TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • BREAKING: Troops arrest top Boko Haram informant in Yobe

    BREAKING: Troops arrest top Boko Haram informant in Yobe

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have arrested a suspected top Boko Haram informant whose spying activities and that of his accomplices were responsible for the attacks on troops position by terrorists in Kamuya, Yobe State.

    The Nigerian Army revealed the names of the suspected top Boko Haram informant as Modu Ari, saying the suspected informant was apprehended by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, and therefore, has tightened security around Kamuya.

    According to a statement by Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, Director Army Public Relations, on interrogation, the suspect confessed to have revealed troops’ movements and position to his Boko Haram collaborators.

    “Investigation is however ongoing to unravel the network of local informants whose nefarious activities have endangered troops on clearance operations around the fringes of Timbuktu Triangle.

    “The unfortunate sabotage of troops movement by Ari and his accomplices made it possible for the terrorists to attack the rear element of troops on patrol.

    “Though the attack was swiftly repelled by troops from the Tactical Headquarters of 27 Task Force Brigade and Army Super Camp 3 Buratai, our troops suffered some casualties.

    “In spite of the setback, the Chief of Army Staff has encouraged troops of Operation Tura Takaibango to keep their fighting spirit up and to remain dedicated in the effort to flush out the remnants of the terrorists as quickly as possible.

    “He charged them not to relent even in the face of gross unpatriotic acts of some locals who are snitching on their movements and positions.

    “The COAS also admonished citizens to, as a matter of patriotic duty, avail the troops of credible and timely information that will help them flush out the adversaries,” the statement reads.

  • Just in: Nigerian army buries 12 soldiers killed by Benue militia[Photos]

    Just in: Nigerian army buries 12 soldiers killed by Benue militia[Photos]

    The military authorities on Monday buried and unveiled the identities of the 11 soldiers and an officer killed by a militia in Bonta community of Konshisha Council Area of Benue State.

    Their bodies reportedly arrived a military cemetery at Wurukum in Makurdi for burial on Monday.

    Recall the military authorities had earlier announced the killing of 11 soldiers who were on peacekeeping mission in Konshisha and Ukpute-Ainu communities in the state.

    Also, the full identities, photos of the fallen heroes was seen in the funeral program.

    See photos:

    Scene of the burial of the slain soldiers in Makurdi on Monday.
    Scene of the burial of the slain soldiers in Makurdi on Monday.

  • How we found one officer, 10 soldiers declared missing all dead in Benue – Nigerian Army

    How we found one officer, 10 soldiers declared missing all dead in Benue – Nigerian Army

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of one officer and 10 soldiers who are on stabilisation operation in Benue State by yet to be identified criminals.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Yerima said the troops were initially declared missing which led to the deployment of a joint search and rescue team comprising army troops and personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke.

    He said the search and rescue team unfortunately found all the missing troops dead in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, while the bodies of the slain troops were evacuated immediately, efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime with a view to bringing them to Justice.

    Yerima said that Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, would remain resolute in ensuring stability in Benue and other parts of the country that are affected by the activities of criminal gangs.

    He gave assurance that the army authority was determined to ensure that the unprovoked attack does not disrupt the general peace being enjoyed by the local inhabitants.

    According to him, the COAS has therefore directed commanders on the ground to ensure sustained efforts to fish out and deal decisively with these bad elements who are threatening the peace in the area.

    “It may be recalled that Benue which was a hot bed for violent clashes has been enjoying relative peace following the successes achieved by the various security agencies who have been working tirelessly to safeguard law abiding citizens and ensure they go about their legitimate business without fear of harassment by criminals.

    “The Nigerian army appeal to the public to volunteer useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.

  • Tinubu clarifies self on bogus demand for recruitment of 50 million youths into Nigerian Army

    Tinubu clarifies self on bogus demand for recruitment of 50 million youths into Nigerian Army

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said he never meant that the Federal Government should employ 50 million but 5 million youths into the Nigerian Army to boost fight against terrorism, banditry and others.

    He said it was a slip of the tongue.

    Tinubu was caught in a video that has gone viral, saying that the Federal Government to employ 50 million youths into the Nigerian Army to boost fight against terrorism, banditry and and all forms of internal and external security threats confronting the nation.

    He spoke on Monday during the 12 Colloquium to celebrate his 69th birthday.

    According to Tinubu, “We are under-policed and we are competing with armed robbers and bandits to recruit from the youths who are unemployed —33 per cent unemployed?

    “Recruit 50 million youths into the army,” he stated, adding that “what they will eat —cassava, corn, yam, will grow here.”

    However, Tinubu, who spoke through his media aide, Tunde Rahman on Tuesday told newsmen that he meant the government should employ five million youths and not 50 million into the army.

    Meanwhile, Tinubu’s comment at the colloquium that FG should employ 50 million youths has generated reactions on Twitter.

    Reacting to this development, former Senator, Shehu Sani, in a tweet, said the nation had not been able to adequately cater for 150,000 soldiers.
    He said wondered how Tinubu wanted the government to cater for 50 million soldiers on the payroll.

    “If we have not been able to adequately cater for our 150k soldiers, how do we handle and cater for 50 million armed soldiers on our payroll?” He asked.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian Army releases list for Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021

    BREAKING: Nigerian Army releases list for Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021

    The Nigerian Army has released list of successful candidates for the Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the the Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021 Selection Board shortlisted the list.

    The list has been and published on the Nigerian Army recruitment portal.

    A statement by the Nigerian Army reads: “Successful candidates are to report for officer cadet training at the Old Site of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, on Tuesday 6 April 2021.

    “The candidates who fail to report by 6pm on Wednesday 7 April 2021 will forfeit their positions & be replaced by another candidate on the Reserve List.

    “Candidates are to beware of internet fraudsters that may operate other websites to publish names and defraud unsuspecting candidates”.

    TNG reports the Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021 list can be accessed at recruitment.army.mil.ng/ssc/enlisted.

  • Army vows to crush terrorists, bandits, others

    Army vows to crush terrorists, bandits, others

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said it would crush terrorists, bandits and other criminals disturbing the peace of the country as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, stated this at the Army Headquarters in Abuja while hosting the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Musa Istifanus, who was on a familiarization visit to Defence Headquarters.

    Attahiru solicited continuous support of the ministry in the areas of manpower efficiencies, capacity development as well as provision of adequate equipment and weapon system for operational efficiency.

    “Let me assure you that the Nigerian army, under my leadership, will continue to defend the territorial integrity of the country, including advancing our national interest in line with our constitutional responsibility despite attendant constraints.

    Similarly, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, yesterday charged troops to be ruthless and more aggressive in dealing with unrepentant bandits in the North-west.

    Irabor, in his maiden operational directive to the troops, since assumption of office ordered the troops to remain focused, committed and resolute in discharging their duties.

    The order came just as troops eliminated 25 terrorists in a fierce encounter in the North-east following an earlier battle order issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.

    A statement yesterday by the Director, Defence Information, Brig.Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, quoted the CDS as giving the directive when he led the service chiefs and other military chiefs on a visit to Operation Hadarin Daji in Zamfara State.

    “He charged troops to be ruthless and more aggressive in decisively routing out unrepentant bandits and other criminals within the North-west zone, comprising Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi States,” the statement said.

    It said the purpose of the visit was to assess the ongoing military operation in the state, and to appraise the combat and operational readiness of troops in the area.

    Irabor pledged the support of the service chiefs to enhancing the fighting capabilities and efficiency of the troops.

  • Marte Attack: Army buries Commanding Officer, four others in Maiduguri

    Marte Attack: Army buries Commanding Officer, four others in Maiduguri

    The Nigerian Army has buried a commanding officer and four other soldiers killed in the attack on the military base in Marte local government of Borno state.

    The attack occurred on February 14 when the Commanding officer Bedan Ishaya, now late, a Major from the 22 battalion led a reinforcement to Marte to support dislodged troops.

    The insurgents had hoisted their flags in Marte for at least a week before the Chief of Army Staff’s 48 hours ultimatum to troops (at the 81 DIV Task Force battalion which is also the headquarters of Super Camp 9 Dikwa) leading to Marte’s recapture.

    The bodies of Major Ishaya, a sergeant, two lance corporals and a private soldier were retrieved from the battlefield; they were all laid to rest today at the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery.

    Deputy Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole Major General Felix Omoigui, General officer commanding 7 Division and other senior officers attended the internment of the fallen heroes.

    Omoigui condoled with the families of the fallen heroes buried in a small ceremony with full military honors.

    “Today is indeed a sad day for all of us, our officers and soldiers who fought gallantly before their death were exemplary; unfortunately they had to pay the supreme price,” he said.

    He assured the families of the fallen heroes that the death of slain soldiers will not be in vain, maintaining that the army is committed to winning the fight against insurgency.

    “We want to assure you that we will do all our best to ensure this insurgency is brought to an end soonest. We have lost a lot with their departure from us: the Nigerian nation as a whole has lost; the theatre and of course the family has lost,” the Deputy theatre commander said.

    “I want to encourage you to be strong. God knows why he called them back; for those of us that are alive we will have to be strong so I enjoin us, as painful as it is, for us as a family to be strong and move on with our lives.”

    He said the Nigerian Army has packages for soldiers and officers lost in battle. According to him, very soon these benefits and packages will be given to the next-of-kins.

  • TRENDING VIDEOS: Fresh panic in Orlu, Imo State as Nigerian Army deploys soldiers, helicopters to ESN hideouts

    TRENDING VIDEOS: Fresh panic in Orlu, Imo State as Nigerian Army deploys soldiers, helicopters to ESN hideouts

    There was fresh panic in Orlu and Orsu Local Government Areas of Imo State on Thursday as the Nigerian military began operations in search of the camps occupied by the personnel of Eastern Security Network (ESN) linked with Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    https://twitter.com/EmekaGift/status/1362270113991434243?s=20

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that a similar incident had played out some three weeks ago with some residents shot dead.

    To calm frail nerves and return peace to the troubled communities, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma declared a dusk to dawn curfew in 10 Local Governments.

    Confirming the fresh invasion, the army spokesperson of the 34 artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Imo state, Babatunde Zubairu, said the locals were not being harassed.

    He confirmed the deployment of helicopters and other military gadgets in the operations.

    The army spokesperson said that the operation was an offshoot of military intelligence.

    Many the operation which happened unannounced had caused serious tension in the area with many hiding in their homes to avoid falling casualties.

  • I left Nigerian Army better than I met it – Buratai

    I left Nigerian Army better than I met it – Buratai

    The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says he left the Nigerian Army better than he met.

    Buratai stated this in his valedictory speech during the Pulling Out Parade by the Nigerian Army on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the army under his watch had achieved tremendous feat in the fight against insurgency and other security threats in the country.

    He added that he ensured adequate training of personnel and enhancement of war fare capabilities of the army as well as prioritisation of personnel welfare.

    “Today is a day of appreciation and not a stocktaking, but let me put on record that I left Nigerian Army better than I met it.

    “The Nigerian Army under my leadership was able to achieve great feat in the fight against insurgency in the country.

    “We have been experiencing pockets of threats here and there, but I can confidently say that no part of Nigeria is ceded to any terrorist group or criminals.

    “The counter insurgency operation is a warfare new to Nigerian Army but over time, we have continued to device means of tackling the ever evolving dynamic nature of the threats in the country.

    “The Nigerian Army has remained resolute in the discharge of its roles as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I urge you all to continue to rise to the occasion,” he said.

    Buratai said that while it was always necessary to say goodbye at a point in life, he said it was not easy to find the right word to say goodbye to the courageous and dedicated team that worked with him.

    He said that Nigerian Army also made giant strides in infrastructure development across the country.

    Buratai commended the officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army for their dedication and loyalty, which he said assisted him to achieve so much in office.

    The former COAS also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the country as well as providing an enabling environment for him to succeed.

    He also commended the effort of the government of Borno in the war against insurgency, assuring that the war would soon be a thing of the past.

    He urged politicians to always leave military out of politics, adding that the country needed politicians who are statesmen to support the military in addressing the prevailing security challenges.

    According to him, there is no gain saying that there cannot be development without security and lack of development breeds insecurity.

    He solicited support for the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, to be able to deliver on his mandate.

  • Lekki shootings: Nigerian Army Ignores Summons, Fails To Appear Before Lagos Panel

    Lekki shootings: Nigerian Army Ignores Summons, Fails To Appear Before Lagos Panel

    The Nigerian Army has again failed to appear before the Lagos State Judicial Panel on Restitution for victims of SARS and other related matters.

    It’s the third time they’ve failed to honour the summons of the panel for officers involved in the shooting to explain what happened at the Lekki toll gate on the 20th of October 2020.

    At today’s proceedings, Counsel to the panel, Jonathan Ogunsanya confirmed that summons were sent to three army officers.

    “Summons was sent to Colonel Bello. The second summons was served on Major General Godwin Umelo, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Lagos and Ogun State of the Nigerian Army, Victoria Island.
    The third summon was issued and served on Brigadier General Francis Ogbaje Omata of the Nigerian Army, Obalende Barracks”.

    The counsel then tendered the summons for the panel to view.

    Counsel to the #ENDSARS protesters, Adesina Ogunlana has asked the panel to summon the counsel on record for the Nigerian Army, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) to respond to the summons and the failure of the army officers to appear.

    But the counsel to the panel, Jonathan Ogunsanya told the panel that Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) has said that he is no longer representing the Nigerian Army and any effort to get him to appear before the panel may not have legal backing.

    The Chairman of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi has ordered that a letter should be issued to the counsel on record for the army, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) to appear before the panel at the next adjourned date to explain why he would not conclude the case of the Nigerian Army.

    “I must reiterate and state that this is a fact-finding panel and not the regular courts where counsel can decide the choice of witnesses they want to present in their case. The summons to those military officers had become necessary for other parties to hear their evidence and cross-examine them if necessary. It behoves on Mr Kehinde to assist the panel to achieve this task in the course of the investigation of the Lekki incident. He is needed to conclude this part of his brief. For the other victim-related petitions which are 14 against the Army, I implore the military authority to appear and present their defence so that no issue of denial of fair hearing will arise when the panel’s report is submitted to government”.

    All matters involving the Nigerian Army were then adjourned till the 30th Jan, 2021.