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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Army urges Southeast residents not to panic over movement of troops

    The Nigerian Army has urged Southeast residents not to panic over movement of troops and sound of gun shots as it conducts its annual Range Classification exercise for 2019.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division, Col. Aliyu Yusuf, made the appeal in a statement on Thursday in Enugu.

    Yusuf said that movement of troops to and from the exercise area as well as sound of gun shots would be expected during the period of the exercise.

    According to him, the general public is, therefore, advised to go about their daily activities without panic as this is a normal military routine exercise.

    “The 82 Division, Nigerian Army, will be conducting the 2019 Range Classification Exercise; in line with the Nigerian Army 2019 training scheduled from Tuesday, April 23 to Saturday, April 27 at 34 Brigade Shooting Range, Owerri, Imo State.

    “The exercise, which is an annual routine training activity, aims at testing personnel effectiveness in weapon handling and firing efficiency, thereby providing the required platform for better professional competence,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Soldiers rescue kidnapped retired nurse, septuagenarian

    Operatives of the Nigerian Army attached to Alfa Company 144 Battalion, Osisioma Abia State have reportedly rescued two residents of the commercial nerve of the state kidnapped from their homes by gunmen.

    Investigation revealed the Alfa Company 144 Battalion personnel also recovered an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) belonging to one of the kidnapped victims, a 45 year-old Aba based businessman.

    Sources at the army formation disclosed that its personnel were also on the trail of a gang that kidnapped and collected ransom from the businessman whom they were said to have kidnapped near his house along Obingwa Local Government Area Headquarters.

    According to the sources, they have been able to link recent kidnapping activities in the commercial town and its environs to a particular group of armed men that operate within the Obingwa LGA axis whose use the Abala region of the local council as their escape route when being trailed by security agencies.

    A source at the army facility, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that one of the rescued victims, one Chinasa Johnson, a retired nurse was kidnapped in front of her residence at Abayi in Osisioma LGA.

    The source stated that after a distress call was put across to them, they quickly went into action and traced the gang at their location at Aro Ngwa, off Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway where the gang on sighting the soldiers, fled to an unknown location.

    The source, who said that the female victim was taken to the hospital for medical attention, disclosed that the kidnappers inflicted deep cut on her hand within the 4hrs she was in the custody.

    Speaking on the release of the 75-year-old man, the source disclosed the septuagenarian was whisked away on gunpoint by some young boys armed to the teeth, numbering seven who stormed the victim’s Obingwa country home in tricycles.

    “When the guys went away with the victim, the locals alerted our men who went into action and after intensive efforts, rescued the man after they abandoned him and ran into the bush after they noticed that we are on their trail.

    READ ALSO: Man hires kidnappers to abduct parents

    “The 45-year-old businessman was kidnapped in front of his house somewhere off Obikabia junction.

    “They initially drove the man and a female passenger, but on suspecting that the car had tracker, they asked the female passenger if she knows how to drive.

    “She said yes, they had to order her to drive the car while they moved on with their victim.

    “It was the female passenger that alerted us and by the time we could swing into action, the hoodlums had collected the man’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card to withdraw the ransom from an ATM and later abandoned him.

    “From our investigation, the recent kidnapping activities in Aba and its environs are coordinated by this group. We are however not relenting on our oars.

    “We are on the trail of members of the gang. We are closing in on them and I can assure you that in no distant time, we shall swoop on them.”

  • Army commences competition to stay fit

    The 3 Armoured Division of the Army on Tuesday began its Inter Brigade Corporals and Below competition in Bauchi state hosted by the 33 Artillery Brigade in the state.

    The competition is in line with the 2019 Nigerian Army Training Directive and the Chief of Army Staff, LT. Gen Tukur Buratai ‘s vision to have a professionally responsive Army in the performance of its constitutional roles

    It also aimed at improving the standard of battle readiness among troops and developing Esprit-De Corps among the cadre in the Army.

    Activities for the event slated for April 23-26 at the Shadawanka Barracks include drill, skill at arms, shooting competition, combat swimming , map reading and obstacles crossing /physical fitness

    Declaring the competition open, General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Major General Nuhu  Angbazo , said the competition will help improve the physical fitness of soldiers in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges.

    He explained that it has therefore become imperative for due emphasis to be placed on aspects of regimentation, physical fitness and Esprit-De-Corps of the troops.

    “The asymmetric nature of today’s threat and its implication on our conventional roles, underscores the need to come together and train as a division in the current fight against terrorism and other internal security challenges.

    “Hence, the organization of this competition at this competition at this auspicious time,” he said.

    He urged the participants to take maximum advantage of the competition and reap the benefits accordingly.

    Brig. Gen. Michael Durowaiye of the 33 Artillery Brigade urged all the participants to prepare themselves for the challenge ahead.

    He said the event has paved way for the implementation of the eagerly anticipated competitions lined up in the forecast of event for year 2019.

    Durowaiye also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff LT. Gen.Tukur Buratai for the resources provided for the competition, direction and necessary guidance.

  • 2019 elections: Delta commends Nigerian Army for professional conducts

    The Delta state government has lauded the Nigerian Army for the professional comportment of its officers and men during the just concluded general elections.

    Acting Delta state governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, who gave the commendation on Wednesday while hosting the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, and other senior officers of the Nigerian Army who paid the state government a courtesy visit, also said the state would continue to partner with army to sustain peace and security in the state.

    The COAS had visited the state to pay condolence visits to all stakeholders in the burial programme of former Chief of Army Staff and military governor of defunct Mid-West state, late Gen. David Ejoor.

    According to the acting governor, the elections in Delta state, particularly, were peaceful and without much drama because of the discipline and professional outlook the men of the Nigerian Army assumed during the exercise, saying “we want to express satisfaction at the level of professionalism that your men exhibited during the last election. It was commendable”.

    He, however, assured the army that the state government would continue to partner with the institution to ensure peace and security in all parts of the state, adding “we take the issue security serious and so we consider our relationship and partnership with the Nigerian Army very seriously”.

    Speaking on the reason for the visit, Lt. Gen. Buratai, who had earlier paid condolence visits to the palaces of the Olu of Warri and that of the Ohworode of Olomu in Warri South and Ughelli South council areas respectively, as well as to the immediate family of the departed former army in his country home in Ovwor Olomu, said the death of General Ejoor was a loss, not just to Delta state, but to the Nigerian Army and Nigeria as a nation.

    Buratai, while speaking during his visit to the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, had said the army was planning to give a befitting burial to the departed General through a joint planning with the Delta and Edo state governments.

    Buratai said the Nigerian Army had constituted a burial committee that would interface with both state governments and the family to ensure a successful and befitting burial for the late former COAS.

    “The Nigerian Army has set up a burial committee and we are looking forward to having a befitting burial for late Maj-Gen. Ejoor in conjunction with the Edo and Delta governments. Late Maj- Gen. Ejoor was a professional soldier, loyal and contributed to the development of the country. He served Nigeria diligently,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Army partners Edo, Delta on Ejoor’s burial

    In his response, the Olu of Warri thanked the Army Chief for the visit and the role of the military in ensuring peace in the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

    “There is peace in the country. I appeal that you do not relent in your effort at sustaining the peace. Your officers have been so wonderful, you can establish Brigades in some areas around the riverine where there are government facilities to provide more military presence.

    “We held Ejoor at a very high esteem, he stood by us anytime we had challenges, he was important to us. Thank you for coming to condole with us and his family,” the monarch said.

    Also receiving the COAS and his entourage at his palace, the Ohworode of Olomu kingdom, HRM Ovie Ogbon Ogoni Oghoro, thanked the army chief for the condolence visit to both the deceased family and Olomu kingdom.

    “Your coming at this time of grief is highly appreciated. Thank you for deeming it fit to visit the home of my departed son Ejoor at Ovwor in Olomu kingdom.

    “We are proud of Ejoor. As a military governor of the defunct Mid-Western State, Ejoor fought for the unity of Nigeria even when people were agitating for division. There was no case of corruption preferred against him till his demise,” the centenarian monarch said.

    Among the COAS entourage were: Maj-Gen Jamil Sarham, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6 Division, Port Harcourt; the Commander, Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Col. Baba Manu, among others.

  • Banditry: Yari urges army, other security agencies to sustain operations in Zamfara

    Gov. Abdula’ziz Yari of Zamfara has called on the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to sustain their ongoing operations against bandits operating in the state.

    Yari’s call is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s acting Director-General, Press Affairs, Malam Bashir Kabir.

    Kabir said that Yari made the call at a meeting with the Force Commander of the Operation Sharan Daji, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki at the Government House Gusau on Saturday.

    Kabir also said that the governor congratulated the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state for the good work they were doing in trying to check the activities of the bandits.

    According to him, reports from the areas where the bandits carried out their deadly acts indicate that efforts to flush out the criminals are yielding fruitful results.

    “I am, therefore, appealing for more efforts and sustainability from the security agencies,”  he said.

    Yari said that the incessant killing of innocent people in the state by the bandits had also resulted in the destruction of property.

    “If we recall in 2015, Zamfara was affected seriously by cattle rustling and reprisal attacks by the bandits on our communities and today kidnapping is the order of the day across the state,” he said.

    He assured the security agencies that the Zamfara government would do its best possible to assist them in their campaign against banditry and other crimes in the state.

    Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Otiki who briefed the governor on `Operation Sharan Daji’ being carried out by the Nigerian army, said that the military was carrying out operations at various locations across the state.

    He expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation given to the Nigerian Army by the state government and entire people of the state.

    According to Kabir, the governor later held a closed-door meeting with the security chiefs in the state, traditional rulers, and local government chairmen. (NAN)

  • Army warns officer over meddlesomeness

    THE Nigerian Army yesterday warned its unit Commander in Kogi State to stay out of the conflict regarding the alleged plot to remove the Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, from office.

    It demanded that soldiers should not be part of any plan to remove or eject the chief judge from his official residence.

    A statement from Army spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, distanced the Army from the problem regarding the judiciary.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army has received a report of the purported or planned use of soldiers to remove and eject the Kogi State Chief Judge from his official residence.

    “The NA under the leadership of Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai will not contemplate interfering under any guise in the internal Executive – Judiciary conflict in Kogi State or any other state for that matter.

    Read also: Army arrests arms manufacturers

    “The Army Headquarters has already directed and warned the Commander in the state to stay clear of this conflict (not to interfere under any guise).

    “As a professional and law-abiding organisation, the NA hereby strongly distances itself from Kogi State conflict between the State Executive and the Judiciary.”

     

  • We have recorded success against Boko Haram – Army

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said it had recorded significant successes in the campaign against Boko Haram insurgency in the past four years in the country.

    Bri.-Gen. Bulama Biu, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, said this at a social gathering organized to mark the 2018 Nigerian Army Social Activities (NASA), at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    Biu said that the successful celebration of NASA in Maiduguri highlighted the military’s triumph over the insurgents and restoration of peace to the war-torn region.

    He noted that the military had successfully restored normalcy and  peace in Maiduguri and other parts of the region, compared to the chaotic situation bedeviling the area in the past years.

    Biu explained that the military had re-opened major high ways and roads, hitherto closed due to the insurgents attacks and rescued thousands of people from insurgents’ captivity.

    “Today’s occasion offers us unique opportunity to celebrate the prevailing peace in the northeast, particularly in Borno which by God’s grace, has been achieved through the doggedness and boldness of our troops and the stakeholders.

    Our officers and soldiers, therefore, deserve to celebrate their year of success over the terrorists having toiled tenaciously to keep the peace of the land through their sweat and blood with many paying the supreme sacrifice.

    There is no doubt that we have conducted many successful operations in 2018; we are  determined to conduct more until Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal elements are completely purged out of our land.

    Through our successful operations, many roads, hitherto closed due to the insurgents activities, have been reopened and secured to promote hinterland economy.

    Also, several people were rescued from captivity while many resettled back to their homes with adequate support for their farming activities,” he said.

    Biu added that the army, under its stability operations, had restored peace, essential services and provided humanitarian services, to support the populace directly or through coordinated efforts with development organizations.

    Read also: Dickson to Army: fish out killers of Govt House photographer

    According to him, the army will intensify campaign to clear remnants of the insurgents in the region.

    Elaborating further on NASA, Biu said the event was designed to enable the army to appraise its performances in the past one year, celebrate successes, and enable personnel and their families to partake in series of relaxation activities.

    Biu said that it also availed the army unique opportunity to promote mutual understanding with communities and other security organizations.

    While commending Gov. Kashim Shettima over his support to the military, the commander called on people to support the military, to ensure successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign.

    Maj.-Gen. Benson Akinroluyo, the Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, also commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security agencies for their contributions in the successful execution of the war against insurgency.

    Akinroluyo reiterated the commitments of the military to ensure total defeat of the insurgents and restoration of peace to the northeast region.

    Alhaji Usman Durkwa, the Deputy Governor of the state, lauded the military over the successes recorded in the campaign against the terrorists.

    Durkwa said “in the past 10 years, our military, in conjunction with other security formations, contributed greatly in the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities in the northeast.

    They have had sleepless nights in their efforts to safeguard the lives and property of our people. This has been the result of the relative peace our communities are enjoying today”.

    He pledged government’s support to the military to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the events featured dance by various cultural troupes, including Kanuri, Igbo, Yaruba, Tiv and Idoma.

    The event was attended by the Speaker, Borno House of Assembly, Mr Abdulkarim Lawan, representatives of the United Nations (UN) agencies, humanitarian organizations, military commanders and other security organizations. (NAN)

  • Cultism: 4 Brigade denies report of arrest of officer in Edo

    The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin has denied some media reports on the arrest of an officer of the Brigade for suspected cultism in Edo.

    This was contained in a statement issued by Capt. Mohammed Maidawa, an Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Benin on Sunday.

    According to Maidawa, “the attention of the Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army has been drawn to a media publication dated 23 March, 2019.

    “In the said publication, it was alleged that Private Igbavboa Lucky and not Private Opiri Stephen as erroneously published was alleged to have been arrested and paraded by the State Police Command for cultism activities.

    “For emphasis, Nigerian Army (NA) is a professional organisation with extant policies that regulates the conduct of its personnel. It does not allow any of its personnel to belong to any confraternity such as cult groups and related associations.

    “Consequently, any of its personnel who cross the red line in this regard will face the full rigours of military discipline.”

    He further said that the alleged case of Private Igbavboa Lucky who was arrested was an isolated case.

    Read also: Ondo violence: Group seeks compensation for victims

    He also said that preliminary investigation had revealed that the suspect was not personnel of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army but a deserter from 101 Special Force, Borno since January.

    “Thus, his conduct is a complete negation of the minimum behavioural conduct expected from personnel of the Nigerian Army.

    “I also wish to use this medium to appeal to journalists to verify their stories before publication in order to avoid negative reportage capable of bringing the image of the Brigade or the NA into disrepute.

    “The public should be rest assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and the military justice system will take its course,” Maidawa said. (NAN)

  • Boko Haram: Michika elders request for more troops, armoured tanks

    Community leaders in Michika, Adamawa State have  appealed to the Nigerian Army to deploy more troops and armoured tanks to the town to enhance security.

    The appeal followed  Monday’s  attack by Boko Haram insurgents on the only commercial bank building in the town on a robbery mission but were repelled by the army.

    Some of the leaders made the appeal yesterday during an operational visit to the town by Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, the acting General Officer Commanding,7 Division of the army, and Commander Sector 1.

    Muhammed Usman, an elder and Head of Muslim Community in Michika, said the call was imperative to fast track and revamp socio-economic activities in the community.

    He explained that additional checkpoints should be mounted in Kuburshosho Goni and Shuwa areas in the town to check future attacks.

    He also urged the army to furnish residents with means of reaching out to them when distressed, saying many locals heard the news of the Monday attack but were constrained to reach out to military authorities.

    He said: “sometimes we hear news of the movement of the insurgents just five kilometers away from the town but we don’t know how to communicate to army. There is the need for army to give us telephone numbers to call when distressed.”

    Mr Jidda Kwache, an elder and District Head of Michika, said that the deployment of more troops in the area would complement the efforts of the fighting troops on ground.

    Kwacha said that the last time the town witnessed any attack was in 2014, noting that the Monday attack left uncertainty in the minds of the people in the community.

    Yakubu Jaha-Michika, the Commander of Hunters in Michika, appealed to the Adamawa Government to deploy more security operatives to the area.

    Jaha-Michika said that the state government should arm and equip local hunters to help in providing local vigilance patrol.

    Reacting, Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu said he was in the town to sympathise with the people on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He urged the community, traditional and religious leaders in the town to support the military’s effort to defeat Boko Haram and other undesirable elements.

    He said “security is everybody’s business and not for army alone, I, therefore, urge you to always provide prompt information on any suspicious activities.”

  • Boko Haram: Troops construct water, bread factories to support soldiers

    Troops of 115 Task Force Battalion, Operation Lafiya Dole, Nigerian Army in Askira-Uba, have constructed bread and sachet water factories to support soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.

    Maj. Yusuf Salisu, 115 Task Force Commander, disclosed during Operational visit of Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the army on Friday.

    Salisu, who was represented by Maj. Godwin Ameh, said that the project was executed under the Battalion Commander Humanitarian Initiative.

    He said that the initiative came as part of the modality toward protecting its soldiers from consuming unwholesome and poisonous foods or water from Boko Haram and their sympathisers.

    He explained that some of the bread sold daily in commercial places could contain cancer-causing chemicals, including Potassium Bromate and Potassium Iodate, which are banned substances in the country.

    According to him, the whole idea is to provide healthy food to our soldiers.

    “The initiative was also designed to provide humanitarian support and services to the less privileged in the hospitals, church, mosque and the entire host communities with a view to strengthen civic relationship.

    “So far we have provided bread for more than 2,000 patients in the hospitals in the communities.

    “Every Friday and Sunday we take bread and distribute free of charge to Muslim and Christian in the communities.

    “It has already yielded positive result because we were able to minimise cost of providing breakfast to our soldiers.

    “Also, potable drinking water, which used to pose great challenge in the past had also been addressed through our water factory,” he said.

    “All our factories had been accessed and licensed by NAFDAC and they have certified that the factories met best standard,” he said.

    Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the army, commended the troops for the initiative, noting that it would go a long way in reducing risk, illness and improving the health and safety of the troops.

    Biu said: “One of the core strategies of winning any war in the world was threatening civil-military relationship, I am happy that you are already done that here.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai is proud of you; we are all proud of you and this type of laudable initiative of yours cannot be ignored,” he said.

    He urged other brigades within the theatre to emulate the 155 battalion initiative and ideas that would add meaningful value to the welfare of troops while executing the counter terrorism campaign.

    The GOC also charged soldiers and officers in the battalion to be committed, focused and decisive in their duties.

    He assured the army under the leadership of COAS Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, would work toward providing them with all the necessary support to enhance its operation and win the war. (NAN)