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Tag: army

  • Army, police dismiss reported clash in Imo

    Army, police dismiss reported clash in Imo

    The Nigerian Army, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri and the police command in Imo have dismissed social media reports of a clash between personnel of the two security agencies.

    This is contained in a release co-signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Capt. Joseph Akubo and the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Michael Abattam, in Owerri on Sunday.

    According to the release, there was no gun duel between personnel of the two agencies and any reports to that effect remains false, malicious and a product of the imagination of criminals.

    It said that law enforcement and security agencies in Imo would continue to synergise so as to bring to book all criminals and halt their activities in the state.

    It also called on Imo residents to ignore any sit-at-home order by any outlawed groups adding that security agencies would never get tired of protecting lives and property of the people.

    “Please disregard as false the report making the rounds on some online media platforms of a gun duel between the personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police in Owerri.

    ”No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that law abiding citizens live in a conducive environment and carry out their daily routine without fear or intimidation by miscreants.

    ”We therefore call on all law abiding citizens to ignore the illegal Monday sit at home call by the proscribed and irredentist Indigenous People of Biafra and its affiliate criminal group, the Eastern Security Network ESN.

    ”All security agencies in the state will continue to discharge their constitutional mandate and ensure that lives and property are well protected, ” the statement read.

  • Army accuses police of killing, assaulting personnel

    Army accuses police of killing, assaulting personnel

    The Nigerian Army has said the joint operations in which its personnel were involved has led to a supremacy clash between the troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police.

    It accused personnel of the Nigeria Police Force of brutalising some of its personnel involved in the joint operations, adding that some of its men had lost their lives as a result of development.

    The Army in a leaked circular signed by Major Gen J. A. Ataguba on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, however, directed all Nigerians Army corps, formations and establishments to forward all recorded incidence in the last two years.

    The circular with the number; AHO DASE/G3/240/55, was dated November 23, 2021 and titled, ‘Evaluating incidences of police brutality against personnel of the Nigerian Army’.

    “This responsibility has occasioned conducting joint activities with members of the civil and paramilitary organisations. These joint operations with other security agencies particularly the Nigeria Police Force create occasions for the police to equate its hierarchy with the NA and this has often led to friction especially at the lower levels.

    “This friction has occasionally led to bodily harm and in some cases death to our troops. This is in spite of the fact that the victims have been identified and established to be serving personnel. This Department is therefore conducting an evaluation of these occurrences with a view to establishing the frequency and recommend possible remedial measures to stem the tide.

    “Consequently, all NA corps, formations and establishments are requested to forward all recorded incidence of police brutality against personnel of the NA. The report should cover the last two years,” part of the circular read.

    Repeated calls to the line of the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, CP Frank Mba, were not answered. He did not also respond to the message sent to him on this matter.

     

  • Insecurity: Army drafted into ‘unconventional war’ in 32 states, need more funding to be efficient – Ndume

    Insecurity: Army drafted into ‘unconventional war’ in 32 states, need more funding to be efficient – Ndume

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has reiterated calls for increased funding for the army.

    The Senator made the call on Monday to members of the appropriations committee before submitting the final 2022 budget proposal of the Nigerian Army.

    Ndume said the increased funding was critical as the army was engaged in unconventional war across the country.

    “Because of the situation we find ourselves in this country these days, where the army is drafted into unconventional war everywhere in 32 states, there is the need to really properly fund them,” Ndume said.

    “And therefore there is a tremendous increase in their overhead personnel. But the capital aspect of it is grossly inadequate. No matter what you do, if they don’t have the arms and ammunition, then the war cannot be effectively prosecuted.

    “So, in summary, we are here to ask for increase in the capital component of the Nigerian Army, so that they will have the necessary resources and tools to prosecute the unconventional war they are engaged in everywhere.”

    While defending the army’s 2022 budget proposal on November 11, the Chief of Army staff Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya said the N579 billion earmarked for the army is not enough to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, particularly the fight against Boko Haram.

  • Lagos Government speaks on reactions trailing #EndSARS panel report indicting Army, Police, others

    Lagos Government speaks on reactions trailing #EndSARS panel report indicting Army, Police, others

    The Lagos State Government has officially reacted to the comments trailing the viral report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters submitted to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday.

    The panel was commissioned by the state government to look into the events of October 2020, including the shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate, and review cases of police brutality.

    Since leaked report became public knowledge on Monday shortly after it was presented to the governor, the media space has been awash with different reactions.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the leaked report had indicted officers of the Nigerian Army and Police for killing “unarmed helpless and defenseless protesters, without provocation or justification, while they were waving the Nigerian Flag and singing the National Anthem” at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.

    However, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso on Wednesday night, the state government said: “There have been arguments in the public space over the report. There is a need for us to restrain ourselves from nullifying the good intentions of the government in setting up this panel, which was well encouraged to do its job, a fact that was acknowledged by the panel.

    “In accordance with the Tribunal of Inquiry Law 2015, a committee has been set up to bring up a White Paper on the report to determine the next line of action. At the appropriate time, the government will make known its views on all the issues raised by the panel through the release of a White Paper.”

