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Tag: COAS

  • BREAKING: COAS orders release of imprisoned soldier who accepted marriage proposal

    BREAKING: COAS orders release of imprisoned soldier who accepted marriage proposal

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has ordered the immediate release of a detained female soldier, Hannah Sofiat.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Sofiat had accepted a marriage proposal from a male corps member at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara.

    However, a military source on Saturday said that the Chief of Army staff had mediated on the issue and asked that she should be pardoned.

    The source at Army Headquarters said that the COAS took the decision in the spirit of Christmas.

    The source said that the female soldier had been warned and reprimanded for breaching the extant rule guiding the conduct of military personnel.

    He said that the soldier had been forgiven and freed from detention to join her family and friends to celebrate Christmas.

    According to the source, this is in line with the COAS vision to have a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.

    Sofiat had earlier been detained for violating military rules and regulations by getting involved in a public display of an amorous relationship with a paramilitary trainee – a corps member.

    She was detained after video clips where she was seen accepting a marriage proposal from a male corps member at the NYSC orientation camp in Kwara, which went viral on social media.

    Her detention had however elicited reactions from Nigerians who believed she should not be denied the right to love.

    Several groups and individuals have been urging the Nigerian Army authority to release the female soldier.

    “The Chief of Army staff has intervened in the matter. He asked that she should be pardoned. The military authorities have considered the plea of the COAS and said she be released forthwith. Before the end of the day, she should have reunited with her family”, the source told The Punch.

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  • N579bn approved for Army in 2022 Budget not enough to fight insecurity – COAS

    N579bn approved for Army in 2022 Budget not enough to fight insecurity – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, has said the reduction in the army budget will prevent the army from tackling the nation’s security challenges.

    He stated this on Wednesday while defending the Army’s 2022 budget before the Senate Committee on Army.

    Yahaya asked the National Assembly to convince the Federal Government to exempt the Army from the current budget ceiling or envelope allocation system.

    According to the army chief, the sum of N579bn approved for the Nigerian Army for the 2022 fiscal year was grossly inadequate to fight terrorism and banditry in the country.

    Lieutenant-General Yahaya urged the Senate panel to approve the sum of N642.7bn as the Nigerian Army personnel emolument for the 2022 budget.

    He also requested the approval of N29.6bn as overhead cost and N37.6bn as capital expenditure.

    “In preparing for the year 2022 budget, the Nigerian Army proposed the sum of N710bn. However, the budget ceiling of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning reduced our proposed sum from N710bn to a total sum of N579bn,” he said.

    “This reduction would impede the capacity and tempo of the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional duties particularly the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorists and other criminalities across the country.

    “The National Assembly should prevail on the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to exempt the Nigerian Army from the current budget ceiling or envelope allocation system.”

    “The timely and complete implementation of the 2022 budget will thus enhance the fulfilment of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate and thus engender peace for the socio-economic development of our country Nigeria.”

    He assured the panel that the Nigerian Army was committed to securing the territorial integrity of Nigeria from any violation.

    The COAS also lamented the global COVID-19 pandemic, noting it has affected socio-economic activities including that of Nigeria, adding that the attendant negative consequences contributed to allowed insecurity in the country.

  • Insecurity: I will not take excuses – COAS tells commanders

    Insecurity: I will not take excuses – COAS tells commanders

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has warned that he will not take or accept excuses from commanders as they lead troops in tackling security challenges facing the country.

    Yahaya gave the warning at the opening of the “Combined Second and Third Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference’’ on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the army under his command would remain resolute and continue to chart progressive paths towards tackling the challenges.

    The COAS disclosed that he had directed that the tempo of all ongoing operations be sustained and improved upon.

    He also said that he had directed that special operations be conducted, especially in the North Central and North West to address deteriorating security infractions in those zones.

    “Commanders must, therefore, glean from my `Command Philosophy’ to ensure that operational and administrative proficiencies of Nigerian Army units and formations are sustained and improved upon.

    “Commanders must seize initiative and commanders must take initiative, they must take decisive actions to defeat the threats in their respective areas of responsibilities (AORs).

    “I will not again take or accept no excuses. Gentlemen, failure is failure irrespective of the circumstances,” he said.

    Yahaya said that efforts were in progress to provide the army with combat enablers to enhance and boost its operations towards addressing the logistics constraints.

    He also said that concerted efforts were being made to eliminate the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which had been a major impediment to troops and their operations in the North East.

    The army chief assured the commanders of his determination to rebuild the fighting skills, capacity, confidence and morale of the troops across the various theatres of operations.

    According to him, training must also be given due attention that it deserves.

