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  • Be ready to move to Sambisa forest, Buratai tells army recruits

    Be ready to move to Sambisa forest, Buratai tells army recruits

    The Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Tukur Buratai, said the Nigerian Army will uphold thoroughness in its recruitment processes to ensure that only qualified persons are recruited.

    Mr Buratai made the remarks during the final screening for 80 regular recruits at Falgore forest training camp on Monday in Kano State.

    He said the exercise was a new approach to the screening and recruitment process of the Nigerian Army.

    Mr Brutai added that it was borne out of the need to recruit the best.

    He said lessons drawn from experiences in the field had made it imperative to recruit the best, noting that a faulty process could lead to “faulty training and subsequently, faulty operations.”

    According to him, the Nigerian Army is not ready for that again.

    “As such, you must make up your mind that you are ready to serve your country as a soldier and you should be ready, anywhere you are deployed, after your passing out.

    “All of you will go to Sambisa at the end of your depot training.

    “If you are not ready to move to Sambisa and other parts of the country, and of course, our border areas to defend our country from any act of aggression, then you have not started.

  • Insurgency: Don’t be distracted by ICC investigation, Buratai tells troops

    Insurgency: Don’t be distracted by ICC investigation, Buratai tells troops

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops not to be distracted by the move by International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes against Nigerian forces in the north eastern part of the country.

    Buratai made the call in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that the call followed the Friday statement from ICC prosecutor, alleging that there were reasonable basis to believe that “members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF)” had committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    According to him, the ICC statement is immediately followed by a release by the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria, demanding full investigation of atrocities by Nigerian forces.

    Buratai said there was no doubt that such statement and instigation could distract the Nigerian troops with its demoralising effects.

    He said it could have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and severe setback to all Nigeria’s internal security operations.

    The COAS also enjoined troops to ignore what he described as “wicked and unnecessary distractions”, directing them to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists groups which is in sight.

    He also charged the troops to work hard and be guided by the constitution of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.

    According to him, the Nigerian army is not only protecting human rights but also sustaining human rights nationally and globally.

    “Our professional conduct over the years and most recently, during the #ENDSARS protest at Lekki village near Lagos are clear testimonies to the Nigerian army’s posture on promoting sustainable human rights policy.

    “The Nigerian army wishes to advise local or international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilise or destroy the troops’ morale by the sponsors of mischief in Nigeria,” he said.

    Army spokesperson, Musa, disclosed that Buratai was currently on self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19 infection.

    Musa said that the COAS would soon join the troops in the north eastern part of the country at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving them the desired leadership and support.

  • CNN’s Lekki shooting report: We followed rules of engagement – Buratai defends Nigerian Army

    CNN’s Lekki shooting report: We followed rules of engagement – Buratai defends Nigerian Army

    The Nigerian Army has reacted to CNN’s story on the alleged October 2o shooting by soldiers during the ENDSARS protest at Lekki tollgate in Lagos.

    While the CNN in its investigation, alleged that the Nigerian army used live bullets on protesters during its intervention in the protests, the military insisted its personnel acted professionally and “followed the rules of engagement”.

    CNN unveiled the identity of a protester, Victor Sunday Ibanga, who reportedly died on the night of the shootings, adding that a forensic probe of the bullet casings recovered from the scene of the incident revealed that live bullets were fired at the protesters.

    The network said current and former Nigerian military sources confirmed that the bullet casings “match those used by the army”, noting that two ballistics experts also confirmed that the shape of the bullet casings indicate they used live rounds.

    According to CNN, it worked with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and “established that several of the bullets from the Lekki toll gate originated from Serbia.

    Export documents CNN has seen show that Nigeria purchased weaponry from Serbia almost every year between 2005 and 2016”.

    But reacting to the report, when he received members of the House of Representatives committee on Army at Army headquarters, Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said the Nigerian Army is a professional Army who will never operate outside the rules of engagement.

