TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • ISIS didn’t ambush, kill 30 soldiers in North East – Nigerian Army

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday dismissed as “falsehood” the reported killing of 30 troops by Islamic State (ISIS) in the North East.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Army is reacting to rumours that ISIS ambushed and killed 30 Nigerian troops on Friday in the North East.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement in Maiduguri that contrary to the report, there were no such attacks on troops of operation Lafiya Dole by ISIS or any other adversary within or outside the theatre of operation.

    He described the report as another set of media propaganda and attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to remain relevant at all cost.

    He said the report was unsubstantiated and lacked credibility.

    Nwachukwu said: “The graphic images used to support the article were closely studied and lacked nexus to any recent operational engagements of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “It is very pertinent to state that the photographs culled were not a reflection of recent operational encounters of Operation Lafiya Dole.”

    The army spokesman said there was neither encounter between the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole with ISIS terrorists nor had they suffered such fictitious attack as claimed.

    He dismissed the said article and graphic images as “bundle of unprofessionally packaged falsehood, designed to misinform and create fear in the people and build an aura of false potency around the terrorists.”

    He stressed that the troops had sustained devastating attacks on the Boko Haram insurgents in precursor operations in the theatre of operation.

    “Apart from neutralising their hideouts on the fringes of the Nigerian-Nigerien border through coordinated air and artillery bombardments, troops recently killed two fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush at Futchinam village in Geidam local government area of Yobe.

    “The troops also killed three insurgents in another ambush in Lingir village where they recovered five AK-47 rifles, five magazines and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

    “Troops have dominated the theatre of operation and have denied Boko Haram terrorists freedom of action,” Nwachukwu added.

     

  • No attack or ambush on any convoy of our troops by ISIS – Nigerian army

    The Nigerian Military on Tuesday, denied report that over 30 soldiers were executed in an ambush on Friday by members of the Islamic State militants (ISIS) helping some Boko Haram sect, loyal to them in a recent encounter in northern Borno.

    In a statement from Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, he said nothing of such took place.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to a news article published online by Almardanews.com (AMN), in which one Chris Tomson claimed ISIS had in an ambush against Nigerian Army convoy, executed 30 soldiers on Friday afternoon.

    “It is very pertinent to state here, that contrary to the report, there was no such attack or ambush on any convoy of troops of operation Lafiya Dole by ISIS or any other adversary within or outside the theatre of operation.

    “The said report is not only false but another media propaganda and an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to remain relevant and portray seeming potency.

    “The graphic images used to support the article has been closely studied and found to lack nexus to any recent operational engagements of operation Lafiya Dole.

    “The photographs culled from “only god knows where” are not a reflection of recent operational encounters of Lafiya Dole. The concocted story is therefore unsubstantiated and lacks credibility.

    “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole did not at any time have an encounter with ISIS terrorists, neither have they suffered from such fictitious attack as claimed.

    “This points to the desperation of the Boko Haram terrorists group to create awe and hold the people captive psychologically.

    “Undoubtedly, the article and the graphic images are a bundle of unprofessionally packaged falsehood aimed at misinforming the general public by creating fear in the minds of people and building an aura of false potency around the terrorists. This can better be described as one of the last kicks of a drowning terrorists group.

    “Looking back at the activities of Operation Lafiya Dole in the just concluded week; own troops have continued to sustain devastating attacks on the Boko Haram terrorists in precursor operations in the north east.

    “Aside neutralizing their hideouts in the fringes of the Nigerian-Nigerien border through coordinated air and artillery bombardments, own troops recently killed 2 fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush at Futchinam village in Geidam Local Government area of Yobe State.

    “Troops also killed 3 insurgents in another ambush in Lingir village where they recovered 5 AK 47 rifles, 5 magazines and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition. Own troops have dominated the theatre of operation and have denied Boko Haram terrorists freedom of action, hence the resort to the propagandist news on AMC.

  • Buhari mourns former head of Nigerian Army, Victor Malu

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of late head of the Nigerian Army, Victor Malu.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Malu, a retired lieutenant general, was from Benue State.

    President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed his death in a condolence message his aide sent to Malu’s family.

    Read the presidency’s full statement below.

