TheNewsGuru

Tag: Military

  • Niger coup: ECOWAS Parliament divided over military intervention as option

    Niger coup: ECOWAS Parliament divided over military intervention as option

    The ECOWAS Parliament was on Saturday divided over taking military action as an option aimed at tackling the political situation in Niger Republic and restoring civil rule there.

    Some members made called for actions that would nip in the bud military incursion into politics within the region, while others identified diplomacy and dialogue as the best approaches to tackling the crisis.

    No fewer than 22 parliamentarians participated in the virtual extraordinary meeting to discuss the political crisis in Niger.

    Some members who were against military intervention highlighted the economic woes that the people of Niger could experience if invaded.

    Ali Djibo, from Niger Republic said already at least 9,000 schools had been closed down owing to the crisis.

    “War will only compound the economic woes the peoples of the sub-region are already going through.

    “As we speak, over a thousand trucks, loaded with goods, are stranded at the border.

    “If a coup happened in Nigeria or Cote’d’Iviore tomorrow, where’s the ECOWAS going to mobilise troops to fight the Nigerian or Ivorian military? How many borders are we going to close?

    “We must also bear in mind that if we’re applying the ECOWAS treaty, it should be applicable to all.”

    Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante (Rivers), ECOWAS must pay keen attention and treat the root causes of coups in ECOWAS countries

    Members of the ECOWAS Parliament making a case for military intervention in Niger said diplomacy had contributed in no small measure to the increase in the spate of military takeover of government in the West African sub-region.

    Contributing, Adebayo Balogun, posited that ECOWAS leaders were proposing military action to remove the junta. not clamouring for a fully-fledged war.

    He recalled that Niger was a signatory to ECOWAS’ revised protocol on non-military intervention.

    Also, Bashir Dawodu expressed the belief that the body should open itself up to the possibility of a military option and apply pressure on the putschists while exploring dialogue.

  • SAD! Ex-Kwara State MILAD, Latinwo, is dead

    SAD! Ex-Kwara State MILAD, Latinwo, is dead

    Ex-Military Governor of Kwara State, Group Captain Salaudeen Adebola Latinwo (retd), is dead.

    He reportedly died at the age of 80 in the early hours of Saturday, August 12 in the United Kingdom (UK) after a protracted illness.

    Latinwo, a retired Group Captain in the Nigerian Air Force, who was born on 12th July 1943, served as military governor of Kwara State between January 1984 and August 1985 under the Military Government of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

    Born in Offa, Latinwo was part of the pioneering sets of officer cadets recruited into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963, under the First Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, Colonel Gerhard Kahtz, who was on secondment to the Nigerian Air Force as Head of the German Air Force Assistance Group (GAFAG).

    Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of the state, especially the Offa community, over the death of a former military administrator of the state, retired Group Captain Salaudeen Adebola Latinwo.

    In a statement on Saturday, Governor AbdulRazaq called the death a sad occurrence and a big void in the crop of great statesmen whose well of wisdom and experience is invaluable.

    “On behalf of the AbdulRazaqs, the government and the people of Kwara State, the Governor sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late military administrator, the Offa community, and the military establishment on this development,” according to a Government House statement.

    “The Governor prays to Allah to repose the soul of the former leader in Al-Jannah and uphold his family and the community he left behind.”

  • Military better under democracy – DHQ

    Military better under democracy – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the call for the military to interfere in the nation’s democracy is highly unpatriotic and wicked.

    A statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau on Friday in Abuja, said it was an attempt by unpatriotic elements to distract the military from performing its constitutional responsibilities.

    Gusau said the DHQ frowned at the report being circulated online about welfare issues in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    He said the leadership of the armed forces has given priority to welfare of its personnel and will continue to do so.

    “The military hierarchy detests any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law abiding military to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in the country.

    “We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our  country.

    “The armed forces under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Musa is determined to ensure its complete subordination to constitutional authority under President Bola Tinubu.

