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Tag: soldiers

  • Pandemonium as suspected soldiers kill two brothers in Ogun

    Pandemonium as suspected soldiers kill two brothers in Ogun

    Pandemonium broke out in Owode, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State when some men suspected to be soldiers of the Nigerian Army shot and killed two siblings for allegedly smuggling foreign rice.

    It was gathered that the incident, which happened on Sunday, angered the youth of the area who blocked the Sango-Idiroko international road in protest. The angry mob reportedly attacked an officer of the Nigerian Air Force and killed him in retaliation.

    It was gathered that trouble started when the officers accosted the elder brother in an attempt to seize his vehicle which carried bags of foreign parboiled rice. According to a source, in the course of the altercation between the man and the soldiers, some people called his younger brother, popularly known as Saheed Elegusi.

    ”Saheed rushed to the scene and the two of them were shot dead by the soldiers. We don’t know when soldiers became customs officers,” the source said.

    It was gathered that the suspected soldiers immediately fled the scene after shooting the siblings. The mob had set bonfires on the Sango-Idiroko road, affecting vehicular movements for hours.

    Confirming the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said the slain Air Force officer was in uniform when he unknowingly ran into the mob who lynched him.

    “Yes, the incident happened yesterday. I think it was caused by an argument between them (the two brothers) and men of the Nigerian Army. We are still investigating.

    “But do you know that the people killed an Air Force officer who was just passing on his own? He was just going on his own, he had nothing to do with the crisis. They just mobbed him and killed him because he was in uniform. Anyway, investigation is ongoing,” he said.

    Oyeyemi explained that the Commissioner of Police had directed the Homicide section to take over the matter.

    “The situation has been brought under control. The area is calm now. The Divisional Police Officer of Owode and some other policemen were able to move into the scene quickly,” he said.

  • Army arrest Soldier collaborating with terrorists

    Army arrest Soldier collaborating with terrorists

    The Nigerian Army has arrested another soldier said to be involved in collaborating with terrorists in the country.

    The soldier whose name has been given as Iorliam Emmanuel, reportedly in his 30s and hails from Benue state was getting hold off on Tuesday.

    Emmanuel is a member of the 156 Task Force Battalion (Operation Hadin Kai) in Mainok town.

    Mainok, 60km from the capital Maiduguri, is the headquarters of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

    Emmanuel was caught with ammunition, concealed in a bag and clothing tied around his waist.

    A trending video shows colleagues exposing the bullets the suspect stuffed inside and underneath his uniform.

    He is expected to face court martial for sneaking military supplies to terror gangs.

    Recall that recently the Nigerian Army also caught a soldier assisting Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    The Army said Lance Corporal Jibrin, an instructor, committed suicide while being escorted to the barracks.

    Intelligence had exposed Jibrin’s involvement in the killings at some relaxation spots in Yobe State in April.

    The attacks in Geidam and Gashua towns occurred within five days and claimed the lives of about 10 people.

     

  • Gunfire rocks Burkina Faso capital as soldiers blocks access to administrative building

    Gunfire rocks Burkina Faso capital as soldiers blocks access to administrative building

    Heavy gunfire rang out from the main military camp and some residential areas of Burkina Faso’s capital on Friday and a large blast was heard near the presidential palace.

    Armed soldiers took up positions along the avenue leading to the presidency and blocked access to administrative buildings and the national television, which had stopped broadcasting, according to reports.

    Military vehicles were also along several streets remained deserted as residents stayed indoors.

    A government spokesman could not be reached.

    It was not clear yet if this was a coup attempt but it bore the hallmarks of other power grabs that have swept across West and Central Africa over the past two years.

    A military junta led by Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba took power in Burkina Faso in a coup on Jan. 24.

    Damiba’s whereabouts is unknown; his government had been expected to hold a press conference on Friday afternoon to brief the media on the security situation and recent attacks.

    His January takeover was largely celebrated by civilians fed up with former President Roch Kabore’s civilian government that was unable to rein in Islamist militants linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda.

    The militants have killed thousands of civilians in recent years and taken over large parts of the north and east.

    In his first statement after the January coup, Damiba, often seen in public in military fatigues and aviator sunglasses, pledged to restore security.

    But attacks in the impoverished West African country have worsened and the army is in disarray.

    The rank and file, which gave Damiba their support in January, have grown frustrated at the lack of progress, security sources say.

