TheNewsGuru

Tag: Military

  • Saraki seeks enhanced welfare for Military, Nigerian Legion

    President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called on the Federal Government and military authorities to prioritize the welfare of both their serving and retired personnel, in view of the enormous sacrifices they render to sustain the peace and security of the country.

    Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, made the call after laying a wreath at the National Arcade to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He lauded the national attention being accorded the nation’s armed forces through the annual celebration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, and said it is time to do more for members of of the armed forces still serving and those who have retired, while not neglecting the families of the fallen heroes.

    Saraki said: “I must commend the Federal Government for its commitment to ensure that the nation’s armed forces are fully catered for in terms of operational logistics and welfare packages. But there is room for more when you consider that these are men who have given their all and continue to give their all for the security, stability and prosperity of the country.

    “While serving members of the armed forces must be made to feel that their effort at protecting the territorial integrity of the country and assisting in the maintenance of law and order internally – often at the risk of their very lives – is not in vain, the welfare of the immediate families of all our fallen heroes must be given due consideration,” he stated.

    While commending the leadership and members of the Nigerian armed forces for their continuous support to civil authorities in ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country, he called on them not to relent in restoring peace to all troubled parts of the country.

    He pledged that the National Assembly will continue to ensure that all bills relating to the armed forces’ operation and welfare are given accelerated consideration and passage from time to time.

  • [Photos] Enenche handover to Agim as military spokesperson

    The Nigerian military has named a new director of defence information.

    He is John Agim.

    Mr. Agim, a brigadier general, replaces John Enenche, a major general, who is now commandant, Army War College, Nigeria.

    Until his appointment as the new defence spokesman, Mr. Agim was commandant of Nigerian Army School of Public Relations.

    He has taken over with effect from January 8.

    Recall that the military in a major shakeup recently deployed some senior and junior cadre officers.

     

  • JTF launch Operation Jagunlabi to counter pipeline vandalism in Lagos creeks

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) comprising the Nigeria Navy, Air Force and Army, on Thursday, launched ‘Operation Jagunlabi ’, to fight pipeline vandals around the creeks in Lagos.
    The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Slyvanus Abbah, who flagged off the operation in Majidun, Ikorodu, told journalists that it was aimed at combating the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
    The new operation, which is an offshoot of the ongoing Operation AWATSE (an Hausa word for scatter), is to further solidify the gains of the joint task force.
    ”Operation AWATSE has been an on-going operation, and if you are in Lagos, I think this is the most peaceful festive period you have ever had in Lagos.
    “We have been working tirelessly. Before now, you know the criminals have been carrying out their nefarious act at the high sea; which is sea robbery,” he said.
    Abbah said that the components of Operation Awatse would partner Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta to tackle the influx of vandals and militants to Lagos waters from neighboring creeks.
    He said that the partnership with Operation Delta Safe would see the military raid the creeks and backwaters of the Niger Delta region to arrest the rampaging militants.
    “Although Lagos by itself is a peaceful place, the criminals come from elsewhere.
    “For instance, the last attack that happened on Lagos waters: we have arrested so many of them and all of them are not from Lagos.
    “The five of them that are in our custody are not from Lagos but have their accomplice in Lagos who gives them information. We are working on this to get rid of all those things,” Abbah said.
    He said the military was not resting on its oars in tackling the menace.
    “This period, you know nobody came around to kidnap, and we have to commend the soldiers because they are working very hard to ensure everything is fine peacefully,” the officer said.
    On Operation Jagunlabi, Abbah said it was an ongoing and continuous exercise.
    “Our presence here today is just to meet and interact with the soldiers.
    “We want them to share their problems and we will also address them.
    “Before now, you know Majidun was a no go area, but as you can see, everybody is feeling happy and operating freely.
    “This is why we want to make all those non-penetrable areas to be safe now for everyone to carry out their businesses,” he said.
    Talking about the military’s strategy, Abbah said that it would not be revealed, so that the enemies would not restrategise and strike.
    “This is a military exercise and the essence of this is to make sure we operate peacefully.
    “So, Operation Jagunlabi is a show of force to tell those boys (the militants) wherever they are, we are here for them.
    “This is a joint operation and you cannot do it alone, so that is why we need air support from the air force.
    “Therefore, it’s a joint operation between the army, navy and Air Force and even elements of the police, Department of State Security and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” he said.
    The operation is also aimed at battling vandalism and crude oil theft in Lagos creeks and backwaters.
    Abbah was joined by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, AVM Ibrahim Yahaya; the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke and the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Rear Adm. Maurice Eno.
    The maritime operation kicked off from Majidun creek, with patrol of Ebute waterside, Ibeshe ferry jetty and then Oworonsoki jetty, before heading back to the base.
    The ground forces also took off from Majidun and went through the Ikorodu garage roundabout, Ibeshe junction, Ibeshe Ilaje, Imota, Ishawo before returning to the naval outpost.
    Abbah said that the joint patrol by the three arms of the military would pull resources and manpower together to tackle the menace.
    Harping on the importance of intelligence gathering, Abbah who addressed the troops before the operation began, said they were to mix up with civilians in order to get information from them
  • Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa appoints military figures into key cabinet jobs

    Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa appoints military figures into key cabinet jobs

    Zimbabwe’s new President Emmerson Mnangagwa has named his cabinet, appointing senior military figures to high-profile positions.

