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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Nigerian Army honours 52 generals

    Nigerian Army honours 52 generals

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday held a valedictory dinner in honour of 52 generals, comprising 23 major-generals and 29 brigadier- generals who have retired and will be retiring before the end of the year.

    The one- star and two-star generals were presented with their records of service certificates by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya.

    Yahaya said the event was designed to honour and appreciate the officers for their services to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

    He said there was need to celebrate and be grateful to God for reaching the peak of their careers, adding that a number of their colleagues who joined the service with them had died.

    “It is, therefore, my honor and privilege to most sincerely appreciate you all for your sacrifices and meritorious services to the nation and this gesture will in future be replicated at divisional and brigade levels for our retiring officers of the rank of colonel and below.

    “It will also be designed for our soldiers and in the end this culture of appreciating and honoring our personnel on exit from loyal and meritorious service to their fatherland will be entrenched and institutionalised as being witnessed today.

    “The culture of loyalty, dedication, hard work, commitment, courage and integrity that we all imbibed in the course of our careers are noble virtues that we should continue to cherish and uphold.

    “We should all continue to cultivate, nurture and nourish them and lie on them in and out of service,“ he said.

    The COAS said the daunting security challenges facing the nation currently required that all hands should be on deck toward arresting the situation.

    He said the high command of the Nigerian Army would continue to consult the retired generals and tap from their wealth of experience.

    “On our part, we shall continue to explore avenues with a view to meaningfully engage, appreciate and support our retired colleagues in whatever way possible.

    “I would like to assure you of my commitment to improving the welfare of your families as our health facilities and other welfare packages will be available to you in various barracks and cantonment across the country.

    “You are also welcome to attend our functions and sessions to extend your mentorship to the younger personnel who have always looked up to you for guidance and direction,” he said.

    The Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Usman Muhammed, said the valedictory dinner was the first of its kind in the history of the Nigerian Army.

    Muhammed said in the past it was only the service chief and a few senior officers who held strategic appointments at the time of their disengagement that had hitherto been treated to such a ceremony.

    According to him, most senior officers retired without being treated to any ceremony to mark their official exit from the service.

    He said it was against that backdrop that the COAS directed that a more befitting disengagement process be explored for retiring senior officers of the Nigerian Army.

    “These distinguished Nigerians, alongside their spouses, are being honoured today for their meritorious service to the nation.

    “The senior officers have dedicated a better part of their lives to the defence of the territorial integrity of our dear nation.

    “It is, therefore, appropriate to honour them and appreciate their service to the nation,“ he said.

    Muhammed also disposed that the COAS had approved that the sendoff ceremony be held annually in the last quarter of the year.

  • Troops thwart attempt to attack military base in Borno

    Troops thwart attempt to attack military base in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Friday repelled an attack by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.

    Brig.-Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this in Maiduguri.

    Eyitayo said that a number of the terrorists on 10 guntrucks and one phantom MRAP attempted to attack Damboa Super Camp of the Nigerian Army.

    He said that as they approached, the troops swiftly repelled the attack and forced the terrorists to withdraw in dissaray through Sandia village.

    The GOC said total normalcy has been restored in the town, as people were going about their normal activities, while exploitation was still ongoing by the Air Task Force to mop up the fleeing terrorists.

    “Troops are right now driving around Damboa town for show of force to boost the confidence of the locals,” he added.

  • Nigerian Army opens up on arrest of Chiwetalu Agu

    Nigerian Army opens up on arrest of Chiwetalu Agu

    The Nigerian Army (NA) has reacted over the arrest of veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu by troops at Upper Iweka, Anambra State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NA as saying Agu was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    This was contained in a statement released on Thursday by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations.

    The statement reads: “Troops of Nigerian Army (NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    “Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group.

    “Though he attempted putting up some resistance when troops made efforts to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.

    “While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order.

    “It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed. Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN, his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have all witnessed the activities of the group take a violent dimension in recent times.

    “Chiwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation. It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalized is false and should be disregarded accordingly.

    “While the NA would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold the region captive and allow the security situation to degenerate, it is instructive to restate that national interest supersedes any parochial consideration. Individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The ongoing Exercises are on course and will rid the region of all forms of criminality.

    “The peace loving and law abiding people of the South East are enjoined to please go about their normal activities, as efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators of violence to book. They are equally urged to continue to support the security agencies to restore normalcy to the region in furtherance of peace”.

  • #EndSARS: Forensic team denies indicting Nigerian Army, says integrity of Lekki Toll Gate compromised before analysis

    #EndSARS: Forensic team denies indicting Nigerian Army, says integrity of Lekki Toll Gate compromised before analysis

    The forensic team that presented its report to the Lagos State Judicial Panel on Friday said the integrity of the scene of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting had been compromised long before forensic investigations.

    Managing Director of Sentinel Forensics Limited, Mr Joseph Funsho-Ako, explained that the compromise was because the team visited the toll gate, 87 days after the October 20, 2020 incident.

    He added that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had even carried out a clean-up of the area before the visit by the forensic team.

    Funsho-Ako spoke about the incident in a testimony when he appeared on Saturday before the Lagos Judicial Panel on restitution for victims of SARS-related abuses and other matters.

    He later answered questions under cross-examination from the counsel to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bernard Onigah.

    In the process, he explained that based on the information that the area had been cleaned up earlier, his firm called LAWMA, requesting information that could help with its forensic investigations, but they did not get any response.

    On the ballistic evidence, he affirmed that the live ammunition presented by the Nigerian Army was of the same calibre as the cartridge casing submitted by the panel.

    But the witness stressed the need for further analysis, to determine whether the expended live ammunition casings were fired by the army.

    Meanwhile, Funsho-Ako has refuted what he described as “false publications” on the testimony his firm gave before the panel on Friday.

    He faulted the reports suggesting that his team’s findings indicted the Nigerian Army in the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll plaza in October 2020.

    “This biased and unbalanced reporting is false and fake news,” said the witness. “Our forensic specialist commented on record that following an extensive scene investigation at the Lekki Toll Plaza (TP1) by our team of specialists, about 87 days after the incident, there was an absence of any physical evidence supporting the allegations of discharge of live ammunition by Nigerian Army personnel.

    “This scene investigation was conducted days after Sentinel Forensics Limited was engaged by the judicial panel of inquiry.”

    With respect to the ballistic evidence presented to the specialists for forensic examination by the panel, they found that two cartridge casings (expended/fired) of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition was tendered by the judicial panel as evidence recovered at the scene, while one unit of live (unexpended/not fired) ammunition and one unit of cartridge case (expended/fired round) 7.62 x 39mm ammunition was tendered by the Nigerian Army.

    The Nigerian Army was also said to have tendered a unit of blank (unexpended/not fired) 7.62 x 51mm ammunition and a unit of blank (expended/fired round) 7.62 x 51mm ammunition.

    The witness had told the panel on Friday, among other things, that the live ammunition tendered as exhibit by the Nigerian Army was of the same type of cartridge and calibre as the ammunition casings tendered by the judicial panel which was 7.62 x 39mm.

    He added that the blank ammunition tendered was of a different cartridge type 7.62mm x 51mm.

    The firm had also released a statement and its representative stressed this position on Saturday, at the resumed hearing, saying their job was not to ascribe guilt or innocence on anyone, but only to provide clarification to help the panel reach its decision on the matter.

    In her reaction, the chairperson of the judicial panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi, asked the media to be professional and responsible in its reportage of the public hearing.

  • [JUST IN] #EndSARS: Forensic expert confirms bullets fired at protesters in Lekki Toll Gate from Nigerian Army

    [JUST IN] #EndSARS: Forensic expert confirms bullets fired at protesters in Lekki Toll Gate from Nigerian Army

    A forensics company, Sentinel Forensic Limited, has said that bullets expelled from firearms during the #EndSARS protest in Lagos on October 20, 2020, were from the Nigerian Army.

    The company’s representative, Joseph Kayode Funsho, disclosed this during an appearance before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution which sat on Friday.

    According to Funsho, the live ammunition (bullets) were discovered to have been registered to the Nigerian Army.

    He, however, said the blanks didn’t match the records from the Nigerian Army’s inventory.

    The case was, thereafter, adjourned to Saturday, September 11, for further hearing.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG however observed that the company’s findings seem contrary to claims of the Nigerian Army.

    TNG reports that in November 2020, Commander of the 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Brigadier Ahmed Taiwo, who appeared before the Judicial Panel insisted that only blank bullets containing gunpowder were fired at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20.

    He also insisted that the military only fired into the air and not directly at the #EndSARS protesters.

    While explaining that the blank bullets used, cannot cause any damage to the flesh, Brigadier Taiwo said if real bullets were indeed fired, one bullet had the potency to kill three persons at one shot.

  • Nigerian Army clears air on enlisting repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists into service

    Nigerian Army clears air on enlisting repentant Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists into service

    The Nigerian Army has said that it had not and would not enlist former or repentant Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists into the service.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said an online video circulating in the social media by one Young Elder and produced by Anthony Jay attempted to relate the collapse of the Afghan military to the ongoing surrender by the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria.

    According to him, the Young Elder, in a comic way, tried to express worries about the surrendered terrorists.

    “While it is understood that the situation in Afghanistan calls for concerns by any right thinking person or organisation, the manner in which the comic Young Elder presented it shows his lack of basic knowledge on the subject he hurriedly delved into.

    “The amateurish production conjured some unfounded and baseless claims that only exist in the figment of their imagination, claiming that surrendered terrorists were going to be absorbed into the Nigerian army.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the NA does not have any repentant terrorist joining its ranks and does not have any plan for that.

    “There are teaming able-bodied Nigerians that are willing to join the NA to genuinely help in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes,” he said.

    The Army spokesperson said the Nigerian Army was not desperate for prospective recruits to stoop so low to engage the services of former terrorists.

    He explained that it was not recommended to absorb former fighters into the services of a regular military as a general rule.

    According to him, the campaign of falsehood embarked upon by some individuals who do not wish the nation well cannot distract its personnel from their resolve to bring an end to the violent crimes in the country.

    He said the army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, would continue to operate within the dictates of the law.

    “Surrendered terrorists will be received, processed and passed to the appropriate government agencies that are saddled with the responsibility of handling them.

    “While we recommend that matters related to security be left with those who have the requisite expertise and experience.

    “We wish to remind comic characters like Young Elder to focus on contributing towards nation building and not engaging in campaign of falsehood,” he said.

  • How 219 more Boko Haram fighters, children surrendered in two days – Army

    How 219 more Boko Haram fighters, children surrendered in two days – Army

    The Nigerian Army says 219 more Boko Haram fighters and children have surrendered to troops in the north-east region of the country.

    Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday said the feat was recorded over the weekend in Borno State.

    “The current trend of apprehension in their (terrorists’) camps was further aggravated by the recent alarming turn out of members of the terrorist group, who came out in droves with their families to lay down their arms and surrender to own troops at Mafa Local Government Area on 14 August 2021,” he stated.

    “A total of 186 Boko Haram terrorist members led by their Amir, Manye Aga, comprising 67 adult males, 54 adult females, and 65 children surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Ajiri. Items recovered from the surrendered terrorists include several AK 47 rifles and magazines, a locally made pistol, and eight locally fabricated daggers.

    “Similarly, on 15 August 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of four adult males, 11 adult females, and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua, and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to own troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama.”

    Nwachukwu explained that the feat followed the recent massive surrendering of Boko Haram terrorists in Bama Operational area on August 2 and 4.

    Since then, he stated that there has been confusion and severe apprehension in the camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, especially among its top-ranking commanders over the depleting strength of its members which he said has drastically dwindled their overall fighting efficiency.

    “It is against the backdrop that the terrorist group opted for the use of propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing with the aim to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East,” the army spokesman said.

    According to him, ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament which has posed a serious negative impact on its prowess.

    Nwachukwu insisted that the terrorists were overwhelmed with palpable fear and were making desperate efforts to halt the surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis.

    He said the military remained resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes in the country.

  • Three years after, Nigerian Army, slain colonel’s widow fight dirty over cause of death

    Three years after, Nigerian Army, slain colonel’s widow fight dirty over cause of death

    The Nigerian Army has said that Col. Ibrahim Sakaba died while fighting terrorists in northeast, and was not assassinated as some have speculated in various quarters.

    While describing the Colonel’s death and the death of other soldiers as a painful to the army, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Thursday, dismissed claims attributed to the widow of the late Sakaba, Mrs Oluwaseun Sakaba, suggesting that the soldier was murdered for refusing to steal from funds which were meant for fighting the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Gen Nwachukwu said the claim is unfounded and baseless, one which bears no element of truth.

    “While the Nigerian Army is not interested in joining issues with anyone with respect to the enormous sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops, it is however expedient to address the weighty allegations credited to the widow.

    “The Nigerian Army acknowledges the emotional agony associated with loosing loved ones and that cannot be quantified by any unit of measure,” he stated.

    The army public relations director noted that the men and women who died along with Col. Sakaba, paid the ultimate price while serving the nation, fighting to restore peace and stability in the embattled region.

    According to him, it would be totally A mischief and an assault on the psyche of the fighting troops to begin to insinuate any plot against one of its own.

    “And what is the plot here? That troops were led by their commander for an operational engagement is not a plot, as anyone may want to insinuate,” the statement added.

    “Rather, it was a clear military mission with clear objective. It is however disheartening that this gallant officer and some of his men paid the supreme price in the operation and we pray fervently for the repose of their souls.

    “Col. Sakaba was a respected senior officer who gave his all in the defence of the freedom we all enjoy today. His demise is a great loss to all of us. Insinuating anything contrary is a de-service to our nation and the sacrifices of our troops.”

    Regarding the entitlements of the slain soldier, Nwachukwu said that available records revealed that the late officer had his son, Samuel Ibrahim Sakaba as the next of kin and the only child, adding that all entitlements meant to be paid by the Nigerian Army had been paid to the son through Mrs Sakaba.

    This was done through the officer’s wife because as of the time his entitlements were processed, Samuel was less than six years and as such, he was not benefiting from army school sponsorship.

    “However now that he has reached the required age, he has been captured for payment of school sponsorship which will commence any moment from now.

    “The Nigerian Army will continue to sponsor the child’s education up to graduation from university, as long as he fulfils the requirements outlined in the rules guiding the scheme.

    “The only entitlement owed Mrs Sakaba is the Group Life Assurance which is normally paid by the Insurance Company and which would soon be received along with that of other deceased personal,” Gen Wachukwu stated.

    He further disclosed that various welfare programmes have been put in place by the Nigerian Army, stressing that the well being of the troops remains paramount priority of the force.

    The army spokesman further stated that the army leadership had made the welfare of troops, one of the cardinal pillars of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS’) vision, adding that the channels of communication for families of deceased personnel have been well established.

    Gen Nwachukwu insisted that the Nigeria Army will not be deterred, but remain focused in its pursuit of excellence and in ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy their God-given right to live freely anywhere across the nation.

  • Nigerian Army breaks silence on ‘pampering’, release of two top surrendered Boko Haram bomb makers

    Nigerian Army breaks silence on ‘pampering’, release of two top surrendered Boko Haram bomb makers

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed media reports that it is set to release two rehabilitated top Boko Haram bomb makers into the society.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that the authors deliberately misrepresented the facts in the publications.

    Nwachukwu said that the army had deemed it necessary to put issues in their right perspectives in as much as it would not want to be distracted from its main focus of dealing decisively with the threats against peace-loving Nigerians.

    According to him, it is a known fact that in the recent past, more than 1,000 members of Boko Haram and their families have surrendered to the troops due to the intense pressure from their (troops) sustained offensive actions.

    “Among those were key leaders of the terrorists group who have renounced their membership and have turned themselves in,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the army, being a professional military organisation, would continue to act in accordance with the dictates of Nigeria’s constitution as well as international best practices.

    He added that the institution would never encourage any act of lawlessness or extra judicial killings.

    According to him, all the surrendered terrorists will be received, processed and passed on to relevant agencies of government for further assessment, in line with extant provisions.

    The army spokesman explained that the ongoing Operation Safe Corridor was established by the federal government, and not the Nigerian army, adding that it was absolutely wrong to say that army would free repentant terrorists.

    “The Nigerian army, therefore, appeals to the public to disregard the deliberate distortion of facts by these online media and continue to support the it to rid the country of terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has reiterated his admonition to all terrorists groups operating in the country to abandon their illegitimate cause and surrender to the troops,” he said.

  • Outrage as Nigerian Army pampers repentant Boko Haram commanders with free food, clothes [Photo]

    Outrage as Nigerian Army pampers repentant Boko Haram commanders with free food, clothes [Photo]

    Outrage has greeted the photos released by the Nigerian Army of surrendered Boko Haram members seeking for forgiveness from Nigerians.

    In the released photos, the surrendered sect members were seen carrying placards with inscriptions ”Nigerians Please Forgive Us” and were supplied with provisions and drinks as captured in the image – a treat that has been largely condemned by netizens in the country.

    Amongst the repentant Boko Haram members include, the Chief Bomb Expert of Boko Haram, a terrorist group, known as Musa Adamu a.k.a Mala Musa Abuja and his second in command Usman Adamu a.k.a Abu Darda have surrendered themselves to the Nigerian Army.

    Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, confirmed it in a statement released on Monday evening.

    He said the top commanders surrendered along with their families and followers.

    Oluwaseun Sakaba, whose husband, Lt. Col I. Sakaba, was killed by Boko Haram members in 2018, has berated the Nigerian Army after the military shared photos of repentant sect members with placards seeking forgiveness from Nigerians.

    Sakaba was one of the 44 soldiers killed by the insurgents during an attack on 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State in November 2018. Read here.

    Reacting to the photos via his Instagram page, Reno Omokri opined that the Buhari administration shared photos of so called repentant Boko Haram terrorists and asked Nigerians to forgive them. Does it make sense to ask Nigerians to forgive people who have killed innocent Nigerians when the Buhari government wants to prosecute Sunday Igboho for protecting the same innocent Nigerians?

    Why should we forgive killers and prosecute defenders? Is it because these killers are Northern Muslims like Buhari and Igboho is not? I am not understanding! How many people has Buhari himself forgiven? Has he forgiven Dasuki? Buhari that killed innocent peaceful #EndSARS protesters at #LekkiMassacre?They even bought provisions and drinks for them. Imagine! In fact, I doubt that that sign was written by these mostly illiterate Boko Haramists. Forgive who? Tufiakwa!”

    Comparing the treatment the terrorists got to that #EndSARS protesters were subjected to, Eedris wrote; Two Pictures of the Nigerians State. (1)Protesters at Lekki fed with live bullets (2)Terrorists given food and clothes somewhere in Bornu.

    Read the full statement below Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson,: “Following the recent escalation of offensive operations coupled with non-kinetic efforts by troops of operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) which yielded massive surrendering of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province Terrorists in the North East, the Chief Bomb Expert of the terrorist group known as Musa Adamu a.k.a Mala Musa Abuja and his second in command Usman Adamu a.k.a Abu Darda along with their families and followers have also finally surrendered to the troops of operation HADIN KAI in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK Brigadier General Abdulwahab Adelokun Eyitayo was at Headquarters 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama on Saturday, 7 August 2021 to receive the set of the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and their families.

    “During the visit, the GOC said their decision to drop their arms and come out is highly commendable, adding that they should also try and talk to their brothers and colleagues in the forest to come out and embrace the new life of peace and rehabilitation. General Eyitayo who spoke through an interpreter further disclosed that they will undergo some rehabilitation process at a Government facility before reintegration into the larger society.

    “While distributing new clothes and assorted food items, groceries and toiletries to the surrendered terrorists and their families totaling 335 fighters, 746 adult women and children including one of the abducted Chibok girls, it was observed that the reasons for such massive turn was basically due to the intensified Nigerian military campaign on their enclaves and environs and also with the overwhelming famine, discontent, internal skirmishes, health challenges as well as untold hardship.

    “The Nigerian military has resolved to intensify its both kinetic and non-kinentic approach towards the ongoing fight against insurgency in order to leverage on the knowledge of Musa Adamu and Usman Adamu and also with the current wave of turnout by terrorists to enable her achieve both short and long term counter-insurgency gains in the North East.