TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Nigerians are not worth fighting for – Journalist Fisayo Soyombo breaks silence after release from army detention

    Nigerians are not worth fighting for – Journalist Fisayo Soyombo breaks silence after release from army detention

    Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who was Nigeria Army detained in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reiterated his commitment to the Nigerian cause despite being discouraged countlessly about how Nigerians are not worth fighting for.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reported that Fisayo Soyombo was arrested and detained for three days, following calls by Nigerians, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and activists, the Nigeria Army released him yesterday (Friday).

    Speaking, Soyombo said he was released because of the campaign of the citizens through different social media platforms and media pressure.

    Recounting his encounter, Soyombo recounted how he was arrested and subjected to many interrogations. He added that the Army had vowed to keep him in detention for as long as they wanted the investigation to last.

    He explained that he would not have been freed had Nigerians and media, not mounted pressure on the Nigerian Army.

    “Nigerians are not worth fighting for. I hear that every now and then, and I’ve always disbelieved it.

    “Yesterday (Friday), you proved me right. You all are the reason my detention by Nigerian Army lasted ‘only’ three days. I’m a free man today because of your social media engagements with #FreeFisayoNow and the publications/broadcasts by the traditional media. And I can prove it.

    “After my arrest at about 2am on Wednesday, I was grilled by different levels of the Army until deep into the night. I didn’t return to my cell until at least 11pm on Wednesday. My case was then forwarded to a superior office that was to interrogate me on Thursday.

    “Surprisingly, Thursday was uneventful; from morning until night, this officer never sent for me. I soon learnt the Army would take “as long as it wanted” to conduct their “investigation” just to establish that I was indeed an investigative journalist.

    “To my utmost surprise, on Friday morning, at about 11am or thereabouts, I was retrieved from my cell for transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB). It was during the transfer that someone who ran into me asked to know my name, after which they said: “You’re the one; you’re in the news.”

    “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilization and held incommunicado. So, yes, my freedom is your freedom. This victory exists because of you, you and you. Thank you! Soyombo said.

  • Army arrests popular investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo

    Army arrests popular investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo

    The Nigerian army has detained popular investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Fisayo, was reportedly detained for three days.

    According to FIJ, in a statement on Friday, Soyombo’s detention may be linked to his work exposing corruption and smugglers aided by Nigerian Customs Services.

    The publication further called for his immediate release and raised the alarm over the increasing threats to press freedom in the country.

    The post stated that, “The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been holding our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for the past three days.

    “Journalism is not a criminal activity.”

    As of the filing of this report, the army has yet to make any comment regarding the arrest.

  • Criminal element should be ready for good run – Acting COAS

    Criminal element should be ready for good run – Acting COAS

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has warned terrorists and other criminals still operating to be ready for serious consequences as the military will come harder on them.

    Oluyede stated this at the handing and taking over ceremony at the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Jaji Military Cantonment on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    NAN reports that Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps before his appointment as Acting Chief of Army by President Bola Tinubu.

    The Acting  COAS handed over to Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim who is now the 57th Commander of Infantry Corps.

    Oluyede advised the new commander to keep the flag flying, adding that the Infantry is the largest chunk of the Nigerian Army.

    According to him, for the Nigerian Army to succeed, it needs the Infantry.

    He urged him to move the Infantry forward and embark on massive training that was needed for soldiers in the field.

    “Nobody has a monopoly of violence besides those of us in uniform. For the criminals out there, they should be ready for a good run from us because we are going to go out all for them.

    “As for Nigerians, we will try as much as possible to make it more secure for them under my watch,” he said.

    Earlier in his remarks, Maj-Gen. Ibrahim thanked the acting COAS for his many years of dedicated service to the Infantry Corps, and pledged to key into his vision for the infantry and Army in general.

    “On my part, I pledge to lead the Infantry with integrity, courage, honour and utmost dedication, embracing best practices in all I do.

    “To my brave and dedicated fellow infantry men both officers and soldiers, I recognise the sacrifices, resilience and valour that defines our infantry tradition.

    ”Your selflessness, teamwork and unwavering loyalty inspires all of us, ” he said.

    Ibrahim urged the personnel to continue to embrace the Army’s core values of loyalty, integrity, discipline, selfless service, respect for others and courage in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    The new Commander Infantry Corps is a member of the 39th Regular Course Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), and hails from Damboa LGA of Borno State.

    In the course of his illustrious career in the Nigerian Army, he was acting Garrison Commander in 1 Division Kaduna, Commander 14 Brigade, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri and also commanded the MultiNational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’djamena, Chad.

