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Tag: army

  • Acting COAS expresses worries over challenges faced by soldiers

    Acting COAS expresses worries over challenges faced by soldiers

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has solicited for more budgetary allocation for the Nigerian Army to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and provide accommodation for soldiers.

    Oluyede made the appeal when he received the Senate Committee on Army led by Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua on a condolence visit on Monday in Abuja.

    The army, he said, has been recruiting about 15,000 personnel yearly but is yet to provide commensurate accommodation to house them.

    He expressed worries that the army might face challenges of accommodating the soldiers when the current security challenges stabilised and they return to barracks.

    “It is important for me to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us and without your support, it would be very difficult for us to secure Nigeria.

    “I want to really appeal to you, very eminent personality of Nigeria, to just please support us and make our job very easy so that we can help secure Nigeria as much as possible.

    “Well, over time, we have had situations where the resources that are attributed to the Nigerian army keeps dwindling.

    “I think this is a very good forum for me to appeal that maybe in considering next year’s budget, a few very important issues should be noted.

    “For instance, in the last couple of years, we’ve been recruiting about 15,000 personnel but I can tell you that not a single support has been given in terms of the accommodation,” he said.

    Earlier, Sen. Yar’Adua urged the Acting COAS to continue with the legacy of the late Army Chief, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He said the senate had a robust relationship with Lagbaja who he described as a “very practical officer” and very knowledgeable of military Operations.

    He descried late Lagbaja as a “very honest officer who always “says it as it is”.

    The Committee chairman said that the late Lagbaja led the army and improved security of the country significantly.

    He assured the acting COAS of same courtesy and support for him to continue with the legacy of Lagbaja, and urged the army to deploy technology in the fight against terrorism.

  • Army dismisses claims of insurgents’ take over of its training camp

    Army dismisses claims of insurgents’ take over of its training camp

    The Nigerian Army has described the claim by the Niger State House of Assembly that insurgents have taken over its Training Area in Kontagora, as untrue.

    The Director of  Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the claim in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu described the claim as ‘vicious insinuations’, adding that the claim had stirred palpable unease within the Kontagora and Mariga communities, as well as Niger State as a whole.

    “We wish to clarify that no credible threat exists in those areas as being peddled, contrary to the information presented by Hon. Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II Constituency on the floor of the Niger State House of Assembly on Oct. 28.

    “Reports purporting an invasion of the military training area by alleged bandits and the subsequent displacement of residents from 23 communities across Kontagora and Mariga are not only untrue, but are utterly misleading and harmful.

    “It appears calculated to incite unnecessary panic in the neighbourhood.

    “A thorough investigation by our intelligence unit confirmed that the individuals observed in the area were herders seeking grazing grounds for their herds.

    “No malicious intent was detected, and no hostile actions were observed,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the Nigerian army appreciate the vigilance of the communities and the lawmaker’s commitment to the safety of the people he represents.

    He urged all concerned parties to approach such matters with caution and verify information through official channels.

    “Undoubtedly, misinformation of this nature has the potential to spread unwarranted fear, engender panic, misdirect valuable resources away from real security priorities, and ultimately aggravate the security situation.

    “Our training areas remain secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralize any security threat.

    “The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of our host communities and Nigerians in general,” he added.

    NAN reports that the Niger State House of Assembly on Tuesday raised the alarm over the takeover of a major military training camp by bandits.

    The Nagwamase Military Cantonment in Kontagora, headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area, has been occupied by gunmen, forcing over 23 communities to flee.

    The training camp, one of the largest in Nigeria, hosts the Artillery Corps of the Nigerian Army.

    Isah brought the motion to the assembly’s attention during Tuesday’s plenary session.

    He stated that the bandits’ presence has led to incessant attacks on communities within the camp, with some residents still being held captive.

    NAN reports the assembly has urged the state government to collaborate with military authorities to flush out the bandits and restore peace to the area.

    The lawmakers also called for necessary support to be given to the military to secure the training camp.

  • OLD soldier never dies: Army to bridge manpower shortage by engaging discharged officers

    OLD soldier never dies: Army to bridge manpower shortage by engaging discharged officers

    Going by the popular saying in Nigeria, old soldier never dies, here are indications that the Nigerian Army may be currently experiencing an acute shortage of manpower, due to the high number of those who voluntarily retired.

    It was gathered that one of the units badly hit by the development was the Mechanical Engineering Corps.

    Over 1,008 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army in the last four years.

    According to the report, in 2023, the Nigerian Army approved the retirement of no fewer than 59 soldiers.

    Earlier in 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned; in 2021, 127 resigned, and 365 resigned in 2020.

    However, to fill the vacancy, it was gathered that the army was planning to re-engage discharged soldiers.

