TheNewsGuru

Tag: Soldier

  • Army nabs soldier for gun running in Borno

    Army nabs soldier for gun running in Borno

    The Nigerian Army has arrested one of its personnel for alleged gunrunning, even as troops rescued eight kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition in recent operations across the country.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters disclosed this NAN on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the soldier, identified as Lance Cpl. Saifullahi Garba (14NA/72/15972), was arrested in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

    According to the source, preliminary findings showed that the soldier had been accumulating the ammunition from clearance operations with the intent of supplying terrorists.

    “He has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

    The source also confirmed that troops in Bama intercepted terrorists’ logistics movement and recovered 379 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

    He added ambush operations by troops in Borno and Yobe led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 11 rounds of ammunition and other items, with one terrorist neutralised.

    In the North-Central, the source said troops rescued three more kidnap victims in Nassarawa, in addition to five earlier rescued.

    He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recovered 579 rustled cattle and two AK-47 rifles from armed herdsmen responsible for earlier attacks in Taraba.

    In the South-South, the source said the troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 10 armed suspects in Rivers disguised in OSPAC uniforms.

    According to him, troops seized five pump-action rifles, locally made guns, charms, mobile phones and ₦1.7 million cash, while a separate raid in Ahoada East neutralised two cult leaders.

    “These operations demonstrate both the army’s resolve to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action and its vigilance to deal decisively with any betrayal within the ranks,” he said.

  • Newly recruited soldier stabs police constable to death

    Newly recruited soldier stabs police constable to death

    A newly recruited soldier, Dauda Dedan, has aledgedly stabbed a Police constable Aaron John, of Taraba State Command to death in Jalingo.

    Confirming the incident to Newsmen in Jalingo on Wednesday, James Lashen, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command said that the unfortunate incident occured at 9:00 p.m. on Monday in Mayo-Goyi, a suburb of Jalingo town.

    Lashen said that the late John, who was alerted by some residents of the area over a misunderstanding between them and the soldier, was caught in the middle of the chaos, which led to the soldier stabbing him.

    The PPRO, who stated that the soldier was currently at large, said that the army had already commenced investigation into the matter, and had assured the Police of tracking down the suspect to face the full wrath of the law.

    “We have reported the matter to 6 Brigade headquarters of the Nigerian Army, and we have been given full assurances of tracking down the fugitive soldier to face the full wrath of the law.

    “Both the army and the police are working hand in hand. We have gotten to the house of the soldier, we would ensure he is arrested and is brought to book accordingly,” he said.

    Lashen, therefore, maintained that the relationship between the two security agencies was very cordial.

  • Ex U.S. soldier convicted for 1978 murder

    Ex U.S. soldier convicted for 1978 murder

    A 71-year-old former U.S. soldier was sentenced to life in prison by a German court on Tuesday for the fatal stabbing of a young woman 47 years ago.

    The man, who was 24 at the time, has always maintained his innocence; his lawyers had argued for an acquittal before the Schweinfurt Regional Court in south-western Germany.

    One of the defendant’s two attorneys requested a psychiatric evaluation in the event of a conviction, arguing the man suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the crime.

    The lawyer claimed the condition significantly impaired his client’s ability to control his actions, although he said this was not an admission of guilt, the court denied the request.

    The prosecution had called for a life sentence, citing the discovery of the defendant’s DNA on the clothing of the 18-year-old victim.

    In his closing arguments, the senior prosecutor referenced two witnesses who said the defendant had confessed to the killing years later.

    The soldier was stationed in Schweinfurt at the time of the murder.

    Investigators believe the then-married soldier was having an affair with the young woman, a trainee teacher.

    On April 20, 1978, he allegedly stabbed her 14 times near Schweinfurt, the Prosecutors argued that the killing was motivated by her threat to reveal the affair and a possible pregnancy to his wife.

    However, because of the statute of limitations, only a murder conviction was still legally possible, the verdict is not yet final.

  • Soldier in custody over alleged assault – Army

    Soldier in custody over alleged assault – Army

    The Nigerian Army says it has taken into custody Pte. Christopher Emmanuel, who allegedly assaulted a female vendor, Doshima, in Kula, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue.

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, Capt. Abdullahi Osabo, on Sunday.

    Osabo said the Headquarters Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) took cognisance of the incident which occurred on May 6 and reported on May 8.

    He said the incident might have stemmed from a dispute over an unpaid debt, with allegations suggesting that the soldier claimed the woman insulted him during a phone conversation.

