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Tag: DHQ

  • DHQ raises panel on navy and police clash

    DHQ raises panel on navy and police clash

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday set up a probe panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the clash between the personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the police in Calabar, Cross River State.

    A statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Gen. John Enenche, said the committee is expected to recommend sanctions for any of the personnel found guilty of misconduct.

    “The statement reads: The Defence Headquarters has set up a high profile committee to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the recent unfortunate clash between personnel of the Nigerian Navy and police in Calabar, Cross River State, that led to loss of lives and destruction of properties.

    “The committee comprises senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Police. The committee is mandated to recommend appropriate sanction or sanctions to anyone or group of people that are found culpable in the avoidable incident.

    “This is aimed at checkmating and subsequently eliminating such incidents in the future, in order to enhance the relationship between the military and other security and response agencies in Nigeria.

    “The Defence Headquarters hereby appealed to members of all security and response agencies to embrace espirit de corps in the course of carrying out their duties and have mutual respect and understanding for each other.”

     

  • No coup plot against government – DHQ

    No coup plot against government – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday that there was no coup plot or any plan whatsoever to derail the present democratic government in the country.

    DHQ expressed unalloyed loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari as President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces and the constitution of Nigeria, saying the armed forces would not derail from protecting the nation’s democracy and completely subordinate themselves to civil rule.

    The Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, at a news conference in Abuja, said the clarification became necessary following the comments credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai and the reactions the comment generated across the country and the international community.

    He said : “What I am telling you on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is that nobody should be afraid of any coup, the armed forces is totally loyal to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and in complete subordination to civil authority.

    “At all levels of commands we are out there, including our troops and we will remain focus and conscious about the oath of allegiance that we have taken and guided by the constitution of this country. So that is my remarks to you to build on that and then reassure the general public that there is nothing like coup. Nothing like that would ever be supported or ever encouraged.

    “If there is a sign of anything like that, then there are instance and guiding rules and regulations and procedures which we normally follow and we want to assure Nigerians that we are not a different world on our own. We know what is happening all over the whole world, our armed forces, crops of officers and men we have are modern. We are in tune with the best international practice of governance and that is democracy, democracy and democracy.”

     

  • Militancy: DHQ hands over training centre to Navy

    Militancy: DHQ hands over training centre to Navy

    To enhance specialised skills of the Armed Forces and other security services, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has handed over the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC) to the Nigerian Navy (NN).

    This move was as a result of the threats to the maritime domain especially the creeks, back waters posed by militants in the Niger Delta and the riverine communities of Lagos and Ogun states.

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin while handing over the centre to the NN said it would ensure a more efficient management of maritime assets and capabilities in line with similar institutions such as the United States Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS).

    Represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Mohammed, Gen. Olonisakin expressed hope that the JMSTC would become a centre for excellence in maritime security for the West African sub-region.

    He said: “The idea of establishing JMSTC was mooted in the wake of thr increase in sophistication and types of crimes in our maritime domain. It was conceptualised by the DHQ and the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) and the centre was established in 2009 with the mandate of enhancing the human capacity of personnel of the Armed Forces in littoral and riverine operations.

    “It is a unique training institution in the sense that it is the only centre of its kind in Nigeria where security personnel are trained to acquire specialised skills in order to operate in the maritime domain.”

    The CDS said though the centre has done well in the past eight years, a recent assessment conducted by the DHQ showed that for better utilisation, it should be administered and controlled by the NN, which has expertise in maritime matters.

    He said: “It is therefore expected that the NN would ensure the vision of training personnel from other services and security agencies continue woth the same tempo.

    “I strongly believe that the centre would be better repositioned to effectively carryout its duties in line with the objectives of establishing it.

    “The centre was handed over to NN because it is better positioned to control and bring necessary assets within its purview to take it to the next level.

    “Every asset in the centre has been handed over fully to the navy. We expect the navy to review what they have seen on ground. If there are observations and other things they think need to be done to upgrade the centre, they will forward to DHQ for necessary actions.”

    In his remark, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo said security forces would continue to receive quality training in waterman ship, boars handling, weapon handling and underwater warfare to enable them address challenges in the nation’s wsterways and the creeks.

