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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • ‘Army will deal with those planning to scuttle elections’

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai on Monday warned that the Nigerian Army will deal decisively with local and foreign elements who are working to subvert the forthcoming general elections.

    According to General Buratai, the Army has received information about plans by some unpatriotic groups within the country alongside some foreign collaborators to scuttle the peaceful conducts of the coming elections in some parts of the country.

    The Army Chief made the remarks while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Operations Conference held at the Army Headquaters Command Mess in Abuja on Monday.

    The COAS said: “Let me at this point state that we have information of subversive motives by some unpatriotic groups aided by foreign conspirators to scuttle the peaceful conduct of the 2019 General Elections in some parts of the country.

    “We hereby warn such detractors to immediately mend their ways. The Nigerian Army is working closely with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to ensure an enabling environment for the good citizens of our dear country to exercise their civic rights.

    “In this regard, GOCs and field Commanders at all levels are to deal decisively with any form of security breach”.

    Gen. Buratai who warned participants at the conference which comprise of General Officers Commanding, (GOC) Principal Staff Officers (PSO) and selected Commanders, said any army personnel who take side with any candidate or political party during the elections would be shown the way out of the service.

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    Said he “Over the past one year, I have given very clear directives on the posture the Nigerian Army should adopt during the 2019 General Elections. The need for the NA to remain apolitical and professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles has been stressed. 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.

    “This includes knowingly or unknowingly receiving any form of inducement from politicians or other entities, be it public or private.  GOCs and Field Commanders at all levels are to warn all officers and soldiers under their command to remain forthright and not in any way deviate from the professional ethics of the Nigerian Army.”

    “I urge you all to remind officers and soldiers under command to be guided by the stipulated Code of Conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties during the Elections. We will all recall some of the events of the 2015 General Elections which subsequently led to the sad exit of some fine officers who were found culpable. I therefore enjoin you all to impress on your personnel to avoid a repeat of such occurrences”, Gen Buratai asserted.

    He said the Conference was aimed at reviewing the various military Operations going on across the country in order to address challenges and noticeable lapses, stressing the army is investing heavily in cyber security systems to enable monitor developments and capture trends of events as they are happening.

    The Army Chief further said  “Our role in support of the nations’ democracy cannot be over-emphasized. Hence, this Conference will provide us the opportunity to review the conduct of Ex EGWU EKE III and to appraise the preparations so far being made by various formations towards the smooth execution of Op SAFE CONDUCT before, during and after the 2019 General Elections.

    “The Conference will also afford us the opportunity to review recent events in Op LAFIYA DOLE and deliberate on how best to address some of the operational, tactical and administrative lapses. It is expected that this Conference will proffer solutions to some of the challenges in the theatre of operation with a view to stimulating and driving added impetus to the overall conduct of the operation.

    “I am glad to note that this Conference will also witness a presentation by the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command on our latest effort    at     adapting   web-based    technologies    for monitoring the operating environment especially during the 2019 General Elections”.

  • Troops arrest thugs in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Army said on Sunday that troops of Exercise Python Dance III with some Security Operatives have arrested a number of thugs in Sokoto with dangerous weapons in their possessions.

    Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman said in a statement that the thugs were arrested with customised sticks and other weapons.

    According to him, 16 of the arrested thugs have been documented and handed over to the police for further action.

    He however regretted that there have been undue pressures on Security agencies to free the thugs, while raising concern about the clash between the police escort of a serving Senator and a DSS operative on the matter.

    Brig Gen Usman said : “Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, on Exercise EGWU EKE III, in conjunction with other security agencies have recovered dangerous weapons from criminals and political thugs in Sokoto State.

    “This has really contributed immensely to a peaceful security situation in the State.

    “However, yesterday, Saturday 2nd January 2019, troops on joint stop and search patrol patrol with other security agencies, arrested 16 persons believed to be political thugs armed with dangerous weapons along Illela-Danfulani-Gwadabawa road.

    “The suspects were arrested armed with 27 axes and 16 customised sticks. While still conducting the search, a prominent politician in the state and a serving Senator, came to the scene and ordered his mobile police escorts to release them.

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    “In the process, the Department of State Service operative was molested and his clothes torn. The patriotic and professional officer still held on to the seized weapons.

    “Similarly, another prominent politician from Zamfara State had earlier tried to influence the investigation of arrested armed political thugs.

    “These undue pressures and attempts to interfere with the conduct of the Exercise for selfish reasons are indeed worrisome and disturbing and will not be tolerated.

    “The Nigerian Army has always been professional, impartial and apolitical and will continue to be so. Since the operationalization of the Exercise in January 2019, we have arrested thugs armed with dangerous weapons across the various political parties, without fear or favour.

    “The thugs were documented and handed over to the police. We have noted with great concern that such criminals usually find themselves back into the society without any sanction.

    “Consequently, we would like to reiterate our commitment to creating a conducive and secured environment for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country.

    ” Therefore, we would not tolerate any undue interference from any quarters in the discharge of this noble responsibility.

    “Additionally, we have resolved to hold on to any arrested criminal or armed thugs till the end of the elections. All Commaders have been further directed to continue to carry out their duties diligently, despite the provocation from some misguided elements. ”

     

  • 2019: we’re set to provide conducive security atmosphere – Army

    Twelve days to the Presidential election, the Nigerian Army has said that, it is ready to provide a conducive security atmosphere for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    It however said that it has warned its officers and men to remain apolitical throughout the elections period.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major-General Mohammed Mohammed disclosed this at the weekend while serving as the Guest of Honour in Kontagora during the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA), Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) and 311 Artillery Regiment combined West African Social Activities (WASA).

    General Muhammad said, “Bearing in  mind  that we have less than 14 days to the presidential election our mandate ad the Nigerian Army is to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections wherever our troops are.

    “We are going to be providing support role to the civil security agencies, to ensure that they discharge their responsibility in an environment that is conducive for every Nigerian to come out and perform his or her civic responsibility.” He said.

    He however reminded the troops of the Chief of Army Staff’s directive that all Nigerian Army personnel must remain apolitical during the polls, warning any personnel found wanting will be appropriately sanctioned.

    Speaking on WASA, the GOC said, “All works and no play makes Jack a dull boy, goes the popular saying. However, it is not only Jack that can become dull by working without playing, even our personnel will become dull if only subjected to ‘work work work’ without necessary recreation to relax their minds and bodies. This is the whole essence of this gathering.

    “It is pleasing that despite the huge involvement of the two formations and unit spanning from training to operations, to enhancing peace and security in Kontagora and its environs in particular and Nigeria in general, the year 2018 edition of WASA could still be held.” He said.

    Read Also: Rann: Army denies killing of 60 by Boko Haram

    General Mohammed while commending the officers and soldiers’ wives for keeping the home front while their husbands fight in defence of Nigeria, also prayed for the officers and soldiers who died in the battle against insurgents.

    Similarly, the Commander NACA, Major-General Abubakar Tarfa who traced the history of WASA to colonial era said, during the Second World War, the forebearers of the soldiers under the West African Frontier Forces (WAFF) distinguished themselves in many battles owing to their diverse cultural inclinations. “the colonial authorities thereafter introduced WASA and made it an annual event to permit the African soldiers to observe any local cultural rituals.”

    General Tarfa said, enormous security challenges confronting the nation not withstanding, 2018 was quite busy and eventful for the Nigerian Army, as it strived to live up to expectations.

    He however assured that, the Nigerian Army will remain consistent in its collaboration with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property and peaceful co-existence of all in the country and particularly their host communities.

    Highlights of the occasion was presentation of awards to outstanding personnel who distinguished themselves during the 2018 training and operational year.

    The awardees include female Engineer Beauty Elisha of 311 Artillery Regiment, Lance Bombadier Musa Abdullahi of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and Sgt. Tikikus Baffayo of Nigerian Army Training Centre.

     

     

  • Rann: Nigerian Army faults Amnesty International

    The Nigerian Army has faulted reports by Amnesty International to the effect that 60 people were killed in Rann,  Borno State, following the withdrawal of troops from the area. The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu explained in a statement that the said attacks by Boko Haram was carried out on the 14 of January, and troops of Operation Lafiya Dole responded gallantly, by killing some of the terrorists while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The attention of the Theatre  Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been drawn to recent claims by Amnesty International (AI) that troops’ abandonment of their deployment led to the killing of 60 civilians in Rann on 28 January 2019. Undoubtedly, it is disheartening that the situation of Internally Displaced Persons( IDPs) who are already traumatized having been displaced from their ancestral homes by insurgency is being further aggravated by recent callous Boko Haram attack on the IDP community.

    “However, it is most unacceptable and unfair for AI to make such outlandish and unverified claims that troops abandoned their deployment a day before Boko Haram attack on the location, thereby exposing the IDPs to a deadly attack. This claim is not only bereft of truth, but in its usual mannerism, another futile effort by AI to portray the Nigerian military as incapable, as well as project the Nigerian government as not protective of her people in the eyes of the global community. It is therefore inevitable to address this misinformation being peddled and fed the public,  from  AI’s obviously uninformed report.

    “It must be clarified that contrary to insinuations by AI that troops abandoned their deployment a day before Boko Haram astorgous attack on Rann  on 28 January 2019, Rann never actually came under any attack on the date claimed by AI. Rather Rann experienced  that unfortunate attack on 14 January 2018 and in that encounter, the troops proved their mettle and gallantry by neutralizing two suicide bombers and three Boko Haram foot soldiers, while several took to their heels with gun shot wounds.

    “With the support of troops from the Muliti National Joint Task, who later joined in the battle, the  insurgents were finally overpowered.

    ” Contrary to AI’s claims, at no point of the assessment , was any report of the killing of 60 civilians made either by the civilians themselves, whom the Sector Commander interacted with or by the members of the Joint Task Force who were at hand during the assessment. Again a Search and Rescue Operation that followed after the attack did not recover the said 60 bodies of killed civilians as AI would want members of the public to believe.The troops commenced a clearance operation in villages surrounding Rann and destroyed Boko Haram terrorists camps that were uncovered during the operation,” the statement read in part.

  • Troops neutralise five terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday night said that troops have neutralized five Boko Haram terrorists in Gwoza,  including a notorious one known as Adamu Rugurugu.

    A statement signed by Colonel Ado Isa, Deputy Director Army Public Relations,
    said the troops recovered weapons from the terrorists.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, while on patrol in conjunction with the Civilian JTF, along Gwoza-Yamteke on Wednesday 30th January 2019, came across some Boko Haram terrorists attempting to infiltrate the general area.

    “On sighting the troops, the terrorists opened fire on them. which lead to a heavy exchange of fire.

    “The gallant troops applied superior fighting skills and overpowered the terrorists and neutralised 4 Boko Haram terrorists including Adamu Rugu Rugu a very notorious terrorist, an indegene of Gwoza town, who had been troubling the law abiding citizens of Gwoza and its environment for many years.

    “The gallant troops also recovered 2 Machine guns and 2 AK-47 Rifles.

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    “When the good news of the unprecedented feat by the gallant troops filtered into town, the residents of Gwoza trooped out jubilating and thanking the military particularly for neutralising Adamu Rugu Rugu and urged them to clear more such terrorists wherever they might be.

    “Impressed by their performance, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, who is also Commamder Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, commended the troops for the gallant efforts.

    “In a related development, troops of 152 Battalion, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, today while on patrol and based on credible information, ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists along
    Kumshe-Usmanari road.

    “During the ambush they neutralised one Boko Haram terrorist, while two of his accomplices escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “Similarly, troops of 195 Battalion, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, in conjunction with Police Mobile Force and Civilian JTF, while on cordon and search operation today at Umalari general area, arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, named Mohammed Maina.

    ” He was found to be in possession of military kits and Mobile Police Force uniform. He has since been handed over to 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further interrogation. “

  • Army confirms loss of personnel, equipment in Yobe Attacks

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday confirmed that it lost vehicles, personnel and equipment to the recent Boko Haram terrorists’ attacks in Geidam, Yobe State.

    It however asserted that troops of 159 Battalion responded to the attacks with a show of gallantry leading to the routing of the insurgents in the area.

    The insurgents, according to a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations in charge of Sector Two, Lt. Njoka Irabor, took advantage of the market day in Geidam to loot foodstuffs.

    Lt Irabor said the troops handled the situation with professional acumen to prevent civilian casualties for which they were commended by the Acting Commander of the sector, Brig General Mohammed Dala.

    Lt Irabor said :”Troops of 159 Battalion deployed in Sector 2 of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Geidam , Yobe state, have been lauded for their display of gallantry at containing Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT), who infiltrated the serene  town of  Geidam on Wednesday, 23rd  January 2019, at about 5:30pm, shooting sporadically, thereby creating panic and causing unnecessary apprehension.

    ” The Acting Commander Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General Mohammed Dala, gave the commendation today, during an on the spot assessment visit to Geidam.

    Read Also: Police, Army, others in show of force in Lagos

    “He commended the troops for their gallantry and deliberate effort in protecting the civil populace in the town, particularly at the Geidam market.

    “He directed the immediate replenishment of the troops’ supplies, assuring them that issues of their welfare will always be a top priority.

    “The BHTs, who came to loot foodstuffs and other items, took advantage of the market day in Geidam to infiltrate the town and attacked the military base.

    “The troops displayed a high sense of professionalism by discretely engaging the terrorists with less sophisticated weapons in order to minimize collateral damage with the attendant civilian casualties.

    “Sadly however, the troops, in the process suffered some casualties in vehicles, equipment and personnel.

    “The Sector Commander seized the opportunity to pay a visit to the Emir of Geidam and afterwards had a meeting with officials of other security agencies, where he sued for their cooperation and synergy in sharing timely information that would enhance the pro-activeness of  troops.

    “He further reassured them, that troops will continue to carry out aggressive patrols and offensives to deny Boko Haram and other criminal elements freedom of action.

    “He further urged the good people of Geidam and Yobe state in general, to go about their lawful businesses, as the troops are committed to the protection of lives and property, as well as working round the clock to forestall any attempt by groups or individuals to cause breakdown of law and order in the state.

    “The Commander however warned that anyone identified as a BHT collaborator will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.   “

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: IBB tasks Military to evolve New Combat Strategy

    Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida has tasked the Nigerian Army to evolve new combat strategies that will permanently defeat the terrorists that have continued to hold many parts of the North East to ransom.

    In a press statement to mark the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Babangida said it is high time the military seek to consolidate their gains and fortify their combat strength.

    He noted that the military is presently faced with horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war, and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups declaring that these circumstances are not only heartrending

    “As we prepare to celebrate this year’s Remembrance Day, we should not be oblivious of the fact that our military is presently faced with horrific challenges in the crucial counter-insurgency war, and activities of other blood-thirsty armed groups.

    “To say the least, these ugly circumstances are not only heartrending, but unacceptable. It is high time we seek to consolidate our gains and also fortify our combat strength but unacceptable

    “Indeed, it is pertinent for the top echelons of our military to speedily evolve new combat strategy to bravely confront the callous terrorists who have continued to hold many parts of the North East, and in extension, Nigeria in ransom.”

    The former military leader noted that the Nigerian Army is undeniably a professional military establishment that has over the years achieved remarkable successes in protecting our nation’s territorial integrity urging the Army to remain apolitical as the 2019 elections draws closer.

    “The 2019 edition of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is coming at a critical period, when teeming Nigerian electorates will go to the polls next month to elect their new leaders at various levels of government.

    In recent times, elections have tested our unity as a people, while also posing threats to our socio-cultural diversity and challenging our common destiny.

    “Nevertheless, I have a strong conviction that our Armed Forces will remain apolitical prior, during, and after the general elections, while focusing only on discharging their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the country either from the aggression of internal rebels in the guise of Boko Haram insurgents, or from external retrogressive forces.”

    Babangida then saluted the uncommon bravery of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in their quest to defend the Nation commending the Armed Forces for their resilience over the years in maintaining peace in Nigeria, United Nations Missions, African Union and regional interventions.

    He also called on Nigerians to support the military at all times.

  • Python Dance: Army arrests seven for inciting disturbance

    The Nigerian Army says it has arrested “a group of hoodlums causing mayhem, extorting money and threatening the lives of innocent citizens” in Sokoto.

    Maj. Clement Abiade, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, told newsmen on Saturday in Sokoto that the seven suspects were apprehended at the Kalambaina and Federal Government College junction in Sokoto on Wednesday.

    Abiade said that the suspects, who were in two vehicles, were intercepted and found to be in possession of dangerous weapons.

    He added that the suspects were allegedly seen throwing stones indiscriminately while chanting political slogans.

    According to him, they obstructed the free flow of vehicular traffic and attempted to cause a breakdown of law and order.

    He said that although soldiers arrested some of the suspects, many others fled the scene of the incident.

    The spokesman gave the names of the suspects as Auwalu Shehu, Muritala Garba, Jamilu Bello, Abubakar Aliyu, Musa Abubakar, Zayyanu Aliyu, and Bashir Sarkinfawa.

    “A group of miscreants and thugs along Kalambaina area blocked roads throwing stones and harassing passerby.

    “The troops on routine patrol for the safety and serenity of the metropolitan ran into a groups of hoodlums causing mayhem, extorting and threatening the lives of innocent citizens,” Abiade said.

    Read Also: Army recovers 45 assorted weapons in Nasarawa

    According to him, the exercise is part of Egwu Eke III, Python Dance inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to strengthen internal security.

    He said that developments in the area made it imperative for the army to activate Operation Python Dance in the states that make up the North West zone of the country with the deployment of troops in all areas of operation.

    Abiade stated that the effort has begun to yield positive dividends.

    He said the items recovered from the suspected hoodlums were five machetes, two knives, two catapults, two long sticks, one tyre ream, three bottles of codeine and stones.

    He added that the army would hand over the arrested suspects to the police for appropriate action.

    He appealed to people in the area to live in peace with one another and abide by the stipulated rules enshrine by constitution.

  • Nigerian Army deserves our commendation, says Akeredolu

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State, on Friday praised the Nigerian Army for always proving their worth and professionalism in maintaining the world peace.

    He lauded the role played by the Nigerian Army from the various unrest that the world had witnessed to the current Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the country.

    The governor, who spoke during the Special Jumah Service in commemoration of the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the Akure Central Mosques, professionalism of the nation’s armed forces was second to none.

    Akeredolu said: “Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have proven their worth in maintaining the world peace. They have done a lot in protecting Nigeria, especially, from being run down by the Boko Haram insurgent group.”

    He, however, reiterated his administration determination to always remember the families/dependants of the fallen heroes.

    While assuring the Muslims community in the state of equal treatment with their Christian counterparts, the governor would not discriminate against the people because of their religious beliefs.

    Akeredolu said: “Islam and Christianity is one. Adherents of both religions worship the same God. So, no discrimination between the two faiths.”

    Speaking at the Jumah Service, the Grand Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulkareem Yayi Akorede, praised Governor Akeredolu for shunning nepotism and favourism for equitable distribution of political offices in the state.

    Besides describing the governor as a promise keeper, the cleric said the “Akeredolu I know will never tell lies.”

    Akorede said: “Our dear governor sees Muslims in Ondo State as his brothers who must not suffer any injustice. He deserves our support always. We are ever ready to support him.”

  • Boko Haram: Shettima solicits support to end insurgency

    Borno state Governor Kashim Shettima has called for the support of ex- servicemen to boost the efforts of the military to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

    Gov. Kashim, requested the Legion’s support during a courtesy call on him by its Chairman, Col. Williams Mamza (rtd) and Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu on Thursday at Government House, Maiduguri.

    He noted that such support could raise and sustain the morale of troops in the front lines of Sambisa Forests and Lake Chad region and any other place in the country, adding that, “ a collaborative support of boosting troops’ morale could overcome the challenges of Boko Haram resurgence in Borno and Yobe states”.

    Gov. Kashim emphasized that the task of fighting Boko Haram is not the exclusive responsibility of the army but rather a collective commitment of all citizen.

    The visit of the Ex men was to inform the governor of their annual Emblem appeal week slated 15/5/2019.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Shettima in tears as Buhari, Borno elders meet in Abuja

    “The fight against insurgency should not be left in the hands of military, but a collective one to ensure peace in the nation.

    “The recent attacks in northern Borno and communities along Maiduguri-Damaturu road led to the displacement of 58,456 people,” Gov. Shettima explained.

    Col. Mamza assured that the Legion, is ever ready render assistance to complement efforts of military end insurgency that has claimed many lives and property.

    “The association will continue to support the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against Boko Haram to restore normalcy,” he assured.