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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Boko Haram: Troops rescue 1,890 hostages

    Boko Haram: Troops rescue 1,890 hostages

    The Nigerian Army said on Friday that 1,890 Boko Haram hostages, including women and children, were rescued in the last two weeks by troops fighting insurgency in the North East Zone.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.

    He said the hostages were rescued in different locations in Borno following massive mop up operations conducted by different units in the state.

    According to the statement, some of those rescued include 800 Nigerians who had initially crossed to Cameroon but were brought back to Banki town in Nigeria by troops of the 21 Brigade on Thursday.

    The statement said: “Troops of 121 Task Force conducted joint patrols with Cameroonian forces at Mararraba, Angwan Fada, Dale and Wizha Bokko Timit, Bokko Nasanu and Bokko Hidde up to Ngoshe in which they rescued 17 women and 28 children.

    “Similarly, troops of 7 Division Garrison carried out joint operations with 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters Support Group and Armed Forces Special Forces at Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare.

    “Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja, and Marya in Dikwa and Mafa Local Government areas and rescued 350 people, including five Cameroonian girls.

    “In a similar operation, troops of 7 Division Garrison in conjunction with troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, and Armed Forces Special Forces on Feb. 17, conducted clearance operations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas in which they rescued 195 hostages.”

    Usman said on Feb. 23, troops of 21 Brigade in conjunction with troops of MNJTF on clearance operations at Kumshe general area rescued 250 persons, mainly women and children.

    He said troops of 7 Division rescued 150 persons at Kodo on the same day.

    Usman added that troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade in clearance operations on Thursday at Galmasku, Muli, Chiralia, Maisani, Talala, Ajigin, Shetimalau, 1 and 2 and Dalomi also rescued 250 civilians held hostage.

  • ICRC’s commendation for Nigerian Army

    SIR: Given its antecedents and a longstanding commitment to impartiality, the commendation by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the Nigerian Army’s detention facilities is a plus for the army. According to ICRC, detention facilities under the purview of the army meet international standards. Head of ICRC delegation in Nigeria, Mr Karl Mattli, who made the assessment even, went further to offer additional support to the army in sustaining this standard.

    Let’s contrast this with other bodies that came out within the same time span to accuse the army of right abuses in the fight against Boko Haram. These organisations dish out what has now become traditional criticisms via reports that are strategically released to coincide with when the army is gaining the upper hand on insurgents or whenever it is on the threshold of forging new partnerships to take on the terrorists. Curiously, these same entities have no qualms about other nations using disproportionate force to tackle terrorism even when this leads to astronomically high civilian casualties.

    This development highlights the need for Nigerians to get real and recover their country from grips of Boko Haram – both the militant and political wing of the terror group. The army has made significant gains in routing the militant arm of Boko Haram but defeating the political element of the group becomes a task for which the army needs the active participation of the populace and the country’s political leadership.

    For instance, the commendations from the ICRC barely got the attention of Nigerians, even when it clearly reflected the improvements made by the army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai. One’s guess is that no frenzy was whipped up because this has no value to the political and propaganda wing of Boko Haram that is not able to use such information for its recruitment drive. It and its backers are unable to demonise the military with the commendation from the ICRC because contrary to the hues are cries of those who hide to under the cover of human rights to unleash psychological warfare, the Nigerian Army has been proven to be highly professional and mindful of national, international laws and conventions in their engagement.

    It is reassuring that General Buratai was able to affirm that International Humanitarian Laws have been integrated into course contents for officers and soldiers. It shows a leadership that has its sight set on long term stability in the country.

    One must also recognise and commend the fact that our soldiers are now motivated to do what they have committed to doing for the country. The Chief of Army staff has ensured those on the front gets not just the hardware they need to take on the insurgents, but has also ensured that they get their entitlement thereby bringing to and end the era of asking soldiers to fight with low morale. This is in addition to General Buratai leading the troops on the ground and not just dishing out orders from an air-conditioned cocoon in Abuja.

    At this point in Nigeria’s quest to stem the tide of terrorism, one must thus appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai to do all that is necessary in ensuring that the accolades from the likes of ICRC and other international continue to pour in. The glory from such commendations belong not just to the army alone but to the whole of Nigeria because they prove that despite the ill-intentioned reports aimed at putting the country in bad light, the army under his leadership has proven that Nigeria is on the right course.