    “We will not be distracted from these roles that are well defined in the 1999 constitution (as amended),” he said.

  • Coup: Ohanaeze cautions FG over military operations in Niger Republic

    Coup: Ohanaeze cautions FG over military operations in Niger Republic

    Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has cautioned the federal government for the proposed plans to deployed the Nigerian military to Niger Republic.

    Ohanaeze expressed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to the Nigerian Senate to invade Niger Republic with Nigerian military and ECOWAS troops.

    A statement on Tuesday signed by it’s Secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, said that such military operations could have adverse consequences for Nigeria as a country.

    “Ohanaeze advised the Nigerian Senate to halt the request and denied President Tinibu’s request to invade Niger Republic will avert waste of human lives and monies meant for general wellbeing of Nigerians.

    “Ndigbo supports the Nigerian opposition to Tinubu’s proposed Military aggression in the neighboring Niger Republic and caution over the potential unfavorable implications of President intervention.

    According to Ohanaeze’s statement, Ndigbo’s primary concern lies in the restoration of constitutional authority in Niger Republic through dialogue and diplomatic channels.

    It questioned the legitimacy of the military junta that deposed the Nigerien President and accuses him of corruption and collusion with Western countries, especially France, USA, and UK to exploit Niger’s natural resources.

    The umbrella body stated that it believes such military intervention to reinstate a deposed leader of Niger Republic, could lead to further instability and potentially worsen the political and social situation in that country.

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemned the alleged backing of military regime in Niger, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso by Russian authorities.

    The organization suggests that these countries are now working together to counter the influence of Nigeria-led ECOWAS regional troops.

    “This assertion implies that President Tinubu’s military operations in Niger Republic could potentially escalate tensions with the ECOWAS member countries and heighten regional security concerns. It is important to note, with Russian alleged involvement and their support to Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso troops to counter President Tinubu led ECOWAS troops will spell doom for ECOWAS member countries especially Nigeria in particular.

    Stating that the governments of USA and UK are encouraging President Tinubu’s actions to combat the military junta in Niger Republic, warned that such military interventions may not bode well for Nigeria.

    While appealing to the Nigerian Senate to halt President Tinubu’s military operations in Niger Republic and reflects its commitment to the well-being of Nigeria as a whole.
    End

  • Tension doused as Senate reject military action against Niger

    Tension doused as Senate reject military action against Niger

    The Senate has rejected an option of military operations in Nigeria’s neighbouring Niger Republic, however, calling on the ECOWAS Parliament and other leaders to condemn the coup d’etat in the country.

    According to the Nigerian Senate, the Niger political impasse should be addressed politically rather than using military action.

    Tinubu had written the Senate on Friday, seeking for the implementation of the Resolutions of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the political situation in Niger Republic.

    The communique issued by the ECOWAS leaders chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the chairman, stated that military action would be carried against any country that forcefully toppled a democratically elected government.

    But considering the executive communication during a closed-door session that lasted for more than two hours on Saturday, which was raised by the Senate leader, Bamidele Opeyemi, the Senate rejected military action and insisted on engaging with the Nigerian President on resolving the issue.

    Speaking after the closed-door session, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said at the closed-session they considered Tinubu’s request and resolved to go for a political solution rather than military action, considering the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

    “At our executive session, the Senate condemned in totality the coup that took place in Niger Republic.

    “The Senate commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Heads of State of ECOWAS on their prompt response.

    “The Senate recognises the fact that President Tinubu, by the virtue of his correspondence, has not asked that we should approve a request to go to war, but he expressed a wish to solicit support in the successful implementation of the ECOWAS communique.

    “The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage the President on how best to engage and resolve the issues,” Akpabio said.

    Speaking further, the Senate President said the Senate was calling on the President of Nigeria, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, to further engage leaders to strengthen political options in resolving the political situation in Niger.