  • Nigerian Army reacts to viral video of Major General, aide brutally assaulting couple

    Nigerian Army reacts to viral video of Major General, aide brutally assaulting couple

    The Nigerian Army has vowed to investigate an incident involving Major General G.S. Mohammed and his aide, Corporal A. Abubakar, who were caught on video assaulting a couple, Mr. Vershima Mker and Ms. Lami Jennifer Iorvihi, in Abuja.

    The altercation, reportedly sparked by a road rage incident, has drawn widespread condemnation.

    In the video that surfaced on social media, captured the moment the senior military officer and his aide physically attacking the couple, after Mr Mker allegedly overtook Major General Mohammed’s convoy in Abuja.

    Narrating the incident, the couple disclosed that the officer stopped their car, dragged them out, and subjected them to severe physical abuse.

    Following the assault, the couple claims they were handcuffed, forced into the trunk of a vehicle, and taken to Gwarimpa Police Station, where the General allegedly ordered the police to detain them indefinitely.

    Responding to the incident, Nigerian Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the Army was aware of the video and has initiated a thorough investigation.

    “The Chief of Army Staff has directed an inquiry into the matter to ascertain the veracity of the incident,” he stated.

    Nwachukwu acknowledged that while the video depicts an altercation, the circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear.

    “We were not privy to what led to the exchange. Once we hear from the Major General involved, we can determine the full context. For now, the investigation is ongoing,” he added.

    The incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for accountability and justice for the victims.

  • Nigerian Army removes, investigates Brigade Commander

    Nigerian Army removes, investigates Brigade Commander

    The Nigerian Army says the immediate past Commander, 3 Brigade, Kano, Brig.-Gen. MA Sadiq, is currently undergoing military investigation into administrative discrepancies while serving as Commander of the Brigade.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said that the former brigade commander was relieved of command to ensure a thorough investigation.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army is a self-regulatory institution founded on the bedrock of discipline, justice, and accountability.

    He said the army had zero tolerance for indiscipline and would therefore not condone any form of misconduct that could undermine the threshold of its values and principles.

    “The Nigerian Army assures both our internal and external publics that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate administrative action will be taken.

    “Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency remains unwavering.

    “We guarantee that the process will be fair, impartial, and in line with our established procedures,” he said.

  • Soldiers attack KAI officials In Lagos (video)

    Soldiers attack KAI officials In Lagos (video)

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday condemned the “unprovoked attack” on officers of the Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as KAI by operatives of the Nigerian Army.

    Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, disclosed in a statement that the attack occurred in the Yaba area of the state, while the LAGESC officers were lawfully carrying out their duties.

    However, swift intervention by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, ensured the situation was controlled.

    Wahab wrote, “Earlier today, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), lawfully engaged in their duties in Yaba, were subjected to an unprovoked attack by personnel of the Nigerian Army under the directive of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon.

    “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, for their swift and decisive intervention in support of civil authorities.

    “Their leadership has ensured that KAI officers continue to carry out their responsibilities without further disruption, reinforcing the principle that military personnel are subject to the authority of civil governance within their jurisdictions.”

    Wahab, however, maintained that such attacks on law enforcement officers would not be tolerated.

    “We strongly condemn this unwarranted and unacceptable assault on officers executing their lawful duties. Moving forward, such acts will not be tolerated.

    “We remain committed to ensuring a #CleanerLagos by upholding safety and sanitation standards across the state,” he added.

    Watch video below;

     

  • Female solider discharged for accusing superior of sexual harassment breaks silence

    Female solider discharged for accusing superior of sexual harassment breaks silence

    A female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye who was discharged over allegations of sexual harassment against a senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, has called on the Nigerian Army to release the investigation findings.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Ogunleye had via Tiktok with the username @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, alleged that Abdulkareem, Col. G.S Ogor, and Brig. Gen. I.B Solebo were responsible for her travails in the Nigerian Army.

    Ogunleye in the video, claimed that Abdulkareem had assaulted her repeatedly to the point of administering injections against her will.

    She added that asides hindering her career advancement by denying her promotion courses because she allegedly rejected his advances, he had also forcibly removed her from her residence, and confined her in a psychiatric hospital for several months.

    TNG reports that the Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu on September 24, announced that the investigation had cleared Colonel Abdulkareem of all charges, while Ogunleye had been discharged from service.

    The spokesperson further noted that during the investigation, Ogunleye’s mental health condition had reportedly deteriorated.

