wipe out banditry activities bedevilling the Northwest axis.

  • Buratai: when a soldier leads the fight against corruption

    On a daily basis, I am delighted by the exploits of the Nigerian  Army under Lt Gen Tukur Buratai in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. I must add that I have been a great fan of his from the very day he was appointed the Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari. My fondness of Gen Buratai ignited when President Muhammadu Buhari stated that he didn’t know any of the service chiefs personally, but he relied on records in making the appointments. That was the catch for me, and it has continued till date.
    Gen Buratai is a soldier any day and anytime. He looks it, he breathes it, and he eats it. I recall an occasion I stumbled on a picture of him in the trenches somewhere in the North East with soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorist, I said to myself, who would do such if not General Buratai. He has a way of warming his way into the heart of troops and people around him. That is just the mien whenever you encounter him.
    The latest display by Gen Buratai that has made me go to town is the way the Nigerian  Army granted the request by some civil society organizations  that includes the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT requesting him to use his “good offices and leadership position to provide information on spending on military operations across the country, particularly in the Northeast.”
    When the request was made, I said to myself that something was wrong because, in the world over, military budgets and spending are not subject to public debates. But for SERAP and others to deem it necessary to make such a request meant that they meant business. And guess what? Gen Buratai didn’t disappoint. He indeed granted the request.

    Read Also:Army uncovers Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno

    This much was confirmed by SERAP senior legal adviser Bamisope Adeyanju. According to her, “the bulky photographic and textual documentation with a cover letter was delivered to SERAP’s office by a military officer at around 11:40 am.”  The letter with reference number AHQDCMA/G4/100/4 and signed on Mr. Buratai’s behalf by Brigadier-General S.B. Kumapayi read in part: “The Nigerian Army (NA) has in recent time come under unrelenting public scrutiny by both private individuals and Non-governmental organizations over issues of appropriation of funds. The most recent being a call from your organization for the Nigerian Army to explain how funds appropriated for the NA under the administration of the Chief of Army Staff were utilized.”
    I was excited beyond words for this rare display by the Chief of Army Staff in granting the request.  I think this is a first in the annals of the country. It goes a long way to state the obvious fact that under Gen Buratai, the Nigerian Army has fared well. And not just that, for him to put the budget and spendings of the Nigerian  Army in the public domain is an indication that accountability is the watchword, and a departure of the norm in times past where former army chiefs helped themselves at the detriment of the lives of the officers and soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorists in North-East Nigeria.
    I would tell all that cares to listen that Gen Buratai is a rare breed and a super  patriot. One who has devoted his life to the cause of the country in his capacity as the Chief of Army Staff through his displays and conduct. It takes strength and character to be a soldier in this dispensation due to the numerous distractions flying around. It also takes a high level of discipline to be able to lead the prestigious Nigerian  Army and still maintain public decorum. Yes, all of these criteria have been fulfilled by Gen Buratai since he assumed headship of the Nigerian  Army in 2015.
    From the little I was able to glean from his personal life, his father, a world war  II veteran played a considerable role in his life in moulding his strength and character. I recall an interview he granted where he stated that his father admonished him many years ago on the dangers of some vices that includes drinking and smoking and why he should never engage in them. And he indeed never engaged in them. I think Gen Buratai should be a topic of academic research because there are so many unique things about him that would be helpful to students of Military history in the future.
    Lest I forget, Gen. Buratai is a historian himself, I am sure as a historian, he must have learned a lot from great military strategists  such as Napoleon, Zhuge Liang, Sun Tzu, Subatai, Hannibal, Alexander the Great, Shivaji Maharaj, Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, and Admiral Lord Nelson to mention but a few. A documentary on him will compete with these legends in cinemas and museums. Gen Buratai would indeed go down history lane as one of Nigeria’s most exceptional war strategist, and not just that,  one that displayed a very high moral standing in his conduct both in public and private life as a true nationalist.
    Gen Buratai is a strategic visionary who thinks, acts, leads and strategically develop others. He is also decisive, courageous, accountable and a man of integrity. This much he has exhibited since he assumed the leadership of the Nigerian Army. He proved many wrong with his actions even though some have gone to town already with tales by moonlight on how the Army would not be able to account for its actions and inactions. But they were wrong as the gist in town is that  Nigerian  Army has indeed thrown a challenge to other government institutions  on how to be accountable to the people.
    The buzz around is the example set by the Nigerian  Army. This is indeed a big challenge that would open a flood gate of inquiries on government accountability. I urge SERAP  to extend such request to other critical government organizations and let’s see how it goes. The Buratai example won’t go away anytime soon. This is indeed a challenge, the Buratai challenge.
    Onmeje is a UK based public affairs analyst

