The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Army

  • Troops enter the heart of Sambisa forest

    The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have entered the heart of Sambisa forest from different fronts while recording huge successes clearing
    out the last frontier of Boko Haram terrorists hideouts.

    During several operations include Operation Rescue Finale which is the continuation of Operation Crackdown aimed at rescuing all the Chibok
    School Girls and other hostages held deep inside Sambisa Forest, troops have rescued a total of 801 hostages, between November 23 to
    December 5, 2016. However, it is still unclear if there are any Chibok girls among them.
    The theater commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Leo Irabor on Wednesday gave a full account of the operations in Maiduguri
    saying the current offensive against Boko Haram has been successful.

    General Irabor said the current operation into the heart of Sambisa forest is in several fronts and it included collaborations with the
    Nigerian Air Force which has been deeply involved in the fight against the insurgency. He also revealed that the two Boko Haram factions have
    been fighting each other causing disarray in the rank and file of the insurgents.

    Irabor said: “On one of the fronts, on 30th November 2016 the troops cleared Goneri before harbouring at Goni Kurmi. While at harbour at
    Goni Kurmi the troops were attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists with the hope of slowing down their push.  The attack was successfully
    repelled with the Boko Haram terrorists suffering casualties. The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, different calibers of ammunitions and magazines.

    “The advance continued the following day and our troops successfully cleared Alafa 1, 2 and 3 respectively before harbouring at Bula Bello.
    On 5th  December  2016 the troops cleared all Boko Haram terrorists delay positions before capturing Njimia. At Njimia our troops were
    attacked by the terrorists with Anti-Aircraft guns and small arms fire.  The attack lasted for about 30 minutes but was successfully
    repelled with Boko Haram terrorists suffering heavy casualties in both men and equipment before retreating. However, one soldier and 2
    Civilian JTF were wounded.  The soldier and one Civilian JTF later died while being evacuated to the hospital.

    “Yesterday, at about 4.00pm, Intelligence Surveillance  and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft identified Boko Haram terrorists massing
    up to attack own troops at Njimia.  Our Artillery and air assets were used to engage the Boko Haram terrorists which led to the destruction
    of 4 vehicles, a fuel tanker likely laden with Improvised Explosive Devices. The Air Force also strafed and killed many fleeing
    insurgents.

    “Meanwhile, I can confirm to you that the BHTs are in total disarray due to our current military operations. Even the Maman Nur and Shekau
    factions clashed again recently which has further forced the Boko Haram terrorists  remnants at Kafa to disperse in confusion and desperation.”

  • NSCDC trains 106 officers on arms’ bearing

    NSCDC trains 106 officers on arms’ bearing

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has trained 106 of its officers in arms’ bearing

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Oluwole Olusegun, on Monday in Ibadan.

    The statement disclosed that this was part of its efforts to combat vandalism and criminality in the state.

    It added that the officers had undergone a 12-week intensive training in physical fitness, intelligence gathering, drills, arms’ bearing and ethics.

    The level of discipline exhibited by the personnel during the training was quite commendable, it said.

    It quoted the State Commandant, Mr John Adewoye, as saying that arms’ bearing had improved the efficiency of the corps in its mandate and general duties.

    The commandant enjoined them to continue to remain as good ambassadors of the organisation and at the same time, carry out their duties with the fear of God, it said.

    The commandant in the statement also urged them to be more committed to the protection of lives and property.

    It said that Adewoye also lauded the NSCDC Commandant General, Mahammadu Gana, for organising the training for the personnel.

    NAN reports that the training involved live ammunition firing at the military shooting range of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigeria Army, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta.

  • Maiduguri explosion: Army seals off State secretariat

    Maiduguri explosion: Army seals off State secretariat

    Men of the Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) of Nigeria Police Force and the K9 Team of the Nigeria Army have condoned off the Musa Usman State Secretariat of Borno State, where an explosion occurred on Thursday for screening until its declared safe.

    Troops have also successfully evacuated all workers from the secretariat and reinforced security in the area.

    The Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman in a statement in Maiduguri also disclosed that two policemen lost their lives in an attempt to stop  bomber who apparently was targeting a higher casualty should he succeeded  entering the secretariat to attack workers.

