Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Nigerian Army

Nigerian Army pledges to ensure safe environment for oil coys
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has pledged the Nigerian Army’s commitment to provide safe and secure environment for oil companies to operate in the country.
Buratai gave the pledge when a delegation from Exxon Mobil Companies Nigeria led by its Senior Manager, Security External Relations, Mr Ide Owodiong-Idemeko visited him on Wednesday in Abuja.
Buratai, who was represented by Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, Chief of Policy and Plans, Army, said that Nigerian army would continue to support the company and every other businesses in the country to succeed.
“Nigerian army will continue to support companies and organisations that are contributing to the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The economy of Nigeria being largely driven by oil related activities, Exxon Mobil plays a great and important role in ensuring that Nigeria has some leverage to boost its economy.
“Exxon Mobil is one of the peaceful oil prospecting organisations in the Niger Delta with less problem between them, the community hosting them and the security forces there.
“We congratulate you on your good corporate social responsibility which have accounted for your peaceful coexistence with the communities within which you operate,” he said.
On the Safety Chamber Flag Device proposed by the company, COAS assured that the army would support the company to actualise its objective for safety of the operating environment.
According to him, in the army, we have our rules of engagement and as you have said the issue of negligence discharge, which is called accidental discharge, has not occurred from the soldiers,” he added.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Owodiong-Idemeko, commended the Nigerian military for their conduct in the Niger Delta in ensuring that oil companies operated safely.
He said that safety of the business environment was a very important indices of measuring business successes.
According to him, the collaboration of the company with the Nigerian army has also helped the company to achieve a greater success most especially in Akwa Ibom.
Owodiong-Idemeko disclosed that the reason for the visit was to further strengthen the relationship between the company and the army.
He added that the visit was to also see how they could ensure the reduction of incidence of negligence discharge and improve their safety, especially from the armed men deployed to its facilities.
According to him, they work in a very sensitive environment where we take safety at a very high level and in fact, it is one of our major indices of business.
“Sometimes about two years ago we started talking about ‘Safety Chamber Flags device for additional safety check on what we already have.
“It will help to prevent negligence discharge because we had situations like that but not necessarily from the military because we have host security agencies working with us,” he said. (NAN)
February 13, 2020
Boko Haram will never hold territory in Nigeria again – Army Commander
Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), says the Boko Haram insurgents will never get hold of any part of Nigeria again.
Adeniyi stated this while reviewing progress of the ongoing counter insurgency operation of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the northeast on Friday in Maiduguri.
He said the military had succeeded in reducing the sect from the terrorist army they used to be, to mere criminals because of the defeat they suffered since 2015.
The commander dismissed the insurgents’ attempt to retake any territory “as dream that will never come to pass for them”.
According to him, Boko Haram had in 2013 transmuted from a terrorist group to a terrorist army sustaining intense attacks on towns, villages, communities, markets and military bases.
“In 2015; immediately President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office he gave order that all military commands be relocated to Maiduguri.
“It was only then that the military commenced attacks on the insurgents, recapturing the territories under the control of the terrorists numbering over 24 towns and villages,’’ he said.
Adeniyi maintained that the insurgents had been defeated since 2017 and would remain so, adding that the current pockets of resurgent of the terrorist had international dimension.
He explained that the proliferation of arms in the Sahel, occasioned by the expulsion of armed militias from Libya created the opportunity for the terrorists to try to find their feet.
According to him, the exodus of ISIS terrorists from the Middle East and subsequent alliance with a faction of Boko Haram through the Lake Chad region is another dimension.
He reiterated that the military would continue to fight to ensure that ISIS did not have a foothold in the region like they succeeded in other countries.
The commander noted the adoption of ‘Super Camp’ strategy had further compounded the problem of the insurgents, adding that the strategy had enabled the troops to have longer reach.
He added that the army was well equipped and motivated to take the fight to the terrorists in their hidings, which resulted in successful operations.
The commander stressed that there was no inch of the Nigerian territory that the army is contesting with Boko Haram insurgents.
Adeniyi revealed further that the theatre command had commenced local production of Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Maiduguri to meet their operational equipment requirements.
He explained that the induction of Ezugwu MRAP in the theatre of operation by the engineer corps had enhanced local fabrication in Maiduguri.
According to him, the MRAPs are 100 per cent local content with only the glasses being produced in Kaduna. (NAN)
February 8, 2020
Troops in hot chase of remnant of B/Haram terrorists – Army
The Nigerian Army says its troops of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ have heightened the tempo of chase of remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Northeast region.
The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, in a statement in Abuja, said that many of the terrorists were on the run.
Iliyasu disclosed that the troops had in recent times, dealt deadly blows on the terrorist elements, who laid ambush along Jakana – Mainok Road.
He added that several insurgents were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds leading to capturing of two gun trucks and different calibre of weapons.
According to him, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion deployed at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, had on Jan. 27 launched a successful ambush against the terrorists mounted on motorcycles at Sabon Garin Kirawa.
He added that the encounter led to the killing of two of the insurgents and capturing of motorcycles as well as a number of weapons and ammunition.
“In the same vein, on Jan. 28, troops of 159 Task Force Battalion deployed at Gubio in conjunction with elements of the Civilian JTF neutralised two of the insurgents forcing others to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds.
“Notwithstanding, the troops captured one AK 47 Rifle, 4 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 46 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
“Regrettably, one soldier and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were wounded in action.
“However, the wounded were immediately moved to a military medical facility and are currently responding positively to treatment,” he said.
Iliyasu disclosed that the troops had continued to record successes across the theatre of operation noble of which was the arrest of one Modu Gana, a high profile Boko Haram spy and logistics supplier at Bulunkutu Ngomari in Jere local government area.
