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Boko Haram: What Air Force did to insurgents on Monday
The Nigeria Air
Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has degraded
another Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) hideout in the Sambisa Forest in Borno
State.
Air Commodore
Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, who
disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the operation was
conducted on Sunday.
”The operation was
executed on June 16, after persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (ISR) missions reveal heavy presence of BHTs at a new camp with
several structures hidden under the thick foliage of the Forest.
”Accordingly, the
ATF dispatched an Alpha Jet to attack the location.
”Its bombs hit the
target area, with devastating effects on several of the camouflaged structures,
neutralising their BHT occupants,” he said.
Daramola added that
the NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain efforts to
completely degrade the terrorists in the Northeast.
Army kills suspected oil bunkering kingpin in Rivers
A suspected
notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin, Korobe Menele Loveday, who
has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing
communities in Rivers State has been killed.
He was killed in a
shootout with security operatives.
Six Division of the
Nigerian Army said the shootout happened when its personnel, in conjunction
with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps guarding Shell
Petroleum Development Company Trans National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai
Local Government Area of the State were attacked by suspected militants who
were hitherto prevented from vandalizing the pipeline.
Acting Deputy
Director of the Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu in a statement
added that during the ensuing fire, one soldier and two personnel of the NSCDC
lost their lives and their weapons were carted away by the assailants.
The army was able
to track Loveday also known as Mene and shot him dead.
According to the
Army, “In the early hours of today Sunday the 16th of June 2019, troops of 29
Battalion of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with personnel of the
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guarding Shell Petroleum
Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai
Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State were attacked by suspected
militants who were hitherto prevented from vandalizing 24″ and 28″ TNP thereby
putting them out of the illicit business.
“Unfortunately,
during the ensuing fire fight one soldier and 2 personnels of the NSCDC lost
their lives and their weapons (one AK 47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by
the assailants.
“An immediate
reinforcement by troops at the location led to the cordon and search of the
general area with the view to finding any criminal believed to be harbouring
within the communities.
“Reliable
intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a notorious cultist and
illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted
list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state.
“Consequently, at
about 9:00am, troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota
Hilux vehicle without number plate, hastily driven with 4 occupants. Efforts to
stop the vehicle by troops at a check point was ignored. The gallant troops
chased the speeding vehicle and caught up with the suspects around Kira
Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.
“Sensing danger,
the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid to escape. Troops reacted, and
incapacitated the militants’ vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their
vehicle and fled to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and
was identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil bunkering
kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others with him, believed to
escape with gun shot wounds – leaving trails of blood.
“The following tems
were recovered from the scene and in the vehicle:, 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines
loaded with 52 Rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle
plate number KRK 95DP RIVERS and some documents.
“The body and other
recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NSCDC Rivers State Command for
further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to
face justice.
“The General
Officer Commanding 6 Division Maj Gen Jamil Sarham use this opportunity to
rereaffirm the commitment of the Division in protecting lives and properties of
law abiding citizens in Rivers state. He also solicits the cooperation of all
stakeholders in tackling insecurity within the Niger Delta region through
sharing of credible information to the security agencies.”
Army claims killing key Boko Haram social media personalities
The Nigerian Army
on Monday said it has killed nine social media personalities of the Islamic
State for West African Province (ISWAP).
Col. Sagir Musa,
Director of Army Public Relations, who disclosed this in a statement, said the
annihilation of members of the Boko Haram media team further confirmed that the
Nigerian Army has decimated the group and they no longer have freedom of
action.
He gave the name of
the personalities as: ”Abu Hurayra al-Barnawi, Ali al-Ghalam al-Kajiri, Abu
Musab Muhammed Mustafa al-Maiduguri, Abu Abdullah Ali al-Barnawi, and Abu Musa
al-Camerooni.
”Others are Ahmed
al-Muhajir, Abu Ali al-Bamawi, Abu Khubayb bin Ahmed al-Barnawi, Abu al-Qa’qa’
al-Maiduguri.
“The terrorist
group is known for its online media propaganda and quest to maintain a virtual
caliphate,” Musa said.
Insecurity: Cargo load of arms, ammunition lands in Nigeria
A cargo airplane
laddened with assorted arms and ammunitions has been delivered to the Federal
Government of Nigeria for the prosecution of war against terrorism and other
forms of criminal activities plaguing the country.
A statement by the
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa indicated that the,
cargo plane landed on Monday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“Slovakia bound cargo
just landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja loaded with various
types of arms and ammunition.
