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Criminal Case, terrorism

Abducted Female Soldier Yet To Be Released – Army

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The Nigerian Army on Friday said Lieutenant PP Johnson, a female soldier abducted by gunmen on Monday, has not been released by her captors.

Johnson, a newly commissioned female Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army (NA), was kidnapped while visiting her grandmother in Aku-Okigwe in Imo State. (Watch Video Here)

In a viral video, one of the gunmen was heard vowing to deal with all serving personnel of the armed forces.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, debunked reports that the female soldier had been rescued by security operatives.

“The NA wishes to state that the information making the rounds is unsubstantiated as the officer is yet to be released or rescued from her abductors. Likewise, the video footage being circulated and associated with the rescue claim is an old video of the arrest of a suspect earlier effected by troops,” Nwachukwu said. (Watch Video Here)

The army spokesman said her abductors still dehumanised the officer despite coming from the South-Eastern part of the country.

He also chided them for claiming to be freedom fighters, describing members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as being terrorists.

“This evidently is another pointer to the myriads of crimes being unleashed by IPOB/ESN on Ndigbo, the very people (who) claim to be fighting for their emancipation. It should therefore be crystal clear to those who are still in doubt of the true status of these groups, that IPOB/ESN are terrorists, masquerading as freedom fighters and do not deserve the support of anyone, particularly the good people of South-East Nigeria. (Watch Video Here)

“Much as we appreciate the concern and goodwill of the general public for her safe rescue, we also wish to note that the information on the rescue of the officer did not emanate from the NA,” he added.

Nwachukwu noted that the “Nigerian Army will leave no stone unturned in its effort to rescue the officer and bring the perpetrators to book.”

The army spokesman urged the general public to provide credible and reliable information that could lead to her safe rescue and arrest of the perpetrators. (Watch Video Here)

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Army officer dies after shooting self with AK-47 in Yobe.

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A front-line soldier fighting the Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Geidam community in Yobe State has committed suicide.

The personnel named Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin was allegedly fingered during the attacks in Geidam and was later arrested around the Gashua axis.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai in Damaturu, Lieutenant Anyawu Kennedy, confirmed the incident to Noble Reporters’ known Media

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He said “Lance Corporal Abdullahi Jibrin was allegedly fingered during the last attack in Geidam and was later arrested by his commanding officer for failing out of duty. He later struggled and forcefully used an AK-47 rifle to kill himself”.

“A committee has been set up by the army to investigate the root cause of his death before making it public.”

Geidam a distance of 177 kilometre away from Damaturu, the state capital, was attacked last week which resulted in the death of nine persons.

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Army Commander slumps and die during training.

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It was not immediately clear the nature of his complications.

A Nigerian Army commander collapsed during a counterterrorism training on Saturday and died shortly thereafter at a military hospital in Maiduguri, Noble Reporters Media can report.

Lieutenant-colonel Isah Yusuf, commander officer of the 158 Task Force Battalion, collapsed at about 8:40 a.m. on Saturday while addressing the troops as part of a routine training against Boko Haram insurgents, sources said.

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He died at about 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the Nigerian Army 7 Division medical facility in Maiduguri, military sources said under anonymity to NoRM.

A spokesman for the Nigerian Army did not return calls seeking comments from Noble Reporters Media about the development on Saturday evening.

NoRM learnt that the Nigerian Army Headquarters had sent a text message to the family, informing them about the development before a formal team of military officers would be dispatched to formally notify the family.

Nigerian offensive against Boko Haram insurgents has continued to claim lives of both senior officers and the rank-and-file, despite frequent promises by military and political leaders that the war was on its final legs.

#Newsworthy…

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EndSars: Only State gov’t can invite us – Army says. #LekkiMassacre

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The seven-man panel, which began sitting on Monday, is also saddled with the task of probing allegations of brutality by men of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate on the night of October 20, 2020 has summoned the army to appear before it.

But the army has indicated not to honour any summons or invitation by the panel, except it is from the state government.

The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations and 81 Division’s spokesperson, Major Osoba Olaniyi, said it was not the duty of the judicial panel to invite the Army to answer questions regarding the reported shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll plaza.

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Olaniyi stressed that the army intervened in the Lekki tollgate incident based on a request from the Lagos State Government and that it would only appear before the panel based on same directive from the state government.

He said, “If we receive a letter from the state, we will go. Are we not under civil authorities? Are we not part of Nigerians? Have you forgotten that we did not go there (Lekki tollgate) on our own?

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“It is not the duty of the members of the panel to tell us that. If the state wants the (81) Division to come, they will write and we will oblige. See, if they have written to the division, it is our duty to go. It is not for them to go through the media as if we are scared of coming.

“It is the state government that constituted that panel of inquiry. So if anybody needs to get in touch with us to come, it is still the state and not members of the panel.”

Meanwhile, the 81 Division’s spokesperson has said the military will not disclose the number of its personnel deployed in the Lekki tollgate on the night of the incident.

