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Tag: army

  • COAS Yahaya warns army warns officers to stay-off politics

    COAS Yahaya warns army warns officers to stay-off politics

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has sounded a note of warning to senior Army officers and field commanders to desist from playing partisan politics and work towards a violence -free 2023 general elections

    Yahaya gave the warning at the COAS conference held at Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

    He heaped praises on troops for their efforts so far on battle grounds. He also appreciated the cooperation and work ethics exhibited by Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce and other security agencies saying that their co-operation is everlasting.

    “As we carry out our constitutional duties of maintaining peace and security, in aid of civil authority across the country, let me emphasise that we should all remain professional and glaringly apolitical. He said

    “We should also continue to uphold human rights principles in the conduct of our operations, in tandem with the Constitution and our Rules of Engagement. This is particularly important as the activities outlined in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s calendar gathers steam.”

    He added: “In line with our constitutional responsibilities, we will continue to provide favorable and secure environment for the conduct of the general elections through Operation Safe Conduct, in aid to civil authority.”

  • 3 bandits, soldier allegedly escape from army custody in Lokoja

    3 bandits, soldier allegedly escape from army custody in Lokoja

    Three bandits, including a soldier detained for refusing to fight Boko Haram in Borno State, have allegedly escaped from army custody at Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Kogi State.

     

    The soldier was said to have been moved from Maiduguri to Lokoja when he resisted fighting Boko Haram insurgents and detained alongside three suspected bandits.

     

    The incident was said to have happened on Sunday night when Lokoja witnessed its first rain in the year.

     

    It was gathered that the army has intensified effort to recapture the escaped bandits and the soldier.

     

    “The Army is making frantic effort to arrest the four suspects. From what we learnt, the soldier was seen with a rifle as he aided the escape of the three bandits.

     

    “He has been in our cell here, waiting for when he will be tried. Unfortunately, when it rained heavily on Sunday, the soldier used the opportunity to escape when officers on duty were asleep.

     

    “As I speak to you, the army has mounted surveillance in every entry and exit point of Kogi State to ensure the escapees are re-arrested,” a source said.

    The Public Relations Officer, Command Army Record, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Kogi State, Lieutenant David Adewusi, however, denied knowledge of the escape.

     

    He said: “I have no comment to make as I am not aware of anything like that.”

  • DAY 3: Itsekiri youths mount blockade at Shell facility

    DAY 3: Itsekiri youths mount blockade at Shell facility

    Protesting Itsekiri host communities of Ugborodo in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State on Sunday imposed a blockade on Shell Petroleum Development Company’s Ogidigben flow station in the area.

    Despite the presence of security operatives around the company, the protest, which started on Friday, continued on Sunday.

    According to some youths, the soldiers were brought to subdue the protest by all means.

    One of the protesters explained that the soldiers were deployed by the oil and gas major, who were intimidating and threatening to deal with them if they do not vacate the company’s premises by the end of Sunday.

    They claimed that the purported threat by security agents was capable of causing crisis in the area.

  • Army neutralises IPOB leader, 3 others in Anambra

    Army neutralises IPOB leader, 3 others in Anambra

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four gunmen of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) at Ihiala town in Anambra.

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

    Nwachukwu said troops received a distress call that the gunmen were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order and were firing sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town.

    He said a fire-fight ensued between the dissidents and the gallant troops leading to the killing of their leader, one Ejike, and three others.

    According to Nwachukwu, items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double-barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis, amongst others.

    He, however, noted that one of the combat vehicles conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault.

    “One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries. The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital.

    “While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public is enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information,’’ he said.

  • Shonekan to be honoured with 21-artillery-gun salute – Army

    Shonekan to be honoured with 21-artillery-gun salute – Army

    The Nigerian Army (NA), 81 Division, on Thursday said that there would be a 21-artillery-gun salute to honour the late Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former head of the Interim National Govetnment (ING) on Friday.

    The Division’s spokesperson, Maj. Olaniyi Osoba, in a signed statement said that the salutation would hold at Ebony Vaults and Garden, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

    Shonekan died on Jan.11 at the age of 85 years.

    Shonekan served as head of ING from Aug. 26, 1993 to 17 Nov. 17, 1993.

    Osoba said that the members of the general public who reside and work around Ikoyi should not panic on hearing the gunshot salute.

    “Especially, those around the Ebony Vaults and Garden are not to panic but go about their normal businesses as all necessary safety measures had been put in place,” he said.

  • MNJTF commander tasks personnel on renewed, enhanced operational efficiency

    MNJTF commander tasks personnel on renewed, enhanced operational efficiency

    The Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim, has tasked the Nigerian Army personnel with renewed and enhanced operational efficiency in a multi-agency environment.
    Ibrahim made the call while addressing personnel at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) students of the Department of Land War Fare (DLW) at the maiden land forces operations seminar for senior course 44 on Wednesday in Jaji Kaduna state.
    newsmen reports that the theme of the seminar is: ”Enhancing Operational Efficiency of The Nigerian Army In a Multi-Agency Environment”.
    The commander who delivered a lecture titled on Counter Insurgency Joint Operations in the Lake Chad Basin: MNJTF In Perspective, said “professional personnel must be ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria.
    ”Operations remain the best test of a troop’s fighting spirit. Good training and physical skills are essential elements in the life of a soldier,” he added.
    Ibrahim said a lot of challenges are faced in the conduct of multinational joint task operations.
    ”As a result of the diverse operational environment, the students of the senior course 44 need to learn a lot in case they are deployed for operations in such environments.
    “The officers are trained here on the issues and possible solutions towards achieving success in the joint and multi-agency environment, they are tactical level officers, on graduation, some of them will find themselves as company commanders while others as acting battalion commanders and are likely to operate in such environments.
    “It is therefore wonderful that the AFCSC thought it proper to have organized a lecture and discussion sessions for them”, he said.
    Ibrahim charged the students to be diligent in discharging their duties when deployed to the field, noting that the lecture was part of the preparations to make them very versatile officers in the future apart from their normal curriculum.
    In his remarks, the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Olurotimi Tuwase, said the lecture was educative and would provoke the thoughts of the students.
    “Issues discussed were all insightful and informative. There is no doubt that our knowledge on the subject matter and the need for a multi-agency approach to solving national security issues, has been broadened.
    He urged the students to understand critically how operational efficiency particularly for land operations could be enhanced in a multinational and multi-agency environment.
    “As a group, I think we all need to deeply think on how we can further improve on the existing professional working relationships that exist between us all.
    ”This is even more so as we are all in the business of providing security to better a lot of all Nigerians and citizens of the countries co-located in the Lake Chad Basin”.
    Also, speaking, the Director DLW, Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Maina stressed the significance of land operations with regards to achieving Nigeria’s national security imperatives.
    “There is no gainsaying that the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of addressing the myriad of security challenges facing our dear nation. In so doing, the Army mostly bears the brunt of battles fought in all the operational theatres, both within and outside the country, ”he said.
  • COAS pays operational visit to Kano, inaugurates multiple projects

    COAS pays operational visit to Kano, inaugurates multiple projects

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Wednesday, paid an operational visit to 3 Brigade in Kano State in furtherance of his commitment to improving the security situation in the country.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said that the COAS also inaugurated multiple projects in Janguza Barracks, Kano.

    Nwachukwu said the newly completed projects include: 72 units of Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ), 30 units of Single Officers’ Quarters (SOQ) and five blocks of Company Offices and training shades.

    According to the statement, Yahaya also visited Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero during the operational tour.

    While inaugurating the projects, the COAS said his visit was in tandem with his command philosophy, to enable him interact with troops and obtain first-hand information.

    The army chief said this would enhance his command and administration of the Nigerian Army.

    He said the dearth of personnel accommodation was receiving adequate and prompt attention with the construction of befitting accommodation across formations and units nationwide.

    Yahaya assured that the welfare of personnel was paramount to his command.

    During the visit to Gov. Ganduje, Yahaya expressed appreciation to the government and people of Kano state for their support to army formations and units in the state.

    He added that the Nigerian Army Battle Fitness Centre (NABFC) in Falgore had become a veritable training ground for troops and potential recruits.

    In his response, Ganduje commended the COAS for his sterling leadership qualities in the command and administration of the Nigerian Army.

    He pledged his continuous support and promised to ensure the commencement of phase II of the state government’s support to NABFC.

    Also, the Emir of Kano, Ado-Bayero called on all well-meaning Nigerians to throw their weight behind the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in tackling the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

    He stated that citizens engagement and support were crucial for operational success.

    The emir commended the army for the sacrifices and relentless efforts of its troops in the pursuit of peace and security in Kano and the nation in general.

  • Army denies allegation of attacks by troops on Igbo communities

    Army denies allegation of attacks by troops on Igbo communities

    The Nigerian Army has described the allegation by International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, otherwise known as InterSociety, that troops had attacked Igbo communities as false and spurious.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the allegation in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said that InterSociety had an antecedent of making bogus and unsubstantiated claims, aimed at supporting the activities of outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network(ESN).

    According to him, the latest in their propaganda effort is the baseless report, where it alleged that in 14 months, troops razed not less than 100 Igbo Communities, attacked not less than 1000 dwelling houses belonging to unarmed civilians and destroyed property valued at not less than 40 Billions Naira.

    He said the report also alleged that security operatives killed 1150 innocent and defenceless Ndigbos within the said period.

    “This organisation’s latest report is an attempt to incite the public against the Nigerian army and has tacitly encouraged anarchy in the region through spurious allegations,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the Nigerian army would remain a cherished national institution that had fought at different fronts for the defence of the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria.

    He warned that the army would not permit dissidents and their cohorts to undermine national security.

    According to him, it is sacrosanct to reaffirm that the Nigerian army is a professional force that conducts its operations in line with global best practices.

    “Nigerian army will not under any guise be involved in the suggestive extra judicial killings and such wanton abuse of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry, as alleged by InterSociety.

    “More worrisome is the fact that organizations such as InterSociety turn their eyes the other way, when outlawed groups like IPOB/ESN forcefully deny law abiding citizens their inalienable rights to freedom of movement through their illegal sit-at-home order.

    “These organisations and their likes are advised to re-channel their concerns to the crimes committed by these criminals, who abduct, torture, maim kill and cannibalize their traditional rulers, fellow Ndigbos and other innocent Nigerians under the guise of struggle for ’emancipation’.

    “For emphasis, the Nigeria Army remains a professional force that adheres to extant rules of engagement and code of conduct for operations.

    “The general public and indeed the good people of South East Nigeria are urged to please disregard these unfounded allegations emanating from the propaganda arm of dissident groups in the toga of civil society organisation,” he said.

  • Army War College: Gen. Alabi becomes 5th Commandant

    Army War College: Gen. Alabi becomes 5th Commandant

    The newly appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, (AWCN), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, on Wednesday, took over the leadership of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), as the fifth commandant of the college.

    Alabi took over from Maj.-Gen. Solomon Udounwa, who was redeployed to Army Headquarters and appointed Chief of Special Services/ Programmes (Army).

    The college Public Relations Officer, Maj. Muhammed Maidawa disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    In his valedictory speech, the outgoing commandant, Udounwa, congratulated Alabi, whom he described as an integral part of the college, haven served as Directing Staff as well as Director of Studies prior to his recent appointment as commandant.

    Uduonwa, while wishing him a fruitful and successful tenure, urged the college community to extend same cooperation and support given him, to his successor to enable the college to continue to succeed.

    Alabi, however, promised to build on the legacy of the immediate past commandant and commended him for his purposeful leadership and mentoring of decades.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alabi was among the five pioneers Directing Staff of the college when it was established in 2017.

    He is a member of 41 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.

    The new commandant has held various appointments in command, staff and instructional capacity which included, members of Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji.

    He was also the commanding officer, Nigerian Battalion 29 (NIBATT29) United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and Commander, 3 Brigade Kano, prior to his appointment as Director of Studies and Coordination at AWCN.

    Alabi is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)and a Senior Executive Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School.

    Some of the key military courses he attended include Senior Staff Course in AFCSC, Advanced Command and Staff Course in United Kingdom and Higher Defence Strategic Studies Course at National Defence College Nigeria.

  • BREAKING: Court orders FG to pay Nnamdi Kanu N1 billion, says arrest illegal

    BREAKING: Court orders FG to pay Nnamdi Kanu N1 billion, says arrest illegal

    A High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State has ordered the federal government and the Nigerian Army to pay Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the sum of N1 billion.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Justice Benson Anya gave the order on Wednesday while delivering judgement on a suit filed against the FG, the Army and others by Mazi Kanu.

    Justice Anya, while delivering the judgement, also ordered the FG, the Army and others to tender an apology to the IPOB leader for the invasion of his house in September 2017.

    The Umuahia High Court ruled that the invasion of Kanu’s house was illegal and that the FG and the Army violated the Fundamental Human Rights of the IPOB leader.

     

    Details shortly…