TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nigerian Military

  • Why Nigerian military rejected me during recruitment – Femi Gbajabiamila

    Why Nigerian military rejected me during recruitment – Femi Gbajabiamila

    Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has opened up on his failed attempt to join the Nigerian Army, which led him into the legal profession.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, while addressing soldiers, recalled that his dream was to serve in the military, but he did not meet the requirements.

    The former lawmaker disclosed that to join the army, one’s height, weight, and physical strength were major criteria; however, he fell short of the standard expected for recruitment.

    Gbajabiamila said that each time he tried, he compared himself with other applicants and could already tell he was not fit for selection. He said the setback forced him to change direction and eventually pursue a career in law.

    He said, “Honestly, my height, my weight, my strength, everything disqualified me.

    “Every time I attempted, I looked at the person to my right who was also attempting and the person to my right who also came for the interview; nobody needed to tell me to go home.

    “I admire you guys so much, and it’s one of the things I aspire to, so 

  • Sahel States’ withdrawal from ECOWAS placed increased burden on Nigerian military – CAS

    Sahel States’ withdrawal from ECOWAS placed increased burden on Nigerian military – CAS

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, says the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali from ECOWAS has placed more burden on the Nigerian military.

    Abubakar said this at the opening of the First Quarter Meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Commanders on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from the existing security frameworks had disrupted the existing security frameworks in the region.

    According to him, this development has direct implications for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which plays a crucial role in countering Boko Haram and ISWAP across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

    “With AES member states opting out and Chad considering withdrawal, the MNJTF’s capacity to conduct joint operations is now significantly affected.

    “As a result, the burden on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to support the MNJTF will increase, demanding a more robust, agile, and adaptive response from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    “Strengthening operational readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and leveraging advanced air power will be critical in mitigating these evolving threats as we progress through 2025,” he said.

    The CAS said that the Sahel region had continued to be a hotspot for terrorism and insurgency, with Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist groups exploiting weak governance structures to expand their influence.

    He added that the porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin, had also allowed the extremist elements to sustain their activities, posing a persistent threat to regional stability.

    Abubakar said the Gulf of Guinea also remained vulnerable to maritime crimes, including piracy and illegal oil bunkering, necessitating sustained aerial surveillance and stronger regional cooperation to bolster maritime security.

    According to him, addressing these challenges requires a unified approach, emphasising coordinated air operations, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships.

    He said the meeting would provide a valuable opportunity for them to review the security landscape of Nigeria in 2024, critically assess their operational successes and challenges, and project actionable strategies for the NAF operations in 2025.

    “As the senior leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, we shoulder the vital responsibility of ensuring the effective deployment of air power in support of national security objectives.

    “I deeply appreciate your dedication and support so far, and I urge each of us to engage in today’s discussions with the utmost commitment, foresight, and resolve,” he added.

  • Outrage as Army offers family of slain 16-year-old protester 300k as compensation

    Outrage as Army offers family of slain 16-year-old protester 300k as compensation

    Some Nigerians have expressed outrage after the military offered Malam Mohammed, the father of the 16-year-old boy, Ismail, who a soldier killed in Samaru Zaria, N300,000 as compensation.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that a boy child identified as Ismail Muhammad was killed by the 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 warning shot was fired by a soldier to scare the mob who attempted to attack the troops, which led to Mohammed’s death.

    In a new development, the father of the deceased is seen holding the compensation package sent to the bereaved family by the military.

    But, many have expressed disappointment over the poor performative sympathy shown by the military.

    Reacting on social media, some Nigerians noted that 300k is so little a compensation for a human life.

    One Sarki said; “300k for Life compensation!!! The father if 16 years old boy who was killed by the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Samaru Zaria has received N300,000. A whole life of a human being 300k? Subhanallah.”

    Another user, Faarees wrote; “So 300, 000 is all a life is worth in Nigeria today? His son was killed yesterday by the Army and they gave him a compensation of 300k! I am speechless.”

    Wapapping wrote; “You mean the Nigerian Army killed a 16-year-old boy and is offering the boy’s family N300, 000 as compensation for his life? We are never getting out of this ghetto country.”

