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Tag: COAS

  • Boko Haram: Buratai denies allegation of non-payment, ill-equipment

    The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai on Thursday said allegations of lack of equipment and non -payment of allowances to troops in the war fronts are ill-conceived and misleading.

    He said the allegations were part of the campaigns of calumny against the army to dampen morale of troops.

    He urged the media to see through the psychological warfare of the insurgents and their international and local collaborators.

    Buratai made the remarks at the opening ceremony of Nigerian Army Conference for Editors at Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    The Army Chief appealed to the editors to support the military in the war against Boko Haram terrorists, asserting it was not meant for the military alone.

    According to him: “It is important to note that the leakage of vital information on military operation like the on-going fight against the Boko Haram terrorists is inimical to national security as this will give our position to the terrorists and give them upper hand in their psychological war against the troops.

    “I made it clear that it is imperative to check the spate of terrorists’ propaganda which is inimical to the successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign.

    “Additionally, I also reaffirmed that terrorists thrive on publicity to misinform the public, instill fear in the minds of the people and dampen troops’ morale.

    Read Also: Buratai lauds troops for retaking Baga

    “Furthermore, the allegations of human rights abuses against the military by Amnesty International, allegations of lack of equipment and non-payment of allowances to troops are ill-conceived and misleading.”

    He went on: “The war against terrorism should be a collective responsibility for all, and not just a war between the army and the terrorist groups.

    “The war needs to be reported as it is, and therefore, the media need to enlighten the people to understand the true situation and support the military.

    “The impact of the terrorists’ propaganda was one of the major challenges facing the military by discouraging and dampening morale of the troops in the frontline”.

  • Reportage of security matters not an all-comers affair – COAS warns

    • Inaugurates Nigerian Army 63 Division in Asaba

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt Tukur Burutai, has inaugurated the 63rd Division in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    He also used the occasion to flag off operation Python Dance 111 (Egwe-Eke) with a stern warning to purveyors of fake news and other unpatriotic elements.

    Burutai warned that fake news is capable of impeding military operations and demoralising troops at the expense of national security.

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

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

    He stressed that reportage of national security is not an all-comers affairs, adding that anyone found wanting is guilty of breaching the Official Secrets Act 1962.

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

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

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

    He urged stakeholders “to look in the way of the brigade to fast-track it’s growth and development while the federal government makes budgetary provisions for the new Division”

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

    He boasted that exercise Crocodile 111, which was conducted in the Niger- Delta region, has reduced illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

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

    Following the inauguration of the 63 Brigade at its temporary headquarters in Anwai, suburban Asaba, dignitaries including Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, leadership of the state legislature, Obi, Asagba of Asaba, Prof Chike Edozien, headed to its permanent headquarters for the flag-off of exercise Python Dance 111 at kilometre 11, Okpanam along Asaba/Agbor Expressway.

    Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, promised to provide support to the military formation while commending the security forces for securing the peace and territorial integrity of the nation.

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

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

  • PHOTOS: Buhari arrives Maiduguri for COAS conference

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday declared open the 2018 Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) Conference in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The conference was originally scheduled to hold in Edo State, but was moved to Maiduguri.

    COAS Conference

    Photo credit:@HQNigerianArmy

  • Ayade, COAS launch Operation Crocodile Smile III

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has inaugurated the Army’s  Operation Crocodile Smile III in Bakassi Local Government, to check kidnapping, militancy and robbery

    Ayade said it would help to maintain the peace and orderliness during the annual Calabar festival and 2019 polls.

    According to him, the exercise will reduce proliferation of arms through the Cameroon border at Ikang in Bakassi.

    The governor added that the Army has remained disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties.

    Ayade called on security agencies to bring the security challenges in the country under control.

    “As the 2019 general elections draw closer, I want to use this opportunity to warn politicians to desist from moving arms and sponsoring violence at polling units.

    “As the chief security officer of the state, I will work with security agencies to ensure that anyone caught is prosecuted,’’ he said.

    Chief of Army Staff Lt. General. Tukur Buratai said the operation was a training exercise to enhance internal security operations by the Army.

    The COAS, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, said the operation was a training exercise to help soldiers of 13 Brigade hone their military capabilities.

