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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Lekki Toll Gate shooting: Nigerian Army speaks

    Lekki Toll Gate shooting: Nigerian Army speaks

    The Nigerian Army has denied any involvement in Tuesday evening’s shooting of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza area of Lagos State.

    There were reports of massive shooting by men in military uniforms at protesters on Tuesday evening at the Lekki Toll Gate.

    However, the Nigerian Army described the reports as “Fake News” and stated that none of its officers were at Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday.

    A brief response from the Nigerian Army read: “No soldiers were at the scene.”

    However, as the Nigerian Army denies involvement, 28 people have been confirmed injured.

    10 patients are currently at the General Hospital in Lagos while 11 are at Reddington and four at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while two are receiving intensive medical care.

    Three persons have been discharged.

  • Nigerian Army kicks off ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’ nationwide Tuesday

    Nigerian Army kicks off ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’ nationwide Tuesday

    As the campaign against police brutality in the forms of #EndSARS protests continue to spread across the country, the Nigerian Army on Saturday said it will begin its annual operation tagged ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’ nationwide on Tuesday.

    The sudden announcement by the Army of the exercise which usually involves large deployment of troops and weapons, will surely be interpreted as a move to use soldiers to stop the #EndSARS protests which is gaining support across many town and cities of the country.

    But in an obvious anticipation of such insinuations, the Army, in a statement by its Acting Director of Public Relations, Sagir Musa, emphasized that Exercise CROCODILE SMILE is traditionally conducted in the last quarter of the year.

    He added that this year’s Exercise is scheduled to commence from the 20th of October to the 31st of December 2020.

    But the assertion in the statement that the 2020 Exercise is deliberately intended to be all encompassing to include cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace will also likely raise a red flag.

    This is because #EndSARS protesters rely on the social media for coordination of their activities and spread of information to those who want to join the protests.

    “This is the first ever Cyberwarfare exercise to be conducted in the history of the African Armed Forces.

    “Accordingly, the exercise will also include positive identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of operations especially in the Northeast, North Central and North Western parts of Nigeria.

    “The Nigerian Army, once again, reassures all well meaning Nigerians of its commitment to the sustenance of peace and security in Nigeria and urges members of the public for their support and understanding throughout the period of the exercise,” Musa said in the statement.

  • JUST IN: Army dismisses, jails corporal for defiling teenager

    JUST IN: Army dismisses, jails corporal for defiling teenager

    Corporal Aliyu Yakubu of the Nigerian Army, has been dismissed and simultaneously sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting and defiling a 13-year-old girl.

    Yakubu was sentenced on Wednesday by the seven Division of General Court Martial of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    According to a report by Channel’s TV, Yakubu was found guilty based on the evidences before the court.

    The corporal was reported to have committed the crime on 1 July, 2018 while he was serving in 202 Battalion in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    Yakubu according to witnesses had carnal knowledge of the 13-year-old girl in an uncompleted building after forcefully hitting her head against the wall until she lost consciousness.

    After two years of investigation and trial, he got his punishment today.

    The judgement is still subject to confirmation by the military high command.

  • Nigerian Army Colonel Bako killed in Boko Haram ambush

    Nigerian Army Colonel Bako killed in Boko Haram ambush

    Colonel D.C. Bako, one of the commanders of Operation LAFIYA DOLE of the Nigerian Army in Borno State has died in an ambush staged by Boko Haram.

    According to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Ado Isa, Bako was killed on Sunday 20 September at about 10 a.m

    He was killed as he led a patrol to clear Boko Haram terrorists from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa.

    His patrol team was trapped in an ambush set by the terrorists.

    Ado Isa described Bako as a gallant and fine war hero.

    Until his death Bako was the commander of Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole

    His death re-ignited social media calls for the removal of service chiefs, who have overstayed in office.

    A security consultant and ex-armoured crewman of the Nigerian army, by the Twitter name of Mazi Okay, described Bako as an Iroko.

    “Iroko has fallen, a very big blow to Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram insurgency.

    “Col Bako until his death this morning was the greatest of all time since the beginning of the war against boko haram.

    “A man who crushed and destroyed all Boko Haram cells and networks around Yobe”.

  • BREAKING: Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army

    BREAKING: Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has approved new postings/deployment and appointments of 37 Generals and five Colonels to different formations and units in his effort to rekindle the spirit of professionalism in Nigerian Army (NA).

