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Tag: Nigerian military

  • Igbo professionals in diaspora lauds Army, urges probe of IPOB

    Igbo professionals in diaspora lauds Army, urges probe of IPOB

    The Southeast Professionals in Diaspora, have hailed the Nigerian military, particularly the Nigerian Army for taking the war against kidnapping, arm banditry and political secessionist agitations, being led by a small group of disgruntled politicians, to some states of the southeast, saying,  it will restore normalcy and peace,  to the region.

    The group, however, advised the military to ensure the protection, of peace loving innocent civilians, within the states where the operation is currently being carried out, and ensure that their rights are well protected, as enshrined in the laws.

    Spokesman of the group, Engr Dr Fidelis Nze KSM said they were impressed by the way troops of the Nigerian Army under the Operation Python Dance 11, were recording successes against the elements, who have turned the region,  to a theater of absurdities, going by the increasing rate of criminality,  and most worrisome,  the uncontrolled activities of the Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB, which has continued to preach hate speeches,  against every other tribes, in the country.

    “It is evidently clear that the tide has changed for the better, especially in the last few days. The Nigerian military, are doing well.

    “We are very convinced, that by the time this military sweep up, of criminalities in our region is over,  it will give psychological, moral and economical relief to the generality of our people who have lived under the fear of terror, by these notorious elements.

    The group also called on Governors of the Southeast States, to cooperate with the military,  and other security agencies, towards ensuring that the peace,  that is being returned to the region, is sustained,  particularly, as the people,  approach the yuletide season.

    The group also use this medium to call on our security agencies especially the Nigerian Army to Institute a wider probe into the activities of the Nnamdi Kanu led IPOB,  with the recent discovery of a large consignment of ammunition by the Nigerian Custom Service at the lagos port,  the timing of this discovery and the resurgent of Kanu led IPOB activities cannot be an ordinary coincident.

    The group also advised parents and guardians, to monitor their wards,  against being coerced into being part of any activities of groups,  who are hell bent on destabilizing the country.

  • Nigerian military has been transparent in fight against insurgency says Amnesty Watch

    The Nigerian military has been able to sustain its victory over insurgency due to its highest level of transparency and intelligence, report by the Global Amnesty Watch has shown.
    GAW, a non-governmental organization that monitors the conduct of military, defence and security forces in combating crimes globally made this known at the presentation of the Mid Term Report on Nigeria’s Counter-Insurgency War held in Abuja yesterday.
    The report was presented by GAW, its research partner, the Center for International and Strategic Studies, Abuja.
    Speaking at the presentation, Tom John Lever, Global Amnesty Watch Representative on African Affairs, noted that in the period under review, “the Nigerian military has been able to record remarkable progress on the strength of its transparent and accountable conduct in financial resources by the Nigerian military hierarchy.
    John, however admitted that more can still be done to accelerate driving Boko Haram into extinction.
    He said,  “GAW has closely monitored the period preceding the current administration, its military operations against the Boko Haram insurgency, the humanitarian and internal displacement from the crisis, and government efforts to curtail all these, has compiled its Mid Term Report on Nigeria’s Counter-Insurgency War.
    “To achieve this, the Global Amnesty Watch works with indigenous NGOs in Nigeria, which has allowed unprecedented access top subject areas, which would have been impossible in the absence of such symbiotic collaboration
    The GAW executive also revealed that from its finding, the military operation in the northeast has successfully liberated the towns and villages that came under the control of insurgents.
    He added that no fewer that 11,000 persons have so far been rescued from Boko Haram den on the basis of military inteligence.
    “A first batch of 21 Chibok Girls have been freed followed six months later with another 82 of the girls freed. The terrorists are being pressured to free the remaining girls. As at May 2017, 11,894 other hostages of the terror group had been freed.  Hundreds of other hostages have been freed in the period since then.
    “Several Boko Haram fighters with their commanders (amir) have surrendered, been captured or killed. Many others fled underground and are hiding among civilian population and in refugee camps.
    “The Nigerian Army opened a Human Rights Desk in October 2016 and this contributed immensely to adherence and compliance with rules of engagement.
    In December of 2016 Camp Zero, Boko Haram’s former operational base was taken effectively marking the end of terrorists having a structured physical base. The same area from where the terrorists hatched their evil is now the Colonel Ali Shooting Range.
    “The US government, which earlier blocked sales of arms and hardware to Nigeria has softened its stance and the embargo has been lifted. The deal for the sale of A29 Super Tucano aircrafts to Nigeria’s military is a direct outcome of the notable changes the world has seen both in the improved due diligence that eradicate corruption in military procurement and improved human rights records that meet international standards.”
    The highly revered group also recommended that the government, particularly the Nigerian Army and by extension the entire military, must continue to do the needful to ensure that the civilian population remain protected from insurgent.
    Also speaking at the presentation of the report, Prof Shuaib Ahmed Danfulani, director CISS, said in addition to the sale of  A29 Super Tucano Aircraft to the Nigerian military granted by president Trump of the USA, the Nigerian military stands to access more level-funding and support from other world leaders to drive Boko Haram into extinction if this level of transparency in the military sector is sustained.
    He added that the corrupt-free military is the beginning of any great nation in the world like the Nigerian military hierarchy has exhibited.
  • Military faults Amnesty report

