Tag Archives: buratai

We need UN assistance to demine Sambisa forest – General Buratai

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Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, says Nigeria needs the assistance of United Nations (UN) to demine Sambisa forest in Borno state.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buratai said the army is doing a “limited demining” of the forest to enable the troops move around for operations.

He said that this is in order to create safe routes for the troops to move from one place to another.

“The army is currently doing a limited demining of routes in the forest to enable troops to move around for operations,” Buratai said.

“Strictly speaking, we have not started demining the Sambisa forest. The areas we are concentrating on are where we are working, where our troops will have to move from one point to the other.

“These are the efforts we are making to create safe lanes for troops to pass from one point to the other. But, for our deliberate demining efforts, it will require much, much resources, much more effort, and we may even request for the civilian demining support in that regard.

“Demining is not restricted to the military only, there are several organisations that have been doing this, the UN is one and there are other NGOs that are involved which actually work under the umbrella of the UN.

“So, as comprehensive efforts, these bodies need to be invited to support what the military is doing right now in a limited capacity in that regard.”

The chief of army staff said there was need for the police to take over strategic areas so it would enable the army concentrate on the mop up of the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

“We need more policemen deployed even in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Bama, Damasak, Gubio, Monguno and Baga and other towns where people have returned, they – police need to really take over,” Buratai said.

“Apart from the regular police, the Mobile Police also are key, we need them to be there. There are concerns all over that at this stage we really need the civil authority to come and take up their responsibilities fully.”

He added that the army was guided by laws, including the 1999 constitution which specified its own rules of engagement and international law on armed conflict in its operations.

“We know what we are doing, definitely we will not infringe on individual rights. We have our own constitutional role; we have our own rules of engagement which are in tandem with our constitution, in tandem with even the international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict,” he said.

“If, in course of our duty, someone feels that something has gone wrong contrary to what they believe in and they go beyond to call for arms embargo and denial of certain weapons or equipment to the Nigerian military, I think the government will address that appropriately.”

 

Source: The Cable

Bonny Cantonment: Where Some Of Buratai’s Mad Men Reside – By Elias Ozikpu

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After several years of military harassment and dictatorship in Nigeria, a period which is often painted as Nigeria’s darkest moment, it is blindsiding to learn that the men in camouflage still believe that ‘bloody civilians’ (whatever that means) should continue to fall at their feet in worship. Whilst growing up back home in those dreadful days, I witnessed the horrifying public degradation of young ladies by military men who sometimes stripped these ladies naked for the offence of wearing trousers they purchased with their hard-earned money!

Even at that young age, I recall vividly that they were wild street jubilation in my hometown upon our return to democracy in 1999 as the people thought that the terrible days of brutality would naturally die with the ruthless and excessively corrupt military administrations. But that has not been the case. The men in camouflage have continued to harass and assault people on Nigerian roads, most times with stupendous impunity.

As recently as February of 2017, two military officers meted out the most horrendous treatment to a crippled citizen in Onitsha for wearing a camouflage. So spine-chilling was the attack that even onlookers could not intervene for fear that they might be killed by the bloodthirsty men in camouflage.

In early 2013, military men from Bonny Cantonment (popularly known as Bonny Camp) humiliated another citizen on a scorching afternoon in Victoria Island for urinating into a gutter. Not only was he brutally beaten to the point of bleeding, he suffered the ignominy of getting buried into the virulent gutter and was asked to swim from end to end, in what was an eyesore. As if the above was not enough, the victim was further pushed to climb a nearby tree with his head facing downward.

Both incidents as narrated above violently violate the fundamental human rights of the victims.

Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides as follows:

“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Corroborating the above provision, Article 5 of the African Charter for Human and People’s Rights echoes thus:

“Every individual shall have the right to the respect of the dignity inherent in a human being and to the recognition of his legal status. All forms of exploitation and degradation of man, particularly slavery, slave trade, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited.”

Maddened by the injustice meted out to the young man for merely urinating into a gutter, I wrote to the Commanding Officer (CO) of Bonny Camp at the time, protesting against the cruel treatment and asking him to properly educate his men, most of whom lack the basic understanding for joining the Force.

On the morning of Sunday, 19th February 2017, less than two weeks after dehumanising the disabled citizen in Onitsha, this writer had a direct confrontation with the Bonny Camp soldiers, which almost resulted into assault. The incident occurred under the bridge directly facing their barracks’ gate. The military man, walking so unconcernedly on the road, was alerted by the sound of our vehicle’s horn to remind him that he was on a public road. Rather than leaving the road to pave way for vehicles, the Lance Corporal, so full of himself, got infuriated and said that he would deal with us “for blowing horn on top of his head”. So serious was he that he made several efforts to smash the window glasses of the vehicle.

I alighted from the vehicle to address the Lance Corporal and tried to make him understand that there was not a scintilla of justification in the way he had behaved. But no sooner had I alighted than I got surrounded by several of Buratai’s armed men, as if the erred Lance Corporal had sounded a whistle for their intervention. And without asking what happened, Buratai’s men faced me with ferocious aggression, asking where I got the guts to challenge an officer on uniform. One even said, brandishing his rifle with vicious looks:

“I can kill you here now and nothing will happen.”

And just when they were on the verge of launching an assault on me, some military women on mufti from the same barracks, along with some concerned citizens who witnessed the incident, intervened and strongly resisted the attack, and subsequently blamed the Lance Corporal for his unruly conduct. This writer learnt that later after the incident, infuriated Bonny Camp soldiers subjected one of the women to severe threats, to the extent of denying her access into her house for stating in clear terms that the Lance Corporal was wrong in the way he had behaved.

There is the urgent need for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, to call his bloodthirsty men to order and have them properly educated. Cruelty against citizens by men in camouflage has become pervasive in Nigeria. The uniform and gun given to some of these men, most of whom are illiterate, make them feel as though they were demigods.

In January of 2016, The Punch newspaper published an editorial under the title: Military Brutality Should End Now. Part of the editorial reads:

“Incidence of assaults by military personnel against civilians is rising again, leaving a stain on Nigeria’s march to a truly free society. From Lagos to Abuja, the federal capital, to the east and north, reports are frequent of military personnel brutalising the citizens they were recruited, trained, equipped and paid to protect. Leaders and civil society at every level should take a resolute stand today to end impunity by undisciplined soldiers… The lawlessness of some officers and soldiers is so pathetic. Last week, one soldier with the name tag, Emmanuel B.J, brutally beat up a commercial bus driver at Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, ostensibly for “disrespecting” him. In August last year, a newspaper photograph graphically captured a group of soldiers battering a man in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, leaving him half-dead in the mud. Such “perks” have apparently attracted sadists into the officer corps. A video clip trending online shows a group of NA cadets, including a female, torturing a young man in Abuja, while in December, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State rescued a truck pusher from the brutal assault of two NAF cadets who had already loaded their battered victim onto their car boot…”

It is worthy to note that Boko Haram have been destroying innocent lives and properties in the North East of Nigeria since 2009 or thereabouts, to the extent of declaring a caliphate on Nigerian soil, yet the Nigerian Army has been unable to unleash similar brutality on these demons. In fact, the Army fled from Boko Haram’s attack to neighbouring Cameroon a few years ago and shamelessly called the escape a “tactical manoeuvre”. Below is the extract of a report published by Premium Times in August of 2014:

“The Nigerian military has admitted that hundreds of government troops have fled heavy fighting with Boko Haram, but said their apparent escape to neighbouring Cameroon was a ‘tactical manoeuvre’”.

The question therefore is, does the Nigerian Army now run away from enemies of our country but enjoy/prefer brutalising innocent citizens they ought to protect? Well, my answer is quite simple. As an African child, I have learnt from my people that one is not said to be a warrior when he abandons the battlefield in terror and resorts to chop off the heads of children and women in a bid to show off the depth of his strength. Only cowards do so.

 

Elias Ozikpu is a literary author and an activist. He was almost attacked by armed soldiers at Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos, before eyewitnesses stepped in and resisted the attack.

Nigerian Army alerts public as fraudsters drop Buratai’s name.

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The Nigerian Army has said it has noted with serious concern the activities of some fraudsters using the name of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, to defraud innocent citizens.

The army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman, said in a statement on Thursday that the fraudsters were employing various means and techniques through the use of the internet and social media to perpetrate the criminal acts.

Usman said: “These includes name-dropping, claiming that they were sent to solicit for assistance or patronage, using the name and photographs of the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai to create various social media accounts with the intent of currying favours and financial assistance, amongst other tricks.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to make it emphatically clear that at no time has Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai solicited for funds and assistance through individuals, groups and any of the social media platforms.

“In view of this, members of the general public are therefore enjoined to be wary of such persons or groups and social media accounts in the name of the Chief of Army Staff.

“Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend such persons.

“All are please requested to be vigilant and to report such suspected persons to the nearest Police Station, Nigerian Army formations or units and other security agencies.”

Shake-up in Nigerian Army as top generals redeployed.

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The Nigerian Army has either appointed or redeployed no fewer than 14 officers to different military units across the country.

The exercise, approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on January 9, 2017, affected six major generals, five brigadier generals, two captains and one major, documents exclusively obtained by this newspaper showed.

It came a month after Mr. Buratai promoted 227 Army personnel, including a son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Adeboye, who was made a colonel.

The first in the list of redeployed officials is M.H. Garba, a Major General, who was moved from Army Headquarters’ Department of Military Secretary to the Army Corps of Artillery.

Mr. Garba, whose redeployment takes effect from January 16, 2016, also received the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, the memo showed.

Next on the list is K.I. Abdulkarim, also a Major General, who was transferred from Nigerian Army 6 Division Headquarters to the Defence Headquarters with effect from January 12, 2017.

Major Generals O.U. Obono was moved from Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery Headquarters to the Defence Headquarters from January 12, 2017; and E.O. Udoh, from Defence Headquarters to the Nigerian Army 6 Division Headquarters from January 12, 2017.

Major General I.O. Rabio was moved from Nigerian Army School of Signals to Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary from January 16, 2017.

Finally, Major General E.G. Whyte has been redeployed from Defence Headquarters to Nigerian Army School of Signals as the new commandant beginning January 12, 2017.

For the rank of brigadier general, the following officials were affected in the latest posting exercise.