    He added that priorities for the fourth quarter of the year would include training and more training.

    “I will ensure that through functional training, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are equipped with the right attitude, competences and skills to effectively undertake daring missions in addition to developing special operations forces.

    “This would be closely followed by procurement that ensures appropriate kitting and provision of protective gear, weapons, equipment and platforms.

    “Let me however remind you all that while no effort will be spared in achieving these goals, it is command responsibility to ensure the sustenance and maintenance of all equipment.

    “We must therefore strive to improve our maintenance culture to prolong the life span of our platforms and equipment,” he said.

    The COAS said the conference would offer opportunity for the officers to brainstorm and interact on the state of affairs of the Nigerian army and review their activities for second and third quarters that were crucial to the stability of Nigeria.

    He said the interaction was with a view to coming up with new strategies for winning the war against terror and other violent crimes being perpetrated across the country.

    The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje, said the conference with the theme, “Developing Enduring Strategies to Accomplish Assigned Mission in a Joint Environment”, was designed to enable commanders to interact on ongoing operations.

    Omozoje added that the discussions would also focus on all activities of Nigerian army during the second and third quarters of the year.

    According to him, the current security challenges in the nation require army to review its current operations and adopt better strategies to tackling them.

    He expressed confidence that the conference would produce the blueprint and outcome that would help in reshaping the security landscape of the country.

  • Intensify operations against bandits- COAS to troops

    Intensify operations against bandits- COAS to troops

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has charged troops of 8 Division and Operation Hadarin Daji to intensify their operations against bandits.

    This was contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, issued on Wednesday night.

    According to the statement, General Yahaya gave the charge on Wednesday in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, while addressing troops during his operational tour of 8 Division and its formations and units.

    He applauded the troops for their operational exploits in curtailing the activities of the criminals, urging them to promote synergy among the military and other security agencies.

    He described the Army’s, operational exploits as a strategy that would speed up the end of banditry in the region.

    The COAS urged the officers and soldiers to be proactive and resilient in order to crush the bandits and expedite the restoration of normalcy to the affected states.

    He assured the troops that their welfare is uppermost in the agenda of his command.

    Gen Yahaya chided them to ensure they conduct their operations in compliance with extant operational codes of conduct and regulations.

    He added, that troops must always show respect for the fundamental human rights of law abiding citizens in the conduct of their operations.

    Meanwhile, in his brief to the COAS, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Usman Yusuf informed that troops’ anti banditry operations have been reinvigorated to expeditiously bring about peace and stability in the region.

    The COAS also paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Muhammad, where discussions were held on the security situation of the state and the North West in general.

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: IGP, COAS celebrate with policemen, troops in Northeast

    Eid-el-Kabir: IGP, COAS celebrate with policemen, troops in Northeast

    Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Alkali-Baba, on Tuesday hosted a special feast with officers and men of the Command in Borno, to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden IGP feast is designed to enable the police hierarchy celebrate the festive season with personnel of the Command in the frontline.

    The Spokesman of the Borno Police Command, SP Edet Okon, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

    Okon said the IGP was at the Command to eat and dine with the men in the spirit of sallah celebration, to boost their morale and show them that the high command of the force and Federal Government have them in mind.

    He said the IGP commended the officers and men including Special Forces deployed to the state for their resilience, gallantry and dedication to duty.

    Okon said that the IGP also promised to make the welfare of personnel a priority.

    This, he said, was evident in the efforts of the IGP which resulted in the settlement of outstanding arrears and allowances to personnel on special duty in the state.

    According to him, the IGP is showing greater commitment to restore the primacy of the Nigeria Police Force in the security architecture of the country.

    The statement also quoted the out-going Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Makwashi, as reiterating the commitment of the Command to fight crimes in the state.

    Makwashi called for more logistic support to the Command to enhance its operations.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, hosted similar feast with troops deployed to Borno and Yobe States.

    Yahaya, represented by Brig.-Gen. Adamu Nura, Commander, Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, felicitated officers, soldiers, their families and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the Ed-el-Kabir celebration.

    “I wish to first of all, express my sincere gratitude to the Almighty God for His mercies, protection and guidance over us while discharging our obligations to Nigeria.

    “The Eid-el-Kabir festival brings a special reminder for us as it highlights the virtues of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice which are also the hallmark of professional soldiering,” he said.

    He said the Eid festival had provided a unique opportunity to reflect and redouble efforts towards fulfilling constitutional roles of defeating adversaries and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    The COAS said the Nigerian Army had lived up to expectations and would continue to remained focuss in tackling security challenges in the country.

    “I, therefore, wish to specifically recognise and appreciate the immense sacrifices of our troops in Operations Hadin Kai; Hadarin Daji, Thunder Strike, Whirl Stroke and other operations.

    “Let me use this opportunity to once again pay special tributes to our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the defence of our fatherland. May their gentle souls rest in peace, ameen,” he said.

    Yahaya reiterated his commitment to promote officers based on merit, to encourage gallantry, celebrate excellence and honour heroes.

    The Army, in that spirit conferred the COAS Commendation Award to some deserving officers and soldiers on Tuesday July 6, during the NADCEL 2021.

    “I shall continue to appreciate and applaud competence, diligence and dedicated service.

    “As I will reward excellence and achievements, I will not hesitate to punish indiscipline, indolence, negligence and all untoward acts.

    “In line with my vision to have a Professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”

    According to him, the Army authorities will continue to accord premium to the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.

    Yahaya said that hospital facilities and medical services were being improved to ensure quality healthcare service delivery to personnel and members of their families within and outside the country.

    He said those wounded in action would be adequately treated and their requirements such as wheelchairs, prothesis and other special vocational training would be provided.

    “To our colleagues who have paid the supreme price, we shall continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of their families, through prompt payment of all their entitlements, including medical bills and school sponsorship of their children,” he said.

    According to him, the overall aim is to develop the individual soldier, provide him with relevant skills, competences and good leadership by his NCOs and SNCOs who he will aspire to emulate.

    While commending officers and soldiers for their gallantry, Yahaya pledged to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders to fight crimes in the country.

    He further commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

    “I want to once again pledge the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the President, Commander-On-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that normal vehicular movement had resumed in Maiduguri, following the restriction imposed by the Police to guarantee safety during the Eid prayer period.

    The police had earlier announced rsstriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri and its environs between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm, as part of security measures to ensure hitch free Eid celebration.

    NAN also reports that Gov. Babagana Zulum, IGP, Usman Alkaki-Baba, Senators Kashim Shettima and Ali Ndume joined the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai, and observed the Eid prayer at the Ramat Square prayer ground under tight security.

    In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Maiduguri, Shettima Ibn Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to pray for peace and stability in the country.

    In Bauchi State, Muslim faithful had observed the Eid celebrations in peaceful atmosphere, as Islamic clerics urged wealthy individuals to support the needy.

    Malam Abdulazeez Ibrahim, the Chief Imam of Gwallaga Mosque in Bauchi metropolis, urged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged with what to eat, to enable them to celebrate the Eid in a happy mood..

    “By assisting them with food, drinks and other necessities of life, it will make them happy and sustain their life.

    “I advise Muslims to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and good behavior as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed in their daily lives,’’ he said.

    At the Shadawanka Barrack Eid ground, Imam Hashimu Mohammmed also stressed the need for helping one another to sustain the livelihood of the deserving households.

    He admonished the Muslim faithful to support and uplift one another so that the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir is spread among all.

    Mohammmed also urged Muslims to use the opportunity of the celebration to rededicate themselves to live up to the ideals of honesty, selflessness and tolerance.

    Also, Alhaji Bala Babainna, the Chief Imam, Bauchi Central Mosque, enjoined Muslim to promote religious tolerance to ensure unity and development in the country.

    He cautioned Muslims on the need to show love to fellow human, saying that with the current hardship in the society, we have to overcome it by love.

    “If we practice in our lives what God really says about being our neighbours’ keepers, our fortunes as a people will change for the better.

    “Eid-el-Kabir is not about slaughtering ram alone but should be aimed at showing love and tolerance among ourselves as well as seeking Allah’s intervention on the challenges facing the country,’’ Babainna said.

    The chief imam decried acts of terrorism in the country, calling for prayers from all and sundry for divine intervention.

    NAN also reports that the Eid celebrations were generally peaceful across the state.

    Speaking on the celebration, Mr Garkuwa Adamu, the Spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), said the celebration was peaceful across the state.

    He said that reports received from divisional offices and some units of the Corps, indicated that the Eid prayers were observed in various locations peacefully.

    “That shows and explains that there is peace across the state,” he said.

    In his comment, SP Ahmed Wakil, the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) in Bauchi, added that the Sallah celebration was peaceful in the state.

    “Reports reaching us from divisions confirmed that the state is calm and quiet. There is nothing contrary to the peaceful conduct of the Sallah celebration across the state,” he said.

  • Its time to conclude North-East insurgency and move on to other businesses – COAS

    Its time to conclude North-East insurgency and move on to other businesses – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Farouk Yahaya on Saturday said the army is committed to ending the insurgency in the North-East.

    The army chief made the comment while on an operation visit to frontline troops of Sector 2, Joint Taskforce of the Nigeria Army ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in Damaturu, Yobe State.

    Major-General Yahaya said ending the insurgency will allow the army move on to other things.

    The North-East insurgency has roiled on for over a decade, spearheaded by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and now ISWAP.

    “We want to conclude this operation in the North-East,” Major-General Yahaya said, “so that we can do other things; and that is the drive now.”

    After inspecting the Quarter Guard in his honour, the Chief of Army Staff was received by the Commander of the Sector 2, Brigadier-General Adamu Nura, alongside other senior officers of the command.

    Addressing the troops, the Chief of Army Staff said the purpose of his visit was to familiarise himself with the challenges faced by the troops and ensure those challenges are tackled.

    He pledged to work with other military branches, host communities, and sister agencies to restore peace in the region.

    “We have been recording some modest success in all areas and we intend to sustain that drive,” he said.

    Major-General Yahaya was last at the command on the entourage of the immediate past late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru on March 14.

    Earlier on Friday, Major-General Yahaya had visited the Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi to seek the collaboration of the traditional institution, as part of strategies to end the insurgency.

    The army chief, at the meeting, said such collaborations have paid off in the past.

    The Shehu said his institution was committed to supporting the military in the area of intel gathering but warned military authorities against revealing the source of their information like they did in the past.

    This unprofessional conduct of early commanders of the counter insurgency war had endangered many leading to mistrust for the military, the traditional ruler said.

    The Shehu also said the COAS should prioritize building on past successes by keeping remote roads safe for farmers’ ease of passage.

  • Senate confirms Maj Gen Yahaya’s appointment as COAS

    Senate confirms Maj Gen Yahaya’s appointment as COAS

    The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Major General Farouk Yahaya for appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    The confirmation of Yahaya followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Joint Senate Committee on Defence and Army at plenary.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko presented the report.

    General Yahaya has been serving as COAS on acting capacity following the death of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died last month (May) in a military plane crash in Kaduna.

  • Insurgency: COAS visits wounded troops in hospital

    Insurgency: COAS visits wounded troops in hospital

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has visited wounded troops recuperating in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

    A statement on Saturday in Maiduguri by Col. Ado Isa, the Deputy Director, Public Relations, 7 Division/Joint Task Force (Northeast), Operation Hadin Kai, said the COAS was in Maiduguri on a four-day visit to assess the operational and welfare state of troops engaged in the fight against insurgency.

    “During his visit to the hospital, he assured troops of adequate medicare and support in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

    “While at the hospital, the COAS took time to interact with the soldiers and assured them of proper medical care and welfare, adding that their medical care is of utmost importance to him.

    “He averred that the nation is indeed proud of their selfless service and sacrifices towards restoring peace to the North East region.

    “Similarly, the COAS visited the Mechanical Repair Group to inspect the ongoing repairs and refurbishment of vehicles at the workshop through the use of local resources.

    “He commended the resilience and ingenuity of the engineers and technicians in fixing most of the vehicles that were hitherto classified as ‘beyond local repairs’,” Isa said.

    He also said that the COAS had earlier been briefed by the new Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, on the operational situation in the theatre where he was assured that all efforts would be geared towards bringing the war against terrorism to a decisive end.

    “The COAS appreciated the commitment and selflessness of the troops in the Theatre and implored them to exhibit a high level of professionalism and ensure that all remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists are neutralised,” Isa said.

  • Buhari writes Reps, seeks confirmation of Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya as COAS

    Buhari writes Reps, seeks confirmation of Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya as COAS

    President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the House of Representatives to confirm the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    The President also ask the House to pass a law to increase the retirement age of teachers from the present 60 years to 65 years while also increasing the mandatory years of service from 35 to 40 years.

    Yahaya was appointed to replace Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru who died in a plane crash last month in Kaduna along with ten other officers.

  • Buhari seeks Senate’s confirmation of Gen Yahaya as new COAS

    Buhari seeks Senate’s confirmation of Gen Yahaya as new COAS

    President Muhammadu has written the Senate seeking its confirmation of Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    Buhari’s request is contained in a letter to the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and read during Tuesday’s plenary.

    The letter reads: I hereby forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “His CV is herewith attached. It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.

    “Please accept Distinguish Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Farouk’s nomination is coming after the death of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

    Attahiru and 10 others died in an ill-fated NAF aircraft near Kaduna International Airport on May 21.

    Buhari on May 27, appointed Yahaya as the COAS after the demise of the former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 others in a military plane crash in Kaduna.

    Yahaya, a member of the 37th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy was until his appointment, the Theatre Commander, Operation Had in Kai, an outfit for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East.