    According to him, the exercise was designed to include riverine and land operations to monitor the creeks by tackling kidnapping, militancy and robbery.

    “This exercise has been designed to enable officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade to show their proficiency in internal security.

    “The land operation will be conducted to check armed robbery, communal clashes, stop and search of vehicles among others.

    “The riverine operation will equally help us to check the activities of militancy and kidnapping of personalities across the creeks.

    “In addition to the exercise, we will also carry out medical outreach in host communities and schools.

    “As we do this, it will also help us to maintain peace and order and create a conducive environment as we approach the 2019 general elections,’’ he said.

    He urged the soldiers to deal with criminals based on the rules of engagement.

    The Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, Brig.-Gen. Charles Okulide, disclosed that 800 security personnel drawn from the Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence and Immigration would be participating in the one month exercise.

    Okulide said that the initiative was to foster inter-agency relationship among security agencies in the state, thereby expressing confidence that the exercise will be hitch free.

    According to him, the Brigade has made giant efforts in curbing heinous crime in the state through the sustained collaboration of other security agencies

     

     

  • 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.

  • Tukur Buratai: Reflecting on the counsel of a master strategist

     

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai is one enigmatic leader. He is passionate and tenaciously works according to his convictions on service to fatherland.

    Every day he steps out for his official assignments, he faces multiple risks of death from enemy camps, together with his troops. But it’s no deterrence to him and the team, as professional soldiers to the core.

    But his resolve never to relent or bow before the forces amassed against his country, who minutely, threaten the security, peace and unity of the nation has eternal remained unbowed.His constant and consistent thoughts are baked on the table of improving the security of Nigerians. On his Facebook page, Gen. Buratai, pensively posted this endearing comment;

    “The current crises 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. The military and the security agencies are doing a lot. Much more needed to be done but, surely we shall get the solution. Nigerians must unite to solve this serious challenge.”

    It re-validates his infinite his mindset for the insecurity tribulations of his dear country and reveals his irreversible determination, in spite of all odds, to reach the final bus stop of its termination. To repeat the obvious, Nigeria is unpretentiously, on the cliffhanger of insecurity.

    Terrorism and its spiral acts of armed local conflicts are still holding Nigeria captive in a few locations. It could have been worse, had President Muhammadu Buhari failed to deploy wisdom or reneged on his campaign promise to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

    But the enemies of Nigeria, both within and outside the country are very determined to plunge the rest of the nation into debilitating violence, killings, confusion, chaos and anarchy.The camps spend more time plotting this evil on themselves and the country, because the time is really auspicious.

    The fragrance of the next general election is just months away. And Nigerians know the power monks; supposed “owners” of Nigeria who have brought the country on its kneels for decades hate to see a leader with the strong spirit President Buhari radiates. The enemies are averse to the posture of Buhari to free the nation from these manacles of political, economic, insecurity and ethno-religious servitude.

    But the President is more equally determined than the enemies of Nigeria. He has perfectly decoded their gimmicks and subterranean conspiracies to rattle his Presidency and Nigeria.To say, these opponents and enemies have subdued him is off target.

    The President is even more primed now to puncture their consuming inferno on Nigeria.He knows of the presence of active internal agents and collaborators and is also superbly aware of their external paymasters as confessed by security agents and confirmed by him.

    The shadows funding, encouraging and unleashing violence on Nigeria resonates more loudly from Iran, Libya and other veiled foreign nations. And their internal connivers in Nigeria have grabbed this destructive conversation and are spreading its tentacles incredibly.

    The predictions about the break-up and total disintegration of Nigeria in 2015 failed. So, emphasis has shifted to exploiting the nation’s hurtful and hackneyed struggles for political power and the blame-game along ethnic-religious fault-lines to propagate these destructive campaigns of bloodbath. It is against every value and norms which have tethered Nigerians together as a people and a united nation.

    Gen. Buratai, the leader of anti-terrorism operations in the country has also adequately discerned and decoded the diction of the detractors. On this one score like others, one senses that he is on the same page with Mr. President and his Commander–In-Chief. So, strategic thinking and actions have never been part of their official exhaustion.