“The weapons were
ordered by the Federal Government to boost the war against terrorism and other
criminal activities in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army has
reacted to the viral video of some soldiers attacking a civilian man. In the
video which has been making the rounds on social media, the soldiers could be
seen breaking the leg of the man and attempting to force him to eat his flesh.
In a statement released
this morning. the Nigerian Army says the soldiers in the viral soldiers are not
their members.
Read the statement below
MUTILATING FELLOW HUMAN
BEINGS NOT IN OUR CHARACTER, TRAINING, MANDATE & STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURES
The Nigerian Army (NA)
has observed with dismay a video clip circulating on some social media
platforms showing some persons in camouflage uniform mercilessly disfiguring a
leg of a fellow human being, with some others shabbily, carelessly and
variously dressed. Some are wearing bathroom slippers.
The NA wishes to
emphatically state that having thoroughly examined the video and investigated
further, it has reached the factual conclusion that all the characters involved
in the despicable act are not personnel of the NA.
The action of the
characters in the video clip particularly the act of meting out cruel
punishment, talk less of decapitating a part of a fellow human being is not
licensed, encouraged or condoned by the NA and is entirely against NA's
training, Code of Conduct (COC), Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP) in or out of conflict situations.
Instructively, the
camouflage used by the characters in the video is not the type been used in the
NA and does not in any way conform to the dress code of the NA.
Similarly, NA troops are
not allowed to wear bathroom slippers and civil outfits during operations.
NA troops fighting
insurgency in Nigeria, have severally captured many terrorists, took custody of
many surrendered terrorists some of whom have been prosecuted, while those that
voluntarily surrendered are undergoing de-radicalization and rehabilitation
under the Federal Government programme codenamed Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.
NA wishes to once again
remind members of the public that not all photos and videos being circulated on
social media and other outlets are truly members of the NA. NA has also
severally and consistently made it clear that it monitors and will continue to
monitor the actions of its personnel to ensure they are in conformity with
extant laws and in line with International best practices.
Under the present
leadership of the NA, sufficient efforts have been made to ensure personnel
respect human rights in line with the ROE, COC and SOP. Any violation attracts
appropriate punishment in accordance with the extant military justice system.
Members of the public
are requested to note that the barbaric act (as shown in the video clip), has
often been associated with the terrorists either as a punishment to one of
their own or to send out powerful message to their followers and the larger
public with the sole aim of instilling fear which is one of the major basis and
aims of terrorists/terrorism.
SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
Herdsmen Taraba Killings: Nigerian Army Declares Dantayi, Olumba, Others Wanted
The Nigerian Army has declared five persons wanted in connection with the
recent killings in Takum LGA of Taraba State.
Army said the quintet were among those who led the attack that led to
loss of many lives and property in the state.
Texas Chukwu, the NA’s spokesman in a statement advised the general
public to always give useful and timely information to the security agencies
for prompt action.
He said, “In line with the on going Military exercise AYEM AKPATUMA in
Taraba State, five (5) suspects are hereby declared wanted for their alleged
roles in the killings in Takum Local Government Area in particular and Taraba
State in general..
“Those declared wanted are: Mr Tanko Adiku Dantayi, Mr Kurusi Danladi, Mr
Chindo, Mr Big Olumba, One known as Chairman Poko.”
Just last week, the Nigerian Army announced the arrest of two alleged
masterminds of the killings in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas of Taraba
State, identified as Mr. Danjuma and Mr. Danasebe Gasama.
Operation Python Dance: Ohanaeze Demand Justice For The Massacred Igbo Youths
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on
the military to find the soldiers who allegedly killed Igbos during the
Operation Python Dance.
President-General of Ohanaeze, John Nnia- Nwodo, stated this Tuesday at
the night of tributes for the former secretary general of the group and Biafran
war veteran, the late Col. Joseph Achuzia, at the Enugu Sports Club.
“I had the opportunity to confront the leadership of the Army, who gave
me an assurance that there is going to be a court martial of all soldiers
involved in that behaviour that was contrary to their rules of engagement.
“I have been following this matter with correspondence and I will
continue to follow it until we know those who massacred our children without
cause,” he assured.
On Achuzia, Nwodo said: “From the Igbo-speaking part of Delta State,
Asaba, Achuzia threw himself into the Biafran war with unsurpassed bravery,
exemplary military discipline and the tact of historical generals of great
wars.