    President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the Malu family as well as the government and people of Benue State on the death of Lt. General Victor Malu (retired), a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    President Buhari also commiserates with the Nigerian Armed Forces on the demise of a very distinguished and professional colleague, who demonstrated incredible courage and leadership, including during very turbulent times in Liberia.

    The President recalls that as Force Commander of the ECOMOG peace-keeping troops in Liberia from 1996 to 1998, General Malu was an icon of professionalism, bravery and discipline, and he aptly demonstrated these attributes throughout his national and international military assignments.

    The President believes that the late General Malu will be fondly remembered for his dedication and commitment as a military officer; and his numerous landmark contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.

    President Buhari urges the bereaved family, friends and associates to honour Mr. Malu’s memory by upholding his invaluable sacrifices for a peaceful and united Nigeria.

    The President prays that Almighty God will comfort all who mourn Mr. Malu, and grant his soul perfect peace.

  • Nigerian Army set to launch operation “Crocodile Smile II” in Edo, Delta, Ondo States

    …Assures residents of safety

    The 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin said it had concluded plans to conduct a training code named, “Crocodile Smile II’’ in Edo and Delta and Ondo states.

    A statement by Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Maidawa, in Benin on Tuesday said the exercise was in line with the Nigerian Army Training Directive.

    Mr. Maidawa, a captain, said that the exercise, scheduled to take place from October 7 to October 28, would be in the Brigade area of responsibility in the three states.

    He said that troops of the headquarters of the Brigade and its units in the three states would participate in the exercise.

    The assistant director said that the exercise would afford troops the opportunity to train effectively on various aspects of operational proficiency in land and riverine operations.

    He also said, “Crocodile Smile II’’ was meant to sharpen the combat skills of the troops in the Nigerian Army operational capability.

    The assistant director urged the general public not to panic on sighting movement of troops and heavy equipment.

    According to him, it is a routine exercise undertaken by the Brigade as captured by the Nigerian Army Directive in 2017.

    Mr. Maidawa said that the exercise would commence with some civil-military activities, including medical outreach, environmental sanitation and donation of educational materials to schools.

     

  • IPOB’s ban: Army launches manhunt for Nnamdi Kanu, begins probe of foreign links

    IPOB’s ban: Army launches manhunt for Nnamdi Kanu, begins probe of foreign links

    The Nigerian Army has launched a manhunt for leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, barely 24 hours after the group’s proscription.

    Kanu’s whereabouts have been unknown since the proscription was announced.

    The IPOB leader is on bail for alleged treason charges leveled against him.

    The Nation reports that his bail sureties, might be asked by the security agencies to account for him.

    Also, security agencies are investigating Kanu’s alleged foreign links.

    Investigators are said to be analysing a video clip of Kanu and a Turkish citizen as part of the probe.

    “Troops have been given a firm order to fish out and arrest the IPOB leader. As a prelude to it, the Defence Headquarters on Friday declared IPOB as a terrorist organisation.

    “Intelligence has, however, revealed that Kanu might have gone underground. As I speak with you, troops have actually searched his house and he was not found there.Troops have a mandate to arrest him wherever he might be,” a source said.

    Asked what if he is not found the source said: “We might follow legal process by holding his sureties responsible. These sureties will have to produce him.”

    On the probe of Kanu’s alleged foreign links, another source said: “We are looking into the allegations of foreign support for Kanu. We are doing a profiling of his foreign contacts. We have some clues but we need to dig deeper.”

  • Army invasion: Nigerian government apologises to UN

    Nigerian government on yesterday apologised to the United Nations (UN) over the raid of its humanitarian base camp by the Nigerian Army last Friday in Maiduguri.

    The government said it will continue to respect and safeguard the diplomatic status of the organisation’s personnel and property in Nigeria.

    This is contained in a statement by Ministry of Foreign Affairs acting spokesperson, Ms Jane Adams.

    UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, had condemned the and demanded an explanation from the federal government.

    In the statement, the ministry expressed regret over the incident, noting that government recognised its obligations under international humanitarian law and principles which protect all humanitarian organisations.

    “The Federal Government, however, noted with satisfaction the success of the collaborative efforts by the Nigerian Army, the Borno governor and the UN team in Nigeria.

    “It also noted the efforts to re-establish trust, confidence and cooperation, between the Nigerian Army and the UN in Maiduguri.

