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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Army recovers 300 cattle from rustlers in Zamfara

    Army recovers 300 cattle from rustlers in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Army has recovered about 300 cattle from rustlers in various parts of Zamfara, Brig.-Gen. Ginikanwa Nwosu, Commander, 1 Brigade, Sokoto, has said.

    Nwosu spoke on Tuesday in Sokoto, when he addressed newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists( NUJ), Press Centre.

    He said:” The recovery was part of the myriad of successes recorded by the military in the fight against cattle rustling, kidnappings and other forms of armed banditry.

    ” We are going to hand over the recovered cattle to the officials of the Zamfara Government for onward delivery to their owners.

    ”We are recovering an average of 500 cattle from the rustlers weekly and we will sustain the tempo.”

    Nwosu announced that the military recently deployed more troops to various parts of Zamfara to reinforce the fight against cattle rustling, kidnappings and armed banditry.

    ” Though there are some isolated cases of cattle rustling and kidnappings for ransom, the ugly situation will soon be history.

    ” We are doing all we could to combat the menace and very soon the situation there will be pacified.”

    Nwosu pledged to “sustain the current tempo of cordial relations between the military and the journalists, as well as the civilian population.

    ” Soldiers have been warned against molesting civilians and there are laid down procedures to address areas of friction.”

    The State NUJ Chairman, Isa Shuni, had earlier commended Nwosu for the visit, describing it as the first by any Commander of the Brigade.

    Shuni further hailed Nwosu’s recent ban on the sale of illicit drugs in some shops at the  Giginya Barracks, Sokoto.

    ” We will continue to discharge our constitutional duties objectively and diligently,” Shuni, promised.

  • Army restates commitment to contain internal, external threats

    Army restates commitment to contain internal, external threats

    The Nigerian Army has restated its commitment to contain the various threats across the country through the conduct of sustained internal security operations and exercises.

    This is part of the resolution contained in a communique issued at the end of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Owerri on Thursday.

    The communique was read by Maj.-Gen. Jack Ogunewe, the Army’s Chief of Policy and Plans.

    It, however, noted the dynamics of emerging threats, particularly in the North-East, South-South and South-East.

    The communique reiterated the army’s resolve to secure the territorial integrity of the country both against internal and external aggression in line with the nation’s constitution.

    “In this regard, the conference re-emphasised the need for formations and units to collaborate with local communities in intelligence gathering toward containing localised threat.

    “The conference re-emphasised the imperative for effective training, adaptive leadership, discipline, as well as operational responsiveness backed with functional logistics for sustaining enormous gain recorded by the Nigerian Army across the entire spectrum of its operations.

    “The conference also noted the primacy of conflict preparedness, prevention and management in the over all efforts of the nation toward establishing enduring peace, security and national development,” it said.

    It commended the army, saying that it recorded overall success in 2016.

  • Man jailed for fraud in Edo

    Man jailed for fraud in Edo

    A 33-year old man identified as Musa Baba has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for defrauding one Moses Achebe.

     

    The convict, who was jailed by an Oredo Magistrate Court, was said to have defrauded his victim the sum of N140,000.

     

    Police Prosecutor, A.O. Enababor, informed the Court that the accused committed the crime between August 18 and 31, 2015 by presenting himself as an employee of the Nigerian Army to sign army guarantor form.

     

    Enababor said defrauded his victim by obtaining the sum of N140, 000 under the pretence that he would help him secure employment into the Nigeria Army.

     

    He said the offence contravened section 108 and 419 of the criminal Code.

     

    Presiding Magistrates, Mrs M.C. Ojobo, found the accused guilty on both the two count charges preferred against him. 

     

    Ojobo convicted Musa to 12 months imprisonment of an option of N100, 000 fine in each of the count.

     

  • Nigerian security agents killed 150 IPOB members – Amnesty

    Nigerian security agents killed 150 IPOB members – Amnesty

    Amnesty International accused Nigerian security forces on Thursday of killing at least 150 peaceful advocates of Biafra’s secession from country, but the military and police dismissed the allegations.

