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Tag: Tukur Buratai

  • Buratai: how to achieve effective security architecture for Nigeria

    Buratai: how to achieve effective security architecture for Nigeria

    To curb lingering security crisis in the country, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has called for enhanced professionalism in the nation’s security architecture.

    Buratai, who spoke along with other experts at the 17th yearly conference of the Institute of Security Nigeria (ISN), stressed that acquisition of requisite skills, attained through cutting edge training of security personnel, with “evidence-based solutions for emerging security challenges,” holds the ace in subduing terrorism and other unsavoury issues besetting the nation’s economic development and growth.

    The former army boss, who spoke during his investiture as Second Patron of ISN, said “quality and integrity are paramount” in building an architecture that can cope adequately with the nation’s security challenges.

    “We must prioritise professional development, enhanced manpower skills through cutting-edge training, forge strategic partnerships and foster collaboration among agencies, governments and stakeholders.” he said.

    He called for increased efforts in promoting research and innovation; community engagements; increased public awareness; and participation in security matters.

    Read Also: Buratai mourns Hajiya ‘Yar’Adua, encourages family to uphold legacy

    “Together, we can combat terrorism, insurgency, and cybercrime” but we also need to “protect critical infrastructure, national assets, uphold human rights and the rule of law.”

    He advocated relevant national policy reforms and growth inducing resource allocations. He called on the government to foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing, to strengthen the nation’s development capacity.

    “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria, where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives,” he added.

    Professor Rahman Bello, who chaired the event, noted that national security is paramount in the attainment of socio-economic development of the country, on a sustainable basis.

  • Season of honour for Tukur Buratai

    Season of honour for Tukur Buratai

    Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR is one of the few army chiefs who combated insurgency and insecurity with all his heart.

    During his tenure as COAS, he ensured insurgents never had peace. Although the belief is that military men do not have soft hearts, but he is different because he showed his humane side with his philanthropic deeds while in office.

    Apart from his innovative ways of discharging his duties, the Baakore of Akure Kingdom also ensured the military was upgraded during his tenure with the latest gadgets and weapons to protect the sovereignty of the country. He was also said to have been a great mentor to junior officers, who are today doing well in the military. One of his mentees is the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    After his retirement, former President Muhammadu Buhari tasked him to serve as an ambassador to the Benin Republic.

    The Biu, Borno State-born military chief was on Friday, October 27, honoured in his hometown for his contribution to putting the small town on the world map since he became the Chief of Army Staff, and his contributions to attracting top projects, especially, the Nigerian Army University to the town.

    On account of this, he was honoured with the Betara of Biu by the Emir of Biu. It was gathered that guests flew from Abuja to Maiduguri to rejoice with Buratai. The one-week event started with a novelty match and a concert and a horse ride from the palace to the celebrator’s house. It was wrapped up with a grand reception where guests were treated as royalty.

    Read Also: Tukur Buratai: Will insurgents be brought to their knees?

    He was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Letters, by the Nigerian Army University at its first-ever convocation on October 28.

    Buratai hosted friends and associates at the Summit Hotel.

     in Biu where everyone was pampered with the best of meals and high-end drinks.

    Last weekend, he also paid a courtesy and thank you visit to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, for conferring him with the title of Baakore of Akure Kingdom.

    He also went to the Palace of the Olubadan and delivered a lecture at the University of Ibadan Alumni Association.

  • Army partners NPS to protect national parks, reserved areas

    NIGERIAN Army is committed to the protection of the country’s reserve areas and national parks to boost national security, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said on Tuesday.

    The COAS, who spoke at the presentation of Hilux vans to the Nigeria Park Service, noted that the National Parks and Reserve Areas were not adequately protected.

    Tukur, who was represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen. Okwudili Azinta, regretted that the national parks had become safe haven for hoodlums to hibernate and engage in criminal activities.

    The COAS assured the nation that the Army would continue to synergise with the Nigeria Park Service to flush out criminals from the Parks and Reserve Areas.

    He said: “Few months ago, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Park Service, organised a seminar with the theme: Enhancing Synergy Between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Park Services, National Security in Perspective. The purpose of the seminar was to develop synergy between the two services towards denying criminal elements the use of our national parks as well as the reserved areas as safe haven.

    Read Also: Army assures Borno town of security

    “We all know that our national parks and reserved areas have become a safe haven where criminals hibernate and carry out their nefarious activities. At the of the seminar, which was the first of its kind, it was discovered that out of the 92,300 square kilometre landmass that makes the National Parks and Reserved Areas, only 10 per cent is protected. It was based on this the Conservator General made a passionate appeal to the COAS for patrol vehicles. Today, he has fulfilled the promise by providing two Hilux vans to the NPS.”

    Receiving the cars, Conservator General Ibrahim Musa Goni enjoined other security agencies to emulate the Army and support NPS.

     

  • More and more threats

    THIS time, the threats are coming from the military. Angered by what they say amounted to glorification of criminals and insurgents, the military in a statement by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has warned that given prominence to the activities of terrorist groups is a possible violation of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011. According to the statement signed by Army spokesman Col Sagir Musa, “Many Nigerians are not aware that giving prominence to the criminal activities of the terrorist groups through sensational headlines and fake news in both print and electronic media could also amount to tacit support for terrorism which violates the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011.”

    The problem again is not whether it is hard to know what is fake news; that is clear enough. What is not clear is what amounts to sensational headlines, as Col Sagir says, and what amounts to eulogising Boko Haram and giving them support. Nigerians are as pained about what is happening in the Northeast as the military. The loss of troops does not just pain the military alone, it also affects families and relations, some of whom want focus to be shifted to the prosecution of the war. The military should concentrate on ending the war than seeking to open another front of definitional quagmire with the media. No one benefits from the war; everyone loses.

  • Buratai on reorienting the Army

    THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has suggested that soldiers must be reoriented to prevent the kind of killings and rape committed by soldiers at checkpoints in Taraba, Ondo States and elsewhere. His statement, which was made at a military conference in Abuja last week, seemed to imply that the Army’s junior cadre was more in need of this reorientation. That is not true. All cadres do, without exception. If discipline had not broken down, if soldiers were properly trained and the right professional values inculcated in them, if officers did not indulge troops and sometimes lie to protect them, the killings complained about would hardly occur.

    Hear Gen. Buratai: “However, recent occurrences have shown that there is a need for more reorientation on civil-military relations and inter-service cooperation at the junior cadre levels. Unfortunately, incidents such as the recent one at Ibi in Taraba State, which generated intense comments, are not healthy for the smooth cooperation and operation of our security forces. I hereby charge commanders at all levels to continue to educate personnel on the need to adhere to the rules of engagement at all times.” Maybe, for starters, the general should ask himself how he and his troops handled the December 2015 Zaria Shiite killings. Was it professional? Could such horrifying killings be committed by any of the world’s best militaries? So who really needs reorientation now? Senior or junior cadre, or both?

    Gen Buratai then adds that “The army will not condone any form of indiscipline or actions that will tarnish its good image.” He should be honest enough to find out what kind of image the Army he leads already has. He will find that that image is painfully and shamefully sullied by rank indiscipline. If he and his army do not know what to do to arrest the damage, they should ask those who know and stop scratching the rot on the surface.

  • Taraba killings will never happen again, Buratai assures

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai has declared that the recent killings of three police detectives in Ibi, Taraba state by soldiers attached to the 93 Battalion would never happen again as decisive actions would be taken against all the actors in the matter.

    The COAS, who gave the assurance while declaring open the combined second and third quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference 2019 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, said investigations on the Taraba episode by the DHQ Joint Investigation Panel has been concluded.

    Describing the Taraba episode as unfortunate and unhealthy for cooperation and collaboration among security agencies, Buratai charged Army commanders at all levels to “adhere to the rule of engagement at all times and also respect all extant laws and fundamental human rights of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution .”

    Buratai said: “It is imperative that we become more proactive in ensuring the discipline and professionalism of our personnel, in our dealings with other agencies of government and indeed the larger society.

    “We should all note, the Nigerian Army as part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is mandated to support the civil authority and the Nigerian Police Force in internal security operations.

    “However recent occurrences have shown that there is need for more reorientation on civil military relations and interface with cooperation at the junior cadre level.

    “Unfortunately incidences such as the recent one at Ibi in Taraba state which generated intense media comments are not healthy for the smooth cooperation and operations of our security forces. Investigation of the incidence has been concluded and decisive action will be taken to ensure it never happened again.

    “Similarly the recent case of a rape of a lady by soldier in 34 Brigade and the shooting of a motorcyclist by another soldier are examples of unwarranted events which we must guide against. Nigerian Army will not condone any form of indiscipline or actions that would tarnish its good image

    “I hereby charge commander at all levels to continue to educate personnel on the need to adhere to the rule of engagement at all times and also respect all extant laws and fundamental human rights of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution “.

    Speaking on the various military operations going on across the country, Buratai said a lot of successes have been achieved, asserting that there is however the need for officers and soldiers to be more proactive in their approaches.

    He said more equipment and manpower have been deployed in the northeast to complement the ones on ground, while the Minister of Defence Major Gen. Bashir Magashir had visited the northeast to boost the morale of troops by interacting with them.

    The COAS said: ” A major challenge that has continually faced Nigerian army is the ever growing issue of insecurity occassioned by global factors, those actions or factors could be traced to economic , social and political factors affecting almost all part of the world.

    “In our duty to curtail some of the contemporary security challenges such as banditry , kidnapping in the north west , we lunched operation Hadin Kunama 3 in the first quarter of 2019, the operation which stand through the second and the third quarter has recorded successes in covering the rampaging activities of bandits and kidnappers.

    “However, despite the successes , there are cases in Sokoto, Katsina , Kebbi and Kaduna states still occurring unfortunately , to continue to support the civil authorities , the troops employed and indeed the code man deployed has now been put into Operation Mesa,

    “We have also redefined the conduct of Operation Lafiya Dole with a new scheme of maneouver using the Super Camp concept of operation . A total of 20 Super Camp have so far been established in the Northeast and Commanders are required to key into the already circulated laid down Standard Operating Procedures and Directives .

    “The concept entails the concentration of formidable fighting forces in strong holds that have the capacity for swift mobility which requires the process to be proactive , rugged and capable of taking bold alternatives at all times to defeat the adversary by denying them freedom of action within a strong response areas or response areas as the case may be.

    READ ALSO: Taraba Killings: Why joint probe panel failed to turn in its report on Friday

    “To support the Super Camp concept , we have inducted more man power and equipment into the theater and have planned to within the remaining days of the third quarter 2019 to deploy more troops towards achieving the desired end .

    The COAS pledged the loyalty of the military to the President Muhammadu Buhari and the constitution of Nigeria, asserting that the leadership of the military is determined to make the Armed Forces of Nigeria the best.

    He said ” Before I conclude we all know that the President and Commander in Chief had recently appointed Major Gen. Bashir Magashir as the new Hon Minister of Defence. I had the opportunity to brief him on the state of NA and our operations.

    “Also his first official assignment has been the visit to Northeast and the Headquarters and Command of Operation Lafiya Dole to see things for himself and interact with soldiers and officers in the frontline .

    “And I therefore on behalf of all of you pledge our loyalty and cooperation to make the Armed Forces of Nigeria the best they can be. I can assure you that the minister has good and lofty plans to transform the armed forces. I urge you to support him in this vision and plan.

    “Finally I convey our gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support for the Army. He has continue to demonstrate his love for the Army. The promotion of two officers is an impetus to continue to be loyal and hardworking and we shall continue to demonstrate loyality and commitment to the defence of Nigeria”.

  • Buratai assures oil firms of safe environment

    THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has reiterated the Army’s commitment to ensuring safe and secure environment for oil companies to operate in the country.

