TheNewsGuru

Tag: army

  • Army speaks on report its engineers constructing RUGA in South East

    Army speaks on report its engineers constructing RUGA in South East

    The Nigerian Army says its engineers are not constructing RUGA settlement in South-East as being portrayed and speculated by an outlawed online radio.

    Maj. Abubakar Abdullahi, the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu on Wednesday.

    Abdullahi said that the Division had noted with utmost concern, a baseless allegation aired through the outlawed online radio that engineers from the Division are currently constructing a RUGA settlement in the South East.

    He said that the baseless and fabricated report had it that military engineers are building the settle between Ochima and Affa in Igbo-Etiti and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State respectively.

    “Though this inciting broadcast emanates from a source bereft of any credibility whatsoever, there is need, however, to present the facts clearly for the sake of posterity.

    “It must be emphasised that Nigerian Army Engineers are not constructing any RUGA settlement in any part of Nigeria.

    “Rather, the engineers are currently constructing a military training facility between Ochima and Affa in Igbo-Etiti and Udi Local Government Areas in Enugu State respectively.

    “Upon completion, the facilities will accommodate troops during training and aid to improve their efficiency in protecting law-abiding citizens across the South East.

    “Any counter narrative aired on the project is a malicious falsehood aimed at inciting the public against the Nigerian Army,” he said.

    The army spokesman urged members of the public to disregard such untrue and false information emanating from this medium or any information source.

    “The Nigerian Army remains a credible institution that unites the country and has no place for ethno-religious sentiments.

    “We shall continue to carry out our constitutional tasks objectively across the country and remain totally apolitical,” he added.

  • Strategies in place to ensure peaceful election in Anambra – Army

    Strategies in place to ensure peaceful election in Anambra – Army

    The Nigerian Army says it has mapped out strategies to ensure that residents of Anambra State enjoy peace and security before, during, and after the governorship election scheduled to hold on November 6.

    Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, said that the army would also ensure the safety of corps members on electoral duties.

    Lagbaja said this when Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), paid him a courtesy visit at the division’s headquarters, Enugu.

    In a statement signed by Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Lagbaja commended corps members for their invaluable service to the various units of the division, including the command secondary schools.

    “The army had mapped out strategies towards ensuring that residents of Anambra, including corps members on election duties enjoy peace and security before, during, and after the exercise.

    “Beyond the electioneering, the division will continue to accord topmost priority to the security of corps members and staff of the scheme.

    “The NYSC has contributed to the socio-economic development of the country and played a pivotal role in the training and mentoring of the youth as responsible members of the society.

    “I commend corps members for their invaluable service to the various units of the division, including the command secondary schools in its areas of responsibility.

    Earlier, the NYSC director-general commended the division for providing the necessary welfare and security support to corps members during and after orientation.

    Ibrahim noted that the NYSC would continue to do its best to strengthen the cordial relationship between the scheme and the Nigerian Army.

  • Anambra guber: Police, Army repel gunmen attacks at venue of APGA rally

    Anambra guber: Police, Army repel gunmen attacks at venue of APGA rally

    …Ask residents to report persons with gunshots wounds

     

    A combined team of policemen and soldiers on Tuesday (afternoon) repelled an attack by unknown gunmen at Odoata Primary School, Ihiala, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was scheduled to organize a campaign rally for the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

     

    The gunmen came on various motorcycles and in three vehicles, namely, a Toyota Lexus 350 ES with registration number EKY 765 EX, Toyota RAV4 with number JJJ 434FP and a Ford van whose number could not ascertained at the time of this report because it caught fire during the exchange of bullets between the gun men and security forces.

     

    The gunmen, unable to withstand the superior fire power of the soldiers and police officers, quickly ran into the large premises of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital which is directly opposite the campaign ground.

     

    “They suffered serious injuries, even though they managed to shoot a gallant soldier”, according to an eye witness who did not want his name disclosed in the media for fear of his safety.

     

    “If the gunmen had not run into the hospital which is a very delicate place to shoot any person, the security men would have gunned all of them down ”.

     

    Security forces, who recovered all three vehicles and motorcycles used by the gunmen, were searching the area by the time this report was filed.

     

    The Anambra State Police Command has requested the people in the area to help look out for people with gunshots and report them.

     

    It has also asked hospitals and other health facilities in both Ihiala Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Imo State to report to security agencies patients with gun wounds.

     

    Meanwhile, Governor Willie Obiano has commended police officers and soldiers who repelled the attack for their gallantry.

     

    Speaking to journalists at Atani in Ogbaru LGA where he led a large crowd of APGA faithful to welcome the APGA governorship candidate in the forthcoming election, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Governor Obiano described the response of the security men as professional and patriotic.

     

    In the same vein, Professor Soludo, who lost three policemen guarding him when he was attacked on March 31 in his hometown of Isuofia, Aguata local Government Area while addressing the youth of the town, lauded the security forces for bravery.

     

    “These security men and women in Anambra State lay down their lives for us and they do their best because of the encouragement they receive from the security-conscious state government, among other factors.

     

    “We expect more professional exhibition as days go by and the election date approaches”.

     

    The APGA candidate expressed sympathy for innocent victims of the attack, pleading with every aggrieved person “to lay down his or her weapon and opt for dialogue to resolve all differences in the interest of our people”.

  • Army kill three gunmen who attacked, killed policeman at checkpoint in Anambra

    Army kill three gunmen who attacked, killed policeman at checkpoint in Anambra

    Three of the gunmen who attacked a police checkpoint in Anambra State have been killed, Nigerian Army authorities have said.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who confirmed this in a statement on Saturday revealed that a policeman died during the incident.

    He explained that the gunmen had attacked the police checkpoint along the Okija-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday before troops attached to Sector 5 of Exercise Golden Dawn arrived at the scene.

    “The gallant troops engaged and overwhelmed the gunmen with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the scene. Troops gave them a hot pursuit, and engaged the gunmen in a gun duel,” the statement said.

    “The three gunmen, who drove in two vehicles – Hilux and hummer bus – eventually succumbed to troops’ effective firepower, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Unfortunately, a policeman paid the supreme price, in the line of duty, for his country.”

    According to him, the soldiers also recovered a vehicle and two motorcycles while conducting a further search of the general area for the fleeing armed men.

    In his reaction, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, commended the troops for the feat and urged them to sustain the momentum against all criminal elements operating in the South-East.

    He also sympathised with the family of the slain policeman and prayed for the repose of his soul.

    The army spokesman issued the statement a day after Yahaya addressed instructors at Depot Nigerian Army, Nigerian Military School (NMS), Directorate of Army Physical Training (DAPT), and Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), during which he asked troops across the country to be alert and vigilant while discharging their duties.

    The current security challenges, according to the army chief, call for all to be vigilant, and for troops to conduct themselves professionally while adhering to the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.

  • Chiwetalu Agu released from Army custody after being detained

    Chiwetalu Agu released from Army custody after being detained

    Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, has been released from Army custody a day after he was detained for putting on an outfit with semblance to the Biafran flag.

    This was made known via a video posted by Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, on his Instagram page on Friday, where Agu was captured with two representatives from the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

    According to the video, Agu was released via the intervention of the AGN and according to one of the representatives, the actor is hale and hearty.

    When asked for a comment, Agu said, “Keep supporting Nollywood. It’s the only hope we have to sustain both our public and private lives.”

    Agu was reportedly on a charity mission to the less privileged when he was arrested by soldiers.

    Reacting to his release, Emeka Ike wrote: “Thank you Actors Guild of Nigeria for the prompt response. Thank you, Mr. President and your team. It’s nice to have Chiwetalu Agu back.”

    Actress Chizzy Alichi wrote, “Uncle Chinwetalu Agu has been released. He is safe and sound. All thanks to God and everyone that contributed one way or the other.”

     

  • AGN reacts to arrest of actor, Chiwetalu Agu by Nigerian Army

    AGN reacts to arrest of actor, Chiwetalu Agu by Nigerian Army

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria has reacted to the arrest of veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu.

    The actor was detained by Nigerian Army troops for wearing Biafra clothing.

    He was reportedly sharing food to the less privileged persons wearing a Biafran regalia when government forces stopped him at upper Iweka road, Onitsha.

    Agu was approached by two soldiers who wrestled him to the ground and dragged him away.

    Speaking on the incident, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Public Relations said the veteran actor was apprehended for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Reacting, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, in an interview with newsmen, condemned the fact that Agu was seen wearing a Biafra regalia.

    He noted that considering high rate of insecurity in the country and knowing how hot the state is currently, Agu should have avoided being seen in such clothing.

