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Tag: Buratai

  • Buratai: we’ll stabilise Zamfara, Birnin-Gwari

    •371 people killed in seven months, says AI

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has promised that the military will soon stabilise the troubled areas of Zamfara State, and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    The COAS spoke during his routine operational visit to troops in Kafanchan and Kachia, Kaduna State.

    Gen. Buratai, who said his visit was to inspect ongoing projects and assess troops’ combat-readiness, said measures have been put in place to restore normalcy in those troubled areas.

    He said: “This is a routine operational visit to see the troops and see what we have in Kaduna – the school of artillery – and to see some of the infrastructure that have been put in place, and to see what troops are doing on operations.

    “This place is one of the Army’s Forward Based Operations, which we later developed into a full battalion. We just acquired some of the equipment needed by the battalion, which we will soon start using. ”

    On why it was difficult to stabilise the troubled areas having restored peace in Southern Kaduna, Buratai responded thus: “nothing is making it difficult; be assured that those places will be stabilised very soon.

    “We are reinforcing our troops and equipment there. We are adjusting the deployment in that area and getting relevant platforms to ensure security agencies are able to deal with the security threats.”

    The Army Chief earlier visited the Chief of Kaninkon, Malam Tanko Tete and Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu. The traditional rulers thanked the  Army and the government for restoring security in their domains.

    Amnesty International (AI) said 371 persons have been killed in Zamfara State and thousands displaced in the farmers/herdsmen conflict since January.

    A statement by the Media Manager, Isa Sanusi, lamented the escalating insecurity in Zamfara, saying: “Insecurity is escalating in Zamfara State, with killings and kidnappings by bandits, leaving villagers in constant fear of attack.”

    Director of Amnesty International Nigeria Osai Ojigho said: “Thousands of people have been displaced by a conflict which began in 2012 following herdsmen/farmers clashes.

    “This is Nigeria’s forgotten conflict; the authorities’ failure to act has left villagers at the mercy of bandits, who have killed hundreds of people over the course of two years.

    “When we visited the region, villagers told us they begged the government to help them after receiving warning letters from the bandits ahead of attacks, but got no protection.

    “The authorities have repeatedly claimed to be tackling the situation, but the mounting death toll tells a different story…”

    “On July 27, 18 villages in the Mashema, Kwashabawa and Birane districts of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State were attacked, leaving at least 42 people dead. At least 18,000 displaced persons are now taking refuge at various locations in the local government headquarters. The following day, another 15 people were kidnapped in Maradun Local Government Area…”

     

  • Army redeploys Theater Commander, GOCs, others

    The Nigerian Army on Friday announced a major shake- up in the Force with the redeployment of Command and Staff Officers as well as General Officers Commanding (GOCs).

    The Theater Command of Operation Lafiya Dole and Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force were also affected by the development.

    According to a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, the posting was necessitated by the need “to injecting new hands to further actualize the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, for the Force.”

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army has announced a major redeployment of senior officers in Command, Staff and other appointments.

    “The posting affected Principal Staff Officers both at the Defence and Army Headquarters as well as General Officers Commanding (GOCs). The Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole and Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force are also affected by the posting.

    “The posting which also re-organized Operation Lafiya Dole was aimed at injecting new hands to further actualize the vision of the Chief of Army Staff COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

    “Those affected in the redeployment include Maj Gen. A.M. Dikko who will take over as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig Gen. A.O. Abdullahi as Acting Commander, Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole and Brig Gen. U.U. Bassey as Acting Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “Others are, Maj. Gen. C.O. Ude posted as Force Commander of Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Maj. Gen. J. Sarham as General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj. Gen. E.B. Kabuk General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Maj. Gen. M.S. Yusuf General Officer Commanding, 81 Division and Maj. Gen. B.A. Akinroluyo as General Officer Commanding, 3 Division.

    “Among the Principal Staff Officers affected are Maj. Gen. Leo Irabor posted as Chief of Defence Training and Operations in the Defence Headquarters while Maj. Gen. L.O Adeosun takes over as Chief of Training and Operations at the Army Headquarters.

    “Others are Maj. Gen. H.O. Otiki, as Commander, Infantry Corps and Maj. Gen. C.U. Agulanna as Chief of Accounts and Budget, Nigerian Army. Maj. Gen. J.E. Jakko is posted to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Finance and Budget, Maj. Gen. A.B. Abubakar, Maj. Gen. A. Mohammed and Maj. Gen. L.K.J. Ogunewe, among others will be proceeding to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre on Course. All postings and appointments take effect from August 1, 2018.”

     

     

  • Insurgents: no going back, fight to finish – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says there there is no going back in operation to rid the North East of remnants of terrorists and charged troops to remain focus.

    Addressing troops of 21 Brigade in Bama Local Government Area of Borno on Thursday, Buratai assured them that remnants of the terrorists no longer pose any serious threat to them or the people.

    “There are just only few elements of them that are still moving about to show that they are still relevant.

    “But by and large, you can pick many of them by han,; there is no cause for alarm.

    “There is no reason why they will be allowed to get into our locations or disrupt, dislocate or dislodge any of you from your locations.

    “You must be firm in all your locations and maintain the aggressive posture, the momentum must always be maintained.’’

    The army chief commended the troops for showing resilience, determination and courage in the ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations, saying “you must maintain the momentum.’’

    He designated the 21 Brigade as a “Special Brigade’’, due to performances of the troops, as well as their determination, ruggedness and patriotism and promised that their logistics and operational needs would be met.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to demonstrate his appreciation for the troops’ performance, Buratai directed the army Chief of Account and Budget to pay them their 2018 uniform allowance.

    The brigade is along located on the fringes of the once dreaded Sambisa forest and Nigeria/Cameroon border, which had served as abode and route for the terrorists. (NAN)

  • Buratai: A Nation’s Iconic Army General

    Some years ago, something remarkable happened to Nigeria. On July 13, 2015, precisely, the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces , President Muhammadu Buhari appointed an unassuming, but patriotic and loyal Army officer, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), with a mandate to reposition the Nigerian Army and a special focus in the termination of terrorism from our country.

    Framed as a military strategist and tactician, a niche he carved for himself through dedicated service in his career, Gen. Buratai was unambiguously stepping into a spectacular rescue mission of Nigeria. The country had been demonized and tormented by Boko Haram terrorism insurrections and diverse armed conflicts to the extent that, its seat of power was no longer safe.

    Gen. Buratai, as an ardent student of the famous Chinese Army General, philosopher and military strategist, Sun Tzu, was not oblivious of the enormity of the assignment placed on his shoulders in combating the multi- faceted terrorisms that engulfed the entire country. Like Sun Tzu, he understood that “What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.”

    Gen. Buratai’s psyche was constantly shuddered by this truism, hence a “…a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.” In his first official interaction with Nigerians, the Army Chief so endearing, calmed the nerves of exasperated Nigerians by soothingly assuring the people that, he will make the difference by defeating Boko Haram insurgency alongside allied insurgencies. That was a promise which he also said must be kept.

    And to this end, Gen. Buratai was determined to keep the promise, which was consistently greased by the wisdom of Sun Tzu’s Art of War that, “The General who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”

    He instantly mobilized his troops and took the counter-insurgency war to the tents, caves, camps, jungles, forests and other secret hideouts of the insurgents. Based on the severity of the consuming fire of terrorism on Nigerians and their peace of mind, the Army Chief never hedged in, personally leading his troops on some of the operations. Within three months, his troops had substantially decimated the terrorists and reclaimed several territories under the captivity and control of Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria’s Northeast region. And refreshingly, Gen. Buratai’s troops significantly scaled down the tempo of reckless terrorists attacks, with superior fire power. Amazing though but difficult to believe.
    The leader of the counter-insurgency operations knew and applied the philosophy of Sun Tzu that , “Speed is the essence of war.” With this mindset, Nigerian troops sustained strikes on insurgents at unexpected locations and hideouts, which rattled and shattered their coherence, making it impossible to recuperate from injuries and freely regroup to plot fresh atrocities.

    At this stage, Gen. Buratai, a dynamic military strategist adopted Sun Tzu’s principle , which stipulated that “When the enemy is at ease, be able to weary him, when well fed, to starve him, when at rest, to make him move. Appear at places to which he must hasten, move swiftly where he does not expect you. Every action of the troop was revealing and was beyond terrorists’ comprehension.

    The Army Chief shrewdly ensured sources of arms and ammunitions as well as food supplies to terrorists, were severed. The strategy unleashed the epidemic of hunger on insurgents and their families. Starvation became too severe, leading to the famed revolt of wives of insurgents against their husbands.

    The wives loudly complained of children perishing under hunger, as they passionately appealed to their husbands to renounce terrorism. It was a heavy blow on the psyche of terrorists.

    While the Army infested Boko Haram insurgents Indeed,tarved terrorists of arms and ammunitions replenishment, his troops intensified warfare pressure on these religious extremists sect. They were incapacitated and aside, they curtailed their liberty to freely attack targets, they kept retreating to the fringes, border communities and obscure remote areas in the Northeast.
    He kept his troops on perpetual surveillance and red alert, as he formed and trained rapid response squads because he knew like Sun Tzu, that “The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him, not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.” The frequency of insurgents’ ambushes and attacks on security formations diminished impressively, as troops rubbished their guerilla antics. The once dreaded Boko Haram terrorists group that was a global threat was eventually depleted and unmasked. The Army Chief fetched from the pool of Sun Tzu’s strategies, who instructively echoed that “It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy’s strength, surrounds them, if five times attack them, if double, be able to divide them, if equal, engage them, if fewer, defend against them, if weaker, be able to avoid them.”

    Gen. Buratai consciously caused disarray in the Boko Haram camp, which was hitherto whole and under the unchallengeable leadership of Abubakar Shekau. The strategy led to break-ups in the rank of Boko Haram, as several splinter factions emerged; prominent among them, the Musab Al Barnewi faction. Al Barnawi was Shekau’s erstwhile publicity scribe, who pulled away a large chunk of Shekau’s foot soldiers and top commanders.

