The Nation Newspaper

Tag: soldiers

  • Photos, videos from Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    https://twitter.com/i/status/1085143128808534025

     

  • Photos: Army buries soldiers killed in Boko Haram ambush

    The Nigerian Army on Friday buried 14 soldiers killed in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists on Dec. 24, 2018.

    The soldiers who were on escort duty were ambushed on their way back to Kaduna by the terrorists on Damaturu-Maiduguri road.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Army buries 13 soldiers, one officer in Kaduna

  • Soldiers’ invasion, threat to freedom and democracy

    In a well-coordinated multiple operation that may dominate the political space of Nigeria for some time, soldiers invaded the offices of the Daily Trust newspapers in Maiduguri, Abuja, Lagos and Kaduna on Sunday, January 6. The invasion was a lamentable reminder to the periods of military rule in Nigeria when such an incident was a recurring decimal.

    But Nigeria happens to be a democratic country today- a country often described as the largest democracy in Africa. Fortunately or unfortunately, President Muhammadu Buhari was an army commander and a former military Head of State before he was democratically elected into office as president in 2015. During his time as a military ruler, he was an unrepentant champion of press gagging and censorship.

    Tendencies of such unbridled power have occurred in the current democratic dispensation, a situation leading some observers to question the president’s democratic credentials. Instances could be cited in the attempts to muscle the press under President Buhari. The illegal arrest and detention of the Elombah brothers on January 1, 2018 readily comes to mind. Daniel Elombah, the publisher of an online medium and his brother, Izuchukwu, were detained for two days by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Their third brother, Timothy was detained for 25 days for allegedly criticising the Inspector-General of Nigeria Police.

    On February 18, 2018, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested and detained the Abuja Bureau Chief of Daily Independent newspaper, Tony Ezimakor, for writing and publishing a story that the federal government paid ransom for the release of a number of people abducted by Boko Haram insurgents. In a similar vein, on August 14, of the same year, SARS, one of the most feared security agencies in Nigeria known for arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens, arrested a journalist with Premium Times, Samuel Ogundipe, for writing and publishing a story on the unauthorised National Assembly invasion by some elements in the security services which led to the dismissal from office of the former Director-General of DSS, Lawal Daura.

    Whether the actions of the security agencies in going after the press have the direct or indirect approval of Buhari’s presidency, the president should take full responsibility for the occurrence of whatever anomalies in his administration’s relationship with the press.

    As it is usual, the perpetrators of dastardly acts against the press would find an explanation which often times point to national security. In line with one of the ethics of journalism, which provides for balance in information dissemination, it is only fair to give some space to Nigerian Army’s explanation on the siege. Its spokesman, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, said in a statement widely published by national dailies: “Soldiers of the Nigerian along with elements of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies were indeed at Abuja and Maiduguri offices of the publishing company to invite the staff of the company over its lead story on Sunday Trust publication”.

    He further explained: “The disclosure of classified security information amounts to a breach of national security and run contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official Secrets Act.”

    This explanation may look tenable given the fact that Nigeria is currently in the midst of a battle against terrorism in the Northeast. According to the United States Council on Foreign Relations, in its report “Nigeria Security Tracker”, which monitors political violence in Nigeria, about 37,000 deaths have been linked to the battle. The report further categorised that about half of those killed were suspected Boko Haram militants, while roughly 45 per cent were civilians and five per cent were security personnel.

    The invasion had disrupted the operations of the concerned newspapers and led to the temporary closure of the establishment. There were reports that the Northern Regional Editor, Uthman Abubakar and a reporter, Ibrahim Sawab, were arrested while computers and files were taken away from the offices.

    Undoubtedly, the military siege is a glaring threat to the press and a violation of freedom of expression as enshrined in the 1999 constitution. The relevant section of the 1999 constitution to our discourse here is section 39(1). It provides that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference”. This provision is in tandem with Article XIX of the United Nations Universal declaration of Human Rights which says: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.

    It is my candid opinion that under the law, every individual and institutions are expected to play their rightful parts in accordance to law, more especially the constitution of the country which is the foundation upon which its existence is rooted. Every other law in the land take their root from the constitution. That’s the reason the constitution is regarded as the supreme law. Whenever any of the integral part of the nation, be it individual, groups, organisations, institutions or sections, breaches the constitution or abridges the right of others under the constitution, the result is anarchy.

    Therefore, I submit that the invasion is not only a threat to the press; it endangers democracy and the corporate existence of Nigeria. The people of Nigeria cannot afford to experience a backlash on democracy at this time that the country appears to be experiencing economic growth without appreciable development. In 2014, Nigeria had one of the world’s highest economic rates, averaging 7.4 per cent but the poverty rate was significant at 33.1 per cent. In 2018, Nigeria was worse off in economic growth, falling miserably at between 1.8 and 2.3 per cent compared to the 2014 figure. Today, some reports describe Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world, although these reports are yet to be corroborated by renowned global institutions like the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  But my own take is that a descent back to undemocratic rule will be disastrous and compound Nigeria’s economic woes.  Nigeria returned to democracy after the military spell in power between 1979 and 1999. Given that Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 which heralded the beginning of the Fourth Republic, it means that Nigeria has been able to sustain its transition to democracy without any interruption for the past 20 years.  Democracy has facilitated the expansion of the political space, with the up shoot of numerous human rights and civil society organisations which take up issues of rights violations in Nigeria. Evidently, Nigerians are more aware of their rights than before.

    It is therefore little surprising that the action of the Nigerian Army was utterly condemned by a cross section of human rights groups and enlightened Nigerians. The long and short of the criticisms demonstrated the Nigerians would continue to uphold democratic ideals and are ready to nurture the ongoing democratic experiment to maturity with knocks here and there to erring leaders and institutions.

    The Buhari administration should take steps to brush up its human rights records and show firmness in dealing with human rights violators, no matter how highly placed. Though, there exists the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC), it appears to be a toothless bulldog regarding its obligatory duty to safeguard the human rights of the Nigerian population. It is important that people who are not only knowledgeable about human rights but active and fearless should be appointed into the management cadre of the commission.

     

    • Elegbedeis an Abeokuta-based journalist.

  • Soldiers, NAPTIP raid baby factory

    Soldiers attached to 144 Battalion in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, under 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, in conjunction with the operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have raided a baby factory.

    It is said to be located at Oyigbo in Rivers State.

    Our reporter gathered that troops of 144 Battalion in Aba, following a tip-off, arrested Mrs. Rose Onyia, 38, from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, but living in Oyigbo, Rivers State.

    Read also: NNPC’s $1.05b withdrawal from NLNG fund ‘in public interest’

    She was said to have been linked to a child trafficking syndicate in the state, whose operational base is Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state.

    Also arrested is Miss Kasarachi Uba, 27, from Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Miss Chizara Monday, 26, from Umugo Oloko in Ikwuana Local Government Area of Abia State and Mr. Udochukwu Chigbu, 25, from Adam Okolomo in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State were arrested for stealing a baby boy named Miracle, whom they sold for N400,000.00 at Abor Mbaise in Imo State.

  • 13 soldiers, police officer killed in Boko haram ambush

    The Army have confirmed the killing of thirteen soldiers and a police officer in Yobe State in a Boko Haram attack.
    According to the military, the insurgents lunched two successive attacks on a military formation and an ambush on the Maiduguri/Damaturu high way at about 6.30 pm.
    The statement which was  signed by spokesman 7 Div. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said several insurgents were killed during the attack, just as the others were repelled.
    The Nation checks revealed that the police officer killed was  the orderly to Gov. Gaidam’s ADC who was on a convoy with the governor eldest son on their way back from Maiduguri.
    The governor’s son convoy ran into the insurgents thinking they were military personnels  as the were said to have been dressed in military uniform.
     The statement reads; “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole Monday 24 December, 2018 repelled a Boko Haram terrorists’ attack on a Forward Operational Base at Kukareta in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe state.
    “The terrorists who attacked the location at about 6. 30 pm met with prompt and fierce response of the vigilant troops who engaged and overpowered them, killing several of the terrorists.
    “Unfortunately however, a soldier was wounded in the encounter.
    “In another encounter, troops of 1 Division on escort duty along Damaturu – Maiduguri road yesterday fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists.
    “The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a fire fight, courageously wading through the ambush.
    “Sadly, thirteen military and a police personnel including a Police officer, paid the supreme price while extricating themselves from the ambush.
     “A clearance Operation to pursue and eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists ambush party is still ongoing.
    “The bodies of the gallant soldiers and the policeman and the wounded have been evacuated. The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment”

  • Soldiers rescue two babies in Abia

    • Suspects arrested

    Soldiers attached to 144 Battalion, Ohafia, Abia State have arrested  Samson J. Enweriji for allegedly being in possession of a day-old baby.

    Enwereji, 50, is said to hail from Isialangwa South Local Government.

    The Nation learnt that the suspect was arrested following a tip-off, while attempting to escape with the baby.

    The soldiers, who were suspicious, flagged down Enwereji who was in a black Toyota Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with two women.

    It was gathered that during a search, the two women escaped from the vehicle, but the day-old baby was found in their abandoned handbag with N84,000.00.

    Also found on the suspect was N13,000.00, and placenta of a baby in a polythene bag.

    Read also: Our administration financed project, says PDP

    A source said personnel of the 144 Battalion also arrested Miss Franca Bassey, 22, a student nurse from Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State with a baby.

