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Tag: Sani Usman

  • Army spokesman retires voluntarily

    The Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Sani Usman on Thursday announced his voluntary disengagement from the military.

    Brig. Gen Usman, in a statement in Abuja, said though a new spokesman has not been named, he would hand over to Colonel A A Yusuf who is the Chief of Staff of the Directorate of Public Relations.

    Brig Gen. Usman described his career as exciting and fulfilling, saying he would be proceeding on Terminal Leave from February 8.

    Brig Gen Usaman said: “I wish to inform you that with effect from Friday 8 February 2019, I will be proceeding on Terminal Leave, thus marking the end of my exciting and fulfilling career in the Nigerian Army.

    “I would like seize this opportunity to thank you all for your friendship, love, support and encouragement over the years that tremendously assisted me personally and repositioning the Directorate of Army Public Relations to the enviable height attained, thus far. I also wish to thank the Nigerian nation for the wonderful opportunity to serve the country and humanity in various capacities for over three decades.

    “I am leaving highly fulfilled after contributing my best to national development, the Nigerian Army, gaining great wealth of knowledge, experience, inestimable network of friends which I will treasure forever.

    Read Also: Army repels Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    “I am thankful to the Nigerian Army also for giving me wonderful opportunities and work exposure to practice Public Relations to the point of being a Fellow of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), Member of the National Institute (mni), among other honours, awards and qualifications, as well as attaining the highest level of command of the Directorate of Army Public Relations twice.

    “Although a new Director has not been appointed yet, I am handing over to Colonel AA Yusuf, the Chief of Staff, Directorate of Army Public Relations.

    “As I exit this noble profession voluntarily, I wish you all continued God’s blessings, guidance and protection, amen.

    “I will certainly miss you all and will continue to cherish the friendship and bond among us. I enjoin you to continue to support the military while discharging your professional duties.”

  • Troops arrest thugs in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Army said on Sunday that troops of Exercise Python Dance III with some Security Operatives have arrested a number of thugs in Sokoto with dangerous weapons in their possessions.

    Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman said in a statement that the thugs were arrested with customised sticks and other weapons.

    According to him, 16 of the arrested thugs have been documented and handed over to the police for further action.

    He however regretted that there have been undue pressures on Security agencies to free the thugs, while raising concern about the clash between the police escort of a serving Senator and a DSS operative on the matter.

    Brig Gen Usman said : “Troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, on Exercise EGWU EKE III, in conjunction with other security agencies have recovered dangerous weapons from criminals and political thugs in Sokoto State.

    “This has really contributed immensely to a peaceful security situation in the State.

    “However, yesterday, Saturday 2nd January 2019, troops on joint stop and search patrol patrol with other security agencies, arrested 16 persons believed to be political thugs armed with dangerous weapons along Illela-Danfulani-Gwadabawa road.

    “The suspects were arrested armed with 27 axes and 16 customised sticks. While still conducting the search, a prominent politician in the state and a serving Senator, came to the scene and ordered his mobile police escorts to release them.

    Read Also: APC campaign: Buhari departs Sokoto for Kebbi

    “In the process, the Department of State Service operative was molested and his clothes torn. The patriotic and professional officer still held on to the seized weapons.

    “Similarly, another prominent politician from Zamfara State had earlier tried to influence the investigation of arrested armed political thugs.

    “These undue pressures and attempts to interfere with the conduct of the Exercise for selfish reasons are indeed worrisome and disturbing and will not be tolerated.

    “The Nigerian Army has always been professional, impartial and apolitical and will continue to be so. Since the operationalization of the Exercise in January 2019, we have arrested thugs armed with dangerous weapons across the various political parties, without fear or favour.

    “The thugs were documented and handed over to the police. We have noted with great concern that such criminals usually find themselves back into the society without any sanction.

    “Consequently, we would like to reiterate our commitment to creating a conducive and secured environment for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country.

    ” Therefore, we would not tolerate any undue interference from any quarters in the discharge of this noble responsibility.

    “Additionally, we have resolved to hold on to any arrested criminal or armed thugs till the end of the elections. All Commaders have been further directed to continue to carry out their duties diligently, despite the provocation from some misguided elements. ”

     

  • Troops kill Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that troops of 117 Battalion have killed a Boko Haram terrorist in Borno, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman said in a statement that two of the terrorists were arrested by troops during the encounter.

