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Tag: Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai

  • Farmers-herdsmen clashes: Army deploys special forces

    Farmers-herdsmen clashes: Army deploys special forces

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Nigerian Army has deployed Troops to help stem the clashes between farmers and herdsmen across three states and stabilise them.

    Buratai said this at the official inauguration of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranch and Presentation of Farm Implement to the Army by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Giri on Tuesday.

    He listed the states where the troops had been sent to as Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa, noting that the Army would support the Federal Government to stem the clashes.

    According to him, once the nation attains food security, all other forms of insecurity including insurgency in the North-East, militancy, kidnapping and other forms of security issues would be reduced.

    Buratai said the Barracks Initiative Programme which was initiated by him, was aimed at cultivating the culture of investment in the agricultural value chain by officers and soldiers of the Army and their families, as well as providing jobs for the youth in the barracks.

    “As at today, we have almost 1000 herds of cattle within the Nigerian Army Barracks and formations. This is one of the ranches scattered in all the Nigerian Army formations.

    “We are ready to support the Federal Government to stabilise the farmers’ herdsmen clashes across the country.

    “We are tasking our Special Forces to ensure that everywhere they are deployed across the country at short notice, they stem the conflict.

    “We have properly deployed across Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States within the axis where we have the conflict. Once there is peace, the development of agriculture will thrive for the good of our country.

    “Areas such as ranching, fisheries, poultry, production of eggs and meat, greenhouses and plantation are now practised in most barracks of the Nigerian Army,’’ he said.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, commended the Nigerian Army for its agricultural initiative.

    He assured them of the ministry’s commitment toward providing them with farm implements as well as equipment to boost both milk and meat production for their animals.

    “This is can be done because the Army has done it. We can’t thank you enough.

    “I have been telling people that this kind of initiative is a solution to these farmers-herdsmen clashes.

    “We will stand by you; we will plant trees for you. When cows roam in the bush, they come in contact with different diseases.

    “One of the reasons we don’t have enough meat and milk is because our cattle roam. This is something for us to be proud of as a country.

    “We will bring you more machines for making feeds.

    “We will send our team to you to commence artificial insemination to improve the breed of the cattle and milk production.

    “To farmers, politicians, journalists, this is an example to follow,’’ Ogbeh said.

    The minister handed over 25 tonnes of compounded ruminant feed, reaper, crushing machine and pasture seeds to the Army to assist them in the venture.

  • Days of Boko Haram terrorists numbered, says Buratai

    Days of Boko Haram terrorists numbered, says Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said the days of the rump of Boko Haram terrorists are numbered, in spite of occasional attacks of Nigerian targets.

    Buratai gave the assurance while addressing troops of the 8 Division at Monguno, headquarters of Monguno Local Government Area of Borno.

    He, therefore, charged the troops to be determined in the efforts to stablilise their area of operation and finally overcome the Boko Haram challenge in the country.

    “We must remain here to stabilise it.

    “You all know that we have some few attacks here and there by the same elements – Boko Haram, but I assured you that their days are numbered.

    “With your efforts, with your determination, we will finally overcome the Boko Haram challenge,’’ he said.

    The chief of army staff noted that the creation of the 8 Division was a “major strategic decision’’ which had helped in addressing the challenge of Boko Haram terrorism in Borno north.

    “I want to say that this division has lived up to its expectation of containing the Boko Haram challenge in this part of the country.

    “What remains is for us to continue to stabilise and continue to operate, to prevent any element that may raise their heads in the future.

    “This part of the country or this part of the region, especially the Lake Chad region has always been volatile.

    “That is why members of the Lake Chad Commission created the Multinational Joint Task Force.

    “So, we will see ourselves performing similar duties even after the final clearance of the Boko Hartam terrorists,’’ Buratai added.

    He warned the troops to refrain from all acts of indiscipline as peace was gradually returning to the area and displaced people returning to their communities restart their lives.

    The army chief further warned that those caught engaging in trading and extortion would be dealt with according to the law.

    “Issues of indiscipline must also be checked within the division.

    “As the people here gradually return to their communities, return to their businesses, they should be allowed to do their businesses free without any interference.

