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Tag: Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai

  • Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai

    *Says 39 soldiers killed overall in recent weeks

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has given an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists and at the same time made a chilling revelation that the insurgents have gone hi-tech in fighting Nigerian soldiers.

    He revealed that the Boko Haram insurgents now use drones and mercenaries to attack troops’ formations in the northeast.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Thursday said the trend poses threats which require review of military operations against the insurgents.

    “Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

    “However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations”.

    Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks.

    He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between Nov. 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed.

    “In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Specifically; the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

    Read Also:Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    “However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions; 157 Task Force Battalion, deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on November 18, 2018.

    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel wounded and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State,” Buratai said.

    Buratai sympathised with the MNJTF, adding that necessary support would be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai also sympathised with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation, stressing that the sacrifice fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    Buratai gave an assurance that the army will support the bereaved families and continue to care for the wounded soldiers, who he wished speedy recovery.

    According to him, the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, was moved to Maiduguri, to enable the military leadership get closer to the troops on the ground, appraise its activities, assess performances and identify shortcomings.

    Buratai reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections as well as collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and visit to the troops in the northeast.

    The army chief also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and Nigerians for their goodwill and support to the military at this trying moment.

    ”We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • Boko Haram highly degraded, expiring – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops in the North-East not to relent in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents as the terrorists have been highly degraded and are expiring.

    Buratai described the recent sporadic skirmishes from the Boko Haram terrorists as a desperate effort from a highly degraded and expiring adversary striving to maintain its notoriety.

    In a goodwill message to troops in the frontline in the North-East on Friday, the chief of army staff said also that the recent skirmishes from the terrorists should be seen as an attempt by the group “to portray itself as formidable and cohesive; something that is completely false.”

    He, therefore, charged the troops not relent in their gallant efforts and draw back the hands of the clock.

    “It is merely the last kicks of a dying horse. We have achieved great successes over the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Thus, absolute and conclusive victory is just inches away, he said.”

    According to Buratai, the Nigerian army is not known for cowardly behaviour.

    ” We have contained several incursions and several security challenges bedeviling our dear country within the last three years and now would not be an exception.”

    He warned that any soldier that turned away in the face of enemy incursion would be appropriately sanctioned and made to face “Field Court Martial in accordance with our extant laws.”

    Buratai stressed that the consequences could be grave.

    “Do not be complacent by being contented with repelling their attacks, instead, go after them, capture them, and when absolutely necessary, be decisive with the daring ones.

    “Some women and children have been held captive, you are therefore to ensure that adequate rules of engagement are employed to extricate them before any offensive action,” the army chief said.

    He assured the troops that as their chief of army staff, he had never relented in his pursuits of ensuring that their welfare was adequately catered for.

    “To this end, I have directed that your allowances are paid regularly as and when due.

    “I have also directed that troops’ rotation be carried out as scheduled. As soldiers in battle, I am aware of the effects of battle fatigue.

    “Consequently, I have also directed that passes be issued to officers and soldiers that require same to visit their families.

    “Recall that I approved the special promotion of more than 5000 troops for gallantry.

    “Be rest assured that the process is continuous. Your kitting has also been improved drastically,” he added.

    Buratai recalled that special uniform allowance was paid a month ago directly into the troops’ individual accounts.

    He said through the various intervention programmes to the army by the government, the stock of arms and ammunition had greatly improved.

    He said recently, the army took delivery of large consignment of high calibre weapons and ammunition which were already being injected into the theatre.

    “I, therefore, urge you to make use of them judiciously and ensure that they are effectively used against the terrorists and not taken away by them.”

    Buratai also noted that in a bid to swell their depleting ranks, the terrorists had continued with their false teachings and instilling fake ideologies in the youths of the North-East.

    To curb this, he said, he had directed the Department of Civil Military Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Nigerian Army Chaplain/Imam Services “to immediately provide counter narratives through the community resilience and stabilisation campaign programme.”

    “I have also established the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command to among others, prevent online terrorism, online radicalisation as well as online recruitment.

    “To this end, do not let the false propaganda and narratives being spread by the rag-tagged terrorists sway your thoughts and actions about our dear country.

    “We should continue to stand and fight even when the going gets tough and the ignorant and enemies of the state choose to castigate us,” he said.

    The chief of army staff reminded the troops that many people had returned to their respective communities that were hitherto abandoned, but that the terrorists had taken advantage of the large population in the towns and villages to infiltrate them.