    According to him, it is further alleged that this confrontation may have escalated into a physical altercation, which is now under investigation.

    “Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    “The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and will take disciplinary action based on findings of the investigation.

    “The leadership of the Nigerian Army assures the general public and the victim that justice will be served in line with the military’s high standards.

    “OPWS strongly condemns any form of indiscipline or human rights abuse by its personnel,” he said.

    Osabo urged members of the public to report any instances of abuse by Nigerian army personnel to the Human Rights Desk helpline instead of using the social media.

    He gave the assurance that all reports of infractions by army personnel were viewed seriously, investigated and sanctions applied where personnel were found culpable.

    “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” he added.

  • Police detain fake soldier for alleged abduction, robbery

    Police detain fake soldier for alleged abduction, robbery

    Operatives of the Lagos Police’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have detained a 42-year-old suspected army impersonator, for allegedly abducting and robbing a man of his valuables.

    RRS made this known in a post shared on its official X handle @ rrsLagos767 on Wednesday.

    It stated that the suspect, a dismissed army sergeant and ex-convict, was apprehended on Saturday at Ikeja Underbridge.

    “The suspect was apprehended by police operatives after being spotted by one of his victims around Computer Village, Ikeja, ” it stated.

    According to RRS, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect on Dec. 30, 2024 accused his victim of stumbling on him.

    “He claimed he lost a gold ring in the process and that his victim must produce the ring for him.

    “The suspect thereafter, told his victim that he was an army officer, displaying his identification card.

    “It was further alleged that the suspect told his victim that if he could not produce his gold ring, he was going to take him to army barracks in Oshodi,” it stated.

    It said that investigations revealed that it was at that point that the suspect invited an accomplice on a motorcycle and hauled his victim on a bike.

    “On the pretext that they were taking the victim to Army Cantonment, they drove him to Third Mainland Bridge, collected his iPhone 13 and money, and abandoned him there.

    “Further investigations revealed that the suspect sold the iPhone 13 for N150,000 in Computer Village, Ikeja, ” RRS said.

    It stated that investigations also revealed that the suspect was arrested in 2024 in Ikeja and imprisoned over a similar crime.

    RRS stated that a Nigerian Army cap and a Nigerian Army fake identity card were recovered from him.

    According to RRS, the suspect has been transferred to CP’s Special Squad for further investigation.

  • Speaker Abbas sad over Lagbaja’s passage, says he was a gallant soldier

    Speaker Abbas sad over Lagbaja’s passage, says he was a gallant soldier

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, as “a gallant military officer”.

    Tajudeen who expressed shock in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi on Wednesday. described the COAS’s passing as a huge loss to the Armed Forces and Nigeria as a country.

    Lt. Gen. Lagbaja died on Tuesday night, aged 56, after an illness, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga.

    Speaker Abbas also noted that the late Army Chief recorded modest achievements in a short period as the COAS.

    The Speaker recalled how Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, after becoming the COAS, went round military bases across the country, especially in the North-East and North-West, to motivate soldiers on the battlefields.

    This, Speaker Abbas said exemplified Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s dogged spirit and determination to make the country safe for all.

    The Speaker commiserated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Lagbaja family, the people, and government of Osun State over the loss.

    He prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Chief of Army Staff.

  • SAD: 2 die as soldier, police fight dirty in Nasarawa

    SAD: 2 die as soldier, police fight dirty in Nasarawa

    The Police Command in Nasarawa State says two people were killed in the Agyaragu community in Obi Local Government due to a clash between a police special constabulary and an army personnel.

    DSP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command disclosed this at news conference on Sunday in Lafia.

    Nansel said that the altercation began when a man said to be a soldier and a police Special Constabulary engaged in a fight at Agyaragu market, resulting in both of them stabbing each other.

    He said that both of them were rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, the soldier died while receiving treatment.

    “Youths from the soldier’s neighborhood mobilised and attacked a police station in the area.

    “The police on duty repelled the attack and in the melee, one other person was confirmed dead, while two are currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.

    According to Nansel, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Nadadahad has visited the station for an on-the-spot assessment.

    Nansel said that normalcy had already returned to the area. He assured that the police would investigate to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the incident.

  • Soldier allegedly stabs police inspector to death in Lagos

    Soldier allegedly stabs police inspector to death in Lagos

    An unidentified soldier has reportedly stabbed police Inspector Saka Ganiyu to death at the Ojo axis of Lagos State.

    NAN gathered that the deceased police officer was attached to a Lagos State task force.

