The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has presented a brand new Hilux Vehicle each to 14 living heroes of the Nigerian Army In commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) 2022.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the vehicles were presented to the veterans for serving the nation when their services were mostly needed.
He added that the presentation was also in honour and recognition of the sacrifices of both the fallen heroes and veterans who were still alive for their services to the Nigerian Army (NA), the nation and humanity.
According to him, the presentation was done nationwide, across all formations of the Nigerian army to signpost the significance of the celebration.
Nwachukwu said the Provost Marshal (PM), Army, Maj.-Gen. Robert Aiyenigba, presented one of the vehicles on behalf of the COAS to one of the beneficiaries on Saturday.
He said that Aiyenigba symbolically presented the vehicle to the former Regimental Sergeant Major, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP), Ex Army Warrant Officer Akinyokun Felix, on the occasion of his retirement after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.
According to him, the PM stated that AFRDC provided an opportunity for retrospection and appreciation of the patriotism and sacrifices demonstrated by both veterans and fallen heroes.
“He said it was in appreciation of their services that the COAS presents these vehicles to the retirees, saying the gesture was an affirmation of the high premium, the COAS places on welfare of personnel.
The beneficiary, retired MWO Akinyokun thanked the COAS for finding them worthy of the award, describing it as a morale booster to them and those they left in service.
“He added that they would continue to support the NA to succeed in her constitutional mandate, even in retirement,” he said.
Tag: army
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COAS celebrates heroes, presents vehicles to veterans
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Nigerian army redeploys GOCs, top officers in major shake-up
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has approved the posting and appointment of senior officers of the Nigerian Army in a bid to reinvigorate the service.
In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu in Abuja, those affected in the exercise include General Officers Commanding and other senior officers.
Nwachukwu disclosed that Maj.-Gen. Godwin Umelo had been redeployed from Defence Simulation Centre to Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and appointed the Director General, Defence Research and Development Bureau.
He also disclosed that Maj.-Gen. V Ebhaleme was appointed Director, Support Services in Defence Space Administration while Maj.-Gen. GB Audu moves to Nigerian Army Resource Centre as Senior Research Fellow.
Others, according to him, include the erstwhile Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Solomon Udounwa who had been appointed Chief of Special Services/ Programmes (Army) in the newly established Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes.
According to him, Maj.-Gen. MT Durowaiye from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans moves to Army Headquarters Department of Administration (Army) and appointed Director Veteran Affairs Directorate.
“Maj.-Gen. AE Attu moves from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Defence Training and Operations and appointed Director Peace Keeping Operations while Maj.-Gen. UT Musa moves to Headquarters 81 Division as General Officer Commanding.
“Maj.-Gen. CU Onwunle had been appointed Director of Communications DHQ; Maj.-Gen. OO Oluyede moves to Headquarters 6 Division as General Officer Commanding and Maj.-Gen. LT Omoniyi moves to Army Headquarters Department of Operations as Director Campaign Planning,” he said.
Nwachukwu further disclosed that Maj.-Gen. OJ Akpor had been redeployed from Nigerian Defence Academy to Defence Headquarters as Director Defence Information, while Maj.-Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo moves from 7 Division to Defence Headquarters as Director Campaign Planning.
He also said that while Maj.-Gen. LA Fejokwu had been appointed Director Standard and Evaluation DHQ, Maj.-Gen. JAL Jimoh was redeployed from Nigerian Army School of Artillery to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as Chief of Training.
According to him, Maj.-Gen. HT Wesley moves from Office of the Chief of Army Staff to Headquarters Defence Intelligence Agency and appointed Director Administration and Maj.-Gen. JO Ochai moves to Nigerian Army Armour School as Commandant.
He added that Maj.-Gen. SG Mohammed was redeployed from 6 Division to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans amongst others.
“Other senior officers affected in the reorganisation include; Brig.-Gen. AS Maikano who moves from Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme to 82 Division and as Commander Division Finance and Accounts.