    In a memo dated October 16, 2024, a copy sighted by an online medium, the mechanical corps lamented that huge numbers of soldiers resigned from the unit.

    The memo signed by Lt Col A. Muhammed urged all commanding officers to reach out to discharged soldiers in the area of responsibilities.

    Over 1,008 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army in the last four years.

    According to the report, in 2023, the Nigerian Army approved the retirement of no fewer than 59 soldiers.

    Earlier in 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned; in 2021, 127 resigned, and 365 resigned in 2020.

    In August this year, 196 soldiers resigned from the Army.

    that one would have to go through before you are allowed to carry weapons. But these people already know. So, for me, it is long due.

    “For me, they should be paid. Whatever budget the army should submit to the Senate, the same way they have been passing all the bills the President has been sending to them, which do not even favour the common man, that same way they should pass that bill. Even if it is N100bn, they should pass it. As long as we would get the results, they should pass it immediately,” he said.

    Similarly, Chidi Omeje, also a security expert, commended the idea.

    He, however, said the success would depend on how it was coordinated and the motive behind the invitation.

    “To me, anything that will add to the impetus to our operation is welcome. I’m very sure that if that is what we are doing, the authorities would have looked at the pros and cons and would have looked at the advantages of activating this reserved list.

    “To me, it is not a bad idea, but as I said, it depends on how it is coordinated, it depends on what exactly is the driving force. If it is to give jobs to ‘the boys’, it becomes a different ball game.

    “But if it is out of an urgency to add to the boots on the ground, to add eyes to the sky, and then to the waters, you know what I mean, then that’s okay,” he said.

  • Army arrests 35 oil thieves in 4 States

    Army arrests 35 oil thieves in 4 States

    The Nigerian Army says it has arrested 35 suspected oil thieves accused of operating illegal refineries and breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil across four Niger Delta states. The States are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.

    Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman of the Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He also stated that troops destroyed 58 illegal artisanal refineries and seized about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres of adulterated diesel during the raids.

    “The operations were conducted between Oct 21 and Oct 27 as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

    “In Rivers, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated 131,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 litres of condensates, and two wooden boats.

    “Six suspected oil thieves were apprehended during operations in Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas (LGA), as well as in Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa and Imo River,” he said.

    In Akwa Ibom, Danjuma reported that troops achieved notable successes, dismantling 34 illegal refining sites and arresting 27 suspects across various communities.

    Items seized included 215,000 litres of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 nylon bags used to store petroleum products.

    “In Delta, we arrested two suspected oil thieves and seized 1,200 litres of crude oil, 16 cellophane bags, two wooden boats, and one vehicle in Warri South and Ethiope West LGAs.

    “Operations in Bayelsa led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the seizure of 8,500 litres of diesel and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

    “At least seven wooden boats were confiscated, and three vandals were arrested during the raids in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas,” Danjuma added.

  • Nigerian Army reacts over news of Chief of Staff’s alleged demise

    Nigerian Army reacts over news of Chief of Staff’s alleged demise

    The Nigerian Army has officially opened up over the reported demise of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports news of Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s alleged death circulated on social media on Sunday after the Chief of Army Staff left the country for leave.

    It was alleged that Lagbaja died of cancer at an undisclosed hospital abroad. However, the Nigerian Army via its official social media platforms immediately refuted the report, tagging it as fake news.

    No leadership vacuum in Nigerian Army – AHQ

    Earlier, the Nigerian Army had dismissed insinuation that there is a leadership vacuum with regards to recent personnel posting and promotion as the army Chief is on annual leave.

    In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja, the army said reacted to what they described as ‘social media stories, rumours, and innuendoes’ about happenings in the Nigerian army.

    Nwachukwu said that while some of the stories were laughable and deserve no further reference, others had bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

    “Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-a-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

    “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

    “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.

    “This is not peculiar to the army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the claims of leadership vacuum in the army presently was a mere speculation, adding that all routine and scheduled activities of the service were on course.

    According to him, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.

    He said that the Commander Traning and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, announced the result after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently answers for the Chief of Army Staff in his absence on leave and medical checkup abroad, in line with extant procedures.

    “Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos. This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.

    “The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management,” he added.

    Army spokesman said it had never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the army contrary to the insinuation that COAS’ absence had caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise.

    He added that the appropriate departmental chiefs perform those functions routinely, adding that they were fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

    “The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.

    “Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.

    “The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS,” he said.

  • Army pulls out 15 retired Artillery Corps Generals

    Army pulls out 15 retired Artillery Corps Generals

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday pulled out 15 Generals of the Artillery Corps who retired from active military service.