    Therefore, when Gen. Buratai released the aforementioned post on his Facebook page, it only reminded of his unshakeable resolve and promise to Nigerians never to let them down on security. Deep thinkers and believers of the Nigerian Project knew the Army boss was expressing his deep-seated empathy and passionate disquiet with the extent internal forces have gone to destabilize their own country.

    At the same time, he offered a clue to Nigerians who are unmindful of the grand plots to make their country ungovernable, by serving as canon folders to haters of Nigeria.

    From the very first day Gen. Buratai assumed duties in his present capacity, he was very honest and abundantly articulate and coherent to all Nigerians that he has been saddled with a nationally patriotic duty to secure Nigerians and his country from bile acts of terrorism. And that it’s either he succeeds or sacrifices his life in order to give Nigerians peace and security. This much was personally conveyed on his early Tweets and Facebook posts on his handles.

    In such early social media interface with Nigerians, the Army boss did promised Nigerians and his fatherland, the defeat of Boko Haram terrorists; the fall of its factional leader, Abubakar Shekau and the liberation of all Nigerians held hostage by the insurgents. He has substantially lived up to his promises.

    Insurgents have been weakened to the extent that even striking soft and obscure targets in the Northeast now is as difficult as cracking kernel nut with bare hands. Boko Haram terrorists have been decimated and defeated. They would have loved to do more than the once in a while strikes now. But its impossible.

    So, Shekau has fearfully deserted his Sambisa forest’s Camp Zero home in Nigeria and only releases once in a long while, faint, and frustrated voice from the caves and forests of the Republic of Cameroun, where he has presumably relocated.

    In his 2018 Democracy Day speech to Nigerians, President Buhari confirmed that.“Today,the capacity of the insurgents has been degraded leading to the re-establishment of authority of government and the release of captives including, happily,106 Chibok and 104 Dapchi girls, and over 16,000 other persons held by the Boko Haram.”

    Even the most ardent critics of Buhari’s government, including the opposition have not contested these figures, which untangle the positives, inside government’s counter-insurgency battles in the last three years.

    To this end, Gen. Buratai qualifies as a prophet in his own right and Nigerians must necessarily concede it to him. Whatever Gen. Buratai predicted from the outset on battling insurgency has come to pass and the final blow to terrorism and associated acts would also come to pass.

    Undoubtedly, Gen. Buratai’s Facebook post streams from the mindset of a leader genuinely worried. Only Almighty God knows exactly what must have gone through the mind of this Army General in the course of the night, when he dissected the problems confronting the nation and came out on his social media handle in this manner. It is what he rarely does.

    But it’s apparent that the consciences of Nigerians are being pricked by the Army General’s reflective post. The patriotic commitment of every country men and women to these festering internal armed insurrections is also being tasked.

    It begs for innermost soul-searching to make a moral detour, where there are observable lapses. It prods Nigerians to put the interest of this potentially great nation first and forward. It is a call to go into alliances with security agents, even in their small hamlets to completely eliminate terrorism menace from Nigeria.

    Until Nigerians think deep and act fast, it’s possible never to candidly appreciate the uncommon sacrifices of the military. And it’s same with the sister security agencies in terminating acts of terrorism and the peace presently savoured.

    Unassailably, much more needs to be done in Nigeria’s vineyard of absolute security redemption. But the complete solution would only descend with the support and importantly, co-operation of Nigerians. Military actions alone have never proven anywhere to be an absolute panacea to these strangulating terrorisms and crises, unless it is garnished with the teamwork of the citizenry.

    Kolawole PhD is a University teacher writing from Keffi.

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

    ...commends COAS, Buratai’s decision to relocate IDPs back home

    The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has reacted to the decision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, to relocate the Internally Displaced Persons back to their respective homes.

    The group also commended the gallant troops of the Nigerian army on their efforts to restore a lasting peace and sanity to northern part of Borno after sufficiently defeating BOko Haram Terrorists in the area.

    Comrade Gabriel Onoja, National Coo-ordinator of the group told newsmen at a press conference in Maiduguri on Thursday that CATE was pleased with the ongoing onslaught by the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram terrorists in north-east of the country under ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ and other parts of the country.

    The group noted that the Nigerian Army had recorded tremendous success in its Operation Last Hold in the past two weeks with the recent neutralization of fleeing Boko Haram elements operating around the borders of Nigeria with Chad and Cameroon and in Northern Borno in particular.

