The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Boko Haram: Army assures wounded soldiers of adequate medical care

    Boko Haram: Army assures wounded soldiers of adequate medical care

    The Nigerian Army has assured wounded soldiers fighting the Boko Haram insurgency of adequate medical care and attention.

    The Acting Corps Commander Medical (CCM) of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Clifford Wanda gave the assurance yesterday when he visited the wounded soldiers as part of his operational visit to 7 Divison Medical Services and Hospital (DMSH) in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    The CCM in company of other senior military officers of the medical Corp interacted with the soldiers and inspected facilities in the hospital wards. He particularly   praised the soldiers for their “commitment, bravery and service to the country”.

    According to him, his visit to the Division was to “familiarize and ascertain the performance of Medical personnel’s and equipment deployed in the North East”.

    Brig. Gen. Wanda extolled  the leadership qualities of the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) , 7 Division Brigadier General  Ibrahim Manu Yusuf, while soliciting support  from all and sundry to the  troops for the   fight against Boko Haram terrorists within the 7 Division Area of Responsibility in Borno State.

    The CCM equally promised to look into the challenges confronting the Hospital with a view to finding immediate solutions to them.

    In his   remarks, the Acting Commander 7 DMSH, Lieutenant Colonel Ndidi Onuchukwu thanked the Acting Corps Commander for the visit to the Hospital.

    He congratulated him on his recent appointment as the Acting CCM of the Nigerian Army, just as he briefed him on the activities of the Hospital.

     

  • Buratai decorates 65 gallant troops with medals

    Buratai decorates 65 gallant troops with medals

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has decorated 65 soldiers with gallantry medals for outstanding performance in the counter-insurgency campaign.

    Lt. Col. Emmanuel Kingsley, the spokesperson of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, announced this  in a statement released on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    Kingsley said that Buratai had on Tuesday decorated two officers and 63 soldiers in recognition of their prowess.

    “Two officers and 63 soldiers serving under the 151 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, were decorated for their gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy.

    “On 10th July, the soldiers came under Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks on two separate occasions, but they were able to manoeuvre their way out of the ambush.

    “They engaged the insurgents, inflicting heavy casualties on them and also recovered weapons, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), gun trucks and logistics,” he said.

    Kingsley  quoted Buratai as describing soldiering as a call to national duty, and tasked the soldiers to rededicate themselves to duty to weed out remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

    “Buratai tasked the soldiers not to rest on their oars but conclude the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists and return to barracks to continue with training and other routine duties”.

    According to the spokesman, Buratai also visited military formations at Awulari along Bama Road, and inspected the test firing of an artillery weapons by 304 Artillery Regiment.

    Buratai equally visited troop’s location at Alau Dam along Konduga Road and also joined soldiers on patrol in gun boats stationed at the jetty.

    He added that the Chief of Army Staff earlier on Monday, visited 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army, in Damboa and also inspected the training of troops of Mobile Strike Teams at Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

    “The Mobile Strike Force is due to be injected into Operation LAFIYA DOLE to enhance a more robust clearance operation against the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East”.

    The Chief Army Staff was accompanied by Maj. Gen. David Ahmadu, the Chief of Training and Operations at the Army Headquarters, and Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    Others were Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, as well as other Principal Staff Officers and Directors from the Army Headquarters.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Chief of Army Staff in compliance with the directives of the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, to service chiefs, returned to the Theatre and had been visiting military formations under Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

  • Army to Boko Haram militants: Surrender now

    Army to Boko Haram militants: Surrender now

    … Troops neutralize six insurgents

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday asked remnant members of the Boko Haram sect to surrender, saying the “the game is up.”

    The call came just as six members of the sect were neutralised in an ambush by troops of the 22 Brigade Dikwa under 7 Division of Operation Lafiya Dole in conjunction with some Civilian Joint Task Force.

    A statement issued by the Director of Army Information, Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said it is imperative for the terrorists to give up because there is no hiding place for them anymore.

    The statement reads: “This is to call on the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they are hiding to give up forthwith. This is because your ideology of Boko Haram is dead and no longer tenable.

    “There is no reason to be suffering or fighting a lost cause. As you are aware, your leaders have abandoned you and could no longer be of any help to you. Therefore you should all surrender to avoid dying like dogs because of the ongoing concerted military clearance operations.”

    On the Dikwa operation, the army said: “Troops of 22 Brigade Dikwa under 7 Division of Operation Lafiya Dole in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force on Monday, August 7, 2017, ambushed suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists between Bulabirin and Mongole villages of Dikwa local government area of Borno State.

    “During an encounter, the troops neutralized six terrorists, while several others sustained various bullet wounds.

    “Troops also recovered six bicycles, three dane guns and one machete from the terrorists. The Nigerian Army will sustain the clearance operation until unrepentant terrorists are eliminated from the shores of Nigeria.”

