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  • Slain soldiers: No army can have enough equipment for operations – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said no army can have enough equipment for its operations.

    Buratai, who spoke on the Metele attacks during the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday, said the army had started to strategise for the end of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

    The COAS also revealed plans for the 2019 general elections, saying Operation Safe Conduct would be conducted in the country by the army to ensure free and fair elections.

    The theme of the conference, which was also attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, was, “Optimising the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army towards safeguarding democracy and national security in Nigeria.”

    The army chief said, “Internally, there has been violence in some sections of the country, which constitutes security threats to Nigeria’s democracy and existence. The causes of the crises are often for ideological, economic, political, religious and ethnic reasons.

    “The fight against Boko Haram in the North-East will continue unabatedly. The army is collaborating with Chad and Cameroon, and we are currently conducting joint operations in adjoining areas.”

    He added, No army can have enough equipment to conduct its operations. So it is incumbent on all commanders to know that we are involved in an asymmetric warfare which calls for dynamism and flexibility.”

    Buratai said soldiers must remain non-partisan during the 2019 general elections.

  • Nigerian Army to start producing combat vehicles locally from 2025 – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai, on Saturday said the Nigerian Army would in 2025 begin the production of combat vehicles in the country.
     
    Mr Buratai made this known at the 77 Regular Recruits Intake Passing-Out Parade at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State.
     
    He said through research, the depot had already produced five patrol vehicles named “TYB”.
     
    “Let me at this juncture, commend the Commandant, Depot, Nigerian Army and his team for the uncommon research and development feat which led to the production of five patrol vehicles, named TYB Robile in my honour.
     
    “By this breakthrough, the Nigerian Army is poised to become self-reliant in class `B’ combat vehicles by the year 2025.
     
    “Furthermore, the ultra-modern industry military range which I will commission today is one of the cottage technological training aids designed to improve recruits marksmanship skills and economise use of old classes of army ammunition for training.
     
    “I, therefore, urge the Depot Nigerian Army to maximise its use to enhance the quality of young soldiers trained in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
     
    The COAS said that the collaborative training with the British Advisory Team (BAT) had further introduced the recruits to contemporary training method.
     
    “It is highly gratifying to note that this highly revered institution established in 1924 has remained focused in the discharge of its primary responsibilities of transforming able-bodied young Nigerians from civil orientation to well-trained soldiers.
     
    “This is to meet the manpower requirements of the Nigerian Army.
     
    “Depot Nigerian Army has over the years remained pivotal in sustaining the growth and development of the Nigerian Army toward fulfilling its constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of our great country, Nigeria,” he said.
     
    According to him, the passing-out parade is desirably coming at a time when Nigeria is confronted with series of security challenges.
     
    Buratai also said that it was gratifying that the depot had continued to evolve training activities to actualise the vision of the Chief of Army Staff of having a professionally responsible Army for its constitutional roles.
     
    He said that the passing-out recruits would complement the manpower needs of Nigerian Army with competent and combatant-ready young soldiers.
     
    While congratulating the recruits for successful completion of training, Mr Buratai said a lot would be demanded from them in terms of loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others.
     
    “You are expected to always do your utmost best in order to sustain these core values through high professional standards in order to enhance your individual competences and share common vision.
    “Consequently, I wish to implore you to imbibe and retain the mental, physical and spiritual training given to you in this institution and the post-depot training you will be exposed to at your units, formations and corps.
     
    “Let me seize this opportunity to remind you of the oath of allegiance that was administered to you two days ago, and to state that you are henceforth subjected to both civil and military laws,” he said.
     
    He advised them to avoid anything that would tarnish the image of the army and the nation.
     
    The army boss charged the new personnel to remain loyal to the constituted authorities where they would be posted to serve.
     
    He lauded the president, Muhammadu Buhari, for his active and continues support to the Army which had culminated into more successes in the fight against all sorts of criminality across the country.
     

  • Buratai sccuses Plateau elders, elites of culpability in Jos violence

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has held Plateau State elders and elite culpable for stoking the incessant and repeated violent clashes and their escalation in the state.
    This is coming as two soldiers have been sentenced by the General Court Martial (GCM) of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army sitting in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to 10 years in prison for abduction and extorting the sum of N1 million from a businessman.
    The Head of the court,Brig. Gen. Olusegun Adesina while delivered his judgment, said the action of the errant soldiers was unlawful and against the ethics of armed forces
    Buratai, who was represented by the Commander, Special Task Force (STF) code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major-General Augustine Agundu stated this at the burial ceremony of the three soldiers that were recently killed in Barkin Ladi area of the state on September 6, 2018.
    He revealed that the body language of the elite and elders, their actions and inactions, have emboldened the youths to maim and kill innocent passers-by at their whims and caprices.
    According to him, “OPSH effectively came into force on January 21, 2010 but the crisis on the Plateau State has lingered prior to the establishment of the operation in 2000/2001 with vulnerable persons bearing the brunt of the crises. In recent times the bane of the crises has revolve around total act of criminality by some unguided and irate youths mostly under the influence of hard substances.
    “It is evident that these youths are supported by a section of the elites and elders bearing their inability to encourage them to eschew violence resulting in the absence of any tangible progress towards peace.
    “The actions or inactions of the elders can be classified as one of the contributory sources that has rather emboldened the youths to maim and kill innocent passers-by at their whims and caprices. Human dignity has lost its value on the Plateau. The troops of OPSH like all service personnel are officially detailed to Plateau State to perform the duties upon which they swore on oath to serve the nation.”
    Buratai said that in recent past, the mere presence of troops serves as a deterrent to the warring parties to toe the path of law and order, but unfortunately service personnel are increasingly becoming victims of internal strife and most often their success stories go unnoticed.
    “It is evident that there exist armed ethnic militia groups sponsored or supported by some elite and elders who deploy the misguided youths into committing the worst of heinous crimes. There is certainly no constitutional provision that allows civilians to bear fire arms but their possession has become a well sort-out vocation here in the Plateau.
    “The DHQ Special Force (SF) Team was deployed to OPSH on June 25 2018 as a result of the growing insecurity and lawlessness in some communities of Barkin Ladi LGA in Plateau State. Indeed, their deployment in OPSH greatly assisted in bringing normalcy to the area as well as creating an enabling environment for people to go about their normal lives.”
    He said the avoidable incident of September 6, 2018 led to the death of the gallant soldiers who battled the armed militias in order to save the communities that were under attack.
    “This is why we are gathered here this morning to pay our tributes to these gallant heroes who died in the search for peace on the Plateau. It is with grief-stricken heart and profound sense of loss of these soldiers, who are fathers and husbands that I commiserate with the families over the tragic loss of our dear soldiers.
    “The DHQ SF Team, OPSH and the Armed Forces of Nigeria have lost one of their fearless SF soldiers that exhibited courage and steadfastness even unto death and in the search for peace on the Plateau.
    “Also yesterday at the OPSH headquarters, General Agundu disclosed, while parading 27 persons including two women allegedly arrested in connection with the recent violence in Jos.”
    He said though 72 persons were arrested, after investigations, about 30 of them confessed to the crime, of which the 27 were paraded, warning that it would no longer tolerate any further attempt to attack the troops.
    Agundu in his capacity as the commander of OPSH also condemned what he described as the conspiracy of silence among the elders and elite going on in the state. “But they keep quiet. If they want to stop this act of violence and criminality, they can do so within a twinkle of an eye.”
    He also dismissed what he described as “media hype” about fake soldiers, saying there is no fake soldier going from door to door. “The dexterity my men exhibited was what marveled the criminals.”
    He however, admitted that there were some criminals in black attires perpetrating violence that have been arrested as you can see them here, but they are not soldiers.
    Meanwhile, two soldiers have been sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by the General Court Martial (GCM) of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army sitting in Maiduguri for abduction and extorting the sum of N1 million from a businessman.
    The Head of the court, Brig. Gen. Olusegun Adesina while delivered his judgment said the actions of errant soldiers was unlawful and against the ethics of armed forces.
    He said the duo standing trial on a three- count charge, abducted one Alhaji Hassan on November 19, 2017 at his residents in Ruwan Shanfi area of Maiduguri to unknown location, forcefully demanded and received the sum of N1 million from him after they threatened him that he was Boko Haram
    sponsor.
    The soldiers confessed that on the said date, they stormed the victim’s house with an Honda 1998 Model and dragged the victim out and forcefully took him to Railway Area of Maiduguri, where he was threatened and tagged as Boko Haram sponsor and asked to N3 million for his freedom.
    However, the victim begged his abductors and paid N1 million.

  • Nigerian Army University set to take off- Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff Gen Tukur Buratai said plans are underway for the take-off of the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Bornu State. The Army chief stated this in an interactive session with media executives Thursday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

    He said as part of efforts to consolidate the military-civil relations, the Vice Chancellor of the proposed University will be a civilian to be supported by an array of military human resources.

    He said efforts have been made by the Army high command to laise with the National Universities Commission(NUC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFUND) for necessary accreditation and funds for its take-off. He said specifically that there is an ongoing process to access N2bn takeoff fund from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as approved by the Federal Executive Council(FEC) for the Nigerian Army University.

    Buratai said the fund is expected as soon as all the processes are carried out to kickoff the varsity by getting all the necessary facilities and staff. He said the varsity is going to serve as a veritable tool for the military and also a unique solution centre in science and technology as well as in military capabilities in terms of equipment and innovation.

    “There is an important innovation which we intend to bring about in the Nigerian Army in particular. This day you cannot fight just within the conventional sense, warfare has transformed greatly and it requires more scientific and intellectual approach than it used to be in those days,” he said.

    He said the Army has gone ahead to initiate the Ivory Tower that will tailor their specific innovation needs as well as solution centre in military science and technology. According to Buratai, the University will further enhance the army’s ability to deal with all the challenges scientifically and more professionally.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Maihaja commended the Nigerian Army for their unflinching support. Maihaja further said that successes recorded so far by the agency could not have been possible if not for the overwhelming support of the military, adding that all the relief materials to IDP camps were thoroughly guarded and secured before distribution.

  • Boko Haram: Flee from terrorists, be fired – Buratai warns commanders

    The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has warned commanders against fleeing from Boko Haram insurgents in the troubled North East to avoid being dismissed from the service.

    The Army Chief in a circulated memo released recently stipulated guidelines warning Nigerian Army commanders of grave consequences should they abandon their positions in the face of firepower from Boko Haram insurgents.

    The 180-word memo, sent to all commanders at all levels, formations and locations in the nine-year-long war against Islamist militants across Nigeria’s North-east, was a direct response to the recent killing and maiming of soldiers and officers by terrorists, amidst renewed fears of a resurgent Boko Haram.

    Investigations, however, revealed that at least two officers and 43 soldiers have been killed in Boko Haram attacks on military targets between July 13 and 26, a shocking setback that sent the country’s top military brass seething,

    “Recent occurrences in” ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ “where units abandon their positions cowardly in the face of action” from Boko Haram terrorists “without reasonable resistance is worrisome,” Mr Buratai said in the July 27 memo to all commanders, adding that it “portrayed” them as “incompetent and cowardly”.

    “It also has the potentials to rubbish all the laudable gains made” in the war against Boko Haram

    “Consequently,” Buratai, a lieutenant-general, said any commander who “abandons his position in the face” of enemy fire “leading to avoidable death of troops and loss of equipment will be subjected” to harsh punishments as enumerated in the Armed Forces Act.

    “All should be reminded that the law recommended any officer or soldier found guilty of cowardly behavior ‘shall on conviction by a court martial be liable to suffer death or any less punishment provided by the Act,’ depending on the circumstances of the case.”

  • Buratai orders probe of alleged torture of Delta community leader

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ordered an investigation into the alleged assault and torture of an Ovwian Community leader, Citizen Freedom Odiete by soldiers of the 3 Battalion in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta state.

    Buratai’s order follows a petition and a fundamental rights suit instituted against one Capt. Kingsley Ukuwani, the Nigerian Army and others by a law firm, Oghenejabor Ikimi & Co.

    The order was confirmed in a letter signed by Capt. B I Akintibubo on behalf of the Commander, Nigerian Army 6 Division Provost Group, 6 Division Headquarters to the law firm.

    In the case against Ukwuani and the Nigerian Army which is at the Otor-Udu High Court in Suit Number: OUCH/65/2018, the law firm is seeking for a billion naira damage against the army.

    The Executive Director, Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Oghenejabor Ikimi Esq noted that public interest case/suit is geared towards promoting human rights culture in the polity stressing that it is not aimed at disparaging anybody or institutions.

  • Danjuma’s allegations on Taraba killings baseless – Buratai

    The Nigerian Army on Friday said allegations against it by retired Gen. T.Y Danjuma that it colluded with the militia in Taraba State and refused to protect the people were untrue.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, made this known at a news conference in Abuja where he gave details of the findings of the 10-member panel the Army constituted to probe the allegations.