    Both factional leaders most times, engaged themselves in the battle of supremacy, which weakened their struggle and exposed them to heavy repression by Nigerian troops, hence according to Sun Tzu, “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”

    Gen. Buratai was guided by Sun Tzu’s five essential ornaments for victory which determine when to pull the trigger against an enemy and when to retreat or dangle a carrot. It clearly spelt out that, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight, he will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces, he will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks, he will win who prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared, he will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign”
    It was the genesis of the “stick and carrot” approach to counter-terrorism and the voluntary massive surrender of Boko Haram foot soldiers, including Shekau’s top commanders to the Nigerian Army. It pathetically deflated Shekau’s fighters and the Army Chief ensured avenues of fresh recruitment of Nigerians as fighters for the sect were blocked permanently.

    Therefore, after the decimation of Boko Haram sect in December 2015, the reclamation of all Nigerian territories under Boko Haram captivity, Gen. Buratai knew time was ripe to defeat the sect. The invasion of the formerly dreadful Sambisa forest and Camp Zero, the most fortified fortress of Shekau and his evil lieutenants in December 2016, was a profound statement about the defeat of Boko Haram terrorists group that was globally applauded.

    Today, the leadership of the Army by Gen. Buratai has been able to rescue over 20,000 abducted persons including some of the Chibok and Dapchi school girls

    Nigerian troops are currently on clearance operations in communities and villages in the Northeast to cleanse them of the last vestiges of the remnants of terrorists. The recent launch of the Army Female Corps is a deliberate step to checkmate the flashes of female suicide bombers.

    Boko Haram’s factional leader, Abubakar Shekau knows he has been caged, as the Army sights his capture soonest. He has been disabled to the extent that he no longer releases his boastful videos on successful raids and abductions of Nigerians.

    Shekau piteously lamented his frustrations in continuing with the battle and wished death came his way. But Gen. Buratai has vowed to capture him. The seemingly invincible Shekau is now afraid of his shadows and whines faintly from the forests and caves of the neighbouring Cameroun.

    Buratai, this iconic Army General has proven his mettle both on the battlefield and dexterity in leadership. Veteran Gen. Sun Tzu, effortlessly led his troops to several victories against hardboiled enemies, because he earned their loyalty and commitment, anchored on the conviction that “Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”

    Similarly, Gen.Buratai has earned confidence, loyalty, patriotism and admiration from his troops, leading to the secured victories because he prioritized their welfare. Under his leadership, Nigerian Army personnel are promptly and timely paid their salaries and allowances; Army barracks and formations have undergone facelifts.
    He has invested in the training of human resources through the establishment of the first ever Nigerian Army University and the Nigerian Army Aviation School among others. Civil/military relations has been smoothened with the establishment of the Human Rights Desks at the Army Headquarters (AHQs) and in all Divisions, several communities which play permanent or temporary host to the Nigerian Army can now boast of multiple Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in different parts of the country, mostly in the areas of water, health care and education.

    Indeed, in the last three years, Gen. Buratai has positively impacted on terrorism, insurrections and armed local conflicts. This charismatic leader has made the difference and kept his promise to Nigerians. It explains why he is celebrated home and abroard with distinctive honours and awards.

    I wish other Nigerians in position of authority or leadership could borrow a leaf from this exceptional General. Indeed they could achieve this, if they change their perception of leadership and serve the people, rather than engage in personal puffery.

    Omeje is a public affairs analyst and wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.

  • Nigerian Army Women Corp And Buratai’s Vision

    I was caught in an euphoria I could not instantly explain, when I listened to the fervent voice of a young Nigeria Army officer, identified as Sergeant Blessing. She was addressing the Nigerian Army top brass and leaders of Nigeria at the recent Chief of Army Staff Conference (COASC) at Monguno, Borno state, at the exhibition stand whilst Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was being conducted round the various stands.

    She said; “We have been trained to help combat the scourge of terrorism, especially suicide bombings that are usually carried out by women. We are not just the first Service (Nigerian Army) to establish the Women Corp, we are proud to be part of the Nigerian Army’s success against Boko Haram.”

    I know, without any iota of doubt that terrorism has multi-dimensional fangs. And once it grabs any population with terror, anywhere in the world, it spares no tom, dick and harry. Terrorists use every weapon at their disposal to visit humanity with heinous crimes and atrocities.

    Nigerians live with painful memories of Boko Haram terrorists’ free use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). These are very deadly explosives or weapons of mass destructions and insurgents main arsenals against Nigerians when they lost the combat with our troops in the field.

    Sometimes the insurgents use bombs, sophisticated arms and ammunitions, charms or amulets to make themselves invincible in the practice of their evil trade against the people.

    What took the Nigerian government and military authorities on Boko Haram by surprise was the sudden detour into the use of female suicide bombers, some of them teenagers. While Nigerian troops’ eagle eyes marched the insurgents strength for strength on the battlefield, they resorted to the use of teenage boys and girls, as suicide bombers, who would detonate bombs at unexpected or rare destinations.

    I heard the stories of female suicide bombers, but considered it more as isolated cases, until I took deep interest in the emerging phenomenon. I stumbled on an online report anchored by CNN’s Robyn Kriel, published on August 11, 2017 and I was marveled at the blooming statistics of female suicide bombers in my country.

    The report said; “Researchers at the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and Yale University analyzed the 434 suicide bombings carried out by Nigeria-based militants, Boko Haram since 2011, and found that at least 244 of the 338 attacks in which the bomber’s gender could be identified were carried out by women.” That’s a frightening figure by every standard.