  • Buratai flags off Python Dance III

    Nigeria’s  Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf  Buratai,  yesterday launched the Operation  Python Dance III in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of the army’s strategy to overcome security challenges in the  2019 general elections.

    The event, which took place at the Maimalari Cantonment, is going to run across the country at the same time for the first time.

    Represented by Army Chief of Training and Operations, Maj-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, Buratai explained that the exercise had recorded remarkable results in checkmating security challenges in the Southeast region in 2016 and 2017.

    Read also: Be wary of Boko Haram propaganda, Buratai admonishes troops

    He said: “The Nigerian Army will continue to conduct internal security operations in combating criminality and other security challenges in the country”.

    He added that the internal security operations embarked upon by the army are in line with the army’s constitutional mandate of military aid to civil authority.

    He said: “It is a reassurance of the resolve of the army as well as other security agencies to ensure that law and order is maintained as we approach the forthcoming general elections.”

  • Buratai flags off Python Dance III in Maiduguri

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Friday launched Operation Python Dance III in Maiduguri, Borno state as part of army’s strategy to overcome security challenges in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    The event which took place at the Maimalari Cantonment news conference, Maiduguri is going to run across the country at the same time for the first time.

    Represented by Army Chief of Training and Operations, Maj-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, Buratai explained that the exercise had recorded remarkable results in checkmating security challenges in the Southeast region in 2016 and 2017 stressing that, “The Nigerian Army will continue to conduct Internal Security operations in combating criminality and other security challenges in the country”.

    He added that the internal security operations embarked by the army are in line with Army’s constitutional mandate of military aid to civil authority.

    he said: “It is a reassurance of the resolve of the Army as well as other security agencies to ensure that law and order is maintained as we approach the forthcoming general elections.

    “As the build-up to the 2019 elections gathers momentum, an upsurge of security challenges such as stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, formation of ethnic militia and violence induced by political activities has been observed.

    “These challenges coupled with other security threats across the country such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping and banditry portend those dissident groups and criminal elements could cash in on the
    situation to perpetrate large scale violence before, during and after 2019 general elections.”

    “I believe python dance III with its mandate of combating the upsurge in security challenges as we approach the 2019 general elections be a success,” he assured, adding that the Army is committed to the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

    He urged the general public to provide troops with useful information to assist them deliver the mandate on python dance operations.

    He announced that python dance III will be conducted across the six geopolitical zones of the country from January to February, 2019.

    Maj. Gen Adeosun also debunked rumours that Baga town has been recaptured by Boko Haram insurgents, stressing that; “Our troops have taken control of Baga town and its environs.

    “Baga, as I speak with you, is not in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents. They contested it, but lost the battle in the last 24 hours of attacks on our base.”

    The Nation checks has however revealed that residents of Baga town including women and children have fled in droves to Maiduguri following the battle in the town.

    It was also gathered that vehicle fares from Baga to Maiduguri has been hiked for more that 50% by motorist with the least fare at N10,000. A development that has made life difficult for the fleeing residents.

  • Be wary of Boko Haram propaganda, Buratai admonishes troops

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,has urged troops prosecuting the counter terrorism operation in the North-East to be wary of Boko Haram’s increasing misinformation propaganda.

    In a Christmas and New Year Message to the troops on Tuesday, Buratai said that it was evident that the terrorists had been defeated.

    “Thus, they have now resorted to employing propaganda in order to demoralise you by spreading false messages of strength and invincibility.

    “It is pertinent for troops to understand that Boko Haram Terrorists are nothing but a band of criminals.

    “Therefore, you must all brace up to clear and flush out their remnants.

    “We have superior training, fire power and experience. We have a history of successes on the battlefield both at home and abroad, ” the army chief said.

    He also urged them to reflect their superior training, fire power and experiences and bring them to bear in the ongoing operations.