    According to him, “Let me assure you and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army is a professional Army. We follow our rules of engagement. Nigerians should feel safe. We abide by rules of engagement and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.”

    He also noted that troops are “taking care of” bandits along Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

    The House committee, led by its chairman, Abdulrasaq Namdas, disclosed earlier that they were at the Army headquarters to brief the COAS about their observations during their oversight visit to the military formations across the country.

    But the lawmaker didn’t disclose their observations before journalists were asked to step out.

  • David vs Goliath: Jonathan’s ex-aide, Omokri challenges Chief of Army Staff, Buratai to one-on-one fight

    David vs Goliath: Jonathan’s ex-aide, Omokri challenges Chief of Army Staff, Buratai to one-on-one fight

    Former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has challenged chief of army staff, Lt.General Tukur Buratai to a one-on-one fight.

    In a proposition, now being touted as David versus Goliath battle,, Omokri said he wants to avenge the killing of unarmed protestors.

    According to him, he wants God to use him to avenge the death of the slaughtered unarmed peaceful protestors at Lekki tollgate on 20 October.

    “My greatest desire in November is to be in a room with General Buratai. No weapons. No referee. Man to man combat.

    “Only one man coming out alive. Let God use me to avenge the cowardly slaughter of peaceful, unarmed, #EndSARS protesters at #LekkiMassacre by that spineless coward!”

    The tweet, which has now been restricted, has gone viral with over 5000 retweets.

    One Twitter commenter warned him that General Buratai will beat him up as he is a field officer, still full of strength despite his age.

    Omokri responded by saying that Buratai should take up his challenge first.

    Another commenter said Omokri holds a black belt in karate.

    It was not clear whether Omokri really wanted to face the general, or was just joking.

  • Buratai orders Army officers to declare assets

    Buratai orders Army officers to declare assets

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has assured that the Nigerian Army will partner the Code of Conduct Bureau to ensure public morality and accountability in the conduct of its activities.

    Buratai who spoke while declaring open, a two-day workshop on Compliance with Assets Declaration and Code of Conduct for Officers and Soldiers, facilitated by Go-Getters Consulting Limited, directed that all Nigerian Army personnel entrusted with leadership responsibility must understand the importance of Assets Declaration and Code of Conduct.

    According to him, “this workshop is very important to the Nigerian Army because it will afford us the opportunity to fulfill our obligation as public officers in line with the provision of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.

    He continued that, “the Nigerian Army under my leadership is desirous to maintaining the highest standard of accountability in the conduct of our activities, consistent with the requirements and behaviours of public officers which conform with the highest standard of probity, public morality, transparency and accountability.

    “Accordingly I have directed that the workshop be conducted in the six Army Divisions nationwide. My directive is premised on the belief that every Army Personnel entrusted with leadership responsibility must understand the importance of Assets Declaration and Code of Conduct for public officers and comply with all the provisions and requirements”.

    The Chairman Code of Conduct Bureau, Isa Mohammed, noted that all over the world, governments have come to realize that public morality contributes to the credibility of government.

    Mohammed, who was represented by Professor Samuel Ogundare, observed further that the challenges confronting the country today, “is result indiscipline in public life”.

    He commended the Nigerian Army for organizing the workshop, which he said will afford the participants the opportunity to fully understand the workings of the Code of Conduct Bureau and the needs for assets declaration”.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Major General HPZ Vintenaba, stressed that the workshop will offer soldiers to understand the consequences of non-compliance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau on assets declaration.

    He said, “this workshop is timely as it would offer officers and soldiers the opportunity to understand fully the requirements for code of conduct and assets declaration as well as consequences of non-compliance.

    “The workshop is expected to further provide practical guide on the completion of assets declaration form. In the next two days, the Bureau would ensure that all participants are abreast of the extant regulations relating to code of conduct for public office holders”.

