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Tag: chief of army staff

  • Umahi donates operational vehicles to security agencies

    In a bid to sustain the high security performance of security agencies in the state which has made the state the most secured in the Southeast, the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has donated Hillux vans to various security agencies.

    The event took place at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium Abakaliki and has in attendance, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Enugu, Abubakar Maikobi.

    Recall that the Army had chosen Ebonyi as its headquarters for the operation Python Dance III in the Southeast which commenced on January 1.

    The GOC had earlier said, during the flag-off of the exercise, assured that the army would remain neutral, professional and totally apolitical during the Operation Python Dance III in the Southeast zone.

    “I have been mandated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to inform you as the state’s security officer, that the exercise would commence from January 1 and last till February 28,” Mr Miakobi said.

    On why Ebonyi is headquarters, Mr Maikobi said: “We have selected Ebonyi under your purposeful leadership as the location for the step-up headquarters for the exercise.”

    Speaking during the distribution of the vans, Governor Umahi said those criticising Operation Python Dance III in the Southeast are against Nigeria’s progress, stressing that the nation must move forward.

    Mr Umahi commended security agencies for their effort in sustaining the security challenges in the state and the country.

    A breakdown of the vehicles showed that the police received 30 vans, Army four, AIG Calabar two, State Security Services three, GOC Enugu 12, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps four, Immigration one, Prisons one, Federal Road Safety Corps 2 and Neighbourhood Watch 15.

    Umahi further explained that the 15 vehicles for Neighbourhood Watch would be shared among the 13 local government areas, stressing that the vans would be used for joint patrols by the security agencies.

    He added that the Herdsmen Committee would also benefit from the gesture.

    Umahi commended the GOC 82 Division Enugu, Cantonment Commandant, Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, adding: “The Operation Python Dance III, which was widely misunderstood, has turned out to be a blessing, contrary to predictions.

    He said the exercise which was misconstrued by some people, has recorded no incidences of infractions, quarrel or torture, among others.

    “I believe that with the pedigree of the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, his commandant and officers, we would continue to shame our enemies.

    “We are brothers and sisters across the Niger and no level of enmity wished by the enemies will help the country.

    “Let us embrace love to engender oneness as this is the only way Nigeria would continue to remain as a nation,” he said.

    The governor berated groups in the Southeast zone which declared that they would participate in the general elections to vote against him.

    “I ask of the need to conduct governorship elections in the state considering what God has done but I will not fold my hands and watch uninformed Ebonyi people continue being killed.

    “When the military was confronted at Umuahia, 90 per cent of those that died were Ebonyians and one person was busy talking about his dog that died.

    “Ebonyi people would never experience a second colonisation and no other group exists in the state but our people who are determined to re-write their history.

    “We would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to rid our state of criminals to sustain its rating as the safest state in the zone,” he said.

    He said the vehicles were distributed to appreciate and complement the efforts of security agencies in the state and particularly praised the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    “The NSCDC has formed the backbone of intelligence-gathering and collaborates effectively with the police by demobilising and handing over criminals.

    “The police would be allotted 30 vehicles, the army 4, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 6, 2 vehicles, GOC 82 Division, 2, State Security Service 3, NSCDC 4 and the Neighbourhood Security Watch, 15.

    “The Nigerian Immigration Service would receive one vehicle, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 1, Governor’s Convoy 1, Nigerian Legion 1, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 2 and Nigerian Prisons Service 1,” he said.

    Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Muhammad Mustapha, thanked the governor on behalf of other security agencies and pledged that the vehicles would be judiciously utilised.

    “Ebonyi remains the safest state in the Southeast zone and we would ensure that the rate of criminality in the state is reduced to zero per cent.

    “We have been adequately motivated to perform optimally and we assure the people of the protection of their lives and properties,” he said.

    Dr Kenneth Ugbala, Commissioner for Internal Security and Boarder Peace, pledged that the neighbourhood Security Watch would continue to assist security agencies to rid the state of criminals.