I.A. Adegboye was transferred from Defence Headquarters to 82 Division Garrison as commandant with effect from January 12, 2017.

The appointment of S.O. Olabanji as the commandant of Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School will take effect from January 12, 2017. He was transferred from Nigerian Army 3 Brigade Headquarters.

O.T. Akinjobi was moved from 82 Division Garrison to 3 Brigade Headquarters as the new commandant with effect from January 12, 2017.

A. E. Attu was redeployed from the National Defence College to 9 Brigade as the new commandant with effect from January 12, 2017.

S. Mohammed has been transferred from 9 Brigade to Defence Headquarters as the Deputy Director of Land System from January 12, 2017.

From January 12, 2017, Captain A.M. Dankabo will remain in the Chief of Army Staff’s office as L.O.; while Captain I.N. Garba will move from the Chief of Army Staff’s office to the Nigerian Defence Academy as an instructor, also from January 12, 2017.

Effective January 7, 2017, Major H.I. Mbe was appointed as the ADC to the Chief of Army Staff.

Boko Haram: How Army, Airforce conquered terrorists’ stronghold.

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Major General, Leo Irabor, Theatre Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has revealed how the military stormed the dreaded Sambisa forest hitherto occupied by the Boko Haram sect.

In a text of his media briefing held on Wednesday and made available to DAILY POST, Irabor affirmed that troops had cleared Camp Zairo, the last stronghold of Boko Haram Terrorists, deep inside Sambisa Forest.

The commander also released video clip of fleeing terrorists from the forest following air bombardment and assault on the camp by troops.

The full text reads: “Capture of Camp Zairo. On 22 Dec 16 at about 0800hrs, own troops commenced advance for the capture of CAMP ZAIRO which was the main BHT enclave suspected to be holding high value persons in Sambisa Forest. The Air Component and Artillery were effectively employed during the operation before the final assault by the troops. Our troops made contact with the BHT and successfully cleared the camp after some resistance from the insurgents. On sighting of our troops and having been overpowered in the fire fight, most of the BHT fighters fled in all direction.

“The gallant troops subsequently carried out search for any abductees and equipment. Our troops also raided and destroyed other camps and hideouts around Camp Zairo. At the camp, our troops destroyed several BHT logistics as shown. The gallant troops also dismantled the official BHT flag at Camp Zairo signifying the capture of the insurgents’ Headquarters. The flag would be officially presented to me by the GOC 7 Div. Later, same would be conveyed to COAS for further action to the C-in-C.

“Air Ops: During the operation in Sambisa, ISR coverage indicated that the BHT were in disarray. The clip is as shown.

“Fighting Patrols: Our troops have conducted some fighting patrols during the period under review:

“On 20th Dec 16 at about 1730hrs, own troops deployed at MIYANTI conducted patrol along road MIYANTI-BANKI Junction. Contact was made with the BHTs at one of their crossing points and one of them was killed in action while another was wounded. Items recovered during the patrol include 3 bicycles, a basket of kola nuts, 2 cartoons of Omo detergent, 92 sachets of cowbell milk, 7 measuring cups of sugar, 15 bars of duck soap, 10 packets of matches and 8 packets of Diclofenac tablet.

“On 22 Dec 16 at about 0843hrs, own troops in conjunction with vigilantes conducted fighting patrol along road KATARKO – GONIRI -BULTURAM KURA – BULTURAM KWANA – MELERI – NGAMMA and YURAMTI village. The patrol team apprehended 15 suspected BHT members comprising 5 men and 10 family members in YURAMTI village. The suspects were relocating from ZINDIYA and BUK villages in DAMBOA LGA of Borno State to GONIRI town. All suspects are in custody undergoing investigation.

“On 23 Dec 16 at about 0801hrs, own troops embarked on fighting patrol to KALARI village to deny BHT freedom of action. The patrol recovered one HK21 machine gun during search of a suspected location and there was no any contact with BHT.

“Ambush Operation: We equally conducted ambush operations during the period under review:

“Between 19 21 Dec 16, own troops in conjunction with CJTF embarked an ambush operations at suspected BHT crossing point in MADA general area where they laid in wait for 2 days. During the process, a suspected BHT member Ali Bulama (53 years) was arrested in MOMADU BUKUMIRI village around MAINOK general area in KONDUGA LGA of Borno State. The suspect has been undergoing interrogation.

“On 23 Dec 16 at about 0845hrs, own troops deployed at MAULI on admin patrol to Alagarno ran over an IED along the road and while attempting to salvage the situation, they came under escaping BHT attack. Sadly, 4 soldiers were killed in action while 2 others were wounded. One canter truck was damaged. The wounded soldiers have been stabilised while the bodies of Killed in Action (KIA) troops had been deposited at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) mortuary.

“Arrests. During the period, our troops arrested some suspected BHT in different areas. These BHT fled Sambisa Forest during our operations.

“On 20 Dec 16 at about 0530hrs, own troops deployed at ZABARMARI arrested one Abdullahi Yakine at DANGE in MAFA LGA. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is from BURKINA FASO. Suspect in our custody undergoing further investigation.

“On 24 Dec 16, own troops arrested a suspected BHT leader who was traced to Lagos. He has been undergoing investigations.

“On 25 Dec 16, own troops deployed in POTISKUM arrested a suspected BHT member Musa Abdullahi at FIKA. He is in custody undergoing interrogation.

“On 26 Dec 16, following a tip-off, our troops arrested 2 BHT members who sneaked into Maiduguri. Their accomplice has also been arrested and is undergoing interrogation.

“Interception of Suicide Bombers: On 26 Dec 16 at about 0815hrs, some civilians within Kasuwan Shanu in MAIDUGURI sighted 2 suicide bombers trying to infiltrate the cattle market. The suspects were challenged by CJTF from a distance but one of the 2 suicide bombers panicked and attempted to run into the crowd to detonate the suicide vest strapped on her.

“The vest detonated partially killing her while the other attempted to run but was killed before detonating the suicide vest her. Only the 2 suicide bombers died during the incident. No other casualty was recorded. The Nigeria Police and its EOD team recovered the unexploded suicide vests.

“Warning: Given the situation of the BHT who are currently in disarray, the public is hereby warned to be weary of individuals coming to hibernate in and around their homes. Also, we would like to warn that failure to report the presence of BHT members in your home is tantamount to support to the BHT. All are therefore, to report such presence to troops and other security agencies.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have won the war. We need to win the peace. You have a role. Our collective destiny lies in our hands. You have what it takes to contribute selflessly to this cause. I therefore urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of persons and objects to the military or to the nearest security agencies.

“On this note, on behalf of all troops in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, I wish to sincerely thank the Commander-in-Chief for all the support and encouragement. I also thank the Chief of Defence Staff, the COAS as well other Service Chiefs for all their leadership and support to our operations in the Theatre.

“The understanding and sacrifice by all the credible media houses in our operations are well appreciated. I thank everyone, and re-state that we remain ever committed to the mandate of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Thank you.”.

BokoHaram commander arrested in Ikorodu, Lagos – Buratai

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A top member of the Boko Haram sect has been arrested in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state on Saturday.

This was revealed by Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff.

Buratai said this during the reopening of two major roads in the state.

The roads – Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak and Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga – were closed during the height of the activities of the insurgents in 2013.

He charged his men to arrest fleeing members of the sect.

“You must maintain the momentum of the operation. We must pursue the terrorists wherever they are. We must not allow them to regroup,” he said.

He said in spite of the takeover of the insurgents’ last strong hold in Sambisa forest, “we have no time to waste”.

Buratai described the seven-year fight against the Boko Haram insurgents as “quite sober and touchy”, saying that a number of officers and soldiers had lost their lives in the war.

He prayed for the repose of their souls and vowed that the army would recommit itself to the fight until “remnants’’ of the terrorists were cleared.

Lucky Irabor, theatre commander, operation Lafiya Dole, had earlier said that the north east had been secured.

He also said insurgency had brought untold hardship on the people of Borno and the entire north-east zone.

Why we are sending soldiers to Argentina to learn cattle rearing — Buratai

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The Nigerian army has said that some army officers have been sent to Argentina to learn the art and trade of cattle rearing in preparation for the setting up of cattle ranches across the country.

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai said that the Nigerian Army would be raising up cattle ranches in such a manner that in almost all the divisions, and all the brigades, cattle will be reared.

 

Buratai who was represented by the Chief of Army Logistics, Major General Patrick Akem, stated this on Tuesday at the Commissioning of Mogadishu Cantonment New Mammy Market (former Abacha Barracks), Abuja.

 

A statement issued by PRNigeria noted that the Army Chief disclosed that in keeping up with modern cattle rearing tradition, he sent officers of the Army to Argentina to look at how cattle were reared.

 

“Argentina has a population of 41 million people, but it feeds about 400 million people around the world with its beef. To take it to the next level, we want to adopt a system where the cattle are not just free ranging coming from Sokoto to Port Harcourt, thereby making their meat tough to eat, the products will soon be coming from our own farms and ranches,” Buratai said.

 

He noted that he has created the Barrack Investment Initiative as platform that affords Army family members the opportunity of raising up fishing ponds, vegetable gardens, fruits, livestock, chicken and their eggs.

 

According to him, the intention of the Nigerian Army was not just to secure the country, but to contribute in growing the economy of the nation.

 

He added: “We want to tell our wives that they can live beyond the salaries of their husbands, so we are trying to empower the women in the barracks to be able to form co-operatives, so as to access loans and to a large extent be able to fend for themselves and their families, even without the salaries of their husbands.

Army sends officers to Argentina to learn cattle rearing.

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Tukur  Buratai, chief of army staff, says some army officers have been sent to Argentina to learn cattle rearing.

Speaking at the launch of Mogadishu cantonment mammy market in Abuja on Tuesday, Buratai, who was represented by Patrick Akem, chief of army logistics, said the army would set up cattle ranches in all its divisions.

A statement issued by PRNigeria quoted Buratai as saying that in keeping with modern cattle-rearing tradition, he sent “officers of the army to Argentina to look at how cattle are reared”.

“Argentina has a population of 41 million people, but it feeds about 400 million people around the world with its beef,” he said.

“To take it to the next level, we want to adopt a system where the cattle are not just free ranging coming from Sokoto to Port Harcourt, thereby making their meat tough to eat; the products will soon be coming from our own farms and ranches.”

