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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • We won’t train recruits in Sambisa forest – Army

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed report that it would be training the 76 Regular Recruits Intake (76RRI) in the Sambisa forest.

    The Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, in a statement on Saturday urged the public to disregard message on the social media purportedly emanating from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to that effect.

    Usman described the message as “mischievous.”

    He said, “Members of the public are therefore requested to disregard it in its entirety.

    “They should also be wary of fraudsters that request for gratification from interested candidates or their families. Recruitment into the Nigerian Army is free.”

    Meanwhile, Usman said more armed bandits had surrendered their arms in Zamfara on Friday.

    He said several arms and ammunition – three AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, one small machine gun, three pump action guns, one teargas launcher, three teargas canisters and 690 locally made Dane guns – were surrendered to the troops.

    Others recovered were – 192 locally made pistols, eight locally made pump action guns, 17 Locally made revolvers, 60 locally made multi-barrel pistols and 13 locally made double-barrel rifles.

    NAN

  • Army indicts Borno community in Boko Haram attack

    The Nigerian Army has indicted the indigenes of Magumeri town, in Magumeri local government area of Borno State of sponsoring a Boko Haram attack on the community.

    The town had on Wednesday evening come under a Boko Haram attack but was thwarted by the troops of 8 Task Force Division, Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The terrorists, who came with some vehicles at about 6.00pm, attempted to set the town ablaze and kill the residents while the troops were able to neutralize some of the attackers and those that escaped with gunshot wounds were pursued.

    The troops also recovered three vehicles and large quantity of arms and ammunition.

    But in a suprising turn of event, Director Army Public Relation, Brig. General Sani Usman, said investigations have shown the attackers came from the community itself and are well known to the people.

    Usman said: “While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community. The terrorists that attacked the village are well known to the people.

    “It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons.  The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers.

    “Consequently, we are constrained to state that it’s now high time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorist in their midst.”

    While stressing the need to report terrorists’ activities to security agencies, the army spokesman said terrorists are inhuman and barbaric, therefore cannot be trusted to spare anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts.

    “It is imperative that all communities in the North East especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the military and the security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages,” he said.

  • Boko Haram attacking soft targets to remain relevant – Army

    The Nigerian Army has said the recent suicide attacks by Boko Haram fighters on soft targets in Borno State are indications that the insurgents have lost focus and are determined to remain relevant at all costs.

    The deputy Director of Army Public Relation Col. Onyema Nwanchukwu, in a statement in Maiduguri said “these attacks on soft targets are indicative of a drowned Boko Haram group. They have lost ground and focus, hence the only way to remain relevant is to callously attack soft targets using person- borne IEDs and other forms of IEDs.”

    He assured that the army will continue to give the general public the desired protection, saying “we are countering this development with constant patrols and monitoring of the metropolis and other populated areas. We are equally sensitizing the public on the need to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious moves and persons to security agencies.”

    Col. Nwanchukwu, while confirming the suicide attacks in Maiduguri on Wednesday, said the three female bombers killed themselves and one civilian after their attempt to enter Maiduguri metropolis was foiled by residents of the community.

    “At about 1:30 a.m. today, three suicide bombers attempted infiltrating Maiduguri metropolis through Mulai or Usmanti but were intercepted by vigilant civilians in that community. Realizing that they had been busted the suicide bombers detonated their suicide vests killing themselves.

    “Regrettably however one civilian died in the explosion and seven others suffered injuries of varying degrees. Troops were immediately deployed to cordon off the area and the injured are currently receiving medical attention at the UMTH,” the army spokesman added.

     

  • Nigerian Army adopts new approach to counter insecurity

    The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos, on Friday said it has adopted strategic operations to counter security challenges in the country.

    The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Oyefolu, announced the strategy during the closing of the Operation Planning Cadre training, which started on March 5 in Lagos.

    “This is important in view of the current security challenges in our environment,” the GOC said at the forum.

    “And based on the style the enemies are using to approach us now, we have to adopt strategic planning operations to counter them.

    “It is important for us at all levels to know how to plan operations in order to achieve the end result, which is to win the battle.”

    Assessing the officers, who attended the one week training, the GOC commended their level of seriousness and participation during the sessions.

    He said the participants should go back to their respective units and teach others what they have learnt.

    NAN

     

  • Dismissed soldiers plead for ‘mercy’

    The dismissed 524 soldiers have pleaded with the Nigerian Army to “tamper justice with mercy’’ and review their dismissal.

    The Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole, stated this on Tuesday when he visited the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to submit the case files of the ex-soldiers.

    Ogbole said the affected soldiers had earlier visited the commission and pleaded with it to intervene in the matter on their behalf.

    “In summary, we are not here to take any decision on the issue, we are here to transmit their complaints which were recorded and documented for us to you.