  • Buhari reiterates commitment toward improved welfare for Army

    President Muhammadu Burhari on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional mandate of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

    Buhari gave the assurance while addressing troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    He said the troops were always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated.

    “I will support you to play your constitutional role of defending the integrity of the country from both internal and external forces.
    “This is the oath you have taken just as I took an oath as the President and Commander-In-Chief.

    “I assure you that I go to bed and always wake up thinking about you and the conditions under which you operate.

    “Please, maintain your loyalty and defend the country. Whatever happens, a military no matter how equip or how well led, without discipline is no use to the country,’’ he said.

    Read ALso: PHOTOS: Buhari arrives Maiduguri for COAS conference

    While commending the troops over their gallantry and sacrifices, Buhari urged them to increase their commitment in engaging the outlaw Boko Haram insurgents, without further delay.

    He said plans were on to adopt a new enhanced salary structure for the military in recognition of their contributions to security, social and economic development of the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president also visit injured troops on admission at the Military Medical Centre. Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri.

    Buhari had earlier inaugurated the 2018 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference and paid courtesy visit on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi.

  • Boko Haram highly degraded, expiring – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops in the North-East not to relent in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents as the terrorists have been highly degraded and are expiring.

    Buratai described the recent sporadic skirmishes from the Boko Haram terrorists as a desperate effort from a highly degraded and expiring adversary striving to maintain its notoriety.

    In a goodwill message to troops in the frontline in the North-East on Friday, the chief of army staff said also that the recent skirmishes from the terrorists should be seen as an attempt by the group “to portray itself as formidable and cohesive; something that is completely false.”

    He, therefore, charged the troops not relent in their gallant efforts and draw back the hands of the clock.

    “It is merely the last kicks of a dying horse. We have achieved great successes over the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Thus, absolute and conclusive victory is just inches away, he said.”

    According to Buratai, the Nigerian army is not known for cowardly behaviour.

    ” We have contained several incursions and several security challenges bedeviling our dear country within the last three years and now would not be an exception.”

    He warned that any soldier that turned away in the face of enemy incursion would be appropriately sanctioned and made to face “Field Court Martial in accordance with our extant laws.”

    Buratai stressed that the consequences could be grave.

    “Do not be complacent by being contented with repelling their attacks, instead, go after them, capture them, and when absolutely necessary, be decisive with the daring ones.

    “Some women and children have been held captive, you are therefore to ensure that adequate rules of engagement are employed to extricate them before any offensive action,” the army chief said.

    He assured the troops that as their chief of army staff, he had never relented in his pursuits of ensuring that their welfare was adequately catered for.

    “To this end, I have directed that your allowances are paid regularly as and when due.

    “I have also directed that troops’ rotation be carried out as scheduled. As soldiers in battle, I am aware of the effects of battle fatigue.

    “Consequently, I have also directed that passes be issued to officers and soldiers that require same to visit their families.

    “Recall that I approved the special promotion of more than 5000 troops for gallantry.

    “Be rest assured that the process is continuous. Your kitting has also been improved drastically,” he added.

    Buratai recalled that special uniform allowance was paid a month ago directly into the troops’ individual accounts.

    He said through the various intervention programmes to the army by the government, the stock of arms and ammunition had greatly improved.

    He said recently, the army took delivery of large consignment of high calibre weapons and ammunition which were already being injected into the theatre.

    “I, therefore, urge you to make use of them judiciously and ensure that they are effectively used against the terrorists and not taken away by them.”

    Buratai also noted that in a bid to swell their depleting ranks, the terrorists had continued with their false teachings and instilling fake ideologies in the youths of the North-East.

    To curb this, he said, he had directed the Department of Civil Military Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Nigerian Army Chaplain/Imam Services “to immediately provide counter narratives through the community resilience and stabilisation campaign programme.”

    “I have also established the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command to among others, prevent online terrorism, online radicalisation as well as online recruitment.

    “To this end, do not let the false propaganda and narratives being spread by the rag-tagged terrorists sway your thoughts and actions about our dear country.