He said he created the Barrack Investment Initiative as a platform to give families of staff the opportunity to create fishing ponds, fruit and vegetable gardens, keep livestock, and poultry.

According to Buratai, the intention of the army is not only to secure the country but also to contribute in growing the economy.

“We want to tell our wives that they can live beyond the salaries of their husbands, so we are trying to empower the women in the barracks to be able to form co-operatives, so as to access loans and to a large extent be able to fend for themselves and their families, even without the salaries of their husbands,” he added.

Buratai Warns Against Delay In Payment Of Troops’ Salaries

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Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, yesterday, warned against delay in payment of salaries and allowances of troops engaged in the fight against insurgency in the North East.

Buratai, who spoke while declaring open, a seminar on Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, for army personnel, in Abuja, insisted that prompt and accelerated payment of salaries and allowances to the fighting troops was one of the ways of boosting their moral.

He admitted that the objectives of the IPPIS were to ensure transparency, accountability and improve the effectiveness of payroll administration in all government ministries and agencies, adding that the development would present new challenges in the management of troops’ salaries and allowances.

He said: “I approve this seminar and know that the implementation of IPPIS in the military will present new challenges in the management of troops’ salaries and allowances. “I am hereby charging the finance corps to ensure that the nuances of transition are well understood so as to continue to boost the morale of the fighting troops.

“We understand that seamless, timely and regular payment of personnel salaries and allowances are an essential ingredient for the sustenance of morale of the troops.

“This is especially important towards the current ongoing efforts at consolidating on the counter-terrorism efforts in the north eastern part of the country and indeed all other operations around the country.”

Credit:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/boko-haram-buratai-warns-delay-payment-troops-salaries/

Army decorates spokesman as Brigadier-General

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The spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Sani Usman, has, been decorated with his new rank of Brigadier-General.

 

Mr. Usman was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

 

Mr. Usman was among the officers promoted last week by the Army.

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Buratai, said 227 senior officers had been promoted to their next ranks.

 

Of the number, 21 were promoted from the rank of Brigadier General to Major General; while 93 of them were elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General.

Scores Feared Dead In Boko Haram Attack On Remote Borno Village Near Buratai’s Home

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Scores of people may have been killed on Tuesday when Boko Haram militants attacked a military base in the remote Borno State village of Kamuya, a military source told SaharaReporters.

 

The militants stormed the area, which is about 10km to Buratai, the hometown of Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen TY Buratai, in Biu Local Government Area at about 10 a.m.

 

The source said many were killed in the two-hour duel, but the terrorists went away with their dead bodies.

 

“We lost some soldiers as well, some also wounded in the course of repelling the invaders, but we killed more than a dozen of them in a gun battle that lasted for two hours,” the source said.

 

The source further told our correspondent that the road linking Biu town with Buratai has been closed temporarily as a result of the attack.

 

It was gathered that the terrorists had dislodged and burnt down the base before its renewed attack yesterday.

Troops may leave N’East in 2017, says Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East would be returned to the barracks in 2017, when the fight would have been over.

Although twin blasts, suspected to have been coordinated by the Boko Haram fighters, killed 56 persons and injured 77 in a market in Madagali, Adamawa State on Friday, the army chief said the military was sure of success over the insurgents.

Also, on Sunday, another suicide attack on Monday Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, claimed three lives and injured 17 persons, but Buratai, who visited troops in the Damboa Local Government Area of the state, said the army would continue aggressive actions against the insurgents.

The army chief, who visited the 81 battalion on Monday, added that success over the Boko Haram remnants in the area would also facilitate the return of the Internally Displaced Persons to their homes.

He said, “Going by my first message in December, we must work to get out of this place. We must work to get out of this operation very quickly. We must defeat the Boko Haram. I was in one of the barracks and I have assured the families of our troops that many of you will go back in 2017.

“This battalion has done well. It fought along with the Cameroonian troops in this battle which means it is better placed to deal with these criminals. We must continue with the aggressive actions, patrol and ambush.

“We must move into all the hideouts of these criminals and fish them out. Other troops in the Sambisa Forest are dealing with them as well.”

Buratai said the army would do more to enhance the welfare of troops, adding that there would be a rotation of soldiers every six months of deployment.

The COAS also visited Alpha Company of 25 Brigade in Damboa to assess the new headquarters of the brigade.

Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Adamu Kamale, on Monday debunked claims by the Federal Government that all communities hitherto occupied by Boko Haram insurgents had been completely liberated.

Kamale, who represents Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, said contrary to the claims of the authorities, particularly the Nigerian military, not much had changed in the territories.

He spoke exclusively with The PUNCH in response to last week Friday’s twin bomb explosions in a popular market in Madagali, which resulted in the death of at least 56 people.

Kamale explained that many villages in his constituency share common boundaries with the dreaded Sambisa Forest, the main base of the Boko Haram insurgents.

He stated that insurgents infiltrated the communities, occupied the villages for as long as it pleased them, kidnapping and killing defenceless villagers in the process.

The lawmaker added, “Madagali still has challenges. I am the representative of this area and I know what I am saying. Many of our territories are still under the control of the insurgents.

“They kidnap and slaughter our people at will. Before last week’s attacks in Madagali market, three people were kidnapped and killed a day earlier in the same place.

“Some of these incidents are actually unreported and because they are not documented, the impression is created that all is well.

“The claims by the authorities that only pockets of insurgents are still operating are not true. The insurgents are still very much in control of many of our villages close to the Sambisa Forest. They still occupy these territories.”

Kamale told The PUNCH that though the insurgents would try to retreat whenever they sensed the presence of the military, he insisted that they always returned to “terrorise the villages and occupy them as soon as the soldiers move to other locations.”

The lawmaker said the solution was for the government to provide “adequate security for these communities in Madagali” by ensuring that the military had a permanent operational base there.

“We need the Federal Government to come to the aid of these defenceless villagers,” he appealed.

Kamale added that he felt embittered each time the government asked displaced villagers to return home on the excuse that their communities had been fully liberated.

“Let the people have adequate security; the psychological loss to our people is devastating.

“Their problem is beyond sharing food items to them or merely asking them to return to homes that are not secured,” he said.

Finish-off Boko Haram – Buratai Command Troops

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Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has charged soldiers to finish off Boko Haram remnants on time to enable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their homes.

The army chief gave the charge when he visited troops of the 81 battalion in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno state.

Buratai who reiterated the determination of the army towards enhancing the welfare of troops, said rotation of soldiers would take place after every six months of deployment.

“I am sure you have read and heard the message I sent across. If you are aware of it then we must work to get out of this place. We must work to get out of this operation very quickly.

We must defeat Boko Haram. “I was in one of the barracks and many of the troops were already there and I have assured your families that many of you will go back next Year.

“81 battalion is my unit too when I was a lieutenant Colonel This unit has seen it all. You fought along with the Cameroonian troops in this battle which means you are better placed to deal with this criminals.

“We must continue with the aggressive actions, patrol and ambush. You must move into all the hideouts of these criminals and fish them out.

Some of your colleagues in Sambisa Forest are dealing with them properly.

“You are better equipped, better motivated and mobile.The army has provided you with better equipment to fish Boko Haram out and deal with them completely.

“I wish to commend your effort and I urge you all to maintain the momentum and keep it high. Nigerians are proud of you. President Muhammadu Buhari the Commander in Chief is also pleased with you,” he said.

The COAS also visited Alpha Company of 25 brigade in Damboa where he assessed the newly constructed permanent headquarters of the brigade.

Bureau To Investigate Buratai For Alleged False Asset Declaration

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The Code of Conduct Bureau has pledged to invite Nigeria’s Army Chief, Tukur Buratai, for questioning as it verifies his asset declaration to determine whether or not he is culpable of false asset declaration.

Mr. Buratai, a lieutenant general, was enmeshed in asset declaration scandal after evidence emerged that he owned property in Dubai.

The Nigerian Army in June admitted that Mr. Buratai owned property in Dubai but said they were legal and he declared them in his asset declaration form.

“It is a fact that the Buratai family have two properties in Dubai that were paid for instalmentally through personal savings three years ago,” the army spokesperson Sani Usman said. “This, along with other personal asset have consistently been declared by General Buratai in his Asset Declaration Form as Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Commander and as Chief of Army Staff”.

Dissatisfied with the army’s response, as well as concerned with more reports suggesting the army chief violated Nigerian laws in  acquiring the property, a civic group asked the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, to investigate and prosecute Mr. Buratai for false asset declaration.

“Evidence of payments (payment tellers of Skye bank) made on behalf of General Buratai and published by Sahara Reporters shows that one of the properties was purchased after the assumption of office by General Buratai as Chief of Army Staff. The payment was effected and contract consummated between July 24 and August 17, 2016,” the Civil Society Network against Corruption, CSNAC, wrote in its petition to the CCB.

“It would be important for your Bureau to investigate the source of this acquisition and the differences between the General’s most recent asset declaration and the penultimate one,” CSNAC’s head, Olanrewaju Suraju, wrote while calling for Mr. Buratai’s prosecution.

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Buratai Orders Troops to ‘Completely Flush’ Boko Haram Remnants Out

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called on troops serving in the North-East to immediately embark on the final aggressive action and comprehensive sweep of the operational theatre to end the operation against the Boko Haram insurgents on a very high note.

Buratai made the call in a message to the troops, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

“In this regard, no stone should be left unturned. I, therefore, call on all officers and soldiers to buckle up and ensure that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists are completely cleared.

“I hope to be with you sometime this month – December, to motivate and positively influence the ongoing operations.

“This is with a view to having a colourful end of year and peaceful Yuletide in the North-East and indeed Nigeria.

“I urge all commanders to plan and embark on effective patrols, raids, ambushes and deliberate attacks in conjunction with other Services especially the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, to rescue all those abducted by the terrorists.

“I also wish to remind all troops that captured and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists must be treated humanely and fairly and in strict accordance with the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and Laws of Armed Conflict,” he said.

Buratai, however, said that in doing that they must be prepared to enter “all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to completely flush them out and dominate these areas to ensure they are not reoccupied”.

“I wish to reiterate that December is a month of decision.

“It is either we succeed in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists or we continue to live in perpetual circle of their atrocities in the North-East.

“I, hereby, want to reassure all troops that I intend to return everybody to Barracks in 2017 only leaving behind a strong, highly mobile, effective and motivated force that will continue to do the good work that we have already started,” he said.

