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Defence minister, Magashi tasks newly promoted Army officers on efficiency in tackling insecurity

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Defence minister, Magashi tasks newly promoted Army officers on efficiency in tackling insecurity

The Minister of Defense,Major General  Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) has tasked the 31 newly promoted Major Generals to be efficient in tackling insecurity in the country.

Magashi gave the charge at the decoration of the promoted newly Brigadier Generals to their new rank of Major generals on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, this promotion is as a result of hard work, dedication, commitment and loyalty to the constitutional authorities.

“This elevation has raised you among the few of your contemporaries saddling you with the responsibility of piloting the activities of the Nigerian Army into the next level.

“you are found worthy and the time has come for you to redouble you efforts to justify the confidence bestowed on you.

The Minister who also brings greetings from the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari said this elevation given to them is because of there sole sacrifice and duty to the country at large.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai congratulated the senior officers promoted and enjoined them to be professional in discharging their duties especially this period where the country is faced with myriad of security challenges.

“This promotion is inline with your hard work and service to the military and Nigeria as whole”. He said

Major General Onumajuru being assisted by his wife and daughter

The newly promoted Major Generals include;Major  General S Idris, Defence Headquarters Abuja, Major General DC Onyemulu, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Oshodi Lagos, Major General BO Sawyer Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans, Major General GS Abdullahi Defence Headquarters Abuja, Major General IM Obot Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Major General AL Lawal, Nigerian High Commission, Cairo Egypt, Major General LA Adegboye, Headquarters 82 Division Enugu, Major General AB Ibrahim Army Headquarters Training and Operations, Major General PB Fakroga Headquarters Nigerian Army Women Corps, Major General CK Nwosu Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, and Major General HI Bature, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Minna.

A cross section of newly decorated Major Generals in a group photograph with the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Army Staff

The others are Major Generals AL Dusu, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, MA Masanawa, Ammunition Central Depot Agunu, Kachia, JA Ataguba, Land Forces Simulation Centre, Abuja, AE Attu, National Defence College, Abuja, BA Isandu, Nigerian Army Intelligence School, Lagos, SS Araoye, Command Engineering Depot Kaduna, MS Ahmed, SI List Nigerian Embasy Riyad, GAT Ochigbano, Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, TA Lagbaja, Headquarters 2 Brigade Abak Uyo, LA Fejokwu, Army Headquarters Department of Administration ‘Army’, PE Eromosele, National Defence College, Abuja, AM Alabi, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, GO Adesina, Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans, MM Bunza, Nigerian Military School Zaria, AA Adesope, Directorate of Audit and Financial Management Office of the Chief of Army Staff, KI Muktar, Army Headquarters Department of Administration ‘Army’, OO Olatunde, Headquarters 35 Brigade, – (posthumously promoted),

Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume

EA Ndagi, Office of the National Security Adviser, KO Aligbe Defence Headquarters, UA Yusuf, African Standby Force ECOWAS Headquarters, Abuja, OC Ajunwa, Nigerian Embassy Brasilia, FO Omoigui Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations, OA Akinyemi Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Badagry, Lagos among others.

The occasion was graced by the spouses of the officers and other top government functionaries.

Nigeria’s Conservator General Musa Goni inducted into Tourism 100 Club

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Nigeria’s Conservator General Musa Goni inducted into Tourism 100 Club

The Conservator-General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni has been inducted into Tourism 100 Club, Nigeria.

The induction was done during the 7th Abuja Jabamah 2019 annual ceremony held on 18, November, at the expo ground of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Abuja where a certificate of membership was issued to the Conservator General.

In his remarks, Managing Director of the Event, Kelechi Uko said Dr Goni was given the certificate of induction in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria.

He commended the CG for the feat and assured him of the support of the organizers to promote the National Park Service to enviable heights in tourism across the globe.

Uko said this year’s event was tagged Jabamah, which means ‘You are welcome’ in Fulani language, to create a network for publicising and appreciating the immense contribution of some individuals to the tourism industry in Nigeria. The event was last held at Calabar as AKWAABA.

He said this year’s ”Jabamah” was organised to among other things induct the Tourism 100 Club (class of 2019) whose responsibility is to recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves as foremost and outstanding drivers in the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria.

