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Military dismisses claims on planned disruption of 2023 elections, coup.

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The Nigerian armed forces on Saturday dismissed claims that some of its officers met with one of the presidential candidates in this month’s election with a view to disrupting the poll and causing havoc in different parts of the country.

The presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 25, while the governorship and State House of Assembly polls will take place on March 11.

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There are fears of unrest in many parts of the country over fuel and naira scarcity.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, the military described as unfounded the rumours that plans on how to oust the present civilian government and throw the country into a constitutional crisis were perfected at the said meeting.

The statement read: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria notes with dismay the story being peddled around by some unscrupulous elements alleging that some military officers met with a presidential candidate with the aim of disrupting the general elections and setting the country on fire.

“The wicked and very malicious propaganda indicated that a so-called Thursday meeting is plotting a coup d’etat to establish unconstitutional order.

READ ALSO: US reiterates neutrality in 2023 elections, advocates full participation of Nigerians

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is disheartened that even politically exposed persons can denigrate themselves into joining agents of destabilisation and violence in making false claims just to heighten tension in the polity.

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“It needs to be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional military that is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be part of any evil plot against our democracy.

“Besides, the Military remains apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not engage in the alleged shenanigans. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be part of any ignoble plot to truncate our hard-earned democracy.

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“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby warn that those who engage in fabricating and spreading unfounded misinformation will be invited by the appropriate law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.”

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Military neutralizes bandits in Zamfara, injure scores.

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The operatives of Operation Hadarin Daji deployed to Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State said they have killed 15 bandits who attacked the Sabon Gari area of the town on Tuesday 19th April 2022.

Noble Reporters Media gathered that the terrorists stormed the area and started shooting sporadically, rustling a large number of cattle.

A source who refused to disclose this name due to security reasons told this medium in Bakura town that the suspected bandits stormed the area in their large number of sophisticated weapons.

“However, the OPHD troops swiftly responded to distress call and engaged the terrorists in an operation fire for fire that lasted for almost two hours” the source added.

“The troops’ superior firepower made the terrorists force them to abandon the rustle cattle and flee towards Kurunkudu forest with several degrees of gunshot wounds.”

It was also gathered from the community members that during the military operation against the bandits, the troops succeeded in killing about 15 of the bandits while some of them escaped with several gunshot injuries into the forest.

”We appreciate the timely response of the military troops at Bakura, they have assisted us in killing scores of the bandits who invaded our community and they also help us to recover all the rustle cattle stolen by the bandits,” he said.

According to them, one community member paid the prime price as he was killed by the bandits while five locals sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at General hospital Bakura.

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Libyan alligned GNA forces retakes camp close to Tripoli

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Military spokesman says forces loyal to UN-recognised gov’t stormed LNA-controlled camps Yarmouk, Sawarikh and Hamza.

Forces aligned with Libya’s internationally recognised government have retaken three military bases from eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) south of the capital Tripoli.

In a statement on Saturday, military spokesman Mohamed Gnunu said troops loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) overran the Yarmouk, al-Sawarikh and Hamza camps.

“Our heroic forces are chasing the remnants of Haftar’s terrorist militia and are continuing their progress,” Gnunu said on his Twitter account, without elaborating.

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With Turkish help, the GNA has seized a string of towns in recent weeks, captured a strategic airbase, and destroyed several of the LNA’s Russian-made air defence systems.

In a two-minute audio speech addressed to his forces on Saturday, Haftar said they “will fight and fight” against what he called “Turkish colonialism”.

“To our brave officers and soldiers, you are fighting a holy war that is open to all fronts, a comprehensive war in which there is nothing but victory,” Haftar said in the speech.

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Reporting from Tripoli, NobleReporters gathered that the GNA’s gains were a major setback for Haftar.

“Al-Yarmouk military camp had been set by the LNA as some kind of central command to run the battles in southern Tripoli,” he said.

“The base was controlled by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group … The government has told displaced civilians not to return to their homes because LNA forces have set up land mines in civilian areas in the same way ISIL set up IEDs in the city of Sirte in 2016.”

