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Tag: Tukur Yusuf Buratai

  • Terrorism: Agbese dismisses allegations against Buratai as baseless, politically motivated

    Terrorism: Agbese dismisses allegations against Buratai as baseless, politically motivated

    Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, has dismissed allegations linking former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), to terrorism financing, describing them as “baseless, reckless, and politically motivated.”

    Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Agbese said those behind the claims were attempting to smear Buratai’s record and diminish his contributions to Nigeria’s security.

    “It is important for Nigerians to understand that Boko Haram terrorists and their sponsors have not forgiven Lt-General Buratai for leading the Nigerian Army to defeat them,” he said.

    Agbese noted that Buratai’s tenure marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.

    “Before he became Army Chief, Boko Haram controlled large parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Abuja had suffered several bombings—Nyanya, Banex, Police Headquarters, and the UN building. People lived in fear,” he said.

    “Buratai took the fight directly to the insurgents, leading coordinated military campaigns that reclaimed towns, restored governance, and enabled displaced families to return home.”

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    He added that Buratai’s leadership extended beyond battlefield efforts, citing intelligence-driven operations, improved civil-military cooperation, and strengthened adherence to legal and ethical standards.

    “Terrorist activities reduced drastically under his command, and militant groups, including IPOB’s armed factions and other criminal networks, were curtailed,” he said.

    Agbese said attempts to link Buratai to terrorism were illogical and aimed at distorting his legacy.

    “To link a man who confronted terrorists at the frontline to financing them is absurd. His record is one of courage, discipline, and patriotism,” he said.

    The lawmaker cautioned that spreading such allegations could undermine national stability, warning that demonising security leaders only serves to embolden insurgents.

    “Nigerians must not allow unfounded claims to distort the truth,” he added.

  • How to end insurgency, by Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, yesterday listed measures for ending Boko Haram insurgency, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

    Gen. Buratai said a combined holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad was the surest way to defeat Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    The army chief spoke at the Nigerian Military Cantonment in Jaji, Kaduna State, where he flagged-off the 2019 First Quarter Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Conference and Combat Arms Training Week.

    He said the media and other stakeholders must stop glorifying criminals for the military and other security agencies to win the war against kidnapping, robbery and banditry in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states.

    Religious and traditional leaders, security analysts and the media, he claimed, portrayed armed robbers, kidnappers and ethnic militias as stronger than the military and other security agencies.

    The army boss said: “The criminals and bandits are only as strong as the society paints or view them and further propagated by the media.”

    He added: ”There is no doubt that we are engaged in asymmetric operations against terrorists side by side with the resurgence of kidnapping and armed banditry in the North West and the North Central.

    “The strategy we used in the past to address such ugly trends in the South East and the South South must therefore be rejuvenated with new “out of the box” ideas to address the current security challenges.

    “This has necessitated the launching of Operation Harbin Kunama III. The concept of this operation will require the combat arms as well as all combat support services working in synergy with other security agencies, the traditional institutions and other stakeholders to get rid of criminal elements.

    Read also: Terrorism war is complex, says Buratai

    “We must ensure information flow that will be converted into actionable and timely intelligence for troops to take proactive measures and to support and drive targeted operations. It is important that commanders in the field relate with the society and other security agencies in their efforts to bring the high rate of kidnapping, acts of banditry and attacks on villages leading to killings in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Katsina States to an end.

    “At this point, I will seize this opportunity to caution the media and the general public not to glorify bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers and ethnic militias to the extent that they are seen as stronger than the military and other security agencies. The criminals and bandits are only as strong as the society paints or views them and further propagated by the media.

    “It is important to state that information and intelligence flows from the people and indeed from the press and the public. Such criminal activities are intelligence based and the people, are in this regard to provide timely information and clear identifications of the perpetrators.

    “Undue publicity and praise singing of the bandits and other criminal elements would only motivate them to commit more criminal acts at the detriment of the society. Therefore, the press, the general public, security analysts and public commentators are advised to show more maturity and due diligence in this collective effort of ridding the country of criminals and criminalities.”

    Gen. Buratai said Boko Haram had aligned with ISWAP to make northern Borno and the general area of the Lake Chad Basin an enclave straddling the four countries in the region.

    To ensure the defeat of both Boko Haram and ISWAP, the fight requires a combine holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad Commission.