The chief of army staff also called on the troops to remain focused, disciplined, loyal, dedicated and patriotic to their duties and to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He also commended them for their sacrifice, commitment, loyalty and courage in the service of their fatherland.

Ali Modu Sheriff’s daughter weds Army Chief Buratai’s aide

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Maiduguri, the Borno State capital will be agog with weddings this December. Aside from the Indimis who are receiving President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Zahra, into their fold as a wife; Halima, one of the daughters of a factional Peoples Democratic chairman, Ali Sheriff, is also set to walk down the aisle this month.

 

The lucky groom-to-be, Ronnie, is said to be one of Northern Nigeria’s most handsome and eligible bachelors.

 

In his early 30’s, he is the aide-de-camp to the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Tukur Buratai, and a Captain in the Nigerian Army.

 

On the other hand, Halima is a fashion designer and a graduate of the Canadian University in Dubai.

 

The couple have released some pre-wedding photos which were shot by ace Abuja-based wedding photographer, Big H Studios.

We must defeat Boko Haram in December or be stuck with them, Buratai tells soldiers

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The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has called on troops serving in the north-east to immediately embark on the final aggressive action and comprehensive sweep of the operational theatre to end the operation against the Boko Haram insurgents on a very high note.

Mr. Buratai made the call in a message to the troops, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

“In this regard, no stone should be left unturned. I, therefore, call on all officers and soldiers to buckle up and ensure that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists are completely cleared.

“I hope to be with you sometime this month – December, to motivate and positively influence the ongoing operations.

“This is with a view to having a colourful end of year and peaceful Yuletide in the North-East and indeed Nigeria.

“I urge all commanders to plan and embark on effective patrols, raids, ambushes and deliberate attacks in conjunction with other Services especially the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, to rescue all those abducted by the terrorists.

“I also wish to remind all troops that captured and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists must be treated humanely and fairly and in strict accordance with the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and Laws of Armed Conflict,” he said.

Mr. Buratai, however, said that in doing that they must be prepared to enter “all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to completely flush them out and dominate these areas to ensure they are not reoccupied”.

“I wish to reiterate that December is a month of decision.

“It is either we succeed in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists or we continue to live in perpetual circle of their atrocities in the North-East.

“I, hereby, want to reassure all troops that I intend to return everybody to Barracks in 2017 only leaving behind a strong, highly mobile, effective and motivated force that will continue to do the good work that we have already started,” he said.

The chief of army staff also called on the troops to remain focused, disciplined, loyal, dedicated and patriotic to their duties and to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He also commended them for their sacrifice, commitment, loyalty and courage in the service of their fatherland.

Nigerian troops advancing into major Boko Haram enclave – Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said that troops have commenced advancing into Sambisa Forest, one of the major enclaves of Boko Haram terrorists.

Mr. Buratai said this on Tuesday in Abuja while unveiling packs of bottle water provided through private initiative in appreciation of troops fighting the terrorists in the region.

According to the Army Chief, the advancement is an onslaught to finally flush out remnants of insurgents from the forest and rescue all those abducted in that area.

He added: “This year (2016), the whole Army Headquarters will be moving into the North East to celebrate Christmas and New Year with our troops.’’

Mr. Buratai described the bottle water initiative for free distribution to troops as “quite historic and the first of its kind.’’

He said: “The scheme involves branding 50cl bottle water with the image of the Nigerian soldier.

“It has the Nigerian army logo and that of stakeholders and partners from the private sector with the words: Thank you for your service.’’

According to him, the initiative seeks to appreciate the efforts of Nigerian troops actively engaged in the defence of our dear nation.

“This will no doubt go a long way in boosting the morale of the troops to show that their labour is being recognized and applauded by Nigerians.

“This initiative is quite timely, coming at a critical stage of the operations, when the troops have embarked on `Operation Rescue Finale.’

“It will surely add vigour, impetus and stimulate the troops in this phase of the operation,’’ Mr. Buratai said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several corporate and public sector organisations, as well as state governments graced the unveiling of the troops’ bottle water.

NAN also reports that the troops’ bottle water initiative was supported by Enugu State Government (N10 million), Ebonyi Government (N5 million) and the Nigeria Customs Service (N1.5 million), among others.

Nigerian Army to establish command boarding school in Birnin Kebbi – Army Chief

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The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai, on Monday said the Nigerian Army was planning to establish a command secondary school with boarding facilities in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi.

 

Mr. Buratai, a Lt. Gen., who was on a working visit to the state, also told Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, in Birnin Kebbi that the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps (NAEC) would construct the bridge linking Shema and Bakoshi in Zuru Local Government Area.

 

He said the proposed Army command secondary school in the state would be the second to be established nationwide.

 

The COAS said the project was to ensure that the Nigerian Army sustain the cordial relationship with the Army friendly state governments and promote the educational development of youths in the area.

 

He assured the state government that the Nigerian Army would execute the projects professionally.

 

Mr. Buratai also commended the state government for reposing confidence in the Nigerian Army in its efforts at securing the territorial integrity of the nation.

 

He also lauded the state government for allowing the army to construct developmental projects there and ensuring a healthy relationship between the military and the civilian population.

 

The COAS commiserated with the state government over the death of an indigene, C.U. Umar, a Lt. Col., who was killed by the Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush while on duty in the North-East.

In his remarks, Gov. Atiku Bagudu commended the Chief of Army Staff for restoring peace to the country as well as improving the professional conduct of the Nigerian Army in the task of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

 

He said the state would sustain the cordial relationship with the military, especially, in the areas of combating cattle rustling and kidnapping.

 

Mr. Bagudu used the occasion to call on security agencies to work together in curtailing the spate of attacks and incursions into the country’s territory by neighbouring countries.

 

“I acknowledge the friendly posture between the state and the Nigerian Army and assure the top echelon of the Army that the relationship will be sustained” he said.

Unjust dismissal: Nigerian Army boycotts court.

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More than three months after a top Army officer – who was dismissed from service without query or indictment – filed suit for redress at the National Industrial Court, Nigerian military has refused to enter appearance to defend its action.

This has opened the Army to accusations of deliberately shunning the court and frustrating the applicant’s push for justice, court documents reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES showed.

Under the procedures and rules of Nigeria’s industrial court, respondents are obligated to file defence within 14 days of receiving originating processes; and in this particular case, court records revealed military authorities, including the Defence Minister, Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff, were served on August 15, 2016, over three months ago.

Abdulfatai Mohammed, a retired lieutenant colonel, was one of the 38 senior officers compulsorily retired by the Nigerian Army on June 9, 2016, citing professional misconduct during the 2015 general elections and involvement in the arms procurement fraud.

But PREMIUM TIMES’ extensive investigations of the controversial exercise – prompted by “service exigencies” according to Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a colonel – showed the Nigerian Army abruptly ended the careers of some of the officers, including Mr. Mohammed’s, without query, indictment by any panel or even informing them of what their offences were, thereby raising question of arbitrariness.

So, while a few were queried, asked to face panel and indicted, others had their careers abruptly cut short for reasons that smack of high-level arbitrariness, pettiness, witch-hunting and partisanship by authorities of the Army.

Apart from relying on Paragraph 09.02(e) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers to petition President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Mohammed like other affected officers, who feel arbitrarily forced out of service, also approached, on August 12, the National Industrial Court to seek reinstatement.

He asked the court to declare that his compulsory retirement “constituted an unfair dismissal and punishment without factual basis at all and is as a result of wrongful, unconstitutional, illegal and invalid.”

In the June 9 letters – seen by PREMIUM TIMES – to the affected officers, including Mr. Mohammed, their compulsory retirement was hinged on “provisions of Paragraph 09.02c (4) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) 2012 (Revised)”.

The referenced section – 09.02c (4) – of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2012 (Revised), shows the officers were laid off “on disciplinary grounds i.e. serious offence(s)” but the actual “serious offence” was not stated.

However, in a July letter conveying the appeals of 22 of the affected officers to President Buhari in line with military rules, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, a General, gave formal reason why the Army terminated Mr. Mohammed’s career prematurely as “involvement in election matters”.

Yet, the military authorities have not been in court to defend their action and the reason the officer was sent out of service.

On September 7,  Ibrahim Etsu, counsel to the Army Council, Armed Forces Council, Chief of Defence Staff and the Defence Minister, approached the court, acknowledging the military did fail to enter appearance within the stipulated time, citing administrative bureaucracy; and asking to file memorandum appearance out of time.

Even so, court records revealed, as at Monday, October 21, Mr. Etsu, a staff in the legal department of the Ministry of Defence, has not returned to the court for the military’s statement of defence.

Consequently, Mr. Mohammed, on October 18, filed a fresh motion before the industrial court, seeking accelerated hearing and that judgement be given, relying on Order 8 rule 5(1) of the National Industrial Court, because “clearly the intention of the defendants is to delay the hearing of this case by dilatory tactics.”

“Where a defendant or respondent fails to file a Memorandum of Appearance within the stipulated time, or fails to file appropriate processes in defence of the action within the prescribed time, and fails to file a declaration of intention not to defend an action, the court may proceed and hear the matter and give judgement,” the referenced court rule states

Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Mohammed told PREMIUM TIMES that even after his application for accelerated hearing – over a month now, the case had not been assigned to any judge.

“They (military authorities) have used their offices and they have exploited my vulnerability and acted to dress me in the dirty garb of a criminal … I have been greatly traumatized by the news of my compulsory retirement based on the allegations of non-existent serious offences I never knew about or took part in.”

His lawyer, Abdul Muhammed, disclosed to this newspaper he would meet with the President of the NIC later this week to ask that the case be assigned.

Mr. Etsu, the defence counsel, told PREMIUM TIMES he was not going to comment on this report, citing “no authority to do so”.

Also the Minister of Defence, through his spokesperson, Tukur Gusau, a colonel, claimed ignorance of the court process or that the Minister had been served. But PREMIUM TIMES obtained court document filed by Mr. Etsu, stating the Minister and others had been served.

Boko Haram: Buratai commends engineers for reduction in IED explosion

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has commended the Nigerian Army Engineers for their contributions to the reduction of bomb explosions in the North East.

Buratai made the commendation at the inauguration of a 41 room and parlour apartments named “General Buratai Sappers Lodge” in Bonny Cantonment in Lagos on Wednesday.

