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Tag: service chiefs

  • 22 Civil Society Groups berate Senate Over Call for Sack of Service Chiefs

    Twenty two civil society groups today berated the Senate for calling on President Mohammadu Buhari to sack all the Service Chiefs.

    The twenty two groups under the aegis of the Coalition for Good Governance‎ and Change Initiative, at a press conference in Abuja also accused some politicians in the country of benefitting from the insecurity in the land.

    The Convener of the Initiative, Comrade Emmanuel Okpokwu Ogenyi, said‎ some politicians in the country worsen the insecurity situation in the country by giving cover to some of the criminals.

    “He said this is a clear case of conspiracy against the Nigerian state by persons who are the greatest beneficiary of the system.

    “The military had concluded on decisively dealing with these security threats before the elections so that no one would use them as excuse to postpone or scuttle the polls as was the case in the past.

    “This is commendable and proof that the military is desirous of defending and protecting our democracy at any cost”, he said.

    He also said the group has gathered that this has greatly unsettled the beneficiaries of the security breaches and threats in Nigeria who decided to give a patriotic face to their questionable acts by pretending to be concerned about the welfare of the country.

    “It is an attempt at appearing to be patriotic that culminated in the motion by Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe supported by Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Senator Philip Gyunka, Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

    “These elements called for change of security chiefs under the pretext that they are concerned about the safety of Nigerians.

    “To the best of our knowledge, this call for change of security chiefs is nothing but another political game for the 2019 General Elections, in which the only winners are the politicians.

    “They therefore have the incentive to divert attention from practical solutions to the security situation in the country.

    “This is why they conveniently omitted to acknowledge that the militias and terrorists that are driving these crises were armed, co-ordinated and financed by members of the political class and how these killings are masterminded by those who have refused to empower the youths in line with electoral promises”, the group also said. ‎

    The group demanded that  the Senate, the National Assembly as an institution, should wake up to the reality and enormity of the duty they owe Nigeria and face their core duty.

    “Instead of asking for a change in military leadership, they must first provide the necessary political support for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. The executive arm under the able leadership of President Buhari and the Armed Forces have done their part.

    “Had the legislature demonstrated an equal zeal as opposed to actively supporting terrorists, these crises would have been history by now.

    “We challenge the federal lawmakers to deliver resolutions that will tackle foreign nations that are sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria, like Iran. This must be in addition to calling out countries that midwifed the instability that has poured fighters and weapons into Nigeria from Libya and other North African states.

    “National Assembly members have the burden of calling themselves and other politicians to order and arrive at an accord not to introduce more firearms into the country as Nigerians go to poll.

    “They will also have to introduce mechanism for mopping up the weapons they had given out in the past while discretely tipping security agencies to the criminal killer squads they set up as private militias”. He said

  • YCE urges Buhari to fire service chiefs

    •’Declare herdsmen as terrorists’

    The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack service chiefs.

    It said this followed their alleged failure to curb killings.

    Rising from a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in honour of its late president, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), YCE said Nigerians had lost confidence in the service chiefs.

    It singled out Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris for blame in security breaches and lack of action to curtail killings of Nigerians, especially the President’s acknowledgement that top officers disobeyed his order to tackle Benue killings.

    IYC said some of the service chiefs were overdue for retirement, adding that Nigerians should be guided by the federal character principle when considering candidates to replace them to balance ethnic composition.

    The senior citizens advised the President to declare herdsmen allegedly responsible for killing, defilement and other crimes terrorists.

    They urged him to reconsider amnesty to repentant Boko Haram militants, saying time is not favourable for such action.

    A communique issued at the end of the meeting, was signed by the Secretary-General, Dr. Kunle Olajide and Chairman of Ekiti Council of Elders, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi.

    The body said recurrent massacre in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa have lent credence to the allegation by a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), who accused the military of ethnic cleansing.

  • CDS, service chiefs, others review rescue strategies

    CDS, service chiefs, others review rescue strategies

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of States Security (DSS) yesterday reviewed military strategies that would lead to the safe return of the 110 abducted Dapchi schoolgirls to their homes, the Defence Headquarters has announced.

    According to the Defence Headquarters, the review meeting was held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The military chiefs and heads of security agencies, however, solicited the support and cooperation of the media as well as critical stakeholders not to jeopardise their ongoing efforts or put the lives of the girls and others who might be willing to help regarding their rescue at risk.

    A statement from the Defence Headquarters last night observed that the strategies of the ongoing military operations against insurgent activities in the country had to be reviewed considering the fact that “military operation strategies have always been in the media space, thereby giving the insurgents and terrorists opportunity to re-strategise”.

    The statement, which was signed by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen John Agim, reads in part: “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, and the Service Chiefs with the Director General Department of State Service met in Maiduguri on March 1, 2018 to review the ongoing operations in the North East, particularly, the operation to get back the Dapchi girls.

    “During the review, the pattern of information management in all the military operations was reviewed.  It was sadly observed that, the military operation strategies have always been in the media space, thereby giving the insurgents and terrorists opportunity to re-strategise.

    “It was recommended that hence forth, the military information arms will be communicating the successes rather than strategies.

  • Buhari extends tenure of Service Chiefs 

    Buhari extends tenure of Service Chiefs 

    The President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, has extended the tenure of all the service chiefs.

    In a statement signed by Col. Tukur Gusau, the Public Relations Officer to the Hon. Minister of Defence,  Mansur Dan Ali said the President’s took the decision, “having carefully reviewed the on-going military operations across the nation and the efforts of the Chief of Defence staff and the Service chiefs in the counter insurgency operations in the North East coupled with the security situation of the Niger Delta region, has graciously approved the extension of tenure of service of  General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIkwe Ibas, the Chief of Naval staff and Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, the Chief of Air staff,” the statement said.

    While citing the constitutional powers to carry out the decision, the statement said, “This extension is pursuant of the powers conferred on the President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by section 218 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and section 09.06 of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions for Service for officers (2012) Revised”.

    The Honourable Minister of Defence Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali congratulates  the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for earning the confidence of the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria  leading to their extension of service.

  • Breaking: Buhari extends tenure of all service Chiefs

    Breaking: Buhari extends tenure of all service Chiefs

    President Muhammad Buhari has extended the tenure of all service chiefs.

    Details soon.

  • Nigeria@57: Group hails Buhari, Service Chiefs for visiting Maiduguri

    The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism [CATE], has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Service Chiefs for using the occasion of the Independence Day celebration to visit Maiduguri, Borno State to asses the success of the fight against insurgency.

    CATE in a statement by its National President, Gabriel Onoja while felicitating with the government and people of Nigeria on the 57th anniversary of its independence as a sovereign nation enjoined Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that certain institutions and individuals have placed their lives on the line to ensure the current peace and calm in the country.

    The coalition noted that as majority of the populace are high in the glee of celebrating Nigeria’s 57th anniversary and the dawn of a new month, the nation’s Service Chiefs are in Maiduguri working hard all in the bid to sustain the current peaceful atmosphere in the country.

    Said the group; “We should not lose sight of the fact that some of our gallant military men are in the trenches, in the bushes and have not slept or seen members of their families just so that we can sleep with our two eyes closed. This is the greatest gift to all of us on Independence Day.”

    CATE says it is proper at an occasion like this for Nigerians to not only reflect on the measure of sacrifice being made to keep the country one and secure but to salute the thoughtfulness and devotion to duties of both the top brass and the rank and file in the military and other security agencies involved in the operations against terrorism and insurgence in the Northeastern part of the country.

    The group says there’s a need to continue to sustain the hardline approach the military has taken against the terrorists in order to make life more meaningful to Nigerians.

    “This is very important because no nation can lay claim to independence or freedom if terrorists are allowed to occupy any of its territory,” it added.

  • Service chiefs relocate to Borno

    Service chiefs relocate to Borno

    Service Chiefs have relocated to the theatre of operation against Boko Haram in compliance with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo’s directive.

    Prof. Osinbajo gave the directive last week following the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.

    A statement from the Defence Headquarters last night indicated that the service chiefs had started operating from Maiduguri.

    The statement by Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. John Enenche said: “In compliance with the recent Presidential directive by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, to service Chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the epicentre of the North-East Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operation, the Service Chiefs have commenced the Command and Control of the Operation from the Military Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri.

    “In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff held a Briefing session with the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Theatre Commander and Senior Principal Staff Officers of the military high command at the Military Command and Control Centre on 1st August 2017, on the reviewed strategic direction and operational plans, in compliance to the directive of the Acting President.

    “This move and action are expected to give impetus to the military effort in the North-East Operations. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters hereby appeal to the public and people in the areas affected directly by the negative acts of terrorism and criminality, to come forward with credible information that will further assist the security and response agencies to tackle this menace.

    “It is necessary to point out some of key information required which include the following: a. Terrorists sleeper cell locations b. Terrorists concentration areas and outpost locations c. Collaborators and informants to the terrorists

    1. Suspicious isolated settlements and camps outside normal living areas.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and tranquillity are restored to the North-East. Thus the cooperation of the general public, particularly those in the affected areas is highly solicited. “

     

  • Osinbajo, Borno Governor, service chiefs meet in Aso Rock

    Osinbajo, Borno Governor, service chiefs meet in Aso Rock

    •Fed Govt backs Bama initiative 

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met behind closed doors with Service chiefs and Borno State Governor Kashim Ibrahim.

    The meeting, which held at the Presidential Villa in  Abuja, started few minutes to 6p.m at the Vice President’s conference room.

    At the meeting were the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai and Chief of Air Staff Sadique Abubakar.

    Others are: Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari, National Security Adviser(NSA) Babagana Monguno and  Interior Minister Abdulraman Dambazzau.

    Governor Shettima told reporters at the end of the meeting that the parley was an exploratory one to cross pollinate ideas on the rebuilding of the northeast.

    He said the Federal Government has magnanimously decided to support the state in the Bama initiative, which is a pilot scheme.

    The governor hoped that the scheme will be replicated in all parts of the devastated Northeast.

    He said: “It’s an exploratory discussion and once it comes on stream you will be informed. It’s about restoring the dignity of our people about rebuilding lives, infrastructure, schools, clinic its about giving hope to the hopeless.”

    On how much is being committed to the project, he said: “I do not have the mandate to state, its still in the exploratory case, its not for me to pass judgment on how much is going to be committed but its partnership that will certainly work.

    “The Federal Government, he said, is committed to assisting the zone to rehabilitate educational infrastructures, health infrastructures so that the people can get back on their feet once and for all.”

    On constant bombings in the area, he said: “Well, its not constant per say, if you juxtapose the sorry state of affairs two years ago with the current state of affairs, there is cause for celebration to me personally even these suicide bombings is a sign of weakness on the part of Boko Haram.

    “Two years ago, they were holding unto 22 out of 27 local government areas, they have been sufficiently decimated. I am not under rating their capacity from the state but these are lunatics who basks on the opportunity of publicity to kill and maim so that they can get greater regard in the global Jihadist community.

    “Definitely, we are also coming up with robust response towards addressing this issue of suicide bombing. We have challenges no doubt about it. I am not actually discounting that fact but when you put it in proper contest you will see that a lot has been done, they have been sufficiently decimated so that they can no longer hold on to any territory in the Nigerian federation.”

  • Service chiefs: ‘don’t politicise security issues’

    The National Committee of Yoruba Youth (NCYY) and the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism have warned against politicising the issue of the tenure of service chiefs, saying it was a distraction.

    At a briefing in Lagos, NCYY’s president Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Secretary of the coalition John Atani, a lawyer, said the service chiefs should not be distracted from their task of keeping Nigerian safe.

    The group said: “Since the inception of the current administration, it is on record that our military under the leadership of the various service chiefs have worked tirelessly to guarantee the integrity of our sovereign territory, reclaim our once lost territories, have seriously decimated the once dreaded Boko Haram sect, and have curtailed all form of internal and external aggression against the Nigerian state and her people.

    “We hereby pass of vote of confidence on our service chiefs, particularly General Tukur Buratai. We as Nigerians are proud of the various accomplishments and gallantry of the men and officers of the Nigerian army, for the successes they have continued to achieve in the war against insurgency and the avalanche of international honours they have continued to bring to the nation.

    “What these highly distinguished Nigerians (Service Chiefs) deserve are accolades, and not mudslinging or partisan speculations about their carriers and tenure. The motives of these campaigners, we know, are meant to distract them from the noble efforts of keeping Nigerian safe and sustaining the victory over the defeated, armed groups, in the country.

    “We want to advise and admonish Nigerians, particularly those speculating the expiration or otherwise, of the tenure of service chiefs, to in the interest of our collective aspirations as a people, consider the need for our military to be insulated and protected from the antics of politicians and politics.”

     

  • Security: NSA, Service Chiefs brief Osinbajo 

    Security: NSA, Service Chiefs brief Osinbajo 

    Service Chiefs including the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno on Wednesday briefed Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on the security situation in the country.

    The first meeting with all the service chiefs in attendance since President Muhammadu Buhari left the country on vacation was held at Osinbajo’s office.

    They briefed Osinbajo on the Boko Haram insurgency and killings in Southern Kaduna, cattle rustling and armed banditry.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the opening of the security meeting, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, expressed appreciation of the administration for the support and continuous funding of the armed forces in the conduct of its operations.

    This, he said, has impacted positively on the capacity of the armed forces and troops in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and other security threats across the country.

    He said: “On behalf of the armed forces and other security agencies, we pledge our total commitment and loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “The ongoing operation in the North East has recorded tremendous success and has led to restoration of normalcy in most parts of the affected areas. The current strategy being adopted involved the simultaneous conduct of consolidation and stabilisation cases so as to enable the civil authorities take lead role as quickly as possible.

    “Our troops in conjunction with the vigilante groups successfully conducted clearance operations in villages and Boko Haram camps which led to the recovery of weapons and communication equipment as well as apprehension of many suspects. This is being supported by continuous aerial surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force so as to ensure that terrorists do not regroup.

    He also said that several high profile Boko Haram commanders were arrested while over 20,000 persons mostly women and children held hostage by the terrorists were rescued.

    “A number of the terrorists have surrendered to our troops and currently, rehabilitation and deradicalisation process for this category of Boko Haram terrorists and other rescued persons is ongoing.

    “Also, the armed forces are currently providing medical support and basis amenities such as food, clothing, water supply to most IDP camps in the North East.

    “Furthermore, several inter and intra roads and bridges that were impassable due to the security risks have been reopened and damaged ones reconstructed to enhance movement of people and goods in the North East.

    “The Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition will be conducted by 7 Division at Sambisa Forest to consolidate the gains achieved so far and further sharpen the skills of our troops.

    “In other to sustain the tempo of the counter insurgency operation in the North Eeast, the present administration had recently procured modern equipment to enhance the combat effectiveness of our armed forces.

    “Mine-resistance ambush patrol vehicles, one 20mm Motors and ammunition were being procured by the Nigerian Army. Also, some patrol boats and other platforms have been ordered by the Nigerian Navy for outpost at Lake Chad Basin while contract for helicopters from Russia for the Nigerian Air Force has been awarded and approval for addition four of MI 35 are being awaited.” he added

    He also said that additionally, 20 unmanned aerial vehicles from the United Arab Emirates have been procured by the Nigerian Air Force to support the operation in the North East.

    “This administration has also shown tremendous concern to the welfare of troops particularly in the North East through prompt payment of troops’ salaries and allowances as well as improvement in medical services.

    “Last week, we had a meeting with Ministers of Defence from the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin member countries, hosted by Nigeria. The countries include Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.

    “Memorandum of Understanding for the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to fight Boko Haram terrorists was signed during the meeting. This was aimed at supporting the operations of the MJTF operation Gama Aiki II nicknamed Rawan kada in the North East.”

    He said that peace talk is already on course to resolve the Southern Kaduna crisis.

    “With regards to the situation in Southern part of Kaduna State, peace talk is currently ongoing to address the current clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the communities.

    “Recently, some religious leaders led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, were in Southern Kaduna to mediate between the herdsmen and farmers.

    “As part of efforts to curtail this menace, Nigerian Army is in the process of constructing  a permanent barracks in Kafanchan. Also, the Nigerian Army is expected to conduct exercise Harbin kunama II in Southern Kaduna, Falgore Forest in Kano and the forest in Bauchi to flush out the criminal elements.

    “The activities of cattle rustlers and armed bandits generally in the entire North West have been significantly reduced. Efforts and peace talks to put an end to this cattle rustling and armed banditry in communities in Zamfara and Katsina State have successfully resulted in the handover of various weapons to troops in the states.

    “Bandits from an area in Zamfara State handed over 234 dane guns, 94 locally made pistols, 25 locally made revolvers, 17 locally made multi mural pistols, 10 locally made double barrel, 11 AK47 and five machine guns in addition to the ones collected in Kastsina recently.” he stated

    Those at the meeting included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonishakin and other service chiefs; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.