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Tag: Tukur Buratai

  • ‘Army will deal with those planning to scuttle elections’

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai on Monday warned that the Nigerian Army will deal decisively with local and foreign elements who are working to subvert the forthcoming general elections.

    According to General Buratai, the Army has received information about plans by some unpatriotic groups within the country alongside some foreign collaborators to scuttle the peaceful conducts of the coming elections in some parts of the country.

    The Army Chief made the remarks while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Operations Conference held at the Army Headquaters Command Mess in Abuja on Monday.

    The COAS said: “Let me at this point state that we have information of subversive motives by some unpatriotic groups aided by foreign conspirators to scuttle the peaceful conduct of the 2019 General Elections in some parts of the country.

    “We hereby warn such detractors to immediately mend their ways. The Nigerian Army is working closely with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to ensure an enabling environment for the good citizens of our dear country to exercise their civic rights.

    “In this regard, GOCs and field Commanders at all levels are to deal decisively with any form of security breach”.

    Gen. Buratai who warned participants at the conference which comprise of General Officers Commanding, (GOC) Principal Staff Officers (PSO) and selected Commanders, said any army personnel who take side with any candidate or political party during the elections would be shown the way out of the service.

    Read Also: Army redeploys senior officers, commanders

    Said he “Over the past one year, I have given very clear directives on the posture the Nigerian Army should adopt during the 2019 General Elections. The need for the NA to remain apolitical and professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles has been stressed. All Nigerian Army personnel must remain neutral, non-partisan and transparent in all their actions.

    “I need to reiterate that there will be zero-tolerance for any action and in-action by commanders at all levels that is deemed tilted towards giving undue advantage to any candidate, political party, ethnic or religious leanings to the detriment of the unity and integrity of Nigeria.

    “This includes knowingly or unknowingly receiving any form of inducement from politicians or other entities, be it public or private.  GOCs and Field Commanders at all levels are to warn all officers and soldiers under their command to remain forthright and not in any way deviate from the professional ethics of the Nigerian Army.”

    “I urge you all to remind officers and soldiers under command to be guided by the stipulated Code of Conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties during the Elections. We will all recall some of the events of the 2015 General Elections which subsequently led to the sad exit of some fine officers who were found culpable. I therefore enjoin you all to impress on your personnel to avoid a repeat of such occurrences”, Gen Buratai asserted.

    He said the Conference was aimed at reviewing the various military Operations going on across the country in order to address challenges and noticeable lapses, stressing the army is investing heavily in cyber security systems to enable monitor developments and capture trends of events as they are happening.

    The Army Chief further said  “Our role in support of the nations’ democracy cannot be over-emphasized. Hence, this Conference will provide us the opportunity to review the conduct of Ex EGWU EKE III and to appraise the preparations so far being made by various formations towards the smooth execution of Op SAFE CONDUCT before, during and after the 2019 General Elections.

    “The Conference will also afford us the opportunity to review recent events in Op LAFIYA DOLE and deliberate on how best to address some of the operational, tactical and administrative lapses. It is expected that this Conference will proffer solutions to some of the challenges in the theatre of operation with a view to stimulating and driving added impetus to the overall conduct of the operation.

    “I am glad to note that this Conference will also witness a presentation by the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command on our latest effort    at     adapting   web-based    technologies    for monitoring the operating environment especially during the 2019 General Elections”.

  • Boko Haram: Buratai denies allegation of non-payment, ill-equipment

    The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai on Thursday said allegations of lack of equipment and non -payment of allowances to troops in the war fronts are ill-conceived and misleading.

    He said the allegations were part of the campaigns of calumny against the army to dampen morale of troops.

    He urged the media to see through the psychological warfare of the insurgents and their international and local collaborators.

    Buratai made the remarks at the opening ceremony of Nigerian Army Conference for Editors at Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    The Army Chief appealed to the editors to support the military in the war against Boko Haram terrorists, asserting it was not meant for the military alone.

    According to him: “It is important to note that the leakage of vital information on military operation like the on-going fight against the Boko Haram terrorists is inimical to national security as this will give our position to the terrorists and give them upper hand in their psychological war against the troops.

    “I made it clear that it is imperative to check the spate of terrorists’ propaganda which is inimical to the successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign.