    Critics have said that it has dashed hopes of change in the country.

    Mr Mnangagwa was inaugurated as president last week. He took over from Robert Mugabe who had been in power for 37 years.

    Mr Mugabe stepped down after the army took control of the country, following a power struggle in the ruling party.

    Thousands of people celebrated Mr Mugabe’s resignation as they hoped the failed economy would improve.

    Some had hoped that President Mnangagwa would appoint members of the opposition to his cabinet, to form a transitional government until elections next year but this did not happen.

    BBC

  • God used Malu to revive my military career – Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Tukur Buratai has attributed his military success to former Chief of Army Staff, the late General Victor Malu.

    Buratai spoke at a reception for him and his entourage by Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Dr George Akume, in his Makurdi residence.

    Buratai was in Benue State for Malu’s burial.

    The Army boss said he almost retired as a Major at a point until God used Malu to intervene in his case and others.

    Declaring he was indebted to the deceased, Buratai said every rank and stature he attains in the Military are dedicated to the former Commander of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

    The Chief of Army Staff described Malu as a brave soldier who recorded successes through dedicated efforts.

    He said Benue has lost a rare gem and dependable asset that was the envy of not just Nigeria but the entire continent.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the remains of Malu were laid to rest in Tse- Malu Adoor village in Katsina Ala, Local Government Area of Benue State.

    Hundreds of mourners witnessed the burial rite, which was strictly a military affair.

    Buratai led top military officers to the funeral.

    Governor Samuel Ortom, former governors Gabriel Suswam and George Akume as well as a delegation from the Senate were all in attendance.

    Ortom said he would consult with Benue State House of Assembly on how best to immortalise the late Army chief, whom he said has brought honour to Benue state.

    Speaking when a delegation from the Senate led by Jeremiah Useni paid him a condolence visit at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, Ortom saidMalu is still attracting development to his communities even in death.

    As a mark of respect and honour for the late General, Ortom said his country home, Adoor village, had been connected to public power supply for the first time, courtesy of the Benue State government.

    While appreciating leadership of the Senate for their show of love for the departed former general, the governor said discussing the death of General Malu at plenary was a mark of honour at the highest level.

    He described the late general as a great leader, friend to many and professional to the core who offered himself for selfless services to his fatherland.

    In a condolence letter to the Governor, Senate President Bukola Saraki noted Malu dutifully canvassed and undertook reforms aimed at preserving an apolitical army.

    Senator Useni stated Malu was globally applauded for turning around the fortunes of the sub regional peace force (ECOMOG) during the first Liberian Civil war.

     

  • Reports of ‘killer injection’ by military false, we support Operation Crocodile Smile II – Dickson

    The Bayelsa State Government on Saturday lent its support to the ongoing military training operation and its community relations component by the Nigerian Army in the Niger Delta.

    Governor Seriake Dickson urged the people of the state to discountenance the rumour that the exercise, christened ‘Operation Crocodile Smile II’, which includes free medical care, would endanger the health and safety of the people.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Francis Agbo in Yenagoa, Dickson made the call while receiving a letter of commendation from the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    Dickson, who described the rumour as unfounded, urged Nigerians not to panic, rather cooperate with the military in discharging its medical outreach and community support initiatives.

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment toward sustaining the prevailing peace, security and stability in the state, Dickson assured the Nigerian Army and other security agencies of greater support in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    He explained that the state government had donated a large expanse of land for the building of a barrack in Yenagoa and a Forward Operations Base at the western senatorial district to enhance security.

    “The military and other security agencies are a force for good and I want to use this opportunity to call on community leaders to continue to support the military.

    “We can’t have a Nigerian military that is coming here to inject people with poisonous substances.

    “That is not the army we have. This is our own army. These are our brothers, friends and fellow Nigerians, who mean well for all of us.’’ Dickson said.

    The CoAS, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, commended Dickson for the invaluable support to his administration.

    Buratai said the support included the provision of land for building a barracks, a Forward Operation Base and creating a conducive environment for the Army to tackle insecurity in the state.

    Delivering a letter of appreciation from the Nigerian Army, he lauded the people of Bayelsa for their understanding, cooperation, and pledged that the Army would redouble efforts in tackling security challenges in the country.

