TheNewsGuru

Tag: soldiers

  • Niger state massacre: We lost many gallant officers – Army spokesman

    Niger state massacre: We lost many gallant officers – Army spokesman

    The Nigerian Army has revealed that many security operatives, including soldiers and police, were killed by bandits during an attack in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

    Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

    According to reports, at least 43 people, including 30 soldiers and seven mobile police personnel and civilians were killed when the armed men stormed the Gold mining site.

    They also abducted several Chinese nationals.

    Confirming the attack, Nwachukwu said that some bandits were also gunned down during the attack.

    “Sadly, a number of personnel paid the supreme price in the fierce firefight that ensued.

    “Subsequently, the location has been reinforced and troops are on the trail of the criminals with some already neutralized.
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    “The GOC 1 Division has moved to the location to take charge of the follow up operations”, the statement reads.

  • Nigeria deploys 640 soldiers for peacekeeping missions in other countries

    Despite the rising cases of insecurity across the country, the Nigeria military has deployed no fewer than 640 soldiers to different peacekeeping missions in other countries.

     

    The figure was based on media reports on deployment between July 2021 and May 2022.

     

    On July 21, 2021 the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.) said over 200 Nigerian soldiers were serving in the Economic Community For West Africa States mission in the Gambia.

     

    Sixty-two soldiers and officers were also sent to Mali on a peacekeeping mission on December 3, 2021, while no fewer than 173 troops were deployed for peacekeeping mission to Guinea Bissau on April 21 , 2022.

     

    Also, on April 30, 2022, the Nigerian Army sent a contingent of 205 troops to The Gambia on a peacekeeping mission.

     

    In a report released by SBM Intelligence, at least 2,085 persons were killed in Nigeria between October to December 2021 in violent incidents across the country, while a total of 10,366 died in 2021.

     

    Also, between January and March 2022, at least 2,968 people were killed while another 1,484 were abducted, according to data released by the Nigeria Security Tracker.

    Nigeria

     

    The security operatives were not left out, as no fewer than 323 were killed by non-state actors between January and May 15, 2022.

     

    Thenewsguru.com (TNG) reports that the army said that since 1960, Nigeria has deployed over 20, 000 troops to 40 peacekeeping missions in Africa and across the world.

     

    Earlier the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji was renamed Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, in recognition of his commitment to peacekeeping efforts and excellent service.

     

    The centre was established in 2004 by Agwai as a Wing, when he was the Chief of Army Staff.

     

    Speaking, Agwai noted that peacekeeping was gradually becoming an intra-country issue with the military at the centre stage following internal conflicts such as ethnic, religious other crises.

     

    He, however, noted that Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in Africa and world at large, but had not repeat the economic and diplomatic benefits of such venture.

     

    Agwai, who was also a Chief of Defence Staff, called on government and private-owned organisations to partner the centre in leadership training on conflict prevention and management in the quest to achieve enduring peace.

     

    He thanked current and past leadership of the army for the honour done him by naming the centre after him.

  • ASUU: Soldiers attack protesting students, dismantle road blocks in Ondo State

    ASUU: Soldiers attack protesting students, dismantle road blocks in Ondo State

    Public University students protesting the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in Ondo state were dispersed by Military personnel.

    The soldiers opened fire to chase away students away from the protesting venue after blocking the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

     

     

    The protesting students who bemoaned the attitude of the federal government on the matter with ASUU had converged on the FUTA North Gate and Roadblock where they blocked the road to register their grievances.

    The soldiers who got aggrieved for being blocked and not allowed access to their destination as at when due came out of their vehicle and shot into the air to disperse the protesters before dismantling the road blocks.

    Findings show that the soldiers were not from 32 Artilery Brigade in Akure but were on transit to a destination in the state.

    According to some of the students who scampered for safety, the soldiers who were coming from the Ilesha end of the road descended on some of the students and destroyed their belongings.

     

  • Tight security as Buhari visits Ebonyi

    Tight security as Buhari visits Ebonyi

    Security has been beefed up in Abakaliki, Ebonyi capital as President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday begin a two-day working visit to the state.

    It was observed that streets in the capital city wore new looks with different security personnel seen at strategic locations.

    It was also observed that among the security personnel on guard are soldiers, policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel.

    Some residents, who spoke in Abakaliki said they look forward to the presidential visit to the state.

    Mr Eugene Nwangele, described the visit as relevant, especially when stakeholders in the Southeast zone are expected to present issues that bothers the zone and country at large to Buhari.

    Nwangele said the visit would also give the people of the state in particular and south east in general a sense recognition and belonging.

    Mr Chijioke Ama commended the landmark projects and transformational policies in that have taken place in the state in the last few years.

    “Yes, Ebonyi is fast developing, I thank the President for visiting us,” Ama said.

    Mrs Juliet Egbo, a petty trader said that she had started experiencing high patronage in her business as more residents come out to welcome Buhari.

    “There is need to stabilise the economy of the country to reduce the hardship being experienced by citizens,” she said.

    Various groups, youths, women are in their colorful attires in different streets ready to welcome the president to the state.

  • 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”.

  • We have settled with soldiers – Ondo Amotekun Commander, Adetunji

    We have settled with soldiers – Ondo Amotekun Commander, Adetunji

    The commander of Amotekun corps in Ondo state, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye has disclosed that what happened between his men and soldiers wasn’t a clash of interest but mere argument which has since been resolved.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that operatives of Amotekun and Soldiers from 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure clashed over seizure of 100 cows belonging to the superiors of the soldiers.

    The residents of the area were said to be running for safety when they saw the men of the two security agencies arguing, while some cows were said to have been arrested by the Amotekun Corps for allegedly violating the state anti-open grazing law.

    Read Also:

    Amotekun, Soldiers clash in Ondo state over seizure of cows

    Upon interrogation ,the commander of Amotekun corps, Akogun Adeleye said it was a minor argument, which had since been resolved.

    He said, “It is a lie, we didn’t have any clash with soldiers. There was no issue between us, there was a minor argument and we have resolved it. Saying we are clashing with each other is not true.

    Meanwhile, one of the residents of the area, who identified himself as Ademola, narrated that the soldiers and some Amotekun Corps members were seen arguing and the argument was suspected to be over some arrested cows.

    “We saw both soldiers and Amotekun people arguing, we suspect they were arguing on some cows which we believed were seized by the Amotekun Corps. When people saw them, everybody was running here and there. But later they left our area,” Ademola stated.

    Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu had signed anti-open grazing bill into law, in September, 2021.
  • Amotekun, Soldiers clash in Ondo state over seizure of cows

    Amotekun, Soldiers clash in Ondo state over seizure of cows

    State Security Network in the South West known as Amotekun operatives have clashed with solders in Ondo state, Tuesday evening over seizure of 100 cows from herdsmen in Akure the state capital.

    According to reports, the solders numbering about 12 double crossed the Amotekun personnel who had seized the cows for violating the anti-grazing law in the state to stop them from taking the cows away.

    Findings show that the Soldiers who double-crossed the Amotekun operatives stormed the road from 32 Artillery Brigade in Ondo state claiming the cows were owned by their superiors at the barracks and wouldn’t allow them be taken away.

    Farmers in the Oke-Aro axis of Akure metropolis neighborhood had cried out over the invasion of their farms by the cows and herders where crops were destroyed.

    The altercation that followed between the men of the Amotekun and soldiers led to a shouting match and gun shots were being fired in the air.

    An eye witness who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed that two operatives of the Amotekun operatives were whisked away.

    “As Amotekun personnel were marching the arrested cows to their office in the Alagbaka area of the state, troops numbering approximately ten invaded the area with Hilux vehicles and stopped the arrest of the cows,” the source said.

    “The troops urged that the Amotekun men not take the cows because they belonged to their military barrack’s officers.”

    Recall that Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu had signed anti-open grazing bill into law, in September, 2021.

    Other south-west states such as Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti have also passed the anti-grazing bills

     

  • Nigerian Army inaugurates 4,800 new soldiers to combat nation’s security challenges

    Nigerian Army inaugurates 4,800 new soldiers to combat nation’s security challenges

    The Army on Saturday admitted 4,800 new soldiers at a passing out parade ceremony held in Kaduna State.

    The new recruits are expected to contribute to the army’s ongoing operations in various parts of the country, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, said.

    “They commenced their training in August and they have been trained as professional soldiers in line with our training directives, taking cognisance, of course, of the current environment,” the army chief said.

    “We hope they will deliver as they are deployed across all the theatres.”

    He said the army portal has been opened for a new set of recruits who are expected to commence training in January.

    “The drive as mandated by Mr. President is to increase our strength and have more feet on the ground in addition to all the things we are doing,” he said. “And he has provided all the resources for this.”

    He added that there is also provision for specialised training being given to those already in the service, to enhance their capabilities.

    Lieutenant-General Yahaya, while urging the newly inaugurated soldiers to apply the mental, physical and moral training acquired over the past few months as well as those they will be exposed to at their respective formations, warned them to uphold the Nigerian Army’s core values of Loyalty, Selfless Service, Courage, Discipline, Integrity, and Respect for Others.

    He also asked them to remain loyal to constituted authorities at all times and place the interest of the nation ahead of their personal convictions, even as he reminded them to be ready to go wherever ordered to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria at any cost.

  • How soldiers allegedly tortured police woman’s son to death in Edo

    How soldiers allegedly tortured police woman’s son to death in Edo

    Disappointed by the action of soldiers at a check-point, the Nigerian Army has summoned one of its guard commanders in Edo State in connection with the alleged death of Christian Ehima, a 24-year-old University of Benin undergraduate studying computer science.

    Mercy Ehima, the victim’s distraught mother and an Assistant Superintendent of Police with the Delta State Police Command, told newsmen that her son was tortured to death by soldiers at the Railway Checkpoint in Igbanke, Edo State.

    Mercy stated her son had unwittingly boarded a kidnappers’ vehicle while travelling to a hamlet named Ewesa in Edo before Benin on Friday, December 10, 2021.

    The kidnappers stumbled onto the soldiers’ roadblock, according to the 53-year-old widow, and promptly reversed.

    “During the process, my kid claims he leapt out of the van and ran into the bush.” He claimed he texted me in the jungle, but I didn’t respond. He claimed that as he was walking through the bush, he came face to face with a large snake and leapt out of the way.

    Christian claimed that he dashed to the Army checkpoint, which was about four poles distant. He stated he expected the troops to rush to his help, but as he was going to tell them about his ordeal, they booted him and he fell to the ground, where they began to hit him,” the grieving widow added through sobbing.

    When contacted, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, informed Newsmen that an investigation into the case had begun and that the military had no space for such behaviour.

    “I’ve just phoned my PRO (Public Relations Officer) in Benin and brought it to his attention,” Nwachukwu stated. He also stated that he had contacted the Police Prosecutor in the area.

    “The woman is a Delta State employee, and a probe has already begun on their end.” The Guard Commander (the commander of the checkpoint’s soldiers) has been asked to make a statement.

    “We’ve started looking into it, and we’ll get to the bottom of it.” We can’t cover up such people, and we don’t have a place for such people in the system if it happened, just like the female soldier who abused the youth corper; it was properly investigated, and the officer was dealt with; we can’t cover up such people, and we don’t have a place for such people in the system if it happened.”

  • Brigadier General, four other soldiers killed during shootout with Boko Haram buried

    Brigadier General, four other soldiers killed during shootout with Boko Haram buried

    The burial service of Brigadier-General Zirkushu Dzarma and four other soldiers who died fighting against Boko Haram terrorists was held on Friday at the Saint Stephen’s Protestant Church in Yola, Adamawa State.

    The names of the other late soldiers are: Major Luka Barde, Lance Corporal Simon Solomon, Pte. Chagumeji Victor and Pte. Danyaro Umar.

    Dignitaries at the funeral included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Deputy-Governor of Adamawa State, Crowther Seth, and heads of security agencies in the state.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya, was also expected at the ceremony but was yet to arrive as of the time of this reporting.

    The soldiers are to be buried at the military cemetery of 23 brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yola.

    The soldiers were killed on November 13 during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum described the soldiers as fallen heroes for what he called “their supreme sacrifices to the Nigerian Nation”.

    He added that “the people of Borno will remain forever grateful to them and all fallen heroes, and will remain fully supported of gallant troops currently operating in front lines”.

    President Muhammadu Buhari also expressed sadness over the deaths.

    Nigeria’s North-East has been rocked by an insurgency that has lasted for more than a decade.

    The conflict has led to thousand of death and the displacement of millions.