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Tag: Sagir Musa

  • 2019: 82 Division Enugu reviews operational contingency

    The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, said  it has reviewed its  operational  contingency plan to checkmate current and emerging security challenges within its area of responsibility with the aim of having a free, fair and credible poll.
    It said the Division is equally  professionally prepared to decisively deal with the contemporary and emerging security challenges within its Area of Operational Responsibility in tandem with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Vision which is “To have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”.
    This was contained in a statement signed by the Army Deputy Director, Public Relations of the  82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, which was made available  in Enugu.
    The statement said:”This resolution was one of the key agenda during a meeting held by the General Officer Commanding the Division Major General Emmanuel Kabuk, with his Formations and Units Commanders, Deputy Directors and Principal Staff Officers today Thursday the 6th of December 2018 at the 82 Division’s Conference Room.
    “The meeting was held in line with the COAS Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s directive to GOCs, Formations and Units Commanders to review and fine-tune their Operations Contingency Plan towards ensuring Free, Fair and Credible 2019 General Elections and other sundry security challenges across the Nation, especially in the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).”

    Read Also: Shake-up in Nigerian Army

    According to the Army  Spokesman,    “the COAS has given clear directives to the GOCs to pass on to Formations and Units Commanders especially as it relates to the Nigerian Army (NA) preparations and eventual conduct of the 2019 General Elections in their respective AORs.
     “The directives given by the COAS clearly explained how we should conduct ourselves during the 2019 Elections Period. He has directed that Commanders and indeed all NA personnel must remain apolitical, professional and responsive to all security challenges” he further quoted the GOC.
    ” Therefore, towards achieving the COAS directives, he has further ordered that all Formations Commanders to immediately review their Contingency Plan towards ensuring Free, Fair and Credible 2019 General Elections which is the desire of the President, Commander in Chief.”
    The statement  also emphasized the disposition of the Division, which is in obedience to the COAS directive, to the effect  “that there must be constant collaboration and synergy with other security agencies within the 82 Division AOR to ensure security, safety of lives and property of law abiding citizens in the South East Zone and indeed in any other part of the Division’s AOR.
     “This posture should dominate the professional temperament of all Commanders and NA personnel in the Division, before, during and after the Yuletide, New Year and most importantly during the 2019 General Elections”. Sagir quoted the GOC .
    “Similarly, as part of the COAS instruction, the GOC, during the meeting ordered that all operations must be led by the appropriate security agencies to be effectively supported by the NA where necessary. He warned miscreants/hoodlums and other trouble makers to change their ways or face the consequences of their criminal activities.
    “Members of the public are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and indeed all other security agencies in our concerted efforts to ensure effective provision of security in the entire region and any other area within 82 Division AOR.
    “The public are further urged to report any suspicious movement of persons, items or any other things of security interest to the nearest security location for necessary action.”
    It assured  that : “The Division wishes to assure all law abiding citizens of Nigeria in the South East Zone of the safety of their lives and property devoid of any form of harassment or molestation before, during and after the Yuletide, New Year and the oncoming General Elections.
    “Commanders of 13 Brigade Calabar, 14 Brigade Ohafia, 34 Brigade Owerri, 44 Engineer Brigade, 54 Signal Brigade, 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha, 82 Division Garrison, 24 Support Engineer Regiment Abakaliki and 103 Battallion Aukunanaw, as well as heads of sister security agencies in the zone attended the meeting .the statement hinted.”
  • NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Abakaliki branch, has condemned alleged incessant extortion of motorists by soldiers along major roads in Ebonyi.

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Victor Anyanwu,  made the condemnation in an interview in Abakaliki on Thursday.

    Anyanwu said the anomaly was extensively discussed and condemned by the association at the end of its meeting in the state.

    He alleged that soldiers while perpetrating the act, caused traffic congestion along the roads which inconvenienced motorists and put them at risk.

    “They do not care who is watching them and this act which hitherto, was associated with a particular security outfit, has become an eyesore.

    Read also: Buratai orders investigation into alleged extortion by soldiers

    “We call on relevant army authorities in the country to check this shameful practice for the preservation of its integrity,” he said.

    He said the act was mostly being perpetrated along the Abakaliki—Enugu and Afikpo—Okigwe federal highways.

    “We are, however, making concerted efforts to consult the army authorities on the issue to ensure that it is permanently curbed,” the chairman said.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Public Relations at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, however told NAN that the army did not condone acts such as extortion.

    “We do not encourage indiscipline or any form of professional misconduct as any soldier seen extorting money from motorists on the road should be reported.

    “Appropriate sanctions will be applied because such act is against our Code of Conduct and won’t be tolerated when established,” Musa said.

    He noted that the army had embarked on routine patrols and supervision to ensure adequate compliance with the rules of engagement and Code of Conduct.

    NAN

  • Officers’ promotion exam: Army urge Enugu residents not to panic

    Officers’ promotion exam: Army urge Enugu residents not to panic

    The Nigerian Army has urged residents of Enugu not to panic as they see sporadic movement of military vehicles and personnel during the Captain and Major Practical Promotion Examination 2017.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director Public Relations of 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, said this in a statement issued in Enugu on Monday.

    Musa said the exercise, which would run between Oct. 16 and Oct.20, would involve movement of vehicles conveying troops to selected field locations for the examination.

    According to him, members of the public in Enugu city and Nsude – Udi community along 9th Mile general area are hereby informed not to worry when they notice the exercise.

    “In line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the 82 Division Nigerian Army is set to host Captain – Major Practical Promotion Examination 2017, from Oct. 16 – Oct. 20.

    “The examination is intended to test the intellectual and professional ability of the candidates as well as to improve on their capacity and knowledge base in the discharge of their duties.

    “Eligible candidates will be tested on map reading, tactics and low intensity conflicts, communications, staff duties and French language.

    “The Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command ( TRADOC ) Nigerian Army, will conduct the examination in 82 Division Area of Responsibility.

    “A team of observers from the Headquarters, directing staff and members of the examination panel drawn from formations and units of the Nigerian Army will be involved in the conduct of the exercise,’’ he said.

    Musa said that the Commander TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Rasheed Yusuf, would address the 130 candidates and the directing staff at the division’s auditorium before the commencement of the exercise.

    He said that the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, would also make some remarks at the occasion.

    NAN

  • Nigerian Army investigates alleged attack in Abia

    Nigerian Army investigates alleged attack in Abia

    The Nigerian Army says it has commenced investigations into the alleged breach of human rights in the ongoing Operation Python Dance in the South-East.

    Col. Sagir Musa, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in the 82 Division, made the disclosure in Enugu on Thursday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    NAN reports that videos of alleged tortures of some youth in some parts of Abia have gone viral in the social media.

    According to Musa, in line with the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding internal security operations, those found wanting, if any, would be dealt with.

    “The Nigerian Army does not encourage or condone indiscipline and unprofessional conduct in any form,’’ he said.

    The army spokesman maintained that its troops did not kill anybody in Aba as insinuated in the social media.

    He explained that the Python Dance 11 was conducted every Ember month to check obvious criminal activities including kidnapping, armed robbery and the recent secession agitations in the zone.

    “Python Dance 1 was conducted in September 2016 in the zone and it was a huge success because rate of crime dropped drastically and people celebrated their yuletide peacefully.

    “Even road accident rates also dropped from reports by the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ),’’ he said.

    Musa regretted that the second exercise received high criticisms.

    He appealed to the general public to use the dedicated mobile phone numbers issued for credible and reasonable complaints about the conduct of the troops and the entire operations.

    In another development, the army spokesperson received the South-East Human Rights Situation Room led by Prof. Joy Ezeilo on the violence in the South-East.

    Ezeilo urged the military to adopt international human rights law and global best practices in carrying out the exercise in the zone.

    She solicited the partnership and cooperation of the Nigerian Army in sensitising the public to the operation, adding that the group had established a hotline, 09060002128 to receive reports of any infractions.

    The law professor appealed to residents of the zone to be law abiding and shun violence in any situation.

  • Army arrests impersonator in Onitsha

    Army arrests impersonator in Onitsha

    The Nigerian Army, 82 Division, Enugu, says a naval patrol team has arrested one Mr Abdullahi Yakubu at Kara, Atani road, Onitsha, Anambra for alleged impersonation.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, made the disclosure on Friday in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha.

    Musa said the incident occurred at about 12 noon on April 10, noting that Yakubu was at the time of his arrest, dressed in the Nigerian Army camouflage uniform and combat boots.

    “On interview, he could not provide correct answers to the questions asked, thereby exposing him as an obvious impersonator.

    “Further questioning revealed that the culprit had been in the habit of harassing and extorting members of the public under the guise of being a soldier, and presents fake identification card as evidence.

    “The patrol team, on April 10, at about 2:50 p.m., handed the culprit to troops of 302 Artillery Regiment deployed for duty at the Onitsha Head Bridge,” Musa said.

    The deputy director said the suspect had since been questioned at the Regiment’s Military Police Orderly Room, with the view to handing him over to the police for further action.

    He urged members of the public to take note of the occasional tendency of hoodlums who disguised as military personnel to defraud them.

    “The public are also requested to report such bad elements when seen to the nearest police station or any security office close to them,” Musa said.

     

  • Two soldiers arrested for maltreating physically challenged person

    The Nigerian Army says it has arrested two Military Police who allegedly maltreated a physically challenged person on New Market Road, Onitsha, on Feb. 7.

    Col. Sagir Musa, the Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said the suspects wore army camouflage uniform.