    “Additionally, I also reaffirmed that terrorists thrive on publicity to misinform the public, instill fear in the minds of the people and dampen troops’ morale.

    Read Also: Buratai lauds troops for retaking Baga

    “Furthermore, the allegations of human rights abuses against the military by Amnesty International, allegations of lack of equipment and non-payment of allowances to troops are ill-conceived and misleading.”

    He went on: “The war against terrorism should be a collective responsibility for all, and not just a war between the army and the terrorist groups.

    “The war needs to be reported as it is, and therefore, the media need to enlighten the people to understand the true situation and support the military.

    “The impact of the terrorists’ propaganda was one of the major challenges facing the military by discouraging and dampening morale of the troops in the frontline”.

  • Buratai condoles Air Force over crash

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai has visited his counterpart, the Air Chief, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar to console him over the crash of a Air Force Helicopter on Thursday.

    The crashed helicopter claimed the lives of all the five crew members on board.

    It crashed in combat at Damasak, Borno State while providing support for ground troops who were engaging the Boko Haram terrorists in a fierce battle.

    The Nigerian Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman, said in a statement that the Army Chief described the crash as a sad situation, but added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would remain a family.

    According to General Usman, Buratai also said the victims remain heroes whose sacrifices would never be in vain nor be forgotten by the country.

    Buratai also condoled with the families of the fallen heroes and gallant officers, saying they are patriot who died in active service for the security of the country.

    The statement reads “Today, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai, today paid condolence visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SB Abubakar, at the Headquarters of Air Task Force Command of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “The condolence visit was as a result the unfortunate crash of Nigerian Air Force Mi-35M Helicopter while providing close air support to troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, around Damasak, northern Borno State, Wednesday, 2nd January 2018.

    “During the condolence visit, the COAS said he was there to on behalf of Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate with the families, Officers, Airmen and Airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force and indeed all Nigerians, over the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the pilots, a technician and the gunners.

    Read Also: Buratai visits troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE

    “He prayed God to grant their souls eternal rest, adding that the gallant heroes’ death would not be in vain as they died on active service for the security of our country, to safe guard the lives of the citizen and serve humanity in general.

    ” He added that military officers are one family, as they train together in various training institutions, operate and live together as professionals and therefore, as family, the Nigerian Army felt the pain of the sad incident.

    “He further stated that military job is associated with high risks, but as professionals, we accept such divine destiny in good faith.

    “He then called on the Director Miliyary Intelligence, Major General SA Adebayo and the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General Bulama Biu to lead in the prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes.

    “Speaking earlier, the CAS thanked the COAS for coming to share their pains and grief over the sad incident.

    “He further assured that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to support and work with the Nigerian Army.

    “He commended the determined efforts of other gallant pilots despite the bereavement.

    “He also assured that despite the high risk associated with the military profession, they would continue to give their best to ensure the success of the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

    “Present at the occasion apart from both Service Chiefs, were Principal Staff Officers at both Services Headquarters and field commanders and pilots at Operation LAFIYA DOLE. “

  • Army pulls five generals out of service

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday pulled out two Major Generals and three Brigradier Generals out of service at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps in Lagos.

    The  generals that were pulled out are Maj.-Gen. Abimbola Amusu, Maj.-Gen. Patrick Falola, Brig.-Gen. Folorunsho Jegede, Brig.-Gen. O. Akinyode and Brig.-Gen. M. Robbinson.

    The pulling out parade of the five generals was witnessed by top military officers, both serving and retired.

    Read Also: AI’s damning report angers Buhari, Army

    Amusu, in her valedictory remarks, attributed her success to hard work, dedication, commitment to service and divine help.

    She admonished serving military personnel to remain focused and resolute, and exhibit total loyalty to constituted authorities.

    “Your loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria can best be given through vigilant security consciousness,” she said.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, was represented at the event by the Corps Commander Ordinance, Maj.-Gen. Joel Unnigbe.

    NAN

  • Army rolls out new strategies to fight Boko Haram…as COAS conference ends

    The Nigerian Army said yesterday that it had put in place new strategies to fight and defeat Boko Haram insurgents in the country.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, at the closing ceremony of the  Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri, stated that the conference  afforded the participants to deliberate on critical areas, such as leadership, command, responsibilities and doctrine.

    The Army Chief gave a stern warning to operational commanders against leadership failure, just as he urged them to remain committed and focused on their duties.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai, who regretted the recent setbacks suffered by troops in the Theatre Command, charged the troops not to be deterred but rather be determined to ending fighting the war to the finish.

    He noted that the Nigerian Army from next year will embark on aggressive training of personnel and ensure more synergy with other security agencies to achieve the desired results.

    Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Chief of Army Staff  called on  officers and soldiers to remain neutral in discharging their responsibilities.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai said the army hierarchy would neither be distracted nor dragged into partisan politics.

    He said: ”The theme was carefully selected to remind us of our constitutional role as an army operating under democracy, especially as we approach general elections. The Nigerian Army is apolitical and must remain non-partisan in the conduct of the elections”

    Read also: Army, Rivers clash over ‘militia training camp’

    The Army Chief said the conference with the theme,  “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria,” was carefully crafted to shun the lures of politicians .

    “It is incumbent on us to maintain peace in our areas of responsibilities and shun the lures of politicians and  in appraising our operations, we noted the need to increase our manpower, maintain our role and get less involved in roles for the Nigerian Police,” he added.

    He said: “We deliberated on a lot of salient issues, including the issues of leadership, command responsibilities. I was pleased to listen to thought-provoking deliberations generated during discussion sessions. I believe there is hope for Nigeria with the officers that will take over the army leadership in future.”

    He said there had been clear leadership failure and lack of initiative among senior and junior commanders, stressing that this must be checked and directed operational commanders at all levels to imbibe leadership virtues in coordinating their subordinates.

    “The recent unfortunate incident involving our troops has given me great concern. We have not done enough in providing adequate protection,” Buratai stated.

    While cautioning the commanders, Buratai said: “We must remember our oath to defend the nation at all cost. In this regard, the recent activities of Boko Haram should not deter us. We must end the menace”.

  • 2019: Buratai warns military against showing sympathy for any party

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai on Tuesday warned Officers and men of the Nigerian Army not to show any sympathy to any Political party, religious or ethnic group as the nation commence activities for the 2019 general elections.

    Lt Gen Buratai who advised military officers and personnel to shun politicians who are likely to approach them during the elections, said a Special Court Martial has been established by military authorities to try defaulters of the code of conduct guiding the military.

    Lt Gen Buratai sounded the warning at the opening of the 2nd and 3rd Quarters Chief of Army Staff Conference held at Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday. He said any military personnel interested in partisan politics should resign forthwith.

    He also warned that necessary steps should be taken by army commanders to prevent any act that is inimical to the corporate existence, unity and stability of the country, maintaining that any lapse in this regard would not be condoned.

    At the Conference which was attended by GOCs, Field Commanders, Corps Commanders as well as Commanders of Army Schools and Institutions, Lt Gen. Buratai said “as political activities unfold towards the 2019 General Elections, GOCs and Field Commanders at all levels are enjoined to continue to remind officers and soldiers under their command to remain non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct in the discharge of their duties.”

    The COAS further said: ” As professional soldiers, none of us should be sympathetic to any political, religious or ethnic cause. Any personnel of the NA who is interested in politics should voluntarily retire from the NA to pursue his / her political passion.

    “Furthermore, I wish to remind all on the prohibition of NA personnel from any form of worship outside the established barracks worship areas, except those permitted for wedding and some peculiar social functions.

    “I want to reiterate that the Special Court Martial to try defaulters is already in place. I enjoin you all to observe the codes of conduct guiding military personnel and thus refrain from any occult, ethnic, political or religious extremism as these would distract us from our enshrined constitutional responsibility as professional soldiers”.

    Lt. Gen Buratai explained that the conference was meant to appraise the performances of the army in the past few months in line with set objectives and to chat a course forward on how to deliver on various activities and operations in the remaining months ahead.

    “The ongoing operations in different part of the country to curtail the activities of Boko Haram Terrorists, farmers/herdsmen clashes, armed banditary, cattle rustling, Kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and militancy among other crimes have witnessed tremendous achievements.

