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Tag: army

  • Nigeria: Army, Police urged to probe extortion of farmers, herders in Benue, Kaduna, Taraba

    Nigeria: Army, Police urged to probe extortion of farmers, herders in Benue, Kaduna, Taraba

    The Nigerian Army and Police Force have been urged to immediately launch an inquiry into the alleged extortion of farmers and herders in some conflict-ridden communities of Benue, Taraba and Kaduna states.

    A recent investigative report by Daily Trust had indicted soldiers and police officers deployed in Adaka and Wadata communities of Benue, Jalingo town in Taraba and Zangon Kataf area of Kaduna state of engaging in unprofessional conducts, and exacerbating the plight of farmers and herders through intimidation and extortion.

    Security and Energy expert Kevin Eyneface led the call for Army and Police authorities to swing into action immediately during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Kevin stated that the investigation, which also exposed the identities of some people who perpetrated the act, is valid enough for the security agencies whose personnel have been indicted to take prompt action while urging the military and police hierarchies not to ‘sweep the report under the carpet.’

    Advising the Nigerian Army and Police authorities, He said that “the fact the investigation actually named names is a commendable feat to start with. Hence, it is now left for the system to heal itself, but the question is to what extent will they (Army and Police) want to go to in healing themselves,” Eyneface queried.

    He added that extortion is an outcome of the corruption in the security system of Nigeria – be it the military or the police, noting that the situation is worsened by lack of consequence for bad behaviour of some security agents, flawed recruitment processes, nepotism, cronyism and poor remuneration.

    “Deployment in military, police or DSS to anywhere is backed with corruption. It has to be either based on cronyism or nepotism or some form of bigoted relationship or jingoism. From my experience, a merit window comes when you are exceptionally good.

    “Why do we have a country with a multiplicity of remuneration across the board? Why do politicians earn much more than a Nigerian inspector in the Nigeria Police? The minimum salary of a counsellor in a political office is almost N500,000, with other benefits. Do we have the same salary for a police officer that carries an AK 47 to protect us or a military officer that protects us with arms – the answer is No,” Fyneface stated.
    Towing the same line, Daily Trust journalist Musa Luka Muka asked the Nigerian Army and Police authorities to act on the investigative report indicting security agents of compromising standards in Benue, Taraba and Kaduna communities.
    Musa urged the Federal Government “to do something urgently about extortion because people are suffering out there. People are dying in the rural areas.

    “There are lots of farmers and herders in crisis; they are facing worse situations than what has been reported, but they are not ready to give out information because they are skeptical and afraid of a reprisal attack, He explained.

    The investigative journalist stressed the need for ordinary Nigerians to be sensitized about intimidation and extortion by security agents.

    “Sadly, the citizens fear to give out information. As such, we have to engage in sensitization. We (the government) should do something about this report because people are suffering out there. People are dying in the rural areas,” Musa said.
    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Army holds medical, educational outreaches in Kogi

    Army holds medical, educational outreaches in Kogi

    The Nigerian Army held medical and educational outreaches targeted at vulnerable citizens in communities in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi on Monday.

    The educational outreach was inaugurated by the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Harunah Dasuki at the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Okene.

    He distributed notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, erasers and other stationery to students of the college.

    The medical outreach tested residents in communities for high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria and typhoid; administered polio vaccines and did general medical consultations.

    Dasuki said the outreach was part of activities of on-going “Exercise Still Waters III’’ to reach out to less- privileged citizens in the society.

    He noted that the Nigerian Army flagged off the exercise on Oct. 30 to facilitate Yuletide celebrations in its host communities.

    The commander added that the medical and educational outreaches were part of army’s civil-military cooperation and commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for facilitating the exercise.

    “I assure you that the Nigerian Army would continue to ensure a secure environment for the people for economic activities to thrive.

    “We appeal to people in communities to provide adequate and timely information about criminality in their areas to enable us to keep the areas safe,’’ he said.

    Responding, Mr Yusuf Suleiman, Secretary, Okene Local Government Council, who represented the chairman, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Muhammad, expressed appreciation of the army’s gesture.

    He said the gesture would go a long way to improve the health of the people and enhance the academic performance of the students.

    Expressing appreciation of the gesture, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Jemilat Nuhu, said she was given anti-malaria and typhoid drugs after a medical test.

    “Mosquito will no longer bite me and my baby since the army has given us insecticide-treated mosquito net,’’ a nursing mother said.