    He added that, “as a Department, we are resolute in our quest to leave no stone unturned in translating the laudable vision of the Chief of Army Staff into concrete realities by ensuring that standards are maintained in all Nigerian Army’s activities consistent with international best practices.

    “We are particularly not very unmindful of the fact that this workshop is coming at a time that the collective will, commitment and professionalism of the Nigerian Army is being tested by contemporary events that exert strains and pains on our collective aspiration as a nation.

    “It is against this background that the workshop has been carefully designed and packaged in such a way that participants will derive maximum benefits while in the service of the Nigerian Army.”

  • Criminals threatening Army with travel ban, I don’t mind living in Nigeria – Buratai

    Criminals threatening Army with travel ban, I don’t mind living in Nigeria – Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has taken a swipe at those threatening Nigerian military officers with a travel ban.

    He spoke on Monday at a meeting with Army commanders in Abuja on the End SARS protest and violent incidents across the country.

    The COAS lambasted international organisations clamouring for a ban on top personnel and soldiers over rights abuses.

    “Criminal elements are threatening us with travel ban but we are not worried because we must remain in this country to make it better.

    “The first time I travelled outside of this country, I was already 50 years and a General, so I don’t mind if I live the rest of my life here”, The Cable quoted him as saying.

    Buratai warned that the military will not allow any agent in or outside Nigeria cause lawlessness.

    The Army Chief stressed that “subversive elements, detractors and other enemies of Nigeria” will not be allowed to achieve “their aims and objectives of destabilisation”.

    Buratai said recent events have shown the determination of unscrupulous individuals and groups to cause chaos in Nigeria by all means.

    “These individuals, groups and other undesirable elements have hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protest marches resulting to widespread violence, acts of wanton destruction and looting of public and private properties in many parts of the country. These acts led to the imposition of curfew in several states of the federation.”

    Buratai insisted that the Army has continued to exercise restraint, apply the principles of internal security operations and fully abide by internationally recognised rules of engagement.

    He said the Army’s standard operating procedures for internal security operations were “derived from international human rights laws and are in accordance with the international principles guiding the use of force”.

  • Kill #EndSARS protesters, face International Criminal Court – Falana threatens Buhari, Buratai

    Kill #EndSARS protesters, face International Criminal Court – Falana threatens Buhari, Buratai

    Popular human rights lawyer, and Chairman of the Alliance for Survival of COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to use the Military against #EndSARS protesters.

    He also said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, risks facing the International Criminal Court (ICC) if any of the protesters is killed.

    The Army had said it would commence Exercise Crocodile Smile VI, which is usually conducted annually to checkmate the activities of criminals across the country during the ember months.

    It noted that this time, the military operation which would run from October 20 to December 31, would carry out cyber warfare operations to counter negative propaganda by criminal gangs and groups in social media and across the cyberspace.

    However, Falana in a statement issued by ASCAB advised Buhari to withdraw plans to engage soldiers for what is a purely democratic issue.

    According to the statement, protests have commonplace across the world as seen in Hong Kong, US, France, South Africa, Belarus, and even in Sudan.

    “It is unfortunate that the Nigerian government is sending a signal to the military that it has a role to play in a purely civil matter.

    “The plan to deploy soldiers is dangerous. It will push Nigeria into the red light district of global reckoning,” the statement read.

  • Northern elders insist on call for sack of service chiefs

    Northern elders insist on call for sack of service chiefs

    Northern elite, yesterday, threw their weight behind the call on President Muhammadu Buhari by North-East elders to sack the service chiefs owing to the worsening security situation in the country, especially in the Northeast region.

    Among those that supported the firing of the security top brass was a delegate to the 2014 National Conference, Tony Nyiam; human rights activist and former liaison officer to the late President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai; President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shetima; and another northern activist, Dr. Tanko Yusuf.

    The North East elders, under the aegis of Coalition of North East Elders for Peace and Development, (CNEEPD) had, during the weekend, expressed worries over growing insecurity, saying excuses being tendered by service chiefs were no longer acceptable to them.