    In the same report, Jason Warner, Assistant Professor at the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, a United States’ elite military academy, said Boko Haram started the use of female suicide bombers after the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls.

    He explained that the use of female suicide bombers by Boko Haram was launched “… after it realized the potency that gender and youth offer in raising its global profile after the Chibok kidnappings.”

    The report also adduced reasons for insurgents’ preference for female suicide bombers as persons unlikely to be checked at security checkpoints. And those who know the religious culture of Northern Nigeria would easily attest to the veracity of this assertion.

    “They can hide explosives under their billowing clothing, or inside handbags, and in some cases have even strapped explosives on their backs with infant children,” the report added.

    And quoting a report gathered from research on the phenomenon; he added that Boko Haram ; “ … is the first terrorists group in history to use more women suicide bombers than men, and is at the vanguard of using children as suicide bombers. Of the 134 suicide bombers whose age could be determined, 60% were teenagers or children. The youngest suicide bomber identified to date was just 7 years old. Boko Haram has used four times as many young girls as it has young boys.”

    These are chilling revelations. I also discovered to my amazement similar analysis of the potency of female suicide bombers by other reputable local and international media or organizations’, including The Economist Magazine and the United Nations (UN).

    The UN also decried the alarming use of female suicide bombers by Boko Haram. A report credited to the UN in March 2018 UN quoted its Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed as saying, Boko Haram terrorists have upped the tempo of adoption of women and girls, as suicide bombers, including children from year 2017. That was when the Nigerian military held them tightly on the warfront.

    In The Sunday Punch online of August 6, 2017, a report by Olaleye Aluko also admitted that “Boko Haram terrorists have so far used more than 145 girls in suicide bombing missions between January and July 2017.”

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff , Lt. Gen. TY Buratai, a visionary, military strategist cum tactician keenly followed these developments and went back to the drawing board.

    I am sure he understudied the sociological factors relating to culture and tradition of the people, which aid the thriving trade of female suicide bombers and the easy escape of female bomb carriers at military checkpoints. The Army Chief understood the problem perfectly and set to remedy it.

    Thus, early 2018, these developments sparked the idea of the Nigerian Army’s women-only corps in the COAS’ efforts to curb the excesses of female suicide bombers.

    When Gen. Buratai officially unveiled this initiative at the 2018 first quarter Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference in Abuja, he informed Nigerians and the world that the concept is to assemble and develop professionally responsive female officers and soldiers. He hinted that the female officers would be deployed to support its anti-terrorism operations within and outside Nigeria in line with global best practices of the military.

    He intimated that “The corps will give the Nigerian army an opportunity to recognise women in order to derive the maximum benefits from their contributions to the defence and security of our nation,’’

    And true to his words, Gen. Buratai , the foresighted, visionary and relentless leader of counter-insurgency operations has made good his promise. He unveiled before Nigerians at the recent COASC in Monguno, a brand new set of Nigerian Army Female Corp, to assist in combating the asymmetric nature of global terrorism in Nigeria, with its female suicide bombers slant.

    These are ebullient female Army Personnel who would respect the culture and religion of the people as it relates to women. But they would spare no stone to ensure females are no longer available for recruitment by insurgents or ply the trade of suicide bombings, because they would penetrate enclaves which male soldiers are restrained by the culture of the people.

    I looked at the confidence and pride in their faces as they stood at the Women Corp stand, and the soothing words of Sergeant Blessings moved me into tears of joy. I nodded my head quietly, muttering to myself, “ Yes, the COAS knows his direction and job.”

    This is one of the several innovations the COAS has brought into the Nigerian Army and the combat of terrorism in the country. And what is fascinating about Gen. Buratai’s latest innovation? I think it’s one nice step to curb the recalcitrant shadows of insurgency, reflective in the use of women in the Northeast and any other part of the country. It’s a perfect, commendable and laudable initiative.

    The Army Chief has again proven his impeccable credentials, as a reservoir of military knowledge. He is indubitably a living encyclopedia in military science, technology, philosophy, as he bequeaths yet another enduring legacy for the Nigerian Army and Nigerians.

    Omotosho is a freelance writer and contributed this piece from Maiduguri, Borno State.

  • CELEBRATING THE NIGERIAN SOLDIER

    Friday 6th July 2018, the Nigerian Army is celebrating its day for the year 2018, (NADCEL 2018) in Monguno, Borno State. This is unique and a sharp departure from the usual parade, combat march past, weaponry and equipment displays usually at the Eagle Square in Abuja or any of the big cities in the country. That is the not the style of Nigerian Army of today under the able leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, a soldier’s soldier and the man who made history as the world’s acknowledged arrow head and commander of the fight against terrorism and insurgency in our country, Nigeria.

    What makes this year’s Army Day Celebration in its 155 years of existence quite unique is the fact that it is taking place in Borno State, the north eastern part of country. Some years back it is unimaginable to visit Maiduguri for whatever reason let alone venturing as far as Monguno to celebrate and carry out humanitarian activities. In addition, the Nigerian Army has been showcasing its innovations, research and development and technological advancements in the art of warfare and other aspects of human endeavors. Little wonder that the theme for this year’s celebration is “The Nigerian Army and National Security: A Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Development”. According to the Chief of Army Staff during a press conference on 29th June 2018, the Army is “determined more than ever before to contribute our quota to national development.” The theme is also in line with his vision, which is “to have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional Roles” which serves as impetus for the wonderful achievements of the Nigerian Army in the past three years.

