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Tag: Tukur Buratai

  • Boko Haram: I slept in tents to encourage my people – Borno monarch

    The Emir of Akira-Uba in Borno, Alhaji Abdullhi Ibn-Muhammed, said he slept in tent when he returned home after the liberation of his kingdom from the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

    Recounting his ordeal, Mohammed, said he was voluntarily returned home and slept for several weeks in tent to build confidence and encourage his subjects to also return home.

    Mohammed said this on Saturday when Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Uba.

    Ibn-Muhammed said that when the insurgents sacked the town in 2014, his people ran for thier lìves and became Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various places.

    “When the town was reclaimed by the military, I took caurage to return back to my palace along with the members of my traditional institution.

    “We returned and saw that most of the structures were razed. They burnt my palace; some of the structures that remain standing are the brick fireplaces of homes.

    “Despite all these challenges, we came back and stayed. Some of us were taking shelter in mikeshift tents. I slept in my burnt palace. And sometimes when it rained, we have to put our selves together in one place and cover ourselves,”he said.

    The monarch commended the efforts and sacrifices of the military in safeguarding the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.

    “It is because of the commitment you have given towards ending the lingering crisis of Boko Haram that we are enjoying relative peace in our community.

    We in Askira will always thank you for making it possible for us to come back home.

    “It is a well known fact that fighting insurgency is a difficult task. It is very difficult because you dont always know where the next attack will come from but the army has done tremendously well and lived to the expectation.

    “War cannot be completely won within the short period of time. It requires continuous efforts of mobilisation, fighting, sensistisation, enlightenment and support from all stakeholders.

    “The government needed to continue educating them (insurgents) to drop their arms, embrace peace as well as meaningful reintegration.

    Those taking arms should understand that they cannot fight the government.

    The emir lamented that the terrorists had inflicted unprecedented damage to people’s lives and property under the guise of Islam, noting that going by thier actions, they have nothing to do with the religion they claimed to be fighting for.

    “The group has nothing to do with Islam because most of their victims are Muslims.

    The Muslims are the worst affected population of this war. They kill both Muslims and Christians.

    “I therefore want to assure you that we will continue to do our best to support you to succeed. To me, I have that vision of what the army required,”he said.

    Ibn-Muhammed further appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to establish and deploy a parmanent battalion in Askira-Uba to enhance more security for his people.

    Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, said he was at the palace to pay homage to the monarch as well as thank him for all the support and cooperation he had been providing to the troops of 28 Task Force Brigade.

    Biu said he was on operational trip as part of the effort to boost morale of the fighting troops and to interact with them on some of thier concerns.

    “We are in Konduga, Kawuri, Bama, Gwoza, Pulka, Madagali, Michika where we sympathised with the people on the March 14 incident and now we are here.

    “We will be going to Chibok, the Headquarters of the brigade and Damboa all in an effort to support our fighting troops,”he said.

    The GOC said that the recent attacks, which were mostly repelled, amounted to a kick of the dying horse, noting that the Nigerian Army was committed to ensuring lasting peace and sanity in the entire northeast.

    “I will faward the request you made to the Chief of Army Staff for his consideration,”he said.

  • Fake news fueling electoral violence, says Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, at the weekend, blamed increasing cases of electoral violence on fake news and said the menace posed grave danger to democratic process and military operations.

    Buratai spoke in Bayelsa State when he led military commanders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to inaugurate projects at the newly-established barracks of the 16th Division of the Nigerian Army named Camp Buratai.

    He said prior to the general elections, he launched the Operation Safe Conduct to ensure success of the poll and established the Nigerian Army Situation Room (NASR) to manage electoral events including countering spread of fake news.

    Buratai, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Adamu Saliu, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), noted terrorists and subversive elements were deliberately spreading fake news using the social media to influence public sentiment, cause confusion and ignite violence.

    The COAS said: “Use of media especially social media to deliberately spread fake news should be a thing of concern to all of us.

    “Rapid spread of fake news has been responsible for misinformation, thereby having an influence on public sentiment and sowing confusion among the electorate and easily ignite violence during elections as we have now.

    “The purpose of the situation room is among others to monitor electioneering process through the cyber warfare command of the Nigerian Army which also identifies and counters various forms of fake news and propaganda put out by terrorist and subversive elements. In this period of elections, we are collaborating with all stakeholders to confront the menace of fake news”.

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

    Buratai insisted nothing would stop the army from playing its roles in combating security challenges in the country in line with its constitutional mandates.

    He said the army deserved the support of all Nigerians following its efforts to keep the country together adding that security agencies required timely information from the public to enable them deliver on their mandates.

    Buratai commended the Commander of the 16th Brigade, Brigadier-General, Kelvin Aligbe, officers and men of the outfit for their efforts to develop the new military community.

     

     

     

  • INEC indictment: Apologise to Nigerians, Frank tells Buratai

    Following the indictment of the military for their role in the governorship and state Assembly election, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, wants the Chief of Army staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, to  tender a public apology to Nigerians.

    Reacting to a statement credited to the INEC on Saturday expressing displeasure over the role played by armed military personnel during the Rivers state governorship election, Frank said he had been vindicated.

    He said he had  earlier raised an alarm calling on the military authorities to be neutral before the election, adding that instead of the security agency to heed his call, “Buratai and his co-politicians in military uniform disregarded it and tagged him as a “Protagonist of Fake News.”

    While describing the military’s involvement in the 2019 general elections as shameful, Frank said if the likes of Buratai and his cohorts are tired of wearing military uniforms “they should form a political party or publicly register as a department under the APC.”

    He challenged the military to name just one country in Africa or the entire world where their colleagues have brazenly taken sides during elections “like what Nigeria witnessed in both the presidential, National Assembly and governorship elections?

    Read Also: Ijaw youths to Buratai: call your men to order

    “In 2015, there was no reported case of an active involvement of military personnel during the general elections. Although, that was the last time Nigeria had a civilian President who had respect for democracy and the rule of law.

    “Therefore, the honest declaration by the INEC regarding the involvement of military under Buratai in the Rivers State governorship election is a shame and I deserve apology from the Nigerian Army for tagging me as a “Protagonist of Fake News.

    “Evil, they say, can only succeed when good people refuse to talk. As far as Nigeria is concerned, I and other likeminds shall not be intimidated or forced into a conspiracy of silence in the face of oppression – which the Nigerian military under Buratai is reputed for”

  • Polls: Army inaugurates panel to investigate allegations against personnel

    The Nigerian Army on Friday said a Committee has been inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt Gen Tukur Buratai to investigate allegations of misconduct against its personnel during the general elections.

    The committee, it added, is headed by Major Gen T A Gagariga and had  up-to 31st of March to submit its report.

    According to Army spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, the committee is also mandated to probe allegations of assassination attempt on the governor of Rivers State, Nyelsom Wike.

    Colonel Musa said in a statement that the probe is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting to death of Lt Kurmi and other soldiers during the elections.

    Colonel Musa said :”As a way of ensuring that NA troops deployed for election security duties during the 2019 General Elections conducted themselves within laid down Rules of Engagement and the Code of Conduct, the NA has set up  a 9-member investigative committee, headed by Maj Gen TA Gagariga with Brig Gen JM Ali, Brig Gen GO Adeshina,

    Brig Gen MA Obari,  Col AT Bitiyong, Col A Tanko and Col WA Bakare as members and Lt Col PAJ Ebuk as Secretary to investigate all allegations of misconduct against the NA during the just concluded general elections.

    “The committee is to submit its report not later than 31st of March, 2019.

    “The committee, which has already commenced action, was inaugurated by the Chief of  Administration (Army), Major General KAY Isiyaku on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS ) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and admonished to carry out their duties objectively, fairly and transparently in line with its Terms of Reference.

    “The committee’s Terms of Reference centered on thoroughly investigating the activities, actions and/or inactions of NA Personnel in all the States that alleged one infraction/wrong doing or the other.

    “The Committee is also to collate and thoroughly analyze all reports to determine the veracity of the allegations including the alleged assassination attempt on Rivers State Governor and the circumstances that led to the shooting to death of Lt Kurmi as well as that leading to serious injuries to an officer and some soldiers in the State.

    Read Also: Army hands over suspected electoral offenders to police

    “The Committee is further mandated to visit all States where issues have been raised about the conduct of NA during and after the elections and also interact with Civil Society Organizations, sister security agencies and State Governors with claims against the Army.

    “It would be recalled that the  COAS, Lt Gen TY Buratai has on many fora, consistently (both in words and actions), soundly indicated that, under his watch, NA personnel must remain apolitical, respect human rights and abide by the rule of law in all its official engagements within or outside Nigeria and in or out of conflict situation.

    “NA troops were deployed for the elections under Operation SAFE CONDUCT that was set up to provide support to the NP and other security agencies to ensure hitch free and successful elections in the country.

