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Tag: Chief of Army Staff (CoAS)

  • No leadership vacuum in army, COAS on annual leave – AHQ

    No leadership vacuum in army, COAS on annual leave – AHQ

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed insinuation that there is a leadership vacuum in with regards to personnel posting and promotion as army Chief is on annual leave.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the statement was in reaction to what he described as ‘social media stories, rumours, and innuendoes’ about happenings in the Nigerian army.

    He said that while some of the stories were laughable and deserve no further reference, others had bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

    “Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-a-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth.

    “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

    “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

    “This is not peculiar to the army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence,” he said.

    Read Also: COAS decries underrepresentation of Rivers, south-south, southeast in Army recruitment

    Nwachukwu said that the claims of leadership vacuum in the army presently was a mere speculation, adding that all routine and scheduled activities of the service were on course.

    According to him, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.

    He said that the Commander Traning and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, announced the result after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently answers for the Chief of Army Staff in his absence on leave and medical checkup abroad, in line with extant procedures.

    “Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos.

    “This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.

    “The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management,” he added.

    Army spokesman said it had never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the army contrary to the insinuation that COAS’ absence had caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise.

    He added that the appropriate departmental chiefs perform those functions routinely, adding that they were fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

    “The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.

    “Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.

    “The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Army holds medical outreach

    The Nigerian Army has held a medical outreach at the Trade Fair complex in Lagos as part of activities to mark the Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

    Beneficiaries enjoyed free services such as Body Mass Index (BMI) check, mosquito nets to expectant mothers, nursing mothers and others, high blood pressure check, condoms, dental and eye checks, as well as free glasses, among others.

    The one week celebration was tagged “Civil Military Relations”. There was environmental sanitation with the public, interdenominational service, combat service arms training, novelty match between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) team and Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and Jummat service.

    Corps Commander Engineers, Chairman of Nigeria Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) week 2019, Maj.-Gen. John Malu, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, said the medical outreach was one of such activity the military undertakes to relate with the public to create mutual understanding.

    Read Also: Two men ‘impersonate’ army, police officers

    Malu said: “The military does not operate in isolation and so during our annual celebrations we reach out to the public so that the public will know that this is their Army. These are part of the things that we call “civil military relation” for the public to know the workings of the Army and not think that soldiers only carry gun and go to war to defend the country.”

    He added that the procedures for the medical services are the same as that of the hospitals, from consultation to the distribution of drugs and people who can’t be treated immediately are referred to any close military hospital for further treatment.

    The outreach also held on the Island, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle.

     

  • Buratai to speak at counter terrorism conference in London

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, is billed to address a global conference on anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism today in London, the United Kingdom (U.K), Army’s spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said.

    In a statement, the spokesman said the COAS will deliver a keynote address on a topic, titled: Nigeria’s Unique Counter-Insurgency – A Working Counter-Terrorism Model for Replication in Africa.

    It added that the Army chief would be conferred with a strategic leadership award.

    The statement reads: “In furtherance of the recognition of the strategic leadership role in the global fight against terrorism, the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Buratai, has been invited to speak at the first-ever Global Anti-Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Conference and Workshop in London, the United Kingdom, on June 17.

    Read Also: Burutai visits planned Apple Island for Army

    “Similarly, he will be conferred with a special Leadership and Counter-Terrorism Strategic Award for his exceptional and continued role in combatting and significantly reducing the capacity of Boko Haram/ISWAP in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region under the Multi-National Joint Task Force at the conference.

    “According to the organisers of the conference, the Anti-Terrorism Accreditation Board (ATAB) and Global Risk International UK, the COAS will present a keynote address on the topic: Nigeria unique Counter Insurgency-a working Counter Terrorism model for replication in Africa…”

    “The organisers further stated that the workshop and conference are aimed at evaluating the current and future jihadist threat and expose frontline practitioners on how to utilise practical methods, tools, enhance technical and structural challenges posed by home-grown terrorists…”

  • Disclosure of service documents, injurious to national security – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has charged officers and men to ensure proper management and handling of Service documents saying, some of the documents are highly classified to the extent that their disclosure could be injurious to national security.

    Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday at a 4-day Nigerian Army Officers’ Office Management and Document Security Workshop 2019, the COAS further urged officers to monitor their clerks and be up to date in the preservation and sanctity of service documents.

    Represented by the Chief of Administration, Army, Major General Kuta Isyaku, Buratai noted that the workshop was meant to acquaint Nigerian Army officers with recent trends on document security and refresh officers on effective office management techniques.

    He urged the 160 participates draw from army units and formations as well as sister services to pay attention as it will equip officers with requisite skills and knowledge required to prevent emerging threats to security of documents in the Nigerian army.

    Read Also: Burutai asked to account for spendings on military operations

    He added, “The workshop targets the officers because they play an important role in ensuring proper management and handling of Service documents, as some of the documents are highly classified to the extent that that disclosure could be injurious to national security.

    “The social media has brought additional challenges to information security which are being used by misguided personnel, contrary to our service rules, the Nigerian army has extent policy on the use of social media which prohibits among others the use of social media to discourse or disclose service matters.

    “It is indeed very unfortunate and unprofessional for service personnel to resort to the social media to disclose classified information or express grievances when the army has well established channels for addressing complaints.”

    He assured that the Nigerian army cyber warfare command has the capacity to monitor and deal effectively with cyber related issues including the management of social media.

    The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Faruk Yahaya said security of information and document is one of the cardinal requirements for operations security, effective operations and effective administration in army.

    “The army recognizes the dynamic nature of contemporary challenges which affects all most all spheres of human endeavour including cyber and information management and therefore seeks to develop local capacity through realistic workshop of this nature to enhance the management skills and effectiveness in document and information security of officers.” He said.

     

     

  • Learn from your contemporaries, Buratai tasks commanding officers

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, in Lagos on Monday has tasked army commanding officers to learn how to apply leadership skills in their various unit from their contemporaries.

    Buratai said this in his address at a workshop for commanding officers at the 81 Division in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar with the theme “Enhanced Leadership prerequisites for the Nigerian Army transformation to meet contemporary challenges” was organised for units two and six in 81 and 82 Divisions.

    The COAS was represented by the Corps Commander, Signal, Maj. Gen. Muhammed Mohammed.

    The week long seminar was attended by over 50 commanding officers from the rank major and lieutenant colonel.

    He said that the workshop was aimed at improving the skills of Commanding Officers towards developing a more professional and efficient approach on the performance of  their statutory roles in both peace and war times.

    “I am highly delighted to be at this occasion of the the first Commanding officers workshop which is highly necessary in line with our vision to the security challenges confronting on daily basis and also to find a solution to those challenges.

    “The intending nature of this workshop which is routinely organised by the Nigerian Army of various Cadres on the procedure and process for admnistration requirements in line with security challenges.

    “Also learn from your contemporaries, how they apply their leadership skills in their various units and rub minds,” he said.

    He said that the Commanding Officers’ workshop was intended to refresh their minds and experiences and also to share knowledge with other colleagues who were from other regions.

    “Bringing them together here is for them to share knowledge, understand the new directives and policy that will guide them to conduct and integrate with the society where they are working so that we can achieve seamless cooperation with society,” he said.

    Read Also: Buratai flags off Operation Python Dance in Kebbi

    Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, thanked the COAS for his support to host the first Commanding Officers workshop.

    “Training activities designed by the Army Headquarters is to enhance and build the capacity of the Commanding Officers of the army.

    “It is also to enhance your professional responsiveness in the discharge of the constitutional roles in consonance with the COAS vision.

    “To this, it is expected that the series of lectures and discussions throughout this workshop would broaden your horizons, particularly those of you involved in operations,” he said.

    He thanked the COAS for his untiring support to the division in general and for choosing 81 Division to handle this workshop and approving the necessary logistic support.

    NAN

     

  • ‘Buratai should probe electoral violence’

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has appealed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to investigate the violence which happened during the elections.

    The party said some Army officials directly participated in the elections, and called on the military to redeem its image by probing incidents linked to them.