     

  • Surrender now to avoid humiliating death, army tells terorrists

    Surrender now to avoid humiliating death, army tells terorrists

    The Nigerian Army has called on the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists to surrender now to avoid humiliating death from the renewed onslaught of the army.

    The army, in a statement by its spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on Wednesday, told the members that their leaders have already abandoned them.

    “This is to call on the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they are hiding, (to surrender) and give up forthwith.

    “This is because your ideology of Boko Haram is dead and no longer tenable.

    “There is no reason to be suffering or fighting a lost cause.

    “As you are aware, your leaders have abandoned you and could no longer be of any help to you,” it disclosed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government recently redeployed service chiefs to the front line as well as purchased more fighter jets to combat the menace of terrorism in the Northeast.

  • Two soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambush

    Two soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambush

    Troops of the 151, 21 Brigade of Nigerian Army, components of the Operation Lafiya Dole, at the weekend ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists and neutralised 12 of them.

    Different items including 18 bicycles were recovered from the insurgents.

    But two soldiers were killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) hidden along the road by terrorists.

    The Director of Information, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, disclosed these in a statement on Monday.

    The statement said:”On Saturday, 5th August 2017, troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, sprang an ambush on suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Miyanti-Banki Junction.

    “The gallant troops neutralized 12 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 18 bicycles, 30 bags of flour, one bag of groundnut, two bags of salt, two baskets of kola nut and five torch lights. Other items recovered a carton of mixed juice sachets, four rolls of brocade material, two packets of sweet, one carton of washing soap, five packets of cold patch, two packets of Maggi cubes, two pairs of bathroom slippers, two packets of yeasts, four packets of Vedan, two rolls of sewing thread, two kegs of herbicide, 14 packets of insecticide, one keg of groundnut oil, a bag of pepper and N4,000.00 cash.

    “Similarly, troops of 81 Task Force Battalion of 22 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on Saturday 5th August 2017, while on patrol cleared Boko Haram terrorists ambush along Dukje-Mada road near Gulumba Gana village.

    “The troops neutralized quite a number of the terrorists’ ambush party and recovered weapons. Unfortunately two soldiers lost their lives when their vehicle stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried along the road, while four others sustained injuries. The remains of the gallant soldiers that paid the supreme price and the wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri.

    “On the day same too, troops of 22 Brigade Garrison Nigerian Army on patrol to Abdiri recovered nine primed cylinders from the terrorists’ Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making factory at the area. They destroyed the factory along with the materials.

    “In addition, on Sunday, 6th August 2017, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade Nigerian Army, also sprang an ambush against suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Kafin Hausa, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. They neutralized one Boko Haram terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 02527 MTD and a magazine.”

  • Army holds promotion exams for 326 Majors, Captains 

    Army holds promotion exams for 326 Majors, Captains 

    The Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) on Monday said a total of 326 Majors and Captains from across Army formations would sit for promotion examination, beginning from Aug. 7, in Kaduna.

    The TRADOC Commander, Maj.-Gen Rasheed Yusuf said in Kaduna that 35 Majors and 291 captains were selected for the Senior Staff Course Qualifying examination which would run till Aug. 11.

    Yusuf who is also the President, Army Examination Panel, explained that the test was compulsory for the personnel to qualify for senior staff course.

    “The exams will determine their progress in the army and is also an assessment of their level of proficiency in the army,” Yusuf said.

    The Commander explained that a candidate must score at least 50 percent in each paper, adding that there would be no excuse for failure as the personnel were assumed to have garnered enough experience in their fields of assignment.

    “It is the examination that will propel them to higher heights and understand the profession much better so as to add value to the security architecture of the country,’’ he said.

    He cautioned the candidates against any sharp practice during the test, stressing that the “Nigerian Army will not tolerate any indiscipline as it has zero tolerance for exams malpractice.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that successful candidates would be decorated with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Major respectively.

  • Nigerian Army deploys 230 personnel to Liberia

    Nigerian Army deploys 230 personnel to Liberia

    The Army is to deploy 230 personnel, including 19 officers and 211 soldiers to Liberia, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said.

    Speaking in Kaduna at the end of a four-week intensive training on leadership and peacekeeping for the personnel, Buratai, charged them to shun acts that could tarnished Nigeria’s image.

    “You must observe human rights, and respect the cultural and religious sensitive of Liberians,” he said.

    The army chief said that since 1960, Nigeria has deployed over 20, 000 troops to 40 peacekeeping missions in Africa and across the world.

    The Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, was renamed Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, in recognition of his commitment to peacekeeping efforts and excellent service.

    The centre was established in 2004 by Agwai as a wing, when he was the Chief of Army Staff.

    Speaking, Agwai noted that peacekeeping was gradually becoming an intra-country issue with the military at the centre stage following internal conflicts such as ethnic, religious other crises.

    He, however, noted that Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in Africa and world at large, but had not repeat the economic and diplomatic benefits of such venture.

