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Tag: Troops

  • Boko Haram: Buratai makes U-Turn, commends troops for gallant efforts

    Boko Haram: Buratai makes U-Turn, commends troops for gallant efforts

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday commended the courage commitment and sacrifice being made by officers and men of the armed forces in safeguarding the country.

    Buratai gave the commendation during the graduation of 183 intermediate military officers, held at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.

    He said that the military authorities were doing more to acquire new platforms and enhance the welfare of personnel to ensure total success in the various operations targeted at securing the country and its people.

    “I would like to commend your courage and commitment to the onerous and noble cause of ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to honour those who have paid the supreme price while in active service of our Motherland.

    “We owe it to them to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. We also owe it to ourselves to become better at our craft, in terms of the quality of our equipment, personnel and training.

    “To this end, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is making concerted efforts to acquire new platforms and equipment,’’ he added.

    “We are also building our capacity to design and manufacture these equipment and materials using indigenous resources in order to ensure sustainability and enduring success in our military operations.

    “While carrying out your duties in a professional manner, I charge you to be objective, firm and yet humane.

    “Always adhere to the rules of engagement in force; seek good relations with your host communities in order to earn their respect and support which are the most critical requirements for success in asymmetric warfare.’’

    He added that it they must obey the rule of law and maintain a modest life that is worthy of emulation by the people the military have been mandated to protect.

    “These few tips are capable of winning the hearts and minds of the people, which will ultimately result in a more favourable outcome in all our military operations.

    “As military personnel, we must always remember that we are mandated to uphold Civil and Military Laws, as well as the highest standards of human conduct.

    To the 183 intermediate officers of Junior Course 87, the Army Chief urged them to remain professional, disciplined and hard working in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the 23 weeks course commenced on Jan. 16 with 91 participants from the Army, 42 Navy personnel, 28 from the Air Force, and 14 non-military students from the Nigeria Customs Service, Road Safety Corps, as well as other paramilitary and security agencies.

    Also, there are eight international officers on the Course comprising two from the Gambia and one each from the Republics of Botswana, Cameroun, Congo, Ghana, Niger and Zambia.

    “I believe that the ethos of Leadership, Integrity, Discipline, Hard Work, Conscientiousness, Esprit-de-Corps and Self Confidence has been further entrenched in you in the course of your training.

    “As from today, you have become professionally qualified junior level staff officers deployable at formation headquarters, as well as tactical level junior commanders of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other countries represented here.”

    He added that the objective of the College is to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers in order to prepare them for increasing responsibilities both in staff and command appointments.

    “I would like you to know that the appellation, ‘Passed Junior Staff Course’, confers much responsibility on you in terms of the anticipated quality of output you must produce henceforth.

    “I say this because a lot of expectation will now be placed on you by your superiors, peers and even subordinates, as you return to your respective military units, organisations or countries,’’ he said

    Buratai noted that in accordance with its constitutional roles, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is currently deployed for Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, as well as Internal Security operations across the country.

    “Many of you were released from the theatre of operation for this course and some of you will be going back there,” the Army chief added.

    Earlier, the Commandant of the College, AVM Lawal Alao said the 23-week course featured intense field training and academic activities designed to build the capacity of officers with the appropriate skills to function as Grade 3 Staff Officers and tactical level junior commanders.

    He explained that the course is also aimed at developing the leadership, analytical and communication skills of the participants to be able to efficiently operate during single service, joint or multi-agency operations.

    “On the part of the College, we shall continue to improve on the instructional curricular, facilities and environment in order to ensure that the training offered here are contemporary and fit for purpose.

    He commended the graduands for the untiring efforts they have put to qualify for the prestigious award of Passed Junior Staff Course.

    “With this qualification, the College has laid a solid professional foundation for you, and you are now appreciably equipped to cope with most challenges that you are bound to face as you progress in your chosen careers.

    “As you all know, the scourge of Boko Haram Terrorists still exists, though much degraded by ongoing military onslaught against the insurgents.

    “Other threats such as armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities are still prevalent across the country.

    “Accordingly, by virtue of your training at the Junior Course, we are confident that you will be professional, effective and yet humane while carrying out your tasks as junior staff officers and commanders in the field.

    “Always bear in mind, the end state of our military mandate, which is to ensure the unity, prosperity and security of Nigeria in order to foster national development.

    “I charge you therefore to be courageous, honest, true and conscientious to the oath we swore, to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests.

    “As you return to your respective agencies and countries, I implore you to be good ambassadors of the College, and continue to sustain the friendships you have developed here with your colleagues and members of staff,’’ Alao said.