    Chairman Moses Cleopas said the activities of the Army deployed in Brass, Nembe and Southern Ijaw should be queried by the military.

    Cleopas lamented that PDP members were targets during the elections; he describing the situation as unhealthy.

    The chairman, however, described the victory of some candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as temporary, and vowed that his party would retrieve its mandate from them.

    Read also: Kwara elections met accepted standards, say observers

    He said: “APC chieftains came with military men and doctored results and forced INEC to change results to APC’s favour. This will not stand.

    “Nembe 2 and 3, Bassambiri was taken over by hoodlums. They chased away all PDP members from the community. Policeman who went there to maintain the peace were driven out by APC members. There were no proper elections there…”

    “We call on the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the activities of his officers and men in Bayelsa because it has become recurrent that soldiers now chase PDP members.”

  • ‘Buratai should produce killers of photographer, PDP chief’

    The Bayelsa State government has called on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce killers of the Government House Photographer, Reginald Dei, and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seidougha Taribi.

    Dei and Taribi were murdered in Oweikorogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Director of Strategic Communications at the Governor’s Office Nathan Egba-Ologo said the COAS had a responsibility to arrest and try the murderers.

    Egba-Ologo insisted that the deceased were killed at Taribi’s house while they waited for the election results. He urged Buratai to take a proactive step to investigate the murder.

    According to him, the earlier narrative that the deceased were killed by soldiers in army uniform would no longer stand as the Publicity Secretary of APC, Buokoribo Doifie, confirmed in reports that a member of his party led the soldiers to the residence where they were shot.

    According to him, claims that the deceased were shot because they were found with election materials were a wild allegation which should be investigated.

    He said: “The Bayelsa State government is making a passionate appeal to the Chief Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to investigate, identify and prosecute the soldiers who murdered a Government House photographer, Mr. Reginald Dei, and a Chieftain of the PDP, Mr. Seidougha Taribi, on February 23 in Southern Ijaw.

    “The Bayelsa State government and Bayelsans would adopt all lawful means to seek justice in this act of terror perpetrated against our citizens by a collusion of thugs and soldiers.”

  • PDP to Army chief: don’t drag military into politics

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was yesterday cautioned against dragging the military into politics.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which gave the counsel, urged the Army chief to refrain from acts or actions that could suggest in any way that the military has become an arm of a political party.

    The opposition party faulted Buratai’s allusion to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as well as his threats to officers and ranks to execute the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari on ballot box snatchers.

    In a statement by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party describes the Army chief’s position as an aberration of the nation’s laws and a recipe for crisis.

    The PDP said that Atiku’s call on the military not to obey unlawful directive was in order and reflected the wishes of Nigerians, as such, he cannot be intimidated by anybody no matter how highly placed.

    The statement said: “Gen. Buratai is counselled to note that the loyalty of the military is to the state and that the President lacks the powers, under our laws, to deploy soldiers for the conduct of elections.

    “Our party urges Gen. Buratai to concentrate on his very demanding assignment of protecting the territorial integrity of our nation and ending insurgency rather than dabbling into partisan politics at the risk of our national cohesion.

    “It is imperative to state that by trying to drag the military to participate in the February 23 Presidential election, President Buhari plots to suspend our constitution, assume the position of an emperor, trigger unrest, subvert our electoral process and derail our democracy.

    “The party directs President Buhari to the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos on March 23, 2015, wherein the court, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba, directly outlawed the deployment of troops in the conduct of elections in our country.

    “President Buhari should also avail himself of the subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, which on February 15, 2015, held that the President has no powers to deploy soldiers in the conduct of elections.

    “The PDP further counsels President Buhari and Gen. Buratai to end their rationalising of military option, as the courts have summarily dismissed their arguments that soldiers are needed to guarantee peaceful elections.

    “It may interest President Buhari to know that the judgment was sequel to a suit filed by the APC Leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, seeking a declaration that deployment of soldiers during elections is illegal and unconstitutional.

    “In case, President Buhari is not aware, as usual, the court directly held that ‘the Armed Forces have no role in elections’ and if soldiers must vote, they must do so in their barracks.”

    “In the said judgment, the court had said ‘the time has come for us to establish the culture of democratic rule in the country and to start to do the right thing particularly when it has to do with dealing with the electoral process, which is one of the pillars of democracy. In spite of the behaviour of the political class, we should by all means try to keep armed personnel and military from being a part and parcel of the electoral process. The state is obligated to confine the military to their very demanding assignment, especially in this time of insurgencies by keeping them out of elections’.

    The PDP alleged that priming of the military ahead of the elections has heightened fears of plots by the governing APC to plunge the nation into crisis and use security forces to subjugate Nigerians.

    It cautioned President Buhari not to use the military against innocent Nigerians.

  • Army cautions personnel on politics

    The Nigerian Army has again warned its personnel against involvement in politics.

    Also yesterday, the Inspector-General (IG) of Police Mohammed Adamu, warned troublemakers, especially ballot box snatchers to perish the idea of disrupting the rescheduled polls.

    The Army described as untrue the allegation that its officers were involved in Rivers State politics.

    Sounding the note of warning in a statement in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, the army warned its personnel and officers to stay away from political campaigns or escort of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) for political missions.

    Col. Musa said it had become imperative to make the army’s position known considering the fact that members of the public might be misled to believe the unsubstantiated allegation of the involvement of a military officer in the Rivers state saga.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to an allegation of involvement of one of its officers in politics in Rivers State which was found to be untrue.

    “The Nigerian Army would have ordinarily ignored such baseless insinuations but for the unsuspecting members of the public who may be misled to believe the unsubstantiated allegations of political involvement of a military officer.

    “The Army has made it sufficiently and consistently clear that none of its personnel will be involved in political campaigns,  escort of VIPs for political missions and above all, aiding or supporting any political party as has been circulated in official circulars and statements.

    “Although a detailed press statement has been released, the need to further make the position of the Nigerian Army clearer is therefore imperative.

    “Our Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct have not assigned any political role to the Army in this regard. The Army’s involvement starts and ends with the provision of a peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of 2019 General Elections.

    “The Nigerian Army strongly believes that the Citizens, like responsible media, have complementary constitutional roles to play, especially towards ensuring national security, information management, peace, and safety of Nigerians.

    “The Army will continue to achieve and sustain constructive engagement, obedience to the rule of law and obedience to constituted authority at all time in the spirit of civil-military relations.

    “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has consistently called on soldiers to uphold the tenets of military professionalism and be guided by the rules of engagement and the constitution of Nigeria toward sustaining a responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    “Therefore, any insinuation or assertion against this open declaration is not only mischievous but politically motivated with the intent to tarnish the reputation of the Army which has been built on discipline and obedient to civil authorities under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff.

    “Members of the public are therefore urged to always ignore information attributed to the Nigerian Army that are contrary to its core values of professionalism, respect for others and open declaration on the rules of engagement.”

    The IG told Nigerians that the Police have been mobilised to deal with anybody planning to snatch ballot boxes or make trouble during the elections.

    He gave the warning in a chat with reporters after the security meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting had reviewed security situation in the country, especially towards the general elections.

    IG Adamu assured that the police were ready to protect every eligible Nigerian to exercise his or her civic responsibility.

    “Anybody that tries to disrupt the elections by engaging in ballot boxes snatching, he said, would have himself or herself to blame,” Adamu said.

    He also said that any act of thuggery and touting during the polls would be met with grave resistance.

    The IG said: “Today, members of the security community and intelligence community came and briefed Mr. President on the security situation in the country.

    “We deliberated on the consequences and came up with the resolve to further provide adequate security within the country so that the electorate will come out and cast their votes without any fear of molestation.

    “Every Nigerian is encouraged to come out on the Election Day and cast his or her vote without any fear of molestation. The security personnel are ready and prepared to protect everybody.

    “Anybody that feels that he can come out and disrupt process should have a rethink because that situation will not be allowed. If you plan and allow yourself to be used as touts, whatever happens to you, you will take it.

    “Ballot snatching, ballot buying, thuggery will never be allowed, anybody that is planning to snatch ballot boxes or planning to be used as a tout, will have his or herself to blame on the Election Day. So, you better don’t allow yourself to be used.”

