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Tag: Defence Headquarters

  • Troops kills 192 terrorists, arrest 341 others in one week

    Troops kills 192 terrorists, arrest 341 others in one week

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday said troops have, in the last one week, neutralised 192 terrorists, arrested 341 others and rescued 62 hostages.

    It also said that 122 ISWAP/JAS terrorists surrendered with their families.

    Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated this at a news conference on operations of the Armed Forces.

    According to him, the troops also recovered 211 assorted weapons and 6,288 assorted ammunition within the week.

    Gen. Buba said the recovered items comprised 128 AK-47 rifles, 26 dane guns, 1,301 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3,260 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,325 live cartridges, 140 rounds of 9mm ammunition, among other items.

    The spokesperson said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East neutralised 71 terrorists, arrested 143 suspects and rescued 58 hostages during the week. He added that the air component conducted air strikes on ISWAP/JAS terrorists hideouts and logistics hub, including their food processing unit in Kolleram village, along Lake Chad.

    Read Also; Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results, says Alake

    According to him, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that over 30 terrorists, including senior commanders Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah and Mallam Ari, were neutralised as well as their logistics destroyed in the strike.

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 29 insurgents, arrested 53 violent extremists and rescued eight hostages.

    In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 62 terrorists, arrested 49 terrorists and rescued 36 hostages. He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch arrested 14 criminals and recovered cache of arms and ammunition as well as military accoutrements.

    According to him, other items recovered are 620 parcels of substances suspected to be marijuana, 10 Yoruba Nation flags, eight mobile phones, four handheld radios, among other items.

    In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had maintained momentum against activities of crude oil theft and recovered 792,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 117,070 litres of illegally refined AGO.

    He added that troops discovered and destroyed 31 illegal refining sites with 99 dugout pits, 11 boats, 29 storage tanks, 192 cooking ovens and nine vehicles.

    According to him, troops arrested 27 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists, recovering five weapons and 162 assorted ammunition.

    In the South-East, troops of Operation UDOKA neutralised nine terrorists, arrested 11 violent extremists, rescued 17 kidnapped hostages and recovered weapons.

  • Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Benue

    The Defence Headquarters on Saturday said troops of operation Whirl Stroke deployed in North-central of the country have rescued three kidnapped victims in a family compound in Katsina-Ala local government of Benue state.

    According to the spokesman of the Defence Headquarters, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops after rescuing the kidnapped victims destroyed the building being used by kidnappers to commit crime.

    He said in a statement that a notorious kidnapper known as Gana, now on the run, has been using the house as hideouts for kidnappers who engaged troops in a shoot-out during early morning raid.

    Col. Nwachkwu said: “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed to counter banditry activities in North Central Nigeria have rescued 3 kidnapped victims in a building located at Gana’s family compound at Gbise in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

    “The victims, a man and two women were rescued during a dawn raid in the early hours of Friday 26 April 2019, when gallant troops stormed a building reportedly belonging to a notorious bandits’ leader, Gana.

    “The visibly traumatized victims claimed they were abducted about 2 months ago at Gboko by a gang of kidnappers and subsequently relocated to Gbise community.

    Read Also: Troops kill six bandits in Zamfara

    “Troops are still on the trail of the criminals, who fled their enclave after they were overpowered in a shootout with the troops. Troops have also destroyed the building which served as the kidnappers’ hideout.

    “The rescued persons have been handed over to authorities of Benue State Government for medical attention before reuniting them with their respective families.

    “Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed to Giza in Nasarawa State have arrested a bandit during a raid on a suspected bandits’ hideout at Alima, near Kadarko in Nasarawa state.

    “The bandit, who was intercepted with a locally made rifle and some quantity of gun powder is currently assisting in preliminary investigations after which he will be handed over to an appropriate prosecuting security agency.”

  • New salary hasn’t been approved for Armed Forces – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said on Friday that a new salary structure had not been approved for the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

    DHQ was reacting to a “fictitious document” being circulated on some social media platforms in that regard.

    “The DHQ therefore, wishes to reiterate that the purported new salary scale for members of the AFN being circulated is nothing but a false and malicious publication intended to cause disaffection among members of the AFN, as no such salary scale exists, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement.