Asked the number of personnel involved, Olaniyi said, “It is against operational security. We don’t give that. It is against the policy of operational security. There is no problem here. The picture some people paint, as if we are fighting with the state government, is wrong.”

#Newsworthy…

In the news

Update: Borno gov, Zulum frowns at Army over convoy attack

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The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has confronted the army over an attack on his convoy in Baga, a town in Kukawa local government.

Governor Zulum had departed Maiduguri, the state capital on Monday afternoon for the northern part of the state in continuation of the food distribution programme which he started earlier in July.

On Wednesday, he was scheduled to visit Baga, a fishing town on the shores of the Lake Chad region which has been under the control of insurgents for many years until the military declared its liberation, insisting no Nigerian territory is under the control of Boko Haram.

But, few kilometers to Baga, gunmen opened fire on the Governor and his entourage.

The Governor was forced to retreat as security operatives on escort duties repelled the attackers.

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A furious Zulum confronted the Commanding Officer in Mile 4, mincing no words in expressing his disappointment at the inability of the military to rid Baga and environs of insurgents.

“You have been here for over one year now, there are 1,181 soldiers here; if you cannot take over Baga which is less than 5 km from your base, then we should forget about Baga. I will inform the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy the men to other places that they can be useful,” Zulum said.

“You people said there’s no Boko Haram here, then who attacked us?”

The Governor has since returned safely with his entourage to Monguno where the distribution of palliatives continues.

#Newsworthy…

In the news

Army train 373 officers for deployment to North West, North East

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A total of 373 Officer Cadets of Direct Short Service Course 25 of the Nigerian Army have been trained on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations for onward deployment to the northeast and other troubled parts of the country.

At their passing out parade from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji in Kaduna state, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin tasked the soldiers to contribute their quota in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists in the north, as well as the ousting of bandits and other criminal elements that are threatening the peace and unity of the country.

The security challenges in the country call for effective training and retraining of young military officers and other ranks on counter-terrorism operations.

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Since its inception, the Nigerian Army School of Infantry has been a major facilitator and force multiplier especially through effective training of security personnel, even from the Nigeria Police Force.

The direct short service course of the infantry school complements existing commission and is designed for the employment of professionals from various fields and specialities into the armed forces.

These officers who six months ago had little or no military experience, have been trained on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations as part of efforts to boost the manpower needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

At the passing parade ceremony which marks the end of the training, the officers displayed a colourful march pass in both slow and quick time upon the arrival of the Chief of Defence Staff who doubles as the reviving officer for the parade.

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In line with contemporary and emerging security challenges in the country, the officers were trained in special warfare and counter-terrorism courses which lasted for six months and were also exposed to academic and field exercises such as tactical combat shooting.

Others are unarmed combat and water exercises, stop and search techniques on roadblocks and checkpoints, rescue missions, and identification of improvised explosive devices among others.

While reminding the young officers that they are joining the army when the Nigerian armed forces are facing myriads of security challenges which requires absolute loyalty and dedication to tackle, the Chief of Defence staff told the officer cadets that most of them will be deployed to the North-East, North-West and other troubled parts of the country.

General Olonisakin charged the officers to be loyal to Nigeria and military authorities, adding that they must demonstrate discipline and shun misconduct in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

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“Every one of you has roles to play, based on your expertise and previous experiences in curtailing the country’s security challenges. As junior leaders, you will be confronted with various challenges.

“Complete and absolute loyalty to the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria as provided in the constitution and the oath of allegiance which will be administered to you.

“Any act of disloyalty, disobedience to constituted authority, insubordination and other unprofessional conduct will attract appropriate sanctions.”

As these officers depart from here to the field, the authorities are hopeful that with the training they have received during the period and many more they will receive in the course of their military career, the country will prevail against those who threaten its peace.

#Newsworthy…

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[Nigeria] Bill to establish Army Varsity passes Senate’s first hearing

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The Senate has passed a bill to give legal backing to the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State.

The passage of the bill followed a clause-by-clause consideration of the report of the Committee on the Nigerian Army during plenary on Tuesday.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South) said the Committee while undertaking legislative work on the bill, took into consideration “areas that are in conflict with other extant laws, those that have security implication and those that are ambiguous.”

According to the lawmaker, the University with the passage of the bill into law, “Would promote research and other means of advancement of knowledge and its application to military hardware and software, social, cultural, economical, scientific, and technological situations.”

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Senator Ndume noted that the institution would cater to the development of middle and high-level manpower in the area of technological empowerment for civilians, appreciation of military policies, logistics, and strategies.

In a similar development, the Senate also moved to address the issue of out-of-school children by calling on the Federal Ministry of Education to intensify its sensitization and advocacy programmes; and engagement of traditional and religious scholars on the plight of Almajiris, the need to enroll them into the universal basic education system.

The call was contained in the recommendations of the report by the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) on the need to integrate Almajiri Education into the Modern System of Education in Nigeria.

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Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Senator Akon Eyakenyi (PDP – Akwa-Ibom South), in her presentation observed that “the Almajiris, who are predominant in the North, constitute the larger number of out of school children roaming the streets begging for alms and food in Nigeria, and therefore are covered by the intervention policy and programmes of the Federal Government through the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004.”

Senator Eyakenyi said, that “the implementation of the UBEC Act, 2004 requires maximum collaborations with the state governments and indeed the domestication of the Act through the State Legislatures.”

She explained that Nigeria had obtained $611 million dollars from the World Bank Financed Programme – Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), as a credit to specifically address the problem of Out of School Children.

The lawmaker, however, stressed that “optimal operation and implementation of the BESDA Programme as being anchored and implemented by UBEC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and participation of key Education Agencies, require improved Federal-State-Local level Communication, coordination and collaboration to succeed.”

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Meanwhile, the Senate has confirmed the nomination of Barrister Idahagbon Omoregie as a commissioner representing Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states in the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Also confirmed was the re-appointment of Engr. Umaru Danbatta as Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    The confirmation of both nominees followed the consideration of the reports of the Senate Committees on Communications; and Establishment and Public Service.

    #Newsworthy…

    In the news

    [Nigeria] Army neutralises top Boko Haram leaders in Borno

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    Nigerian Army troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole say they have neutralised some Boko Haram /Islamic State and several other leaders of the West Africa province during their encounter in Borno State.

    The operation was carried out at the border town with Cameroon where they neutralised six terrorists attempting to cross from the Cameroon border towards the Sambisa axis.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the co-ordinator of the defence media operations, Major General John Enenche explained that the operation followed credible intelligence targeted against the terrorists on their market activities and undercover movement around Kolofata, a border town with Cameroon.

    Amongst the top BHT/ISWAP leaders killed during the encounter at Damasak and buried by the terrorists at Goski village in the early hours of July 3, were Tumbun Dabino – Ba Issoufou, Tumbun Bororo – Amir Batam, Tumbun Jaki – Almustapha, Tumbun Bagaruwa – Modou Kollo, Dogon Tchoukou – Issah, Tumbun Rakke – Mustapha Woulama, Tumbun Dila – Boukar Kowa and Tumbun Mita – Abou Aisha.

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    According to Enenche, the series of successes so far recorded has led to several of the insurgents surrendering in their numbers.

    “They voluntarily admitted that the insurgency is driven more by the need for money, power, greed and criminality and less of any ideology,” the statement read in part.

      Weapons and equipment recovered from the terrorists include three AK 47 rifles, a Magazine with 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Honda salon car, one motorcycle, eight bicycles, three phones with multiple sims and memory cards and five copies of the Holy Qur’an, among others things.

      #Newsworthy…

      In the news

      July 22: Court fix date for certain hearing of ex army general’s N8.1bn suit against Lagos

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      The Federal High court in Abuja has fixed July 22, 2020, for definite hearing of the N8.1 billion suit filed by Maj. General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd) against Lagos State government.

      Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the definite hearing date on Friday following the confirmation that parties involved in the suit have filed and exchanged necessary court processes to join issues with each other.

        The Judge had requested lawyers involved in the matter to brief the court the position of his directive made on July 13 that papers relating to the suit must be filed and exchanged to pave way for full-blown hearing of the suit.

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        The plaintiff who stood for himself confirmed to the court that he had filed and served his own processes on all the respondents.

        Counsel to the respondents, especially to Lagos state government, the state Governor and Kasheem Adeniji (SAN), a former Attorney General of the state, Mr Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) also confirmed to the court that all his papers in respect of the case have been filed and served on the plaintiff.

        Justice Ekwo in a short ruling announced that with the conclusion of the filing and serving of all papers in the matter, the stage is set for definite hearing of the suit.

        He then fixed July 22 for definite hearing and warned that any party not in court on the date will have his processes adopted by the court as required by law.

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        Alhaji Tijjani had dragged the Lagos State government, National Judicial Council (NJC), the Federal High Court and other respondents to court challenging the alleged injustice perpetrated against him by officials of Lagos State and a serving judge of the Federal High Court.

        The plaintiff is specifically challenging the alleged sabotage of the execution of a court judgment which returned his landed property in Lagos State to him.

        In the fundamental human rights enforcement suit instituted in Abuja, the former army general prayed Justice Inyang Ekwo to order Lagos State Government and the Governor to pay him a cumulative compensation of N8 billion as damages for alleged injustice suffered in the hands of Lagos officials.

        In the suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/690/2020, the plaintiff is also asking the judge to compel the National Judicial Council (NJC) to pay another sum of N100 million for alleged misconduct of Justice A. O. Faji during the hearing of his matter.

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        In addition, the plaintiff also asked the court for an order for the trail of Justice Faji for allegedly perverting the course of justice in his case.

        Besides, Alhaji Tijjani is praying the court to compel the Chief Justice of Nigeria to remove the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on Mr Kasheem Adeniji and further de-bar him for an alleged act of misconduct.