    According to him, “The news has been replete with the successes in neutralizing the terrorists in various locations where their camps have been destroyed. The latest of such exploits include the achievements by troops of 153 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with the Cameroonian Defence Forces, which killed 23 terrorists while on clearance operation on 11 June 2018. This is after troops had successfully cleared including Bulakeisa, Tumbuma Babba, Abbaganaram and Dan Baure villages in the Lake Chad region.

    “We note that remnants of Boko Haram continue to attempt using human borne Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) suicide bombers to attempt unleashing terror on the population but strategic intervention of the Army has resulted in minimizing the damages in the few instances of such attacks while the majority of them are averted.

    Overall, Boko Haram has been pushed out of Nigeria. It is clear that the victory of the Nigerian troops over Boko Haram has been proven beyond reasonable doubt. Ongoing clearance operations has made towns and villages earlier afflicted by Boko Haram to become safer such that it is now possible to relocate and reintegrate internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes.

    “This is a major achievement for which the Nigerian Army should not only be lauded but supported to achieve more. We commend the Nigerian Army for the success it has recorded in keeping Nigerians safe from Boko Haram terrorists just as we salute the “Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, whose leadership gave Nigeria Army that has proven to be truly capable and up to the task at hand. The Nigerian Army, in our estimate has done more than its fair share in dealing with the country’s problem of terrorism; while it is expected to do more, we believe that it will be more successful if we all pitch in to make the assignment easier.

    “We therefore appeal to fellow compatriots to increase whatever support they have been extending to the military in the past to ensure that whatever is left of Boko Haram is not able to re-grow like the hydra monster. Every little contribution by each peace-loving Nigerian will help cripple whatever cells of the terror group are still left.
    We must also collectively undertake to pile the pressure on known and closet sponsors as well as supporters of Boko Haram. It is the final lifeline that must be severed for the terror group to wither into oblivion, which can only be achieved when, as patriotic Nigerians, we supply information to the relevant authorities and when we express our displeasure at their support for terrorists.

    “Our traditional and religious leaders must recommit to the efforts to stop the recruitment and radicalization of youths and making them into terrorists. The era of these set of leaders aligning with questionable politicians to sabotage the war on terrorism for petty gains is over as history will count terrorists’ supporters as terrorists in the final analysis.

    “Finally, we call on those who still give allegiance to Boko Haram re-evaluate their options. Continuing to fight for the group guarantees certain death in the ongoing military operations to rid Nigeria of terrorists.”

  • COAS, Buratai charges Army commands to sustain its operational successes

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai has Charged the various commands of the Nigerian Army especially “Operation Lafiya Dole “ to sustain the numerous successes being recorded by the Army across board on daily basis.

    The Army Chief stated this in a speech at the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja.

    Buratai while calling on troops to desist from hobnobbing with politicians ahead of the 2019 general elections, said the Army is putting in place a robust procurement and operational plan to preserve and promote the successes of the Nigerian troops in all its engagements.

    Read the full text below:

    OPENING ADDRESS BY LT GEN TY BURATAI NAM OMM (BR) GSS psc(+) ndc (BD) FCMH FNHAM BA (Hons) MA MPhil CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF FIRST QUARTER CONFERENCE IN ABUJA ON 10 APRIL 2018

    PROTOCOL

    1. It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to Abuja for the COAS First Quarter Conference 2018. Let me start by using this opportunity to thank you all for commiserating with me and the entire Buratai family on the demise of our beloved father, Alhaji Yusuf Buratai, who died on the 9 February 2018. I pray that Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest.

    2. The COAS Quarterly Conferences serve as a pedestal for the hierarchy of the NA to appraise and discuss its doctrinal, operational and administrative matters as well as other security issues that are crucial to the stability of our country. This is with a view to fashioning out better ways through which the NA can implement the Federal Government’s defence and security policies towards ensuring peace and development of our nation.

    3. In this era of political and social transformation, the NA remains steadfast in carrying out its constitutional roles as well as providing aid to civil authority. My vision for the NA which is “To Have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles” is geared towards ensuring a safer environment for development and socio-economic activities to thrive in the country. We must ensure that we conduct ourselves professionally and respond adequately to threats against our nation in accordance with our constitutional roles.