    “We should continue to stand and fight even when the going gets tough and the ignorant and enemies of the state choose to castigate us,” he said.

    The chief of army staff reminded the troops that many people had returned to their respective communities that were hitherto abandoned, but that the terrorists had taken advantage of the large population in the towns and villages to infiltrate them.

    “You must, therefore, be extra vigilant and establish good civil military relations with the locals.

    “You are to use this to acquire actionable intelligence to prevent any attack on the communities as well as your positions,” he said.

    He thanked Nigerians from all walks of life for their support, prayers, encouragement and goodwill toward the Nigerian army in the service of “our fatherland.”

    “I wish to also convey my appreciation to you all, the troops, for your selfless service toward the defence of our dear country.

    “Your courage and gallant demonstration of our core values of sacrifice and selflessness amidst the daunting challenges being confronted daily in the theatre speak volumes of your professionalism and patriotism to the Nigerian State.

    “I implore you to continue to uphold the trust the nation has placed on your noble shoulders for the maintenance of the sanctity of her territorial integrity. We must all remain steadfast.

    “We must see this victory to a conclusive end.

    “We must justify our oath of allegiance to our fatherland and dedication to her sovereignty.

    “I once again salute your courage and wish you the best of successes out there,” Buratai added.

    NAN

     

  • Obaseki, Buratai chart new logistics support model for Army

    …recommend PPP to meet contemporary needs

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have called for the adoption of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in logistics support for the Nigerian Army to enable it tackle the nation’s security challenge.

    Obaseki maintained that for the nation’s fight against terrorism and other crimes to succeed, all hands must be on deck to support the Nigerian Army and related security agencies.

    Read Also:FG approves N2bn as take-off of Nigerian Army University

    The governor, who spoke through the Head of Service of the state, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, at the opening ceremony of the 20th Combat Service Support Training Week held at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Benin City, emphasised that government alone cannot provide all the logistics need of the Nigerian Army especially in the face of new security challenges.

    “The academia and organised private sector need to share ideas on ways of meeting the contemporary needs of the Nigerian Army” Obaseki said.

    He noted that the theme of the training: “Enhancing Combat Service Support capability through Public Private Partnership to meet Nigerian Army’s Contemporary Challenge” is apt, and commended the security outfit for its planned medical outreach to people in selected communities in the state.

    He added that regular training of security officials is important in the face of new threats to national security and said Edo State’s current status as the most peaceful state in the country, is due in part, to the partnership with the Nigerian Army.

    The Chief of Army Staff said tackling contemporary security challenges in the country requires a more robust logistics plan, noting that to a large extent, logistics determine the capability of any army to perform its duties.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai who was represented by Major General Ademoh Salihu, explained that the need for a more efficient and effective logistics model for the Nigerian Army through public private partnership has become expedient.

    He said the Army’s continued dependence on importation of military hard wares has had adverse effect on their operations especially in the fight against insurgency in the North East region.

    He commended the combat service support corps for their relentless service in the fight against insurgency in the country and urged them to leverage on the three days training opportunity to fashion out ways to enhance their capacity in the provision of logistics to nip the security challenges facing the country in the bud.

     

  • FG approves N2bn as take-off of Nigerian Army University

    The Federal Government has approved N2 billion for the establishment of Nigerian Army University, BIU, Borno state.

    Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Abdullahi Baffa, disclosed this when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, visited the headquarters of the agency, on Monday, in Abuja.

    Dr. Baffa said approval for the take-off funds was given by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The executive secretary said the establishment of a university for the military in the country was overdue.

    He said: “The Nigerian Army University is the newest of the TETFund family. Approval  of a take-off grant of N2 billion has been conveyed to TETFund and we are going to issue the allocation letter immediately the 2018 intervention guidelines are approved and released to the Fund.

    “We have already made provisions for the take-off grant of the Nigerian army university, Biu in the 2018 intervention budget. So you are going to get that allocation as quickly as the approval is released.”