“Brig.-Gen. LA Lebo has been appointed Acting Deputy Chief of Training (Linkages/Integration), while Brig.-Gen. MO Ihanuwaze was appointed Director of Budget and Accounts (AHQ) and Brig.-Gen. Ojogbane Adegbe was appointed Director Psychological Operations, AHQ Department of Civil-Military Affairs,” Nwachukwu added.
Army spokesperson disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, had charged all the newly appointed senior officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and redouble their commitment to duty.
According to him, the COAS also urged the newly appointed senior officers to ensure value addition in their respective commands.
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Zulum advocates for enhanced salary, welfare for military personnel
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has advocated for improved salary and welfare for the military personnel to boost thier morale.
Zulum made the call on Sunday in Maiduguri at a feast to celebrate the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo, who was promoted to the rank of Major General.
Zulum noted that military personnel had made lots of sacrifices under harsh conditions and paid the supreme price to secure the nation, adding that it need to be rewarded accordingly.
He congratulated Eyitayo and other elevated officers, saying that the government and people of the state were excited over the development.
The governor reiterated commitment of his administration to support the military to enable it to succeed in the fight against insurgency.
Zulum described the relative peace recorded in the state as a welcome development, adding that it facilitated resettlement of displaced persons in the liberated communities.
He also announced plans to re-open the commercially viable Maiduguri – Gamboru – Ngala road and Maiduguri – Damboa road in January, to fast track normalisation of activities in the state.
“Today; I am happy as the Governor of Borno because we have achieved a lot.
“We are able to return people to Baga, Wulgo, Ngoshe and many communities in the state.
“By the grace of God, we shall soon resettle people back to Malumfatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area.
“The only way we can fight insurgency is for us to continue to be resilient,” he said.
In their separate remarks, Eyitayo and Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), restated commitment of the military to end insurgency in the country.
While commending the support of the government and people of the state in the counter insurgency operation, they urged remnants of the terrorists to emulate those that surrendered before it’s too late.
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FULL LIST: Army, Air Force promote 177 senior officers
The Nigerian Army and Air Force have promoted a total 177 senior officers in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.
In the Army, a total of 41 brigadier generals were promoted to the rank of major general, while 76 colonels were also elevated to the rank of brigadier general.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, announced in a statement issued on Wednesday that the promotion is sequel to an approval by the Army Council on December 21.
“The Army Council has on Tuesday the 21st of December 2021, approved the promotion of senior officers to the ranks of Major General and Brigadier General respectively,” the statement read.
“A total of 41 Brigadier Generals were meritoriously promoted to the enviable rank of Major General, while 76 Colonels were also elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.”
Those promoted to the rank of Major General include the Director, Directorate of Army Data Processing Lagos, Brigadier General CU Onwunle; Research Fellow/Subject Expert, Indian Sub-Continental at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, Brigadier General M Danmadami; Director Military Training Nigerian Defence Academy, Brigadier General OJ Akpor; Brigadier General UT Musa of the Department of Administration Army Headquarters Abuja.
Other beneficiaries include Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division/ JTF NE Operation Hadin Kai Maiduguri, Borno State Brigadier General AA Eyitayo; Brigadier General V Ebhaleme of Defence Space Administration Abuja, Brigadier General LT Omoniyi of Department of Civil Military Affairs Abuja and Brigadier General NU Muktar Acting Director of Procurement at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, Army Headquarters Abuja amongst others.
In the Air Force, the 60 senior officers consist of 29 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs) and 31 Air Commodores (Air Cdres) to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The Air Force Council which approved the promotion also issued the concessional commission of an Air Warrant Officer (AWO) and five Master Warrant Officers (MWO) to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Concessional commission is usually reserved for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) at the twilight of their career years in reward for hard work and in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the senior officers promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal include Air Cdres Precious Amadi, Nnamdi Ananaba, Abubakar Abdulkadir, Anthony Ndace, Usman Abdullahi, Eneobong Effiom, Iboro Etukudo, Abubakar Abdullahi, Sunday Aneke, Nnaemeka Ilo, Adeniyi Amesinlola, Ebimobo Ebiowe, Micheal Onyebashi, Emmanuel Shobande, Sayo Olatunde, Francis Edosa, Ahmed Shinkafi, Bashiru Mamman and Halim Adebowale. Others are Ahmed Bakari, Framah Batnah, Adeniran Ademuwagun, Lanre Oluwatoyin, Titus Dauda, Olufemi Ogunsina, Paul Masiyer, Nkem Aguiyi, Abidemi Marquis and Oluwafemi Ogunmola.
Those promoted from the rank of Group Captain to Air Commodore are Gp Capts Chukwuedo Illoh, Bamidele Amuda, Samson Adelakun, Hadi Ahmed, Abiodun Oyekunle, Caleb Olayera, Idorenyin Bassey, Philip Kwasau, Mohammed Omar, Ayodele Akinbuwa, Emeng Imoke, Luqman Lawal, Shaibu Buhari and Ehimen Ejodame. Others include Mohammed Lawal, Idowu Ayo, Emmanuel Ola, Ewejide Akintunde, Elisha Bindul, Dogo Gani, Edmond Oluokun, Akeem Adebomehin, George Akinyimika, Mohammed Garba, Oladimeji Almaroof, Gowon Sule, Ifeanyi Azubuike, Hamisu Usman, Adebanjo Adeosun, Sabir Adeyanju and Halima Musa who is the only female officer on the list. The SNCOs granted concessional Commission to the rank of Flight Lieutenant include Air Warrant Officer Adole Abraham, Master Warrant Officers Liman Musa, Akinwale Olayinka, Akpabio Josephine, Nwojiji Okemini and Isa-Kaita Aminu.
On his part, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, congratulated the newly promoted senior officers and SNCOs, urging them to see the elevation as an impetus to re-dedicate themselves towards efficient service delivery.
According to him, the newly promoted senior officers will be decorated with their new ranks at a later date.
This is even as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya asked all the promoted officers and their families to redouble their effort to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerian Army.
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Army denies culpability in police woman’s son’s death in Edo
The Nigerian Army has debunked reports in social media alleging that troops tortured one Christian Ehima to death in Edo as false and misleading.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, denied the allegation in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu stated that the Nigerian army as a professional force had utmost respect for the sanctity of human life and zero tolerance for infringement on the rights of citizens.
According to him, while the Nigerian army sympathises with Ehima’s family over the unfortunate incident, it is instructive to put the records in proper perspective, contrary to the misgivings peddled in the social media.
He said that incontrovertible evidence indicated that Ehima wandered into a military checkpoint at Igbanke in Benin on Dec. 10 without his clothes on, and was halted by soldiers on duty.
Nwachukwu explained that Ehima was interrogated but could not say anything meaningful on where he was coming from or heading to, adding that his behaviour was rather weird and indicative of someone under some sort of influence.
He said the guard commander, who observed the abnormal behaviour of the deceased, immediately requested for his phone in an effort to contact any of his relations, friends or associates.
The army image maker explained that a call came through to Ehima’s phone shortly after and the caller identified herself as his mother and she was invited to pick up her son, who was still very agitated and unstable.
According to him, the mother arrived at the scene and identified herself as a police officer and was briefed about her son’s observed abnormal behaviour.
“On sighting his mother, his behaviour became aggravated.Thereafter, some passers-by were mobilised to help her take him to the hospital.
“In her conversation with the soldiers, she attributed her son’s weird behaviour to influence of alcohol, but soldiers present maintained that whatever was responsible for Ehima’s behaviour at that time was way beyond alcohol.
“It is also important to state that the incident was recorded both on video and audio, showing the behaviour of Christian Ehima and his mother commending the soldiers for their kind intervention.
The evidence, including audio recordings of the police officer and her son are attached.
“Surprisingly, this unfortunate incident has been falsely reported in the social media without recourse to the reality of what transpired on the said date,’’ he stated.
Nwachukwu urged the public to disregard what he described as “misguided information’’, saying it was clearly manipulative and an attempt to bring the Nigerian Army to disrepute.
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Nigerian Army inaugurates 4,800 new soldiers to combat nation’s security challenges
The Army on Saturday admitted 4,800 new soldiers at a passing out parade ceremony held in Kaduna State.
The new recruits are expected to contribute to the army’s ongoing operations in various parts of the country, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, said.
“They commenced their training in August and they have been trained as professional soldiers in line with our training directives, taking cognisance, of course, of the current environment,” the army chief said.
“We hope they will deliver as they are deployed across all the theatres.”
He said the army portal has been opened for a new set of recruits who are expected to commence training in January.
“The drive as mandated by Mr. President is to increase our strength and have more feet on the ground in addition to all the things we are doing,” he said. “And he has provided all the resources for this.”
He added that there is also provision for specialised training being given to those already in the service, to enhance their capabilities.
Lieutenant-General Yahaya, while urging the newly inaugurated soldiers to apply the mental, physical and moral training acquired over the past few months as well as those they will be exposed to at their respective formations, warned them to uphold the Nigerian Army’s core values of Loyalty, Selfless Service, Courage, Discipline, Integrity, and Respect for Others.
He also asked them to remain loyal to constituted authorities at all times and place the interest of the nation ahead of their personal convictions, even as he reminded them to be ready to go wherever ordered to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria at any cost.
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Army pledges loyalty to President Buhari, Constitution; says Nigeria will be more secured from 2022
The Nigerian Army has assured citizens that there will be improved security across the country in 2022 and beyond.
It also vowed to stay off politics.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, gave them he assurance at the closing of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja.
According to him, the Army remains committed to ensuring that peace returns to every part of the country in no distant time.
Yahaya said the conference was an opportunity to examine security issues plaguing the nation.
“Consequently, our focus for the coming year would be on developing capacities for improved performances across board.
“Emphasis will be placed on both individual and unit training that will enhance teamwork and professionalism.
“In this regard, I want to urge commandants of Nigerian Army and Corps schools to ensure they conduct realistic training in their various institutions to ensure our officers and soldiers are equipped with the right skills and competencies to confront all criminal elements in the various theatres of operations.
“I want to remind formation and unit commanders on the need to ensure systematic inspection of arms and ammunition as well as the various holding facilities.
“Additionally, the directive on the new procedure for the conduct of range classification exercise has been communicated to all participants for compliance.
“Thus, commanders must ensure that units under command adopt this new procedure which is aimed at ensuring accountability and security of controlled items in the Nigerian Army.
“In the conduct of our operations, commanders must be proactive and aggressive in order to defeat the adversary.
“Let me state at this point that we must ensure all our deployments in the theatres of operations are held in strength to defeat any attack.
“Commanders must also look at the possibilities of conducting a wide range of operations against bandits and terrorists.
“Furthermore, Commanders must ensure that their troops master the art of night operations and anti-ambush drills by engaging in effective night operations and anti-ambush drill training.
“We must take the fight to the adversary in order to neutralize and defeat them.
“Furthermore, commanders are also urged to develop contingency plans to ensure our forces always retain the initiative in all our theatres of operation.
“In that vein, commanders must plan for the possible increase in scope and dimension of the activities of violent state actors in the coming year.”
The Army chief restated his loyalty to the constitution and the president.
He said: “The Nigerian Army, under my leadership, will remain loyal to the Constitution and to Mr President.
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I wish to most respectfully reassure Mr President of the unalloyed loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the defence of democratic governance in Nigeria.”
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‘Wake up to your responsibilities,’ Zulum tells Army after Maiduguri attacks
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Saturday visited persons affected by a rocket attack carried out by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Maiduguri.
The army had earlier said there was no need to panic as it had the situation under control.
Although no life was reported lost, houses, cars, and other properties were destroyed by the multiple rockets attack.
Commenting during the visit, Zulum noted that the insurgents came close to Maiduguri before firing the explosives.
He urged the military to wake up and ensure adequate patrols.
“It seems the insurgents came very close to the town, the military has to wake up and ensure adequate surveillance. This is something that we can avert its occurrence. For the insurgents to have come such close to fire rockets, I think there is something wrong that we should have to check.” Zulum said.
The Governor, however, assured that government will do everything to prevent further attacks on Maiduguri and its environs.
“We have to fortify Maiduguri town, we have to ensure adequate patrols on a daily basis to avert future attacks. It is very sad and unfortunate we have to witness this kind of attack at this time,” Zulum said.
In the same vein, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum extended his sympathizes to those affected by the attack.
“I wish to sympathize with those affected by today’s attack, I will constitute a small committee to ascertain the level of the damage and advise government on how to avert future occurrence,” Zulum said.
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JUST IN: Army confirms Maiduguri explosion, fingers Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists
The Nigerian Army on Saturday said there was no need to panic after explosions rocked some communities in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army described the attack as a “security breach by suspected Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who made futile attempt to maintain potency early this morning, 4 December 2021, with explosions in the outskirt of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.”
The explosions reportedly hit Gomari community and 1,000 Housing Estate in Maiduguri but no deaths were reported.
“This unfortunate incident has caused some level of damage and apprehension in residential areas. Although, no life was lost, sadly a minor sustained injury,” the army said.
“Ground troops in conjunction with the Air Component of OPHK responded swiftly and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions that successfully neutralized the threats and infiltration attempt by the terrorists.
“The general public are urged not to panic as troops are on ground and aggressively dominating the city to effectively take out any perceived threat.
“The good people of Maiduguri are equally enjoined to go about their normal socio economic activities and provide actionable information on the movement of these criminal elements.”
Saturday’s attack comes a day after seven soldiers were reportedly killed by ISWAP jihadists near a base at Rann, close to the Cameroonian border.
In February, at least 17 people were killed and 43 others injured when ISWAP fighters fired multiple rockets on Maiduguri.
The terrorists have also blown up electricity towers on several occasions, plunging the city into darkness for months.
On February 23, 2019, a soldier was killed and 20 others wounded when Boko Haram launched 13 rocket attacks on Maiduguri hours before voting began in Nigeria’s presidential election.
Over 40,000 people have been killed since the Boko Haram insurgency began 12 years ago and more than two million are displaced from their homes.
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Army foil attempt to kidnap doctors, nurses providing free healthcare in Imo
Troops of Exercise Golden Dawn have foiled an attempt to abduct a group of doctors and nurses providing free healthcare for residents in Amauju Isu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this via a statement.
While noting that a suspected member of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was killed in a shootout, Nwachukwu said another was nabbed with a gunshot wound.
“Members of the outlawed group had attempted to kidnap a group of medical doctors and nurses known as, ‘Doctors on the Move Africa’, who were providing free medical care to inhabitants of Amucha Community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State,” the statement read.
“The troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force 211 Quick Response Group and the Nigerian Police on receipt of actionable intelligence on the criminal plot, swiftly moved in and rescued the medical team. The medical team has been escorted to a safe location.
“The troops afterward went after the hoodlums and made contact with them at Amauju Isu Local Government Area of Imo State, where they were found enforcing the illegal sit at home order in Amauju.
“In the firefight that ensued, one of the criminals was neutralized, while the others took to their heels. One of them, who had escaped with a gunshot wound was later apprehended by the local Vigilante and handed over to the police.”