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  • I’m confident we’ll end Boko Haram soon – Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, says he is confident that troops in the north-east will end Boko Haram insurgency soon.

    In a statement issued by Sagir Musa, army spokesman, on Friday, Buratai also reminded the troops that they have done it before, and that “they will do it again without any foreign troops around”.

    According to the statement, Buratai said this in letter to congratulate the theatre commander, sector commanders, super camps commanders, commanding officers, as well as the officers and soldiers serving in Operation Lafiya Dole for their gallantry.

    In the letter, the army chief hailed the troops and their commanders for the display of courage and patriotism that led to the decimation of the leadership and ranks of Boko Haram insurgents and their affiliate ISWAP in various parts of the theatre.

    He asked them to continue to dominate the theatre and maintain high standards of professionalism.

    He also asked them never to allow the insurgents any breathing space or freedom of action anywhere as they continue to discharge their legitimate duties.

    Buratai said he has foreseen that with the renewed zeal, it is just matter of days to end the menace of Boko Haram insurgents.

    He said his confidence in total victory has further been rekindled by the determination of the troops on the ground.

    “I am more confident now than ever before with your current robust posture that you will end the BHT/ISWAP menace in no distance time,” he said.

  • Why it is difficult to wipe out Boko Haram – Buratai

    Why it is difficult to wipe out Boko Haram – Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burtai says Boko Haram leaders and recruiters live in communities, evading detection by mixing with the local population.

    Buratai said Boko Haram’s mode of operation, its use of propaganda and hardcore ideology are the major reasons the insurgency has lasted for many years.

    In an interview with Daily Trust, he said the war against Boko Haram has improved from what it used to be years ago, but admitted that there has been a “minimal resurgence”.

    “Insurgency is not what you defeat and it would just fizzle out; they would revert to other tactics. That is terrorism,” he said.

    “They will promote propaganda, to the effect that all the institutions of government would be seen to be ineffective. This is what they are doing. They are exploiting the fault lines in our economic and political endeavours to expand the gulf of so-called discord and acrimony amongst various ethnic and religious groups.

    “Why are they doing this propaganda, blocking the road and capturing individuals because they are of a particular religion? Unfortunately, they murder those individuals and send it to the world. These are propaganda strategies of the terrorists.

    “These individuals may be living with you and you would not know they are terrorists. They have a series of informants and logistics suppliers. They have a series of leadership strata that live in the communities and towns nearby. They pass information and organise those that are hidden along the borders in remote areas or communities who come, attack and go back. They also have a series of recruiters.”

    The army chief said though the group took up arms in 2009, some of its members were indoctrinated about 10 or 40 years ago, and that what Nigeria currently faces is an “is an existential threat”

    “Looking at it from this perspective, you would see that it is a complex operation you cannot wish to just go,” he said.

    “At the national assembly, I said indoctrination of the citizens did not start in 2009, it started much earlier. And it grew until it reached that point where they took arms against the state.

    “It is an indoctrination that has taken roots between 10 and 40 years back. And for you to de-radicalise an individual to bring him back to sanity, you think it would just take you three years, four or 10 years?

    “These are people that were brain-washed to believe that when they die they would go straight to heaven. And you think they would believe in you to bring them back to mix with people they refer to as unbelievers? You have to look at this context.”

    Buratai said while the military continues to target the leaders of Boko Haram, it needs “extensive and intensive surveillance arrangement (and) very good intelligence”.

    He said: “If you are targeting the head to decapitate, you must have been on their tracks; how close have we ever gotten close to eliminating Shekau? This is a military operation.

    “Late last year, there was a report in which the Air Force bombarded their camps and many of their leaders were eliminated. Even the attack on Damaturu, about two of their commanders were eliminated. In Goneri also, one of their commanders was eliminated.

    “We will continue to target them individually and as a group until we narrow the overall leader. It requires some intelligence. As I said, this insurgency did not start yesterday; it started over 40 years back.”

  • Buratai’s leadership ingenuity and Nigeria’s silent achievements

    By Andrew Granit

    I have had over three decades experiences as a conflict manager and preventive researcher. In the course of my job, I have traversed most parts of the world. But my experiences are more grounded in my former country, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

    And until its disintegration, Yugoslavian six republics were enmeshed in virulent economic crises and political unrests since the 1980s. And it eventually transmuted into a break-up of this previously unified amalgam of disparate ethnic, religious and historical entities under a single federation. With the upheavals over, I am a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo. But I have seen and experienced a lot about crises or its management far and near.

