The Nation Newspaper

Tag: DHQ

  • ‘Army control centre taking shape’

    ‘Army control centre taking shape’

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said the military command centre is gradually coming into operation with the arrival of hi-tech equipment at the facility.

    The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed this in statement issued in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    Usman said the new communication facilities would take at least 21 days to become fully operational.

    The statement reads:

    “You will recall that a reconnaissance and an advance team for the establishment of Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) were in Maiduguri and Yola last week.

    “Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff were at the MCCC to commence operations on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. The installations of hi-tech equipment, infrastructural development of the Centre and posting of additional operations staff have also commenced. These are to be completed within 21 days when the MCCC would be fully operational.

    “With the establishment of the centre, all strategic and operational decisions on the fight against terrorism and insurgency would emanate from the MCCC. This will ensure faster response time, improve situational awareness and better coordination of all stakeholders.

    “The centre will also give the needed impetus that would ensure prosecution and successful conclusion of the war against terrorism. It will also provide the required interface between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Multi-National Joint Task Force to be deployed at the Lake Chad Basin area at the end of the month of July.”

  • DHQ accuses Amnesty of blackmailing Badeh, military hierarchy

    DHQ accuses Amnesty of blackmailing Badeh, military hierarchy

    The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday accused Amnesty International of blackmailing the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and the nation’s military hierarchy.

    It accused the rights watchdog of premeditated indictment aimed at discrediting the country for whatever purpose.

    The military said the Amnesty report has confirmed the organization’s alleged questionable interest in the counter-terrorism efforts in Nigeria.

    The DHQ, which made its position known in a statement in Abuja through the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, faulted Amnesty for relying on spurious and manipulated statistics.

    The statement said: “The Defence Headquarters has noted with dismay the gruesome allegations made by the Amnesty International against some senior military officers serving and retired of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “It is unfortunate that all efforts made in the allegation were geared towards continuation of blackmail against the military hierarchy in which the organization had embarked upon since the inception of military’s action against terrorist in the Northeast.

    “The officers mentioned in the report have no reason, whatsoever, to indulge in the allegation made against them.”

    The DHQ accused Amnesty of premeditated indictment to discredit Nigeria.

    It explained that all the allegations raised by the organization had been responded to and cleared in the public.

     

  • 10 Boko Haram camps fall to troops, says DHQ

    10 Boko Haram camps fall to troops, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said 10 additional Boko Haram camps have been destroyed in Sambisa Forest by troops.

    It claimed that unconfirmed number of insurgents died in the encounters with troops.

    But while one soldier was killed by a landmine, two others were injured.

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who made the disclosures in a statement in Abuja, said some of the fleeing insurgents had taken to suicide missions.

     The statement said: “An unconfirmed number of terrorists died on Saturday as 10 additional camps used by terrorists were overran in the continuing offensive operations against the terrorists in Sambisa forest.

    “The Dure camp, which is one of the most prominent camps in the forest, witnessed the fiercest battle as the Special Forces descended heavily on it before it finally fell.

    “Four of the camps were located in a place called Iza within the forest while three others were noted to be recently established by the terrorists before the assault began.

    “ One soldier died from one of the landmines encountered in the operation while two others were also wounded.

    “The terrorists lost a number of vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns as well as armoured vehicles.

    “ Some of the terrorists who escaped from the camps also died as they ran into troops ambush in some escape routes from the forest.”

    The Defence Headquarters assured that the military will not relent in its efforts to clear the terrorists in Sambisa Forest.

  • Identities of rescued girls, women yet to be ascertained – DHQ

    Identities of rescued girls, women yet to be ascertained – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has said that its personnel have not ascertained the true identities of some of the women and girls rescued from Sambisa forest by Nigerian troops.

    At a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said the rescued women and girls were still undergoing profiling to verify their identities.

    “Until such comprehensive profiling is done, nobody can confirm whether they are among the Chibok girls or not,” Olukolade stated.

    According to him, rescue operations were still ongoing and more hostages were being freed by troops.

    He continued: “Whoever they may be, the important thing is that Nigerians held captive under very severe and inhuman condition have been freed by our gallant troops.

    “The joy and sense of hope being expressed by many Nigerians on hearing about the rescue operation is therefore understandable. We would like to reassure them that the momentum of this operation will be sustained until that Sambisa forest is comprehensively cleaned out and all Nigerians held captive within the bowels of the forest are rescued.  There is great hope for the recovery of more hostages being held by the terrorists.

    “Already, the dislodged and disorganized terrorists are in flight on different directions and running helter-skelter in the expansive forest. There is no longer any respite or sanctuary for them, they will be pursued and tracked down not minding the daunting challenges in the mission including hundreds of land mines and difficult terrain of the Sambisa forest.

    “It should be noted however that the essence of this operation is not to kill everybody in sight.  We encourage any of the combatants who is desirous to surrender to come out, as the forest will no more be tenable as a haven for their activities.

    “In the same vein, innocent civilians among those in flight are also encouraged to report themselves to the troops.  We will continue to treat civilians in the most professional and humane way.

    “We thank all Nigerians for their continued prayers and support and assure them that never again shall forces of darkness reign supreme in our country.”

     

  • Troops still in Sambisa forest, says DHQ

    Troops still in Sambisa forest, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday denied media reports that troops have retreated from the Sambisa forest, which has served as the main operational base for Boko Haram insurgents.

    A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said operation was progressing and gaining increasing momentum towards clearing all terrorist hideouts in the forest.

    “It is noteworthy that it is becoming common for stories of attacks on some remote settlements to be fabricated and attributed to anonymous or unidentifiable source in remote places. This is apparently the work of terrorists’ sympathisers or propagandists.

    “Military operations to eliminate all terrorist hideouts are going on well and the terrorists are being seriously decimated. They will continue to be pursued and prevented from constituting danger to civilian population in their desperation for survival, suicide or publicity,” Gen Olukolade added.

    He debunked reports claiming that terrorists are now in control of Mafa in Borno State, saying that attempts by a group of fleeing terrorists who strayed towards the town and engaged typical suicide attacks were duly repelled by troops.

    He continued: “Similarly, the claim by some media organisations that terrorists chased out troops and took over Marte cannot be verified as troops were busy elsewhere during the said attack.

    “However, efforts to track the terrorists who were reported to have attacked the town have not indicated their presence as claimed.

    “Surveillance activities are however ongoing although there has been no indication of the large number of terrorists as being claimed in some reports attributed to anonymous sources.

    “The terrorist are certainly no longer capable of that level of coordinated action by thousands of terrorists as reported.”

    Gen. Olukolade advised the media to ignore what he described as “fabrication being churned out by some terrorists sympathisers trying to encourage the terrorists who he said were in disarray”.

    “The truth is that the operation to decimate them from Nigerian territories is progressing well. The military will not be dissuaded by the resurgence of false reports on the operations.  The progress will be prosecuted as necessary”, he said.

  • DHQ: Boko Haram insurgents ‘ve run out of weapons

    DHQ: Boko Haram insurgents ‘ve run out of weapons

    The Defence Headquarters has said the Boko Haram insurgents have run out of arms and ammunitions, forcing them to resort to the use of bows and arrows.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. Chris Olukolade said the insurgents sources of arms and ammunition supplies had been effectively blocked.

  • Troops discover Boko Haram bomb factory in Yobe – DHQ

    Troops discover Boko Haram bomb factory in Yobe – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters Friday said troops have discovered Boko Haram bomb-making factory in Buni Yadi in Yobe State.

    Also, military sources said the alleged foreign mercenaries in the North-East are technical advisers providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military.

    According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said  improvised explosive devices (IEDs) uncovered in Yobe State were those commonly used by suicide bombers.

    The statement said:  “The ongoing cordon and search by troops in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State has led to the discovery of a Bomb Making factory, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by terrorists were being produced.

    “Large quantities of IEDs including those commonly used by suicide bombers were recovered from the site.

    “The factory, which was located in a fertilizer company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs.

    “Troops are still evacuating the materials which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base. It is believed that the heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory.

    “The terrorists were sacked from Buni Yadi after a military assault that was conducted last Saturday.

    “The troops advance was delayed by the series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi. Four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.

    “This discovery is expected to degrade the capability of terrorists in the production of explosives, which they have been using lavishly in the area until they were dislodged from their stronghold.”

    Also, some military sources yesterday said the foreign mercenaries in the North-East are technical advisers providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military.

    The military commanders said the stories in major international media and culled by local newspapers reporting that Nigeria was deploying hundreds of mercenaries against Boko Haram terrorists amounted to “a joke taken too far.”

    According to a source: “The officers insisted that the foreigners are technical advisers that are providing trainings and instructions on the use of new armaments recently procured by the Nigerian military in the war on terror.

    “The officers said it was part of propaganda to paint Nigerian military as incompetent to deal with the insurgency by desperately ascribing recent spate of successes to ‘others’ rather than the gallant troops’ efforts.

    “They said only recently, some news agencies ascribed such successes to Cameroonian, Nigerien and “battle hardened” Chadian forces but when it became obvious that the forces of those countries were mainly fighting along their own border areas blocking free movement of terrorists, “it became necessary to look for others” who are helping Nigerians to fight.

    The source further cited the “particular example of the maintenance technician, who died recently, that he was not even a combatant but a professional in fixing armoured  vehicles.
    President Goodluck Jonathan was recently quoted in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) confirming that Nigeria has some trainers helping to get troops well acquainted with the recently acquired weaponry.

    Jonathan said: “We now have this technical people who are trainers and technicians, who are to train our people on how to use them, and technicians that help the maintenance, at the same time training our people how to maintain this equipment,” adding that two companies were involved in the training.

    The source recalled with regrets, the several years that Nigeria wasted while negotiating and appealing for equipment supply from the Western allies which were not only rebuffed but prevented other countries under their direct influence from selling to Nigeria.

    “The fact that we have foreign experts outside the United States helping to train our troops is not a secret but it is not fair for them to embark on this blackmail simply because we got assistance from other places when they turned us down at a critical period”, the source stated.

    When contacted the Director Defence Information, Maj-General Chris Olukolade said:  “Sorry, I don’t have anything about that claim.  I just know that Nigerian military and security forces are putting in all their resources, training and experience acquired over the years to address the security challenges.

    “Our neighbours operating under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force are also backing our efforts from all our borders with them.

    “We also have some offer of training and intelligence assistance from foreign countries. Some of these arrangements even predated the present operations.”

  • Military uncovers heaps of weapons in Baga, says DHQ

    Military uncovers heaps of weapons in Baga, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday said heaps of weapons have been uncovered by troops in Baga, Borno State barely 24 hours after reclaiming the fishing settlement.

    It also claimed that a soldier was stabbed and another shot at close quarter during the cordon and search going on in the area.

    A statement by the Director of  Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, yesterday said: “Troops engaged in cordon and search in Baga  continue to discover more arms of various background and shapes abandoned in some houses and the surrounding by fleeing terrorists.

    “Heaps of weapons most of which were strange looking or destroyed are still being gathered. Many abandoned or destroyed motorcycles have also been discovered.

    “A soldier was stabbed while another was shot during a close quarter battle which ensued  as troops involved in cordon and search caught up with some of the fleeing terrorists yesterday (Saturday) evening.

    “ A number of individuals who claimed to be residents are also being interrogated in order to ascertain their identity and motive.

    “The group consisting mostly women continued to hail and cheer the troops as they conduct thorough search in the area. Wanting to be sure the group was not working for the terrorists despite the excitement, they had to be placed under watch.

    The cordon and search as well as patrol of the localities continue while the offensive on terrorists is progressing in other areas of the theater of the counter -terrorist campaign.”

  • DHQ’s mud-slinging

    DHQ’s mud-slinging

    • Esprit de corps and decency were casualties in its attitude to Obasanjo

    Already scandalised by the perceived influential role of the military in the decision to reschedule the country’s general elections by six weeks, Nigerians were further shocked by the foul reaction of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to remarks credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticising the postponement of the polls. Obasanjo, who is also a former military head of state, had alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan and the service chiefs may be plotting an unconstitutional  presidential tenure extension.

    The DHQ in a statement queerly posted on its Facebook page said in response: “Much as the military desires to respect the old General and his views, it has become necessary to point out that his conduct and unguarded utterances of late has fallen short of the standard of discipline expected of an individual who has had the privilege of service in the military and risen to the status of a General.”  It further said: “The behaviour of retired General Obasanjo has been so unbecoming and continues to constitute a serious embarrassment to the military.” The DHQ added: “the world has moved beyond that parochial and self-adulating reasoning and mindset which he seems stuck to.”

    Unsurprisingly, some retired senior military officers have correctly expressed the view that the DHQ’s statement reflected a sorry state of affairs in the military, especially given the implication of disrespect for seniority and status conveyed by the indecorous language employed.

    Indeed, apart from the reality that Obasanjo is entitled to freedom of thought and expression, however unfavourable this might be considered by the military authorities, the concept of discipline in the armed forces is a major casualty in this case. In the context of hallowed military practice, the DHQ’s rather frontal verbal aggression constituted a hierarchical convulsion and further exposed perhaps the unravelling of the famed esprit de corps. In the circumstances, the DHQ could have been, and should have been, more circumspect in communicating its displeasure, if any.

    Properly situated, the DHQ’s reaction was not only a lamentable wrong step but also a public relations disaster. At a time the people obviously have demonstrable reasons to be suspicious of the intentions of the military and its support for democratic institutions, and the onus is on the military to exhibit professional fidelity by shunning political temptations, the DHQ ought to have grasped the futility of its combative approach to Obasanjo’s claims.

    No degree of personality bashing or mud-slinging will be adequate to convincingly clarify and confirm the political neutrality and non-partisanship rationally expected of the armed forces, particularly at election periods. Therefore, the DHQ should seriously address the public questions and doubts about the armed forces and their role in the rescheduled polls, rather than concentrate on the observations of citizens who have a right to express their worries.

    Relevantly, it is instructive that the January 29 judgment by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, and the February 16 decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, outlawed President Jonathan’s unilateral deployment of members of the armed forces for election purposes.  It is hoped that the Presidency will respect the position of the law.

    It is noteworthy that the DHQ also said in its statement:  ”Indeed, he needs to be told that by virtue of their better training, exposure, education, assessment and environment, the military personnel of today are already far beyond his level in their appreciation of democracy and its indispensability for the stable and prosperous society which Nigerians cherish.”

    This pompous talk will simply not do, as the military seeks to repair its damaged image following observed signs of an alleged unholy romance between its leadership and the presidency. Certainly, what will redeem the armed forces is a concrete apolitical character informed by the letter and spirit of the country’s Constitution.

  • Poll: DHQ warns military officers, others against being partisan

    Poll: DHQ warns military officers, others against being partisan

    Military personnel were yesterday warned to avoid partisanship. They should not compromise the electoral process, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said.

    It vowed to sanction any officer or man who compromises the law or the electoral process, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh and Service Chiefs will not derail the nation’s democracy.

    The DHQ reassured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to peace, law, order and stability before, during and after the forthcoming elections. The elections, which were slated for February 14 and 28 have been shifted to March 28 and April 11.

    The DHQ, which gave the warning in Abuja in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, asked military personnel to uphold their oath of office to protect the constitution.

    The statement said:  “The Defence Headquarters has noted the palpable tension being generated in certain quarters with regards to the roles of the Nigerian military in the ongoing political activities and recent developments, especially in relation to the electioneering programmes in the country.

    “Accordingly, it has become necessary to reassure all citizens that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to its duty in working to ensure the sustenance of peace, law, order and stability in the country before, during and after the forthcoming elections.

    “It is also important to reassure Nigerians that the military will while working with all security agencies and stake holders in the process, remain professional, apolitical and non-partisan in all operations or activities related to this crucial exercise.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is quite conscious of the fact that apart from its primary constitutional role of defending the country from external aggression and internal insurrection, it also has the responsibility of providing support in aid of civil authority such as the need to provide complementary security arrangement to protect our electoral process.

    “It is on record that the military has successfully lived up to its responsibility while discharging this duty during previous elections without equivocation.

    “In this instance, all military personnel have been reminded and warned to remain ever conscious of their service oath and solemn commitment to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria even while remaining loyal to constituted authorities in the country.

    “No excuse will be acceptable for any act of commission or omission that tends to compromise the law or the electoral process as well as decent conduct or judgment on the part of any service personnel while discharging duties related to elections in any part of the country.”

    The DHQ assured that the military will continue to protect and cherish the nation’s democracy.

    The statement added: “While expressing deep appreciation to Nigerians who have remained calm and understanding of the peculiarity of the security challenges being managed by the Armed Forces at this auspicious period in the nation’s history, the military is unequivocally assuring all citizens that it recognizes the fact that the nation’s larger interest and her security is sacrosanct and beyond any political expediency or ulterior consideration.”

    It urged Nigerians to insulate the military from partisan politics and have confidence in the neutrality of the Armed Forces.

    “It is therefore advised that Nigerians should also endeavor to insulate the military from partisan politics and retain their confidence in its neutrality and sense of patriotism at this critical point.

    “Indeed, the leadership, in particular, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, being products and beneficiaries of the nation’s democratic processes themselves, continue to cherish highly, the nation’s democracy.

    “They will therefore not engage in, condone or encourage any act that has capacity to undermine or subvert any aspect of the democratic processes.

    “Nigerians and the friends of the country should be reassured that the Nigerian Armed Forces believes strongly in the prospects of the country under a democratic rule and will continue to discharge its responsibility to support our democracy as constitutionally guaranteed,” the statement said.