The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah has toured the Imo River stretch notorious for oil theft for an on-the-spot assessment of an ongoing economic sabotage along the corridor.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed the development at the weekend and said the GOC traversed the entire Imo River stretch through the waterways and deep into the adjoining creeks and rivulets.
He said Maj.-Gen. Emekah visited illegal bunkering havens, around Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek all in Obigbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers as well as Asa waterways in Abia State.
“These places were known for their notoriety in illegal bunkering activities. During the visit, the GOC ordered all life-supporting structures and several illegal refining sites to be taken out in those identified sites.
“He enjoined the troops to comb the entire stretch, with the adjoining forests and ensure they destroy all illegal refining sites”, Danjuma said.
Danjuma further confirmed that troops in conjunction with other security agencies arrested 12 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 25 illegal refining sites and demobilized 18 boats used for criminality with over 95,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.
He said in Rivers State, the troops on routine night patrol intercepted a 45,000 litres capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers, stealing crude along Trans Niger Pipeline 36 inches row.
He said the criminals fled and abandoned the truck on sighting troops adding that along the Odagwa – Imo River stretch in Etche Local Government Area (LGA), the troops intercepted two wooden boats ladened with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude.
Danjuma said while, around Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, the troops discovered three illegal bunkering dumpsites with over 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), stored in sacks with two hoses recovered explaining that two suspected oil thieves were apprehended in connection with the crime.
He said following a tip-off about illegal activities around Karakarma in Degema LGA, the troops intercepted three wooden boats with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude.
“Other seizures were made at Kumufari and Ogbonma Forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA. Around Imo River, troops deactivated 19 illegal refining sites, 51 drum pots, and 34 drum receivers with over 4,000 stolen products handled”, he said.
He said in Delta State, the troops projected force into Benneth Island general area in Warri South West LGA, where three active illegal refining sites were deactivated, with several holding facilities destroyed and over 6,300 litres of stolen crude confiscated.
“This feat was also replicated at Omadino general area in Warri South, where two active illegal refining sites were taken out with a number of holding facilities destroyed as well as over 5,400 litres of illegally refined AGO recovered”, he said.
Danjuma said other seizures of AGO, were made along the Aladja general area in Udu LGA, where troops confiscated illegally refined AGO, and stored it within the premises of CP Villa and Kazo Hotels respectively.
He confirmed that four suspects were arrested in connection to the crime assing that at Eku Community in Ethiope East, following credible intelligence, the troops arrested one person in possession of a pump action rifle.
Danjuma said: “In Bayelsa State, around Etelabu Forest in Yenagoa, troops swooped on a newly established illegal refining site with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude recovered. Relatedly, around Biseni also in Yenagoa, troops intercepted a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO, which was abandoned by the owner on sighting troops. Efforts are currently ongoing to track the source of the illicit supply.
“Also, around Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, troops while closing up on an illegal refining site, discovered the access road was blocked with logs of wood and damaged wooden boats. Attempt to clear the route, was met with resistance by armed oil thieves, who opened fire on troops.
“The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon the area. Two wooden boats were destroyed with an unspecified quantity of stolen crude handled appropriately.
“The reinvigorated crackdown is also progressing in Akwa Ibom State, with troops dominating the operations area, denying the criminal elements freedom of action. This has effectively thwarted the activities of economic saboteurs in the State”.
Anyone seeking to understand the concept of a tortured soul only needs to pay close attention to Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, whose every action in recent days seems to provoke his demons instead of pacifying them. Yet, Wike knows the solution to his problems, he has to stop chasing shadows and focus on the reality, the reality that he is fighting a lost war of attrition. He sowed the wind and he is now reaping the whirlwind, physically and politically.
That he is today the equivalent of a political orphan is of his own making, after all he actively partook in the destruction of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when he attempted to become the supremo of the dying behemoth once touted as Africas largest party. Had he been wise enough to not kill his own political party, perhaps he would have been ble to go into the election with more confidence such that he woul not hve needed to rig the election, kill and main the same people he is desperate to govern. The fanatical zeal with which he pursued that agenda is today directed at making Nigeria fail.