Buratai, represented by Major General Chris Jemitola, the Commander, Corps of Signal, said field reports indicated that NAE had helped to reduce the incidence of IEDs planted by Boko Haram terrorists going off in the North East theatre of operation.

He also said it was unfortunate that the recent explosions led to the death of civilians, officers and soldiers alike.

The COAS observed that in the last few months, relative peace had been recorded in the region, noting that the recent explosions were fewer and far between.

Buratai said: “It is unfortunate that they happened and we are addressing them; nonetheless, army engineers have contributed in various aspects.

“They have helped the Nigerian Army to live, move and fight; they are also helping the civilian populace in various dimensions.”

The inauguration took place simultaneously with the handing and taking over by the Commander, Corps of Engineers.

The outgoing commander, Major General Chris Obi, said he was motivated to embark on the construction of the apartment because of the daunting challenges of accommodation for officers of the corps.

Obi noted that the security challenges in the country had resulted in the increasing demand for NAE personnel particularly in the area of IED management.

Obi said: “Officers of the NAE have done extremely well in tackling the insurgents.

“There is, therefore, need to train our personnel on the use and handling of modern IED and Explosive Ordinance Devices equipment.

“Luckily, the COAS recently procured some of such equipment such as the BOZENA 5, the AMTRAC 400 series and some handheld IED detecting gadgets.”

Obi, who took over as NAE corps commander on August 21, 2015, noted with enthusiasm that the apartment would motivate officers of the corps.

The signing of the handing and taking over notes was the climax of the event at the cantonment which was witnessed by officers of the corps.

The incoming commander, Major General Olusegun Adeleke, said he would key into the successes of his predecessor to move the corps to the next level.

Before his appointment as commander, NAE, Adeleke was the Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, Army Headquarters, Abuja.

60% Of Boko Haram Terrorists Not Nigerians– Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday said that judging by the current activities of the Boko Haram terrorists, 60 per cent of them are not Nigerians.

Buratai said this in Maiduguri when he received the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, at the headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole at the Maimalari Cantonment.

He said, “Your Excellency, I want to bring to your attention that while the Boko Haram insurgency can be said to have started in Nigeria, by and large as at today, I can say that almost 60 per cent of the insurgents are from our neighbouring countries.

“You can see that almost all of the recently surrendered insurgents are not Nigerians.

“This is a challenge that impacts more on the Nigerian side than the other countries. But by and large, our military is up to the task and we will continue to do our best to ensure that our country is secured.”

He said that there was no doubt that the terrorists had been defeated but added that troops would continue with their operations until the insurgents finally surrender.

The army chief thanked the UN for identifying with Nigeria in its efforts to rout-out the terrorists and solicited additional support from the world body.

Speaking earlier, Dr Chambas said that his visit was an expression of the UN’s identification with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and efforts to restore peace to the North-East region.

He restated the UN’s condemnation of the terrorists’ group, adding “we are behind the Federal Government’’ in its efforts to defeat the terrorists.

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The Nigerian Army condemns media attack on Buratai.

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The Army says it’s attention has been drawn to a “fictitious interview” with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai by a cloned online newspaper.

It said the interview under the headline, “Buratai blames Col. Ali’s death on President Buhari, hails Goodluck”, is “false and a figment of their imagination resulting from their jaundiced and unjustified hatred of the person of the COAS and the Nigerian Army.”

Col. Sani Usman, in a statement, said “The publication is also a calculated mischief by some unknown individuals designed to achieve some ulterior motives.

“The content of that mischievous publication exists only in their imagination. There has never been anytime or occasion where the Chief of Army Staff stated that.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Chief of Army Staff could never have said something like that. He remains absolutely loyal to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He remains resolute in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in our country and no amount of distraction or unwarranted attacks would change that.

“While we are making efforts to unravel those behind this publication and decipher their motive and objectives we urge the public to disregard the publication in its entirety.”

Defence Headquarters plans relocation to permanent site – COAS

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Chief of Army Staff, Lt- General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has disclosed that the present location of the defence headquarters in the Gariki area of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) Abuja will soon be moved to its permanent site.

Describing the present location of the defence headquarters, which comprises the army, navy and air force as mere temporary site, Buratai said the military is already making plans to relocate the service to its permanent site very soon when it has annexed all the lands belonging to the three services.

The Army chief made this disclosure yesterday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on the FCT in company of leadership of the army authorities to explain the alleged army’s forceful takeover of 238 hectares of land in Maitama Extension.

This is as the Minister of the FCT, Mohammed Bello, has blamed a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja), Senator Adamu Aliero for the current face-off between the Nigerian Army and civilians over ownership of the 238 hectares of land.

Bello made this allegation while explaining to the senators, the current efforts being made by FCT and the Army to resolve the problem amicably.

The minister said, the 238 hectares of land was originally allocated to the Nigerian Army in 1996, but some time in 2009, when Senator Adamu Aliero was the FCT Minister, about 600 plots were re-allocated to some privileged civilians and retired military officers without any legal revocation of allocation made in 1996 when retired Lt –General Jeremiah Useni, was the minister.

He said: “I want to just mention that the area in contention was actually area earmarked for the Nigerian Army under the Guards Brigade way back in 1996. But sometime in 2009 a portion and the entire area in contention is about 246 hectares or thereabout.

“Sometime in 2009, plot allocations were made there and commitments were undertaken by the FCTA in terms of infrastructure. Allocated plots in that area from our records numbered about 600 plots out of which Certificate of Occupancy (C-of- O) have been issued to about 200 with payments of about N5.6 billion received aside commitment of about N9 billion already made in respect of providing infrastructure in the area out of estimated N23billion”.

He appealed to the committee to give the FCT authority and the Army more time to resolve the problem, saying “at the end of the day, we would be able to reach a solution to meet the needs of the military and of course, ensure also those that were allocated plots in that area in terms of financial commitments, do not lose their commitments”.

He added that as a result of the problem, the FCT administration was already identifying all available military lands within the territory towards avoiding similar encroachment aided from within.

Zahra Buhari, mother shed tears as Col. Abu-Ali is laid to rest.

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Zahra Buhari, one of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed that she never attended a burial ceremony until Monday when the remains of Abu Ali, the brave soldier killed by Boko Haram, were interred.

Ali, alongside six officers brought down in the line of duty, was buried at the National Cemetery, Abuja, on Monday.

The other soldiers who died in the attack were Muazu Ibrahim, Hussani Jafaru, Bassey Okon, Chukwu Simon, Salisu Lawal, and Patrick Paul.

Even, Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, could not fight back tears when he read the funeral oration at the gravesides of the heroes.

The first daughter showered encomiums on the deceased, and narrated her experience at the event.

“I experienced a burial for the first time in my life. Right before my eyes I saw our 7 heroes laid to rest, I couldn’t hold back my tears,” she said in a statement posted on social media.

“I looked up and saw my mother wiping away her tears and then Lt. Gen. Buratai’s voice shaking as he gave his touching speech to bid good bye for the last time. Lt Gen Buratai listed town after town, village after village that were recaptured by the army led by our 7 fallen soldiers.

“Tears rolled down as though I had known them all my life. They sacrificed everything they had for us and gave it their all in every battle. I thought to myself “This is the epitome of patriotism!”.

“All our fallen heroes shall not be forgotten. The patriotism I had in my heart before the burial was very much but by the end of the event it had doubled!!

“The bravery, courage and patriotism of our soldiers is an example to every Nigerian, it is the true definition of leading by example.”

Buratai weeps as commander, six soldiers get national burial.

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The Commanding Officer of the 272 Special Task Force Task Battalion, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali and six troops who were killed during a Boko Haram attack at Mallam Fatori on November 4, 2016 were given a national burial at the military cemetery, Abuja on Monday.

The Army Commander described by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, as ‘Sarkin Yakin, the frontline general’ and the six others were buried in a brief but solemn ceremony which was attended by the leadership of the nation’s military, top politicians, family members of the deceased and associates.

The other killed military personnel comprising five Army personnel and a Naval seaman were Staff Sgt. Muazu Ibrahim, Sgt. Husseini Jafaru, Sgt. Okon Bassey, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, PTE Salishu Lawal, and Able Seaman Patrick Paul.

It took the Chief of Army Staff a lot of efforts and a visible struggle with emotions amidst tears, with cracking voice, to read the brief funeral oration of the fallen warriors.

Buratai, while reading the funeral oration of the deceased amidst intermittent sob, said that they were “inducted into the Operation Lafiya Dole in 2014 to form the pivot of counter insurgency efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the North-East.”

He said that the soldiers, who were members of the 119 Task Force Battalion and the Armed Forces Special Forces, took the battle to the insurgents and recovered several territories from them.

According to him, “The brave, precise, professional and inspiring” troops recovered

Monguno, Baga, New Marte, Bama, Gwoza, Banki Junction, Gamboru Ngala, Yale, Yemteke, Bitam, Doronaira, Kagarwa, Ärrege, Abadam, and Mallam Fatori from the Boko Haram sect.

“In these battles, they rescued women, and children, fathers and mothers, the young and the old and restore peace and order to Nigerian citizens.

“At last on November 4, 2016, they paid the supreme sacrifice in the battle of Mallam Fatori. These men epitomise the best of our military. They exemplified the values of our nation and our military, with their loyalty, discipline, courage selfless service, respect, honour and dignity.

“They left behind wives, children, as well as parents and dependants. They fought for the unity of our nation; our brave and gallant compatriots, your families and comrades will miss you. The entire nation will miss you but be rest assured that your labour will never be in vain.

“Serkin Yarkin, the frontline general, you and your men have fought a good fight, you always told them to pray, stay alert, and stay alive. You will always be alive in our memories, we shall continue to pray for you, we shall continue to pray for you all, and we shall remain alert for you, for the cause you have laid your life for.

“Your loved ones will remain in our care and their welfare will be of utmost priority at all times. You have fought a good cause and we are rest assured that your souls rest in perfect peace with almighty in Paradise.”

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari said that the officer and the soldiers were “fearless, responsive, inspiring selfless and dedicated” to the discharge of their duties and paid the supreme price for Nigerians to enjoy total freedom.

The President, who was represented at the burial by his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, said that the gallantry and the dedication displayed by the deceased soldiers and their colleagues contributed to the restoration of peace and normalcy in the North-East.