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Saturday’s announcement comes days after Ahmad al-Mesmari, a spokesman for Haftar’s forces, said his fighters would pull back from some positions south of Tripoli.

The withdrawal, he said, was part of a “redeployment”.

Making gains
Fighting has recently escalated between Libya’s warring sides despite international calls for a humanitarian truce in the country to focus efforts on battling an outbreak of the new coronavirus.

Earlier this week, GNA forces seized al-Watiya airbase, near theTunisian border, a strategic base in Haftar’s offensive to capture Tripoli.

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US President Donald Trump called for a “rapid de-escalation” of the Libyan conflict on a call with Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday.

The GNA’s surge has put pressure Haftar’s 13-month campaign to seize the capital Tripoli and has squeezed his foreign backers Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement: “President Trump reiterated concern over worsening foreign interference in Libya and the need for rapid de-escalation.”

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As the LNA has promised to respond with a massive air campaign, diplomats have warned of the risk of a new round of escalation with the warring sides’ external backers pouring in new weaponry.

Turkey “will not bow to threats by Haftar or anyone else”, Turkey’s presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said separately in an interview on NTV.

“The international community must take a stand against Haftar. We need to go back to the table for a political solution as soon as possible,” Kalin said.

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‘Bringing chaos’
The year-long battle for Tripoli has left hundreds dead, including dozens of civilians, and displaced more than 200,000 people.

Since 2014, Libya has been split between rival factions based in Tripoli and in the east, in a sometimes chaotic war that has drawn in outside powers and a flood of foreign arms and mercenaries.

Haftar’s LNA has been unable to make significant progress since early on in its campaign.

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But it still controls eastern and southern Libya, including most of the country’s oil facilities, and the city of Sirte, at the centre of Libya’s Mediterranean coastline.

Turkey, which has had frayed ties with the UAE and Egypt for years, has accused Abu Dhabi of bringing chaos to the region through its interventions in Libya and Yemen, and has called on Russia to halt its support for Haftar.

#Newsworthy…

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Militias arrested in Nasarawa – Criminals neutralised in Benue. [Nigeria]

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The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have succeeded in killing two gang members of Gana led criminal elements in Benue arresting members of militia group in Nasarawa state.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Enenche said the success was recorded when combined troops of Sector 2 deployed in Gbise and Zaki Biam in Benue and Sector 4 from Taraba State raided the hideout of Gana in Mtan village in Utenge Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) on Saturday.

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He added that while two members of the gang were killed in the encounter, others fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

According to him, exploitation operation revealed that Gana narrowly escaped death with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered include: one locally fabricated machine gun, six locally made rifles, two locally fabricated cartridge guns and one dane gun.

“Other items recovered are two revolver pistols, two cartridge pistols, 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition two motorcycles, one camouflage shirt, one generator set, one bag of gun powder and assorted charms.

“Gana’s personal belongings, other items and thatched houses were destroyed,” he said.

The Coordinator further disclosed that the troops of Sector 3 deployed at Ondori in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State raided the Bassa Militia camp at Kpelebewa village in Rukubi area and arrested seven gang members.
He added that the raid followed a credible information that the militia group were planning to attack a Tiv community over land dispute.

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According to him, the troops apprehended seven members of the militia dressed in red shirts in the camp.

“Items recovered include one locally fabricated machine gun, six locally fabricated rifles, two locally fabricated cartridge guns, one Dane gun, two revolver pistols, two cartridge firing pistols, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 29 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 22 cartridges of ammunition.

“Other items are one dagger, poisoned bows and arrows, desert camouflage head gears and pouch, six phone handsets and some charms.

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“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to be handed over to the police.

“The Military High Command congratulates the Troops and requests the general public to continue to provide the Armed Forces with credible information to facilitate its operations in the Country,” he said.

#Newsworthy…

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I won’t return to Abuja if Boko Haram is not historied – Buratai.

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The Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai has vowed that he will not leave the theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole until he gave a final blow on the Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.

NobleReporters reports that General Buratai had earlier announced his relocation to the northeast following the pounding of the insurgents by the Chadian Army from the Lake Chad axis where the President Idris Deby is claiming to have held a section of Nigeria waiting to handover to Nigerian troops.