    “The Federal Government appreciates the vital support being provided by the UN and other humanitarian organisations in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the north east east of the country,” she said.

    Meanwhile, following the intervention of the Borno State government, the UN has resumed its humanitarian operations in the state.

    UN Deputy Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, Peter Lundberg made the announcement at a joint press briefing with Governor Kashim Shettima at the UN camp in Maiduguri at the weekend.

    He said: “I am very pleased to report that our relationship of collaboration and trust is intact.

    “At this stage we are focused on the work ahead to ensure that the millions of vulnerable people in the northeast are supported with life-saving humanitarian aid”.

    Lundberg, who thanked Shettima for his intervention, noted that “Responding to the humanitarian needs of millions of people in the northeast remains our priority and our focus, each and every day”.

    “The fact remains that the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s north-east and the Lake Chad region – now in its eighth year – is one of the most severe in the world today”.

  • Nigerian Army demotes Major-General Sani to Brigadier-General

    A Military Special Court Martial on Thursday demoted Major-General Ibrahim Sani, one time Chief of Transformation and Innovation Centre of the Nigerian Army, to a Brigadier-General.

    The President of the court, AVM James Gbum, demoted Major-General Ibrahim Sani after he convicted him on a five-count charge bordering on cheating. Sani had been standing trial in the court since 2015 after he was accused of dividing and allocating part of army land to himself.

    The court sat at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja. Gbum also ordered the convict to return N23 million being the money he got after he sold the part of the army land to himself.

    The court held that the convict fraudulently allocated to himself part of the land – 436 hectares, in Abuja and sold it.

    The court president also held that Sani went beyond the mandate given to him by the army authorities which was “only to collect the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)’’ from relevant FCT Agency.

    He said the convict divided the land into two and allocated one part to himself, using Pseudo Company in which he was the sole signatory. Gbum said the convict sold portions of the land to different three people at N10 million, N7 million and N6 million, respectively.

    The court president, however, said that conviction and sentence was subject to the confirmation of the Army Council. Counsel to Sani, Mr. Paul Sule (SAN), said he would appeal to the army council to quash the sentence.

    Sule, however, said should the council refuse to quash the sentence, he would approach the Court of Appeal to do that.

  • I Go Dye bags award from Nigerian Army

    I Go Dye bags award from Nigerian Army

    Nigerian comedian, Francs Agoda a.k.a I Go Dye has added another feather to his cap. The revered entertainer through the Chief of Army staff of the Nigerian Army was presented, an award of commendation for positively projecting the praiseworthy virtues of the institution and his unwavering support.

    Recall that the comedian was honoured last month with other distinguished African leaders to receive the 2017 African Child Prize which he dedicated to the magnanimous men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whom, he said have been unyielding in their war against terrorism.

    Enthusiastic I go dye took to his Instagram page to express his appreciation to the Nigerian army, while also promising his unrelenting support

    He wrote: “I am astonished by the honour bestowed on me by the Nigerian army, through the chief of army staff, General TY Burutai. When I dedicated the Africa Child prize to this noble institution, I was just expressing gratitude for their sacrifices, which included finding some of the chibok girls , their relentless efforts towards bringing peace to the North east and most importantly for laying their lives for the sake of peace and unity across Nigeria and beyond.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BWFlC2bAK-b/?taken-by=igodye_

     

    “Never did I envisaged that my little contribution will be identified For commendation.I am indeed grateful for this honour presented to me by the chief of army staff and the Nigerian army.It will challenge many others to cooperate and expand partnership with the Army; promoting a sense of responsibility to all citizens of this country to understand that the fight against terrorism and other agitations are not in our best interest.I will continually use this medium to seek support, using my artistic work to project and express the laudable virtues of this noble institution”

     

  • Massive shake-up in army, top officers affected

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has effected a major shake-up in the Nigerian Army High Command, with the appointment of Major-General Lucky Irabor as the new Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force.

    General Irabor, who was Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole that led troops along with General Officers Commanding of 7 Divisions, 8 Task Force Division to defeat Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest, is being replaced with Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru as Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole.

    General Attahiru, who was General Officer, Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, was until his appointment, Director of Administration, Defence Headquarters.

    A new General Officer Commanding 8 Task Force Division, Borno, has also been appointed. He is Brigadier-General S. O. Olabanji. Olabanji was Commandant of Amphibious Training School, Calabar Major-General Ahmed Muhammed Dikko is the new General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna.

    Dikko who is being redeployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser is taking over from Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade, who is appointed Chief of Logistics at Army Headquarters. Major General P. J. Dauke formerly GOC 3 Division, Jos is now the GOC 81 Division, Lagos.

    He is taking over from Major-General E. B. Oyefolu, who is redeployed as Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre, NATRAC, Kotangora. A new Acting GOC is appointed for 3 Division, Jos. He is Brigadier-General B. I. Ahanotu.

    The redeployments affected 147 officers In a posting released by the Office of Military Secretary (Army), Major General R. O. Yusuf, formerly Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, is now the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, TRADOC, Minna. Major-General Nani formerly GOC 5 Task Force division, is now Director, Research and Development at Training and Doctrine Command, Minna.

    Major General L. O. Adeosun, formerly Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force, is now Director, Administration, Defence headquarters. Brigadier-General Victor Ezugwu, formerly GOC 7 division, Borno is the new Commandant, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria The erstwhile Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Brigadier-General I. M. Yusuf, will be taking over as the Acting GOC 7 Division. He takes over from Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.

    Brigadier General MG Ali has been moved to Nigerian Army Special Forces School Buni Yadi, as Commandant from NATRAC, while Brigadier General I. M. Obot is Brigade Commander 26 Task Force Brigade. Brigadier General J. I. Unuigbe formerly of Army headquarters Logistics branch is the Acting Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps; Brigadier General A. O. Quadri will move from the Office of the Chief of Army Staff to 25 Task Force Brigade as Commander.

    Brigadier-General T. O. Olowomeye is the new Brigade Commander, 33 Brigade, Brigadier General. Also those affected in the new posting include some Commanders and Staff Officers at the Defence, Army Headquarters and Brigades. Brigadier-General of Azinta is Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Zaria; Brigadier-General A.M. Adetayo is the new Brigade Commander, 31 Brigade; Brigadier-General J. A. Ataguba is the new Brigade Commander, 32 brigade.

    Brigadier-General I Isa is the new Brigade Commander, 13 Brigade, Calabar; Brigadier-General C Ofoche, formerly Brigade Commander 32 brigade is now Director Coordination, Army War College, Abuja. Brigadier-General B. R. Sinjen is new Brigade Commander, 37 brigade; Brigadier-General B. A.

    Mohammed is new Brigade Commander, 23 brigade, Brigadier General AK Ibrahim, Brigade Commander 14 brigade. Brigadier-General K. A. Isoni is new Brigade Commander, 28Task Force Brigade; Colonel A. G. Fagge is the new Brigade Commander 31 brigade; Col A. Y. Yakubu is Brigade Commander 38 Task Force brigade.

  • Shittu visits Lt Gen Buratai, to deploy ICT in wiping out Boko Haram

    The Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu has said the ministry is ready to collaborate with the Nigerian Army on Information Communications Technology (ICT), with the view of deploying ICT to wiping out terrorism from Nigeria.

    The Minister said this when he visited the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) recently in Defense Headquarters, Abuja.

    Shittu recalled receiving the COAS some months ago in his Office where the collaboration was first initiated and he deemed it fit to reciprocate the visit in order to further strengthen the collaboration.

    He said the Ministry is set for the collaboration and all the agencies under the Ministry would be engaged to help in deploying technology in all aspect of the Military activities and operations where necessary.

    He commended the achievements made so far under the leadership of the COAS in fighting Boko Haram and other miscreant groups; he however, encouraged him to do more so as to completely wipe out terrorism in the country.

    The Minister suggested that the COAS should consider establishing a strong ICT department in the Nigerian Army and Military Academy, assuring him of necessary support to complement his effort in fighting crime and terrorism, stating that war cannot be fought with arms alone but with technology as well.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai thanked the Minister for finding time out of his tight schedule to reciprocate the visit.

    He commended the Minister for the good job he is doing in reforming the telecom industry and using ICT to add to the growth of the GDP.

    Lt Gen Buratai added that, the role of ICT is key to military operations and also the use of cyber space where today one can fight war or battle right from ones office, stating that this cannot be achieved without the support of the Ministry, hence the collaboration.