TheNewsGuru

Tag: Military

  • BREAKING: Coup fears in Sudan as Military places Prime Minister under house arrest, ministers detained

    BREAKING: Coup fears in Sudan as Military places Prime Minister under house arrest, ministers detained

    Military forces in Sudan have put Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok under house arrest, according to Al Hadath TV, and detained several members of the country’s civilian leadership.

    Citing unidentified sources, the Saudi-owned broadcaster said a military force besieged the prime minister’s home early on Monday before placing him under house arrest.

    Other civilian officials taken into custody include Industry Minister Ibrahim al-Sheikh, and the governor of Sudan’s capital Khartoum, Ayman Khalid, family sources told Al Jazeera.

    Information Minister Hamza Baloul, media adviser to the prime minister, Faisal Mohammed Saleh, and the spokesman for Sudan’s ruling sovereign council, Mohammed al-Fiky Suliman, were also arrested, according to officials who spoke to the Associated Press news agency.

    Sudan has been on edge since a failed coup plot last month unleashed bitter recriminations between military and civilian groups meant to be sharing power following the toppling of the country’s long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.

    Al-Bashir was toppled after months of street protests in 2019, and a political transition agreed after his removal was meant to lead to elections by the end of 2023.

    Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, said “telecommunications access has been restricted” in the country “so it’s very hard to communicate with people here”.

    “The military has also blocked all roads and bridges leading into Khartoum city. We’ve seen soldiers blocking access and they are telling us these are the orders they got. They are saying access to Khartoum city is to be restricted, and this is raising concern because that’s where the government institutions are, that’s where the presidential palace and the prime minister’s offices are located.”

  • We won’t allow foreigners overrun Nigeria – Military

    We won’t allow foreigners overrun Nigeria – Military

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Nigerian military will not allow the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP), a foreign terrorist group, to have strong footing in Nigeria

    Musa stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, in Maiduguri

    He said that ISWAP terrorist group was a foreign terrorist organisation being sponsored by foreigners with some local collaborations, adding that the terrorists that were refusing to surrender belonged to ISWAP.

    According to him, ISWAP is a foreign terrorist organisation that is funded by foreign individuals and probably some locals but mostly foreign and then they have foreign leadership which means they have not stake in Nigeria.

    “It is very clear that ISWAP are foreigners coming to invade our country which we will never allow to happen.

    “That is why I want to encourage those of them, especially those members that are with them to pull out and understand that they have no stake in what those guys are doing.

    “They don’t wish the country well they don’t wish themselves well and we will never allow any foreigner step an inch on ground in Nigeria,” he said.

    The theatre commander stated that the military had advised the governments on the need to adopt the system of involving the victims in dialogue on the handling of the surrendered terrorists.

    He added that the government must ensure that the victims were not left out, saying that people should be assured that the proper processes would be followed without compromise.

    According to him, some of the victims are military men, as the military has lost wonderful officers and soldiers.

    “So, for us to even accept them has been very difficult but professionally we are meant to do that.

    “Once we have those windows and they are working we are meant to ensure that we arrest them bring them in and then the nation will take its proper cause through constitution and that is what is going to happen.

    “We want them to agree to understand fully that Operation Hadin Kai is just doing its own bit and the military operation is just one line of operation which is about 20 per cent while the remaining 80 per cent has to do with diplomacy, humanitarian, justice, rule of law and all these things.

    “So, that is the stage we are in now,” he said.

    Musa disclosed that the terrorists were being secured separately, adding that they were not going to be released just like that.

    He said that the profiling of the surrendered terrorists was being carried out by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), DSS and other security agencies.

    According to him, everybody that has anything to do is also checking, we have also invited the National Identity Management Agency (NIMC) who are taking the profiles of everybody.

    “They take the thumb and pictures and so, even after this, we know what they are doing, we know where they are and know where he goes to.

    “This goes to show you that we are taking the proper procedure and nobody is going to be compromised,” he said.

