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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • 2019 election: NDF wants Adebanjo arrested over comments on Buhari’s victory

    The National Democratic Front, NDF, has called for immediate arrest and arraignment elder statesman and leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, over his recent comment on the just-concluded presidential election.
    Adebanjo had described the 2019 presidential election won by President Muhammadu Buhari as a joke, saying that he could not recognise the APC candidate as president-elect.
    NDF through its Secretary General, Dr Bolaji Abdulkadirm, in a statement said Adebanjo’s comment amounts to treason and utterances capable of plunging the country into another civil war.
    The statement further called on security agencies to immediately act to curtail such excesses by immediately arresting Adebanjo so as to serve as deterrent to others.
    Statement reads below.
    Adebanjo premised his treasonous call, published by the Daily Independent, on the handling of the recently held Presidential Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is merely a cover to justify the mayhem he and his co-travellers are planning in order to illegitimately and forcefully overthrow the government in violation of the Constitution.
    We note, sadly, that while Adebanjo claims the 2019 election was unacceptable to him he is equally disparaging the 2015 election from which the current mandate of President Buhari emanates. Even if he genuinely has issues with the recent elections, there are provisions for aggrieved losers to pursue judicial challenge, which in this case is even Atiku Abubakar and other candidates but not Adebanjo.
    There is no problem with Adebanjo or any other Nigerians privately nursing grudges against the president-elect or choosing to avoid attending same events with him, bidding for contracts under his government or having any interactions with the occupier of the nation’s highest office on account of political differences. But voicing out such disavowal and causing same to be published is clearly a call to insurrection, one that must not be taken lightly.
    Security agencies must immediately act to curtail such excesses by immediately arresting Adebanjo and anyone that instructed him to make such statement with a view to sending out the message that the laws of Nigeria are not to be toyed with. This call became necessary because of the series of plots by people like Adebanjo (and those who pay him) to overthrow the government of President Buhari, which were uncovered by the Federal Government prior to the elections.
    The call by Adebanjo is no mistake but part of the larger plot by the opposition to cause widespread insurrection against the government after it became clear to them that they can never return to power through popular votes owing to the years of misrule they inflicted on Nigerians. It is also the opposition testing the waters to see how much disruption they can get away with causing before the May 29 inauguration date.
    NDF urges the international community to note Adebanjo’s statement in relation to the extant laws in Nigeria. International interventions must be mindful of this factors when they are invited to save Adebanjo or any other opposition element from the consequences of treasonable offence since no country allows its Constitution to be taken for granted.

  • Polls: Army arrests four in Lagos

    Operatives of the Nigerian Army on Saturday arrested four persons for electoral offences in Lagos.

    The suspects who were arrested at different locations within Ikeja, Mushin and Oshodi, were said to have conducted themselves in ways capable of disrupting the electoral process.

    It was gathered that one of the suspect was held at Onigbongbo while fighting at a polling unit by operatives of the 9 Brigade, while a soldier and one civilian were arrested at Mushin for breaching movement restriction order.

    Confirming the arrests, the Commander 9 Brigade Gen. Lagbaja Abiodun told our Correspondent that another suspect was apprehended with charms at a polling unit in Oshodi while trying to cause a fight.

    He said: “We made three arrests. One was at Onigbongbo involving a young man who was causing trouble. We arrested a soldier and a civilian around Mushin. The soldier was not on election duty and he was breaching the movement restriction order. Because he was with a civilian, it was believed they had intent to cause trouble.

    “Another man was arrested at Oshodi with charms and he was causing a fight. All the suspects are currently in out barrack and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Saturday evening ordered the arrest of party officials and candidates found at ward or local government collation centres in the state.

    Muazu who described the election as peaceful, noted that the officials and candidates were violating the Electoral Act by being present at collation centres and their presence could spring violence.

    He gave the order while on tour of Ward collation centres in Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA) after observing the presence of some party officials.

    The commissioner ordered them out of the centres, directing the Police officers leading security teams to arrest anyone found in 15 minutes.

    “Each party is supposed to send a representative to the collation centres. Only the party agents are to be at the collation centres. No candidates who have contested election should be here and no party chieftain.

    “Only electoral officers bringing in results and party agents are wanted here. Any candidate or party official found here has contravened the Electoral Act and would be arrested. Arrest them and bring them to my cell. I have food to give them.

    “I do not anticipate any post-election violence. The whole exercise has been good thus far. We have seen from the polling units and now visited all collation centres in Ikeja Local Government Area and the process is moving smoothly. No problems anywhere.

    “Collation has started in the four wards we have visited in Ikeja. We have seen adequate security in those areas and we have not received complaints from any of the officers over the collation exercises.

    “I have reports of few arrests made within Lagos but I cannot give you details because I am yet to receive full reports from the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).”

  • Troops neutralise 6 terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday six Boko Haram terrorists were killed in two communities in Borno during different encounter.

    Its spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa said in a statement that some weapons and two trucks were recovered from the terrorists.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 122 Task Force Battalion deployed in the Forward Operation Base at Ngwom Community in Borno State have effectively destroyed some Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) when they (troops) had a fierce encounter with the terrorists fighting in 4 gun trucks at about 2230hrs on Wednesday, the 6th of March, 2019.

    “The bandits (BHTs), had in the recent past, attempted to attack the same troops’ location but physically receded because of stiff resistance and aggressive pursuit from the indefatigable and patriotic troops on a noble military expedition.

    “In the encounter, tremendous success was achieved, – troops captured the following:

    ·       2 Gun trucks mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns

    ·       2 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tubes and  5 AK 47 rifles

    “Additionally, 5 BHTs were forcefully sent to “permanent sleep”. Several others evidently escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “Similarly, on the same day, at about 2300 hours, troops deployed at Gulak responded to a distress call from Kubu village in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State on the nefarious activities of terrorists – criminals operating in the village.

    “On getting close to the area, the bandits engaged the troops with sporadic firing. In the process, the following incidences were recorded;

    “A Boko Haram Terrorist was killed and 1 AK 47 rifle was recovered. No loss of life or casualty on the part of the Nigerian Army.

    “The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu commended the troops and conveyed the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s commendation and  continued support in the war against terrorism and insurgency. He urged them to maintain the momentum at all times.”

  • Rivers:Army probes invasion of commissioner’s residence by security agents

    The Nigerian Army said on Friday that it would investigate the alleged invasion of residence of the Rivers State commissioner of education by some security agents.

    Its spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa said in a statement that the Army would not hesitate to punish any of its personnel involved in any such act as they have been told in clear terms the rules of engagement regarding the on going democratic process in the country.

    The statement reads :”The Nigerian Army (NA) has observed some CCTV footages in circulation on social media and other online platforms, allegedly showing soldiers of the NA and other security agents invading the residence of the Rivers State Commissioner of Education, Hon. Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja.

    “The NA has started conducting a comprehensive forensic investigation of the footages to authenticate the validity or otherwise of the claims to guide its further actions.

    Read Also: Army redeploys top officers

    “In the view of these allegations, the NA, for the umpteenth time, categorically reiterate its position in the entire conduct of the 2019 General elections as severally and consistently espoused and directed by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai which is – “NA is apolitical, neutral, impartial and will not compromise its constitutional roles under any guise”.

    “For RE-emphasis, NA’s responsibility in the entire electioneering process is only to assist civil authority, Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies to – “provide a secure, peaceful and enabling environment for the successful and transparent conduct of the election”.

    “Anything beyond this is not authorized and therefore totally unacceptable by the leadership of the NA.

    “Any military personnel confirmed to be involved in any professional misconduct, such a person/s would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

    “To this end, the NA wishes to request well-meaning Nigerians to always forward genuine complaints and evidences of professional misconduct against any of its personnel for investigation and necessary action.”

  • Army redeploys top officers

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday announced that some senior officers have been appointed to man key positions at army headquarters, while others were redeployed.

    Its spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa said in a statement that among those appointed were Major Gen OG Adeniyi who is now Deputy Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast and Major Gen ECN Obi, now posted to Defence Headquarters.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army has today Thursday the 7th of March 2019, released the postings and appointments of some of its senior officers.

    “Those affected by this, include, Major General ECN OBI who has been posted to Defence Headquarters as  Chief of Defence Standard and Evaluation, Major General LF Abdullahi from Headquarters Nigerian Army Education Corps, to  Defence Headquarters  Director Veteran Affairs Division, Major General OG Adeniyi from Defence Headquarters to Theatre Command (Operation LAFIA DOLE) and appointed Deputy Theatre Commander, while  Brigadier General GK Nwosu, the Chief of Staff Headquarters 82 Division has been posted to Nigerian Army Special Forces School as Acting Commandant, Brigadier General CA Apere from Nigeria Army  Special Forces School to 82 Division as Chief of Staff.

    Read also: APC accuses Dickson of sponsoring insecurity, fake news

    “Similarly, Brigadier General KI Yusuf has been posted to Nigerian Army School of Finance and Account and appointed Commandant, Brigadier General MNB Mamman from Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers (Sappers Engineering Nigeria Limited) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers and appointed Director Army Works, Brigadier General AD Gbadebo from Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers to Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering and appointed Deputy Commandant, Brigadier General SS Araoye from Nigerian Army College of Logistics to Nigerian Army Central Workshop and appointed Commandant, Brigadier General CA Thomas from Military Hospital Lagos to Defence Headquarters (Office of the Chief of Defence Staff) and appointed Gender Adviser.

    “Others affected by this development are – Colonel DC Bako to remain in Sector 2 Operation LAFIA DOLE and appointed Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel SO Omotosho to Technical Group Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and appointed Acting Commander and Colonel LG Lepdung to remain in Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre and appointed Acting Director Research and Development among others.”

  • Family, friends demand immediate release of Gov Emmanuel’s aide

    Family members and friends of the Senior Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom Governor on security matters, Captain Iniobong Ekong rtd have asked for his immediate release from the custody of the Nigerian Army.

    Ekong was reportedly invited by the GOC 6 Division, Major General Jamil Sarham to Port -Harcourt, Rivers state following a petition allegedly written by Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    Mr. Iniobong Edem, a serving councillor in Nsit Ubium local government area was also picked up with him, the family alleged.

    The family and friends of the governor’s aide believe Ekong is in the detention of 6 Division, Nigerian Army Port Harcourt as he has not been seen since February 22nd, 2019, the eve of the presidential/national assembly elections.

    Read Also: CBN bans importers of textiles from accessing forex

    Talking to reporters on Tuesday at Watbridge Hotel Uyo, Abasiekong Ekong, who is the elder brother to Captain Ekong rtd, said his brother has been missing since February 22 this year.

    According to him, the last contact they had with Captain Ekong rtd was when they spoke with him was a phone call to his office by 5pm the day he was invited by the GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt.

    The spokesperson of the family said they were yet to receive a formal arrest warrant or legal summons concerning the matter.

    ”This gentleman has a wife and children, aged parents and siblings, friends and associates who are highly distressed about his whereabouts since 22nd February 2019. That is eleven clear days since he has been last seen.

    ”It should be noted that Captain Iniobong Ekong rtd is the senior special assistant to the governor of Akwa Ibom state on security matters and has served the state faithfully in this capacity with intense passion for truth and justice, upholding all his actions and duty within the ambits of the law and principles of equity and love for the progress and development of Akwa Ibom state,” he said.

    The family and friends of the detained SSA has therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Acting Inspector General of Police, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities to intervene in the matter.

  • Army disagrees with A’Ibom PDP over link with election rigging

    The Nigerian Army has disagreed with the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for misinterpreting its show of force exercise as a veiled rigging exercise in favour of the All Progressives Congress((APC).
    The state PDP in a statement signed by it’s spokesman, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong alleged that the plan by the army and other security agencies to stage a show of force ahead of Saturday’s governorship/assembly polls was a rehearsal to help the APC rig the  elections.
    However, in a swift reaction, the assistant director, Army Public Relations Officer for 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Bashir Jajira said the allegation is far from the intention of the army.
    Addressing newsmen during the show of force in Uyo on Saturday, the army spokesperson explained that 10 LGAs in the state, including; Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo, Ikot Ekpene, Oron, and Uyo among others were security flash points.
    He said the army will deal decisively with ballot snatchers in such areas.
    But the PDP has dismissed the show of force security agencies in the state as a smokescreen to aid the Army high command to deploy military personnel to aid in the hijack of election materials in favour of the APC.
    The party appealed to the army to desist from partisan politics and to remain professional in line with their Rules of Engagement, adding that such is the only guarantee for a thriving democracy.
    “The recent show of force and subsequent declaration of 10 “local Government areas as flash points by the Nigerian army is a veiled rigging plan for the APC. This plan we have learnt was hatched after the failure of the army to effectively intervene at the Ikot Ekpene collation center to save the Warsaw general and failed Senator, Godswill Akpabio. .
    “As a party we are at a loss as to the foundation or basis for the declaration of those areas as flashpoints. It is common knowledge that no casualty was recorded in the last elections in Akwa Ibom state, unlike other states where scores of people were killed and maimed. We will like to remind the military that their primary duty is the protection of the territorial sovereignty of our country and not to take over civil policing, except in extreme circumstances (which elections do not fall within).
    “We hereby totally reject the proposed militarization of our elections and refer them to the judgment in the case instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari, who then was candidate of the APC in 2015 on the role of the military in elections.
    “We again call on the Chief of Defence staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Army Operations and the entire Army High command to direct the GOC 6 Division to immediately withdraw the over 30 soldiers attached to Obong Nsima Ekere, the 15 soldiers attached to Chief Godswill Akpabio and the 8 soldiers attached to Senator Ita Enang
    “As an indication of complicity between the Army and the APC currently in operation, it was the APC Governorship candidate who posted the news, even before the Army authorities pronounced it. The APC in Akwa Ibom has been boasting lately that, what the police under the ignoble watch of AIG Kimo could not do, the Army will do. Our obvious reply is found in the scriptural proclamation, “who is he that says a thing and it comes to pass, when the Lord has not commanded”.
    PDP also used the medium to discourage superior military officers  from becoming subjected to politicians in expectation for favourable postings and appointments.
    “Finally, to the soldiers who are preparing to be deployed, we advice them to brace up to meet with the divine army of God which will be on duty on that day to guide His people and protect them from harm. Our party like always will trust in the name of the Lord our God, who is able to do all things, while the opposition will as usual,  put their hopes on their horses, chariots and soldiers(Federal Might)”. The release added
    The party therefore encourage Akwa Ibom people to head out enmasse to their polling units and vote massively for what it described as “the sustenance of the prevailing peace, the continuation of the prosperity and the comprehensive development that the Udom Emmanuel administration represents”.

  • Military beef up security as election progresses in Adamawa

    Men and officers of the Nigerian Army went in a long convoy of military vehicles along major streets in Yola as election progressed yesterday in what the authorities said was a move to assure citizens of adequate safety and protection.

    The military men went on the road show in the early hours of the morning as they moved around, crisscrossing the streets as voters lined up at different polling centres casting their votes and watching as the military men passed by.

    The Commander of the 23 Brigade, Yola, Brig Gen Bello Muhammad, said in a brief interaction with newsmen that although the military is not involved in the electoral process, the citizens need the military to assure them that they are safe.

    Everywhere was calm at the state capital, Yola, up to the early afternoon Saturday as election progressed, and there was no report of violence elsewhere across the state.

  • 2019: ‘Security agencies open joint security control room in Enugu’

    The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Balarabe Suleiman, says that security agencies operating in the state have opened a joint security control room for the general elections.

    “The purpose of the joint security control room is for effective security co-ordination in the general elections,’’ Suleiman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday.

    NAN reports that security agencies in the state included: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Security Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Others are Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Prisons Service, Federal Fire Service and State Vigilant Services.

    Suleiman noted that all security agencies in the state are involved in the election security, although, the Nigeria Police remain the lead agency for election security.

    “It has been the directive of the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, for every command to have a joint security control room for the elections.

    “The joint security control room is fully furnished; for all heads of security agencies or their representatives to be there as long as possible.

    Read Also: Security experts counsel on violence-free polls

    “It is also well furnished with all sorts of communication and information gadgets and stand-by operation vehicles attached to it.

    “This is for security issues during the elections to be attended to with speed in a most coordinated manner,’’ he said.

    According to him, the joint security control room, which is domiciled at the police headquarters in Enugu, will operate 24/7 this elections season.

    NAN reports that the Enugu Police Command distress numbers are: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 and 08098880172.

    Its social media platforms are: twitter @policeNG_Enugu and Facebook @nigeriapoliceforceenugustatecommand.

    NAN

  • GOC after my life, Wike alleges

    The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, are at loggerheads over Wike’s claim that the GOC attempted to assassinate him in Port Harcourt.

    Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had earlier abused and accused the GOC of working with the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig today’s elections in Rivers State, in a press statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, alleged that he survived the assassination plot on Thursday night.

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham, last night, through 6 Division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, described Wike as a liar and blackmailer.

    In Nwakaudu’s press statement, he said Rivers governor survived  the assassination attempt on his life, after soldiers allegedly sent by the GOC confronted his security detail, while also alerting Nigerians that the military was supplying fake uniforms to militants hired by the APC for the purpose of disrupting the elections and unleashing mayhem.

    The media aide stated that his boss spoke after a meeting with officials of the British High Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, while accusing Maj.-Gen. Sarham of taking very unprofessional measures to silence PDP members.

    Wike, according to his media aide, had informed the British High Commission and other foreign missions of the anti-democratic  actions of the security forces, especially the Nigerian Army.

    Rivers governor said: “Last night (February 21), the GOC, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army plotted an assassination on my life. Thank God, that was not successful.

    “On Friday, 15th of January, a day to the 16th of February, the first date for the elections, before it was rescheduled, the GOC sent soldiers to cordon off my private residence.

    “Yesterday (February 21), I was shocked that when I left Government House (Port Harcourt) to see some political leaders, soldiers were trailing me. Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not have military security detail.

    “Along Abacha Road (Government Reservation Area, Port Harcourt), where you have Algate Hotel, to my surprise, I heard my security men shouting that the soldiers were behind us. I have said this many times about the GOC of the 6 Division that nobody should kill because he was promised the position of Chief of Army Staff.

    “The GOC can be promoted as Chief of Army Staff, without killing anyone. There is no need to kill innocent people for a personal ambition. Rivers State is strategically positioned in Nigeria and should not be destabilised for political goals.

    “Rivers State is so important to this country. The economy of Nigeria cannot survive without Rivers State. By what they are doing, they are scaring investors away.”

    Wike also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to speak with top officials of the Nigerian Army to reduce their level of partisanship and alleged illegal activities, ahead of the general elections.

    He alleged: “The GOC held a meeting with the soldiers yesterday (on Thursday) and he said they must do everything they can to ensure that President Buhari wins. That is not good. Allow Nigerians to support whoever they want to support.”

    Rivers governor also stated that there was no reason for any fight in the state and according to him, APC would not be fielding candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in the state.

    He claimed that soldiers had started arresting PDP members in Eleme and other local government areas of Rivers, alleging that 182 persons had been penciled down for arrest by the army.

    Wike decried the alleged supply  of  military uniforms to APC militants, which he claimed would have post elections negative  consequences.

    The Political Officer of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Louis Edwards, had earlier stated that they were in the state to observe the elections.

    Edwards disclosed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers, Mr. Obo Effanga, assured her that things would work well, saying she was looking forward to peaceful elections in the Niger Delta state.

    The 6 Division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, however, said: “It is clear that the political atmosphere in our country has reached its crescendo, with political actors outwitting one another. Most worrisome is the activities of some politicians who find pleasure in maligning the Nigerian Army.

    “Ordinarily, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, as a respected institution, would not take issues with any politician or political organisation, as the Nigerian Army has over time reiterated and demonstrated its apolitical posture and professional responsibility, in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s constant directive.

    “However, in the light of irresponsible utterances, through politically-motivated allegations against the 6 Division in the last one week, compel the division to warn mischief makers to steer clear of the Nigerian Army

    “Available intelligence report has it that a series of planned campaigns of calumny against the 6 Division and its leadership are being perfected. 6 Division expects more from these detractors. The Nigerian Army, through the 6 Division, wishes to reiterate its determination to ensure the conduct of a secure, peaceful and credible 2019 general elections.”

    Col. Iliyasu also stated that the division and its personnel were committed to having a professionally responsive Nigerian army, in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

    The spokesman enjoined the electorate to avoid actions that could create chaos and insecurity during and after the elections, while urging members of the public in 6 Division’s Area of Responsibility (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States in the Niger Delta) to always report suspicious actions or movements to the division, through: 09027771482, 07055554967, 09069799721 and 08180690553.