        In a 19 paragraph affidavit in support of the suit, the plaintiff averred that a former Attorney General of Lagos State, Abdulraheem Ade Ipaye now Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, allegedly coveted his landed properties in Shasha-Akowonjo Area in Alimosho local government of Lagos State to his personal gain.

        He said, as a result, he approached the court and got judgment in his favour on January 31, 2014.

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        The plaintiff, however, said that the judgment could not be executed because of the alleged sabotage on the part of Lagos State officials.

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        The plaintiff claimed that his case got worse when his personal lawyer, Mr Kasheem Adeniji (SAN) was appointed Attorney General of Lagos State and subsequently became an interested party in the matter.

        He further averred that following the appointment of Adeniji as Lagos AG he disengaged with his law firm, adding that the AG turned against him by frustrating his case.

        He is, therefore, seeking the intervention of the court to restore justice and grant him the reliefs sought in the suit.

        #Newsworthy…

        In the news

        Army acknowledge new appointment of 37 generals

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        The Nigerian Army has approved new postings and appointments of 37 generals and five colonels to different formations and units across the country.

        The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

          According to Musa, the postings which were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, are a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

          Below is a list of some of the major redeployments.

          Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor from Defence Headquarters Department of Training and Operations to Training and Doctrine Command, Minna as Commander.

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          Maj.-Gen. FO Agugo redeployed from 6 Division NA Port Harcourt to Headquarters NA Signal Corps Apapa Lagos as Corps Commander Signals.

          Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, speaks to reporters in Abuja (file)

          Maj.-Gen. M Mohammed moved from Signal Corps Apapa Lagos to Office of the COAS as Special Adviser NA University Biu.

          Maj.-Gen. AM Dikko moved from Administrative Staff College of Nigerian Badagry to NA Training Centre Kontagora as Commander.

          Maj.-Gen. US Yakubu moves from Corps of Artillery Kontagora to Army Headquarters Abuja (AHQ) as Chief of Administration (Army).

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Release approved funds – Zakari Sani begs Army amid attacks from Herdsmen

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          A Nigerian Army Captain, Zakari Sani, has appealed to the military hierarchy to come to his aid.

          The Zaria-born soldier, 32, an officer in the Special Forces Unit, was attacked together with his men by Fulani herdsmen during a military operation in Benue State in August 2018.

          He was admitted at the Airforce Hospital and Cedar Crest Abuja before he was flown to Egypt for treatment.

          Captain Sani said his health condition was fast deteriorating a few months after he returned from multiple surgeries in Egypt.

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          He said apart from debts, it has been difficult for him to shoulder the responsibilities of his entire family.

          “I was about to wed my heartthrob before the Benue attack in 2018. The wedding was abruptly suspended because of my health condition as I currently stay with my parents and siblings, in Zaria”, Sani disclosed.

          Sani revealed that aside from paying for private physiotherapists who work on him daily, every morning and evening, a nurse comes to wash and dress the outlets of the gunshot wounds that shattered his backbone.

          “It is just by the grace of God that I can still walk. I don’t know if I can still get married in the current condition. I am supposed to receive an entitlement of 30,000 dollars for treatment. Both the Army and the Defence Headquarters have approved the release of the funds.

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          “But sadly, I am yet to get the money, despite making several attempts. I want to use this medium and occasion, to once again plead with the Nigerian Army and military authorities to come to my aid. Let them facilitate the payment of the 30,000 dollars.”

          The officer had previously sustained a grievous injury from Boko Haram bomb blast in Maiduguri in 2012 and was flown to India for medical attention which left ear damaged.

          Sani served in various military operations fighting bandits, kidnappers, militants and terrorists.

          He participated actively in the North-East, Abuja-Kaduna Highways, the notorious Birnin Gwari axis and the Niger Delta region before his last mission against bandits in Benue.

          #Newsworthy…

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          In the news

          Boko Haram’s successful attack on Army camp near key cities in Niger.

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          Boko Haram fighters clashed with government forces on Sunday in Diffa, the largest city in southwestern Niger, in what the jihadists said was a successful attack on a military camp.

          Conflicting versions of the outcome emerged on Tuesday, with the Islamists claiming to have overrun the site but local residents telling AFP that the assailants had been repelled.

          A propaganda video released by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram splinter group affiliated to the so-called Islamic State, purports to show heavily-armed insurgents storm an army camp following sustained fighting and heavy weapons fire.

          A soldier is seen lying face-down on the ground, either dead or unconscious and being shot twice.

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          The assailants then leave the camp with military vehicles and weapons to the cries of Allahu Akbar (God is greatest).

          The area around Diffa, a city of around 200,000 people located near the Nigerian border, has been repeatedly attacked by the jihadist group, which emerged in Nigeria in 2009.

          Local people testified that they heard the sound of heavy fighting.

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          “We heard gunfire, especially heavy weapons, between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm on the southern side of the city,” Lawan Boukar, a local resident, said.