    This week, unknown assailants killed 11 soldiers in an attack on a 150-vehicle convoy taking supplies to a town in northern Burkina Faso, fifty civilians are missing.  

    Militants have blockaded areas of the north, leaving communities stranded.

    Government convoys and air drops deliver essential goods to trapped civilians.

    Meanwhile, many cities and towns not under siege have seen their populations swell as people flee the violence from the countryside.

    Health systems are stretched. Drought has led to high levels of malnutrition.

    Protests against the military have cropped up in cities across Burkina Faso this week, including one in the northern town of Kaya on Saturday, to demand that the government do more to improve the security situation.

    Much of the country has become ungovernable since   2018, millions have fled their homes, fearing further raids by gunmen who frequently descend on rural communities on motorbikes.

    Thousands have been killed in attacks.

    Burkina Faso has become the epicentre of the violence that began in neighbouring Mali in 2012 but which has since spread across the arid expanse of the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert.

    As well as Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, and Guinea have all seen coups since 2020, raising fears about a backslide towards military rule in a region that has made democratic progress in recent decades.

  • Insecurity: Terrorists abscond, abandon captured soldiers in Borno

    Insecurity: Terrorists abscond, abandon captured soldiers in Borno

    Seven security operatives abducted by suspected fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Gubio LGA, Borno state were freed when their abductors reportedly fled for safety on Saturday.

    Upon the abduction of the operatives, troops of operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the air task force (ATF) were said to have hunted the terrorists with the Super Tucano, a light attack aircraft.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the insurgents fled when they sighted the attack aircraft.

    ” It was at that moment that the victims also ran towards a separate direction and escaped from the captivity of the terrorists,” a source was quoted.

    The Nigerian air force had in July 2021 took delivery of the first batch of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the US, a development seen as a big boost for war against insecurity.

    Zagazola Makama reported that the freed operatives included a police officer, three members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and two hunters.

    The insurgents were said to have attacked the operatives at the Rural Urban Migration Site (RUGA) located at Pompom Baliya village, about five kilometres to Gubio LGA.

    The publication quoted an unconfirmed source to have said that “the terrorists fled into a bush at Gadai village in Nganzai LGA of the state and abandoned the kidnapped security operatives.”

    The military, over the recent months, has continued to launch offensives on terrorists’ hideouts in the north-east.

  • Dismissed soldiers were tried in accordance with extant law – Army Headquarters

    Dismissed soldiers were tried in accordance with extant law – Army Headquarters

    The Nigerian Army (NA) says the two soldiers it dismissed from service, were tried in the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru in connection with the murder of an Islamic cleric, Sheik Goni Gashua Aisami in Yobe.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, identified the two soldiers, Lance Cpl. John Gabriel and Lance Cpl. Adamu Gideon.

    Nwachukwu said the soldiers were dismissed after facing trial at the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru on Saturday having been indicted in a report of a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.

    He said that both soldiers were charged and summarily tried for failure to perform military duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline.

    The offences according to him, are punishable under Section 62 (a) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 and Section 103(1) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

    Army spokesman said that the two soldiers were found guilty and awarded reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and Dismissed Regiments.

    “The two dismissed soldiers will be officially handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe Command in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law.

    “Recall that the NA pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice, if indicted.

    “Once more, the NA wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe. May the soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace,” he said.

  • Police arrest 2 soldiers over murder of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni

    Police arrest 2 soldiers over murder of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni

    The Police Command in Yobe has arrested two soldiers over their alleged involvement in the murder of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni Aisami, in Yobe.

    Dungus Abdulkarim, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and the command’s spokesman, announced the arrest of the suspects on Tuesday in Damaturu.

    Abdulkarim said that on Aug. 19, police operatives apprehended the suspects, Lance Cpl John Gabriel and Lance Cpl Adamu Gideon in connection with the Sheik’s murder.

    He said both soldiers were from 241 RECCE Battalion, Nguru, Yobe.

    Preliminary investigation revealed that the cleric who was traveling from Kano state gave a ride to Gabriel, the principal suspect.

    However, on their way to Jaji-Maji, a village along Gashua town, where the soldier said he was going to, he allegedly told the deceased that there was an unusual noise at the rear tire, which made Aisami to stop.

    It was when the cleric came down to check the tires that Gabriel allegedly brought out his rifle concealed in a camp bed and shot him to death.

    He then dragged the body and hid it in the bush and tried to take off with the deceased’s car, which, however, failed to start.