    He, however, said that the Guild is doing everything possible to ensure Chiwetalu Agu is released.

    “I don’t know why he put on Biafra regalia. The State is hot and he knows this.

    “We are in talk with the military officials to ensure he is released. We will do our best.

    “I heard they have taken him to 82 Division of the Nigeria Military base,” he said.

     

  • BREAKING: Bandits storm Nigerian Defence Academy, kill naval officer, kidnap two Majors

    BREAKING: Bandits storm Nigerian Defence Academy, kill naval officer, kidnap two Majors

    Bandits have invaded the Afaka barracks of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, killing a naval officer.

    The bandits were also said to have also kidnapped two majors.

    It was gathered that the bandits who attacked the barracks around 1am on Tuesday are still be inside the academy.

    The incident according to a report published in Daily Trust, troubled the military quarters.

    The newspaper claimed sources within the barracks told stated that security has been beefed up within and around the barracks to stop the bandits from escaping with the officers.

    “It was a terrible experience, the bandits took advantage of the time when most people had gone to bed to attack the barracks.”

    “Right now, the whole barracks is under lock and key and security has been beefed up so that the bandits cannot leave the barracks because it is believed that they are still within,” the source said.

    One of the officers who was injured in the attack is currently being treated at a hospital within the barracks.

    The source said that there are, however, fears that the bandits may decide to kill the officers in a bid to escape.

  • Ohaneze Ndigbo commends Army for restoring security, peace in South East

    Ohaneze Ndigbo commends Army for restoring security, peace in South East

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifice in restoring security and peace in the South-East and nation at large.

    The President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Prof. George Obiozor, made the commendation on Wednesday, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited him in his office in Enugu.

    Obiozor, who expressed delight over the GOC’s visit to the Ohaneze House, said “without peace, nations cannot progress.

    “And without the Armed Forces, we will have more problems. They are the pillars of Nigeria’s unity.”

    The Ohanaeze leader also described the Nigerian Army as one of the best in Africa.

    He urged the various armed forces to sustain their efforts toward ensuring peace and security across the country.

    Responding, Lagbaja described Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a key stakeholder in managing the affairs within the division’s core Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    The GOC said, “Nigerian Army is an instrument of the state that helps to ensure peace, security and stable economic activities.”

    He said the army chose to partner all stakeholders to achieve its mandate.

    He commended the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo for advising against the threat by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra to use force to enforce its planned weekly sit-at-home order in the zone.

    Lagbaja assured the residents of the zone of adequate security, saying the division would not tolerate any acts that would threaten the prevailing peace in the area.

  • Army helicopter crashes in dam

    Army helicopter crashes in dam

    A helicopter belonging to the Indian army on Tuesday crashed in a dam in the northern state of Punjab, local media reports said.

    So far there have been no immediate reports of any casualty in the crash.

    The helicopter crashed in Ranjit Sagar Dam of Pathankot district.

    “We received information that an army helicopter has crashed in the lake. We rushed our teams to the spot,’’ police official of Pathankot, Surendra Lamba was quoted by a local news agency as having said.

    Reports said two pilots from the army aviation Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv helicopter on board survived the crash.

    The helicopter was on a routine sortie.

    “The weapon system integrated helicopter had taken off from Pathankot and met with the accident,’’ another report quoting its sources said.

  • Army arrests soldier for killing UNICAL student in Calabar

    Army arrests soldier for killing UNICAL student in Calabar

    The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a soldier who purportedly killed a final year Student of the University of Calabar.

    Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement, said the Army had instituted an investigation into the allegations.

    TheNewsGuru gathered that Mr Gray Agbesu was killed on Friday by a serving soldier deployed on duty at the Calabar Correctional Service facility.

     

    Nwachukwu said the soldier who was arrested while trying to evade arrest, is in the custody of the Military Police and would face judicial processes after the investigation.

    He further said that the Commander 13 Brigade had also visited the scene of the incident and addressed the youth, assuring them of justice.

    ”The Brigade Commander has also paid a visit to the family of the deceased, where he reiterated the Army’s resolve to ensure that the family gets justice over the killing of their son.

    “The Commander has equally visited the Cross River State General Hospital, where the remains of the deceased was deposited,” he said.

     

    Nwachukwu assured the family and the community that the soldier will be duly investigated and made to face judicial processes as deemed appropriate by the law.