The Nation Newspaper

Tag: military

  • Military and the insurgency

    SIR: Nigerians from all parts of the country have challenged the military hierarchy to do all within its power to end the insurgency. It is highly commendable.

    But the military alone cannot end the war on insurgency without the support of the political actors who started it in the first place. And while the state has a tab on most of these actors, they are not prosecuted and, many years down the line efforts have not been expended to track down others who  are in the wind.

    The political class must address the issue of soldiers morale everyday. It is a fact that – even when the military around the world are changing for good, ours have not and, the civilian administrators refuse to always hold cross-party meetings to help the military.

    It is imperative for the military high command to urgently  address soldiers’ many problems among which is the high dispiritedness caused by the poor welfare policy of the military. Why the military does not have a policy in place to take care of the families of soldiers sent to war leading such soldiers to be saddled with the stress of how to send money back home is cause for concern. Why soldiers in battle zones should move about singly in mufti and not in protected teams is cause for concern.

    It is time to examine the main concerns of the soldiers to ensure that they are not only happy but the tools required for work are provided for them.

    The institution needs to have an advisory board to receive complaints from serving and retired soldiers, advising on what’s happening, asking for feedback, solving them without resorting to mutiny as had been witnessed in recent past.

    Why should a garrison of the military be allocated to guard the homes, entourage and kinfolks of people of influence when these personnel are needed in the field to protect national interests especially in the light of emerging internal security challenges?

    It is highly commendable to read that President Muhammadu Buhari,”has absolute confidence in the ability of the Nigerian military to bring to an end the insurgency spearheaded by members of the Boko Haram sect.” And further to read about strategies by the defence chiefs  to tackle the scourge of  terror which has damaged the image of Nigeria globally.

    Beyond magniloquence and tough talk, our military must be inspired and well-oiled given the kinds of emerging internal security threats.

     

    • Simon Abah,

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

     

  • Improving civil-military relations

    Improving civil-military relations

    •The bloody conflict between the Nigerian Army and the Shi’ite Islamic group in Zaria makes regular dialogue between the military and civil groups imperative

    The bloody battle between the Shi’ite Islamic group led by Sheikh Ibrahim ElZakzaky and the Nigerian Army is most regrettable. The monumental loss of lives and property should provoke indignation by all Nigerians. We are pained that some Nigerians could confront the military armed and trained with public funds in the manner it happened in Zaria and at such a great cost. But, the question to ask is what caused the showdown and what should be done to avoid a repeat?

    We note that this is not the first time such confrontation and casualties would be recorded. As the military explained even with video evidence, the Shi’ite group had blocked a federal highway, thus preventing motorists from pursuing their legitimate businesses. Many plying the road were made to park by the roadside by men of the Elzakzaky Islamic Movement who insisted that it was their anniversary and that had conferred on them the right to effect a blockage.

    This was wrong. The highway belongs to all. Not even the federal or state government has the right to block it without acceptable reason and due notice.

    Although Nigerians have the right to protest or hold rallies, this should be done with due caution. Each person’s or group’s right should be exercised with due attention paid to the rights of others. The Islamic group had no right superior to those of other citizens who had cause to ply the road on the fateful day. The freedom of movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution is basic and available to all and could not be denied anyone except as allowed by law. It should be noted that the Nigerian Army thus had the right of way on the day.

    It is unfortunate that the Islamic group, emboldened by previous similarly illegal moves, sought to deny the Chief of Army Staff and his entourage of passage on the way to paying courtesy call on the Emir of Zaria. It was a needles and costly affront. No group of Nigerians has the right to take the laws into its own hands. We commend the army for engaging the group in a discussion with a view to freeing the highway. We find it difficult to blame the military for responding to the heaving of missiles at the senior military officers sent to discuss with leaders of the group. They acted under provocation and, as the military authorities have pointed out, they responded within the rules of engagement in such circumstances.

    Nigerians must realise that these are no normal times. The security breach in many parts of the country, especially the Boko Haram war in the North has made the military a target of attacks by groups. It is therefore foolhardy to challenge the soldiers to a battle without consideration of the consequences. The military represents the Nigerian state and no group can be allowed to feel superior to the state.

    However, if it is true that the army went back to the site the following day to level the abode of the group’s leader and unleash terror on the people, this is hard to justify. All security forces ought to realise that the best available to them for use in resolving such conflict is minimum force.