    “That is why Operation Yancin Tafki was launched to effectively ensure the total destruction of the insurgents hibernating and operating from the ‘tumbuns’ with a view to crippling their ability and capability to wage any form of war.

    “The operational successes recorded in this first quarter 2019 in this fight have further underscored the Nigerian Army’s resolve to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    “It is gratifying to note that the army within the first quarter 2019 has performed creditably well starting with the seizing of initiatives and turning the battle momentum against the Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast and rounding off with the professional manner with which the army supported the civil authorities, as part of our constitutional role, to ensure the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    “I must also acknowledge the resilience and doggedness of our troops in reversing the ugly trends that almost marred our concerted efforts in the North East.

    “As you are all aware, Boko Haram has aligned with the ISWAP to make Northern Borno and the general area of the Lake Chad Basin an enclave straddling the four countries in the region.

    “Thus, the fight requires a combined holistic approach by the countries of the Lake Chad Commission to ensure the total defeat of both Boko haram and ISWAP,” he stressed.

    The conference is being attended by senior army officers, including serving and retired Generals. It is designed to appraise the activities of the army in the first quarter of 2019 and design strategy for future operations.

  • Terrorism war is complex, says Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has described the fight against terrorism as complex.

    He said the phenomenon requires multiple efforts, including co-operation of all citizens to combat.

    Buratai, who spoke at the opening of the second Infantry Conference in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, said the Armed Forces had performed creditably well and would continue to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    He said: “Today, we have the full initiative and in collaboration with other sister agencies. We are pushing hard to ensure that we finally sanitised the northern Borno and our border axis with Niger, Chard and Cameroon.

    “We know they have plans, but we are also planning to counter them and we will deploy maximum intelligence to capture those that still remain in the hinterland.

    “Terrorism is a complex warfare which needs the involvement of every individual in the country. If we are able to do so, we will contain the criminals.

    “It should not be left to the security personnel or governments at all levels or the traditional rulers alone. It is a joint responsibility and we are all stakeholders.

    “These criminals are not coming from the blues. They live among us in the society. They go to the markets and buy foodstuffs, just like the rest of us.

    Read also: Buratai says Boko Haram activities now restricted

    “Some of them go to naming, marriage ceremonies and so on. It is our responsibility to make everybody aware that we all have a role to play in bringing the activities of these criminal elements to an end.”

    The Commander of Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Stevenson Olusegun Olabanji said: “The nation is currently grappling with a lot of security challenges with the scourge of terrorism in the Northeast being the most prominent.

    “The Infantry Corps has been at the vanguard of the Army’s efforts in combating these multi-prolonged threats and, in the process, making high demands on our personnel, equipment other materials.”

     

     

  • Terrorism, a complex war – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has described the fight against terrorism as a complex one.

    He however said the menace requires multiple efforts, including co-operation of all citizens to combat.

    General Buratai, who stated this at the opening of the second Infantry Conference in Jaji military cantonment, Kaduna State said the Armed Forces had performed creditably well and would continue to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    According to him: “Today, we have the full initiative and in collaboration with other sisters agencies, we are pushing hard to ensure that we finally sanitized the northern Borno and our borders axis with Niger, Chard and Cameroon.

    Read Also: I’m committed to soldiers welfare, says Buratai

    “We know they have plans but we are also planning to counter them and we will deploy maximum intelligence to capture those that still remains in the hinterland.

    “Terrorism is a complex warfare, which need the involvement of every individual in the country which if we are able to do, will contain the criminals.

    “It should not be left for the security personnel or governments at all levels, or the traditional rulers, it is a joint responsibility and we are all stakeholders.

    “These criminals are not coming from the blues. They live among us in the society. They go to the markets and buy food stuffs just like the rest of us.

    “Some of them go to naming, marriage ceremonies and so on. It is our responsibility to make everybody aware, that we all have a role to play in bringing the activities of these criminal elements to an end.

    Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General Stevenson Olusegun Olabanji said: “The nation is currently grappling with a lot of security challenges with scourge of tourism in the North East being the most prominent.

    “The Infantry Corps has been at the Vanguard of NA efforts in combating these multi prolonged threats and in the process making high demands on our personnel, equipment other materials.”

    He however said that, despite the security challenges the country is faced with, the Army under Buratai, has received a boost in terms of infrastructural and human development in all its formations across the country which has made it possible to deal decisively with Boko Haram terrorists and other insurgents.

  • Buratai pledges Army’s readiness to tackle criminality, banditry

    Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has reiterated military’s commitment to carry out its constitutional mandate professionally and within the ambit of the law.

    Buratai stressed that the Army would also support the effort of the civil authority to tackle criminality and banditry as well as prevent the gruesome act of these criminals from spreading to other peaceful areas.

    The Army boss, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, stated these yesterday while inaugurating “Operation Harbin Kunama III” in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

    Lt.-Gen Buratai explained that the exercise, which is expected to cover Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states, was rescheduled and expanded because of the threat assessment carried out to cover the forest areas that have served as safe haven for bandits.

    Read also: Air Force repels bandit attacks in Zamfara

    “As you may know, the menace of bandits’ activities has continued to persist alone in the Northwest region and border areas. The gruesome and dastardly acts of these bandits have adverse effect on the socio-economic well-being of these areas.”

    The Army boss hailed troops for discharging their duties professionally and exhibiting courage to tackle the country’s myriad of security challenges.

    He explained that the “Harbin Kunama III” exercise is important to the strategic objectives of the Army and the political leadership.

    He added that the exercise would complement “Operation Sharar Daji”, a military outfit in the area flushing out bandits.

  • Army partners African Bar Association to promote rule of law

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday in Abuja promised to partner and collaborate with the African Bar Association (AfBA) to promote the rule of law and human rights of Nigerians and Africans in general.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf  Buratai made this statement while receiving  a delegation of the AfBA  led by its president, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo at the army headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. General Buratai commended  AfBA for championing the interest and rights of Africans in general.

    He said: “We are happy to hear that one of our own, the Director of Army legal services,  Major General Yusuf I.  Shalangwa is the head of the Army Committee of the AfBA. We also   appreciate   what you have done in many African countries including Burundi, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and your efforts for the development of Africa, the promotion of human rights and the rule of law in the continent.

    “Our officers and men are up to the task in the challenges in the North Eastern part of the country including the Boko Haram, Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and their efforts to blackmail the Nigerian  military by threats to take them to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Our rules of engagement are at par with International best practices, this is what we have done.

    “We are a very good team to collaborate with, to promote human rights and the rule of law.  We have a  lot of standing rules of engagement, policy  guidelines and  other publications that guide and regulate everything that we do and our engagement. This also applies to our job on arrest, detention and interrogation of persons; all are done within the ambit of the international best practices and the rule of law.

    Read Also: Army repels Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    “We have reputable international handbook on domestic and international laws guiding our conducts, that is a document policy of the Nigerian armed forces. Above all we have very high respect for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Definitely we will collaborate with you in the areas of training for our members in the area of workshops, seminars, we have a very good collaboration with the NBA in the development of military justice system” Buratai stated

    Earlier in his remarks, the President of AfBA, Mr. Hanibal Uwaifo commended the military authorities for doing a great job in combating terrorism in the country. He intimated his hosts of the efforts of AfBA in promoting democracy, human right and rule of law in African continent and assured the military authorities that the AfBA has all it takes to support the military to do its best for the country.

  • Burutai asked to account for spendings on military operations

    Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has been asked  to  account for spending on operation Lafiya Dole and Crocodile Smile.
    The request was made through the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and signed by Bamisope Adeyanju, Seun Akinyemi and Atiku Samuel, on behalf of SERAP, EiE and BudgIT respectively.

    The groups said: “If the requested information is not provided within 14 days of the receipt and or publication of this letter, our organizations shall take all appropriate legal action under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request.”
    The organisations asked General Burutai to provide information on the 2015, 2016 and 2017 budget implementation reports of the Nigerian Army, including the amounts released (financial implications) and expended for the various operations the Army carried out.

    The groups also urged him to furnish them with “the amounts released (financial implications) and expended in fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 for: Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Python Dance, Operation Ruwan Wuta, Operation Delta Safe, Operation Mesa, Operation Harbin Kunama, Operation Awatse, Operation Tsera Teku and Operation Crocodile Smile.”

    The groups said: “Transparency of the budget process and its implementation is an essential condition to achieve good governance.
    “The reports, if provided and published, will shed light on military spending and put to rest once and for all the perceived lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of military budgets, which has been a subject of intense public debate and concern.”

    According to the groups: “several billions of naira allocated to the military to defend the country and protect its people have neither contributed to improving the ability of Nigerian soldiers to fight Boko Haram and other armed groups nor provided the much-needed security especially for Nigerians in the North-east of the country.”

