The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Army arrests gang leader in Taraba

    The Nigerian Army said last night that a notorious criminal gang leader has been arrested in Taraba State.

    Its Director of public relations Brig Gen Texas Chukwu said in a statement that the suspect and his gang were responsible for various criminal activities in the state.

    He said: “The Nigerian Army has arrested a notorious criminal, Mr Bwesse H. Tanimu a.k.a skin in Taraba State.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect with other members of his gang still at large are said to be responsible for various criminal activities within Takum and its environs.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to assured the public of protection of lives and property at all times”.

    Read Also: Army declares five wanted over Taraba killings

     

  • Operation Cat Race: 13 soldiers killed so far – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday that at least 13 soldiers were killed in Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Taraba and Kaduna during the Operation Ayem Akpatuma (Operation Cat Race).

    The DHQ said 147 herdsmen were arrested and seven soldiers wounded during the operation.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim, who addressed journalists on the various military operations across the country, said the herdsmen arrested were handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

    He said there is the need for greater understanding and support for the military on the various operations in the country, adding that the military is over stretched.

    He said: “We have a situation at hand. There is military presence in all the 36 states of the federation, particularly in some state capitals to support the police to maintain peace and attract investors.

    “But the truth is that we don’t have barracks in some places and in the hinterlands. If there is trouble in parts of the hinterlands, it would be difficult to move soldiers there because of distance. So largely we depend on intelligence reports to respond to situations.  So some things happened in some places and people asked where the military people are. We cannot be everywhere given the limited resources.”

    Agim said due to logistic problems, Operation Ayem Akpatuma could not be extended in some states, except Taraba.

    He added: “The operation was largely successful as a total of 183 criminals were arrested in Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA in Benue and Taraba States for various offences. In Benue State, 147 herdsmen, six cultists, five rustlers and six armed bandits were arrested while 15 were arrested in Taraba State.

    “In 1 Division Area of Responsibility, 13 bandits were arrested. All the arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for further action. ”

    “Several arms and ammunitions were recovered during Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA.  In Benue State,  1×AK 47 rifle, 1 × FN rifle, 3x AK 47 Magazine,  9×round of 7.62mm special, 23 round of 7.62mm NATO,  13 Dane guns, 38 machetes, several spears/axes and assorted charms were recovered.  Also, 18 motorcycle and 15 handsets were recovered in Benue State.  In Taraba State,  4 ×AK 47 riffles With 3 magazines, 96 rounds of 7.62mm  special ,  8 rounds of 9mm, and 19 locally made guns were recovered.  Others included five locally made pistols, one Shot gun and 27 live cartridges.  In 1 Div Area of Responsibility, 16 assorted arms were recovered and some ammunitions.”

     

     

  • Army declares five wanted over Taraba killings

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday declared five suspects wanted over their roles in the killings in Taraba State.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Texas Chukwu, in a statement, urged the public to give information that would lead to the suspects’ arrest.

    According to him those that had been declared wanted are – Mr. Tanko Adiku Dantayi, Mr. Kurusi Danladi, Mr. Chindo, Mr. Big Olumba and one man known as Chairman Poko.

    He said the decision to declare the quintet wanted “was in line with the ongoing military exercise codenamed: AYEM AKPATUMA in Taraba State and for their alleged roles in the killings in Takum local government area of the state in particular and Taraba in general.”

    “The general public is advised to always give useful and timely information to the security agencies for prompt action,” the army spokesman added.

     

     

  • Taraba killings: Army declares five wanted

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday declared five persons wanted in Taraba for their alleged roles in killings in Takum Local Government Area of the state in particular and state in general.

    They are Tanko Adiku Dantayi, Kurusi Danladi, Chindo, Big Olumba and Chairman Poko.

    The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu in a statement appealed to the people of Taraba to give useful information to the security agencies that would lead to the arrest of the suspects.

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said its troops arrested two alleged masterminds of the killings in the Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba, identified as Mr Danjuma and Mr Danasebe Gasama.

    According to Brig. Gen. Chukwu Danjuma, also known as American, and Gasama were arrested on Friday by troops deployed for Operation Ayem Akpatuma in a community in Takum, following a tip-off.

    The army spokesman said, “Preliminary investigation has identified these two individuals as key players in the killings and uprising in the two LGAs in the state.

    NAN

  • Troops kill four herdsmen in Benue

    The Nigerian Army Tuesday said troops of the 72 Special Forces Battalion have killed four militia herdsmen in Benue state following an encounter with the militia herdsmen.

    The Director of Army Public relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chuchu, said in a statement that some of the militia herdsmen fled as a result of the superior fire power of the troops.