Responding, the CG thanked the organisers for finding him fit to be a member of the Club and assured that National Park Service will always support them in lifting tourism in Nigeria.

Dr Goni expressed optimism that the partnership will yield positive mutual dividends for both the Service and the organisers requesting that the next edition holds next year in one of the parks in the Country.

He, however, dedicated his award of membership of the Club to Hajia Bilkisu Abdul, the CEO BBOOG TRAVEL and TOURS as well as the National President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) while commending her for introducing him to this tourism movement in Nigeria.

The CG was inducted along with other personalities in Nigeria, and Africa including the Director General, National Council for Art and Culture, Otunba O Runsewe.

Buratai promotes soldier for exceptional gallantry

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Buratai promotes soldier for exceptional gallantry

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has promoted Private Illyasu Bala to the rank of Lance Corporal for exceptional courage and gallantry in the war against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Area.

It would be recalled that in the last couple of weeks troops location in Mallam Fatori has been under repeated attacks by Boko Haram Terrorists. However, on each of those occasions, troops have robustly defended their location, counter – attacked and inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment on Boko Haram.

The maiden visit of the new Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Manu Ibrahim, to troops in the front line, therefore, provided the opportunity to reward the gallant soldier.

Recommending Private Illyasu Bala to the Force Commander for automatic promotion, the Commanding Officer 118 Task Force Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Murtala Aminu said “Private Illyasu Bala who is only 3 years in service has been exemplary, courageous and a source of inspiration to his peers. His gallantry in the face of the enemy has been exceptional”. Consequently, on the authority of the Chief of Army Staff, the Force Commander promoted and decorated the soldier to the admiration and applause of the entire battalion.

Speaking during an address to officers and soldiers, Major General Yusuf commended them for their courage and services to their fatherland. “You have made everyone proud and other locations are being urged to emulate the Mallam Fatori spirit”, Major General Yusuf added. He emphasized the need for collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces fighting in Bosso – Mallam Fatori axis in order to benefit from the experiences and expertise of each other.

As a morale booster and mark of appreciation for their services and patriotism, the Force Commander decorated commanders, some officers and soldiers with Operation YANCIN TAFKI medal.

 

UN envoy advocates regional collaboration for security threats in Sahel

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UN envoy advocates regional collaboration for security threats in Sahel

The Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has emphasized the need for regional partnership and a robust continental collaboration among key stakeholders to address emerging security threats bedevilling the Sahel region and Africa in extension.

He made the appeal during a graduation lecture organized by the Nigerian Army War College for participants of the College’s Course 3/2019, in Abuja.

Chambas, who spoke on “Emerging Non-Traditional Threats in the Sahel and Implications for National Security,” said the killing of Libya’s Muhammar Gaddafi and the subsequent breakdown of law and order in the North African country, have been the major contributors to the instability plaguing the larger part of the Sahara region.

The respected diplomat, added that the flow of weapons from looted Libyan military stockpiles into the surrounding countries have galvanized existing political oppositions, separatist movements, transnational militant groups, and human trafficking, among others security challenges.

He lauded the College for producing the leadership of several peacekeeping missions in Africa, saying the real impact of the College is visible in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

While saluting the visionary leadership of  Lieutenant General Tukur  Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, Ibn Chambas, described the giant strides of the Army chief and the War College as a positive force multiplier in the search for global peace and security.

Gen. Buratai, while felicitating with the course participants on their graduation, also underscored the need for effective synergy among nations of the Lake Chad and Sahel region, in order to address the lingering crisis of insecurity and violent militia groups.

In his welcome address, Major General Charles Ofoche, the Commandant of the College, disclosed that the lecture is a major event of the College and a key activity of the graduation ceremony, saying the knowledge gained during the course is geared towards enhancing the capacity of the officers to function effectively to address emerging security threats.

He explained that the topic was carefully selected in view of the myriads of factors that have exacerbated the vulnerabilities of the Sahel, and also created a conducive atmosphere for emerging security threats to thrive in the region.

Butatai tasks personnel on realistic training as Army procurement seminar opens in Abuja

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Butatai tasks personnel on realistic training as Army procurement seminar opens in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has said that realistic training is the best means of preparing officers and men of the Nigerian Army to achieving their goals.