    Military faults Amnesty report

    The Nigerian Military on Wednesday faulted the Amnesty International report which alleged mass abuse in the handling of the ongoing anti-terrorism war in the North-East.

    Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, picked holes in the report while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.

    He said: “I am constrained to touch on the recently released Amnesty International Report for the year 2016.

    “The reason being that the report made some unfortunate claims regarding the operations in the North-East.

    “Whereas the contents of the report have been condemned, I wish to join (in the condemnation) by saying that the troops of Operations Lafiya Dole are professional in conduct and disposition.

    “They operate within the strict guidance of the rules of engagement and the code of conduct for troops.”

    Irabor noted that Amnesty International had been consistent in its attack on Nigerian military in recent time.

    “What needs to be clear is that we have observed a consistent attack on the institutions charged with the mandate to protect the nation against every form of insecurity.

    “During the trying days of this operation, Amnesty International and other agents working against our nationhood, tried fruitlessly to incite the populace against the military through various malicious publications.

    “In spite of their distractions, we forged ahead and decimated Boko Haram.

    “We worked assiduously to improve on our civil-military relations, the result of which is manifest in the unparalleled support, accolades and encouragement we have received from the populace.

    “This position seems to have disappointed Amnesty International and their ungodly allies.”

    Irabor expressed sadness that Amnesty was making use of some unpatriotic Nigerians to achieve its aim.

    “Regrettably some Nigerians are being used as puppets and agents of destruction of our national security institutions.

    “It is sad that when our national security institutions are gaining traction, these agents after fabricating their reports, sit back and push Nigerians to make the reports known to the public to give a national colour of some sort.

    “We must rise up and stand against this subtle and increasing level of neo-colonialism; we all have a role to play in this direction.

    “Our national institutions must be strengthened, it is our responsibility to do so, no one can love Nigeria better than Nigerians, I only ask you the press to shine your eyes”.

  • Rights group flays Amnesty ‎over human rights report

    Rights group flays Amnesty ‎over human rights report

    A human rights group, Global Amnesty Watch (GAW) has faulted the report by the Amnesty International (AI) which criticized the way the Nigerian military had prosecuted on the war against terrorism especially in the northeast.

    Speaking in Abuja, the President of the group and human rights activist, Philip Agbese said AI had issued several reports in the past which openly lied against Nigeria, the government and critical institutions with the sole intent of undermining them.

    The United Kingdom based group said the report of AI openly sided with terrorists, insurgents and separatists while treating Nigerians as enemies. “As has been the case in the past, while it may have other motives in other countries, the intention in Nigeria is to blackmail the military and security institutions into not being able to discharge their statutory duties,” Agbese said.

    He said the terror groups like Boko Haram and Niger Delta Avengers have at various times carried out unwarranted attacks on peace-loving Nigerians and members of the Nigerian military who get killed while trying to stop terror attacks.

    Agbese: “In the case of this latest report issued by AI, lies have again been packaged as truth, their methodology consists of trawling news report, AI also speaks with so called witnesses that have in the past been proven to be nothing but paid actors, especially when the NGO often speak with them over the phone and therefore unable to properly verify identities.

    “The people it is usually able to speak with a are celebrity activists, protesters or agitators that have vested interest along the lines of the testimony they are willing to give. The combination of all these, makes the so-called annual report, into a solid pack of lies.”

    The GAW said Nigeria is a democracy which operates on the rule of law insisting that no external body can impose “lawlessness on Nigeria in the name of fake compliance with human rights benchmark.” The group also faulted the modus operandi of AI saying it relies on two newspaper stories to write its reports.

    “We therefore unequivocally state that the AI report is biased, unprofessional, lacks merit and does not reflect the realities on ground.   The truth is that the AI report is not only wrong but that the Nigerian military should be commended for doing their best to halt threats to citizens as exemplified by Boko Haram, IPOB, Avengers and other groups complicit in crimes against humanity.

    “Had the military allowed itself to be blackmailed into inaction as AI intended, Boko Haram would have overrun the country by now while the IPOB separatists would have mutated into groups worse than Boko Haram,” Agbese said

    He said that the airline would continue to seek ways to give its loyal customers and other air travelers the best flight experience.

  • Sambisa: APC diaspora commends FG, military

    Sambisa: APC diaspora commends FG, military

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Scandinavian Chapter, Ayoola Lawal, on Wednesday commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led for the victory of the Nigerian Military in capturing the dreaded Samibisa forest in the far North-Eastern State of Borno.
    “I commend Mr President for his courage and political will of delivering on his electoral promise of defeating the deadly terrorist group and make Nigeria safe again for the citizens and foreigners.”
    The APC Scandinavia Chief went on to state that the success of Sambisa operations is a pointer that authentic leadership matters and the people can achieve anything if they set their minds to it and are ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice.
    “I also commend the efforts of the Army service chiefs, security operatives, our brave armed men and women for the ultimate sacrifice of making our country safe and habitable again.
    “Now that the Sambisa operations, which is both intelligence- driven and as well tactical military onslaughts as dislodged the terrorist and they are now fleeing, I implore Nigerians to be very wary of the fleeing insurgents who will definitely use any means including disguising to escape.
    “I call on the civilian citizens to continue to play their part by reporting to the appropriate authorities if they notice anything strange activities within their environments.
    “I hope that the capturing of the key leaders of deadly groups will lead to the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls that were abducted a few years ago.
    “As Boko Haram insurgency is now becoming a thing of the past in the annal of Nigeria, my heart and prayers go to the families of all our fallen heroes and heroines in this ultimate sacrifice in keeping our lives and territory safe. May their souls continue to rest in peace and God continues to grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss.
    “It is a clarion call on Mr President and the appropriate authorities to have an understanding in granting amnesty to the so-called mutiny soldiers, treat them with dignity and respect and give them the best support to see meaning in serving one´s country again.
    “The families of our fallen heroes and heroines in this ultimate operations right from the inception till the end of the operations should not be neglected but be well-taken care of,” he said.
  • Buhari’s wife dedicates award to Nigeria military

    Buhari’s wife dedicates award to Nigeria military

    The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has dedicated an award she received in the Belgian capital, Brussels, to the Nigerian military men and women.

    This was contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser (Media) to wife of the president, Adebisi Olumide Ajayi.

    Aisha is currently in Brussels Belgium to attend the Crans Montana African Women’s Forum, where Women Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Ambassadors, Parliamentarians, Businesswomen, Activists, Heads of Organisations gathered from all over the World to address the role of Women in the fight against radicalisation and terrorism.

    At the forum Mrs Buhari spoke on “Women’s role in global security”.

    Mrs Buhari said: “I whole-heartedly dedicate the award to the Nigerian military men and women who have lost their lives and those at the war front battling to restore peace in the country

    She was presented the award by Didier Reynders, Belgian deputy prime minister & minister of foreign & European affairs.

  • Military warns over unauthorized media coverage in Northeast

    Military warns over unauthorized media coverage in Northeast

    The Ministry of Defence has warned journalists against media coverage in the Northeast region without due authorization from the Nigerian military. It said such unauthorized coverage is capable of jeopardizing the success of the on-going military operation.

    Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar in a statement in Abuja said the military is not trying to gag the press but adequate permission should be sought from military authorities so that security would be provided for such journalist.

    Abubakar: “It has been observed that certain journalists embark on coverage of security areas in the North East for documentary purpose and the likes without due authorization from the military authorities. This practice is not only capable of jeopardizing the    success of the on-going military operations in the area but    also poses great concern to the safety of the journalists concerned.

