TheNewsGuru

Tag: Military

  • Buhari blows hot, directs military to punish killers of Sheikh Goni

    Buhari blows hot, directs military to punish killers of Sheikh Goni

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed military authorities to flush out all elements in the army with criminal tendencies.

    The president gave the directive in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu while reacting to the cold-blooded murder of a Yobe State-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni Aisami.

    Aisami was murdered by a callous soldier he had offered a lift as confirmed by the Police.

    Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Buhari condemned the unprovoked and cold-blooded murder of the Islamic cleric, saying:

    ”This barbaric murder of a compassionate man by a soldier he had assisted has no place in our training as soldiers.

    ”It negates the entire ethos of military life which is anchored on discipline and respect for the sanctity of innocent lives.

    ”As the Commander-in- Chief, I am personally outraged by this criminal and wicked act by a law enforcement official trained to protect life.

    “By our training, we are guided by a code of conduct that frowns at this kind of reckless and criminal act. It is not in our character and training to put innocent citizens in harm’s way.

    ”Of course, the action of this soldier is an isolated incident involving an individual, but it is capable of staining the collective image of our military.

    “This incident is capable of making our fellow citizens to be fearful of assisting soldiers, thereby destroying the bond of trust between our military and the civilians.”

    The president, therefore, called on the military authorities to punish the perpetrators of this heinous crime without delay, and flush out other elements with such criminal tendencies.

    He condoled with Yobe Government, people of the State and family of the victim.

  • Military kills 45 terrorists, releases 45 kidnapped victims

    Military kills 45 terrorists, releases 45 kidnapped victims

    Troops of Nigerian Armed Forces operating in North West, North Central theatres of operations have eliminated over 45 terrorists/bandits in both land and air operations in the last two weeks.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, made this known at a bi-weekly news briefing of the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    In North Central, Onyeuko said the air component of Operation Whirl Punch carried out air strike on terrorists loyal to a notorious terrorist, Alhaji Shanono at Ukambo village in Kaduna State.

    He said the air strike was carried out during the terrorists meeting on Aug. 8 based on credible intelligence.

    He said the airstrike led to the killing of Shanono with 18 other terrorists, adding that 30 AK47 rifles and 20 motorcycles were destroyed in the attack.

    Onyeuko said that as a result of the operations, 45 kidnapped civilians were released.

    Onyeuko further said that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested some notorious criminals who had been on the wanted list of the theatre command.

    He said Nathaniel Azege, who had been terrorising Makurdi town was apprehended as well as Moses Aindigh (27) and Mr Iluyasu Mohammed (37) during the period.

    In North West, Onyeuko said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji on July 25, arrested five suspected foreign bandits named, Muritala Wada, Saminu Sani, Shamisu Adamu, Salisu Saadu and Usman Ibrahim at Jibia in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    He said the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji had on Aug. 6, carried out successful strikes on key terrorists enclave and hideout located at Rudu forest in Katsina State.

    According to hin, the air interdiction led to the neutralisation of a high profiled terrorist leader who has been on the wanted list of the military named Alhaji Abdulkareem Lawal (a.k.a Abdulkareem Boss) and his foot soldiers.

    “Credible intelligence report revealed that he was responsible for several terrorists’ attacks, animal rustling and kidnapping and was also known to regularly invite terrorists group from other areas and regions to join in the attack on his targets.

    “Report gathered from the locals revealed that the terrorists leaders were neutralised alongside 27 foot soldiers,” he said.

    Onyeuko further revealed that troops had between July 31 and Aug. 2, arrested one Malam Yahaya a notorious bandit informant who had been on the tracking list of the Department of State Security for collaborating with bandits on the numerous attacks in Sabon Brini general area of Sokoto State.

    According to him, the troops also recovered 161 cattle, eight camels, large consignment of clothing from terrorists after an encounter in Zango in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

  • Insecurity: Army arrests suspected terrorists in Lagos state

    Insecurity: Army arrests suspected terrorists in Lagos state

    Some Persons suspected to be terrorists terrorizing many parts of the country have been apprehended by the Military in Lagos state.

    Reports say that the suspects were kitted in Military uniforms and were picked in different parts of the state.

    Findings show that the arrested terrorists were in Lagos to survey some areas for possible attacks in the state.

    The arrests, according to reports, were made by the Department of State Service, DSS, and the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army.

    In an interview with journalists at the 81 Division headquarters in Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, the outgoing General Officer, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Umar Musa on Tuesday, confirmed that many arrests were made, stating that they were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.

    Maj. Gen Musa, said, “I can’t remember how many impersonators we have arrested. But we still have quite a large number of them.