    Brig. Gen Chukwu said: “Troops of 72 Special Forces Battalion on 16 April 18 on Operation MESA at Yogbo in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state encountered about 20 militia herdsmen at Teguma village while on patrol.

    “Four of the militia herdsmen were neutralized during the encounter while others fled following superior gun power.

    “Items recovered include four AK 47 rifles, five 7.62mm rounds of ammunition and 28 rounds of 7.62 police special ammunition.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its commitment and determination to rid the country of criminals and enemies of state”.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 149 persons, kill 3 Boko Haram insurgents

  • Nigerian Army and Buratai’s Insatiable Appetite For Fiscal Discipline

    A most cardinal policy and principle of the President Muhammedu Buhari-led government right from inception is hinged on ensuring transparency and accountability in public governance. The idea was anchored on the concept of e-governance and domesticated by the Federal Ministry of Finance. All government MDAs were directed to take immediate steps in the implementation of all the nuances of this new policy.

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, a nationally acclaimed pacesetter, instantaneously keyed into this policy. He directed the Nigerian Army Finance Corps to initiate actions in this direction. As a new policy, it took time and resources for training of officers, whose official brief was to implement this new policy, through specialized courses, workshops and seminars.

    But while preparations by the Nigerian Army to adopt these financial reforms lasted, Gen. Buratai embarked on cleansing reforms and innovations. They were crafted to place the institution on a better stead to serve the Army and Nigerians better generally. His main focus was on transparency, accountability and probity.

    The Army Chief kick-started this gradual process a long time ago and monitored its progress closely. The actualization of electronic Nigerian Army Personnel Payroll System [e-NAPPS ] today is just part of the many fiscal policy measures and reforms Gen. Buratai’s leadership of Africa’s largest Army has groomed from the scratch under the supervision of Major Gen. J E Jakko, who has done a faultless job.

    Much earlier, the Army Chief laid the foundation, by getting the institution to initiate and adopt other reforms like domesticating the Single Treasury Account (TSA) policy and Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems, as obtained at the federal level.

    The months of planning, training and commitment to these novel financial reforms have finally berthed with the launch of the Nigerian Army electronic payment system (e-payment) for its officers and personnel, dubbed as e-NAPS, the gateway to the Integrated Personnel payment System (IPPS).

    The public launch of e-NAPPS at the first quarterly COAS Conference 2018 in Abuja is yet another milestone in the celebration of one of the most professionalized institution in the country. Gen. Buratai has again made a bold statement as a consummate soldier, leader and administrator per excellence, who sets targets, which hardly evades him.

    The Nigerian Army’s Chief of Accounts and Budget, Major Gen. Jakko endearingly buttressed the imperative of the new system as springboard for the re-evaluation of the Nigerian Army personnel records, most of which are understandably outdated. With e-NAPPS, the officers and personnel of the Army are proud operators of a database; linked to the IPPIS of the central government.

    Gen. Jakko summed up the benefits of the new system thus: “The e-NAPPS is designed as a star topology in a centrally managed server-client model that links the data center at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps at Apapa, with the NA, 8 divisions, Guards Brigade, Army Headquarters Garrison, APPO and TRADOC finance offices for administration of troops’ pay and allowances”.

    e-NAPPS is undoubtedly a new dawn in the transparent and accountable management of financial operations of the NA for payroll administration, accurate periodic reviews and updates of the database to guarantee financial security. It can also secure integrity, reliability, enhanced planning for personnel and the management of contractual obligations as well as budgetary votes in consonance with the transparency in public governance of the Buhari Presidency.

    As tedious as the adoption of e-NAPPS appears, the COAS devoted his time, energy and resources to ensure it comes to fruition. This again buttressed his love for audit and fiscal policies which he sings like a song to the officers and men and even his family too not left out. His overwhelming attention to e-NAPPS sprouts from the mindset of a leader who is innately and inextricably tied to concerns of the welfare of officers and personnel.

    And it has several other pluses. Aside improving the financial literacy of personnel of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps, Gen. Buratai is one leader who believes a workman deserves his wages and promptly. It is both a Biblical and Koranic injunctions, he hates to violate under normal or avoidable circumstances. And his simple reason is that it is a silent, but potent tool in boasting the morale of troops. The e-NAPPS is a sure proof in this regard.

    Today, he has placed the Nigerian Army on the fast lane of e-transactions, and officers and personnel would now begin to enjoy or reap from his hard work and that of his team, with the removal and purging of the Army from analogue financial operations. It is a sure bet that complaints can be easily addressed and remedies provided within the shortest possible time.

    A very generous and amiable gentleman, General Buratai is a man with deep love for accountability and transparency in governance.
    It is what makes Gen. Buratai a special breed and a different leader within the contemporary context of Nigeria. Quite disappointingly, welfare of subordinates is not one of the priorities or quick-wins of many leaders in the country. But the Army boss has proven to be exceptional.

    Within Army circles, many have admitted that the e-NAPPS was a project close to Gen. Buratai’s heart and he regularly requested for briefs on progress. And when he finally succeeded by unveiling it, while addressing this year’s COAS quarterly conference in Abuja, a rapturous ovation greeted the hall.

    Soldiers were quite excited at the reality of more ease of financial transactions being witnessed, as all monetary operations would henceforth be conducted through the same procedure to consolidate Gen. Buratai’s focus on accountability and transparency. And soldiers, especially those in the battlefront, whose families depend on salaries for survival, would now have such grace extended to them much more quickly than it has ever been possible.

    Some arm-chair and bald-headed critics of the NA, under Gen. Buratai can ply their trade, after all, in democracy, freedom of expression is unimpeded. But this new Sheriff in town is leaving nothing to chance in the complete reformation of the Nigerian Army as manifest in the results of the extraordinary and far- reaching reforms and innovations.

    Those still in doubt can flash back to 2015 when President Buhari appointed Gen. Buratai as the Army boss. He instantly embarked on massive reforms across all the directorates of the Nigerian Army to ensure effectiveness and deliver to Nigerians a result-oriented safeguard . He neither spared any effort nor dreaded anyone in his avowal to reposition the entire landscape into a professionally responsive and responsible Army capable of delivering on its constitutional mandates.

    Today, the entire country is reaping the fruits of his labour and hard work either through troops performance in the battle field or corporate social responsibilities at the disposal of countless communities around Nigeria.

    It is therefore not shocking that under Gen. Buratai the institution has metamorphosed from its despicable and ignoble global status to a truly respected Army among its counterparts in the world. And the reason is not far-fetched; it is Gen. Buratai’s ingenuity and dedication to his duties in the service of the nation.

    Nigerians and the world now see, perceive and feel a pragmatic leadership of the Army, exuding honour and dignity, in conduct and actions under the current leadership. It is the secret behind the delivering of resounding, rare and irrevocable victories against Nigeria’s war on terrorism. Again, kudos to the Nigerian Army.

    Mefor, a financial expert based in the United Kingdom contributed this piece from Barking, London.

  • Troops kill three Boko Haram members, rescue 33

    The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that troops of operation Lafiya Dole have killed three Boko Haram members during a gun duel in Borno State.

    The army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, said in a statement that 33 people held captive by Boko Haram terrorists were also rescued by troops.

    He said: “Troops of 28 Brigade on operation Lafiya Dole on 11 April 2018 while on clearance patrol in conjunction with hunters and vigilantes to Jaje Borno State had an encounter with some Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Three members of the Boko Haram sect were neutralized during the exchange of fire.

    “Similarly, troops also rescued 33 family members of Boko Haram terrorists comprising 15 women, six boys and 12 girls. However, their houses and property were also destroyed.

    “The public are advised to always be vigilant and report any suspected movements to the security agency.”

     

  • Nigerian Army still proving its strength on the counter-insurgency campaigns

    The Nigerian Army in recent times has been recording successes in the war against Boko Haram. However, these exploits may not amount to much if the people, for whom supreme sacrifices are being made, do not take the bold step of winning the war for themselves by taking certain critical steps. The military could kill the last of the twisted terrorists plaguing the country while the people still leave themselves hostages to terror in their own minds.

    Clearance operations against remnants of Boko Haram terrorists continue in the north-east. For instance, this month, troops rescued 149 persons and took three terrorists out of commission in Yerimari-Kura community in Sambisa axis of Borno state. In the same month, troops have foiled several planned attacks in Maiduguri, particularly around the University of Maiduguri.
    Other interventions of the Army are below the radar – as they should be. Also, this month, troops averted a communal clash between Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area and Obagie Nevbosa Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, in Edo state. Troops equally destroyed camps abandoned by herdsmen militia in Gbajimba, Kaseyo and Adagu communities in Benue state as part of efforts to ensure they do not regroup to carry out attacks.
    In the preceding months, the successes recorded are not less remarkable, even though a narrow margin of error resulted in some attacks. As humans with the desire for quick healing and recovery from Boko Haram evils, Nigerians want rapid results – perhaps faster than humanly possible under the current circumstances. Criticism of the Army is therefore rife even when in most instances such harsh assessments miss the facts and arrive at inaccurate conclusions.
    Beyond achieving the intended objectives their purveyors, distortion of facts ends up distracting the counter-insurgency war. Endless round of energy is dissipated on inanities while the substance remains unaddressed. What we all desire, which is the end point, is to be rid of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups that bent on destabilizing Nigeria. Only such conclusive crushing of the terror group can guarantee that our dear country fully regains peace and security; this defeat must happen not just on the battlefields but also in our collective coconsciousness.
    This would be difficult to achieve when discourse of issues like the prospect of amnesty to would be repentant Boko Haram members is weaponized as a propaganda tool. It is an addition to other propaganda piece meant to distract our troops from focusing on wiping out the last of the terrorists from the north east. The discourse has been twisted to ignore the fact that the offer of amnesty does not rule out the decommissioning of unrepentant members of the group.
    Other forms of distraction take on forms and actions that are meant to spread the Nigerian Army thin and rapidly wear troops down. This has come in the form of groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) that grew itself to become a national irritant before it was appropriately designated as a terror group. It is interesting that IPoB is reviving efforts to again become an irritant at a time when its north-east counterpart is being dealt decisive blows.
    The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), similarly outlawed and decisively contained by the Army, is also ramping efforts to distract the military. It has refused to give up its brand of terrorism. Its members paid siege to critical parts of the nation’s capital while obstructing traffic in the hope that they can again provoke a deserving response from authorities.
    A more recent addition, the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers – only that there is more to the problem than is allowed in the public space, has seen the Army deployed to states in the north central with Taraba in the north-east. The objectives of those stoking the embers of farmers/herders’ crisis is no different from those backing Boko Haram. By escalating things to the point where the Army had to deploy under Operation Cat Race, they have again repeated their old strategy of spreading the military out.
    The robbery in Offa, Kwara state, hints at an escalation of the strategy as people would soon start asking that the Army be sent after armed robbers since it had largely succeeded in curtailing ransom seeking kidnappers.
    Even as these distractions are thrown its way, since some of these are matters for the civil police to deal with under normal circumstances, the Nigerian Army has done its best and proven its mettle and sealing its place as a fighting force of global repute, an institution that is equally prepared to salvage any situation the county finds itself in. One must however note that nothing less is expected of the institution given that it is under the leadership of Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
    These realities should form part of the message Nigerians project to Boko Haram, which is that the country’s military is capable and would ultimately defeat terrorists of all shade. Citizens must also let evil terrorists know that the military has the buy-in of Nigerians to restore the country’s security in accordance with its stated mandate. The end of the insurgency can only be seen when we collectively appreciate where we were, where we are and where we are going.
    It is only fair that we appreciate how the quest to defeat the Boko Haram’s insurgency has transformed from the uncertainties of yesterday to the reassurances of today. Logic demands that we break from seeing things from the prism of diverse interests and to then tell ourselves the truth— the Nigerian Army is doing us proud is doing us proud.

    Murphy, a security analyst sent in this piece from Ambo Street, Calabar.

  • Boko Haram: More wounded soldiers to be flown abroad – Army

    Seven wounded soldiers referred to the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals (NARH), Yaba, Lagos, from the battlefront in the North East would be flown abroad for advance treatment, the acting Chief Medical Director of NARH, Brig.Gen. Adekola Dada said on Monday.

    He said the approval for their advance medical treatment was given over the weekend by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    Dada spoke while leading journalists round the hospital in reaction to an allegation by an unknown army captain that soldiers wounded in battlefront were not properly catered for.

    The said captain had written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari four months ago, alleging that he was wounded in battle in 2014 and was yet to be treated by the army.

    In the letter which went viral on social media, the captain added that many wounded soldiers were abandoned at army hospitals and urged the President to intervene in the matter.

    In reaction to the allegations, Buratai reportedly directed the General Officers Commanding (GOCs) in divisions with reference hospitals to show journalists round the facilities to either confirm or debunk the claims.

    According to Dada, there was only one soldier from the North East at NARH, adding that the soldier sustained leg injury during training.

     

  • Army destroy camps abandoned by herdsmen in Benue

    The Nigerian Army said its troops had destroyed camps abandoned by herdsmen militia in Gbajimba, Kaseyo and Adagu communities in Benue.

    According to a statement by its Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, the feat was achieved during a patrol.

    Chukwu said that one motorcycle was recovered from the camp during the operation.

    He also said that troops had cleared some identified armed robbers and kidnappers hideouts in Shaka, Ananum and Donga settlements of Taraba.

    He said during the operation, they recovered one wooden gun with the shape of an AK 47 rifle at Shaka village.

    NAN