  • Troops kill six bandits, arrest informants in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Army on Monday said troops deployed to the northwest on operation Habin Kunama III have neutralized six bandits and arrested 18 informants including a district head while on clearance operations.

    Its Acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that weapons were also recovered from the bandits.

    Col. Musa said: “Troops on Operation HABIN KUNAMA III, based on credible intelligence about bandits’ movements in Kirsa and Sunke in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have on the 20th of April 2019 continued with the clearance operation into the hinterland to clear the brigands.

    “Consequently, the troops made contact and engaged the bandits in a fierce shoot out at the bushes of Kirsa and Sunke villages which resulted in the extermination of six (6) criminals, the recovery of two AK 47 Riffles and two motorcycles.

    “Similarly, at the general areas of Doka and Mutu villages in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops on clearance operation also had a serious encounter on the 20th of April 2019 with a group of well- armed bandits which lasted for about two hours.

    “The brigands were armed with sophisticated automatic weapons, were overpowered by troops, forcing survivors among them to abandon their camps and logistics which were destroyed by the troops.

    “Additionally, 18 suspected informants and errand men to the bandits including the village Heads of Doka and Mutu villages were arrested.

    “The Force Commander (FC) Major General Hakeem Oladapo Otiki reiterated the resolve of troops to tackle the menace of armed banditry and other forms of criminality in Zamfara and the contiguous states of Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto.

    “He enjoined members of the public to continue cooperating with the troops and other security agencies by providing information that will assist in dealing with bandits/banditry activities in the States.”

  • Troops kill 41 suspected Boko Haram terrorists

    Forty suspected Boko Haram terrorists were at the weekend killed by the Multinational Joint Task Force Troops (MNJTF), the military announced on Sunday.

    The terrorists were neutralised in clearance operations by troops who destroyed six gun trucks and other equipment belonging to the insurgents.

    According to the Chief Military Information Officer of the Force, Col. Timothy Antigha, the feat was achieved following the launch of Operation Yancin Tafki last month.

    Col. Antigha explained in a statement that the troops of the MNJTF, comprising of air and land components, would continue to pursue and raid the hideouts of fleeing terrorists until they are wiped out.

    The Force spokesman said: “In continuation of Operation YANCIN TAFKI which was launched last month, troops of the MNJTF, comprising Air and Land Components from Chad, Cameroon, Niger Republic and Nigeria have for the second time in about 10 days, dealt a devastating blow on Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Last night, Boko Haram Terrorists operating on the Kamadougou River, between Niger and Nigeria, attacked troops location in Gueskerou, about 30 kilometers from Diffa in Niger Republic.

    “However, troops showed valour and gallantry by fiercely defending their location and killing 27 terrorists, destroying six gun trucks and capturing equipment, arms and ammunition.

    “A few terrorists who escaped the fire fight were observed running towards Gashigar in Nigerian territory and were being pursued as at the time of issuing this press release.

    “In a related development, between 3 and 6 pm today (Saturday), MNJTF troops also confronted Boko Haram Terrorists around Abadam, in the general area of Mallam Fatori.

    “A summary of human and equipment casualty suffered by Boko Haram during the engagement is stated below:

    13 Boko Haram Terrorists killed;

    20 AK 47 Rifles, five AA Gun, and another 12 AK 47 Rifles were seized from them.”

    He listed others as: 1000 by 7.62 MM ammunition and 500 by 12.7MM ammunition, adding that one Boko Haram Terrorist was captured alive.

    Col. Antigha also said five motor cycles were seized and another one destroyed by troops.

    According to him four gun trucks were destroyed, three gun trucks captured, three general purpose machine guns captured and three hand grenades were also captured from the terrorists.

    He said: “It would be recalled that about 10 days ago, MNJTF troops also struck Boko Haram Terrorists in Dorou in Niger Republic, neutralising many of them in the process.

    “The MNJTF is therefore determined to intensify subsidiary operations such as raids, ambushes and fighting patrols among others until the last strong hold of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin is neutralised.”

     

  • MNJTF deploys 10,250 troops to combat Boko Haram insurgents

    Maj.-Gen. Chikezie Ude, Field Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) on Boko Haram insurgency, said operations of the team were currently being executed by 10,250 military personnel.

    He told some Nigerian journalists in N’djamena, Chad, on Friday that the number of the personnel, drawn from Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the four countries involved in the task force operations, rose from 7,600 in 2015.

    Ude, therefore, said that the operations did not have the challenge of personnel, adding that the size of the troops had led to the huge decimation of the insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin.

    According to him, in 2015, Boko Haram was everywhere, but as at today, no place is under firm control of the insurgents in Nigeria.

    The commander said that with the collaboration of national military forces of member-states of the Chad Basin, the Task Force had been able to recover areas previously lost to the insurgents.