    The directed officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent (ASP) upward earlier deployed for election duty to return to their bases.

    This followed the recall of officers from leave in a signal released by the Force Secretary.

    Sources told The Nation that the directive was not unconnected with the need to ensure adequate security before, during and after the general elections.

    “Though election was postponed, we were still asked to ensure security at all INEC offices and facilities. We have been at INEC since Friday. Only officers from the rank of ASP and above were directed to return to their bases.

    “We have been guiding INEC election materials until on Monday that they eventually moved them all to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “There are fears that some criminally-minded people and thugs sponsored by politicians might want to disrupt election, so, the need to have enough hands ready.

    “There have also been pockets of violence like in Kano, Akwa Ibom and remember that Boko Haram also attacked some communities in the morning of the Election Day. All these have been analysed and those at the top arrived at the conclusion that any policeman or woman currently on leave be called back.”

    But some Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives said they were yet to receive their election duty allowance, an issue The Nation gathered.

    A sergeant who said he was yet to receive the N35,000 duty allowance, told our reporter that a signal was sent yesterday requesting that the names and account details of all those affected be forwarded to the force headquarters.

  • Christmas: Abuja women celebrate Army over  peaceful yuletide across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Army has received massive commendation from a coalition of Abuja women under the aegis of FCT Women of Honour over the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the Christmas celebration across the nation.
    Under the dogged leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the surge in insurgency during the yuletide has been effectively silenced.
    Prior to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, frequent bomb blast marred the festive periods, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    A good example was the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, a suburb of Abuja in 2011 which claimed over 40 lives and left 60 others injured.
    As a result, inhabitants were forced to mark the festivity at home, staying away from religious and public centres.
    That’s in the past, however.
    The FCT Women of Honour can’t seem to fathom how the Nigerian Army has restored calmness in such a short time, with the dreads of old now forgotten.
    According to its president, Princess Juliana Okolo, at a press briefing in Abuja , she revealed that this is no mean feat and deserves to be applauded.
    The group hailed President Buhari, the COAS and his ever-reliable troops for restoring peace to the nation’s capital and across Nigeria.

    Read Also:Army arrest three gun runners, recover 44 rifles in Niger

    “While in the eyes of the ordinary, it seems an ordinary feat, it is indeed a huge feat when compared to previous years where there was hardly any Christmas period that bombs would not detonate in churches or other recreational spots within the federal capital territory and its environs,” she stated.
    “It is therefore instructive to note that for three consecutive years, (2016,2017 and 2018) residents of Abuja celebrated the Christmas in absolute peace and harmony. We are of the opinion that this was made possible by the total commitment of the Nigeria Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  Group sees and recognizes the sacrifices of the Nigerian  Army in keeping the country safe and secured with it various military operations going on simultaneously around the country.  From the east to the west, to the south and the north, the commitment of the Nigerian  Army has remained unflinching even though it has been stretched thin by these activities.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  also wishes to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his unalloyed commitment in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed leadership of this great country in 2015.
    “The visible inroads experienced in the critical security sector is indeed a demonstration of the political will to ensure that Nigeria is back on the path of glory again.
    “As African mothers, we indeed must continually remember our sons in our daily prayers that are striving day and night for our sake so that we may be free from evil forces that are hell-bent on destabilizing our great country.
    “We are using this medium to extend our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai for his commitment in seeing to an end of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country experiencing various security challenges in one way of the other.
    “This group  is therefore of the opinion that if not for the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria would have indeed collapsed before our eyes due to threat of militant and violent armed groups that threatened the very essence of our foundation.
    “We also appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for leading the onslaught against the Boko Haram Terrorists and the subsequent achievements it has recorded in the past three years.
    “We also wish to appreciate the troops that have continually sacrificed for the country. They are the real heroes of Nigeria, and their sacrifices would never go in vain.
    “We also wish to charge them to more victory and also to disregard the very few that would not appreciate their efforts so far in the fight against Terrorism and other militant and armed groups in Nigeria. “