    The panel, which comprised serving and retired army personnel, representatives of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), was set up on April 10. It submitted its report of April 25.

    Danjuma, on March 24 at the convocation of Taraba State University in Jalingo, alleged that some troops on internal operation in Taraba colluded with killers and herdsmen who attacked communities in the state.

    He said that the troops failed to protect the residents against the attacks.

    “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people; if you depend on the armed forces to protect you, you will all die.

    “I ask all of you to be on the alert and defend your country, defend your state,” he admonished.

    Danjuma said that the unnecessary killings, which were akin to “an act of ethnic cleansing” being perpetrated against the people of Taraba specifically and Nigeria at large, must stop.

    He accused the military of being part of the killings.

    But Buratai, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, Chief of Military/Civil Affairs, said: “With respect to the statement by Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, it is clear that the allegations were not true.

    “There is a need to urge for caution on the part of the elder statesman in view of the security implication of such comments.’’

    Buratai exonerated the army, saying that there was no collusion between it and bandits in Taraba as alleged by the former chief of army staff.

    Rather, he said, there was “sustained media campaign to belittle Nigerian army and other security agencies’ operation in the state’’ without saying who was behind the campaign.

    He stated that the panel found that Taraba governor made several attempts to remove the Commanding Officer of 9 Battalion, Lt.-Col. I.B. Gambari, for “his refusal to be dragged into the state politics’’.

    Buratai also alleged that the chairman of Takum Local Government Area attempted to undermine the authority of the commanding officer but did not give details.

    He commended the officer and troops on operation in the state for their professional conduct.

    According to the army chief, most of the crises over the years in Taraba were, particularly in Takum, Wukari, Ussa, Donga and Sardauna Local Government Areas.

  • Buratai receives Panel Report on Gen Danjuma claims

    The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, yesterday received the report of an army panel set up to investigate the allegations raised by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Theophilus Danjuma, on the killings between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Taraba State.

    Danjuma had alleged that the military was in collusion with herdsmen on an ethnic cleansing mission inTaraba State.

    While receiving the six page report at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, Lt Gen Buratai, said the army authorities would make the findings public shortly.

    He added that the higher authorities would be consulted for further action.

    The COAS had on April 9 set up the panel, headed by Maj Gen John Nimyel (Rtd), to investigate the claims by Danjuma and other interest groups in Taraba State, noting that statements from persons like Danjuma “could damage the reputation of the military and could therefore not be ignored.”

    Speaking at the presentation on Wednesday, the panel Chairman, Nimyel, said the report was “painstakingly thorough”, as the panel conducted its investigations and held numerous consultations with stakeholders in several parts of Taraba State with an open mind.

    Buratai however said the reports would help the army to identify the loopholes in the operations and rectify them to address the present challenges.

    “We will take every aspect of this report very seriously; we will make this report available to the appropriate superior authorities.

    “We will also make this report available to the media so that they will see clearly what transpired and to see whether the allegations against the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, are grounded or not, if the allegations are true or not,”Lt Gen Buratai said.

    The army chief also received the report of the panel set up to audit the number of arms and weapons in the possession of the army units and formations, saying that there were concerns over the proliferation of arms and light weapons not only in Nigeria but also across the country’s borders.

    “This verification will assist us to identify if there’s any gaps or loopholes so that we can address the issues immediately. We will do our best to preserve our arms and other vital weapons so that they don’t get into wrong hands,” Buratai added.

  • Self defence call: We’ll make reports on Danjuma’s allegations public – Buratai

    The Nigerian army has promised to make public the findings of the panel it set up to investigate the allegations levelled against it by retired Gen. T.Y. Danjuma.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, made the promise on Wednesday when the panel led by its President, Maj.-Gen. John Nimyel, submitted its report.

    Recall that Buratai set up the panel on April 9.

    He also received the report of the 17-member Committee on Arms Verification which he had set up on March 19.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Danjuma had on March 24 at the convocation of Taraba State University in Jalingo had alleged that some troops on internal operation in Taraba collude with killers and suspected herdsmen and did not protect residents against attacks.

    “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people; if you depend on the armed forces to protect you, you will all die

    “I ask all of you to be on the alert and defend your country, defend your state,” he had admonished.

    Danjuma’s call had ignited mixed reactions across the country, forcing the army to constitute the panel to get to the root of the allegations.

    But receiving the report, Buratai said: “We will take every aspect of this report very seriously, we will make this report available to appropriate superior authorities.

    “We will also make this report available to the media so that they will see clearly what transpired and to see whether the allegations against the military, particularly the Nigerian army, is grounded or whether it is true or not.’’

    Buratai, who said making the report available to the public would clarify the allegations, thanked the panel members for their painstaking efforts and sacrifice.

    He said that was necessary to put the records straight and safeguard the army’s integrity as an entity with an important stake in the unity and integrity of the country.

    The army chief also promised that the recommendations of the panel would be implemented.

    Earlier, Nimyel said the panel was painstakingly thorough and fair in its extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders before writing its report.

    He said to achieve its terms of reference, the panel visited some flashpoints in the three senatorial districts of the state.

    According to Nimyel, the panel also interfaced with some government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, locals, military unit commanders and other stakeholders.

    He expressed the hope that the report would assist the chief of army staff in taking appropriate decisions that would impact positively not only on the army but Taraba people and Nigeria at large.

    While also receiving the report of the committee on arms, Buratai noted that although arms verification was routine exercise, it, however, became imperative now in view of current challenges.

    He also said that previous experiences, as well as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons within the country and across the country ’s borders necessitated the exercise.

    “The verification will assist us to identify if there are any gaps or loopholes so that we can address them immediately.

    “We will do our best to preserve our arms and other vital weapons and indeed the ammunition so that they do not get into the wrong hands,’’ he said.

    Buratai vowed that any officer or commander found to be negligent (in handling arms and ammunition) would be “appropriately sanctioned.’’

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the committee, retired Brig.-Gen. Samuel Ayo, said that the report of his committee would assist the army in taking decisions that would further enhance its professionalism.

    He commended the chief of army staff for raising the standard of the army in spite of contemporary challenges.

  • How Buratai plans to deal with army personnel ‘romancing’ politicians

    As the 2019 general elections approach, the Nigerian Army says it will set up a “Special Standing Court Martial’’ to try any personnel caught romancing politicians.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a lieutenant general, announced this on Tuesday when he declared open the 2018 Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference.

    Mr Buratai further warned the personnel to remain apolitical but professionally responsive in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    “I have directed for a special Standing Court Martial to be set up in preparation for the coming 2019 elections.

    “I must warn that any Nigerian Army personnel found hobnobbing with politicians or being partisan will be investigated and sent to the Special Standing Court Martial.

    “I must state clearly that any officer or soldier who wishes to be sympathetic to political, religious or ethnic cause should voluntarily retire from the Nigerian Army,’’ Buratai said.

    He also restated the ban on any form of worship outside the barracks except those permitted for wedding and other social functions.

    “Therefore, officers and soldiers must restrain themselves from any act of political, religious or ethnic patronage as these would attract severe consequences,’’ he said.

    The army chief stressed that the unity and integrity of the nation “lies’’ on the military, particularly the army, adding that any act by personnel that was inimical to the country’s unity would be “decisively dealt with.’’

    He charged commanders at all levels to remind their officers and soldiers to remain non-partisan and be guided by Code of Conduct and rules of engagement, while discharging their roles.

    On the ongoing operations, Mr Buratai said that they were being reviewed due to lapses observed among commanders.

    According to him, some of the lapses observed are partly attributed to indecisiveness when faced with obvious challenges.

    “The attitude of commanders in the field must change, especially toward decision making and taking appropriate action in line with the rules of engagement.

    “In this regard, issues of murder, arson and other serious crimes perpetrated by ethnic and local militias, criminals and miscreants must be dealt with decisively.’’

    He warned that commanders would be held responsible for any lapses arising from their actions or inactions.

    The army chief, therefore, directed the Chief of Trading and Operations to set up a high-powered team to review all operations, especially where lapses had been observed.

    He said that this was necessary to punish all those found to have been involved in lapses.

    Mr Buratai recalled concerns raised by individuals and groups about some of the actions by troops on operations which had led to criticism against the army.

    He, however, said that he had set up a panel to probe those concerns to determine their veracity or otherwise and assured that steps would be taken to improve relations with the civil populace.

    “We must ensure that we conduct ourselves professionally and respond adequately to threats against our nation in accordance with our constitutional roles.’’

    The quarterly chief of army staff conference serves as a platform by the army hierarchy to appraise and discuss doctrinal, operational and administrative matters, and security issues critical to the stability of the nation.