  • #EndSARS report: CDS Irabor faults process of release, cautions against ‘disparaging comments’ about Army

    #EndSARS report: CDS Irabor faults process of release, cautions against ‘disparaging comments’ about Army

    The Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has faulted the procedure adopted in the release of a document said to be the report of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality.

    The leaked report had indicted officers of the Nigerian Army for killing “unarmed helpless and defenseless protesters, without provocation or justification, while they were waving the Nigerian Flag and singing the National Anthem” at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.

    The CDS however explained that he could not, at the moment, comment on the content of the document because he has not seen the official report.

    General Irabor, who spoke after a courtesy visit to the Edo State Governor in Benin-City, maintained that the Nigerian armed forces are committed to their constitutional mandate and do not engage in ignoble acts.

    “I am sure those of you in the media must have seen a report that was released through, in my view, a wrong channel, that is making the rounds in the social media,” the CDS said.

    “Whether it is a true report, I can’t tell. But I’d like to indicate that the normal procedure is to have such a report submitted to the convening authority. And then there will be a white paper that will be presented, based on which one can make informed comments.

    “But whatever it is currently, I’d like to indicate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional armed force. We are peopled by Nigerians and we remain committed to the constitutional mandate. So we will not at this point think that Nigerians should make disparaging remarks regarding the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in the sense that we are a professional armed forces. If there are issues, of course, we address them within the ambit of the provisions.

    “It would not be right to disparage men and women who have worked so hard to ensure that the territorial integrity of this nation is kept intact. So in the meantime, until I see the full extent of the report.

    “I can assure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are well-disciplined and we do not engage in any ignoble acts. If Nigerians do not trust us, then we won’t be doing what we are doing, and in any case, it is the Armed Forces of Nigeria; we are not talking of the police. So when the Armed Forces are called out, it is because there is a need; there is no one who doesn’t desire to live in peace.

    “We need to understand that the Armed Forces are there to keep the peace, to provide the ambiance that will enable each Nigerian to live his or her desires in peace and harmony. So let us not make inciting comments that will put the entire space on fire. That’s not right.”

  • Military deploys 9 fighter jets to Borno as terrorists kill General, others

    Military deploys 9 fighter jets to Borno as terrorists kill General, others

    At least nine attack aircraft of the Nigerian military have been deployed to Borno State after the Islamic State’s West Africa Province terrorist sect killed a Brigadier-General and some soldiers in an ambush in the state.

    The Nigerian Army confirmed the attack and slaying of the army general and troops of Operation Hadin Kai on Saturday evening.

    While stating that “several” terrorists have been killed in the ongoing shootout between the military And ISWAP, the army confirmed that “Sadly, a gallant senior officer Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry as they provided reinforcement in a counteroffensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location. The family of the senior officer and soldiers have been contacted.”

    The troops came under attack in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The army said the troops were being supported by” the Air Component of OPHK have deployed five A – Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat with which they destroyed nine Gun Trucks and One APC.”

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a press statement on Saturday, said “Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya deeply commiserates with the families and relations of the fallen heroes.

    He has also directed that the troops continue in the ferocious counteroffensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.”

  • JUST IN: Nigerian Army confirms, names senior officer, three others killed during battle with ISWAP

    JUST IN: Nigerian Army confirms, names senior officer, three others killed during battle with ISWAP

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday confirmed the killing of a Senior Officer, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusuin in battle with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    According to a release by the army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, which reads thus:

    Troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI have neutralized several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a recent encounter in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. In the fierce encounter which is still raging as at the time of filing this report, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have destroyed five A – Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine Gun Trucks.

    Sadly, a gallant senior officer Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry as they reinforced a counteroffensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location. The family of the senior officer and soldiers have been contacted.

    The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya deeply commiserates with the families and relations of the fallen heroes. He has also directed that the troops continue in the ferocious counteroffensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.

  • Police, Army speak on readiness for Anambra poll

    Police, Army speak on readiness for Anambra poll

    The Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army have pledged adequate preparedness to forestall security breach in Saturday (today’s) governorship poll in Anambra State.

    Commissioner of Police and Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba assured residents that the security set up ahead of the governorship election is intact.

    “The entire security arrangement that we’ve already put in place remains intact,” Mr Mba said on Friday on a monitored Channels Television programme.

    “Our men are fully on the ground; we made a pledge with the people of Anambra state and that pledge is that we will remain politically neutral in the course of our duties in the state. We also pledged to provide a level playing field for all political actors to play out their political games and exercise their franchise without hindrance”.

    The Police PRO also spoke to the redeployment of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Joseph Egbunike, to the Federal Capital Territory, on the even of the highly anticipated election.

    Egbunike had been deployed to Anambra State as the coordinator of the security component for the elections on October 26 and according to Mr Mba, the fact that the DIG was from Anambra State had its own pros and cons.

    He, however, noted that deployment had already served its purpose.

    Speaking further, the PPRO assured the people of Anambra State that the security personnel will be “friendly and citizen-oriented”.

    “We don’t want our presence to be a deterrent but a factor that would build confidence in citizens,” he added.

