TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • [Watch video]: Soldiers launch reprisal attacks on LASTMA officials in Lagos

    [Watch video]: Soldiers launch reprisal attacks on LASTMA officials in Lagos

    In what appears to be a retaliatory clash, a group of Nigerian Army personnel launched a reprisal attack on officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday August 14th.

    The incident stems from a brewing feud that emerged after an altercation between a LASTMA official and a soldier a week ago on August 8th.

    The initial altercation escalated when a video circulated, capturing a LASTMA official striking a soldier with a stick during a brawl at a bus terminal in Ketu.

    The discord appeared to have originated from an earlier verbal exchange between the soldier and the LASTMA official, drawing the attention of onlookers who attempted to intervene as the confrontation snowballed into a fisticuff.

    However, what started as a localized dispute took a different turn on August 14th, as soldiers reportedly embarked on a rampage in apparent retaliation, attacking LASTMA officials in multiple areas of Lagos, including Ketu, Maryland, and Ojota.

    A video capturing the men of the Nigerian Army physically assaulting an unidentified LASTMA official at Ojota, has since gone viral.

    The footage showed the soldiers launching a barrage of blows against the LASTMA official, who pled for mercy as he attempted to fend off the assault.

    Watch video below:

  • Troops arrest 3 for railtrack vandals in Nasarawa State

    Troops arrest 3 for railtrack vandals in Nasarawa State

    Troops from 4 Special Forces of the Nigerian Army Doma, Nasarawa State, have arrested three suspects for railtrack vandalism at Kwarra community of Keana Local Government Area (LGA).

    The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, Maj. Joseph Afolasade, made the disclosure at a news briefing in Doma on Monday.

    Afolasade said: “On Aug. 5, 2023 at about 11pm, troops of the command intercepted three suspected railtrack vandals during a routine patrol at Kwarra community of Keana LGA.

    “The suspects were arrested with large quantity of railtracks loaded in one 18-tyre truck with Registration Number DED 364 YC.”

    He said that the suspects claimed that they were deceived by their sponsors, who are still on the run.

    Afolasade said that preliminary investigations revealed that on Aug. 23, the driver of the truck, Chibuki Akubilo, was contacted to convey the vandalised railtracks to Ilorin in Kwara for N1.6 million.

    He further said that the Commander of the Special Forces, Maj.-Gen. Hillary Nzan, had approved that the suspects be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.

    He, therefore, handed over the suspects to the representative of the state command of NSCDC.

    Responding, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Jerry Victor, expressed gratitude to the Army for collaborating with the corps to tackle insecurity in the state.

    “Usually, this type of crime is being committed by a syndicate,” Victor said.

    He promised that investigation would be continued to arrest other members of the group for prosecution.

    The driver of the truck told newsmen that he was contacted by one Mr Charles to convey the items to Ilorin.

  • Army ready to absorb returning Nigerian doctors in military hospitals – COAS

    Army ready to absorb returning Nigerian doctors in military hospitals – COAS

    The Nigerian Army has assured the country’s medical doctors living abroad but willing to return home that it is ready to absorb them into its hospitals nationwide.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said this when he received in his office in Abuja, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
    Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and top officials of the commission.

    This is contained in a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NIDCOM’s
    Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit.

    The statement quoted Lagbaja as saying that the army would work closely with NIDCOM to bring back home the best brains in the
    diaspora to help develop the country.

    He said he was aware of the fact that Nigeria had the some of best doctors living in the UK, U.S., Canada, and South Africa having lived abroad before now, the statement added.

    He said the army, under his command, would like to employ them if they would return home as that would reduce brain drain.
    The army chief, according to the statement, expressed delight that the Nigerian forces have been
    excelling in all military assignments abroad and making the
    country proud.

    “It is, therefore, a thing of joy for me to partner with NIDCOM to celebrate these army warriors who have been making us proud abroad in all their military operations,” he said.

    Lagbaja added that the army was prepared to collaborate with the commission even on the home front to enhance the visibility of the army and make Nigerians appreciate it for the sacrifice it is making to protect the territorial integrity of the country, according to the statement.

    The statement quoted said Lagbaja spoke of the army’s commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism as well as protecting Nigerians from any form of aggression capable of affecting the corporate existence of the country.