    He commended the military in its fight against terrorism in the country.

    Read Also: Shake-up in Nigerian Army

    Baffa said: “I also want to congratulate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the entire Nigerian army in the tremendous successes that are being recorded in the fight against insurgency, militancy, rustling, brigandage and in the fight to keep Nigeria one.

    “Congratulations for such huge successes that are being recorded and we will continue to see them record more success in their quest to keep us safe, to keep our country one.

    “It is only a purposeful and committed leadership that will produce this type of result.”

    Buratai said the university would be tailored to meet the needs of the military.

    He said: “The Nigerian army has gone ahead to see to the need for us to have such a university that will tailor our needs in some specific innovative as well as some solution centre in science and technology.

    “This will go a long way in developing our country and developing the technological and indeed developing the scientific base of our country by which we will progress in the right direction.”

     

     

  • One week, two GOCs in Abia command

    About one week after the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen Adamu Abubakar paid a farewell visit to 14 Brigade Ohafia, Abia State, his successor Emmanuel Kabuk stops by to familiarise with the brigade. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    The 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State has been busy playing the host. In just about a week the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major-General Adamu Abubakar was around to say his goodbyes. Now his successor General Emmanuel Kabuk has called to meet officers and men of the brigade.

    Kabuk now oversees army commands in the five southeastern states including 13 Brigade, Cross River State. During the tour he assured states under his command of adequate security throughout his stay in office.

    Kabuk stated this while addressing newsmen at the Umuahia Forward Operation Base (FOB) of 145 Battalion, using the opportunity to call for professionalism among the soldiers. He warned the troops against violation of citizen’s rights.

    The 82 Div GOC while reminding the troops of the need to be disciplined and respectful of constituted authorities, also urged them to guard their arms jealously so as not to lose their weapons to hoodlums who he said always wait for such an opportunity.

    He warned the troops against extortion, stressing that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) frowns at such bad behaviour of soldiers which he stated that his administration would also not tolerate.

    Announcing that Egwueke III would be holding this year, Kabuk used the opportunity to disclose that preparations have commenced towards ensuring a successful Operation Python Dance (Egwu Eke III) in the Southeastern states.

    He urged the soldiers to be ever prepared for the exercise which he said should be carried out in line with the vision of the COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    “Egwu Eke is not just an operation; it is a training activity for the Nigerian Army on how to handle internal security challenges. If in conducting those training there are situations that need to be addressed in order for the Southeast to have the best security and peace that we are talking about, the troops will embark on that. The issue of preparation is common because training in the Nigerian Army is continuous.

    “But this time around, it is a focused training because it is an exercise that is at army level and we are the host. So we have to be prepared to make sure that we perform our responsibility consistent with the vision of the chief of army staff in other to achieve the set objectives for that exercise.”

    Kabuk who took over the command on August 6, said that the vision of the Chief of Army Staff is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional role where troops are expected to be professional in all they are doing, responsive and must ensure that whatever they are doing must be consistence with the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He said, “As the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, I have to bring the troops to focus on what the vision of the Chief of Army staff. In line with that vision, we shall give the Southeast the best security. It is only in a secure environment that economic activities can thrive. It is the only condition to ensure that law abiding Nigerians go about their activities undisturbed. Without security a society is nothing. So, the desire of the chief of army staff is for all parts of Nigeria to be secure, peaceful and suitable for law abiding Nigerians and we shall ensure that here.

  • Boko Haram: Army redeploys Threatre Commander, others

    The Nigerian Army on Friday announced a major shake up among its senior officers with the redeployment of Command and Staff Officers as well as General Officers Commanding (GOC).

    The Threatre 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 Army Director of Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, the posting was necessitated by the need “at injecting new hands to further actualize the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai”.

