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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Taraba killings: Police, Army can’t go their separate ways, says Gambari

    ELDER statesman and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, on Tuesday said the recent killing of three police detectives and a civilian in Taraba State should not compel the police and the Army to go their separate ways.

    Gambari, who said there is urgent need for a national conversation on the nation’s security challenges, warned that if the police and the Army went their separate ways, security would be compromised.

    The retired ambassador called for continuous collaboration and dialogue between the police and the Army as well as among the nation’s security agencies.

    He said the civil society, traditional institutions and religious bodies should support and provide intelligence for the security agencies to tackle the security challenging facing the country.

    Gambari advised the Federal Government to adopt parts of the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference to address the myriad of challenges facing the country.

    Read Also: Taraba governorship tribunal adjourns for judgment

    The former ambassador noted that some recommendations of the conference would enable the government to tackle the nation’s security challenges, especially in the areas of community police or state police.

    He advised the government not to throw away the baby with the bath water.

    Gambari addressed reporters after delivering an address as the chairman of a security summit with the theme: Terrorism, Insurgency and Incidence of Electoral Violence in Nigeria: The Role of Security Agencies.

    It was organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) at NARC office in Asokoro, Abuja.

    Gambari said: “We cannot leave everything to the police and the Army, even leaving highway patrols to Army. The level of the challenge will weaken the police and overstretch the Army.

    “There is need for continuous process of collaboration and synergy between the police and the Army to avoid the Taraba scenario in future. If everybody goes their separate ways, the security of the nation will be compromised.

    “Then, again, we need to assist the police and other security agencies with intelligence and all members of the society, including traditional rulers and religious leaders. We have to look at those institutions that worked in the past and try to really use them in collaborative effort because security is the business of all of us.

    “For community policing, we need a conversation in this country, very urgently, whether it is community police, whether it is state police.”

     

  • Philanthropist renovates Army quarters in Rivers

    Individuals, groups and corporate organisations have been called upon to continue to support the Nigerian Army for better service delivery, reports Southsouth Bureau Chief, BISI OLANIYI

    Wife of one of the beneficiaries of the renovated residential accommodation at the headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mrs. Ibuchim Andrew, was so excited on August 23 during the inauguration of the building.

    Andrew said: “I feel so happy about the renovation, because rain was always falling on us and our property in the old apartment. It caused a lot of damage to our belongings. Our beds, chairs, electronics and other household items were always soaked with rain water. It was so challenging, but the renovation took place within three weeks.

    “The environment is now so beautiful and very nice. No more flooding. We are grateful to the company that assisted with the renovation. God will continue to bless and protect the Managing Director and the members of staff.”

    While also speaking, another soldier’s wife, Mrs. Fatima Auwalu, stated that she and her other beneficiaries appreciated the gesture, praying that God would continue to be with the philanthropist, Chief Ejovi Ogenegaren, who embarked on the renovation.

    While interacting with reporters after the inauguration, Ogenegaren, who is also the Managing Director of Ejovi Dredging and Marine Services Limited said: “I was motivated to embark on the renovation of the buildings by the wonderful works being done by the military personnel. Their actions ensure that we sleep in our houses and feel protected. We need to appreciate the military officers and men for their good works, especially in the Southsouth zone of Nigeria. We need to support them.

    “Embarking on the renovation of the buildings was borne out of the consideration of the sacrifices they make on daily basis to ensure our security and safety.

    “We need to always give back to our society. This is a stepping stone for us. We are going to do more in other parts of the military. We need every Nigerian, who is able, to support the military and the Nigerian system to best develop ourselves.”

    In his speech during the inauguration, the special guest of honour (Ogenegaren) expressed his gratitude to Almighty God who gave him the opportunity to come up with the idea of renovating the block for the army, which he said would put smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.

    He revealed that the initiative was borne out of his personal conviction and feelings that the Nigerian army should be appreciated for the great works the officers and men were doing.

    The philanthropist said: “It is a fact that soldiers are in every part of our country, contending with different security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and pipeline vandalism, among others. These efforts are to ensure that we all sleep with our eyes closed.

    “Though, we cannot pay for the soldiers’ sacrifices, we can support and appreciate the Nigerian Army in our little ways.”

    Ogenegaren also thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC) six Division, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, for magnanimously granting approval for him to contribute to the army and the six Division in particular.

    Managing Director of Ejovi Dredging and Marine Services Limited urged the beneficiaries to ensure they make good use of the facility.

    In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Sarham thanked Ogenegaren, on behalf of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, officers, men and family members of 6 Division, for the laudable gesture, as part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

    The GOC, who is also the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), said: “No doubt, this project (renovation) will go a long way in alleviating the challenges faced by troops and their families and for that we thank you.

    “May I use this opportunity to extend the Division’s hands of partnership with philanthropists and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR – Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom states), to as part of their CSR, extend similar projects within the barracks communities.

    “The reciprocal gesture will definitely give succour to the families of soldiers that work daily to make your business environment conducive.”

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham also assured that the renovated residential accommodation would be put to good use.

    With Ogenegaren’s initiative at the headquarters of 6 division in Port Harcourt, other philanthropists, groups and companies should emulate him, in order to move forward and to continue to put smiles on the faces of people.

  • Troops foil terrorists’ planned IED attack

    PLOY by terrorists to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in massive potholes dug on the Maiduguri-Konduga-Bama Main Supply Route (MSR) was on Wednesday foiled by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Nigerian Army has said.

    It said the terrorists had planned to launch the attack, thereby frustrating movement of troops, logistics and disrupting activities of other commuters.

    A statement on Wednesday by the spokesman for 7 Division, Colonel Ado Isa, said the affected area was scanned and cleared by a team of Engineers Ordinance detachment to prevent any unfortunate incident.

    The spokesman described the move by the terrorists as a desperate step to frustrate the gains recorded in the current war in the Northeast.

    He said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu, visited the scene alongside the Commander 21 of Special Armoured Brigade for on-the-spot assessment of the road.

    Quoting his boss, Ida said the conduct of intensive mobile patrols, ambushes and piqueting in the area incapacitated the terrorists’ suicide bombing methods.

    The spokesman added that they resorted to other means, including burying IEDs.

    Read Also: Buratai charges troops on loyalty, sacrifice

    “The affected area of the road was scanned and cleared by the team of Engineers Ordinance Detachment to allow for safe movement of troops and other road users accordingly.

    “The GOC charged the troops to remain more determined and committed in the operation in order to deny them (terrorists) freedom of action.

    “Super Camp Konduga mobilised its engineers and locals within the area to mend the affected parts of the road in order to ease free and safe movement of troops, logistics and other commuters.”

    “Members of the public are requested to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in observing, reporting suspicious activities within their respective areas and provide credible information to aid operation in order to combat the menace of terrorism and other insecurities,” he said.

     

  • Police, army clash over slain officers, civilians

    WHAT went wrong?

    That was the question on Thursday as the police recovered from the initial shock of losing three policemen who were on a mission to arrest a suspected kidnap kingpin.

    A joint army and  police committee is to probe the killing of the officers and three civilians who the army claimed died in an exchange of gunfire.

    The police said the officers were murdered in cold blood in Taraba State.

    The incident got President Muhammadu Buhari’s attention on Thursday. He met with security chiefs at the State House, Abuja to discuss the security situation in the land.

    The three policemen are Inspector Mark Edaile and Sergeants Usman Danzumi and Dahiru Musa. Also killed on Tuesday was a yet unnamed civilian.

    Two more civilians who sustained gunshot wounds died early yesterday.

    Troops of 93 Battalion, Takum, had pursued and exchanged fire with some “suspected kidnappers”, who turned out to be members of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    The three policemen, who were on a covert assignment, died from gunshot wounds and other members of the team were injured.

    At the meeting with the President were: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonishakin; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Ibok-Ete Ibas; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai and the representative of Inspector-General Mohammed Adamu.

    Air Marshal Abubakar, who briefed State House reporters after the meeting, said that the council evaluated management of internal security operations all over the country.

    Stressing that the meeting was satisfied with the efforts being taken, he said that substantial progress are being recorded in all the areas of conflicts.

    On the Taraba incident, Air Marshal Abubakar said: “The council also decided that the unfortunate incidents in Taraba State in Ibi, a committee will be setup under the defence headquarters, set up by defence headquarters to critically look into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.

    “Finally, we also want to assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies would continue to work to ensure the security of Nigerians and to also ensure that no individual or group of individuals undermine the territorial integrity of Nigeria. That, in a nutshell, is the outcome of this meeting.”

    Asked if the council discussed using drones to fight crimes as earlier pledged to Southwest leaders, the Chief of Air Staff said: “Technology will continue to play a very critical role in resolving security challenges in Nigeria.

    “All the services are using one technology or the other in order to ensure that our country is secured.

    “So security will continue to play a role and we are also looking at other areas of technology that are not currently in use to ensure that we put together all that is required to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    Faulting the Army’s explanation that soldiers took the undercover IRT operatives attacked on Ibi-Wukari Road for kidnappers, the police posed many questions.

    The 93 Battalion soldiers on Tuesday opened fire on a white bus marked LAGOS MUS564EU conveying the undercover policemen and a suspected notorious kidnapper, Alhaji Hamisu Wadume.

    Also killed was a civilian while other policemen sustained serious injuries, Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Frank Mba said in a statement on Wednesday night.

    A similar incident, which resulted in the death of three policemen under curious circumstances played out between soldiers and policemen in Niger State in 2017.

    Read Also: Killing of Police: Buhari orders Army to investigate incident

    Last year, two policemen were killed and their commander seriously wounded after they were attacked by soldiers in Yobe State.

    Reacting to the statement by the police, army spokesman Sagir Musa, a Colonel, claimed that the troops acted on a distress call, suggesting that Hamisu was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

    He claimed that the bus refused to stop at three checkpoints, adding that the policemen fired the first shots. The soldiers, he said, retaliated.

    Musa said: “On August 6, troops of 93 Battalion Takum, while responding to a distress call to rescue a kidnapped victim, exchanged fire with the suspected kidnappers along Ibi-Wukari Road in Taraba State. The suspected kidnappers numbering about 10 and driving in a white bus with registration number LAGOS MUS564EU refused to stop when they were halted by troops at three consecutive check points.

    “The flagrant refusal of the suspected kidnappers to stop at the three checkpoints prompted a hot pursuit of the fleeing suspects by the troops. It was in this process that the suspected kidnappers who were obviously armed opened fire at the troops sporadically, thus prompting them to return fire.

    “In the resultant fire fight, four suspects were shot and died on the spot while four sustained various degrees of gunshot wounds and two others reportedly missing.

    “It was only after this avoidable outcome that one of the wounded suspects disclosed the fact that they were indeed policemen dispatched from Nigeria Police, Force Headquarters, Abuja for a covert assignment.

    “Following inquiries from a Police Station officer who was asked by the commander of the army troops whether he was aware of any Nigeria Police team being dispatched to operate in the LGA, the Divisional  Police Officer of Ibi responded that he was not informed about any operation by the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, thus lending credence to the distress call from members of the community that the suspects who turned out to be policemen on a covert mission were rather suspected kidnappers.

    “This incident is indeed quite unfortunate and could have been avoided through proper coordination and liaison as the Nigeria Police Force are partners in the fight against crimes such as kidnapping, amongst myriads of other internal security threats confronting our nation of which the Nigeria Police is the lead agency.

    “In order to avert future occurrences of this nature, the Army Headquarters and the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police have agreed to constitute a joint investigation 0anel to be headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Mike Ogbizi, to investigate and report on the true circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

    “Therefore, until the Joint Investigation Panel concludes and submits its report, it will be premature to officially conclude and speak on the real circumstances that caused this unfortunate but very avoidable incident.”

    The police rejected the military’s explanation, which they described as defensive.

    In a statement yesterday, the police noted that the service was attempting to justify an unprovoked and unwarranted murder of the three policemen and a civilian, injuring others who were on a legitimate duty.

    In the statement signed by Mba, the police asked the army to tell Nigerians the whereabouts of Alhaji Hamisu Wadume, expressing displeasure at the continuous use of “suspected kidnappers” to describe the policemen days after the army had known that they were actually cops on legitimate national assignment.

    Mba said: “In the best tradition of Esprit de Corps, Inter-Agency Harmony and National Interest, the Nigeria Police Force would naturally have kept quiet, but it has become imperative to set the record straight by addressing the obvious distortion of facts inherent in the press release by the Nigerian Army.

    “The most important question arising from the Nigerian Army Press Release is: Where is Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume? Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume is a millionaire kidnapper arrested by the Police but paradoxically treated as a ‘kidnap victim’ by the soldiers and subsequently ‘rescued’ by them. Where is he? Where is the rescued kidnapper?

    “Secondly, the press release was silent on the source of the alleged distress report or identity of the complainant, on the strength of whose report the Army claimed had informed their decision to engage in the purported chase and rescue operation. Needless to state that in the true spirit of transparency and accountability, the Nigerian Army ought to have arrested the purported distress caller – if any – for obviously and deliberately furnishing them with false and misleading information. Besides, such arrest should, in fact, be made public!

    “Thirdly, it is not true that the policemen failed to identify themselves as alleged in the press release. The video on the incident, now viral, wherein the voice of one of the soldiers was heard loudly proclaiming that the policemen were from the Force Headquarters, Abuja speaks volume.

    “Besides, the presence of the IRT personnel was well known to the Taraba Police Command as the operatives were officially and properly documented not only at the State Command Headquarters but also at the Wukari Area Command and the Ibi Divisional Headquarters. As a matter of fact, some of the Detectives from the Taraba State Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were part of the operation.

    “The Force also considers it insensitive, disrespectful and unpatriotic for the press release by the Army to continue to describe policemen on lawful national assignment as ‘suspected kidnappers’ long after it had become crystal clear to the Army that these are Law Enforcement Officers who unfortunately were gruesomely murdered in the line of duty by Nigerian soldiers attached to 93 Battalion, Takum.

    “In the final analysis, we leave the Nigerian Army authorities to provide Nigerians with answers on the following questions emanating from their press release: Where is the notorious kidnapper, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume ‘rescued’ by the soldiers? How and why was Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume released by the soldiers? How could a kidnap suspect properly restrained with handcuffs by the police escape from the hands of his military rescuers?

    “If Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume is a ‘victim of kidnap’ as claimed, and properly rescued by soldiers, why was he not taken to the Army Base for documentation purposes and debriefing in line with the standard operating procedure in the Nigerian Army?

    “Why were the police operatives shot at close range even after they had identified themselves as police officers on legitimate duty as evident in the video now in circulation?”

    Police sources, who condemned the attack, expressed joy that the Force Headquarters took action this time around by letting Nigerians know since it has happened time and again.

    They said: “That of Niger State was not resolved till today. The truth is that too many things are not going right. Why do you think insecurity has continued to fester?

    “Issues of interagency rivalry, conspiracy and sabotage are very common. I hope that this time around, the government will take action and ensure that all those responsible are severely dealt with.”

     

  • 276 Army officers to sit for Senior Staff course qualifying exams

    A total of 276 Army officers are to sit for the 2019 qualifying examination for Senior Staff Course in the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that army officers must pass the examination before attending the Senior Staff Course.

    The examination is conducted by Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and is expected to last for a week.

    The Examination President and of Commander TRACDOC, Maj.-Gen Abubakar Tarfa, said while addressing the candidates on Sunday at Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State that the examinations is a key determinant to their progress in the Army.

    “As you are aware, the SSCQE is a major prerequisite for you to attend the Senior Staff Course at the AFCSC here in Jaji or any of the subscribed Staff colleges oversees, hence the need for you to qualify requires no further emphasis.

    “I believe that while majority of you are first attempters, others are attempting the examination for second and third time.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Nigeria Army, Police extremely Ill-equipped, says ex-US Marine

    “The examination is an assessment of your present level of proficiency as well as determinant of your capabilities to undertake higher responsibilities that may be assigned to you in future,” Tarfa added.

    The Examination President said that competent and dedicated members of the examination panel had put together “far and acceptable requirements and solutions for the examination.”

    Tarfa therefore urged the officers to be serious and determined, so as to produce the best results.

    He assured them of absolute integrity and understanding of members of the examination panel.

    “There is no excuse for failure and I expect nothing short of 100 percent pass in this examination,” the commander said.

    He however warned that the Army has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, and reminded the candidates that Army headquarters policy allows a maximum of three attempts for each candidate to pass the examination.

    “I urge you all, particularly those on second or last attempt, to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to qualify.

    “I expect you have settled down to focus fully on the task at hand, I wish to congratulate you all on this golden opportunity to consolidate on your career,” Tarfa added. (NAN)

  • Soldiers arrest ‘notorious’ kidnapper in Abia

    SOLDIERS attached to 144 Battalion, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have arrested an alleged member of a notorious kidnapping gang operating in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state and its environs.

    The suspect who is also known as Phyno and Red Mood respectively, military sources claimed has been on their wanted list for various crimes that he and his gang have allegedly committed.

    A military source who pleaded anonymity said that ‘Phyno’ was arrested through intelligence information in a hotel located on the outskirts of the commercial city where he had taken refuge after a robbery operation.

    “He snatched a motorbike from somebody at Uratta junction before he was apprehended by soldiers. Information has it that he was in a hotel (outside Aba main town). On getting the information, soldiers traced him to the said hotel in mufti where he (the kidnap kingpin) was picked.”

    The military source who hinted that efforts were being made to track down other members of the gang, added that the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    Read Also: Soldiers allegedly rape varsity student

    The source who stated that the Nigerian Army was committed to making sure that Aba was safe for residents and visitors to carry out their businesses without any fear of molestation from any person warned that they were going to make Aba and its environs unsafe for any person or group of persons to carry out their illicit business.

    In another development, Soldiers of 144 Battalion on routine patrol at Uratta Area of Aba on Monday saved a pregnant woman from losing her pregnancy.

    The incident it was gathered happened at about 11 am near the ever-busy Uratta junction off Aba-Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    It was gathered that the expectant mother who lost consciousness while walking was about to be wheeled off in a wheelbarrow by early callers to the scene as there was no vehicle that stopped to render assistance to her.

    It was gathered that while some of the callers were rallying round to ensure that she was evacuated from the scene to a nearby Chemist shop for treatment, soldiers on patrol who met the woman gasping for breath quickly evacuated her with their vehicle to a distant private hospital where they made deposit of sum of cash for immediate treatment to be administered on her.

    The yet-to-be known woman is said to have been brought to stability at the time of filing this report.

     

  • Memo to joint Army/Police panel on Taraba IRT deaths

    The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) set up a joint investigation panel to unravel circumstances leading to the death of three members of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the police, which President Buhari subsequently asked the Defence Headquarters to take over.

    It is noteworthy that the evidence needed to get to the root of this matter is being contaminated even as this piece is being written. Interestingly, the contamination is not taking place at the sad spot where the officers lost their lives. It is taking place in our collective consciousness; we are being bombarded with spin and manipulated content. The stories and half-truth being dispensed to all of us on social media and, in some instances, the mainstream media are modifying our perception of what happened. Ultimately, facts could fuse with fiction to confuse even the most thorough mind.

    An abridged version of the army’s account was that they received distress calls about a kidnapping and the IRT team soon forced its way past some checkpoints in a manner that made them fit the description of the “kidnappers” the army units were alerted about. What followed next was an exchange of gunfire at the end of which three of the IRT members and another civilian were dead. This abridged account immediately raises some issues that the honourable panel must look into.

    First, it highlights the imperative of reverting civil policing back to the NPF. The failure of the police was the necessity that brought soldiers onto the streets. The efficiency with which the army neutralizes threats like Boko Haram terrorists can be seen in the body count from that tragic encounter with what is obviously be best team in the police force.  Such efficient killing machines are not needed on our streets. Certainly not after what we was recorded in Taraba state.

    The second issue is the pressing need to reorient policemen, especially those in specialized units like the IRT and SARS, that their operations are police operations and not Nollywood movie shoots.  There is a degree of recklessness that comes from officers considering themselves as invincible, and that is irrespective of their track record. Members of the public can testify to the catastrophic outcomes that accompany such exaggerated actions. Only such behavior will encourage the ill-fated team to keep beating checkpoints without stopping to clarify their mission of reveal their identify.

    Furthermore, someone had suggested that the team possibly didn’t stop to identify themselves at the military checkpoints ostensibly because they felt that criminals in uniform had laid ambush for them as part of a plot to free the kidnap suspect they were transporting. If this were true it will be the greatest travesty ever as it will amount to policemen dressed like ragamuffins suspecting military men in uniform of being hoodlums. A first recommendation here is to restore confidence in military and paramilitary uniforms, all security agencies must be proportionately hard on criminals that operate in uniforms because of the damage they are doing to our collective psyche – the point where even a police team is wary of stopping at a roadblock mounted by men in military uniform testifies to the extent to which policing has failed.

    Then the police itself must address the manner in which its personnel, particularly its special teams – again IRT and SARS – dress. Members of its Anti-Terrorism Team get some credit for dressing the part expected of them. But to have policemen dress in jeans, t-shirts, caftans, tennis shoes, sandals and even bathroom slippers is a recipe for disaster – it always leads to mistaken Identity on the fast lane. There have been instances when civilians mistook them for robbers manning road blocks, refuse to stop or attempt to speed past, get gunned down in the process, and such episodes get swept under the carpet.  In Taraba, the shoe was on the other foot. Soldiers mistook policemen for kidnappers and the unthinkable happened.

    The panel must look at recommending changes to procedures. It is efficient for plainclothes policemen on covert operation to have stormed the location where the suspect was picked up to effect his arrest. An immediate transfer into the custody of the divisional police station would have averted disaster. The station would have of course conveyed him in a vehicle that is conspicuously marked “Police” and have him accompanied by men in that uniform Nigerians are accustomed to seeing. These measures, combined with the team properly identifying itself at the point of making the arrest, would have reduce the likelihood of the mistaken identity that brought us to this sorry pass. There is nothing to be ashamed of in the police uniform and personnel must learn to be properly kitted.

    There is something to be said for communication too.  We may not have noticed but too much of the communication around security operations is now conducted on mobile phones. The Federal Government should invest in overhauling radio communication equipment for security and military agencies. The personnel of these agencies must equally be retrained to appreciate that their Android phones or Whatsapp cannot replace the old and trusted radio communication that would have allowed the IRT reach out to soldiers of the Nigerian Army that manned those checkpoints.  The tragedy might have been avoided.

    Even with the best of preventive measures as itemized, bad things still happen, which makes is necessary that the panel must caution security agencies to show restraints when there is a crisis between or among them.  Poor information management practically turned the tragedy in Taraba into a bonanza for criminals, who will now likely exploit the possibility of setting security agencies against each other to evade arrest. The point must therefore be made that the cyberspace is not the place to settle inter-agencies squabbles; there are acceptable channels and fora that deliver better results than doing dirty laundry in the market square as was the case in this instance.

    These are the issues that I find disconcerting, the ones that the current bedlam on social media is distorting and that we might lose sight of unless the panel takes an holistic view of its assignment.

     

    Olanrewaju is a security analyst based in Lagos.

  • Police cautioned over attempt to instigate personnel against soldiers

    The Nigeria Police have been cautioned against instigating colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation over the recent incident involving their men and personnel of the Nigerian Army in Takum, Taraba State.

    Recall that some officers of the Intelligence Response Unit, the Nigeria Police Force, lost their lives in what was believed to be an operational mix-up with the Nigerian Army in Takum.

    However, the police had through their Spokesman, Frank Mba, claimed that the death of the cops was a deliberate attack on their men by officers of the Nigerian Army.

    Consequently, a panel of inquiry has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Reacting to the incident, the Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT) said the ongoing war of words between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army was needless since a panel has been institute to investigate the root cause of the clash.

    Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, Babatunde Michael, Executive Director of GAAT, said the recent statements and comments that the force officially issued practically instigated colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation., a development he said would not augur well for future working relationship with not just the Nigerian Army and the military but also with other security and para-military organizations.

    The group, therefore, called on both parties to sheathe swords while waiting for the outcome of the investigation.

    His speech below.

    We wish the Nigeria Police had, in the aftermath of the tragedy that resulted in the death of these gallant policemen, resorted to the kind of profound introspection that will not provide answers as to what went wrong but one that will provide the framework that will ensure that in the future there will be no incident of police teams attempting to convey an arrested suspect past Army checkpoint without identifying themselves but rather attempting to ram through the checkpoints.

    As laymen, we had hazarded a guess as to why a police team on a national assignment of such importance will refuse to stop at those Army check points and we can only conclude that there is such uncertainty about identities in the land that criminals could have kitted themselves in any choice uniform and mounted a roadblock to free the suspect, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume, who was being conveyed. It became immediately clear that a few procedural steps could have averted this disaster, like the police team notifying the Nigerian Army ahead that they were transporting a suspect; the policemen could also have changed into uniform and transfer to a clearly marked police vehicle for that leg of the assignment.

    These observations are because, the same way uniformed people mounting roadblocks could be criminals, is the same way kidnappers will attempt to transport their victims past military checkpoints by ramming their way through. A timely notification, proper service uniform and a conspicuous police branded car or convoy of cars would have made the difference that ensure these hardworking policemen are still among the living.

    The probe that has been ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari into the death of the policemen is enough grounds to not raise more posers than these for the moment. In fact, we urge the panel to take these issues we have raised as part of the input for its investigation. Adherence to rules of engagement on the part of the Army and the Police, or lack of it, should form part of what the investigation should uncover because we believe that no one that is rendering such service to their fatherland deserve to die under such avoidable circumstance.

    While it is imprudent to at this time apportion blames to either party as to the series of events that led to the death of the policemen, it is important to condemn the aftermath of the event in which the Nigeria Police Force launched a coordinated campaign of calumny against the Nigerian Army on the unfortunate incident.  The media war run by the police was so intense that some critics that have been known to support criminal groups were celebrating the face-off between the two security organizations. We can only wonder how much boost this has given to the underworld.

    From the much we have seen in the aftermath of the incident, it seems the Police are desirous of taking up arms against the Nigerian Army. The statements and comments that the force officially issued practically instigated colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation. The Police is embarking on social media campaign against the Nigerian Army which does not augur well for future working relationship with not just the Nigerian Army and the military but also with other security and para-military organizations. Added to the ubiquity of social media on which the incitements were publicized this is a dangerous precedent.

    It is a route that the Nigeria Police should not have taken especially when Mr President has already directed for a thorough investigation, which makes the ongoing campaign against the Army by the police unnecessary.  It makes more sense for all parties to await for the outcome of the investigation, so the police must show that it is sincere and has nothing to hide by peddling sentiments.

    More importantly, Nigerians must not lose sight of the fact that the Nigerian Army would not be on the roads in civilian areas if the police had lived up to its billings. Therefore, notwithstanding what the panel will decide, the police as a matter of self-review should begin implementing measures to resume its statutory duties of civil policing that the Army was forced to take over owing to its inability to meet up. Since the Army is only supporting in this regard, the police leadership needs wake up and take charge.

    Even though something tragic has happened, as patriotic Nigerians who are interested in the interest of our country, we urge for decorum in dealing with the situation even as we condemn attempt by either of the parties to embark on blame game that will ruin the collective efforts being made by all.

     

    The panel occasioned by the Presidential directive for a proper investigation must be allowed to do a proper job because we believe and have confidence in Mr. President’s capacity to do justice at the end of the day. The Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT) therefore considers the flagrant disregard for Mr. President’s directive as irresponsible and lack of respect for the nation’s constituted authority by the Police.  We want to emphasize that even for a law enforcement agency, no one or organization is above the law so the Police or the Army should not take laws into their hands. This demands an end to the ongoing media hostility including the current campaign of calumny on the social media against the Army and its leadership.

     

  • Army redeploys Adeosun, Yusuf, others in major shake-up

    Newly promoted Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun has been appointed Nigerian Army’s Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS) in a major shake-up announced last night by Army Headquarters.

    The posting also saw the deployment of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf and the confirmation of Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu as GOC 7 Division, among others.

    According to a statement by acting Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa, the posting was approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to reinvigorate the system for greater professional efficiency.

    The statement: “The highlight includes the appointment of the newly promoted Lt. Gen L.O. Adeosun, the erstwhile Chief of Training and Operations now redeployed as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen A.O Shodunke from Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Logistics.

    “Maj-Gen. A.A. Tarfa from Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre to Training and Doctrine Command Minna as Commander, Maj.-Gen. E.O. Udoh from the Army Headquarters Department of Logistics becomes Chief of Training and Operations (Army).

    “Maj.-Gen. Yusuf, who was the GOC 81 Division, is now Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.- Gen. J.I. Unuigbe the former Corps Commander Ordnance becomes the Chief of Logistics (Army) while Maj.-Gen. O.F. Azinta former GOC 2 Division is appointed Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation.

    “Others include: Maj.-Gen. A.B. Omozoje of Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans, who is now the GOC 2 Division Ibadan.  The newly-promoted Maj.-Gen. A.B. Biu is substantive GOC 7 Division Maiduguri; Maj.-Gen. J.J Ogunlade from Defence Headquarters becomes the GOC 8 Division, Sokoto and Maj.-Gen. J.O. Irefin from Defence Headquarters Garrison is appointed General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Lagos.

    “The erstwhile Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. KAY Isiyaku is now Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison Abuja, Maj.-Gen. A.A. Jidda from Defence Headquarters is appointed Coordinator Peacekeeping Operations at the Ministry of Defence.

    “Maj.-Gen.  J.O. Oni from Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration takes over as Director Procurement Defence Headquarters from Maj.-Gen.        A.A. Akintade, who becomes Corps Commander Ordinance Lagos.

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    “Maj.-Gen. O.W. Ali from Defence Headquarters is now Director Army Physical Training Zaria.

    Maj.-Gen. E.N. Njoku remains at Defence Headquarters and redeployed as Director Communications, Maj.-Gen. C.G Musa from Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited is appointed Commander Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno while Maj.-Gen. O.T. Akinjobi from Headquarters Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE becomes the Director Standards and Evaluation at Defence Headquarters.

    “Also, Brig.-Gen. K.A. Kazir is to remain in Army Headquarters Department of Projects and Programmes and appointed Acting Executive Director of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited. Brig.-Gen. A.E. Attu moves from Nigerian Army Resource Centre to National Defence College and appointed Acting Deputy Commandant.

    “Brig.-Gen. M.T. Usman from Headquarters 28 Task Force Brigade moves to Headquarters Guards Brigade Abuja as Commander taking over from Brig.-Gen. U.T. Musa who becomes Acting Commandant Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre Jaji, Brig.-Gen. G.O. Adesina remains at the Department of Policy and Plans and redeployed as Acting Director Policy.

    “Similarly, Brig.-Gen. L.A. Fejokwu from National Defence College is now the Acting Director Personnel Services at Army Headquarters, Brig.-Gen. EAP Undiandeye from Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation becomes the Acting Director Foreign Liaison at the Defence Intelligence Agency Abuja, Brig.-Gen. J.Y. Nimyel from Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja takes over as the Commandant Amphibious Training School Calabar from Brig.-Gen. O.O. Oluyede who is now Commander 27 Task Force Brigade Buni Yadi.

    “Brig.-Gen. P.P. Malla moves from 82 Division Garrison Enugu to Headquarters 28 Task Force Brigade Chibok and appointed Commander.

    Others are: Brig.-Gen. O.M. Bello of Headquarters 6 Division Port Harcourt becomes the Commander 1 Brigade Sokoto Brig.-Gen. M.A. Etsu-Ndagi from Army Headquarters Garrison Abuja becomes the Commander 9 Brigade Lagos while Col RC Emeh from Defence Headquarters is appointed Assistant Director Army Physical Training at 3 Division Physical Training Group Jos. “In the same vein, Col MO Erebulu who just completed a course at Higher War College Egypt is appointed Commander 2 Provost Group Ibadan, Lt.Col SA Abimbola from Nigerian Army Operations Centre at Army Headquarters is appointed Commanding Officer 343 Artillery Regiment Elele whereas Lt Col SM Ahmed from 375 Artillery Regiment Baga becomes the Commanding Officer 332 Artillery Regiment Shendam, amongst others.

    “Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai whilst wishing all of them well in their respective appointments charges them to take their new responsibilities seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to service and nation. All the appointments take immediate effect.”

  • Army holds medical outreach

    The Nigerian Army has held a medical outreach at the Trade Fair complex in Lagos as part of activities to mark the Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

    Beneficiaries enjoyed free services such as Body Mass Index (BMI) check, mosquito nets to expectant mothers, nursing mothers and others, high blood pressure check, condoms, dental and eye checks, as well as free glasses, among others.

    The one week celebration was tagged “Civil Military Relations”. There was environmental sanitation with the public, interdenominational service, combat service arms training, novelty match between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) team and Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and Jummat service.

    Corps Commander Engineers, Chairman of Nigeria Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and Combat Support Arms Training (COSAT) week 2019, Maj.-Gen. John Malu, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, said the medical outreach was one of such activity the military undertakes to relate with the public to create mutual understanding.

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    Malu said: “The military does not operate in isolation and so during our annual celebrations we reach out to the public so that the public will know that this is their Army. These are part of the things that we call “civil military relation” for the public to know the workings of the Army and not think that soldiers only carry gun and go to war to defend the country.”

    He added that the procedures for the medical services are the same as that of the hospitals, from consultation to the distribution of drugs and people who can’t be treated immediately are referred to any close military hospital for further treatment.

    The outreach also held on the Island, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle.