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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Umunze: Army denies invading churches in Anambra

    Umunze: Army denies invading churches in Anambra

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed a report that its personnel invaded churches and dispersed the congregation in their places of worship at Umunze in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra.

    Some media outlets had reported the alleged invasion on some Catholic Churches in the town creating panic among the people.

    Reacting to an inquiry on Thursday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the troops conducted cordon and search operation and not invade churches as reported.

    Nwachukwu said the operation was conducted by troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army based on the information that the assailants who attacked and killed troops were seen in a house close to the church being given medical treatment.

    According to him, it was, therefore, not an invasion as wrongly portrayed.

    “During the operation, the troops evacuated the people who were considered vulnerable if a shootout ensued to avoid collateral damage.

    “Basically the cordon and search on the community was to enable the troops effect arrest of some accomplices who escaped with gunshot wounds and blood stains from the attack that killed two of our troops.

    “Available information indicated that they were receiving treatment within the locality and the cordon was lifted after the search, but unfortunately the suspects had already left the building to which they were traced.

    “It is most unfortunate that the operation took place on a Sunday,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that troops deployment in the area was expedient because of increased cases of kidnapping and ransom collection by criminals in Umunze.

    According to him, the troops’ deployment in the area has helped to reduce these crimes.

    “The troops will continue to ensure safety of all the citizens,” he added.

  • Nigerian army confirms killing of #EndBadGovernance child protester

    Nigerian army confirms killing of #EndBadGovernance child protester

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed, a #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protester in the Samaru community in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that a boy child identified as Ismail Muhammad was killed by Nigerian military enforcing a curfew in Zaria, Kaduna State on Tuesday, August, 6th.

    Confirming the development, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyeama  in a statement titled “Unfortunate death of a protester by a soldier in Zaria” explained that the incident happened on Tuesday when troops received a distress call to help disperse some hoodlums, who had gathered in Samaru burning tyres and attacking security personnel.

    Nwachukwu said that a waring shot was fired by a soldier to scare the mob who attempted to attack the troops, which led to Mohammed’s death.

    Army spokesman added that the soldier involved has since been arrested and is undergoing interrogation.

    The statement read, “On August 6, 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tyres on the road and pelting stones at security personnel. The troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the state government.

    “On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed. The soldier involved has since been arrested and is undergoing interrogation as of the time of this report.

    “Saddened by the unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has sent a high-powered delegation led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Lander Saraso, to visit and condole with the family of the deceased.

    “The deceased was buried according to Islamic rites with senior military officers of the Nigerian Army in attendance.”

  • We’re not recruiting ‘Foreign terrorists’ as soldiers – Nigerian Army

    We’re not recruiting ‘Foreign terrorists’ as soldiers – Nigerian Army

    The Nigerian Army has debunked reports in some sections of the media that it is recruiting foreign terrorists popularly described as “fundamentalists and jihadists” into the armed forces.

    An audio-visual content had gone viral on social media, accusing the Nigerian Army authorities of recruiting terrorists particularly those who have links with ISIS and other international terrorism organisations into the force.

    The spokesman of the army, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a reaction, said the narrative as depicted in the footage was not the true values and standards of the Nigerian Army.

    Nwachukwu, a Major-General, argued that the footage was targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear in the citizens, sowing discord and mistrust among the military personnel, and eroding public confidence in the integrity of the Nigerian Army.

    The senior military officer said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday said the Nigerian Army would remain steadfast as it has always been in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.

     

     

  • Heavily armed criminals murder Nigerian brigadier general In Abuja

    Heavily armed criminals murder Nigerian brigadier general In Abuja

    A retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, Uwem Harold Udokwe, was tragically murdered during an armed robbery at his residence in Sunshine Homes Estate, Abuja, in the early hours of Saturday.

    According to reports, three armed robbers invaded the home of the late Brigadier General reportedly demanded jewellery before using the general’s pistol to fatally shoot him.

    The attack marks the third such incident at the general’s residence, intensifying concerns about security in the area.

    Reacting, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Udokwe’s death.

    Confirming the tragic incident, the command spokeswoman,  SP Adeh Josephine, in a statement said they have commenced a discrete investigation aimed at apprehending those responsible for the heinous act.

    Commissioner Igweh also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that the police are committed to delivering swift justice.

    He emphasized the command’s dedication to enhancing the security landscape of the nation’s capital by adapting strategies to combat evolving criminal activities effectively.

    The statement released by the police reads, “According to Pastor Awe, his neighbour, the robbers injured one of the estate guards. That one was taken to the jospital at Abacha Barracks along with Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575, the victim. While the injured guard was being treated at Abacha Barracks Hospital, the General was referred to the National Hospital Abuja.

    “Air Cdre MM Igho informed Air Cdre SA Zakari rtd of the incident at 0810 hrs. Zakari dashed to NHA to support the family. Zakari met Pastor Awe (the neighbour) with the victim’s wife, son and other neighbours. Air Cdre Zakari was told Gen Udokwere was dead and the corpse was at the National Hospital morgue.

    “Zakari met the wife, calmed her down and reported the issue to Maj Gen Dr Okereke. The Comd NAOWA Hospital sent an ambulance to retrieve the body of the late General Udokwere to NAOWA Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

    “Gen Hashim, the neighbour, has taken the family to his house for his wife to handle Mrs Udokwere. However, Mrs Udokwere insisted she must see her husband. Contact was made with the Cse Mates (NDA 15th Cse) and Brig Gen KA Kareem was tasked to visit the family which he did. The family will decide the next line of action regarding the funeral.”

  • Nigerian Army hands over rescued Chibok girl, 3 children to Borno govt

    Nigerian Army hands over rescued Chibok girl, 3 children to Borno govt

    The Nigerian Army has handed over Lydia Simon, the rescued Chibok school girl and her three children to the Borno government for reunification with her family.

    Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theartre Commander, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai disclosed this during the handing over ceremony at the Mailmalari Cantonment, on Thursday in Maiduguri.

    He said that troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion rescued the six-month-old pregnant lady alongside her three children on Wednesday April 17, in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.

    Shuaibu said that she was number 18 among the girls that were rescued by the Nigerian military.

    He explained that the abduction of the Chibok school girls in 2014, made both national and international headlines which culminated in the hashtag, “bring back our girls”.

    According to him, several efforts has been made both internationally and nationally to return the girls safely and reunite them with their families.

    “One of such national efforts is the conduct of military operations deep within the terrorists’ enclaves which have yielded positive results to facilitate rescue of some of the Chibok girls.

    “Starting from Esther Marcus, who appears on serial 103 on the abducted Chibok school girls’ list, who was the first to be rescued by troops of 7 Division Gar, till now efforts are still ongoing.

    “Just recently on April 17, one more Chibok girl was rescued with her three children from the Mandara mountain by troops of the theatre will continue to do its best to rescue those still in captivity.

    “The rescue will be in line with the strategic direction and guidance from the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff.

    “We thank the Chief of Army staff for all the resources he has provided in the theatre to achieve its mandate,” he said.

    Also Speaking, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, said the girl received medical treatment and other care by the division since her released.

  • Nigerian Army announces recruitment for Non-Tradesmen and Women

    Nigerian Army announces recruitment for Non-Tradesmen and Women

    The Nigerian Army has announced that the recruitment applications for Non-Tradesmen and Women has begun.

    The recruitment application is contained in a post on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday, stating that the application which is free, starts from 3rd May – 7th June.

    Non-tradesmen and women recruitment exercise are for those who only possess the Senior School Certificate Examination certificate.

    The post reads: “This is to inform the general public & all interested applicants that online application for 87 Regular Recruits Intake for Non-Tradesmen & Women has commenced.

    “Application starts from 3rd May – 7th June 2024.

    “Application Is Free at http://recruitment.army.mil.ng. Shortlisted candidates will participate in the State Recruitment Screening Exercise scheduled from 20th June – 3rd July 2024.

    “Recruitment into the Nigerian Army Is FREE, Beware of Fraudsters.”

  • Army denies seeking payment from trainee recruits for vetting

    Army denies seeking payment from trainee recruits for vetting

    The Nigerian Army distanced itself from the purported financial demands from selected trainees undergoing training at the Depot, Nigerian Army, Zaria, for vetting.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Thursday, described the said demands as fraudulent actions of some faceless unscrupulous persons.

    Nwachukwu said the claim was not only fraudulent but criminal and must be nipped in the bud before it festers.

    According to him, it is common knowledge throughout the history of the Nigerian Army that training of potential recruits and officer cadets are fully funded and borne by the Nigerian Army.

    He said the attempt to fleece unsuspecting members of the public, whose wards successfully scaled through the meticulous and rigorous process was criminal .

    According to him, this is viewed as criminal intent aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian army.

    “Parents and guardians are therefore urged to jettison such spurious requests in whatever guise and to report anyone trying to fleece them.

    “Already, efforts are on to track the source of these messages in order to bring them to book.

    “The Nigerian Army reiterates that training of potential recruits and officer cadets is fully funded and borne by the Nigerian Army.

    “Members of the general public are urged to be wary of the antics of criminals to scam them,” he said.

     

  • Nigerian Army laud FG, MTN for funding Enugu-Onitsha Highway

    Nigerian Army laud FG, MTN for funding Enugu-Onitsha Highway

    Brig.-Gen. Murtala Abu, the Garrison Commander, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has lauded the Federal Government and MTN for funding the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha dual Carriageway.

    Abu made the commendation in Enugu on Thursday during a meeting with MTN/Crown Crest Global Engineers (CCGE), Community Liaison Initiative (CLI) team led by the Chairman/Principal, Chief Chris Okoye.

    The commander praised the Federal Government for coming up with such a novel scheme of introducing smart road infrastructure and thanked MTN for its commitment toward the support in delivering a world standard road for the good of Nigerians.

    He said that the challenges with a smart road included indiscipline by road users and not having enough vehicles for patrols.

    The commander added that roadblocks were tactically located in areas prone to armed robbery and kidnapping.

    Abu, however, assured the MTN/CCGE-CLI team that their suggestions on the smart road and the role of security agencies would be further examined so that the best option could be adopted.

    He advised the MTN/ CCGE-CLI team to partner with the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps to reduce the number of checkpoints on the roads.

    He also urged them to also ask the state government to support them with patrol vehicles.

    The Garrison Commander said: “A joint security meeting with all the security outfits and the construction companies to discuss the location of the CCTVs and how to ensure that the road remains smart would be the sure way to go.

    “I will also appeal that the road be constructed to make room for future expansion into a four-lane expressway due to the growth and development of the South-East and the importance of this particular highway”.

    Earlier, Okoye said that when completed, the 107-kilometre Enugu–Onitsha Dual Carriageway would be a full option smart road.

    He explained that MTN was funding the construction through the Federal Government novel Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS).

    According to him, smart roads are in vogue world over and are good for traffic management and security; it is planned to be a freeway to encourage a free flow of traffic from one end to the other.

    “When completed, there will be no difference between day and night driving on the highway as there are plans to deploy solar light right from Enugu to Onitsha.

    “Drones and CCTV Cameras will be deployed along the length of the road in which control rooms will be installed to monitor activities on the road.

    “Checkpoints will also be a thing of the past if the smart road concept is fully deployed, instead lots of security patrols will be encouraged to guard against a situation where checkpoints hamper and slow down traffic on the Highway.

    “The security personnel will be encouraged to do more of clear stop-and-search as stop by and clearing areas will be an integral part of the dual carriageway’s construction,” he said.

    Okoye said MTN/CCGE-CLI was focused to ensure that the Highway remained beneficial to all stakeholders along the road corridor and “MTN/CCGE-CLI is committed to working with the Nigerian Army to create a synergy on security on the road”.

    Okoye was accompanied to the meeting by Dr Reginald Facah, Coordinator of the MTN/CCGE Community Liaison Initiative (CLI) and the Community Liaison Officer in Enugu State, Mrs Chinenye Okwuosa.

  • Nigerian Army reacts to publication on lack of water in barracks

    Nigerian Army reacts to publication on lack of water in barracks

    The Headquarters 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia, has reacted to an online publication by Sahara Reporters on how soldiers and family members lamented lack of water to cook during the yuletide season at the barracks.

    The reaction is contained in a statement issued in Umuahia on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Innocent Omale.

    Sahara Reporters had on Jan. 3 published a report entitled: “No Cooking On New Year Day – Soldiers, Families Lament Lack Of Water In Nigerian Army Barracks.”

    The Brigade, however, acknowledged that the issue of water reticulation in the said barracks had been challenging, but noted that several efforts had been made in the past to alleviate the impact it had on the living conditions of soldiers and their family members.

    According to Omale, it is worth mentioning that since the appointment of the current Brigade Commander, he has been proactive in his commitment to addressing the issue of bad boreholes in the barracks.

    He explained that through the commander’s diligent efforts, some bad boreholes were repaired to ensure a relatively stable supply of water to the barracks.

    The statement reads in part: “Additionally, the duration of the power supply was also increased by utilising generating sets to support the pumping of water to further enhance the living conditions for soldiers and their families.

    “These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of the Brigade to prioritise the welfare and well-being of personnel and families in the barracks.

    “Further efforts are currently underway to improve the availability of water and other social amenities within the barracks.

    ‘The Brigade is working diligently to ensure that the living conditions at 14 Brigade Ohafia are convenient and comfortable for both soldiers and their family members.

    “The Brigade recognises the importance of addressing these challenges promptly and remains dedicated to the welfare of its personnel and their families.”

    Omale assured that the Brigade would continue to prioritise the improvement of living conditions within the barracks, while appreciating the understanding and support of all in working towards achieving the set goal.

  • Kaduna Bombing: All 109 senators donate December salaries to victims

    Kaduna Bombing: All 109 senators donate December salaries to victims

    Following the erroneous bombing of a community in Kaduna state  killing over 100 persons while several got injured, all the 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have donated their December salaries to the victims of the bombing mishap.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, made this announcement on Sunday at the Kaduna State Government House when he led a high-power delegation of Senate members to the state.

    The Senators were received at the Government House by Governor Uba Sani.

    The attack on Sunday night in Tudun Biri village of Kaduna state’s Igabi council area took place as Muslims gathered there to observe the holiday celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said civilians were “mistakenly killed and many others were wounded” by a drone “targeting terrorists and bandits”.

    Source: Dailt Trust