    “The Chairman of the committee, Major General TA Gagariga has assured the COAS and all Nigerians of the committee’s commitment, resolve and determination to objectively and professionally address the major issues as contained in the Committee’s Terms of Reference.”

  • Troops neutralise scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralized between Borno and Yobe axis when they attempted to overrun a military base.

    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa said following the feat the Chief of Army staff; Lt Gen Tukur Buratai sent words of encouragement to the troops for their gallantry.

    Colonel Isa explained in a statement that some of the fleeing terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while their gun trucks and weapons were destroyed.

    He said: “The dogged troops of 152 Battalion successfully crushed some members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) when they attempted to infiltrate their location Wednesday, 11 March 2019 at about 1900hrs around Bula – Yobe, Banki axis in Borno State.

    “The Terrorists in their futile attempt came in with several Gun Trucks mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns and Motorcycles.

    “The troops engaged the terrorists with superior fire power and inflicted heavy casualty on the BHTs and their equipment.

    “The fierce gun battle set confusion and disorganisation in the terrorists’ camp, withdrawing in disarray while the troops gave them a hot pursuit.

    “In that process, unconfirmed numbers of terrorists were neutralized while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “A Gun Truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun and several Motorcycles belonging to the BHTs were destroyed while one Gun truck mounted with Anti -Aircraft Gun and Mortar Carrier were captured from the terrorists.

    “The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluyo through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu extolled their effort and sacrifice and also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s special commendation for their dogged fighting spirit and brilliance. He urged them to maintain the aggressive posture and sustain the offensive.”

  • Bayelsa state govt vindicates Nigerian Army as COAS unveil new barracks

    The Bayelsa Deputy Governor, retired Rear Admiral John Jonah has implored Nigerians not to blame the army for its involvement in the 2019 general elections.
    Jonah made the remark on Saturday at Elebele in Yenogoa during the inauguration of some building projects in the 16 Brigade Barracks otherwise known “Tukur Buratai Camp” located in the community.
    The deputy governor said he had investigated the army involvement in the election and found that what they did was not different from what the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai mandated.
    He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian army which he described as a stabilising factor, to discharge its duties.
    Buratai had at different fora said the constitution empowers the army to support civil authority in addressing internal security challenges when called upon, citing Section 217 of the 1999 constitution as amended.
    The army chief this role also extend to providing security during elections.
    He, however, warned those deployed for the conduct of the election to be professional, respect human rights and remain apolitical.

    Read Also:INEC wrong on inconclusive elections

    Earlier while inaugurating building projects in the barracks, Buratai who was represented by Maj.-Gen. A. A. Saliu, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command – TRADOC, charged commanders to always impact positively on their environment.
    He promised more fund to provide required infrastructure in the Brigade and army formations across the country.
    Buratai also called on the citizens to cooperate with the military by providing it with useful information to enable it ensure their safety.
    Also speaking at the event, the GOC 6 Division Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jail Sarham noted that the Brigade would assist in addressing security challenges in Bayelsa and Niger Delta in general.

    Sarham thanked the state government for the assistance it provided for the construction of the barracks.

    In a welcome address, Brig.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, the Brigade Commander, said what is required in the new barracks now is perimeter fencing, parade ground and officers’ quarters.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the building inaugurated included Guard house, a two-storey medical centre, Brigade Garrison, Soldiers and Warrant Officers/Sergeant clubs and a block of 30 flats for Corporal and below. (NAN)

     

  • Ijaw youths to Buratai: call your men to order

    Ijaw youths of Egbema kingdom in Warri North council area of Delta state, have called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to “call” his men to “order” so that they will not be used to cause disruptions in Saturday’s polls.

    They said this was because of reports the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-federal government plan to provide heavy security across the state to ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free elections.

    The youths, under the aegis of Egbema Youth Forum, made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Ebipade Kari and circulated to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

    The statement, which noted the presence of military during electoral exercises in recent times is unconstitutional, pointed out that events resulting from the presidential and national assembly elections in the South-South go to show the desperation of the APC to take over the Niger Delta states.

    It also lamented the recorded deaths in the region during the last polls, adding that it will not take lightly a reoccurrence.

    Emphasizing the peaceful disposition of its kingdom even in the face of underdevelopment, the group stated that nothing should be done to disrupt the peace which the kingdom has “sacrificed so much” to achieve and sustain.

    The youths said: “We want to state clearly, without any iota of reservation that the involvement of the Nigerian Military in electoral process in recent times in Nigeria has gone beyond manageable dimension.

    This is a disservice to democratic principles and tenets as the military is statute barred from dabbling into politics.

    Read Also: Burutai visits planned Apple Island for Army

    “The shaky and flimsy excuses of providing security are mere gimmicks scripted to actualize the biddings of the ruling party.

    “From the events recorded in the South-South region of the country during the 23rd February, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections, it is crystal clear that the ruling party is bent on controlling the states in the oil-rich region and has resorted to violence, gross deprivation of electoral rights and brutal force because it has no structure in the states therein.

    “We are deeply pained and are still in a state of melancholy over the death of harmless and innocent citizens in the southern part of the country especially Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States and as such we shall not treat with indifference if another ugly episode is reenacted during the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.”

    Appealing to youths across Egbema kingdom and the Niger Delta at large to “be peaceful and law-abiding,” throughout the polls, the group said “violence will cause our region more harm than good”, just as it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to stamp its foot against military effort to usurp its duties.

  • Bayelsa urges Buratai to produce killers of photographer, PDP chief

    The Bayelsa State Government Tuesday called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce gunmen in military uniform, who killed the Government House Photographer, Mr. Reginald Dei, and the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Seidougha Taribi.

    The duo was murdered in Oweikorogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The Director in charge of Strategic Communications, Governor’s Office, Chief Nathan Egba-Ologo, said that the COAS had a responsibility to arrest and try soldiers, who murdered Dei and Seidougha.

    He insisted that the deceased were killed in the house of Taribi while they were waiting for the results of the election in their polling units located meters away from the house.

    He asked Buratai to take a proactive step to investigate the circumstances leading to the murder of the Government House Photographer and the PDP Leader in Bayelsa,

    He said that the earlier narrative that the deceased were killed by soldiers in Army uniform would not stand anymore as the Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Buokoribo Doifie, confirmed in reports that a member of his party led the soldiers to the residence where they were shot.

    Read Also: We were not involved in Bayelsa killings, violence – APC

    According to Egba-Ologo, the claim by the APC Spokesman in Bayelsa that the duo was shot because they found election materials with them was a wild allegation which should be investigated.

    He added that the attempt by Doifie to justify the gruesome murder by alleging the deceased were killed during a gun battle should be investigated by the Army authorities to ascertain the culpability of its operatives in the murder.

    He said that the Bayelsa State Government would adopt all lawful measures to ensure that those behind the heinous act were brought to justice.

    He said: “The Bayelsa State Government is making a passionate appeal to the Chief Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to investigate, identify and prosecute the soldiers who murdered a Government House Photographer, Mr. Reginald Dei, and a Chieftain òf the PDP, Mr. Seidougha Taribi, on February 23, 2019 in Southern Ijaw.

    “Contrary to our initial thinking that the gruesome murder was carried out by armed men in Army uniform, fresh facts have emerged that soldiers of the Nigerian Army killed the photo journalist and his friend in Southern Ijaw.

    “The State Publicity Secretary òf the APC, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, said in a report carried that an agent of the APC led the soldiers to the residence of Seidougha Taribi to kill the deceased during a phantom gun battle.

    “We are of the strong view that the Nigerian Army under the leadership òf Gen. Buratai has a responsibility to intervene and ensure investigation of this brazen act to redeem the image of the service.

    “The Bayelsa State Government and Bayelsans would adopt all lawful means to seek justice in this brazen act of terror perpetrated against our citizens by a collusion of thugs and soldiers.”

  • Be loyal or resign, Buratai tells soldiers

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday gave officers and men of the Nigerian Army with doubtful loyalty to the Federal Government Friday deadline to resign from the service.

    Buratai gave the ultimatum at an expanded weekly meeting with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and some field commanders at the army headquarters in Abuja.

    He said, “The foundation of military professionalism is discipline and without discipline an army cannot stand.

    “One of our core values is loyalty to constituted authority. Loyalty must be hundred per cent.

    “Should any officer or soldier have doubts as to his loyalty to the Nigerian State as presently constituted, such a person has up to Feb. 22, 2019 to resign.

    “There is no room for indiscipline or disobedience to lawful orders in the Nigeria army today.’’

    Buratai also said that the expanded meeting was to review security strategies put in place for the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.

    He recalled that two weeks ago, the strategies were planned in a similar meeting until the elections were rescheduled to Saturday and March 9, from Feb. 16 and March 2.