The Chief of Army Staff who had a special Easter celebration with the troops on Monday at Ngamdu Special Super Camp regretted that the insurgency has lasted for too long but gave assurances that in no time the Boko Haram elements will be defeated.

“We will not leave this insurgency to last like in other countries who have fought insurgency for close to 50 years. We cannot allow that to happen here”, Buratai said.

Gen. Buratai assured the troops of the support of Mr. President who he said has provided all that they need to defeat the enemies.

He also promised that he will not leave the camp until he gives a final blow on the insurgents.

“You may wonder that this counter-insurgency operation has lingered for too long, we all know globally that counter terrorism is very complex. There are some countries that have fought counter terrorism for close to 50years. But we’re not going to leave it, we will not leave this camp

“We are here, we will not leave this camp until we substantially degrade these criminals. By God’s willing, we shall be there with you no going back once we commence.

We will be with you in the valleys, on the hill, in the jungle, in the river and so on. As I speak now, we have some element that are providing us necessary intelligence and once we start, no going back. We are here and we make sure that we get ourselves properly motivated, properly equipped and I assure you will have the best of time.

“Some of you have been here before like two three times but I tell you are going to have the best of time. We want the best out of you. We need your courage and determination.

“I want you to have at the back of your minds that Mr. President solidly behind you. We have already started getting the consignment of what we require for us to handle these insurgency and terrorism. It a matter of time and a very short time.

“If I ask you a question, will you answer me? The question is, is anybody ready to chicken out?

A thunderous NO erupted from the soldiers and the COAS continued.

“We make sure that we never go back. Forward ever, backward, never. Thank you and God bless you all”.

Highlights of the occasion was the COAS serving food to troops as soldiers dance and celebrate the Easter

#Newsworthy…

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Nigeria: Army commander who complained of Boko Haram’s attacks removed.

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The Nigerian Army has removed a senior commander who appeared in a video complaining about poor equipping of troops after an attack by Boko Haram left dozens of soldiers dead.

Olusegun Adeniyi, a major-general and commander of operation lafiya dole, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism headquarters in Maiduguri, was removed on Monday, according to a military press statement published by PRNigeria, a platform that publicises statements for security agencies.

Dozens of top generals were asked to switch positions effectively April 1 in a circular that went out on Monday, NobleReporters gathered

Although the army’s redeployments appeared routine, its timing has fuelled insinuations that Mr Adeniyi was the main target.

It came barely a few days after Mr Adeniyi was seen in a video complaining about the brazen nature of Boko Haram attacks on troops. He also complained that insurgents were outgunning troops and an intelligence failure was responsible for an attack that left dozens of soldiers killed last week.

The video became an instant hit on social media, sparking outrage and a relentless torrent of abuses against President Muhammadu Buhari and other senior military and government officials overseeing the war efforts. The military did not publicly comment on the video.

Sagir Musa, chief army spokesperson, did not immediately return a message from media seeking comments about whether or not Mr Adeniyi’s removal from the frontlines was informed by his video last week.

Mr Adeniyi was moved to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, a military facility for strategy and innovation based in Abuja, as “a research fellow.”

The new commander of the army’s operation against Boko Haram is F. Yahaya, a major general, drafted from Headquarters 1 Division in Kaduna.

PRNigeria listed all the army officers affected as follows:

Maj Gen ACC Agundu from Special Task Force (STF) Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos to Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja as Senior Research Fellow, Major General HI Bature from Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Defence Liaison Office National Assembly Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen UM Mohammed from Nigerian Army Property Limited (NAPL) to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu/Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees NAPL.

Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu Maj Gen CC Okonkwo now redeployed to STF Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos and appointed Commander, Maj Gen F Yahaya from Headquarters 1 Division Kaduna to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) Maiduguri and appointed Commander, while Maj Gen OG Adeniyi is redeployed from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to NARC as Senior Research Fellow, Maj Gen S Idris from Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu- Yobe State redeployed to DHQ Abuja and appointed Director Liaison.

Others affected include – Maj General AA Adesope from Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management to NAPL and appointed Group Managing Director, Maj Gen MG Ali from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State as Commander while the erstwhile Chief of Civil-Military Affairs AHQ Abuja Maj Gen US Mohammed has been redeployed to 1 Division Kaduna and appointed General Officer Commanding. Similarly, Brig Gen HI Daniel from the Defunct Army Special Forces Command Maiduguri to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna and appointed Director Army Training Support, Brig Gen BE Onyeuko is to remain in DHQ Abuja as Acting Director Defence Media Operation.

Brig Gen NM Jega from Training and Doctrine Command Minna to Infantry Corps Centre Jaji and appointed Chief of Staff, Brig Gen LA Araba from Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty Abuja now redeployed to Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu, Yobe State as Ag Commander, Brig Gen VO Ita from DHQ, Abuja to Headquarters 402 Special Forces Brigade Azare and appointed Commander while Brig Gen JAL Jimoh from Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno to Headquarters 31 Brigade Minna and appointed Commander and Brig Gen GTO Ajetunmobi has been redeployed from 31 Brigade Minna to Nigeria Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty, Abuja as Executive Director Operation.

Others are – Brig Gen LG Lepdung from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji to DHQ Abuja and appointed Deputy Director Procurement (Logistics), Brig Gen MO Ihanuwaze to remain in Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management as Acting Director, Brig Gen EC Obi – Osang from the defunct Headquarters 707 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi to Headquarters 401 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi as Commander while Brig Gen GM Mutkut is redeployed from the Defunct Nigerian Army Amphibious Command OPLD Baga to Headquarters 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga and appointed Commander and Brig Gen JR Lar from Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia to Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno as Commander.

Also, Colonel DJ Abdullahi from the defunct Headquarters Nigerian Army Special Forces’ Command Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces’ Command Doma Nasarawa State and appointed Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel EC Emere from Nigerian Army Archives to Nigerian Military School Zaria as Deputy Commandant and Col MO Agi is to remain in Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps Bauchi as Acting Chief of Staff among others.

#Newsworthy…

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Borno: Soldiers kills more Boko Haram, seize gun trucks.

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The Defence Media Operations, said military operations in the ongoing counter insurgency war has killed scores of terrorists and recovered several weapons including gun trucks at Gorigi in the Allagarno Forest area of Borno State.

The soldiers sent the terrorists to their graves during a clearance operation conducted along the Allagarno Forest axis, as part of the ongoing subsidiary Operation, ‘Operation AYISO TAMONUMA’.

Acting Director Defence Media Operations Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko made this known in a statement.

“Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have dealt another crippling blow on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the North East part of the Country. This was achieved at Gorigi in the Allagarno Forest general area of Borno State on 23 March 2020.

“The routing occurred when the Land Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE conducting clearance operations along the Allagarno Forest axis, as part of the ongoing subsidiary Operation, ‘Operation AYISO TAMONUMA’, came into contact with mounted BHTs. Accordingly, air assets, including an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and fighter jets, were immediately scrambled to provide Close Air Support to the troops.

While the ISR platform provided situational awareness to the troops, the fighter jets engaged the BHTs, immobilizing a gun truck and neutralizing some of the terrorists. Some others, who attempted to beat a hasty retreat, were mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the Northeast, will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our Nation”.

#Newsworthy…

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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…

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United States approves Hijab, Beards as part of military uniforms

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…as long as their appearance is neat and conservative

Sikhs and Muslim officers in the United States Air Force can now wear turban and hijab as part of their military uniforms.

According to the Air Force updated dress code reported by CNN, officers can also keep beards.

Under the new guidelines, which were finalised last week, Sikhs and Muslims can seek a religious accommodation to wear turbans, beards, unshorn hair and hijabs, and expect to be approved as long as their appearance is “neat and conservative,” except under extremely limited circumstances.

The final review for the accommodation must take place within 30 days for cases in the United States, and 60 days for all other cases, according to the guidelines. And for the most part, airmen can expect the religious accommodation to follow them through their career.

Sample of how it will look like. Photo credit, Google

Previously, Sikhs and Muslims serving in the Air Force individually requested religious accommodations that were granted on a case-by-case basis, but the approval process could be lengthy.

This update standardises that process and outlines a formal timeline for approval.

#Newsworthy…

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Insecurities: Boko Haram is in Lagos – Buratai

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Top Boko Haram members and foot-soldiers have been arrested in Lagos, says army chief Buratai.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, says no part of the country is immune from the terrorist Boko Haram sect, including Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and most populous city.

Lagos state government officials recently told Pulse during an exclusive chat that members of the deadly Boko Haram sect were arrested in the city last December; and that the fear of terrorists invading Lagos partly informed the decision to ban commercial motorcyclists (Okada) from the city center.

In an interview in Lagos this week, army chief Buratai said that members of the sect have been picked up in Lagos in the past.

“There is nowhere you will not find Boko Haram – even in Lagos here, there are Boko Haram (members). In Kaduna, there is Boko Haram. There are more across the North-east. Many have been arrested here in Lagos. We have been tracking them. We arrest them and take them into custody,” Buratai said.

‘Insurgency has been defeated, terrorism hasn’t’

The military and presidency continue to receive plenty of flak for insisting that the Boko Haram insurgents have been “technically defeated,” despite sporadic attacks and killings by the terrorists every other week–especially in Nigeria’s restive northeast region and epicenter of the insurgency.

Buratai said it is important to distinguish insurgency from terrorism.

“We have defeated insurgency, but now facing the challenge of terrorism,” he said.

“We must differentiate between insurgency and terrorism. I have tried to tell them at the national assembly. Someone said three local governments are under Boko Haram. How? These guys are not controlling any territory. They attempted to establish their territory, caliphate in Gwoza but they have not been able to because they were flushed out. That is insurgency. They are not holding any territory.

“Typically, that is the end of insurgency. But what of terrorism? Terrorism will outlive you and me and probably everybody in this house because terrorism, since it started, just like armed robbery, like kidnapping, burglary, cultism, it would continue.

“These are all smaller parts of terrorism. It is when it goes higher that you have arsonists, like it happened in Borno yesterday, murder and so on deliberately, no cause.

“What is happening now is just criminality. Since last year, we have not given them any respite. They are now blocked. They no longer have access to foods; their movements are constrained; they no longer get the fuel they need easily because we have strangulated them.

“They are now in a depressed state; so, they go out with vengeance to attack commuters, to abduct individuals and targeting certain religious persons just for their propaganda. This also is one of Boko Haram’s strategies – propaganda,” Buratai added.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed 30 travelers on a busy highway in the northeast this week.

The insurgents are still capable of mounting soft target attacks that have led to the deaths of some 50,000 people and displaced millions since 2009.

#Newsworthy…

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NAF deploys Fighter Helicopters to 2 northern states

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The Nigerian Air Force says it has deployed its newly acquired fighter aircraft to Birnin Gwari in Kaduna and some parts of Niger state to flush out bandits from their hideouts inside the forests.

This was disclosed by the chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during the commissioning of blocks of accommodation for personnel of the service on Saturday.

He said that the fighter aircraft are expected to complement existing efforts being made to combat the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other related crimes in the affected states.

“The helicopters inducted have already been deployed; one is already in Kaduna at the flight line, they are working very closely with the other air assets in Minna to make sure we support the efforts in Kaduna Birnin Gwari, Minna and other areas within Niger state.

“We are working round the clock with other security agencies to ensure that what needs to be done is done to secure the lives of people,” he added.

The Air chief explained that 10 out of the helicopters are being used by 32 student pilots to train, owing to the need for more pilots to fly the aircraft.

“22 aircraft have been inducted, 10 are trainer aircraft here in Kaduna, but they are important because without the training we cannot get pilots to fly.

“They are crucial and they are doing very well. There are 32 student pilots training right now,” he stated.

#Newsworthy…

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Kanu’s parent burial unstoppable – IPOB dares

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…funeral, February 14

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), yesterday, boasted that the army would not hinder it from conducting the burial ceremony of parents of Nnamdi Kanu, slated for February 14.

IPOB’s spokesman, Mr. Emma Powerful, in a statement in Owerri, berated the army for abandoning their core duty of fighting in the warfront and defending the nation to harassing, humiliating and intimidating indigenes of Kanu’s Afaraukwu community in Umuahia-Ibeku, Abia State.

“We wish to notify the world that preparations for the burial of our leader’s parents is going ahead as planned. The Army is wasting its time and valuable resources trying to stop something they know they are incapable of stopping. Burial of the dead is a right older than man itself. How can the government of Nigeria justify the deployment of soldiers to the venue of a funeral while terrorists are busy making the lives of law abiding citizens a misery. What Buratai and his soldiers are doing in Umuahia is no different from what terrorists are doing in the North East. They invade peaceful communities, killing, pillaging, destroying and kidnapping people at will. We continue to draw attention of the civilised world to the incessant harassment, humiliation, intimidation of Afaraukwu community in Umuahia-Ibeku by the very lazy and shameless Nigerian army, whose stock in trade is to terrorise innocent civilians.

“Nigerian government and her soldiers are shameless and downright disgraceful and their refusal to confront armed Fulani insurgency and Boko Haram menace in the north, but instead chose to focus their attention on a burial ceremony in Afaraukwu is indicative of the misplaced priorities at the heart of this APC regime which has directly led to the deterioration of security situation across Nigeria.

“Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, Miyetti Allah Bandits, ISIS in West Africa, Al-Qaeda in the Mhagreb are dutifully waiting for Buratai and his warriors to engage them in battle in the north. That is the real security problem facing Nigeria, not the burial of His Royal Majesty Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and his wife…

“One thing is certain, come 14 February, the parents of our leader will be laid to rest. APC regime, Nigerian Army and their badly informed supporters cannot stop IPOB from restoring the sovereign state of Biafra within the shortest possible time by the grace of God,” Powerful said.

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Court reinstates colonel auwal suleman since 2016

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The compulsory retirement slammed on a serving military intelligence officer, Colonel Mohammed Auwal Suleman, by the Nigerian Army Council in June 2016 has been voided and set aside by a law court.

The court rejected the mischievous claim of the Nigerian Army that Colonel Suleman ought to serve 18 years only in the military service.

Colonel Suleman, a multi-award-winning counter-insurgency officer, had served diligently in the Presidential Guard, Military Intelligence Unit and coordinated the activities of the Anti-Terrorism Joint Taskforce that recovered many towns from Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East in addition to his international posting where he received numerous recognitions and awards, according to PRNigeria.

The National Industrial Court in a judgment in Abuja ordered the Nigerian Army Council to immediately reinstate Colonel Suleman to the position he was in 2016 when the purported compulsory retirement was carried.

In addition, the court ordered the NAC to pay all his salaries and allowances due to him from 2016 till date.

Delivering judgment in a suit instituted by Colonel Suleman against the Nigerian Army and eight others, Justice Sanusi Kado held that the purported retirement effected through a letter on June 9, 2016 was unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and of no effect whatsoever.

Justice Kado rejected the claim that the army officer was compulsorily retired from the military on account of overstay of 18 years in service, adding that there was no evidence to the falsehood adduced to justify the unlawful act of the army.

The judge in the ruling, which lasted over an hour, took a swipe at the NAC for breaching the doctrine of fair hearing in the case of Suleman, adding that it was more surprising that the plaintiff was compulsorily retired without being court-martial, charged with any known offence, issued with query or indicted before the purported retirement was carried out.

Justice Kado rejected the evidence given by the only witness of the army council, David Igodalo, to the effect that the colonel was compulsorily retired because he overstayed beyond the 18 years he ought to have stayed in the Army and thus allegedly breach Section 30 of the Nigerian Army Council Act.

The judge noted that the witness lacked knowledge of the case of the plaintiff and was not a reliable witness because throughout his evidence he never drew the attention of the court to the condition of service that stipulated that the colonel was to serve only 18 years.

Justice Kado further held that the claim of the colonel that he had served for 25 years and nine month diligently and received accolades nationally and internationally was not disputed by the Nigerian Army and therefore there was no lawful reason to justify the allegation of serious offence in the purported letter of compulsory retirement.

The court agreed with counsel to the plaintiff, Olayinka Adedeji, that the purported compulsory retirement was done in bad faith and ought not to be allowed to stand in the face of the law.

Consequently, Justice Kado declared the purported retirement and the letter as null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

Reacting to the judgment, Olayinka Adedeji thanked the court for doing justice to the case of his client and expressed optimism that the Nigerian Army Council as a creation of the law would respect and obey the ruling.

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Forces in doubt if Nnamdi Kanu will attend parent’s funeral

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..says funeral, 14th of February

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has kept Nigerian security agencies in doubt on whether or not he would attend his parents funeral ceremony.

In a statement by IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful and obtained by Sunday Sun, the controversial separatist leader maintains that he will not disclose to anyone if he would be attending his parents funeral ceremony. Kanu’s parents – father Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP) and mother Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu – according to the family died as a result of trauma after soldiers raided their Afaraukwu residence in Umuahia, Abia State.

Meanwhile, the date for the funeral has been slated for February, 14, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day celebration worldwide.

The family has announced that the ceremony will begin with a procession according to the customs and tradition of the people.

According to the statement by Powerful:

“IPOB leadership will not be disclosing any information and have not disclosed any information regarding the likely attendance or non-attendance of our leader to this event. However, arrangements are being put in place to ensure the ceremony is held in a secure and safe atmosphere.”

The IPOB spokesman said that their movement is peaceful and hopes to maintain its approach until their dream of an Igbo ethnostate (Biafra) is restored.

Nnamdi Kanu & Late Parents

“The movement and anticipated presence of our leader in his home during this period are yet to be finalised and, as such, no confirmation or otherwise will be issued to that effect. IPOB High Command will determine under what circumstance any announcement will be made in the future.

“We are inviting every media outlet, local and international, print and electronic to be present in Isiama-Afaraukwu on that day,” the statement concludes.

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Update: Aso rock speaks on end of war in Nigeria since 50years

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The Buhari presidency has urged Nigerians to reject division and embrace national unity, according to a statement issued in commemoration of the end of the civil war fought between 1967 and January 1970.

In the statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the SSA Media and publicity, the presidency said the war, in which no victor, no vanquished was declared should serve as a ” a potent warning on the dangers of aggressive regionalism, ethnic baiting and political corruption”.

Please read the full statement:

As the nation commemorates 50 years of the end of the nation’s tragic civil war today, we remember the victims of the conflict and honour those on both sides that lost their lives. Their tragedy shall be neither forgotten nor repeated.

The war serves as a potent warning on the dangers of aggressive regionalism, ethnic baiting and political corruption. In it, we must forge common memory that can serve as a bridge to a future free from the ravages of sectarianism.

We remember the past to draw its lessons; on how we move forward together and live in peace. Unfortunately, there are some who fail to recognise them and instead repeat its mistakes, preaching inflammatory rhetoric meant only to divide. We call on all leaders and parties to moderate their language.

Presidency laying Wreaths to honour fallen heroes

There were no victors in this war. Yet in rejecting division and embracing unity, we ensure those lives lost were not in vain.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Nigerians celebrate fallen heroes of armed forces

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Today, January 15, is set aside by the Nigerian Government as Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) Celebrations to honour Nigerian fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the good of the nation.

It was formerly marked on 11 November of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War II veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations, before it was changed to 15 January in commemoration of the surrender of Biafran troops to the Federal troops on 15 January 1970 thus signaling the end of the Nigerian Civil War.

Nigerians on have taken to different platforms on social media to honour the fallen heroes who lost their lives protecting the country.

See some of the comments on Twitter;

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Buhari mourns 89 soldier’s death

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Scores of Nigerien soldiers have been killed by a terrorist gang at a military base in Chinagodrar.

The attack happened on 9 January near the border with Mali. Eighty nine soldiers were killed by the terror group, worse than another attack on a military outpost in December 2019, in which 71 soldiers were killed by the terror group.

Military troops in Niger and Mali are fighting to suppress a jihadist insurgency, which has seen army outposts in both countries attacked by militants in recent months.

In November, 13 French soldiers were killed in a crash involving two helicopters during an operation against jihadist fighters in Mali.

President Muhammadu Buhari like he did last month on Sunday evening spoke to Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou on the telephone to commiserate with him, the government and people of Niger Republic, over the attack.

He expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.

He condemned the heinous attack by the terrorists and assured his Nigerien counterpart that Nigeria will continue to work closely with his country and other international partners to overcome terrorism and violent extremism.

The President reaffirmed that the perpetrators of such cowardly acts and their sponsors deserve no peace and comfort, stressing that Nigeria stands in solidarity with her allies to ensure that justice is served.

In Niger, three days of national morning has been declared, during which Niger’s flag will also be flown at half-staff throughout the the country.

President Mahamadou Issoufou has also sent his “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families and wished those wounded in the attack a speedy recovery.

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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.

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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.

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CAN frowns at FG over withdrawing troops from troubled bases

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The Christian Association of Nigeria has kicked against the planned withdrawal of troops from troubled regions by the Nigerian Government.

President of the organisation, Supo Ayokunle, expressed the body’s disagreement with the plan on Sunday in Yola, Adamawa State, while inaugurating a N115m secretariat of the association, describing it as a “policy somersault”.

He said, “I call on President Muhammadu Buhari to abandon his planned withdrawal of troops from troubled regions. I see it as a policy somersault.”

Chairman of CAN in the state, Stephen Mamza, while lauding government’s efforts in the fight against insurgency, urged the military to do more.

The Nigerian Government had on December 30, 2019 expressed readiness to gradually withdraw troops from the country’s North-East region where Boko Haram terrorists have sustained a deadly attack on civilian and military targets for almost a decade.

The government said the move was to allow the police and other law enforcement agencies take control of security in such places.

However, the plan has been opposed by several sections of the society including state governors, who have told President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the plan.

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Chad militants leave Nigeria after Boko Haram attack

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“It’s our troops who went to aid Nigerian soldiers months ago returning home. They have finished their mission,”. “None of our soldiers remains in Nigeria,” he added, without specifying whether they might be replaced following Friday’s pullout. N.Rs culled

“Those who have come back will return to their sector at Lake Chad,” Bermandoa said.

However, Chad’s general chief of staff General Tahir Erda Tahiro said that if countries in the region which have contributed to a multinational anti-jihadist force were in agreement, more troops will likely be sent in.

“If the states around Lake Chad agree on a new mission there will surely be another contingent redeployed on the ground.”

Boko Haram began the insurrection in Nigeria a decade ago, leading to at least 35,000 deaths with violence spilling over into Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

A Boko Haram faction aligned with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) jihadists is highly active around Lake Chad where the group has training bases on the Niger border and regularly carries out raids on military bases and regional security forces.

Last month saw 14 people killed with 13 more listed as missing after an attack on a fishing village in western Chad.

Countries in the region have banded together to fight Boko Haram and ISWAP with support from civilian defence committees leading to Chad contributing 1,200 troops.

Those troops have now pulled back across the border to be “deployed in the Lake Chad region to strengthen security along the border,” NobleReporters learnt

Cameroon says it is battling an upsurge in Boko Haram attacks and, according to an Amnesty International report published last month 275 people, including 225 civilians, were killed there last year.

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U.S vs Iran: California working with partner to mitigate possible cyber attacks

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Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani
California authorities have ramped up security after a U.S. airstrike killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

Mark Ghilarducci, California Homeland Security Advisor and Director of Emergency Services made this known in statement on Saturday.

Ghilarducci added that the state’s office of emergency services maintained strong relationships with security and intelligent departments around the country and the world, and was continually monitoring the situation.

“At the same time, the California Cybersecurity Integration Center is working closely with its partner networks to prevent, protect against and mitigate possible cyber-attacks,” Ghilarducci said in the `Statement on State Threat Assessments’.

While agreeing that the assassination approved by the White House created a sense of unease, the security advisor said that there were currently no specific threats against the Golden State as a result of the events in the Middle East.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Friday also beefed up security and urged local residents to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

“While there is no credible threat to Los Angeles, the LAPD is monitoring the events developing in Iran.

“We will continue to communicate with state, local, federal and international law enforcement partners regarding any significant intelligence that may develop,” the LAPD tweeted.

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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.”

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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

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

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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…