“His single-minded approach to the Baifran War made him the dread of any
soldier who exhibited any sign of cowardice or equivocation as far as the war
was concerned.
“The severity of his enforcement of military discipline earned him the
nickname ‘AirRaid’ while his bravery was likened to that of ‘Hannibal the
Great’, hence, his other nickname, ‘Hannibal’.
“His bravery was such that he was always posted to any front which defied
solution or where the battle was toughest, such that he was believed, then, to
be invincible and a cat with nine lives.
“I am happy to be one of the people sent to Asagba of Asaba at the end of
the war to say to our kit and kin in Delta that we are extremely sorry we have
not shown enough sympathy for the carnage in that part of Igbo land
“And for the fact that we, the brothers, haven’t come to pay our respect
for the dead since the war ended. All of us knelt down at the house of the
Asagba of Asaba; I saw Ojukwu on his knees.
“I led the national executive of Ohanaeze to Asaba last year when they
remembered 700 of our people who were murdered by federal troops. Contrary to
the rules of engagement, the same kind of thing that happened to us not too
long ago when we had the operation python dance”.
Nigerian Army Speaks On Withdrawal Of Troops From Volatile Areas
The Nigerian Army has reacted to insinuations and complaints in some
quarters on the alleged withdrawal of troops on Internal Security Operations in
some parts of the country.
It called on the general public to ignore the speculations.
Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, Director Army Public Relations in a
stemmed on Sunday, said the Nigerian Army will continue to live to the
expectations of Nigerians in the discharge of its constitutional duties of
defending the territorial integrity of the nation and in aid to civil
authorities.
He said, “Consequently, troops on the ground will continue to intervene
decisively to checkmate any form of criminality.
“We however, appeal for the general public for continuous understanding,
support and cooperation.
“We also wish to specifically appeal to the state Governors and Local
Government Councils Chairmen to also be responsive to the needs of the citizens
through the provision of social and developmental infrastructures. This will
help reduce incidences of crime and criminality in our society.
“The public is therefore advised to report any suspicious movements in
their area to the security agency for prompt action.”
Recently, no fewer than eighty communities in five local government areas
in Niger State pleaded with the federal government of Nigeria not to withdraw
troops deployed to the communities.
The communities, which cut across Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Gurara, Raffin
and Chachanga, bemoaned
the withdrawal of the military troops may bring renewed onslaught to their
communities.
Similarly, the Benue
State Caucus in the House of Representatives recently cried out over withdrawal
of soldiers, which they said had led to fresh attacks on communities.
Gov. Fayose Is Ignorant Of Why $1 Billion Arms Procurement Fund Was Approved By Buhari - Col. Hassan Labo
A retired military officer, Col. Hassan Labo has said Governor Ayodele
Fayose is ignorant of why President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sum of
$1billion for the purchase of military equipment.
The ex-military personnel said this on Thursday during his appearance on
Channels Television’s Politics Today.
President Buhari
had approved the fund during a meeting with the Minister of Defence,
Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), and the service chiefs on Wednesday at
the Presidential Villa in Abuja. .
Reacting to the governor’s comment, Labo said, “I just listened to His
Excellency, Governor Ayo Fayose and with due respect, I want to say His
Excellency is speaking from a position of ignorance.
“How do I mean? This money, to start with, is going to help in enhancing
the procurement deficit we have presently (which has existed) for quite some
while now because we’ve never taken the pain to allot adequately to the
military.”
“The military has always been short-changed at the point of statutory
appropriation – that is to say in the Congress (National Assembly) – such that
at the end of the day, there is no single pin that you buy in the military that
is produced in this country, we import nearly everything,” he explained.
Amid the insecurity issues in the country, including the Boko Haram
insurgency and herdsmen attacks in parts of the country, the retired colonel
noted that Nigeria can afford to use and should use such huge sum of money for
security.
He further reminded Nigerians that the fund was not just meant for the
fight against insurgency in the North East, but also to tackle other insecurity
challenges in the country.
NA 2018 Recruitment: Nigerian Army Releases Dates For State Recruit Screening, Instruction
The Nigerian Army has released Joining Instruction for Screening of 77
Regular Recruit Intake shortlisted for the State Recruitment Exercise.
It said the State Recruitment Screening exercise commences on 9 April 18
by 0700 hours.
The instructions below:
STATE SCREENING
Selected Candidates to report to their various states screening centres
with the following items:
White vests.
Blue short.
White canvas.
White socks.