     

    • Charles Ibekwe,

    Owerri, Imo State.

  • Extortion: Nigerian Army dismisses five Soldiers

    Extortion: Nigerian Army dismisses five Soldiers

    The Commander of the Guard Brigade, Brigadier General M.S. Yusuf has disclosed that five soldiers attached to the 176 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army have been dismissed from service.

    The soldiers according to the Brigade Commander were dismissed for extorting money from people. “I want to inform you that five soldiers attached to the 176 Brigade Command in Gwagwalada Abuja, were dismissed recently for collecting money from members of the public.

    “This has become necessary because we want the best from our soldiers, and this can only be achieved if we have good understanding with other citizens of Nigerians, as it would help in bridging the gap between us and the civilians.”

    Brigadier Yusuf said the entitlements of all the soldiers on guard in the various formations in the country, are always paid upfront before they are deployed and based on this. We would not tolerate anyone of them collecting any gratification whatsoever from people. We do everything possible to make them conducive at their place of primary assignments,” he said.

    He however challenged the National Orientation Agency to also work out modalities of educating the civilian publics on their relationship with the military.

    He appealed for the support of the media in bridging the gap between the military and civilian.

    Brigadier General Yusuf spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during an interactive meeting with journalists in his office.

  • Nigerian Army gets human rights desk

    The Nigerian Army has established a human rights desk at its headquarters in Abuja.

    This according to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, is to ensure that the army under his leadership will investigate all cases of human rights complaints brought before it.

    Buratai, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major Gen. Rogers Nicholas, at the commissioning of the desk, said the event marks another important day in the history of Nigerian Army by establishing the human rights office.

    He noted that the establishment of the desk office was borne out of the increasing interest of the local and international human rights bodies on what the Nigerian Army is doing in the northeast and other parts of the country.

    The amy chief promised that the force would close up the gap with the civil populace, human rights bodies and civil society organisations.

    He said: “The concept note for the efforts of the Human Rights office in the Army Headquarters (AHQ) was as a result of increasing interest of local and international human Rrghts organisations and institutions in the Nigerian Army human relations footprints but specifically in areas of our operations in northeast.

    “The nature of inquiries and commentaries from these institutions requires a response of professional and specialised in nature by the NA. What we are witnessing today has been facilitated by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).”

     

  • Photo: Soldiers teaching boys in Maiduguri

    Soldier teaching
    Two Nigerian soldiers deployed in North East teaching two young boys as part of their social responsibilities to host community.

    This photo was sent to TheNation Online through our Facebook page from Adesola Sunday. You can also send your photo news, breaking news or other forms of information considered worthy of social good to all.

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    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Insurgency” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Army releases 275 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

    Army releases 275 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

    The army on Friday released 275 detainees after clearing them of being members of the Boko Haram sect.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major Gen. Hassan Umaru handed over the detainees to Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, at a ceremony in Maiduguri, the state capital..

    Umaru said the detainees included 271 Nigerians.

    Two of the released foreigners are from Cameroun and the other two from Niger Republic.

    Umaru said: “Today we are releasing 275 persons who have been in detention over suspicion of being involved in terrorism.

    “Our crack team of joint investigators has screened and cleared the persons that are in the process of being released here today.”

    Umaru said the detainees included 142 males, 49 females, 22 under aged and 50 children of cleared females.

    “The persons being released comprise 142 males, 49 females, 22 under aged, 50 children of cleared females, two Nigeriens and two Cameroonians,” the theatre commander said.

    He said they were released in line with the principles of justice and fair play.

    Receiving the detainees, Shettima commended the military for a job well done.

    He said: “Today bears a sense of professionalism, justice, equity and fairness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “The 275 suspects were picked from several locations at different times and were adjudged to be clean after through investigations.”

    Shettima said the action had confirmed that the military was a respecter of the law.

     

  • DasukiGate: Justice must prevail in citizen’s interest – ACLN

    DasukiGate: Justice must prevail in citizen’s interest – ACLN

    The Association for Credible Leadership in Nigeria (ACLN) has expressed support for the ongoing anti-graft campaign led by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The association also salutes the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for unraveling the level of involvement of some notable individuals in the arms deal, which has somewhat incapacitated the Nigerian military from properly prosecuting the Boko Haram terrorism in North-Eastern Nigeria.