    Musa said that the action of the two soldiers did not reflect the attitude of today’s soldiers under the leadership of Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to a video clip of two military police maltreating a physically challenged person.

    “The Division has with great concern studied the video, identified and arrested the perpetrators of this gross professional misconduct.

    “It is our position that their action does not reflect the attitude of today’s soldiers under the leadership of Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    “The action is uncalled for, unwarranted and is therefore condemnable by all civilised people or organisations.

    “The soldiers have been tried at the unit level and referred to higher level for appropriate punishment commensurable to the offence,” Musa said.

    According to him, the Army has always preached tolerance, respect for others and peaceful coexistence.

    The spokesman said that the Army of today had consistently maintained zero tolerance for indiscipline and human rights violation among soldiers.

    “Whatever human right infraction is seen, appropriate sanction will be applied to serve as deterrence to others; this case will not be an exception,” Musa assured.

    Meanwhile, a human rights body, Justice and Peace Foundation, has condemned the action of the two military police, describing it as inhuman.

    The foundation Chairman, Mr Dede Uzor, while commending the Nigerian Army for arresting the perpetrators, called for a robust relationship between the army and civilians.

    Uzor urged the Army to always be in touch with civilians by organising forum, workshops and seminars, public debate, among others to promote understanding and avoid similar experience.

     

  • Army probes killing of 26 vigilantes in Borno

    Army probes killing of 26 vigilantes in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday declared that it has commenced investigations into the killing of some members of a youths’ vigilance group called “Civilian JTF” by suspected Boko Haram militants in Monguno, Borno.

    The spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that the army was disturbed about the situation.

    “The military high command is aware of the killing and it is disturbing, the Nigerian Army Brigade in Monguno has been mandated to carry out investigations into the matter,” Musa said.

    He blamed the problem on the group which embarked on a trip without military backing.

    “We have always made it clear to the vigilantes that they should not operate on their own but should always seek for military backing.

    “They are just supporting the security agencies with information; the real battle should be left in the hands of security agents.

    “We will continue to appeal to them not to conduct any operation without armed military escort,” Musa said.

    NAN reports that 26 civilians were killed in Monguno, headquarters of Monguno Local Government Area while in search of Boko Haram militants.

     

  • Shekau died of gunshot wounds – JTF

    Shekau died of gunshot wounds – JTF

    The joint task force in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday claimed the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, has died as result of gunshot wounds he sustained during clash with federal troops in June this year.

    A statement issued on Monday by the JTF spokesman in the state, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said, “Abubakar Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted leader of the Boko Haram sect may have died of gunshots wound received in an encounter with JTF troops in one of their camps at Sambisa Game Reserve Forests on June 30, 2013.”

     

  • 35 killed in Army, Boko Haram clashes in Borno

    At least 35 people have been killed in two separate gun battles between Nigerian security forces and Islamist sect Boko Haram in Borno State, the army said on Monday.

    Boko Haram, which wants to impose sharia law in Nigeria’s north, and other spin-off Islamist groups, had become the biggest threat to the country’s stability, Reuters reports.

    In mid-May, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency and launched an offensive against the group in its stronghold in the northeast. The insurgency was initially weakened but remains active and is stretching the army.

    Boko Haram gunmen on Sunday attacked a police base in Bama, a town close to the Cameroon border that has been frequently hit by violence in recent months.

    “Troops have successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorist attacks on a police base in Bama … on August 4,” said military spokesman Sagir Musa.

    Musa said one policeman and 17 members of Boko Haram were killed during the fighting, while two soldiers were injured.

    He said four trucks, three motorbikes, dozens of explosive devices, three rocket-propelled grenades, 10 AK47 rifles and over 100 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the Islamists.

    Boko Haram members also attacked a military base in the town of Malam Fatori, triggering a gun battle that left two soldiers and 15 of its members dead, Musa said.

     

     

  • Boko Haram commander killed in Maiduguri – JTF

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) on Saturday confirmed the killing of a suspected Boko Haram commander, Mohammed Chad, during a special operation in Maiduguri.

    JTF’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, made this known via a statement in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    “A special operation was conducted at Ruwan-Zafi area of Maiduguri by troops of the JTF and operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) last Friday.

    “The operation led to the death of a notorious terrorist commander, a.k.a. Mohammed Chad, an indigene of Marte,  Borno, who had been on the wanted list of the JTF,” the statement said.

    It said that the late Chad was linked to many terrorist attacks in Borno and other states in the recent past.

    “Intelligence reports indicate that he was involved in the planning and execution of many terror attacks in and outside Borno.

    “For instance, he masterminded the attack on Sanda Karami Secondary School at Ruwan Zafi on March 13, where a teacher was killed and some female students injured.

    “He is believed to be the successor to the late Ba’ana Assalafi, a key commander who lost his life during a shootout with security agencies in Sokoto on March 13,’’ the statement added.