    The principal suspect called Gideon, the second suspect, on phone to assist in towing the vehicle.

    In another development the police spokesman also said that on Aug. 14, the command arrested one Jobdi Muhammadu, aged 42.

    He said that the suspect was a member of the kidnapping syndicate allegedly terrorising communities in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe..

    He added that the command also arrested two suspected armed robbers who specialised in breaking into people’s houses and vehicles.

    “The modus operandi of these hoodlums is to hibernate in market and bank premises and watch out for potential victims.”

    He said that the suspects would eventually trail and swoop on customers who withdraw large sums of money by burgling their vehicles or homes.

    The PPRO, on behalf of the command, commiserated with the family of the deceased cleric and appreciated the cooperation and support of the Yobe Government.

    He urged citizens to continue to support the police by providing useful and credible information at all times.

  • Army reacts to report on voluntary retirement of soldiers

    Army reacts to report on voluntary retirement of soldiers

    The Nigerian Army says it will not be deterred by mischief makers and enemies of the country trying to create disharmony in the service.

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

    Nwachukwu was reacting to a fake report by some online media that the voluntary retirement of some personnel was due to corruption, poor condition of service and low morale in the Army.

    The spokesman said the enemies of the country have again failed in their efforts to dampen the morale and fighting will of loyal, dedicated and patriotic fighting force of the Nigerian army.

    Nwachukwu said that Nigerian army was not a “conscript army”, but an organisation entered into voluntarily and with clear policy on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers.

    He said that Army personnel have the right to apply for voluntary discharge, when they deemed it fit and also met the terms and conditions.

    The Army spokesman advised the mischief makers to be abreast of the Army’s 2017 revised Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service of Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen, so as to stop embarrassing themselves in the eye of the public.

    “It is thus, the inalienable right of a personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds, apply for discharge, if they meet the terms.

    “It is therefore not an aberration that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt;-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, granted approval for 91 NA/32/4792 WO Ndagana Ishiaku and 242 others to voluntarily discharge from the Nigerian Army, as being unprofessionally manipulated by some media,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the COAS had made critical intervention on troops welfare to raise their morale in the theatre of operations.

    He added that the interventions included provision of car and housing loans, construction and renovation of accommodations, as well as residences and vehicles for Regimental Sergeant Majors.

    Others include the provision of scholarship to children and wards of fallen heroes and other unique interventions in the theatres of operation to sustain and heighten the morale of troops, he said.

    “These interventions evidently account for troops’ game changing onslaught in the North East.

    “It must also be mentioned, that the quantum of equipment that have been injected into the theatres and prompt payment of operational allowances, have all turned the tide against the insurgents.

    “Also worthy of note is the welfare flight for troops, which has significantly reduced the burden of troops travelling in and out of the theatres.

    “In addition to huge commitment on the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers and the barracks communities.

    “Equally important, is the fact that troops are now being regularly and consciously rotated from the frontline, hence, issues of overstay and battle fatigue are gradually being overcome,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that some of the recently discharged soldiers were beneficiaries of the COAS’ giant strides in welfare interventions.

    He said that the COAS congratulated the those leaving the Army for their gallantry, patriotism, loyalty and courage while in service and wished them the very best.

    Nwachukwu said the COAS would continue to make direct impact on the welfare and wellbeing of both serving and retired personnel.

    He said a luncheon has been planned for retired commanders to honour them for their services to the nation.

  • Just In: Soldiers battle terrorists, kill many in Kaduna Forest

    Just In: Soldiers battle terrorists, kill many in Kaduna Forest

    Troops of the Nigerian army have killed scores of terrorists in Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State where they recovered arms and motorcycles at the weekend

    The Kaduna State Government has praisesd the tenacious troops and called on citizens to give useful information on the activities of the hoodlums.

    The Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan said the security forces recorded a major success in ongoing operations against the terrorists.

    According to him, “scores of bandits were neutralized by ground troops and air assets during an operation in Galbi, Chikun local government area.”

    “This was conveyed in an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government from the security agencies.”

    “According to the feedback, troops of the Operation Forest Sanity supported by assets of the Nigerian Air Force conducted clearance operations on an identified terrorist enclave in Galbi general area.”

    “During their advance, the security forces crossed River Kaduna and ran into stiff resistance from the insurgents.”

    “After a fierce firefight, scores of terrorists were confirmed neutralized as the military forces prevailed.”

