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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • ISIS didn’t kill 30 soldiers in North East – Army

    ISIS didn’t kill 30 soldiers in North East – Army

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday dismissed as “falsehood” the reported killing of 30 troops by Islamic State (ISIS) in the North East.

    Reports had said ISIS ambushed and killed 30 Nigerian troops on Friday in the  North East.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement in Maiduguri that contrary to the report, there were no such attacks on troops of operation Lafiya Dole by ISIS or any other adversary within or outside the theatre of operation.

    He described the report as another set of media propaganda and attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to remain relevant at all cost.

    He said the report was unsubstantiated and lacked credibility.

    Nwachukwu said: “The graphic images used to support the article were closely studied and lacked nexus to any recent operational engagements of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “It is very pertinent to state that the photographs culled were not a reflection of recent operational encounters of Operation Lafiya Dole.”

    The army spokesman said there was neither encounter between the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole with ISIS terrorists nor had they suffered such fictitious attack as claimed.

    He dismissed the said article and graphic images as “bundle of unprofessionally packaged falsehood, designed to misinform and create fear in the people and build an aura of false potency around the terrorists.”

    He stressed that the troops had sustained devastating attacks on the Boko Haram insurgents in precursor operations in the theatre of operation.

    “Apart from neutralising their hideouts on the fringes of the Nigerian-Nigerien border through coordinated air and artillery bombardments, troops recently killed two fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush at Futchinam village in Geidam local government area of Yobe.

    “The troops also killed three insurgents in another ambush in Lingir village where they recovered five AK-47 rifles, five magazines and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

    “Troops have dominated the theatre of operation and have denied Boko Haram terrorists freedom of action,” Nwachukwu added.

    NAN

     

  • Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Four Boko Haram insurgents were killed at the weekend by troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the auspices of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast of the country.

    The insurgents who were killed in two different operations were also involved in cattle rustling, while different categories of weapons were seized from them.

    A statement endorsed by the Nigerian Army Director of Public Relations, Brig.General Sani Usman explained that “in furtherance of clearance operations in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, troops of 8 Division Mobile Strike Team deployed at Forward Operations Base Mairari, on Sunday 8th October 2017 ambushed a Boko Haram terrorists’ cattle rustling syndicate trying to cross into Maiduguri to sell the rustled cattle, at Lingir village.

    “During the encounter, the ambush party neutralized 3 Boko Haram terrorists, while some of them have escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered 5 AK-47 rifles, 5 Magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 metal box containing clothes and a horse. Unfortunately, one of our soldiers sustained an injury during the operation.

    “The injured soldier has been evacuated to 8 Task Force Division Hospital and Medical Services at Monguno where he is receiving further medical attention.

    “The Mobile Strike Team also followed up with pursuit up to Buruwa village around Gassawa general area where they neutralized an additional Boko Haram terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle from him”.

    General Sani further said “On Saturday 7th October, 2017 following a tip off from the locals on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists and cattle rustlers at Kirbiri village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops of 120 Battalion in conjunction with vigilantes mobilized to the general area.

    “On arrival, the gallant troops engaged the terrorists, neutralizing one of them while several other terrorists flee in disarray with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 34364 and 2 empty rifle magazines”.

  • Army kill three Boko Haram militants in Borno

    Army kill three Boko Haram militants in Borno

    The Nigerian Army says it’s troops killed three Boko Haram cattle rustlers at Mairari village in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno.

    Col. Timothy Antigha, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 8 Task Force Division, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Maiduguri.

    Antigha said that the troops on Sunday ambushed the insurgents cattle rustling syndicate while trying to cross into Maiduguri.

    He said that the insurgents were on their way to the Lingir village market to sell the rustled cattle.

    Antigha disclosed that several other insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds while one soldier sustained injuries in the encounter.

    He explained that one other Boko Haram insurgent was also killed by the troops at Buruwa village.

    Atigha added that the troops recovered assorted ammunitions, dresses and a horse from the insurgents.

    “In furtherance of clearance exercise of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, troops of 8 Division Mobile Strike Team (MST) deployed at Forward Operations Base Mairari, on Sunday 8th October, 2017; ambushed a Boko Haram terrorists’ cattle rustling syndicate trying to cross into Maiduguri to sell the rustled cattle, at Lingir village.