    The statements reads: “This afternoon, combined team of Nigeria policemen maintaining security duties at the entrance of Borno State Government   Secretariat, (which was known as Musa Usman Secretariat) in Maiduguri   intercepted and prevented a male suicide bomber from entering to attack workers based on suspicion.

    “Unfortunately, in the process of stopping him, he detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on his body, instantly killing himself, a policeman and critically injuring another policeman that stopped him from gaining entry into the Secretariat Complex. Sadly, the injured policeman died later.  Similarly, 18 people have sustained various degrees of injuries and have since been evacuated to hospital for treatment.

    “Troops have cordoned off the area and evacuated all workers from the Secretariat and reinforced security.  In addition, the Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) and K9 teams have been mobilized to the Secretariat for screening until it is declared safe.

    “This unfortunate incident has reinforced the need for more security consciousness and awareness on the part of all of us as the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers still mingle with the society. It therefore behoves on all and sundry to ensure that they are detected and prevented from carrying out their dastardly acts,” the statement said.

     

  • Boko Haram members now hide in foxholes – Army

    Boko Haram members now hide in foxholes – Army

    Following the unconducive environment that now exists for the Boko Haram Terrorists in the North Eastern part of country, the remnants of the terrorists now hide in fox holes to escape the routing of the Nigerian Soldiers.

    According to the Army Acting Director of Public Relations Colonel Sani Usman the terrorists who have been hibernating in Cinga, Mallum Maja, Bosuma and Murye villages, have various dangerous weapons and have been terrorizing the communities for a long time.

    But they met their waterloo on Sunday when the troop of the 22 Brigade Garrison in Operation LAFIYA DOLE cleared their hiding places in the four villages. This is in compliance with the military high command’s directive which is to ensure that all villages and towns are cleared of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

    During the operations 3 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while 9 of them who tried hiding in foxholes and dug outs were identified and captured alive.

    Items recovered from them include 9 Dane guns, 3 machetes, 1 bow with arrows, 6 motor cycles used by the Boko Haram terrorists to ferry slaughtered cow meats to their hideouts were recovered and burnt.

    Other items recovered include 1 tricycle, 4 x Tiger Generators and 1 solar panel.

    The troops also recovered 300 herds of cattle rustled by the Boko Haram terrorists from Fulani herdsmen and handed over to their rightful owners. Similarly, 400 persons held hostage by the terrorists were rescued and set free. “It is gratifying to state that we have not sustain any casualty to own troops and equipment and troops morale remain very high,” Usman concluded

     

  • Army denies beating 51-year-old woman

    The 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army has denied reports that its troop attached to the headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company beat up a 51-year old woman identified as Joy Agboghidi.

    It said its troop stepped into the scuffle to separate the fighting between two women.

    A statement signed by the 4 Brigade Public Relations Officer, Captain Jonathan Unuakhalu said the fight was between a man who claimed to be an Air Commodore in the Air force and his wife against Mrs. Joy over the right of way.

    According to the statement, “The scuffle resulted in the damaging of the wind screens of both vehicles by the parties. At that point troops stationed for guard duties at BEDC took steps to resolve and separate the fighting women before the situation degenerates to a free for all. The troops only maintained peace and security within the area.”

    “This headquarters viewed the report as an attempt to cast aspersions on the good name of the Nigerian Army and damage the good reputation of 4 Brigade which she has laboured to build over the years.”

  • Ambode orders security agencies to apply force against vandals, cultists

    Ambode orders security agencies to apply force against vandals, cultists

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Tuesday ordered security agencies to apply appropriate force to clampdown on criminals, pipeline vandals, miscreants and cultists disturbing the peace of residents in the state.

    The Governor who spoke during a security inspection tour of Owutu, Ishawo, Oke-Oko and other adjoining communities in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state, also warned criminals to stay off the streets of Lagos, vowing to stop at nothing to ensure the restoration of peace in the area, which had hitherto being disturbed by the activities of vandals and miscreants.

    The Governor who made a brief stop at the Little Palace Hotel, where vandals once used as hideout to carry out their nefarious activities before it was taken over by a combined force of the Nigeria Army, Navy, Airforce and the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Police under the code name, ‘Operation Awatse’, expressed deep regret over the loss of three officers of the operation, assuring that his administration will give the force the necessary support to wage war against the vandals.

    “I would like to use this as a platform to give a very strong warning to vandals and even cultists that are parading themselves on the street of Lagos.

    “Just recently we heard that the fingers of some of our men in the Task Force were chopped off by some hoodlums so to speak. I’m using this platform also to direct our security forces that they should go ahead to use appropriate force in mitigating against such incidences next time and this is in the overall interest of all of us. While we make sure that we are upholding the rule of law. We would not fold our arms and allow some miscreants to disturb the peace of Lagos.”

    “If we sit down in our office, we would not be able to appreciate the extent of the problem here. People here have been living in fear in the past. We want permanent peace in the area and that is why we are coming after the vandals and criminals. Let me use this opportunity to warn criminals to get off the streets of Lagos and get off the creeks,” he said.

    The Governor while appreciating the officers whose presence in the area had reduced the activities of the vandals and hoodlums terrorising residents, said he will ensure that all necessary apparatus and welfare for the officers is made available to boost their morale in the line of duty.

    “I have come here personally with the heads of security agencies in Lagos State and the Security Council members to firstly appreciate the work of security agencies that have been posted here since last October and to also commend you for the improvement we have made since the time that you commenced operation here.

    “We like to reiterate once again our full commitment to support security agencies in eradicating vandalism and all sorts of vices from the street of Lagos. Beyond the fact that we are supporting the Nigerian Police, we are also now more than ever committed to support all the other security agencies in ensuring that they carry out their work more efficiently. So, my presence today underscores that fact that we all have to join hands together to ensure that the ugly scenes like this will not repeat itself,” he said.

    Earlier, Lt Col. Julius Ogbebe, Commanding Officer of the Operation Awatse, who briefed the Governor and his entourage on the operational base of his squad, said they dislodged the vandals from the Little Palace Hotel on October 10, 2015, which has since led to the recovery of over 2000 by 50 litres gallon of illegal products, 36 vehicles while 15 suspects were also arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution.

    The Governor who also inspected the state of the road, revealed plans to link up the community with Arepo and Kara, expressing optimism that if the road network is accessible, it would go a long way to reduce the activities of vandals in the area.

    He therefore promised to champion collaboration for the construction of a link bridge among Lagos, Ogun and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that Ishawo, Oke Oko communities is linked to Kara and Arepo via the creek to ensure easy access to Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

    Addressing community leaders and residents at a brief town hall meeting, said although his visit to the area was to access the security situation, he also took note of the need to open up the community so as to curtail the activities of pipeline vandals to the bearest minimum.

  • Nigerian military extends medical help to pilgrims in Saudi

    Nigerian military extends medical help to pilgrims in Saudi

    Nigerian Armed Forces members on Holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia have extended medical treatment to other Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land.

    This was also as other pilgrims from respective Nigerian states benefitted from Hajj lecture organised by the Armed Forces in Madina.

    Explaining why the soldiers were rendering such humanitarian assistance, Director Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army, Colonel Shehu Garba Mustapha told our Correspondent that, it was part of their training that anywhere they find themselves, they protect Nigerians therein.

    Colonel Mustapha who is also the leader of the Armed Forces delegation to Saudi Arabia said, though they were not in Saudi Arabia to provide such services to pilgrims, but to members of the Armed forces and their families on Holy pilgrimage.

    According to him, 400 Armed Forces officers and personnel, including their families were in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj exercise.

    “So, just like states, the Nigerian Armed Forces get allocation from the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) every year and we pay for the seats. This year, 400 of us including over 10 generals from the three services are on the Holy pilgrimage, including members of our family.

    “Therefore, it is mandatory for us to provide medical care for our members, that is why we are here with our medical team. But, along the line other pilgrims who stay in the same house with us here in Madina come for medical care and since they are Nigerians, we have to provide them with such care.

    “First, as Muslims, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught us that, ‘none of you is a true believer until he loves for his neighbour what he loves for himself’. Secondly, by training, any where you see a soldier, be it, Army, Air Force or Navy, his thinking is to protect the integrity of Nigeria and lives and property of its people. That is why we are giving such support even though we know respective states came with their medical team, we cannot turn back those who approach us for care.

    “Similarly, when we organised lecture on how to perform Hajj and Umrah, other Nigerian pilgrims attended and we happy they benefitted from it. So, the military has human face, it’s not just about war,” Colonel Mustapha said.

  • Army to provide conducive environment for officers

    The Nigeria Army said it would provide its officers and men with an environment conducive for working.

    The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Abejirin, spoke yesterday while inaugurating the rehabilitated facilities at the 4 Brigade of the Army in Benin.

    He said the military authorities were not ignorant of the importance of infrastructure in boosting the morale and professionalism of the officers and men.

    Abejirin hailed the leadership of the Brigade in providing basic infrastructure to its troops.

    The facilities inaugurated included office accommodation, mechanic workshop and houses.

    Also inaugurated were refurbished three blocks of 10 classrooms at the Command Children School, Benin.

    The Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Okwudili Azinta, said the rehabilitated classrooms would boost enrolment in school and widen access to education for the children of officers and men.

    He said the projects were undertaken to improve accommodation and other infrastructural needs of the command.

    Brig.-Gen. Azinta urged the soldiers and other beneficiaries of the projects to make best use of them.

  • ACF to FG: Don’t draft ex-militants into army

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has lauded the Federal Government’s plan to reinstate 10,000 retired soldiers to boost the army in the fight against insurgency.

    It, however, warned that ex-Niger-Delta militants should not by any means be considered for enlistment in the army.

    ACF in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said the appropriate authorities must scrutinize the retired soldiers thoroughly and reinstate only the qualified persons.

    The statement reads: “It has been brought to the knowledge of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that the Federal Government has authorized the reinstatement of 10,000 retired soldiers back into the Nigeria Army. This in the wisdom of government is to boost the strength of the military to confront the insurgency that has engulfed the country.

    “ACF welcomes this development, however, it wishes to caution the authorities responsible for the reinstatement to scrutinize the retired soldiers thoroughly and ensure that only persons qualified in accordance with military regulations are recalled.

    “Furthermore, the issue of federal character must be reflected in the selection process to ensure fair representation of all sections of the country. ACF therefore urges the authorities to display transparency and honesty in the reinstatement exercise.

    “ACF particularly advises that those who have never been in the military and therefore, cannot be re-instated or recalled should be precluded from the exercise, as on no account should ex-militants, who after receiving formal training as part of Amnesty granted by late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s benevolence, be considered to benefit from the exercise. They are not qualified for either reinstatement or recall from the reserve list.”

  • Army deploys 700 for Liberia’s operation

    Army deploys 700 for Liberia’s operation

    … Senior officers to monitor North-east troops’ deployment

    The Commandant, Nigeria Army Peacekeeping Centre, Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba, on Friday said 700 soldiers would be deployed for Peace Support Operation in Liberia.

    Uba said at the end of the pre-deployment training conducted for the soldiers at the centre in Jaji, Kaduna State that the personnel, drawn from the 22 Battalion, would serve for six months.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that he commended them for their professionalism, and urged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

    The commandant assured that the centre would continue to expand its facilities “to provide first class training to troops and participants.”

    “The vision of the Nigerian Army peacekeeping centre is to deliver realistic training to potential peacekeepers for the multidimensional challenges of contemporary peace support operations,” he stated.

    Uba added that the centre had been discharging its role creditably, which earned it a certificate of recognition from the United Nations, as Centre of Excellence.

    The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj- Gen. Ahmad Jibrin, charged the soldiers to be focused, professional and efficient in discharging their mandate.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has sent a combined team of senior officers from the Army and Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to monitor the deployment of troops to the force newly formed 7 Division.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade.

    It said the team would assess the level of effectiveness of the Division’s deployment in handling the next phase of the security operations in its area of responsibility.

    “They will on return to Abuja, brief the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff on the present state of the mission being undertaken by the Division.’’

    NAN recalls that the 7 Division was formed recently to take over the security operations meant to check terrorist activities as ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan.