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Tag: COAS

  • COAS orders investigation into state of army detention facilities

    COAS orders investigation into state of army detention facilities

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Legbaja, has ordered an investigation into the state of all Nigerian Army detention facilities across the nation.

    A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said that the order was in response to the recent protest by some detained personnel at the 8 Div. Garrison detention facility in Sokoto State.

    He described the Sokoto incident as “quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administrative efforts of the COAS”.

    “The COAS wants to determine whether it was an isolated incident or widespread situation in similar detention facilities,” the statement said.

    Nwachukwu said that while the service regretted and had gleaned some lessons from the incident, it would not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported grievance.

    He added that mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order were grievous misconducts, adding that the Sokoto incident epitomised such.

    “The army will go ahead to implement the COAS directive to look into the state of all army detention facilities as detainees’ lives also matter.

    “The service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility, for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities.

    “If it is discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively.

    “While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body.

    “The army wants to ensure that every detainee, including those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and awaiting confirmation of their sentences, is accorded a decent life until judgment is confirmed and executed.”

    This commitment, according to him, underscores army’s dedication to upholding professional standards and maintaining a just and fair system.

    “The Nigerian army appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support. We pledge to remain focused on the drive to defeat security challenges facing the nation in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies,” he added.

  • Army will ensure total defeat of insurgents, others – Lagbaja

    Army will ensure total defeat of insurgents, others – Lagbaja

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reiterated the commitment and determination of the Nigerian Army to ensure the total defeat of insurgents, marauding bandits, and all other forms of external and internal aggression disturbing the peace of the country.

    Lagbaja gave the assurance in his Easter Message to troops and families of personnel of the Nigerian Army on Sunday in Abuja.

    He urged all officers and soldiers to use the season to pray for continued operational successes and continue to espouse the values and virtues of love, peace, and sacrifice in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

    The COAS said he had ensured the implementation of quality training and equipping towards combating the myriads of security threats confronting the nation.

    He said the Nigerian army under his leadership had continued to record tremendous successes in various operations at home and abroad, especially in the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and other internal security operations nationwide.

    “As we continue to push towards the final onslaught on the adversaries troubling our nation, I assure you that the welfare of officers and soldiers, including training and provision of the needed equipment, will always be prioritised to enable us to discharge our constitutional responsibilities effectively.

    “Let me use this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you, my officers and soldiers, for your doggedness in tackling the numerous security challenges bedeviling us as a nation.

    “You have displayed much commitment, courage, resilience, and professionalism. For this, I say well done and charge you not to rest on your oars until we have eliminated all forms of threat to our country.

    “While still grieving the recent unwarranted and gruesome murder of our colleagues in Okuama Community of Delta, which occurred on March 14, I urge you all to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed to the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities.

    “I encourage you to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our departed colleagues who paid the supreme price for the noble cause of keeping our beloved country safe.

    “I will continue to prioritise the welfare of our officers, soldiers, and families, including those of our departed colleagues,” he said.

    Lagbaja also charged personnel to use the Easter celebration to offer prayers against all forms of negative forces militating against the peace and progress of the nation.

    He also expressed hope that the spiritual exercise of the Lenten Season and the lessons learnt would imbue them with greater zeal and dedication to their constitutional duties.

    The Army chief commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian army and the confidence reposed in him to lead the nation’s army at this period in its history.

    “I wish to reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty in the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our fatherland,” he added.

  • Okuama killing: Soldiers left behind pregnant widows, 21 orphans – COAS

    Okuama killing: Soldiers left behind pregnant widows, 21 orphans – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were gruesomely murdered in Okuama Community in Delta on March 14, left behind 10 widows three of whom are pregnant and 21 orphans.

    Lagbaja made this known at the burial of the 17 personnel comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    According to him, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian army and, by extension, the Nigeria state, 10 widows, three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant, 21 orphans, and many other dependents, including parents.

    “While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.

    “We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones,” he said.

    Lagbaja said he considered his toughest job to be putting fine men and women in harm’s way, sometimes knowing that they might not return to their families and loved ones.

    He added that his men, correspondingly and intriguingly know that in spite of the equipment, training, and other forms of preparations, sometimes some may not make it back alive, while some may return handicapped.

    According to him, “when soldiers die in the hands of the enemies of the State, we take it as dying for what the nation has considered a just cause; we celebrate them as gallant heroes.

    “But when they are gruesomely murdered by the very people they are trained, equipped, and took an oath to protect, it is highly demoralizing.

    “It is no longer news that 17 of the Nigerian Army’s finest men, whom we have come to bury, were murdered in a reprehensible manner on March 14 in the Okuama community of Delta State while they went on a legitimate peace-making mission.

    “It grieves my heart that it took our search and recovery effort over 72 hours to recover some vital organs of the decapitated and disembowelled bodies of my men that were scattered all over the Okuama community by the community youths and their friends.

    “I consider it the most barbaric act any citizen or community can commit against the authority of the state, and I must place on record that a lot of restraints have been exercised so far in our search and recovery efforts for missing arms, ammunition, other equipment, and body parts.

    “I assure Mr President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community.

    “As tasked by Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.

    “The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, towards swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations,” he said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.

    Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.

    He assure the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

    The defence chief said the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

    “We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice.

    “The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.

    “Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.

    “We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.

    “Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.

    “To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty.

    “Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable,” he said.

    President Bola Tinubu, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Kogi and Imo states, were in attendance.

    The president announced the award of posthumous national honours on the slain soldiers as well as houses and scholarship for their children.

    Okuama killing: We lost gallant officers, soldiers – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has described the 17 officers and soldiers killed in Okuama on March 14 as patriotic, brave and gallant Nigerians.

    He said that the deceased gave their lives to defend and protect the Nation against internal and external threats.

    At the burial ceremony of the officers and soldiers on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said that their death serves as a rallying point for Nigerians to condemn crime and criminality.

    “They went as peace makers and peace keepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

    “They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.

    “The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats,” he said.

    17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.

    The rest are Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.

    Tinubu said that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.

    “The four gallant Officers have been awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON). And the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded Federal Republic Medals.

    “As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery.

    “I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.”

    The President urged the officers and men of the military not to be deterred by this setbacks and be prepared to continue to work for peace and harmony.

    Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to rebuilding communities and making them places where love, tolerance and harmony reigns.

    “Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.

    “I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.

    “The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.”

    The president commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.

    “We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.”

    He said that government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

    Tinubu added that all the children of the deceased would enjoy a Federal Government scholarships up to  University level.

    The President also directed the Military to within the next 90 days, ensure that all the benefits of the departed are paid to their families.

  • How I will tackle insecurity in the country – COAS, Lagbaja

    How I will tackle insecurity in the country – COAS, Lagbaja

    Nigeria’s  Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has revealed what the country  needs to do inorder to  end insecurity squarely.

    The COAS made this known while appearing for confirmation at the floor of the senate on Thursday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to him, he will be bringing on board new proactive, adaptive, and inclusive skills needed to end insecurity nationwide.

    “The volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous nature of our contemporary security environment makes leadership challenging and therefore demands new skills that are proactive, adaptive and inclusive. And I boldly say that is what I intend to bring on board as the Chief of Army Staff,” Lagbaja said.

    On Nigeria’s security issues Lagbaja said, “Today’s painful reality is that insecurity has distorted our developmental plan and aspirations as Nigerians.”

    He added that his emergence as COAS would restore security Nationwide.

    The Senate confirmed Lagbaja, other security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff AVM H.B Abubakar and IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Wednesday.

  • Major shake up hits Nigerian Army; top generals affected, new GOCs, others appointed

    Major shake up hits Nigerian Army; top generals affected, new GOCs, others appointed

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has approved the posting and redeployment of top senior officers to commands, instructional and staff appointments across formations and units in a major shake up in the Nigerian Army.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the redeployments and appointments were to reposition the Nigerian army for operational efficiency and functional administration.