With a dead PDP, Wike was left with no other option than to unleash violence of industrial proportion to steal the election. But knowing that the law does not approve of violent behaviours, even from certified touts, he thought himself clever by dressing his thugs in military uniform. The idea appeared smart the time since it allowed Wike’s thugs to go about unmolested while soiling the image of the military, which was the only impediment to the criminality he was bent on imposing on Rivers state. But like every other crime, Wike has since realize that there are consequences.
Poor Wike has become a tormented soul since controversially winnning that election. He now presents with clinical manifestations of hallucination. He sees detractors even in the midst of his own family. If he is not talking about Amaechi he is talking about Buhari or attacking Federal Government institutions.
His troubled state of mind has not allowed him lock down on one strategy in pursuit of whatever it is he is so desperate to acheive. He has oscilated between attempting to advise President Buhair, when he clearly lacks the capacity to do so, and being belligerent towards the President once he realized that his poisoned chalice got not positive reaction.
The maniac tendencies of the Rivers State Governor makes no distinctions that would have intelligently recognize that Federal Government agencies are not meant to be his private property. Like a disoriented avian attacking its reflection in a glass panel, Wike has been hurling himself like a projectile against these organizations. If he is not fighting himself he is fighting the military. If his outburst is not directed at the Police then it is directed at the Army.
This brings us to how bad things have become for Wike in the last few days to the point of launching demented allegations against the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarhem. In the space of a few days, Sarhem, has in Wike’s troubled mind attempted an assassination bid on him, run an illegal oil bunkering squad with the objective of financing his drive to be made the Chief of Army Staff and possibly Sarhem even attempted to become the next Rivers state governor in Wike’s hallucination.
But the source of Wike’s disturbance is well known. He is is possibly the only one still in denial as to what truly ails him. Truth be told; Wike is afraid of the possible consequences of having rigged himelf in as the governor of his state for a second time. He knows that organizations like the Army, Police and other federal agencies that were present during the polls have information that can sink him in the course of judicial challenge to his win. He election that he has rigged himself into office. For instance, he decided the GoC is an enemy after his offer of bribe was turned down.
The Rivers state governor is in need of help and urgently so. Those close to him have to do something to manage his delusional tantrums. They can start by reassuring him that a loss at the Election Tribunal would not be the end of the world, They should also remind him that those whose elections have been nullified by the courts are fortunate enough not to be criminally tried for stealing the election in the first place. He should be told that the most of his phobias are unfounded since the Army and Police have more pressing issues than wasting scarce national resources on lowlife politicians, so they will barely have time to care about what happens to him after being sacked by the tribunal.
Instead of chasing shadows, Wike should productively engage himself, both as a matter of responsibility being the Rivers state governor and as an act of contrition, remorse and remediation. He should give law enforcement agencies the comprehensive list of the people he mobilized to unleash violence during the election for the purpose of their being demobilized and rehabilitated. He should also work with these security agencies to retrieve the firearms he provided to these people. The entire country may be facing one security challenge or the other but the one in Rivers will prove peculiar in the future because it is being inspired by one man’s unsettled mind.
Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha has urged the Military to ensure free and fair election during this year’s poll.
The Imo governor also called for severe punishment for politicians who clothe hoodlums with Army and Police uniforms during elections.
He stated that the political thugs who wear the unauthorized uniforms commit heinous crimes during the elections.
Okorocha gave the charge when the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu paid, Major General A. C. Maikobi, him courtesy call Thursday, at the Government House Owerri.
He noted that “this is the time all hands must be on deck and ensure that the nation’s democracy is saved”.
According to him, “You have been posted at a critical time in the period of electioneering. We request that the Military should do the needful to ensure free and fair election. I have no doubt that the Army will do the needful by ensuring free conduct of these elections.