    “Much as the military is not trying to gag the press from carrying out their legitimate duties, permission should be sought from the Armed Forces before embarking on such venture. This will enable adequate security to be provided for such journalists by the military. Even though Boko Haram has been substantially decimated any roaming journalist could be a target of unsuspecting fleeing Boko Haram member and this will not be in the best interest of media organizations and the nation at large.

    “It is therefore, advised that any journalist desirable of covering conflict areas should seek permission from the military hierarchy so that adequate security arrangement could be provided by the troops on the ground. It is also the responsibility of the military to safeguard the lives and property of the Nigerian citizenry including law abiding journalists in the theatre of operation and in Nigeria in general.”

  • Bangladesh commends Nigerian military for tackling terrorism in Chad Basin

    The Government of Bangladesh has lauded the efforts of the Nigerian military in effectively checking the activities of terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday

    The statement said the commendation was conveyed by a Bangladesh Defence delegation that visited the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday.

    It said the leader of the Bangladesh delegation on a geo-study tour of Nigeria, Rear Adm. Anwarul Islam, conveyed his country’s commendation for the successes recorded by the Nigerian military.

    It said that Bangladesh expressed willingness to partner Nigeria in replicating its military’s counter-insurgency strategy in addressing her domestic challenges.
    “Bangladesh has lauded the success of the Nigerian military in overcoming insurgency and expressed willingness to adopt the Nigerian Armed Forces winning strategy to combat insurgency and criminalities in their country,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Brig. Gen. Abubakar as saying in the statement.

  • Boko Haram: Shakau seriously wounded – Military

    The Nigerian military Monday claimed that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shakau has been seriously wounded following an air raid carried out by the Nigerian AirForce (NAF).

    Spokesman for the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani Usman who disclosed this in a statement released on his Facebook page, said several leaders of the terrorists group were killed.

    According to Usman, the air raid was spectacular and most unprecedented, adding that it occurred last Friday.

    “We have just confirmed that as a result of the interdiction efforts of the NAF, some key leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists have been killed while others were fatally wounded.

    “The air interdiction took place August 19, while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village, Gombale general area within Sambisa forest, Borno State.

    “Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others. While their leader, so called “Abubakar Shekau”, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders. Several other terrorists were also wounded,” he said.

  • Military retires 464 soldiers

    Military retires 464 soldiers

    The Nigerian military Friday retired 464 personnel from active service.

    The soldiers comprising 449 from the Nigerian Army (NA), two from the Nigerian Navy (NN) and 13 from the Nigerian Air Force were hosted to a passing out ceremony held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos.

    In his farewell remarks to the personnel, Defence Minister, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Dan-Ali (rtd) urged them to collaborate with their colleagues still in service to contain militancy across the country.

    Dan-Ali who was represented by the Director Army, Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Iro Ikenga also urged them to put to good use, the skills they have acquired in the six months they have undergone trainings at NAFRC.

    He said: “You all know that the issue of security of our country in recent times is at its critical stage, as the military is now contending with insurgents in the North-east.

    “As retiring members of the armed forces, a lot is still required of you wherever you find yourselves in the aspect of collaborations with serving members of the Armed Forces.

    “You might also be required to collaborate with other security agencies of our father land to completely eradicate this threat of insurgency. And other criminal activities in our society.”

    Continuing, the Minister said the government has made adequate plans to ensure ex-servicemen have hitch free resettlement, urging them to prudently manage their retirement benefits.

    “The government has continued to vigorously pursue a policy of due process, aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and rule of law. This in no doubt will culminate in the transformation of all spheres of our national life.

    “You must uphold the highest standards of conduct, character, integrity, excellence, service and team work. As worthy ambassadors of the service, you will be held accountable for these standards even in retirement.

    “You must therefore spread these values and virtues wherever you find yourselves,” he said.
    In his address, NAFRC’s Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Mike Iloenyosi urged the retirees to be circumspect, as the society in which they are transiting to would expect much from them.

    “You will be required to prove your worth in the way you relate within the community where you reside.
    “For those of you that will go back to your country homes, you must be interested and be involved in any security arrangement within your community. This is in view of the internal security challenges plaguing our country,” he said.

    At the event were the Commander, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Major General Abimbola Amusu and Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Abraham Adaji, among other senior officers.