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  • Why Nigerian Army is acquiring helicopters – Lagbaja

    Why Nigerian Army is acquiring helicopters – Lagbaja

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Army is reactivating its Air wing to enhance its operations and relieve pressure on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Lagbaja made this known to newsmen shortly after addressing participants of Senior Course 46 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, on Tuesday.

    The lecture was on the COAS’ Command Philosophy and Nigeria’s contemporary and emerging security environment.

    Lagbaja said that the Nigerian Army would acquire helicopters to support troops during patrols and operations, to dominate all adversaries.

    He added that doing so would make the NAF concentrate more on the delivery of high operational and strategic requirements.

    Lagbaja also said that the air wing would enable the Army take care of tactical requirements in terms of air interdictions.

    The COAS however stressed that the Army and NAF would continue to work effectively together to tackle the security challenges in the country.

    Lagbaja explained that it was the global practice in military for the Army to have integral helicopters while leaving strategic demands to the Air Force.

    “When we acquire the helicopters and other platforms, what we intend to achieve is to have organic helicopters formations and units in the fields, so that when troops are going for patrols, there is a helicopter overhead.

    “The helicopters will provide intelligence surveillance,  reconnaissance report and air interdiction.

    “For large scale strategic offensive, we will still rely on the NAF,” he added.

    On his command philosophy, the COAS said sharing his ideas and thoughts with students of the college would enable them to be in tune with the strategic thinking of the Army Headquarters.

    He said that the command philosophy was anchored on transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equiped and highly motivated force.

    Lagbaja said this was necessary to achieve the Army’s  constitutional responsibilities working jointly among themselves and with other services.

    “As I am thinking of driving training, operational and leadership effectiveness and administration to the troops, commanders at all the strata of command would also be thinking alike.

    “Doing so, we can jointly have a better Nigerian Army,” Lagbaja said.

    From the left is the  COAS receiving general salute at the AFCSC during his lecture on his Command philosophy, on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    Also, the Commandant AFCSC,  AVM Hassan Alhaji, expressed appreciation to the COAS for practically taking the lead by delivering the lecture in person.

    He said that by sharing his thoughts, the officers would be guided on the direction he is taking the Nigerian Army.

    Alhaji urged the officers to imbibe the leadership qualities espoused by the COAS to sharpen their command capabilities and effectively deliver on assigned tasks.

  • Army reacts to robbery attack on personnel in Benin

    Army reacts to robbery attack on personnel in Benin

    The Nigerian Army has said that no money was carted away when its military vehicle was attacked by armed robbers on Wednesday in Benin.

    Capt. Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement on Friday in Benin, said that media reports suggesting that the hoodlums made away with Ghana-Must-Go bags containing money were inaccurate.

    Sokoya, who is the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, said efforts ate ongoing with other security agencies to arrest the suspects and bring them to book.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a series of inaccurate narratives in the media space in respect of an attack on a military hilux vehicle at Akpakpava road by some armed gunmen on Wednesday, 23 August, 2023.

    “Contrary to several reports, a clerk from 4 Brigade Finance office and a driver went to town to fix the office printer and also stopped at WEMA bank to process and collect a bank statement.

    “The armed gang in a red Toyota Camry car, who must have trailed and noticed that the soldiers were not armed, opened fire on the vehicle, at a traffic light junction probably thinking the soldiers were carrying money.

    “But when they discovered that the vehicle was empty, they zoomed off. Unfortunately, some of the bullets hit the driver on the chest and he died.

    “A lot of reports have insinuated that the armed robbers made away with huge cash in a Ghana-Must-Go bag. That is entirely false, as no cash was involved,” said the Army spokesperson.

  • [WATCH] Army dismisses fake video on ‘captured’ armoured vehicle

    [WATCH] Army dismisses fake video on ‘captured’ armoured vehicle

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed a fake video being circulated in social media of an armoured vehicle purportedly captured by a local terrorist, Bello Turji.

    The Army said non of its armoured vehicles are in the hands of any terrorist, adding that the same fake video emanated from Burkina Faso and was in circulation on Facebook since 2021.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, added that a professional assessment of the video would show that it was doctored.

    According to him, all Nigerian army vehicles including APCs has ‘NA’ inscribed on the number plates which is conspicuously missing on the purportedly captured APC in the video.

    “Additionally, on our record the entire events captured in the footage was not an occurrence that took place at any point in time within the shores of Nigeria, rather available data point to it, as an event that occurred in Burkina Faso some time in 2021.

    “Further investigation showed that the same video was posted on Facebook on 9 November 2021 with URL https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=1544154362616622.

    “Furthermore, the Nigeria army maintains a high level of vigilance and professionalism in safeguarding own armoured vehicles by ensuring that they are not compromised by any criminal element.

    “The Nigerian army therefore urges the public to be wary of misinformation and propaganda employed by insurgents, aimed at precipitating fear and disrupting the peace and security of our nation,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the army remained committed to protecting the lives and property  of citizens, assuring that it would continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and stability across Nigeria.

    “The Nigerian army will continue to provide updates on its operations and activities through official channels to ensure accurate and reliable information reach the public.

    “The army appreciates the support and cooperation of the public, as we strive to ensure a secure and peaceful Nigeria for all,” he said.

    Watch:

    https://fb.watch/mDaQZDyhpo/

     

  • Army foil IPOB attack on its base in Imo, kill two fighters

    Army foil IPOB attack on its base in Imo, kill two fighters

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday foiled an attack on the Forward Operating Base by the Indigenous People of Biafra fighters in Imo State on Wednesday.

    The Army stated that the attempt to attack its base by IPOB fighters was met with stiff resistance by the personnel on the ground.

    This was made known via a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Wednesday.

    According to the statement, the IPOB fighters were engaged in a fierce gun battle that ensued on August 20, the troops killed one of the fighters and arrested two.

    The statement read: “Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating in 82 Division, Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility have foiled an attack by Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network on its Forward Operating Base at Ukwuorji, along Owerri – Onitsha expressway.

    “The irredentist fighters attempted the attack on the troops on 20 August 2023 but met their Waterloo, when they came under the superior firepower of the vigilant troops. The troops neutralized one of the fighters, while 2 others were arrested, as others fled.

    “Items recovered at the scene of the shootout, include one vehicle, one mobile phone, one machete, nine empty cases of expended 7.62 mm Special Ammunition, and one empty case of expended 12.7mm Ammunition.”

    He also said a Boko Haram fighter with his wife surrendered to troops after an aggressive operation in Borno.

    “In another development, following troops’ aggressive combat operations against insurgents in the northeast, one Boko Haram fighter alongside his wife surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison in Gwoza. Items recovered from the terrorist, include one AK 47 Rifle and 10 Live rounds of 7.62 mm Special Ammunition, ” the statement added.

    Onyema also disclosed that troops in another operation on August 21 were waylaid by bandits preparing to attack a village in Zamfara State.

    He said two of the bandits were killed, four motorcycles and two AK 47 Riffles were recovered from them.

    Onyema said, “In a separate operation on 21 August 2023, troops of 1 Brigade Garrison, operating under 8 Division, Area of Responsibility, while acting on actionable Intelligence, ambushed insurgents who were on a mission to attack Bobo Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. In a fierce fight with the insurgents, troops eliminated two of the criminals and recovered two AK 47 Rifles and four motorcycles.”

  • SAD! Army General, slumps, dies during exercise

    SAD! Army General, slumps, dies during exercise

    A top Nigerian Army General has died while running during the Second Annual Physical Training Test for 2023.

    It was gathered that the top Nigerian Army General was an Artillery Officer serving in the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes.

    The General fell while running and was confirmed at the hospital where he was rushed to, a top source in the military told an online medium Monday evening, August 21, 2023.

    According to the source, the top Nigerian Army General was buried on Monday evening according to Islamic rites.

    The source said “sadly, an Army Brigadier General lost his life while running during the Second Annual Physical Training Test for the year 2023.

    “His name is Brigadier General I.M. Ahmadu, an Artillery Officer currently serving in the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes.

    “The General has however been buried this evening(Monday) according to Islamic rite,” the source said.

  • 294 Army Officers sit for qualifying examination

    294 Army Officers sit for qualifying examination

    No fewer than 294 Army Officers on Sunday begun a week-long Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination, holding at Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

    The examination is being conducted by the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

    The President of the Examination Board, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, said the examination was a major prerequisite for officers to attend the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji and other staff colleges overseas.

    He warned the officers against any form of malpractice during the examination.

    “I  believe that while majority of you are on first attempt, others are attempting the examination for the second or third time.

    “Let me assure you all that this is an examination you can pass without resorting to illegal or fraudulent means.”

    Aligbe who is also the Commander TRADOC said members of the examination panel had been working in the past one week, putting together fair and acceptable requirements and solutions for the examination.

    “The requirements are fair enough for any serious-minded candidate to tackle successfully.

    “I will like to emphasize that your performance in this examination is a key determinant of your progress in the Nigerian Army.

    “It is therefore important that you all put in the seriousness and determination that would produce the best result.”

    He assured the candidate of the absolute integrity and understanding of members of the examination panel and Directing Staff.

    “The serious minded and hard-working candidates amongst you have nothing to fear.

    “This examination is not only about writing a test, it is an assessment of your present level of proficiency as well as determinant of your capabilities to undertake higher responsibilities that may be assigned to you now and in the future.

    “Fortunately, you are well trained and most of you have been in one theatre of operation or the other and you all had enough time to prepare for the examination.

    “There should therefore, be no excuse for failure and I expect nothing short of 100 percent pass in this examination.”

    He reminded them that Army Headquarters Policy allowed a maximum of three sittings for each candidate to pass the examination.

    “I urge you all, particularly those on second or last attempt to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to qualify.”

    “I have directed the members of the examination panel to be objective, realistic and innovative in the setting of the requirements.

    “You should therefore, expect questions based on challenges that may arise in the barracks during peace time, as well as exercises and operations.”

    Aligbe said in order to qualify for selection to the AFCSC, a candidate must score a minimum of 50 percent in all subjects.

    The Commander warned that a candidate stands disqualified if caught cheating or indulging in any manner of examination malpractice as highlighted in the NA Charter for Promotion Examinations.

    “All candidates are warned to remain in Jaj throughout the duration of the examination. You will be disqualified and disciplinary action taken against you if you commute from Kaduna or Zaria for the examination,” he added.

    Aligbe said those who came first, second and third would receive certificate of excellence and Letter of Commendation.

    “You are here on a crucial assignment and your conduct during the examination could make or mar your career.

    “The secret to making it in this examination is to have absolute confidence in your abilities, and a dogged determination to succeed in a legally acceptable way.

    “There is no need to be pessimistic or contemplate failure if you have prepared well for this examination. In fact, our desire is for all of you to pass and qualify for selection to the AFCSC.

    “On our part, I assure you of our determination to carry out a meticulous and painstaking marking of your answer booklets and accurate recording of your marks. We shall be firm, but fair to all of you, “Aligbe sad.

    Earlier, the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, urged the candidates to abide by the rules and regulations governing the examination, and maintain highest level of integrity and discipline.

    Oluyede said the examination was aimed at elevating the candidates to the middle cadre of Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces in general.

    He urged the candidates to put in their best in order to come out successful.

  • For over 20yrs security challenges made governance cumbersome in Nig – COAS

    For over 20yrs security challenges made governance cumbersome in Nig – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja has said that security challenges in the last 20years has made governance cumbersome, disrupting developmental progress in the country.

    Tge COAS noted that the Nigeria Army is the most misunderstood, complex and challenged component of the Nigeria Armed forces.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lagbaja stated this when he appeared before the House ad-Hoc committee screening security chiefs, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said: “I consider my nomination as a call to higher responsibilities and I am determined not to betray the trust and confidence reposed in me. It is an open secret that our country has faced a challenging security environment in the past two decades. It has impacted adversely on our socio economic and political lives.

    “The episodic crises of the past have now become enduring thereby making governance and the rule of law more challenging for successive administrations.

    “Today’s painful reality is that insecurity has distred our developetal plans and aspirations of a strong, prosperous, globally competitive and influential nation. Never in the recents is the requirement for proactive, adaptive and inclusive leadership more needed than Nigeria;s security environment of today.

    “These requirements are what I intend to do as COAS if confirmed. I am mindful that the Nigerian Army, which I am being screened to lead is a crucial component of our military instrument of national power. It is not only the largest, but the most complex, most geographically spread, most sought after during crisis and often most misunderstood.

    “I believe that for the Nigerian Army to grapple with the demands of the contemporary security environment, it would consistently transform to be a step ahead of its time.

    “For this reason I conscentualize my philosophy of command as to transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped na highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment. I intend to partner with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in achieving this command philosophy”.

    Alsospeaking at the screening, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will apply the lens of people-centricity to key components of activities to truly put the Nigerian people at the centre of its actions geared towards promoting and safeguarding a secure environment for all.

    He further said that the AFN will defend the countries territorial integrity and democracy as well as safeguard internal security and unity to achieve the stability required to guarantee sustainable national development.

    “I recognize the significance of leading the thousands of devoted and distinguished service men and women to provide a secure and peaceful environment for the Nigerian people to freely engage in their legitimate enterprise in line with the constitutional mandate of the AFN.

    “In this regard, the AFN under my leadership will be people-centric by prioritizing and safeguarding our people and their legitimate way of life as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.

    Speaking on welfare of the troops, Musa said, “troops’ welfare and sound administration will provide the required atmosphere for the AFN to deliver on its constitutional responsibilities. Thus, the AFN will continue to seek ways and means to improve the welfare of its personnel under my watch.

    “In this regard, service men and women of the AFN should be reassured of my commitment to their welfare, provision of relevant operational equipment as well as infrastructural development within available resources to enable them to succeed in assigned constitutional roles.

    “I shall also promote international military cooperation/ collaboration to further expose and provide capacity building to AEN personnel in joint and combined operations outside the shores of Nigeria. This measure is required to consolidate on AFN welfare priorities in order to effectively deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt and sustained land, sea and air dominance by the AFN across traditional as well as asymmetric conflict settings as part of a joint force”.

    Speaking earlier at the meeting, the chairman of the committee, Rep. Babajimi Benson said for more than sixteen years, Nigeria has witnessed diverse and unprecedented level of insecurity in which the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been fully involved prompting the launch of several theatres of operations and exercises as well as providing support for tackling several domestic security challenges.

    “The House of Representatives is delighted with the successes recorded so far, especially in the last one year. We acknowledge these robust achievements which is a proof of the level of professionalism often displayed by our military in the discharge of their duties. We urge you to effectively collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure that all security threats are completely neutralised, and Nigerians can live peacefully.

    “The world of security is dynamic and ever changing. New security threats are emerging across the globe. Today, wars are not only fought on the land, sea and air, but also in the cyberspace.

    ” Consequently, the art of warfare must therefore be a step ahead. This is why Nigeria must tap into and harness the potential of having a Defence Space Force, like in the United States of America. While acknowledging the immense contributions of the Defence Space Administration (DSA), there is a need for a full-fledged Defence Space Force to adequately handle potential threats from the cyber space and provide intelligence support to other services.

    He tasked the nominees that the role of securing lives and property of Nigerians is the collective task for Armed forces

    Rep. Benson further stated that the 10th House of Representatives is keenly committed to providing the necessary legislative framework to the current government in its quest to ensure that Nigerians live in peace.

    “We must therefore work collectively to deliver more on the goals of this administration to drastically reduce cases of insecurity across the country.

    ” While the House will continue to support this vision through our legislative activities, we shall also embark on rigorous oversight exercises, beginning from this screening, to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria adhere strictly to the provisions of all Appropriation Acts as will be eventually passed by the National Assembly and accented to by Mr. President.

    He therefore urged the nominees to cooperate with the National Assembly while performing their constitutional duties of ensuring a peaceful, secure and prosperous country for all Nigerians.

  • Enugu community accuses soldiers of allegedly killing 2, army says it is untrue

    Enugu community accuses soldiers of allegedly killing 2, army says it is untrue

    The people of Eke Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have alleged the killing of a volunteer member of its neighborhood vigilante watch and a housewife from the community by soldiers.

    Narrating what transpired on Sunday, Mr Emeka Anigbo, Assistant Chief Security Officer of Eke Security Neighbourhood Vigilante Watch, who is still grieving over gunshot pain, said they were at 9th Mile Corner on Thursday night when they got a distress call.

    Anigbo said that the caller said that armed robbers blocked the major road leading to the popular Catholic Church Prayer Center (Ugwudinso) and Eke, from Ama Breweries.

    According to him, “on receiving the distress call, we swiftly drove out with a view to confronting the criminal elements, but due to heavy traffic gridlock occasioned by the blockage of the road, they could not get to the scene with their vehicle.

    He said they (vigilante group) decided to park their vehicle along the road, and started moving towards the place, and that while approaching the scene, they met three armed soldiers who ordered them to stop.

    “We obeyed the soldiers and identified ourselves as neighborhood vigilante watch guards. The soldiers asked us to keep coming.

    “On approaching, the soldiers started firing at us, killing one of us and a woman who was on a motorcycle with her husband going back to Eke community.

    “Despite the fact that we were in our full security uniforms and had identified ourselves, the trigger-happy soldiers opened fire on us at a very close range, killing Oke, and the woman.

    “After shooting me severally, while I was on the ground, one of the soldiers still, notwithstanding seeing my identification card and my uniform, went ahead to shoot me again on the shoulder,” Anigbo said.

    Anigbo said that it was the timely arrival of police operatives from 9th Mile Corner Division that saved his life, adding it was the police that stopped the soldier and confirmed that we are Eke Neighborhood Security Guards.

    He alleged that the soldiers equally shot three other members of the local security outfit at close range, leaving them with various degrees of bullet injuries, including one whose penis was completely shattered.

    “It is unfortunate that Mr Ebuka Oke, shot during the barbaric attack by the soldiers, lost his father exactly one month on the same day he was killed,” he said.

    Efforts to speak with Chinedu Okolo, whose manhood was shattered, failed, as he could not utter a word due to severe pains, just as the third victim, Obinna Offor, was passing excruciating pains under oxygen support at the intensive care unit of a hospital.

    Some natives of Eke community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, condemned the unprofessional conducts of the soldiers, describing it as “barbaric and callous”, while calling for independent investigation.

    When contacted, Lt.- Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of Nigerian Army, described as untrue the narrative of the community people and its vigilante arm.

    Unuakhalu said that from the available information in the Division’s disposal, the deceased woman was killed by a stray bullet from armed hoodlums who engaged the soldiers in a shoot-out.

    He said that the troops received a distress call that some criminal elements were operating along the Eke road, and they immediately rushed to the scene, on sighting the soldiers the hoodlums opened fire on them.

    He noted that the soldiers overpowered them leading to the arrest of one of them, and recovering of two pump action guns and some live bullets, after some ran into a nearby bush.

    The Division’s spokesman said he had no information regarding the alleged second deceased (the male).

    He added that it was in the course of the exchange of fire between the troop and the hoodlums that a stray bullet hit the deceased house wife who was rushed to the hospital, “but unfortunately, later died”.

    “So, there is no iota of truth in the information being peddled around that it was soldiers that killed the deceased (female). Our men only rushed to the scene to salvage the situation, after receiving a distress call,” he insisted.

    He noted that it was unfortunate that the woman died, if not, she would have been in the best position to narrate exactly what happened.

    “The Division is going to carry out proper investigation on the incident, so as to unravel what actually transpired,” he said.

    Eke community is the hometown of the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu and immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, among others.

  • Major shake up hits Nigerian Army; top generals affected, new GOCs, others appointed

    Major shake up hits Nigerian Army; top generals affected, new GOCs, others appointed

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has approved the posting and redeployment of top senior officers to commands, instructional and staff appointments across formations and units in a major shake up in the Nigerian Army.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the redeployments and appointments were to reposition the Nigerian army for operational efficiency and functional administration.

    Those affected include Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of Army Headquarters (AHQs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of  training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim had been redeployed from Headquarters  3 Division to the Department of Policy and Plans (DAPP) and  appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).

    Nwachukwu said that Maj.-Gen. BR Sinjen had been appointed Chief of Operations (Army) while Maj.-Gen. OR Aiyenigba, erstwhile Provost Marshal had been appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army).

    “Others are Maj.-Gen. NC Ugbo from Nigerian Army Signals School to Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

    Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola moves from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to Army Headquarters Department of Logistics as the Chief of Logistics (Army).

    “Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi from Army War College Nigeria ( AWCN) to Headquarters 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. AE Abubakar moves from Headquarters 7 Division to 3 Division as GOC and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

    “Also, Maj.-Gen. PP Mala, moves from Depot Nigerian Army to  Headquarters 7 Division as GOC and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East( NE)  Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

    “Others are Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi from HQ Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena (MNJTF) to Theatre Command Joint Task Force  NE Operation (OPHK) as Theatre Commander, while Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali was redeployed from OPHK to MNJTF as the Force Commander,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the appointment of Maj.-Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, as Chief of Defence Intelligence has been formalised.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. OO Oluyede had been appointed Commander Infantry Corps; Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Commander Corps of Artillery, and Maj.-Gen. AA Adeyinka, Commander of Corps of Supply and Transport.

    According to him, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe had been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, while Maj.-Gen. JO Ochai, takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy( NDA), and Maj.-Gen. IB Maina, Commandant, Army War College Nigeria.

    “Equally redeployed  are Brig.-Gen. TB Ugiagbe who is appointed Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Brig.-Gen. OG Onubogu moves to Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre as Commandant, while Brig.-Gen. N Ashinze moves to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director Fusion.

    “The Nigerian Army has also formalised the redeployment of Col. AO Onasanya from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters Guards Brigade as Acting  Commander.

    “The Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments,” he said.

  • Army pulls out ex-COAS Yahaya from service

    Army pulls out ex-COAS Yahaya from service

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday, pulled out of service, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, following the change of leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu.

    Tinubu had on June 17, approved the appointment of new service chiefs, marking the retirement of the erstwhile chiefs from the service of the armed forces.

    Pulling Out Parade is a traditional military ceremony to mark officers’ retirement from service which involves review of parade by the retiring senior officer, March past by troops and pull out if the retired officer by top Generals.

    In his valedictory speech, Gen. Yahaya thanked God for a successful career that saw him through the ranks and reaching the peak as the chief of army staff.

    He said that whatever had a beginning must have an end, saying that Saturday, June 24 marked the end of his career that started on Sept. 27, 1985 when he reported to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.

    He said his time in the army in command positions enjoyed a measure of support from subordinates, quoting Abraham Lincoln who once said, “no man is good enough to govern another man without the other man’s consent or support”.

    “The Nigerian army has indeed grown and I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my predecessors for their dedication service to the army.

    “Their efforts significantly addressed some security challenges in the country during their tenure and provided good platform on which others can build upon.

    “It was on those efforts and platforms that I tried to build which enabled me to contribute my own quota to the upliftment of the Nigerian army,” he said.

    He said that his intention was to superintend over a Nigerian army that would have flexibility capacity and courage to undertake operations in collaboration with other sister services.

    Yahaya said that it was on the basis on that that conceptualised his vision which was to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission in a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria.

    “I am glad to say that we have made significant efforts in a achieving the vision. Our operational activities greatly denied the terrorists and bandits freedom of action.

    “In the North East for example, our kinetic and non-kinetic operations, other measures and supports have been successful and it has resulted among other things in the mass surrender of terrorists and have restored confidence in our people.

    “Economic and social activities have been restored in most areas and many displaced persons have since been returned to their ancestral homes,” he said.

    Yahaya said the army troops had also eliminated several bandits and criminal hideouts as well as neutralised scores with significant return of peace to several troubled areas.

    He added that the anti-oil bunkering operations in the South-South and other operational activities in other parts of the country had also achieved tremendous successes.

    The former COAS commended troops for the achievements and urged them not to relent but redouble their efforts to ensure that the country is secured.

    “I urge you not to be distracted or discouraged by cynical comments by unpatriotic and disgruntled elements but be resolute and discharge your duty decisively with every sense of prove and patriotism.

    “Our success so far was as a result of doggedness and patriotism of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army to duty,” he said.

    Yahaya urged his successor to continue to build on the successes and standards that the army had attained to be able to take the service to the greater height for the good of the country.