“We are not unmindful of the fact that some unpopular and unpatriotic politicians sow Army, Police and Navy uniforms and give them to touts or hoodlums to use during elections. I urge the Army to start by fishing out these unpatriotic politicians and ensure that they get the kind of punishment they deserve, to help our democracy”.
He continued that, “One of the major problems we have as a nation is that people who are not chosen by the people are seen holding public offices because they won through backyard backyards. This is the major problem of our democracy. I urge you to correct this aspect of our democracy by ensuring free and fair Poll.
“In Imo State, going by public opinion the people already know who will be their governor, Senators, House of Representatives etc. They know all of them by the way they pronounce them and their actions but sometimes it comes to them as a rude shock when somebody they never expected, emerges and the person did so through manipulations. This is a time for all hands to be on deck and ensure that our democracy is saved”.
He also added that, “We have all agreed that democracy is the best way of government but in this present democracy comes a lot of problems. It brings hatred, gossips, bickering and all forms of evil activities. I want to urge all Nigerians to know that no matter what happens, we are members of this one family called Nigeria and we are duty bound to protect the integrity of Nigeria”.
In his speech earlier, Major General Maikobi said he had come with his team to inform the governor that he has taken over as the GOC of the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army Enugu and to also inform him that they have flagged off operation Egwueke 3 in the Southeast with their headquarters at Abakiliki, Ebonyi State.
He said, “For ease of command and administration we have divided the Command into sectors, one in Owerri. The exercise is not aimed at any person or group. Our purpose is to apply every effort within our capacity to checkmate criminals and criminality. We will work in accordance with the law and create an atmosphere of peace within our different localities.
“Our relationship with the people will be most cordial and the people have nothing to fear as our men have been warned to work according to laid down rules and principles”.
The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has commenced the annual Nigerian Army Sports Festival (NASFEST) for officers and soldiers under the division.
Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, inaugurated the three-day exercise on Friday in Igwurata, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.
He said that officers and soldiers from formations and units in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers would compete in half marathon and combat road race events.
He added that “the competition will serve as opportunity to promote mutual cooperation and comradeship among participants.
“It also adds to the training and re-training of troops, which is crucial to achieving the required regimentation, professional responsiveness and combat efficiency needed to tackle various security challenges.”
The GOC said that officers and soldiers needed to have sharp minds to enable them to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.
According to him, the competition is to bridge the gap between officers and soldiers through requisite level of proficiency and professionalism in their cadre of ranks.
“The competition could not have come at a better time when there were growing concerns on combat-proficiency and endurance issues as it concerns the formations and units.
“More so, the various experiences encountered in the conduct of operations in the North-East and Niger Delta, among others, brought to fore some gaps in our training and execution of operations.”
Sarham urged the participants to take advantage of the competition to enhance their fitness and combat proficiency on the job.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants were drawn from Army 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom; 16 Brigade Bayelsa; 63 Brigade Delta and 6 Division headquarter.
A truck-load of assorted food items and other relief materials were on Saturday donated to the the internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camped at the Ogbe-Ijoh Primary School, Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri council area of Delta state by the Nigerian Army.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarham, who led other senior officers and men of the army to deliver the materials to the displaced persons, explained that it was part of the kick-off of the Exercise Crocodile Smile 3 in Delta state.
According to the General, who was conducted round Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities by the Commander of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Colonel Alhassan Grema, and the Commanding Officer (Rear) of the 3 Battalion, Effurun, Major Salim Hassan, the newly launched Operation Crocodile Smile 3 has been designed to achieve peace and security within all commuties across the country.
Sarham, who had first paid a visit to the palace of the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Bethel Delekpe, Oworhu 1, in his palace in Aladja, appealed to the traditional leadership as well as the people of the state for understanding as the Nigerian Army goes about executing the objective of the Operation Crocodile Smile 3, noting that the traditional leadership is in the best position to help the army pass the proper intent of the operation down to the citizens.