The President said that the death of the soldiers would not be in vain as their exemplary display of patriotism and professionalism would further spur the government to intensify measures to defeat the insurgency in the country.

Meanwhile, Buratai has called for concerted onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents in the country.

The Army Chief made the comment while speaking with journalists shortly after declaring open a seminar with the theme ‘Assessing the threats of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’ at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja on Monday.

The Army Chief observed that the Boko Haram was getting clandestine support from some elements within the society and from other bodies like the ISIS.

Buratai, who called for the cooperation of Nigerians in the fight against insurgency, said that Abu-Ali would not die in vain.

Also, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the death of Abu-Ali,

He described the late officer as a patriot who lost his life in the defence of his fatherland.

Saraki, in a condolence message, signed by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, commiserated with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Buhari; the military high command; the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole; the government and people of Kogi State; and the immediate family of the slain army officer over the sad occurrence.

“We have to intensify our onslaught against insurgents” – Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has urged the army to intensify attacks against Boko Haram fighters in the North Eastern part of the country.

Buratai said this while speaking with journalists shortly after declaring open a seminar with the theme ‘Assessing the threats of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’ at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja on Monday.

The COAS was reacting to the death of Army hero, Lt. Colonel Muhammed Abu Ali.

Buratai said it was time to find a permanent solution to the menace of insurgency in the country.

He said, “It is incumbent on  all of us to really reflect, to understand that we are really in a situation where need to ensure that the fight against insurgency received total support from everybody. 

“This a loss too many that we just have to find a collective effort by all Nigerians and indeed globally to ensure that terrorism is seriously fought to the end. It is a situation where we really need to work together, to synergise together.”

Buratai Grants Automatic NDA Admission To Nasarawa Students

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has said that the 150 students of the Command Science School, Lafia, will get automatic admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) upon graduation.

Buratai stated this yesterday in Lafia during the official commissioning of the school which is the first and only one in the entire northern Nigeria, explaining that the project will enhance military/civilian relationship.

Buraitai, who was represented by the head of administration in his office, Major General Bello Abubakar, explained that the project which started in July 2014 is a collaborative effort between the Army and the Nasarawa State government.

The Command Science School which took off 17th September 2016 has admitted 150 students into the junior class out of which 130 students are indigenes of the state. He called on them to reflect the discipline and uprightness that the military represents, adding that states like Kebbi, Jigawa among others are already clamouring for the establishment of such in their states.

Also speaking, the state governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura said that establishing the school in the state will not only widen the scope of education and academic excellence in the state, but will open opportunities for indigenes who want to take up career in the military. The governor who was represented by his deputy,  Hon. Silas Agara, urged the management of the school to make best use of the equipment.

Credit: leadership

Ayade To Buratai: We Need Heavy Military Presence In Cross River

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Governor Ben Ayade of  Cross River State on Wednesday demanded heavy presence of the military in Calabar, in order to sustain peace in the state.

He made the appeal when the Chief of army of  staff COAS, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai paid him a courtesy visit in Calabar.

Represented by his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, Ayade applauded the COAS’s sterling leadership qualities, describing him as a delight in Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

” In Cross River State, we need heavy presence of the military because we want peace to be able to do our job”, he said.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/552719/ayade-to-buratai-we-need-heavy-military-presence-in-cross-river-2

Boko Haram: Army Can Declare Civilians Wanted – Buratai Tells Falana

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has said that with the arrest of a journalist, Ahmed Salkida, over links with Boko Haram sect, he has been vindicated that the Nigerian military can declare a civilian wanted.

He was reacting to reports credited to a legal practitioner, Mr. Femi Falana that the military lacks power to declare civilians wanted.

According to him, in the course of securing the country from terrorism, the military has the power to summon any person to assist them with this task.

Buratai, in a statement issued by his lawyer and human rights activist, Ugochukwu Osuagwu, obtained by journalists in Abuja, added that in the course of questioning any person who is suspected to have links with terrorists, the Army may refer the person to appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution, especially where the facts were available.

The statement reads…

“It was Judy Biggert who said “No one ever said that fighting the war against terrorism and defending our homeland would be easy. So let’s support our troops, law enforcement workers, and our mission to keep our nation and our children safe in the days and years to come”

“My attention has been drawn to an article appearing in several newspapers and online media credited to Learned Silk FEMI FALANA (SAN) with the caption  “Army Lacks Power To Declare Civilians ‘Wanted’” .

“I disagree with this view. The Nigerian Military or Army has both Constitutional and Statutory mandate to fight terrorism and in the course of securing the country from terrorism have the power to summon any person to assist them with this task. And if in the course of questioning any person who is suspected to have links with Terrorists, the Army or Nigerian Military where the facts warrants, may refer the person to appropriate Agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

“I do not see how any person would suggest that the Nigerian Army or Military would allow any person they suspect may interfere with the war against terrorism to go scot free simply because the person wears a civilian garb or is a civilian? Certainly Public safety and National Security would not encourage such. Rather than condemn the Nigerian Army for declaring certain persons wanted or summoning any person ,we should commend them for their sound intelligence gathering.

“On October 28 2015 the Nigerian Army declared 100 Boko Haram terrorists suspects wanted in Borno. There was no write up condemning this declaration even where the photos of these persons were published. So why would declaring three persons wanted now generate controversy.

“Nigerian Army has full powers under Section 217 of the Nigerian Constitution to summon or declare any suspected person wanted in the course of defending Nigeria’s territorial space from terrorists and rebels.They do not need to wait for the IGP or AGF or SSS to act swiftly.

“1999 Constitution of Nigeria Section 217 provides . (1) There shall be an armed forces for the Federation which shall consist of an army, a navy, an Air Force and such other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly.

Read more :

https://www.today.ng/news/nigeria/178699/boko-haram-army-declare-civilians-wanted-buratai-tells-falana

Operation Crocodile Smile will address Niger Delta crisis – Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has said that the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ will address the security challenges facing the Niger Delta and enhance peace in the region.

This is as Rivers State governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, declared his support for the Operation Crocodile Smile by the Nigerian Army.

Buratai, who spoke yesterday when he led other senior military officers to pay a courtesy call on Wike at Government House, Port Harcourt, explained that the Operation Crocodile Smile was introduced to train army personnel on the techniques of operating in the Niger Delta.

The Chief of Army Staff said, “The Operation Crocodile Smile is an exercise to train our troops on amphibious operations.”

He stated that the exercise seeks to provide the civil authorities with the right environment to carry out governance.

Buratai further stated that the exercise will ensure that the troops are professional with the required training to conduct operations within the law.

The Army Chief said, “Our waters are generally porous. The Nigerian Army has amphibious capabilities in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to carry out limited operations within the creeks.”

He noted that another aspect of the Operation Crocodile Smile will witness the Army intervening in critical areas of need for the communities, pointing out that already, the Army has embarked on medical outreach in Bille in Rivers State and Nembe in Bayelsa State.

Responding, Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, stated that he will do everything to ensure peace and security in the Niger Delta.

Wike said, “The Rivers State Government is fully in support of the Operation Crocodile Smile. I was fully briefed by the Brigade Commander and we associate ourselves with the programme because it will make the Niger Delta safer.”

Wike Expresses Support For ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’

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Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared his support for the Operation Crocodile Smile by the Nigerian Army, saying that he will do everything to ensure peace and security in the Niger Delta.

Governor Wike spoke on Monday when he granted audience to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and Senior Army Officers at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai explained that the Operation Crocodile Smile was introduced to train army personnel on the techniques of operating in the Niger Delta.

The governor said: “The Rivers State Government is fully in support of the Operation Crocodile Smile. I was fully briefed by the Brigade Commander and we associate ourselves with the programme because it will make the Niger Delta safer.

“One of the advantages of the programme is that hoodlums in the creeks are being uprooted for a safer Niger Delta. I support the programme insofar as it is done with the constitution “.

According to the governor, the Rivers State Government will sustain its support for security agencies to create the right atmosphere for democratic governance.

He said that the State Government has procured 6 New Armoured Personnel Carriers for the Police and in the process of concluding the acquisition of 10 gunboats for the Nigerian Navy.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai said that the Operation Crocodile Smile will ensure that the security challenges in the Niger Delta are addressed and peace enhanced.

He said: “The Operation Crocodile Smile is an exercise to train our troops on amphibious operations “.

The Army Chief said that the exercise seeks to provide the civil authorities with the right environment to carry out governance.

He said the exercise will ensure that the troops are professional with the required training to conduct operations within the law.

He said: “Our waters are generally porous. The Nigerian Army has amphibious capabilities in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to carry out limited operations within the creeks”.

General Buratai added that another aspect of the Operation Crocodile Smile will witness the Army intervening in critical areas of need for the communities. He said that the Army has already embarked on medical outreach in Bille (Rivers State) and Nembe (Bayelsa State).

Peace Must Be Restored In Nigeria At All Cost – Burutai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has vowed that the Nigerian Army would at all cost ensure restoration and maintenance of peace and harmony in the country.

 

This is even as he noted that the Nigerian military has degraded to its knee the Boko Haram activities in the north east as incessant bombings of worshipping centres, market places, motor parks and other places have gradually subsided in all section of the country.

 

The Army boss gave the pledge when he paid a courtesy visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba at his palace in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

 

Originally, Buratai was on a familiarization tour to military outfits and formations under the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos.

While commiserating with the His Royal Highness over the death of the paramount ruler, Saf Ron Kulere of Bokkos Local Government, HRH La’azarus Agai, he also assured the people of Plateau State of security of lives and properties.

 

Also commending, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba appealed to the military and other security agencies to continue searching high and law the killers of the paramount ruler La’azarus Agai and brought them to book, appreciating the Nigeria for its sacrifices towards restoring peace and other only in Plateau State but all over Nigeria.

Military Efforts In North-East Have Paid Off- Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai said on Monday that the efforts of the military in the North-East had paid off as incessant bombing attacks on the public had been halted.

Buratai said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Gbong Gwom of Jos. Dr. Jacob Buba Gyang.

Buratai assured the traditional ruler that the military was committed to restoring peace to the Plateau and the entire country. Our efforts in the North-East have really paid off.

As it was previously, the incessant bombings and attacks in different places of worship, markets and motor parks have virtually stopped.