    The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Musa said that the posting which was approved by Buratai was a routine/normal exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

    The major highlights of the postings include – the postings and appointments of Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor from Defence Headquarters Department of Training and Operations to Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Minna as Commander.

    Maj.-Gen. FO Agugo was redeployed from 6 Division NA Port Harcourt to Headquarters NA Signal Corps Apapa Lagos as Corps Commander Signals, while Maj.-Gen. M Mohammed was moved from Signal Corps Apapa Lagos to Office of the COAS as Special Adviser NA University Biu.

    Also, Maj.-Gen. AM Dikko was moved from Administrative Staff College of Nigerian Badagry to NA Training Centre Kontagora as Commander, while Maj.-Gen. US Yakubu moves from Corps of Artillery Kontagora to Army Headquarters Abuja (AHQ) as Chief of Administration (Army).

    Maj.-Gen. BO Sawyer moves from AHQ Department of Policy and Plans to NA Armour School Bauchi as Commandant, Maj.-Gen. IO Uzamere was redeployed from NA College of Logistics Lagos to AHQ as Chief of Logistics (Army).

    Also, Maj.-Gen. JO Irefin has been redeployed from Headquarters 81 Division Lagos to Headquarters 6 Division Port Harcourt and appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), while Maj.Gen. JO Akomolafe moves from Headquarters NA Armour Corps Bauchi to DHQ Abuja as Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluatmove

    Others according to Musa are Maj.-Gen. CO Ude from NA Resource Centre Abuja to DHQ as Chief of Defence Training and Operations, while Maj -Gen HR Momoh moves from Defence Space Administration Abuja to AHQ as Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans/ Director Special Duties, Policy and Plans.

    Maj.-Gen. AT Hamman has been moved from DHQ to AHQ Garrison as Commander, Maj.- Gen. OA Akinyemi moves from Administrative Staff College of Nigeria to Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Oshodi Lagos as Deputy Commandant.

    Maj.-Gen. MH Magaji was redeployed from NA Amour School to Headquarters NA Armour Corps as Commander, while Maj.-Gen. MA Masanawa moves from DHQ to NA Ordinance School Lagos as Commandant.

    Maj.-Gen. JI Unuigbe has been redeployed from AHQ Department of Logistics to DHQ Chief of Defence Logistics, Maj.-Gen JGK Myam the erstwhile Commander AHQ Garrison Abuja is now the Commander NA Corps of Artillery.

    Also, Maj.-Gen. GA Umelo has been redeployed from AHQ Department of Training and Operations to Headquarters 81 Division as GOC, while Maj.-Gen. SE Udounwa moves from AHQ Department of Policy and Plans to Army War College Abuja as Commandant.

    Maj.-Gen. MO Enendu from Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre moves to NA College of Logistics as Commandant, while Maj.-Gen. GS Abdullahi moves from DHQ to Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria as Director General.

    Maj.-Gen. BN Salami has been redeployed from NA School of Supply and Transport to Headquarters NA Corps of Supply and Transport as Commander.

    Others affected are Maj.-Gen. FO Omoigui from AHQ Department of Training and Operations to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri as Deputy Theater Commander, while Maj.-Gen. IO Ehiorobo moves from NA School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to Headquarters NA as Commander, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

    Maj.-Gen. KI Mukhtar moves from AHQ Department of Administration to the Depot NA Zaria as Commandant, the erstwhile Commandant Army War College Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. C Ofoche has been redeployed to AHQ Department of Policy and Plans as Director Plans.

    Maj.-Gen. AB Ibrahim was moved from AHQ Department of Training and Operations to Defence Space Administration as Director Support Services, while Brig.-Gen. IO Adewa was appointed as Acting Managing Director at NA Properties Limited.

    Similarly, Brig.-Gen. KA Kazir has been posted from Headquarters NA Engineers to Headquarters 43 Engineers Brigade as Commander, while Brig.-Gen. MU Abdullahi moves from NA Intelligence and Cyber Warfare School to 58 Signal Brigade as Commander.

    Brig.-Gen. MB Dala moves from Army Resource Centre to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna as Director Exams, Brig.-Gen. BR Sinjen moves from Headquarters NA Corps of Artillery to AHQ Department of Training and Operations as Acting Director of Operations.

    Also, Brig.-Gen. SI Igbinomwanhia was redeployed from 7 Division Garrison Maiduguri to AHQ Department of Training and Operations as Acting Director Campaign Plan, while Brig.-Gen. HG Tafida moves from AHQ Department of Logistics to NA School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering as Acting Commandant.