    “During the encounter, the ambush party neutralized three Boko Haram terrorists, while some of them escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered 5 AK-47 rifles, 5 Magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 metal box containing clothes and a horse.

    “Unfortunately, one soldier sustained injury during the encounter. The injured soldier has been evacuated to the 8 Task Force Division Medical centre at Monguno, where he is receiving further medical attention.

    “The MST also followed up with pursuit up to Buruwa village around Gassawa general area, where they neutralized another Boko Haram terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle from him”.

    NAN

  • Army kills two Boko Haram insurgents in Bama, Borno

    Army kills two Boko Haram insurgents in Bama, Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said its troops had killed two Boko Haram insurgents at Mayanti village of Bama Local Government Council of Borno State.

    Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel, the Deputy Director Army Public Rations, 7 Division, said in Maiguri the troops had ambushed a group of insurgents while trying to cross into the Sambisa Forest.

    He explained that the troops neutralised two insurgents while many others escaped with gunshot wounds, adding that some food items were also recovered from the insurgents.

    “The Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE resolve to rout out the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

    “MST yielded yet another result with the troops successfully ambushed unsuspecting terrorists at about 10: 45 p.m. on Friday, 6th October 2017.

    “The insurgents were attempting to cross into Sambisa Forest from Mayanti village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The troops sprung the ambush on the terrorists and neutralised two of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered two bags of maize from the ambush site.

    “The MST has been a potent deadly mobile lethal force engaging and neutralising the insurgents in several staging areas”.

    NAN

  • Buratai’s Everyday Success Syndrome

    Nigerians are witnessing rare changes in the country from all angles under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Even the Armed Forces which were confined to the unsavoury history of neglect are experiencing positive changes. He has demonstrated that the military is not only good for the trenches alone, but also deserve psychological and physical comfort life can offer so as to excel in the performance of their constitutional duties.

    A military arm which its leadership is foremost in justifying the essence of the niceties of change is the Nigerian Army. There are now noticeable features about the Army, which have been scarce for ages in Nigeria. The leadership of the Nigerian Army by the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai has prioritized welfare of personnel and the protection of human rights of Nigerians by soldiers anywhere they are deployed to serve the country.
    Despite the economic crunch, what has consistently preoccupied Gen. Buratai’s mind and attention is the sustained focus on the development of office and residential accommodation for Army personnel. Gone are the days when soldiers lived in dilapidated barracks or decrepit office accommodation.
    Upon assumption of office in July 2015, Gen. Buratai toured army formations across the country to personally access the physical infrastructure in army barracks and get firsthand information about the problems of welfare confronting soldiers. He was saddened by the decay in army barracks and the acute shortage of office and residential accommodation for soldiers. He vowed to effect and change. He proceeded to engage governments at all levels, particularly the Federal Government for immediate intervention.

    Gen. Buratai brought the attention of Nigeria to the horrible condition of army barracks in Nigeria at the inauguration of the multiple renovated residential accommodations for soldiers at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos.
    He had bemoaned; “It is an unfortunate situation but over the years you can see the state of dilapidation and state of decay in the barracks. The soldiers are staying in a very bad accommodation, it is unfortunate but these are just the measures that we are taking to address the situation and we will continue to solicit for more support from government. The decay is enormous but thank God that in this year’s budget there is provision for barracks renovation.”
    And in the last one year, Gen. Buratai has rekindled the confidence and pride of soldiers with streaks of barracks renovations, building of new office and residential accommodation for the Nigerian Army across the country. The result of the renewed interest in the welfare of soldiers is manifest in more ways than imagined. The high spirit soldiers’ exhibit on assignments, posting excellent performances is in informed by the prompt payment of salaries and other legitimate allowances. Much more, soldiers now bask in psychological and physical happiness as personnel who live and operate in humanly habitable, decent and state-of –the art office and residential facilities.
    And the Army Chief has kept unflinching faith with the issue of soldiers’ welfare and has continued to explore new frontiers. A few days ago, at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Gen. Buratai commissioned several residential and office accommodation in the sustained struggle to improve on the shameful shortage of office accommodation in Army Barracks.
    Impressively, the projects were not just a reference point in quantity, but quality architectural edifices, which spurred instant excitement in the beneficiaries. They included 18 flats for personnel at the rank of Corporal and below , comprising both married and singles officers accommodation; a 20-bed Hospital and six offices for Human Rights Desk Offices to handle cases of alleged violations of Human Rights by soldiers within the 7 Division, Nigerian Army.
    At the commissioning ceremony, Gen. Buratai hinted that “These laudable projects are meant to provide decent living accommodation for officers and soldiers and their families as well as conducive office environment to execute your tasks efficiently. I will therefore urge you all to make judicious use of the facilities while remaining focused in your tasks to consolidate our achievements so far. The Nigerian Army under my direction will continue to provide you with the requisite welfare and logistics to enhance your efficiency in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities.”
    The excitement it generated among officers and personnel was palpable, expressive of professionals relieved of a sickening problem of accomodation. The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, captured the mood and leadership focus of Gen. Buratai in these words, “enhancing the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel remains one of the cardinal points of the COAS vision” in order “…to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles’’.
    But the Northeast is not the only region favoured by improved military infrastructure. The drums had earlier reverberated in several other parts of the country. Months back. Gen. Buratai commissioned projects at Elele Barracks, Rivers State at the activated 6 Division, Nigerian Army. Among the array of projects he commissioned were the Chief of Army Staff Guest House, constructed by the Rivers State Government and donated to the Nigerian Army; he unveiled Officers’ transit accommodation camp, the 6 Division’s Guests House and four blocks of 10 apartments for the Junior Non-commissioned Officers, in the Port Harcourt barracks.
    A similar action also took place in the Northwest, as Gen. Buratai commissioned a Nigerian Army unit in Daura town, Katsina state under the 1 Division Nigerian Army. It is a unit his administration has created and provided with take-off facilities to enhance security in the area. The Army Chief named the new army unit as the Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operation Base, Daura, Katsina State and the new Army unit is in compliance with the Nigerian Army approved Order of Battle 2016 (ORBAT 2016) by the Army Council.

    Furthermore, Gen. Buratai also launched the newly built headquarters of the 331 Artillery Tactical Forward Operation Base (FOB) at his hometown Buratai in Biu local government area of Borno state. And at Okene, in Kogi State, the Army boss again commissioned a Forward Operation Base, military barracks. At the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, the development streak of the Nigerian Army berthed at Giri, where a new army cantonment also named Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment at Giri came on board. The cantonment is replete with fanciful structures to carter for both office and residential accommodation of soldiers.
    Elsewhere, Gen. Buratai has ensured both renovation or construction of new accommodation for the Nigerian Army, as evident at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State, Office of the Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters Abuja and , the building of a new army barracks in Otukpo, Benue
    state.
    No doubt, these accomplishments have been possible with Gen. Buratai’s prudent management of lean resources in a transparent manner. The Army Chief is a leader who has shown commitment and zeal to improve the welfare conditions of his personnel. He sleeps and thinks the welfare of soldiers and with a mindset fixated on the everyday success of the Nigerian Army, the results have been the series of facelift of Army barracks in Nigeria.
    Therefore, there is every indication that if the Federal Government sustains the tempo of funding support to the Nigerian Army, Gen. Buratai would not only bequeath to Nigeria, a disciplined and re-professionalized army; but parade a military arm that operates in a conducive and befitting accommodation environment. Had his predecessors devoted such attention to the welfare of soldiers, the barracks would not have been in such a mess, as he inherited it.
    A leader, who resists the temptation of embezzlement and who thinks more about excellent service to his subordinates’ deserves applause and should be encouraged to sustain it. Gen. Buratai Is popular among Nigerians and soldiers because of his selfless service. So, when he is petted with appellations like the “ Soldiers’ General,” or the “Project COAS,” it stems from a pure heart of appreciation.
    Nigerians are probably hearing of barracks renovations or building of new office and residential accommodations for the Nigerian Army for the first time after a long while. It is really relieving and a sign that Nigeria appreciates her military.
    Okpabi sent in this piece from New Nile University, Abuja.

  • Army sends 760 Boko Haram suspects to Borno govt

    Army sends 760 Boko Haram suspects to Borno govt

    The Nigeria Army on Friday said it has transferred 760 suspected Boko Haram members to Borno State Government for reintegration into the society.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri.

    Nwachikwu said the suspects were handed over to the government at the Bulunkutu State Rehabilitation Centre, Maiduguri.

    He disclosed that the suspects were arrested during the ongoing crackdown on the insurgents in the North East by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He said the suspects were cleared after interrogations and investigations by the Joint Intelligence Centre (JIC) of the Theatre Command.

    He added that the suspects were handed over to the state government by the Coordinator of the JIC, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya.

    “The JIC has cleared 760 suspects. The crackdown on Boko Haram terrorists is yielding positive results, culminating in significant reduction in terrorists’ activities in the North East,” the statement quoted Kuliya as saying at the forum.

    He urged members of the public to provide useful information to security agents on suspicious activities in their communities.

    NAN

  • Army ordered to pay N85m damages for man’s death

    Army ordered to pay N85m damages for man’s death

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday ordered the Nigerian Army to pay the family of the late Mr. Olajide Enilari N85million for causing his death.

    The family sued the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, Attorney-General of the Federation, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Private Friday Ameh and one Nimmack Nappon.

    The family claimed Ameh and Nappon assaulted the deceased on January 29, 2009, which resulted in his death.

    Among others, they sought a declaration that army’s failure to ensure that the deceased was given proper medical attention from the injury inflicted on him by Ameh and Nappon, violated his right to life as guaranteed by Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution.

    The family sought N50million as exemplary/aggravated damages and N35million as general damages.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba, in his verdict, agreed that the defendants “behaved in a most irresponsible, unaccountable, insensitive and callous way.”

    A copy of the judgment, delivered on March 30, was made available to journalists on Friday.

    The suit was filed by a human rights group, the Access to Justice (A2Justice) on April 28, 2009, on behalf of the deceased’s family.

    Justice Buba held that the principle underlying the award of exemplary damages is that it would deter others from infringing similar rights.

    “There is no case of some animals are more equal that the others in the eyes of the law and rule of law.

    “If our courts do not through bold judicial activism say what the law is, and that men in uniform have no right to be assaulting innocent citizens and even cause their death, then there will be anarchy.

    “In the circumstances of this case and having regards to the pleadings and evidence – both documentary and oral – the case of the plaintiffs has merit and this court upon a calm reflection upholds the case of the plaintiffs and hereby enter judgment for them,” Justice Idris held.

    Justice Buba awarded N85, 545,000 as damages against the Nigerian Army for the assault and killing of late Mr. Enilari.

    The family challenged the brutal assault of the late Mr. Enilari, a flour merchant, by officers of the Nigerian Army on January 27, 2009 along Airways junction in Apapa, Lagos.

    Due to head injuries sustained during the assault, Mr. Enilari died on January 29, 2009.

    Eyewitness said the deceased was standing alongside his truck driver when a vehicle suddenly hit him.

    He ran towards the driver of the fleeing vehicle, but the occupants, who were military personnel, alighted and started beating him with iron butts of their belts and iron rod found on the side of the road.

    When the case commenced, the defendants raised the issue of self-defense, alleging that the deceased first hit the military personnel driving the vehicle and ran away.

    The defense counsel further argued that it was in the course of apprehending the deceased that an angry mob gathered with dangerous weapons to attack the officers, who then used the deceased as a human shield, to ward off the crowd at the scene of the crime.

    After careful consideration of the evidence (oral and documentary) of the parties in the suit, the court found no merit in the defense.

    Justice Buba was of the view that it was inconceivable that an armed mob would attack military officers for merely apprehending a civilian.

    He said it was also unfathomable that none of the officers sustained any injury from the attack.

    The court held that the assault, which resulted in the death of the deceased, was unlawful, wrong and a gross violation of his right to life.

     

  • Army begins Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in Niger Delta

    Army begins Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in Niger Delta

    Troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, are expected to commence Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in the Niger Delta.

    The division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said on Monday the exercise would be conducted between October 7 and 28.

    Iliyasu said: “In line with the Nigerian Army’s Training Directive for the Year 2017, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, including its affiliated formations and units, located within its entire Area of Responsibility (AOR), which covers the core Niger Delta States of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers, will be participating in this year’s Exercise Crocodile Smile II, within the entire Niger Delta region.

    “The exercise is intended to  equip troops with skills in administration, operational, logistics and civil-military cooperation aspects in a military operation, such as the provision of free medical care to host communities, Quick Impact Projects (QIP) and the conduct of sanitation exercises to be undertaken by the troops for the benefit of their host communities and distribution of educational materials to schools.  These are parts of  army’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    “It will also avail troops the opportunity to sharpen their combat skills in the conduct of land based and joint riverine operations.

    “The exercise will also aim at imparting to the troops the importance of equipment maintenance, reconnaissance, inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, effective application of the Nigerian Army code of conduct, as well as strict adherence to Rules of Engagement (ROE), proper handling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and captured or surrendered hostile elements, in line with international best practices.”

     

  • Army to begin ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in Ogun

    Army to begin ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in Ogun

    To address the security challenges in Ogun and its environs, the Nigerian Army said on Sunday that it had concluded  plans to launch a new security initiative code named “Operation Crocodile Smile.”

    The Brigade Commander of the 35  Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Basil Adoke, disclosed this in Abeokuta  at a reception organised by the state government as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary.

    Adoke, who  said that the initiative  would commence “in the next couple of days” across the state and its environs, is  targeted at  miscreants.

    “We are going to start Operation Crocodile Smile in Ogun and it involves series of actions to step up tempo targeted at  miscreants,” Adoke said.

    The commander,  who allayed fears over the initiative, called on  residents to be calm, stressing that some miscreants had  been identified and  would be flushed out.

    ‘Though the state is relatively peaceful but we still have some miscreants to deal with, so when you see Crocodile Smile, don’t be scared,” he said.

    According to him, the exercise  is a replica of  Operation Python Dance recently carried out  in Abia  to tackle crime.

    Responding, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, commended the roles of security operatives in the state since he took over   in 2011.

    Amosun pledged continued support on any programme  to make the state crime-free.

    “ I want to appreciate our security agencies and we will continue to support security measures put in place to silence criminals in our state.

    “This is because Ogun has grown to become the economic hub of Nigeria and investments can only continue to thrive in an environment of peace and order,’’ he said.

    Reflecting on Nigeria at 57, Amosun expressed optimism that the nation would overcome all its challenges, stressing that ” this period is just a phase in our national life.’’

    He stressed the need for Nigeria to consider and use its  high population as a factor of strength in unity.

    Amosun,  who described governance as service to the society,  expressed optimism that his successor would tread his path of serving the people and would equally record great achievements like him.

    He said the model of governance through the selfless service introduced and established by his administration  had transformed the entire state and changed the face of leadership in the state.

    “When we got to office, we have raised the bar to the delight of the people and I believe that my successor will follow my path of achievements,” he said.

    Notable guests at the reception included  the first military governor of Ogun, Seidu Balogun, former military administrator of the state, Raji Rasaki,  and a  former military administrator of Sokoto State, Raji Rasheed.

    Others were the Chairman, Ogun Traditional Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

  • Boko Haram: Troops kill 1, repell Borno attack

    Boko Haram: Troops kill 1, repell Borno attack

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said it had killed one Boko Haram member after repelling an attack by the insurgents at Bocos village in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

    Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri.

    Samuel explained that troops ambushed a group of the insurgents while trying to cross Banki Junction along Bama road on Friday.

    He said that the troops killed one insurgent and many others escaped with gun shots, adding that a number of items including foodstuff were recovered from them.

    Samuel disclosed that the troops also repelled another attack by the insurgents at a security outpost in Bama general area.

    He added that one police officer and a female displaced person were killed in the attack.

    “The Nigerian Army Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE at about 6:00 pm on Friday, 29th September 2017 laid ambush on Boko Haram terrorists crossing Bocobs village along Banki Junction, Bama Road in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The troops sprang on the unsuspecting terrorists and neutralized one of them while several others escaped with gun shots wounds.

    ”The troops recovered several items including three bicycles, five Jerry cans and two bags of maize.

    “On the same day at about 7: 00 p.m. troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade successfully repelled insurgents attack on an outpost within Bama general area.

    “Unfortunately a police personnel was killed in action while a female Internally Displaced Person (IDP) was hit by a stray bullet,” Samuel said.

    According to him, the Commander of 21 Brigade on Saturday visited the scenes of the attack, attended the burial of the deceased IDP and commiserated with the IDP community.