For a long time, we have not heard of that because the military has dislodged the criminals from there,” he said.
The Gbong Gwom in his response appealed to the military to fish out the killers of Lazarus Agai, the paramount ruler of Bokkos.

NAN reports that that the paramount ruler was murdered by gunmen about weeks’ ago.

Our appeal, which we have stated very clearly, is that all the security agencies must ensure that the perpetrators are fished out and made to face the law, accordingly.

This will add to the confidence that the people of Plateau have in the military and other security agencies.

You may wish to know that before that incident, a village head and another district head in Bokkos had been also murdered,’’ the Gbong Gwom said.

He said that before those incidents, the people on the Plateau had been living in relative peace.

Read More:

http://guardian.ng/news/military-efforts-in-north-east-have-paid-off-says-buratai/

Dubai Properties: Buratai Did No Wrong– Lawyer

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A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Ugochuk­wu Osuagwu, has said the accusations of impropriety levelled against the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai was diver­sionary.

Buratai had come un­der fire for acquiring two properties in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While speaking with news men at the weekend in Abuja, Usuagwu said the common trend among Nigerians had been to fol­low the band wagon effect and give opinions even on issues they had no facts about.

He said Buratai had been declared guilty even before investigation and trial, adding that the army chief had done no wrong by acquiring properties in Dubai. Osuagwu criticised Ni­gerians who had dragged the Federal Government into the issue, saying their actions constituted a dis­traction to the anti-corrup­tion fight.

The lawyer challenged anyone with proof of the allegations to put same forward and allow the court to decide the matter. According to him, the said property in Dubai purchased by Buratai’s wife a couple of years ago was N48 million only which is even less than what is used by private businessmen and other Nigerians to buy a three bedroom flat in high-brow areas in Abuja.

Read More:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/dubai-properties-buratai-no-wrong-lawyer/

Why Buratai, Danbazau Were Not Indicted In Arms Scandal Report – FG

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The Muhammadu Buhari administration says the report of the Presidential Committee on the Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement in the Armed Forces (2007-2015) was not doctored to remove some names.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, dismissed claims that the arms report was doctored as “untrue”.

The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Segun Adeyemi.

The report, released Thursday, indicts former chiefs of army staff, Kenneth Minimah and Azubuike Ihejirika, and other senior past and serving military and civilian officials.

But the findings, approved by President Buhari, have sparked widespread allegations of bias.

Many Nigerians accuse the government of being selective and refusing to indict key members of the current administration, believed to have played questionable roles in military procurement since 2007.

Critics cite the Minister of Interior, Abdurrahman Danbazau, who was the Chief of Army between 2008 and 2010, as an example.

In his statement, however, the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, said what had been released in the arms report so far was the report of the audit covering the period 2011 to 2015.

He added that the committee would commence the audit of procurement from 2007 to 2010 as soon as the necessary documents were available.

“When the documents regarding procurement from 2007 to 2010 are available and scrutinised, the committee will then issue its report on that.

“The audit is being done on phases, and the report that was released on Thursday is the third of such,’’ he said.

Mr. Mohammed said the federal government’s anti-corruption fight was non-discriminatory and called on Nigerians to keep an open mind as events unfold.

“No one should attempt to distract from the seriousness of the issues involved in this audit of defence equipment procurement,’’ he urged.

The minister said with more than N185.8 billion and 685.3 million dollar spent on procurement and operations within the period, the irregularities in the awards denied the military from getting value for money.

He emphasised that the corruption in the defence sector had very serious consequences for the country.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Group Asks EFCC To Investigate Buratai Over Alleged ?Purchase Of Properties In Dubai

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An anti-graft coalition, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, over alleged diversion of funds to purchase properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a petition forwarded to the anti-graft commission and signed by the group’s chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group said such act was a violation of the law of public service.

According to the group, ?if the revelation is found to be true, based on evidence adduced by a newspaper, then the actions of the COAS is a great disservice, an act of sabotage against the Nigerian State and a violation of the law prohibiting public officer from investing or participating in any other business safe for farming.

Taking a cue from a publication of June 24, 2016, by Sahara Reporters, an online newspaper, the group said the newspaper revealed how the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Buratai and his two wives were alleged joint owners of a Dubai Property that was paid for in one transaction.

“The funds for the said properties were alleged to have come from a vehicle contract scam, executed while Mr. Buratai was the Director of Procurement at the Army Headquarters. “Our correspondents discovered that the Nigerian Army had awarded an apparently bogus contract for the supply of vehicles and motorcycles for the use of troops involved in an anti-terrorism offensive in Nigeria’s beleaguered northeastern zone”.

According to the publication, “The allegation that General Buratai might have pilfered funds meant for the purchase of military vehicles has sparked outrage among soldiers and officers, especially those from the northeastern part of the country. Two military sources disclosed that irate officers had petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to order an investigation into the contract scam”.

“In the petition, exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, the aggrieved soldiers and officers, under the umbrella of Concerned Soldiers and Officers from the North East, had accused the COAS of executing the contract through a proxy. According to the petitioners, the proxy’s name is Usman Gamawa, founder of Baggash Investment Limited. The petition stated that, rather than supply new vehicles, as contained the contract awarded, Mr. Baggash allegedly purchased second-hand vehicles and motorcycles from Niger Republic.

“On arrival in Nigeria, the vehicles were said to have been refurbished at Mogadishu Cantonment under the supervision of Staff Sergeant Dadan Garba. SaharaReporters said some of the vehicles and motorcycles had since broken down.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

Zaria Massacre: Buhari, Buratai, El-Rufai Dragged To ICC By UK-Based Muslim Commission

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The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), a United Kingdom-based Muslim advocacy organization, has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the December 12 to 14, 2015 massacre of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

The organization also asked the ICC to investigate the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the emir of Zaria, Shehu Idris, for human rights violation and crimes against humanity over the alleged killing of at least 1,000 followers of the Shi’ite group led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Other army officers and persons the IHRC asked the ICC to probe for their roles in the massacre are: spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Sani Usman, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Adeniyi Oyebade, the Commander Nigerian Depot, Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin, Director Military Intelligence, Chief of Defence intelligence – AVM Riku Morgan, AK Ibrahim – Commander 1 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Kaduna and Col. F.M Babayo.

The rest are Capt Ben, Adjutant Depot, Nigerian Army; Adeniyi Oyebade, General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Garrison Kaduna; Umar Labdo; Sambo Rigachukun; Bala Lau; Yahaya Jingir and; Kabir Gombe.

In a detailed report, the IHRC argued that attacks of the army on members of IMN between December 12 and 14 in Zaria qualify as crime against humanity and therefore called on the ICC to initiate an investigation into the incident.

According to the IHRC, “ICC prosecutor should open a preliminary examination into the incidents that occurred between the 12th and 14th December 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State”.

It also demanded that the “prosecutor expand(s) its monitoring activities on Nigeria and the army’s involvement in attacks against the IMN that occurred in the period between 2014 and 2015.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

Military To Investigate Killing Of Its Personnel In Rivers – Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday said the military has commenced investigation into the death of two of its personnel in Rivers state.

 

He made the statement while addressing troops at the 34 Artillery Brigade headquarters, Obinze, Owerri.

 

Buratai, who described the incident as `unfortunate,’ said the military had brought the situation in the area under control.

He said: “the situation in the Niger Delta is presently being addressed.

“The activities of pirates, criminals and bandits will be checked; our troops are fully on ground and they have arrested the situation.

“The unfortunate incident of Thursday in Rivers state is something that we are currently investigating.

“We will deal with the situation as investigation unfolds in the area.”

On the security situation in Imo, Buratai commended the efforts of the troops in containing criminality in the state.

He assured the troops of government’s commitment to improve the condition of facilities in the barracks.

 

Buratai said the welfare of troops and their families would be given priority by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai also inspected facilities at the barracks in Obinze.

 

(NAN)

Buratai Vows To Rescue Chibok Girls

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has vowed to ensure that all the Chibok girls are rescued along with all other hostages held by the Boko Haram terrorists, with the freedom of the school girls to be treated as top priority.

He also declared that the war against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in the North-east has now entered into the mop-up phase of the operation.

To this end, Buratai stated that their target of defeating Boko Haram has been achieved except for a few setbacks and assured that the military is determined to complete the clearance of the remnants of the terrorists.

He disclosed this on Wednesday at the maiden meeting with the Borno Elders Forum (BEF), at the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC), Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to him, two out of the three targets set by the military in the quest for successful Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CT COIN) operations in the north-east have been achieved. He listed the targets achieved as military defeat of Boko Haram, and the ongoing rescue of all terrorists’ hostages with Chibok girls as the top priority.

He said: “The three things we promised you, two have been carried out. The first task is to defeat Boko Haram and I want to tell you that as at today Boko Haram has been defeated. When I said defeat it doesn’t mean that there won’t be hick ups here and there but we are doing the mop up operations. So we are at the mop up phase of the operation. We are also making efforts to rescue those who are being held hostage at some marked locations. We hope to rescue the Chibok girls but our target is not just limited to the Chibok girls but all the hostages

Credit: Thisday

Buratai Inaugurates Human Rights Desk Office

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has assured members of the public, as well as the local and international human rights bodies that the Nigerian Army (NA), under his leadership will investigate all cases of human rights complaints brought before it.

To this end, Buratai has in a first of its kind within the military, on Thursday, set up and commissioned Human Rights Desk office under the Department of Civil-Military Relations.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) Maj-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, at the Commissioning of the Desk, COAS said that the event marks another important day in the history of Nigerian Army “by establishing the human rights office”.

He noted that the establishment of the Desk office was borne out of the increasing interest of the local and international human rights bodies on what we are doing in the North East and other parts of the country.

Credit: DailyTimes

Army Chief, Buratai, Orders All Officers To Declare Their Assets

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Press statement from the Nigerian Army…

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has directed all officers of the Nigerian Army who have not declared their assets to do so immediately. He gave the directive today during a conference with Principal Staff Officers and Directors serving at the Army Headquarters.

It is to be noted that the Chief of Army Staff has done so soon on his appointment as Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force in May 2015 and also on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff in July 2015. Copies of both are with the Code of Conduct Bureau.

This directive is in order, considering the fact that all military officers are having Presidential Commission and are public servants, as well as subject to both civil and military laws.