    Gen. Buratai gave the assurance when the Managing Director of Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mike Sangster, led the management team to visit him in Abuja on Monday.

    According to him, the Army would continue to collaborate with and support the oil companies to ensure smooth operations in the country, especially in the Niger Delta.

    He said: “We know that your work is key to our economy and development, and we will do everything possible to ensure that lives and property of all the oil companies in the Niger Delta are protected. We are working on our updated strategy to ensure that we provide the needed security.

    “We will continue to support each other to provide an enabling environment for you to operate, not only in Port Harcourt, but any part of the country. The partnership which we have established, we will ensure that we make it work stronger.”

    Read Also: Burutai asked to account for spendings on military operations

    The COAS also praised Total for its support through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in terms of interventions in the barracks in Port Harcourt. He noted that the Army had maintained a long standing relationship with the company, saying such interventions had greatly imparted the troops’ morale in uplifting the standard of living with adequate accommodation.

    Sangster said the purpose was to introduce himself and appreciate the support and cooperation of the Army to Total’s business operations in Nigeria. Sangster hailed Gen. Buratai for the feat the Army had achieved in its fight against insurgency and other forms of insecurity in the country.

    He added that he also came to extend the company’s goodwill to the soldiers who daily risk their lives for the security of Nigerians and the country’s territorial integrity.

    “Our hearts are with the families of the soldiers who have paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he added.

    The Total boss pledged that the company would sustain the cordial relationship it had maintained with the army, noting that in spite of the security challenges in the country, Total’s downstream sector had 576 service stations across Nigeria.

     

  • Buratai charges troops on loyalty, sacrifice

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has tasked troops of Nigerian Army in Maiduguri to ensure that loyalty, obedience and sacrifice, were constantly observed in their operational conducts.

    Buratai made the call during a visit to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Maiduguri to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir with the wounded troops at the hospital.

    He was represented by the Army Chief of Training and Operation, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, at the occasion.

    “We must continue to subordinate ourselves and act professionally in support of civil authorities whenever we are called upon to do so.

    “That is a veritable way to justify the confidence which Nigerians repose in the Nigerian Army and ensure continued support for the Service.

    “We must bear in mind that obedience to lawful orders is a hallmark of discipline and discipline remains the bedrock of the military.

    “Therefore, discipline and courage must remain our watchwords in our personal conduct as well as during operations, as we seek to defeat the remnants of ISWAP threats in the Northeast and security challenges in other parts of our country,’’ he said.

    The army chief said that the army had lived up to expectations and remained ahead of the threats bedeviling the country in spite of some daunting challenges.

    He added that its commitment to the collective peace and security as well as the stability of Nigeria remained resolute and unshaken.

    Read Also: We are committed to veterans’ welfare, says Buratai

    Buratai said: “Eid-el-Kabir festival holds special place for us as individuals and collectively as an army.

    “It provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect and redouble our efforts towards fulfilling our roles and justifying the confidence reposed in us by Nigerians.

    “This is further amplified by the support and cooperation the Nigerian Army receives from President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “I must say that so far, we have performed creditably well and I commend all your efforts, though a lot still needs to be done especially in the face of emerging contemporary security challenges,’’ he added.

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Benson Akinroloye, said that the occasion was a pointer to the fact that the army authourities cared about the recuperating officers and soldiers in the hospital.

    Akinroloye said that the celebration would also ginger the officers to recover fast and rejoin their colleagues in the fight against the Boko Haram in the North East.

    He enjoined them to be strong, adding that their continuous commitment and courage would assist the army to win the war soon.

    The theatre commander commended Buratai for his support for the troops and officers at the war front to continue to fight on and win the war.

    Similarly, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu, said that the division had on Sunday feasted with the troops at the battle field at the Mulei super camp.

    Biu said that the army authorities decided to celebrate the 2019 Eid-el-Kabir with both the troops in the theatre of operations and those in the hospital in order to encourage them to recuperate fast.

    One of the wounded officers at the hospital, Maj. Yakubu Katuka, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his love and care for the troops by ensuring that they celebrated sallah like others.

    Katuka said that the privilege of being served with food by a superior officer was a rare opportunity for the soldiers and other junior officers.

    He also commended the hospital for the care being given to the wounded and sick officers in ensuring that they were fit in order to return to their duty posts.

    NAN

  • Don’t misquote Buratai, monarch urges Nigerians

    The Olowu of Owu Kuta, Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, has urged Nigerians to avoid making uncomplimentary remarks on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, or quoting him out of context.

    In a statement he personally signed, Oba Oyelude, who described Buratai as gallant and patriotic, said he does not deserve public opprobrium thrown at him, and described the act as capable of demoralising the force on the field. According to him, Gen. Buratai has put up demonstrable leadership which is responsible for the success so far recorded in the battle against insurgency and terrorism.

    The statement reads: “It is high time Nigerians realised that military operations anywhere in the world require focus and absolute concentration. And in a situation where our soldiers are easily distracted by uncomplimentary remarks, the result is coming back to us.

    Read Also: Buratai treats troops to Dubar in Borno

    “No country can develop without peace. We should rather encourage our soldiers to bring us lasting peace. Nobody should be happy with the spread of crimes. And these security personnel are the ones to tackle the problem.” The monarch praised President Muhammadu Buhari for retaining the Services Chiefs in his second term, saying the president’s decision showed his confidence in their capability to achieve more results and leave the Armed Forces better than they met it.

    He said: “What is required at the moment is change of operational approach and not military leadership. Retaining the service chiefs did not come as a surprise because Buhari himself is a successful military tactician who knows the nitty-gritty involved in operations as those faced by the Army. Mr President knows the significance of continuity on this assignment. I am very happy at this development; it means we are moving close to the end of this insecurity.”

    Oba Oyelude, therefore, urged Buratai not to misplace the confidence reposed in him, but be stiffer in discipline where and when necessary.

  • Boko Haram not helping Borno, Yobe communities-Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; has described as false the alleged humanitarian assistance being provided by Boko Haram terrorists to Borno and Yobe communities.

    Buratai made the declaration on Monday in an interaction with journalists after  he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Umara at Government House, Maiduguri on Monday. He charged communities to expose bad eggs within the communities, just like he challenged those propagating such claims to come up with facts to substantiate their claims.

    “The claimers must come out with facts. Like I said, these insurgents come out within the communities and carry out their clandestine activities and the people must be bold enough to fish them out for us to win this war against them.

    “I don’t believe that these Boko Haram terrorists are building bore holes. Where will they get the drilling machine to move around without being identified?  Where are they getting the resources.  It is just mere propaganda.

    “Yes they can get financial resources and probably tip some elements. But give us specifics and will know how to go about it. We will not work on propaganda.”

    Read Also: Buratai flags off Operation Python Dance in Kebbi

    He explained on the alleged pulling out of troops from some Borno communities.

    The military, according to him, was re-strategizing following recent attacks in Kukuwa, Gajiram, Kareto and Magumeri communities.

    His words: “Military operations are classified. We’re strategizing and I assure you that we are containing the menace to the barest minimum.

    “Our troops were in these communities contrary to fears expressed by the people that the military pulled out.

    “But then, the way we were before in these areas is not obtainable now”. He admitted that military operations cannot be carried out without loses, alleging that most of the media reports often exaggerate casualties and are not satisfied what the official figures that the military usually give them.

    Buratai also reacted to media report on his comments on troops’ commitment in the counter-insurgency operations.

    “I was wrongly quoted.  I never said in any comment that troops lack commitment. I was quoted out of context. Some of your colleagues have even went beyond that to quote me that I said troops are cowards. This is far from the truth,” Buratai explained.

    According to him, the comment was made at a training workshop organized to review the military operations in the country so as  to find solution to the challenges currently experienced.

    The COAS appealed to the media to avoid  help the insurgent hype its propaganda.