     

     

  • Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai

    *Says 39 soldiers killed overall in recent weeks

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has given an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists and at the same time made a chilling revelation that the insurgents have gone hi-tech in fighting Nigerian soldiers.

    He revealed that the Boko Haram insurgents now use drones and mercenaries to attack troops’ formations in the northeast.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Thursday said the trend poses threats which require review of military operations against the insurgents.

    “Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

    “However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations”.

    Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks.

    He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between Nov. 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed.

    “In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Specifically; the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

    Read Also:Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    “However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions; 157 Task Force Battalion, deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on November 18, 2018.

    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel wounded and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State,” Buratai said.

    Buratai sympathised with the MNJTF, adding that necessary support would be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai also sympathised with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation, stressing that the sacrifice fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    Buratai gave an assurance that the army will support the bereaved families and continue to care for the wounded soldiers, who he wished speedy recovery.

    According to him, the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, was moved to Maiduguri, to enable the military leadership get closer to the troops on the ground, appraise its activities, assess performances and identify shortcomings.

    Buratai reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections as well as collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and visit to the troops in the northeast.

    The army chief also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and Nigerians for their goodwill and support to the military at this trying moment.

    ”We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • PDP urges National Assembly to probe killing of soldiers

    THE People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the National Assembly to begin investigation into alleged compromises that led to the killing of over 100 Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents.

    The PDP also accused the Presidency of condoning extra-judicial killing and demanded an immediate forensic inquiry into the reported killing of a principal witness in the Offa robbery incident, Michael Adikwu, in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command.

    The main opposition party said investigation into the killing of soldiers in Metele, Borno State, has become imperative given reports of compromises and alleged failure of the authorities to promptly act on a reported threat by insurgents to attack the base and other military locations in the area, a few days before the attack.

    Read also: Metele attack: Surviving soldiers accuse military authorities of procuring obsolete weapons

    A statement yesterday by PDP spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan said the probe has become expedient going by a disturbing video circulating in the public domain, showing soldiers, weeks before the attack, giving accounts of their neglect by the authorities, resulting in their vulnerability to insurgents.

    The statement said: “The PDP, therefore, urges the National Assembly to unravel the compromises leading to the killing of our soldiers and those behind them.”

    Similarly, the party also insisted that an inquest into the extra-judicial killing of the principal suspect in the Offa robbery has become essential following conflicting reports by the police over the cause and circumstances surrounding the death in police custody.

    The PDP noted that the police had initially claimed that the witness was killed in the course of arrest, but later claimed that he died in the course of investigation, only to again declare that he was discovered dead just as he was about to be taken to court.

     

     

  • Metele attack: Surviving soldiers accuse military authorities of procuring obsolete weapons

    Some soldiers who survived the attack by Boko Haram on the military formation in Metele have sent an SOS to President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to probe the quality of weapons procured by the military authorities and save them from further avoidable deaths.

    In a video sent to journalists  in Maiduguri, the soldiers accused the military authorities of providing  them with obsolete weapons, which they said are grossly inadequate  to effectively confront the insurgents in the ongoing counter insurgency campaign in the Northeast.

    In the  amateur video footage, the soldiers also  levelled allegations against the military authorities accusing them of negligence which resulted into the death of scores of their colleagues  in a  series of  attacks coordinated by the Albarnawi faction of the Boko Haram at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno.

    Foreign wire agencies reported that dozens of soldiers were killed when the insurgents attacked Metele military base on November 18.

    In the video, two soldiers, who claimed to be among the survivors of the attack, narrated the precarious condition of the troops and obsolete equipment which made it difficult for them to repel the insurgents’ attack.

    The video footage showed the level of destruction of military equipment and makeshift shelters,  while soldiers were seen packing their luggages, apparently preparing to live the camp.

    In the video, the soldiers appealed to President Buhari—they repeatedly appealed to him— to intervene to save the situation from deteriorating.

    “See what the Nigerian Army has been doing to us, they brought us here.  See how they killed our fellow soldiers, they burn them inside the tanks”, a narrator in the video said.

    “They are using us to make money; why? Are we not human beings? They can kill soldiers inside a tank; if Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) can penetrate M-RAG vehicle, what of a fellow human being?

    “This is the location called ‘Metele’, This is a place they (the insurgents) took over 40 barrel and these people want to use us, and within one week they killed over 200 soldiers and we are now 147, they want to waste us here. It is a lie, our blood is not here.

    “This is a Third World vehicle, a tank manufactured in 1972; and Albarnawi broke all of it.They want to use us and we are not getting anything from them.We  want to tell the government of our condition.

    “Please; the Federal Government should intervene before the insurgents come and kill us. They mocked us and said we are Zombies; animals, we do not know our rights, any order given to us we will follow.

    “We are millennium soldiers, most of us are graduates.

    “Look at what they did to this T12 tank; it is obsolete. It was a 1983 Czechoslovakian  tank procured during Shagari’s regime. Is this the money the Federal Government provided to procure weapons?

    “All the equipment are not working. When it fired two shots it stopped. All the weapons are obsolete and bought during Shagari(1979-1983).

    “We know about the money the Federal Government gave to them but the Nigerian Army had turned us into a business”.

    “All the money federal government gave them to buy weapons… Nigerian Army is buying INNOSON…. All these are obsolete… Oyinbo came here and said they are obsolete. All these weapons were bought during the Shagari regime in 1983… They have turned us to business…. Federal Government you will hear about it….

    “All these weapons are not genuine…if you fire two times you have stoppages. This is 1983 when Shagari was head of state… Federal Government give them money, they go and buy INNOSON, Nigerian made… Federal Government please help us. Help us.”

    The  Nigeria Army on Friday,  confirmed on its Twitter handle  the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele, on November 18 by Boko Haram insurgents.

    However, the military authorities response, which came five days after, was short on details and the extent of casualties.

    The army said that it has laid down procedures for reporting incidents that involve its personnel who become casualties in action, as a form of  respect to the families of the gallant troops.

    It noted that the families were first to be notified before any form of public information so as to avoid exacerbating their grief were they to discover it from unofficial sources.

    “It is suffice to observe that several social media, print and online publications have been brandishing false casualty figures as well as circulating various footages of old and inaccurate Boko Haram terrorists’ propaganda videos, and alluding it to be the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion.

    “While; it is understandable how such misinformation can spread in this era of social media frenzy, the spurious circulation of some of these videos only contribute to further propagate the propaganda intent of the terrorists, misinform the populace and portray themselves as what they are not?

    “So far, the situation in the location is under control as reinforcing units had been able to repel the terrorists and stabilize the situation.

    In his reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed deep shock over the killing of military personnel in Metele village  by Boko Haram terrorists.

    He gave an  assurance that immediate measures are being taken to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all.

    Reacting to the tragic incident, the President said that his administration remains ever committed and focused on the security of military personnel and other citizens.

    According to President Buhari, “No responsible Commander-in-Chief would rest on his oars or fold his hands to allow terrorists to endanger the lives of its military personnel and other citizens. Our loyal forces have proved their strength over the terrorists and we are ready to give them all the needed support in terms of equipment and manpower to succeed in ending the renewed threat. In the coming days, I am engaging the Military and Intelligence Chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be taking.”

    The President noted that fighting terrorism has taken a global dimension, which necessitates international collaboration among states facing similar security challenges.

    President Buhari reassured Nigerians of his continued commitment to their security and of his efforts to sustain the momentum in the previous significant successes recorded against the terrorists.

    He, however, advised Nigerians against making a political capital out of national tragedy, stressing that members of the armed forces are one family who are commonly committed to the security and safety of all Nigerians.

    (NAN)

  • Five feared killed as soldiers, Shiites clash in Abuja

    •El Zakzaky followers blame military for attack
    •Shiite group accuses Army of killing two members
    •Army spokesman: We’ve no information on any clash

    A procession by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, the umbrella Shiite group in Nigeria, yesterday, turned deadly when they clashed with armed soldiers at Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Five members of the group were allegedly killed during the confrontation.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Texas Chukwu, said last night that he had no information on any killing as he was in Biu, Borno State, on official assignment.

    The Shittes  who were all dressed in black  were marching  from Suleja, Niger State to the capital city  when things got out of hand.

    They were to join their counterparts from other parts of the country  in Abuja  for  a three-day mass march  -Arbaeen Symbolic Trek- scheduled to commence today.

    The Abuja march was also intended to demand the release of their leader, Shiikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, from security detention.

    An eye witness told The Nation that trouble started  yesterday when the Shittes got to a security check point  at Dan Kogi, Zuba, where the soldiers there asked them to turn back.

    The Shittes refused  and some of them allegedly began pelting the soldiers with stones.

    The military men responded by opening fire which allegedly killed five of the men.

    The source said: “The Shittes members were not perturbed by the death of five of them.

    “They then began to block the highway, causing a massive traffic jam.”

    A reinforcement of soldiers soon came from nearby Dei Dei, Dakwa and Zuba  and they succeeded in dispersing the Shittes.

    While, the confusion lasted, motorists, commuters and passers- by ran helter skelter for the safety of their lives.

    Traders in the vicinity quickly shut their shops and took to their heels.

    In a statement moment after the clash, the IMN said soldiers killed at least two of its members at Zuba.

    The President, Media Forum of IMN, Mallam Ibrahim Musa who signed the statement said: “The army went away with the corpse of one of the victims, but the other victim’s corpse has been identified as Abdul’aziz Maigana, who until his demise was with the members of the Islamic Movement in Suleja.