  • ‘Coup’: Military unit seizes power in Guinea, dissolves constitution

    ‘Coup’: Military unit seizes power in Guinea, dissolves constitution

    Soldiers who staged an uprising in Guinea’s capital on Sunday said in a short broadcast on state television that they have dissolved the constitution and the government in the West African state.

    However, the defence ministry said an attack on the presidential palace by mutinous forces had been put down.

    Heavy gunfire had broken out near the presidential palace in Conakry on Sunday morning, with several sources saying an elite national army unit led by a former French legionnaire, Mamady Doumbouya, was behind the unrest.

    An unidentified soldier, draped in Guinea’s national flag and surrounded by eight other armed soldiers, said in the broadcast that they planned to form a transitional government and would give further details later.

    The soldier spoke after videos shared on social media – which Reuters could not immediately authenticate – showed President Alpha Conde surrounded in a room by army special forces.

    The defence ministry said the attemped insurgency had been put down.

    “The presidential guard, supported by the loyalist and republican defence and security forces, contained the threat and repelled the group of assailants,” it said in a statement.

    “Security and combing operations are continuing to restore order and peace.”

    Earlier, videos shared on social media showed military vehicles patrolling Conkary’s streets and one military source said the only bridge connecting the mainland to the Kaloum neighbourhood, which houses the palace and most government ministries, had been sealed off.

    Many soldiers, some heavily armed, were posted around the palace, the source added.

  • Military did not fire at cargo boat on Bonny River – DHQ

    Military did not fire at cargo boat on Bonny River – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports that the military helicopters fired at a cargo boat conveying people and food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was widely reported on Friday that a military chopper opened fire on cargo boat conveying food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny.

    Reacting to the allegation in a statement on Monday, the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, said the report was false.

    Sawyerr said that the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), received reports from ground troops who were on clearance operations but encountered resistance at the point of encounter.

    According to him, on receiving the report a combat helicopter was dispatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel.

    He said that the helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkering boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”.

    “The boat which was being escorted by two speedboats was suspected to be carrying illegally refined oil products in large drums along the Channel in the direction of OPDS patrol boats.

    “On sighting the boat, warning shots were fired to dissuade the crew from hostile action.

    “The crew fired back at the helicopter and the boat was engaged accordingly.

    The two speedboats detached from the convoy at high speed leaving the “Cotonou Boat” which was neutralised.

    “The helicopter later went after the two speedboats but was unable to track it, while the suspects are still at large and a manhunt has been sent out to apprehend them,” he said.

    The Defence spokesman said that the military had remained a professional institution that operates in line with best practices through the application of rule of engagement and code of conduct.

    He added that the military was also positioned to protect the populace rather than victimising them.

    According to him, efforts by anyone to protect criminality by disparaging the actions of the Military in preventing economic sabotage and other sundry crimes need to be condemned by all.

    He urged the public to disregard the report and continue to provide accurate information to troops that would help the military safeguard lives, properties as well as government assets in the South-South region.

  • I stand ‘squarely’ behind decision, President Biden defends withdrawal of U.S. military from Afghanistan

    I stand ‘squarely’ behind decision, President Biden defends withdrawal of U.S. military from Afghanistan

    President Joe Biden has said he stands “squarely” behind the US exit from Afghanistan as he faces withering criticism over the Taliban’s lightning conquest of the war-torn country.

    “How many more American lives is it worth?” said the president.

    He said despite the “gut-wrenching” scenes in Kabul “there is never a good time to withdraw US forces”.

    On Sunday the Taliban declared victory after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled and his government collapsed.

    The militants’ return to rule brings an end to almost 20 years of a US-led coalition’s presence in the country.

    Kabul was the last major city in Afghanistan to fall to a Taliban offensive that began months ago but accelerated in recent days as they gained control of territories, shocking many observers.

    Biden returned on Monday to the White House from the Camp David presidential retreat to make his first public remarks on Afghanistan in nearly a week.

    “If anything, the developments of the past week reinforce that ending US military involvement in Afghanistan now was the right decision,” said Mr Biden.

    “American troops cannot and should not be fighting in a war and dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves.”