    The Chief of Army Staff, in the letter intimated Dickson of the Army’s intention to carry out its medical outreach programme and donation of educational materials to various communities.

     

  • Army ambush, kill two Boko Haram members – Official

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said its troops had killed two Boko Haram insurgents at Mayanti village of Bama Local Government Council of Borno State.

    Kingsley Samuel, the Deputy Director, Army Public Rations, 7 Division, said in Maiguri the troops had ambushed a group of insurgents while trying to cross into the Sambisa Forest.

    He explained that the troops neutralised two insurgents while many others escaped with gunshot wounds, adding that some food items were also recovered from the insurgents.

    “The Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE resolve to rout out the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

    “MST yielded yet another result with the troops successfully ambushed unsuspecting terrorists at about 10: 45 p.m. on Friday, 6th October 2017.

    “The insurgents were attempting to cross into Sambisa Forest from Mayanti village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The troops sprung the ambush on the terrorists and neutralised two of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered two bags of maize from the ambush site.

    “The MST has been a potent deadly mobile lethal force engaging and neutralising the insurgents in several staging areas.”

     

  • Nigeria @57: Buhari warns military, says ‘If Nigeria breaks, you are the first line of losers’

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday warned the Nigerian Army to be more committed to the fight against terrorism insisting that the military will be the first line of losers if the country breaks up.

    The President also promised total commitment to the welfare of the gallant soldiers while reassuring Nigerians of their safety anywhere they so desire to reside in the country.

    Buhari made the promise during a visit to the troops in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the central base of the battle against the insurgent group, Boko Haram.

    The President, who marked the country’s 57th anniversary with military ceremonies in Maiduguri, said: “This administration is prepared to protect all citizens residing in all parts of the country.”

    There was a display of military hardware and a show of air power by the Air Force at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, which is the headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, the code name for the battle against Boko Haram.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that this is the first time ceremonies marking the nation’s independence anniversary was taken outside the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    After inspecting the military guard of honour, President Buhari praised the gallantry of the armed forces for the success recorded in defeating terrorism in the Northeast and lawlessness in the Niger Delta.

    He said: “Under this leadership, there will be resources as much as the country can afford to support your operations. As long as you live and in service, your rights will be guarded jealously.

    “You must stand firm for your country. The centre is determined to hold. You must be loyal to the centre. If Nigeria breaks, you are the first line of losers, so you must stand firm for yourselves and for the country. The security of the country is in your hands and in the hands of God.”

    President Buhari reiterated his National Day Broadcast, warning that the country would not break up under his watch and dismissed those agitating for its division as dreamers.

    “Those who are making noise were not born, so they don’t know what we went through. They don’t know. I like to remind you that whatever happens, you are at the frontlines of the defence of the citizens wherever they live. This administration is prepared to protect all citizens residing in all parts of the country.

    “We are here today in Borno State to interact with you (troops) and to celebrate the 57th Independence Day Anniversary. I want to commend you for your sacrifice in the fight against insurgents. I am here as a morale booster and I assure you that we will continue to do our best to support you in the frontline and end all forms of terrorism in our dear country.

    “We as government will continue to improve on the economy to create jobs for the teeming youths. We are also determined to kick corruption out of this country. I was a state governor some time ago and Borno was my base. At that time, nobody thought Borno would witness any crisis, but I want to reiterate that we will do our best to restore peace in any part of this great country.

    “I personally commend Governor Kashim Shettima for his courage, that he stood firm throughout the criss. I assure you despite my health challenge in the last few months; I never forgot you and how much you mean for this country,” the President said.

    During his visit to injured soldiers, the President praised the fortitude of the “wounded-in-action soldiers” who were receiving treatment and wished them quick recovery.

    He interacted with them, including Sergeant Owen Eze who was shot in the neck during an operation in Gwoza.

    President Buhari inspected military equipment, newly-acquired and those refurbished put on display as well as some of the new acquisitions of the Air Force, including night-vision Mi 35 attack helicopters.

    Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin commended the President for showing a lot of care for the Armed Forces.

    He assured the President that the military would continue to be loyal to the administration. He expressed their readiness to guarantee the sovereignty of the nation and the security of its people.

    The CDS said the visit would boost the spirit of the Armed Forces. He assured them that with better morale, they would fight better.

    Gen. Olonisakin added: “Over two years ago when the current leadership of the Arm Forces were appointed by Mr President, we were facing the worst time in our effort to contain one of the greatest setback to our national security.

    “The menace of terrorism and insurgency represented by Boko Haram terrorists has brought about wanton destruction of lives and properties as well as destabilisation and displacement of large population in the Northeast.

    “It is on record that from the inception of the current leadership of the armed forces, the Boko Haram had controlled several local government areas in the Northeast thereby undermining the sovereignty of the nation.