    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, 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), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

    Those affected in the redeployment include Maj Gen AM Dikko who will take over as Theatre Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brig Gen AO Abdullahi as Acting Commander Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Brig Gen UU Bassey as Acting Commander Sector 3, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    “Others are, Maj Gen CO Ude posted as Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Maj Gen J Sarham as General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj Gen EB Kabuk General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Maj Gen MS Yusuf General Officer Commanding 81 Division and Maj Gen BA 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 LO Adeosun takes over as Chief of Training and Operations at the Army Headquarters.

    “Others are Maj Gen HO Otiki, as Commander Infantry Corps and Maj Gen CU Agulanna as Chief of Accounts and Budget Nigerian Army. Maj Gen JE Jakko is posted to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Finance and Budget, Maj Gen AB Abubakar, Maj Gen A Mohammed and Maj Gen LKJ Ogunewe, among others will be proceeding to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre on Course. All postings and appointments take effect from 1 August 2018.“

  • Nigerian Army re-strategizing to end insecurity – Buratai

    The Nigerian Army is re-strategizing to deal decisively with problems of kidnapping, cattle rustling and other conflicts in the North Central and North Western regions of the country, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has said.

    General Buratai also said the army would continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustainance of democracy.

    General Buratai in Message to Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the 2018 Eid El Fitr celebrations said the army has performed well in the past few months especially in the various operations assigned to them across the country.

    The Army Chief said Boko Haram has effectively been tackled, but called on officers and men to redouble their efforts in the collective discharge of their constitutional roles.

    Said General Buratai: “I wish to use this medium to felicitate with all officers, soldiers of the NA and their families on this occasion of 2018 Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations. This Celebration which climax the Holy month of Ramadan offers an opportunity for spiritual upliftment and renewal of our collective commitment to the NA and the Nation at large.

    “I want to use this occasion to commend personnel for their tireless contribution in the sustenance of peace and security across the Country and I urge all to remain professionally focused to this end.

    “The achievements recorded by the NA in the various activities conducted in last few months is worthy of mention. These activities include the successful conduct of Op DEEP PUNCH II, Ex AYEM AKPATUMA (Ex CAT RACE) Op LAST HOLD which is ongoing and the hosting of the African Land Forces Summit in Abuja to mention but few.

    Read Also:Boko Haram: Coalition salutes Nigerian Army’s efforts in Northern Borno

    “Furthermore, we have effectively tackled the Boko Haram Insurgency.  However, in the areas of kidnapping, cattle rustling in the North Central and North Western Regions; we are re-strategizing to decisively deal with the situation.

    “These feats no doubt are calls for officers and soldiers to redouble our efforts in the collective discharge of our constitutional roles.  In the pursuit of this, I charge you all to maintain disciplined, be committed, dedicated, resilient and courageous in the discharge of your duties.

    “May I at this point reiterate my total commitment towards achieving my vision for the NA. It is my desire to transform the NA into a more potent and professional responsive force that will effectively curtail contemporary security challenges.

    “To this end, I want to reassure you all that issues bothering on training and welfare will continue to receive my utmost attention. We shall continue to do our best to ensure the wellbeing of our officers and soldiers as well as their families.

    “Finally, on this great occasion, I want to on behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The NA will continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustenance of democracy.”

  • Army dismisses Danjuma’s claims on Taraba crisis

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai has dismissed as untrue, allegation of collusion levelled against the military during its operations in Taraba state.

    He stated that from the findings of the report of the Panel instituted by the Army, the allegation from elderstateman, Gen. Theophilous Danjuma (rtd) did not reflect the true situation of things in Taraba state.

    Addressing journalists on the Executive Summary of the Report, Gen. Buratai said the army and the Commanding Officer of 93 Battallion, Taraba state, performed their duties diligently, professionally and without bias.

    Gen. Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Amgbaso said: “it would be recalled, that the Nigerian Army has been conducting operations to tackle the security challenges in the North West, North Central and North Eastern regions of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Army to make public report on Danjuma’s allegations

    “However, in the process of conducting the operations in Taraba State, concerns were raised by some government officials and very senior citizens of the State on the approach of the Nigerian Army.