    An army spokesman said Amnesty’s statement, the latest in a series of allegations of impropriety levelled against Nigeria’s military in the last year, aimed to tarnish the security forces’ reputation. The police said its officers did not attack people holding demonstrations.

    Amnesty said the military fired live ammunition, with little or no warning, to disperse members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group between August 2015 and August 2016.

    Its 60-page report based on interviews with 193 people, 87 videos and 122 photographs from that period also said troops and the police used “arbitrary, abusive and excessive force to disrupt gatherings.”

    Secessionist feeling has simmered in the southeast since the Biafra separatist rebellion tipped Nigeria into a 1967-1970 civil war that killed an estimated one million people, Reuters reported.

    It flared up again last year after IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was detained on charges of criminal conspiracy and belonging to an illegal society.

    That prompted supporters of Kanu to hold protests that Amnesty said were dispersed with live ammunition.

    The army spokesman, Sani Usman, said Biafra separatists had behaved violently, killing five policeman at a protest in May and attacking both military and police vehicles.

    “The military and other security agencies exercised maximum restraints despite the flurry of provocative and unjustifiable violence,” Usman told Reuters.

    Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Don Awunah, said officers “always abide by the law” and adhere to best practices.

    “We don’t attack people who are demonstrating, which every Nigerian has a right to do,” he said.

     

  • Suicide bombings will end soon – Army

    Suicide bombings will end soon – Army

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday assured that the recent spate of suicide bombings in Maiduguri would soon be a thing of the past.

    Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theater Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole stated this while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri.

    Irabor stated that the army had put in place mechanism to end the bombings.

    “I am delighted to be with you again this afternoon to acquaint you with developments within the theater of operation. The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued with the ongoing operations to clear the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Since our last interaction, our troops have conducted many operations with immense successes,’’ he said.

    Irabor said that the army had been able to minimise  impact of the bombings on the public.

    “The impact of recent bombings in Maiduguri, though sad and unfortunate, was minimal due to the alertness of troops and other security agencies.

    “Apart from the one wherein two Civilian JTF personnel were killed and some others wounded, only the terrorists died, while one was captured alive.

    “The captured suicide bomber is assisting in the investigation into cases of suicide bombings.’’

    He said that the continued bombings by the terrorists were a sign of weakness.

    According to him, the incidents are only indicative of a weakened and defeated Boko Haram terrorists, their ignoble adventure is destined to fail totally,’’ Irabor said.

    He advised members of the public to be more conscious and alert to their environment.

    “I wish to remind the general public to be more alert and security conscious with their environment, especially when a strange face comes around.

    “I also commiserate with all the victims of the recent suicide bombings by terrorists within the theatre. We shall continue to work to ensure the safety of lives of every citizen, ” Irabor said.

    He urged Boko Haram remnants to take advantage of a window of opportunity by surrendering their arms.

    “Let me once again use this medium to remind the remnants of Boko Haram that their miserable days are numbered because their future is going to be disastrous if they fail to surrender and lay down their arms.

    “Let me therefore, encourage them to take advantage of this window of opportunity now to surrender as failure to do so would be hugely regretted,” Irabor said.

  • FG confronts Niger Delta Avengers, other militants

    FG confronts Niger Delta Avengers, other militants

    •Pioneer GOC of new division resumes

    The federal government is set to confront fighters of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and other militant groups that have resumed hostilities in the crude oil and gas-rich region.

    This is sequel to the assumption of office of the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the newly-created 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Major General Kasimu Abdukarim.

    The new GOC, with Masters in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan (UI), until his redeployment, was the GOC of 2 Division, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    He insisted that the Nigerian Army remained apolitical.

    Addressing reporters at the weekend, Abdukarim said the 6 division consists of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers States while the division comprised 2, 16 and 63 Brigades with support elements.

    He said: “This arrangement (having 6 Division in core Niger Delta states with base in Port Harcourt) will help to curtail the activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), banditry, inter-communal clashes, illegal bunkering, kidnapping, robberies, Niger Delta Avengers and pipeline vandalism prevalent in the area.

    “Insecurity in the area (Niger Delta) negatively impacts on our national economy, resulting from sabotage by criminal entities within the region.

    “In view of this, everything must be done to guard, protect and defend our fledgling democracy, nourish it and prevent insecurity in our areas of responsibility.

    “We must be concerned with laying solid foundation, envious of the generations.

    He went on: “We have our contingency plans (to put an end to the bombing of oil facilities and other installations of oil companies by Niger Delta militants) and we are also strategising on how we are going to protect our critical infrastructure.

    “As an institution, it will not be fair for us to sit down and see our critical assets destroyed. That is where we earn our salaries. We must guard and protect them.”

    Abdukarim also stated that his mission as the pioneer GOC is to structure, nurture and enhance 6 division’s combat readiness across all spectrums of military operations through development of a professionally-responsive force.

    The GOC pointed out attainment of his mission at the 6 division established on November 7 would be based on review of existing intelligence architecture, accountability, inclusiveness, rule of law, troops’ discipline and respect for human rights.   On the December 10rerun, Abdukarim promised soldiers will be professional in the discharge of their duties.

    He said: “The role of military is very clear. We are to ensure that we provide a very conducive atmosphere for people to go about their businesses.

    “In terms of elections, we are not the first respondent. The police are supposed to maintain law and order.

    “In case they fail, our responsibility as military practitioners is to enforce the law.”

    He dispelled the notion creation of the division is tactical militarization of the Niger Delta.

    According to the GOC: “Bringing the military does not mean that we are militarising the area.

    “We are also bringing development to the area because it is envisaged that we are going to have barracks.

    “We will have our own infrastructure that will be brought to the people and in that process we will help them because we will also engage in community development.

    “So, it does not mean that when you have soldiers within your domain, it is only for combat, no.

    “We have other benefits that are derivable from the association. Nigerian Army operates within the confines of the law and we have respect for rule of law.”

  • Nigeria Taekwondo Federation at 30: Obasanjo, Dalung, Wushishi, others to bag awards

    The President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master George Ashiru has revealed that the 2016 edition of the annual Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo championship will be used to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the federation in Nigeria.

    The event taking place at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun stadium and sponsored by the Korean Cultural centre ‘with their other chosen partners’ is geared towards enhancing sports development and bilateral relations.
    It will have eminent Nigerians including a Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, a former Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Inuwa Wushishi (rtd) amongst others bagging awards for their immense contributions to the federation.

    Ashiru said, “It is noteworthy that this is the 30th year of establishing the Taekwondo federation in Nigeria. It was formed in 1986 and inaugurated in 1987.”

    We are giving out awards in recognition of the people who have in one way or the other supported the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation tactically, politically and meterially.

    Explaining why these Nigerians will be honored during the competition holding between the 8th and 10th of December, Ashiru said they have contributed in no small way to uplift the sport in Nigeria.

    “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo incepted the training of taekwondo in the National Library. He personally supports, visits and enrolled his grand children. Considering his support for various areas of sports in Nigeria, I think the federation will like to appreciate him”.

    On the choice of Barrister Solomon Dalung as one of the notable recipients, the former National champion told journalists that the Minister of Sports for the second time in a row will be physically present at the event and deserves special recognition.
    “Supporting us as we are preparing for the Olympics trials and standing with our federation during the good times and the trying times. We think, he is the head and father of sports at this juncture in Nigerian history. We will like to honor him.”

    Ashiru explained further that writing the history of the sports and the federation will never be complete without the mention of Inuwa Wushishi who used his good office as the Chief of Army staffs to propagate the gospel of the sports in the Nigerian Army.

    “We will like to honor the gentleman who signed the bilateral agreement that brought in the first set of Korean instructors officially to Nigeria when he was the Chief of Army staff. ”

    According to Ashiru, one of the two instructors brought in by Wushishi later became the first national coach who took the pioneer national team to the All Africa Games in 1987 which he was part of.
    “We think it’s time, 30 years after, for the federation to remember the good work this man did to have started taekwondo in the Nigerian Army which the Army is now benefiting from.”
    He concluded that all recipients have confirmed their presence after they were contacted.

  • Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno

    Troops of 8 Task Force Division, Nigerian Army, on Thursday intercepted a group of suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly on a mission to loot logistics supplies in surrounding villages.

    Col. Sani Usman, the Director, Army Public Relations Department, made the disclosure in a statement issued to newsmen in Maiduguri.

    He said that the troops were patrolling the Monguno-Brimari road when the incident occurred.

    “On sighting the patrol, the insurgents engaged the troops in a shootout that lasted for about fifteen minutes before they were overpowered by the superior fire power of the patrol.

    “In the encounter, 2 insurgents were neutralised and their weapons including one FN rifle loaded with a magazine of 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 rifle with 3 magazines were captured.

    “Also recovered from the insurgents were 2 motorcycles, drugs, wrappers and clothes,” the statement said. 

  • Cameroonian Army lauds Nigeria on fight against Boko Haram

    The Cameroonian Army has commended the gallant effort of the Nigerian Army in chasing away Boko Haram terrorists from the country.

    The Commander Sector 1 of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Brig.-Gen. Bouba Dobekreo said this when he visited General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 division, Nigerian Army Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu in Maiduguri.

    Col. Mustapha Anka, spokesman of the division stated this in a statement in Maiduguri.

    Dobekreo commended army for its gallantry in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, saying that such action has shown the determination of the Nigerian government to end terrorism.

    Anka quoted the visitor as saying that the Boko Haram insurgency since its inception had affected the economy of Cameroon, especially as it concerned that Trans Sahara Trade.

    Dobekreo described the GOC as a strategist, professional and team player, who believed in synergy and cooperation to achieve set objectives.

    He thanked the GOC for all the support his troops enjoyed from his command, especially in the area of information sharing, and promised to maintain the already existing synergy between the two countries.

    Dobekreo also described the challenges posed by the terrorists as a test for West African countries to handle security threats in the region by themselves.

    He called on West African countries to always be security conscious along the borders of the Chad Basin.

    The Cameroonian Commander promised to stand by Nigeria to end the insurgency in the shortest possible time.

    Responding, the GOC thanked the Cameroonian Commander and then attributed their success to the relationship between the two countries through collaboration and capacity building in the fight against insurgency.

    He described the visit as timely, saying it would afford the Commanders the opportunity to sit and re-strategise for the final onslaught against the terrorists.

  • Army donates teaching, learning materials to IDPs schools

    The Nigerian Army on Friday donated teaching and learning materials worth several millions of naira to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Schools in Yola.

    Presenting the items to the camp’s management, Maj.-Gen. Leo Irabor, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, said that the gesture was to create quick impact to uplift the plight of the IDPs.

    Irabor explained that the gesture was from the Nigerian Army quick impact project, soldiers of the education corps, and other officers deployed to teach in the various IDPs schools in the camps across the north east region.

    “The Nigerian Army introduced a humanitarian dimension to the IDP camps to uplift their plight.

    “And as part of the quick impact, Army deployed officers and soldiers of the education corps to teach in various IDPs camps in the North East region,’’ he said.

    Irabor, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. B. Akinroluyo, said that the tragedy of insecurity is a global concern and Nigeria shares part of it.

    He said that the activities of terrorists and insurgents and threats posed by the duo were among the maladies affecting the Nigerian state.

    The commander explained that the army had been in the forefront of all the challenges with all its might and resources to contain the terrorists and bring back normal life to affected citizens.

    Speaking earlier, Alhaji Sa’ad Bello, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Camps Coordinator in charge of Adamawa and Taraba said the gesture came at the right time.

    Bello thanked the army for the humanitarian assistance adding that their gallant efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the area in general, and the IDPs camps in particular, cannot be over emphasised.

    Mr. Mahmud Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said that the state government’s top priority was provision of education to all.

    Abubakar said that the state government would continue to partner with well-meaning organisation in transforming the education sector in the state.