    Earlier, the statement maintained, Dabiri-Erewa had congratulated the new army chief and praise him for his professionalism and the new positive image army is getting since he assumed office.

    She spoke of the commission’s readiness to work with the Nigerian Army to protect humanity, it said, adding that she urged the army chief not to rest on his oars in the discharge of the army’s professional duties and responsibilities, saying Nigerians “really appreciate your sacrifices”.

     

  • Troops destroy 36 illegal refineries amid inoperative state-owned facilities

    Troops destroy 36 illegal refineries amid inoperative state-owned facilities

    The Nigerian Army in recent operations carried out by troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 36 illegal refining sites, apprehended 22 suspected oil thieves and recovered significant quantities of crude oil and fuel products.

    Briefing newsmen on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the military successfully recovered 310,700 litres of crude oil, 14,675 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 49,000 litres of Dual Purpose kerosene during these operations.

    In addition to the seizure of illegal products, troops also destroyed various equipment and facilities used for illegal refining, including 61 dugout pits, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, three vehicles, 126 cooking ovens, three outboard engines, one speedboat, two motorcycles, one generator, and two pumping machines.

    On July 24th, the military intercepted and destroyed a wooden boat loaded with 1000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at the Wellhead Cluster Opukushi Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    Meanwhile, the country’s state-owned refineries remain grounded, contributing to the persistent challenges in the oil sector.

    In response to this, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday and after a constructive engagement, the Federal Government has projected oil refining at the Port Harcourt refinery could commence by December.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the federal government failed to meet previous targets on the commencement of oil production in the refinery and the new timeline is contingent upon the successful completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.

    Furthermore, Buba said military troops conducted raids on camps and hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) gunmen in Abia and Anambra States in Nigeria’s Southeast.

    During these operations, the military arrested three suspected gunrunners and rescued nine kidnapped hostages. Several arms and ammunition were also recovered in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra.

    The seized items included: one AK47 rifle with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, six pump-action guns, one locally made pistol, one dane gun, one locally made hand grenade, four vehicles, nine motorcycles, 925 machetes, and 151 machete sharpeners.

    Additionally, Buba said Nigerian Police uniforms and boots, IPOB/ESN uniforms, one speaker, raincoats, boots, and a chainsaw were also recovered.

    “In the conduct of the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special, six pump action guns, one locally made pistol, one dane gun, one locally made hand grenade, four vehicles, nine motorcycles, 925 machetes and 151 machetes sharpeners.

    “Others are 1,080 sickles, Nigerian Police uniforms and boots, IPOB/ESN uniform, one speaker, rain coats and boots and a chain saw. Troops also apprehended three gunrunners and rescued nine kidnapped hostages.

    The Nigerian Army called for support from well-meaning Nigerians in the fight against criminal activities, in order to flush out the perpetrators of these heinous acts from society.

  • Nigerian Army to improve welfare of personnel

    Nigerian Army to improve welfare of personnel

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has disclosed the Nigerian Army would improve the welfare of personnel for efficient performance in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

    Maj.- Gen. Lagbaja stated this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Project Management Workshop 2023 for Nigerian Army project officers at Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi.

    Lagbaja who was represented by Maj.- Gen. Hillary Nzan, Commander 4 Special Forces Doma, said the welfare of the personnel was paramount.

    He said “notable achievements in combating terrorism, banditry and various unscrupulous elements across the country were greatly attributed to the enhancement of personnel’s welfare.

    “Achieving this command philosophy is contingent upon a resolute psychological influence that instils willingness to engage in combat, which can be accomplished by exhibiting adequate care for the well-being of personnel.

    “This entails a sound administration through purposeful welfare programmes for personnel and members of their families, to enhance their well-being.

    “Some of the welfare packages will include the construction/rehabilitation of facilities across Nigerian Army formations and units, including accommodation, office complexes, training schools and other support facilities in the barracks,” he said.

    The COAS said the workshop sought to refresh officers on modern best practices and processes in risk management in project delivery in the Nigerian Army.

    He said the workshop would offer an opportunity to appraise previous performances in project management with a view to achieving better outcomes with limited resources.

    “The Nigerian Army executes most of its projects through direct labour.

    “Therefore, project officers responsible for the execution of these projects or supervising contracted projects, must be competent and proficient in risk management in the delivery of high-quality projects.