          “It was an audacious infiltration attempt by Boko Haram, who were then forced back to the bridge at Doutchi,” he said, referring to a cross-border bridge about 30 kilometres (18 miles) away.

          Another resident said the attackers “came over from the Nigerian side in late afternoon when the Ramadan fast was about to break — they were obviously hoping to catch our soldiers unawares.”

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          A security source confirmed “the attack” but did not give details. The defence ministry, contacted by AFP, said it would release a statement later.

          Troubled region

          Boko Haram’s insurgency has claimed more than 36,000 lives since it began in northeastern Nigeria in 2009 and displaced nearly two million from their homes.

          The violence spilt over into neighbouring countries in the Sahel in 2015, especially in the Lake Chad region, where the borders of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria converge.

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          The Diffa region is home to 120,000 refugees from Nigeria as well as 110,000 people internally displaced within Niger, according to UN data released in October.

          Sunday’s attack came after an air-and-ground offensive against the group by Chad following a brazen attack in which nearly 100 soldiers were killed.

          Chad claims it killed a thousand jihadists and lost 52 of its men, and drove the jihadists out of its territory.

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          In late March, Niger’s defence ministry claimed that a “leading figure” in Boko Haram, Ibrahim Fakoura, had been killed in an operation in the Lake Chad region.

          In 2015, heavy fighting broke out between Niger soldiers and Boko Haram fighters around the strategic bridge at Doutchi and near Damasak, a Nigerian border village which the jihadists seized in October 2014.

          Damasak was retaken later by the Niger army, backed by Chadian soldiers.

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          Niger is also facing attacks from jihadists in the west of the country, coming from Mali.

          Around 4,000 people were killed in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso last year in jihadist violence, which is often intertwined with inter-community tensions, according to a UN estimate.

          #Newsworthy…

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          In the news

          Nigeria Army no longer a dumping ground.

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          Brig.- Gen. Emmanuel Akpan, the Director, Directorate of Army Recruitment ,Resettlement and Reserve, on Friday said that the Nigerian Army was no longer a dumping ground for drop-outs.

          Akpan alongside his team mates who visited the Lagos State Government said that the vision of the Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) was to have a better Army that can stand the test of time.

          He said that the essence of the campaign the Nigerian Srmy had currently embarked on was to sensitise Nigerians that the Nigerian Army would no longer recruit those considered as never-do-well in the society.

          “The campaign is an avenue to convey the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) that the current Nigerian Army is no longer the Nigerian Army considered as a place for dumb heads, never- do-well in life or dropouts.

          “That so much has changed under the watch of the COAS.

          “It is to enlighten the public that what he envisages for the Nigerian Army is an Army where every soldier will be able to think and fight and also fight and think.

          “Where every personnel will have that capacity to be able to think critically, be very creative and then rationalise situation with or without supervision and without any fuse,” he said.

          He said that the new recruits into the Nigerian Army would undergo special forces training in order to ascertain their mental fitness and endurance level.

          Akpan said that it was part of the efforts by the COAS to reform the Nigerian Army.

          “The essence of the tour is sequel to the COAS directive as contained in his strategic directive for 2020 where he directed that a special forces’ concept should be integrated in all Nigerian Army training.

          “And that every Nigerian Army personnel, both serving and those we hope to recruit into the system, must undergo special forces training.

          “And we all know what special forces training stands for and the kind of training that they give,”he said.

          He also said that the COAS was keen on ensuring that everyone was given the opportunity to join the Nigerian Army.

          “We want to further inform the public that the COAS is very keen that every Nigerian is given the opportunity to enlist in the Nigerian Army under his watch.

          “The interactive sessions across the states have been very revealing, we interacted with cross sections of youth leaders from Lagos.

          “It was very revealing, we have taken note of all their concerns and we intend to convey the message to the appropriate authority,” Akpan said.

          He said that the essence of the special forces training was to also ensure that every personnel could adapt to situations and functions.

          “The essence of the training is to ensure that every personnel both serving and those we intend to recruit can adapt and function seamlessly in any operating environment, be it the regular, hybrid or conventional environment.

          “We are also aware that the training is highly rugged, highly demanding, and it also demands men and women who are not only medically fit but mentally robust to be able to undertake the training.

          “That is the main reason why the COAS in his very informed wisdom directed that we tour the various states of the federation to update our brothers and sisters willing to enlisti into the Army, what to expect.

          He further said that the team had taken the campaign to the South East, South South and presently in Lagos State which is under the South-West

          “We started from the South-East states; from Enugu , we covered Imo State, Ebonyi, Abia. We went for the second leg: the South-South which covers Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa.

          “And we are commencing the South-West phase of the sensitisation campaign by starting in Lagos State,” he said.

          NobleReporters learnt that youth leaders in the State were present at the sensitisation campaign.

          The Lagos State Governor, represented by Mrs Kemi Durotimi-Etti, the Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office said there would not be a strong nation without its military.

          She said that the Nigerian Army was always bringing out creative ways to take the force to the next level in order to better serve the nation’s citizens.

          She also commended the Nigerian Army for its selfless service to ensuring that the country was safe.

          The team also visited the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigeria Army ,Maj.- Gen. Olubunmi Irefin.

          The GOC, represented by Brig.- Gen. N.J, Edet, the Chief of Staff, said that the division looked forward on leveraging on the experience and information gotten to conduct any recruitment.

          He said that he believed that with such campaign, the doubts of the public would be cleared and also help them know what to expect when applying for job openings in the Nigerian Army.

          He also said that he envisaged a Nigeria Army that would be better, that would be able to stand the challenges of time with such an initiative.

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Change all strategies – Babagana tell Army

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          Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to change strategies in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.

          The governor made the call when President Muhammadu Buhari paid a sympathy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, after the killings caused by the insurgents in Auno community.

          An estimated 30 people died. Eighteen vehicles and several homes were razed in the fire triggered by the insurgents after they torched a military fuel tanker stranded amidst other vehicles. No fewer than nine people, among them two female students of UNIMAID were burned alive.

          Zulum acknowledged the successes recorded by the military in the past three years but called for new tactics to check the resurgence of insurgency activities in the state.

          “Your Excellency; between March 2019 to date, we have started witnessing horrific and spontaneous attacks by the insurgents which have resulted into the loss of lives and properties of our people.

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Insecurities: Buratai’s reaction to ‘sack service chiefs’

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          Nigeria’s Chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has stated that the sack of service chiefs over the recent escalation of Boko Haram attacks would not end insurgency in the country.

          In an interview in Lagos on Tuesday, Buratai averred that President Muhammadu Buhari should not be pushed into sacking his service chiefs “because he knows where the problems are”.

          He said; “I am tempted not to comment on this particular issue because I am directly involved. However, I want to believe that whatever happens, the commander-in-chief is the right arbiter, and he knows where it pinches, he knows where the problems are. I think the decision should be left to him. He should not be pushed or prompted in this regard

          “We are into a very serious issue which should not be taken lightly. This is why when you say a particular crop of leaders in the military should be removed for whatever reason, it sounds very odd because we are not addressing the issues. I am not saying this because I am the chief of army staff and I do not want to leave. No, that is not the issue. It is beyond that because this is a national issue, an issue of national pride and national interest. Those who would cry loudly against the service chiefs are within, and they are the ones who should be more vocal in the things that are not going right.”

          The Army Chief also dispelled claims of Boko Haram starting off in 2009. He stated that it’s been difficult to wipe out Boko Haram because the “brainwashing and indoctrination” that created the group started off over 30 years.

          #Newsworthy…

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          Coronavirus: Patients to be treated by Army in China

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          China’s army on Sunday was given control of a nearly-finished field hospital that will treat patients at the epicentre of a deadly virus epidemic that has severely strained medical facilities.

          Some 1,400 military medics will treat patients at the 1,000-bed hospital, dubbed “Fire God Mountain”, which will receive its first patients on Monday — just 10 days after construction began, according to state media.

          The official Xinhua news agency said many of the staff were involved in the fight against another coronavirus, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed some 650 people in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

          It is one of two makeshift medical facilities that the authorities decided to build in order to relieve hospitals swamped with patients in Wuhan, the central city at the epicentre of the national health emergency.

          People in the city of 11 million people, which has been under quarantine for more than a week, have complained of waiting hours in line to see a doctor.

          The new coronavirus, which is believed to have originated at a wild animal market in Wuhan, has killed more than 300 people and infected another 14,000.

          The second field hospital, “Thunder God Mountain”, is set to start admitting patients on Thursday, with 1,600 beds — 300 more than originally planned.

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Don’t wear camouflage; does this law make sense – Akin Alabi questioned ..

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          NairaBet CEO, Akin Alabi, who is also a member of the House of Representatives is making moves to repeal the law making it illegal for Nigerians to wear military camouflage.

          According to Mr. Alabi, the law is archaic.. See his tweets below ;

          WEARING CAMOUFLAGE IN NIGERIA

          Nigeria is one of the countries where it is illegal to wear a military camouflage. Some other countries are Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua and others

          How does this make sense?

          I get a lot of messages from young Nigerians complaining about being harassed by soldiers because they wore military camouflage. While I don’t agree it makes sense, it is clearly stated in our laws that it is illegal to wear a camouflage or any clothings worn by the military.

          Section 110(1), Criminal Code states that it is illegal for non military person to wear the uniform of the armed forces, or any part of the uniform of such forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of such uniforms.

          There are two exceptions. You can wear it if you have the approval from a governor of the president. The other option is if you wear it during an entertainment performance, like in a Nollywood movie or a music video. The penalty for this is 1 month imprisonment or a fine of N10.

          So the law is clear. Do not wear a camouflage. But does the law make sense? I’m sure some people will argue it does. Many will say it doesn’t. I’m one of those that say it doesn’t and I thought it would make a lot of sense to repeal that law.

          Not only is it an archaic law, one major reason why I believe the law has to be repealed is because many soldiers ride on the law to abuse the rights Nigerians. We have heard numerous cases of Nigerians being beaten for wearing the camouflage.

          I decided to put together a bill so we can repeal this law but I gathered that a distinguished Senator has already submitted a similar bill. I will be waiting for it’s progress. If nothing happens in a few months, I will push mine. For now, I wait.

          #Newsworthy. .

          In the news

          Stopping of cars at irregular checkpoints; illegal – Army Commander warns

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          Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, has cautioned motorists against stopping at irregular security check point on the Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

          Adeniyi, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Maiduguri, said that intelligence reports indicates that Boko Haram were mounting road blocks and attacking motorist on the road.

          He listed the designated check points to include Njimtilo, Auno, Jakana, Ngamdu and Kukareta.

          Adeniyi said the road was secure as the military intensified patrol and deployed additional personnel to guarantee safety of road users.

          According to him, the new measures had denied the insurgents freedom to attack commuters as well as villages along the highway.

          “The problem is that Boko Haram dressed in Nigeria army stolen uniforms, having painted Hilux in Nigeria army special camouflage colours, stop some vehicles and abduct innocent Nigerians.

          “So between Maiduguri and Damaturu, I have ordered that no checking of persons except at recognized checkpoint inside Auno, Jakana, Minok, Banishaik, Ngamdu, Kukareta.

          ” Those check points have been there for years and they do not even check individuals, they just make sure Boko Haram do not sneak terrorists and IED-laden vehicles into the two cities.

          “So if anybody is being asked to stop in between this towns, he should be very wary. A lot of soldiers and other security personnel are on that road 24 hours,” he said.

          Adeniyi said that the command had launched several military operations along the road to route out the insurgents hibernating around the highway to cause havoc.

          “Other military operations were carried out on the road and several kilometers away from the road. More resources are being put on that road because we realized how vital that road is to all Nigerians,” he said.

          The theatre commander said that the insurgents had adopted the ISIS style of winning the minds and heart of the civil populace by not attacking them in most cases with a view to set up a caliphate.

          “When they enter villages, they will tell them (people) not to run, that they should cool down that they are not there to harm them. They are doing this in hope that they are going to form whatever geographical entity that also run a fake state like ISIS.”

          On effort put in place to rescue the abducted victims, Adeniyi said massive operations were currently ongoing across the northeast to decimate the terrorist and rescue captured victims.

          “Everyday, there are military operations throughout the Northeast. Except Boko Haram will take these people out of Nigeria, our military operations will surely reach wherever they are and by God’s grace, we will rescue them.

          “I am assuring Nigerians that we will not relent in our effort to make sure we get to everywhere. We just left Mandara mountains and we know the number we rescued.”

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          2020: Why we will put more effort – Army

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          …Reviews 2019 activities in Kaduna during WASA

          The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Faruq Yahaya, has charged its personnel to redouble their efforts and achieve more this year.

          The army boss made the call during this year’s West African Social Activities (WASA) held at Ribadu Cantonment, old NDA in Kaduna on Saturday evening.

          According to him, “2019 has been successful for the division, where all training directives of the Chief of Army Staff and that of the GOC were implemented satisfactorily.

          “We have conducted several operations and exercises with a lot of successes. We have challenges in other areas which we have worked on and with the support, guidance and direction of the army chief, we have been able to do all and have severally been commended for achieving results.

          “We were lucky to host the Chief of Army Staff first-quarter annual conference, which was combined with combat arms training week at the beginning of the year and was adjudged very successful.”

          The GOC further added that the division participated in the Nigerian Army small arms championship held in Ibadan where the division came first in the championship and collected prizes for all the events.

          “For us in the division, it was a well-accomplished year and that’s why we can’t afford to have anything less this year.”

          In a remark, former General Officer Commanding 1 Division Kaduna, Maj-Gen Jokotola (retd) commended the division for its contributions towards the successful conduct of last year’s general elections peacefully within its area of responsibility.

          “The fact that there were no crises in 1 Division Area of responsibility before, during and after the elections is a testimony to the dedication to duty of personnel of the division.

          “These efforts have facilitated an environment where socio-economic activities now readily thrive,” he noted.

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Boko Haram insurgents, Armies killed during battle in katsina

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          Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday killed some Boko Haram terrorists in Magama Jibia Local Government Area of Kastina State.

          The army personnel came across the insurgents while they tried to kidnap residents along Mallamawa in Jibia.

          A shootout soon ensued, leading to the killing of many of the hoodlums and injuries to scores more.

          Two soldiers were also injured in the exchange of fire.

          In a statement by the army spokesperson, Captain Kayode Owolabi, troops have dominated the area.

          He however, revealed that two customs officers had been kidnapped prior to the encounter and invasion of some of the bandits’ hideouts.

          According to him, troops are in pursuit of the fleeing bandits, with a view to rescuing the two customs officers.

          #Newsworthy….

          In the news

          4 army killed by gunmen in Niger

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          Some gunmen have killed three soldiers, including a captain in an ambush in Sarkin Pawa under Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

          According to The Nation, those killed include a captain, who led soldiers in the operation, a staff sergeant and two corporals.

          The soldiers were said to have responded to distress calls from Gwar community in the local government where the gunmen had invaded and were carrying out a house to house raid.

          The soldiers, upon receiving the distress call, mobilised from their base in Zazzaga community and headed to Gwar accompanied by some armed policemen in their armoured vehicle.

          It was learnt that the gunmen had taken off when they sighted the soldiers but laid an ambush for them as they followed them into the bush.

          The gunmen were said to have started firing immediately the soldiers entered into the bush, killing the captain in the process.

          Three other soldiers were killed during the shootout with the gunmen, which lasted for over an hour.

          The gunmen burnt two Hilux vans of the soldiers and went away with Machine Gun riffle.

          Chairman of Munya LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Garba Dazz, confirmed the incident to journalists, saying the gunmen numbering 30 invaded the village and held them hostage for hours before soldiers came to their rescue.

          He said, “I personally provided logistics to the soldiers before they left for the operation, both the soldiers and the police were overpowered due to a large number of the gunmen.

          “One hour after they left for the scene, they came back with bullet holes in their armoured vehicle and the glass shattered.

          “They killed four soldiers and three others seriously injured. They have also burnt the Hilux Van of the soldiers.”

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Removing troops from attacked communities with be on gradual basis – Presidency

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          President Buhari has commented on the planned withdrawal of the military from some communities in the country where peace has been restored.

          In a statement released by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, the Nigerian leader said the withdrawal will not be done in a manner that will expose communities to more risks of attacks.

          The President who urged Nigerians and public affairs analysts to carefully study the statement released after a security council meeting with service chiefs, said his “administration will not abandon citizens in need of protection.”

          He further disclosed that that when it’s been confirmed that the withdrawal will not in any way jeopardize peace already achieved, the military pull out will be in a careful and gradual way.

          President Buhari said;

          “You don’t need to worry. We will not expose our people and their communities to harm or danger

          President, Muhammadu Buhari

          “The withdrawal is to allow the military focus on its primary duty of defending the nation against external aggression. It is the duty of the police to handle internal security since Nigeria is not at war.

          “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will support the police to provide internal security. When it is time to withdraw, nothing will be rushed.”

          #Newsworthy…

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          Nigerian army cadets caused traffic on an expressway, dates civilians. (Video)

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          A video making rounds online captured moment some Nigerian army cadets caused a traffic jam on an expressway.

          The cadets who were heard saying ‘they cannot do anything, they can only wait’, parked their car on one section of the expressway to march. When other roads users resorted to honking their vehicles’ horn, one of the cadets was heard saying “who is that bastard, they can only horn”.

          Video

          Insta

          https://www.instagram.com/p/B62dsuIJMb-/?igshid=1aqn9wgt32l7k

          YouTube

          #Newsworthy…

          In the news

          Plane conveying Sudanese judges and army staff crashed.

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          …no one survived

          A military plane carrying carrying Sudanese Judges and Army officials crashed on Thursday January 2, 2020 shortly after taking off from an airport in Sudan’s West Darfur.

          Though what caused the plane crash is still not known, however it reportedly occurred about 10 km (6 miles)from the airport. An official at el-Geneina airport said there were about 18 people on board and they were all killed in the plane crash.

          Army spokesman Amer Mohammed al-Hassan who confirmed the incident, told AFP that among the victims were seven crew members, three judges and eight civilians, four of which were children.

          El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur which has received security reinforcements and visits by senior officials this week, has seen deadly clashes between ethnic groups in recent days.

          #Newsworthy…

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          Tukur Buratai Visits Police Training College.

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          Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has visited the Police Training College, Limankara-Gwoza, and climbed the hills as part of operational visit to North East.

          The college is one of the critical security institutions overran by the Boko Haram terrorists during the peak of their activities in Borno state in August 2014.

          The Limankara village where the college is located and the entire Gwoza Local Government Area was under the control of the terrorists for months before the troops retook the area in 2015.

          Buratai was conducted round the college by top police officers in the college.

          After the ascent of the two hills, Buratai disclosed that the value of climbing the hills was borne out of the desire to feel what the troops feel in carrying out operations there.

          “This what they do virtually every day, they don’t only climb, they equally trek far distances and so it is good for us to appreciate what they are doing and we will be in a better state to understand their feeling and also address them as the case may be.

          “As you can see, it is equally a morale booster because I have gone up there to see the observation course officer at the peak of this hill which is almost the highest around here.

          “Seeing the chief of Army Staff with him there is something that he never imagined but this is encouraging them and to tell them we are with them,” he said.

          Buratai commended the performance of the troops against terrorists in the area and the North East in general, adding that the performance had been impressive and encouraging. He said troops had exhibited high level of professionalism and resilience with the knowledge of the terrain.

          #Newsworthy…