    He, however, called for support of all segments of the society in the fight to eliminate terrorism in the region, saying “defeating terrorism is not a military affair alone”.

    He reaffirmed the mandate of the MNJTF, saying that it is to create safe environment in the basin, to significantly reduce violence against civilians, especially women and children.

    Ude disclosed that 2,000 civilian casualties were recorded in the insurgency war in 2015, adding however that the number dropped to 573 in 2018.

    He said that security operations in the region had improved considerably, adding that MNJTF’s activities were being prosecuted in four sectors in Bakasole (Chad), Nigeria (Baga), Niger (Diffa) and Cameroon, with additional contingent from Benin Republic.

    He said that the forces had been integrated to respond to situations as they arose, explaining that emphasis was on “mobile operations” because of the wide expanse of land in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “The task force has kept up with developments in the field, adjusting as the insurgents change strategy.

    “Last week alone, we neutralized no fewer than 93 Boko Haram fighters, and this is quite encouraging. All arrested insurgents are often handed over to national forces of the areas where they are captured.”

    The commander also disclosed that strategies were being evolved for the protection of liberated communities, “which number 100s, in the area because no deliberate effort for follow-ups on this’’.

    According to him, the civilian population in the liberated areas needs structured administration and facilities, with adequate security arrangement, to return and remain in the communities.

    Ude called for effective policing of border communities of contiguous nations to ensure that the terrorists did not have free movement in the areas.

    He commended citizens of member-states of LCBC for their support for MNJTF and assured that the insurgency would be diminished as the offensive from the joint operations was faring well.

    He added that the journey of the war was almost coming to an end, saying that with the support of the people, including the media, “the narratives will change”.

    He said that situation had remained an issue which the countries of LCBC and the international community were trying to harmonise efforts to ensure that it was sorted out.

    On funding for the task force, the commander said that it was the responsibility of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), noting that it is progressing.

  • Troops neutralise activities of bandits, lost 2 soldiers, 2 vigilantes

    Troops have neutralised activities of some bandits in Zamfara, in an operation to rid the state of criminal elements.

    The troops also captured one of the bandits alive.

    A statement by Maj. Clement Abiade, the Acting Force Information Officer of the ongoing Operation Sharan Daji, however, said two soldiers and two members of the vigilante were killed in the encounter.

    Abiade said eight other soldiers and six vigilantes sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries.

    According to him, troops also rescued 75 people taken captives by the bandits after destroying 18 of their camps in the state.

    He said that the freed captives mostly from local communities in Zamfara, had been debriefed and reunited with their families.

    Abiade listed items recovered from the bandits to include five Fabric National Rifles, four AK Rifles, 10 locally made rifles, one locally fabricated pistol and 40 motorcycles.

    He said clearance operations of bandits’ enclaves in Zamfara and Katsina States which began on Jan. 20 would continue till June.

  • [Photo] Troops arrest wanted Boko Haram terrorist

    [Photo] Troops arrest wanted Boko Haram terrorist

    Nigerian troops have arrested a wanted Boko Haram Terrorist, Babagana Abubakar (aka Alagarno) at Bulabulim Ngarnam community on the outskirt of Maiduguri, Borno State.

    [Photo] Troops arrest wanted Boko Haram terrorist

    According to a Facebook post, signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, the Army said that combined troops of 195 Battalion, Mobile Policemen and Civilian Joint Task Force -CJTF, nabbed the suspect on Thursday.

    He was arrested in possession of two military ballistic helmets, a pair of military desert boot, a fragment jacket, a jersey pullover, military backpack, camouflage design shorts, camouflage T-shirts, military jungle hat and amulets.

    He was also caught with two voters identification cards and a national identification card.

    According to the statement, “He has since been moved out of the area for further interrogation,”.

  • JUST IN: Two pilots, three crew members die in NAF helicopter crash

    Five crew members, including two pilots and three personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, have been confirmed dead in the helicopter crash which occurred in Damasak, Borno State, late on Wednesday.

    The deceased are identified as; Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob, pilot in command; Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Kilyofas, co-pilot; Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim, flight technician; Lance corporal Adamu Nura, gunner, and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael, gunner.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirmed their deaths in a release on Thursday, noting that their remains had been deposited in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    An attack helicopter of the NAF deployed in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents had been reported to have been lost in combat.

    The NAF had said the aircraft was lost around 10.30pm on Wednesday, noting that the helicopter was providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State.
    Northern Borno is a vulnerable area where the Islamic State of West African Province fighters were attempting to overrun military bases, with attacks on Metele, Buni Gari and Baga in the latest attempted invasion on December 26 and 27, 2018.