    He said:”Troops of 117 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with some members of Civilian Joint Task Force, following a report on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists in a hideout, embarked on fighting patrol along Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Tuesday 4th December 2018.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Fed Govt orders Buratai back to war theatre

    “The Troops came in contact with the terrorists and engaged them at Forfor village.

    “During the encounter, one of the Boko Haram terrorists was neutralized, arrested two, while several other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds.

    ” The gallant patrol team recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a 36 Hand Grenade, magazine pouch and a Motorcycle.

    “Unfortunately, two soldiers sustained injuries and have since been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance for medical attention.”

  • Shekau disguises as woman in attempt to escape – Army

    Shekau disguises as woman in attempt to escape – Army

    The Nigerian Army says credible information indicates that factional leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, now dresses as a woman in an effort to escape from the Theatre of Operation.

    Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, said Shekau could no longer bear the heat and had abandoned his followers.

    “He is running for his dear life. He is desperately trying to escape the theatre, disguised as a woman and dressed in Hijab.

    “We reliably gathered that to avoid detection, Abubakar Shekau alternates between blue and black coloured hijabs. He was last seen in a black hijab.

    “We, therefore, call on all those remaining Boko Haram terrorists to know that they are following a coward moving about in hijab and disguising as a woman.

    “We also request all the remaining Boko Haram members to come out from hiding and lay down their arms and be treated humanely,’’ Usman said.

    He said concerted efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fugitive terrorist leader.

    The army spokesman, therefore, appealed to members of the public, especially the residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to be more vigilant and security conscious.

    He also asked them to be on the lookout for Shekau and other terrorists who might disguise as women to escape.

    NAN

  • Troops neutralise Boko Haram camps, capture weapons

    Troops neutralise Boko Haram camps, capture weapons

    Troops on Monday neutralised Boko Haram camps in three villages and captured high calibre weapons during operation “ Deep Punch II” in the Lake Chad general area.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

    He said Metele, Tumbun Gini and Tumbun Ndjamena villages in the area had been cleared of terrorists.

    “During the clearance operations, Boko Haram terrorists abandoned the area in disarray leaving behind livestock, large quantity of foodstuff, motorcycles and donkeys.

    The troops also discovered terrorists’ logistics base at Tumbu Ndjamena which held stocks of fish, foodstuffs, fuel and motorcycles.

    All these items were promptly destroyed.

    Read Also: Troops hit Boko Haram hideouts, kill several insurgents

    “They captured one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 116 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition with metal links, four Ak-47 rifles, 57 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition (Special), two Light Machine Guns, two Rocket Propelled Grenade 7 (RPG 7) Tubes, with one RPG Bomb and two already primed 36 Hand Grenades.

    “Other recovered items include one Small Solar panel with a Gionee mobile phone, one Holy Qur’an, six Hadith Books, as well as five Gun trucks (which were destroyed),” he said.

    Usman explained that the three soldiers and a civilian JTF died, while nine others were wounded when a Boko Haram vehicle laden with Improvised Explosive Devices rammed into an MRAP vehicle.

    He said the vehicle exploded, killing three soldiers, a Civilian JTF and wounding the others.

    NAN

  • Army rescues 212 captives, capture one Boko Haram commander

    Army rescues 212 captives, capture one Boko Haram commander

    The Army on Tuesday rescued another 212 persons held hostage by the terrorists after they cleared remnants of insurgents from some villages in the northern fringes of the Sambisa forest.

    They also captured one Boko Haram commander, “Ameer” of Chawa, Amman Judee and neutralised four terrorists, according to a statement by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations on Tuesday.

    Usman said the captured terrorists leader was undergoing interrogation, while the rescued persons were being documented and underaged children among them administered oral polio vaccines.

    Earlier in the week, troops rescued 30 persons held hostage by the terrorists during clearance operations in eight villages at Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

    NAN

  • Obasa hails Army over indigenous language directive

    Obasa hails Army over indigenous language directive

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has commended the Nigerian Army on its directive to its personnel to learn the country’s three major indigenous languages — Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.

    Obasa, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Matters, Mr Mufutau Egberongbe on Saturday, said the directive showed that the army was passionate about ensuring internal peace and unity in the country.

    “Our argument has often been that security officers should operate in areas where they understand the language, cultures and traditions of the people,” he said.

    The speaker said that was one of the reasons why the lawmakers had constantly advocated for state policing.

    “We also recently resolved to have Yoruba language taught in all schools in Lagos..

    “It is not a personal issue; there is the need to ensure that the language retains its importance in the country.

    “Across the world, people are proud of their languages. They even teach with it in schools and solve major societal issues with it.

    “We know English is our major language here, but we must keep indigenous ones from extinction.

    “With introduction of the three major languages in the military, we are sure of a positive result in the fight against terrorism and other issues threatening our peace as a nation,” Obasa said.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, in a statement, had said that the army expected its personnel to learn the languages within the next one year.

    He said the directive was in line with a new language policy of the army.

    According to him, the policy will, among others, foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with the populace to enhance information gathering and civil-military relations.

    NAN

  • Army order officers, soldiers to learn Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa in one year

    Army order officers, soldiers to learn Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa in one year

    The Army has given its personnel one year to learn and be proficient in the three major Nigerian languages – Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.

    “Invariably, by December 2018, all Nigerian Army personnel are expected to learn the three major Nigerian languages.

    “The standard of proficiency to be attained is the basic level.  Certificated proficiency level will attract Language Allowance,’’ according to a statement issued by the Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen Sani Usman.

    Usman said that the ability to speak the three major languages would be an added advantage to those applying for recruitment or commissioning into the army.

    “Therefore, prospective candidates are encouraged to learn Nigerian languages other than their mother tongues,’’ the army spokesman said.

    Usman explained that before now, the armed force officially encouraged the learning of French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Swahili, adding that French language was an assessed subject in some career courses and examinations for personnel.

    He said that the language policy was newly-introduced as the study of foreign and local languages was a world-wide practice among armies, in which officers and soldiers were encouraged to be multi-lingual.

    “The Policy will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with the populace to enhance information gathering, civil-military relations, increase understanding between militaries when operating abroad and assist officers and soldiers to perform their duties professionally,’’ he said.

    The spokesman noted that English remained the official language in the army, while Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages could be used during Civil Military Cooperation ( CIMIC ) activities or interrogation.

    NAN

  • Army sets up board to probe shooting, death of officers at Chibok

    Army sets up board to probe shooting, death of officers at Chibok

    The Nigerian Army says it has has instituted a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident that resulted in the death of an officer and a Senior Non-Commission Officer at Chibok in Borno.

    According to a statement issued by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman the incident occurred on Sunday, where the officers were deployed.

    Usman said the BOI was expected to turn in its report and findings in one week.

    He said the Headquarters of 28 Task Force Brigade received a report at about 12.50 .m. on Sunday that a “staff was seen to be drunk and misbehaving to civilians.

    “An officer was despatched to the scene with a view to bring him back to base.

    “The officer did his best but the SNCO refused several entreaties to calm him and be disarmed by the superior officer.

    “Unfortunately, the Staff Sergeant shot the officer dead and then killed himself.

    “Their remains have since been evacuated to a military facility,” he said,.

    He said that the army “is a disciplined and professional force with zero tolerance for any acts of indiscipline and misdemeanor.”

    Usman described the death of the officer and the Staff Sergeant as “painful and a great loss to the unit and the Nigerian army.”

    NAN

  • Police arrest, hand over Boko Haram commander to Army

    Police arrest, hand over Boko Haram commander to Army

    The Police have arrested a wanted Boko Haram terrorist in Ondo State, Idris Ibrahim Babawo and handed him over to the Army, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, army spokesman has confirmed.

    Usman said in a statement on Tuesday that the terrorist, who goes by the name “Idoko’’ and “Nagada’’ was believed to be “on serial number 156 on the wanted Boko Haram terrorist list.

    “He was handed over to the 32 Brigade, 2 Division, Nigerian Army at about 2 p.m. on Monday by the Ondo state Command of the Nigeria Police.”

    The army spokesman said preliminary investigation showed that the suspect, aged 42, hails from Chinade village in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    “He escaped from the North East due to military onslaught on the terrorists with a view to evade arrest and prosecution, but nemesis caught up with him,’’ Usman said.

    In another development, the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Monday, successfully raided a bandit camp at Kahiru forest in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara and recovered 157 animals.

    Usman listed the recovered animals as 50 cows, 82 goats and 25 sheep which were abandoned by the bandits.

    He explained that the bandits opened fire on the troops when they approached the camp, making the troops to return fire, thereby killing one of the bandits.

    NAN