    Reacting to this in a TikTok video, Ogunleye called on the Nigerian Army to publish the entire outcome of the investigation, just as they publicized her discharge.

    She emphasized that transparency was necessary so the public could understand what happened.

    She said: “It is no longer news that I was discharged from the service on June 15, 2024. I humbly request that the Nigerian Army publish the outcome of the investigation that led to my discharge.

    “On January 9, 2024, I came on social media to complain about how I was harassed by Colonel I.B. Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S. Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B. Solebo.

    “I beg the Nigerian Army to post the outcome of the investigation on its social media platforms so that the whole world will know what truly transpired and what led to my discharge.

    “I will be very grateful if my request is considered,” Ogunleye said.

  • Terrorist kingpin, Halilu Buzu killed like chicken in Zamfara

    Terrorist kingpin, Halilu Buzu killed like chicken in Zamfara

    A notorious terrorist kingpin, infamously known as Halilu Buzu and a “good number of his fighters” have been killed during a fierce gun battle with the Nigerian Army in Zamfara.

    The Army confirmed the operation in a statement on Friday disclosing that the incident had occurred in Mayanchi village, in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Thursday.

    The Army revealed that its troops took the offensive to the terrorists’ identified crossing point in Mayanchi.

    “The terrorist kingpin and his fighters, who put up a fierce resistance on encountering the troops, however, succumbed to the overwhelming firepower of the valiant troops,” the statement said.

    Consequently, the troops recovered two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) guns, three PKT guns, five AK-47 rifles, 479 rounds of PKT ammunition and 366 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

    Other exhibits include 182 rounds of Machine Gun1 ammunition, one RPG Bomb, 29 AK-47 Magazines, 30 Motorcycles, two Android phones and two Yeekee phones.

    “Troops have also destroyed the terrorists’ camp and are currently conducting further exploitation in the general engagement area and even beyond,” the Army said.

  • Nigerian Army opens up on mass resignation of soldiers

    Nigerian Army opens up on mass resignation of soldiers

    The Nigerian Army says that voluntary retirement, discharge of personnel is routine and in line with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike. The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, gave the clarification in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu faulted the recent publication by some media platforms, alleging mass resignation of soldiers over corruption, low morale and the like. He said the publication was not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian army.

    According to him, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscription.

    “This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures

    “Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures. Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years.

    “This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation,” he said.

    Nwachukwu described the report as hasty and haphazard, adding that due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption.

    He said that reasons for the discharge of personnel were confidential, as they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, and pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others.

    According to him, the notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.

    “Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even oversubscribed. Contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    “Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families.

    “A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been inaugurated across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post service accommodation. This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life,” he said.

    The Army spokesman said the army was currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families.

    He added that allowances had been regularly paid as and when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters.

    “This is aside the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments. Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.

    “These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection. Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practice,” he added.

    Nwachukwu said the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare was unfounded and irrational, urging media organisations to avoid being tools of disinformation. He said the army would continue to prioritise the welfare and morale of its personnel and ensure that they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation.

  • Nigerian Army debunks mass resignation report of troops

    Nigerian Army debunks mass resignation report of troops

    The Nigerian Army has refuted Media report alleging mass resignation of its soldiers over corruption, low morale amongst others.

    The army headquarters on Sunday in a statement signed by Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the story was not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sew the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Service

    The statement reads: “the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel, lamenting that “it is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media”.

    It appealed to the media to always verify information before rushing to the press to avoid being tools of disinformation

    “The recent publication by Sahara Reporters and similar media platforms, alleging mass resignation of Nigerian Army soldiers over corruption, low morale and the like is not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sew the seeds of dissaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.

    “Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not constructive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike.

    “Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures. Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years.

    “This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation.

    “In the instance cited in the hasty and haphazardly compiled report, due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption.

    “Whereas reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others. The notion that soldiers are resigning enemas due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture. Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even over subscribed.

    “Contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    “Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families.

    “A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been launched across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post service accommodation. This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life.

    “Furthermore, the NA is currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families.

    “Additionally, allowances have been regularly paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters. This is aside the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments. Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.

    “These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection. Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practice.

    ” In light of these phenomenal efforts, one cannot but assert that the leadership of the NA has continued to steadily and consistently walk the talk, as pledged in the COAS Command philosophy to “Transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.

    “Therefore, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media.

    “We call on media organisations to verify information before publication and avoid being tools of disinformation. The Nigerian Army will continue to prioritize the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation.”