    The NAF’s spokesman, Daramola, had said, “A Nigerian Air Force helicopter was lost in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State. The mission was part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

    “The incident occurred about 7:45pm on January 2. Details of the cause of the crash are still scanty. As soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public.”

    More details later…

  • Be wary of Boko Haram propaganda, Buratai admonishes troops

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,has urged troops prosecuting the counter terrorism operation in the North-East to be wary of Boko Haram’s increasing misinformation propaganda.

    In a Christmas and New Year Message to the troops on Tuesday, Buratai said that it was evident that the terrorists had been defeated.

    “Thus, they have now resorted to employing propaganda in order to demoralise you by spreading false messages of strength and invincibility.

    “It is pertinent for troops to understand that Boko Haram Terrorists are nothing but a band of criminals.

    “Therefore, you must all brace up to clear and flush out their remnants.

    “We have superior training, fire power and experience. We have a history of successes on the battlefield both at home and abroad, ” the army chief said.

    He also urged them to reflect their superior training, fire power and experiences and bring them to bear in the ongoing operations.

    Buratai thanked them for the good job they had done in 2018, but added that they must look to make greater progress in 2019.

    He commended the troops for their gallantry, efforts and sacrifices.

    “I congratulate you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours,’’ he said.

    The army chief urged them to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast, professional and responsive in carrying out their constitutional roles.

    He said on his part, he would continue to ensure that their welfare and that of their family were given utmost priority.

    On the 2019 elections, Buratai admonished officers and soldiers to remain apolitical and dedicated to their assigned roles.

    “Let me use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare with the requisite support for us to perform our duties.

    “Also, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, has pledged his total support to the Armed Forces to bring all ongoing operations to logical conclusion.’’

    He urged them to use the festive season which heralds peace and merriment for sober reflection and introspection.

    “I enjoin us all to continue to pray to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of our fallen comrades and for peace in our nation.

    “We will not renege on our promise to cater for the wellbeing of the families of our brave fallen heroes,’’ he said.

     

  • Syria: Trump’s Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis resigns

    Syria: Trump’s Defence Secretary, Jim Mattis resigns

    Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, whose experience and stability were widely seen as a balance to an unpredictable president, resigned on Thursday in protest of President Trump’s decision to withdraw American forces from Syria and his rejection of international alliances.

    Mr. Mattis had repeatedly told friends and aides over recent months that he viewed his responsibility to protect the United States’ 1.3 million active-duty troops as worth the concessions necessary as defence secretary to a mercurial president.

    But on Thursday, in an extraordinary rebuke of the president, he decided that Trump’s decision to withdraw roughly 2,000 American troops from Syria was a step too far, reports New York Times.

    Officials said Mr. Mattis went to the White House with his resignation letter already written, but nonetheless made a last attempt at persuading the president to reverse his decision about Syria, which Trump announced on Wednesday over the objections of his senior advisers.

    Mr. Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general, was rebuffed. Returning to the Pentagon, he asked aides to print out 50 copies of his resignation letter and distribute them around the building.

    “My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held,” Mr. Mattis wrote.

    “Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defence whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position.”

     

  • Troops dislodge Boko Haram from hideout

    The Nigerian Army said its troops have dislodged Boko Haram insurgents from their hideout in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno.

    The army said on its Twitter handle that on Nov. 29; the troops launched offensive on two fronts against the insurgents and successfully dislodged them from their hideout in the area.

    It disclosed that the insurgents who were preparing for attack, fled on sighting the troops leaving behind their ammunitions, food items and other consumables.

    “In compliance with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; that commanders in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, to carry out massive attack and offensive mission to the Boko Haram terrorists’ suspected locations, hideouts and enclaves, troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade, embarked on an exploration mission on November 29, 2018.

    “The gallant troops carried out offensive patrols on two fronts: Ngala Bridge and Gamboru town along Wurge village, northern Borno. On sighting the troops, the terrorists who were massing up for a possible attack abandoned their logistic stores, equipment and fled.

    “The equipment captured includes one AK-47 Rifle with registration number 819044; two AK-47 magazines, 443 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 94 rounds of PKT ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 4 RPG Bombs”.

    The troops also recovered one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) charge; one Anti-Aircraft telescopic sight, one Anti-Aircraft top cover, clearing rod, one Hilux GT van, two motorcycles, one flag, two blankets, one praying mat, one mosquito net and 10 motorcycle spare tubes.

    Other items include one tools’ box , one towing cable, one camel bag, three water melon, three cans of milk, two bottles of Maltina , two sachets of sugar, three jerry cans, one MP3 player, groundnut and a First Aid kit.

     

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