General Buratai was while declaring open the procurement seminar for Unit Adjutants and Administrative Staff Officers of the Nigerian Army at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Army Logistics Major General JB Unuigbo, Buratai noted that the timing of the seminar is very apt in view of the increasing need to expand the administrative capacity of personnel.

In his remarks, Deputy Director of Army Procurement, Brigadier General ET Essien said, the seminar is aimed at affording officers and men of the Nigerian Army the opportunity to broaden their knowledge in financial management and capacity.

The Seminar with the theme: ”Building the capacity of Unit Adjutants and Administrative Staff Officer for effective procurement and financial management in the Nigerian Army” had in attendance, procurement and administrative officers from the Army and other security agencies.

‘Islamic spirit’ reveals Buhari’s successor in 2023

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‘Islamic spirit’ reveals Buhari’s successor in 2023

By Toby Prince

Some Islamic clerics have reportedly predicted that a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Yerima, will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

Despite almost six months into his second-term, the intrigue, permutations and scheming have begun for the country’s most-coveted political position.

Surprisingly, though, Yerima, a two-term ex-governor and Senator for a dozen years has thrown his hat into the ring – allegedly backed by some mystical ‘spiritual forces’.

In a lengthy interview aired on Pride FM, Gusau on November 13, the former governor chronicled his achievements as a civil servant, politician and Shariah promoter.

The audio of the interview was sent to DAILY NIGERIAN on Monday, and this newspaper had verified from the producers of the programme and Mr Yerima’s associates that the clip was original.

In the no-holds-barred piece, Mr Yerima said he would not run for any political office at the state level again, saying his only political interest is to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

“I am done with contest at state level, but will hopefully contest for president. Already some political elite and some Mallams are working to bring the idea into fruition.

“Even last night, one of the Mallams called me and swore that I appeared in his dreams as a president, chauffeur-driven in a black presidential car.

“Then I told the Mallam a related story my secondary school friend who was a former commissioner during Mahmuda Shinkafi administration told me,” the former governor told his interviewer.

Quoting the friend, Mr Yerima said: “A chalky white aboriginal Arab man suddenly appeared near Harem, greeted my friend and declared ‘you must be from Zamfara’.

“He then asked ‘where is our father Senator Ahmad Sani Yeriman Bakura? And my friend responded that I was fine.

“He asked my friend to extend his high regards to me, and then told them that God willing, I will rule Nigeria, except if I died.

“The man then bade them goodbye and as they turned to leave the point, my friend’s wife suggested that they should ask for his name so it could be easy to relate the message.

“To their utmost surprise, the man disappeared, and was nowhere to be found.

“When my friend told one of his Mallams [marabouts] about the incident, the Mallam declared it was a revelation conveyed by God [through the mystery Arab man].”

Army wrecks havoc on Boko Haram elements in another failed ambush in Marte

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Army wrecks havoc on Boko Haram elements in another failed ambush in Marte

In what could best be described as another tactical boomerang, troops of the Nigerian Army have again killed scores of Boko Haram elements in a failed ambush operation against the troops in Dikwa.

Recall that less than two weeks ago, a sizeable number of insurgents were killed when their vehicle stepped on a landmine laid against troops.

In a statement, Media Coordinator of Nigerian Army Operations Centre Col Aminu Iliyasu said the troops embarked on a relentless pursuit of the scampering insurgents who abandoned some of their fighting equipment in utter confusion.

The full text of the statement reads below;

ANOTHER TACTICAL BOOMERANG OCCURS AT MARTE AS IRREPRESSIBLE NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS WRECK HAVOC ON BOKO HARAM CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN A FAILED AMBUSH OPERATION

It could be recalled that, less than two weeks ago, it was reported that Boko Haram criminal elements suffered a tactical boomerang when a sizeable number of them were neutralised and many others maimed as they mistakenly stepped on the same improvised explosive device that they had earlier planted against own troops.

In yet another incident of tactical boomerang in the face of superior tactics and training, in the early hours of 18th November 2019, troops of 153 Task Force Battalion deployed at New Marte embarked on fighting patrol to Dikwa in Dikwa LGA of Borno State to hunt and destroy remnant of Boko Haram criminals in the general area.