    Those affected include Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of Army Headquarters (AHQs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of  training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim had been redeployed from Headquarters  3 Division to the Department of Policy and Plans (DAPP) and  appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).

    Nwachukwu said that Maj.-Gen. BR Sinjen had been appointed Chief of Operations (Army) while Maj.-Gen. OR Aiyenigba, erstwhile Provost Marshal had been appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army).

    “Others are Maj.-Gen. NC Ugbo from Nigerian Army Signals School to Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

    Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola moves from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to Army Headquarters Department of Logistics as the Chief of Logistics (Army).

    “Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi from Army War College Nigeria ( AWCN) to Headquarters 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. AE Abubakar moves from Headquarters 7 Division to 3 Division as GOC and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

    “Also, Maj.-Gen. PP Mala, moves from Depot Nigerian Army to  Headquarters 7 Division as GOC and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East( NE)  Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

    “Others are Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi from HQ Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena (MNJTF) to Theatre Command Joint Task Force  NE Operation (OPHK) as Theatre Commander, while Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali was redeployed from OPHK to MNJTF as the Force Commander,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the appointment of Maj.-Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, as Chief of Defence Intelligence has been formalised.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. OO Oluyede had been appointed Commander Infantry Corps; Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Commander Corps of Artillery, and Maj.-Gen. AA Adeyinka, Commander of Corps of Supply and Transport.

    According to him, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe had been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, while Maj.-Gen. JO Ochai, takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy( NDA), and Maj.-Gen. IB Maina, Commandant, Army War College Nigeria.

    “Equally redeployed  are Brig.-Gen. TB Ugiagbe who is appointed Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Brig.-Gen. OG Onubogu moves to Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre as Commandant, while Brig.-Gen. N Ashinze moves to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director Fusion.

    “The Nigerian Army has also formalised the redeployment of Col. AO Onasanya from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters Guards Brigade as Acting  Commander.

    “The Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments,” he said.

  • Army pulls out ex-COAS Yahaya from service

    Army pulls out ex-COAS Yahaya from service

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday, pulled out of service, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, following the change of leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu.

    Tinubu had on June 17, approved the appointment of new service chiefs, marking the retirement of the erstwhile chiefs from the service of the armed forces.

    Pulling Out Parade is a traditional military ceremony to mark officers’ retirement from service which involves review of parade by the retiring senior officer, March past by troops and pull out if the retired officer by top Generals.

    In his valedictory speech, Gen. Yahaya thanked God for a successful career that saw him through the ranks and reaching the peak as the chief of army staff.

    He said that whatever had a beginning must have an end, saying that Saturday, June 24 marked the end of his career that started on Sept. 27, 1985 when he reported to the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.

    He said his time in the army in command positions enjoyed a measure of support from subordinates, quoting Abraham Lincoln who once said, “no man is good enough to govern another man without the other man’s consent or support”.

    “The Nigerian army has indeed grown and I want to use this opportunity to appreciate my predecessors for their dedication service to the army.

    “Their efforts significantly addressed some security challenges in the country during their tenure and provided good platform on which others can build upon.

    “It was on those efforts and platforms that I tried to build which enabled me to contribute my own quota to the upliftment of the Nigerian army,” he said.

    He said that his intention was to superintend over a Nigerian army that would have flexibility capacity and courage to undertake operations in collaboration with other sister services.

    Yahaya said that it was on the basis on that that conceptualised his vision which was to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission in a joint environment in the defence of Nigeria.

    “I am glad to say that we have made significant efforts in a achieving the vision. Our operational activities greatly denied the terrorists and bandits freedom of action.

    “In the North East for example, our kinetic and non-kinetic operations, other measures and supports have been successful and it has resulted among other things in the mass surrender of terrorists and have restored confidence in our people.

    “Economic and social activities have been restored in most areas and many displaced persons have since been returned to their ancestral homes,” he said.

    Yahaya said the army troops had also eliminated several bandits and criminal hideouts as well as neutralised scores with significant return of peace to several troubled areas.

    He added that the anti-oil bunkering operations in the South-South and other operational activities in other parts of the country had also achieved tremendous successes.

    The former COAS commended troops for the achievements and urged them not to relent but redouble their efforts to ensure that the country is secured.

    “I urge you not to be distracted or discouraged by cynical comments by unpatriotic and disgruntled elements but be resolute and discharge your duty decisively with every sense of prove and patriotism.

    “Our success so far was as a result of doggedness and patriotism of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army to duty,” he said.

    Yahaya urged his successor to continue to build on the successes and standards that the army had attained to be able to take the service to the greater height for the good of the country.

  • Recruitment: COAS warns board members against compromising standard

    Recruitment: COAS warns board members against compromising standard

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya, has charged members of the recruitment board, for the ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Army not to compromise on the stipulated standards.

    Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, a statement on Friday said that the COAS expressed confidence in their ability to select the most suitable candidates for the soldiering profession.

    He said the COAS visited the Nigerian Army Battle Fitness Centre (NABFC) to witness the ongoing recruitment exercise for the 85 Regular Recruits Intake holding in Falgore Forest, Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State.

    According to him, the COAS used the opportunity to commission a number of projects at the NABFC, recently executed by the 41 Engineers Brigade, Kaduna.

     

     

  • Training critical in enhancing troops’ operational efficiency – COAS

    Training critical in enhancing troops’ operational efficiency – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff,(COAS), Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya on Thursday said he would continue to prioritise training to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops.

    Yahaya gave the assurance at the graduation of troops of Exercise Restore Hope IV held at Nigerian Army Base Camp Kachia, Kaduna State.

    The COAS described training as the foundation for success in combat and all military operations.

    He disclosed that preparations are almost completed to commence Exercise Restore Hope V with the bulk of participating troops coming from young soldiers that recently passed out from Depot.

    Yahaya said Exercise Restore Hope training packages have proved to be effective and its impact on troops has been commendable and successes re-assuring.

    He pointed out that Exercise Restore Hope series provide the platform for the army to adequately prepare soldiers for operations in the ever-changing security environment.

    The COAS said it has so far proved to be of immense benefits and impact.

    The Army Chief charged the troops to effectively apply the skills acquired in the planning and conduct of operations wherever they may be deployed.

    Yahaya expressed satisfaction with the quality of training and discipline instilled in the specially trained forces.

    He assured that the army would confront headlong all territorial threat and security challenges confronting the nation.

    He warned terrorist and other criminal elements to surrender or face the consequences of their irresponsible actions.

    The COAS pledged to provide the enabling environment, facilities, training aids and logistics towards conducting the training at all levels.

    He said the four months training was designed to meet peculiar and complex security needs and challenges of the country, in tune modern ways of waging asymmetric warfare.

    He disclosed that the three previous trainings of men of Operation Restore Hope were done by the nation’s foreign partners, adding that the fourth which graduated 637 troops was conducted by instructors of the Nigerian army.

    Yahaya appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his strategic guidance, untiring support and encouragement to the Nigerian army.

    Newsmen report that highpoint of the event were demonstrations by the troops depicting their combat readiness.

  • How I confronted insurgency as COAS – Buratai

    How I confronted insurgency as COAS – Buratai

    Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, says winning hearts and minds of the North East populace was a major step taken by the Army that turned the tables against insurgents during his time.

    Buratai, who is the immediate past Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

    He said that the people also realised that President Muhammadu Buhari was passionate about restoring peace and stability to Borno and the entire North-East region.

    He said that there was also the reinvigoration of joint civil-military operations, composed of all operational formations of the Services.

    According to him, the operation had a central coordination Headquarters which also coordinated civil and humanitarian activities.

    “It assists the joint force commander in humanitarian or national-assistance operations, theater campaigns or civil-military operations occurring concurrently,” he said.

    Buratai urged the military to be resilient and never succumb to the threats of insurgents, terrorists, separatists, kidnappers or armed robbers.

    He said the major trick of the terrorists was to instill fear in the minds of people so much so that the people would be afraid to go to their farms, businesses or send their children to school.

    “We must all take a stand and show that we are not with the insurgents and the terrorists.

    “What the military is doing is fighting for the safety of the people, the military is there to protect and defend the people.

    “The military is not just fighting the terrorists on their own, they are there because of the people. This war is a people’s war, and not just a military thing.

    “Therefore, we must all get involved, be resilient, provide timely and credible intelligence and avoid any action that will disrupt the peace.

    “We have a duty to ensure that we entrench peace right from our homes. We must also know what every member of our community is engaged in,” he said.

    On military tactics, Buratai said the military always evaluated and changed their tactics to adapt to new challenges posed by the insurgents and terrorists, hence the defeat of the terrorists and insurgents.

    He called on locals to support the military with credible and timely information and prayers instead of meaningless and incessant criticism that were capable of killing morale of troops and their commanders.

    Buratai urged the military to maintain their tempo of operations and keep up the aggressive assaults, as well as enhance collaboration and synergy with other sister agencies.

    “You must understand that the military is not a one man show; even when I was in service, I worked with a team, and I am happy to say that many of them are still in service.

    “The current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the COAS served directly under me as Theater Commanders of Operation Lafiya Dole, now Hadin Kai.

    “By and large, I will say that they are doing well. Whatever little success we were able to achieve during my tenure, we did it together, it was a collective effort.

    “Thumbs up to the Nigerian military, the CDS and the Service Chiefs. I commend the Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. They are doing a great job. This is why the terrorists have been surrendering to the government.

    “Over 100,000 have surrendered and many more are coming out,” he said.

    On negotiation with terrorists and bandits, the former COAS said it was not the responsibility of the military to suggest, initiate or directly partake in dialogue or negotiations with terrorists and bandits.

    “But the military can force the terrorists, bandits, insurgents to surrender and accept negotiated terms favourable to the legitimate authority, which is the government.

    “I tell you towards the last half of 2020, the bandits were calling for negotiations through some prominent individuals.

    “This was as a result of the pressure mounted on the bandits. Many of their fighters, collaborators, logistic suppliers and informants were neutralised, captured or had escaped out of the country for safety.

    “Negotiation, dialogue and amnesty are civil authorities’ responsibilities. This should be the last option which I preach in my present capacity because the terrorists and bandits have been subdued.

    “Much more details will be coming out in my memoire in the future by the grace of God,” he said.

    On the 2023 general elections, Buratai urged the military to stick to their constitutional role and remain apolitical even when they are called in to assist the civil police at some point.

  • 2023: Army will set the stage for peaceful elections – COAS

    2023: Army will set the stage for peaceful elections – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Faruk Yahaya, says the Nigerian Army will set the stage for the conduct of a peaceful general election in 2023.

    Yahaya gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen at the graduation of the Second Batch Trainees of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Youth Development Project for barracks youths on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the nation’s security situation had continued to improve, adding that the military and other security agencies were not relenting in their efforts to sustain the feat.

    “The matching order by Mr president to improve the security situation so that he can hand over a secured nation is what we are carrying out in collaboration with the Nigerian Air force, Navy and other security agencies.

    “Now, all hands are on deck, couple with equipment and other support provided by Mr president and commitment by the Nigerian Army under my command and other services and the cooperation of the Nigerian people who are providing information which is key in our operations.

    “God’s willing, we shall continue to improve the situation and set the stage for the conduct of 2023 elections,” he said.

    Yahaya said the training of the barracks youth was key to the development of barracks community, saying the NAOWA was central to the actualisation of that dream.

    “What we have just witnessed today is the graduation of our youths in the barracks. 231 of them were trained on various skills by NAOWA.

    “These are males and females who have graduated from secondary schools. Instead of leaving them idle, we decided to empower them so that they become useful to themselves and the society. You know an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he said.