    Buratai thanked them for the good job they had done in 2018, but added that they must look to make greater progress in 2019.

    He commended the troops for their gallantry, efforts and sacrifices.

    “I congratulate you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours,’’ he said.

    The army chief urged them to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast, professional and responsive in carrying out their constitutional roles.

    He said on his part, he would continue to ensure that their welfare and that of their family were given utmost priority.

    On the 2019 elections, Buratai admonished officers and soldiers to remain apolitical and dedicated to their assigned roles.

    “Let me use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare with the requisite support for us to perform our duties.

    “Also, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, has pledged his total support to the Armed Forces to bring all ongoing operations to logical conclusion.’’

    He urged them to use the festive season which heralds peace and merriment for sober reflection and introspection.

    “I enjoin us all to continue to pray to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of our fallen comrades and for peace in our nation.

    “We will not renege on our promise to cater for the wellbeing of the families of our brave fallen heroes,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Why anti-terror war is difficult to win, by Buratai

    BEYOND the conventional Boko Haram war, troops are fighting criminality in the Northeast, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said.

    The COAS said the army was contending with forces that sabotage the war against insurgents, describing such forces as collaborators, informants and saboteurs.

    Gen. Buratai, who was reacting to questions at the end of a parley with reporters in Maiduguri, Borno State, said the powerful people behind the Boko Haram crisis kept rebranding the crisis.

    According to him, the original Boko Haram that started insurgency in the Northeast has been decisively dealt with “but they keep changing their names like we have Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) now.

    “I want to tell you that, even if we finish with ISWAP, those people behind these things will snowball to another name and they will go on and on”.

    The army Chief said that insurgents are having a field day in their attacks due to the facts that their collaborators and informants, “who monitor everyone, including troops.”

    He disclosed that the funding of Boko Haram always come from their international connection, citing how the high influx of ammunition from Libyia in the aftermath of its unrest, aided the crisis in Nigeria.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai, who was silent on the weapons often seized by insurgents from the army during attacks, however, informed that insurgents have different ways of funding and sourcing for equipment, including cattle rustling, kidnapping and fishing in Lake Chad.

    He called on the media to join the troops in defeating every element of terrorism in the Northeast and the entire Lake Chad Region, adding: “with such collaboration, the propaganda which the terrorists devised to misinform and instill fear on the public and troops can be checkmated”.

    The COAS regretted what he described as deliberate falsehood and campaign of calumny staged against the Nigerian Army by some social media platforms which according to him, “is targeted at demoralising troops to the detriment of national security.

    The COAS warned that the army will descend heavily against such manner of campaigns with every legal apparatus, stressing that the war against the insurgents cannot be won by the army alone, but with the efforts of every citizen.

    He urged the media to engage in the education of the general public in very clear perspective by bringing into the front burner the achievements of the military against the insurgents and de-emphaising their falsehood and propaganda.

    Commenting on the army’s faceoff with Amnesty International, the army Chief noted: “The allegations of human rights abuses against the military by Amnesty International, lack of equipment and nonpayment of allowances to troops are all misleading and not the true.

    “The military authorities have established a human rights desk to promote civil/ military relationship and enhance justice system as well as reorganise various divisions.”

    He explained that interactive session with reporters was organised to chat a new phase on the military/media relations, commending the media for its effective reportage of the campaign against insurgency as well as restoration of peace in the Northeast.

    At the parley were: Head of Military Training & Operations Maj-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun; Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole Maj.-Gen. Benson Akinroluyo and Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Brig.-Gen. Abdulmalik Bulama Biu and other senior military officers.

    Also at the parley were some representatives of United Nations (UN) agencies, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Nigerian Institute of Public Relation (NIPR) practitioners.

  • Boko Haram: Army fighting criminals, informants- Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said  what the Nigeria Army is facing in the Northeast  is criminality rather than the conventional Boko Haram that started in the region.

    General Buratai who was reacting to questions at end of year dinner with editors and defence correspondents in Maiduguri disclosed that there are powerful people behind the Boko Haram crisis and have kept rebranding it.

    According to him, the original Boko Haram that started has been dealt with it decisively but ” they keep changing their names like we have Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) now. I want to tell you that, even if we finish with ISWAP, those people behind these things will snowball to another name and they will go on and on”.

    Buratai also  revealed that the insurgents are having a field day in their attacks due to their collaborators and informants who they use to monitor everyone including the troops.

    The Chief of Army Staff also disclosed that the funding of Boko Haram has always come from the International connection,  citing the  example of how the Libyian crisis led to high influx of ammunition and aided the crisis in Nigeria.

    Buratai explained that insurgents have different ways of funding and sourcing for equipment, including cattle rustling, kidnapping, and fishing in the Lake Chad.

     He called on the media to join the Nigerian Army in defeating every element of terrorism in the Northeast and the entire Lake Chad Region , adding that,  “with such collaboration, the propaganda which the terrorists devised to misinform and instill fear on the public and troops can be checkmated”.

    Buratai expressed regret over what he described as deliberate falsehood and  campaign of calumny  staged  against the Nigerian Army by some social media platform which according to him is targeted at  demoralizing  troops to the detriment of national security.

    The Army Chief warned that the army will descend heavily against such manner of campaigns with every legal apparatus, stressing that the war against the insurgents cannot be won by the army alone, but with the efforts of every citizen.

    He called  on  media organizations to be objective by highlighting the achievements of the military against the insurgents and de-emphaising the falsehood and propaganda of the insurgents so as the educate the public.

    Buratai while commenting on the army’s recent battle with amnesty international noted that; ” The allegations of human rights abuses against the military by Amnesty International, lack of equipment and nonpayment of allowances to troops are all misleading and not the true .

    “The military authorities have established a human rights desk to promote civil military relationship and enhance justice system as well as reorganize various divisions,” he said.

    He explained that  the dinner was organized to chart a new phase on  Military/ Media relations. He also  commended the media for its effective reportage of the campaign against insurgency as well as restoration of peace in the Northeast.

    This Day Newspaper Editor,  Mr Bolaji Adebiyi  who spoke on behalf of other editors , thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army for organizing the dinner which he said is a very good development in the Media/ Military relationship that will identify and  bridge the gap in media management.

    The dinner was attended by Major.General . Lamidi Adeosun, the Head of Military Training and Operations; Major General. Benson Akinroluyo, The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, and other senior military officers.

    Others were some representatives of United Nation agencies, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Practitioners.

  • Boko Haram: Buratai seeks close media, military relations

    Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), yesterday called on the media to support the military to defeat Boko Haram insurgents.

    He made the call during a dinner and interactive session organised for editors and defence correspondents in Maiduguri.

    He said that the call was imperative to check the spate of terrorists’ propaganda inimical to the successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign.

    Buratai noted that terrorists had thrived on publicity to misinform the public, instilled fear in the mind of the people and demoralised troops’ morale.

    The COAS lamented the spate of campaign of calumny against the military through social media platform by some organisations at the detriment of national security.

    Buratai described the allegations of human rights abuses against the military by Amnesty International, lack of equipment and non payment allowances to troops as misleading.

    “The war against terrorism should be a collective responsibility for all, and not just a war between the army and the terrorist group.

    “The war needs to be reported as it is, and enlighten the people to understand the situation and support the military,” he said.

    Buratai noted that the impact of the terrorists propaganda was one of the major challenges facing the military by even discouraging the troops at the frontline.

    He stressed the commitment of the Nigerian army to maintain cordial and mutual relations to enable it to end insurgency and enhance national security.

    Buratai added that the dinner was organised to mark the begining of a new page of military media relation.

    The army chief lauded the media for its effective reportage of the campaign against insurgency, restoration of peace in the Northeast and protection of life and properties in the country.

    According to him, the military authorities have established a human rights desk to promote civil military relationship and enhance  justice system as well as reorganised various devisions.

    Buratai disclosed that the military authorities had rehabilitated offices, house and office accommodation, clinics, equipment and initiated various programmes for the improvement of the troops.

    He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to remain disciplined, professional and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.

    The army, he said, would do its best to end insurgency, restore peace to the northeast, enhance security and protect the national territorial integrity.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the dinner was attended by Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, the Head of Military Training and Operations; Maj.- Gen. Benson Akinroliyo, The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and Brig.- Gen. Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, and other senior military officers.

    Others were some representatives of UN agencies, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Nigerian Institute of Public Relation Practitioners (NIPR).