    The army chief decried some politicians’ reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari directive to security agents to deal ruthlessly with ballot box- snatching.

    “It is unfortunate to hear persons who are aspiring to rule this country again inciting the army to disobedience.

    “We have consistently stated our position in the political dispensation to remain neutral and apolitical.

    “However, direct and public incitement of the Nigerian military against democracy and constituted civil authority will not be tolerated.

    “I request such persons to withdraw this inciting statement.

    “Let me re-emphasize loud and clear, that the Nigerian Army is a professional army,’’ he stated.

    He, therefore, ordered commanders to deal decisively with any electoral crime or action that could be inimical to national security.

    Read Also: 2019 Polls: Buratai inaugurates Army Situation Room

    Buratai further directed them to ensure that they and personnel under them did not hobnob with politicians.

    “In this regard, there will be no military escort for any politician and all Nigerian army personnel are to stay clear of retired military officers, especially those who are now politicians until after the elections.

    “Commanders are to conduct extensive patrols within their Area of Responsibilities (AORs).

    “They must ensure that all flash points within the area are dominated.

    “Commanders must, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, enforce the restriction on movement within their Area of Responsibilities (AORs).

    “All vehicles must be searched and suspicious persons or vehicles arrested/impounded and later handed over to the police,’’ he said.

    According to Buratai, thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, illegal possession of elections materials and similar crimes are intended to mar an election and create deliberate avenues for post-election violence and mayhem.

    He said that such actions could also become more damaging when they are widespread, leading to destruction of lives and property.

    Buratai noted that such incidents in past elections were often planned and orchestrated by politicians, but said that the army had hitherto been cautious in its approach.

    “However, this time around the Nigerian army will adopt a proactive posture that ensures that similar incidents do not even arise.’’

    He noted that Nigerians had generally expressed disappointment with the postponement of the elections, adding that it increased apprehension in the populace and international community.

    He, however, assured that the army alongside other security agencies, would rise to the challenge of ensuring a peaceful outcome of the rescheduled elections.

    Buratai said that there was need to give confidence to Nigerians and reassure the international community that all would go well in the electoral process.

    He insisted that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable, “hence those who seek to undermine its democracy by interfering in its electoral process must be seen as enemies and dealt with appropriately.

    “Our role is aptly captured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and we must defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as act in aid of civil authority when called upon to do so.

    “Therefore, commanders must work with all stakeholders, interest groups and agencies to avert any act by any individual, groups or entities that seek to undermine our democratic process.’’

    NAN

     

  • 2019: Python Dance III will swallow all criminals, says Army

    The Nigerian Army said it will crush all forms of criminality and provide an enabling environment for all citizens to performance their civic responsibilities in the forthcoming general elections through the Operation EGWU EKE III otherwise referred to as Python Dance.

    The Acting Commander Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Baba Dala disclosed this at the August 27 Stadium Damaturu during the flag off of the exercise in Yobe State on Thursday.

    “The Nigeria Army remains apolitical in the discharge of her constitutional duties. But most importantly, I want to state here clearly that the python will swallow all kinds of criminality so as to ensure that all Nigerians gets a peaceful atmosphere to cast their votes in the coming general elections,” Brig. Gen. Dala said.

    Brig. Gen Dala informed that the Operation was launched by the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai with the aim of “reassuring the general public of the Federal Government’s commitment at protecting lives and property of Nigerian citizens by building confidence in their minds and creating an enabling environment for them to go about their legitimate activities before, during and after the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: Buratai flags off Python Dance III

    “The exercise is also planned to have operational edge based on actual intelligence. Hence, Exercise EGWU EKE III is conceptualized to combact real-time, the prevailing security challenges as observed, such as: stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, formation of militias and violence induced by political parties’ activities. It will checkmate other security threats across the country such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, banditary and other criminal activities of dissident groups,” Gen. Dala informed.

    He also noted that the exercise will sharpen the skills of personale  in the conduct of  Military Operaions other than war, in flash points across the country in preparation for the forthcoming 2019 General Elections.

    The Sector 2 Commander informed that the exercise will be conducted in collaboration with other sister Services and Para-military Agencies, adding that, “it is believed that the exercise will foster civil-military relationship between the military and the good people of Yobe State”.

    Highlights of the flagging off of the Operation  Python Dance III by the Deputy Gov. Engr. Abubakar Aliyu who represented Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam at the occasion.