    ACLN expressed their support in a statement, commending the EFCC for being able to expose the corruption in Nigeria, especially among senior citizens without fear or favour. “This shows to us that the government is on the right cause against corruption,” the group said.

    The statement reads; “this is also a confirmation that the current administration empowers institutions and not individuals unlike past administration in the country.

    “It is rather sad for the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Dasuki Sambo (rtd.), who should be leading the battle against Boko Haram insurgents to be found leading the team of corrupt politicians who cared less about an average citizen. What sort of advice was he rendering the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “The implications of what Dasuki did include portraying Nigeria and her citizens in a bad light of terrorism before the international community, killing of several innocent souls, as well as squandering national funds which is largely average citizen’s tax money.

    “No doubt, considering the state of infrastructures in the country, the diverted US$2 billion dollars (N13 billion) would have helped to an extent in advancing the course of building Nigeria.

    “The ACLN condemn the wicked act of Col. Dasuki as well as Chief Raymond Dokpesi of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and others involved in the arms deal who are yet to be exposed.

    “We believe like many other logical persons will agree that such callous act is responsible for the further escalation of the war against terrorism in the Country.”

    According to the association, the Nigerian Army, who have tried in terms of manpower despite losing gallant war men to such a petty battle, would have been in control of the battle and secure Nigeria’s territories if they were better equipped.

    “Similarly, the death of these soldiers who were not given adequate weapon to withstand the firepower of the Sect, the killings and kidnapping of innocent and vulnerable citizens (women and kids), who would not have experience such if adequate funding have been made available to the army, all call for justice,” the group added.

    The ACLN urge the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to allow the rule of law prevail as everyone indicted in the deal must be made to face the full weight of the law and ensure that all looted funds are recovered.

    “At this stage of the revelations of the arms deal, the United Nations’ judicial organ, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and all other relevant international authorities may need to step in, to ensure that judgement is not manipulated in Nigeria.

    “We are saying this because despite the magnitude of the effect of the deal and the caliber of persons involved, the Federal High Court sitting at Maitama, Abuja granted bail to Dasuki, the former Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC), ‎Aminu Baba-Kusa‎ and three others, to the tune of N250 million each, while all accused persons have suddenly developed strange health issues for which they are attempting to flee the country.

    “What we are saying is that if justice must be done, such penalty is too meager for an offence that has not only claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians, Niger, Cameroon and Chad have also suffered casualties.

    “The ACLN consider this as a shame on the past administrations for painting such a wicked picture of leadership for the younger generation of Nigerians. Thus, if judgement is not properly melted out, there are chances of today’s youths treading the same path in few years time.

    “We therefore call on the National Assembly to work with President Buhari in overhauling the Nigerian law, if the fight against corrupt practices must be won in the country,” the association noted.

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  • Shi’ites/soldiers clash: We’ve no apology – Army

    Shi’ites/soldiers clash: We’ve no apology – Army

    The General Officer Commanding, (GOC) 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade has said that, the Nigerian Army has no apology for its recent encounter with members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as the Shi’ite sect.

    The GOC said that, the Army cannot fold its arms and watch any group or sect threaten the peace and stability of the country.

    Addressing newsmen at the headquarters of 1 Division in Kaduna on Wednesday, the GOC said, the Army has no issue with the Shi’ites, saying “they are like any other sect in the land, but as long as they obey the law of the land no problem, but if any group chooses to challenge the authority of the land, it means they do not value the sanctity of life and the constitution of Nigeria.”

    The GOC added that the military has no issue with the Islamic sect, pointing out that even some military personnel are Shiites by religious calling, but they respected and obeyed constituted authority, and the military has no issue with them.

    According to him, “Army has paid heavily with the blood of its officers and men to protect this country, and so we have no apology any group, either Shiites Islamic sect, Christian sect, even pagan sect that is threatening the peace of the country.

    “We don’t have any issue with the Shiites or any sect at all in the land as long as they obey the law of the land. But if any group tends to challenge the constituted authority of the land, it means that such group does not respect the constitution of the land.

    “Even in the military, we have Shiites members, but there is no issue with them because they are law abiding citizens.

    “But we have issues with those who creates a State within a State, and our rules of engagement are very clear, that is, when there is threat to a constituted authority, it must be arrested before it goes full blown.

    “We know the business of violence but we apply it professionally if the peace of the land is being threatened, so we are appealing to Nigerians who are bent on causing violence stay off,” he said.

    The GOC however insisted that the Army remains the guidance of Nigerian democracy, but stated that, an attempt on the Chief of the nation’s Army is akin to an attempt on a sitting president.

    Giving an overview of the activities of the division in 2015, the GOC said, “We want to re assure the members of the North West zone that the army will do everything possible as mandated by the constitution of Nigeria to protect our people and to enable the people go about their activities without molestation.”

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  • Why 66 convicted soldiers deserve freedom

    Why 66 convicted soldiers deserve freedom

    The Chairman/ National Coordinator of All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavia, Ayoola Lawal has commended the Nigerian Army for listening to the outcry of Nigerians and walked the path of honor by reviewing the death sentences passed on the soldiers that were accused of insurrection and mutiny.
    The National Coordinator quoted a statement credited to the Nigerian Army spokesman, Col. Usman Sanni, as saying ‘the death sentences by firing squad passed on 66 soldiers in January and March 2015 by separate General Court Martials have been commuted to 10 years imprisonment each.’
    “The sentence review was a confirmation of the attentive leadership of the new C-in-C of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
    However, it is a known fact that the majority of Nigerians are not in the professional position to pass comment on what were purely military judgments.
    “Meanwhile, in the light of the emerging facts on the Dasukigate and others, it will be more honourable and human if the Nigerian Army can delve further into the review 0f the 10 year sentence by relating it to the unfolding developments of the $2.1 billion meant for the procurement of the weapons to prosecute the insurgency in North Eastern, Nigeria, but intentionally diverted for personal and political purposes by the office of the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd.),” he said.
    According to Lawal, it is sad and unfortunate that the senior officers that were supposed to investigate the matter could not trace the investigations to the reality of non-availability of weapons as claimed by the convicted soldiers before the sentence.
    “Special thanks to concerned Nigerians for their outcry and as well, the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the convicted brave men in uniform would have been killed by firing squad.
    “As much as Nigeria or her citizens would neither allow nor encourage any act of gross misconduct in the force, it will amount to the act of wickedness and injustice if the leaders that were supposed to provide leadership, cater for the well- being and also arm the followers with the appropriate tools refused but later turned to blame the followers for bad followership.
    “As a matter of fairness, justice and patriotism, the convicted 66 soldiers should not be made the casualties of bad leadership of the past administration.
    “I call on all well-meaning and concerned Nigerians home and diaspora to join hands further in imploring the C-in-C and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to please, order the review of the 10 year sentence and possibly grant the convicted brave men a presidential pardon,” Lawal pleaded.
    He further warned that if the conviction is not handled with care, dismissing the 66 soldiers or sentencing them may further harden their hearts thereby making them a threat to the society upon release.
    “These brave men have acquired survival skills so we should be careful how we force them to use the skills acquired from the Army. Nobody is even asking what will happen after the 10 year jail term. Will they be re-absorbed into the system or dismissed.

    “Similarly, prominent Nigerians were pleading for amnesty for the terrorist group, Boko Haram, even as some of the arrested members of the sect were released, I therefore suggest Federal Government come in to give the brave men pardon,” Lawal pleaded.

    He also noted that it is understandable that the military has set rules and guidelines, but advised that it be laid aside to save the innocent soldiers who displayed readiness to prosecute the battle against terror but were held back by lack of ammunition, which they protested.

  • Zaria clash: Police release 83 detainees

    Zaria clash: Police release 83 detainees

    Some 83 persons comprising 34 children and 49 women that were arrested and detained during the Zaria clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shi’ite movement have been released by Police in Kaduna.

    A yet unclear number of Shi’ite sect members were killed and hundreds more injured in at least two of the sect’s worship sites, witnesses and a hospital source have said.

    About 191 suspects were held for varying offences, including obstruction of highways, possession of weapons and attacking security agents.

    The suspects were arrested pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations which might lead to charges being filed at the State High Court or the Federal High court.

    According to statement by Special Assistant on Media to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, the State Security Council, resolved to ensure adequate security measures would be put in place across the state ahead of Maulud, Christmas and New Year festivities in the State to guide against any likely breach of peace.

    Aruwan said citizens were also advised to be law-abiding and report to security agencies, traditional and religious leaders and the government any threat to peace and stability of the state.