The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Operation LAST HOLD

  • Buratai: Operation Last Hold to relocate IDPs

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said ongoing Operation Last Hold in Borno North and Lake Chad Basin is to relocate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities.

    Buratai spoke when he swore in a 20-man committee for the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) billed for July 1 and 6 in Borno North.

    The committee is chaired by the Chief of Training and Operations Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, with one member each from Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

    Buratai said: “Operation Last Hold is primarily aimed at relocating IDPs back home. We want them to re-establish their lives again through the reconstruction of their homes which the Army Engineers will help to rebuild.

    “We will help them clear their farms and provide security. You need to be very fast in executing this assignment in conjunction with Operation Last Hold.

    “The rainy season is approaching and we need to move quickly to resettle the people back in their ancestral homes.”

    The COAS noted that members of NADCEL were selected based on their positions and competence. He urged them to make the 2018 edition the best so far.

    According to him, the Army’s innovative exploits will be showcased during the celebration through a trade fair.

    He added: “We will display our capabilities in equipment holding; local and international military equipment manufacturers will also exhibit their wares during the celebration.”

  • Operation Last Hold to relocate IDPs – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has restated that the ongoing “Operation Last Hold’’ in Borno North and Lake Chad Basin is “primarily aimed at relocating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities.’’

    Buratai made the remark when he inaugurated a 20-man committee for the 2018 “Nigerian Army Day Celebration – NADCEL’’ billed to hold between July 1 and July 6 in Borno North.

    The committee is also expected to work toward the success of the ongoing operation.

    It is chaired by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj-Gen. David Ahmadu, with one member each from Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    The four-month long “operation last hold’’ was launched on May 1.

    “Let me state here that operation last hold is primarily aimed at relocating IDPs from their various camps to their country home.

    “We want to quickly see that they re-establish their lives again through the reconstruction of their homes which the Nigerian army engineers will give them the support.

    “We will also support them to clear their farms and provide security, while going to and fro their farms.

    “I want you to take particular note of the need to be very fast in executing this very important assignment, the NADCEL in conjunction with the operation last hold.

    “The rainy season is fast approaching and the need for us to move quickly to resettle the people back in their ancestral homes is very, very critical at this point.

    “We want them to take advantage of the rainy season to plant the crops,’’ Buratai said.

     

  • Boko Haram: Military to clear Lake Chad for framing activities

    The military has announced its resolve to clear the Lake Chad Basin of Boko Haram remnants to pave way for the return of IDPs and the resumption of fishing and farming activities in the area.

    The Commander Operation Last hold of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Abba Dikko stated this at press briefing in Maiduguri.

    The briefing which was coordinated by the The Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicholas had in attendance all security agencies working in the theatre as well as International Non Governmental Organisations.

    According to Maj. Gen Dikko, the operation will be used as part of the Army Day Celebration for 2018 and would be used to facilitate the return of displaced people from the area to return to their farms and continue their normal lives.

    He informed that the operation will last for four months.

    While giving the details and objectives of the operation, Maj. Gen. Dikko said;

    “Undeterred by the mutating posture of the Boko Haram, the Nigerian Army is determined to consolidate on its recent gains in the ongoing push especially in the Northern most part of Borno. Accordingly, this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 will be commemorated with the conduct of an operation tagged Operation LAST HOLD in Northern Borno within the North East Theatre. The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the NA and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin general area.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State. The operation is intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels. It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin general area. The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. The end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect in northern Borno. This will pave way for the return of local administration and people to their responsibilities and communities. Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps back to their communities.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is conceptualized to involve the conduct of population influence activities targeted to improve Civil-Military relations in the North East region. In this regard, law abiding members of the public in Northern Borno State are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being have been deliberately factored in the operation. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected insurgents may be fleeing from military operations in the North East and finding safe haven amidst our communities. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action;” Maj. Gen. Dikko explained.

    Read Also: Army in final push against Boko Haram

    Speaking on the Civil Military aspect of the operation, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Angbazo said the operation will be embedded with sensitization workshops, medical outreach services, moulding blocks for the local people to rebuild their houses etc, stressing that it is aimed at highlighting the humanitarian commitment of the Army to the civilian population.

    “It is designed to feature Nigerian Army’s humanitarian commitment and showcase the combat capability and equipment of the Nigerian Army and subsequently conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram Terrorist locations in the LAKE CHAD Basin.
    Accordingly, Civil Military Cooperation activities are embedded in OP LAST HOLD which will commence from 1 May – 8 Jul 18. Activities for NADCEL 2018 will include COAS Press Conference, combined Church Service/Juma’at Prayer in all Formations, Sanitation Exercises and Seminars/Workshops. There will be robust Civil Military Cooperation activities such as medical outreach, sanitation exercises, renovation/const of boreholes and town hall meetings tailored towards winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace within the theatre as well as facilitate the safe relocation of Internally Displaced
    Persons back to their homes.

    Additionally, the Nigerian Army Engineers will mould blocks using compressor machines and assist in building new homes for returnees at their various towns. The Nigerian Army will also cooperate with state governments and ministry of agriculture to assist in land clearing for planting during the planting season. It will provide protection throughout planting and harvest periods with patrols and escorts to ensure food sufficiency. The Nigerian Army Medical Corps will equally deploy medical resources fully to cover the period of the operation. Sanitation exercises in selected locations with large presence of civilians as well as town hall, security meetings and sensitization workshops with traditional rulers, religious leaders, village heads etc will also be held in the following locations:
    a. Monguno.
    b. Gajiran.
    c. Baga.
    d. Dapchi.
    e. Kukawa.
    f. Mallam Fatori.
    g. Gashage.
    h. Arege.
    i. Jilil.’, Gen Angbazo explained.

    He also announced that the state governments of Borno andb Yobe have shown interests to ensure the success of the operation.

    “Already, consultations have commenced with visits to the Borno and Yobe State Governments whom have shown enthusiastic interest in the activities lined up for this operation.
    A mini water project has also been commissioned in Gelengu, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State. Similarly, consultations with Federal ministry of Agriculture and other relevant ministries are ongoing with the view to eliciting their active involvement in the rehabilitation and location of Internally Displaced Persons back to their communities.

    “The Nigerian Army recognizes the importance and role of the media not just in information dissemination but also for the crucial roles it plays in winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace. To ensure that the general public is carried along, and kept abreast with the activities of the Nigerian Army as regards NADCEL 2018 and OP LAST HOLD, the Nigerian Army has established a Media Operation Centre. The aim of this media centre is to ensure that clear information regarding Nigerian Army operations is passed across to the general public. To achieve this, there will be daily briefings and press releases throughout the duration of OP LAST HOLD leading to the NADCEL 2018 in line with operational objectives.

    “It is important for me at this point to inform the general public that the NADCEL 2018 is planned to be very unique and as such different from previous Celebration. Therefore, the activities to be carried out will very robust in line with the achievement of the operational endstate. Various activities will be simultaneously conducted at different locations as earlier stated and will culminate on the 6 Jul 18 with the grand finale of NADCEL 2018. I want to therefore assure you once again that the media will be carried along on these activities even as we draw nearer to 6 Jul 18. We therefore call on all well meaning Nigerians to support the Nigerian Army and its activities throughout this period.

    “The planned Civil Military Cooperation activities for OP LAST HOLD/NADCEL 2018 are expected to achieve both strategic and operational end states and are geared towards facilitating the quick return of Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes as well as winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace in support of Nigerian Army operations. Let me also use this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians, Civil Society Organisation, International Non-Governmental Organisations and the private sector to support the Nigerian Army to ensure the successful return of Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes,” he explained.

    In his remarks, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj Gen Roggers Nicholas called on the INGOs to take advantage of the operation and step up their activities and reach out to areas hitherto inaccessible.

    Maj. Gen Roggers also appeal to the INGOs and government to provide agricultural inputs for returnees to enable them carry out their farming activities.

  • Army begin operation last hold

    THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai yesterday said the army would commence Operation Last Hold in northern Borno and parts of Lake Chad Basin to complete the decimation of the Boko Haram Terrorists and ensure the restoration of normal economic activities in the Zone.

    The COAS who addressed journalists at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, said the operation would commence on the 1st of May and end by August.

    Lt. Gen Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Operations and Training, AHQ, Maj. Gen David Ahmadu said the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy as well as other security agencies would be participating in the four-month operation. He urged the people in the area not to panic as they would witness heavy movements of troops and equipment during the operation.

    He said:” You may recall that the Nigerian Army has been engaged in the conduct of counter insurgency operation tagged Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East region for some years with considerable successes. However, the complex and adaptive nature of the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in the dissident group still sometimes being engaged in abductions, attack on soft targets, Improvised Explosive Device attacks and suicide bombings.

    “It has become expedient for the Nigerian Army to change operating tactics, techniques and procedure in the North East region. Accordingly, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 will be commemorated with the conduct of an operation tagged Operation LAST HOLD in Northern Borno within the North East Theatre. The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the NA and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for four months and it will entail deployment of 6 additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State. The operation is intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.  It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin.

    ” The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. The operational end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.  Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps to their communities.

    “In this regard, law abiding members of the public in Northern Borno State are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being have been deliberately factored in the operation. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected insurgents may be fleeing from military operations in the North East and finding safe haven amidst our communities. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. ”

     

  • Army to launch Operation Last Hold in Borno

    The Nigerian Army is to launch “Operation Last Hold” in Borno North and Lake Chad Region to restore socio-economic activities in the areas and fast track return Of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities.

    The Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmad, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday.

    Ahmadu said Last Hold, which would commence on May 1 and to last four months, was intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels

    “It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin. The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages.

    “The operational end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.

    “Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps to their communities,” he said.

    The Chief of Military/Civil Affairs, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, said during the duration of the operation, Nigerian Army engineers would make blocks using compressor machines and assist in building new homes for IDPs at their various towns.

    NAN

     

  • Army begins operation last hold in Borno, Lake Chad

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai Friday said the army would commence Operation Last Hold in northern Borno and parts of Lake Chad Basin to complete the decimation of the Boko Haram Terrorists and ensure the restoration of normal economic activities in the Zone.

    The COAS who addressed journalists at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, said the operation would commence on the 1st of May and end by August.

    Lt.Gen Buratai who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Operations and Training, AHQ, Maj. Gen David Ahmadu said the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy as well as other security agencies would be participating in the four-month operation. He urged the people in the area not to panic as they would witness heavy movements of troops and equipment during the operation.

    Buratai said:” You may recall that the Nigerian Army has been engaged in the conduct of counter insurgency operation tagged Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East region for some years with considerable successes. However, the complex and adaptive nature of the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in the dissident group still sometimes being engaged in abductions, attack on soft targets, Improvised Explosive Device attacks and suicide bombings.

    “It has become expedient for the Nigerian Army to change operating tactics, techniques and procedure in the North East region. Accordingly, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 will be commemorated with the conduct of an operation tagged Operation LAST HOLD in Northern Borno within the North East Theatre. The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the NA and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of 6 additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State. The operation is intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.  It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. The operational end-state of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.  Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps to their communities.

    “Operation LAST HOLD is conceptualised to involve the conduct of population influence activities targeted to improve Civil-Military relations in the North East region. It is pertinent to note that Operation LAST HOLD is set to record remarkable achievements that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security.

    “In this regard, law abiding members of the public in Northern Borno State are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being have been deliberately factored in the operation. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected insurgents may be fleeing from military operations in the North East and finding safe haven amidst our communities. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. ”

    Read Also: Nigerian Army still proving its strength on the counter-insurgency campaigns