    Vice Admiral Ibas said plans were on to ensure that access to the training was expanded to accommodate other agencies and services that haven’t had the opportunity.

    He assured the CDS and other stakeholders that the concept would not change, adding that the NN would improve the quality of training to enhance manpower to address contemporary issues.”

    Earlier, the Commandant, JMSTC, Captain Alexander Bingel said over 3,000 military personnel and officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been trained since the establishment of the centre.

    At the event were the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia, Commander, NNS WEY, Commodore Mohammed Nagenu, Commander, 465 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Hospital, Air Commodore Benjamin Okunola, and representatives of the British and United States military.

  • DHQ dismisses Transparency International corruption allegations

    DHQ dismisses Transparency International corruption allegations

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday dismissed sweeping allegations made against the military by Transparency International.

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, dismissed the allegations while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

    Enenche said the allegations were false and therefore, should be disregarded by Nigerians and the international community.

    He said the present leadership of the Armed Forces had done a lot to train, boost troops’ morale and procure vital equipment through due process for operations against insurgents in the North-East and other operations.

    He said the DHQ, Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters had established procurement branches that were guided by the rules and regulations of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

    He said even the Ministry of Defence was dealing directly with states and governments on defence equipment procurement without using contractors or vendors any longer.

    Enenche said, “On this note, it is suspicious that a sweeping statement of corruption against the military officials at this time is rather disheartening.

    “More so, that the Nigerian Military was on March 22 credited by the United States  as having done very well for fighting insurgency and extremism, among others.

    “Such an allegation came at the peak of consistent success recorded in our areas of operational engagements, especially in the North-East.”

    The director of defence information added that the military operations in the North-East was very obvious not only to Nigerians, but the whole world, hence the allegation must be treated with utmost suspicion.

    NAN

  • Why we are yet to capture Shekau —DHQ

    Why we are yet to capture Shekau —DHQ

    •Gives reason for mix-up in purported death of Boko Haram leader 

    The Nigerian military yesterday gave reasons why the elusive Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has not been captured in spite of serious manhunt and the capture of Camp Zairo in the Sambisa Forest.

    The Director Defence Information (DDI), Major-Gen. John Eneche, who spoke at a press forum in Abuja, admitted that there was a mix-up regarding information about the capture or death of the Boko Haram leader because of the various faces Shekau uses.

    The Defence spokesman also said even though the “real Shekau” has not been captured, the military is on the hunt for him and would soon capture him.

    Eneche said: “There were so many Shekau faces. That was what was responsible for that. But we will get the real thing.

    “We have now come to know that the real Shekau is yet to be apprehended. So, that is the truth.

    “When Osama Bin Ladin was killed, they went further to do a DNA test. That was what happened.

    “The truth is because of so many faces of Shekau that came up, that was what brought about the mix up. But it is true the real Shekau is yet to be apprehended, and we will get him.”

    Eneche also gave an account of military operations in Nigeria, saying that the Nigerian Armed Forces have done well.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has been able to decimate and degrade the Boko Haram terrorists (BHT) from their terrogensic activity to splinter acts of terrorism here and there, mostly within Borno State.

    “Currently, clearance operation is ongoing jointly by the AFN to eliminate both active and passive acts of terrorism in the NE.

    “It is worthy of note that some countries such as Britain, USA and France, among others, provided one form of assistance to the military in our effort so far in the North East,” he said.

    General Eneche also said Operation Sharan Daji in the North-West has been able to curtail the activities of cattle rustlers with many of them embracing the amnesty offered by the government of Zamfara State.

    He said: “Currently, the activities of the criminals have been checkmated tremendously.

    “It is highly desirable to point out here, that a good number of criminals that were engaged in these activities embraced the amnesty offer by the Zamfara State Government.

    “It is expected that other states in the North-West will emulate Zamfara State, so that this wickedness of criminality is eradicated from the zone in particular and Nigeria in general.”

    He however dismissed the notion that the military is not doing anything to curtail the activities of herdsmen, saying it is a conflict “between brothers which will require a political solution.”

    Eneche said: “It is not the one that you have an identified enemy, the issue of Fulani herdsmen and locals, it is an issue an African would put as brothers that have misunderstanding.