    The path to Kosovo’s independence was long and strewn with thorns, expressed in hate, animosities and violent conflicts. But let me not bore you with details. However, let me quickly say, in the life of every nation in the world, there comes a time minor disagreement are ballooned to major conflicts with its toll on lives, peace and progress of nations. Equally, there comes a time that nature also enthrones the right leadership to right the wrongs, and uproot the deep-seated incendiaries from national psyche.

    Nigeria, the most populous nation amongst the black race on earth has found itself in this quagmire ignited by the vicious and brutal campaigns of Boko Haram insurgents. And I have confirmed the incursion of extremists terrorism from the Middle East into Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region.

    These religious extremists or terrorists, to be precise, under the identity of Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) accentuated their bloody campaigns on the state of Nigeria at the turn of partisan campaigns for the 2019 general elections.

    From observable manifest aggressions, I have sensed the eagerness and hastiness of ISWAP terrorists to quickly subdue and re-conquer Nigeria. But ISWAP elements have encountered a hard nut to crack in Nigerian military forces, particularly Nigerian soldiers in the frontlines.

    The increasing sophistication of ISWAP’s weaponry and the lackluster attitude of the local population whose preference seems to tilt in the direction of shielding terrorists are problematic. And hoarding critical information from the military have been great assets to the vicious terrorism campaigners.

    But I must admit that the vigilance, hard work, commitment and the undisguised patriotism of the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, General TY Buratai have consistently frustrated the agenda of the ISWAP terrorists. Of course, flashes of terror attacks on communities, ambushes of troops in the battlefields and casualties on both sides would continue to occur because of the drowsy and aberrant character of managing terrorism combats and conflicts to its conclusive end.

    However, I am impressed with the courage, bravery and tenacity of the Nigerian Army. Troops in the frontlines have displayed determination, rather than fatigue. And the counter-insurgency leaders have displayed ideal and focused leadership; it has not flinched from support to troops, which are the greatest psychological weapon a soldier needs in war.

    At least, it was my experience and pulse during my recent visit to parts of the Northeast Nigeria after the country’s current leader, President Muhammadu Buhari was elected a second time in 2019. The first time I came to Nigeria for firsthand information on the rampaging and raging Boko Haram insurgency was in February 2015. Three terrorism incidents fascinated my enthusiasm. I really felt visiting the country, scenes of attacks, interacting with troops in the warfront and government’s counter measures would enrich my knowledge on conflict management and understanding towards helping the world prevent crisis and overcome existing ones.

    The night of April 14-15 2014 Boko Haram’s abduction of about 276 teenage Chibok schoolgirls, in Borno state. Earlier on same April 14, 2014, terrorists exploded multiple bombs at a busy bus station in Abuja, Nigeria’s national capital, gruesomely murdering an estimated 200 persons and causing destructions.

    And the tereorists’ three days serial raids and unmolested siege on Baga, a town in the Northeast Northern Borno province between January 3-7, 2015. Reports monitored on local and foreign media outlets revealed that at least 2,000 people were feared dead and insurgents captured the town, neighboring villages and a multinational military Base.

    I was again in Nigeria, early January 2020, after the Sallah, Christmas and New Year festivities. I understood from my contacts that these are the most auspicious times Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists prefer to brandish their self-acclaimed might in braggadocio. They would outlandishly unleash heinous atrocities on civilian and military targets to spur international attention.
    I flew into Nigeria, landed in the capital city, Abuja and rested for two days to plan my itinerary, enliven conversations with my contacts and get security cover. In war situations, no one undermines personal safety and security. I monitored local TV channels, I watched again reports of troops confrontations with ISWAP terrorists.

    I proceeded to Maiduguri from Abuja on road in company of two security details and Mallam Aliyu , my driver who is also from the Northeast. At Maiduguri, we went straight to the headquarters of the Command Theatre, Operation Lafiya Dole, and met with some top commanders of the Army. I introduced myself and mission. He was receptive and hospitable. I interacted with some Nigerian soldiers in Maiduguri and spent the night in the ancient city.

