The Nation Newspaper

Tag: military

  • Military scaling up use of soft power in counter-insurgency operations, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said the military had up-scaled the use of hard and soft power in counter-insurgency operations to contain emerging and changing nature of adversaries.

    Musa said this while delivering a lecture, titled: Non-Kinetic Operations and the Nigerian Armed Forces, at the opening of a national security course on “Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication (PSYOPS)” yesterday in Abuja.

    The course, with the theme: Winning Hearts and Minds for National Cohesion and Development, was organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

    Represented by the Director of Training at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, the CDS noted that the use of non-kinetic efforts under Operation Safe Corridor led to the surrender of more than 2,000 Boko Haran members between 2016 and 2017.

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    He said 67 per cent of those who surrendered were of the Abubakar Shekau faction of the insurgents.

    Musa added that 1,543 repentant terrorists graduated from Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State and 1,935 others were released from Bulumkutu camp in Borno State between 2016 and 2022.

    According to him, from July 2021 to May 4, 2022 alone, no fewer than 51,828 terrorists and their family members surrendered, out of which 13,360 were fighters.

    Musa said 106,000 terrorists and their family members had so far surrendered in the Northeast.

    The defence chief called for assessment and content analysis of the security policies, legal and operational frameworks.

    He also called for the up-scaling of government support, including developing and implanting of vetting systems, as well as capacity building for government service providers and direct assistance to transitional facilities working with low-risk individuals.

    Musa also sought individual case management and referral services as well as community-based peace building, reconciliation and reintegration.

    The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, explained that the five-day programme was to boost security experts’ understanding of the dynamics of psychological operations and strategic communication.

    Undiandeye described the psychological operation and strategic communication as an integral element of modern warfare but widely neglected by communication science, despite its importance.

    According to him, it is now used not only to manipulate an enemy’s will to fight but also in influencing public opinion.

    He said the employment of strategic communication influences operations and non-kinetic tools to win hearts and minds, and enhance national security and cohesion.

    “Suffice to say, that the importance of PSYOPS as an instrument of statecraft, governance and national security cannot be over-emphasised.

    “The agency is more intentional about the benefits of the application of PSYOPS instruments which include the use of soft power in attainment of national security objectives.

    “I am fully aware that the distinguished participants of this course were drawn from the various Federal and state MDAs, including the Armed Forces, police, other sister intelligence and security agencies as well as the media,” he said.

  • UPDATED: Military kills, arrests terrorists in Abuja suburb, says DHQ

    UPDATED: Military kills, arrests terrorists in Abuja suburb, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said its troops on fighting patrol have killed several terrorists and arrested others in Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    It also said that the troops also killed terrorist and violent extremists in Tafa local government area of Niger state.

    The Director Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this on Thursday, January 11, while fielding questions from journalists during a briefing.

    The Nation reports that residents of Garam, Kuduru and sorounding communities in Bwari local government area have relocated due to persisted bandits attacks and kidnapping in the area.

    He said: “The airm of our ongoing operations remain unchanged; and it is to go after the terrorists wherever they may be hiding, and destroyed them 

    “We believe that by destroying them they will not be able to carry out terror against the citizens of this country and we will have a safer environment.

    “From the reports that we have concerning the FCT and environs, as I speak to you operations are still on going in those locations. In the last one week we have arrested several of them and they are providing us with necceaary Information that will help us in our operations.”

    On civilians casualties recorded during operations along Abuja-Kaduma High Way, Buba described it as an unfortunate incident that do occure during military operations all over the world.

    He said: “What happened on the January 6 on Kaduna-Abuja High Way was that the terrorists were crossing the road and they were effectively engaged by the troops. Unfortunately some civilians were caught up in the cross fire. There are complexities of war. And like I said as a military our aim is to go after them. 

    Read Also: Military kills, arrests terrorists in Abuja suburb, says DHQ

    “What made them to cross, it is because we are going after them and they couldn’t remain where they were, so they have to move out. And in the process we have we still have to engage them . We are in a situation of war. It is unfortunate that civilians were caught up in the cross fire. But we can’t leave the terrorists we have to go after them and destroyed them.”