    Representatives of students at the college also assured the army that they would use the materials provided judiciously.

    Earlier, Dasuki visited the Margaret Garba Ohiani Orphanage Home, Lokoja, where he donated food items and cash to less-privileged children.

    Mrs Regina Ejembi, who received the items on behalf of the orphanage home, appreciated the army for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to take care of the vulnerable children.

    Items donated at the orphanage home were rice, detergents, sugar, noodles, spaghetti, seasoning cubes and cash.

  • SAD! Nigerian Army Captain reportedly takes own life

    SAD! Nigerian Army Captain reportedly takes own life

    SAD! A Captain in the Nigerian Army identified as Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza, has reportedly committed suicide in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    A relation of the deceased soldier said on Sunday that the lifeless body of Captain Bazza, who recently became a father, was found hanging from a tree in a bush on Saturday night.

    The family source described his death as ‘mysterious and suspicious,’ adding that the cause of death had not been ascertained as he left no suicide note for either his wife, elder sister or any other member of his family.

    “How can a Captain in the army hang himself with a mosquito net that he used to sleep? He didn’t have any reason to kill himself. Did he kill somebody? No! So why would he just kill himself? He lost his tent mate under mysterious circumstances when he was in Yobe.

    “He got married in 2017 and he has only one child – a boy,” the source said.

    He said that the Nigerian Army headquarters said an investigation to determine the cause of death had begun.

    “We lost this young man (my brother-in-law), Captain Alphonsus Alexander Kalthy Bazza, last night. He committed suicide in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    “But the army headquarters is investigating the real cause of his death. They claimed his body was found hanging in the bush. No note was given to either his wife or any member of his family; the family is not aware that he left any note behind,” the family source said.

  • Movement of troops, equipment: Army urges Enugu residents not to panic

    Movement of troops, equipment: Army urges Enugu residents not to panic

    The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has urged residents of Enugu State not to panic when they see movement of army troops and equipment.

    The Division also urged residents, especially those living within Udi Local Government Area and its adjoining communities, not to panic when they hear gunshots between Nov. 7 and Nov. 9.

    The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, said in a statement on Friday in Enugu that the movement of troops, equipment and gunshot sounds would be part of a range classification exercise of the Division.

    The statement was titled: “82 Division Nigerian Army Training School to Conduct Range Classification Exercise from Nov.7 to Nov. 9, 2023”.

    “Consequently, members of the public especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima and Onyohor communities should not panic on sighting heavy movement of troops and equipment and hearing sound of gunshots on the mentioned date.

    “Similarly, locals are advised to stay away from the range areas throughout the exercise as it will involve the use of live ammunition,” Unuakhalu said.

    The army spokesman explained that 82 Division Training School is saddled with the responsibility of training and retraining of soldiers within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR).

    According to him, the school is presently running its Fourth Quarter Basic Battle Course 6 of 2023.

    “In line with training activities for the course, the School will be conducting range classification exercise for the students from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, 2023 at the 82 Division Nigerian Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area.

    “The exercise is aimed at improving weapon proficiency and marksmanship skills of the students, as well as to ascertain the serviceability of weapons and practice the theory taught in class,” he added.

  • Army, DSS foil terrorist attack in Kano

    Army, DSS foil terrorist attack in Kano

    Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully foiled an imminent attack on Kano by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the troops of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army in close cooperation with the DSS, raided the terrorists’ hideout in the early hours of Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

    He said the operation was aimed at uncovering and apprehending suspected Boko Haram terrorists believed to be planning a major operation in the state.

    “Consequently, the troops swiftly swung into action and apprehended two two suspects, who are now in custody.

    “During the operation, the joint troops recovered five AK 47 Rifles, five AK 47 Rifle Magazines, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG and five RPG Bombs.

    “Others are six: Hand Grenades, five pairs of Desert Camouflage Uniforms, 10 pairs of magazine pouches and some Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said interagency cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as exemplified in the conduct of the operation, was a testament of the strength of their collective resolve to defeat insurgency and other security challenges.

    He added that the successful operation reinforced the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property of citizens.

    “The NA remains resolute in its effort to counter and degrade insurgency and other forms of security challenges across the country.

    “We entreat members of the public to be vigilant and collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid the ongoing operations to curb insecurity.

    “The Nigerian Army reiterates its dedication to the protection of our beloved nation and appreciates the support and trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.

  • Police, army rescue 4 kidnap victims in Katsina State

    Police, army rescue 4 kidnap victims in Katsina State

    Police in Katsina State rescued four kidnap victims in Dandume Local Government Area on Saturday in collaboration with the military.

    Police spokesman in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, stated in Katsina on Saturday that the rescue was achieved during a routine patrol around Dankolo village.

    “In a bid to ensure the safety of lives and property police, in collaboration with troops, rescued four persons kidnapped at different locations in the state.

    “The relentless efforts and dedication of our security forces paid off, resulting in the rescue,’’ ASP Sadiq-Aliyu stated.

    He added that the victims had undergone medical examinations to ensure their well-being, and had been reunited with their families.

  • Army Court sentences General to 7 years in prison, orders refund of stolen N3bn

    Army Court sentences General to 7 years in prison, orders refund of stolen N3bn

    The Nigerian Army Special Court Martial on Tuesday, convicted a former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Maj.-Gen. Umaru Mohammed to seven years imprisonment.

    The court also ordered the convicted senior officer to refund 2.17 million dollars and N1.06 billion being amount of monies he stole, back to  the company’s coffers.

    Pronouncing the sentence, the President of the court, Maj.-Gen. James Myam, said the officer was found guilty on 14 of the 18 count charges brought against him.

    Myam said the sentence was based on the provisions of the Criminal Code Act Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and section 174 of the Armed Forces Act cap  20 Laws, 2004.

    According to him, the verdict was made after due consideration of the plea of mitigation by the defence counsel.

    “These sentences of this special court martial are all to run concurrently and are subject to the confirmation of the confirming authority.

    “This sentence is dated this day, the 10th of October 2023 and the court is hereby adjourned Sine die,” he said.

    Myam said that on count one which borders on stealing, Mohammed was found guilty and will spend five years in prison and refund 1.04 million dollars back to NAPL.

    The court also found the officer guilty on count two and sentenced him to five years imprisonment, in addition to paying back the sum of $400,800 to NAPL.

    On count three, Mohammed was sentenced to five years imprisonment and to refund the sum of $85,400 while count four also attracted five years imprisonment with an order to pay back the sum of $35,300.

    On count five, the former NAPL boss was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an order to pay back the sum of $55,500 to the NAPL.

    Count six also attracted five years imprisonment with an order pay back the sum of $46,500.

    The court however discharged and acquitted him of the charge in count 7, but sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on count eight, while the remaining charges he was convicted of, attracted five and two years imprisonment.

    The defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), citing Section 157 of the Armed Forces Act, prayed the court to move his client to a custodial centre instead of military detention facility, which the court rejected.

    Ojo also prayed that the sentence should run from the day of the court’s pronouncement.

    On whether he will appeal the judgment, Ojo said he will consult his client on that.

    “If he tells us tomorrow or after the confirmation that he is not satisfied with the findings and sentence, then we must carry out his instruction to appeal if he so instructs us, the decision is his,” he added.

  • Army dismisses report of impending operations in 4 states as fake

    Army dismisses report of impending operations in 4 states as fake

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday dismissed a report of impending operation in Benue, Taraba, Plateau and Kogi as fake.

    The fake report was purported to have emanated from Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated in Abuja that the fake publication was the handiwork of some fifth columnists bent at misleading the public.

    Nwachukwu stressed that the information conveyed in the said document was outright falsehood calculated to spread fake news to create undue tension and undermine the Nigerian Army.

    According to him, a scrutiny of the fake press statement with a fake army letterhead indicates a non-existent nomenclature in the Armed Forces – “The Nigeria Defence Headquarters Abuja Sector (1) Operation Whirl Stroke.’’

    “Additionally, there is no such appointment as `General Operation Commander’ in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, the fake press statement was riddled with syntax, grammatical and spelling errors which are in dissonance with Nigerian Army’s press statements,’’ he stated.

    Nwachukwu added that the Nigerian Army, being a staunch defender of Nigeria’s sovereignty, had over time, maintained robust civil-military relations with the people of Benue, Taraba, Plateau and Kogi.

    He stated also that it was untoward that mischief-makers could attempt to ruin the highly-valued relationship with their intent for extra judicial killing in the course of conducting the purported operations.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army has always sustained the flow of information to the general public whenever the need arises through appropriate media channels.

