The Nation Newspaper

Tag: soldiers

  • Illegal bunkerers open fire on soldiers in Rivers

    THE 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has stepped up operations to deter criminals in its Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, yesterday, in a statement, said troops of 29 Battalion Tactical Headquarters,  exchanged gunfire with illegal bunkerers at Feropkakama, a notorious bunkering site.

    He saids troops repelled the attack and pursued the criminals into the creeks, adding that many bunkerers were injured.

    Col. Iliyasu said two soldiers were also injured; one of them in a critical condition at a military facility in Port Harcourt.

    Iliyasu added that troops of 130 Battalion arrested one of the notorious kidnap kingpins, David Owhor, aka Chile, who with his gang, now at large, had terrorised innocent people on East West Road.

     According to him, the suspect, who is in military custody, is assisting security agencies in the investigation  to arrest other members.

    He noted that in the division’s AOR, recent operations include anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-kidnapping, anti-robbery, anti-cultism, anti-piracy and stop-and-search against other crimes, with high success rate.

    “On September 4, 2017, troops of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt, on routine anti-bunkering patrol to Elechi Beach and Abonnema Wharf in Port Harcourt, discovered and destroyed several quantities of suspected illegally refined Automated Gas Oil.

    “Troops of 3 Battalion (Rear), Warri, continue to dominate their AOR with the conduct of stop-and-search operations, with a view to maintaining the fragile peace that exists in the area and to identify, detect and intercept criminals, arms and ammunition. This proactive measure has significantly reduced attacks on innocent communities, particularly on Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja boundary, Isaba community, Mofor, Okwuokwuoko, Warri/Sapele and other notable hotspots in Warri metropolis.

    “In a follow-up on September 5, 2017, by troops of 29 Battalion Tactical Headquarters, Bille, Rivers State, to the notorious illegal bunkering site at Feropkakama Camp, where the troops had an encounter the previous day, more success was recorded, as troops discovered 14 Pump Action catridges, four empty AK-47 magazines, eight pumping machines and several other illegal bunkering tools, while a massive manhunt in conjunction with sister security agencies is under way to track down and arrest the fleeing criminals.”

    Iliyasu thanked peace-loving indigenes of Niger Delta, particularly those assisting the command with information in its efforts to protect life and property.

  • What politicians can learn from soldiers

    SIR: Looking at political dysfunctions every day in Nigeria where, bargain and compromise are now essential commodities that are lacking, reliability an alien word, political position are hierarchical and authoritarian even in a democracy, then you have to wonder.  Now politicians give conditions for loyalty to Nigeria. Not so in the military. They work through a sort of telepathy; soldiers understand what another soldier wants. They work with the same mind, speak soldierly lingo and interpret acts exactly as they want it played.

    Officers are taught the art of leadership in unison with academics and other nuances of the profession.,

    Even though soldiers die at a moment’s notice, many still enlist anyway for the love of fighting for country. When war breaks, Commanding Officers do not indulge foot soldiers with fairy tales but tell them eye-to-eye that they may die in battle. Yet, many go into battle and die unquestioningly with gung-ho spirit. How many professions are there that put country first, to die for her when duty calls?

    I wish people aspiring for political offices can be mandated to go live in the barracks for weeks and attend leadership training courses delivered by top notch military strategists. This surely will prepare folks for the art of governance, especially mission-driven governance and to acquire the arty skill of working with diverse classes of Nigerian people. The lack of which has seen the glorification of intemperate behaviours by many people.

    Over time, many who sit on pedestals in different professional calling have failed to secure our lives.,

    The fight against insurgency is fought by soldiers from the microcosm of the Nigerian state and unlike other facet of society that works with the principle of and campaign for “separate sovereignty”, the military campaigns and works with the principle of the “whole”.

    Anything short of that is a deviation from the military’s strict code of working as a team. The military work in teams, while politicians work in groups. All the troubles in Nigeria (Sharia crises, militancy, Boko Haram, agitation for cessation) were caused by politicians and the military cleans up the mess of these politicians.

    Could we consider sending some politicians to the barracks to learn the art of communalism and mission-based leadership?

    I’m shocked to see politicians who do not dignify the offices they occupy. II still can’t fathom how and why some people of low consciousness in spiritual (not religious) depth rise to become political leaders in Nigeria.

    Politicians must all learn to play down on their individual ego and begin to see life from the prism of “how may I impact the lives of others in our microscopic way.”

    They have all been hoodwinked by the treachery of ‘I’ rather than ‘We’ unlike soldiers who  think and act ‘We’ for Nigeria.

