TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Tension in Delta community as soldiers kill teenage boy

    Tension in Delta community as soldiers kill teenage boy

    Palpable tension has engulfed Ogulagha, an Ijaw community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, following the killing of a young man identified as Endurance Oweiye Kalaepele.

    Kalaepele, 27, was allegedly shot dead on Monday night by soldiers deployed to secure an oil facility in the Forcados Terminal in the area of the oil-rich Ogulagha community.

    A source disclosed that the teenager in the company of some of his friends had gone to pick snails close to the oil facility, a tank farm, where some men of the Nigerian Army were securing.

    On sighting them, the source alleged that the military officers opened fire on them, leading to the teenager’s death while others were arrested.

    The youths who protested with the corpse of the teenager around the community demanded the arrest and prosecution of the erring officer.

    Speaking on the matter, Ogulagha youth president, ThankGod Iyaragba said: “Around 7-8 pm yesterday, Monday, June 27, 2022, six of the community boys went to the bush behind Forcadoes Terminal, the Pipeline bush, for snail picking, but were intercepted on their way back by the military men.

    “One of the boys, Endurance, tried to run out of fear but was shot twice at close range. This prompted the infuriated youths of the community to go on a rampage destroying company vehicles and property.

    “They have also taken over the major roads in the community to express their anger”.

    Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Burutu Division, SP Ujeh Augustine has appealed for calm.

    SP Augustine, who visited the community, pleaded with the youths to be calm and expressed sympathy with the community and with the family of the deceased. He also promised to investigate the matter.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army is yet to speak on the matter.

  • BREAKING: 204 Boko Haram terrorists surrender in Borno [PHOTOS]

    About 204 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Nigerian Army made this known on Wednesday, revealing that profiling of the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists was ongoing.

    According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the feat was achieved as a result of ongoing offensive onslaught against terrorism in the North East region of the country.

    The statement reads: “The ongoing offensive onslaught against terrorism in the North East region recorded another feat today, 15 June 2022 as 204 Boko Haram fighters including their family members surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Bama LGA of Borno State. Profiling of the surrendered terrorists is ongoing”.

  • Nigerian Army reacts to complicity of soldiers in kidnap of Methodist Prelate

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed the social media reports alleging complicity of its troops in the recent kidnapping of the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Samuel Kanu-Uche.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the insinuation that troops were complicit in the kidnap incident could be swallowed hook line and sinker as it was not premised on any findings of investigations.

    He said the allegation had raised some pertinent questions which were still unanswered.

    According to him, given the spate of insecurity in the region, the question would be, was the issue reported to the unit covering the area?

    “Did the Methodist Church take the NIgerian Army into confidence while negotiating the ransom with the kidnappers? No formal complaint has been received by the unit.

    “More worrisome is the fact that it was alleged that the ransom was paid in less than 24 hours.

    “Was the ransom paid to troops? These are questions that beg for answers,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the Nigerian army unit had not received any debrief from the Prelate or the Methodist Church.

    He said that troops were deployed at Forward Operating Base(FOB) Okigwe and in front of the Abia State University, Uturu.

    The Army spokesperson also said no information was made available to them or to 14 Brigade or any other formation, except the information making the rounds in the social media.

    He reiterated that troops’ deployment in the army was not done with considerations for ethnic affiliation.

    Nwachukwu explained that a deployment of troops of Fulani ethnic extraction, who, as alleged by the Prelate, carried out the dastardly act was not our practice or modus operandi in the army.

    “Given our professional disposition and zero tolerance for any misconduct in the Nigerian Army, we will take this weighty allegation seriously.

    “We will approach the Prelate and the Methodist church to unravel the basis for the allegation,” he said.

    Recall that Kanu-Uche was kidnapped on Sunday along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State while on his way to the airport.

    He was kidnapped alongside the Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark and the Prelate’s Chaplain and were released on Monday.

  • Taraba attack: Troops on search, rescue operations for missing personnel – Army

    Taraba attack: Troops on search, rescue operations for missing personnel – Army

    The Nigerian Army says the troops of 93 Battalion have embarked on a search and rescue mission for the personnel who are missing in action in recent encounter with terrorists in Taraba.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the troops encountered the terrorists while responding to distress call about an attack on Tati community, in Takum Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday.

    He said that troops fell into an ambush staged by the criminals during the pursuit, adding that the troops fought fiercely through the ambush, neutralising four of the terrorists.

    According to him, six gallant soldiers sadly paid the supreme price, while one personnel is missing in action.

    “However, a reinforcement team from 6 Brigade deployed against the fleeing bandits at Ananum village in Donga Local Government Area of the state, neutralised two additional bandits and recovered one Ak 47 rifle, one pistol, one locally fabricated gun, 2 AK 47 Magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62 mm special, 7 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and 3 motorbikes.

    “Troops are currently in pursuit of the bandits and will leave no stone unturned in the ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing personnel.