    “It is on this note that the theme of this workshop which is, “Efficient risk management in project delivery in the Nigerian Army,” is appropriate.

    “The topics for presentation and discussion will no doubt broaden participants’ knowledge on risk management in project execution.

    “I therefore enjoin you to take maximum advantage of this Workshop to build capacity and develop competence.

    “I am hopeful that the intellectual discourse during this Workshop will provide useful policy options for contemporary and future projects delivery.”

    Lagbaja said he would support all measures seeking to better the living and working conditions of personnel.

    He said the army would continue to work assiduously with the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force as well as other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure enduring peace in the nation.

    He urged the participants to put in their best and adopt a resolute attitude of excellence in carrying out their responsibilities as Nigerian Army project officers.

    Earlier, Maj.- Gen. Shamsideen Shafaru, Coordinator, Nigerian Army Special Projects, said the workshop was aimed at improving the capacity of participants on the global best practices in project management.

    Shafaru said the anticipated outcomes of the workshop included identification, assessment and prioritisation of risks in construction, which will serve as the basis for better coordination and application of resources to minimise and control the probability of unfortunate events.

    “This is targeted at updating participants on common risk management practices in construction work, with the goal of ensuring safety and efficient use of project resources within the Nigerian Army.

    “Resource persons within and outside the military have been carefully selected as presenters, discussants and moderators to share their wealth of knowledge and experience with the participants. I therefore urge all participants to take the workshop seriously in order to maximise its benefits.

    “I must acknowledge that the Nigerian Army Special Projects unit has continued to enjoy effective supervisory efforts by engineering formations across the country through your guidance.

    “It suffices to state that the implementation of outcomes and recommendations following previous workshops have gone a long way in reshaping the capacity of engineer officers in project execution, supervision and delivery.”

  • Okoro assumes duty as 44th GOC of 2 Division

    Okoro assumes duty as 44th GOC of 2 Division

    Major General Valentine Okoro on Thursday in Ibadan assumed duty as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army.

    Lt.-Col. Charles Ekeocha, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement.

    Okoro, according to Ekeocha, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for finding him worthy to command the division.

    ”The new GOC then promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him,” he said.

    Ekeocha added that Okoro promised to propel the division to greater heights.

    ”He solicited the support of stakeholders and other security agencies in accomplishing the mandate of the COAS in ensuring a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens in the division’s area of responsibility.”

    The new GOC, according to the statement, urged the troops under his command to brace up for relentless offensives against criminals in areas under the command.

    ”He expressed confidence in their ability to rid the South-West of violence and criminality.

    “He also commended his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Usman, for the successes recorded in the division.”

    In his farewell remarks, Usman thanked the troops for their support throughout his stay in the Division and solicited the same level of support for his successor.

    ”He (Usman) described Okoro as his course mate and friend and admonished the troops not to relent in providing the enabling environment for law-abiding citizens to do their businesses.

    “He assured the troops that the new GOC would build on his legacies, thanking the COAS for believing in him once more and giving him the opportunity to command the 81 Division,” Ekeocha said.

  • Retiring over 100 Major Generals may crumble Nigerian military – Sadeeq Shehu

    Retiring over 100 Major Generals may crumble Nigerian military – Sadeeq Shehu

    Following the report that over 100 Generals in the army, comprising Major Generals, Brigadiers General and some Colonels were recently told to proceed on retirement by the military authorities, Sadeeq Shehu, former Spokesperson to Nigerian Air Force, has said retiring about a hundred Major Generals may have a way of crumbling the Nigerian military.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), reported that defence Headquarters has given top officers who are seniors to the newly appointed service chiefs to voluntarily retire from service.

    The signal which gave July 3, 2023, as the deadline for the officers to retire from the service, cuts across the Army, Navy and Air Force and follows the appointment of new service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu.

    Speaking on the matter, Sadeeq who was on Arise Television program on Friday, faulted the process of promoting officers into Major Generals.

    According to him, it is not ideal to have over 300 Major Generals for the president to pick from, citing the consequences of others that would be forced to proceed on retirement.

    He noted that retiring about a hundred Major Generals may have a way of crumbling the Nigerian military.