    “Report of extortion or soldiers engaging themselves in trading activities with the people here must be resisted.

    “We do not want any distraction. Trading in fish or cattle, if anyone – soldier, is caught, he is going to be dealt with according to the law.

    “You are here to maintain the peace, you are here to perform your duties as soldiers; you are here not to trade or do any other business.

    “Very soon, those that are in the IDPs camps will go back to their homes and re-establish themselves and the economic activities will increase.

    “Do not fall into that temptation to be involved (in trading),’’ he further warned.

    The 8 Division was created as a task force in 2016 to boost military operations against the Boko Haram menace, particularly in the Lake Chad region.

    But the division will move to Sokoto State in the North West, where it would be operationalised soon, according to Buratai.

    The army chief visited one of the camps in Monguno, holding 20, 000 IDPs and donated some relief materials, including food items, detergents and clothes to them.

    He used the opportunity to address the elderly men and women IDPs in the camp, including the 700 recently rescued by troops during operations in the Chad basin.

    A total of 2, 700 captives were rescued in the last one week.

    While 700 were rescued on Tuesday, 2,000 were freed on Thursday morning after intensive artillery and aerial bombardment of the terrorists’ enclaves in the Lake Chad region. (NAN)

  • Soldier arrested over Bayelsa teenager’s killing

    Soldier arrested over Bayelsa teenager’s killing

    A soldier simply identified as Muktar Mohammed has been arrested over his alleged involvement in the killing of a 19-year-old Richman Leyal in Gbaraun community, Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State.

    It was gathered that the soldier was arrested based on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who ordered the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army to investigate the circumstances that led to the Leyal’s killing.

    The chief of army staff was said to have acted on a petition written by Mr. Efieseimokumo Bipeledei, a lawyer to Chief Oweilayefa Akpami, Chief Inaighaghe Abagidi, Chief Solomon Leyal and Mr. Mathial Leyal, who are members of the deceased family.

    The teenager was reportedly killed on June 19, 2017 at the site of a community self-help project by gunshots allegedly fired by Mohammed and three other soldiers, who were said to be on the run.

    Bipeledei confirmed the suspect’s arrest on Wednesday.

    He said: “The military police visited the scene of the crime at Gbaraun community where they saw evidence of sporadic shooting at the scene.

    “The team of military investigation visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) mortuary to see the body of the deceased where they confirmed that the deceased died of gunshot injury.

    “The team later visited the criminal investigation department of the police where the head Homicide Department briefed them of their preliminary findings.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s family to Buratai: You told court cheap lies

    Nnamdi Kanu’s family to Buratai: You told court cheap lies

    The family of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has berated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai over what it said was the cheap, blatant and childish lies the army boss told an Abuja Court Friday in respect of the invasion of their house by soldiers at Afara Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State.

    Gen Bruatai had in a counter-affidavit he filed in reaction to a suit in Kanu’s name before the Federal High Court, Abuja instituted by his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said soldiers chased a truck laden with weapons into a house said to belong to the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu’s father in Afara Ukwu.

    Speaking on behalf of the IPOB leader’s family, his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu said it was unfortunate the Chief of Army Staff could condescend so low to tell such cheap, childish and unbridled lies.

    “What is General Buratai talking about? The question I am asking is why should Justice Binta Nyako listen to such lies? If she fails to jail Bruatai, that means the judicial system in this country should not be trusted for any reason, he should be jailed for telling such cheap and childish lies, this is shameful, not when we have evidences.

    Prince Kanu said by denying the military did not invade their house not once but twice, Buratai was disputing what the Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali said that he actually authorized that invasion.

    “If the Minister of Defence said in a Television programme that he authorised the invasion, how could Buratai come out to say something different? If after the invasion on September 14 and on September 16 there was a press state by Abia State commissioner of police admitting they recovered some ammunitions from our house why then is the COAS on November 16 is denying they never invaded the house. If there was no invasion of the house, how come that the whole place was riddled with bullets? How come that people were killed including our dog and the Eagle bird we kept in the house?”

    Kanu going further said “All of them are confused, they don’t even know what they are saying, there is even no sense of direction since the Minister of Defence will say something different and the Chief of Army Staff will also say something different, they should coordinate their lies.