He explained that preliminary investigation revealed series of communication between the suspect and an ISWAP Commander – Bukar Fatumani requesting him to conduct surveillance on troops’ location at Benisheik, Jakana, Auno and Njimtilo.
According to him, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team had recently recovered and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device planted by the insurgents along Konduga- Kawuri Road, Garin Giwa – Cross Kauwa Road and Dikwa – Marte road.
The spokesperson said that a lot of successes had been recorded in the Northwestern states against bandits, armed robbers and kidnappers in the past weeks.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai wishes to reassure the general public of the resolve of the Nigerian army to continue to execute its constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better and secured Nigeria.
“He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding toward officers and men of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)
February 7, 2020
Nigerian Army pledges to partner Nasarawa govt on quality of education
The Nigerian Army has pledged to partner the Nasarawa State Government to improve the quality of education in the state.
Maj. Umar Idris-Ja’afar, Commandant, Command Science School Lafia, said this during a courtesy visit to Hajiya Fatu Sabo, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology on Monday in Lafia.
The commandant said the military authority had established educational institutions in order to contribute to the human capital development in the country.
He, however, appealed to the state government to post teachers to Command Secondary School and also consider the school in citing projects, as well as engage them in activities such as debate, inter schools competition, among others.
Responding, the commissioner commended the military for its roles in the educational development of the state.
Sabo said the state government under Gov. Abdullahi Sule was working assiduously to improve the quality of education and making it accessible to more children of school age.
The commissioner, promised to forward all the request made by the commandant to the governor for approval.
She, however, promised that the ministry would henceforth include the command schools in all its activities such as quiz, school debate and sporting competition.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Usman Abu assured that the ministry was ready to partner with the school to achieve the objectives of establishing it. (NAN)
February 4, 2020
Nigerian Army troops neutralise more Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, rescue women, children in Borno
The Nigerian Army says it has neutralised a number of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in different encounters in parts of Borno and rescued 12 women and four children from their hideouts.
The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliysu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Iliyasu disclosed that the terrorists fell to the superior fire power of the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in an encounter at Mafa Local Government Area of the state on Dec. 1.
He said that after the encounter which lasted for about 40 minutes, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties in both men and equipment.
According to him, the dogged troops of the Unit embarked on a hot pursuit of the scampering insurgents and exploited their withdrawal route.
“During the exploitation, troops recovered three Boko Haram bodies of which two of them were strapped with suicide vests.
“Additionally, one Boko Haram criminals’ Gun Truck, one motorcycle, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one PKT Gun, one Rocket Propelled Gun Tube were captured by the troops.
“Other items that were equally captured by the troops include two Rocket Propelled Gun bombs, two AK 47 Rifles, 25 Rounds of Anti-Aircraft Gun, 723 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 51 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 52 Rounds of 7.62X54mmR (PKT) ammunition.
“Other recovered items are, surgical kits, Boko Haram terrorists uniforms and warm clothing were also captured by the gallant troops,” he said.
Iliyasu also disclosed that two female suicide bombers attempted to infiltrate the Defence Company of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison location at Gwoza in another encounter on the same date.
He said that the soldiers deployed on sentry duty identified the criminal intruders and neutralized them before they could detonate their suicide vests.
Iliyasu said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had commended the troops for their exceptional display of patriotism, professionalism and responsiveness.
“He, however admonishes them to remain resilient and continue to be steadfast in the fight against criminal elements across the nation,” he said. (NAN)
December 6, 2019
Army takes medical outreach to Ebonyi community
By Our Reporter
No fewer than 302 residents of Akpoha community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have benefitted from the Nigerian Army free medical outreach.
The medical outreach is part of the ongoing “Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1’’, which is locally known as Dance of Peace.
Col. Aliyu Yusuf, Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said in a statement on Sunday in Enugu that the “comprehensive free medical programme’’ took place on Saturday in Akpoha community.
Yusuf noted that the medical exercise was part of Civil-Military-Cooperation (CIMIC) in-line with activities for Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1 meant to offer humanitarian services to the public and host community.
“The medical outreach is also in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, vision to cater for the welfare of the host community,’’ he said.
According to him, the Nigerian Army through the Division mobilized scores of medical and paramedic personnel to execute the successful medical outreach.
He said that the medical professionals at the venue offered health talk and counseling to the people one-on-one.
He said that they also conducted blood pressure test, sugar test, eye defect test as well as distribution of free medicine, de-worming medicines for children and provision of eye-glasses.
“The medical outreach activities provided usual platform to further strengthen the long standing Civil Military Relations between the Army and its civil populace,’’ he said.
“Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1’’ is meant to be used to carry out community services within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
These services included: sanitation, medical outreaches, clearing of drains, road construction, educational support and other social works. (NAN)
November 18, 2019
Nigerian Army to launch indigenous mine resistant ambush protected vehicle
By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The Nigerian Army is set to launch its first indigenous Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle designed and built by Command Engineering Depot in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
On behalf of the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator in a press release made available to newsmen on October 25, Capt. Abdulrasheed Ahmed made this known.
Named ‘EZUGWU MRAP’ the 4×4 Armoured Vehicle is designed to carry out transportation in smooth and rough terrain. It has capability to assault with high volume of fire.
The Nigerian Army said: “The primary armament includes a 12.7 mm Anti-Aircraft Gun and a 7.62 mm Light Machine Gun. It is good for counter-terrorism, maintenance of stability and also a perfect vehicle for urban warfare.
“The vehicle is characterized by good protection performance, strong cross-country capability, high reliability, easy maintenance, and can operate in severe cold as well as sweltering desert areas.
“It carries a crew of 12: commander, driver, two gunners and eight soldiers.”
October 25, 2019