    4. The NA would continue to chart progressive paths towards tackling the security challenges confronting the nation. To this end, I have instructed that attention must be given to ongoing NA operations in various parts of the country to ensure that security threats are dealt with decisively. Training must also be given due attention so that we can outperform the achievements of the previous years. Furthermore, research and development must be sufficiently pursued and funded to promote and attain the desired transformation and innovation drive in the NA.

    5. The successes achieved by troops in the ongoing operations, particularly Op LAFIYA DOLE, has placed the NA on a good stead and the momentum must be sustained and consolidated. However, in conjunction with other services and security agencies, the NA must also deal decisively with other security challenges such as farmers-herdsmen clashes, armed banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, militant activities among other violent crimes.

    6. Operations DEEP PUNCH II in the North East and Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA in the North Central have achieved tremendous successes leading to the arrest of key suspects as well as recovery of arms and ammunition in Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger and Taraba States. The conduct of Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA has been extended in Taraba State till 30 May 18 based on the prevailing security situation in the state. While paying tribute to the officers and men in the field, I urge you all not to relent on your efforts at ensuring a safer Nigeria.

    7. The need to review the conduct of NA operations across the country has become imperative in view of lapses recently observed among commanders. Some of the lapses observed can be partly attributed to indecisiveness when faced with obvious challenges. Hence, the attitude of commanders in the field must change especially towards decision making and taking appropriate action in line with the Rules of Engagements. In this regard, issues of murder, arson and other serious crimes perpetrated by ethnic and local militias, criminals and miscreants must be dealt with decisively. Commanders would be held responsible for any lapses arising from their actions or inactions. I have directed the CTOP (A) to set up a high powered team to review all our operations especially where lapses have been observed in order to bring to book all those involved in such cases.

    8. Very recently, concerns have been raised by individuals and groups alike about the actions carried out by some units and formations in the course of operations. This has led to very strong comments and criticisms against the Nigerian Army. Some of the strongest comments have come from key citizens in Taraba State. In this regard, I have set up a panel to investigate some of the allegations that have been made, particularly with regards to operations in Taraba State. The panel was tasked to ascertain the veracity of the statements made and the true situation of things in the State. Nonetheless, we must put in more effort to improve our relations with civilians and the citizenry at large through better narratives and media operations.

    9. Let me state emphatically here that the unity and integrity of Nigeria lies on the military and the NA in particular. Therefore, any act inimical to the unity and integrity of this country by personnel of the NA will be decisively dealt with. The NA must remain apolitical and professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. GOCs and Field Commanders at all levels are, therefore, warned that anyone that runs foul of his professional ethics will be appropriately dealt with. You are all enjoined to continue to remind officers and soldiers under command to remain non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties particularly in the coming 2019 General Elections. Furthermore, NA personnel in any capacity who receives any form of inducement from politicians, public or private entities, knowingly or unknowingly will be severely punished. Both the giver and taker of such inducement will be investigated and appropriately sanctioned.

    10. I have directed for a Special Standing Court Martial to be set up in preparation for the coming 2019 elections. I must warn that any NA personnel found hobnobbing with politicians or being partisan will be investigated and sent to the Special Standing Court Martial. I must state clearly that any officer or soldier who wishes to be sympathetic to a political, religious or ethnic group should voluntarily retire from the NA. Furthermore, all are reminded on the ban on any form of worship outside the barracks except those permitted for wedding and other social functions. Therefore, officers and soldiers must restrain themselves from any act of political, religious or ethnic patronisation as these would attract severe consequences. The fate of the 38 officers who were retired is still fresh in our memories.

    11. I am quite aware of the logistics constraints affecting the sustainability of our operations across the country particularly Op LAFIYA DOLE. I want to assure you that a robust and comprehensive procurement plan is in place in the Year 2018 Budget. However, the effective implementation of the procurement plan is subject to budget releases. I, therefore, want to emphasize that personal clothing, protective gears, additional equipment/platforms, accommodation, welfare and other logistics provisions would be my top priority in the procurement plan this year.