    The strategic decision to hold the celebration in that part of Nigeria is a very commendable initiative which apart from giving troops greater sense of belonging, it is also sending a very clear and unequivocal signal of the end of Boko Haram terrorists group in our country. It also signifies the restoration of peace and security to the region that for nine years had known any and opening up socio-economic life that would add steam to national development. Therefore, there is every reason for every officer and soldier to be happy, proud and thankful for being part of the Nigerian Army at this point in time of our national history. The unprecedented accomplishments in fighting and defeating terrorism and insurgency and above all, great sense of professionalism within the last three years under Lieutenant General TY Buratai is unimaginable!

    I therefore want to take this opportunity to further pray for the souls of our departed heroic, selfless and gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who paid the supreme sacrifice or sustained injuries in the course of defending our great nation over time. Their sacrifices would never be in vain. May God grant all those wounded in action speedy recovery. I also want to the celebrate and rejoice with my colleagues; the gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army whose patriotism and sense of duty made them to place Nigeria before self and willing to pay supreme sacrifice of giving one’s life for the sake of our great nation. It is pertinent to also salute the spouses, children and family members of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their unconditional love, support, encouragement, prayers and understanding.

    I enjoin all Nigerians to appreciate the Armed Forces of Nigeria and celebrate the Nigerian Army at this auspicious annual occasion of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2018, for doing the nation proud. The Nigerian soldier is second to none in courage, perseverance, loyalty, patriotism, love for peace and humanity. Thank you so much for daring to tread where no mortals dare and conquer Nigeria’s enemies. Your enormous sacrifice enduring harsh climatic and social conditions of leaving your families behind for the frontline for Nigerians and indeed the world, to enjoy peace, liberty and development, makes you special. The pride you brought to Nigeria through these deeds, is extraordinary and would continually be remembered.

    Congratulations to all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army wherever you might be; here in Nigeria and abroad, as we celebrate yet another Nigerian Army Day today. God bless you all. Happy NADCEL 2018!!

    Sani Kukasheka Usman, a Brigadier General, wrote this piece from Jos, Plateau State.

  • Buratai restates commitment to end insurgency in North-East

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday reiterated the commitment of the army to end insurgency in North-East and other security challenges in other parts of the country.

    Buratai spoke at a special prayer session to commemorate the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, at Juma’at mosque, Maimalari Cantoment in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The army, according to Buratai, is also ready to contain terrorism; facilitate return of displaced persons to their homes, guarantee enduring peace and stability and social and economic development of the war ravaged region.

    The chief of army staff said the military had initiated various programmes to build the capacity of its personnel and ensure improvement in their welfare, to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively.

    “I will remain committed toward building a professionally responsive Nigerian Army to contain insurgency and emerging security challenges in the country.

    “The Army will remain a-political, professional and work to promote national unity, integration and growth of democratic governance,” he said.

    Buratai noted that the army had sacrificed and contributed toward successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-east, maintain law and order in various parts of the country.

    He commended the fallen heroes for their sacrifice and selfless service to the country, adding that their sacrifices would continue to be remembered by Nigerians.

    Buratai, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the Army, called for synergy between security agencies to end insurgency and enhance security network in the country.

    The chief of army staff also called on Nigerians to support the military and pray for peace and stability of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Buratai   cautions Nigerians against celebrating insecurity on social media

    Earlier, the Director, Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brig,-Gen. Garba Shehu, tasked northern state governments to monitor activities of Islamic preachers in their respective domain.

    Shehu said that the call was imperative to ensure effective regulation of preachers and contain the spread of extremist and terrorist ideologies.

    “It is good to have institutions in place in both local government and state levels to regulate and monitor activities of Islamic preachers,’’ he said.

    The General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu, the Commander, ‘OPERATION LAST HOLD,’ Ma,-j Gen. Abdullahi Dikko and other senior military officers also attended the prayer.

    Some of the activities lined up for the event include, environmental sanitation, medical outreach and exhibition of military hardware to be conducted at Gudunbali, Monguno and other liberated communities.

  • Nigerian Army Day: Buratai highlights troop’s commitment to nation’s sovereignty

