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Tag: Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai

  • Call your men to order, Ijaw youths urge Buratai

    Ijaw youths of Egbema in Warri North council of Delta State, have called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to “call” his men to “order” so that they will not be used to cause disruption in Saturday’s polls.

    Unconfirmed reports said the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-Federal Government plans to provide heavy security across the state to ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free elections.

    The youth, under the aegis of Egbema Youth Forum, spoke in a statement, signed by its president, Mr. Ebipade Kari in Warri, yesterday.

    The statement, which noted that the presence of military during electoral exercises was unconstitutional, said events resulting from the presidential and National Assembly elections in the Southsouth showed the desperation of APC to take over Niger Delta states.

    It lamented the deaths in the region during the last polls, adding that it would not condone a recurrence.

    Emphasising the peaceful disposition of its kingdom even in the face of underdevelopment, the group said nothing should disrupt the peace which the kingdom had “sacrificed so much” to achieve and sustain.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to purported plans by the ruling party at the centre to take over Delta State by all means in connivance with the Army. As peace loving citizens of Nigeria, endowed with fundamental and inalienable socio-political rights, we wish to call on the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to call the Army personnel to order and not to allow the highly revered military force in Africa to be used as petty thugs by the ruling government.

    “We want to state clearly, without any iota of reservation that the involvement of the military in electoral process in  in Nigeria has gone beyond manageable dimension. This is a disservice to democratic principals and tenets as the military is statute barred from dabbling into politics. The shaky and flimsy excuses of providing security are mere gimmicks scripted to actualise the biddings of the ruling party.”

    “From the events recorded in the Southsouth on February 23, 2019, it is crystal clear that the ruling party is bent on controlling the states in the oil-rich region and has resorted to violence, gross deprivation of electoral rights and brutal force because it has no structure in the states therein.

    “We are deeply pained and are still in a state of melancholy over the death of harmless and innocent citizens in the southern part of the country, especially Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states and as such we shall not treat with indifference if another ugly episode is re-enacted…’’

  • ‘Buratai should produce killers of photographer, PDP chief’

    The Bayelsa State government has called on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce killers of the Government House Photographer, Reginald Dei, and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seidougha Taribi.

    Dei and Taribi were murdered in Oweikorogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Director of Strategic Communications at the Governor’s Office Nathan Egba-Ologo said the COAS had a responsibility to arrest and try the murderers.

    Egba-Ologo insisted that the deceased were killed at Taribi’s house while they waited for the election results. He urged Buratai to take a proactive step to investigate the murder.

    According to him, the earlier narrative that the deceased were killed by soldiers in army uniform would no longer stand as the Publicity Secretary of APC, Buokoribo Doifie, confirmed in reports that a member of his party led the soldiers to the residence where they were shot.

    According to him, claims that the deceased were shot because they were found with election materials were a wild allegation which should be investigated.

    He said: “The Bayelsa State government is making a passionate appeal to the Chief Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to investigate, identify and prosecute the soldiers who murdered a Government House photographer, Mr. Reginald Dei, and a Chieftain of the PDP, Mr. Seidougha Taribi, on February 23 in Southern Ijaw.

    “The Bayelsa State government and Bayelsans would adopt all lawful means to seek justice in this act of terror perpetrated against our citizens by a collusion of thugs and soldiers.”

  • PDP to Army chief: don’t drag military into politics

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai was yesterday cautioned against dragging the military into politics.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which gave the counsel, urged the Army chief to refrain from acts or actions that could suggest in any way that the military has become an arm of a political party.

    The opposition party faulted Buratai’s allusion to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as well as his threats to officers and ranks to execute the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari on ballot box snatchers.

    In a statement by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party describes the Army chief’s position as an aberration of the nation’s laws and a recipe for crisis.

    The PDP said that Atiku’s call on the military not to obey unlawful directive was in order and reflected the wishes of Nigerians, as such, he cannot be intimidated by anybody no matter how highly placed.

    The statement said: “Gen. Buratai is counselled to note that the loyalty of the military is to the state and that the President lacks the powers, under our laws, to deploy soldiers for the conduct of elections.

    “Our party urges Gen. Buratai to concentrate on his very demanding assignment of protecting the territorial integrity of our nation and ending insurgency rather than dabbling into partisan politics at the risk of our national cohesion.

    “It is imperative to state that by trying to drag the military to participate in the February 23 Presidential election, President Buhari plots to suspend our constitution, assume the position of an emperor, trigger unrest, subvert our electoral process and derail our democracy.

    “The party directs President Buhari to the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos on March 23, 2015, wherein the court, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba, directly outlawed the deployment of troops in the conduct of elections in our country.

    “President Buhari should also avail himself of the subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, which on February 15, 2015, held that the President has no powers to deploy soldiers in the conduct of elections.

    “The PDP further counsels President Buhari and Gen. Buratai to end their rationalising of military option, as the courts have summarily dismissed their arguments that soldiers are needed to guarantee peaceful elections.

    “It may interest President Buhari to know that the judgment was sequel to a suit filed by the APC Leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, seeking a declaration that deployment of soldiers during elections is illegal and unconstitutional.

    “In case, President Buhari is not aware, as usual, the court directly held that ‘the Armed Forces have no role in elections’ and if soldiers must vote, they must do so in their barracks.”

    “In the said judgment, the court had said ‘the time has come for us to establish the culture of democratic rule in the country and to start to do the right thing particularly when it has to do with dealing with the electoral process, which is one of the pillars of democracy. In spite of the behaviour of the political class, we should by all means try to keep armed personnel and military from being a part and parcel of the electoral process. The state is obligated to confine the military to their very demanding assignment, especially in this time of insurgencies by keeping them out of elections’.

    The PDP alleged that priming of the military ahead of the elections has heightened fears of plots by the governing APC to plunge the nation into crisis and use security forces to subjugate Nigerians.

    It cautioned President Buhari not to use the military against innocent Nigerians.

  • Election: PDP advises Buratai not to drag Military into politics

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai not to drag the Military into politics.

    Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan gave the advice in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Ologbondiyan, who is also the Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation urged Buratai to refrain himself from acts or actions that would suggest in any way that the military had become an arm of a political party.

    He said that Buratai’s allusion to the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar as well as his threats to officers and ranks to participate in the electoral process was an aberration of the laws.

    He said that Abubakar spoke on the side of the law and to respect the wishes of Nigerians so could not be intimidated by anybody.

    Ologbondiyan said that the loyalty of the military was to the state and that the president did not have the power to deploy soldiers for the conduct of elections.

    “Our party urges Gen. Buratai to concentrate on his very demanding assignment of protecting the territorial integrity of our nation and ending insurgency rather than dabbling into partisan politics at the risk of our national cohesion.”

    He said that the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos on March 23, 2015, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba, had directly outlawed the deployment of troops in the conduct of elections in the country.

    He also adviced the president to note the subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal, which on Feb. 15, held that the President had no powers to deploy soldiers in the conduct of elections.

    Ologbondiyan said that the courts had summarily dismissed the arguments that soldiers were needed to guarantee peaceful elections.

    “It may interest the President to know that the judgment was sequel to a suit filed by the APC Leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, seeking a declaration that deployment of soldiers during elections is illegal and unconstitutional.

    “The court directly held that “the Armed Forces have no role in elections” and if soldiers must vote, they must do so in their barracks.”

    Ologbondiyan stressed the need not to corrupt the patriotism of the military and use them against innocent Nigerians, “whose only demand is for a free, fair and credible election”.

    He urged the international community to monitor the country’s electoral process. (NAN)

  • Army cautions personnel on politics

    The Nigerian Army has again warned its personnel against involvement in politics.

    Also yesterday, the Inspector-General (IG) of Police Mohammed Adamu, warned troublemakers, especially ballot box snatchers to perish the idea of disrupting the rescheduled polls.

    The Army described as untrue the allegation that its officers were involved in Rivers State politics.

    Sounding the note of warning in a statement in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, the army warned its personnel and officers to stay away from political campaigns or escort of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) for political missions.

    Col. Musa said it had become imperative to make the army’s position known considering the fact that members of the public might be misled to believe the unsubstantiated allegation of the involvement of a military officer in the Rivers state saga.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to an allegation of involvement of one of its officers in politics in Rivers State which was found to be untrue.

    “The Nigerian Army would have ordinarily ignored such baseless insinuations but for the unsuspecting members of the public who may be misled to believe the unsubstantiated allegations of political involvement of a military officer.

    “The Army has made it sufficiently and consistently clear that none of its personnel will be involved in political campaigns,  escort of VIPs for political missions and above all, aiding or supporting any political party as has been circulated in official circulars and statements.

    “Although a detailed press statement has been released, the need to further make the position of the Nigerian Army clearer is therefore imperative.

    “Our Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct have not assigned any political role to the Army in this regard. The Army’s involvement starts and ends with the provision of a peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of 2019 General Elections.

    “The Nigerian Army strongly believes that the Citizens, like responsible media, have complementary constitutional roles to play, especially towards ensuring national security, information management, peace, and safety of Nigerians.

    “The Army will continue to achieve and sustain constructive engagement, obedience to the rule of law and obedience to constituted authority at all time in the spirit of civil-military relations.

    “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has consistently called on soldiers to uphold the tenets of military professionalism and be guided by the rules of engagement and the constitution of Nigeria toward sustaining a responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    “Therefore, any insinuation or assertion against this open declaration is not only mischievous but politically motivated with the intent to tarnish the reputation of the Army which has been built on discipline and obedient to civil authorities under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff.

    “Members of the public are therefore urged to always ignore information attributed to the Nigerian Army that are contrary to its core values of professionalism, respect for others and open declaration on the rules of engagement.”

    The IG told Nigerians that the Police have been mobilised to deal with anybody planning to snatch ballot boxes or make trouble during the elections.

    He gave the warning in a chat with reporters after the security meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting had reviewed security situation in the country, especially towards the general elections.

    IG Adamu assured that the police were ready to protect every eligible Nigerian to exercise his or her civic responsibility.

    “Anybody that tries to disrupt the elections by engaging in ballot boxes snatching, he said, would have himself or herself to blame,” Adamu said.

    He also said that any act of thuggery and touting during the polls would be met with grave resistance.

    The IG said: “Today, members of the security community and intelligence community came and briefed Mr. President on the security situation in the country.

    “We deliberated on the consequences and came up with the resolve to further provide adequate security within the country so that the electorate will come out and cast their votes without any fear of molestation.

    “Every Nigerian is encouraged to come out on the Election Day and cast his or her vote without any fear of molestation. The security personnel are ready and prepared to protect everybody.

    “Anybody that feels that he can come out and disrupt process should have a rethink because that situation will not be allowed. If you plan and allow yourself to be used as touts, whatever happens to you, you will take it.

    “Ballot snatching, ballot buying, thuggery will never be allowed, anybody that is planning to snatch ballot boxes or planning to be used as a tout, will have his or herself to blame on the Election Day. So, you better don’t allow yourself to be used.”

    The directed officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent (ASP) upward earlier deployed for election duty to return to their bases.

    This followed the recall of officers from leave in a signal released by the Force Secretary.

    Sources told The Nation that the directive was not unconnected with the need to ensure adequate security before, during and after the general elections.

    “Though election was postponed, we were still asked to ensure security at all INEC offices and facilities. We have been at INEC since Friday. Only officers from the rank of ASP and above were directed to return to their bases.

    “We have been guiding INEC election materials until on Monday that they eventually moved them all to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “There are fears that some criminally-minded people and thugs sponsored by politicians might want to disrupt election, so, the need to have enough hands ready.

    “There have also been pockets of violence like in Kano, Akwa Ibom and remember that Boko Haram also attacked some communities in the morning of the Election Day. All these have been analysed and those at the top arrived at the conclusion that any policeman or woman currently on leave be called back.”

    But some Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives said they were yet to receive their election duty allowance, an issue The Nation gathered.

    A sergeant who said he was yet to receive the N35,000 duty allowance, told our reporter that a signal was sent yesterday requesting that the names and account details of all those affected be forwarded to the force headquarters.

  • Buratai: Meeting Nigeria’s first digital COAS

    I have long been an admirer of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for inexplicable reasons. Since his appointment in 2015, the fortunes of the Nigerian Army has witnessed a steady rise especially in the fight against insurgency and other militant groups in Nigeria.

    Also, he has left indelible footprints in the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Army through various innovation and worthy of mention is the Nigerian Army Situation Room established for the 2019 elections monitoring.

    The beauty of the Nigeria Army Situation room is that it is configured to track possible pre-election violence, violence during the election and post-election violence, and online and real-time on a 24 hours’ basis. This is marvellous and the first in the annals of the country.

    I recall on the launch of the Situation Room by the Chief of Army Staff; he stated that post-election violence which characterized previous elections highlights the challenges posed by incidents of electoral violence in the country. Hence, the Nigerian Army saw the need to devise new strategies of stemming such as ugly tides or eliminating the same. This is brilliant.

    He further stated that violence at the various phases of elections includes thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes and papers or kidnapping or abduction of electoral officers and party agents and wanton destruction of lives and properties, respectively.

    In his words, “Having observed this cycle of violence reoccur severally in our past electioneering processes, the Nigerian Army has thus deemed it necessary to adopt a proactive and responsive posture that would allow us to better respond to early signs of insecurity before they could escalate into a major security challenge. It is in this light that the Nigerian Army has launched OP SAFE CONDUCT and also gone ahead to establish this situation room for real-time monitoring.”

    This says it all. This is a total deviation from what we were used to in terms of the responding to security challenges in the country. Most times the approach has been reactiveness instead of being proactive. And that is why I am happy with the affairs of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai.

    Upon encounter with him, one could easily tell that he is one that understands the role of technology in crime prevention. And this much he has demonstrated since he assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army in 2015. If you called him the first digital Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, you wouldn’t be wrong because the past three years have witnessed quite some technological innovations in the operation of the Nigerian Army.

    For me, the introduction of the Situation Room speaks volume of how we can get things right in this country using the example set by the Nigerian Army. As insignificant it might seem in the eyes of some, it is indeed a phenomenal one by the Nigerian Army in ensuring that the elections are devoid of violence and other related vices. This, in my opinion is the height of the display of capacity by the Chief of Army Staff.

    I am also impressed with other technological innovations like the deployment of drones in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in North East Nigeria. On an occasion, the Chief of Army Staff said that applications of drones and new technologies were critical in modern warfare to ensure successful implementation of the counterinsurgency campaign. I could not agree less because it is indeed apt and of dire importance especially in counterinsurgency operations.

    According to Andrea Birdsall, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones in counterterrorism has changed the face of warfare. Similarly, Stanford political scientist Amy Zegart argued in a new research paper that countries that possess deadly, armed drones could change an adversary’s behaviour without even striking them.

    The above describes the lot of the Nigerian Army especially in its counter-insurgency war in North East Nigeria, and it somewhat explains why the Nigerian Army was able to make substantial gains in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists. It is, therefore, sufficing to mention that these exploits didn’t happen by chance, but as a result of the dynamic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, in the person of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    It didn’t end there. The Nigerian Army also have a transformation and innovation department. The department works on research and developments not only on necessary equipment but equally more scientific and technological facilities to enable it to carry out our operations.

    Now, wait for this. The Nigeria Army has recently introduced digitized uniforms that send signals in times of distress. According to the Chief of Army staff, the uniform is technology-based, it will be tagged wherever you are; it sends a signal when you are in danger, and these issues are significant in ensuring the safety of troops in warfare. This is also another exceptional offering in the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. I am impressed by his penchant for driving the Nigeria Army with technological innovations in line with global best practices.

    I stand to be corrected; the Nigerian Army has never had it so good in recent times. Those in the know of the operations of the Nigerian Army have formed the opinion that with the way things are now, the Nigerian Army under the Chief of Army Staff is well positioned to protect the territorial integrity of the country more than ever.

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    This much I have stated in many forums that I have been privileged to be in attendance. I have in many articles highlighted the uniqueness of the Chief of Army Staff and how he has been able to position the Nigerian Army for greater efficiency strategically. He has also driven the morale of the troops from ground zero to a desirable height within a record time. This speaks volume of a man with a vision and on a mission.

    A vision to make the Nigerian Army professionally and technologically efficient. I can go on non-stop on the exploits of the Chief of Army Staff because of the arrays of introductions in the Nigeria Army. He has indeed displayed a hunger for making the Nigerian Army a professional organization, and one that is driven by passion, technology, and innovation.

    The introduction of the Situation Room gives a peep into the man that is saddled with the responsibility of leading the Nigerian Army in her difficult period. And it is on record that he has diligently discharged his duties to the admiration of all and sundry.

    Saying that the Nigerian Army of today is efficient would be an understatement. Also, saying that the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is well positioned for excellence would also be an understatement.

    In my opinion, the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai is the dream Nigerian Army, well-equipped, responsive, technologically and digitally compliant in modern warfare. It is consequently hoped that Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai would continue to drive the total transformation of the Nigerian Army. The relevant stakeholders must as a matter of necessity give him all the support he needs in this enormous task of repositioning the Nigerian Army.

    According to Larry Bossidy, “Execution is the ability to mesh strategy with reality, align people with goals, and achieve the promised results.”. And this can be said of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Nigeria’s first digital Chief of Army Staff. I doff my heart.

    Okpabi wrote from Nile University of Nigeria , Abuja

  • Egwueke III: Army vows to rid Southeast of criminals

    The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, flagged off the third edition of the annual ‘Exercise Egwueke III’ in Ebonyi State. Sunny Nwankwo, who has been monitoring the progress of the operation, reports.

    On January 6, heads of various commands of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Abubakar Maikobi stormed Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to kick off the third edition of a military operation; Exercise Egwueke III by Governor  Dave Umahi.

    Gen. Maikobi assured Umahi and the people of the Southeast of the resolve of the Army under the leadership of Lieut.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai to remain neutral, professional, responsive and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

    After the flag off in Ebonyi State, the 82 Division GOC visited some of the sectors under his command to pass down the message of the COAS to its personnel participating in the exercise that is expected to address insecurity and other criminalities within the country.

    In an interview with the 82 Division Army spokesman, Col. Musa Sagir, their personnel through intelligence have been able to make significant successes during the on-going military operation.

    According to Col. Sagir, the men  of the command have been able to nip a lot of crime including communal clashes, kidnapping, land disputes, armed robbery, oil bunker, car theft etc in the bud in the southeast and the south-south within the period the operation has lasted.

    Col. Sagir, who said the military was not going to rest on its oars, warned those hoping to cause problem to have a rethink.

    In a breakdown of the activities of the military since the Egwueke III started in the Southeast and some states in Southsouth, Col. Sagir attributed some of the successes recorded to the collaboration between the military and sister agencies, adding that they had handed over some of the suspects to the police and appropriate security agencies to continue with investigation and prosecutions.

    Violent communal conflicts averted in Abia and Anambra states

    Following the attack of Nkwembi community by some misguided youths from Okagwe community of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on January 9,  which led to the death of one person, two persons reportedly missing, two houses and six vehicles were burnt. This caused Nkwembi youths to reorganise for a counter attack which troops of Sector 2 in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility (AOR) assisted Ohafia Divisional Police Headquarters to contain the situation. Normalcy has since been restored between the warring communities. Pictures of some damaged vehicles and burnt houses are forwarded herewith.

    Similarly, troops of Sector 5 in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment AOR prevented violent clash over possession/ownership of farm land between Nzam and Umenwelum communities in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State. The incident led to the destruction of farms across the communities, – the situation was salvaged by the deployment of joint patrol teams to the conflicting communities. No life has been lost, government officials and other stakeholders are in control of the situation at the moment.

    Recovery of arms and ammunition   Based on credible information, troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector 3 in 144 Battalion location along Osisioma, Aba general area of Abia State, monitored/pursued three suspected armed robbers. The robbers abandoned two locally made double barrel gun wrapped on a tricycle and dashed to the surrounding bushes on sighting a patrol van. The tricycle and the arms will be handed over to the Abia State police command for further action.

     Raid on suspected drug hideout

    Following a tip off, troops of Sector 2 in 14 Brigade AOR, in conjunction with some personnel of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a raid on confirmed hideout of Indian hemp dealers in Atani and Ibom localities in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Consequently, five suspects were arrested, 25 parcel of cannabis, 17 wraps of Indian hemp were recovered and are in custody of the NDLEA for further action.

    Apprehension over insecurity and political crisis checkmated 

    Based on credible intelligence of likely impending politically motivated violence in the build up to elections/electioneering campaigns by contending parties/actors, troops of Sector 4, in 24 Support Engineer Regiment AOR, – Ebonyi State, have jointly been conducting robust patrols in major identified flashpoints across the state.

    Consequently, there is an increased presence of security agencies on patrols and snap checkpoints in some areas such as Afikpo, Ekpoamaka, Alike Achara and Nwankpa communities in Afikpo and Ikwo LGAs of the state.

    Similarly, key areas like Ikwo junction, Enugu road, Presco roundabout and Vanco water works witnessed an increased presence of security personnel. These efforts are aimed to provide a conducive environment for socio-economic and political activities by proactively checkmating anticipated crisis before, during and after the 2019 general elections in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff.

     Civil- military relations/cooperation

    To ensure mutual understanding, synergy and collaboration with the leaders of the zone for the benefit of the people, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi has visited all the governors of the South East Zone. He formally, at different times, individually, effectively briefed them about the Exercise and solicited for their cooperation. This action, assisted in the successes achieved so far. Currently, there is no reported case of Civil-Military conflict in the whole of the Southeast. The level of cooperation and understanding as well as information of intelligence value being received from host communities in the zone is unprecedented.

    Water projects in Imo State

    As part of his continuous efforts to portray the Nigerian Army in a positive light and winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has on Friday the 11th of January, 2019 commissioned four Solar Powered water projects in different settlements in Aboh Mbaise, – Obetitu Autonomous Community in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The commissioning was done by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi, who represented the COAS.

    Maj-Gen.  Maikobi accompanied by Chief of Accounts and Budget Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen.  UC Ogulanna visited the paramount ruler of Obetitu Autonomous Community where he extended the regards and greetings of the COAS to the leaders, elders and entire good people of the community.

    The traditional rulers, clerics, youths and women leaders of the benefiting communities as well as elders of the neighbouring localities were euphoric, – glaringly happy and surged forward to receive and ushered in the representative of the COAS to formally commission the projects.

    Farmers-herders clash averted

    Troops of Sector 5 in 302 Artillery General Support Regiment, Onitsha in conjunction with other security agencies, based on intelligence, have averted a bloody clash between farmers and herdsmen in Aman area of Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State on 7 January, 2019. The incident led to the death of one herder before the arrival of security agencies. At the moment, the situation has been normalized with the combined efforts of the agencies and political leadership of the State.

    Arrest of notorious car snatcher in Abia State

    Following a tip off, troops of Sector 2, Sub – Sector 3 in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility, on a targeted  patrol on 8 January 2019, arrested a notorious car snatcher one Justice Origwe of Olokoro community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. He was nabbed at about 2 am in Umuahia town in possession of 20 assorted vehicles keys.

    Preliminary investigation and confession by the suspect revealed that Mr. Origwe has been in the act for some years. He has since been handed over to Headquarters Nigerian Police, Abia State Command for further action.

    Arrest of a truck loaded with illegally bunkered oil

    Similarly in Sector 3, Sub Sector 4 in 34 Brigade Area of Responsibility, troops of 342 Artillery Regiment on patrol along Shell pipeline at Obitti in Ohaji Egbema general area of Imo State, intercepted a truck loaded with substance suspected to be illegal product. On sighting the patrol team, the driver fled and abandoned the vehicle and the product. The truck with the content has been towed to Obinze Barracks for further necessary action.

    CIMIC’s activities

    The Civil-Military Relations and CIMIC Projects are parts of the COAS vision for the Nigerian Army. Consequently, as a deliberate plan imbued to facilitate the success of this exercise and winning the hearts and minds of Nigerians, many CIMIC projects have been undertaken across the various parts of the country. In the same vein, the Nigerian Army has renovated and on 8th of January, 2019 commissioned 2 blocks of Nursery Classrooms at Onu Ibina Community Primary School at Igbere Bende Local Government Area of Abia State in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility.

    Rescue of two kidnap victims

    Based on a distressed call that alerted troops of a kidnap incident at Ubakala junction along Owerrinta general area of Abia State, troops of Sector 2, Sub sector Charlie successfully cordoned and searched the area.

    Consequently, the kidnappers abandoned their lawyer-victims – Loveth Nonye Ofoegbu and Kaodi Onuaha and were later handed over to the police.

    Raid of armed robbers’ hideout

    Troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector Alfa on Thursday, January 24 raided a hideout of suspected armed robbers in Ahaba, Imenyi community of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. A suspect, Mr. Chidebere Orji, was arrested while others are at large.

    Preliminary investigation indicated that the gang members are behind the robbery of Mr and Mrs Kelechi Orji at their residence in Ahaba Imenyi community where they carted away Four Million Naira. Items recovered from their residence include a locally made pistol, two unexploded cartridges and 2cellphone handsets. Suspect and the items will be handed over to the Abia State Police Command for possible prosecution.

    Communal clash averted in Umunneochi LGA, Abia State

    Communal conflict between Azoruike autonomous community and Amanator autonomous community of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State was averted by troops of Sector 2, Sub sector Alfa in 14 Brigade Area of Responsibility in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Abia State command. The incident happened on the 27th of January 2019, and has led to the destruction of few houses, cars and motorcycles.

    Arrest of IPOB members

    Some members of proscribed IPOB  forced their way into St Mary Catholic Church Parish Abayi Ariaria in Aba  on Sunday, January 27; troops of Sub sector Bravo in conjunction with the personnel of Nigerian police, Abia State Command moved to the area and effectively salvaged the situation.

    At the scene, it was reported that IPOB members were shouting no elections in Biafra land and also attempted to beat Reverend Father Nathaniel Oyedike. A vehicle and some chairs were reportedly damaged in/within the church premises.

    Consequently, 5 persons were arrested and a check point has been established at Ariaria to monitor the situation. The area is calm and routine activities are smoothly being conducted.

  • Group hails Buratai, Army over election security, sues for continuous loyalty amongst troops

    The Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance has hailed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian  Army over responsiveness to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and the sovereignty of the country.
    The group, therefore, called for continuous loyalty amongst troops to constituted authority before, during and after the elections.
    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, Emmanuel Itodo, the Executive Director of the group, said since the directive for the military to ruthlessly deal with ballot snatchers it observed that the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion, particularly in the way it has intensified operations to counter incidents that could have undermined the elections.
    According to him, “Such calls condemning President Buhari’s directive came from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who even went to the absurd extent of asking the Army to disregard the directive was totally unacceptable to close watchers of events around the county.
    This is sad as it betrays the desperation of Atiku who now wants the country to be set ablaze since it has become clear that he is likely to come a distant third in the election.
    “We wonder how he would react to the military disregarding his orders if he were the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
    Benue state governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, also asked the Army to disregard the President even though the same Army continues to save his state from the self-inflicted violence that has gripped the state.
    “The people he armed under the guise of being herdsmen had unleashed attacks on the state and it took the intervention of the Army to curtail them. One can only wonder what the outcome would have been if the Army had gone with his request not to shoot at anyone, even those that are carrying weapons just as would be ballot box snatchers will do.
    The confidence that the Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance has in the Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has increased with the way he has handled the situation in which members of the opposition are asking him to politicize the military by siding with them and disregarding the directive from the C-in-C.
    “Our confidence is informed by the professionalism and apolitical nature of the current Nigerian Army under Lt. General Buratai.
    “We are pleased that he has made it amply clear that the Nigerian Army is not on sale to the highest bidder. The PDP and Atiku Abubakar should at this stage get the message clearly that the Army is not the same as some of the compromised electoral officers that trampled on patriotism upon being paid in dollars.
    “The Army is also not the same as foreign agents masquerading as foreign observers that shamelessly became the spokespersons for a corrupt opposition. Both classes of compromised persons are not interested in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, which the Army has sworn to protect and is doing a good job of.
    “General Buratai must however be wary as the PDP has continued to put officers under pressure of monetary and career inducement. He should leverage on intelligence reports to conduct hourly risk assessment until the elections are over. This is because the PDP has promised some officers in the Army dollar payment in six and seven digits once they agree to allow ballot snatching under their watch in contravention of President Buhari’s order. The contact persons that made these offers on behalf of Atiku has promised at least six different officers the position of COAS if they allow ballot box snatching and rigging so that Atiku can win.

    Read Also:Breaking: 12 presidential candidates back Buhari

    “This is why general Buratai’s charge to army personnel to be apolitical is timely but we urge him to back this up with proactive measures to identify anyone that contravenes his directives by hobnobbing with the PDP or its agents. The Army must also suspend its officers and personnel from having any interface with foreigners and foreign organizations as these so called foreign observers are being used to convey the PDP’s messages and offers to officers. They use avenues like break times during briefings and innocuous meetings to attempt recruiting members of the Armed Forces to take sides with the opposition.
    “Even as we urge General Buratai to exercise caution, we warm politicians, especially the opposition PDP to desist from dragging themselves into the administration of Nigerian Army and must cease their ongoing attempt to compromise the institution because there is a thin line between what they are attempting and treason. There is no provision in the Constitution that empowers the opposition to  dish out instruction to the Army neither does the opposition form part of the chain of command between the C-in- C, the Service Chiefs and the troops. The fact that the PDP, its presidential candidate and chieftains are attempting to compromise the Army therefore lends credence to earlier intelligence report that foreign agents have perfected a plan for the PDP to reject the outcome of the elections, declare a parallel government and get the backing of its foreign partners.
    “In view of the fact that the Army is a key institution in preventing ballot box snatching and averting a descent into chaos for the country, it will come under sustained attack aimed at intimidating its ranks and leadership to capitulate and become politicized. Nigerians must consequently be prepared to resist the attempt to destroy key institutions of the country by supporting the Army in its determination to protect the sovereignty of the country and to remain subordinated to constituted authority without any iota of disloyalty.
    The commendable arrests of troublemakers commissioned by dubious politicians to cause confusion must be sustained. The Army should not be deterred by the lies being told by those claiming that it is clamping down on the opposition. What is required of it is to maintain its apolitical stance by ensuring that anyone that foments trouble is made accountable for their actions.”

  • Buratai tasks soldiers on more dedication

     

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday directed soldiers to show gratitude to the administration’s commitment to their welfare through more dedication.

    Buratai gave the advice while addressing 119 soldiers from 8 Division of Nigerian Army in Sokoto.

    He said that the Northwestern states were faced with challenges of cattle rustling and other crimes which led to loss of lives and property in the area.

    “We most work very hard to defend our country from the current security challenges as well as support the civilian mandates.

    Read Also:Boko Haram: Air Force strikes terrorists

     

    “So as soon as we commence the Python Dance III, we expect you to perform generously in ensuring peace across the country most especially at this election period,” he said.

    Earlier, the Army Chief condoled with the family of late former President Shehu Shagari at his residence in Sokoto.

    He described late Shagari as a gentleman who dedicated his life to serve the country and one who always maintained Nigerian integrity.

    According to him, Shagari did well for the military and facilitated more development of Nigerian Army as well as ensuring safe territorial boundaries.

    Responding, Rtd. Cpt. Bala Shagari, commended Buratai for the visit, noting that it demonstrated that Shagari lived a good life with all categories of people.

    The Army Chief had earlier inspected facilities at Giginya Barrack, Army Hospital and the newly established Army 8 Division Headquarters in the state.

     

     

  • Christmas: Abuja women celebrate Army over  peaceful yuletide across Nigeria

    The Nigerian Army has received massive commendation from a coalition of Abuja women under the aegis of FCT Women of Honour over the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the Christmas celebration across the nation.
    Under the dogged leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai, the surge in insurgency during the yuletide has been effectively silenced.
    Prior to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, frequent bomb blast marred the festive periods, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    A good example was the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, a suburb of Abuja in 2011 which claimed over 40 lives and left 60 others injured.
    As a result, inhabitants were forced to mark the festivity at home, staying away from religious and public centres.
    That’s in the past, however.
    The FCT Women of Honour can’t seem to fathom how the Nigerian Army has restored calmness in such a short time, with the dreads of old now forgotten.
    According to its president, Princess Juliana Okolo, at a press briefing in Abuja , she revealed that this is no mean feat and deserves to be applauded.
    The group hailed President Buhari, the COAS and his ever-reliable troops for restoring peace to the nation’s capital and across Nigeria.

    Read Also:Army arrest three gun runners, recover 44 rifles in Niger

    “While in the eyes of the ordinary, it seems an ordinary feat, it is indeed a huge feat when compared to previous years where there was hardly any Christmas period that bombs would not detonate in churches or other recreational spots within the federal capital territory and its environs,” she stated.
    “It is therefore instructive to note that for three consecutive years, (2016,2017 and 2018) residents of Abuja celebrated the Christmas in absolute peace and harmony. We are of the opinion that this was made possible by the total commitment of the Nigeria Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  Group sees and recognizes the sacrifices of the Nigerian  Army in keeping the country safe and secured with it various military operations going on simultaneously around the country.  From the east to the west, to the south and the north, the commitment of the Nigerian  Army has remained unflinching even though it has been stretched thin by these activities.
    “The FCT Women of Honour  also wishes to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his unalloyed commitment in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed leadership of this great country in 2015.
    “The visible inroads experienced in the critical security sector is indeed a demonstration of the political will to ensure that Nigeria is back on the path of glory again.
    “As African mothers, we indeed must continually remember our sons in our daily prayers that are striving day and night for our sake so that we may be free from evil forces that are hell-bent on destabilizing our great country.
    “We are using this medium to extend our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai for his commitment in seeing to an end of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, as well as other parts of the country experiencing various security challenges in one way of the other.
    “This group  is therefore of the opinion that if not for the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria would have indeed collapsed before our eyes due to threat of militant and violent armed groups that threatened the very essence of our foundation.
    “We also appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for leading the onslaught against the Boko Haram Terrorists and the subsequent achievements it has recorded in the past three years.
    “We also wish to appreciate the troops that have continually sacrificed for the country. They are the real heroes of Nigeria, and their sacrifices would never go in vain.
    “We also wish to charge them to more victory and also to disregard the very few that would not appreciate their efforts so far in the fight against Terrorism and other militant and armed groups in Nigeria. “