    12. In line with the Federal Government’s drive to boost local content and patronage, the NA is collaborating with indigenous companies in the local production of vehicles, weapon and equipment spares as well as combat materiel. The companies include Innoson Vehicle Motors, Proforce Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Machine Tools amongst others. This is aimed at boosting local production and enhancing our growing military industrial complex.

    13. In the First Quarter of 2018, I directed the procurement and supply of weapons, UAVs, vehicles, tyres, protective gears and spares to the Theatre for enhanced operations. Commanders at all levels are, therefore, enjoined to ensure judicious use and periodic maintenance of the items under their command. I believe this can be achieved if commanders at all levels imbibe and practice purposeful leadership in the efficient and effective management of men and materiel.

    14. Leadership remains a cardinal point in the command and administration of the NA at tactical, operational and strategic levels. This underscores the need for us to give leadership training the pride of place in our exercises and training. In this regard, I am pleased with the outcome of Lieutenant – Captain

    Promotion Examinations held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State which recorded 93 percent pass. Similarly, the final list of officers nominated to attend NDC 27/NIPSS SEC 41 and equivalent foreign courses for 2018/2019 as well as the AWCN Course 2/2018 have been released. It is gratifying to note that the AWCN programmes would be conducted at the newly constructed permanent site of the College here in Abuja. Presently, the modification and harmonization of the course curriculum with other services war colleges is ongoing. This is with a view to having a harmonized course content, coordinated approach to war fighting and cohesive decision making process.

    15. The NA Resource Centre has also embarked on some strategic level partnership and collaboration with some renowned think-tank institutions across the world such as Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Boston, USA and the United Services Institution of India. This is with a view to conducting international seminars, conferences and symposia for the benefit of NA personnel, other para-military and security agencies, the executive branch and the academia. Recently, I directed a team of officers led by the DG NARC to embark on a working visit to the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Studies to fashion out modalities for partnership. This is with a view to developing our capacity building and other leadership training programmes. It is hoped that on completion of the negotiations with Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), the NARC would begin to run some of HKS programmes based on needs assessment and memorandum of understanding. So far, 22 officers have been trained at the HKS. Officers at strategic levels are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to develop and further enhance their capacity.

    16. The exigency of duty necessitated the regular posting of officers and soldiers in formations and units across the country as well as outside the shores of Nigeria. This brings to fore the need for NA personnel to acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to aid communication and the discharge of their duties. Accordingly, knowledge of the 3 major Nigerian languages will

    ensure that NA personnel are able to fit in wherever they may be deployed. To this effect, I have approved the establishment of a language department in all NA training schools to enhance the communication skills of personnel. You are, therefore, enjoined to sensitize officers and soldiers to acquire basic knowledge of more Nigerian languages as well as major international languages, wherever they may be deployed.

    17. In the past, our relationship with civil society groups was often marred by petitions and allegations of human rights abuses and other violations. However, since the establishment of the Human Rights Desk within the Army Headquarters and across formations, we have seen a sharp decline in the number of allegations against the NA. In addition, the desk has also helped in investigating human rights violations against serving personnel. I enjoin all to give the Human Rights Desk the required cooperation to enable them carry out their assigned tasks.

    18. In recognition of the competence and capacity of the female soldier and also in line with global best practices, the NA is to establish Corps for women, which is aimed at developing professionally responsive female officers and soldiers that can be employed to support the NA in all its operational engagements and other commitments within and outside the country. The Corps will give the Nigerian Army an opportunity to reorganize the women in order to derive the maximum benefit from their contribution to the defence and security of our nation.

    19. As part of efforts to complement the defence and security arrangements put in place to checkmate the security challenges in the Country, I directed the promulgation of the Establishment Order as well as the operationalization of 17 Bde Katsina. This became expedient due to the planned relocation of 8 TF Div Monguno (Op LAFIYA DOLE) to its permanent headquarters in Sokoto State as provided in the NA ORBAT 2016. Let me reiterate that the Nigerian Army will continue to remain neutral in ensuring the safety of Nigerians wherever troops are deployed

    for operations within the country. It is also important to recognise NA personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice during various operations. Their sacrifices have contributed immensely to the stability which the country currently enjoys.

