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Tag: Buratai

  • Buratai assures of Army’s commitment to rights protection

    CHIEF of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has assured of Army’s commitment to protecting human rights in the Northeast during military operations.

    Buratai, in a statement yesterday in Maiduguri on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, said the mainstreaming of human rights into military operations in the counter-insurgency is an essential aspect of the operations in the theatre.

    Condemning the Boko Haram insurgents for crimes they perpetrated, leading to loss of several lives and property, he paid tribute to officers and men that have died in the defence of the rights of innocent people.

    The army boss said: “Last year, I issued a first-ever statement by the Nigerian Army in commemoration of International Human Rights Day. I restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to the promotion and protection of human rights.

    “On this day, I recommit the Nigerian Army to supporting the brave officers, men and women, who are working daily to defend human dignity and advance the cause of freedom of Nigerians across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “I note with regret the situation in some areas in the Northeastern states of Nigeria, where heinous acts of terrorism continue to be perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists. I specifically pay tribute to the officers, men and women, who have lost their lives in the pursuit of human rights for the people living in these communities.

    “While these resurgent acts of terrorism challenge the rights that we celebrate today, I nevertheless believe that freedom, including the right to live without fear, will triumph eventually over terrorism and the Nigerian Army remains committed to working toward that end.”

    Baratai added: “The Nigerian Army appreciates the support and partnerships with local and international non-governmental organisations.”

  • Boko Haram: Fed Govt orders Buratai back to war theatre

    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai is to return to the Northeast where he will stay until Boko Haram insurgents are crushed, the Federal Government ordered yesterday.

    It also asked Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin and Gen. Buratai to effect changes in operational commands of major operations in the country, especially operations Lafiya Dole in the Northeast, Operation Delta in the Niger Delta, Operation Sharan Daji in Zamfara and Katsina states and Operation Awatse in Southwest.

    This development is coming on the heels of the attacks on troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Northeast, the latest of which is the attack on the troops of 157 Battalion stationed in Melete, northern Borno in which 23 soldiers died.

    The Army chief had as a result of the attacks moved the Chief of Army staff  4th Quarter Conference slated for Benin, Edo State capital, to Maiduguri, Borno State capital, to enable him motivate troops for the challenges of Boko Haram.

    Defence Minister Mansur Dan Ali directed the military top hierrachy to effect changes that would restore peace and orderliness to the troubled states and zones of the country.

    He also directed the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division  to relocate his tactical headquarters to Gusau, Zamfara State, from Sokoto and directly oversee the conduct of Operation Sharan Daji.

    A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer to the minister, Colonel Tukur Gusau, said the decisions were taken at the end of the meeting of the minister, the chief of Defence Staff, (CDS)  and  Service chiefs yesterday.

    It stated that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the emmergency procurement of critical equipment for the armed forces.

    The statement reads:  “   The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali met with the CDS and Service Chiefs today Monday 3 December 2018 at the Ship House, Headquarters of Ministry of Defence and consequently directed the Chief of Army Staff to remain in the Northeast until security situation improves.

    “ Similarly, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, was also directed to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara State to oversee the conduct of Operation SHARAN DAJI.

    ”   The Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff were also mandated to effect changes in the operational commands of Operations DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta, LAFIYA DOLE in the Northeast, SHARAN DAJI in Zamfara and Katsina states and AWATSE in the Southwest. This is to enable them meet up with the current threats and security challenges in their areas of responsibility.

    “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has also directed the emergency procurement of critical equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with the Federal Government policy of procuring equipment from Original Equipment Manufacturers through government to government basis.

    “ The Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks. In a related development and a show of concern to the welfare needs of members of the Armed Forces, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has directed the enhancement of the welfare of troops, particularly those serving in operational areas within the country.”

  • Buratai to troops: be wary of fake news

    TROOPS deployed to the Northeast against Boko Haram terrorists have been cautioned by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to be wary of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers, especially in the way and manner they employ propaganda to achieve certain objectives.