At the Ogbe-Ijoh IDP camp, the army chief assured the people that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, sympathised with them in their plight, adding that he had ordered that the food and other relief materials be provided to cushion the effect of their circumstances.
Speaking to the displaced persons, Sarham said “the Chief of Army Staff is aware of the plight of the victims of this natural disaster, he’s aware that the recent flooding has ravaged their communities and houses and because of that he directed me, along with these officers, this is the Commander of 16 Brigade, Exercise Crocodile Smile 3, to come and see the IDPs and donate these items to alleviate their sufferings”.
Meanwhile, explaining the concept and focus of the newly launched Crocodile Smile 3, Sarham said the exercise is designed to ensure that crimes do not thrive in any part of the country.
“Operation Crocodile Smile 3, basically means ridding communities of all crimes and criminalities, we are to safeguard lives and properties in all ramifications; be it naturally disaster like flooding and what have you. Also, we are not unmindful of the fact that there are criminal elements within society, so the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, has designed an annual training exercise, which dovetails into an operation to ensure that crime does not thrive in our communities, wherever located. That’s basically the essence of Exercise Crocodile Smile 3.
“However, you can’t do away in any given situation with mischief makers in any given situation. You are the press, you’ve seen what we’ve done throughout today, we’ve been together with you, you’ve seen the whole thing, it’s done in the open, we are at the vanguard of national development and you cannot develop without ensuring there’s peace and security in our environment”, he explained.
He also warned mischief makers from trying to negatively twist intent of the exercise, saying “we are firm in our resolve, we won’t allow any act of sabotage to be accommodated in our operations. The Nigerian Army remains resolute and we are committed to peace and security of all the citizens of Nigeria”.
The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ), said it neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists in Koleram town in Borno. AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the operation was conducted on Monday.
“The successful air strike by the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft followed calls from the General Officer Commanding ( GOC ), 8 Division of the Nigerian Army that troops conducting clearance operations at Koleram had come in contact with the insurgents.’’
According to him, the NAF also provided Close Air Support ( CAS ) to ground troops.
Adesanya said the GOC, therefore, requested for support from the NAF, adding that the Alpha Jet aircraft was immediately deployed to provide CAS.
“On arrival over the location, there were exchanges of fire between the terrorists and our ground forces.
“The crew of a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ( ISR ) aircraft established contact with the ground troops and guided the Alpha Jet aircraft crew to the major source of fire from the Boko Haram terrorists, which was seen coming from a particular settlement.
“Consequently, the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft engaged the target with rockets and cannons, thus neutralizing the insurgents and destroying their weapons,’’ he said.
The NAF spokesman said the Air Task Force would continue to conduct missions on request in support of the efforts of “our troops in the counterinsurgency operations in the North East.’’
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Saturday blamed the security challenges confronting Nigeria on poor upbringing of the children.
General Buratai stated this at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) boys, in Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday.
They Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade however said that, all hands must be on deck to ensure proper training and upbringing of Nigerian children, believing that such will reduce to the barest minimal, security threats against the country.
According to him, “The escalating level of insecurity in the country has much to do with the level of training our children are exposed to from the beginning.
“Having an institution that will ensure that children are inculcated with a high level of discipline, knowledge and patriotism is what all stakeholders in the Nigerian project should encourage,” he pleaded.
Buratai assured that the Army on its part would continue to ensure that all training schools in the Nigerian Army were provided with the basic facilities towards excellence and proficiency.
The Army Boss said he had given directive that deliberate efforts be taken for the purpose of repositioning all Command Schools in line with standards established by NMS.
He recalled that the NMS was established 63 years ago to provide middle level manpower that would take over for the departing British non-commission officers at independence.
“The school had undoubtedly produced seasoned military officers of repute and highly experienced technocrats that are contributing positively to the development of Nigeria.
“It was in recognition of the contribution of the ex-boys to national development and upholding the dream and vision of the founding fathers of the school that I directed the resumption of military training suspended in the school in 2011.