    20. At this juncture, I want to appreciate the media and the general public for their understanding and positive change of perception regarding the NA. I will also emphasize the need for enhanced and continued collaboration in tackling our security challenges by conscious media reportage. The NA has always enjoyed the support of sister Services and other security agencies in the discharge of its duties. The NA would continue to look forward to more support and collaboration towards making our dear country Nigeria safe for all.

    21. Finally, it is with a high sense of responsibility and respect that I humbly express the NA’s profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammad Buhari GCFR, for his invaluable support to the NA. On behalf of officers and soldiers of the NA, I once more pledge our total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Thank you and God bless.

  • Land grab: Reps give Buratai 72 hours ultimatum to produce survey

    Land grab: Reps give Buratai 72 hours ultimatum to produce survey

    …ask military authorities to revert to original use of barrack lands

     

    The House of Representatives has ordered the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to provide the land survey of the areas the Army is claiming in Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State.

    House Committee on Public Petition warned that failure to produce the documents, the Committee would be forced to conclude its work on the issue and submit its report to the House.

    The Uzoma Nkem-Abonta-led Committee handed down the ultimatum on Wednesday after the representatives of the COAS, Col A Garba and Major Daniel Ehicheoya failed to produce documented evidence to support their claim to the area in dispute.

    Trouble started when the Committee made its intention to pay a fact finding visit to the disputed land but with relevant supporting documented evidence from the two parties.

    “Before we close this matter the Committee will like to see all the vital documents and visit the site that is the subject of dispute,” Nkem-Abonta said.

    Counsel to Uvwie Kingdom, V.A Otomewo informed the Committee that his clients have provided all relevant documents before the Committee, saying, “We’ve submitted all the relevant documents and fresh ones from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) indicating names of retired Generals and serving generals.

    “And as we speak now houses of law abiding citizens of Uvwie have been marked for demolition by the army”.

    The Army representatives could not provide any insisting that the matter was before a court, besides the Senate was in possession of the papers requested.

    As a result, Committe chairman insisted that the requested documents be produced by the Army, else the matter would be closed by the Committee that will present its report to the House.

    He said: “If you do not have any document to show and you claim this matter is in court no judge will pass any judgment in your favour and I insist you produce the documents.

    “The army is laying claim to 4,997 hectares but the document with us here simply indicates 2075 hectares of land on the survey paper and you don’t have a survey paper to show”.

    To the Army representative, Nkem-Abonta asked, “Is certificate of occupancy a proof to measurement of a property? Of course the answer is no because the land survey clearly indicates the measurement of the land”.

    Garba nodded in the affirmative, saying, “We have it but is in the Senate where we had a similar hearing”.

    While backing his boss, Major Ehicheoya in his contribution infuriated the lawmakers when he said, “The Senate pulled out of the matter immediately it was stated that the matter was in the court”.

    Consequently, in its resolution, the Comittee gave the Army authorities to produce the survey before the Committee withing 72 hours or be prepared for the consequences.

    Committee Chairman, Nkem-Abonta said: “The House is independent of the Senate and if the army fails to perform a task will the Navy reject it, please where is your proof let me see it or this case is closed.

    “If it’s true that the military is marking houses in your local government please take a letter from the Clerk of this Committee to the Delta Police Commissioner to provide Security for you.

    “The military do not have such rights to harras you on this issue and my ruling is that within the next 72hours if the military can’t produce their land survey we will close this matter”.

    In a related development, the Federal government was urged get to prevail on military authorities to put to use large expanse of land forcefully taken over from host Communities in the 1970s across the country for the construction of military barracks.

    According to the lawmakers, the acquired lands are currently of no economic to the host communities while certain military officers are turning the lands into personal money- making venture.

    As a result, Federal Ministries of Power, Works and Housing and Defence have been urged to collaborate with the Ministries of Lands in the affected States, to work out the modalities for the productive use of the expanse of unutilized lands.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Afe Olowookere (APC, Ondo), who noted that in the 1970s, the then Federal Military Government acquired large expanses of land in some States Capitals, measuring about one-quarter of the land area of the cities for purposes of establishing military barracks but that the purpose appeared to have been defeated.

    He said: “At the time those lands were acquired, the communities affected could not raise any voice of opposition in spite of the economic deprivation the action constituted considering the draconian nature of military rule.