Incidentally, the troops encountered an ambush staged against them by some remnants of the criminal Boko Haram insurgents along the patrol route at Ala Village, 7 km away from New Marte.

The ambush was reinforced with a crudely prepared Improvised Explosive Device planted by them against the troops.

In a rare display of boldness, resilience and faithful service to their fatherland, the troops, rather than getting discouraged by this sudden attack on them, turned around the initial setback and dealt a devastating blow on their criminal attackers.

Having so clearly asserted their superiority in the ensuing fire fight, the criminal insurgents were forced to flee in disarray.

The gallant troops then embarked on a relentless pursuit of the scampering insurgents who abandoned some of their fighting equipment in utter confusion. At the end of the pursuit and exploitation, 2 Gun Trucks, 2 Anti-Air Craft Guns, 2,080 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 26 Rounds of 12.7 mm Armour Piercing Incendiary ammunition, 3 AK 47 Rifles, 6 Rounds of 12.7 mm (Belted), one AOJOE motorcycle, some clothes, food stuffs and mechanical tools belonging to the criminals were captured by the troops.

Most of the Boko Haram criminal elements were believed to have escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. However, troops continue to dominate the area with patrols to deny the criminal insurgents freedom of action.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai commends the troops for their gallantry and equally wishes to reiterate the commitment of the Nigerian Army to accomplish its constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a secured Nigeria.

He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their unalloyed support, goodwill and understanding towards officers and men of the Nigerian Army as they tackle the myriad of security challenges confronting our dear country.

Bayelsa: Pro-democracy group lauds Nigerian Army over professional conduct of troops

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Bayelsa: Pro-democracy group lauds Nigerian Army over professional conduct of troops

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has hailed the Nigerian Army for its professional conduct during last Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The gallant troops, alongside other security agencies, were on ground in the usually hostile oil-rich state, ensuring that armed militia don’t stop Nigerians from performing their constitutional obligation.

Unlike in time past where unprecedented violence and bloodletting was the day’s order, the exercise in Bayelsa was relatively peaceful and calm.

In a press conference on Monday, the NDF was full of praise for the Army for its “invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of polls in the country.”

The group, in a statement signed by Secretary General, Dr Abdulkadir Bolaji, believes it is a “ testament of the commitment of the Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the constitution”.

The pro-democracy group is particularly impressed with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for “the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

Read full statement below:

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their invaluable role in the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections, and it wishes to state that. However, for this intervention, the polls would have witnessed unprecedented violence and bloodletting.

This is indeed commendable because our country’s democracy was preserved, and the will of the people prevailed in electing leaders of their choices during the elections.

The National Democratic Front particularly commends the Nigerian Army for its invaluable role during and after the polls in Bayelsa state, which gave rise to the relative peace and tranquillity that pervaded the state that is known for high militant activities.

This is indeed a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian Army in protecting the country’s nascent democracy and upholding the sanctity of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army, by every standard, lived up to the expectation of Nigerians and the international community by seeing to the peaceful conduct of the polls.

The National Democratic Front believes that despite the myriads of security challenges that were witnessed during the gubernatorial elections in Kogi state, the intervention of the Nigerian Army indeed saved the day in Kogi state; else, the level of destruction and loss of lives would have been disastrous.

This is also on the heels that there was some noticeable connivance by some security agencies in abetting the anomalies that were witnessed during the elections. However, it is on record that the Nigerian Army stood tall and was able to minimize the level of casualties during the elections in Kogi State.

The National Democratic Front wishes to specially commend the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai for the institutional reforms introduced in the Nigerian Army that has seen to the renewed vigour and commitment of officers and soldiers in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as preserving the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times. The Chief of Army Staff also deserves special praise for ensuring that soldiers are not used to disrupt elections anymore, but rather, on the ground to preserve the integrity of the electoral process as with the case in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

The National Democratic Front notes with enthusiasm that with the way and manner the Nigerian Army has been restructured by the present leadership led by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Nigerians should expect that gone are the days where officers and soldiers would be used by politicians to subvert the will of the people.

The National Democratic Front commends the Nigerian Army and other security agencies that worked round the clock to ensure that the electoral process in Bayelsa state was peaceful, and the voters were able to exercise their electoral franchise without fear, and also for its timely intervention in the Kogi state polls to save the day by minimising incidences of violence, bloodletting and other acts of electoral brigandage.

