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Tag: Defence Minister

  • Why Buhari picked Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya as new COAS – Defence Minister

    Why Buhari picked Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya as new COAS – Defence Minister

    The Minister of Defence, Major General Salihi Magashi, has said that by appointing Major General Farouk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff, President Muhammadu Buhari has put “national interest above ethnic and religious chauvinism”.

    He said plans are on by the Federal Government to immortalise late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and others who died in a military plane crash last week.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Yahaya is from Zamfara State and a member of the 35 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    The Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri, described the new Army Chief as “an organic infantry General who is tested and trusted to actualise the national aspirations to restore peace in the dark spots areas of insurgency, kidnapping and banditry as well as other allied threats to the nation’s corporate existence.”

    According to the statement, “the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has commended the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for the well thought out Strategic appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya, the 22nd Chief of Army Staff as replacement for the late Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru who died in a plane crash alongside ten others last Friday in Kaduna.

    “The appointment of General Yahaya, President Buhari has expediently put national interest above ethnic and religious chauvinism by fulfilling all requirements necessary.

    “These include his unblemished track records of service, Professional, Command and Operational competences among other yardsticks that culminated into his emergence as most suitably qualified new Army boss.

    “The Defence Minister expressed optimism in the professional pedigree of the former theatre Commander Operation “Hadin Kai” General Yahaya in sustaining the trajectory of taking offensive and aggressive campaigns to the camps, corridors and cells of the adversaries with a view to obliterating them.

    “As a battle Commander with remarkable exploits and considerable experience, exposure and expertise he will be committed to the new battle plans and philosophy of Jointness among Services and other security agencies in combat which are some of the legacies of his predecessor.

    “While pledging the support of the Ministry of Defence under his watch to the new Army boss in carrying out his mandate, the minister said plans are in the pipeline by the Federal Government to immortalise late General Attahiru and others who died in the plane crash.

    “This according to him is aimed at immortalising them and to ensure that their sacrifices as national heroes in keeping the nation safe and secured are not in vain.”

  • Defence Minister raises alarm: ‘Nigeria is bleeding’

    Defence Minister raises alarm: ‘Nigeria is bleeding’

    The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi has lamented the state of insecurity in the country, saying that the nation is bleeding.

    Major-General Magashi made this known on Thursday at the continuation of the special weekly ministerial briefing in Abuja.

    He said that the Federal Government has taken a position after embarking on comprehensive research and finally adopted a methodology to ensure that tactically, all political opponents, ethnic and religious enemies of the country are eliminated.

    Making reference to the brutal murder of about a dozen soldiers in Benue state, he underpinned that the military is not taking kindly to the brazen attack.

    According to him, nine weapons have been retrieved from the perpetrators who have also been captured and will be prosecuted.

    He also officially confirmed the recent arrest of Boko haram sponsors in Kano state.

    The Minister further argued that he does not agree with the position that all bandits be killed.

    He explains that every person is innocent according to the provision of the law until found guilty.

    He however said that any bandit found in the forests with an Ak-47 rifle will be immediately gunned down in compliance with the presidential directive.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had in March through his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed that the President has ordered the security agencies to shoot at sight anyone caught in the illegal possession of firearms, notably the AK-47 rifles.

    A development that is meant to curb banditry activities in the northwestern states.

    Reacting to the death of the former Chadian President, Idris Deby who died on April 20, the Defence Minister admitted that there will be trouble if insecurity in Chad escalates.

    The absence of Chad’s influence on the borders according to him is likely to worsen the security situation for neighboring countries.

    He added that the Federal Government is not unmindful of the threats of proliferation of weapons that may arise and a possible influx of refugees in consequence, thus security around the borders of the nation have been heightened.

  • Insecurity: Nigeria in a critical situation – Defence Minister

    Insecurity: Nigeria in a critical situation – Defence Minister

    The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi says Nigeria is in a critical situation following the insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest and attacks in other parts of the country.

    He stated this on Monday during a national security and defence summit held at the National Defence College in Abuja.

    “We are in a critical situation that requires the understanding, buy-in, support and collaboration of important stakeholders and key players in this strategic option and national task,” he said while restating the imperative of kinetic measures to address the current security challenges in the country.

    “This is important to minimize distractions and maximize civil support in order to facilitate operational success and mission outcomes.

    “It is in this light that I consider this National Defence and Security Summit organized by the DHQ as both apt and timely. I therefore affirm and declare my support for it,” he added.

    The Minister also called for support from the civilian populace and other major stakeholders to facilitate operational success and mission outcomes.

    “Physical insecurity in Nigeria expectedly has both forward and backward linkages to different shades and forms of national security. Indeed, it is linked to political instability, economic under-development, and social inequalities.”

     

  • Onitiri lambasts Defence Minister for telling Nigerians to defend themselves

    Onitiri lambasts Defence Minister for telling Nigerians to defend themselves

    Lagos-based socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri has berated Defence Minister, Bashir Salihi Magashi, for calling on Nigerians to defend themselves against the un-ending atrocities of bandits and other heinous criminals ravaging the country.

    In a statement in Lagos, Chief Onitiri said the Minister’s directive is an admission that the APC government has failed woefully in its constitutional duty of protecting Nigerians and their property.

    The social critic pointed out that the APC was elected into power on the three points to provide security for all Nigerians, fight corruption and improve the economy of the nation.

    But unfortunately, according to him, the APC government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari has failed on all the three fronts and the honorable thing is for the government to resign and order for election.

    He emphasised that the major responsibility of any responsible government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens and failure to do this, it has no constitutional mandate to remain in power.

    “The Minister of Defence, has just said that Nigerians should defend themselves against insurgents and bandits. We wonder with what.

    “Is he saying that the Federal Government is now helpless and can no longer defend us? Is he calling for anarchy or asking the citizens to take up arms to fight the bandits.

    “We demand that the government should license every citizen to carry arms, especially Ak47 rifle,” Chief Onitiri stated.

    He noted that during the debate at the National Assembly, it was resolved that the federal government should declare a state of Emergency on security in Nigeria as the insecurity in the nation has gotten to crisis level.

    “Our children are no longer safe in schools. Children and parents are abducted and kidnapped for ransom. Our girls and women are raped, maimed and killed at will. Nigerian lives are no longer worth that of a cow. While all these crimes go on, our security agents look the other way.

    “Even failed security chiefs are being rewarded for their failure. A reasonable Nigerian would read a clear indictment in the call for a state of emergency of our NASS.

    “In other words what this implies is that the Assembly is passing a vote of no confidence on the Buhari administration,” he said.

  • PDP demands Defence Minister’s sack for telling Nigerians to confront bandits

    PDP demands Defence Minister’s sack for telling Nigerians to confront bandits

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate sack of the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) for asking unarmed Nigerians to defend themselves against aggression by armed bandits and terrorists.

    The party described the Minister’s call as reckless, irresponsible and an indication that the Buhari administration has abdicated its statutory duties of protecting Nigerians.

    Speaking to journalists on the sidelines during the screening of the newly appointed Service Chiefs on Wednesday, the Minister had asked Nigerians to “stand and face” the armed bandits.

    Stating that security issue should not be the responsibility of the military alone, the Minister had charged Nigerians to stop acting like cowards when confronted by armed criminals

    The Minister, while commenting on the killing of a pupil and abduction of 27 others at a secondary school at Kagara, Niger state the by armed bandits, said it’s a surprise to him that Nigerians often took to their heels on hearing gunshots fired by bandits who sometimes strike with “only three rounds of ammunition”.

    But in a statement on Wednesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party described the Minister’s statements as reckless, irresponsible and a confirmation that the Buhari administration has surrendered to outlaws and has no determination to fight them.

    “It is unthinkable that a government would describe unarmed victims of armed aggression of terrorists and bandits as “cowards” while those who were elected and given the necessary resources to defend them recede in the comfort and safety of their offices in Abuja.

    “Such disposition to security; a statutory responsibility of government, goes to validate apprehensions that our nation is indeed descending to a failed state under the Buhari Presidency, where government can no longer perform its duties while unarmed citizens are left to confront bandits and warlords,” the PDP said.

    The party noted that given the silence by the Presidency over the comments, the Minister actually spoke the mind of the President and his security architecture

    It added that the Minster’s position further explained why the administration has remained complacent in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the country.

    The PDP said: “Such statement by the Buhari administration, at the time it ought to be scaling up its security strategies to guarantee the safety of all Nigerians, have been emboldening bandits, terrorists and kidnappers to escalate their acts atrocities against our compatriots.

    “Moreover, with such disposition, the Buhari administration is creating a lucrative job for bandits, terrorists and kidnappers who are settled with huge ransom instead of being faced with firepower.

    “Our party however urges Nigerians not to despair at this moment but brace up as it has become obvious that we are now in a despondent situation where government has shown that it can no longer defend the citizens”

  • How we will secure abducted Niger school students, others – Defence Minister

    How we will secure abducted Niger school students, others – Defence Minister

    Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi has assured that the school children kidnapped in Niger state by armed bandits will be rescued, saying the government will adopt the same strategy it used to rescue the school children earlier kidnapped in Katsina.

    Speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the screening of Service Chiefs by the House of Representatives, Magashi said the service chiefs will swing into action immediately they are through with the screening exercise by the lawmakers and track down the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the children.

    He said “we have demonstrated our ability to take on the challenge. We have done it in Katsina; when children were kidnapped, within two days, we got them back. Hopefully, this time, we will do the same (thing) to get this these captives back. We are planning.

    “We have not got a feedback on the activities going on in Niger State. But I am confident that before the end of the day, we will be given a full brief on what is going on in Niger State”.

    While insisting that Nigerians have a responsibility to ensure there is adequate security, the Minister said “Well, is it not the responsibility of the military alone? It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary.

    “We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.

    “Why should people run away from minor, minor aggression? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away.”

    The Minister however said government will ensure no Nigerian is hurt and will protect the territorial integrity of the county.

    The Minister also dismissed clamour for Nigerians to be allowed to bear arms to defend themselves, saying “It is an issue currently even in the developed country. They are still debating on whether to continue (to allow people bear arms) or stop. But I don’t advice Nigerians to bear fire arms for internal use.”

    Answering question on the merit of the nomination of the former Service Chiefs as ambassadors, he said “You should understand the efforts the service chiefs put in for this country. When they came in 2015, you could see the applause, people accepted them and they were doing this nation proud.

    “They captured virtually all the areas under the control of the terrorists and their only fault is probably because they stayed long and we know that Nigerians always don’t want people to stay long because of obvious reasons. But I think they have done their best and I believe they are capable and competent to take any other assignment.”

  • Soldiers’ killings: Buhari summons service chiefs, sends Defence Minister to Chad

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday summoned Service Chiefs over the recent alleged killing of 44 Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram Insurgents.

    The president also sent the Minister of Defence, Brig.Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, to neighbouring Chad Republic as part of moves to unravel the mystery behind the gruesome killing of the soldiers by the insurgents.

    According to a report by The Punch, Dan-Ali got a presidential mandate to meet with the President of Chad, Idris Deby, and the neighbouring country’s top military hierarchy to review the deteriorating security situation along the Chad-Niger-Nigeria borderline.

    Recall that Boko Haram attacks have witnessed a resurgence lately along the common borders, with Nigeria said to have paid a costly price with the lives of the 44 soldiers and many villagers between Sunday and last Monday.

    The soldiers were killed in Metele, a village along the Nigerian border with Niger Republic.

    A military source quoted by APF, had disclosed that the soldiers were completely taken unawares and killed.

    The insurgents were said to have arrived in the Borno State village in 20 trucks before launching the deadly attacks.

    “Our troops were completely routed and the terrorists captured the base after heavy fighting”, the military source further stated.

    It was gathered on Friday that after a review of the security situation by the Nigerian authorities, the main cause of the problem was traced to the weakening Multi-National Joint Task Force put in place by the countries to patrol the borders.

    However, Chad reportedly withdrew its own men from the force, leaving its flanks on the borders open for the insurgents to launch attacks freely lately into other countries.

    The source added, “That lacuna is being exploited by the Boko Haram terrorists, who go in and out of Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon to launch attacks.

    “This is a clear illustration of the fact that terrorism is beyond national borders.”

    When contacted for comments on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, confirmed that Dan-Ali indeed travelled to Chad.

    However, he claimed not to know the purpose of the minister’s trip to the neighbouring country.

     

  • Buhari orders Defence Minister to Zamfara over killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday dispatched the Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (retd.), to Zamfara State for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Birane village, Zurmi Local Government Area of the state where some innocent persons were killed on Thursday.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

    Shehu said the minister was expected to assess the situation and immediately report back to the President who he said condemned the massacre.

    The presidential spokesman added that Buhari had directed the nation’s security agencies to deploy operatives in the affected area and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

    He restated the President’s commitment to ensuring that the spate of killings currently being experienced in parts of the country is brought to an end.

    The statement read, “The President commiserates with families of victims of the heinous and inhuman attacks on defenceless citizens which left many injured.

    “President Buhari directs the Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (retd.), to proceed immediately to the state to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and report back.

    “In addition, he directs security agencies to immediately mobilise and deploy their members to the vulnerable areas of the state, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to face the full wrath of the law.

    “The President assures the Zamfara State government, victims of the mayhem and residents in the state, that the Federal Government will continue do all it takes to support security agencies to secure lives and property, not only in the affected state but all parts of the country.

    “President Buhari restates his administration’s determination to put an end to the spate of senseless spilling of innocent blood in parts of the country, and calls for restraint to allow the nation’s security apparatus to stem the undesirable trend.

    “The President prays that almighty God will receive the souls of the departed, and comfort their families.”

  • Rann Bombing: Defence Minister orders full scale investigation

     

    The Minister of Defence, Dan-Ali has ordered a full-scale investigation into Tuesday`s accidental bombing of civilians by the military in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno.

    Dan-Ali gave the directive in Maiduguri on Wednesday while speaking during a condolence visit to the Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Muhammad Masta, in his residence.

    “As the Honourable Minister of Defence, I have directed the Defence Headquarters to conduct a detailed investigation with a view to making sure that such ugly situation would never happen again in future operations,” Dan-Ali said.

    “I have authorised the Armed Forces to offer all necessary emergency assistance to the victims of those involved through casualty evacuation and provision of immediate medical care,” he added.

    The minister said that the visit was to condole with the government and the people of the state over the incident.

    “We are here to condole with the government and people of the state over Tuesday`s unfortunate incident that led to the loss of lives and injury to others, as a result of rockets mistakenly dropped by the Nigerian Air Force on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Rann.

    “The incident is heart-troubling, highly regrettable and could have been avoided. However, this incident is an isolated case which happened rarely in a theatre of battle even among more advanced troops in the world.

    “I pray to almighty Allah to grant the souls of those who died a perfect peace and also give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the loss. I also wish the injured a quick recovery,” Dan-Ali said.