    “The Senate is mandated to further engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how best to resolve the issue in view of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

    “The Senate called on the ECOWAS Parliament to rise to this and condemn the military coup in Niger and to resolve the impasse,” Akpabio added.

    Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum has condemned the Niger coup, but rejected planned military action against the Junta.

    The Northern Senators, who cautioned against the use of military power in Niger, added that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should use diplomatic channel to address the situation rather than military might.

    The lawmakers also frowned at economic and other sanctions imposed on Niger, adding that if the issue is not well managed, it will affect some of Nigerian States like Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno negatively.

    “We, the Northern Senators of the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen Abdul Ahmad Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.

    “The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic.

    “The emphasis, however, should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in the Niger Republic.

    “We also take exception to the use of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states shared the border with the Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa. Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected,” spokesman of the group, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, said.

    According to him, “We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states whose military force is used.

    “There is a serious implication for our country, its military force is used without exhausting all diplomatic channels.

    “As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 subsection (4) (a) and (b) of the constitution”

  • Military has given terrorists, bandits bloody nose – Intelligence chief

    Military has given terrorists, bandits bloody nose – Intelligence chief

    The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria has given terrorists, bandits and other agents of destabilisation a bloody nose in various offensive operations.

    Undiandeye said this at the Accreditation of 10 Allied Defence Attaches and Advisers deployed to Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the Federal Government through the armed forces and other sister security agencies had remained resolute to improve security situation within the country in spite of the lingering security challenges that had existed in the recent past.

    “In recent times, the armed forces of Nigeria has given terrorists, bandits and other agents of destabilisation a bloody nose in our various offensive operations all over the country.

    “I can make bold to state that our resolve has largely paid off as the security situation has largely improved.

    “These undesirable elements are being decimated daily while normal safety is being restored to troubled spots as part of our non kinetic effort.

    “However, hundreds of thousands of terrorists are surrendering to our troops on daily basis. The resultant effect of all this is an enhanced security and safety of our land and our people.

    “A major index to ensure the success achieved is a recent Global Terrorism Index report where Nigeria has moved up in the improved index by two places with significant decrease in terrorist incidents and loss of life.

    “Specifically, 385 deaths recorded so far in 2023  shows a drop so far by 23 per cent from  2022,” he said.

    Undiandeye said military was at the center of the significant accomplishments, saying it was a testament to the fact that the military was poised to sustain its onslaught against all enemies of Nigeria to achieve a safe, secure, prosperous and united democratic nation.

    He said the military, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, contributed significantly to support the democratic processes that led to the success of the recently concluded general elections in the country.

    According to him, the commendations received by the armed forces in this regard are a clear testimony of our commitment to securing the lives and property of our citizenry.

    “In addition, international observers, some of whom are from your various nations, were full of praise to the Nigerian military for its display of neutrality during the conduct of the elections,” he added.

    He said the accreditation of the new defence attachés had further strengthened the already existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the allied countries.

    He assured them that the DIA was prepared to render all possible legal and approved assistance to each and every defense attachés and advisors on diplomatic missions,  in tandem with best global diplomatic practices in line with their mandate.

    “At this juncture, I want to reiterate that the agency remains the link between you, our allied defense advisors and attaches and the Ministry of Defence’s agencies, institutions, establishments, as well as other agencies of Nigeria.

    “We expect that all your communication channels on official matters are channeled through the DIA, specifically through the Foreign Liaison Office for appropriate action.

    “Let me state, for clarity’s sake that you are not allowed to communicate directly with personnel of the ministry of defense or other components of the Nigerian government,” he added.

    Earlier, the Director, Foreign Liaison, DIA, Brig.-Gen. Ojogbane Adegbe said the defense advisors and attaches were from 10 countries which included Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Niger Republic, South Africa, South Korea, Tanzania, Ukraine and finally Zimbabwe.