    Rephrase with Ginger (Cmd+⌥+E)
  • Nigerian military declares Nigerien Terrorist, Halilu Buzu wanted

    Nigerian military declares Nigerien Terrorist, Halilu Buzu wanted

    The Nigerian Military has declared  Halilu Buzu, a national of  Buzu in Republic of Niger wanted for terrorising Nigerian territory, particularly Zamfara.

    The Director of  Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja, at a media briefing on the operations of the military.

    Buba said the notorious suspected terrorist leader settled in Subbubu Forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    He said that Buzu had a camp for illegal gold mining located at Kawayi, in Anka Local Government Area of the state, and had lots of boys working for him.

    According to Buba, the terrorist is also a prominent cattle rustler.

    He said that the Buzu’s group had in the last week killed 19 villagers at Farar Kasa.

    ”He is a High Value Target and we hereby declare him wanted.

    ”Furthermore, he is a major arms supplier, trusted by arms dealers supplying arms from Libya.

    ”We have been on his trail and whenever we close in on him, he bolts across the border into Republic of Niger for refuge.

    ”At this time, we are through appropriate channels calling on the Nigerien authorities, regional and international bodies to support in effecting his arrest to hold him accountable for his atrocities,” he said.

  • Okuama Killings: Wanted Delta monarch surrenders self to authorities for interrogation

    Okuama Killings: Wanted Delta monarch surrenders self to authorities for interrogation

    The King of Ewu kingdom, Ikolo Clement, one of the suspects declared wanted by the Nigerian military, has given himself up  to the authorities for interrogation.

    It would be recalled that Clement, a newly installed traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, was among the eight persons declared wanted by the Nigerian Army Defence Headquarters.

    The Nigerian military declared them wanted following the killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama Community.

    Also declared wanted is a suspected militant leader, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono, also known as Amagbein, who soldiers tracked to the Igbomoturu community in Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, few days after the incident, but missed him.

    On the list of wanted persons are the president-general of Ewu, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur and Reuben Baru, the young man who made a viral video recently, narrating why they killed the soldiers.

    Igoli Ebi, is supposedly the mother of one of the wanted persons. Atata Malaw David, and Sinclear Oliki are suspected to be part of the Amagbein gang

  • Military uncovers illegal bunkering sites in Rivers village

    Military uncovers illegal bunkering sites in Rivers village

    The joint military task force, “Operation Delta Safe’’ (OPDS), uncovered two illegal oil bunkering sites in Samkiri, a settlement in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers on Wednesday.

    The task force found 30 illegal refining camps operating in the area, its Commander, Rear Adm. John Okeke, said.

    “Here in Samkiri, around `Cutting Channel 1’, we have seen so many illegal refining sites behind the village.

    “There are about 10 boiling points at a spot and more than 20 points at another spot.

    “The task force will not relent in its efforts to rid this environment of crude oil theft and associated crimes.

    “We shall not give opportunity to people bent on impinging on the country’s source of income,’’ he said.

    Okeke noted that it was unfortunate that the illegal refining sites were right behind the settlement.

    “It seems that every house in the community has its own illegal refining site and it is not good for the image of the country and for the well-being of the people.

    “One of the wellheads is still pumping crude into a pit dug out by perpetrators of the act.

    “The operation was conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air force, and those of paramilitary organisations working with the OPDS.

    “The joint operation was mounted to rid this environment of crude oil theft and the production of adulterated diesel,’’ Okeke added.

    He was represented by the Maritime Component Commander of the OPDS, Commodore Adedokun Siyanbade.

    On Feb. 13, the OPDS destroyed some illegal refining sites at Ataba, near Bonny, also in Rivers.

  • We need military support to safeguard warehouses in Kaduna – NEMA

    We need military support to safeguard warehouses in Kaduna – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has solicited the military`s support to forestall any security breach at its facilities in Kaduna.

    Mr Imam Garki, NEMA North West Zonal Coordinator, stated this during a visit to the Commanding Officer of 2 Battalion Nigerian Army, on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    He said that the visit was to strengthen security at various warehouses, following the recent incident where hoodlums attacked government facilities to cart away food items and other valuables.