    “This is enable you look into them and take the appropriate action in the best interest of the Nigerian army and the nation at large,’’ Ogbole said.

    Responding, Buratai said the cases would be studied in their individual merit and resolved in the best interest of the army and the nation.

    “The complaints of 524 ex-soldiers which you presented to me are going to be studied, we will look at each case on its merit,” the army chief said.

    “I assure you that they are going to be resolved in the best interest of the Nigerian army and in the best interest of our country.

    “We know that 524 soldiers is almost a battalion and we will definitely feel the impact of these guys.

    “But notwithstanding, we will still look at their cases critically on merit in the interest of our service and the country.”

    NAN

     

     

     

  • Security: NSA, Service Chiefs brief Osinbajo 

    Security: NSA, Service Chiefs brief Osinbajo 

    Service Chiefs including the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno on Wednesday briefed Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on the security situation in the country.

    The first meeting with all the service chiefs in attendance since President Muhammadu Buhari left the country on vacation was held at Osinbajo’s office.

    They briefed Osinbajo on the Boko Haram insurgency and killings in Southern Kaduna, cattle rustling and armed banditry.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the opening of the security meeting, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, expressed appreciation of the administration for the support and continuous funding of the armed forces in the conduct of its operations.

    This, he said, has impacted positively on the capacity of the armed forces and troops in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and other security threats across the country.

    He said: “On behalf of the armed forces and other security agencies, we pledge our total commitment and loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “The ongoing operation in the North East has recorded tremendous success and has led to restoration of normalcy in most parts of the affected areas. The current strategy being adopted involved the simultaneous conduct of consolidation and stabilisation cases so as to enable the civil authorities take lead role as quickly as possible.

    “Our troops in conjunction with the vigilante groups successfully conducted clearance operations in villages and Boko Haram camps which led to the recovery of weapons and communication equipment as well as apprehension of many suspects. This is being supported by continuous aerial surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force so as to ensure that terrorists do not regroup.

    He also said that several high profile Boko Haram commanders were arrested while over 20,000 persons mostly women and children held hostage by the terrorists were rescued.

    “A number of the terrorists have surrendered to our troops and currently, rehabilitation and deradicalisation process for this category of Boko Haram terrorists and other rescued persons is ongoing.

    “Also, the armed forces are currently providing medical support and basis amenities such as food, clothing, water supply to most IDP camps in the North East.

    “Furthermore, several inter and intra roads and bridges that were impassable due to the security risks have been reopened and damaged ones reconstructed to enhance movement of people and goods in the North East.

    “The Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition will be conducted by 7 Division at Sambisa Forest to consolidate the gains achieved so far and further sharpen the skills of our troops.

    “In other to sustain the tempo of the counter insurgency operation in the North Eeast, the present administration had recently procured modern equipment to enhance the combat effectiveness of our armed forces.

    “Mine-resistance ambush patrol vehicles, one 20mm Motors and ammunition were being procured by the Nigerian Army. Also, some patrol boats and other platforms have been ordered by the Nigerian Navy for outpost at Lake Chad Basin while contract for helicopters from Russia for the Nigerian Air Force has been awarded and approval for addition four of MI 35 are being awaited.” he added

    He also said that additionally, 20 unmanned aerial vehicles from the United Arab Emirates have been procured by the Nigerian Air Force to support the operation in the North East.

    “This administration has also shown tremendous concern to the welfare of troops particularly in the North East through prompt payment of troops’ salaries and allowances as well as improvement in medical services.

    “Last week, we had a meeting with Ministers of Defence from the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin member countries, hosted by Nigeria. The countries include Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.

    “Memorandum of Understanding for the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to fight Boko Haram terrorists was signed during the meeting. This was aimed at supporting the operations of the MJTF operation Gama Aiki II nicknamed Rawan kada in the North East.”

    He said that peace talk is already on course to resolve the Southern Kaduna crisis.

    “With regards to the situation in Southern part of Kaduna State, peace talk is currently ongoing to address the current clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the communities.

    “Recently, some religious leaders led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, were in Southern Kaduna to mediate between the herdsmen and farmers.

    “As part of efforts to curtail this menace, Nigerian Army is in the process of constructing  a permanent barracks in Kafanchan. Also, the Nigerian Army is expected to conduct exercise Harbin kunama II in Southern Kaduna, Falgore Forest in Kano and the forest in Bauchi to flush out the criminal elements.

    “The activities of cattle rustlers and armed bandits generally in the entire North West have been significantly reduced. Efforts and peace talks to put an end to this cattle rustling and armed banditry in communities in Zamfara and Katsina State have successfully resulted in the handover of various weapons to troops in the states.

    “Bandits from an area in Zamfara State handed over 234 dane guns, 94 locally made pistols, 25 locally made revolvers, 17 locally made multi mural pistols, 10 locally made double barrel, 11 AK47 and five machine guns in addition to the ones collected in Kastsina recently.” he stated

    Those at the meeting included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonishakin and other service chiefs; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

  • Soldier jailed for battering actress

    The Nigerian Army has sentenced one Sulaiman Olamilekan, a soldier to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour for battering Nollywood Actress, Jewel Infiinity whose real name is Ebere Ohakwe.

    Jewel was alleged to have been battered by Olamilekan in January in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    A statement issued by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Bori camp, Port Harcourt, said the decision was taken after a thorough investigation.

    The statement reads:

    “In accordance with the Nigerian Army’s policy of zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct as well as its uncompromising stance on discipline and commitment to the rule of law, 6 Division Nigerian Army has charged, tried and found Private Suleiman Olamilekan of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt, guilty of the maltreatment of Miss Ebere Ohakwe.

    “He was accordingly sentenced to 28 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) and the forfeiture of his salary for same number of days to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “It would be recalled that there was a report in the social media that the soldier maltreated one Miss Ebere Ohakwe at Omagwa checkpoint along Port Harcourt – Onitsha Road on 30th January 2017.

    “This prompted the decision of the authorities of the Headquarters 6 Division to thoroughly investigate the matter with the view to serving justice adequately as required by the laws of the Nigerian Army.

    “Consequently, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh, ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation and disciplinary action.

    “He also invited the victim to his office and assured her that the matter would not be treated lightly.

    “We wish to assure the general public that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future.”

     

     

     

  • Nigerian Army jails soldier for battering actress

    Nigerian Army jails soldier for battering actress

    The Nigerian Army has sentenced one Sulaiman Olamilekun, a soldier to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour for battering Nollywood Actress Jewel Infiinity whose real name is Ebere Ohakwe.

    Jewel was alleged to have been battered by Olamilekun in January in Port Harcourt.

    A statement by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Bori camp, Port Harcourt, said the decision was taken after a thorough investigation.

    Extracts from the statement reads:

    “In accordance with the Nigerian Army’s policy of zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct as well as its uncompromising stance on discipline and commitment to the rule of law, 6 Division Nigerian Army has charged, tried and found Private Suleiman Olamilekan of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt guilty of the maltreatment of Miss Ebere Ohakwe.

    “He was accordingly sentenced to 28 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) and the forfeiture of his salary for same number of days to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “It would be recalled that there was a report in the social media that the soldier maltreated one Miss Ebere Ohakwe at Omagwa Checkpoint along Port Harcourt – Onitsha Road on 30th January 2017.

    “This prompted the decision of the authorities of the Headquarters 6 Division to thoroughly investigate the matter with the view to serving justice adequately as required by the laws of the Nigerian Army.

    “Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation and disciplinary action.

    “He also invited the victim to his office and assured her that the matter would not be treated lightly.

    “We wish to assure the general public that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future.”

  • Army arrests two Boko Haram members, 15 others in Kogi

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday paraded 17 suspected criminals including two Boko Haram members arrested in Okene, Kogi State.

    The suspects were paraded before journalists at the Command Army Record in Lokoja with various dangerous weapons, including 10 AK 47 rifles, locally made guns, 12 masks of different sizes, munitions, a local dagger knife, pump action guns, grenade and five Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs).

    The Commandant, Army Records, Brig.-Gen. Henry Ayamasaowea, while parading the suspects said in the last three weeks, troops have been working round the clock alongside other security agencies in the state to end kidnapping and the invasion by insurgents.

    He said all the 17 suspects, including Fulani bandits terrorizing the area were arrested in Okene and environs, noting that following the capture of Sambisa forest by the military, many of the insurgents have invaded Kogi State.

    “Boko-Haram members have scattered and many of them have made their ways to Kogi State. We took the security situation very serious and that is why we went after them,” he said.

     

     

     

  • No soldier was kidnapped in Lagos – Army

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said a soldier widely reported to have been kidnapped in Lagos only got missing in action.

    The Spokesman of the 81 Division, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, made the clarification in a statement in Lagos.

    Daudu said: “The officer got missing in action when troops came under heavy ambush during routine patrol of Lagos creeks.

    “I will like to state that no officer was kidnapped.

    “However, while on routine patrol of the creeks around Abule-Ado, Festac Town area in Lagos, troops came under heavy gunfire in an ambush.

    “They were able to fight their way out of the ambush during which the said officer got missing-in-action (MIA).

    “Efforts are ongoing in search of the missing personnel.

    “Troops remain resilient and focused in search of their MIA colleague.’’

    He urged members of the public to provide the army with useful information on the missing officer and assured residents of their continued safety.