    “In view of these allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai set up a 10-man Panel comprising senior Army officers (both serving and retired) and members from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association and other Civil Society Organizations, to investigate the veracity of the allegations made against the Nigerian Army.

    ” The Panel was inaugurated on 9 April 18 and it visited government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders covering the 3 senatorial zones of Taraba State, including His Excellency the Governor of Taraba State.

    ” The major findings of the Investigation Panel were as follows:

    a. There was no collusion on the part of the Nigerian Army and units operating in Taraba State with any bandit(s) as stated by Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired).

    b. There were few instances where locals drag soldiers outside strict military duties to intervene in civil disputes.

    c. There was good collaborations, synergy and cooperation between the Nigeria Army and other security agencies operating in Taraba State.

    d. There is sustained media campaign to belittle the military operations in Taraba State.

    e. Most of the crises over the years in Taraba State were particularly in Takum, Wukari, Ussa, Donga and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

    f. There was absence of Nigerian Army deployments in some crises prone areas in the hinterland in Taraba State.

    g. The Nigeria-Cameroon common borders in Taraba State were porous.

    h. There was a massive proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Taraba State, some of which have been recovered from warring parties, criminal and unauthorised persons.

    1. Troops deployed in Taraba State for Operation MESA were not paid RCA by the state government since February 2018.j. There was inadequate communication equipment in the units which impedes Nigerian Army operations.k. Some of the localities in the hinterland in Taraba State were not accessed by road.l. The Commanding Officer 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari commands his unit effectively and professionally and was only being vilified by some people/government of Taraba State for his refusal to act outside his professional duties or do the biddings of some government officials.

      m. Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired) could not be accessed by the Panel.

      n. The Executive Governor of Taraba State made several attempts to ensure the removal of the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari from command for his refusal to be dragged into the state politics.

      o. Taraba State is highly heterogeneous and divided along ethno-religious lines.

      p. The Chairman of Takum LGA, Hon Shiban Tikari made several attempts to undermine the authority of the Commanding Officer 93 Bn through some officers of the unit.

      q. The troops have a good understanding of the Code of Conduct/Rule of Engagement.

      r. There were security breaches/clashes in Taraba State till date which has necessitated the deployment of troops in the state.

      s. The responses of Nigerian Army troops deployed to forestall these crises were commendable despite daunting challenges.

      t. The 20 Battalion operating at Sardauna Local Government Area lacks combat motorcycles.

      u. Some of the challenges facing the unit’s operating in Taraba State include terrain, inadequate intelligence, inadequate communication and manpower problem.

      u. There was verifiable evidence that 2 Nigerian Air Force helicopters with registration numbers NAF 574 and NAF 575 landed in Gembu on 15 March 2018 and 11 April 2018 respectively without the knowledge of the local authority.

      v. The Nigerian Air Force helicopters and personnel that landed in Gembu area were for the proposed establishment of Nigerian Air Force Base at Gembu.

      w. Dairies and other relevant documents pertaining to some major security breaches/clashes were maintained by units operating in the State; however the units did not document the after-action review”.

      Gen Buratai said the Panel recommended that Army Headquarters should:

      “Device a means to be independent in its operation across Nigeria so as to insulate soldiers from the overbearing influence of politicians in government especially with particular reference to sponsorship of Nigerian Army operations in states.

      “Address the challenges of manpower, communication and provision of adequate and timely intelligence to support Nigerian Army operations in Taraba State.

    “Emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder engagement at all levels to douse tension in Taraba State.
    Beef up the manpower of units in Taraba State.

    Project its civil military cooperation relationship by creating awareness prior to the provision of people oriented programme and sustain it through vigorous pursuit and provisions to Tarabans.

    “Inform the Defence Headquarters on the need for the Services to follow due process in establishment of any new military location/base in any state.

    “Commend the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari for his professionalism.

    “Impress on its Commanders the need for after-action review in order to improve on future Nigerian Army operations.

    “Educate the political class on the implication of polarizing the military to achieve their selfish gains.