    “The good people of Taraba state are enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies,” he said.

  • Nigeria Army expresses commitment to retirees welfare

    Nigeria Army expresses commitment to retirees welfare

    • The Nigerian Army has expressed its commitment to caring for the welfare of its retired and discharged personnel.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, stated this on Friday in a good message he sent to the send-off ceremony and regimental dinner night in honour of 14 retired officers of the ranks of colonel and below in 1 Division of the Army.

    He was represented on the occasion by the Commandant Depot, Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Chinade.

    Lt. General Farouk said the occasion was conceived out of the desire to accord a befitting send- off ceremony to all personnel that served the army and the nation meritoriously and were retiring from active service.

    ALSO READ:Beheading of two soldiers callous, wicked-Nigerian Army

    According to him, retirement is an inevitable phase in the life of every military personnel and it marks the completion of active service to the nation.

    Thenewsguru.com quoted him as saying; “I must commend you all for the remarkable achievement you made while in active service to the nation.

    “I wish to also assure you that Nigerian Army remained grateful for the service you rendered in the defence of our fatherland.

    “I will like to take this opportunity to inform you of ongoing efforts to re-engage the services of our qualified retired and discharged personnel in order to continue to benefit from your wealth of priceless experience and professionalism garnered over the years.

    ALSO READ:Retired Argentine Bishop to spend over 4yrs in jail for sexual abuse

    “The army is still open to your invaluable contributions towards attaining her constitutional mandate and would always welcome your support in that regard,” he said.

    The Army chief who informed the retired officers that the army health facilities and other welfare institutions were available to them in various barracks and cantonments across the nation, urged them to take advantage to enhance their well-being even after service to the country.

    Lt. General Farouk implored them to fulfill their obligations, even as retired officers, towards defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as espoused in their oath of allegiance.

    “I also urge you all to shun all forms of misconduct or actions capable of bringing the army into disrepute in retirement, as you are seen as worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army.

    Speaking, the Guest of Honor, Maj.-Gen. Mahmud Yarima (rtd), emphasised that retirement was a gratifying phase in the life of every military personnel.

    Yarima, erstwhile Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, said retirement was a milestone which was worth celebrating and cautioned the retirees on how to use their entitlements, as there were many fraudsters prowling for those to defraud.

    “You must be careful of falling victims of their fraudulent activities, they have misled many of our colleagues and the outcome has not been pleasant.

    “All I need to say in this regard is that you must ‘shine your eyes’, ” he said.

    Also, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen Kabir Mukhtar, said this historic event signified another milestone made by the administration of the COAS in his zeal to upholding regimentation of the Nigerian Army.

    Mukhtar said the four vital elements of the COAS administration, professionalism, readiness, administration and cooperation were aimed at running an all-inclusive Nigerian Army at all levels.

    He said: “Today, we are here to celebrate and honour our retired officers who in many ways have contributed to the Nigeria Army in particular and the nation in general,’ the Newsguru.com heard him say.

  • Buhari reacts to beheading of soldiers

    Buhari reacts to beheading of soldiers

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian Army, the families of Master Warrant Officer Audu Linus and his partner, Private Gloria Mathew, who were brutally murdered by terrorists.

    The deceased soldiers were beheaded after being shot by the terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Saturday as confirmed by the Nigerian Army.

    The corpses were inhumanely treated and gleefully posted on social media platforms.

    The president, in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu on Wednesday in Abuja, said he joined fellow citizens in expressing deep sense of shock over the unfortunate incident.

    Buhari, who condemned the barbarism of the perpetrators of the incident and similar acts of violence against law enforcement agents, described it as alien to all cultures and civilizations.

    He, therefore, directed the military authorities and other security agencies to do their utmost in apprehending the perpetrators of the barbaric acts and bring them to justice.

    The president also called on all communities, regional and national leaders to “speak with one voice, to show that the entire country is one against this cruel and barbaric act of violence. This is unacceptable.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of this sad and tragic incident”.

  • Beheading of two soldiers callous, wicked-Nigerian Army

    Beheading of two soldiers callous, wicked-Nigerian Army

    The Nigerian Army is still mourning the gruesome murder of two gallant soldiers who travelled home to Imo state to formalize their wedding as despicable and very wicked.

    The Army who has fingered IPOB/ESN for the murder has described the act as a witch-hunt on soldiers.

     

    In a statement signed and released on Tuesday, by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday, April 30, 2022 state that they received information on the gruesome murder of two soldiers; Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Audu M Linus (retired) and Private (Pte) Gloria Matthew, by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    According to him, the soldiers (male&female) were murdered while travelling to Imo state to formalize their wedding in the Igbo traditional manner before they were apprehended and killed by IPOB/ESN in the state.

