The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Troops neutralise several bandits in Sokoto, lose a soldier

    Troops have neutralized scores of bandits/kidnappers in Sokoto and arrested ransom collectors and informants working for them, the Nigerian Army said on Monday.

    Its spokesman Col Sagir Musa who disclosed this in a statement however said a soldier was killed during encounter.

    He said: “In continuation of ongoing offensive operations against armed banditry and other criminal activities within Sokoto State and its environs, troops of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III on 23 June 2019 while on routine aggressive patrol to Danboa village intercepted some notorious bandit’s informant and logistics suppliers at Burkusuma market all in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    “The troops acting on credible intelligence report raided the location and apprehended the criminals who were transacting in the market.

    “Notable among them were: Mallam Ibrahim — Confirmed to be a notorious bandits informant and collaborator renowned for collecting ransom on behalf of the bandits.

    “Mallam Ashiru Goni — confirmed to be another notorious bandits courier agent who specializes in transporting logistics for bandits within and outside Sokoto State.

    “Mamman Taratse — A confirmed logistician for the criminals, – he specializes in the sale of rustled cattle at various markets within and outside Sokoto State.

    Read Also: Just in: Bandits kill 18 in Sokoto

    “Similarly, troops in response to complaints of bandits’ activities at Magira village stormed and raided the location and engaged the bandits in a fierce battle.

    “Consequently, the troops pursued the bandits to their hideouts killing scores, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, one soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter.

    “The General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Hakeem Oladapo Otiki on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai commended the troops for the exploits and thanked the locals for providing timely information that led to the successful encounter.

    “He enjoined members of the public to continue to support the ongoing operation by providing timely and accurate information to enable the troops sustain the tempo against armed banditry and other criminal activities in Nigeria.”

     

  • Nigerian Army set to upgrade museum to international standard

    The Nigerian Army has commenced work on upgrading the army museum at the Mambilla Barracks to international standard.

    The army which took a cue from the Arlington National Cemetery Museum in fashioning the Nigerian army museum will also be upgrading the Buratai Museum in Borno State.

    For the upgrade to be a success, the army is collaborating with National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to ensure that the vision of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant, General T.Y Buratai, which is to have a professional responsive Nigerian army in the discharge of its constitutional role is met.

    Read Also: ‘Army has restored normalcy to Niger Delta’

    Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army headquarters, Maj. General Adekunle Shodunke, said that the museum when upgraded will remind Nigerians of the sacrifices made to keep the country united.

    Speaking in Abuja, at a meeting between the Army and NCMM, Shodunke added that the collaboration was made to inform the army of government’s policies on museums and monuments.

    His words: “The resource centre has the Nigerian Army Museum and the museum is being separated from the resource centre, as it is now we want to ensure that we bring the museum to international standards in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff which is to have a professional responsive Nigerian army in the discharge of its constitutional role.”

    Acting Director General NCMM, Abdulkerim Kadiri, said that the Nigerian Army’s approaching the commission for professional advice and guidance will not only be of benefit to the army but the Nigerian populace.

     

  • Army warns saboteurs of war against terrorism

    The Nigerian Army (NA) on Thursday warned those sabotaging the war against terrorism in the Northeast to desist or be made to face appropriate sanctions.

    It accused some humanitarian aid agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of supplying food to terrorists.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, the Army said the activities of the NGOs amounted to serious security breaches.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army, through the Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, has once again received disturbing reports indicating that the war against Boko Haram terrorists is being sabotaged by some stakeholders operating in the Northeast.

    “This unfortunate development came to the fore with the arrest of a high profile Boko Haram Terrorist Commander, Mohammed Modu (an Amir or commander in the Abubakar Shekau’s faction) by troops of 251 Task Force Battalion of Operation Lafiya Dole on May 26.

    Read Also: Army denies killing of 25 soldiers in Borno

    “Preliminary investigations conducted so far have revealed that the Abubakar Shekau’s faction of Boko Haram has been receiving so-called ‘humanitarian support’ of food and drugs supplies from some NGOs operating in the Northeast theatre.

    “In the light of these disturbing disclosures, especially as they pertain to serious security breaches by NGOs providing logistics support to terrorists, the Nigerian Army strongly warns

    the affected agencies to desist from compromising Nigeria’s national security and war efforts against terrorism and operate in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding the operations of humanitarian aid workers and in line with the guidelines and procedures of international humanitarian laws as well as the laws of armed conflict.

    “The NA wishes to remind the NGOs in the Northeast and the public that similar concerns were raised on this same issue previously.

    “Thus, the NA will no longer tolerate such acts of sabotage that is inimical to the fight against terrorism by any organisation or agency, and will not hesitate to sanction any such recalcitrant organisation as appropriate.”

  • Army arrest suspected drug peddlers, others in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Army said Wednesday that the collaboration and synergy developed by security agencies to stamp out criminal acts in Sokoto state and its environs have started yielding results.

    According to a statement signed by Lt. Abayomi Oni- Orisan, Assistant Director Army public relations, a number of criminals including suspected drug dealers have been arrested by security agents in the axis.

    The statement reads: “Synergy between 8 Division Nigerian Army and sister security agencies in Sokoto state is yielding positive results in the fight against armed banditry and other forms of insecurities especially in Sokoto State.

    “Consequently, between the 19 to 21 of May 2019, 22 criminals were arrested for various offences ranging from armed robbery, banditry, possession and trafficking in hard drugs, and illegal possession of firearms amongst others.

    “On the 21st may 2019, a joint patrol team comprising of troops of 8 Division and other security agencies based on credible information conducted a Cordon and Search operation in Didan Dere Bypass area and apprehended a suspected drug peddler who in turn, led the troops to the hideout of a notorious drug kingpin at Kofa Kware.

    “A search conducted in the premises, the following items were discovered:

    1. 10 laptops
    2. 22 different sizes parcels of substance suspected to be Indian hemp

    “Similarly, based on intelligence report another cordon and search operation was conducted Wednesday at Nakasari Barebare area that led to the arrest of suspected drug baron. Items recovered from his compound included:

    1. A Toyota camry car with registration number KUJ 658 AP
    2. Two Tecno phones.

    “Earlier on 19th May 2019, a joint patrol team on patrol in Sokoto metropolis, busted a notorious armed robbery gang led by one Zayyanu aka ‘Dankane’ which hitherto terrorised residents of Sokoto township and environs.

    Read Also: Army and May 29 inauguration

    “Similarly on 20th May, 2019, another joint patrol team, while on routine Patrol in Sokoto town arrested 6 suspected robbers with assorted weapons and other illegal substances. The following were recovered from them:

    1. 5 knives
    2. 5 cutlasses
    3. 4 mobile phones
    4. 8 sim cards of various Service providers
    5. 8 packs of Indian hemp
    6. 10 packets of hard drugs
    7. Assorted charms
    8. 30 pieces of various keys.

    “Again, a patrol team along Gusau – Sokoto road intercepted highly suspicious illegal aliens in a Toyota Avensis car conveying 8 Cameroonian nationals on their way to Niger Republic via Ilela border. The individuals were without any valid identification and could not explain their mission in the area.

    “The General Officer Commanding uses this medium to encourage citizens to promptly report suspicious movements and activities in their localities.

    “The GOC equally wishes to reaffirm the determination and resolve of the Division to ridding the state of all forms of criminality.”

  • Wike accuses GOC of engaging in illegal bunkering

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on Wednesday accused the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Sarhem of promoting in oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

    Governor Wike made the allegation when he played host to the commander Joint Task Force (JTF), “Operation Delta Safe, Real Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade during a courtesy visit to the State House.

    The Governor in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakudu, accused Major General Sarham of operating an illegal oil bunkering squad to enable him finance his ambition to be appointed the Chief of Army Staff.

    Wike said: “The GOC is doing illegal bunkering, which he is using to finance his quest to emerge as the country’s Chief of Army Staff.

    “He has his own team that is making money for him through oil bunkering”.

    He accused the GOC of compromising security in Rivers State through illegal actions.

    “We will have a security meeting and he will release the details to criminals. And the Chief of Army Staff will leave the man here because he is playing their role.

    Read also: Oshiomhole, other APC leaders behind my ordeal, says Okorocha

    “How will security of the state be with such a man as the GOC? He will compromise when fighting to reduce crime, they sent us a GOC who destroy the security architecture of the state”.

    The governor wondered what the JTF Operation Delta Safe would do when they encounter the illegal oil bunkering team of the GOC.

    He recalled how the people of the state bravely stopped the GOC and his accomplices from imposing a Governor during the elections.

    “A man came to plot coup. The people resisted him for plotting coup. You want to impose a party that has no candidate for National Assembly and State Assembly elections on the people.

    “How will such a party win the Governorship election?  A party that nobody has seen their posters? Rivers people said no.

    “He has result sheets.  Let him bring the result sheets to the tribunal.  Army now has result sheets. That is now part of their mandate “.

    Governor Wike assured the visiting JTF Commander that the State will support their operations to ensure that they defend the Niger Delta, especially the State.

    He said: “Anybody who wants to help us fight crime, I will support.  I will never support those involved in illegal refineries”.

    Real Admiral Akinrinade thanked Wike for the supply of gunboats, security vehicles and finances for security operations in the area.

    He assured him that the Joint Task Force will not relent in fighting crime in the State.

    He noted that the troop has recorded successes in the protection of oil and gas facilities and the maintenance of internal security in the area.

    He appealed to leaders to engage youths to shun crime and criminality for the development of the state.

  • Troops eliminate scores of terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said on Sunday that troops have eliminated more Boko Haram Terrorists in Borno state and recovered arms and ammunitions from them.

    According to the spokesman of the Army, Col. Sagir Musa, the troops of 121 and 192 Battalions alongside the civilian JTF and local vigilantes conducted clearance operations to end the activities of the insurgents.

    Col Musa said in a statement that the operations were carried out effectively as the insurgents were cleared in Surdewalla, Ranwa, Baladayo, Sabon Gari and Shetimeri villages of Borno State in a simultaneous operation code named “Operation HARD STRIKE”.

    Col Musa said: “At Ranwa 11, contact was made with the terrorists; three of them were neutralized, while many were obviously wounded and others escaped.

    “Simultaneously, troops of 192 Battalion advanced along Sabon Gari and Shetimeri villages where they cleared a scout of Boko Haram terrorists. A make-up shift shelter for suspected insurgents was destroyed.

    “Similarly, on the same Friday the 10th of May 2019, based on credible intelligence, troops of 212 Tank Battalion under the operational command of 7 Division Garrison deployed at Forward Operation Base Gajigana ambushed terrorists attempting to infiltrate Gajigana town/troops’ location.

    “Unconfirmed number of terrorists was exterminated. Two soldiers were wounded during the encounter, are stable and receiving treatment in a military hospital.

    “Additionally, 177 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with the Civilian JTF cleared Mboa, Mboa-Kura, Yarchida, Bombula, Tshata and Bamzir villages.”

    Col Musa stated that while the troops engaged the terrorists  at Furfur village, a terrorist was killed and the troops recovered 1 x AK 47 Rifle,  3 x Magazines,  50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and  1x Magazine Bandollier

    Read Also: Troops kill seven terrorists in Borno

    He added that there was no casualty on the part of the troops and the Civilian JTF.

    The Army Spokesman said the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, while on assessment visit to Forward Operation Base Gajigana, enjoined the troops to remain decisive and intensify efforts in eliminating the remnants of the terrorists.

    The statement further said the GOC conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai to the entire troops of the Theatre Command for the latest successes in the fight against terrorism.

    Nigerian Army used this medium to thank those who provided the information that led to the recent successes achieved so far, and urged members of the public to continue to be more forthcoming with useful information about the terrorists in their respective localities to the nearest army location or security agency for necessary action, Col Musa pleaded.

  • Army warns mischief makers against plot to derail inauguration on May 29

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday warned mischief makers to desist from act capable of derailing the nation’s democracy as the military is prepared to tackle such people headlong.

    The army also alleged that such persons attempted to derail the general elections but failed.

    It added that they are now plotting to derail the inauguration of the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire democratic process.

    The army in a statement signed by its spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said some elements within the country supported by some foreign entity are bent on exploiting the security situation to cause crisis.

    Col Musa said “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern efforts by some unpatriotic individuals, groups and foreign interests determined to cause mischief and exacerbate the security situation in this country in particular and West African Sub-region.

    “These persons and groups are making concerted efforts to further induce ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic supports.

    “Their body language and unguarded utterances seems to be in tandem with above and imply tacit support for the criminals.

    “For example, credible source has shown that some individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are deliberately churning falsehood against the security agencies with a view to set the military against the people and the government.

    Read Also: Army: Foreign interests plotting to scuttle May 29

    “They are also demoralizing troops and security agencies through false accusations and fake news. Therefore, it has become necessary to inform the public and warn such persons and groups to desist as the consequences of their actions would be calamitous to themselves and our great country.

    “Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a safe and successful general elections but were proved wrong, hence they want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country.

    “We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram terrorists group to resurrect.

    “While we have confidence on the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts at sustaining and reinvigorating the MNJTF to continue it’s good work, we would not relent in clearing the visages and remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers.

    “The Nigerian Army is a stakeholder in our national security and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Additionally, we are making this statement because the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, has always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations in order to resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public expect miracles.

    “We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever before, to continue to uphold the constitution and defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.

    “Nigeria is a sovereign country with clearly established judicial system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve differences amicably.”

     

  • Unpatriotic elements, foreign collaborators plan to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic process – Army

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday alleged that some unpatriotic elements in collusion with their foreign collaborators are planning to derail the swearing in of newly elected government on May 29 in order to scuttle the nation’s democratic process.

    “Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a safe and successful general elections but were proved wrong, hence they want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country,” army spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement.

    Musa alleged that the unpatriotic elements plan to do that by causing mischief and exacerbate security situation in the country in particular and West African Sub-region.
    He further alleged that the group is making concerted efforts to further induce ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic supports.

    “Their body language and unguarded utterances seem to be in tandem with above and imply tacit support for the criminals.

    “For example, credible source has shown that some individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are deliberately churning falsehood against the security agencies with a view to set the military against the people and the government.

    “They are also demoralising troops and security agencies through false accusations and fake news,” Musa said.

    He warned them to desist as the consequences of their intended actions would be calamitous to themselves.

    “We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram terrorists group to resurrect,” he said.

    He, however, expressed confidence in the Federal Government efforts at sustaining and reinvigorating the MNJTF to continue its good work.

    Musa also restated that the Nigerian army would not relent in clearing the visages and remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers.

    “The Nigerian army is a stakeholder in our national security and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

    “Additionally, we are making this statement because the military, particularly the Nigerian army has always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations in order to resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public expect miracles.

    “We will like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever before, to continue to uphold the constitution and defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.

    “Nigeria is a sovereign country with clearly established judicial system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve their differences amicably,” he said.

  • Army blasts Presidential committee member on northeast over ‘false’ claim

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday lambasted a member of the Presidential Committee on the Northeast for saying that the Boko Haram terrorists earn more than soldiers.

    The army asserted the claim of Dr Sidi Ali Mohammed was not only false but highly irresponsible.

    A statement signed by Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said the statement by Dr Mohammed was meant to demoralise troops performing their constitutional duties to secure the country.

    Col. Musa said the army authority would do the needful by reporting Mohammed to appropriate higher authorities.

    Col. Musa said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a publication on Sahara Reporters and other social media platforms, to a false claim credited to one Doctor Sidi Ali Mohammed, a member of the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative.

    “In it, he alleged that the criminal terrorist group members earn as much as $3,000 daily, as against the Nigerian soldier who is paid N1, 000 only.

    “This is not true, pure lie and highly irresponsible comment coming from a supposedly knowledgeable person of his calibre.

    “It is also criminal and preposterous to compare the gallant soldiers of our Armed Forces with the rag tag terrorists’ criminal gang.

    Read Also: Army confirms killing 4 bandits in Zamfara

    “Indeed there is no such basis at all between the outlawed criminal terrorist who commits crime against humanity and our highly patriotic, courageous and brave soldiers whose sacrifice cannot be quantified.

    “Over time, we have been alerting the world that the menace of Boko Haram terrorism is being aided and abetted by sympathisers’ such as Dr Sidi Ali Mohammed.

    “He must have been associated with the terrorists’ group beyond what he may want the public to know for having the knowledge of how much a terrorist earns per day to commit atrocities against fellow Nigerians and other innocent people including women and children.

    “His statement could be part of the deliberate attempt to demoralise the patriotic soldiers serving their fatherland so that the terrorists will take advantage of it.

    ‘’It is also a way of swaying the gullible youths to believe the lies of Boko Haram terrorists as being peddled by him.

    “Therefore, we are calling on all Nigerians to discountenance the statement credited to Doctor Sidi Ali Mohammed while we take necessary steps to formally report him to the appropriate authorities to further substantiate these unfounded allegations.

    “We would like to assure the public that the Nigerian Army would remain resolute and focused in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in our great nation and no amount of distraction or terrorists’ propaganda will dissuade it.”

  • Army redeploys NYSC DG, announces new postings

    The Nigerian Army has announced new postings in its leadership structures.

    Among those affected were the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Maj. Gen. SZ Kazaure who has been moved to the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    A statement by Army spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa said the appointment takes immediate effect.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army has approved the postings and appointments of some of its senior officers.” Those affected by this include, Major General SZ Kazaure who has been posted from National Youth Service Corps to Nigerian Army Resource Centre and appointed as Senior Resource Person, Brigadier General CA Bossman from Nigerian Army Achives to Command Schools Services and appointed as Director Command Schools Services.

    “Brigadier General E Angaye is appointed Acting Director Veterans Affairs Department (Army) and Brigadier General BA Tsoho is posted from Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs to Nigerian Army Language Institute and appointed as Commandant.

    “Others affected in the postings are Brigadier General AA Goni from 82 Division Education to Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs and appointed Director Information, Brigadier General FC Onyeari from Headquarters Nigerian Army Supply and Transport to Defence Headquarters and appointed as Acting Director Catering, Brigadier General S Ibrahim from Nigerian Army University Biu to National Youth Service Corps and appointed as Director General, Brigadier General SS Ibrahim is now appointed Registrar Nigerian Army University Biu.

    “The postings and appointments are with immediate effect.”