    Lt-Gen. Buratai said if troops get expose to social media and fake news, there was the likelihood that it would demoralise their fighting spirits and undermine national security.

    The Army chief spoke at a dinner for the troops of Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion (AFSF Bn) and Army Headquarters Strike Group in Maiduguri at the weekend.

    He stressed that the troops should be mindful of what they see and read on the social media as most of the stories were either doctored or fake.

    Believing these stories would demoralise their fighting spirit, thus undermining national security, the COAS added.

    Buratai was also quoted as saying that the armed forces and other security agencies are now fighting terrorism as the days of insurgency has long gone.

    Lt.-Gen. Buratai, according to a statement by Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, emphasised that Boko Haram terrorists have no claim to any territory in Nigeria as of today and, therefore, enjoined the troops to flush out remnants of the terrorists wherever they are hiding..

    The Army boss, who asked the troops to use tactics acquired at different stages of their training as special forces, added that more attention would be given to in-theatre training and intelligence gathering and capabilities of personnel would be enhanced.

    He urged them to maintain the country’s peace and work hand in hand with other security agencies to defend the democratic system.

    “Every commander is already aware of what is expected of him especially, in the upcoming general elections of 2019, therefore you should live up to expectations of the authorities,” Buratai said.

    In his vote of thanks on behalf of the officers and men of both units after the dinner, the Commanding Officer of the AFSF Bn, Navy Commander G. B. Osuobeni, hailed the Army Chief for the visit and the kind gesture of hosting them to a dinner.

    He said the event signifies the COAS appreciation and support of their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the Northeast under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    The Commanding Officer stated that the occasion would remain indelible in their minds and that the troops of both units were highly motivated by the visits and interaction, assuring that they would continue to do their best to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the border areas and other areas of the Northeast.

  • Buratai warns Troops against fake news

    Troops deployed to the northeast against Boko Haram Terrorists have been cautioned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur  Buratai, to be wary of Boko Haram  terrorists and their sympathizers, especially in the way and manner they employ propaganda to achieve certain objectives.

    Buratai said if troops get expose to social media and fake news there is the likehood that it would demoralize their fighting spirits and undermine national security.

    The Army Chief made the observations at a dinner for the troops of Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion (AFSF Bn) and Army Headquarters Strike Group in Maiduguri at the weekend.

    Speaking further, he stressed that the troops should be mindful of what they see and read on the social media as most of the stories are either doctored or fake.

    Believing these stories would demoralize their fighting spirit, thus undermining national security, the COAS added.

    Buratai was also quoted as saying that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are now fighting terrorism as the days of insurgency has long gone.

    In a statement by Army Spokesman , Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, Lt. Gen. Buratai emphasized that Boko Haram terrorists have no claim to any territory in Nigeria as of today and therefore enjoined the troops to flush out remnants of the terrorists wherever they are hiding..

    Buratai who asked the troops to use tactics acquired at different stages of their training as Special Forces, added that more attention would be given to In-theatre training and intelligence gathering and capabilities of personnel would be enhanced.

    He also urged them to maintain the peace in the country and work hand in hand with other security agencies to defend the democratic system.

    Every commander is already aware of what is expected of him especially, in the upcoming general elections of 2019, therefore you should live up to expectations of the authorities, Buratai said.

    In his vote of thanks on behalf of the officers and men of both units after the dinner, the Commanding Officer of the AFSF Bn, Navy Commander G B Osuobeni, lauded the Army Chief for the visit and the kind gesture of hosting them to a dinner.

    He said that the event signifies the Chief of Army Staff’s appreciation and support of their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the north east under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    The Commanding Officer stated that the occasion would remain indelible in their minds and that the troops of both units were highly motivated by the visits and interaction, assuring that they would continue to do their best to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the border areas and other areas of the north eastern part of Nigeria.

  • Buratai to troops: you’ve what it takes to flush out Boko Haram

    TROOPS involved in the anti-Boko Haram battle in the Northeast have the wherewithal to defeat insurgents, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has said.

    He directed the troops to flush out the remnants of Boko Haram fighters from their hideout.

    The COAS said that troops deployed in the northeast have what it takes in terms of equipment and logistics to wipe out terrorists within the shortest period.

    Lt.-Gen Buratai gave the directive while addressing Armed Forces Special Forces Battlion at the weekend in Borno State.

    Army Spokesman Brig.-Gen Sani Usman said in a statement that Buratai urged the troops to fill in the observed gaps as they were deployed for that purpose and should therefore make the difference in the fight against terrorism.

    The COAS was quoted as saying that the troops have all it takes to do the job and they should work together as a team, adding that the Nigerian Armed Forces have done a great job in the Northeast in terms of degrading the Boko Haram terrorists.

    The attained success must be consolidated as they are adequately equipped, trained and with superior tactics than the terrorists, Gen. Buratai was quoted as saying.

    He implored the troops to dominate everywhere in the theatre and deny the terrorists freedom of action and movement.

    Brig.-Gen Usman said that the COAS later had private durbar with the troops in which they bared their minds on various issues, while the Army Chief provided answers to their enquiries.

    The spokesman said: “The COAS also paid similar visit to Army Headquarters Strike Group where he had one-on-one interaction with them. Later in the evening he had dinner with the troops.

    “The visit to the troops by the Chief of Army Staff is coming at the end of the Chief of Army Staff’s annual conference 2018 which took place in Maiduguri from 28-30th November 2018.”

    Also at the weekend, the COAS listed the dangers of fake news. He said the trend not only poses threat to national security, but makes the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the Northeast more difficult.

    Condemning those behind fake news, Gen. Buratai  urged Nigerians to be patriotic and wary of false information.

    He said: “It is inimical to national security; it is inimical to the morale of the troops and by and large, it is one of the demoralising factors making the counter insurgency operation more difficult.’’

    He stated that terrorists survive on propaganda to get attention and spread their ideology as well as to create fear and the impression that they were “untouchable, invincible or have capacity that they do not possess.’’

    “Nigerians must be very careful not to fall to their antics by condemning their actions and propaganda, and support the efforts of the military, especially the Nigerian army.

    According to the COAS, the troops deployed to fight the terrorists, bears the consequences of the fake news.

     

    Eight killed as Boko Haram launches fresh attack on military base

    SUSPECTED Boko Haram insurgents on Saturday   night launched a daring attack on a military base located at Buni Gari, Yobe State.

    Buni Gari is less than five kilometres from the 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigeria Army located in Buni Yadi, about 50 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital.

    A reliable security source claimed that six Boko Haram fighters and two soldiers were killed in the in the cross-fire between insurgents and troops.

    “We lost two soldiers but we killed six of the bastards,” the source said.

    A resident, who identified himself as Babagana, said they fled their homes after sounds of sporadic gunshots boomed from the military base located in the southeast of the town.

    Babagana also informed that most of the residents that ran out of the town have returned with the army taking full charge of the area.

    “There was serious reinforcement from the 27 Task Force Brigade therefore the terrorists couldn’t make any impact,” a soldier informed.

    The Nation recalled that the insurgents lunched a similar attack on a military location in the same axis in Katarko on November 7.

    The rampaging Boko Haram fighters set the military base ablaze and also part of the village.

  • Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai

    *Says 39 soldiers killed overall in recent weeks

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has given an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists and at the same time made a chilling revelation that the insurgents have gone hi-tech in fighting Nigerian soldiers.

    He revealed that the Boko Haram insurgents now use drones and mercenaries to attack troops’ formations in the northeast.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Thursday said the trend poses threats which require review of military operations against the insurgents.

    “Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

    “However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations”.

    Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks.

    He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between Nov. 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed.

    “In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Specifically; the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

    Read Also:Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    “However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions; 157 Task Force Battalion, deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on November 18, 2018.

    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel wounded and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State,” Buratai said.

    Buratai sympathised with the MNJTF, adding that necessary support would be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai also sympathised with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation, stressing that the sacrifice fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    Buratai gave an assurance that the army will support the bereaved families and continue to care for the wounded soldiers, who he wished speedy recovery.

    According to him, the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, was moved to Maiduguri, to enable the military leadership get closer to the troops on the ground, appraise its activities, assess performances and identify shortcomings.

    Buratai reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections as well as collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and visit to the troops in the northeast.

    The army chief also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and Nigerians for their goodwill and support to the military at this trying moment.

    ”We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • Army in top form to end insurgency, says Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said the Army is in top form to end insurgency in the Northeast and other parts of the country.

    Buratai spoke yesterday at the demonstration and closing ceremony of the sixth edition of Exercise Vulcan Glow, organised by the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) in Kachia, Kaduna State.

    Represented by the Commander Nigerian Infantry Corp, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Okiti, the Army Chief said the exercise reaffirmed Army’s resolve to remain well trained and focused in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

    He said: “This is more so at a time the nation and the military are in top gear in addressing security challenges, most especially Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal activities bedevilling our nation’s territory.

    “This exercise, which is an annual event, will continue to be used to provide the needed training for NACA personnel towards improving their competence and that of the Army in general.”

    The Commander Artillery Corps Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Tarfa said the exercise is an artillery concentration for the planning, preparation, employment and deployment of artillery resources in all phases of conventional and unconventional wars.

    He added: “This year’s Exercise Vulcan Glow, therefore, provides an avenue for the Nigerian Army leadership to confirm NACA preparedness in carrying out its roles in realisation of the COAS vision of having a professionally responsive Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”

    Also, the Army yesterday said Boko Haram insurgents have resorted to arson in remote settlements in the Northeast, following renewed military campaigns against them.

    The Army stated this in its Twitter handle, saying the insurgents resorted to arson on thatch houses in rural settlements as troop tightened security to prevent the insurgents from infiltrating Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    It said the insurgents, on Wednesday, attacked Mamanti village on Maiduguri-Damboa road and burnt houses in the settlement.

    The Army said the insurgents fired shots to scare away the inhabitants, adding that two persons were wounded in the attack.

    It added that gallant troops successfully repelled the attack, forcing the insurgents to flee.

    “Frustrated by the current military deployments, which have made most towns and villages impenetrable in the Northeast, Boko Haram insurgents have resorted to arson on makeshift houses in remote settlements,” the Army said.

  • Army offers free medical treatment in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Army Artillery Corps on Thursday offered free medical treatment and donated 2,000 treated mosquito nets to Adara community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The outreach included health education, diabetic screening, dental consultation, eye screening and issuance of eye glasses.

    The three-day medical exercise is expected to end on Nov. 15.

    The Chief of Army Staff,Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the free medical treatment for the community was part of activities to mark the annual exercise Vulcan Glow six.

    Buratai disclosed that no specific number of people are targeted but based on records, so far, over 1,700 people have been attended to and more are coming.

    Read Also: Army redeploys top commanders

    Buratai, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, solicited the support of the civil populace within their localities to enable it carry out its constitutional role effectively.

    He explained that the outreach was part of army’s efforts towards promoting civil-military relations, and urged well-meaning individuals and agencies to emulate the gesture of assisting the downtrodden.

    The army chief expressed delight over the large turnout of beneficiaries and assured that the exercise would be sustained.

  • Army to begin combat vehicles production 2025 – Buratai

    The Nigerian Army should commence the production of home-made combat vehicles in seven years time, if all goes according to plan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said yesterday.

    Speaking at the 77 Regular Recruits Intake Passing-Out Parade at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, the COAS said that already the depot has produced five patrol vehicles named ‘TYB’, the acronym for the army chief’s name -Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

    He said: “Let me at this juncture commend the Commandant, Depot, Nigerian Army and his team for the uncommon research and development feat which led to the production of five patrol vehicles, named TYB Robile in my honour.

    “By this breakthrough, the Nigerian Army is poised to become self-reliant in class `B’ combat vehicles by the year 2025.

    “Furthermore, the ultra-modern industry military range which I will commission today is one of the cottage technological training aids designed to improve recruits marksmanship skills and economise use of old classes of army ammunition for training.”

    He urged the authorities of the depot to maximise the use of the project to enhance the quality of young soldiers trained by the army.

    The COAS said that the collaborative training with the British Advisory Team (BAT) had further introduced the recruits to contemporary training method.

    His words: “It is highly gratifying to note that this highly revered institution established in 1924 has remained focused in the discharge of its primary responsibilities of transforming able-bodied young Nigerians from civil orientation to well-trained soldiers. This is to meet the manpower requirements of the Nigerian Army.

    “Depot Nigerian Army has over the years remained pivotal in sustaining the growth and development of the Nigerian Army toward fulfilling its constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of our great country, Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, the passing-out parade is desirably coming at a time when Nigeria is confronted with series of security challenges.

    Buratai also said that it was gratifying that the Depot had continued to evolve training activities to actualise the vision of the Chief of Army Staff of having a professionally responsible Army for its constitutional roles.

     

  • Assault on journalist: lawyer writes Buratai, demands apology, N50m compensation

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai, has been asked to tender an “unreserved apology” for the October 6, 2018 alleged “unlawful arrest, grievous assault, inhuman and degrading treatment of Friday Olokor of the Punch newspapers by soldiers under his command, led by Captain Rabiu of 3 Division, Nigerian Army.

    The request is contained in a pre-action notice issued on October 10  by Olokor’s lawyer, Olisa John Tochukwu, who also demanded the “immediate payment of N50million as compensation for the assault, humiliation and inhuman treatment”.

    Olokor, who is the Punch correspondent in Plateau State, was on October 6, this year, arrested with some other innocent residents of Jos by soldiers said to be of the Special Squad from Maiduguri, Borno State, who allegedly engaged in indiscriminate arrest and detention in Jos.

    The lawyer vowed to initiate legal process against the COAS should he fail to honour the demands within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter.

    The letter reads: “We are Solicitors to Friday Olokor (hereinafter referred to as “our client”) and on his instruction we write. Our client is a seasoned journalist and Senior Correspondent with Punch newspapers authorised to cover Nigeria Army and its activities.

    “Our brief revealed that on Saturday,  October 6, 2018, our client received a statement from the Nigerian Army through Col. Kayode Ogunsanya, and decided to immediately work on it and dispatch to his employers while taking his dinner at Anne Breeze Restaurant, Rayfield area Jos, Plateau State.

    “Our client arrived the restaurant before 9:pm, but while working on statement and waiting for his dinner to be served, three truckload of Soldiers fully masked led by one Captain Rabiu invaded the area, arrested our client and many others without giving our client any reason for the arrest.

    “Our client promptly identified himself as a journalist, but was ignored. Our client was informed that the Special Squad from Maiduguri was deployed by you for his arrest.

    “He (our client) was later taken to the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Rubuka Barracks, Jos, and kept in an uncompleted building where all his belongings were confiscated and he was held incommunicado.

    “His plea to be allowed to communicate with his family or his editors was refused as the soldiers threatened to waste him if he does not keep quiet. Our client was kept in the most dehumanising condition with more than 30 other persons and made to urinate or pass faeces in the same room.

    “The next day, he was interviewed more than five times by Military Police officers, who kept him at constant watch. Several photos of his were taken as well as his house address. It took the intervention of Col. Kayode Ogunsanya, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in 3 Division Army, who sent him the press statement to work on, before he was released.

    “Based on the above stated facts, we demand as follows: A written unreserved apology for the treatment meted to our client.  Immediate payment of the sum of N50million as compensation for the assault, humiliation and inhuman treatment.

    “Take notice that, if you fail or neglect to heed the above stated demand within 48 hours from the time of receipt of this letter, we shall immediately commence cogent legal action against you and your agents. We hope to hear from you soon.”