     

    He said though, one of the soldiers, Pte Gloria Matthew hails from Nkwerre LGA of Imo State, did not prevail on the sensibility of the dissidents, adding that the dastardly act, clearly portends the deep seated hate, desperation and lawlessness with which foot soldiers of IPOB/ESN have being unleashing terror on Ndigbo, whom they claimed, are on a mission to protect and emancipate, as well as other innocent Nigerians who are resident or transiting the South East.

    He reiterated the Nigerian Army will ensure the perpetrators of this dastardly act unleashed on its personnel do not go unpunished, just as it condoled with the families, relations and close associates of the victims.

    While enjoining members of the public to oblige security agencies with actionable information that will lead to the arrest of these criminals, he said the NA has commenced investigation to unmask and bring the criminals to book.

  • IPOB using propaganda to malign Nigerian army – Nwachukwu

    IPOB using propaganda to malign Nigerian army – Nwachukwu

    The Nigerian Army, says members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are using pictures of fake soldiers arrested by Nigerian army troops recently to malign the institution.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said that one Solomon Okafor of Radio Biafra London had been peddling malicious disinformation and falsehood on social media, alleging complicity by troops in a fictitious case of kidnapping of a family of 10 in Kaduna State.

    He said the said Okafor also alleged that about 87 per cent of Nigerian soldiers were kidnappers and bandits.

    Nwachukwu said the said report was a creation of IPOB/ESN social media foot soldiers, with the intent to malign the Nigerian army.

    He said the picture being circulated on the social media was a picture of fake soldiers (impostors) who were arrested recently in the Lagos-Ondo states axis by troops of Operation Checkmate under 81 Division.

    According to him, the operation was widely publicised in both the new and traditional media before handing over the suspects to the Nigeria Police.

    “It is also crucial to emphasise that following troops’ successful exploits in unravelling and unmasking IPOB elements who have been masquerading as unknown gunmen and wreaking carnage against Ndigbo in South East Nigeria, IPOB/ ESN have severally attempted to use doctored graphic images, video footages and spurious narratives in online and social media campaigns to disparage the Nigerian army and bring her to disrepute.

    “The author and his sponsors should note that no matter the campaign of calumny by IPOB and other fifth columnists, the Nigerian army will be undeterred and remains a cherished national institution that will continue to execute its constitutional mandate of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, toward building a united nation.

    “Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard this mindless and irresponsible propaganda clearly emanating from IPOB, aimed at promoting insecurity in the country,” he said.

  • Nigerian Army nabs 12 fake soldiers in Lagos,Ogun state

    Nigerian Army nabs 12 fake soldiers in Lagos,Ogun state

    The Nigerian Army (NA) in its operation checkmate routine has arrested 12 persons fully kitted in the military uniforms.

    The 81 Division Military Police Personnel apprehended the fake soldiers during operation Checkmate in Lagos and Ogun States.

    General officer commanding 81 Division, Major General Umar Thama Musa mentioned that many heinous crimes are being committed by these unattached soldiers.

    Acting Deputy Director 81 Division Army Public Relations, Major Olaniyi Joseph Osoba announced their arrest .

    General Musa explained that some persons disguise as soldiers by donning the uniform, saying not everyone wearing or displaying the military banners, accoutrement are Army personnel.

    The GOC made it clear that more than 150 impostors were caught from January 2021 till date.

    Some mounted roadblocks along Ajah road to extort money from motorists and indulge in other illegal duties.

    Another set were nabbed along the Ilaro border of Ogun while smuggling bags of rice and other contrabands items into the country.

    He added that the arrested persons will be handed over to the police for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.

    The Army urged civilians in the country to stop wearing military uniforms,T-shirts, or display banners, belts ,stickers and even items believed to belong to the Military.

    Musa advised members of the public to report anyone parading himself to be a soldiers when he is not for interrogation and prosecution.

     

     

  • Joint troops intercepts N60m ransom from security agencies

    Joint troops intercepts N60m ransom from security agencies

    Joint troops in the war against terrorism in Nigeria have intercepted N60 million being taken to criminals as ransom for the freedom of captives, by operatives of yet-to-be-disclosed security agencies.

     

    The military, in intelligence-driven operations, also rescued kidnapped victims including women and children.

     

    The assault conducted by a Nigerian Army squadron and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces took out a number of the bandits

     

    The contingent is of the 271 NAF in Birnin Gwari and Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gwaska, Kaduna.

     

    “N60,000,000 in cash, petroleum products and sophisticated weapons, were recovered during the operations”, an operative said.

     

    “We will refer the case of the arrested couriers, who have identifications with security agencies, to the Department of State Service (DSS) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for further investigation.”

     

    Troops also recovered vehicles, AK-47 rifles, magazines, various kinds of ammunition and mobile phones.

     

    It was gathered that the DIA alerted the DSS and the military that some persons were to move questionable funds through Kaduna.

     

    “After the hint, the DSS and the military deployed Special Forces to the road. The suspects were caught and the hostages rescued “, a source said.

     

    It is unclear if the N60million intercepted was from a single operation nor if the victims were part of those seized after the March 28 deadly attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train.