    “Impress on Taraba State government to prosecute criminal elements arrested and handed over during the course of Nigerian Army operations.

    On army headquarters comments on the report, Gen. Buratai said: “It is apparent that the clashes in Taraba State are a result of clan and communal crisis that predates this present Government. Most of the crises in Taraba State are politically motivated and some persons are deliberately escalating the situation in Taraba State for selfish gains. With respect to the statement by Lt Gen TY Danjuma (retired), it is clear that the allegations were not true; hence there is a need to urge for caution on the part of the elder statesman, in view of the security implications of such comments.

    “The Nigerian Army is also of the view that the situation in Taraba State has steadily deteriorated largely due to distrust, intolerance, lack of inclusion and accommodation of different ethnic groups in the state. This situation has made it very difficult for the Nigerian Army to carry out its responsibilities in the state without being tainted. Consequently, all sides in Taraba State need to be cautioned against making inflammatory statements that are detrimental to peace and security.

    “The Nigerian Army in keeping with its roles as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution will continue to engage stake holders in Taraba State to find a lasting solution to crises in the State. There is also a need for the Nigerian Police Force and other prosecuting agencies to prosecute all the suspects arrested in Taraba State for involvement in various crises.

    “It is the opinion of the Army Headquarters that the Investigation Panel did a thorough job. The Army Headquarters therefore up holds the recommendations of the Panel. The general public is enjoined to note that, the Nigerian Army is a formidable institution and the pride of the nation. The Army will not rest on its oars when responding to the security challenges in the Country. In synergy with other security agencies, the Nigerian Army will continue to work towards ensuring that the security and territorial integrity of our Nation is guaranteed.

    “Finally, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its loyalty and subordination to civil authority in carrying out its constitutional roles and responsibilities.”

  • Bandits kill 10 in fresh Birnin-Gwari attack 

    Barely 48 hours after the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai launched 2 Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) to flush out armed bandits from Birnin-Gwari area of Kaduna State, the criminals have reportedly killed 10 persons in attacks on four villages in the area.

    The attacks which occurred on Wednesday evening also left scores seriously injured.

    The Nation recalled that, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai had on Monday launched the FOB, and charged his troops to bring victory against the bandits to him in three weeks.

    However, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mukhtar Aliyu who confirmed the incident, said seven persons were killed in the attack which he said occurred on Wednesday.

    He added that, the bandits invaded Mashigi, Dakwaro, Sabongida villages at about 5pm on Wednesday evening, shooting sporadically and burning down houses and farmlands in the affected villages.

    Aliyu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said seven were killed and five others in the attack.

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    He said the Commissioner of Police, Austin Iwar had ordered the immediate deployment of mobile police to the communities.

    The attack came on the heels of the flagged-off of the  two Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Birnin-Gwari for the ‘operation Idon Raini’ at the Kanfsnin Doka Village proposed base.

    The villages raided by the bandits include; Mashigi, Dakwaro, Sabon gida and one other village close to Dakwaro.

    The attack, according our source occurred at about 5.00pm, according to our source lasted for more than three and half hours.

    He also said the bandits, who rode on motorbikes, as usual in large numbers, killed, burnt houses and food stuff in the various villages that they attacked.

    The source added that the ten bodies of those killed had been recovered from the bush while the volunteers and hunters as well as security operatives were still combing bushes.

    Members of the community under the aegis of the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance said “A member of volunteers, Malam Umar said so far ten bodies of people killed were recovered, while many are unaccounted for. Also the Armed bandits burnt houses and grains stock of the affected villages.

    “Already volunteers from the southern axis of Birnin-Gwari and Security men were mobilized to ascertain the number of casualties.

    “The affected villages are in need of aid, such as food, shelter and clothes.

    “Despite this attacks and Kidnappings daily along Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, we are saluting the Federal government and security agencies for deployment of personnel to deal with the situation in Birnin-Gwari.

    “We hope more troops and special police task force will be deployed.”