    “You must, therefore, be extra vigilant and establish good civil military relations with the locals.

    “You are to use this to acquire actionable intelligence to prevent any attack on the communities as well as your positions,” he said.

    He thanked Nigerians from all walks of life for their support, prayers, encouragement and goodwill toward the Nigerian army in the service of “our fatherland.”

    “I wish to also convey my appreciation to you all, the troops, for your selfless service toward the defence of our dear country.

    “Your courage and gallant demonstration of our core values of sacrifice and selflessness amidst the daunting challenges being confronted daily in the theatre speak volumes of your professionalism and patriotism to the Nigerian State.

    “I implore you to continue to uphold the trust the nation has placed on your noble shoulders for the maintenance of the sanctity of her territorial integrity. We must all remain steadfast.

    “We must see this victory to a conclusive end.

    “We must justify our oath of allegiance to our fatherland and dedication to her sovereignty.

    “I once again salute your courage and wish you the best of successes out there,” Buratai added.

    NAN

     

  • Buratai restates commitment to end insurgency in North-East

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday reiterated the commitment of the army to end insurgency in North-East and other security challenges in other parts of the country.

    Buratai spoke at a special prayer session to commemorate the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, at Juma’at mosque, Maimalari Cantoment in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The army, according to Buratai, is also ready to contain terrorism; facilitate return of displaced persons to their homes, guarantee enduring peace and stability and social and economic development of the war ravaged region.

    The chief of army staff said the military had initiated various programmes to build the capacity of its personnel and ensure improvement in their welfare, to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively.

    “I will remain committed toward building a professionally responsive Nigerian Army to contain insurgency and emerging security challenges in the country.

    “The Army will remain a-political, professional and work to promote national unity, integration and growth of democratic governance,” he said.

    Buratai noted that the army had sacrificed and contributed toward successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign in the North-east, maintain law and order in various parts of the country.

    He commended the fallen heroes for their sacrifice and selfless service to the country, adding that their sacrifices would continue to be remembered by Nigerians.

    Buratai, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the Army, called for synergy between security agencies to end insurgency and enhance security network in the country.

    The chief of army staff also called on Nigerians to support the military and pray for peace and stability of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Buratai   cautions Nigerians against celebrating insecurity on social media

    Earlier, the Director, Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brig,-Gen. Garba Shehu, tasked northern state governments to monitor activities of Islamic preachers in their respective domain.

    Shehu said that the call was imperative to ensure effective regulation of preachers and contain the spread of extremist and terrorist ideologies.

    “It is good to have institutions in place in both local government and state levels to regulate and monitor activities of Islamic preachers,’’ he said.

    The General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu, the Commander, ‘OPERATION LAST HOLD,’ Ma,-j Gen. Abdullahi Dikko and other senior military officers also attended the prayer.

    Some of the activities lined up for the event include, environmental sanitation, medical outreach and exhibition of military hardware to be conducted at Gudunbali, Monguno and other liberated communities.

  • Buratai cautions Nigerians against celebrating insecurity on social media

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday pleaded with Nigerians to desist from celebrating insecurity by helping terrorists and criminal elements in spreading their propaganda on the social media.

    According to Buratai, if we celebrate insecurity, we will continue to live with insecurity.

    The army chief made the plea, while fielding questions at a news conference to herald activities to mark the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Maiduguri.

    NADCEL is scheduled to hold between June 29 and July 7 in Monguno, Borno North.

    “Insecurity generally is a challenge to everybody, but there is no challenge that is insurmountable.

    “I think if we get the support of the media and other stakeholders against negative publicity, I think we will be able to reduce drastically the spread of Boko Haram propaganda.

    “As far as I am concerned, the major challenge is the Boko Haram propaganda which wittingly or unwittingly is being spread by so many others, especially the social media.

    “If we are patriotic enough, we should see the insurgency and all other security challenges across the country as a national challenge.

    “If we eschew propaganda by Boko Haram and other individuals who have their own interest to destabilise this country, then I assure you we will find the quickest solution to all the security challenges.

    “If we celebrate insecurity, then we will continue to live with insecurity,’’ Buratai said.

    On why NADCEL is being held in Borno North, the army chief explained that it was to consolidate on the achievement so far recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

    “Bringing the celebration here, we want to show that the Nigerian army has lived to its billings, it has walked the talk.

    “We have degraded the Boko Haram terrorists, but many people across the country still believe that the terrorists have not been degraded to the point that people move around normally to do their own businesses.

    “This is the stabilisation phase of the operation. We want to stabilise, this is why many people – IDPs are moving back to their communities.’’

    Read Also: Buratai: Liberated Captives And Loud Songs Of Joy From Northern-Borno 

    Buratai said holding NADCEL in Borno North was an indication that peace was returning to the area, which he said had the greatest challenge in the nine years of insurgency.

    According to him, the area is not only vast but shares border with neighbouring countries.

    On Sunday killings on the Plateau, Buratai described it as unfortunate, but added that appropriate steps were being taken to forestall a reoccurrence of such incident.

    He said more troops, including Special Forces had been deployed in the state.
    On NADCEL, the army chief said it was celebrated as “a constant reminder of the sacrifices paid by troops, most of who laid down their lives to ensure we remain united as a nation.

    “This celebration is also designed to array Nigerian Army personnel and equipment as well as showcase the combat capability of the Nigerian Army.

    “Furthermore, the celebration affords us the opportunity to celebrate our evolution, achievements and also to showcase our transformational strides in the area of innovation, research and development, civil military relations and technological advances.

    “This is in addition to projecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development.

    “This year, the Nigerian Army will be marking 155 years of its existence, dating back to its inception in 1863,’’ he said.

  • Nigerian Army Day: Buratai highlights troop’s commitment to nation’s sovereignty

    Ahead of this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, has given a detailed account on the activities of the army on its 155 years existence in the country.
     Buratai  also spoke on the success story of the Army as well as activities lined up ahead of the event.
    Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the army chief said the Nigerian troops were committed  to the nation’s sovereignty.
    He therefore, called on every Nigerian to support activities of the Army as it’s troops were making frantic efforts to to keep this entity called Nigeria as one.
    Full text of his speech below.
    Let me begin by reminding us on the reason for this celebration as well as give us a brief history of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
    The unfortunate 30-months long Nigerian Civil War was announced by a shot that was fired on the 6th of July 1967 at Garkem which is in present day Cross River State. The Nigerian Civil war was fought to keep Nigeria one and a lot of soldiers paid the supreme price in that process. The  Nigerian  Army  Day  Celebration  is  therefore  a  constant reminder of the sacrifices paid by troops most of whom as I said laid down their lives to ensure we remain united as a nation.
    This celebration is also designed to array Nigerian Army personnel and equipment as well as showcase the combat capability of the Nigerian Army.  Furthermore, the celebration affords us the opportunity to celebrate our evolution, achievements and also to showcase our transformational strides in the area of innovation, research and development, civil military relations and technological advances. This is in addition to projecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development. This year, the Nigerian Army will be marking 155 years of its existence, dating back to its inception in 1863.
    We are aware of the many security challenges that have bedeviled this country in the last decade or so. However I am pleased to state that the Nigerian Army has made giant strides in this regard particularly in the last one year. Our security architecture as a country is one with a very positive outlook. We have not only consolidated on the gains established in the fight against insurgency in the North East but have progressed to the Post  stabilization  phase  where  all  efforts  are geared towards ensuring displaced persons return to their biological homes which are now safe.
    That is why I directed that an operation codenamed Operation LAST HOLD be conducted in the fringes of the Lake Chad waters and Northern Borno. This operation is a humanitarian one in which we seek to return the Internally Displaced Persons and also provide the much needed security and guarantee for them to return back to their economic lives of farming, fishing and trading.  With the defeat of the insurgents, it is time to encourage our people to return to their ancestral home.
    This year’s Army Day Celebration is quite unique as you will see the innovative, research and development and technological side of the Nigerian Army. We have carefully packaged some activities along this line which you will witness in the course of the celebration. That is why the theme for this year’s celebration is “The Nigerian Army and National Security: A Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Development”. We  as  an  Army  are  determined  more  than  ever  before  to contribute our quota to national development. This theme is also  in  line  with  my  vision  “to  have  a  Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional Roles”.
    Like I stated in the beginning, this press briefing kick starts the series of activities for this year’s celebration. Later today, Jumua’at Prayers will be held at the Prayer Ground in Maimalari Barracks here in Maiduguri and across all formations in Nigerian.  Likewise, there will be an Interdenominational Church Service at the All Saints Military Church, Maimalari Barracks as well as across all formations in the country on 1 Jul 18 as part of the events for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
    Other activities lined up for the week long celebration include the following:
    a.Sanitation Exercise
    b.Medical Outreach to be undertaken at selected locations across Borno State and other parts of the country by all Nigerian Army Formations and units between 2 – 6
    July 2018.
    c.Local and International Military Equipment Manufacturers Exhibition.
    d.Mini Trade Fair.
    e.Static Display of Nigerian Army’s Equipment Capability.
    f.Airborne/Paratroopers Demonstration.
    g.Fire Power Demonstration among others.
    The grand finale of the celebration will take place on Saturday 7 Jul 18 at Monguno. The President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour on that day.
    Gentlemen of the press, the Nigerian Army is continuously making sacrifices towards ensuring the unity and development of this great nation. We therefore use the occasion of this celebration to solicit for the cooperation, prayers and goodwill of all. Let us join hands to collectively build and take this nation forward. I therefore urge us all to desist from acts that are capable of truncating the peace. We must be tolerant of one another and learn to give peace a chance. Let us also remember that no nation can develop or be economically vibrant without peace. I therefore want to use this medium to solicit with us all to be our brothers’ keeper. We assure all Nigerians that the Nigerian  Army  is  for  you  and  will  continue  to  work  for the common good of the country while professionally carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
    The current crisis in Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Zamfara States are both induced internally and externally. So many forces are against Nigeria. The target is the corporate existence of Nigeria as a country. The blame game along ethnic and religious fault lines is not the solution. Nigerians must unite to solve this serious challenge.  The Nigerian Army is not sleeping. We are continuously exploiting all the linkages and leads towards addressing the security challenges we shall get to the roots of all the crisis militarily. Therefore, we must be tolerant of one another and give peace a chance. let us also remember that no nation can develop or be economically vibrant without peace. I therefore want to use this medium to solicit with us all to be our brothers’ keepers. We assure all Nigerians that the Nigerian  Army  is  for  you  and  will  continue  to  work  for the Common good of the country while professionally carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
    On this note, let me express my sincere gratitude to the media for their wonderful support to the Nigerian Army at all times.   I  urge  you  to  give   this  year’s   celebration  the  wide coverage and publicity it deserves. Finally, I thank you for your continued support in our efforts in the pursuit of peace, security and progress of our dear nation.

  • Army dismisses Danjuma’s claims on Taraba crisis

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai has dismissed as untrue, allegation of collusion levelled against the military during its operations in Taraba state.

    He stated that from the findings of the report of the Panel instituted by the Army, the allegation from elderstateman, Gen. Theophilous Danjuma (rtd) did not reflect the true situation of things in Taraba state.

    Addressing journalists on the Executive Summary of the Report, Gen. Buratai said the army and the Commanding Officer of 93 Battallion, Taraba state, performed their duties diligently, professionally and without bias.

    Gen. Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Amgbaso said: “it would be recalled, that the Nigerian Army has been conducting operations to tackle the security challenges in the North West, North Central and North Eastern regions of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Army to make public report on Danjuma’s allegations

    “However, in the process of conducting the operations in Taraba State, concerns were raised by some government officials and very senior citizens of the State on the approach of the Nigerian Army.

    “In view of these allegations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai set up a 10-man Panel comprising senior Army officers (both serving and retired) and members from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association and other Civil Society Organizations, to investigate the veracity of the allegations made against the Nigerian Army.

    ” The Panel was inaugurated on 9 April 18 and it visited government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders covering the 3 senatorial zones of Taraba State, including His Excellency the Governor of Taraba State.

    ” The major findings of the Investigation Panel were as follows:

    a. There was no collusion on the part of the Nigerian Army and units operating in Taraba State with any bandit(s) as stated by Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired).

    b. There were few instances where locals drag soldiers outside strict military duties to intervene in civil disputes.

    c. There was good collaborations, synergy and cooperation between the Nigeria Army and other security agencies operating in Taraba State.

    d. There is sustained media campaign to belittle the military operations in Taraba State.

    e. Most of the crises over the years in Taraba State were particularly in Takum, Wukari, Ussa, Donga and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

    f. There was absence of Nigerian Army deployments in some crises prone areas in the hinterland in Taraba State.

    g. The Nigeria-Cameroon common borders in Taraba State were porous.

    h. There was a massive proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Taraba State, some of which have been recovered from warring parties, criminal and unauthorised persons.

    1. Troops deployed in Taraba State for Operation MESA were not paid RCA by the state government since February 2018.j. There was inadequate communication equipment in the units which impedes Nigerian Army operations.k. Some of the localities in the hinterland in Taraba State were not accessed by road.l. The Commanding Officer 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari commands his unit effectively and professionally and was only being vilified by some people/government of Taraba State for his refusal to act outside his professional duties or do the biddings of some government officials.

      m. Lieutenant General TY Danjuma (Retired) could not be accessed by the Panel.

      n. The Executive Governor of Taraba State made several attempts to ensure the removal of the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari from command for his refusal to be dragged into the state politics.

      o. Taraba State is highly heterogeneous and divided along ethno-religious lines.

      p. The Chairman of Takum LGA, Hon Shiban Tikari made several attempts to undermine the authority of the Commanding Officer 93 Bn through some officers of the unit.

      q. The troops have a good understanding of the Code of Conduct/Rule of Engagement.

      r. There were security breaches/clashes in Taraba State till date which has necessitated the deployment of troops in the state.

      s. The responses of Nigerian Army troops deployed to forestall these crises were commendable despite daunting challenges.

      t. The 20 Battalion operating at Sardauna Local Government Area lacks combat motorcycles.

      u. Some of the challenges facing the unit’s operating in Taraba State include terrain, inadequate intelligence, inadequate communication and manpower problem.

      u. There was verifiable evidence that 2 Nigerian Air Force helicopters with registration numbers NAF 574 and NAF 575 landed in Gembu on 15 March 2018 and 11 April 2018 respectively without the knowledge of the local authority.

      v. The Nigerian Air Force helicopters and personnel that landed in Gembu area were for the proposed establishment of Nigerian Air Force Base at Gembu.

      w. Dairies and other relevant documents pertaining to some major security breaches/clashes were maintained by units operating in the State; however the units did not document the after-action review”.

      Gen Buratai said the Panel recommended that Army Headquarters should:

      “Device a means to be independent in its operation across Nigeria so as to insulate soldiers from the overbearing influence of politicians in government especially with particular reference to sponsorship of Nigerian Army operations in states.

      “Address the challenges of manpower, communication and provision of adequate and timely intelligence to support Nigerian Army operations in Taraba State.

    “Emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder engagement at all levels to douse tension in Taraba State.
    Beef up the manpower of units in Taraba State.

    Project its civil military cooperation relationship by creating awareness prior to the provision of people oriented programme and sustain it through vigorous pursuit and provisions to Tarabans.

    “Inform the Defence Headquarters on the need for the Services to follow due process in establishment of any new military location/base in any state.

    “Commend the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion Lieutenant Colonel IB Gambari for his professionalism.

    “Impress on its Commanders the need for after-action review in order to improve on future Nigerian Army operations.

    “Educate the political class on the implication of polarizing the military to achieve their selfish gains.

    “Impress on Taraba State government to prosecute criminal elements arrested and handed over during the course of Nigerian Army operations.

    On army headquarters comments on the report, Gen. Buratai said: “It is apparent that the clashes in Taraba State are a result of clan and communal crisis that predates this present Government. Most of the crises in Taraba State are politically motivated and some persons are deliberately escalating the situation in Taraba State for selfish gains. With respect to the statement by Lt Gen TY Danjuma (retired), it is clear that the allegations were not true; hence there is a need to urge for caution on the part of the elder statesman, in view of the security implications of such comments.

    “The Nigerian Army is also of the view that the situation in Taraba State has steadily deteriorated largely due to distrust, intolerance, lack of inclusion and accommodation of different ethnic groups in the state. This situation has made it very difficult for the Nigerian Army to carry out its responsibilities in the state without being tainted. Consequently, all sides in Taraba State need to be cautioned against making inflammatory statements that are detrimental to peace and security.

    “The Nigerian Army in keeping with its roles as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution will continue to engage stake holders in Taraba State to find a lasting solution to crises in the State. There is also a need for the Nigerian Police Force and other prosecuting agencies to prosecute all the suspects arrested in Taraba State for involvement in various crises.

    “It is the opinion of the Army Headquarters that the Investigation Panel did a thorough job. The Army Headquarters therefore up holds the recommendations of the Panel. The general public is enjoined to note that, the Nigerian Army is a formidable institution and the pride of the nation. The Army will not rest on its oars when responding to the security challenges in the Country. In synergy with other security agencies, the Nigerian Army will continue to work towards ensuring that the security and territorial integrity of our Nation is guaranteed.

    “Finally, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its loyalty and subordination to civil authority in carrying out its constitutional roles and responsibilities.”

  • Army begins operation last hold in Borno, Lake Chad

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai Friday said the army would commence Operation Last Hold in northern Borno and parts of Lake Chad Basin to complete the decimation of the Boko Haram Terrorists and ensure the restoration of normal economic activities in the Zone.

    The COAS who addressed journalists at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, said the operation would commence on the 1st of May and end by August.

    Lt.Gen Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Operations and Training, AHQ, Maj. Gen David Ahmadu said the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy as well as other security agencies would be participating in the four-month operation. He urged the people in the area not to panic as they would witness heavy movements of troops and equipment during the operation.

    Buratai said:” You may recall that the Nigerian Army has been engaged in the conduct of counter insurgency operation tagged Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East region for some years with considerable successes. However, the complex and adaptive nature of the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in the dissident group still sometimes being engaged in abductions, attack on soft targets, Improvised Explosive Device attacks and suicide bombings.

    “It has become expedient for the Nigerian Army to change operating tactics, techniques and procedure in the North East region. Accordingly, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 will be commemorated with the conduct of an operation tagged Operation LAST HOLD in Northern Borno within the North East Theatre. The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the NA and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of 6 additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State. The operation is intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.  It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. The operational end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.  Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps to their communities.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is conceptualised to involve the conduct of population influence activities targeted to improve Civil-Military relations in the North East region. It is pertinent to note that Operation LAST HOLD is set to record remarkable achievements that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security.

    “In this regard, law abiding members of the public in Northern Borno State are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being have been deliberately factored in the operation. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected insurgents may be fleeing from military operations in the North East and finding safe haven amidst our communities. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. ”

    Read Also: Nigerian Army still proving its strength on the counter-insurgency campaigns

  • Four Brigade Nigerian Army holds cultural festival March 10

    Four Brigade Nigerian Army holds cultural festival March 10

    The 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin, says it will hold its West African Social Activities ( WASA ) festival on March 10.

    A statement by Capt. Mohammed Maidawa, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in Benin, on Monday said that the cultural day and get together would take place at the Ekenhua Barracks by 2 p.m.

    Maidawa said the event would showcase the nation’s vibrant cultures which abound in the barracks.

    He said WASA “is an annual social event organised in military formations in which soldiers and their families come together and merry”.

    READ ALSO: Troops arrest seven herdsmen in Benue

    According to him, it is also an event in which all those who contributed to Army successes during the out-gone year are rewarded.

    “It is also an opportunity for us to throw our doors open to wider community in an atmosphere of friendship, good neighborliness and harmony in line with the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s desire to promote a more harmonious civil-military relationship,” he said.

    NAN

  • Time is up for herdsmen attacks – Buratai 

    Time is up for herdsmen attacks – Buratai 

    Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has disclosed that time is up for herdsmen attacks.

    He said the attacks led to displacement of over 25,000 farmers in Nasarawa state alone.

    The chief of Army staff stated this Tuesday in Lafia when he paid a courtesy call on the governor of the state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

    He said that the army has identified the routes used by the herdsmen in carrying out the killings on the Nasarawa/Benue border and have deployed well-armed officers to man those areas, adding that the military has also arrested some herdsmen who are currently undergoing interrogation.

    He said the operation cat race launched in Benue state will be extended to Nasarawa, noting that within six weeks of its operation, normalcy and peace will return to the affected areas.

    He promised to restore security and maintain peace in areas where the herdsmen menace is on the increase.

    Speaking earlier, Governor Al-Makura said the presence of the military in the affected areas has helped in no small way in restoring peace in the state.

    He promise to give the security agencies the necessary support to clamp down on the herdsmen in order to restore permanent peace and allow the displace persons return back to their homes.

    Governor Al-Makura equally donated the sum of N200 million to the military to help complete the army barracks in Doma local government area of the state.

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  • Buratai loses father

    Buratai loses father

    Alhaji Yusuf Buratai, the father of Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is dead.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka, the Director, Army Public Relations, confirmed the death in a statement issued on Friday in Maiduguri.

    Kukasheka stated that Yusuf Buratai, an ex-serviceman, died on Friday morning.

    He added that “this is to inform you of the passing away of the father of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Alhaji Yusuf Buratai, this morning (Friday) in Maiduguri”.

    Buratai, a veteran of World War II, joined the West African Army in 1942.

    Read Also: Buratai orders probe of ‘extortion’