    Agwai, who was also a Chief of Defence Staff, called on government and private-owned organisations to partner the centre in leadership training on conflict prevention and management in the quest to achieve enduring peace.

    He thanked current and past leadership of the army for the honour done him by naming the centre after him.

    Agwai was former Deputy Force Commander, United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Chief of Army Staff Nigerian Army, Force Commander of African Union/United Nations Mission Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

    He was later Special Adviser to Secretary-General of the UN.

     

  • Army promotes 6,199 soldiers

    Army promotes 6,199 soldiers

    … Troops neutralize eight female suicide bombers

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur  Buratai, on Tuesday approved the special promotion of 6,199 soldiers serving in Operation Lafiya Dole  in the North East part of the country.

    A statement issued by the Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, said the soldiers were promoted to various ranks between Lance Corporals to Warrant Officers.

    Gen. Usman listed the beneficiaries of the special promotion as follows:

    * Staff Sergeants – Warrant Officers (329)

    * Sergeants – Staff Sergeants (371)

    * Corporals – Sergeants (707)

    * Lance Corporals – Corporals (1,290)

    * Privates – Lance Corporals (3,502).

    * Total 6,199.

    He extended the army chief commendations to the beneficiaries of the promotion exercise and urged them to increase the tempo of the ongoing clearance of the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.

    Meanwhile, troops of the operation Lafiya Dole have foiled suicide bomb attacks by neutralizing at least eight female suicide bombers who were unleashed by remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents in recent times.

    A statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel,  said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have in the past few days intensified efforts towards checkmating suicide bombings in Borno State.

    He said: “Troops recorded huge feats in foiling suicide bomb attacks by neutralising not less than eight female suicide bombers who were unleashed by remnants of desperate Boko Haram Terrorists to cause mayhem to civilian populace.

    “The Nigerian troops floodgates of interceptions of suicide bombers are glaring as a female suicide bomber was neutralised by troops of 251 Battalion of 7 Division Garrison of Operation Lafiya Dole on Sunday, July 23, 2017 by 8:15 p.m. while trying to infiltrate through the fence of Dalori Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp 2 within Maiduguri Metropolis in Borno State.

    “The female suicide bomber who was sighted by vigilant sentries refused several warnings to halt when challenged.

    “Subsequently, she was neutralized resulting in the detonation of her suicide vest killing herself only without any other casualty on the side of troops or civilians. Unfortunately, the blast from the detonation of the female suicide bomber’s vest created a hole on the fence of Dalori IDP Camp 2.

    “But troops are maintaining strict vigilance on it to forestall any breach of security. Borno State Emergence Management Agency had since evacuated the mutilated remains of the female suicide bomber and disinfected the area.”

     

  • Army warns cultists in Rivers

    Army warns cultists in Rivers

    The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, has warned cultists terrorising some Rivers communities to desist forthwith, or face the wrath of the law.

    Col. Aminu Iliyasu, the Spokesman for the division, said the warning was part of a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    He said the stakeholders resolved that all leaders and notable members of cult groups terrorising Ozochi community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers should be arrested and prosecuted as soon as possible.

    The stakeholders also resolved that known cultist camps and bunkering sites at Udoda-Engene Forest should be located and destroyed, he said.

    He said that community leaders and all peace-loving citizens of the affected areas were enjoined to support security agencies through the provision of credible and timely intelligence.

    Furthermore, the meeting assured all informants of their security and confidentiality, he said.

    Iliyasu said that traditional rulers and elders of communities were enjoined to redouble efforts to enthrone peace in their respective communities.

    He advocated for the establishment of a vigilante group comprising youths from the various communities to work with security agencies to tackle criminality in the communities.

    The stakeholders agreed to hold regular meetings to assess progress of ongoing peace efforts in the area.

    “The Rivers Government was advised to extend fresh amnesty to militants and cult groups in the affected areas in order to achieve the much desired peace.

    “A special reconciliation meeting should be hosted by the Rivers Government at the instance of the Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution for peace in Ahoada East,” Iliyasu said

     

  • Army intercepts wives, children of Boko Haram fighters

    Army intercepts wives, children of Boko Haram fighters

    The Army said on Wednesday it intercepted 37 people suspected to be wives and children of Boko Haram militants after they escaped from the insurgents’ custody.

    A statement issued by the Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said 30 escapees were intercepted on Tuesday at Gujba local government area of Yobe.

    Usman said they comprised eight women and 22 children.

    “On preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed to have escaped from Boko Haram terrorists’ custody at Kafa and Abagajiri villages in Damboa local government area of Borno,’’ he said.

    The army spokesman said the other seven persons that included women and children were intercepted on Tuesday at Kamuya in Yobe.

    “They claimed that they escaped from Boko Haram terrorists’ hideout at Goropcha village, Damboa local government area of Borno.

    “Both sets of escapees are currently being screened and profiled,’’ Usman said.

    NAN