    “Considering the damage that this misinformation could cause to members of the public, the army wishes to warn unscrupulous persons or groups employing misinformation to aggravate insecurity in the country to desist from the practice.

    “They should rather join other well-meaning and law-abiding citizens to support the Nigerian Army in countering terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality in the country,” Nwachukwu stressed.

     

  • Tinubu approves payment of 12 attack helicopters for army

    Tinubu approves payment of 12 attack helicopters for army

    President Bola Tinubu has approved payment for the procurement of 12 attack helicopters for the Nigerian Army.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made this known at the opening of the maiden Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters would operationalise the Nigerian army aviation unit, which was set up to improve ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and efficacy during operations.

    The COAS added that it would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.

    Lagbaja explained that the army aviation was generally separate from a nation’s dedicated air force, but usually equipped with helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

    He appreciated the president for buying into the aspiration of the Nigerian army to have an equipped aviation unit, which would support ground troops as they focus on tactical and operational engagements.

    According to him, the experiences of nations like the United States, Pakistan, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda are instructive in this area.

    “The army aviation arms of these countries have shown effectiveness in countering contemporary security threats and providing vital support to ground forces.

    “In view of the need to realize this, and in its bid to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats, the Nigerian Army resuscitated its aviation aspiration in 2014.

    “I am happy to inform this gathering that the Nigerian army is willing to learn from the army aviation journeys of the countries mentioned earlier.

    “Our willingness to learn from them is to adapt their best practices to suit our unique operational environment and avoid their mistakes.

    “I can proudly report that since 2014, the Nigerian Army has made commendable progress in training pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, and other ground support crew,” he said.

    The COAS said that the army had submitted the aviation outfit to the Nigerian Air Force for proper mentoring.

    On the seminar, Lagbaja said it was to discuss likely challenges the unit may face and proffer innovative solutions.

    “Therefore, this seminar is a platform for us to deliberate on critical issues and share invaluable insights regarding the future of Nigerian army aviation, even before that future comes upon us.

    “Ideas generated from our deliberations are expected to help strengthen the capabilities through capacity building, infrastructure development and guide further acquisition of cutting-edge platforms and technologies,” he added.

    The Acting Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the unit would play pivotal role in bolstering ground operations and addressing the current security challenges confronting the nation.

    Alkali said the re-establishment of army aviation was a decisive step towards enhancing operational reach and effectiveness in countering contemporary threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.

    He added that the seminar was significant to the continuous efforts to operationalise the aviation unit.

  • Army dismisses allegation of diversion of troops’ allowances

    Army dismisses allegation of diversion of troops’ allowances

    Army headquarters on Monday dismissed reports of corruption and diversion of troops’ Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), allegedly made by troops providing security for Chinese nationals working on the Zungeru Hydroelectricity Dam project in Niger.

    Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated in Abuja that the allegation was published on some online platforms.

    He stated that the publication claimed that the troops alleged that their erstwhile General Officers Commanding, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi and Brig.-Gen. Jamiu Jimoh did not pay their RCAs for three months.

    “Contrary to insinuations made in the online report, troops deployed at the Chinese company in Niger have always been paid in tranches upon receipt of funds from the relevant institution.

    “The last tranche payment of RCA to the troops by the affected institution elapsed on Feb. 28.

    “The next tranche of payment is being processed.

    “Army Headquarters has paid the troops for March to June to ameliorate their operating conditions and to keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.

    “Additionally, to cushion the effect of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily and this has been a routine.

    “The troops’ RCA was, therefore, not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or by anyone else, as wrongly portrayed,’’ Nwachukwu stated.

    He added that while the Nigerian Army understood concerns raised in the allegations, the army under Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja had remained committed to troops’ welfare.

    “Welfare of troops takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations as it is one of the pillars of Lagbaja’s Command Philosophy, which is to provide `sound administration’ of personnel.

    “The Nigerian Army, therefore, has zero tolerance for any form of financial misappropriation and is strongly averse to any action inimical to the morale of troops,’’ Nwachukwu stressed.

    He added that the Nigerian army had remained committed to upholding integrity, transparency and accountability in the administration of the welfare of troops in all its operations and in other endeavours.

    This, according to him, is contained in the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff.

    The philosophy is: “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our Constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.’’

    Nwachukwu stressed also that the Nigerian army does not only recognise the importance of welfare and well-being of its personnel, it also appreciates the positive impact of morale on their wellbeing.