    The elders, who made their position known in a statement, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, listen to Nigerians by implementing a recent resolution by the National Assembly asking him to rejig the country’s security design with a view to improving security, which they described as “so bad.”

    The statement, tagged: ‘We are tired of excuses, sack service chiefs now,’ was signed by the group’s Chairman, Zana Goni.

    The elders regretted that their silence had been misconstrued by some people and sections of the country because of the geographical background of the security chiefs, explaining that their action was nothing close to that.

    According to the elders, they had been silent with the hope that things would get better as promised regularly by the military leaders.

    “But we have seen that in spite of the funding of the military by our dear President and the assurances by our service chiefs that things would change, nothing seems to be happening in that direction. This is regrettable.

    “The worsening security situation in the country is further reinforcing the urgent need to inject new hands with fresh ideas to handle the nation’s security architecture. We have seen that the security situation under the current service chiefs has reached an unbearable state,” they said in the statement.

    According to them, the nation has been distressed by mindless killings of citizens and pillaging of defenceless communities by insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers. “There is no denying the fact also that these have resulted in indescribable agony, anguish, and torment to the Nigerian citizens.”

    The statement added: “We, the Coalition of North East Elders for Peace and Development, in the strongest terms, restate the call on President Muhammadu Buhari to honour the resolution of the National Assembly and positions of the majority of Nigerians to immediately remove the service chiefs and bring in new hands to effectively confront the security challenges staring us in our face as a nation.”

    It also noted that the service chiefs were the longest in Nigeria’s history and argued that they had become war-weary and bereft of new ideas to tackle insecurity.

    “We are stating our position this day with deep and unbearable pains, given the lingering and unabated insecurity on our land. There is no doubt that 10 years down the line, the situation is worsening by the day. This is unacceptable, considering the efforts Mr. President has put in so far to arrest the situation,” the elders added.

    They said it was obvious that service chiefs Buhari appointed to drive his vision on security had run out of ideas to end the war, and needed to be fired.

    According to them, they would no longer sit on the fence and watch the situation, which had become a nightmare to Nigerians, and wondered why the President was still keeping the service chiefs despite calls from every section of the country for them to go.

    Nigerians voted for Buhari massively, they claimed, because of his vast experience in security and demanded a secure North East and Nigeria.

    They argued that sacking the chiefs and appointing new and younger officers into the system would restore lost morale, zeal, hope, and confidence to the armed forces and the country.

    “It is obvious that the current crop of service chiefs have overstayed and have run out of ideas to win the war against insurgents. Mr. President must show them the way out, our ways of livelihood in the North East have been destroyed by insurgents and the poverty level in our zone now is so high. It is on these premises that we call on President Buhari to sack the service chiefs without further delay,” they added.

    Supporting the call, Nyiam described it as amazing and hoped that President Buhari would give it consideration.

    He said the stay of the service chiefs was against the military protocol that states that “if an officer is in a battle for so long and nothing positive is coming up, he or she should be removed and give space for fresh brains.”

    He added, “From my findings as a retired military officer, I was told authoritatively that the Chief of Defence Staff is even performing more than the Chief of Army Staff. I don’t know why Mr. President is very heady about retaining Burutai.”

    Nyiam said the demand of CNEEPD must have been influenced by what the National Security Adviser to the President had been saying.

    “This is part of the nepotism, which we least expected from the person of Mr. President. The service chiefs are indeed due for removal and retirement, whichever way,” he added.

    Yakassai said North East elders were in a better position to air their views on how insecurity was affecting them to the President.

    He said, “I have said it that President Buhari cannot handle the problems of this nation and I have been attacked. It is now time for me to rest and allow others to talk.”

    While commending CNEEPD, Shetima said the group needed to be applauded for daring to tell Mr. President to remove the service chiefs.