    Brig.-Gen. AO Arogbofa moves from 102 Division Equipment Support to AHQ Department of Logistics as Acting Director Equipment Maintenance, Brig.-Gen. EC Lot from Land Forces Simulation Centre to Headquarters 52 Signal Brigade as Commander.

    Others appointments according to Army spokesperson are, Col. B Sarki from Defence Intelligence College to 6 Military Intelligence Brigade as Acting Commander, while Col. KO Ogunsoya moves from DHQ to Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations as Chief of Staff.

    While the erstwhile spokesperson for Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Col. Timothy Antigha moves to Defence Headquarters as Acting Executive Director Armed Forces Radio, Col. Mohammed Dole moves from Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations to Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena as Military Public Information Officer.

    Also, Col. AF Maimagani remains in Headquarters Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic) as Acting Director Chaplain.

    According Musa, all the postings and appointments take effect from July 20, 2020.

    “While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service,” he said.

  • [Tending video] Frustrated soldiers curse Buratai as Boko Haram members ambush, overwhelm troops]

    [Tending video] Frustrated soldiers curse Buratai as Boko Haram members ambush, overwhelm troops]

    A video of some frustrated Nigerian soldiers laying curses on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, while on battle field is presently trending online.

    According to reports, the incident happened after Boko Haram members ambushed and overwhelmed troops, leaving two soldiers dead.

    Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Army said: “This kind of outburst is expected in war, the soldiers involved have bee identified and would undergo observation and counselling. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain unwavering in its quest to end the terrorist and will do everything possible to ensure there is no repeat of this kind of traumatic incident/outburst.”

    Watch video:

    READ FULL STATEMENT FROM DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATION:

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, said troops of Combat Team 1, Operation Kantana Jimlan who were on patrol along Buni Yadi – Buni Gari axis of Yobe State encountered multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a Boko Haram ambush on Sunday.

    He said the ambush took place eight kilometres ahead of Buni-Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe leading to the killing of two soldiers while three other soldiers sustained injuries as a result of the IED explosion.

    According to him, a recovery truck, one troops-carrying vehicle and a water tanker that ran into the IED were destroyed by fire.

    “Three terrorists were neutralised, while unconfirmed number escaped with various degrees of injury,” Mr Enenche said.

    In the statement, the official also narrated some successes achieved by the Nigerian military against the insurgents.

    He said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, on Monday, destroyed the logistics base of the Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Njimia on the fringes of Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

    He said the operation was in continuation of the onslaught against terrorists targets in the North-east.

    Mr Enenche said the feat was achieved following credible intelligence reports as well as series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

    He added that the mission led to the identification of the nondescript cluster of structures within the settlement being used by the terrorists to house their fuel and other logistics.

    According to him, the Air Task Force dispatched an appropriate attack aircraft and a surveillance platform to take out the target.

    “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack assets scored accurate hits in their bombing runs on the target area, completely obliterating the logistics stores as well as causing damage to several other BHT structures in the settlement.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff commends the Air Task Force for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute towards eradicating the terrorists from the North East,” he said.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain unwavering in its quest to end the terrorism and will do everything possible to ensure there is no repeat of this kind of traumatic incident.

    “The Military High Command commends troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for their unwavering determination, hardwork and resilience,” he said.

    The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has led to the death of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions of others, mainly in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

  • Photos: Nigerian troops ambush Boko Haram fighters, kill nine in Borno

    Photos: Nigerian troops ambush Boko Haram fighters, kill nine in Borno

    Nigerian soldiers Wednesday successfully ambushed Boko Haram fighters killing nine of them, an official said.

    Army spokesperson, Sagir Musa, said the ambush occurred at Mainok-Jakana axis in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

    Mr Musa, in a statement, said the operation took place at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

    “So far, nine Boko Haram terrorists have lost their lives, two gun trucks mounted with anti- aircraft guns have been captured and exploitation is ongoing by the troops.

    “Two soldiers are slightly wounded and the situation in the area has been normalised,” he said.

    The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has caused the death of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions of others, mainly in Northeastern Nigeria.

    The terrorists, who seek an Islamic caliphate in Northern Nigeria, have been restricted to Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by the security forces since 2016.

  • Buratai, Nigerian troops must sustain onslaught against Boko Haram terrorists – Arewa youths

    The Coalition of Arewa Youths for Good Governance (CAYGG) has charged the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and the troops on the frontlines to sustain the momentum against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

    According to the group, the onslaught must be intensified, so as not to give the terrorists any space to recuperate.

    CAYGG made this appeal in a statement signed by its President Haruna Ochimana on Monday.

    From experience, the group said the radical sect leverage on “any lull in attacks against them to recruit more hapless youth into their ranks and also pick up arms and provisions supplied by their sponsors”.

    The group, however, expressed confidence in the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, especially with the COAS leading from the front.

    It assured that the “ hour for a final victory is now and nothing should be spared in smoking those vermin out of those vermin out of their warrens”.

  • Boko Haram targets army location, many killed

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East have engaged some Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the Nigerian Army location at 3 Battalion in the Gamboru area of Borno State, during which scores of the fighters were shot dead.

    The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, stated on Wednesday that the Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province assassins came to the military location with seven gun trucks on Monday but met a stiff resistance from the troops.

    Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, Director, Defence Media Operations, said in a statement that the troops seized three gun trucks, two anti-aircraft guns, two AK-47 rifles and one rocket propelled grenade tube from the insurgents.

    Onyeuko said, “Troops of 3 Battalion and Quick Response Force Army Super Camp 11 in Gamboru on a targeted patrol had yet another fierce encounter with some Boko Haram and ISWAP marauders in a convoy of seven gun trucks and many motorcycles approaching the battalion’s location at about 6pm on Tuesday.

    “Consequently, the criminals were overpowered and pursued up to the Wurge area. No soldier lost his life, and no military equipment was seized during the encounter.”

    Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, said there was no rift between the Nigerian and Chadian armed forces as being insinuated in some quarters based on the Chadian troops’ battles with the Boko Haram insurgents.

    While answering questions from newsmen in Abuja, Enenche denied that there was rivalry between Nigeria and Chad or any other country in the Lake Chad basin.

    He said, “The Nigerian component of the Multi-National Joint Task Force together with other members from the Lake Chad Basin Commission has been involved in clearance operation around the Lake Chad Basin.

    “This is the fallout of the recent offensive actions of the armed forces of Nigeria in the North-East Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “There is no disagreement between the Nigerian and Chadian troops and joint operations are ongoing.

    “The combined effort of troops of the land component, maritime component and air component has resulted in the neutralisation of scores of the Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP elements.”

     

  • Recruitment: Army engages Rivers youth on Special Forces training

    The Nigerian Army has started engaging Rivers youth planning to enlist in the army to boost its internal security operations in the country, an official said.

    Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Akpan, Director, Directorate of Army Recruitment, Resettlement and Reserve (DARRR), said this to newsmen on Saturday in Port Harcourt shortly after meeting with various youth leaders in Rivers.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the sensitisation forum was part of a nationwide campaign to inform Nigerians on the new recruitment and training policy by the army.

    According to Akpan, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has made it mandatory for the inclusion of Special Forces training for all recruits.

    “So, we are in Rivers state as part of a nationwide tour at the instance of the COAS Strategic Directive 2020 that would take us to every state in the federation.

    “The tour is aimed to appraise the youth on the current approach of the Nigerian Army to the training of its personnel to serving as well as recruitment into the system.

    “The essence of the special forces training is to ensure that all army personnel can adapt and function efficiently in any operating environment.

    The director said the army had also met with the youth in South Eastern states of Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to inform them of the new strategy.

    “So, we have just commenced the exercise for the South-South zone starting from Akwa Ibom and now in River state. It has been tremendous so far.

    “We solicit the support of government in the area of information dissemination, support for state recruitment office as well as seek support of successful indigenes in future recruitment process,” he appealed.

    A cross section of youth leaders in their numbers representing their various communities in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state lauded the army for the sensitisation exercise.

    Ikechukwu Nwodu, Youth President of Ubimiri community in Emohua LGA, said the meeting was timely as it addressed the negative perception some youth in the community had about army recruitment.

    “We are happy that the army decided to come to the grassroots to engage us on its recruitment. This has not happened before,” he added.

    On his part, the National Council Coordinator in Ulakwo, Etche LGA, Promise Onyekam, said that lack of information was partly responsible for low enlistment of his people into the army.

    “So, from what we have learnt so far, we will communicate same to people at our various communities and local government areas,” he noted.