    We call on the military authorities to look into the matter with a view to drawing useful lessons for the future. Training in civil-military relations should be stepped up to avoid unnecessary blood-shed. The leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs also owes a responsibility to the Nigerian nation to institute programmes to douse tension in the land and educate their members on the need for peaceful coexistence.

    Groups such as Elzakzaky’s should be tutored on the limits of their rights and how to relate with institutions and symbols of state. We note in this connection that such rifts are decades old and this makes regular orientation courses and programmes among and between religious bodies, and in conjunction with security agencies, necessary.

  • Once upon a military

    Once upon a military

    •The professionalism of the Nigerian armed forces must be fully restored

    The recent declaration by an American defence policy expert that Nigeria lacked a “war-fighting” military again focuses attention on the competence and professionalism of the country’s armed forces.

    In saying this, Dr. Peter Pham, Director of the African Centre at the Atlantic Council, an American think-tank, merely highlighted the notoriously complicated nature of Nigeria’s anti-insurgency campaign, especially the opaque relationship between governance, corruption, military procurement, fighting spirit and competence.

    It certainly cannot be denied that there have been several obstacles in the way of an effective campaign against the Boko Haram terrorists. Some are rooted in remote causes, such as the repeated military incursions into national governance which eroded discipline and morale, as well as the inexplicable inability of the country to develop a viable military-industrial complex.

    Other obstacles can be traced to the corruption, impunity and gross incompetence which characterised much of the anti-insurgency campaign during the Jonathan administration. Soldiers lacked arms and ammunition, were poorly commanded, and often fought at a tactical disadvantage to their adversaries, only to be court-martialled when they complained. The recently-exposed US $2 billion arms procurement scandal in which several prominent names have been mentioned testifies to the rot at the heart of the country’s military and political establishment.

    Since assuming power in May this year, the Buhari administration has sought to address the issues which have crippled the “war-fighting” capability of the armed forces so grievously. The military High Command has been purged and replaced by individuals who have clearly demonstrated that they intend to walk the talk. A clear deadline for the defeat of the Boko Haram insurgency has been set and corresponding timelines developed to ensure that it is met.

    A four-nation coalition comprising Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon has been welded together, ensuring that the insurgents will be denied places of refuge. Meaningful foreign assistance has been transparently sought, as opposed to the previous practice of covertly hiring mercenaries. There is a renewed effort to reduce and ultimately end the gratuitous human-rights abuses which alienated indigenes, raised the ire of the international community and tainted military honour.

    A new commitment to professionalism has been emphasised, with promotions and decorations for personnel who have distinguished themselves in the anti-insurgency campaign. Those who have paid the supreme price are being interred with honour, pomp and circumstance at full-fledged military funerals, with scholarships and other assistance for their dependents.

    These measures must be complemented by a comprehensive investigation of the arms-procurement scandal. It is a war which must be fought as assiduously as the one being waged against Boko Haram. The mystery of how some N1.488 trillion was spent specifically on armaments between 2011 and 2014 with relatively little to show for it in terms of well-armed military personnel must be brought to light.

    The bureaucratic structures, budgeting procedures, payment processes and procurement systems which made it so easy for a coterie of unpatriotic civilians and military personnel to help themselves to billions must be thoroughly probed and redesigned to ensure that it never happens again.

    Nigeria’s armed forces must become the beacon of national excellence and patriotic fervour that it once was before the lamentable succession of military coups and counter-coups destroyed it. In attaining this end, more must be done to recast the image of the military as a peoples’ armed forces, rather than the instrument of coercion that it has been commonly seen as.

    It is heartening that several social media campaigns, such as the popular #thankasoldier hash tag on Twitter, have begun to honour the bravery and selflessness of the country’s military personnel and show that their sacrifices on behalf of their compatriots have not been in vain.

     

  • Military to remain submissive to civil authority, says Army chief

    Military to remain submissive to civil authority, says Army chief

    CHIEF of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai has reiterated that the military will continue to be submissive to civil authority, ensure observance of human rights and promote the rule of law.

    Burutai gave this commitment yesterday  while addressing a workshop on “Human Rights in Times of Conflict” organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the 7 Division, Maimalari Barracks, Baga Road, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    The COAS also declared that the Nigerian Army of today  was no longer a safe haven for violators of  human rights, stressingý that since he assumed office, investigations have always been conducted on any allegation or petition against any member of the force.