    “I want to emphasize that these successes must be sustained and consolidated. I therefore urge you to bring your ingenuities to bear on your duties,” the COAS stated.

    Regarding military operations across the country, Lt Gen . Buratai said : “The NA has launched Op LAST HOLD in the North East to completely degrade the Boko Haram Terrorist group around Lake Chad region and to facilitate the return of the internally displaced persons to their homes.

    “The operation is still ongoing and is achieving the set objectives. Additionally, the security situation in the North West and North Central particularly around some parts of Kaduna, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau and Taraba states have necessitated the deployment of troops by the NA, sister Services and other security agencies to put a stop to wanton destruction of lives and properties.

    Read Also: Aisha Buhari’s ADC in SSS custody over N2.5 billion fraud

    ” I want to urge the field commanders not to relent on their efforts to ensure effective synergy amongst the security agencies Within their respective Area of Responsibility to achieve desired end-states.

    “As part of efforts to complement the defence and arrangements put in place to Checkmate the security challenges in the country, I directed the establishment of 17 Bde in Katsina. I also directed the establishment of the NA Cyber Warfare Command to explore the cyber dimension to warfare and other military operations.

    “Others are the reestablishment of NA Special Project under the office of the COAS and establishment of FOB in Epe among others. Furthermore, Headquarters 8 Div and 1 Bde have been relocated to their permanent headquarters in Sokoto and Zamfara States respectively as provided in the NA ORBAT 2016 while 123 SF Bn has also been established to complement the efforts of 707 SF Bde.

    “The NA must continue to be proactive and decisive to ensure safety of Nigerians wherever they may reside.

    ” It is imperative to note that the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria lies With the military and the NA in particular. Therefore, we must brace up to this onerous task which can only be borne with effort. Let me remind all commanders that, as a command responsibility, necessary steps must be taken in all circumstances to prevent any act that is inimical to the corporate existence, unity and stability of the country. I must add that any lapse in this regard would not be condoned.”

    Lt. Gen Buratai lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the support and understanding his administration has shown to the military so far and assured that the military would continue to give their best to protect the territorial integrity of the country and ensure that the country is safe and secure for economic growth and development.

  • Benue now relatively secured, peaceful – Ortom

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue said on Saturday that the state was now relatively peaceful since the deployment of troops in various operations to tackle the menace of armed banditry and suspected killer herdsmen.

    Ortom, however, pleaded with the military not to leave in spite of the successes recorded.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benson Abounu spoke at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of over 300 housing units under the Nigerian Army post-service housing scheme at Otukpo.

    He urged the Army not to demobilise its `Operation Whirl Stroke’ that has helped to bring about peace to the state.

    On the housing project, Ortom commended the army for siting the project in Otukpo, the first of such scheme to be located outside any state capital.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the houses, expected to be delivered in 12 months, are being constructed under Public Private Partnership arrangement.

    Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai had assured that the army in partnership with other security agencies would continue to tackle all security challenges in the state.

    Buratai stressed that as the “food basket” of the nation, it was imperative that there should be security and peace in Benue.

     

    Read also:Ortom: I’m being persecuted for grazing law

     

    He said the houses would be allocated to military personnel and civilians on 50-50 basis, unlike the previous arrangement of 70 to 30.

    The army chief had earlier at the palace of Och’ Idoma, Dr Elias Obekpa, informed the monarch that the army was constructing a barrack in Otukpo as part of efforts to ensure security in the town and its environs.

    He said under the Nigerian army “Order of Battle” 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval for the establishment of the barrack.

    The army chief noted that Idoma sons and daughters had contributed to the development of the military through their enlistment into the Armed Forces.

    Responding, the Och’ Idoma, who was represented by Chief John Ochayi, Ad’ Ohimini, commended the army for the establishment of the barrack.

    He said the formation, when completed, would help in addressing security challenges in the area, noting that there had been long cordial relationship between the army and Idoma people.

  • 82 Div. GOC promises security in the Southeast

    Urge soldiers to guard their arms

    The new General Officer Commanding 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Enugu State, which oversees army commands in the five southeastern states including 13 Brigade, Cross River State has assured states under his command of adequate security in the region throughout his stay in office.