    He said: “The North East leaders are not saying something different from what we have been saying. The truth is that insecurity has escalated across the north. But beyond the agitation for the removal of the service chiefs, their tenure is also over. I have said that as we urge the government to ease out the current service chiefs, the government must be committed to ending insurgency by ensuring that necessary tools are provided for the military to confront the bandits. Otherwise, nothing will change.”

    Similarly, another northern activist, Dr. Yusuf said he had earlier made a call for the sacking of the service chiefs.

    “To be candid, I had spoken ahead of CNEEPD that the current service chiefs are long due for change but the government remained adamant. Aside from these, they are supposed to have retired and allowed fresh brains to handle the situation. Mr. President has been a disappointment in this regard.”

  • Army will be ruthless with bandits in Katsina, North West – Buratai

    Army will be ruthless with bandits in Katsina, North West – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai, on Saturday vowed at the Army super camp 4 in Faskari, Katsina that the troops will ruthlessly deal with the bandits and other criminal elements that are presently terrorising Katsina and other north west states.
    Buratai, who made the declaration while interacting with the media further commended the troops for the successes recorded so far in the region in quelling banditry activities, and urged them not to relent until the criminals are routed out.

    He said, “on the assessment generally, it is quite encouraging and this is what is required, I also want to thank the people of the region the northwest for their support, especially Zamfara and Katsina states where our phase are located for the sake of this operation Sahel Sanity.

    “Their support and cooperation have made it possible for the neutralisation of several of these bandits and arrest of 100 informants, logistic suppliers and cattle rustlers.

    “Be rest assured, we will be ruthless to these criminals who disturb the peace and security of our country, we will not tolerate these attitudes or misconduct of molesting, kidnapping, cattle rustling, raping of innocent ladies and other forms of criminality.

    “We are determined to work with the civil administration to have a secure and peaceful Nigeria.”

    He urged the people to continue in the same manner, adding that security issues are tackled by collective efforts and supports of all.

  • Buratai presents 3-bedroom house to 85-year-old ex-soldier evicted by El-Rufai

    Buratai presents 3-bedroom house to 85-year-old ex-soldier evicted by El-Rufai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has presented a new 3-bedroom house to the 85-year-old retired Warrant Officer, Paul Ojo, who was evicted from his home by the Kaduna State Government.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Ojo was evicted from his former residence at Kabala Costain Kaduna on August 17.
    Buratai, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Maj.-Gen Usman Muhammad, said on Tuesday that he was moved by the unfortunate circumstances that led to Ojo’s eviction.
    “I was emotionally touched by your plight and consequently directed that an alternative permanent accommodation be secured for you and your family.
    “Pursuant to this, we were able to secure a more befitting house at No. 26 Yakowa Street Anguwan Galadima Kaduna.
    “It is thus my pleasure to formally present this 3-bedroom house to you as a mark of goodwill and uncommon gesture.
    “The Nigerian Army has always demonstrated its willingness to impact on personnel welfare and that of their families.
    “It is hoped that this gesture will encourage you to continue to uphold the positive tenets of the Nigerian Army as you live in peace and harmony with members of the civil society.
    “Once more congratulations and I wish you happy stay and enjoying your retirement in peace and tranquility,” Buratai said.
    Responding, the retired Warrant Officer thanked the Army chief for coming to his aid, saying it was a demonstration that his services to the army and Nigeria were not in vain.
    “I don’t know how to thank him, but Almighty God will give us peace to rule Nigeria well, peace that our soldiers will not be facing this type of thing.
    “Without notice or anything, I was ejected and I thank God the ejection has turned into a glory, thank you very much the Chief of Army Staff for what you have done to me.
    “I was ejected from my two bedroom house, they scattered my things but today, the Chief of Army Staff has made it possible for me to live in the type of house I never hope I will be able to build,” Ojo said.
    He prayed that Nigeria will overcome its security challenges so that all Nigerians will live in peace and tranquillity and the country will record economic growth and development.