    Out of the 15 retired artillery officers pulled out of active service at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA), in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, 11 were of the rank of Maj.-Gen. and four of Brig-Gen.

    The Reviewing Officer leading the pack  was retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, who spoke on behalf of the retirees.

    Myam said , “Having come this far, we can only say that we feel highly fulfilled and give all the glory to the Lord God Almighty for his benevolent mercies, grace and preservation over the years.

    “I would  like to express our profound gratitude to President Bola  Tinubu, for giving us the opportunity to serve our great nation in this capacity.

    “We also thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed  Lagbaja, we pray fervently, for the Almighty God to continue to grant you the strength and wisdom to lead the Nigerian Army to greater heights.

    “On  behalf of the retired senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery being shelled out on this remarkable occasion of our final disengagement from active service in the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces of our great nation, Nigeria.

    “Today is indeed a unique landmark for us as we retire to a well-deserved rest after serving our dear country meritoriously.”

    Myan recalled that their military careers started when they left their various places of abode across the nation and reported for training as Officer Cadets at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna“.

    He offered words of wisdom to serving officers, emphasizing loyalty, vigilance, and security consciousness.

    Myan also shared three traits that guided him as an Artillery officer: ”Empathy, proactiveness, and effective communication.

    “To those of you who are determined to make the military a career, please note that our country is enjoying full-fledged democratic governance and the era of military involvement in politics has gone and gone for good.”

    Myam  urged them  to be loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the democratically-elected Federal Government of Nigeria.

    He said  it was apparent that the government has been on top of itself, doing all it can to provide the necessary requirements for the Armed Forces to perform its constitutional roles.

    “We must therefore understand that the demands of the Armed Forces form a very small sector amidst other competing demands in our nation that require government attention.

    “We must also understand that the government usually prioritiSes allocation of resources based on competing needs of the various sectors,“ Myam said.

    He said this understanding should elicit your support to government activities at all times.

    Myan urged, “You must continue to demonstrate total commitment to your duties to the nation just as you have exemplified in the successes so far recorded in the fight against armed and criminal non-state actors across the country.”

    He appreciated the support of their spouses, families, and friends, as well as instructors and mentors.

    Myan expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian Army and the Corps of Artillery, encouraging the “Gunners Family” to continue striving for excellence.

    The former Chief of Army Staff,  retired Maj.-Gen. Alwali Kazir, other senior retired and serving military officers were present at  the ceremony.

  • Okuama: N2bn suit against Army adjourned until Nov 28

    Okuama: N2bn suit against Army adjourned until Nov 28

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, adjourned a N2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Mr Lucky Okodeh, a former Caretaker Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa until Nov. 28.

    Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the case following an oral application by Okodeh’s counsel, Asmau Yunusa, to enable her respond to a counter affidavit filed by Mimi Ayua, lawyer to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

    Okodeh, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/590/2024 dated and filed on May 3 by Mr Femi Falana, SAN, had sued the CDS Musa and Chief of Army Staff (CAS) Taoreed Lagbaja, as 1st and 2nd respondents.

    The applicant is accusing the defendants of allegedly publishing his photograph among those wanted in connection to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama in Delta.

    He, therefore, prayed the court to award a N2 billion in damages against the respondents for alleged violation of his rights to personal liberty and dignity.

    The applicant also prayed the court to set aside his declaration and award the fine as compensation for damages suffered over the action of the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    Upon resumed hearing on Thursday, Yunusa:, who appeared for the applicant, told the court that the matter was slated for mention.

    She said she was in receipt of a counter affidavit by the 1st respondent (CDS) on Wednesday and that she would need little time to respond. She said the 2nd respondent (Lagbaja) was not represented in court.

    Justice Nyako, however, told the lawyer who represented the CDS, Mimi Ayua, and Yunusa that the issue is what the parties can sit down together to resolve amicable.

    According to the judge, it is not what we should waste the tax payers’ money for. Justuce Nyako then adjourned the matter until Nov. 28 for further mention. She ordered that the 2nd resoobdent be served with the hearing notice.

    In the affidavit in support of the suit, Okodeh averred that the action of the defendants had affected his political career and made him to go into hiding.

    It will be recalled that on March 14, 17 officers of the Nigerian Army were murdered by unknown persons in Okuama in Delta, causing the Defence Headquarters Abuja to declare 8 persons wanted.

    Though Okodeh’s name was not published among the wanted list, his photograph was posted on a name which was not his, which he also said no member of his family or extended family bears.

    Okodeh, who was the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the April 11 LG elections in the state, was forced to drop his name and substitute it with another candidate following the publication of his photograph in the wanted list.

    Other prayers sought in the suit include an order of perpetual injunction restraining the CDS and CAS from arresting him as he is a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria who had never had any criminal record right from childhood.