    Nwachukwu said the DHQ was dismayed by the circulation of the fictitious document which had gone viral on social media, purportedly showing a new upgraded AFN salary structure with effect from May 2019.

    “The DHQ wishes to clarify that the said document does not exist; neither does it reflect the true salary structure of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “It would be recalled that that the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Muhammadu Buhari, signed a new minimum wage of N30, 000 on April 18.

    “It is also very pertinent for the general public to note that the AFN does not approve salaries for its personnel,” Nwachukwu said.

    He therefore urged personnel and the general public to discountenance the “fake document in its entirety’’.

    NAN

  • How we foiled Boko Haram’s bid to rob bank —DHQ

    Successful military operations carried out this week foiled a major Boko Haram bank robbery, tackled armed banditry and prevented the sabotage of critical national economic assets, the Defence Headquarters has said.

    In a statement issued yesterday, Defence Headquarters spokesman, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, gave details of coordinated nationwide military operations in Adamawa, Zamfara, Benue, Delta and Nassarawa states, noting that several security threats were successfully neutralised.

    “In its relentless effort to ensure adequate national security, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been engrossed in tackling the menace of terrorism, insurgency, armed banditry and sabotage of critical national economic assets through coordinated military operations across the country, the statement said, adding that the DHQ had recorded “quite a number of operational successes over the week.”

    Nwachukwu added: “Some of the successes recorded include repelling Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) attack on Michika Town in Michika Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State.

    “The insurgents, who were on a looting mission for logistics, had attacked a bank and some shops in the area, damaging an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and carting away food items.

    “However, the insurgents ran out of luck when troops of 143 Battalion and 115 Task Force Brigade at neighbouring Lassa in Borno State mobilised to the area and engaged the insurgents in a fierce combat, forcing the insurgents to flee.

    “The fleeing insurgents were again ambushed and neutralised by Special Forces troops at Maikadiri Village in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State. The gallant troops recovered one Hilux van, two Toyota Starlet cars loaded with looted foodstuff and motorcycles from the fleeing insurgents.

    “Similarly, troops in Zamfara State have arrested an impostor parading himself as a military officer in Tundun Wada area of Gusau metropolis in Zamfara State. The suspect, who identified himself as Abdulresheed Sylvester, was arrested dressed up in military uniform with the rank of Major.

    “In order to stem the menace of armed banditry in the North Central part of the country, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted a raid operation on a suspected bandits’ camp at Dogo Gawa, a border community between Takum in Taraba State and Katsina-Ala in Benue State.

    “In a shootout that ensued, the bandits who were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops fled, abandoning their camp.

    Read also: Boko Haram: I slept in tents to encourage my people return home – Borno monarch

    “The gallant troops recovered one locally made riffle, one laptop, two cell phones, SIM cards, ATM cards and a sum of N400,000. The camp was subsequently destroyed by troops who are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits,” he stated.

    While soliciting public assistance with timely information that can help the military, he further stated that the operations of bandits, including illegal refining,were disrupted in military operations conducted this week.

    He said: “Troops of Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke deployed at Ondori in Doma LGA have raided a suspected militia hideout at Abuja Ogor, a local settlement in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State and recovered two AK 47 riffles with two empty magazines, one Clarion 5.56 Israeli Assault rifle mounted with a magazine.

    “In another raid on bandits’ hideout in the same location, troops arrested two armed bandits with two AK 47 rifles, three magazines and 126 rounds of ammunition.

    “In tackling the spate of economic sabotage of the nation’s key national economic asset, troops of 222 Battalion on routine patrol arrested two suspected pipeline vandals along Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) pipeline around Isoko South LGA of Delta State; the suspects were arrested along with a tanker truck and 8 motorcycles while attempting to vandalize a petroleum pipeline.

  • DHQ: military, police not at loggerheads

    THERE is no rift between the military and the police over the conduct of the general elections, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday.

    According to the DHQ, the misgivings over the roles of the military alongside that of the police in Rivers State is receiving attention.