In addition, given the current drive of the country for probity and accountability, the Nigerian Army should not only key in but should be one of the key drivers for such laudable project. Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman Acting Director Army Public Relations

We’ve Crushed Terrorism But We’ll Remain Vigilant — Buratai

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Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has commended his men for crushing terrorism in the North East.

 
Lt-Gen Buratai who spoke weekend while laying the foundation stone for the new Brigade headquaters complex at the 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Rivers State said, the army will remain vigilant to contend any new strategy that may be adopted by the terrorists.

 
“The North East operation is critical at this stage. The terrorists have been defeated. These criminals may rear their ugly heads through other means. We will continue to maintain vigilance,” he said.

 
Buratai also laid the foundation stone for the new Brigade headquarters complex at the 2 Brigade, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to give special attention to the welfare of soldiers.

 
He commended soldiers of the 2 Brigade for their commitment to duty, saying that the Nigerian army had remained celebrated all over the world for professionalism and high level of discipline.

 
He lauded the efforts of the brigade in the anti oil theft war, saying that they should maintain the very high standard of discipline.

 
He said the army will improve on challenges of accommodation in barracks in the country, adding that attention would be given to the medical needs of soldiers and their families.

 
Buratai also interacted with wives of soldiers in the barracks, promising that the Federal Government will improve on the welfare of troops.

 
Buratai also inspected a five bedroom block project being built by his office in the barracks.

Zaria Killings: Senate Panel To Meet Zakzaky, Buratai

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Members of the Senate adhoc committee on Zaria killings would meet with the leader of the  Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai.
The Senate had on Wednesday set up a 16-man committee with Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe North) as chairman with the mandate of investigating the killings.
It was gathered that members of committee after their maiden meeting resolved to meet with all parties especially the army chief and the Islamic scholar.
A source closed to the committee said the two personalities would be quizzed on the roles they played in the fracas.  “The committee would hear from Buratai, Zakzaky and his key followers on the issue. A date has not been fixed for this but the committee is working to round up their assignment in two weeks,” the source said.
The source said the committee members, have been barred from speaking on the matter, “going by the sensitive of matter, the members of the panel have been barred from speaking on the matter.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the chairman of the committee yielded no result as he neither picked nor replied to the SMS sent to his mobile phone.
Senators on the committee include Shaaba Lafiagi, Jonah Jang, George Akume, Jeremiah Useni, Monsurat Sunmonu, Shehu Sani, David Umaru, Godswill Akpabio, Abu Ibrahim, Stella Oduha, Bayero Nafada among others.
Credit: DailyTrust

Zakzaky Not In Army’s Custody– Buratai

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai , said on Thursday that the arrested Shi’ite sect leader, Sheikh Ibrahim ElZak-Zaky, is no longer in the custody of the Army. Buratai said this when he met with a delegation from the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The Army chief, who was responding to the request by NSCIA to meet with the sect leader, said that El-Zak-Zaky had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. According to Buratai, lawlessness must not be tolerated in the society especially when a part of the country is confronted with terrorism.

“As a responsible and law abiding organization, we will do all that we can to always safeguard lives and property. “As for the whereabouts of the Shi’ite leader, he is not in our custody; he has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution because we don’t prosecute. “What happened was avoidable and unfortunate, we followed the rules of engagement as enshrined in the constitution but what happened still happened,” he said. Buratai dismissed claims in some quarters that the Army was after members of the sect. He said that the army was only carrying out its constitutional duties.

He urged members of the public to disregard information and pictures contained in a section of the media, describing them as a false reflection of what happened. Earlier in his remark, the leader of the NSCIA, Prof. Daud Noibi, said the group was at the Army headquarters on a factfinding mission. Noibi expressed the concerns of NSCIA on the Zaria incident and reaffirmed the commitment of the council to return peace to the area.

Credit: DailyTimes

No Borno LG Under Boko Haram Control– Buratai

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Contrary to the position of Borno State governor, Dr Kashim Shettima, that two local governments in the state are under the control of terrorists, the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, has declared that no Nigerian territory is still in the hands of Boko Haram.

Reports gathered that Shettima made the claim while receiving the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawan, who led a six-man committee inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari to pay condolence visits to Borno and Adamawa states following the suicide attacks at mosques in the two states on Friday.

Governor Shettima had said: “They (Boko Haram) are presently controlling two local governments in Borno State – Abadam and Mobbar – and partially in Marte.”

However, Buratai said, “It is not true. No Boko Haram is holding any territory. Have you heard them (Boko Haram) making any claims of late? We are more determined and we have more professional soldiers on the ground. We have been trained and equipped and ready to face the challenge posed by them.”

Credit: Leadership

Our Sovereignty As A Nation Is Threatened – Nigeria’s Chief Of Army Staff

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Press statement from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai

The next few days will be crucial to Op Lafiya Dole. It is also crucial to our country Nigeria. Our sovereignty as a nation is threatened. The Nigerian Army and indeed the military as the symbol of our nationhood is being challenged. Our ability to stand and defeat the Boko Haram terrorists in the next few weeks will determine the future of our country. We cannot afford to lose the fight.
We are better trained and better equipped. The whole nation is behind us. Mr President is with us. Let us remain steadfast in this noble cause. Be courageous. We must degrade and defeat the terrorists. This job must be done. We must make our country men and women proud.

Lt Gen TY Buratai NAM GSS psc(+) ndc (BD) BA (Hons) MPhil

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff

Troops Receive Charge From Buratai To End Terrorism In Nigeria

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has charged troops in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation to brace up their efforts to defeat terrorism in line with the presidential directive.

This is contained in a statement issued by the acting Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

The statement said the coming days would be crucial to the operation aimed at eliminating insurgency from parts of the country.

“The next few days will be crucial to `Operation Lafiya Dole’ and it is also crucial to our country Nigeria.

“Our sovereignty as a nation is threatened, the Nigerian Army and indeed the military as the symbol of our nationhood is being challenged.

“Our ability to stand and defeat the Boko Haram terrorists in the next few weeks will determine the future of our country,’’ it said.

The statement said the military could not afford to lose the fight against insurgency as it was better trained and equipped to win the war.

It said the whole nation led by the President was behind the military as it battles insurgency in the North East.

It urged the troops to remain steadfast and courageous in the task of degrading and defeating the terrorists.

Army chief organises get-together for wounded soldiers

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In a bid to motivate soldiers and give them a sense of belonging, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Friday organised a Sallah “get-together” for wounded soldiers in Yola.

Speaking at the ceremony, Buratai said that the gesture was to motivate the gallant soldiers who were fighting insurgency.

Represented by Col. Aba Popoola, Commander, 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, the army chief said the gesture was also an expression of love to the wounded soldiers and their families, especially during this festive period.

“This is not the first of its kind; if you can recall, the Chief of Army staff had organised a similar event in Damaturu for the gallant soldiers.”

He expressed satisfaction that the wounded soldiers were responding positively to treatment.

According to him, the soldiers are from the 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, and 28 Task Force Brigade in Mubi and some from Gwoza in Borno State.

Responding on behalf of the soldiers, Cpl.l Jonathan Okiki thanked the chief of army staff for identifying with them and their families.

” We assure you sir, that as soon as we leave the hospital, we will be eager to go back to the battle field to fight Boko Haram,” Okiki said.

(NAN)

“Days Of Boko Haram Is Over”- Buratai

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The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant- General Tukur Buratai, at the weekend assured that activities of the Boko Ha­ram insurgents would end in a matter of days.

The army chief, who made the vow during an interview with journalists at Dikwa, shortly after addressing troops, who made further advance to rout the militants from their strongholds, said without mincing words that “I want to assure the good people of Nigeria that the days of Boko Ha­ram is over.

In just matter of days we are ending this non­sense and all those who had been displaced from their homes would return and continue with their normal activities.”

Read More: sunnewsonline

Buratai, Army Chief Survives Boko Haram Ambush

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It was a narrow escape for Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS ), Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai on Saturday as his convoy was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram gunmen while going from Maiduguri to Dikwa, near the border with Cameroon.

Colonel Sani usman, in a statement narrating the encounter said the the leading column of the convoy was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Faljari village between Mafa and Dikwa.

According to him, the terrorists encountered an overwhelming fire power from the troops in which 10 of them were killed. The troops captured five terrorists.

“During the encounter, sadly, we lost a soldier, while an officer andfour soldiers sustained gun shot wounds. The arrested terrorists have been sent for interrogation while the remains of the gallant soldier and the wounded soldiers were evacuated back to Maiduguri.

“The wounded soldiers are stable and responding to treatment at 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services. At Dikwa, the COAS interacted with a mammoth crowd of internally displaced persons where he assured them of their safety,” said Usman.

He added that General Buratai thereafter addressed some elements of 112 Battalion and he told them that the Boko Haram terrorists should not have any freedom of action or movement within their area of responsibility.

The 140km journey, said to be a dangerous trip, was to serve as a morale booster to the troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists with Buratai visiting them in the frontline of their operations.

The COAS visited troops at Mafa, Dikwa and Logomani, in Borno State, Sani
Usman, public relations officer of the Nigerian Army said.

At 112 Battalion at Mafa, the COAS commended the troops and enjoined them to continue to be hardworking and dedicated.

At Logomani, where troops of 7 Division Strike Group where refitting, Usman said the COAS informed them that Nigerians are very proud of them.

Usman recalled that the unit recaptured Dikwa and now heading to the next objective. He also said that he was adequately briefed by the GOC 7 Div about their problem.

According to Usman, the COAS also delivered President Buhari’s goodwill message.

“One interesting aspect of the visit was that Nigerian Air Force led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SB Abubakar gave air cover and conducted armed air recconnaissance on the general area.

While the IDPS were excited with presence of the COAS , troops at various locations were equally in high spirit and good to go.

“The troops indicated their readiness to carry out assigned tasks,” Usman said.

President Buhari Gives Service Chiefs 3 Months Ultimatum To End Boko Haram

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday morning charged the service chiefs to map out strategies to defeat Boko Haram in three months’ time.

President Buhari gave the charge at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while decorating the service chiefs with their new ranks.

Buhari also told them that they must be accountable for all men and equipment under their commands.

The service chiefs are Chief of Defence Staff Major-General Abayomi Olonishakin, Chief of Army Staff Major-General T.Y. Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas and Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar.