The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Buratai leads troops to rout over 100 Boko Haram terrorists

    The Nigerian Army said on Monday troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have neutralised over 100 Boko Haram Terrorists in coordinated massive attacks personally led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in the theatre of war in Yobe and Borno states.

    Its Director of Public Relations Brig. Gen. Sani Usman said in a statement that the troops alongside the Nigerian Air Force Air Task Force component of Operation Lafiya Dole were also in hot pursuit of fleeing members of the insurgents in various encounters of the operations.

    General Usman said the battle has now shifted to the fringes of Lake Chad and other suspected enclaves of Boko Haram in the theatre of war, stating that the troops were buoyed by the presence and motivation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He said: “In their determined efforts of wiping the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have embarked on aggressive clearance operations on suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts and crossing points with tremendous results.

    Read Also: Buratai flags off Python Dance III

    “It is in this line that they neutralized quite a number of them and recovered various calibre of arms and ammunition in such areas around Goniri in Yobe State, Damasak, Kross Kauwa and Monguno, among other locations in Borno State.

    “Specifically, the 120 Battalion and the newly formed Nigerian Army Special Forces Command have neutralized over 100 Boko Haram terrorists in various encounters.

    “The Nigerian Air Force Air Task Force components of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have been giving close air support to ground troops and also facilitating hot pursuit of fleeing infiltrating terrorists in the ongoing operations.

    “Significantly, the Air Task Force have destroyed several Boko Haram terrorists gun trucks and facilities. The gallant troops have also been repelling attempted efforts by the terrorists to infiltrate their locations. Buoyed by the Chief of Army Staff’s presence and motivation, the troops in the frontline are in renewed positive fighting spirit across the theatre to stop incursions and annihilate the terrorists.

    “The battle has now further shifted to the fringes of Lake Chad and other suspected Boko Haram terrorists enclave along the borders.”

  • Python dance III: Be professional, Southeast govs tells Army

    The South East Governors Forum has called on officers and men of the Nigerian Army to be professional in the execution of their duties under the Operation Python Dance III in the zone.

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, who is the Chairman of the forum, gave the charge in Abakaliki, while receiving the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Abubakar Maikobi.

    Umahi charged the army to be professional, to win the confidence of the people in the face of heightened tension, occasioned by the 2019 general elections.

    “The south east zone has been greatly troubled by the army’s presence, especially with its clash with members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    “The army should therefore remain neutral and maintain a high level of professionalism in the discharge of its duties while the operation lasts,” he said.

    The governor urged the military to evolve workable policies that would earn the confidence of the zone and remain neutral in the coming elections.

    “The zone will not have problems with any place the army chooses to establish its operational headquarters as long as it maintains its professional mandate of protecting the people.

    “Ebonyi, and indeed the entire South East, will resist with vigour, any attempt to rig during the elections, using security agencies as tools.

    “The only way Nigeria will exist beyond 2019 is for credible elections to hold where all security agencies would be seen to be neutral,” he said.

    Maikobi in his response, said he was in the state to familiarise with the government, the people, the state and zone as well as inform the governor of plans to commence the operation.

    “I have been mandated by the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) to inform you as the state’s security officer, that the exercise would commence from Jan.1 and last till Feb. 28.

    “We have selected Ebonyi, under your purposeful leadership as the location for the step-up headquarters for the exercise,” he said.

    The GOC assured the governor that the army would remain neutral, professional and totally apolitical, while not compromising on its constitutional roles, under any guise,” he said. (NAN)

  • Army disowns fund-raising campaign

     

    Army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, has warned the public against falling into the trap of one Dr Perry Brimah who claimed to be raising funds for the welfare of troops in the war fronts.

    He described the claim as fraudulent and had nothing to do with the Nigerian Army, advising Nigerians to ignore him.

    Usman, in a statement, said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a fraudulent and criminal fund raising by one Doctor Perry Brimah, a Nigerian in diaspora, tagged “Global Campaign To Provide Food For Nigerian Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram”.

    “The criminal embarked on this fund raising venture ostensibly to defraud unsuspecting members of the public especially the international community to fund subversive activities and personal life style.

    “The criminal is using the following contact points for the fund raising; https://www.gofundme.com/feed-nigerian-soldiers/info @ ENDS.ng

    Tel: +1-929-427-5305; Whatsapp: +234-903-420-3031.

    “We wish to state that the Nigerian soldiers deployed in the North East or elsewhere, neither lack logistics nor food as the fraudster wants unsuspecting members of the public to believe.

    ”The Nigerian Army never faltered in providing necessary logistics to troops to the extent of providing extras especially during festive periods.

    “Therefore, this move by Doctor Brimah is nothing but a scam as there is nowhere in the world where troops were fed through donations by members of the public.

    “We would like to further state that there has never been complaints of lack of food by soldiers talk-less of starvation.

    “The so called Dr Perry Brimah or his agents do not represent the Nigerian Army or her soldiers.

    “Whoever believes and falls victim to this criminal act does so at his or her own risk.

    “In addition, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Interpol is working hard to declare him wanted and extradite the International fraudster to face justice.

    “Therefore, we request the general public for any information on the whereabouts of this fraudster.”

     

     

  • Our weapons superior to Boko Haram terrorists’, says Army 

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday responded to insinuations and claims it was using obsolete weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.

    It dismissed such claims as part of the on-going propaganda campaigns against the military.

    The army said it would continue to fight the insurgents until the battle is won irrespective of all challenges.

    Its response was however contained on its social media pages to counter series of videos in circulation at recent times alleging that soldiers were bitterly complaining in respect of their welfare and equipment handed them to fight the insurgents.

    “Boko Haram terrorists are not better equipped than the Nigerian Army.

    “Nigerian Army is the pride of the nation,” the army said on one of its social media pages.

    In a recent video following the Metele attacks, a soldier had lamented: “Many of our men have died. We have to go home. If Nigeria is ready, they can call us back to fight those idiots (terrorists).

    “But we do not have adequate weapons to fight them. We are going home to be with our families. Weapons make a soldier. Without weapons, you are not a soldier.”

    But the army maintained that such claims were untrue, insisting that its men were given superior weapons to fight the terrorists.

    “Fake news, false publication, hate speech and terrorist propaganda cannot deter our resolve from protecting our nation. No retreat, no surrender. Victory is sure,” it asserted

     

     

  • Army threatens actions against subversive publications

     

    The Nigerian Army on Monday said it would begin to monitor and take actions against masterminds of subversive propagandists for their false publications designed to dampen the morale of troops on the war fronts

    Its Director of Public Relations Brig. Gen Sani Usman also raised alarm at attempts to politicise and derail the on-going fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

    According to him some disgruntled elements are recycling video clips and old interviews of disgruntled soldiers as well as inaccurate reports on the ongoing operations to create sense of insecurity in the country.

    The army threatened the law will take its course against people behind such concerted efforts to ridicule the efforts of the military in ensuring peace and security of the country.

    Usman said: “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the concerted efforts by some unpatriotic elements to politicise and derail the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

    “This is manifested in the recent systematic releases and recycling of old BHT propaganda video clips, old interviews of disgruntled and cowardly soldiers, as well as false and inaccurate news reports by some section of the media.

    “We regrettably further observed the unscrupulous elements are also perfecting strategy to rubbish the government’s efforts in the provision of safety and security for her citizens.

    “They are determined to dampen troops’ morale especially in the North East so the troops will become compromised against the war efforts and complicate the security situation in the country for selfish and cheap political gains and expediency.

    “We would like to reiterate that Nigeria is at war with Boko Haram terrorists, in any form or guise that they may manifest and strongly warn these subversive elements to desist from these unwholesome efforts.

    “We would like to warn that the Nigerian Army will no longer tolerate these subversive acts and sabotage aimed at dampening troops’ morale, affect their performance and to finally abandon the war.

    “We will continue to monitor subversive propaganda and take necessary action against perpetrators.

    Soldiers on patrol also neutralised three female suicide bombers in Dikwa, Borno state.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu said the troops also recovered one rocket propelled grenade and a suicide vest at the scene of the encounter.

    He said: “Troops of 22 Brigade Garrison deployed in Operation LAFIYA DOLE on Sunday 30th December 2018 encountered and neutralised three female suicide bombers, while on patrol around Kubtara village in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The troops also recovered one Rocket Propelled Grenade and a suicide vest at the scene of the encounter.”

     

     

     

  • Disturbing

    It’s a disturbing report, no doubt. It’s no surprise that the Nigerian Army is disturbed. It should be disturbed. But it is surprising that the army is disturbed not because the report could be true, but because it shows the authorities in a bad light.

    The Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria report released on December 17 had a disturbing title: “Harvest of death: three years of bloody clashes between herders and farmers.”

    AI’s Country Director Osai Ojigho said: “This report documents the violent clashes between members of farmer communities and members of herder communities in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern parts of the country, over access to resources: water and pasture. It also documents the failure of the Nigerian government in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of protection of lives and property by refusing to investigate, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of attacks.”

    She added: “The report shows how government’s inaction fuels impunity, resulting in attacks and reprisal attacks, with at least 3,641 people killed between January 2016 and October 2018, 57 per cent of them in 2018 alone.”

    She gave useful information on how the report was produced: “AI visited 56 communities in Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba and Zamfara states affected by the clashes and conducted 262 interviews, including remotely with members of communities in Nasarawa and Plateau states.”

    Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman responded in a statement, accusing AI of working to destabilise the country. Usman said: “They have tried over the years, using Boko Haram terrorists’ conflicts, Islamic Movement in Nigeria, some activists and now herders-farmers conflicts.” He described AI’s release of its report as “recklessness,” adding, “Nigerians should be wary of Amnesty International (Nigeria) because its goals are to destabilise Nigeria and to dismember it.”

    But it is undeniable that the herdsmen/farmers crisis remains a cause for concern. For instance, in June, a case of herdsmen/ farmers conflict attracted public attention because of the remarkable action of a Muslim cleric in Plateau State who risked his life to save about 300 men, women and children from a mainly Christian community as they fled from a band of Muslim marauders. Suspected Fulani herdsmen had invaded about 15 communities, killing over 200 people. The Imam prevented greater bloodshed by hiding the women in his house and hiding the men in a mosque.

    Instead of rubbishing the AI report, the army should realise that there will be negative reports if there are negative happenings.

  • Army pulls five generals out of service

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday pulled out two Major Generals and three Brigradier Generals out of service at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps in Lagos.

    The  generals that were pulled out are Maj.-Gen. Abimbola Amusu, Maj.-Gen. Patrick Falola, Brig.-Gen. Folorunsho Jegede, Brig.-Gen. O. Akinyode and Brig.-Gen. M. Robbinson.

    The pulling out parade of the five generals was witnessed by top military officers, both serving and retired.

    Read Also: AI’s damning report angers Buhari, Army

    Amusu, in her valedictory remarks, attributed her success to hard work, dedication, commitment to service and divine help.

    She admonished serving military personnel to remain focused and resolute, and exhibit total loyalty to constituted authorities.

    “Your loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria can best be given through vigilant security consciousness,” she said.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, was represented at the event by the Corps Commander Ordinance, Maj.-Gen. Joel Unnigbe.

    NAN

  • Army lifts suspension on UNICEF activities in northeast

    The Nigerian Army has announced a reversal of the decision to suspend the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) from the North-East.

    In a statement, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said that the the Military premised its rethink on intervention by stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians.

    The Army had accused the organisation of “sabotage” and slammed a three-month suspension on its activities in the North-East, which was announced earlier on Friday.

    “Sequel to intervention by well meaning and concerned Nigerians over the recent suspension of UNICEF operations in the North East theatre of operations, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE convened and held an emergency meeting with representatives of UNICEF this evening.

    “During the meeting, the Theatre Command admonished the representatives of the organization to desist from activities inimical to Nigeria’s national security and capable of undermining ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.

    “The Command also urged UNICEF representatives to ensure they share information with relevant authorities whenever induction or training of new staff is being conducted in the theatre.

    “Consequently, after extensive deliberations on the need to seek modalities to work harmoniously with the security agencies in the theatre of operation, the Theatre Command, henceforth, lifted the three months suspension earlier imposed on UNICEF activities in North Eastern Nigeria”. (NAN)

  • 12 soldiers to face court martial in southeast

    Twelve soldiers serving under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA), Enugu, Enugu State would soon be arraigned before General Court Martial (GCM) that was setup by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Division, Major General Emmanuel Kabuk.

    A release by the 82 Division Army spokesman (Deputy Director Public Relations), Col. Musa Sagir, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Nigerian Army, (NA) Major General Emmanuel Kabul has on Monday the 10th of December, 2018 inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) to try erring personnel of the Division. This is in line with the importance of discipline to the success or failure of any organization, particularly the military, – in peace or in war.

    In his inaugural speech at the 82 Division Officers’ Mess, Abakpa Cantonment Enugu, Kabuk enjoined members of the GCM to adhere strictly to the rules of law and strict obedience to the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 as amended.

    He described discipline as the bed rock of Military profession. According to him “the operational efficiency of any military force is a mix of sound administration and rigid disciplinary measures.

    “Thus, disciplinary measures in the military to which court martial belong, are aimed at guaranteeing a highly disciplined and battle ready army, which is in line with the Chief of Army Staff vision – “To have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional roles”. In this vein, trials in the NA must be organized and administered in accordance with provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) as amended”, he added.

    “The essence of the GCM, in addition to the dispensation of justice, is to send the right signal to the NA personnel that may fall into the temptation of violating extant rules and regulations, – that acts of indiscipline will be met with appropriate disciplinary action.”

    He charged all the parties in the cases to avoid unnecessary techanicalities that would delay the trials and in the process wastes alot of resources.

    “Let me recall both Section 36 of the 1999 CFRN (as amended) and Section 122 of the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 which emphasize that expeditious and speedy trials form the basis of which fair trial must rest” – the GOC stated.

    Kabuk further reiterated the popular beliefs that justice delayed is justice denied, justice delayed is not justice denied and justice delayed – is not justice at all, he added.

    Colonel Edwàrd Abore is the President of the GCM. He promised to administer justice in line with Armed Forces Act Cap A20 law of Federal and CFRN 1999 as amended. He made it clear that all the accused are entitled to legal representation of their choices.

    Twelve Soldiers will be appearing before the GCM on various charges.

    Recall that in the military, offences that cannot be summarily tried are the ones that are referred for court martial as contained in Section 124, Sub Section 6 of the Armed Forces Act.

  • Troops kill Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that troops of 117 Battalion have killed a Boko Haram terrorist in Borno, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman said in a statement that two of the terrorists were arrested by troops during the encounter.

    He said:”Troops of 117 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with some members of Civilian Joint Task Force, following a report on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists in a hideout, embarked on fighting patrol along Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Tuesday 4th December 2018.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Fed Govt orders Buratai back to war theatre

    “The Troops came in contact with the terrorists and engaged them at Forfor village.

    “During the encounter, one of the Boko Haram terrorists was neutralized, arrested two, while several other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds.

    ” The gallant patrol team recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a 36 Hand Grenade, magazine pouch and a Motorcycle.

    “Unfortunately, two soldiers sustained injuries and have since been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance for medical attention.”