    “The truth remains that soldiers invaded our home without any course and they took so many people away including Nnamdi Kanu; either they’ve killed him or still keeping him somewhere. So, how come they are lying; are they lying against the local media or the international media which have visited the house and found out there was an invasion? So, who is deceiving who here? From the look of things everyone now knows that Nnamdi Kanu was either killed or taken away by the military.”

    The IPOB leader’s younger brother said if the army had traced someone who had truck load of ammunition to their house, that the COAS should tell the world who the person was, when it happened and the evidence to show that they traced someone with dangerous weapons to their house.

    “If the truck laden with the so called dangerous weapons was blown up by the driver as claimed by Bruatai, where is the charred body of the lorry or the ashes? The bottom line of everything is that there was no truck laden with weapons that was found near our house; the army invaded our house without any just course and as a matter of fact, Buratai knows where Nnamdi Kanu is and he should produce him.”

    To further buttress his point that there house was invaded by soldiers, Kanu alleged that during the invasion, “they (soldiers) took away our personal belongings, generator sets, food items, shot the eagle bird in our house, the dog and took away boxes containing our mother’s clothing and vandalized vehicles in our compound after riddling it with bullets.”

    He appealed on the international community to prevail on Buratai to order his men to return their personal belongings particularly his mother’s boxes they took away on September 16 or they will face the wrath of Briafra land.

  • Buratai orders redeployment of troops to Lake Chad region

    Buratai orders redeployment of troops to Lake Chad region

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday ordered the redeployment of troops who participated in the special military exercise in the Niger Delta to Lake Chad region.

    Buratai announced the redeployment at the closing of Exercise Crocodile Smile II in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He said the redeployed to Lake Chad was to flush out remnant of Boko Haram insurgents, and also complement efforts of security outfits in the area.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army is passionate and committed to flushing out remnant of Boko Haram insurgents within the nation’s territory.

    “I want to assure that most of the troops that excelled in the operations across the (Niger Delta) region would be redeployed.

    “The Troops would be redeployed especially within the Lake Chad waters to flush out remnant of Boko Haram terrorists that are within the Lake Chad islands and other areas.

    “Boko Haram remnants which are virtually within the border areas of our neighboring countries would have to be properly identified and flushed out in a joint effort.

    “This is a task that we must ensure is accomplished,” he said.

    Buratai expressed optimism that the redeployment of troops would complement efforts of security outfits including the Multinational Joint Task Force to flush out insurgents from the area.

    He attributed present successes recorded in the North East and military exercises in other parts of the country to the support of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In his remarks at the occasion, the Minister of Defence, Rtd. Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, said the exercise was held in the Niger Delta and some states in the South West to access army commanders and train troops.

    Dan-Ali said that Muhammadu Buhari was desirous to building formidable, well equipped and trained armed forces that citizens would be proud of.

    “The exercise was inaugurated as part of the Nigerian Army plans to effectively dominate all hostile areas, coordinate and consolidate on the gains of Exercise Crocodile Smile I,” he said.

    Dan-Ali commended the army for its commitment to training, professionalism and efficiency to tackle contemporary security challenges facing the nation.

  • Bayelsa endorses Operation Crocodile Smile II, Army free medical service

    Bayelsa endorses Operation Crocodile Smile II, Army free medical service

    The Bayelsa government on Saturday lent its support to the ongoing military training operation and its community relations component by the Nigerian Army in the Niger Delta.

    Gov. Seriake Dickson urged the people of the state to discountenance the rumour that the exercise, christened ‘Operation Crocodile Smile II’, which includes free medical care, would endanger the health and safety of the people.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Francis Agbo in Yenagoa, Dickson made the call while receiving a letter of commendation from the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    Dickson, who described the rumour as unfounded, urged Nigerians not to panic, rather cooperate with the military in discharging its medical outreach and community support initiatives.

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment toward sustaining the prevailing peace, security and stability in the state, Dickson assured the Nigerian Army and other security agencies of greater support in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    He explained that the state government had donated a large expanse of land for the building of a barrack in Yenagoa and a Forward Operations Base at the western senatorial district to enhance security.

    “The military and other security agencies are a force for good and I want to use this opportunity to call on community leaders to continue to support the military.

    “We can’t have a Nigerian military that is coming here to inject people with poisonous substances.

    “That is not the army we have. This is our own army. These are our brothers, friends and fellow Nigerians, who mean well for all of us.’’ Dickson said.

    The CoAS, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, commended Dickson for the invaluable support to his administration.

    Buratai said the support included the provision of land for building a barracks, a Forward Operation Base and creating a conducive environment for the Army to tackle insecurity in the state.

    Delivering a letter of appreciation from the Nigerian Army, he lauded the people of Bayelsa for their understanding, cooperation, and pledged that the Army would redouble efforts in tackling security challenges in the country.

    The Chief of Army Staff, in the letter intimated Dickson of the Army’s intention to carry out its medical outreach programme and donation of educational materials to various communities.

  • Aged woman regains sight at Army medical outreach

    Aged woman regains sight at Army medical outreach

    An aged woman, Mrs Margaret Okere, on Thursday regained her sight after undergoing an examination at the ongoing Nigerian Army medical outreach at Umuokwa Community, Igboh-Etche, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army is conducting educational and medical outreach programme in host communities where the ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile 2’ is going on.

    Okere told newsmen during the programme that she had not been able to see for a long time.

    “I regained my sight after the doctors here examined me, gave me eye drop and eyeglass.

    “My grandson brought me here when he heard that there will be a military-free medical outreach. I give God the glory, as I can see very well now.

    “God bless the Nigerian military for carrying out this exercise,” she said.

    Mrs Promise Okechukwu, a native of Umuokwa, said that she and her baby were examined and given the necessary drugs.
    “Since I put to bed six months ago, my baby has been vomiting but today she has been taken care of free of charge by the army medical team.

    “I thank god and very grateful to the army for bringing this programme to my community,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Mr Samuel Nwankwo said that the army free medical programme was the first ever carried out in the community.

    Nwankwo said that he was happy and thanked God for directing the army to come to his community.

    “Today, I have gotten the opportunity for my eye to be examined and necessary eye drop given to me.

    “I thank the army, they are not what people are saying they are, God bless them,” he said.

    Mrs Lilian Nwala, another beneficiary, said that she was at the centre for medical examination.

    “They are very friendly, as the medical personnel were attending to us one after the other.

    “I’m happy for the drugs they have given me after the examination, and I pray this continue,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Mr Clement Emejuru urged the community to cooperate and get themselves treated.

    Emejuru disclosed that he was examined by a dentist and all the drugs he needed had been given to him.

    “What the army is doing is very fantastic, they are helping us to be healthy and live longer.

    “The army has never carried out shooting in Igbo-Etche before, so this is not a programme to scare us but to keep us alive,” he said.

    Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, Chief of Logistics (Army), said that the outreach was a civic responsibility to create smooth relationship with host communities.

    Buratai said that the army had always carried out positive activities in any community they were to ensure that the people were comfortable.

    “In some places that we are, if they don’t have water, we provide boreholes for them to get water, where there are medical challenges; we provide a solution for them.

    “Places where we think the primary or secondary school is lacking educational materials, we also provide for as part of our civic responsibility,” he said.

    The COAS said that the rumoured military vaccine was a creation of miscreants that were not comfortable with military’s resolve to fix them.

    “The army has the responsibility of protecting the Nigerian people’s interest, so whatever people say to tarnish the Nigerian Army, we will not bulge by that.

    “These are mere propaganda by miscreants and disloyal citizens who go about tarnishing the image of the country and the army,” he added.

    Dr Samuel Amaechi, the Eze Onyeishi-Agwuru of Igboh-Etche, commended the Nigerian Army for the free medical outreach and called on his subjects to take full advantage of the exercise.

    While urging other agencies to emulate the gesture, the traditional ruler also called for the sustenance of the programme.

  • Crocodile Smile II: 40 suspects arrested by the Army in Lagos, Ogun

    Crocodile Smile II: 40 suspects arrested by the Army in Lagos, Ogun

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said it had arrested over 40 suspects for various offences within Lagos and Ogun states after the launch of ‘Exercise CROCODILE SMILE 2 ‘ by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    The army made this known through a statement by the  81 Division spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu in Lagos.

    According to him, so far, the troops have being carrying out routine activities associated with the exercise seamlessly along with other sisters services, security and para military agencies.

    “Some suspected criminals have been arrested; drug peddlers, cultists, car snatchers and other criminal elements have been denied freedom of action through patrols, raids, road blocks and checkpoints.

    “On Oct. 4, based on credible  information on activities of pipeline vandals at Ronik Hotel Agbule Egba area of Lagos state, troops of 149 Battalion, 81 Division Nigerian Army were immediately dispatched for a Cordon and search Operation.

    “The troops arrested the suspected pipeline vandals and items found within the hotel premises include 16 loaded kegs of premium motor spirit (PMS), 5 cars and 2 tankers loaded with PMS,” he said.

    He said the suspects have been interrogated, profiled and handed over to NSCDC.

    “In a related development, on Oct. 11,  troops of 174 Battalion, 81 Division Nigerian Army while on a stop and search operation arrested a car robber who snatched a Toyota Venza with reg no. FST 762 CV along Ikorodu – Sagamu road.

    “The suspect who was fleeing with the stolen vehicle rammed into other vehicles and pedestrians in a bid to escape and was arrested by troops.

    “The suspect and the recovered vehicle have been handed over to Owutu Divisional police Headquarters,” he said.

    He also said that five drug peddlers were apprehended with gallons of unidentified chemical substances and Indian hemp on Oct. 14 by  troops of Sector 5, 243 Battalion at Agbara area of Lagos State in conjunction with men of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “Arrested suspects and items have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

    “Similarly, raid and clearance operations were carried out on Oct. 14, by troops of 65 Battalion Sector 1 of Exercise CROCODILE SMILE 2 at Ajah general area.

    “Nine suspects were arrested with bags containing Indian hemp.

    “Two of the suspects were alleged to have snatched a female purse containing Samsung Galaxy and Itel phones, Bible, house keys and N1,200   which were also recovered,” he said.

    The spokesman also said another raid operation was carried out by troops of 9 Brigade Garrison Sector 4 at Ipodo, Ikeja general area where five suspects were arrested.

    “Five suspected fraudsters were arrested and items recovered include 4 generators, 4 laptops, scanning machine, colour printer, 3 stabilizers, 10 ups, 3 car chargers and 16 handsets stand.

    “The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to Lagos State Special Task force, Oshodi.

    “On Oct. 15, the Commander Sector 3 of Exercise CROCODILE SMILE 2 handed over 36 suspects arrested by troops of the Sector during a raid operation at criminal hideouts and notorious drug dens in Ikorodu general area.

    “The handover was carried out at Odogunyan barracks in Ikorodu, while the suspects were received by the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Ijede in Ikorodu,” he said.

    Daudu also disclosed that four suspected cult members were arrested around Badagry area on Oct. 15.

    “At about 11.59 pm, gunmen suspected to be cultists attacked Rolex Hotel in Ajara area of Badagry.

    “Following a distress call to troops of 243 Battalion Sector 5 on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE 2 on activities of suspected cultists, troops responded immediately and arrested 4 suspected cultists.

    “Also a follow up of suspected cultists attack, two suspects were arrested in connection with previous attacks at Rolex Hotel.

    “The arrested suspects were detained and preliminary investigation is in progress while suspects would be handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

    The spokesperson reassured the public  that the Division is poised to maintain peace and security in the entire Lagos and Ogun States.

    Daudu enjoined members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by remaining law abiding and giving credible information to the nearest security check point.

    According to him, members of the public can also call 193 and the various telephone numbers that were earlier released.

  • FG to take final decision on IPOB proscription – Army

    FG to take final decision on IPOB proscription – Army

    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday said the Federal Government would take a final decision on the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the declaration of the organisation as a terrorist group.

    He said: “There are guidelines as provided in the Act on the Terrorism Act and I’m sure the relevant government agencies I’m talking about will take appropriate steps whether to arrest or whether to do any other actions and we will receive the appropriate directives from the authorities. “

    He also said the army was not under any form of political pressure on the position it took regarding the activities of the IPOB.

    Gen. Buratai said the military had the duty and constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties in the face of internal and external threats to the territorial integrity of the country, stressing that its actions against IPOB were necessitated by the provisions of the constitution.

    He spoke to reporters after addressing Principal Staff Officers, Corps, Formations and Operations Commanders, Commandants of Nigerian Army and Corps Schools at the 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference 2017 of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at the Army Headquarters’ Officers Mess, Abuja.

    He said: “Training is a continuous exercise, apart from the obvious exercises that you see but there are lot of other exercises that…from different force of the Nigerian Army and even from skills. So it is not a new thing, we have been training, we have been exercising on a regular basis.

    “But once in a while we come and carry out a large-scale exercise to harmonise all the aspects of training that have been thought in training institutions and unit formations.

    “Since we came on board in 2015, we have been having series of exercises and we did same set of exercise in 2016 and we are repeating the same thing this year and you are aware of Habin Kunama II, the on-going Egwu Eke II in the South and very soon at the end of Operation Python Dance we’ll move into Crocodile Smile II which will take a lot.

    “This is just to reassure Nigerians, law-abiding citizens that the Nigerian Army and indeed other security agencies are really concerned with the safety and security of their lives and property. You are very much aware of the security challenges in the country.”

    On the proscription of IPOB, Gen. Buratai said: “You see, you said political pressure. You should understand the context by which the Nigerian Army is operating. Nigerian Army is part of the political consideration in the democratic system.

    “It is part of the democratic process. We are not receiving any pressure. We are given what the constitution has provided for us. Constitutionally, what our responsibilities are for us, so we are not under any pressure whatsoever.

    “Whatever anyone is saying, we will refer him back to the constitution. There are several provisions that give us those responsibilities and also to carry out such task as duly assigned by the government or by the constituted authority.”

    “Be rest assured that we don’t have any other role that is outside the constitution.”

    He said the Army would conduct more exercises to sharpen personnel skills and prepare them to tackle emerging security challenges in the country.

    Currently, exercise “Egwu Eke” – Python Dance II is underway in the five South East states – Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebony and Cross River in the South South.

    Gen. Buratai said: “I have given the necessary directives for officers to embark on mission specific training at home and overseas.

    “This is in addition to effort in strengthening and exploring own local institutions.

    “Commanders at all levels are to ensure that orientation cadres are conducted for young officers and soldiers posted to units in order to enshrine aspects of unit regimentation early in them.”

    He charged formation commanders in theatre of operations to imbibe the spirit of in-theatre training based on terrain and the changing “tactics of adversary”.

    Gen. Buratai noted that evolutionary and global security threats were being influenced by political, economic, social and technological factors.

    “Therefore, the need for regular improvement on the existing capacity of the Nigerian Army to be able to deal with present and future security threats is imperative.

    “To achieve this, it is paramount to carry out accurate threats assessment in the formulation of the nation’s security policies which would enhance the ability of the Nigerian Army to deal with these emerging internal security threats,” Gen. Buratai said.

     

  • Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    The deadline given to the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to capture Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group,dead or alive has been extended.The extension which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, after a request for extension by the Theatre Commander, at the expiration of the 40-day deadline. The approval however didn’t specify the period of extension.Shekau: Buratai extends capture deadline

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Friday that the commander requested for an extension of the order to capture Shekau, which was granted by Buratai.

    He said, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, has commended the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his sector commanders and all troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for pursuing the COAS directive of capturing the purported Boko Haram terrorists’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive, within 40 days beginning on July 21, 2017, which elapsed on August 30, 2017.

    “Although the leader has not been captured, the COAS noted with satisfaction the zeal and determination with which the directive was pursued. He congratulated the commander for eliminating five key leaders of the terrorist group that were the closest associates and right-hand men of the terrorist group leader.

    Usman therefore urged citizens to go about their business and have confidence in the capacity of the troops to protect them, stating that with the killing of the 82 terrorists and the top five Boko Haram commanders, Shekau was no longer of any consequence.