    “Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), three AK47 rifles and seven motorcycles were recovered from the enclave of the neutralized bandits.”

    “The Kaduna State Government expressed excitement at the feedback, and praised the troops for their tenacity in this significant victory against the enemy forces.”

    “The Government thanked the troops, air force crews, police personnel, intelligence operatives, and local vigilante members who contributed to the success of the mission. The Government urged the security forces to increase the momentum and vanquish the terrorists for good.”

    “Troops will continue clearance operations in the general area, and other identified areas of interest across the state.”

    “The Kaduna State Government hereby encourages residents to volunteer useful information on activities or movement of terrorists to security agencies. Citizens may also contact the Kaduna State Security Operations on 09034000060 or 08170189999. “

    END

  • Soldiers not shot at when they beat our personnel to death – Police

    Soldiers not shot at when they beat our personnel to death – Police

    The police command in Lagos State on Wednesday said that policemen did not shoot at a soldier during an alleged attack on police officers by some soldiers.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the claim in a statement in Lagos.

    According to Hundeyin, attention of the command had been drawn to a report credited to the outgoing GOC, 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Umar Musa,  claiming that a police officer shot at a soldier during an altercation on Aug. 3 in Lagos.

    “In as much as the Lagos State Police Command is in grieving mood and has decided to toe the line of civility, it is pertinent to stand against misinformation.

    “The fact remains that on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the Trade Fair area of Lagos State, about 30 privates of the Nigerian Army attacked five policemen for stopping vehicles on their lane to pave way for a heavy duty vehicle joining the expressway.

    “After the soldiers had brutalised the ASP leading the team, taken out his magazine, and abducted two inspectors with their rifles, the next inspector they attempted to attack fired a single shot into the air – an act that made the soldiers to retreat.

    “The single shot was into the air. At no point was anyone hit. The Lagos State Police Command challenges the army  to present the soldier allegedly shot,” he said.

    The image maker said that the police were mourning their personnel, who died in the attack. He said that the command was eagerly waiting for the report of a panel of inquiry set up by the Nigerian Army to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

    “The command equally looks forward to fishing out of the soldiers behind the torture and murder of Inspector Monday Orukpe,” he said.

    The official also said that the police were looking forward for return of two AK-47 rifles and three magazines allegedly carted away by the soldiers.

    “This is in line with the pledge made by the Nigerian Army as conveyed by Brig.-Gen. KN Nwoko during a condolence visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi,” he said.

  • Soldiers beat policeman to death in Lagos

    Soldiers beat policeman to death in Lagos

    Military personnel  from the  Ojo Military Cantonment on Wednesday beat a policeman who was identified as Inspector Monday Orube to death in Lagos over right of way.

    The soldiers numbering about thirty, were reported to have whisked two policemen who were working as traffic wardens to their barracks while the third officer managed to escape from being forcefully taken.

    A source claimed that the lane through which the soldiers were driving in a Coaster bus was stopped by the three policemen who were on duty at the time of the incident to allow other road users on the other lane to pass not knowing that the Coastal bus was conveying soldiers who were still behind.

    The soldiers got infuriated and insisted on taking one-way during an argument with the policemen.

    The source said they pounced on the policemen and beat them to a pulp.

    Afterwards, the soldiers forcefully took two of the policemen to their barracks where the beating continued.

    The source further said when the soldiers noticed that the abducted policemen had become unconscious, they decided to take them to their hospital at the cantonment.

    However, one of the policemen, Inspector Monday Orube, unfortunately gave up the ghost on Thursday afternoon.

    Another source further disclosed that the soldiers who were going to their cantonment in a Coastal bus, were stopped by the policemen and they got angry and asked why civilians will be allowed to pass before them.

    “The three traffic wardens were beaten by over 30 soldiers before they were abducted to their cantonment.”

    ”One of them was unconscious and they were both taken to their hospital, the source said.

    ”The officers were kidnapped while their riffles which included two AK-47, with over seventy rounds of ammunition were in the custody of the soldiers since Wednesday when the incident happened.

    It was gathered that the soldiers involved in this unlawful act were said to be among the lowest in rank who have only spent four years in service while the policemen are senior officers with over twenty years in service.

    When contacted on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundey in, confirmed the incident.

    He said: “It is true that an incident occurred between our officers and some soldiers numbering up to thirty on Wednesday around Ojo area of the state.”

    He, however, said that the command and its sister agency (the army) involved in the incident are working together to resolve the issue.