    “If you follow the structure of the military pyramid, whoever is the president and commander in chief, you have already given him a few numbers of top quality officers that he can choose from.

    “A situation where the president comes and he has over 300 Major Generals to pick from, you have not helped him.

    “The problem is not the president himself. Infact, if you look at the literary meaning of section 217 on the appointment of service chiefs, as it is now, the president can even pick a Colonel and say this is my service chief. He picks whoever he wants.

    “The structure of the Nigerian military is bloated, no other country can afford to retire 100 Major Generals without crumbling their military”.

     

     

  • Nigerian Army warns general public to beware of fraudulent recruitment exercise

    Nigerian Army warns general public to beware of fraudulent recruitment exercise

    The Nigerian Army has issued a warning to the general public to beware of fake and fradulent recruitment exercise in the country.

    The Army made this revelation known via a statement posted on its Twitter handle on Friday May 19th , 2023.

    The Army distance itself from the information warning the public to the disregard it.

    “This recruitment advert is fake and fraudulent and should be disregarded in its entirety by members of the public,” it wrote on Twitter.

    “It is also important to state that at present, the Nigerian Army has not put out any advert for sales of forms for Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC).“

  • Buhari to unveil Nigerian Army’s new regimental colours

    Buhari to unveil Nigerian Army’s new regimental colours

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday unveil 81 national and regimental colours for the newly established and operationalised units and retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army.

    The Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwaxhukwu, said this while briefing newsmen on the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the last trooping and presentation of Colours Parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.

    He added that new units had been established and operationalised since then in line with the increasing operational commitments of the army as well as provisions of its extant Order of Battle (ORBAT).

    He said colours were usually retired after 10 years of service.

    According to him, most of the colours in the Nigerian Army have been used in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, hence deserving retirement and the presentation of new ones.

    “It is against this backdrop and in line with the traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigerian Army, trooping and presentation of colours parade 2023 will be conducted to retire torn or worn out colours.

    “A total of 81 units will, therefore, be participating in the parade; 53 colours will be due for retirement, while 28 will be presented to new units.

    “The event is a unique ceremony not only to the units eligible for colours presentation, as many are looking up to this ceremony to witness the height of military discipline and regimentation.

    “No doubt the parade will win more admirers for the Nigerian Army as it will provide another opportunity to showcase its reputation for excellent and colourful parades,” he said.

    According to him, the special guest of honour and reviewing officer is the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “The event will also have in attendance members of the National and Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Governors of the States benefitting Units.

    “Others are Service Chiefs, past Chief of Army Staff, senior military officers both serving and retired, captains of industries as well as other important dignitaries,” he said.

    Nwachukwu explained that the national and regimental colours carried by army units during parades and ceremonial activities were important source of identity and pride not only for the units involved but for the army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    He added that the sight of the colours created a feeling of pride in soldiers and ex-soldiers.

    He said from ancient history, colours had served as inspiration for heroic acts of self-sacrifice and became the symbol of the fighting spirit of regiments.

    He explained that colours also symbolised the campaigns, battle honours and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised.

    “The association of the colours with heroic deeds of the units emblazoned on them has led to the custom of regarding the colours with veneration,” he added.

    Nwachukwu advised motorists to make use of alternative routes and all proximate routes to the Eagle Square from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Thursday.

  • JUST IN: Massive shake-up rocks Nigerian army, affects top officers

    JUST IN: Massive shake-up rocks Nigerian army, affects top officers

    In a major shake-up, the Nigerian Army has redeployed 75 of its senior officers across the country.

    However, the redeployment will take effect from April 3, 2023

    Among those affected were Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Division, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

    Gen. Khalifa will be departing MNJTF on secondment to National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja while Gen. Lagbaja, it was learned, will be leaving the 1 Division Kaduna for the Army Headquarters in Abuja as Chief of Operation (DAOP).

    The current Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General Olufemi Akinjobi will take over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna.

    Similarly, Major General Gold Chibuisi, a Director to the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja will take over as the Theatre Commander of MNJTF in the North-East.

    According to agency reports, Gen. Lagbaja as 1 Division GOC was instrumental to the successes troops have recorded against armed bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers in Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, and other North-West States.

    Also, Gen. Khalifa’s gallant stewardship at the MNJTF has been responsible for the decline in the firepower of terror sects in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic, among others.