TheNewsGuru

Tag: Service Chiefs

  • Senate summons service chiefs over arms proliferation

    The Senate on Tuesday summoned all Service Chiefs for explanation over proliferation of firearms in the country.

    The upper chamber also mandated its Committee on Intelligence and National Security to conduct thorough investigation into the development to unravel its remote and immediate causes.

    The resolutions were sequel to a motion on “Proliferation of Dangerous Firearms in Nigeria’’ by Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC-Kaduna) at plenary.

    Hunkuyi said that tribal, communal, religious and other sectarian clashes, including farmers/herdsmen crises were now more devastating.

    “This is due to wrongful and easy acquisition of firearms in violation of due process as laid down by the enabling laws and regulations.

    “This ugly trend has contributed to the colossal loss of lives and wanton destruction of property of Nigerian citizens.”

    He explained that the situation was attributable to inability to control the proliferation of firearms within country.

    “The spate of unrest due to proliferation of firearms has negatively impacted on economic and agricultural activities to the extent that due to fear of attacks, law-abiding citizens fear going to the market and farms.”

    In his contribution, Sen. Shehu Sani (APC-Kaduna) said the rate and frequency at which people were being killed in the country was evident that there were more firearms than there were tractors.

    “The political class are complicit in the proliferation of firearms in Nigeria,” he said, adding that stakeholders must move fast “to rescue the drift”.

    Sani called for a new national political orientation where people should not see politics as a do-or-die affair, but should see it as an opportunity to serve the people.

    On his part, the Leader of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, said “the country is bedevilled by so much insecurity.”

    He said that proliferation of illegal firearms was the major reason why there were many killings in the country.

    The leader called on the service chiefs to find lasting solution to the issue.

    In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said that the issue of security in the country was number one concern of all Nigerians.

    He decried the rate of killings and the inadequate and poor response by security agencies to address the menace, and calling for concerted effort to check the trend.

    “People are now going about with weapons as if they are accessories,” Saraki said.

  • President Buhari presides, as service chiefs expected to brief FEC

    President Muhammadu Buhari is presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting at the Council Chamber, State House Abuja today.

    Three ministries are slated to update the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on their activities since November, 2015, during the FEC meeting on Wednesday.

    Also in attendance at the FEC meeting are the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita.

    Others are the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno and the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari and other cabinet members.

    TheNewsGuru learnt that service chiefs may also update the council on the successes and challenges in the nation’s security sector.

     

  • Honouring Service Chiefs with national honours as seal of performance index

    By Angula Jessica
    In a coincidence with this writer’s decision to pen this article, the Punch newspaper in its online version published the story “Buhari fails to award national honours in two years” to draw attention to deserving citizens that should be honoured for their contributions to Nigeria’s benefit.
    The objective here is not to delve into why the National Honours have not held since the present administration came into office but to rather make a case for holding the event in the immediate future while ensuring that those that have contributed to what matters to us most are included on the list of awardees.
    It is apparent that the most critical area that the administration has made the most tremendous mark is in the area of security. In the two years that the award has not held, Nigeria has had the chance to keep its security challenges under control and is possibly well on the way to eradicating the threats to the nation’s peaceful existence. The military under these service chiefs have further been able to prevent other threats from cropping up or from assuming new dimensions that could have comprised the safety of all citizens.
    A testament to the sterling qualities of these great men was the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the tenures of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, his colleagues in the Air Force and Navy with the Chief of Defence Staff. While the extension of service is itself a sort of reward for the hard work that has gone into ensuring Nigeria’s security, acknowledging the great work they have done, it is most deserving that the National Honours is thrown in as the final seal of approval of the work they have done.
    One may therefore ask the question of its just a National honour for the fun of doing so. The award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger [GCON ] comes to mind for several reasons. Past Service Chiefs have been in the past decorated with Commander of the Federal Republic [CFR] which is one of the highest in the land. But considering the efforts, sacrifucaes and rare leadership qualities demonstrated by this set of Chiefs who came on board at a time that the country was on the precipice are good icing on the cake for the government to do the needful. The current adminstration would agree that by every available benchmark of assessment, it has really done well in the area of security particularly the campaign against terror being championed by the Nigerian Army where Lt. Gen TY Buratai holds ways as the anchorman.
    There are immediate and long term benefits according the service chiefs the deserved honour. The soldiers under their command would be encouraged to further commit themselves to ending the heinous existence of Boko Haram terrorism once they know that the country appreciates their sacrifices. This would debunk the wrong impression that has been created to the effect that Nigeria does not care about those fighting for it’s territorial integrity.
    Even more important is the message that would be sent to the foreign interests that have been hell-bent on hatching problems for Nigeria. They have at every turn promoted the lies that the military is a problem in the quest to route terrorism out of Nigeria when in reality the Nigerian Army has been the only buffer between a full-scale descent into chaos and the secured country we enjoy today under President Buhari. Bestowing National Honours that attest to the patriotism of the service chiefs therefore becomes the best avenue for telling the distracting foreign interests that the perspectives to the challenges we are dealing with are not lost on us as a people.
    In addition, the awards, coming after the two years hiatus, would be consistent with the present government’s argument that it does not want to recognize mediocrity. The service chiefs have had two years during which the government has been able assess the contributions they have made. Naming the service chiefs as recipients as recipients would validate the assertion that only those that have made meaningful impact are getting recognized and that the wait for this next round is worth the while.
    Angula is a public affairs commentator and contributed this piece from the United Kingdom.

  • JUST IN: Buhari extends tenure of Service Chiefs

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the extension of the tenure of the Chief of Defence, Army, Air and Naval Staff.

    This was revealed in a statement signed by Col. Tukur Gusau, the Public Relations Officer to the Hon. Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali.

    Ali was quoted as saying the President took the decision, “having carefully reviewed the on-going military operations across the nation and the efforts of the Chief of Defence staff and the Service chiefs in the counter insurgency operations in the North East coupled with the security situation of the Niger Delta region, has graciously approved the extension of tenure of service of General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIkwe Ibas, the Chief of Naval staff and Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, the Chief of Air staff,” the statement said.

    While citing the constitutional powers to carry out the decision, the statement said, “This extension is pursuant of the powers conferred on the President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by section 218 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and section 09.06 of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions for Service for officers (2012) Revised”.

    The Honourable Minister of Defence Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali congratulates the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for earning the confidence of the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria leading to their extension of service.

  • Ensure Nigeria remains one, Buhari orders service chiefs

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday ordered the nation’s service chiefs to do whatever it takes to ensure unity amongst its citizens.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the president had earlier in the day met with the security chiefs.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, disclosed the presidential directive to State House correspondents after a meeting Buhari had with the nation’s security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari had in his broadcast to the nation said, “Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.”

    Olonishakin said the President asked them to ensure that the directive was carried out to the letter.

    “In his address, the President talked about the unity of the nation which is non-negotiable. We have all been fully instructed to ensure that that directive is carried out to the letter,” he said.

    Olonishakin said Buhari was specific in his directive that security chiefs ensure that the life and property of Nigerians are protected.

    He said they were also directed to ensure that they secure the nation and also that troops that are outside the country carry out their jobs effectively.

    He said security chiefs updated Buhari on all security issues within and outside the country where the nation’s troops are during the meeting that lasted over three hours.

    He said after the briefing, the President directed on some areas they should look at in order to enhance their operations.

    When asked what the President told them on the Indigenous People of Biafra’s secret service, Olonishakin said, “All security threats were treated one after the other ranging from terrorism to kidnapping, herdsmen/farmers clash, to IPOB issue. They were all treated. Comments were made as to what to do as regards those issues.”

    The defence chief parried a question on whether he will mobilise forces to the South East.

    “Every security issue, like I said, have been treated and we are going to enhance our operations in all the areas we need to do that. Like I said, he has given the necessary directives which will be carried out by the military and the security agencies,” he simply said.

    Olonishakin said despite the recent attacks carried out by Boko Haram, it would be wrong to believe that members of the sect have stepped up their game.

    “On the Boko Haram issue, you all know it is an asymmetric warfare. It is not that the Boko Haram has stepped up their game. It is just the issue of suicide bombing that has been the problem and of course we also working with the security agencies and the intelligence agencies to make sure that we address that menace,” he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the president had earlier started in his broadcast on Monday that the nation’s unity is settled and not negotiable.

     

  • JUST IN: Buhari resumes duty, meets Service Chiefs in Aso Villa

    President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with service chiefs for a firsthand briefing on the security challenges in the country.

    The meeting being held at the President’s residence is also being attended by heads of other security agencies.

    It is believed that the meeting will afford the security chiefs opportunity of briefing the President of developments in the security circle while he was away on his 103-day medical sojourn in London.

    Buhari may also use the opportunity to further harp on the instruction he gave security agencies to clamp down on criminals in the country in his broadcast to the nation on Monday.