    It said the leaders of the security agencies have shown commitment on resolving the issues.

    Acting Director of Defence Information Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said the clarifications had become necessary, considering the public concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the conduct of the elections in Rivers State.

    Col. Nwachukwu spoke at a joint news conference by the spokesmen of the DHQ, Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Nigerian Navy (NN) and the Police on the previous elections and tomorrow’s supplementary polls in some states.

    Police spokesman Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who read the text of the joint conference, said 1,119 persons were arrested across the country during the national and state elections.

    According to him, security agencies arrested 323 persons for elections-related offences during the presidential elections; 796 were arrested during the gubernatorial elections.

    Akwa Ibom State tops the list with 256 persons, trailed by Imo with 117 and Kaduna 109.

    Mba said that ongoing investigation could lead to more arrests.

    Shedding more light on the elections, the police spokesman said: “The briefing is necessitated by the need to bring the general public up-to-date on our activities regarding the just concluded elections, and more importantly, to shed more light on certain security challenges witnessed during the elections, before the supplementary elections coming up on 23 March 2019.

    “There is no doubt that the Nigeria Police is the lead security agency tasked with the provision of security at the polls while the military is to support the Police and other security agencies by providing security at the outer cordons, including check points and other flash points when called upon as provided in Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

    “We are, however, equally aware of some of the unfortunate security challenges witnessed during the elections which have generated public outcry and condemnation. The alleged involvement of some security agents in some of these unfortunate incidents is of serious concern to the military and police high commands.

    “While we appreciate the fact that some of these issues may be as a result of the overzealousness of some personnel, it is instructive to note that some of these incidents were instances of impersonation by political thugs clad in military and police uniforms.

    “We assure the general public that investigation is ongoing on security personnel who might have conducted themselves inappropriately during the last elections and appropriate sanctions will be meted out to those found culpable.

    “However, it may be too early and too premature to apportion blames and out-right indict anyone or group before exhaustive investigations are concluded.

    “Particularly, we want to single out the alleged encroachment of INEC collation centre in Rivers State reportedly by some soldiers. This is considerably a very serious matter and of concern to the military as well as the police top hierarchy.

    “Consequently, the military and the police high commands have ordered a thorough investigation of this incident and other isolated cases. Already, several of the video footages that are in circulation on social and online media platforms have been compiled to assist in the investigations.

    “In the interest of the general public, we want to seize this opportunity to assure that the military and the police are not at loggerheads as may have been erroneously portrayed. The two security agencies are working in synergy to guarantee peaceful and secure environment for all law-abiding Nigerians to exercise their civic right of voting.

    “In keeping to this mandate, we want to reiterate our joint commitment to the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming supplementary elections scheduled for 23 March 2019.”

  • Air Force nabs 10 suspected thugs

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has arrested and paraded 10 suspected thugs and bandits.

    This followed a directive from the Defence Headquarters to the armed forces to carry out Operation SAFE CONDUCT to ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere during the general election.

    Parading the suspects and items recovered from them at the Air Force Training Command (ATC) yesterday, the Commander, 453 Base Services Group NAF Kaduna, Air Commodore Idi Sani, said: “In the course of performing its duties, a patrol team from the Command Base Services Group, NAF Kaduna, at about 2:45am on February 16 intercepted seven suspected thugs/bandits armed with dangerous weapons around the Hajj Camp, Mando.”

    The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Adam, Halilu Rilwan, Lawal Hassan, Idris Yusuf, Kabir Muhammed, Badamasi Alhassan and Idris Abukabar.

    Items recovered from them include eight Dane guns, three cutlasses and Volkswagen Golf 3 car without number plate.

    Sani said: “In a related development, around NECO junction, Mando on February 16, at about 2:30am, Mr. Abdulrauf Yusuf, aka Gorilla Fighter, was arrested in company of Mr. Muhammad Bello in a Volkswagen Golf 3 car with registration number EG 181 ABS ABUJA.

    “Another suspect, Mr. Shehu Yahaya, was arrested at Amana Kasuwa on February 15 at about 11:45pm with five machetes and a knife.

    “On February 2, the NAF Special Operations Team tasked with dealing with kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed banditry, intercepted a group of cattle rustlers at Riyawa Forest.”

    He said the rustlers fled the scene, abandoning 44 cows and 13 rams, adding that the suspects and items recovered had been handed over to the police.

     

  • Shiites: DHQ warns Amnesty International against malicious reports on Nigerian Military

    The Defence headquarters on Thursday described Amnesty International reports on the clash between Shiites and soldiers in some parts of Abuja as absolute falsehood and should be disregarded.

    A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen John Agim said the report by AI was not the true reflection of things and wondered why the international body always come with negative narration on the security situation in the country.

    The statement read, :”The Defence Headquarters wishes to respond to Amnesty International (AI) reports in which the group alleged that the Nigerian military and the police engaged in horrific use of excessive force that led to the killing of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites during ‘peaceful’ protests.

    “The worrisome narrative of the Amnesty International (AI) in matters of national security and cohesion of Nigeria has continued unabated in spite of verifiable evidences to the contrary.

    “The Amnesty international’s hate and disdain for peaceful co-existence of Nigerians is manifested in the ways it consistently fabricates lies and gives negative narrative of issues related to Nigeria’s national security and its military. The AI report is not a true reflection of what transpired in the last few days.

    “For the sake of the good people of Nigeria and the international community who quest for the truth, what the AI “cooked up” in that report is a figment of its own imagination to further paint Nigeria black among the comity of nations.

    “The military has never been sent to stop the protesting Shi’ites group at any given time. On the events referred to by the AI, the soldiers were not after the protesting Shi’ites, neither was there such number of casualties.

    “Instead, a convoy from the Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja was conducting a routine shipment of ammunition and missiles to a military formation in Kaduna escorted by troops when they ran into the protesters at Zuba in FCT.

    ” The protesting Shi’ites prevented the convoy from proceeding on its mission but rather attempted to overrun the escorts to cart away the shipment.

    “Hence, the troops had to protect the goods and extricate themselves from the imminent mob action by applying minimum force.

    “The following day, the IMN also had another confrontation with the military at a popular checkpoint along Nyanya – Mararaba road leading into the FCT.

    “Everyone living in or transiting the FCT knows that the military checkpoint had been established since 2014 after the Boko Haram Terrorist attack on Nyanya Motor Park.

    “Unfortunately, the group tried to overrun the checkpoint in which the military resisted. In all these attacks, the IMN was the aggressor while the military only acted in self defence.

    “The Shi’ites actions were planned and premeditated as the group were aware of the existence of the military checkpoint and were prepared to confront the soldiers.

    “The casualty of IMN stands at 4 wounded and 3 dead at Zuba while at the Nyanya – Mararaba road checkpoint, 3 died with 3 wounded. The military also had 6 of its personnel seriously wounded and currently at intensive care.

    “The DHQ wishes to emphasize for the umpteenth time that the narratives of the AI are outright falsehoods and calculated attempts at whipping up sentiments and misleading unsuspecting Nigerians as well as demoralizing friendly nations. The organization has continued to churn out reports that are outside the confines of the principles of objectivity, truth and balance reportage which provides all sides to the story the way it happened.

    “Sadly, AI’s past activities in Nigeria and its negative reportorial of the Nigerian Armed Forces is capable of emboldening the IMN in its unwholesome activities.

    “Also, what AI is doing could stop friendly nations from collaborating with Nigeria in its war against insurgency. The intentions of AI in Nigeria have remained suspect as the organization is always silent on the other side of issues.

    “Nigerians who witnessed how military troops on legitimate duty came under unprovoked attacks from IMN members both in Zuba area of the FCT on Sunday, 28 October 2018 and at a security checkpoint in Mararaba, Nasarawa State on Monday, 29 October 2018 have videos and images of wounded soldiers and damaged military vehicles with audio commentaries. These are available in the public domain.

    “Unfortunately, Amnesty International did not see anything wrong with these unprovoked subversive attacks on Nigerian military and other innocent passersby but was quick to refer to the activities of IMN from whom dangerous weapons and ammunition including Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), guns, knives and cutlasses were recovered as a peaceful protest.

    “This goes further to prove the point that Amnesty International does not mean well for Nigeria. This is also in tandem with their previous reputation of denigrating the security forces anytime they make gains against the forces of evil to incite the Nigerian public and international community against the Military.

    “The Defence Headquarters wishes to appeal to the general public and the international community not to be carried away with AI’s usual falsehood and blackmail which is calculated towards promoting the forces of darkness to destabilize Nigeria.”

  • CDS orders deployment of Special Forces to Plateau

    …Air Force Deploys Combat Helicopters

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin has ordered the deployment of Special Forces into Plateau state just as Combat Helicopters from the Nigerian Air Force headed to the state to restore peace and orderliness.

    According to a statement from the Defence Headquarters, the Special Forces were to beef up the activities of Operation Safe Haven in the state and its environs.

    The statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen John Agim reads: “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has authorized the deployment of additional Special Forces to Plateau State to beef up the strength of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

    “The additional troops which arrived Jos, capital of Plateau State on Monday were received and briefed by the Commander OPSH, Major General AM Atolagbe on their new assignment.

    Read Also:PDP knocks Presidency over statement on Plateau killings

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to assure all law abiding citizens of Plateau state of their safety.

    “Meanwhile, misguided youths who have offered themselves to be used as thugs are hereby warned that anyone apprehended will receive the full weight of the law.

    “Herdsmen and farmers are also warned not to take laws into their hands; rather suspected persons should be reported promptly to security agencies”.

    Similarly the Nigerian Air Force announced that Combat Helicopters have been deployed to Plateau with Intelligence, Surveillance and Recoinnassance (ISR) platforms to bring the situation under control.

    The NAF Spokesperson AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya said in a statement: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has today, 25 June 2018, deployed an Mi-35P combat helicopter and an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to Plateau State in support of efforts aimed at quelling the crisis that recently erupted in the State and restoring normalcy.

    “The deployment of the ISR aircraft is expected to enhance intelligence gathering while the combat helicopter would conduct armed reconnaissance and other combat air support operations in close coordination with surface forces deployed to the State.

    “Meanwhile, other NAF air assets are available at nearby alternate airfields to hasten the process of restoring normalcy in the State, as might be necessary”.

  • Troops kill 36 Militia Herdsmen in Benue, Others, Says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday said troops have eliminated 36 militia herdsmen at the weekend with the commencement of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states.

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim said in a statement that a soldier was killed during the operation, while two others were wounded. He added that the wounded soldiers have been treated and discharged from the Hospital.

    Brig. Gen Agim said in Taraba 8 bandits were arrested and handed over to officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) for further interrogation, adding that different categories of arms and ammunitions were recovered from the militia gang.

    Brig. Gen Agim said: “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) operating in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states conducted a four prong clearance operations during the weekend.  At Umaisha and Toto Villages, troops ambushed the militia following a tipoff of a planned attack on the two villages.

    “On the ensuing melee 1 x G3 rifle, 193 x 17.62 mm NATO, 81xG3 rifle ammunition, a locally made pistol and 1 FN magazine filled with round were recovered and 1 militia was killed.  In another development, one Adamu Abdullahi, a suspected herdsman at Rukubi in Doma LGA of Nasarawa state was arrested in possession of an ID card of the vigilante group of Nigeria, Nasarawa state command and a photograph in which he posed with an AK47 rifle.

    “The suspect is still under interrogation and will be handed over to the police for prosecution after preliminary investigation.

    “Similarly, clearance operation across Gwer West, Logo and Guma LGA’s of Benue State was conducted during the weekend.  Troops made contact with heavily armed herdsmen around lower Benue and a militia camp at chetarer village.

    “The troops engaged the militia and followed the pursuit with M135 Helicopter of their air component.  This led to a large member of them being neutralized.  In all, 35 herdsmen were neutralized and a large number of them escaped with gunshot injuries.

    “However, a soldier was killed in action (KIA), 2 sustained slight injuries but have been treated and discharged.  Also, 1 soldier is still missing in action.

    “Furthermore, OPWS in Nasarawa State arrested one Musa Habu (aged 32 years) at Kolo close to Umiasha in Toto Local Government Council.  Items recovered from the suspect include; 1 locally made pistol, 2 x cartridges, 1 Techno phone and hundred and thirty naira only.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is linked with some suspected militia in that locality.  He has been handed over to the DSS for further necessary action.

    “In the same vein, troops of OPWS sector 3 Taraba, on patrol through Kwesati, Manya-Garagun axis made contact with 8 bandits who were arrested and were armed with 2 AK47 rifle, 1 x K2 rifle and 2 x locally made gun.

    “Ammunitions recovered from them include 56 rounds of 7.6mm, 25 rounds of k2, 3x cartridge, charms, phones amongst other items.  Suspects and items are to be handed over to DSS for further investigation”.

  • DHQ Tackles Ekweremadu over Comments on Coup de ‘tat

    DHQ Tackles Ekweremadu over Comments on Coup de ‘tat

    The Defence Headquarters on Thursday responded to the comments credited to the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu on the floor of the National Assembly to the effects that “the problem in Nigeria is that our democracy is receding. Who says army cannot take over, let us not joke with our democracy that is the issue”.

    The Defence Headquarters said the apprehension created by the statement should be disregarded by Nigerians, and therefore assured the International Community, Nigerian democratic institutions and the public of the unalloyed loyalty of the armed forces the President, Commander in Chief of Nigeria.

    A statement signed by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen John Agim, noted that the comments of Senator Ekweremade ” may appear cautionary and sincere in the atmosphere of discourse, it is however derogatory to the Army used in the expression and by extension to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

    The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters wish to respond to a comment by the Deputy President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu on Wednesday 7 March 2018, regarding the Nigerian Military, while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Ahmed Ogembe, representing Kogi Central.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu tours constituency projects

    “In his comments among others, the Distinguished Deputy President of the Senate stated “The Problem in Nigeria is that our democracy is receding. Who says army cannot take over, let us not joke with our democracy that is the issue”.

    “This statement may appear cautionary and sincere in the atmosphere of discourse, it is however derogatory to the Army used in the expression and by extension to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “The statement in the true sense has the capacity to denigrate the Nigerian Military in every ramification including its loyalty to the President Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the confidence of the general public to defend Nigeria’s democracy.

    “In the light of this; the Defence Headquarters wish to state clearly that, the Nigerian Military has come of age and is in tune with best international military practices of complete and total subordination to democratic governance.

    “In this regard, it is worthy to remind the general public about some key measures among others that guaranteed the present sustainable status of politically unambitious members of the Armed Forces:

    “Shortly, after the transition from a military to a democratically elected government in 1999, officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who were quasi-political, were honourably eased out of service.  This was done to avoid indoctrination of other officers in the Military in order to enable the democratic government commence a re-professionalisation process of the Armed Forces.

    “The process commenced in collaboration with international organisations such as the United States Armed Forces and the British Military.  By 2009, from the basic military training institutions through units and formation reorientation programmes to top management workshops and seminars for the military, it became clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been re-professionalised to be totally subordinate to political leadership and democracy in the Country.

    “In addition, the Nigerian Military began to take the lead at ensuring that the West African Sub Region is stable democratically through military diplomacy and physical actions where it is highly desirable and supported by ECOWAS.

    “The case of the Gambia last year is still fresh in our memories, where democracy was enforced by an ECOWAS Military Coalition led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the focused and abled leadership of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olonisakin (NAM).

    “Furthermore, the present crop of personnel in the Armed Forces of Nigeria right from the Service Chiefs to the men; are made up of the balance of re-professionalised officers and fresh intakes from 1999, who do not nurse political ambitions.  They are fully committed to their oaths of allegiance to serve their fatherland Nigeria, with total submission to our democratic government.

    “Defence Headquarters hereby assures the international community, Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the general public, of its unalloyed loyalty to the President Commander in Chief, provision of all necessary support for the sustenance of our democracy and carrying out our constitutional roles.  Therefore, the apprehension by the Deputy President of the Senate should be totally disregarded.”