    Adegbe said the attaches and advisors were allowed to carry out some low-level activities prior to their accreditation that would give them official recognition to conduct their affairs in line with laid down guidelines set out by the agency in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He said that copies of the guidelines and Code of Conduct would be issued to them to help them succeed in their mission.

    The Defence Attaché for Ukraine, Col. Andrii Vasyliev, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said they were excited and looking forward to working with DIA to improve on the already existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and their respective countries.

    He said the accreditation had given them the official recognition to fully discharge their responsibilities as defense advisors and attachés, expressing confidence in the capacity of DIA to help them achieve their mandates in the country.

  • Russia-Ukraine conflict: US to send up to $400m in military aid to Ukraine

    Russia-Ukraine conflict: US to send up to $400m in military aid to Ukraine

    Biden administration is sending up to $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including a variety of munitions for advanced air defense systems and a number of small, surveillance Hornet drones, US officials said Monday, as attacks in the war escalated to include strikes in Moscow and Crimea.

    The package includes an array of ammunition, ranging from missiles for the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, HIMARS, and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, NASAMS, to Stingers and Javelins. The weapons are being provided through presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to quickly take items from its own stocks and deliver them to Ukraine, often within days.

    Officials said the US is also sending howitzer artillery rounds and 32 Stryker armored vehicles, along with demolition equipment, mortars, Hydra-70 rockets and 28 million rounds of small arms ammunition. The Hornets are tiny nano-drones that are used largely for intelligence gathering. Ukraine has also gotten them in the past from other Western allies. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the aid package has not yet been announced.

    Overall the US has provided more than $41 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. The latest package of weapons comes as a Ukrainian drone struck an ammunition depot in Russian-annexed Crimea and Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow. Russian media reported that one of the drones fell near the city center, not far from the towering Defense Ministry building.

    Ukrainian authorities didn’t immediately claim responsibility for the strike, which was the second drone attack on the Russian capital this month.

    Russia’s military, meanwhile, unleashed new strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine with exploding drones. The strike was the latest in a barrage of attacks that has damaged portions of the port in the past week. The Kremlin has described the strikes as retribution for last week’s Ukrainian strike on the crucial Kerch Bridge linking Russia with Crimea.

  • I’m leaving military bigger, stronger, more capable – Irabor

    I’m leaving military bigger, stronger, more capable – Irabor

    The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has said that he left the Nigeria Armed Forces bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

    Irabor stated this in his valedictory speech during the pulling-out parade organised in his honour on Friday in Abuja.

    The former CDS said that he felt honoured to be pulled out after 37 years of unblemished service to the nation and having served as the CDS in the past 29 months.

    According to him, ensuring national security in a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task.

    “In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic crux.

    “Efforts made by the Federal Government of Nigeria using the armed forces in collaboration with the police, other security agencies and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation.

    “We were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions.

    “I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions,” he said.

    Irabor acknowledged the outstanding efforts of the nation’s courageous men and women in uniform and hailed them for their bravery, unwavering commitment and dedication to service.

    According to him, their services and courage in the line of duty were unparalleled.

    He pointed out that the services had singly and collectively expanded strategic capacities, operational reach and tactical competencies.

    Irabor added that the services were able to achieve the feat with great impetus and support from the Federal Government, strategic partners, state governments and non governmental organisations.

    According to him, the support came in the form of gross expansion of military strength, platforms acquisition, expansion of equipment holdings, provisions of funding, materials and logistics.

    The former CDS stressed that the support and inputs from the government and strategic partners helped the military under his command to significantly curtail the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings.

    “We successfully worked in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for law and order, critical democratic processes as well as human security and national development.

    “I am very proud of the patrol dizzying dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the upstyle men and women of the armed forces propelled by love for country.

    “Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous and selfless men and women.

    “Your unshakable commitment to our nation, our values and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration.

    “The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity is unbreakable, and I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to have served with each and everyone of you,” he added.

    Irabor said that without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military who have remained unwavering in facing the many security concerns of the country.

  • BREAKING: Military officers above 39 Regular course to retire immediately

    BREAKING: Military officers above 39 Regular course to retire immediately

    … just like 1999 when Obasanjo took over, same fate awaits top military officers

     

    The Nigerian military has directed top military officers to turn in their application of voluntary retirement.

    Recall that in 1999 when Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office, all officers above the course time line of the service chiefs including those who held political appointments were compulsorily retired.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the massive retirement in the military cuts across the three arms of the Military (Army, Navy and Airforce).

    It was further gathered that the directive of Massive retirement in the Nigerian Military is to be acted on with immediate effort.

    The affected senior officers who are expected to file in their voluntary retirement are officers above the NDA Regular Course 39.

    The latest top retirement in the Nigerian Armed forces is not unconnected to the latest appointment is service chiefs by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

    The officers are expected to turn in their voluntary retirement applications not later than Monday July 3.

    This was made known in statement from the Defense Headquarters and signed by Y Yahaya, Maj Gen for the Chief of Defense Staff.

     

    …more shortly….

  • EU tops up military aid for Ukraine, others with €3.5bn

    EU tops up military aid for Ukraine, others with €3.5bn

    European Union (EU) foreign ministers decided on Monday to top up the fund for military aid for Ukraine and other partner countries.

    The top-up fund would amount to another 3.5 billion euros (3.82 billion dollars), an EU spokeswoman has said.

    “We will continue to double down on our military support on both equipment (and) training, for as long as it takes,’’ EU top diplomat Joseph Borrell wrote on Twitter, announcing the move.

    Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has already mobilised 3.6 billion euros from the fund for military support for Kiev, according to EU figures.

    Arriving at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Borrell said continuing to support Kiev today was more important than ever.

    Wagner troops advanced toward Moscow on Saturday with the aim of toppling the Russian military leadership until the mission came to an abrupt end.

    The recent events showed that the war against Ukraine is leading to cracks in the Russian power system and affecting the country’s political system, Borrell said.

    The tensions in Russia overshadowed the meeting of EU top diplomats, with ministers mulling the potential consequences of the short-lived uprising.

    The power struggle in Russia is far from over, said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arriving at the meeting.

    “It is obviously only one act in this Russian drama. It remains unclear what will happen to the various players in Russia,’’ she said.

    Russia’s war in Ukraine has devastating consequences on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s power system, leading to massive cracks in Russia’s propaganda, Baerbock said.

    “We are analyzing this closely because, of course, this also entails risks that we are still unable to assess at the moment,’’ the minister said.

    Baerbock also emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, adding that Germany is to supply Kiev with 45 Gepard tanks until the end of the year.

    Putin is destroying his own country with the brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, Baerbock concluded.

    EU foreign affairs chief Borrell struck a similar chord, saying Putin created a monster by starting the war.

    “The monster is biting him now. The monster is acting against his creator,’’ he added, referring to the attempted Wagner uprising at the weekend.

    Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn warned of the potential consequences for Europe “if the largest country of the world with the most nuclear weapons world-wide is to crumble.’’

    He also pointed to other potential impacts of the power struggle in Russia that could bring uncertainty to Wagner troops deployed in African countries and make the on-going war in Ukraine even more brutal.

    Even before the events of the weekend in Russia, EU foreign ministers were expected to deal with several crises in the bloc’s vicinity.

    Heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia and a recent mediation meeting in Brussels which brought little progress were on the agenda, as well as the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the situation in Tunisia.

    The EU is considering supporting Tunisia with an aid package of up to 900 million euros.

    With the North African country is roiled by economic woes and rising numbers of migrants using it as a launch pad to reach Europe.

    Ministers were also expected to impose new sanctions on Iran over persistent human rights violations.

    On a more positive note, diplomatic and trade relations with the Caribbean and Latin America are also on the agenda ahead of a summit with the countries of the region held in Brussels in July.