    The military high also confirmed that terrorists are involved in mining activities in Zamfara State.

    “On issue of Zamfara State I want is to go back to our history books and find out what are causes of war all over the world. Anywhere there is mineral deposite powple want to get that mineral. And to get that mineral what do they do? They want to displays the communities that there to get that mineral. So has it happens all over the world  ours is not different.” 

    He said the military would be more resolute in dealing with terrorists and other criminalities this year.

  • Military kills, arrests terrorists in Abuja suburb, says DHQ

    Military kills, arrests terrorists in Abuja suburb, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says its troops on fighting patrol have killed several terrorists and arrested others in Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    It also said that the troops also killed terrorist and violent extremists in Tafa local government area of Niger State.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    The Director Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this on Thursday, January 11, while fielding questions from journalists during a briefing.

    The Nation reports that residents of aram, Kuduru and sorounding communities in Bwari local government area are relocating due to persisted bandits attacks and kidnapping in the area.

    Details shortly… 

  • Extortion at military checkpoints

    Extortion at military checkpoints

    • By Fadeela Mustapha Lawan

    Sir: For years, Nigeria has struggled with insecurity and corruption, two problems that have deeply affected the country’s economy and its people. Despite efforts by the government to address these issues, they remain a major challenge for the nation. The Nigerian military has been praised for its efforts to combat insecurity and protect the country’s citizens, yet recent revelations of corruption within the have raised troubling questions about their activities.

    For many travellers and drivers, a stop at a military checkpoint can be a source of anxiety and dread. Military personnel are known to request bribes from travellers to guarantee a smooth journey.   Night time, in particular, brings a new level of danger for travellers and drivers. Not only are the roads more dangerous, but the threat of being asked to part for money at military checkpoints is also heightened. In the darkness, some personnel in uniform are more likely to request bribes, knowing that their actions are less likely to be seen or reported. But what is the cost of this corruption, both for the individuals affected and for the country as a whole?

    Bribery by military personnel at checking points can have a number of serious consequences. First, it undermines the military’s credibility and reputation, making it harder for the military to carry out its mission effectively. Furthermore, it creates a dangerous environment for the public, who may be targeted by criminals. Additionally, it can lead to an increase in crime and violence, as corrupt officials may use their power to extort money or goods from travellers. Over all, it can lead to a loss of public trust in the military and the government.

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    There are few possible solutions that include increase in training and oversight for military personnel manning the checkpoints. This could include regular inspections to ensure that officials are made to follow proper procedures to either eliminate or at least reduce the possibility of extortion. Another is increasing penalties for officials caught taking bribes.

    Measures to increase transparency and accountability could also be implemented. This could include regular reports on the performance of the officials at the checkpoints. Another solution could be a public awareness campaign to educate travellers about their rights and what to do if they are asked for a bribe.

    •Fadeela Mustapha Lawan,

    Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • FG assures retired military officers of prompt payment of pension

    FG assures retired military officers of prompt payment of pension

    The federal government has assured retired and retiring military officers of prompt payment of their pension and other entitlements.

    It said retired military officers have sacrificed so much for the stability of the country, hence their pensions and other entitlements must not be delayed.

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said this late night on Tuesday, December 19, during a Regimental Dinner Night organized in honour of newly retired and retiring Nigerian Army senior officers at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess Asokoro, Abuja. 

    At the event, one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals and 44 Brigadier Generals bowed out of the Nigerian Army, after meritorious and dedicated service without blemish to the nation. 

    The minister urged the retirees to take a break and reflect appropriately on the next phase of life. He saluted the retirees and expressed the nation’s gratitude for their exemplary service, love for country and commended their spouses for their perseverance.

    Read Also: FG assures retired military officers of prompt payment of pension

    Badaru charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores, adding that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.  

    The minister said the occasion provided the Nigerian Army the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers. 

    He said the experiences and skills garnered while in service and respect for diversity, which he said has been their working principles throughout their career, would provide them a veritable platform as they exit the service.

    He noted that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well- being of serving and retired personnel.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja enjoined the retired senior officers to appreciate God and the Nigerian Army for a successful sojourn in the noble profession of arms’ and attaining the point of meritorious disengagement from active service.

    He congratulated and appreciated the wives and families of the retired senior officers for their patience and support, while holding the home front. 

    Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of Retired Generals, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu thanked the COAS for the honour accorded them, pledging that they will remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, even at retirement.

  • Military neutralises Kachalla, three other notorious terrorist commanders – DHQ

    Military neutralises Kachalla, three other notorious terrorist commanders – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of four notorious terrorist commanders in air strikes within the week.

    They are Machika, Haro, Dan Muhammadu and Ali Alhaji Alheri, popularly called Kachalla Ali Kawaje.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Buba said that Machika was a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide) while Haro and Dan Muhammadu were specialist in kidnapping and assault operations respectively.

    He said a synchronised strike between air and ground forces aimed at the same target on Dec. 11, killed Kachalla Kawaje, a renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara.

    He added that Kachalla was neutralised in Munya Local Government Area of Niger along with many of his foot soldiers.

    According to him, the military is fast closing in on others and they will equally suffer the same fate.

    Buba said that air assets conducted aggressive air flights on confirmed locations active with the movement of terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers.

    He added that the strikes carried out resulted in the killing of over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 others were arrested.

    “The armed forces is hunting down prominent terrorist leaders and  engaging them wherever they are hiding.

    Read Also: War against terrorism a must win, says DHQ

    “The military will continue to take the fight to the terrorists and their cohorts until they are destroyed or surrendered.

    In the South East, Buba said the troops, in conjunction with other security agencies, on Wednesday apprehended a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    He said the commander, one Mr Uchechukwu Akpa, was arrested together with three other sub- commanders, namely Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.

    According to him, the trio were arrested after a raid on their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta Mgbowo, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    “They gathered to plot to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command, Enugu State Chapter, from the apprehended former Commander, known as “Chocho”. They also planned to attack troop locations.

    “During the raid, Mr  Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape.

    He was the Second in Command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN leader currently in custody.

    “Subsequently, another raid connected with the arrest was conducted on Dec. 14 where troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle, Two AK 47 Magazine, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition and one Pump action rifle.

    “The operations of the week in focus, equally resulted in the arrest of 66 perpetrators of oil theft and the  rescued of 89 kidnapped hostages,” he said.

    Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area destroyed 15 dugout pits, 25 boats, 74 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 115 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs, 10 cooling systems, 10 receivers, three pumping machines and 64 illegal refining sites during the week.

    He added that troops recovered 357,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 185,300 litres of illegally refined AGO and 20,600 litres of PMS.

    (NAN)

  • Military hands over schools, donates uniforms to govt, communities in Jigawa

    Military hands over schools, donates uniforms to govt, communities in Jigawa

    The Chief of Army Staff LT. General Taoreed Lagbaja has renovated, commissioned, and handed over 11 blocks of two classrooms, and 10 units of toilets to the Jigawa state government.

    The Nigerian Army also donated dozens of three-seater tables, school uniforms, teaching and learning materials to Limawa communities in Dutse local government area to the JIgawa state.

    Speaking while handing over the facilities to the JIgawa state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, the chief of army staff LT General Taoreed Lagbaja said: “The projects are parts of the military policy for Carnatic support in national peace and development.”

    Lagbaja, who was represented by the chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General NC Ogbor, disclosed that the projects executed included water facilities and school uniforms for the pupils.

    He explained that the project is under the community Special Intervention Project to allow senior military officers to reciprocate back to their immediate community with such a project to promote better relationships between the military and the general public.

    Read Also: Remain strong in terrorism battle, minister urges military

    He assured the Jigawa state government and the people of the state that, the Nigerian Army will continue to work hand in hand with sister security agencies and the general public in protecting the territorial integrity of the country, peace and stability.

    In his speech the chief executor of the project, Major General Abdulkadir Muhammad said, the project comprised the renovation of 11 blocks of 24, classrooms, 10 toilet units, Water facilities and staff offices.

    According to him, “Under the chief of army staff community intervention, all the students of the school will be given one set of school’s uniform and set of exercise book”.

    Receiving the projects the Jigawa state governor Malam Umar Namadi has commended the chief of Army Staff for such intervention that will complement the effort of the state government in providing an enabling environment for teaching and learning in the state.

    Governor Namadi also commended the executor of the project Major General Abdulkadir Muhammad for executing the project and described him as a proud son, who has concerns for the future of the young generation.

    The governor also assured the chief of army staff and the executor of the project that the government in collaboration with the community will utilise and protect the project to achieve the desired goal of providing access to quality education to our children.

    In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse His Highness Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi extended the appreciation of the Limawa community, and Dutse emirate to the chief of army staff, also promised to promote Friendship Operations, with military and other security agencies for maintaining peace and stability in Jigawa state and Nigeria.

  • Remain strong in terrorism battle, minister urges military

    • ‘Accidental bombing of Kaduna village should not demoralise you’

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged the military to remain focused in its battle against terrorists.

    He said Sunday’s accidental bombing of civilians in Kaduna State should not dampen their fighting spirit.

    The minister, who regretted the incident, noted that despite what had happened, the fight against insurgency and terrorism must continue.

    Matawalle said this when he visited the survivors of the incident at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna.

    He said: “We are not going to relent in our fight against terrorism because these criminals must be defeated. We are going to continue fighting the criminals till we succeed against banditry and other criminalities in this country.”

    A statement in Abuja by the Director of Information, Henshaw Ogubike, said the minister, who was accompanied by top officials of the ministry, conveyed Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar’s message to the survivors.

    He conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of those who died in the incident.

    Matawalle said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed him to lead a high-level delegation to pay condolence visits to the people and government of Kaduna State as well as to the families of the dead.

    Also, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) yesterday held a peaceful protest at the gates of the National Assembly in Abuja.

    They demanded justice for victims of the military bombing that occurred at Tudun Biri in the Rigassa area of Kaduna State.

    They said the killings in the north were unacceptable.

    Leader of the protesters, who were members of the NYCN from the Northwest and Arewa Youth Movement, Nasir Ishaku, said victims of the incident must get justice from the government.

    Also, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has condoled with the families of victims of the accidental bombing in Kaduna State.

    He described the incident as unfortunate.

    Barau called for a thorough investigation into the incident, as directed by President Tinubu.

    The Deputy Senate President urged security forces to scrutinise the incident.

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    He prayed Allah to grant the dead Al-Jannatul Fir’daus and strengthen the families to bear the irreparable loss.

    Also, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC); the Yoruba community in Kaduna, under the auspices of Yoruba Welfare Council; and the Aare Atunluse Omoluwabi Oodua Worldwide, Chief Muritala Audu, have condoled with the bereaved families and the Kaduna State government over the incident.

    They urged the Federal Government to carry out a thorough investigation into the bombing and ensure adequate compensation to the families of the victims.

    Also, survivors of the accidental bombing have claimed that the death toll had risen to 127 as at last night. This could not be independently confirmed.

    On Tuesday, The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gave death toll as 85, with 66 injured.

    The survivors, who claimed to have carried out a census of the attendees at the Maulud Nabbiy celebration when the drone attack happened, said several others were still unaccounted for.

    Also, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) and Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) yesterday described the incident as one error too many.

    At the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, a member of the family of the victims, Idris Dahiru, said more injured people and dead bodies were brought to the hospital yesterday.

    Dahiru, who claimed to have lost 34 members of his family, added: “This morning, some people were picked up in the forest and they were brought to the hospital.

    “The number of injured people has increased to 75. One person had died this morning (yesterday). Some of the injured persons have been moved to other hospitals. Some have been moved to 44 Army Reference Hospital, One Division, Nigeria military facility, while some are still here in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital.”

  • One disastrous military operation too many

    One disastrous military operation too many

    Sir: On Monday, Nigerians woke up to yet again encounter another agonizing story of a avoidable and costly error made by the Nigerian Army, leading to the loss of innocent lives.

    As confirmed by the Kaduna State government, on the night of Sunday, December 4, a military jet belonging to the Nigerian Army bombed peaceful Maulud celebrants at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The unfortunate incident led to the death of innocent people, mostly children and women. Not less than 87 dead bodies have been reported while search and rescue operations are still ongoing in order to recover the remaining dead and the injured.

    While taking responsibility, the Nigerian Army, through the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen VU Okoro, admitted that the air components of the Army was on a routine mission against terrorists when the incident happened.

    Didn’t the (military) do their homework thoroughly and adequately after receiving intelligence before acting so as to avoid recurrence of these kinds of unfortunate incidents? Were they not trained adequately on how to separate the chaff from the grains? Or do they lack the requisite technology to identify law-abiding civilians from the swarm of terrorists?

    It is certainly still fresh in our minds how in February, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, jet also bombed a group of herdsmen in Nasarawa while returning from Benue having gone to secure release of their livestock. Over 40 innocent Fulani herders were gruesomely killed in Doma Local Government Area of the state during that incident.

    This Nasarawa incident would even seem a tip of an iceberg given the series of bombing undertaken by the military in recent years.

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    For instance, in September 2021, the NAF air craft fired upon and killed more than 60 civilians at Daban Masara village of Borno State. The same NAF fighter jet had also in January 2017 bombed a refugee camp in Borno State killing more than 100 civilians including 20 humanitarian aid workers.

    It is obvious that these incidents keep recurring because the federal government and Military High Command have not made significant efforts to curtail the tide. Whenever it happens, the government and Military High Command merely issue condemnation and promise to investigate the matter which nobody will ever hear about again.

    It is pertinent that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and Kaduna State Government swing into action to investigate this matter to avert future occurrences. Meanwhile, the bereaved family should be fully compensated for the colossal and irreparable losses they have just suffered.

    •Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

    Abuja.

  • Yuletide: Military to man major roads, hot spots, says Army

    Yuletide: Military to man major roads, hot spots, says Army

    The military and other security forces will man major roads and criminal hot spots in the Southeast and other parts of the country to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide, the Nigerian Army has said.

    The Army assured Nigerians who will travel homes during Yuletide not to entertain any fear.

    It said the military and other security forces would provide tight security during the festive period and beyond.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, gave the assurance during a briefing on the successes of Exercises Still Waters III, Enduring Peace III, and Golden Down III, yesterday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said: “The security forces will dominate the Southeast. Our troops will also dominate all roads to ensure security for Nigerians to travel to their various homes during the Yuletide.

    “If you look at the country today, it’s not only the army that has deployed troops but other security agencies. That is a signal or deterrent to any criminals.

    “In the Southeast, we have a joint task force commanded by a Major General. It has other security agencies.

    “We are giving the assurance that we will dominate all hot spots. We are giving the assurance to people coming back home that they will be safe. 

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    “Although we are aware of soft targets, security is better (now) than what it used to be in the Southeast. 

    “So, everybody, even those in the Diaspora, are free to come back home to celebrate with their loved ones. But aside this, people should be vigilant and report any suspicious persons to security agencies.

    “We all have to be up and doing, mentally alert, and say something when we see something. We cannot have absolute security.”

    Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had directed immediate deployment of the 401 Task Force Brigade on major roads in Benue State to curtail activities of bandits and other criminals in the state.

    Giving an update on the security situation in the country, the Army spokesperson said troops had killed 13 criminals and arrested 88 others from the period the exercises were launched in October to date.

    He said troops deployed in the exercises across 20 states maintained an offensive posture, conducting several kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the forms of raids on criminal hideouts and patrols, amongst others. 

    “So far, all the exercises have recorded significant successes,” Nwachukwu said.