    He equally prayed the court to order the respondents to tender an apology which should be published on both print and electronic media, so that he could have his freedom to live his normal life.

  • Army buries legal director amid tears

    Army buries legal director amid tears

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday buried the remains of its Director, Legal Services, Maj.-Gen. Seidu Musa, who died on Sept. 23 in Abuja after a brief illness.

    The late General was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.

    At the All Saints Military Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, venue of the event, senior officers, sympathisers, family members and friends honoured the deceased for his remarkable service to the nation.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who led the tributes, acknowledged the  late Musa’s contributions to the military’s legal system.

    He also appreciated the deceased senior officer’s unwavering dedication and contributions, which he said would forever be etched in the army.

    The COAS was represented at the funeral church service by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ohwohigho Akpor.

    He described the deceased as a brilliant, diligent, resourceful, and meticulous senior officer, with vast experience and the ability to impart knowledge with an overwhelming moral standard.

    He highlighted the late Gen. Musa’s commitment to national service and his concerted efforts to produce well trained and equipped legal service personnel.

    Reading the funeral oration, Brig.- Gen. Suleiman Tilawan, the Chief of Staff, Army Headquarters Garrison, also eulogised the deceased.

    Tikawan described Musa as a diligent officer who lived an impactful live with valuable insights to legal related issues and painstakingly provided necessary guidance when called upon.

    Senior officers, both serving and retired, principal staff officers from the defence and army headquarters attended the event.

    The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), family members, friends and sympathisers were also in attendance.

    The ceremony featured bugle call, firing of the volley, presentation of the national flag to the deceased’s next-of-kin, a symbolic gesture of respect for him by his course mates and senior officers.

    Born on May 4, 1968 in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government of Edo, the late Gen. Musa was granted Direct Regular Commission as a member of National Guard/Direct Regular Commission on Sept. 25, 1993.

    He held several appointments in the service and was until his death the Director of Legal Services.

  • Army investigates death of policeman by its personnel

    Army investigates death of policeman by its personnel

    The 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) has begun investigation surrounding the circumstances of the death of a Police Inspector by its personnel.

    The spokesperson for the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, in a statement signed on Thursday, said that the unfortunate incident leading to the death of the Inspector, took place on Wednesday in Lagos state.

    “The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the Military Police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures,” he said.

    Ayeni said that the General Officer Commanding (GO ) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, commiserated with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police on the unfortunate incident.

    “The incident is highly regrettable, given the Division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.

    “The Nigerian Army continuously sensitised its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies and the civil populace.

    “The Division reassures the general public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

    The spokesperson said that Nigerian Army would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army,” the Division’s spokesperson said.

    NAN investigation reveals that dead police Inspector, Saka Ganiyu, was attached to the Lagos State Traffic Taskforce.

    The incident occurred on Wednesday at about 6.30 a.m. at Volks Bus Stop, along Ojo/Iyana-Iba Road, Ojo Lagos.

    Credible sources told NAN that the officer was carrying out lawful enforcement with his team when they saw an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus, driving against traffic.

    The said bus was driven by a man who identified himself as a soldier.

    “In the ensuing altercation, the said soldier called his colleagues, who trooped out from Ojo Cantonment Barracks with dangerous weapons and attacked the police team.

    “While the attack was on, the taskforce called for reinforcement and more policemen swiftly mobilised to the scene and repelled the soldiers.

    “One Insp Saka Ganiyu, a member of the team, who sustained injury during the attack was rescued and rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for treatment.

    ” However, the injured officer later died in the hospital while undergoing treatment,” a reliable sources told NAN.

    According to the credible source,  the corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy and preservation, while the command has begun investigation into the case.

  • Katsina: How police, army foiled kidnap attempts

    Katsina: How police, army foiled kidnap attempts

    Police operatives in Katsina State, in collaboration with soldiers, have foiled two different kidnap attempts and rescued six victims.

    ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Police Command, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

    He said that on Saturday, a distress call was received at Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters regarding an attempted kidnapping on the Jibia – Kauran Namoda road, Katsina State.

    “Upon receipt of the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, immediately responded to the scene and engaged the suspects in a gun duel.

    “Four kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

    “Unfortunately, one victim succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the attack,” Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed.

    According to him, the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters also received a distress call about another kidnapping attempt at Unguwar Boka village, Faskari Local Government Area, along Funua-Gusau road.

    The public relations officer added that promptly, the operatives responded to the scene, in collaboration with the military and engaged the assailants in a gun duel.

    “Regrettably, the assailants fatally shot one of the victims during the attack.

    “However, two kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt.

    “Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators as the investigation continues,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.