    “Since the acquisition, none of those lands has been put to maximum use by the Military, rather more than 80 percent of the land has not been occupied, a good example of which is the Owena Army barrack in Akure, Ondo State, Alamala Army barrack in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ojoo Military Cantonment in Ibadan, Oyo State and the Abuja acquisition that covers Giri-Zuba-Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

    “It is reliably gathered that the Commandants of those barracks have, using agents, turned to emergency landlords/land owners and are now giving out the periphery of the lands to people that desire land for economic ventures on an annual rentage and are raking in for themselves colossal amounts of money, while properties of those tenants are usually destroyed in the event of default in payment of rents”.

    Also in its resolution, House Committees on Defence and Housing were mandated to ensure implementation.

    In his contribution, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun said the the matter should be holistically reviewed with a view of establishing if the purpose for which the lands were acquired were adhere to or not.

    According to him, giving the land to private developers by the Military authorities is nit appropriate.

    Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma (APC, Edo) urged caution on the suggestion that the unused lands be returned to the host communities while asking, “Are we saying that the military will remind stagnant?”.

    While Kayode Oladele (APC, Ogun) reminded his colleagues that all lands in the country are vested in the government under the Land Use Act, Henry Ofongo (PDP, Bayelsa) said leaving the lands unsed is of no use to neither the military nor the host community.

    “If giving the land to private developers is wrong, let them return it and if the military can’t use it, then let the military return it to State government to use it,” he said.

    On his part, Sergius Ogun (PDP, Edo) also discouraged the idea of taking away the lands from the military, adding, “Where would the military get the land if they want to diversify into ecominic activities like ranching?

    “The land has been given, it should remain like that”.

    Also in its resolution, House Committees on Defence and Housing were mandated to ensure implementation.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

  • FG acquire technologies to fight Boko Haram- Buratai

    FG acquire technologies to fight Boko Haram- Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai said on Tuesday that the Federal Government (FG) is currently into acquisition, installation and application of modern technologies in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group in the country.

    He said the development was made possible through the federal government collaboration with the United States of America, Isreal, United Kingdom, Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that these countries are also helping regarding capacity building for personnel of the Armed Forces.

    The Army Chief did not, however, disclose the categories of technologies that are being acquired to defeat insurgency in the Northeast of the country.

    Lt. General Buratai made the remarks at the opening ceremony of a Four-Day International Seminar on Managing Asymmetric Security Challenges in the 21st Century at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    He also announced that the Nigerian Army under his leadership in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, has substantially degraded the Boko Haram terrorist group.
    He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the needed resources to the Armed Forces in the fight against terror.

    According to Gen. Buratai the armed forces would continue to invest in capacity building for its personnel to enable them update their skills and fine tune their knowledge particularly as the world is currently challenged by emerging security threats.

    Buratai said: “ Let me observe that the array of participants in this seminar which cuts across members of of the academia, military and other security actors both from within and outside Nigeria clearly shows the seriousness and concern we accord the issue of managing asymmetric security challenges in particular and world peace in general.

    “Let me at this point commend the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for taking this bold step to translate an idea earlier conceived by me into reality.

    Read: 45 Boko Haram members jailed

    “This forum is important as it will accord our nations the opportunity to re-think and re-strategize on the best approach from shared experiences to confront the challenges posed by asymmetric warfare in the 21st century as exemplified by insurgency, terrorism and other strategies used by adversaries to undermine constituted authorities”.

    Buratai emphasized that achieving success in tackling the emerging global security threats remains a collective responsibility, and urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the seminar to exchange ideas, information and knowledge.

    The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali who was represented by the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin, while declaring the seminar opened, described the seminar as timely, noting that the army by hosting the seminar has demonstrated its growing understanding of the complexities of managing contemporary security challenges.

    “This is particularly against the backdrop of our recent experience in responding to the Boko Haram terrorist led insurgency in the northeast and the grievances induced militancy in the Niger Delta.

    “It is pertinent to say that managing these challenges revolve around the intricate interplay of hard and soft power”, the Minister stated.

    Among the countries participating in the seminar are Bangladesh, Cameroun, India, Mali, Niger, Pakistan, United Kigdom and the United States of America.

    Read Also: 400 Boko Haram fighters surrender