    He pointed out that human rights of civilians and those involved in the hostilities in ongoing counter-insurgency operation, tagged: “Operation Lafiya Dole” against Boko Haram,  were being respected.

    He added that the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) were on hand to train any of the Nigerian Army contingents to be  inducted into peacekeeping operations.

    He said the Army has also been sending its officers on course at home and abroad yearly to update them on the issue of human rights.

    Former Attorney General of the Federation and former Minister of Defence Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), in a keynote address, said even if Boko Haram has no respect for human rights, the Nigerian state and its agents must comply with the principles of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

    Kayode, therefore, emphasised the need for  intelligence, dedicated and specialised training and moderation  to help avoid mass casualties that might be termed genocide or war crimes or human rights violations.

    To avoid criminal sanctions, he stressed that it was better and mandatory to respect human rights.

    The former minister emphasised the need to review the operations of the civilian JTF in the fight against Boko Haram so that they did not become another monster on the country in future.

    He said this would require demonstrating that the state has sufficient capacity to restore law and order on its own.

    NBA President  Augustine Alegeh (SAN) described the issue of human rights abuse as very sensitive and one that should be adequately handled.

    He hailed the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for its commitment to uphold and promote the observance of fundamental human rights.

    He stressed that the NBA would continue to stand firm in advocating for observance of the rule of law in the country.

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shetima, who was represented by his Attorney General, Kashim Lawani, said his administration has concluded plans to set up a law reform commission next year to addressing modern trends in the protection of human rights.

    Shetima added that his government has already established the Department of Citizens’ Rights in the Ministry of Justice to strengthen the office of the Attorney General to handle cases of abuses of human rights.

     

  • Military, police, frustrating sanitation laws in Lagos, says Dep. Gov.

    The Lagos State Government has lamented the increasing rate of lawlessness and crimes in the state, pointing  fingers at the military and police officers.

    The state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, made the accusation while fielding questions from journalists shortly after monitoring the November edition of the state’s environmental sanitation exercise in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

    Adebule said the military and police did not only disregard the state’s environmental laws but were caught helping to drive commercial vehicles in their uniforms and wielding guns to violate the laws.

    She said, “We have gone round Lagos, especially Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government. We are dissatisfied with the level of compliance to the sanitation law. There was clear disregard for the sanitation law. I am using this opportunity to appeal to the officers of Nigerian Army and other security agencies to desist from violating the law.

    “I discovered that the military and police officers are the ones leading the violation in the state. I want to urge their heads to call them to order. They must lead by example.

    “They are the law enforcement officers in the country. But it is pathetic that they are violating the law. We will appreciate it if they comply with the sanitation law. It is very important to us.

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area, Mr Wahab Adebayo, appealed to the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to intervene in the dredging of drainage channels in the council, especially the Sule Lane canal, which he said creates heavy flood and discomfort anytime it rains.

     

  • Military warns citizens on Boko Haram’s fresh tactics

    Military warns citizens on Boko Haram’s fresh tactics

    BOKO Haram has evolved more dangerous methods to distract and kill unsuspecting citizens, Defence Headquarters warned yesterday.

    Director of Defence Information Col. Rabe Abubakar, who spoke at an interactive session with reporters in Abuja yesterday, said troops had captured five of the 100 wanted Boko Haram suspects.

    Col. Abubakar explained that following the degrading of its firepower, dispersed elements of the sect now use dangerous cluster bombs for suicide missions and innocuous packages that attract curious passers-by.

    The Defence spokesman warned citizens to be security-conscious, adding that children should not pick unknown objects.

    He stressed that Boko Haram used such misplaced curiosity as a tool for killing many.

    His words: “Boko Haram elements have now resorted to using deadly cluster bombs or Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which they plant on the body for suicide missions or as cluster bombs, which are packaged and dropped in places where they can arouse the curiosity of innocent persons.

    “Even children should be taught not to pick up any object they see on the streets because cluster bombs and IEDs could be deceptively laid there. Besides, when explosion incidents occur, do not go there out of curiosity but let the security agencies that are trained to handle such, do so.”

    Hailing the nation’s media for their competency and patriotism, he expressed the military’s dismay about how untrue assertions were being spread on the social media.

    Col. Abubakar added that it would not serve any good to disseminate anything that could negatively affect the morale of troops.

    “The war is not about religion at all because extremism has no basis in religion. Everyone must do his part in terms of civic responsibility because, if all goes well, it is for all of us,” he said.

    He urged citizens to volunteer information about suspicious persons or objects to enable security agencies end insurgency.

  • Boko Haram: Military deploys more troops to meet Dec deadline

    Boko Haram: Military deploys more troops to meet Dec deadline

    The military has deployed more troops to the Northeast to meet the December deadline to end terrorism, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai said in Calabar, the Cross River State capital yesterday.

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Dan’Ali,  in  Kaduna, said Boko Haram would soon become history.

    Addressing officers and men of the 130 Battalion in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Gen. Buratai called for the commitment of the soldiers to achieve this aim.

    His words: “So far our operations in the Northeast is gathering momentum. They are doing very well and doing the Nigerian Army very proud. I am sure some of you have been in touch with them and some of you may still be going there in the future. The operation there is going very well.

    “We have to keep focus on Mr President’s mandate of keeping to the deadline. We have to work hard to make sure the operation succeeds and I believe we can do it. We have gotten more equipment and have deployed more troops to the Northeast.”

    He emphasised the need to collaborate with other security agencies.

    “I want you to note that on internal security, you cannot operate alone. You must cooperate with other security agencies. You must have a strong collaboration with the police, civil defence, the SSS and others,” he said.

    The Army chief said he visited to identify with the challenges of the soldiers.

    He said:  “I would find time to go to your individual units and formations. I am here to identify with your pressing challenges as it pertains to internal security, general administration and internal security.

    “Here in the barracks we have taken steps to improve accommodation, we are renovating dilapidated structures. We are also looking at issues of medicals as well as your children’s education. Already, I have set up a committee to go round schools to check issues of high and arbitrary fees. We would address issues of your welfare properly.

    “Also, respect members of the community hosting the barracks. You must have very good civil-military relations.

    “Another key issue is espirit de corps. You must be your brother’s keeper. In battle there is no discrimination from insurgents or enemies’ bullets. Work together and coordinate activities to avoid disharmony among yourselves.

    “You must remain loyal. A hundred percent loyalty to Mr President is required of you.”

    The minister, who spoke at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna during the inauguration of projects for the Training Command, said he was convinced that the military was the viable tool in tackling the problem of national security.

    The minister said: “I am convinced that the activities of these insurgents will soon be a thing of the past and all areas under occupation will be liberated for people to go about their normal lives.

    “I am particularly impressed with the new approach of winning the heart and minds of the populace through advocacy and outreach programmes of the armed forces as emplaced by the leadership of Mr President, Commander-in-chief.

    “I commend the Nigerian Air Force for the success recorded in the renewed vigour of routing out the insurgents and effectively degrading their capabilities.

    “I am confident that this fight will bring more people into the fight against the insurgents, thereby making the task of our armed forces much easier through the cooperation of the locals, especially in the provision of real-time information and intelligence gathering.

    “Let me assure you that the Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to rejuvenate the air force to meet its constitutional roles.

    “I am fully convinced that the military remains the most veritable tool in tackling our contemporary national security challenges, especially the fight against insurgency in the the Northeast.“

    “I believe that, the potential exists in our armed forces and with the right strategic direction which I assure you of, we shall build a modern force capable of not only guaranteeing security in our dear nation but with the ability to project and sustain our leadership position in Africa and beyond.”

     

  • ISIS strikes: Military, security agencies on red alert

    ISIS strikes: Military, security agencies on red alert

    Military and security agencies have been placed on red alert to curtail Boko Haram insurgents, it was learnt yesterday.

    The government ordered surveillance nationwide to prevent terror attacks, following the bloodshed in Paris.

    Besides soft-targets, such as markets, worship centres and schools, security will be heavy at airports, seaports, military formations, the National Assembly, courts and public institutions.

    Although details of the counter-insurgency measures were kept under wraps last night, sources confirmed that the military and security agencies had been directed to be “far-ahead” of the terrorists.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Every nation, including Nigeria, is jolted by the incident in Paris. The military and security agencies have been placed on red alert and mandated to work round the clock to protect every part of the country.

    “The government will further  put many proactive measures in place to deny these insurgents any opportunity to attack any place.

    “More importantly, we will not stop  the manhunt for the run-away leaders of Boko Haram.”

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, who spoke exclusively with our correspondent last night, said the military was not taking things for  granted in the light of the incident in France.