     

    • Simon Abah,

     Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • Tension in Abia as IPOB, soldiers clash

    Tension in Abia as IPOB, soldiers clash

     Umuahia, the Abia State capital, was Monday night thrown into unrest as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were reported to have engaged soldiers at the capital in a bloody battle.

     The incident which was said to have occurred at the popular Isi Gate spilled to other parts of the state capital, causing tension amongst residents and visitors alike.

     Sources in Umuahia, who spoke to The Nation said that the situation forced many business owners and traders within the city center to abruptly close their shops over fear of arrest or being caught up in the crisis which has literally shut the city down.

    While information about the report remains sketchy, a version of the incident has it that some soldiers stationed at Isi Gate were collecting money from commercial tricycle operators and when one of the operators refused giving them money , one of the soldiers slapped the commercial tricyclist.

    The situation degenerated into a fight when members of the union in solidarity with their member engaged the soldiers in a brawl.

     Another version of the incident claimed that the soldiers at a checkpoint around Isi Gate stopped a commercial tricycle operator and demanded that the driver should hand over to him the  Biafra and IPOB insigma in his tricycle, but the driver refused.

     The situation, it was learnt degenerated into a heated argument which attracted crowd and the soldiers on seeing that the area was already charged, shot into the air to scare people, but the crowd overpowered them and injured some of them in the process.

     At the time of filing this report, it was gathered security agencies have flooded the state capital with their men on the alert to prevent total breakdown of law in the city.

     A source at the Aba Area Command told our reporter that their men have been properly briefed to be on alert at some of the flash points in the commercial city and be vigilant of movement of persons who may wish to stir up the peace of the town.

     The Coordinator of IPOB in the State, Mr. Ikechukwu Ugwuoha said that he was yet to be properly briefed about the incident.

     But a member of IPOB who would not want his name in print told our reporter that the soldiers shot at and injured some of the people who had remained peaceful and were appealing to the soldiers to release the tricyclist to go about his business since they couldn’t find anything incriminating on him.

    The 14Brigade Ohafia Public Relations Officer, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi disclosed that some of soldiers were injured and were in an undisclosed hospital where they were receiving medical attention.

    He denied that  the soldiers fueled  the crisis, alleging that their operational vehicle was damaged by the crowd.

     Gbadamosi who said he was yet to get the full information to the incident, promised to get back to the reporter as soon as he is briefed on the matter and gets  clearance from his boss (Brigade Commander).

     In a text message sent to our reporter, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeleye Oyebade said “We are on top of the situation. We will contain the situation. There is no cause for alarm. All hands are on deck to co continually sustain the peaceful atmosphere we have labouredly tirelessly to achieve so far in the state.”

  • Blood, pandemonium as soldiers attack traders in Ogun

    Blood, pandemonium as soldiers attack traders in Ogun

    Panic and confusion enveloped Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State, on Friday evening two soldiers suspected to have come from Sappers Barrack, Ilese – Ijebu, attacked some traders at the Idobi market  over an  alleged ill treatment of their friend by a trader.

    The two soldiers were said to have beaten thoroughly, those they caught and gravely stabbed two persons in the process while others sustained injuries in an ensuing stampede and commotion.

    A witness told The Nation that the fight sent panic reactions in the market and other places like Folagbade road, Oba Adetona arch way which leads to the Idobi market as well as Oyingbo and Italapo areas as traders hurriedly closed their shops and fled.

    The Witness said further that a friend of the soldiers had an issue with electronics dealers in the market and when the matter could not be resolved amicably, he called his soldier – friends who stormed the market with arms and began to assault people.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed to The Nation that there was a “pandemonium in Ijebu – Ode” and that two persons were stabbed by soldiers during a fight.

    Abimbola added that injured persons have been taken to hospital for treatment while a man suspected to have called  the soldiers’ help has also been arrested.

    “There was pandemonium and the Police Area Commander and a Senior army officer have gone to scene to ascertain the true situation of things.

    “A man had gone to the market to buy a Plasma TV but on getting home, the TV did not work when he tested. He was said to have returned it to the seller but the man refused to accept it.

    “It was said that the man had to call his soldier – friends who came to scene and there was a fight. In the process, the soldiers stabbed two persons and that caused commotion in the place. The soldiers fled but the Police have arrested the man who invited the soldiers. Also calm has returned while the injured have been taken to the hospital,” Abimbola said.

     

  • Soldiers take over Ikere-Ekiti

    •Ogoga rallies indigenes for community development

    Soldiers and riot policemen, on Saturday, took over security at Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State as the ruler, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, and his people celebrated the Odun Oba Festival.

    The monarch (Ogoga) called on indigenes within and outside the country to  bring development to the town by establishing businesses to create jobs for youths.

    He described the festival as a forum to come together for the good of their fatherland.

    Oba Alagbado condemned the violence, by hoodlums on Friday, which disrupted the all-night show sponsored by a brewery firm as part of activities celebrating the festival.

    He vowed that those who caused or took part in the mayhem and vandalism  would be arrested and brought to justice.

    Suspected thugs attacked the crowd and vandalised equipment at Holy Trinity Primary School field in Odo Oja, a development, which led to re-inforcement of security on Saturday.

    Soldiers and policemen were everywhere. Two Armoured Personnel Carriers, two Army Toyota Hilux and eight Police pick-up vans patrolled Odo Oja and Oke Osun.

    Oba Adu said:  “I enjoin our people to ignore their provocation because it will not be long before they fizzle away. If the law does not catch up with them, they will not escape the judgement of God. They deliberately create distraction.

    ‘’But we remain focused in our pursuit of peace, progress and a good image for Ikere kingdom.”

    The Ogoga said names  are being compiled for employment by eminent Ikere indigenes.

    The traditional ruler commended Governor Ayo Fayose for projects being executed in his kingdom which include dualisation of township road, markets, drainage, among others.

  • Osinbajo orders continued search, rescue missions in Borno

    Osinbajo orders continued search, rescue missions in Borno

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has condemned the appalling ambush, attack and abduction of soldiers and civilians on duties at the Lake Chad Basin Frontier Exploration.

    The terrorist attacks had resulted in a number of deaths of hardworking and innocent Nigerians, and abduction of some Nigerians.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, the Acting President while noting that the objective of the patriotic exercise was to open up new areas for oil exploration for the common good of all Nigerians, commiserated with the families, relatives and associates of those who lost their lives in the despicable onslaught.

    He also wished the injured persons speedy recovery.

    The statement reads: “The Acting President after an emergency meeting with the Military chiefs on Thursday issued fresh directives to the Nigerian military and all security agencies to immediately scale-up their efforts and activities in Borno State in order to maintain a strong, effective control of the situation and secure lives and property.

    “While commending the military for the progress already recorded with the rescue of some of the abducted, Prof. Osinbajo has also ordered the continuation of search and rescue missions to locate and ensure the freedom of all remaining abducted persons as soon as possible, using all available and expedient means in the circumstances.”

    Justice, the Acting President said, would be pursued for the victims and against those who engage in the unacceptable, criminal and terrorist conduct.

    Acting President Osinbajo also paid tribute to the resilience, courage and bravery of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallant endeavours and sacrifices for the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.

    He eulogized the Nigerian soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the mission and others linked to the current insurgency.

    Osinbajo gave assurance that the welfare of the families of the soldiers will be prioritized.

    He also commended the diligence of the management and staff of the NNPC, and the lecturers/consultants from the University of Maiduguri in pursuing Federal Government’s resolve to grow the nation’s current crude oil reserve base through potential exploration in the Lake Chad Basin.

    He said that the government will by no means be dissuaded.

    He said: “Some of these extraordinarily selfless Nigerians from the NNPC and the University Of Maiduguri put their lives on the line that we and generations to come will enjoy the resources of this land.  We will never forget that sacrifice”

    Even though pockets of terrorists have been launching attacks recently in Borno State, the Acting President assured the people of the State, the region and all Nigerians, that the Federal Government is not only on top of the situation, but will define the end of the atrocities by both winning the war and winning the peace in the North-east.

  • Soldiers accused of attacking Rivers community

    Soldiers accused of attacking Rivers community

    The people of Touma community, Bille kingdom in Degema Local Government of Rivers State have accused soldiers of invading their community.

    They alleged that 15 houses were torched and many were injured.

     An eyewitness, Mr. Akpoebi Dino, said unidentified gunmen attacked an Army House Boat at Touma last week, killing two civilians and a soldier.

    The source said men of the Joint Military Task Force stormed the area in over seven gunboats and shot people.

    He said: “The soldiers, on reprisal, came to our community in over seven gunboats, shooting sporadically.

     “The incident occurred, about 10 a.m., Many people were injured and 15 houses burnt down.

     “The soldiers accused us of conniving with criminals to attack them. We don’t know what they mean by that.

     “We have been living peacefully with the soldiers for years before this incident. We don’t know the cause of the sudden change in their attitude. When gunmen attacked the military base, the community took those injured to hospital and deposited three bodies in the mortuary.”

    Bille kingdom described as shocking, the attack on Touma by military men, saying the reprisal was unwarranted.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Bille Kingdom Community Development Committee, Asatubo Igbanibo Kemuel and the Youth President, Obirabi Sanipe Sylvanus, the kingdom noted that Touma was invaded by military men.

    The statement reads: “Soldiers, who came in about seven gunboats and eight speed boats, attacked Touma. They torched houses and destroyed property.

    “Residents fled. Many people are still missing. Mr. Profit Joseph, a resident, sustained bullet injuries.

    “Touma people will never attack soldiers and security personnel. We condemn this attack, maltreatment of innocent civilians and destruction of property.

    “We urge the Federal Government, Rivers State government and security agencies to intervene. We implore the government and relevant authorities to give the victims relief materials.”

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of 6 Division, Port Harcourt, declined to comment on the incident. He referred The Nation to the Joint Task Force (JTF) acting PRO, who he said is in a position to speak.

    The Acting PRO, Lt. Commander Otuji, refused to comment.

    Police spokesman Nnamdi Omoni promised to contact the District Police Officer at Bille. But he later said he was occupied with the visit of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

  • Akeredolu donates materials to community invaded by soldiers

    Akeredolu donates materials to community invaded by soldiers

    Residents of crisis-ridden Ajapa riverine community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State at the weekend got materials estimated at N25 million to victims of military invasion in the area/

    Last May, some soldiers of Operation Delta Safe (ODS) invaded Ajapa, following the killing of a soldier by suspected militants.

    Since the invasion, residents of the community have been counting their losses; many have fled the town and refused to return home, despite government’s assurances to protect them and their property.

    The materials include iron sheets, nails, asbestos, mattresses, bags of rice, bags of garri and cartoons of vegetable oil.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredoluu urged the residents to joins hands with government in improving security.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, frowned at soldiers who rendered the residents homeless.

    He noted that it was proper for the residents to report people of suspicious character to appropriate authorities.

    Akeredolu advised the community to flush out criminals as well as their collaborators to stave off an army invasion in the future.

    The governor said the materials were not meant for people who would always disrupt the economy and security of the state but for peace-loving residnts whose property were damaged when soldiers entered the town while chasing fleeing bandits.

    The community’s traditional ruler, the Eginabou of Ajapa, High Chief Titus Ekikei, hailed the state government for the gesture, despite the prevalent economic situation.

    He said the materials would enable the residents to resume their normal lives after the trying moments.

    Another community leader and a retired police commissioner, Tonye Ebitibituwa, urged parents and guardians to nurture children into becoming responsible citizens.

    He bemoaned the upsurge in criminality along the coastline.

    Ebitibituwa described what he called gangsterism and other forms of criminality as alien to the community.

  • Two soldiers held for man’s death

    The police have arrested two soldiers for allegedly beating a civilian to death.

    Lance Corporal Peter and Private Uche of the Nigerian Army School of Finance (NASFA), Apapa, Lagos, are being detained at the Federal   Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Ikeja.

    They were arrested on June 24 by officers of the Ajeromi Police Division in Ajegunle.

    The suspects were said to have attacked the civilian for beating up their colleague’s brother whose name was simply given as Raymond.

    A source said: “On getting to the spot, they found out that Raymond was badly beaten and they clamped on his opponent. They beat the man until he died and then, they went to the police station to make an entry as though they didn’t know he had died.

    “It was while they were at the police station that people in the neighbourhood came there to report that the soldiers killed a man during a fight.

    “It turned out it was the same case they had come to report and so, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) said they should not leave while he went to the scene to know what happened.

    “He got there and saw the body of the victim. He evacuated it to the mortuary and then detained the soldiers. They have been transferred to FSARS.”

  • Akeredolu donates cash to families of slain soldiers

    Akeredolu donates cash to families of slain soldiers

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has condoled with the Army on the recent killing of three soldiers by some militants in Ajakpa community.

    The governor, who spoke yesterday during a condolence visit to the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion at Okitipupa, described the death of the soldiers as regrettable.

    Akeredolu, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, said his administration would continue to provide logistics support for the military and other security agencies to protect the residents and their property.

    The Commanding Officer for 19 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Maaji, who was represented by Captain Michael Ogundele, thanked the governor for sharing in the grief of the Army.

    He assured the governor of the military’s commitment to the discharge of their duties.

    The state government gave N250,000 to the soldier with bullet wounds and N500,000 each to the families of the three slain soldiers.

    Peace has since returned to the area.

    But the government and security agencies are working together to ensure that such an incident does not recur.