    Ahead of this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, has given a detailed account on the activities of the army on its 155 years existence in the country.
     Buratai  also spoke on the success story of the Army as well as activities lined up ahead of the event.
    Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the army chief said the Nigerian troops were committed  to the nation’s sovereignty.
    He therefore, called on every Nigerian to support activities of the Army as it’s troops were making frantic efforts to to keep this entity called Nigeria as one.
    Full text of his speech below.
    Let me begin by reminding us on the reason for this celebration as well as give us a brief history of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
    The unfortunate 30-months long Nigerian Civil War was announced by a shot that was fired on the 6th of July 1967 at Garkem which is in present day Cross River State. The Nigerian Civil war was fought to keep Nigeria one and a lot of soldiers paid the supreme price in that process. The  Nigerian  Army  Day  Celebration  is  therefore  a  constant reminder of the sacrifices paid by troops most of whom as I said laid down their lives to ensure we remain united as a nation.
    This celebration is also designed to array Nigerian Army personnel and equipment as well as showcase the combat capability of the Nigerian Army.  Furthermore, the celebration affords us the opportunity to celebrate our evolution, achievements and also to showcase our transformational strides in the area of innovation, research and development, civil military relations and technological advances. This is in addition to projecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development. This year, the Nigerian Army will be marking 155 years of its existence, dating back to its inception in 1863.
    We are aware of the many security challenges that have bedeviled this country in the last decade or so. However I am pleased to state that the Nigerian Army has made giant strides in this regard particularly in the last one year. Our security architecture as a country is one with a very positive outlook. We have not only consolidated on the gains established in the fight against insurgency in the North East but have progressed to the Post  stabilization  phase  where  all  efforts  are geared towards ensuring displaced persons return to their biological homes which are now safe.
    That is why I directed that an operation codenamed Operation LAST HOLD be conducted in the fringes of the Lake Chad waters and Northern Borno. This operation is a humanitarian one in which we seek to return the Internally Displaced Persons and also provide the much needed security and guarantee for them to return back to their economic lives of farming, fishing and trading.  With the defeat of the insurgents, it is time to encourage our people to return to their ancestral home.
    This year’s Army Day Celebration is quite unique as you will see the innovative, research and development and technological side of the Nigerian Army. We have carefully packaged some activities along this line which you will witness in the course of the celebration. That is why the theme for this year’s celebration is “The Nigerian Army and National Security: A Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Development”. We  as  an  Army  are  determined  more  than  ever  before  to contribute our quota to national development. This theme is also  in  line  with  my  vision  “to  have  a  Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional Roles”.
    Like I stated in the beginning, this press briefing kick starts the series of activities for this year’s celebration. Later today, Jumua’at Prayers will be held at the Prayer Ground in Maimalari Barracks here in Maiduguri and across all formations in Nigerian.  Likewise, there will be an Interdenominational Church Service at the All Saints Military Church, Maimalari Barracks as well as across all formations in the country on 1 Jul 18 as part of the events for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
    Other activities lined up for the week long celebration include the following:
    a.Sanitation Exercise
    b.Medical Outreach to be undertaken at selected locations across Borno State and other parts of the country by all Nigerian Army Formations and units between 2 – 6
    July 2018.
    c.Local and International Military Equipment Manufacturers Exhibition.
    d.Mini Trade Fair.
    e.Static Display of Nigerian Army’s Equipment Capability.
    f.Airborne/Paratroopers Demonstration.
    g.Fire Power Demonstration among others.
    The grand finale of the celebration will take place on Saturday 7 Jul 18 at Monguno. The President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour on that day.
    Gentlemen of the press, the Nigerian Army is continuously making sacrifices towards ensuring the unity and development of this great nation. We therefore use the occasion of this celebration to solicit for the cooperation, prayers and goodwill of all. Let us join hands to collectively build and take this nation forward. I therefore urge us all to desist from acts that are capable of truncating the peace. We must be tolerant of one another and learn to give peace a chance. Let us also remember that no nation can develop or be economically vibrant without peace. I therefore want to use this medium to solicit with us all to be our brothers’ keeper. We assure all Nigerians that the Nigerian  Army  is  for  you  and  will  continue  to  work  for the common good of the country while professionally carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
    The current crisis in Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Zamfara States are both induced internally and externally. So many forces are against Nigeria. The target is the corporate existence of Nigeria as a country. The blame game along ethnic and religious fault lines is not the solution. Nigerians must unite to solve this serious challenge.  The Nigerian Army is not sleeping. We are continuously exploiting all the linkages and leads towards addressing the security challenges we shall get to the roots of all the crisis militarily. Therefore, we must be tolerant of one another and give peace a chance. let us also remember that no nation can develop or be economically vibrant without peace. I therefore want to use this medium to solicit with us all to be our brothers’ keepers. We assure all Nigerians that the Nigerian  Army  is  for  you  and  will  continue  to  work  for the Common good of the country while professionally carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
    On this note, let me express my sincere gratitude to the media for their wonderful support to the Nigerian Army at all times.   I  urge  you  to  give   this  year’s   celebration  the  wide coverage and publicity it deserves. Finally, I thank you for your continued support in our efforts in the pursuit of peace, security and progress of our dear nation.

  • Buratai, Nigerian Army And Trip Back To Roots

    It is no exaggeration that the evolution of modern Nigeria is inextricably tied to Great Britain. As former colonial masters of Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth, the influence of Britain on the country’s national life is visible in multiple aspects.

    Some liberal thinkers conclude that whatever portrait Nigeria flaunts before the world today, it is essentially a reflection of the ideals and culture imbibed from Britain.

    In warfare for instance, pre-colonial independent tribes in Nigeria raised and maintained communal warriors. But they were only concerned with fighting tribal wars or defending their communities and people against external aggressors.

    However, Nigeria’s first experience of an organized and conventional Army was enabled by the British in 1863. A Royal Naval officer and the then colonial Governor of Lagos, Lt. Glover, a Briton, selected 18 Northerners and groomed them into a local force identified as the “Glover Hausas.” They were mandated to protect British trade routes in Lagos hinterlands.

    The “Glover Hausas” became regularized and morphed into the “Hausa Constabulary” in 1865 and structured to perform police and military duties for the Lagos colonial government. It progressed into the “Lagos Constabulary.” The Lagos Constabulary transformed into the “Lagos Battalion”.

    There were several other progressions of the “force” and by 1889, The colonial Governor General of Nigeria, Lord Fredrick Lugard gave fillip to it by forming the emergent force, which in 1890, metamorphosed into the Royal West Africa Frontier Force, (RWAFF), in Jebba, Northern Nigeria. Several colonial transformations of the force occurred and by 1956, when Queen Elizabeth of Britain visited, the existing Nigerian regiment was renamed the Queens Own Nigerian Regiments (QONR).

    It later became the Nigerian Military Force (NMF). And on June 1st 1958, the British Army Council in London relinquished control of NMF to the Nigerian Government.

    At Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the NMF again changed it’s nomenclature to Royal Nigerian Army (RNA). And Nigeria assumed its republican status a nation, the RNA finally adopted the name of what is today known as the Nigerian Army, severing it from the colonial grip, with its independent organogram.

    And in the last 58 years, the Nigerian Army has registered strong presence at the regional, continental and global levels, in warfare and peacekeeping missions. Not only that it is touted as the best in Africa, but its personnel have at different times excelled on military assignments on the global scene.

    Therefore, the Nigerian Army under the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has shocked the world by defiantly confronting and defeating Boko Haram terrorism. World- wide, terrorism has proven to be a scourge very difficult to handle.

    But the Nigerian Army under the COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, who doubles as the leader of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria defeated Boko Haram terrorism in record time. The feat is a consequence of skillful application of experience, tactics and strategies in combating the Boko Haram terrorism. So, the Army Chiefs successful outing on insurgency is anchored on several factors.

    He re-professionalized and re-organized the Nigerian Army, thus repositioning it for its noble responsibilities. In the leadership of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Buratai has opened his chest wide and exposed himself to a range of external experiences and partnership with world armies to enhance knowledge and performance.

    The Army Chief is convinced that a respected military is first the signpost of a respected nation. It guarantees the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any nation. And with Nigeria’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council, the Army Chief believes, a properly groomed, professionalized, disciplined and patriotic Army cannot be compromised by Nigeria.

    Consequently, Gen. Buratai does not ignore any opportunity for the exchange of military ideas and experiences with other leaders of the Army anywhere in the world, especially on combating terrorism, which is now a certified global security threat . Just recently, Gen. Buratai was in London to attend the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British think-tank and assemblage of foreign relations experts in United Kingdom. The RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2018 held from June 17 – 22, 2018.

    He also met with selected members of the House of Commons Committee on Defence for a mutual interaction on security and terrorism related issues.

    Gen. Buratai’s consistency and zeal to update his skills with the ever changing global trends on terrorism and security has enriched his knowledge and experience. It is what he deploys in the effective leadership of the Nigerian Army and in combating terrorism in Nigeria.

    His presence at the 2018 edition of RUSI Land Warfare Conference is the second in the last two years. Even in 2017, the Army Chief attended the RUSI Land Warfare Conference and addressed the gathering on the topic “Current Nigerian Army Operations and the fight against Boko Haram terrorists”.

    The visit was also elaborate, as he met and interacted with Nigerian Army officers on professional courses at institutions in the United Kingdom. He also met and dialogued with Major Gen. Giles Hill, the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom and visited the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS).

    And even during the last RUSI conference, the Chief of Army Staff, also held a side meeting with selected members of the House of Commons Committee on Defence led by its chairman Dr. Julian Lewis. Other respected parliamentarians like Martin Docherty-Hughes, Mark Francois and Gavin Robinson graced the parley.

    Gen. Buratai’s actions markets him indisputably as a wise man who keeps constant touch with his roots. He has elevated the Nigerian Army to enviable heights by partnership with other global military, where experiences and ideas are shared on global security and terrorism.

    So, in the last two years, Gen. Buratai’s leadership of the Nigerian Army has exposed the institution to impressive external military experiences and world’s best military practices. Recently, the Nigerian Army Chief influenced the Nigerian Army’s co-hosting of the African Land Forces Summit with US Army Africa (USARAF) in Abuja, Nigeria.

    summit drew Military Chiefs from 40 African countries as well as allies from the United States Army, Africa Command, NATO and the African Union. And at the moment, Nigerian soldiers are part of the officers undergoing counter-terror training sessions between British and Nigerian troops in Kaduna.

    In effect, Gen. Buratai is fulfilling his pledge to raise and bequeath to Nigerians, a professionally responsible, disciplined, loyal and responsive Army in the service of the nation. And he holds the British experience dear to his heart.

    Onmeje contributed this piece from the United Kingdom.

  • Buratai: Liberated Captives And Loud Songs Of Joy From Northern-Borno

    The frequency of good tidings churning out of the Northeast, the former Boko Harm terrorists’ hub and colony these last few weeks and months have elicited tremendous joy in me. From Nigerian troop’s war-war in fierce combats on the battlefield with insurgents, we now hear or read about displaced natives returning back to their ancestral homes in droves jubilantly.

    And months and years in IDPs camps have not been pleasant experiences to the over 2 million people displaced by insurgency. Unless we are direct victims, many cannot fully appreciate how life can be cruel to innocent people sometimes.

    So, Nigerians are living witnesses to the joy of victims returning home, to pick up pieces of their lives from the scratch and from nothingness or completely ruined homes and villages/communities. It calls for celebrations and toasting of glasses of champagne.

    Never before in my entire life, have I experienced a people in such conspiratorial existential predicaments. Yet, they have resolved to rise above personal foibles and circumstances imposed on them by the evil machinations of enemies through insurgency.

    I was soberly disarmed by the sheer determination of Boko Haram victims in the Northeast never to be weakened by the horror and trauma of the insurgency crisis. The resolve to forge ahead with life is very strong for whatever holds meaning unto their lives.

    I heard the Nigerian Army has restored peace and security in the Northeast. But I preferred not to believe it, until I saw IDPs gladly returning back to abandoned homes. And in the last few weeks   alone, IDPs have kept returning to ancestral abodes because troops of “Operation Last Hold” under the Theatre Command, “Operation Lafiya Dole,” intensified raids on remnants of insurgents’ hideouts in clearance operations.

    To tell the rest of us and the world some passionate story, natives of Zari village or the returnees to Mobbar LGA of the state embarked on clearing of ‘kaka’ trees. They felt very free to clear shrubs at their homes on the Damasak-Zari-Gudumbali roads, which insurgents forced them to desert for years.

    Quite pathetically, some of them were sighting their forlorn homes for the first time in several years. I doffed my cap for the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations in the country, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai.  He earned my respect despite negative cacophonic voices in Nigeria against him.

    These series of exciting and positive records on the anti-terrorism war under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and the current leadership of the Nigerian Military have attracted endless compliments from me.

    But beyond me, it should task our collective spirit of empathy for our fellow brothers and sisters. It ought to leave a void in our hearts, if we fail to at least, step out with a voice in acknowledgment and thankfulness to the victims for their provable abiding faith as stronger than terrorism.

    The returning IDPs in villages around Zari in the Northern part of Borno a few days back  completely stole the joy of my heart. In these hapless Nigerian victims of terrorism, I saw the resilient spirit of the average Nigerian. They were not just happy about their liberation, but also paid very touchy homage to Gen. Buratai and his troops who they know have railroaded their liberation from Boko Haram terrorism.

    I watched the video on my hospital bed in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. And like the electrifying fire of the Holy Ghost as witnessed in many crusades and around the world, life immediately came back into me and I could walk again. I jumped out on my hospital bed in ecstasy, not minding that I still had an intravenous drip on the ankle of my hand.

    Both doctors and nurses on my bedside were quick to caution me. But miraculously, I considered their medication meaningless, because I was instantly healed by the joy of the news.  As a Nigerian, from that part of my country, I have gone through unquantifiable psychological trauma on account of the crisis.

    My very own people were affected. I know how much I spent to give them comfort in IDPs camps. But it never gave them the needed relief because a man severed from his natural habitat for years is perpetually a sad man; no matter the extent anyone tries to placate him. I tried my best to give them basic comfort in camps and bridge the gap.

    If I do not personally visit once in a while, I would send emissaries with endearing messages. But it never pleased any one of them that they no longer have the freedom to extend hearty affections to loved ones, within the family and around the villages.

    Faces of my loved ones assailed me with melancholy and an unexpressed feeling of emptiness. It silently soaked my heart in tears. Their actions once again, pungently and painfully told me, money is not everything to a human being. But freedom and the laxity to savour a life free of inhibitions is priceless.

    I saw my surviving siblings, my cousins, nephews, aged aunties and uncles, weeping uncontrollably at my sight each time I visited. Only a man in my kind of predicament would understand how it feels to have such number of dear ones caged for years, but return back to their traditional abodes. My heart leapt defiantly in explosively blitzed joy. I could not remember I was on a sick bed anymore.

    I must confess, I lost touch with my readers and fans for upward of two weeks or more. I was on a hospital bed in foreign lands, trying to recuperate from an indiscernible ailment. The doctors didn’t even know what was wrong with me, after several laboratory tests and medical diagnosis. But the return of my people to our communities miraculously healed me.

    So, when I opened my mails, it was full to the brim. My fans who read my column on regularly basis continued to bombard my inbox with queries and why I have refused to comment on the news.They accused me of refusing to change my anti-government stance on insecurity, now that the rhythms are positive. They didn’t know, I was too sick to write that time. But now, I have regained my health.

    The excitement was complete, when a video of the returnees amid rapturous shouts of joy and incantations, conspicuously displayed this appreciative appellation; “Kudos to Lt. Gen. TY Buratai and Gallant Nigerian Army for Liberating our Local Government, Guzamala Local Govt,” displayed on buses conveying them back to cherished homes.

    Oh Gracious God! So, these Nigerians still remember to thank the Nigerian Army? The Biblical lesson of one out of the 10 lepers, healed by Jesus Christ flashed on my mind.

    It was just one out of the lepers who came back to give thanks to Almighty God after the healing.   And I was so happy, my people still remembered and acted it. This is what got me extremely excited and became the final healing. I got to return back to Nigeria immediately. All hail Nigerian Army!

    Ainoko former  resident of Maiduguri is now based in Kaduna State.