    A credible source, who confirmed the death  on Thursday in Lagos, said that the incident occurred on Wednesday about 6.30 a.m. at Volks Bus Stop on Lagos-Badagry Road.

    It was learnt that the police officer was carrying out lawful enforcement with his team  members when an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus drove against traffic.

    “The bus was driven by a man, who identified himself as a soldier.

    “In an ensuing altercation, the said soldier called his colleagues, who came out from the Ojo Army Baracks with dangerous weapons and attacked the police team.

    “While the attack was on, the task force called for reinforcement and more policemen were swiftly mobilised to the scene and repelled the soldiers.

    “One Insp Saka Ganiyu, a member of the police team, who sustained injuries during the attack was rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for treatment,” the source said.

    He added that  the injured officer later died in the hospital while undergoing treatment.

    According to the source,  the corpse has been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy and preservation, while the command has begun investigation into the case.

    The spokesperson for police command in Lagos State State, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached for comment.

    Meanwhile, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, which confirmed the death in a statement, said it had begun investigation into the incident.

    The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said in the statement on Thursday  that the army regretted  to inform the public of an unfortunate incident.

    He said that the incident occurred on Oct. 9, 2024, and involved a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to  alleged traffic rule violation.

    “The incident, which is under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman.

    “The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the military police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures.

    “The incident is highly regrettable given the division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.

    “The Nigerian Army has continuously sensitised its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies as well as the civil populace,” he said.

    Ayeni said that the army would continue to collaborate with  security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in line with its constitutional mandate.

  • Army condemns torture of ex-soldier by IPOB

    Army condemns torture of ex-soldier by IPOB

    The Nigerian Army has condemned the torture of an ex-soldier, retired Cpl. Toriola Adewale, by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

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

    Nwachukwu said the video of the torture was being circulated by the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of IPOB, Simon Ekpa.

    He said the victim, who retired from the Nigerian Army six years ago, was obviously subjected to brutal torture by the so called IPOB/Biafra Liberation Army.

    According to him, Adewale was also forced to deliver messages to active military personnel urging them to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities and abandon their duties.

    “This defenceless citizen was further compelled to falsely claim he was treated well while being held captive.

    “It must be unequivocally stated that the claim by IPOB and its terrorist leader that ex-Cpl. Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army is far from the truth.

    “This outrageous propaganda by IPOB terrorist group is undoubtedly an attempt to justify their savage mistreatment of an unarmed, law-abiding citizen who served his country meritoriously.

    “Such dehumanising acts must be condemned in the strongest terms by the international community.

    “The Nigerian Army therefore urges all Nigerians to disregard this malicious video and stand united against the vile acts of terrorism perpetrated against Nigerians, and particularly, the law-abiding people of South East by IPOB terrorists.”

    Nwachukwu said that majority of Nigerians in the South East and across the nation had rejected the criminal propaganda of IPOB.

    According to him, the Nigerian military, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified operations aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the Southeast and other parts of the country.

    He added that the recent annihilation of key terrorist leaders in identified terrorists’ strongholds was clearly indicative of this commitment.

    “The savage treatment of innocent citizens like ex-Cpl. Toriola and other law-abiding Nigerians must not be treated with levity.

    “We call on all relevant international organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, to take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB terrorist elements accountable for these heinous crimes.

    “The Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in protecting all Nigerians, including its retired and active personnel from such terror.

    “The villainous acts of terror by Simon Ekpa and his accomplices must come to an end, as justice will soon catch up with them.

    “They can run, but they cannot hide forever,” he added.

  • Protest: NHRC seeks thorough investigation into alleged killing of 16-year-old by soldier

    Protest: NHRC seeks thorough investigation into alleged killing of 16-year-old by soldier

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for thorough investigation into the killing of a 16-year- old boy, Isma’il Muhammad in Zaria during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

    The commission expressed deep concerns over the killing, during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN made the call while reacting to the incident that led to the killing.

    He said , it is particularly troubling given the commission’s previous Advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.

    He reiterated that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot be violated under any circumstances.

    ” The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.

    “We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable” he said.

    Ojukwu said, this is not an isolated incident, and the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.

    He therefore, urged the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations.

    ”The authorities should ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights.”

    While commiserating with the family of Isma’il Muhammad, Ojukwu said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.

    The Chief of Army Staff ( COAS,) Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has ordered for the arrest of the soldier who accidentally killed Mohammed.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a  statement explained the cause of death of the the teenager.

    He added that the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.

    NAN