    Mr Biden is facing intense political backlash over his April decision to order all American troops out of Afghanistan by 11 September – the 20 year anniversary of the terror attacks that triggered the US invasion.

    On Monday he said the US mission in Afghanistan was never supposed to have been about nation-building.

    He said he had opposed the 2009 deployment of thousands more troops into the country by former President Barack Obama when he was vice-president.

    Mr Biden also noted he had inherited a deal negotiated with the Taliban under former President Donald Trump for the US to withdraw from Afghanistan by May of this year.

    He said he was now the fourth US president to preside over America’s longest war.

    “I will not pass this responsibility on to a fifth president,” said Mr Biden, a Democrat.

    “I will not mislead the American people by claiming that just a little more time in Afghanistan will make all the difference.”

    Mr Biden campaigned as a seasoned expert in foreign policy and declared after assuming office this year that “America is back”.

    Last month he assured reporters it was “highly unlikely” the Taliban would overrun the entire country.

    But he conceded on Monday that “this did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated”.

    Opinion polls show most Americans support the US exiting Afghanistan.

    But Mr Biden is facing a barrage of criticism over the manner of the departure, after he withdrew US troops then sent thousands back in to help the evacuation.

    Images circulated on Sunday showing US helicopters circling the US Embassy in Kabul.

    For many, the pictures evoked America’s humiliating departure from Saigon, Vietnam, in 1975 when Mr Biden was a junior senator.

    Earlier on Monday, the US suspended its evacuation from Kabul after scenes of panic at the capital’s airport turned deadly.

    Thousands of civilians desperate to flee the country had thronged the tarmac.

  • Nigerian military retires 343 soldiers

    Nigerian military retires 343 soldiers

    The Nigerian military on Friday retired 357 non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from service.

    The retirees comprised 258 from the Nigerian Army (NA), 70 from the Nigerian Navy (NN) and 15 from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who have either reached statutory age of retirement or have attained 35 years of service.

    They were disengaged from service at a well-attended function held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), where they underwent a six-month pre-retirement training to prepare them for life outside the uniform.

    Addressing the retirees, the Chief of Defence General, Gen. Lucky Irabor, reminded them their passing out parade signified a setting dusk in their distinguished military career, as well as a testimony of their determination, commitment and discipline.

    Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Rear Admiral George Eyo, said the pre-retirement course was designed to give trainees the requisite rudiments for a successful reintegration into civil life after a meritorious service to the country.

    “It is our hope that on completion of this training, our gallant discharging servicemen and women seated here today will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired and by so doing, comfortably enjoy the post service life,” he said.

    He urged the retirees to remain good ambassadors of the Armed Forces, maintain highest level of integrity and ensure they contributed towards nation building as they go about their businesses.

    “You will from now on take full charge as planners and executors of your personal daily activities. This may sound exciting and promising but beware; you need to properly manage your freedom in order to be successful.

    “The society will expect a high moral standard and discipline from you. You will also have to prove in your relationships that you passed through a highly disciplined system. As our well-grounded ambassadors, I believe you are all capable of excelling in your future endeavors and positively influence your environment for the economic development of our dear country.”

    The CDS urged them to put to good use, the various entrepreneurial, business development and management skills they had learnt at NAFRC for economically productive and successful life after retirement.

    Earlier, NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Adamu Idris, said the centre has trained about 50,000 personnel since inception, adding that other Nigerians have also benefited from trainings at the centre.

    At the event were security chiefs and heads of government agencies in Lagos, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, and Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Sunday Makinde.

  • New COAS: Military speaks on alleged mass compulsory retirement of senior officers

    New COAS: Military speaks on alleged mass compulsory retirement of senior officers

    Military authorities have dispelled the rumour of mass compulsory retirement of senior military officers, following the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Farouk Yahaya.

    The Acting Director of Defence Media Operation, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, faulted the claim at a press conference on Thursday at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    “At this point, you are all aware of the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya. This has stirred up a lot of rumours in the media about mass retirements in the military,” he told reporters at the briefing.

    He added, “I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumours. Retirement is only on a voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so. At this point, no retirement has been authorised by the Military High Command.”

    The military spokesman also highlighted some of the feats recorded by troops in the course of various operations in parts of the country.

    According to him, there is no gainsaying that the military and the security agencies are committed to ensuring peace returns to the country.

    Onyeuko also assured Nigerians that the military remained resolute to take decisive and adequate actions to abate the activities of terrorists and bandits, as well as other vices in Nigeria.

    “The Military High Command will not be weary of appreciating the general public for their support and continue to encourage them to provide credible and timely information that will facilitate our proactive engagements in the theatres of operations.

    “The Military High Command also lauds all efforts of the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience and indefatigable commitment,” he said.

  • COAS: Soldiers take over crash site in Kaduna, AIB to commence investigation

    COAS: Soldiers take over crash site in Kaduna, AIB to commence investigation

    Soldiers have cordoned off the site where the Nigerian Airforce plane crashed on Friday evening at the Kaduna International Airport.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the plane which was carrying the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other Senior Army Officers crashed near the airport’s active runway, killing all the eleven people on board.

    Speaking on the incident in an interview on Channels Television, the Manager of Kaduna airport, Amina Salami said the military authorities have taken over the crash site.

    She added that they have prevented civil aviation officials from gaining access to the crash site pending the arrival of officials from the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

    She explained that the military plane was initially scheduled to land at the Nigerian Airforce Base in Mando area, but was later diverted to the Kaduna airport due to poor weather conditions.

    According to her, only the Accident Investigation Bureau will determine the actual cause of the crash.

  • Israeli military hit top Hamas commanders in 24 hours

    Israeli military hit top Hamas commanders in 24 hours

    The Israeli military has struck 12 houses of senior Hamas commanders in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday.

    “The IDF has struck 12 houses of senior Hamas commanders in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours,’’ the IDF said.

    The military’s fighter jets hit houses of three Hamas commanders in the Gaza Strip a short time ago.

    The hit houses included those belonging to the deputy commander for the northern brigade in Gaza City, a company commander in Khan Yunis, and another military leader in the Hamas reserve battalion.

    The commanders used their houses as command posts and operations bases, the IDF added.

  • We’re not in support of military takeover – Afenifere

    We’re not in support of military takeover – Afenifere

    Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, has said it is against military takeover of any kind.

    In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Jare Ajayi, described military intervention in government as a curse.

    He said the recent clamour for change in the country was borne out of frustration over the state of the nation.

    Ajayi said, “Going by what the nation went through under the military, we will certainly not support another military rule in Nigeria under any guise.

    “It is on record for example that apart from the general abridgement of the rights of Nigerians under the military, members of the the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) masterminded by Afenifere suffered greatly.

    “It is on record that we lost a lot of patriotic Nigerians all because they were protesting against a continuous military rule.

    “Pa Alfred Rewane was killed while the Leader of Afenifere then Pa Abraham Adesanya narrowly escaped assassination attempts by agents of the the then military junta.

    “Besides, with the benefit of hindsight, we can say without any equivocation that military intervention in the governance of Nigeria has been more of a curse than blessing as it set the country back through various non-progressive and undemocratic policies it imposed on Nigeria.

    “But for the military intervention in governance, we would not have had the kind of asphyxiating atmosphere we are having today in governance and in the socio-economic milieu. While we are not supporting military take-over of government, we could understand that those allegedly advocating for it are doing so out of frustration – a well-founded frustration for that matter.”

    The Afenifere spokesman added, “It has become so bad that bandits and terrorists are the ones dictating terms for governments.

    “They have even annexed some territories for themselves within the country. We have never had it this bad! Terrorists have the audacity to say that they will kill 15 innocent students in their captivity if named ransoms are not paid.

    “How would people not, out of frustration and seeming helplessness, call for a change of government since the government has failed in its primary duty of providing security and welfare for the people?

    “Our own take here, therefore, is for government to sit up, show that it is really in control by putting a total stop to terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, by stopping Nepotism, by letting the country return to true Federalism without further delay.”