    “When we make arrests we hand them over to the Nigeria Police to do further investigation and prosecute them because we don’t have the power to prosecute.”

    Musa didn’t categorically state that they were terrorists but confirmed that the person who supplied the military kits to the arrested persons had been apprehended and will face the music.

     

  • Gunmen kill 2 expatriates, 2 police inspectors in Kogi

    Gunmen kill 2 expatriates, 2 police inspectors in Kogi

    Six persons, including two expatriates and two police inspectors, were killed by gunmen on Friday in an attack launched against their convoy in Kogi.

    Also killed in what looks like guerrilla attack were two drivers of the expatriates of West Africa Ceramics Company Ajaokuta, Kogi

    SP William Ovye-Aya, the image maker of Kogi Police Command, made the disclosure on Saturday in a statement  in Lokoja.

    Ovye-Aya explained that the six victims, two expatriates, two company drivers and two police inspectors died in the exchange of fire with the hoodlums along Lokoja-Ajaokuta road around 8 p.m on Friday.

    According to the image maker, the expatriates were being escorted by police to the Ceramic company that evening, when the gunmen attacked them.

    He said that the Area Commander and a detachment of Military in the area had to reinforced to the scene of incident before the attackers fled.

    The image maker said already, the Kogi Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Egbuka, had visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

    He said that the CP has equally ordered the deployment of additional operational assets consisting of Operatives of the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Quick Response Unit, State Intelligence Bureau in synergy with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the area.

    “The CP is assuring the public that the Command is committed to working in synergy with other security agencies as well as patriotic stakeholders to make the State a safe and secure place for all and sundry.

    “He has further asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence investigations into the unfortunate incident so as to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the attack with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book, ” Ovye-Aya assured.

  • Military remains neutral, fair to all – Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim

    Military remains neutral, fair to all – Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim

    Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the Commander, of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs says the military will remain neutral and fair to all in securing the nation.

    Newsmen reports that the OPSH is a multi-task force in charge of security of lives and properties in Plateau, Bauchi and parts of southern Kaduna.

    It was established 2010 and comprises of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Security (DSS), the Police component consists of the Mobile Police and the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB).

    Ali, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) III Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, made this known when he received a delegation from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue visited him Wednesday in Jos.

    He said that the OPSH adopted non-kinetic strategies toward eradicate violence-tendencies that could led to chaos in the society.

    He maintained that the operation has zero tolerance for human rights violation, adding that its target is to create a more secured environment for the actualization of steady growth and development.

    Ali, who lauded the organization for its role in mitigating conflict in communities, said that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between it and the military particularly in the areas of information sharing and prompt response to security threats.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Project Associate of the organisation, Mrs Olufemi Domkap, lauded OPSH for responding to security threats base on credible information provided by it.

    She said that the group had made huge contribution toward influencing the lives of troublemakers in society to embrace peace and friendliness among diverse ethnic and religious groups.

    Domkap, however, highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of women for the enhancement of ”back-door” conversation during conflict resolution.

    She called for the training of traditional rulers in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, adding if communities adopt local method of dispute resolution permanent peace can be achieved.

  • Military confirms top General, 5 others killed in helicopter crash

    Military confirms top General, 5 others killed in helicopter crash

    Pakistan said Tuesday rescue teams found the wreckage of a military helicopter that crashed overnight due to bad weather in flood-hit southwestern Baluchistan province, killing all six senior officers on board.

    The crash occurred when the officers were on a mission to assess the damage that the flooding had caused during the several weeks of torrential rains.

    The heavy rain had caused a lot of damage in the province of Balochistan, a military statement said.

    The preliminary investigations suggested bad weather had caused the crash, the statement said, quelling speculation that the helicopter might have been targeted by rebels in one of the volatile regions.

    A general commanding the military in the country’s southern region and another one heading the coastguard forces were among the dead.

  • MNJTF honours troops with medals for gallantry in Lake Chad

    MNJTF honours troops with medals for gallantry in Lake Chad

    The Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF) has honoured 6,000 troops with medals for gallantry in the fight against insurgency.

    Newsmen report the MNJTF are drawn from Nigeria, Tchad, Cameroon and Niger.

    Newsmen report that the medal ceremony was held at the headquarters complex of the MNJTF in N’djamena, Chad.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Force Commander of MNJTF, Maj.-Gen. A.K Ibrahim said the awardees served with distinction and honour and remained good ambassadors of their respective countries.

    “I say a big congratulations to you all. I remain profoundly proud of your sacrifice and contribution to peace, progress and development in the region.

    “I however hasten to say that the work is not completely done yet, but we shall get there,” Ibrahim said.

    He observed that since it began operations seven years ago, the MNJTF has conducted eight successful operations leading to neutralising of thousands of terrorists and the surrender of many others which is still ongoing.

    The commander said that major terrorist strongholds which hitherto were no-go areas had been cleared with many captives rescued.

    “So far over 200,000 Internally displaced persons and refugees have returned to their ancestral homes across the entire region.

    “These include those who fled and have returned to their hometowns in Baroua, N’gagam, N’garwa Koura in Diffa, Niger Republic; Cross-Kauwa, Baga, Doroa-Baga in Borno, Nigeria; Kolofata, Makari and Fotokol in Cameroon, and Madai, Kangalia in Chad amongst many others,” Ibrahim said.

    While reiterating the commitment of the force to its assigned tasks, the commander lauded the host country and other strategic partners, particularly European Union, African Union, United States, United Kingdom, France and the centre for coordination and liason for their support.

    In his message, the Head of Mission of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, lauded the effective role of the MNJTF is the fight against terrorism and urged member states to sustain their commitment to fight.

    In his speech, the Special Guest of honour, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno also lauded the task force for its effort in securing the region and assured it of Nigeria and Borno government support.

    Zulum paid tribute to those who lost their lives in securing the region.

    He lauded the ongoing mass surrender by some insurgents and urged for support.

    Newsmen reports that the occasion also witnessed the launching of the MNJTF maiden magazine “The MNJTF Mandate” highlighting its activities since its inception.

  • Dozens die in attack on 2 military outposts

    Dozens die in attack on 2 military outposts

    Dozens of government troops, civilians and extremists have been killed and injured in attacks on two military outposts in Mali, the country’s army reported early on Thursday.

    In the fighting following the attacks in the towns of Sokolo and Kalumba in the centre of the West African country early on Wednesday morning, 15 government soldiers, three civilians and 48 of the attackers were killed.

    A further 25 soldiers were injured, five of them seriously, the report said, describing the attackers as extremists.

    Another attack on a military outpost in Sévaré was prevented, the report said, with three vehicles used by the attackers destroyed and military equipment seized.

    A week ago, a military base outside the capital of Bamako was attacked.

    Mali, a landlocked country with a population of more than 20 million, has seen three military coups since 2012.

    A military transitional government with close ties to Moscow has been in power since the last coup in May last year.

    Islamist terrorist groups have mounted attacks in the country for years.

    Tensions have risen between the government in Bamako and the UN’s multinational MINUSMA peacekeeping mission, which was set up in 2013.

    Egypt has temporarily suspended its participation.

  • NCoS collaborates Military in Rivers on `’Operation Show of Force”

    NCoS collaborates Military in Rivers on `’Operation Show of Force”

    The Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers Command, led by the Controller of Corrections, Felix Lawrence, on Tuesday had a show of force in partnership with the  Nigeria Army, Nigeria Airforce and the Nigeria Navy.
     DSC J Ofoni, Public Relations Officer, Corrections, Rivers State Command, in a statement, spoke on behalf of Lawrence.
    “This show of force is meant to sensitise the inmates and communities in and around Port Harcourt metropolis that the Custodial Centres have been declared a red flag zone.
    “And on red alert for all who think of attacking the centres and to ward off any would-be attacker.”
    Also, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, in charge of Port Harcourt Maximum Custodial Centre, Etim Effiong, said that it was better to be proactive than preventive.
    He appreciated the joint operation of the Military for finding time to partake in the operation.
  • You’re insensitive, incompetent – Fani-Kayode fires back at Military

    You’re insensitive, incompetent – Fani-Kayode fires back at Military

    Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has frowned at the Defence Headquarters for quickly responding to his statement and not channelling the same energy to the recent spate of banditry and terrorism attacks, making reference to the recently attacked Kuje Custodial Centre.

    Recall that DHQ had denied the allegations that the Department of State Security (DSS) notified the military about an impending attack on Kuje Correctional Centre and a previous attack on a Kaduna-Abuja passenger train.

    Meanwhile,  the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor,  noted that the allegations by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, are unsubstantiated and wild.

    Akpor further stressed that it was a shame that the former minister is ignorant of whose responsibility it is to guard the prison.

    Reacting to Akpor’s counter-accusations, Femi Fani Kayode took to his Twitter page and described the Military’s quick response to his allegations as very highly insensitive and a display of incompetence.

     

    His tweet reads in part: “It is instructive that the @DefenceInfoNG can, within 2 days, respond to my video and yet cannot respond to the daily bombing, butchery, slaughter, kidnapping and terror that Nigerians have been subjected to over the last 7 years. Such insensitivity & incompetence is nauseating.”