    The next day. my contact got me a list containing locations of Army Battalions, Military Forward Bases and Special Strike Teams as guide. We were able to get a few soldiers who provided additional security to me and everywhere I decided to visit.

    I spent four days visiting military formations in the Northeast. I was at Baga, Pulka, Bama, the once dreaded Sambisa forest, Monguno, Gwoza and hordes of other locations. The places were liberated and natives returned to forlorn enclaves. I was quite excited that Gwoza, which was once captured and occupied by Boko Haram as their Islamic Caliphate administrative headquarters was also liberated. I couldn’t hide my joy and had to share pictures each day with Francois and Young who all wanted to embark on the trip with me.

    In Biu, I also visited the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB). The edifice was a masterpiece to behold. At each destination, I interacted with the natives and troops at the frontlines and got their heartbeat. I left Borno for a return journey to Abuja, but diverted into Postiskum in Yobe state, where I also encountered some troops. While I engaged them in mutual talks, some of them whispered to me about the presence of General Buratai whom the troops fondly refer to as ” the Chief.
    ” I learnt he was paying one of his usually silent, but routine personal trips to the Nigerian troops.

    He was at another end of the camp, also exchanging views with some troops over recent developments in the theatre of war. I walked up to him; exchanged pleasantries and introduced myself. I was meeting Gen. Buratai personally for the first time.

    Pleasantly, my first impression of him was that of a warm personality, amiable soldier and determined leader, who is optimistic in succeeding on his assignment. A good Army General constantly disguises to be in touch and brief his troops to bolster their ego of performance. It’s a rare leadership ingenuity in Gen. Buratai.

    Meanwhile, soldiers I met in Borno earlier told me the Chief visits constantly. But I never believed, thinking it’s just a smart answer to shield their boss, until I ran into him personally on the field. Soldiers in the battlefield are always busy people. So, I had a few minutes with Gen. Buratai, who was very detailed on the actions and plans of President Buhari to terminate the reign of terror in Nigeria.

    It is not in my position to divulge what we discussed. It was not a planned interview and might be giving out too much to the terrorists. But as I conversed with him TV images i watched on a local station, where the Minister of Defence, Gen. Bashi Magashi and Gen. Buratai who led a delegation of the European Commission to Mr. President, where both parties had talks on the counter-insurgency operations flashed my mind. I blended its veracity from what I heard from the Army Chief.

    Back to Abuja in my hotel room, I reflected over my experiences on the trip. I could not help but nod in satisfaction that Nigeria has recoded unique milestones in combating Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism. There is a lot of difference in the success of counter-insurgency operations in the country now.

    Those far from the theatre of war may not understand. But it’s not easy reclaiming territories under the control of terrorists anywhere, and sustaining the victory like Nigerian soldiers have accomplished in retaking the 18 LGAS in the Northeast. Terrorists pride is usually bruised and they fight back ferociously. One should expect to see desperation by terrorists to retake reclaimed lands to lead to intermittent strikes, which is normal in terrorism combat wars.

    Until I came and saw the reality before I believed the press particularly fed the world outside and Nigerians with inaccurate information about the war against terrorism in Nigeria. Each time I read the alarming and sensational news on terrorism war in Nigeria, one is tempted to believe the whole country is on inferno. And it was grave risk to visit the Northeast even with security escorts. But the reality is excitedly different.

    But let me caution that most Nigerians are selling out their country to terrorists and their foreign sponsors through sensational and discreditable news on social media platforms or even traditional media. There should be patriotism and moderation for the sake of national interest. Combating terrorism is beyond politics. It is pointless churning lies that may compromise the security of your whole country.

    Unfortunately, it seems all categories of Nigerians have indulged in this disservice and resentful conduct, including some highly placed leaders. They must be mindful or else, these actions can easily shatter the coherence and unity of the country. But even one day in an IDPs camp, in a foreign land is like hell on earth.

    Granit is the President, Preventive Diplomacy, United Kingdom.

  • Boko Haram resurgence: Last kick of a dying horse – Buratai

    Boko Haram resurgence: Last kick of a dying horse – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has described the spates of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents which had claimed scores of soldiers and civilians as “the kicks of a dying horse”.

    The CAS reassured that the counter-insurgency operations in the North East and other ongoing operations against across the country were achieving ‘tremendous successes’.