This is indeed commendable and an indication that our nascent democracy shall thrive with the commitment exhibited by our security agencies in recent times. The National Democratic Front also notes that all of these would not have been possible without the inputs of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who indeed promised Nigerians that the country’s nascent democracy shall thrive under his watch.

The fact that we are experiencing peaceful electoral transition in the country indicates that Nigeria is indeed on the path to greatness, and the efforts of the various security agencies cannot be overemphasized.

This much the National Democratic Front identifies and encourages the various security agencies not to relent in their efforts so far in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians and our nascent democracy.

The National Democratic Front wishes to use this medium to state that with the level of professionalism in the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, Nigerians do not have any reason to entertain any form of fear towards the preservation of our democracy.

The National Democratic Front also wishes to encourage Nigerians to continue to extend their support to the security agencies in the country in their quest towards protecting the territorial integrity of the country, as well as the preservation of our democracy.

Buratai calls for greater synergy among security agencies

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Buratai calls for greater synergy among security agencies

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has called for synergy amongst the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the media as a way of achieving success in operations being carried out by the force.

General Buratai gave the charge while speaking at a workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations in partnership with the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information for officers of the Directorate, Commanding Officers, Defence Correspondents, and Online Publishers.

He noted that the present fight against insurgents in the North East, including the war against militancy and banditry requires high degree of coordinated efforts among security agencies.

The Army Chief who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Major General Olu Irefin said that although there are challenges in the relationship of the military and other security agencies, but the challenges are summountable as it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.

He commended the Directorate and the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) for the workshop put together to address the problems of inter agency cooperation saying that it was through such forum that respective roles of security agencies could be holistically dissected to complement the understanding of their constitutional roles in safeguarding lives and property of citizens.

The Chief of Army Staff said: “It is pertinent to know that through effective synergy amongst the military and other security agencies, including the media, we have effectively and commendably prosecuted many joint operations with huge successes.

“Though, there are challenges but this is not peculiar to our dear nation as such challenges are surmountable.’’
Buratai urged participants to make use of the knowledge and ideas gathered at the workshop to ensure that all forms of criminality were stamped out.

He said: “I urge participants to make effective use of knowledge and ideas gathered from this conference in ensuring that all forms of criminal activities that constitute a threat to our national cohesion are stamped out.

“This will not only be through tactical means but with effective information maneuvering across board.

“This can only be achieved through a workable strategy amongst all of us, especially in galvanising a narrative that is superior to that of the adversaries.”

General Buratai assured that he would continue to support such commendable training initiatives, saying that he desired to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI).

“I am aware that NASPRI has trained over 356 officers and 2,472 soldiers in the Armed Forces.

“It is my desire to consolidate on the achievements recorded and uplift the capacity of the military information officers and soldiers to greater heights in the nearest future,’’ Buratai said.

In his remarks, Army Spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa thanked the COAS for giving the approval to conduct the workshop as well as providing the necessary financial and moral support.

He said that the workshop was apt, as there was increase in the dissemination of fake news, sourceless news, deliberate misinformation, which could dampen the morale of troops on the battlefield.

Musa said that such could also have negative consequences to the nation, the citizens and her vital interest.

He said that the media had a professional and patriotic duty to self regulate itself and to assist by watching out for fake and source less news and hate speech.

Colonel Sagir Musa commended the media for their cooperation, understanding and coverage of the Nigerian Army Operations, Exercises and activities and solicited more support and cooperation especially in ongoing clearance operation in the North East and the various operations across the various zones of Nigeria.

Burkinabe army kills 32 insurgents following convoy attack

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Burkinabe army kills 32 insurgents following convoy attack

The Burkina Faso army said Sunday, that it has killed 32 terrorists in two separate operations in the north of the country days after scores of people were killed in an ambush of a convoy transporting a Canadian mining employees.

24 were killed in the first operation while another eight killed in subsequent operation.

the first operation in Yorsala in Loroum province led to the release of several women held captive by the terrorists as sex slaves.

The second operation on the outskirts of Bourzanga led to the recovery of several cache of arms and ammunition.

Burkina Faso has been struggling to quell a violent uprising by Islamist since 2015 which has claimed hundreds of lives.

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