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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • 2019 Polls: Buratai inaugurates Army Situation Room

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai on Wednesday inaugurated the 2019 General Elections Situation Room for the Nigerian Army, saying it is a proactive mechanism by the Army to keep abreast with situation reports on the conduct of the elections.

    According to Buratai, the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Situation Room was informed by events that characterized the previous elections, and the imperative of taking precautionary steps to prevent break down of law and order before, during and after the elections.

    Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the Situation Room, Lt Gen. Buratai said: “Recall that the NA had earlier launched OP SAFE CONDUCT which is one of the series of exercises undertaken by the NA to ensure the success of the 2019 General Elections. The NA Situation Room has been reconfigured for real-time monitoring of events during the 2019 General Elections.

    “It is pertinent to state that the post-election violence which characterized previous elections clearly highlights the challenges posed by incidents of electoral violence in the country. Hence, the NA saw the need to devise new strategies of stemming such ugly tides or completely eliminating same.

    Read Also: Nigerian Army to begin export of combat vehicles by 2030 –Buratai

    “Lessons learnt from previous election violence witnessed have categorized the nature or types of violence into 3 broad categories namely: pre-election violence, violence during elections and post-election violence.

    ” Violence at the various phases of elections include thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes and papers or kidnapping or abduction of electoral officers and party agents and wanton destruction of lives and properties, respectively.

    “Having observed this cycle of violence reoccur severally in our past electioneering processes, the NA has thus deemed it necessary to adopt a proactive and responsive posture that would allow us to better respond to early signs of insecurity before they could escalate into a major security challenge. It is in this light that the NA has launched OP SAFE CONDUCT and also gone ahead to establish this situation room for real-time monitoring.

    ” At this point, it cannot be overstated that fake news and false propaganda pose a dangerous threat to both the democratic process and military operations. The use of media, especially social media to deliberately spread fake news should be a thing of concern to all.

    “The rapid spread of fake news has been responsible for misinformation, thereby having an influence on public sentiment and sow confusion among the electorate or even easily ignite violence during the period of the 2019 General Elections.

    “The NA through the Cyber Warfare Command has been continually engaged in monitoring, identifying and countering various forms of fake news and propaganda being put out by terrorists and subversive elements. However, in this period of the elections, there is need to collaborate with all stakeholders to confront the menace of fake news.“

  • Troops foil insurgents attack in Adamawa

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said its troops successfully repelled attack coordinated by the Boko Haram insurgents at Madagali town in Adamawa.

    Col. Ado Isa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 7 Division, said in a statement that the troops killed several insurgents and recovered ammunition when they attempted to attack a military formation in the area.

    Ado disclosed that troops of 143 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade had on Feb. 9, at about 18:00 p.m. successfully repelled the insurgents’ attack when they attempted to infiltrate its location.

    “The terrorists, who stormed the location in gun trucks, met their waterloo through stiff resistance coupled with massive fire power from the troops and inflicted serious casualty on the terrorists and their equipment.

    “The gallant troops held their ground, disorganised the terrorists who later lost momentum and retreated in disarray.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise four terrorists in Borno

    “During the encounter, the resilient troops neutralised many insurgents, captured one alive while several others scampered for their lives and fled with gunshot wounds,” he said.

    Ado listed the ammunition recovered to include five AK-47 rifles, four magazines, one Hand-held grenade, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 45 rounds of Ant-Aircraft gun ammunition, two cell phones and one video camera.

    The army spokesman also said one soldier and a civilian were killed while five others sustained injuries, adding that they were receiving medical attention.

    According to him, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu commended the troops for their doggedness, gallantry, while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes.

  • Yahaya takes over as 1 Div GOC

    Major General Faruk Yahaya has taken over command as General Officer Commanding (GOC), of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna.

    He took over from Major Gen. Mohammed Mohammed who served as GOC from October 26, 2017, until his transfer to head the Signals Corps.

    Yahaya who was the Army Secretary, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, told officers and men of the division to be professional and responsive in the discharge of their constitutional roles, adding “I expect nothing less, but more.”

    He urged them to support him in consolidating the achievements recorded under the outgoing GOC, assuring that he would be decisive and professional handling situations.

    Yahaya stressed that their operations must be guided by rules of engagement.

    “I urge you all to remain steadfast. We should be apolitical and be committed to our areas of responsibility.

    Read Also: Call Yahaya Bello to order, senatorial candidate tells Buhari

    “You must conduct yourselves well and be professional in the discharge of your duties,” the GOC added.

    The outgoing GOC had expressed appreciation to all for their tremendous support during his 15- month stint as GOC and urged them to redouble their support and cooperation to the new GOC.

    Mohammed said it was important to work as a team in order to ensure stability in the command’s area of operation.

    He charged the officers and men to remain apolitical and “support the civil authority in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.”

  • Army appoints new spokesman

    …Redeploy senior officers

     

    The Nigerian Army on Monday announced the appointment of a new Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, in a major shakeup that affected other senior officers.

    A statement signed by Colonel Aliyu Yusuf on behalf of Army Public Relations noted that the redeployment of the new officers was released by the leadership of the Army on Sunday.

    The statement reads: “the Nigerian Army has Monday Sunday 10 February 2019, released the postings and appointments of some of its senior officers.

    “Those affected by this include, Brigadier General NJ Okah who has been posted from Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies (NAITES) to Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics and appointed Acting Director of Engineering Services, Brigadier General MA Masanawa from Army Headquarters, Department of Army Policy and Plans to ACADA and appointed Commander, while Brigadier General HT Wesley posted from Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps to Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics has been appointed Director Clothing and Store, erstwhile Brigadier General HG Tafida of the Nigerian Army Central Workshop Rigachukwu posted to Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics and appointed Director Engineering and Maintenance

    “Brigadier General BA Ilori has been posted to Army Headquarters Department if Army Policy and Plans and appointed Deputy Director Equipment Procurement.

    Read Also: Nigerian Army deserves better welfare, says Atiku

    “Brigadier General AA Adereti, posted to National Defence College and appointed Directing Staff while Colonel O Nwachukwu from Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole has been posted to Defence Headquarters and appointed Acting Director Defence Information.

    “Similarly, Colonel S Musa has been posted to Directorate of Army Public Relations and appointed Acting Director Army Public Relations Nigerian Army while Colonel AA Yusuf has been appointed Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army.

    “Colonel AD Isa is posted to Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole and appointed Deputy Director Army Public Relations while the new Acting Corps Commander Nigerian Army Medical Corps is Colonel S Adama.

    “Others affected by the new development include, Colonel OG Olaniyi who was posted from Nigerian Army School of Music to Nigerian Army Band Corps and appointed Acting Director Army Band, Colonel EI Okoro and Colonel I P Bindul are posted to Army War College Nigeria as Directing Staff amongst others.“

  • Army promises neutrality in 2019 general elections

    The Commanding Officer 14Brigade, Goodluck Jonathan’s Barrack Ohafia, Ohaifia Local Government Area of Abia State, Brigadier General Abdul K. Ibrahim has promised the neutrality of its personnel in February 16 and March 2 general elections respectively.

    Ibrahim stated this while playing host to officials of the Abia State Chapter of Nigeria Red Cross who paid him a courtesy visit at the Sector 2 Step-up Headquarters of Exercise Egwueke III located at Nsulu Games Village, Umunna Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

    According to the 14Brigade Commander, the brigade would provide security to all the candidates of various political parties to ensure their safety and hope that the politicians would play politics with the spirit of sportsmanship.

    “Elections are just around the corner. 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army will be neutral. We will just provide security duties and we hope that everybody will play according to the rules of the game.

    “We have received several instructions from the army headquarters on the need to be neutral and then of course, agencies like yours, we will partner with you so that our country will be better for it.”

    We are the members of the Nigeria Red Cross Society Abia State branch. We are here to introduce Red Cross movement to and to also to explain the way we can synergize with you in rendering service to Abians.”

    Read Also: Army spokesman retires voluntarily

    Earlier in his speech, the branch chairman of Red Cross Society, Abia State Chief Emeka Ubani who came in the company of the branch Secretary, Pastor Ebere Okite, Mr. Victor Okoafor, branch training officer and Miss Nwoha Charity Ekeoma said that the purpose of their visit was to seek ways of partnering and training soldiers in the state on First Aid.

    “…it is has been a long desire because wherever the military is found, we are there and by implication and by our establishment, we are the next to the soldiers. We are your closest, most reliable friends and the closest confidant that you can trust.

    “By our principles, we are independent and neutral. We don’t discriminate and that is why we are always with you.

    “We have come to establish that relationship and to show that we are here for you. You can always rely and call on us. It is unfortunate that the junior officers amongst you don’t seem to understand our relationship with them.

    “Elections are coming up, so many things are coming up and you are here (for Egwueke III), so that is why we have come to tell you that we are brothers. We want to work with you and establish that relationship for proper understanding.

    “We have competent internationally trained first aiders who can come into your various camps and train the soldiers to add to what they know and yet to know that would better their lives in the military and in your various families.”

    The secretary of Red Cross, Pastor Ebere Okite speaking on preparedness of Red Cross towards ensuring that they handle emergency cases across the state during and after the 2019 elections said “Election is the current thing and we know that in Nigeria, although that we don’t preempt it, as Red Cross, we prepare for emergencies before they occur.

    “That is why we are effective. From what we have seen, if there is anything like violence, we won’t be surprised and so, we have started preparing emergency first aid team for this particular election.

    “We want to make sure that our emergency team is on ground so that on the day of the elections, we will be in various units across the state. Our duty is to come into action whenever there is wound or disaster. We will even stay after the elections because we know that there could be post election violence. We will continue to stay some day in areas where there are expectations of violence to take care of any emergency.

    “We have come to make ourselves known to you so that you will know that we are there. When you see us, you will see us as friends who don’t take sides. We are independent, neutral and universal, these three things gives us the opportunity to be at our best. Anytime that you are ready, we will send our personnel who will come to train your men on internal and domestic first aid.”

  • Army partners African Bar Association to promote rule of law

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday in Abuja promised to partner and collaborate with the African Bar Association (AfBA) to promote the rule of law and human rights of Nigerians and Africans in general.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf  Buratai made this statement while receiving  a delegation of the AfBA  led by its president, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo at the army headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. General Buratai commended  AfBA for championing the interest and rights of Africans in general.

    He said: “We are happy to hear that one of our own, the Director of Army legal services,  Major General Yusuf I.  Shalangwa is the head of the Army Committee of the AfBA. We also   appreciate   what you have done in many African countries including Burundi, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and your efforts for the development of Africa, the promotion of human rights and the rule of law in the continent.

    “Our officers and men are up to the task in the challenges in the North Eastern part of the country including the Boko Haram, Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and their efforts to blackmail the Nigerian  military by threats to take them to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Our rules of engagement are at par with International best practices, this is what we have done.

    “We are a very good team to collaborate with, to promote human rights and the rule of law.  We have a  lot of standing rules of engagement, policy  guidelines and  other publications that guide and regulate everything that we do and our engagement. This also applies to our job on arrest, detention and interrogation of persons; all are done within the ambit of the international best practices and the rule of law.

    Read Also: Army repels Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    “We have reputable international handbook on domestic and international laws guiding our conducts, that is a document policy of the Nigerian armed forces. Above all we have very high respect for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Definitely we will collaborate with you in the areas of training for our members in the area of workshops, seminars, we have a very good collaboration with the NBA in the development of military justice system” Buratai stated

    Earlier in his remarks, the President of AfBA, Mr. Hanibal Uwaifo commended the military authorities for doing a great job in combating terrorism in the country. He intimated his hosts of the efforts of AfBA in promoting democracy, human right and rule of law in African continent and assured the military authorities that the AfBA has all it takes to support the military to do its best for the country.

  • Army deploy 95 percent troops for polls

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said 95 percent of its troops would be engaged in security duties during the forthcoming general elections.

    It added almost 40 percent of the troops to be deployed would be in the Northeast.

    Its Spokesman Brig. Gen. Sani Usman said in a statement that it was not true that the troops were being paid some allowances in other to sway their votes for a particular party as being alleged in the social media.

    Brig Gen Usman said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to some insinuations on various social media platforms that the recent payment of uniform allowance to officers and soldiers was done to sway their voting towards a particular political party. This is not true.

    “The payment of uniform allowance was started in 2016 to assist troops deployed on Operation LAFIYA DOLE as uniform upkeep and maintenance.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Army denies takeover of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa towns

    “The allowance was however extended to all Nigerian Army personnel because of their increasing engagement in various Internal Security Operations across the country.

    “It is important to note that 95 per cent of Nigerian Army troops will be engaged in security duties during the forthcoming general elections.

    “Out of this, almost 40 per cent are in the North East. Therefore, it is gross unfair and sheer mischief to associate the Nigerian Army with such mundane action.

    “We therefore implore all well- meaning Nigerians to dissociate themselves from such fake and unwarranted information calculated to smear the Nigerian Army.

    “Although investigation is ongoing to ascertain the source of such malicious allegations, we would like to warn such unpatriotic individuals to stop this mischief forthwith.

    ” We would like to further warn all officers and soldiers to desist from acts that are inimical to Service discipline and code of conduct and reiterate the Chief of Army Staff’s warning during his conference with General Officers Commanding and Operations Commanders that, “All Nigerian Army personnel must remain neutral, non-partisan and transparent in all their actions.

    “I need to reiterate that there will be zero-tolerance for any action and in-action by commanders at all levels that is deemed tilted towards giving undue advantage to any candidate, political party, ethnic or religious leanings to the detriment of the unity and integrity of Nigeria.

    “The Nigerian Army has always been professional, impartial and apolitical. We wish to state that no amount of campaign of calumny against it would change that”.

  • 2019: Python Dance III will swallow all criminals, says Army

    The Nigerian Army said it will crush all forms of criminality and provide an enabling environment for all citizens to performance their civic responsibilities in the forthcoming general elections through the Operation EGWU EKE III otherwise referred to as Python Dance.

    The Acting Commander Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Baba Dala disclosed this at the August 27 Stadium Damaturu during the flag off of the exercise in Yobe State on Thursday.

    “The Nigeria Army remains apolitical in the discharge of her constitutional duties. But most importantly, I want to state here clearly that the python will swallow all kinds of criminality so as to ensure that all Nigerians gets a peaceful atmosphere to cast their votes in the coming general elections,” Brig. Gen. Dala said.

    Brig. Gen Dala informed that the Operation was launched by the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai with the aim of “reassuring the general public of the Federal Government’s commitment at protecting lives and property of Nigerian citizens by building confidence in their minds and creating an enabling environment for them to go about their legitimate activities before, during and after the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: Buratai flags off Python Dance III

    “The exercise is also planned to have operational edge based on actual intelligence. Hence, Exercise EGWU EKE III is conceptualized to combact real-time, the prevailing security challenges as observed, such as: stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, formation of militias and violence induced by political parties’ activities. It will checkmate other security threats across the country such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, banditary and other criminal activities of dissident groups,” Gen. Dala informed.

    He also noted that the exercise will sharpen the skills of personale  in the conduct of  Military Operaions other than war, in flash points across the country in preparation for the forthcoming 2019 General Elections.

    The Sector 2 Commander informed that the exercise will be conducted in collaboration with other sister Services and Para-military Agencies, adding that, “it is believed that the exercise will foster civil-military relationship between the military and the good people of Yobe State”.

    Highlights of the flagging off of the Operation  Python Dance III by the Deputy Gov. Engr. Abubakar Aliyu who represented Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam at the occasion.

  • Army repels Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    Troops of 159 Battalion, Forward Operational Base (FOB), Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on Monday evening repelled attempted terrorists incursion into the border town of Kanama, Yunusari Local Government of Yobe.

    The Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Lt. Njoka Irabor made this known in a press statement issued in Damaturu.

    Irabor said “The terrorists came in at about 5:30pm and started shooting sporadically and vigilant troops of the FOB engaged them.

    “Consequently, the terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops of 159 Battalion and the well-coordinated air support from the Air Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    Read also: Badagry prince forged signatures, forensic expert claims

    “This resulted in inflicting casualty on the terrorists, while some of them retreated with gunshot wounds.

    “The resilient troops have embarked on hot pursuit of the fleeing surviving attackers towards Niger Republic border.

    “Further details of the casualties on the terrorists and recoveries would be provided on completion of the mop up and pursuit operations”, he said. (NAN)

  • Troops neutralise four terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said on Monday that four Boko Haram terrorists have been killed by troops during an encounter with the terrorists at Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

    A statement signed by Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu said three soldiers were however wounded during the exchange of fire by troops and the insurgents.

    He added that weapons of different types were recovered from the terrorists by the gallant troops.

    Colonel Nwachukwu said: “Troops of 118 and 119 Task Force Battalions of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in northern Borno have neutralised 4 Boko Haram terrorists in an encounter yesterday night at Mallam Fatori, a border town in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno state.

    “On Saturday 2nd February 2019, a group of Boko Haram terrorists attempted to attack the town taking advantage of darkness but met their Waterloo in an encounter with gallant troops of 118 and 119 Task Force Battalions.

    “The vigilant troops engaged the terrorists with heavy firepower and instantly despatched 4 of the attackers to the great beyond, while some of them escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The fleeing surviving terrorists abandoned some of their weapons and equipment which were recovered by the troops.

    “The recovered items include 1 Light Machine Gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade 7 (RPG 7) tubes, 3 Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 3 Rocket Propelled Grenade Chargers, a belt of 200 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO type) ammunition, 5 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition and 4 Hand Grenades.

    “The gallant troops are unrelenting and are further exploiting their success, as they engage in hot pursuit of the fleeing insurgents.

    “Three soldiers, however, sustained various injuries during the encounter. They are all in stable condition and receiving medical attention.”