    He said: “What happened in Paris, France shows that terrorism has been internationalised. Therefore, it requires international efforts and cooperation to check this menace.

    “We are intensifying security surveillance nationwide, we will not give these terrorists a breathing space.

    “We are also not relenting in our search for the fleeing  leaders of these Boko Haram insurgents. With the collaboration of other security agencies, we have been able to arrest some of them.

    “So many of the insurgents have been surrendering because there is no hiding place for them again. We will soon give you the exact figures of those who have surrendered.”

    Col. Abubakar urged Nigerians to support the military and security agencies in exposing insurgents.

    “We plead with Nigerians to be vigilant by giving timely information to the military and security agencies. We should be wary of movements and strange people around us.”

  • Military probes Ekiti, Osun polls

    Military probes Ekiti, Osun polls

    •Generals’ panel gets two weeks

    The military’s probe of some of its officers’ and men’s partisan involvement in the 2014 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states has commenced.

    A five-man panel of officers led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, as President, announced the take off of the probe yesterday in Kaduna.

    Also to be probed is the involvement of some officers in electoral malpractices during the general elections.

    Army Spokesman Col. Sani Usman last month in a statement said the military would examine the involvement of its officers to forestall a recurrence.

    The then ruling party – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – is believed to have used the army to aid its victory in the June 21, 2014 Ekiti governorship poll.

    Soldiers were allegedly used to intimidate the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts in Ekiti and in Osun State, whose governorship election held on August 9.

    Army Captain Sagir Koli later revealed detail of how the military was used to rig the Ekiti election.

    The panel will sit at the headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna. Col. Danladi Salihu is the panel secretary.

    Other members of the panel are:  Brig. Gen.  Emmanuel Kabuk, Brig. Gen. Sunday Araoye, and Brig. Gen. Baba Ibrahim

    Maj-Gen Oyebade said the panel will submit its report within the next two weeks to Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    The panel’s President urged individuals with useful information to visit the panel and testify. He said the investigation is open to the public even though it is a purely military affair.

    Gen. Oyebade said: “As most of you are aware, the last general elections conducted in March 2015 elicited criticism in some quarters, especially from the general public, particularly in the conduct of some Nigerian Army personnel during the governorship and presidential elections.

    “These allegations were centred on the governorship elections conducted in some states such as Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom, to mention but a few.

    “It is therefore based on all these weighty allegations that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai on assumption of Command, articulated his vision of having a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles, instituted this Board of Inquiry.

    “The panel is to investigate these allegations and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a reoccurrence in the future.

    “The military as a noble profession of arms must remain apolitical in our democratic dispensation. Politics, we strongly believe should be left entirely to the politicians.

    “I must hasten to add however, that in spite of these worrisome allegations, the military as to a large extent performed creditably as the foremost guardian of the nation’s democracy.

    “On this note, I will like to call on all the strata in the society and of course, the general public to please as a matter of urgency, appear in person if they so wish and forward their petitions in form of memorandum either personally to Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kawo, Kaduna or via courier addressed to the secretary, panel of investigation on elections, HQ 1Division, Kawo, Kaduna”.

     

     

  • Military clears more terrorists camps

    Military clears more terrorists camps

    The military yesterday  announced   that soldiers have  cleared nine more terrorists stronghold in  the Lassa axis of Borno state.

    The  Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Tukur Gusau described the development as a major boost in the anti-terror campaign.

    “In a major boost, troops of 115 Task Force Batallion under 28 Task Force Brigade while on clearance   operations between 3-5 Nov 15 cleared nine more Terrorists strong holds around LASSA axis,” he said.

    He said the camps were located in Lassa, Muthavo, Dagu, Kumabza, Isge, Unworo, Zangore, Kilekasa and Pumpum.

    He added:”during the offensive four Boko Haram terrorists met their waterloo in the hands of gallant troops of the Nigerian Army. While some of the terrorist ran away abandoning their weapons.

    “Some of the weapons abandoned by the terrorists include seven  guns.”

    He also said that  troops  of 25 TF Brigade in a separate operation in the Korede and Damboa axis  recovered three  motorcycles suspected to have been used during last Sunday’s attack on Azir village.

    Also recovered were  stolen food stuff  from the village.

    Terrorists observation  posts were  similarly destroyed at Korede while troops “continue to dominate roads leading to Azir,Wajikoro,Damboa and Biu.