Original and photocopies of their credentials.
Relevant scratch cards for online verification of result
(WASSEC/GCE/NECO/NABTEB).
Writing materials (Biro and Pencil)
File Jacket
National Identity card/slip
Passports and full size 5 x 7 photographs.
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants shall be of Nigerian origin by birth and possess National
Identity card.
Applicants must possess a minimum of 4 credits in not more than 2
sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB. One
of the credits must be in English language.
In addition, Tradesmen & Women Applicants must also possess OND/Trade
Test/City and Guild certificate
Non-Tradesmen & Women Applicants must be aged between 18 – 22 years
by March 1, 2018.
Tradesmen & Women Applicants must be aged between 18 – 26 years by
March 1, 2018.
Applicants must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit and
must not be less than 1.68 meters tall for male and 1.62 meters tall for
female.
Applicants must print their completed online forms, attest it and submit
it at the examination recruitment centres during the screening exercise period.
Knowledge of additional Nigerian Languages other than mother tongue is an
added advantage
Real Shake-Up In Army As New Acting Provost, DMI, Chief Of Defence Logistic Appointed
A major shake-up has taken place in the Nigerian
Army with the appointment of a new Director, Military Intelligence and an
Acting Provost Marshall.
With the new appointment, Major-General S.A Adebayo,
is now the new Director Military Intelligence (DMI), while Brigadier-General H.
Ahmed, is Acting Provost Marshal (Army).
The redeployment is contained in a document of
posting and appointment/amendment of Nigerian Army officers, signed by
Major-General F. Yamaha, Military Secretary (Army).
The adjustment included Majors-General H. Garba, who
is now Chief of Defence Logistics, K I Abdulkareem, Nigerian Army Resource
Centre, A. A. Tarfa, former DMI, to Nigerian Army Corp of Artillery as Corps
Commander and A. M. Dikko, to Defence Headquarters.
Others are I O Rabiu, J B Olawunmi, Corp Commander
Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, G Oyefosobi, Commander,
NATRAC, KAY Isiyaku, A T Haman, former Provost Marshall is to move to the DHQ,
as Director Peace Keeping Operations, M O Uzoh, DHQ, AM Aliyu, to Defence
Intelligence Agency (DIA), and HTZ Vintinaba, to DHQ.
Also affected were Brigadiers-General FOE Pearce,
NAWC, S. Mohammed, Acting Director DMPIA, and A A Aribiyi.
Mobile Troops Nab A Notorious Gunrunner In Kaduna, Discover 2 AK47
Troops of Mobile Strike Team II deployed in Kaduna
have arrested a notorious gun runner in Rigachikun area of the state.
The troops during the operation at suspected armed
bandits’ hideout recovered two AK 47 assault rifles with 38 rounds of 7.62mm
special.
“Due to criminal activities taking place at the
Rigachikun forest and its environs, the Army placed high surveillance in the
general area to deny criminal freedom or operations.
“The success recorded so far were proactive measures
taken by the Army to dominate the general area and fish out criminals that are
carrying out kidnappings, armed robberies and cattle rustlings,” Brigadier
General Texas Chukwu, Director Army Public Relations said in a statement.
Trouble In Borno As Soldier Shoot His Superior 'Point Blank'
Peter Omobuwa, a corporal of the Nigerian Army, reportedly opened fire on one IF Ibiama, a captain, at Banki junction in Bama local government area of Borno State, on Sunday.
It was gathered that the officer, who suffered bullet wounds was taken to the 21 Brigade Medical Center, while the soldier was detained.
However, what transpired between the duo remains unknown at the moment.
“A junior officer with service number N/12897 open fired at the senior officer with service number 02NA/52/2588. The junior officer was disarmed and stabilised in our detention facility,” a source told TheCable.
He added that a military panel had been set up to investigate the matter, adding that findings would be made public within one week.
Sani Usman, army spokesman, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Army has declared five persons wanted in connection with the
recent killings in Takum LGA of Taraba State.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on
the military to find the soldiers who allegedly killed Igbos during the
Operation Python Dance.
The Nigerian Army has released Joining Instruction for Screening of 77
Regular Recruit Intake shortlisted for the State Recruitment Exercise.
A major shake-up has taken place in the Nigerian
Army with the appointment of a new Director, Military Intelligence and an
Acting Provost Marshall.
Troops of Mobile Strike Team II deployed in Kaduna
have arrested a notorious gun runner in Rigachikun area of the state.