“I am delighted that the Commandant and his team had worked assiduously to ensure that the passing out boys were given the requisite training to serve their fatherland,” he noted.
While urging the graduating boys to be good ambassadors of the school and the Nigerian Army, Buratai charged them to always exhibit high sense of discipline, commitment and patriotism wherever they go.
Highlight of the occasion was the awards and cash gift of N250, 000 to each of the four award-winners who distinguished themselves during 2016/2017 academic session.
The Nigeria Army on Wednesday said it had rescued 30,000 women and children held by Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest in the last 14 months.
Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the outgoing Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, made this known at the handover ceremony in Maiduguri.
Ezegwu attributed the successes recorded so far in the fight against insurgency in the North-East to doggedness, hardwork and determination of troops in the frontline.
“Successes recorded so far is as a result of collective efforts of all of you here.
“I cannot take this glory alone because I could not have achieved anything without your support and encouragement,” he said.
The GOC, who urged troops to increase the momentum in the campaign to flush out the remaining terrorists in the region, said all hands must be on deck to end Boko Haram.
Ezugwu paid glowing tribute to the past GOCs of the Division for laying solid foundation at the formative age of the Division.
“We cannot forget the efforts of our past GOCs, who laboured to build this Division before my assumption of duty as the sixth GOC.”
He pledged that the Army would not forget those who died in the service of the nation.
“The death of these gallant men and women will not be in vain.
“We that are still alive must double our efforts towards total elimination of insurgency in the region so that their death will not be in vain.”
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for providing necessary support needed to execute the war in the North-East.
“Let us thank God for giving us Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai as the COAS. He provided us with all we needed to fight this war.
“He practically took it upon himself to plan the war strategies and we all can see the results of such efforts”.
Ezugwu described the incoming GOC as a hardworking and gallant senior officer, who knew the terrain very well having served as Brigade Commander in the Theater.
He urged troops to extend the support he enjoyed to the incoming GOC.
The outgoing GOC was recently posted to Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State and is being replaced by Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf after serving for 18 months as the Acting GOC of 7 Division.
Traditional Rulers and heads of Fulani herdsmen in the warring Southern part of Kaduna State have reached agreement with the top security chiefs to end the incessant attacks and killings in the area.
Parts of the resolutions reached include the immediate stoppage of any form of violent activity, illegal display of arms and hiring of machinery to cause violence or carry out attacks in the area.
The meeting, which was convened by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade had in attendance, the GOC, Police Commissioner, other top military officers, about 10 traditional rulers of Southern Kaduna extraction, including the Chief of Godogodo, National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the heads of Fulani communities and other stakeholders.
Reading the resolutions of the meeting held behind closed doors for over five hours at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, in Kachia, the GOC, said, the meeting also resolved to stop children from grazing cattle, having identified such as, one of the sources of farmer/herdsmen clash.
According to the GOC, “we agreed that, there will be immediate stoppage to all forms of violent activities from all the stakeholders. We want to encourage the setting up of peace and reconciliation committees at the ward levels, district level and the local government level by the Fulani herdsmen, the locals and other critical stakeholders in the various communities. Their focus will be to continue the effort which is started here today to deal with all the local issues that may trigger any form of violent activities.
“It has also been agreed that children will stop being at the helms of grazing cattle in Kaduna state and in the North West zone, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has made that commitment that they are going to make sure that all children are prevented from shepherding their cattle because it has been identified as one of the areas of conflict because they do not know much about area that they are not supposed to graze their cattle.
“Any destruction of farm lands or killing of cattle, the perpetrators will be brought before the committees that will be set up by the various levels with the aim of administering justice to make sure that if there are penalties to be paid, they should be done after being agreed by members of the committee at the various levels.
“It has also been agreed that within the next few days, efforts will be made at all levels to call all their members including the youth, the Fulani herdsmen from carrying weapons when moving around, the use of weapons by anybody other than the security forces is absolutely and completely illegal. The security officers and agencies will take decisive actions against any group that violates this decision effective from 1st November, 2016.
“We will not tolerate open display of arms by any group and we want to implore all of you to send the message across to all your people that the use of arms is prohibited and a violation of the laws of the country.
“Effective 1st November, 2016, anybody found blocking the main road, the high way with the purpose of stopping vehicles from plying those roads with the intention of profiling the passengers in such buses, that action will desist immediately, any form of road block by any group will be decisively dealt.
“We want to urge you all to get this message across to all your youth, any form of crime that may be committed in the days and weeks to come, efforts should be made through the ward level to resolve it and where it cannot be resolved to make the appropriate reporting to the security agencies, in this case, the Nigerian Police as the lead agency in our internal security operations.
“He urged the critical stakeholders to be mindful of introducing issues of ethnicity and religion into the crisis, we must be wary of the fact that this is a cause of action that will do no good to anybody, we must look at these issues and deal with them appropriately.
“Whether it is true or not that the Fulani or the herdsmen bring in mercenary herdsmen with the purpose of carrying out attacks in the various communities, while it has not been verified, we want to urge our brothers, the Fulani herdsmen and of course our locals to desist henceforth from bringing in outsiders into the affairs of your various communities. We believe strongly that these issues can be resolved in house.
“These resolutions that I have read out are by no means exhaustive, whatever efforts that individually or collectively that could be brought to the table, please, you are free to do that in the spirit of peace and unity. The security forces will remain deployed in the volatile areas to make sure that any violations of some of the decision we have reached are dealt with speedily.
“It will not be in the interest of anybody to test the resolve of the security agencies to do what they must do to ensure the peace and security of the land, while we are doing that, we are also available to you to bring any issue that you feel could make some positive contributions with the aim of ensuring peace and harmony.
“Other issues such as the use of drugs, I believe those are issues that can be dealt with and discussed at your various levels. We also want to urge the chairmen of the local governments to provide the necessary support to all the committees and groups and to begin a wide spread sensitization at all levels so that they can begin to understand the decisions we have reached and to make sure that we do not experience the kind of atrocities we have witnessed over the last few days”, the GOC said
Since he assumed leadership at the Nigerian Army 1 Division with headquarters in Kaduna, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade has been in the news for various reasons, most famously after the Nigerian Army soldiers under his command clashed with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in December 2015. But is this all there is to the General? Assistant Editor, Seun Akioye met him at his divisional headquarters and he has this to share…
On Friday, August 12, 2016, members and executives of the Human Rights Relief Organisation led by its Executive Director, Mr. Sanni Muhammed Idris paid a visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade in Kaduna State Nigeria.
The visitors wore a businesslike look so also were the officers and men of the Division who had come to join in the meeting. And when Major General Oyebade walked into the room, he did in the prevailing mood of the gathering, that is businesslike. His entry was smooth and fast, almost noiseless. And as he went around the table shaking hands with the visitors, he did not betray any emotions.
Idris and his men had come to encourage and appreciate the GOC and the Division for helping to fight Boko Haram insurgency and providing security in the region especially in the last one year. He also made specific mention of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and the fatal clash with the men and officers of the Division, which has led to a Judicial Panel of Enquiry. The group later presented awards to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Burutai and to Oyebade which he dedicated to his men.
The GOC is not one to call a spade by another name. He told his visitors his mandate and that of his men is to provide security for Nigerians and the army would not stand idle while extremists take the country down. He was proud of the support his command had received from “millions of Nigerians” as his men served under all conditions to restore peace to his Area Of Responsibility (AOR).
“We shy away from joining issues with those who make irresponsible comments, but what is clear is that we cannot afford to have any extremist religious or criminal gang anywhere in Nigeria. We stand firm and strong, we will not be shaken,” he said.
Such strong and confident word is to be expected from a General who has paid his dues through the ranks of officer’s cadre since he joined the army in 1985.
Oyebade’s military decorations have come on leaps and bounds. Granted Presidential Commission as a combat infantry officer in June 1985, coincidentally by President Buhari, he has since been appointed Commander 1 Division Garrison and also 82 Division Garrison.
He was Commander, 9 Brigade Lagos, Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies National Defence College.
The awards have poured in. He won the Chief of Army Staff Prize for best research paper on Land operations at National Defence College in 2010. Also the Chief of Army staff Commendation Award in 2016 for professionalism in conduct of operations in 1 Division Area of Responsibility.
But the clash with the Islamic sect would not go away just yet. It has been the cause of a judicial panel of enquiry. Oyebade avoided the temptation of speaking on an issue still under judicial enquiry, but he would not allow certain impressions go unchallenged. So is he sorry for the loss of life in that encounter?
“I don’t want to comment so much on that, but I will tell you squarely, there is nothing to be sorry about. It is like saying you are sorry for ridden our country of insurgents and terrorists. But I am sorry in the sense that those who want to destabilize our country have found a foothold. I can’t be sorry for ensuring that the national security of this country is intact.
“The government in the course of time will also make its position known, it is not about General Oyebade or 1Division. It
Oyebade with COAS Burutai
is about the national security of this country, it is about the millions of people of this country to live peacefully, the job that we do is to ensure there is peace and stability in Nigeria. We do that with our sister service, the Navy and Air force, the Police, Department of State Security and other critical stakeholders and state governors.
“Whatever we do is under the direction of the Federal government, there is nothing personal about it, it could be anybody tomorrow and they will still do what they had to do as they have been ordered to do to ensure the security and stability of the country, he said.”
But he is painfully aware too the negative backlash the incident has caused his Division and the blames have been piled squarely at his doorsteps. There may be genuine misinformed commentators who yearn for understanding, but Oyebade also pointed a finger at some fifth columnists who are committed to bringing down the army and undermining national security.
“We also know that there are some people who don’t like our faces or what we do who quickly go to the media to make allegations. We can’t start responding to all sorts of allegations, but I can tell you even within the military, we have very strong laws that guard our actions. Nothing we do that we don’t have authorization to do within the framework of military assistance to civil power.”
If I can ask God for one thing…
This is perhaps not the most fun time to be appointed the GOC of the Premier Division of the Nigerian Army, which has the largest AOR spanning about 267,000 square kilometres and consisting of a sizeable proportion of Nigeria. Oyebade probably resumed to a hail of bullets from retreating Boko Haram insurgents from the North East to the West and the rampaging cattle rustlers who had unleashed maximum terror in the region.
But he was prepared for it.” The military is such that for each appointment you hold, you get trained for it, you develop the mindset and the professionalism to be able to address the challenges. GOC 1 Division is not something I found very tough because the army has adequately prepared me to get to this level, If I don’t have the capability, the confidence and the level of professionalism, I won’t be appointed to this office,” the General said without blinking an eye.
The General was lavish in his praise of his men, after all what is a General without his “very competent staff and officers” and together “ we have been able to forge ahead strongly and efficiently to discharge our duties exemplary and we have received commendations from all over, state governors, chief of army staff, from all quarters.”
The work of the soldiers is tough and life threatening, often it is the duty of Generals like Oyebade to send their men into harm’s way. When such orders are given, it was a hope that all the men would return, many times they don’t.
“In the course of our work, we have lost hundreds of our men, but we have also saved millions of Nigerians, Last week, we paid the supreme price when 12 of my men were killed, including an officer who just passed out of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) less than a year ago. You have heard how three others were killed in Nembe.
“It is not an easy task doing these things, but that is our job, some people may not like what we do because they have some axe to grind, whether with the government of the day or the army, but we do what we have to do the other option is to have a Somalia or Sudan in our hands. If it gets to that place, it is the same military or police that will be asked to restore stability,” the General said.
So how does he feel, when his men die in the course of duty? The General was silent, but just for a fraction of a minute, recovered himself and said: “When I went to Minna to commiserate with the families of my men who were killed in their efforts to recover am arms cache in Bosso LG, I had the responsibility to talk to the wives and the women generally, they were angry which is expected, I had to talk to them, to let them understand that I feel their pain because of the losses, it is painful.
“I told the women that if God asks me to ask for a wish, I would ask God to give me the power to give life and use the power to bring them back to life so these women will stop crying, but God doesn’t give such powers,” he said resigning himself to mortality.
General Oyebade is also not one to sit and mourn forever, his belief in the mandate of the military to provide security and secure lives is so overwhelming and infections. The military, he said, will not be shaken or shift ground to criminal gangs holding the country hostage. He is so averse to any group becoming a threat to national security, “They will have the army to deal with,” he said.
He has strong words for agitators who instead of following the constitutional means already provided resort to violent agitations. “If you want to carry placards, it is fine, go to the National Assembly, put in your petition, there is nothing wrong with clamor, there is nothing wrong with agitations if you do it within the framework of the laws provided, we will give you protection, but if it is against the law we will stop you.
“For us to stand by is that millions of lives will be lost, so what is the essence of the military, no military will condone that, no government will condone that, that is what we want our people to understand, there will always be conflict as long as there are human beings, you can sit down to resolve it or you can blow each other, when you fight you still come back to the table.”
We work with civilians
Oyebade and his men on the round table at the 1 Division Headquarters in Kaduna believe that civil/ military relationship is important for sustained security and unity. To this end, the Division has embarked on various programmes that will give the army a human face and win the trust of the people.
“We take civil /military relations very seriously and I said the support we get from the people is as a result of what we do. We go the extra mile in reaching out with medical outreaches to support government, we provide water in some communities that have no drinking water, we are still doing more, the people are happy,” he said to a general approval of his men.
Recently, prompted by a report in The Nation about the plight of the people of the Unguwar Kanti village, west of Rigasa, Oyebade drafted his men to the scene and donated a borehole to the community. It was perhaps one of the finest moments for this general as he rent his heart to the people he serves.
Oyebade told the people: “I read recently in The Nation Newspaper, about your community. According to the report, your major problem is lack of portable drinking water. I told myself that my heart will not be at peace until I give you water. So, I asked one of my officers to locate this place, so that I can give you borehole.
The Army is not just about fighting wars, we also assist the civil populace, because the Army under the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Buratai is very friendly with the civil populace.”
Such unusual acts have endeared him to the populace in his AOR and helped foster peace, while the General was shy in giving himself the credit he deserves he said he was happy life has returned to normalcy in his AOR.
“We work day and night to bring stability but the job that we do is not a reality TV show, the way we know we are doing well is that to a large extent, economic activities are going on and the people are doing their businesses.
“ Go on the street and find out, to a large extent, the whole of the Northwest is stable and our operations run all over, operation against kidnapping and cattle rustling is going on. We have arrested so many terrorists who have infiltrated from the Northeast to the Northwest and we provide aide to civil power. The government and Chief of Army Staff have given us the support to succeed,” he said.
Only a strong woman can marry a soldier
Behind every soldier is a strong woman and Mrs. Edeoghene Oyebade is one of them, being the wife of a top military officer has its different shades, but mental strength is pertinent. “Any woman who is not strong cannot marry a military man. When I was a junior officer as a Major and I was in Liberia for two and half years and I came home only once. That once I spent one and half weeks, imagine your wife not seeing you for two years and your children are still behaving normally, you have to doff your hat to the woman of the house,” Oyebade said of his wife.
The woman also regarded him as her hero, describing him as a father, brother and friend. “If I come back to the world, I will marry him all over again,” she told The Nation.
The General has a counsel for Nigerians. “Nigerian people must support the government of the day, if you want the government to succeed you must support it. Let’s go the constitutional way, if you have any clamour, meet your representatives. Nobody and I emphasize that strongly can resort to the use of violence and go scot-free in this country, it will not happen.”