    The FOI request read in part: “The information being requested does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act.
    “The information requested for, apart from not being exempted from disclosure under the FOI Act, would serve the national interest, public welfare, public interest and peace, human rights, good governance, transparency and accountability.

    “By virtue of Section 1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011,we are entitled to request for or gain access to information, including information on 2015, 2016 and 2017 budget implementation reports of the Nigerian Army, and the amounts released (financial implications) and expended in fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 for the various operations listed, which have yielded no tangible result.”

    “Also, by virtue of Section 4(a) of the FOI Act, when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or agency to whom the application is directed is under a binding legal obligation to provide the applicant with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within seven days after the application is received.”

  • 2019: 82 Division Enugu reviews operational contingency

    The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, said  it has reviewed its  operational  contingency plan to checkmate current and emerging security challenges within its area of responsibility with the aim of having a free, fair and credible poll.
    It said the Division is equally  professionally prepared to decisively deal with the contemporary and emerging security challenges within its Area of Operational Responsibility in tandem with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Vision which is “To have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”.
    This was contained in a statement signed by the Army Deputy Director, Public Relations of the  82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, which was made available  in Enugu.
    The statement said:”This resolution was one of the key agenda during a meeting held by the General Officer Commanding the Division Major General Emmanuel Kabuk, with his Formations and Units Commanders, Deputy Directors and Principal Staff Officers today Thursday the 6th of December 2018 at the 82 Division’s Conference Room.
    “The meeting was held in line with the COAS Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s directive to GOCs, Formations and Units Commanders to review and fine-tune their Operations Contingency Plan towards ensuring Free, Fair and Credible 2019 General Elections and other sundry security challenges across the Nation, especially in the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).”

    Read Also: Shake-up in Nigerian Army

    According to the Army  Spokesman,    “the COAS has given clear directives to the GOCs to pass on to Formations and Units Commanders especially as it relates to the Nigerian Army (NA) preparations and eventual conduct of the 2019 General Elections in their respective AORs.
     “The directives given by the COAS clearly explained how we should conduct ourselves during the 2019 Elections Period. He has directed that Commanders and indeed all NA personnel must remain apolitical, professional and responsive to all security challenges” he further quoted the GOC.
    ” Therefore, towards achieving the COAS directives, he has further ordered that all Formations Commanders to immediately review their Contingency Plan towards ensuring Free, Fair and Credible 2019 General Elections which is the desire of the President, Commander in Chief.”
    The statement  also emphasized the disposition of the Division, which is in obedience to the COAS directive, to the effect  “that there must be constant collaboration and synergy with other security agencies within the 82 Division AOR to ensure security, safety of lives and property of law abiding citizens in the South East Zone and indeed in any other part of the Division’s AOR.
     “This posture should dominate the professional temperament of all Commanders and NA personnel in the Division, before, during and after the Yuletide, New Year and most importantly during the 2019 General Elections”. Sagir quoted the GOC .
    “Similarly, as part of the COAS instruction, the GOC, during the meeting ordered that all operations must be led by the appropriate security agencies to be effectively supported by the NA where necessary. He warned miscreants/hoodlums and other trouble makers to change their ways or face the consequences of their criminal activities.
    “Members of the public are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and indeed all other security agencies in our concerted efforts to ensure effective provision of security in the entire region and any other area within 82 Division AOR.
    “The public are further urged to report any suspicious movement of persons, items or any other things of security interest to the nearest security location for necessary action.”
    It assured  that : “The Division wishes to assure all law abiding citizens of Nigeria in the South East Zone of the safety of their lives and property devoid of any form of harassment or molestation before, during and after the Yuletide, New Year and the oncoming General Elections.
    “Commanders of 13 Brigade Calabar, 14 Brigade Ohafia, 34 Brigade Owerri, 44 Engineer Brigade, 54 Signal Brigade, 302 Artillery Regiment Onitsha, 82 Division Garrison, 24 Support Engineer Regiment Abakaliki and 103 Battallion Aukunanaw, as well as heads of sister security agencies in the zone attended the meeting .the statement hinted.”

  • No territory is under Boko Haram – Buratai

    …says Lake Chad will no longer be their safe haven

     

    As against insinuations from some quarters, Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said that, Boko Haram terrorists are not in control of any territory in Nigeria.

    This was also as he said that Lake Chad which the terrorists have been using as their hideout, will no longer be a safe haven for them.