    The insurgents had blown up the Gamboru Ngala bridge in Borno State on January 5, killing about 30 persons.

    A number of soldiers were also said to have been killed a few days ago during an attack on troops by the criminals.

    Following these incidents, the European Union parliament in a resolution on January 16 said the progress against the terrorists had stalled, noting that the security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated significantly.

    Apparently reacting to the EU resolution, Buratai in a statement on Monday, by the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, cautioned all local and foreign interests to exhibit more commitment and restraint on issues of national security and avoid taking sides.

    “Furthermore, all actions and utterances must be tailored towards supporting the national cause with a view to restoring peace and tranquillity to our beloved country,” it noted.

    The statement read in part, “The recent moribund activity of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents is synonymous with the kicks of a dying horse gasping for the last breath.

    “The Chief of Army Staff also warned all enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians who take delight in the sufferings of our innocent citizens that the day of reckoning is at their doorsteps.”

    The CAS said a review of the ongoing operations in the North East indicated a renewed zeal and determination by troops to take the counter-insurgency operations to its logical conclusion with favourable outcomes.

    He highlighted the decimation of many Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province criminals, including some of their top commanders and arrests of the insurgents’ logistics suppliers and collaborators, the capture of arms and ammunition as well as the rescue of captives from the insurgents.

    Buratai assured the troops that their sacrifices and that of their fallen colleagues would not be in vain.

  • Buratai visits Police training college, trrops in Gwoza

    Buratai visits Police training college, trrops in Gwoza

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has visited the Police Training College at Alimankara in Gwoza and climbed the hills as part of operational visit to North East.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the college is one of the critical security institutions overran by the Boko Haram terrorists during the peak of their activities in Borno state in August 2014.

    The Alimankara village where the college is located and indeed the entire Gwoza local government was under the control of the terrorists for months before the troops of Nigerian Army retook the area in 2015.

    During the visit, it was observed that normalcy has since returned to the town with the residents chanting in excitement while the rebuilding works at the college has reached advance stages of completion.

    Buratai was conducted round the college by the top police officers in the college.

    After the ascent of the two hills, Buratai disclosed that the value of climbing the hills was borne out of the desire to feel what they troops feel in carrying out operations there.

    According to him, if you don’t feel the pinch you will not know the impact of what your colleagues are also facing.

    “This what they do virtually every day, they don’t only climb, they equally trek far distances and so it is good for us to appreciate what they are doing and we will be in a better state to understand their feeling and also address them as the case may be.

    “As you can see, it is equally a morale booster because I have gone up there to see the observation course officer at the peak of this hill which is almost the highest around here.

    “Seeing the chief of Army Staff with him there is something that he never imagined but this is encouraging them and to tell them we are with them,” he said.

    Buratai commended the performance of the troops against the terrorists in the area and the north east in general, adding that the performance had been impressive and encouraging.

    He said that the troops had exhibited high level of professionalism and resilience with the knowledge of the terrain, adding that they had continued to raid the hideouts of the terrorists.

    “I am sure the progress is quite commendable and we hope as we enter the new year, they will be more result oriented operations to finally clear the remnant of the Boko Haram.

    He said that the super camp concept had achieved its objective, saying it has helped the troops to have much understanding of the behaviour of the terrorists.

    According to him, the initial misconception about super camps has been assuaged as well as the fears of the people and it is something that we will continue to build on to make sure we succeed at the end.

    Buratai, while wishing the people of the area a peaceful 2020, also assured them that the troops would continue to provide them security enable them enjoy more harvest from their farms.

    “Let them keep supporting the troops and all of us and provide useful information that would be used in identifying the terrorists in the communities and around the bushes as well,” he said.

     

  • Why army adopted spiritual warfare against Boko Haram – Buratai

    Why army adopted spiritual warfare against Boko Haram – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the army adopted spiritual warfare to counter Boko Haram propaganda, adding that the terrorists cannot be defeated by kinetic military warfare alone.

    Buratai, represented by Brig.-Gen. Timothy Olowomeye, the Director Civil Military Affairs, stated this at the 2019 Chaplains annual Training Conference and Retreat on Tuesday in Sokoto.

    Buratai described Spiritual Warfare as an effective tool against insurgency and other forms of restiveness.

    ” Boko Haram and the likes cannot be defeated by kinetic military warfare alone.Finding appropriate counter-narratives against these violent extremist sects will immensely be a big push towards eradicating their negative activities in Nigeria,” he said.

    Buratai said Nigeria and the world at large were grappling with the harsh reality of restiveness mostly shrouded in religious, economic and political undertones.

    ” These tendencies have caused disorder and wanton destruction of lives and property of many innocent citizens who have continued to look unto the government for solace.

    ”President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to offer succour and renewing the hope of the country’s citizens through the relentless efforts of our Armed Forces and other security agencies.

    ” We, therefore, must call to mind always that the noble task of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation while also being proactively involved in aid of our civil authority is our prime responsibility,” Buratai said.

    He said the Army had continued to engage with the religious directorate on possible proactive measures to help in winning this fight against the various forms of restiveness in the country.

    The COAS described the theme, “The Non-Kinetic Strength in the face of Armed Banditry and other Security Challenges: The Role of the Military Chaplains”, as very relevant in this battle.

    He further noted that the choice of the Northwest for the event meant they were in tandem with the efforts of the government in quelling the teeming security challenges of banditry in the region.

    He called for more collaboration between the Directorates of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) and the three Religious Directorates in the efforts to contain the security challenges.

    According to him, the Armed Forces have attained great feats in the fight against insurgents, breaking their ranks and degrading their will to fight.

    However, the insurgents’ belief in their ideologies remain the driving force thereby making ideological battle in some ways very necessary and timely.

    He expressed optimism that the conference would develop appropriate narratives required to counter the ideologies of the religious terror groups.

    Speaking also, the Coordinator, Brig.-Gen. Charles Chidebere, said the event was in furtherance of efforts to win the war not by blazing guns but through winning the hearts of all with profound messages of peace.

    Chidebere appealed to religious leaders, tribes, communities and people at large to uphold the true message of religion which included peace, tolerance and unity in words and actions.

    ” We must refute in strongest terms possible all forms of extreme religious fanaticism and its attendant security threat to the nation,” he said.

    The conference ends on Oct. 25.

  • Security experts faults Atiku’s comments on Buratai’s role on anti-terror campaign

    Security experts faults Atiku’s comments on Buratai’s role on anti-terror campaign

    The League of Security Experts and Professionals has rebuked Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for displaying “ gross ignorance” over his call for Chief Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai to relocate permanently to Borno State.

    The umbrella body for security experts and professionals in the country gave this reprimand in a press conference on Friday in Abuja.

    According to the group led by its President, Anthony Egwu, the remarks made by the former Vice-president is highly “misleading and lacking in depth and purpose, laced with mischief, ignorance, and a clear case of playing to the gallery.”

    The motive of the PDP chieftain the group alleged was to cast aspersion on the commitment of the COAS in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in Nigeria and on the fringes of the Lake Chad region.

    The security stakeholder, therefore, considered Atiku as a “security threat with his actions and inactions since after the general elections and therefore the relevant security agencies should be on the alert.”

    The group, however, advised the Adamawa-born politician to henceforth desist from making ignorant remarks about the Nigerian military.

    “The pertinent issue today is the call by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai to relocate permanently to Borno state in an attempt to coordinate the fight against insurgency better. He also stated that the Chief of Defence Staff should have an annex office in Zamfara state, instead of sitting in their comfort zones in Abuja,” the statement reads.

    “The League of Security Experts and Professionals wishes to state that the curriculum vitae of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar puts him in the lowest rungs of the ladder to contribute on military strategies in Nigeria for undeniable reasons. If indeed he chooses to air his opinion on national issues as expected, he should be guided by the need for decorum and respect for facts and the sensibilities of others at all times.

    “The League of Security Experts and Professionals would state in unequivocal terms that the statement credited to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a direct affront to the efforts of the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and other parts of the country.

    “ This is especially so as there have been no efforts whatsoever by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar towards contributing positively to sustainable peace in Nigeria, either while he held sway in office as Vice President and otherwise.

    “ For the records, the League of Security Experts and Professionals is aware that the Chief of Army Staff and other top commanders of the Nigerian Army have been in the trenches in the past weeks supervising military operations.

    “ As a critical stakeholder in the security sector in Nigeria, the League of Security Experts and Professionals is also aware of the gains recorded by the Nigerian military in North East Nigeria, particularly around the Lake Chad basin region.

    “ The efforts of the Nigerian military in its operations in other parts of the country is also worthy of mention, which Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would not see or admit.

    “ It is, therefore, pertinent to state that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should desist from commenting on how the Nigerian military should implement its war strategies and he should be bold enough to visit the Nigerian troops in the trenches for first-hand war experience.

    “ It must also be expressly stated that the business of security is not for entertainers and political jobbers that thrive by creating sensational headlines for newspapers. It is a job for the strong in spirit. And those with the interest of the country at heart. However, it is on record that the actions of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have never been in the interest of Nigeria from time immemorial in his days in the Nigerian Customs Service.

    “ The League of Security Experts and Professionals wishes to advise Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to call home his ignorance on the operations of the Nigerian military and stop misleading the members of the unsuspecting general public.”

  • Buratai’s comments on security reflects Buhari’s failure – PDP

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as defeatist comments by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai to the effect that troops’ non-commitment to the counterinsurgency operations had been responsible for the inability of the military to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents.

    The PDP said the Army Chief’s comments had affirmed its position that President Muhammadu Buhari has failed in his duties as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    In a statement Monday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said that the blame must be placed at the doorsteps of the President, who was under oath as the Commander-in-Chief, to ensure the security of lives and property, but had failed even in his own promise to lead from the front.

    “Mr. President, as chief security officer of the nation, should not hide under an Army Chief to push blames when he had failed to take appropriate steps to secure the nation and refused to heed wise counsel by well-meaning Nigerians to reorder his parade and rejig the nation’s security architecture for effectiveness.

    “Instead, the Buhari Presidency had carried on with endless lip service, empty assurances, unnecessary blame game and obvious lack of tact, while the nation is being ravaged”, the PDP added.

    The main opposition party insisted that despite what it described as the “cluelessness” of the Buhari Presidency, the troops have remained gallant, patriotic, making sacrifices and risking their lives in defending the country.

    The PDP was of the view that under the prevailing situation, a Commander-In-Chief should have risen up to the occasion, step up actions, resolve the issues and ensure that all efforts were galvanized to provide all the necessary requirements for the troops combating insurgency and other acts of violence against the nation.

    The party urged the military and troops in the frontline not to relent at this critical time, noting that Nigerians seriously appreciate the sacrifices they make in the course of securing the nation.

    It also called on the National Assembly to save the situation by immediately using its legislative instruments to wade into the situation in the interest of the nation.

  • Troops’ Commitment: I was quoted out of context – Buratai

    Troops’ Commitment: I was quoted out of context – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday denied indicting commanders and soldiers of lack of commitment to ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

    He claimed that he was quoted out of context.

    Buratai had at a leadership transformational workshop for middle cadre officers and soldiers in Abuja on June 18 said that some setbacks in operations in recent times stemmed from “insufficient commitment’’ by those at the frontlines.

    “It is unfortunate, but the truth is that almost every setback the Nigeria army has had in our operations in recent times can be traced to insufficient willingness to perform assigned tasks.

    “Or simply, insufficient commitment to a common national/military course by those at the frontlines.

    “Many of those on whom the responsibility for physical actions against the adversary squarely falls are yet to fully take ownership of our common national or Service course,’’ he had said.

    But, responding to a question when he visited Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri on Monday, Buratai said: “Let me categorically say that I never said in my remarks that the troops lack commitment.

    “It was completely wrong and I want to believe that somehow, I was quoted out of context and probably with element of mischief.

    “If you read that remark which was published on our website, you will see that there is nothing like lack of commitment.

    “Some have even gone beyond that and quoted me as saying that the troops are cowards. This is far, far from the truth,’’ he said.

    The army chief said it was unfortunate that some journalists and indeed, newspaper houses went to the extent of distorting fact.

    He recalled that the statement was made at a training workshop to re-assess operations and find solutions to the challenges being faced in order to do better.

    “Counter-insurgency is a complex operation; it is quite fluid,’’ he said, adding that in such operation, “you deal with enemy that you cannot easily identify.’’

  • Boko Haram: Buratai makes U-Turn, commends troops for gallant efforts

    Boko Haram: Buratai makes U-Turn, commends troops for gallant efforts

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday commended the courage commitment and sacrifice being made by officers and men of the armed forces in safeguarding the country.

    Buratai gave the commendation during the graduation of 183 intermediate military officers, held at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.

    He said that the military authorities were doing more to acquire new platforms and enhance the welfare of personnel to ensure total success in the various operations targeted at securing the country and its people.

    “I would like to commend your courage and commitment to the onerous and noble cause of ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to honour those who have paid the supreme price while in active service of our Motherland.

    “We owe it to them to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. We also owe it to ourselves to become better at our craft, in terms of the quality of our equipment, personnel and training.

    “To this end, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is making concerted efforts to acquire new platforms and equipment,’’ he added.

    “We are also building our capacity to design and manufacture these equipment and materials using indigenous resources in order to ensure sustainability and enduring success in our military operations.

    “While carrying out your duties in a professional manner, I charge you to be objective, firm and yet humane.

    “Always adhere to the rules of engagement in force; seek good relations with your host communities in order to earn their respect and support which are the most critical requirements for success in asymmetric warfare.’’

    He added that it they must obey the rule of law and maintain a modest life that is worthy of emulation by the people the military have been mandated to protect.

    “These few tips are capable of winning the hearts and minds of the people, which will ultimately result in a more favourable outcome in all our military operations.

    “As military personnel, we must always remember that we are mandated to uphold Civil and Military Laws, as well as the highest standards of human conduct.

    To the 183 intermediate officers of Junior Course 87, the Army Chief urged them to remain professional, disciplined and hard working in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the 23 weeks course commenced on Jan. 16 with 91 participants from the Army, 42 Navy personnel, 28 from the Air Force, and 14 non-military students from the Nigeria Customs Service, Road Safety Corps, as well as other paramilitary and security agencies.

    Also, there are eight international officers on the Course comprising two from the Gambia and one each from the Republics of Botswana, Cameroun, Congo, Ghana, Niger and Zambia.

    “I believe that the ethos of Leadership, Integrity, Discipline, Hard Work, Conscientiousness, Esprit-de-Corps and Self Confidence has been further entrenched in you in the course of your training.

    “As from today, you have become professionally qualified junior level staff officers deployable at formation headquarters, as well as tactical level junior commanders of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other countries represented here.”

    He added that the objective of the College is to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers in order to prepare them for increasing responsibilities both in staff and command appointments.

    “I would like you to know that the appellation, ‘Passed Junior Staff Course’, confers much responsibility on you in terms of the anticipated quality of output you must produce henceforth.

    “I say this because a lot of expectation will now be placed on you by your superiors, peers and even subordinates, as you return to your respective military units, organisations or countries,’’ he said

    Buratai noted that in accordance with its constitutional roles, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is currently deployed for Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, as well as Internal Security operations across the country.

    “Many of you were released from the theatre of operation for this course and some of you will be going back there,” the Army chief added.

    Earlier, the Commandant of the College, AVM Lawal Alao said the 23-week course featured intense field training and academic activities designed to build the capacity of officers with the appropriate skills to function as Grade 3 Staff Officers and tactical level junior commanders.

    He explained that the course is also aimed at developing the leadership, analytical and communication skills of the participants to be able to efficiently operate during single service, joint or multi-agency operations.

    “On the part of the College, we shall continue to improve on the instructional curricular, facilities and environment in order to ensure that the training offered here are contemporary and fit for purpose.

    He commended the graduands for the untiring efforts they have put to qualify for the prestigious award of Passed Junior Staff Course.

    “With this qualification, the College has laid a solid professional foundation for you, and you are now appreciably equipped to cope with most challenges that you are bound to face as you progress in your chosen careers.

    “As you all know, the scourge of Boko Haram Terrorists still exists, though much degraded by ongoing military onslaught against the insurgents.

    “Other threats such as armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities are still prevalent across the country.

    “Accordingly, by virtue of your training at the Junior Course, we are confident that you will be professional, effective and yet humane while carrying out your tasks as junior staff officers and commanders in the field.

    “Always bear in mind, the end state of our military mandate, which is to ensure the unity, prosperity and security of Nigeria in order to foster national development.

    “I charge you therefore to be courageous, honest, true and conscientious to the oath we swore, to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests.

    “As you return to your respective agencies and countries, I implore you to be good ambassadors of the College, and continue to sustain the friendships you have developed here with your colleagues and members of staff,’’ Alao said.