    We remain apolitical – Army

    The Nigerian Army on its part said it remained apolitical and will carry out its constitutional role of aiding civil authority to provide internal security without bias.

    The army’s position was contained in a statement on Thursday by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations.

    In the statement, Nwachukwu said that the force has again noted the desperation of conflict merchants to discredit its constitutional duties.

    “The mischief-makers, using social media, shared a video alleging that soldiers were escorting buses filled with fake voters into Anambra State.

    “Even though such despicable propaganda images can easily be punctured by any keen observer, for the sake of posterity, we wish to state without equivocation that no soldier of the Nigerian Army indulged in escorting fake voters into Anambra State.

    “Contrary to the misleading information, the buses in question were conveying INEC permanent and ad-hoc staff for election tasks in Anambra State.

    “The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture has corroborated this position. We, therefore, urge the general public to please disregard the report, as it is clearly misinformation,” the army spokesman explained.

    He further noted that the army’s duty in Anambra is purely security-related and in support of the Nigeria Police, the lead security agency in the electioneering security architecture.

    According to him, this is done in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere for the peaceful conduct of elections.

    “Our troops are guided by extant provisions of Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Personnel Code of Conduct during elections and the provisions of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 LFN 2004. We shall continue to operate along these lines to ensure that peace and security reign in our country.

    “We will remain apolitical and very professional in deeds and conduct for the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria. We also encourage the political gladiators to refrain from dragging the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces of Nigeria into the murky waters of politics.

    “We assure all Nigerians that the NA remains resolute in carrying out her constitutional duties,” he added.

    The army through its spokesman urged the people of Anambra not to panic, stressing that the military sincerely appreciates the citizens for being law-abiding and supporting the joint security agencies who are toiling relentlessly to ensure peace and security in the state.

  • N579bn approved for Army in 2022 Budget not enough to fight insecurity – COAS

    N579bn approved for Army in 2022 Budget not enough to fight insecurity – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, has said the reduction in the army budget will prevent the army from tackling the nation’s security challenges.

    He stated this on Wednesday while defending the Army’s 2022 budget before the Senate Committee on Army.

    Yahaya asked the National Assembly to convince the Federal Government to exempt the Army from the current budget ceiling or envelope allocation system.

    According to the army chief, the sum of N579bn approved for the Nigerian Army for the 2022 fiscal year was grossly inadequate to fight terrorism and banditry in the country.

    Lieutenant-General Yahaya urged the Senate panel to approve the sum of N642.7bn as the Nigerian Army personnel emolument for the 2022 budget.

    He also requested the approval of N29.6bn as overhead cost and N37.6bn as capital expenditure.

    “In preparing for the year 2022 budget, the Nigerian Army proposed the sum of N710bn. However, the budget ceiling of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning reduced our proposed sum from N710bn to a total sum of N579bn,” he said.

    “This reduction would impede the capacity and tempo of the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional duties particularly the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorists and other criminalities across the country.

    “The National Assembly should prevail on the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to exempt the Nigerian Army from the current budget ceiling or envelope allocation system.”

    “The timely and complete implementation of the 2022 budget will thus enhance the fulfilment of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate and thus engender peace for the socio-economic development of our country Nigeria.”

    He assured the panel that the Nigerian Army was committed to securing the territorial integrity of Nigeria from any violation.

    The COAS also lamented the global COVID-19 pandemic, noting it has affected socio-economic activities including that of Nigeria, adding that the attendant negative consequences contributed to allowed insecurity in the country.

  • Army kills four IPOB gunmen, recovers arms, vehicles [PHOTO]

    Army kills four IPOB gunmen, recovers arms, vehicles [PHOTO]

    Troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, conducting “Exercise Golden Dawn” in the South-East, have neutralised four gunmen of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) at Nnobi in Anambra.

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

    Nwachukwu said the gunmen were overpowered in a fierce encounter with troops at Nnobi Junction, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra, on Friday.

    He said the assailants had earlier attacked personnel of security agencies deployed at Ekwulobia Round About in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    He added that troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and subsequently embarked on pursuit of the criminals along Nnewi – Nnobi road.

    According to him, troops made contact with the fleeing gunmen and engaged them in a fire fight, neutralising four of the criminals.

    “The gallant troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one GALIL Ace 5.56 x 45 Iwi Gun, one Avofeng Hand held radio and one Black Highlander jeep.

    “Sadly, a personnel of one of the security agencies paid the supreme price,” he said.

    Nwachukwu also disclosed that the troops had in another operation, foiled another attack by IPOB/ESN gunmen at Umunze Checkpoint, in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

    He said the vigilant troops overwhelmed the attackers in the shootout that ensued, forcing them to take to their heels, abandoning, one Pump Action gun with nine cartridges, a Ford vehicle and four motorcycles.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army notes that the recent attacks are part of proscribed IPOB/ESN plan to instil fear in the public and sabotage the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

    “Members of the public are reassured that the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security agencies will not relent in resolutely confronting all criminals intents against the citizenry and national interest.

    “Law abiding citizens are enjoined to continue to go about their daily activities without any fear.

    “They are also encouraged to report any unusual activity observed across Anambra State to the nearest security post,” he said.