    “But with the current leadership and the support from Mr President, our professional capacity across the two services has been enhanced.presently, all territories under Boko Haram have been reclaimed and librated and government institutions has been reestablished in some of the liberated areas.

    “We are now witnessing gradual return of IDPs to their respective ancestral home of their abode.

    “This noble achievement under President Muhammadu Buhari has been widely acknowledged and celebrated by Nigerians and the international communities.”

    President Buhari cut the anniversary cake. He was joined by Shettima, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, Gen. Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, Theater Commander Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Mamman Daura and Shehu of Borno Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.

  • Nigeria@57: Group hails Buhari, Service Chiefs for visiting Maiduguri

    The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism [CATE], has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Service Chiefs for using the occasion of the Independence Day celebration to visit Maiduguri, Borno State to asses the success of the fight against insurgency.
    CATE in a statement by its National President, Gabriel Onoja while felicitating with the government and people of Nigeria on the 57th anniversary of its independence as a sovereign nation enjoined Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that certain institutions and individuals have placed their lives on the line to ensure the current peace and calm in the country.

    The coalition noted that as majority of the populace are high in the glee of celebrating Nigeria’s 57th anniversary and the dawn of a new month, the nation’s Service Chiefs are in Maiduguri working hard all in the bid to sustain the current peaceful atmosphere in the country.
    Said the group; “We should not lose sight of the fact that some of our gallant military men are in the trenches, in the bushes and have not slept or seen members of their families just so that we can sleep with our two eyes closed. This is the greatest gift to all of us on Independence Day.”
    CATE says it is proper at an occasion like this for Nigerians to not only reflect on the measure of sacrifice being made to keep the country one and secure but to salute the thoughtfulness and devotion to duties of both the top brass and the rank and file in the military and other security agencies involved in the operations against terrorism and insurgence in the Northeastern part of the country.
    The group says there’s a need to continue to sustain the hardline approach the military has taken against the terrorists in order to make life more meaningful to Nigerians.
    “This is very important because no nation can lay claim to independence or freedom if terrorists are allowed to occupy any of its territory,” it added.

  • Operation Python Dance II: Ohaneze, Igbo Leaders should apologize to the military

    The Igbos for Nigeria Movement [INM] has called on the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbo Leaders to apologize to the military for their earlier acts of silence, indifference, collusion and passive support that allowed the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to metamorphosed into a full blown terror group, whose leader, Nnamdi Kanu, hijacked the Igbo agitation for fairness to incite hatred across the land.

    Reacting to a visit to Gombe state on a peace mission by Ohaneze’s President General, Chief John Nwodo and other Igbo leaders, Igbos for Nigeria Movement expressed relief that the period when the organization and Igbo leaders played politics with what is ordinarily a nationwide quest for a better deal is over.

    It commended the Nigerian Army for having the will to tackle IPOB as a festering sore that was on the verge of compromising the health of the nation noting that there is nowhere in the world where terrorists are allowed to flourish unchallenged as earlier canvassed by certain many Igbo and Ohaneze leaders with vested interests.
    Igbos for Nigeria Movement explained that some top members of Ohaneze and Igbo political leaders that had banked on using IPOB and Kanu to score political points soon discovered that they were as much the victims of a terror infrastructure but had become too ashamed to accept their sins and dilemma until the launch of Operation Python Dance II, which some of them still kicked against out of habit.

    The movement said it is reassuring that the same people that were supporting IPOB, even when they were hostages, are today relishing the freedom procured for them through the success recorded by Operation Python Dance II, which has empowered them to again grow the courage to visit the same people that Kanu had vilified without them censuring him.

    It said in its sincere opinion, the least Ohaneze, Chief Nwodo and other Igbo leaders can do is to retract their past statements on the Operation Python Dance II and to encourage troops to root out other evils that have made Igboland into a place that other Nigerians avoid as a place to settle down. According to the group, the ill conceived quit notice to Igbos by some northern youths had exposed how groups like IPOB placed Igbos at a disadvantage because Igbos settle in other parts of the country in large numbers while only few persons of other ethnic groups make Igboland their homes because of attitudes like the one exhibited by Kanu.

    Igbos for Nigeria Movement noted that going forward, the expectation is that Ohaneze and any one that genuinely calls himself a leader in Igboland must now put the interest of Igbo people above their personal interest and this includes accepting that IPOB was a monster that was set to consume the genuine cause which every Igbo man had vigorously pursued in the past.
    According to the movement, had the military not stopped IPOB and Kanu, the path they were threading was on the verge of making Igbos lose what they had toiled to build in other parts of Nigeria in the past five decades given the way they needlessly antagonized other ethnic groups, including calling for their death.

    Mazi Igwe Ifeanyi,
    National Leader, Igbos for Nigeria Movement.