    General Buratai stated these in Jaji Kaduna State on Tuesday at the graduation of 55 soldiers from Advanced Watermanship Course.

    The army chief however disclosed that, the 55 soldiers would be included in the amphibius battalion which would soon be established to tackle the insurgents in the Lake Chad.

    According to Buratai, “You are all aware of the ongoing event in the country especially, the security landscape between 2013 to mid-2015. I am referring the situation in the north east. However, between middle 2015 to date, the insurgency and terrorist elements have suffered the highest degraduating.

    “They no longer control any territory in particular in our sovereignty; this is due to correct strategies, employment and disposition of the right force with the tremendous backing of the Commander-in-chief, President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the good will of the citizens contributed immensely to the successes achieved so far.

    “There is no gain saying that the focus on effective training adopted in the last 3 years has been the heart of our successes. It is pertinent to say that lessons learnt from our counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations have to a large extent guided our training and our operational planning.

    “Earlier on in the north east campaign known as Operation Lafia Dole, it became evident that we needed to develop the mobile style capability. This informed the development of mobile bridge concept which involves organizing the troops into mobile strike teams. Today, you have witness the employment of mobile strike teams with the incision of troops in small team by air to conduct  raid operations and the subsequent execration through the water body in small groups and parties.

    “You will agree with me that what you have witnessed today is a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army Capability to deal decisively with the Boko Haram terrorists that are still locking up in the Lake Chad waters. This l sure you that with the level of motivation that l have seen this afternoon from theses gallant troops, the lake Chad will no longer be a safe haven for the criminals.” He said.

    Read Also: Buratai cautions troops against social media use

    Buratai however promoted the soldiers to their various next ranks, as their reward for their courage to participate in the special course.

    Meanwhile, the visiting Chief of South African Army (CSAA) Lt Gen. Lindile Yam in his remarks said Nigerian military has to be emulated for.

    “I am delighted to note that the relationship has been started between the two Armies and to note to Lt Gen. Buratai on my visit to the Chief of Air Staff and Naval Staff on Tuesday, l marvel at the relationship between the 2 militaries on how it has grow multi fold and the results that it bears.

    “The Chief of Army Staff visited me early this year and already, l have notice here now when the opening is being done here, I can remain affection, you just put your foot once and things happen.

    And l notice that the change round of the strategy in technical of the Nigerian Army in dealing with the insurgency and especially Boko Haram that has informed that the green figure head in the headquarters on the things that I took for granted only intellectually discussing them and using a lot of English, you put a tomb on them and therefore l thank you a lot for bringing me here and honouring me and for putting the badges on your elites soldiers.” He said.

     

     

  • Killings: We will stabilize Zamfara, Birnin-Gwari soon – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has assured that, the military will soon stabilize the troubled areas of Zamfara state and Birnin Gwari axis of Kaduna State.

    The Chief of Army Staff gave the assurance during his routine operational visit to troops in Kafanchan and Kachia in Kaduna state.

    Buratai who said his visit was aimed at inspection of ongoing projects and assessment of combat readiness of the troops in the field, said plans have already been put in place to restore normalcy in those troubled areas.

    Speaking to newsmen after the tour, Buratai said, “This is routine operational visit to see the troops, to look at what we have in Kaduna, the school of artillery and to see some of the infrastructure that have been put in place, to see what the troops are also doing in respect of operations.

    “This place is one of the Nigerian Army’s Forward Based Operations, which we later developed into a full battalion. We just acquired some of the equipment needed by the battalion, which we will soon start using in the area.”

    Speaking on over 200 motorcycles which he said would be deployed to the area, he said “This is internal security issue going on, and this is something that we must prepare for. The troops have to be on alert to maintain security.

    Read Also: Buratai restates commitment to end insurgency in North-East

    When asked the reason why it is difficult to stabilize the troubled areas of Birnin Gwari and Zamfara state, having restored peace in Southern Kaduna, the Army Chief said, “nothing is making it difficult. Be rest assured that those places will be stabilized very soon.

    “We reinforcing our troops there, we are reinforcing our equipment as well. We are adjusting the deployment in that area. We are getting the relevant platforms to ensure all the security agencies are able to deal with those security threats.” He said.

    The Army Chief had earlier paid a courtesy visit on the Chief of Kaninkon, Malam Tanko Tete and Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa MuhammaduMuhammadu where the two traditional rulers had expressed appreciation to the army and the government for the restored security in their domains.