    Kabuki who stated this while addressing newsmen at the Umuahia Forward Operation Base (FOB) of 145 Battalion called for professionalism among the soldiers while discharging their duties and warned the troops against violation of citizen’s Fundamental Human Rights.

    The 82 Div GOC while reminding the troops on the need to be discipline and have respect for constituted authorities, also urged the soldiers to guard their arms jealously so as not to lose them to hoodlums who he said were always waiting for an opportunity to steal the soldiers’ weapon to come.

    He warned against the act of extortion on innocent motorists, stressing that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) frowns at such bad behaviour of soldiers.

    Announcing that Egwueke III would be holding this year, Kabuki used the opportunity to disclose that preparations have commenced towards ensuring a successful Operation Python Dance (Egwu Eke III) in the South Eastern States of Nigeria.

    He urged the soldiers to be ever prepared for the exercise which he said should be carried out in line with the vision of the COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    Read Also: 3 Div. Nigeria Army gets new GOC

    “Egwu Eke so is not just an operation, it is a training activity for Nigerian Army on how to handle internal security challenges. If in conducting those training and there are situations that need to be addressed in order for south east to have the best security and peace that we are talking about, the troops will embark on that.

    “The issue of preparation is common because training in the Nigerian Army is continues. It is not just only for Egwu Eke, we have what is called on the job training it is a daily activity in the various units and formations of the Nigerian army.

    “But this time around, it is focus training because it is an exercise that is at army level and we are the host. So we have to be prepared to make sure that we perform our responsibility consistent with the vision of the chief of army staff in other to achieve the set objectives for that exercise.”

    Kabuk who took over the command from Maj. Gen. Adamu Baba Abubakar on the 6th of August 2018 said that the vision of the Chief of Army Staff is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional role where troops are expected to be professional in all they are doing, responsive and must ensure that whatever they are doing must be consistence with the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “As the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, I have to bring the troops to focus on what the vision of the chief of Army staff. In line with that vision, we shall give the south east the best security. It is only in a secure environment that economic activities can thrive. It is the only condition to ensure that law abiding Nigerians go about their activities undisturbed. Without security a society is nothing. So, the desire of the chief of army staff is for all parts of Nigeria to be secure, peaceful and suitable for law abiding Nigerians and we shall ensure that here.”

  • Buratai, 49 senior officers take language test

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai and 49 senior officers on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja took a language proficiency test in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages.

    Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, the army spokesman, said the test was part of the army’s effort to ensure that all personnel are proficient in the use of the three major Nigerian languages.

    Chukwu said the test came after eight months of intensive lecture organised by the army headquarters for the senior officers.

    He said the belief in the army was that understanding those languages would aid troops during internal security operations across the country.

    “This will also enhance mutual cooperation between the army and the general public.” Chukwu said the senior officers that participated in the test included Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Directors, among others.

    He quoted Buratai as commending the officers for their conduct throughout the period of the test.

    The army chief said the result of the test will be announced soon and urged them to prepare for another exam next week.

    Buratai upon assumption of office in 2015, enjoined all personnel to learn the three major Nigerian languages as part of a deliberate effort to improve communication skill among troops.

  • 3 Div. Nigeria Army gets new GOC

    Major General Benson Akinroluyo on Friday assumed duty as the new General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigeria Army, Rukuba, near Jos.

    Akinroluyo, who took over from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Ahanotu, in a brief speech at the handing over ceremony, promised to promote professionalism which had remained the main focus of the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen.  Tukur Buratai.

    “Buratai’s vision of a professional and responsive army will be my focus,” the new GOC stated.

    Akinroluyo solicited the support of the soldiers and officers of the Division to enable him succeed, and commended his predecessor for setting high operational standards in the Division.

    Read Also: Buratai, Nigerian Army And Trip Back To Roots

    “I am not new here; I was here as Lt. Col. in 2004 before I went to staff college.

    “I was also here as a Chief of Staff and later as a Garrison Commander before I went to Yola. I know how this place used to be and can testify that the environment has improved,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gen. Ahanotu, who has been posted to Army Headquarters, Abuja, charged the officers to extend to his successor, the same cooperation they gave him.

    He urged the officers to be steadfast and committed to their jobs, and stressed the need to sustain the fighting spirit, good morals and patriotism.

     

    NAN