    “We are here to solicit for military support to have a standby security personnel position to safeguard the agency’s warehouse facilities,“ he said.

    Garki was represented by Abdulkadir Mohammed, Head of Unit, Search and Rescue of the agency.

    He said the agency has an existing working relationship with the Nigerian Army, who serves as one among the Disaster Response Units (DRUs) of the agency.

    Responding, Lt.-Col. Abdulqadir Abdullahi, Commanding Officer 2 Battalion Nigerian Army, assured the agency of the Army`s relentless cooperation to deal with the current situation.

    The Director-General, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, directed Zonal Directors and Heads of Operations, to strengthen security in and around NEMA offices and warehouses nationwide.

  • Nigerian military decries unpatriotic calls for overthrowing Tinubu

    Nigerian military decries unpatriotic calls for overthrowing Tinubu

    The Nigerian military has described those calling on the armed forces to topple the government of President Bola Tinubu as “unpatriotic” following the Niger’s coup that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

    It condemned such calls and noted that it would fail, saying it was wicked and an attempt to distract the military men performing their constitutional responsibilities.

    “The reports calling on the military to interfere in our democracy is highly unpatriotic, wicked, and an attempt to distract the Armed Forces of Nigeria from performing its constitutional responsibilities,” said Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, defence information director.

    Mr Gusau dismissed reports on the poor welfare of the Nigerian military, saying personnel were happy with the democratic government and would not sabotage Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy.

    “The Defence Headquarters frowns at a report being circulated online about welfare issues in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our country,” he said.

    “While the leadership of the AFN gives priority to the welfare of its personnel however, we detest any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law-abiding Armed Forces of Nigeria to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in our country.”

    Gusau’s statement comes few weeks after coup plotters in the Niger Republic ousted Mr Bazoum from office, eliciting a pro-military coup among Nigerians who are urging the armed forces to step into the country’s leadership position due to the perceived failure of the democratic government.

    Niger coup plotters have detained Mr Bazoum since his government was toppled on July 26, rebuffing all entreaties and ignoring sanctions and condemnation from ECOWAS and the international communities.

    ECOWAS leaders had charged the regional body’s standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger at the second extraordinary summit on the socio-political situation in Niger in Abuja on Thursday.

    This came after Niger’s military junta announced a new government, naming Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, prime minister, to lead 21 other new ministers forming the new government.

  • Nigerian military yet to receive order for intervention in Niger – DHQ

    Nigerian military yet to receive order for intervention in Niger – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the Armed Forces of Nigeria is yet to receive order for any military intervention in the Republic of Niger following the coup that led to the ouster of democratic governance in the country.

    The Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Thursday, dismissed the online report that the Nigerian military was assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger.

    According to him, the AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action against the Military Junta in Niger.

    “It is no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through unconstitutional means.

    “In reaction to this illegal takeover of government, the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.

    “Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails, to reverse the situation and return the Government of Republic of Niger to constitutional order.

    “At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.

    “In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government,” he said.

  • Nigerian troops repel ISWAP attack in Borno

    Nigerian troops repel ISWAP attack in Borno

    Nigerian troops  reportedly repelled an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) in Borno state.

    It was gathered that the terrorists attacked the town around 2am on Monday from the Sambisa forest axis through Yarimari Gana but met stiff resistance from the Nigerian Military.

    The attack by ISWAP was first reported by  Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication in the North.

    The publication said troops of the 21 brigade “were swiftly deployed to the scene where they engaged the terrorists at the back of the Bama IDPs camp forcing them to flee”.

    The troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) are said to have killed 35 terrorists in Bama LGA between April 17 and 20.

    It had earlier been reported how the troops of Sector 3 Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) repelled a similar attack by ISWAP fighters in Monguno, a northern Borno town.

    Before then, the troops had also repelled a series of attacks launched against its bases in Mafa and Biu LGAs of the state.
    On March 27, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled an attack by ISWAP fighters on a military base in Kunnari, a village near Buratai town.

    Two days later, the troops repelled another ISWAP attack targeted at a military asset in Ajiri, Mafa LGA of Borno.

    Zagazola Makama said the failed attack was in retaliation to the killing of 41 ISWAP fighters – including a commander.