    “It is an issue of two brothers. Even in our houses, children that follow almost immediately have this kind of argument, that is the issues of the herdsmen and the locals. At various fora, we have agreed that it needs more or less a political solution.”

     

  • Why we are yet to capture Shekau – DHQ

    Why we are yet to capture Shekau – DHQ

    The Nigerian Military on Friday gave reasons why the elusive Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has not been captured despite a huge manhunt and the capture of Camp Zero in Sambisa forest.

    The Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. John Eneche,  who spoke at a press forum in Abuja, admitted that there was a mix-up on the information about the capture or death of the Boko Haram leader because of the various faces used by Shekau.

    The Defence spokesman also said although the” real Shekau” has not been captured, the military is on the hunt for him and would soon capture him.

    Eneche: “There were so many Shekau faces, that was what was responsible for that but we will get the real thing, we have now come to know that the real Shekau is yet to be apprehended, so that is the truth, when Osama Bin Ladin was killed, they went further to do a DNA test, that was what happened. The truth is because of so many faces of Shekau that came up, that was what brought up the mix up. But it is truth the real Shekau is yet to be apprehended and we will get him.”

    Eneche also gave an account of military operations in Nigeria, saying the Nigerian military has done well.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria has been able to decimate and degrade the Boko Haram terrorists from their activities to splinter acts of terrorism here and there mostly within Borno State.  Currently, clearance operation is ongoing jointly by the Armed Forces to eliminate both active and passive acts of terrorism in the North East.  It is worthy of note that some countries such as Britain, United States and France among others provided one form of assistance to the military in our effort so far in the North East,” he said.

    Eneche also said Operation SHARAN DAJI in the Northwest has been able to curtail the activities of cattle rustlers with many of them embracing the amnesty offered by Zamfara State government.

     

  • DHQ warns Amnesty, others to stop meddling in Nigeria’s security affairs

    DHQ warns Amnesty, others to stop meddling in Nigeria’s security affairs

    THE Nigerian Defence Headquarters has warned international rights group, Amnesty International (AI) and other non-governmental organisations to desist from meddling in Nigeria’s security affairs.
    Acting Director, Defence Information Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, in a statement in Abuja, said reports from AI showed that it never meant well for Nigeria.
    AI criticised the military, accusing it of gross human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings in the Southeast and Northeast.
    But Abubakar said the military maintained an open door policy and had been cooperating with stakeholders in ensuring that the armed forces remained one of the best and a proud institution for Nigerians.
    Abubakar said: “Activities of AI in our nation have shown that AI never meant well for Nigeria and the situation is getting clearer to national and international communities what the AI is up to.
    “This could be corroborated by inherent lopsidedness in the AI’s portrayal of Nigeria, its involvement in local politics and taking sides with terrorists and other belligerent groups to cause internal disorder, which no country can tolerate.
    “The military in this new dispensation has maintained open door policy and has been cooperating with all stakeholders in ensuring that Nigerian Armed Forces remain one of the best and a proud institution for all Nigerians.
    “For AI to be making spurious allegation, especially without substantiated and cogent reason, apart from those adduced by the AI itself for the reason best known to it and its collaborators, is disturbing and unethical of an international organisation that is supposed to stay clear of local politics and to be seen as maintaining neutrality in its reportage of the countries it operates.”
    The Defence spokesperson said incessant negative report on Nigeria and the armed forces by AI “was condemnable by well-meaning Nigerians who have seen and appreciated what the military and other security agencies did to decimate Boko Haram terrorists and contain criminal elements”.
    He alleged AI actions in Nigeria would succeed in giving insight into the possibility of the organisation sponsoring criminal gangs in achieving the sponsor’s intent.
    Abubakar added: “As much as the military welcomes comments, criticisms and observations that could help the institution to grow higher for the interest of our nation, the activities of the AI, to say the least, is far from being noble.  Al has negative mission in Nigeria.  It is an agent of destabilisation, masquerading as a reputable international NGO, which Nigerians must rise up to this daunting challenge of not giving it  the chance to truncate our hard earned democracy and unity.
    “It does not operate like this in other nations of the world. Hence, the military once again condemns the activities of the AI and its affiliates in Nigeria. It is not until you write negative report about Nigeria before you are seen as working or justifying the huge amount you receive from international bodies.
    “While the military and other security agencies remain focus in tackling the mirage of security problems in our nation, we urge our citizens, partners and international communities to continue to support Nigeria in its quest to free us from the hands of criminal elements, which AI and its cohorts are supporting.
    “It is our conviction that, despite AI fanning the ember of disunity, hate and destabilisation  in our land, Nigeria would continue to remain united, strong and prosperous to take her rightful place in the comity of nations.

  • Beware of bombers disguising as nursing mothers, DHQ warns

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday warned residents of the Northeast to be security conscious about female suicide bombers who may disguise as nursing mothers in the desperate bid to avoid detection by security personnel.

    The military authorities in a statement asked the public to cooperate with security agencies carrying out “thorough security search and checks,” saying the traffic gridlock at military check points were not meant to cause public discomfort.

    “Female suicide bombers are now evading detection from security operatives by carrying babies on their back, that ordinarily passes them for innocent nursing mothers,” the statement  said, adding, “the two recent suicide bomb attacks in Madagali, Adamawa State, are instructive in this regard.

    “Members of the public are therefore urged to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies that would assist in exposing Boko Haram and their evil machinations in our society and to make our communities safe and secure for all to live.”

  • DHQ declares 55 Boko Haram suspects wanted

    DHQ declares 55 Boko Haram suspects wanted

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State, unveiled photographs of 55 suspected Boko Haram terrorists it declared wanted.
    This brings the number of wanted terrorists to 257.
    It declared 202 insurgents wanted in two batches last year.
    Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, who unveiled the photographs at the headquarters of the Theatre Command, called on Nigerians to join in the search for the ‘terrorists’.
    Gen. Olonisakin said counter-insurgency was a field operation, which required adequate awareness by stakeholders.
    “With this launch of additional photographs of wanted Boko Haram terrorists, it is hoped that the public and other peace loving citizen will provide information that will aid in ridding the society of these terrorists and criminal elements,’’ he said.
    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai noted that many of the 202 terrorists declared wanted had either been killed or arrested during operations.
    “We have earlier, in the course of our campaigns against the insurgents from late 2015, published two editions, comprising 202 individuals that have been identified as key members of the Boko Haram insurgents.
    “In the course of our counter-insurgency operations, quite a significant number of these wanted terrorists have either been killed or arrested.
    “Those arrested have been providing useful information that has assisted the Army undertake successful operations,’’ he said.
    Gen. Buratai called on Nigerians and the media with information about the suspects to provide it, saying such information will be treated with “utmost confidentiality’’.
    “No item of information is too little or should be ignored,’’ he said.
    He said the Army had achieved significant progress in the fight against the terrorists by degrading their combat power as well as decimating their ranks.
    The Army chief restated that 60 per cent of the remnants of the terrorists were not Nigerians and appealed to citizens to contribute to efforts to flush them out of the country.

  • DHQ: troops battling on 16 fronts

    DHQ: troops battling on 16 fronts

    THE Armed Forces are engaged in 16 operations in  defence of the nation’s territorial integrity, Director of Defence Information Brig.- Gen. Rabe Abubakar has said yesterday.

    Gen. Abubakar stated this at an interactive forum with members of the Borno Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Maiduguri.

    He said some of the operations were being carried out jointly with other security agencies while others were conducted by the Armed Forces .

    Gen. Abubakar named some of the operations as including Operation Lafiya Dole; Operation Safe Corridor and Operation Delta Safe.

    “We equally have Operation Sharan Daji to take care of Cattle Rustlers,” he added.

    He said the military was working on plans to introduce another operation to tackle the problem of farmers/herdsmen clashes.

    “Once it is in place, the menace of farmers/ rearers clash will be a thing of the past in the country,” Abubakar said.

    He added that the military was also engaged in other functions aimed at securing the country.

    “We are also involved in other numerous activities aimed at safeguarding the country,” Abubakar said.

    He, however, lamented that in spite of these efforts, some Nigerians were bent on pulling down the military.

    He said his visit was part of efforts aimed at solidifying relationship between the military and the media.

    He expressed the need for a synergy between the military and the media.

    He advised the media to be more patriotic in its reportage of military operations to secure the country.