    The meeting is being attended by the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security and the Acting Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency.

     

    Details later…

  • Boko Haram: Service chiefs obey Osinbajo’s order, relocate to Borno

    Service Chiefs have relocated to the theatre of operation against Boko Haram in compliance with Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s directive.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the acting President gave the directive last week following the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.

    A statement from the Defence Headquarters last night indicated that the service chiefs had started operating from Maiduguri.

    The statement by Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. John Enenche said: “In compliance with the recent Presidential directive by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, to service Chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the epicentre of the North-East Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operation, the Service Chiefs have commenced the Command and Control of the Operation from the Military Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri.

    “In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff held a Briefing session with the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Theatre Commander and Senior Principal Staff Officers of the military high command at the Military Command and Control Centre on 1st August 2017, on the reviewed strategic direction and operational plans, in compliance to the directive of the Acting President.

    “This move and action are expected to give impetus to the military effort in the North-East Operations. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters hereby appeal to the public and people in the areas affected directly by the negative acts of terrorism and criminality, to come forward with credible information that will further assist the security and response agencies to tackle this menace.

    “It is necessary to point out some of key information required which include the following: a. Terrorists sleeper cell locations b. Terrorists concentration areas and outpost locations c. Collaborators and informants to the terrorists d. Suspicious isolated settlements and camps outside normal living areas.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and tranquility are restored to the North-East. Thus the cooperation of the general public, particularly those in the affected areas is highly solicited. “


  • Boko Haram: Osinbajo orders Service Chiefs back to Borno

    Sequel to renewed coordinated attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has ordered the service chiefs to return to the Command Centre in Maiduguri.

    He gave the order at a meeting yesterday with the service chiefs at the Presidential Villa.

    Many people have died and soldiers killed in recent attacks and ambush by the insurgents.

    Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali said at the end of the meeting: “We just finished a meeting with the Acting President and the three Service Chiefs. We agreed that they should move back to the Command Centre again and see what are the things happening there.

    “We have also agreed that we should get more surveillance devices, cameras that will be able to see distant attackers coming to the position of our troops.

    “So also the period of the raining season is a difficult moment for us. We cannot dominate the environment like what we do during the dry season but effort is geared towards the regaining back our areas and we assure that all these ambushes that are happening regularly would be stopped.”


  • Osinbajo meets security chiefs

    The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday met with the nation’s security chief.

    The meeting was held behind closed door inside Osinbajo’s office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The agenda of the meeting had not been made public as of the time of filing this report.

    Those who attended the meeting included the nation’s service chiefs and relevant ministers.

    They included the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; the Chief of Air Staff; the National Security Adviser; and Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali.

  • Reps summon service chiefs, defence minister, IGP, over incessant kidnappings, killings

    Worried by the incessant cases of indiscriminate killings and kidnappings in the country, the House of Representatives on Thursday summoned service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris,to explain what they have been doing to curtail the ugly trend.

    The service chiefs summoned included the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

    They will appear before the House in company with the Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (retd.) and the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello-Dambazau (retd.), on Tuesday, next week.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the summons extends to the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.) and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Lawal Daura.

    The House passed a resolution on the summons after debating a motion on rising kidnapping incidents in the country, particularly along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway and in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

    The motion was moved by the House Minority Whip, Mr. Yakubu Barde.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that a member of the House from Kano State, Mr. Garba Umar-Durbunde, was on Tuesday last week abducted and held for almost 48 hours.

    He was set free after reportedly coughing out N10m to his abductors.

    Barde narrated another recent incident involving “one Mrs. Sara Amos, her son, Jesse, and a family member, Mr. Isaac Michael,” who were kidnapped on June 2.

    He disclosed that in their bid to escape, the kidnappers killed “a member of the local vigilance team named Yakubu Adamu.”

    Barde added that the kidnappers had made a ransom demand of N20m.

    The House noted, “The activities of the kidnappers are becoming nightmarish for the people who can no longer go to their farms freely, with the obvious consequences of shortage of food that will result in hunger and untold hardship.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that on May 25, six students of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, were kidnapped by gunmen.

    The six students are Peter Jonah; Isiaq Rahmon; Adebayo George; Judah Agbausi; Pelumi Phillips; and Farouq Yusuf.

    The House had passed a similar resolution, asking the IGP to secure the release of the students but they have yet to be set free.

    The IGP has however said rescue mission was ongoing to secure the release of the abducted students.