Boko Haram suspect, who escaped from SSS custody, rearrested

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Staff Reporter

A Boko Haram suspect who escaped from the custody of the State Security Service, SSS, has been rearrested.

Muktar Suleiman and others still at large escaped from SSS (also called DSS) custody in 2015, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
A Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday ordered that Mr. Suleiman be remanded in prison custody.

The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, who gave the order, described the charges preferred against the accused as horrifying and grievous.
“Culpable homicide is the highest crime in our legal system.

“Section 341(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) simpliciter, precludes a court from granting bail to a person accused of such offence.

“Consequently, the accused shall be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe and the case is adjourned till March 16, for mention,” he ruled.
The prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abaji, in his application for the remand of the accused, urged the court to take cognisance of the charges preferred against him.

Mr. Abaji, a counsel in the Ministry of Justice, said the accused was arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and belonging to a gang of brigands.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 97(1), 221, 305 of the Penal Code and Section 4 of the Terrorism [Prevention][Amendment] Act 2013.

Mr. Abaji told the court that Mr. Suleiman and one other currently at large, members of the outlawed Boko Haram, escaped from custody of the SSS with the aid of other members of the group in 2015.

The escapees, according to Mr. Abaji, killed a police officer and a fellow inmate during their escape.

He said that investigations revealed that they fled to places in Yobe, Zaria and Kano for further training about three months ago.

The prosecutor said that investigations revealed that the accused and others after their training came to Otukpo in Benue, as well as Ankpa, Idah,and Anyigba in Kogi on recruitment drive.

Mr. Abaji also told the court that the accused and his group were planning to launch attacks on specific places in Ankpa and Anyigba before he was arrested.

He urged the court to adjourn the case for mention to allow for completion of investigations into the matter.

About 100,000 people have been killed in Northern Nigeria since the Boko Haram crisis started in 2009.

Protests in Sango as customs, soldiers break into rice market, seize food stuff.

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Staff Reporter

For several hours, human and vehicular traffic along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway was yesterday paralysed as rioting youths and rice sellers in Sango-Ota market protested against alleged invasion of the market by customs officials.

The protest, which led to the blockade of the main road before the bridge at Sango-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council of Ogun State, was blamed on the customs officials who invaded the market in the early hours of Wednesday, broke into stalls and forcefully carted away bags of rice into their vehicles.

Angry traders and hoodlums barricaded the ever-busy expressway for more than nine hours. The rampage left many motorists and commuters stranded, while some made efforts to ply alternative routes.

The action got the traders angry and they immediately mobilised en masse to barricade the busy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, leaving motorists trapped in the ensuing confrontation between policemen and the traders. According to the customs, estimated value of duties payable on the items was N12,445,250.

Eyewitnesses reports claimed about four people were severely injured in the fracas, which saw hundreds of businesses grind to a halt in the area, but the customs insist there was no attack or any casualty recorded during the operation.

The aggrieved traders, who displayed placards containing several abusive inscriptions against the agency, alleged that the officers arrived the market in the early hours of yesterday and forcefully broke into shops and warehouses, carting away about 15 truckloads of rice, including money and personal belongings.

According to an eyewitness, the customs officers came in five Toyota Hilux fully armed and masked soldiers to carry out the operation.

A policeman was injured in the melee that followed the seizure. The unidentified policeman had attempted to remove the barricade in the middle of the road, when the irate youths stoned him repeatedly, resulting in a severe injury.

The injured policeman corked his gun and attempted to shoot at the crowd but he was prevailed upon by a senior police officer. It was gathered that the customs officers, who were accompanied by masked soldiers, shot repeatedly as they broke into over one hundred shops.

Some of the traders accused the customs officers of not only breaking into their shops to cart away bags of rice, but also made away with millions of naira, which were reportedly kept in some of the shops’ safe.

“This is very unfair. The customs came into the market at midnight and broke into our shops. We are not happy, and that is why you see people protesting. We will make sure that we resolve this issue with customs, because the harassment is getting too much,” she said.

Not even the intervention of the Area Commander of Police, Sango Command, Fayoade Adegoke, with heavy presence of policemen, and the pleas of the chairman, Ado Odo/Ota Local Council, Prince Oladele Adeniji, could calm the aggrieved traders, who parked trucks to block the expressway. Commuters were left stranded and forced to trek from Sango to the Tollgate end of the highway before they could get buses to their workplaces.

Spokesperson of the FOU of customs, Jerry Attah, told The Guardian that the officers did not break into the shops, but only packed nearly half of the bags of rice stacked outside in their thousands.

“After physical examination, we counted 1,870 50kg bags of different brands of foreign parboiled rice, and 43 kegs of 25 litres foreign vegetable oil. As at when they left there, there was no crossfire or any casualty. It was a peaceful operation,” he said.

On the stolen monies, Attah said “miscreants always take advantage of such scenario. It is possible that some people might have used the opportunity to break into the shops and steal their money. For us, no shop was broken or invaded.”

Source: The Guardian

Ebonyi governor demands sack of soldiers who assaulted physically-challenged man

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Staff Reporter

David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, has demanded the immediate dismissal of the two military officers who brutalised Chijioke Oraku, a physically-challenged man in Onitsha, Anambra state.

He made the demand while receiving the victim, who is an indigene of the state, at the chambers of Government? House, Abakaliki, on Tuesday.

Umahi said the 21-day imprisonment given to the soldiers was not enough.

He explained that by sacking them, other law enforcement agents would be disciplined in their professional conduct and abstain from abusing the citizens’ rights.

He thanked Willie Obiano, his Anambra counterpart, for his “quick intervention” and the help extended to the victim.

“I want to thank the governor of Anambra state for his quick intervention on this matter, I was very happy when he reacted immediately and rehabilitated this young man, also I want to commend the chief of army staff for the disciplinary action so far taken on those two soldiers, but we believe that 21 days imprisonment is not enough they did not behave like human beings and to be demoted is not enough,” he said.

“I suggest to the chief of army staff that those soldiers should be sacked from the army and be prosecuted immediately.

“And so we are going to take picture him and send to the chief of army staff to demand for the sacking and prosecution of those soldiers who carried such unprofessional act.

“I believe that the army has to be disciplined in their conduct. I am also part of the constituency of the army and we would ensure that discipline is maintained in our society.

“If punishment is not meted on those two soldiers, they would still carry out the same act. I thank the people of Anambra and Ebonyi who followed up on this matter.”

Umahi gave N500,000 to Oraku for his treatment and upkeep, and directed one of his aides to liaise with the victim and recommend ways that the government can properly rehabilitate him.

The pleas of Oraku fell on deaf ears on the day the soldiers brutalised him.

South Sudan soldiers found guilty of rape, murder to be shot.

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Staff Reporter

South Sudanese soldiers guilty of rape or murder amid the country’s civil war will be executed by firing squad, the country’s president, Salva Kiir, on Monday said.

The announcement came as Mr. Kiir addressed a gathering in the town of Yei, celebrating 100 years of existence for the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan.

South Sudan has spiraled ever further into violence since fighting has broken out between forces loyal to Kiir and those loyal to his former Vice President, Riek Machar, in 2013.

Yei has become a gathering point for people trying to escape the fighting in surrounding Yei River state, where multiple reports of atrocities are coming to light.

“We will get rid of bad elements through capital punishment and this will free the country from such practices,” Mr. Kiir told military leaders.

“Let’s get rid of bad elements among us and we will remain clean, pure and perfect,” the president said.

“From today onward, if such a thing happens, I want them to bring me a report that somebody has committed such a crime and has been shot,” he added.

There have been reports of killing and rape in South Sudan. In January, a local women’s group said nearly 40 cases of rape has been registered in the state.

Source: NAN

Soldier bags 7-year jail sentence for killing civilian in Borno.

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Staff Reporter

A general court martial (GCM) of the Nigerian Army, has sentenced Hassan Adamu, a lance corporal, to seven years imprisonment, after finding him guilty of manslaughter.

Olusegun Adeniyi, a brigadier general, announced the sentence at a sitting in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Wednesday.

Adamu, a driver, was said to have shot one Umar Alka to death, following a disagreement at the Monday market in Maiduguri.

The tragic incident was said to have occurred on December 23, 2015.

Witnesses, who testified in the proceedings, told the tribunal that the deceased died on the spot after Adamu shot him.

Abubakar Abacha, father of the Alka, told the tribunal that he received a distress call that a soldier killed his son on the said date.

Abacha added that he arrived the scene and found corpse of his son, with deep hole passing through his chest.

He said the deceased lived a good life.

In his ruling, Adeniyi said Adamu had been found guilty.

“Having found you guilty of the offence of manslaughter and having listened to the plea by the defence counsel, looking at the punishment provided by sections 105 and 119 of the armed forces Act cap A20, laws of the federation, the court, hereby, sentences you to seven years imprisonment,” Adeniyi held.

“The sentence is, however, subject to confirmation by the confirmation authority as provided by Section 152 sub-paragraph 1A of the Armed Forces Act.”

Source: The Cable

Soldiers beat RCCG Pastor to coma for refusing to frog jump

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Staff Reporter

A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja, Alex Ochienu, has narrated how he was beaten by two soldiers into a coma for refusing to obey their order to do frog jumps.

The cleric alleged that he was flogged by Cpl. M. Dankwa and his colleague whose name he did not know, until he collapsed and was rushed to the Gwarimpa General Hospital.

The civil engineer said he was supervising construction works at Paradise Estate, Life Camp, Abuja when the soldiers invaded the site with officials of the Development Control Department and assaulted him and other workers.

Ochienu said on Tuesday that he lost his phone during the incident which occurred on January 17, 2017 at 3pm.

He said, “The soldiers rushed into the site and ordered everyone to frog-jump; they flogged the workers and threatened to shoot us. I tried to explain to them that I was weak because I was fasting, but Dankwa was infuriated by my explanation.

“He kicked me in the stomach; another soldier also joined in beating me till I collapsed. When they saw that I was almost lifeless, they left and I was rushed to the hospital by the workers.”

The cleric said he learnt the soldiers apologised to the owners of the estate “for their mistake.”

But Ochienu said he planned to take legal action against the Development Control Department and the military for the assault.

The Paradise Estate Project Manager, Tobias Tokbe, said he was not at the scene, but added that beside Ochienu, another worker, Bem Ali, was also brutalised by the soldiers without any reason.

He said, “I was discussing with the development control officials at the project office when I saw some workers carrying somebody and they told me Ochienu was beaten by the soldiers that accompanied the development control officials to the site; I was livid.

“I immediately called the development control director who said he didn’t authorise the soldiers to attack anyone. We asked the soldier why he beat up the engineer and he said Ochienu grabbed his jacket, which we know was a lie.”

Tokbe said the riot policemen guarding the estate almost fought with the soldiers after the incident.

When contacted, the Development Control Director, Muktar Galadima, said he was informed about the incident and “I said sorry, but I didn’t see the victim of the attack.”

Source:

How soldiers beat RCCG Pastor to coma for refusing to frog jump

Troops kill 15 insurgents ‘responsible for accidental strike in Rann’

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, says troops have killed 15 Boko Haram fighters, who were part of insurgents responsible for the mistaken deployment of rockets on an internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camp in Rann, Borno state.

Speaking when he paid a visit to troops of 3 Battalion, Buratai said two days after the accident, Boko Haram fighters returned to Rann in two gun trucks, but were repelled by the soldiers.

He said while one insurgent, suspected to be a foreigner, was captured, others escaped with one gun truck.

He added that the troops recovered the other truck with weapons, including one General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK47 and ammunition.

He regretted that the weapons mistakenly hit IDP camps in the town, killing over 50 civilians and wounding many others.

“Two of our soldiers were also affected in the unfortunate incident,” Buratai said.

He described the incident as unfortunate and big mistake.

“We have all learnt lessons from it,” he said.

“We will take note of this; the issue of coordination and passage of the right information will help to prevent such incident again.

“It is a mistake which can happen and it has happened in other places. We pray it never happen again.”

Buratai urged troops not to allow the unfortunate incident to demoralize them.

He charged them to remain committed, dedicated and patriotic, assuring them that their efforts would be rewarded.

The chief of army staff also met with elders of the community and condoled with them over the incident.

Omoke, commanding officer of 3 Battalion, said Rann was one of the last towns retaken from the insurgents on March 22, 2016.

He said since the town was captured, insurgents had made five failed attempts to attack Rann but never succeeded.

The town is the headquarters of Kala Balge local government area of Borno. It is 175km from Maiduguri, the state capital, and 8km to Cameroon.

Source: The Cable

Ivory Coast Mutineers Reach Deal Amid Fears.

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Disgruntled soldiers in Ivory Coast reached an agreement with the government late on Friday resolving a dispute over bonus payments that had threatened to reignite a nationwide army mutiny, negotiators for the mutineers said.

There was no confirmation of the deal from the government, and it was not immediately evident that the terms had been accepted by the rank and file, who took to the streets in Bouake, the second largest city, and other locations on Friday.

Soldiers, most of them former rebel fighters, launched a revolt in Bouake a week ago that rapidly gained momentum in the world’s top cocoa grower until the government was forced to yield to the mutineers’ demands after two days.

But the soldiers said they had received none of the 12 million CFA francs ($19,278) in bonuses they said the government had promised to pay each of them under an initial deal to end the uprising struck last Saturday.

“We’ve reached an agreement. They will pay five million Monday and the rest each month,” Sergeant Mamadou Kone, one of the mutineers’ negotiators, told Reuters. “We haven’t finished up, but that’s the most important thing.”

The soldiers had appeared poised to relaunch their mutiny on Friday.

Renegade troops sealed off Bouake as evening fell, even as a government delegation headed by Defence Minister Alain-Richard Donwahi pursued talks with the mutiny’s leaders inside the city.

Gunfire meanwhile broke out at two strategic military camps in the commercial capital, Abidjan, and mutineers seized entrances to Korhogo, a city in the country’s north.

Ivory Coast has one of the world’s fastest growing economies but has struggled to resolve deeply entrenched problems left over from years of civil war and political turmoil.

The government has failed to bring significant reform to the army, which remains a patchwork of former rebel fighters and troops who stayed loyal to the government during the 2002-2011 crisis. Divisions and parallel chains of command persist.

Source: Channels TV

#ArmedForcesRemembranceDay: President Buhari, Osinbajo honour fallen heroes

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended troops for their sacrifice to the nation.

He also said those who died in the line of duty would not be forgotten.

He spoke at the national arcade in Abuja on Sunday, while performing the wreath laying ceremony for the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives; and Walter Onnoghen, acting chief justice of Nigeria, were among the dignitaries at the event.

Buhari spoke via video-conference to troops in Sambisa forest, and United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL), and the air force base In Yola, Adamawa state during the event.

He encouraged them to keep doing the nation proud, saying his government was solidly behind them.

“Good morning officers and men of the 7th division of the Nigeria army. You have done Nigeria a great pride. Your success was received spontaneously by all Nigerians,” he told those in Borno.

“I congratulate you and thank you very much for the honour done to the country and to us. Well done! I wish you and your families well and I hope that you are in touch with your families.

“I wish you more success and please maintain the standard of discipline and efficiency. Thank you very much indeed.”

To troops in Liberia, he said: “Good morning General (Salihu Uba, force commander for the United Nations Mission in Liberia). We thank God and we thank technology.

“I can see you and I can hear you. I am impressed with the turnout of your men and I thank you for keeping the flag flying on the performance of Nigerian military in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

“God willing as you briefed us, in 2018, the last contingent of Nigeria troops in Liberia will come back. I sincerely wish them a successful operation and I wish the general the best of luck.”

He said he gets briefings on the activities of the troops in Yola.

Like he said to those in Borno and Liberia, he commended the Adamawa troops.

“I get regular briefing from your chief of air staff. Your performance speaks for itself and you have raised the morale of your colleagues in the military especially the army,” he said.

“With your hi-tech performance and platforms, we have been able to restore the sanity and the territorial integrity of Nigeria; I congratulate you.

“For the officers and men, you know you cannot be over-trained. With your hi-tech outfit, training has to be continuous and I am very pleased with the initiative that you have taken in maintenance of equipment.

“It is very encouraging and a boost to our morale here. I congratulate you and please pass my message to your families that we are very mindful of their patience and anxiety whenever you are in the field.”

Army recover corpses of 15 soldiers, officer declared missing in action in Borno

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army said it had recovered corpses of “one officer and 15 soldiers’’ earlier declared “Missing in Action” during an operation to dislodge the Boko Haram insurgents from Gashigar Area in Borno on Oct. 16, 2016.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor, disclosed this at a weekly review of Operation Rescue Final at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Wednesday.

“The corpses were recovered along Kamadugou River line area in Maiduguri.

“Among the recovered corpses was that of Lt.-Col. K Yusuf, the former Commanding Officer (CO) of 223 Tank Battalion.

“They have since been buried in Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery with full military honours,’’ Irabor said.

BBOG In Third Day Campaign Pushes For Soldiers’ Welfare.

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Members of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign group have again reconvened at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, this time, in addition to seeking the release of the abducted Chibok girls, they are pushing for soldiers’ welfare.

The co-convener of the group, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, told Channels Television that the focus of the third day gathering was to press for a better welfare for soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army.

Dr. Ezekwesili explained that the group was appalled with the way soldiers at the war front were treated by the authorities.

She said Tuesday’s protest, apart from seeking the release of the remaining Chibok girls, would also focus on what she called the military project and welfare of the officers.

Recently, a video emerged where soldiers were seen protesting non-availability of water and ammunition needed to prosecute the war against Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.

Depressed looking Rakiya Abubkar was recovered by troops of the Nigerian Army on January 5.

Several soldiers have been killed in counter-insurgency war in the northeast while some have been maimed.

Boko Haram terrorists had in 2014 April abducted over 200 girls from their school’s dormitory in Chibok.

Since their abduction, less than 70 of the girls have been rescued by the military.

The BBOG group has held series of protests to make the government heighten efforts to rescue the girls.

Last week, one of the girls was recovered with her six-month baby.

The spokesman for the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Usman, confirmed the girl’s recovery on January 5.

He stated that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, during investigation of arrested suspected Boko Haram terrorists, discovered one of the abducted Chibok School girls, Rakiya Abubkar, with her six months old baby.

At least 5 soldiers die in dusk attack by Boko Haram on army facility in Yobe

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Staff Reporter

At least five soldiers were killed in a surprise weekend attack by Boko Haram Islamists on a military base in northeast Nigeria, senior officers told AFP on Monday.

A group of Boko Haram fighters launched an attack on the army facility in the town of Buni Yadi at dusk Saturday, leading to an “intense battle”, one officer said on condition of anonymity.

“We lost five soldiers in the attack, including a captain who was recently deployed to Buni Yadi,” he said, asking not to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

The Boko Haram gunmen are believed to have regrouped after Nigeria’s military chased them out of the group’s Sambisa Forest stronghold in the neighbouring state of Borno last month.

Nigeria’s military and government maintains the Islamic State group affiliate is a spent force because of sustained pressure that has driven them out of swathes of captured territory.

Last month, Abuja said the insurgency, which began in 2009, was in its final stages, a year after President Muhammadu Buhari said the group was “technically” defeated.

But questions will be asked about how the rebels were able to attack such a sizeable military base and inflict casualties and the extent to which they pose a security threat.

Such attacks have been a common feature of the insurgency, with Boko Haram in the past regularly over-running military bases and seizing weaponry.

A spokesman for the Buni Yadi base, Lieutenant George Okupe, said: “There was indeed an attack in Buni Yadi by terrorists which was repelled.

“I cannot confirm any casualty for now. All I can say is that some soldiers are missing in action.”

Buni Yadi, some 65 kilometres (40 miles) from the Yobe state capital, Damaturu, fell into the hands of Boko Haram in February 2014 after Boko Haram attacked a boys’ boarding school.

At least 43 students were killed as they slept and the school was set ablaze.

The militants sacked the town and remained in control until March last year until they were ousted by the Nigerian military.

CLARIFICATION: Nigerian Army Clears the Air on Video Clip Alleging Maltreatment of Soldiers

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip circulating on Social Media of soldiers alleging lack of food and water.

We wish to state that the video clip was shot more than six months ago by some mischievous and disgruntled elements when 29 Task Force Brigade captured Alagarno Forest and environs in Borno State.

It is disheartening that some mischievous elements have decided to circulate it now, creating the false impression that it is a recent occurrence. We wish to state further that the matter was conclusively investigated at the time, several months ago.

The Board of Inquiry actually showed that, as at the time of the incident, the unit’s water tanker still contained water, but a soldier mischievously concealed it.

That soldier was charged and punished accordingly. In addition to the unit’s water tanker, a borehole was subsequently drilled at the location and it is still serving both the military and adjoining communities. We wish to restate with utmost concern the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army to the total welfare of all its personnel. You are please requested to disseminate this information to public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman

Acting Director

Army Public Relations

Army: We’ve addressed the complaints of soldiers begging Buhari for food, water.

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian army says the complaints raised by soldiers who released a video to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to their plight, have been resolved.

In the video, which was uploaded on Youtube on Tuesday, angry soldiers were seen lamenting that they had been abandoned at a location without food and water for three days.

One of the officers even said 70 of his colleagues fainted as a result of the situation.

But in a swift response, Sani Usman, army spokesman, said the issues raised had been addressed.

He said the video was shot when troops captured Alagarno forest in Borno state some six months ago, blaming some “mischievous elements” for the recent circulation.

“The attention of Nigerian army has been drawn to a video clip circulating on social media of soldiers alleging lack of food and water,” he said in a statement.

“We wish to state that the video clip was shot more than six months ago by some mischievous and disgruntled elements when 29 task force brigade captured Alagarno Forest and environs in Borno state.

“It is disheartening that some mischievous elements have decided to circulate it now, creating the false impression that it is a recent occurrence.

“We wish to state further that the matter was conclusively investigated at the time, several months ago. The board of inquiry actually showed that, as at the time of the incident, the unit’s water tanker still contained water, but a soldier mischievously concealed it. That soldier was charged and punished accordingly.

“In addition to the unit’s water tanker, a borehole was subsequently drilled at the location and it is still serving both the military and adjoining communities.

“We wish to restate with utmost concern the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army to the total welfare of all its personnel.”

Falana writes Buhari, seeks pardon for 70 soldiers convicted of mutiny.

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, has written President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to pardon 70 soldiers convicted for mutiny.

The military authorities arrested them in 2014, for failing to confront Boko Haram insurgents.

They were sentenced to life imprisonment, but their jail sentence was commuted to 10 years under the current administration.

However, Falana is asking Buhari to let the soldiers off the hook.

“We are counsel to the 70 soldiers who are currently held in custody at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos state,” the letter read.

“We have the instructions of our clients to write this letter of appeal to Your Excellency.

“Our clients were charged with mutiny before courts-martial for demanding for weapons to fight the well-equipped insurgents in the north east zone. In a bid to divert the attention of the public from the criminal diversion of the huge fund earmarked for procurement of arms and ammunition to fight the terrorists our clients were convicted and sentenced to death by the courts-martial which tried them in 2014.

“Although based on our appeal the authorities of the Nigerian Army have commuted the death sentences passed on the soldiers to 10 years imprisonment, we are compelled to urge Your Excellency to grant them pardon.”

Falana appealed to Buhari to consider the soldiers on the grounds that the money meant for procuring arms which the soldiers were supposed to used in fighting had been diverted.

He also argued that the armed forces act guaranteed them the right to lay complaint without being penalised.

“The courts-martial which tried our clients deliberately failed to take cognizance of section 179 of the Armed Forces Act which permits ‘a soldier, rating or aircraftman to make a complaint to his commanding office and that he shall not be penalised for having made a complaint,” he wrote.

“The Arms Procurement Panel set up by Your Excellency has confirmed that the huge fund earmarked for the purchase of arms and ammunition was criminally diverted by former services chiefs and other senior military officers.

“The indicted military officers are currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for unlawful enrichment and criminal diversion of public funds.

“In Oladele & Ors. v. Nigerian Army (2003) 36 WRN 48 the Appellants (23 soldiers) who were charged with mutiny and allied offences were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for protesting at the Cairo airport, Egypt over the non-payment of medical allowances. In setting aside the conviction and the sentences the Court of Appeal held inter alia.

“Since the demand of the convicted soldiers and others for weapons found justification in the criminal diversion of the huge fund provided for the purchase of arms and armament to fight the terrorists there was no legal and moral justification for the conviction and sentences imposed on them by the courts-martial.

“Since the demand for weapons to carry out counter-insurgency operations in the north east zone was legitimately made by our clients under the Armed Forces Act, we urge Your Excellency to grant them pardon pursuant to Section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.”

No time for rest until Boko Haram is defeated – Brig-Gen. Victor Ezugwu

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army,Brig-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, has said there would be “no enjoyment for soldiers” in the Theatre Command until Boko Haram is defeated and peace restored to the Northeast region of the country.

Ezugwu gave the charges yesterday while decorating four promoted Colonels and three Brigadier Generals at the Officers’ Mess of Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

The GOC also denied that troops protested yesterday in Bama, as reported by online media, saying he returned in a helicopter yesterday morning from the 212 Armoured Brigade in Bama.

He said if there were any protests by the troops, he would be the first person or the military commanding officer on ground (Bama) from Maiduguri to meet the protesting soldiers.

He stated that the spread of such rumours in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram insurgency are the makings of sympathizers of the terrorists, who do not want the war to end.

Ezugwu said the officers’ promotions by the Nigerian Army was a reward of excellence and their performances in the Theatre Command in fighting insurgency to the finish.

“This is a big day for you, and you should ensure that the remnants of insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and Northern Borno State are cleared, so as to restore peace in the affected region,” he told the affected troops.

He said that to achieve this, the soldiers in the frontlines and Sambisa Forest should double their efforts in clearing the remnants of all Boko Haram insurgents, adding: “Clear all the remnants of these insurgents before you commence enjoying your promotions in the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

Dignitaries, including heads and representatives of the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Customs Services (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), state Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR) and decorated military
officers donated N2.86 million at the occasion.

Soldiers Tasked On Selfless Service, Patriotism For National Cohesion

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has advised graduates of the 75 Regular Recruits Intake of the Depot Nigerian Army to embrace selfless service, patriotism and high sense of discipline to pave way for national cohesion.

Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai made this known in Zaria on Saturday when he was speaking as the Reviewing Officer at their Passing Out Parade(POP).

Buratai, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Mechanised Division (GOC), Enugu, Maj-Gen. Adamu Babayo-Abubakar identified discipline, commitment, dedication and patriotism as the unambiguous path to success in life.

The army boss urged the graduating recruits to make discipline their watchword and work hard to prosper in their future endeavours.

He charged them to strive hard to continue to be symbols of pride to their families, good ambassadors of the Depot, the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

Buratai said the rigorous training received from the Depot Nigerian Army was meant to mould them to become vibrant soldiers that would actively defend the integrity of their fatherland.

Buratai observed that Depot Nigerian Army had remained pivotal in the production of lower cadre manpower for the Nigerian Army.

“This had been happily executed in the transformation of the able-bodied young men and women from civilians into combatant soldiers recruited to rely on to defend our territorial integrity from external and internal threats.

“This function had even become more important, particularly in this period of doubting but insurmountable security challenges.

“Therefore, the role of this institution in manpower development of Nigerian Army is critical toward ensuring national security and economic development, ” he said.

He lauded the efforts of the Depot Commandant, Brig-Gen. Christopher Musa and his lieutenants for providing adequate professional training to the young soldiers and structural development.

Buratai urged them to keep the flag flying for the good of the nation.

Soldiers tasked on selfless service, patriotism for national cohesion

JUST IN: Gunshots, confusion in Borno as soldiers fighting Boko Haram go on rampage

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

There is a complete breakdown of order and discipline at the 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army with soldiers deployed to rout Boko Haram from the dreaded Sambisa Forest in Borno State turning against their officers and firing gunshots in all directions.

People familiar with the matter said the troops complained of mistreatment and then began to shoot indiscriminately, threatening to kill any officer who stands on their way.

“The brigade is based in Bama but is currently deployed at Bula Bello in Sambisa for Operation Rescue Final,” a military insider told PREMIUM TIMES.

“But suddenly soldiers started mutinying at 6AM today, firing in all directions and threatening to pull out of the operation.

“As some of them fire gunshots, some started preparing vehicles to move out of location. They also warned officers to steer clear or they would be shot dead.

“They are saying their commanders have been treating them badly and telling them lies. As I speak to you, the firing is still going on, and there is confusion everywhere.”

The commander of the Brigade, Col AG Laka, could not immediately be reached to comment for this story.

The Nigerian Army is yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Contacted, the spokesperson for the Army, Sani Usman, a brigadier general, declined comment on the development.

There have been repeated cases of mutiny by Nigerian soldiers since the war against Boko Haram began, and the Army has tried over 100 soldiers for the offence.

The worst case occurred in May 2014 when troops of 7 Division, angered by the death of 12 of their colleagues in a Boko Haram ambush, opened fire on the vehicle of their General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Ahmadu Mohammed.

The soldiers were later arrested, tried and jailed.

“Release Zakzaky, punish soldiers who killed Shi’ites”, US tells Buhari

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The United States wants the Nigerian government to expedite action on the recommendation of the white paper on last year’s clashes in Zaria, Kaduna state.

John Kirby, assistant secretary and department spokesperson of the Bureau of Public Affairs, said the US government had fully agreed with the recommendations in the White Paper.

“On December 5th, the Kaduna state government in Nigeria issued a long-awaited white paper on clashes last year that resulted in the deaths of a reported 348 civillians and one soldier,” Kirby said on Friday.

“We fully agree with the white paper’s recommendation that members of the military who were involved in the unlawful killing of civilians must be held accountable and punished appropriately.”

“As the one-year anniversary of this tragic event approaches, we call on the federal government to be diligent, transparent, and expeditious in following through on this recommendation.”

Kirby said that his government was also concerned with the paper’s characterisation of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as an “insurgent group”.

He said that the US government would also want to encourage the federal government to act on the judgement of an Abuja high court mandating the release from prison of IMN leader Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife, within 45 days.

He said that his government had therefore enjoined the different levels of government to evolve ways of non-violent engagement with all citizens, including minority religious groups.

“We also encourage the federal government to act on the Abuja high court’s decision on December 2 that IMN leader Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife should be released from prison within 45 days, as they have been held without charge since the events of last December,” Kirby added.

“As the white paper notes, the right to freedom of worship is a cherished constitutional right in Nigeria that must be protected. We encourage the people and the government of Nigeria to support these fundamental principles, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region.”

Zaria massacre: U.S. demands action on white paper; wants soldiers punished

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The United States Government on Friday called on the Nigerian Government to expedite action on the recommendation of the White Paper on last year’s killings in Zaria, Kaduna State.

John Kirby, Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson of the Bureau of Public Affairs, said the U.S. government fully agreed with the White Paper’s recommendations that those involved in the killings be punished.

“On Dec. 5th, the Kaduna State Government in Nigeria issued a long-awaited White Paper on clashes last year that resulted in the deaths of a reported 348 civilians and one soldier.

“We fully agree with the White Paper’s recommendation that members of the military who were involved in the unlawful killing of civilians must be held accountable and punished appropriately.

“As the one-year anniversary of this tragic event approaches, we call on the federal government to be diligent, transparent, and expeditious in following through on this recommendation,’’ he said.

Mr. Kirby said that his government was also concerned with the Paper’s characterisation of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as an “insurgent group”.

He said the U.S. government would also want to encourage the federal government to act on the Abuja High Court’s decision on December 2 for the release from prison of IMN leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, and his wife, within 45 days.

The spokesperson said his government had, therefore, enjoined the different levels of government to evolve ways of non-violent engagement with all citizens, including minority religious groups.

“We also encourage the federal government to act on the Abuja high court’s decision on Dec. 2 that IMN leader Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife should be released from prison within 45 days, as they have been held without charge since the events of last December.

“As the White Paper notes, the right to freedom of worship is a cherished constitutional right in Nigeria that must be protected.

“We encourage the people and the government of Nigeria to support these fundamental principles, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region,’’ he added.

Soldiers Torture Adamawa Man To Death For Stealing Phone

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The police in Adamawa State have launched a manhunt for some soldiers, who allegedly tortured a man, Umar Abdulaziz, to death for stealing a phone in the Ganaye Local Government area of the state.

Abdulaziz was accused by a female neighbour, identified only as Fatima, on Monday of stealing her mobile phone.

The woman, who reportedly befriended a soldier, was said to have gone to report the alleged theft to her lover.

It was gathered that the soldier, whose name had yet to be ascertained, came back with three other colleagues and dragged Abdulaziz away from the house.

The victim was reportedly taken to a corner of the compound, where the soldiers battered him, until he went into a coma.

The matter was said to have been reported at the Area F Police Station, after which policemen and neighbours came to rush the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

A witness, who identified himself only as Abass, said Fatima also told her soldier lover that Abdulaziz beat her up in the house.

He said, “The lady lived on the next street to mine. Our house is around the barracks in Ganaye. She had a disagreement with Abdulaziz and the next thing was for her to call her soldier lover to deal with the victim.

“She accused the man of stealing her mobile phone. She also said the man beat her up and told her lover to deliver her from his grasp. When the lover came, there were four soldiers in all. They dragged Abdulaziz out of the house and off to an unknown location.

“They did not even ask what happened. They used knives to injure Abdulaziz. The victim collapsed, the police were invited and they came to the house. I am not sure whether they arrested any of the soldiers.”

He expressed dismay over the development, saying, “It is wrong for soldiers to harass civilians and even to the point of death. The military and police authorities must investigate this matter and bring the soldiers to book.”

Nigerian Soldiers Repel 10 Boko Haram Attacks In 2 Weeks– Theatre Commander

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nigerian soldiers repelled at least 10 different attacks by Boko Haram in the past two weeks, a military commander has said.

The commander of the ‘Lafiya Dole’ counterinsurgency operation in north-east Nigeria, Lucky Irabor, said on Thursday that scores of insurgents were killed in the attacks while a few soldiers also lost their lives.

Mr. Irabor, a major general, however said troops under his command are prepared to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.

He called on Boko Haram members to give up their dying struggle and surrender to the Nigeria troops or face the bitter fate that befell their killed colleagues.

Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri, Mr. Irabor said the troops in the past two weeks raided several camps of the Boko Haram around Borno and Yobe states during which a total of 801 captives were freed.

A total of 27 Boko Haram insurgents were also arrested by the troops during the raids, he said.

He said in the last two weeks, the Nigerian troops have been able to move “deeper into Sambisa Forest on many fronts, under its present Operation Rescue Finale.”

The operation rescue finale was launched last month as a continuation of an existing Operation Crackdown, which was aimed at rescuing all the Chibok girls and other hostages held in Sambisa forest.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/217323-nigerian-soldiers-repel-10-boko-haram-attacks-2-weeks-theatre-commander.html

Soldiers, Policemen Arrested For ‘Raping, Sexually Exploiting’ Women Displaced By Boko Haram

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim Idris, said two policemen, three army personnel, one prison official, one Air Force personnel, a staff of Borno Ministry for Agriculture and two members of the Civilian JTF have been arrested for sexually abusing women and girls displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

A report published in Human Rights Watch, in October, detailed how government officials abused and raped women living at IDP camps in Borno State.

The report documented sexual abuse, including rape and exploitation, of 43 women and girls living in seven internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Four of the victims told Human Rights Watch that they were drugged and raped, while 37 were coerced into sex through false marriage promises and material and financial assistance.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the I-G and the affected state governors to investigate the allegation.

Police set up a special panel to investigate the alleged abuses.

Speaking Tuesday at the Inspector-General of Police Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Idris said police would liaise with the Army and Air Force to make their personnel available for a thorough investigation.

Mr. Idris said after the investigation, any suspects found guilty of the offence would be dismissed and taken to court for prosecution.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/217192-nigerian-soldiers-policemen-arrested-raping-sexually-exploiting-women-displaced-boko-haram.html

Soldiers, policemen arrested for ‘raping, sexually exploiting’ women in IDP camps

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A report published in Human Rights Watch, in October, detailed how government officials abused and raped women living at IDP camps in Borno State.

The report documented sexual abuse, including rape and exploitation, of 43 women and girls living in seven internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Four of the victims told Human Rights Watch that they were drugged and raped, while 37 were coerced into sex through false marriage promises and material and financial assistance.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the I-G and the affected state governors to investigate the allegation.

Police set up a special panel to investigate the alleged abuses.

Mr. Idris said after the investigation, any suspects found guilty of the offence would be dismissed and taken to court for prosecution.

“We are going to conduct a thorough investigation and if anyone is found guilty we will dismiss him then take him to court,” he said.

He said the police had put in place some mechanisms, including the deployment of female police officers to IDPs camp, to check future occurrences.

On the Rivers re-run election, Mr. Idris said the police force had begun the deployment of personnel to the state for peaceful and fair election.

He said there was need for collaboration between the police and sister security agencies for the election.

Mr. Idris, who declined to comment on the alleged withdrawal of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Gov. Nyisom Wike of Rivers, said the police had a good working relationship with all the 36 state governors.

He advised state commissioners of police to ensure that Nigerians were not subjected to hardships on the roads during the Yuletide.

“You should ensure that no hardship is created for citizens of Nigeria, try and ease movements on the roads,” he said.

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

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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.

Panic As Soldiers Begin Operation Stop & Search On Niger Bridge

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Fierce military men of “Operation Python Dance” recently launched by the Nigerian Army in the South East, on Thursday, combed the surroundings of the River Niger Head Bridge in Asaba, Delta State, leaving motorists in fear of the unknown while they disciplined those who refused to take orders.

The soldiers heavily armed, descended on motorists who failed to obey their rules of “Stop and Search” before moving as some of them regarded as deviant drivers were put on frog jump for several minutes before they were let off the hook.

Expectedly, the soldiers’ presence caused serious traffic gridlock with commercial motorists/ passengers, including privately owned vehicles traveling to the Eastern states forced to queue for long.

But the Delta State Police Command in a swift reaction through the Deputy Police Commissioner in-charge of Operations, Mr. Undie Adie, allayed fears of the unknown, saying that the presence of the soldiers would collaborate with the personnel of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), including the police, to ensure free flow of traffic and crime free period ahead of the Christmas/ New Year celebrations

His words: “There is no cause for alarm, we the police will collaborate with FRSC, the military to ensure hitch free crimes, and free flow of traffic ahead of the Christmas/New Year seasons.” Investigation revealed that miscreants, including pick pockets who used to have their field days of activities around the head bridge have disappeared into the thin air while the road-side traders, many of who allegedly sell Indian hemp to trailer drivers, have moved into Asaba town to avoid the wrath of the soldiers, who only understand Hausa language and orders from their bosses. One of the soldiers, Musa Mohammed, who spoke to our reporter, said: “Oga we dey here to protect lives and property, we don’t want any miscreants around the head bridge, and we will discipline more of the motorists who will not obey us.”

But a human right activist, Emeka Okonta, told our reporter that the soldiers “stop and search” on major road to the South East was creating hardship for the people even before the Christmas/ New Year periods. He noted that the gridlock has also brought untold sufferings and waste of several hours, adding that Onitsha Head Bridge is the only route to the South East states.

http://dailytimes.ng/panic-soldiers-begin-operation-stop-search-niger-bridge/

Soldiers drafted to restore peace to warring Ogun, Ondo communities

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers have been drafted to quell a violent conflict between two communities in Ogun and Ondo states.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how violence erupted between Makun-Omi and Ajijere communities in Ogun and Ondo States respectively.

The two communities fought over the ownership of a boundary village, Limorisa, between them.

The soldiers were deployed after a security council meeting in Ogun State.

Residents said calm is gradually returning to the affected areas.

Court fixes date to hear appeals by unjustly dismissed soldiers.

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Industrial Court has finally assigned the cases between Army officers and the Nigerian military to judges, months after the military authorities refused to enter appearance to defend their action.

The army officers were unjustly dismissed from service without query or indictment.

The assignment to judges, authoritatively confirmed by PREMIUM TIMES, followed our report of November 22 on the failure of the military to file for defence before the court and the consequent accusations of deliberately shunning the court and frustrating the applicants’ push for justice.

Under the procedures and rules of Nigeria’s industrial court, respondents are obligated to file defence within 14 days of receiving originating processes. 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, over three months ago.

One of the affected officers, Abdulfatai Mohammed, had on October 18, over two months after he approached the court for redress, filed a fresh motion seeking accelerated hearing, relying on Order 8 rule 5(1) of the 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.

Over a month after the fresh application – and more than three months after the original suit was filed – the NIC has now assigned Mr. Mohammed’s case and those of other affected officers who approached the court.

Others whose cases have been assigned to different judges are Abubakar Mohammed, D.B. Dazang, O. Nwankwo, T. Minimah and M.A. Suleiman, with hearing fixed to commence on January 16 and 17.

“No Response from President Buhari after Five Months”

Apart from approaching the industrial court for redress, 22 of the 38 officers compulsorily retired in June also relied on the Paragraph 09.02(e) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers to petition President Muhammadu Buhari, asking for reinstatement.

The Armed Forces rules provide that such petition be forwarded to the President through the Chief of Defence Staff within the thirty days prescribed by the rules.

But about five months after the 22 officers turned in their appeals to the President through the Chief of Defence Staff, there has not been any response, leaving them uncertain of their fates.

As some of them suspected the Chief of Defence Staff may not have transmitted their appeals to the President, they approached the National Industrial Court, seeking mandamus that the military authorities be compelled to show evidence of delivery to the President.

Although PREMIUM TIMES saw a July letter by the Chief of Defence Staff conveying the appeals of the 22 officers to the President, Mr. Mohammed, one of the affected officers, insisted it was not enough evidence of transmission and asked the military for a received copy.

As the president keeps mum and the Army continues to ignore the court, the officers will now turn their attention to the industrial court where hearing continues on January 16 and 17. The matter is to heard by three judges including Babatunde Adejumo, who is the president of the court, and Rakiya Hastruup.

Two Nigerian Soldiers Dead, Four Injured In Boko Haram Attack.

Posted on November 25, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Two Nigerian soldiers were killed and another four got wounded when Boko Haram militants attacked a community in Askira Uba local government area of Borno State on Wednesday, two local sources told SaharaReporters.

One source disclosed that the Islamist militants stormed the remote village of Huyim village about 2 p.m. yesterday.

The besieged community is located some 18 miles away from Uba town, the local government headquarters. “They looted and carted away foodstuff and then burned down the whole village,” said the source.

Another source, a local hunter, told SaharaReporters that vigilantes in the attacked community sent an urgent request for troops to assist in repelling the attack. However, the troops’ vehicle rolled on land miles planted by the militants.

“The attackers came on motorcycles and opened fire. They looted farms products and took away livestock. We called the troops for assistance,” said one of the sources. He added, “Unfortunately, the troops’ vehicle drove over landmines. The mines killed two soldiers and four other soldiers sustained degrees of injuries.”

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Army officially declares 46 soldiers missing.

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army has officially declared one officer and 45 soldiers missing in a major Boko Haram attacks five weeks ago, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

Consequently, the Army authorities have formally informed the families of the 46 personnel of the fate of their loved ones and requested that their next of kin forward bank details for onward remittance of accrued payments, military sources told PREMIUM TIMES.

The sources said the declaration and notification were contained in a November 20 notice sent by M. Jimoh, the new commander of the Nigerian Army 145 Task Force Battalion in Damasak, Borno State.

Mr. Jimoh, a lieutenant colonel, sent the signal to the 145 Battalion rear base in Ohafia, Abia State, and copied the Army 7 Division Headquarters in Maiduguri and 82 Division Garrison in Enugu.

Also copied were 5 Battalion in Kano; 20 Battalion in Serti, Taraba State; 103 Battalion in Enugu and 119 Battalion in Malam Fatori, Borno State.

Also in receipt of the signal were 143 Infantry Battalion for special forces in Borno State; 144 Battalion in Asa, Abia State; and 146 Battalion in Calabar.

Each of the battalions copied in the signal had soldiers that were part of the 83 missing, PREMIUM TIMES understands.

Mr. Jimoh recently replaced K. Yusuf, a lieutenant colonel who PREMIUM TIMES exclusively identified as the commander of the 145 Task Force Battalion who was among the missing soldiers.

The admission by the army that 46 personnel are missing came exactly five weeks after the soldiers were dislodged from their base in Gashigar, Borno State, by Boko Haram operatives.

The aftermath of the attack was exclusively reported by PREMIUM TIMES, which included how several soldiers drowned in River Yobe and how at least 83 troops went missing with Mr. Yusuf.

The troops were on deployment in Gashigar, which sits on the northernmost edge of Borno State, as part of the ‘Operation Gama Aiki’ aimed at displacing insurgents hibernating around the Nigerian border with Niger and Chad.

The operation was launched in June 2016.

They were manning the Forward Operation Base there when Boko Haram operatives pushed towards them with superior firepower in the evening of October 16, senior military sources familiar with the encounter told PREMIUM TIMES at the time.

After initial resistance, the troops soon abandoned their base and scampered for safety. At dawn on October 17, the leadership of the Nigerian Army was informed that Boko Haram attacked the troops when they jumped into River Yobe, where the sect opened fire and left unknown number of them fatally wounded.

Twenty-two of the fleeing soldiers were rescued by the Nigerien troops and transported to a hospital in Diffa, southern Niger, for treatment, the Army also learnt at the time.

Yet, for several days, the spokesman for the Army, Sani Usman, maintained that the report was false.

But on the same day that he spoke, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in the northeast, Lucky Irabor, a major-general, claimed only 39 soldiers went missing.

The Army also opened a secret inquiry into the attack after some brigade commanders raised questions about the conduct of the soldiers.

For instance, the commanders said it was difficult to explain how utility trucks were used to dispossess soldiers of their armoured vehicles especially when the soldiers said they were alerted in their various positions.

Senior military officials also found it curious that some of the soldiers were rescued by their Nigerien counterparts with their bullets still largely unspent.

“If they actually came under attack while they were fully at alert, then they should have exhausted their ammunition before taking to their heels,” the source said. “At least that much should be clear.”

Lt Col Abu-Ali: Governor Bello Calls For Better Welfare for Nigerian Soldiers.

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has called on the Federal Government to pay greater attention to the welfare of Nigerian soldiers on active servive and families of fallen soldiers.

Gov. Bello made this call while on a condolence visit to the immediate family of the late Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali in Kaduna on Sunday, 20th November. He was accompanied by the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Imam Umar, where they both met with the widow of the deceased, Mrs Samira Abu Ali, and the three children.

Gov. Bello, while acknowledging the improvement in the welfare of soldiers, which has resulted in the increased morale of the rank and file and a decimation of insurgency in the North East, asked that military men and women be treated with respect and dignity as they continue to sacrifice their all for our peace and unity.

“We must give honour to whom it is due and our soldiers deserve the best of everything,” Gov. Bello said. “They give up their comfort, happiness and families just to keep the rest of us safe. They must be encouraged and I call on the Federal Government to make their welfare and that of the families of the soldiers that we lose top priority. No member of a soldier’s family should suffer financially when we they die.”

Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali was killed by Boko Haram insurgents on November 4 at Mallam Fatori in Borno State. He was 36 years old. Nigeria and Nigerians mourned him.

Gov. Bello was on a 2-week vacation when this unfortunate incident occurred. In a condolence message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gov. Bello described the late officer as one of modern Nigeria’s finest officers, who gave his all in service to his country paying the supreme price in the process. To this end, a high powered state delegation led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly was at the national funeral held in honour of the fallen officer and some of his colleagues.

On his return to Kogi State, the Governor paid a condolence visit on Brigadier General Abu Ali, the late soldier’s father, in his palace at Bassa-Nge.

While in Kaduna, Gov. Bello said the Kogi State Government will not only immortalise the late Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali but will also take the responsibility for the education of his three children up to university level.

To the officers and men of the Nigeria Armed Forces who are in danger zones, Gov. Bello said he appreciates their work. He is optimistic that given the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to ending insurgency in Nigeria, Boko Haram threat will soon be a thing of the past. He therefore urged them to not lose hope adding that Nigerians acknowledge and appreciate their sacrifices and all they do for Nigeria.

Wounded Soldier Says – ‘Nigerians Should Pay Attention to Us Like Chibok Girls’

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Cpl. Ibrahim Usman, one of wounded soldiers in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, has called on Nigerians to pay more attention to troops’ welfare.

Usman made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Monday, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, visited wounded soldiers at hospitals in Maiduguri.

The soldier, who was admitted to military hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, about three weeks ago, urged Nigerians to pay attention to soldiers’ well being in the frontline just as they were doing for the missing Chibok girls.

According to Usman, his two legs broke during an explosion when a vehicle conveying him and nine other soldiers to Monguno in Borno north during an operation stepped on mine planted by the terrorists.

“We need Nigerians to take care of us. Like this my injury, broken legs, they suppose to take me to a specialist hospital or abroad for a good treatment.

“If it is these girls – Chibok school girls, they will take them abroad. We are the ones fighting in the bush,’’ Usman said.

Although the solider said that he was responding to treatment, he said would retire from the military when he gets well due to the injury.

“I cannot fight again because I do not have that strength any more. My legs are broken.

“If I get well, I will retire because my legs are broken. I can no longer go and fight the insurgents,’’ Usman.

Another soldier, Sgt. Ahmed Musa, however, thanked the army chief for visiting wounded soldiers in the hospital.

Musa of 119 Battalion Task Force, Mallam Fatori said: “My situation when I got here was worse but God I am getting healed.”

“I have injury in one of my hands. When he – Buratai came here we are happy because when we came here we did not see anybody. We appreciate the way he comes here,’’ he said.

According to Cpl. Innocent Gabriel, a nurse attending to one of the wounded soldiers at the time of the visit, the common cases of injury are fractures resulting from explosions and gunshots.

Gabriel said that most of wounded soldiers were responding to treatment, adding that some of them may be taken to the theatre.

The doctor in charge of the hospital, Lt.-Col. Ndidi Onuchukwu, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, said that 97 wounded soldiers were being treated in the facility which had capacity for 105 patients.

Onuchukwu said that the worst cases come from combat injuries, adding that the hospital was,collaborating with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital – UMTH to give the best to them.

Speaking after the visit, Buratai described it as “operation and welfare visit” to encourage the wounded soldiers.

He said that most of them would soon be discharged and commended troops for efforts in the war against the insurgents.

Prof. Abdurrahman Tahir, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, lauded the army for the prompt settlement of its personnel medical bills. (NAN)

N’Delta: Soldiers Rescue 12 Hostages, Bomb Illegal Refineries

Posted on November 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Troops attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, Friday rescued 12 persons from sea robbers and suspected kidnappers in various operations in the Niger Delta.

Lt Col, Olaolu Daudu, the Joint Media Campaign Centre Coordinator of the task force fighting militancy and other crimes in the region, told journalists that the operations took place in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

He added that Troops of Sector one in Delta State foiled an attack on market women in Bomadi and rescued six civilians who were held hostage by the hoodlums.

Similarly, Daudu noted that troops rescued three indigenous staff of LEX Oil earlier kidnapped on November 3, 2016, at Ikuru town, Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.

“In addition, troops deployed at Koluama conducted a raid on Sea Pirates hideout in Kasabubou Forupa Waterways, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“Troops rescued three persons namely; Peter Atijera, Lukeman Balogun and Pius John and recovered Speedboats mounted with Double Engine 115/80 Horse Power, two Binoculars and one Motorola radio.

“The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE while on patrol over Isaka town, Kidney Island, Alakiri and Bille in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State sighted two barges loaded with illegally refined products which were incapacitated”, he said.

According to him, soldiers in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also conducted a raid on suspected criminal/illegal drug dealers hideout at Emu Obodeti Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State.

“The operation led to the arrest of one Mr. Moses Eni and Mrs. Boyi Kamanda and Fifty Five (55) bags of substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered. The items are in the custody of the NDLEA office in Kwale Delta State”, the JTF disclosed.

#NigeriansHonorOurHeroes: BBOG holds event to celebrate Nigeria’s Fallen Heroes tomorrow.

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

As earlier announced, tomorrow 12 November 2016 between 5 and 7 pm there shall be a special event to honour the patriotism and sacrifice of Nigerian troops who have passed on, most especially those fighting the counter-insurgency war in Northeast Nigeria. This is to demonstrate how much we Nigerians appreciate them and their families, for effort and sacrifice to keep us protected.

This event shall hold at Unity Fountain Abuja. Formal invitations have gone out to the Ministry of Defence, the Defence, Army, Navy, Air force, and Police headquarters, as well as their respective officers’ wives associations. We are also working with the various associations of ex-servicemen, and non-governmental and civil society organisations (NGOs/CSOs) involved with activities of honouring our heroes.
The key features of tomorrow‘s event include tributes to our heroes by families, friends, colleagues, and citizens. There shall also be prayers, and close with a candlelight procession within the venue.

Kindly make arrangements to attend and invite others. Please share as many images along with names of our departed heroes with the hashtag #NigeriansHonorOurHeroes to show appreciation and honour their memory.

Sesugh Akume
#BringBackOurGirls Spokesperson

#BringBackOurGirls organises special sit-out for slain soldiers, families.

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group will on Saturday, November 12, 2016 hold a special sit-out for the fallen military officers and their families.

In a press release signed by the BBOG spokesperson, Sesugh Akume, the group stated that as a movement, it had always expressed gratitude to the soldiers who have continued to protect the nation adding that with the passing on at the weekend and final interment of widely- and highly-regarded Lt Col Muhammad Abu Ali and his colleagues, it became imperative that the group will once more remember them.

“The passing on at the weekend and final interment of widely- and highly-regarded Lt Col Muhammad Abu Ali and his colleagues has been a turning point for Nigerians and the world to appreciate the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and their families.

“This instructs that our movement should stop for a day, and pay due acknowledgement to our soldiers at the frontlines of the counterinsurgency war, and their families for their sacrifice. Lt Col Abu Ali was definitely a hero as were many others whose gallantry none of us ever knew nor heard about. As there are others we may never know about.

“As a movement, our deference for, and gratitude to our soldiers has been in our culture. From the outset in May 2014, ‘Citizens Solution to End Terrorism’ document started advocating for our soldiers. Aside our special events on Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 15 January 2015 and 2016, as a movement there are many evidences of our celebration of their gallantry, of our focus on their welfare, and efforts for justice to be done them by their establishment.

“The exigencies of the moment make it obvious that we cannot wait for nine weeks (the next Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 15 January 2017) to honour the sacrifices of our fallen troops and their families”.

“There shall there be a special sit-out on Saturday 12 November 2016, 5 pm at Unity Fountain Abuja dedicated exclusively for this cause,” the statement said.

The group therefore called on men and women in uniform both in and out of service, families and the public to join in the special sit-out.

“We invite all men and women in uniform both in and out of service, families whose members have served in the military or are serving, as well friends and the public to join in this patriotic programme to mourn and celebrate the valour and service of our fallen heroes at this occasion,” it said.

Soldiers kill two Boko Haram insurgents in Borno shootout.

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Troops of 8 the Task Force Division of the Nigerian Army on Thursday intercepted a group of suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly on a mission to loot logistics supplies in surrounding villages.

Colonel Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations Department, made the disclosure in a statement issued to newsmen in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Usman said that the troops were patrolling the Monguno-Brimari Road when the incident occurred.

The statement said: “On sighting the patrol, the insurgents engaged the troops in a shootout that lasted for about 15 minutes before they were overpowered by the superior fire power of the patrol.

“In the encounter, two insurgents were neutralised and their weapons including one FN rifle loaded with a magazine of 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 rifle with 3 magazines were captured.

“Also recovered from the insurgents were 2 motorcycles, drugs, wrappers and clothes.”

Boko Haram kills 5 soldiers, injures 19 in Damboa.

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria army on Sunday night said some Boko Haram insurgents killed five of its soldiers in an ambush in Borno state.

Sani Usman, army spokesman, disclosed this in a statement.

He also said three members of a local vigilante were killed in the attack, while 19 soldiers were wounded.

Usman said the troops were attacked after clearance operations at the hideouts of the insurgents in the southern part of Borno.

“Operation Lafiya Dole troops carrying out clearance operations on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts in Talala and Ajigin, southern part of Borno state, were ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Ugundiri village, Damboa local government area, Borno state, while returning to base after clearance operations yesterday,” he said.

“Unfortunately, five soldiers, three vigilantes and one Civilian JTF lost their lives during the ambush, while 19 soldiers and one Civilian JTF sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The bodies of the late soldiers and civilians have been evacuated to Maiduguri while the injured are receiving commensurate medical care and are in stable condition.”

However, the army spokesman added that the troops destroyed some heavy weapons of the insurgents.

“The troops destroyed the terrorists’ gun truck and recovered two anti-aircraft guns, two spare gun barrels, one general purpose machine gun, one rocket propelled grenade, one AK-47 rifle and 320 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.

“Troops have been mobilised into blocking positions to further neutralise fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.”

JUST IN: Suicide bomber targeting Maiduguri IDP camp neutralized by soldiers.

Posted on October 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers on Sunday shot dead a suspected male suicide bomber trying to attack an IDP camp which nearly came under attack in Maiduguri, Borno State capital on Saturday, Premium Times reports.

One of bombs strapped to the suicide bomber immediately went off after he was shot by vigilant soldiers.

A leader of the civilian JTF, Alhaji Dan-Batta said the bomber was lurking around the camp fence when he was spotted.

He said,“The male suicide bomber was seen loitering around the back perimeter fence of Bakassi camp at about 9 a.m. He was shot down before he could advance closer to the camp. One of the bombs he was carrying exploded, but another is still strapped on his body did not explode. The anti-bomb squad operatives are trying to defuse that one”.

There has however not been reports of any other injured or dead person from the botched attack.

Recall that two bombs went off in Maiduguri on Saturday, including one in front of the same IDP camp.

Full list of security agents, others arrested for collaborating with Boko Haram.

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

PREMIUM TIMES has obtained an exclusive list of 30 people arrested by the Nigerian military for allegedly helping the Boko Haram to sell rustled cows.

The arrested people include at least four serving soldiers, two police officers, and some members of the civilian-JTF

The Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Lucky Irabor, had confirmed the arrest of the 30 people at a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

According to General Irabor, “those who have been aiding and abetting Boko Haram by way of encouraging cattle rustling ; so far we have arrested 30 of them, many are civilians and we have among them four soldiers and two policemen. They are being investigated and the outcome of the investigation will be brought to your notice.”

What Mr. Irabor, a major general, did not say was that the Boko Haram rustled the cows in the territory they still hold and sneaked them into Maiduguri, the Borno capital, to sell and buy other goods.

The military has since suspected that the insurgents are able to do this and raise fund for their cause based on the active connivance of security operatives and relevant civilians. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the 30 people.

The four soldiers arrested include Captain A. A. Hussaini, the operations officer of 195 Battalion in charge of Mafa Local Government Area where Boko Haram still control some areas. The council is a major route into Maiduguri from the North and East.

Another suspect is Lieutenant I. H. Irro, a liaison with 152 Task Force battalion. The other two junior officers are Staff Sergeant Alexander Chiegwe, the guard commander of the main check point from Mafa into Maiduguri, and Lance Corporal Yakpon Dona.

The policemen arrested are Usman Mohammed and Stephen Odoh.

The suspects also include three members of the Civilian-JTF. They are Babakkura Ali, chairman of Kasuwan Shanu branch; Bashir Abbas, the chairman of Sector 2 and Modu 2Star, a member from Mafa town.

The arrested civilians include members of the Livestock Traders Association, some herdsmen and a representative of the Shehu of Borno.

All the suspects are accused of being involved in castle rustling.

Top members of the Civilian-JTF who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES confirmed the arrest of their colleagues. They, however, said they do not have the full details of their arrest.

In the past year, kidnapping and cattle rustling have become another major security threat, aside Boko Haram insurgency which the Nigerian Army has been tackling.

Nearly a hundred kidnappers and cattle rustlers were either killed in shootouts or arrested by soldiers. Over a thousand cows rustled from herdsmen were also recovered.

Fulani herdsmen, accused of attacking communities using assault rifles, have complained that some of them resort to using guns like AK47 to defend themselves because cattle rustlers use similar weapons to attack them and steal their livestock.

The rustling of cattle has since become a major source of revenue for the Boko Haram whose activities since 2009 have caused the death of over 20,000 people and displaced millions of others.

‘Some soldiers missing, 13 injured’ after attack by Boko Haram.

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria army on Tuesday said some suspected Boko Haram members attacked its troops at a location in Gashigar, northern Borno, dislodging them in the process.

Sani Usman, army spokesman, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said 13 soldiers were wounded in the encounter.

“Yesterday at about 5.30pm, suspected escaping remnants of Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops location at Gashigar, border area with Niger Republic, northern Borno state,” he said.

“The troops did their best to defend the location in vain. In the process, 13 soldiers sustained injuries while some are still missing in action.

“The temporary setback made the troops to withdraw from the location. However, the wounded soldiers have been evacuated and they are receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing in search of those missing and clearing the Boko Haram terrorists in the general area.”

Niger: Dozens Of Soldiers Killed In Refugee Camp Attack

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

At least 22 soldiers have been killed in Niger after unknown assailants attacked security forces guarding a camp for Malian refugees, according to Prime Minister Brigi Rafini.

The attack on Thursday targeted a camp in the village of Tassalit in Niger’s Tahoua region, around 525km northeast of the capital, Niamey.

“We received information of an attack on the camp in Tassalit. For the moment we are told there are 22 dead, but that is not a total death toll,” Rafini said in comments broadcast on state-run television TeleSahel.

“The death toll could increase.”

The prime minister gave no further information concerning the identities of the attackers, or whether any civilians had been killed or wounded.

Lafiya Dole: Nigerian Soldiers Ambush Boko Haram Terrorists

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE on patrol yesterday, Wednesday, September 28th, came across some elements of Boko Haram terrorists at Bulabulin.

They engaged them in a fire fight that lasted for an hour. The troops killed 9 Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others.

They also captured 2 AK-47 Rifles, 2 Hand Grenades, 1 Improvised Explosive Device, 5 Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit and 9 motorcycles. However, the troops hand held radio was badly damaged during the encounter.

Army Wants ATM For Frontline Soldiers In Maiduguri

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army on Sunday called on commercial banks to deploy Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to the military barracks in Maiduguri for the use of front line soldiers involved in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in Borno.

Brig.Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, made the call while speaking at a Civil-Military Forum organised by the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.

Ezugwu was reacting to criticisms by residents that soldiers often refused to join queues at the ATM points in the town.

He said that the army had written several letters to the banks for the deployment of ATM machines to the barracks without much success.

“We have been battling with the issue of lack of ATM in the barracks for the use of soldiers in the front line zone.

“I wrote letters to the banks over seven months ago for them to deploy the ATM at the Maimalari Cantonment for soldiers use, but there is no response yet,” he said.

Ezugwu said that the military was concerned about the development and urged the residents to intervene.
“I want to urge everybody here, especially traditional rulers, to help put pressure on the banks so that they can give us ATM at the barracks and allow you to use the ones in town.

“We are aware of the fact that everybody needs the ATM at one point or another,” he said.

“ A soldier carrying 12 ATM cards at a time must have brought his colleagues’ cards from the frontline to take money and send to their families all over Nigeria.

“We have areas where there is no network, it is only through the ATM that the soldiers can send money home to their families’ he said.

Ezugwu appealed for more understanding from the residents pending when the ATM would be provided by the banks at the barracks.

Military Deploys 3,000 Soldiers In Niger Delta

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

At least 3,000 soldiers have so far been deployed in the Niger Delta as Nigeria’s security agencies ramp up the war against militancy in the region, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed on Tuesday.

This came as Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) on Tuesday alleged an attempt by the military to cover up the death of 16 soldiers in Delta State, four days after ‘Operation Crocodile Smile.’ was launched in the region.

The army chief spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, just as the military moved to douse the tension occasioned by the massive movement of troops in the region, assuring communities in the area that the ongoing military exercise codenamed, ‘Operation Crocodile Smile,’ was designed to protect them.

Buratai’s comments yesterday were made against the backdrop of allegations that the military had embarked on harassing and brutalising innocent residents along the coastlines, an accusation that the security forces have always refuted.

The CAS, who spoke at the Government House when he visited Governor Seriake Dickson, told the communities to remain calm, stressing that troops involved in the exercise understood the rules of engagement and would strictly adhere to them.

He added that the visit was necessary as part of the operation’s confidence-building, maintaining that
the current exercise was meant to equip the soldiers with required skills to ensure the safety of the maritime environment for Bayelsa and other states of the Niger Delta.
The army chief, who was accompanied by other military commanders including the Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, said the exercise was part of the amphibious training activities of the military.

Operation Crocodile Smile suffer loss as 4 Soldiers drown In Bayelsa boat mishap

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Four soldiers that are part of the Operation Crocodile in the Niger Delta have drowned in a boat mishap in Bayelsa state today September 5th. The incident happened at about 10 am this morning along the Brass Water Front in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The riffles of the soldiers are currently missing. A resident of the community, Effa, who spoke with Leadership, said attempts by the youths in the community and other soldiers to rescue the soldiers failed as the drowned soldiers could not be found.

“In recent times,we have been noticing increased movement of soldiers in our area. The boat that capsize was conveying a new batch of soldiers to the water front. I was going to dispose of refuse at the waterfront and I saw uniformed soldiers struggling to rescue their colleagues in a capsize boat. When the confusion subsided, Four Soldiers were found to be missing with their rifles and other military gear. Some others that were rescued had their rifle missing and struggling out of the water. “he said

Search for the missing soldiers and their riffles is still ongoing.

Chibok Girls Swap Not Sign Of Failure – Army

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian military has again reiterated its commitment to reclaim Sambisa Forest and bring the Boko Haram insurgency to an end.

The military, which stated this through the theatre commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, also noted that the proposed swap deal involving the missing Chibok school girls with some captured Boko Haram members should not be seen as a sign of failure.

Irabor spoke at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Jalo cantonment in Yola on Wednesday after he received operational briefing from the Brigade commander, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Benson Akinroluyo, and other military officers involved in the counter-insurgency operation from the Adamawa axis.

He said Nigerians ought to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his decision to opt for the negotiated release of the missing schoolgirls held in captivity by the Boko Haram sect.

He said since the president is also the President of the captured insurgents there was nothing wrong if there’s a swap.

He said, “Operative objective of the military in its counter-insurgency operations derives from the President’s statement that the war against insurgency wouldn’t be said to have been won without the rescue of the Chibok girls.

“If in the wisdom of the Commander-in-Chief, he believes that the swap for the release of the Chibok girls is what is best, that doesn’t mean failure. How does this amount to failure. That I captured people who are the leadership of the Boko Haram. You should commend the military for doing that, it is not a failure.”

Nigerian Army Ends ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ Exercise In Niger Delta

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Commander, “Operation Crocodile Smile’’ of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Benbella Raji, has reassured residents in the Niger Delta assurance of their safety.

Raji gave the assurance during a training to enhance the operations of the military.

The Commander, who is from the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Edo, also said that the training would help to improve the security situation in the Niger Delta.

“This exercise was launched by the Chief of Army Staff a few days ago.

“Today, we move round the streets to give assurance to the good citizens of Delta, especially in Warri, that the army is here for their security.

“There are rules of engagement that guide exercises of this nature which are also meant to strengthen civil-military relations.

“As we speak, there is free medical outreach provided by the Nigerian Army near the Olu of Warri palace.

“We urge people in Niger Delta communities not to entertain any fear, we guarantee their safety,’’ he said.

The training, involved the movement of troops and equipment through Udu, Uwvie and Warri South Local Government Areas.

Some residents of Warri and its environs were apprehensive upon sighting the troops and equipment.

“Operation Crocodile Smile’’, which ended on Monday, was, however, peaceful and successful.

It will be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, had on Aug. 27 declared the military training, codenamed “Operation Crocodile Smile’’ open in Sapele.

Soldiers Kill 20 Cattle Rustlers In Zamfara

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

At least 20 cattle rustlers were killed at the weekend in a military operation in Zamfara State. The soldiers also recovered 200, 10 AK 47 rifles ammunition.
The Commanding Officer, 223 Light Tank Battalion, Lt-Col Aliyu Adamu who disclosed that the rustlers’ den was also destroyed in Dansadau forest
“We have succeeded in our battle with cattle rustlers, 20 of them were gunned down. We are also able to recover live ammunition, 10 AK 47 and 1 AK 49 riffles from the bandits,” he said.
Other villages raided include Malele, Yarwutsiya, Babar doka, Ruwan Tofa and some neibouring villages.

Credit: SunOnline

Army Hunts For Killers Of Soldiers In Bayelsa

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A manhunt has begun for militants who killed three soldiers attached to the Operation Delta Safe in Bayelsa State on Monday, according to the Nigerian Army.

Meanwhile, the state government has condemned the killing of the soldiers in Nembe community, describing the action as barbaric and not in the best interest of the people.

Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has said that the killing of both army and air force personnel in Bosso, Niger State, is unacceptable to the military.

While commiserating with the military over the brutal killing in Bayelsa by armed bandits, Governor Seriake Dickson described the incident as most painful and unfortunate. He pointed out that a similar incident occurred in July last year, when soldiers were attacked at the same security checkpoint in Nembe, resulting in deaths.

Addressing the people of Nembe at the King Koko Square, in the community, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), said he took it upon himself to visit the scene of the incident to condole with the military authorities, with a view to dousing the palpable tension occasioned by the sad incident.

http://guardian.ng/news/army-hunts-for-killers-of-soldiers-in-bayelsa/

5 Killed As Villagers Mistook Soldiers For Herdsmen In Niger

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Five people were feared killed in a clash between soldiers and villagers at Kpaidna village near Beji of Bosso local government area of Niger state.
The number of people injured could not be ascertained, but it was learnt that four vehicles were destroyed while the crisis lasted.

Sources said the incident occurred about 1 am yesterday when the villagers, mistaking the soldiers in an operation for armed Fulani herders, opened fire on them, leading to violent exchanges that led to the death of the five people. An officer and two soldiers are reportedly missing.
It was learnt that a clash between herders and villagers in Barkuta, a community close to where the current incident happened resulted in the death of villagers recently, while a reprisal led to the demise of three herders.
Both the deputy governor, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso and the commissioner of information, culture and tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, who were on hand to access the situation, were prevented from entering the community.
Vatsa said on phone that he could not get into the village because of strong presence of the military.
The Niger State Police Public Relation Officer Bala Elkana confirmed the incident, saying, “About 1 am we received a report that armed men were attacking Kpaidna village but when we arrived we discovered that they were soldiers in operation.”
He said they gathered that the villagers mistook the soldiers for Fulani herders camouflaging in military uniform to attack the village.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Njideka Agwu, said, “We heard there were arms and ammunition in that village and we went for cordon and search after soldiers were briefed yesterday. Unfortunately, villagers opened fire on us and we don’t know the number of casualty for now because the information is sketchy, but investigation is still on.”

Credit: DailyTrust

Kaduna Judicial Panel Recommends Prosecution Of Soldiers, El-Zakzaky

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State Government to investigate the December 12-14, 2015 clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiite or Shia sect, has indicted the leader of the group, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, for alleged acts of lawlessness by his members.

The 13-member panel headed by Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal, in its reported submitted recently to Governor Nasir el-Rufai which was made public in Kaduna Sunday night, said El-Zakzaky and his members should be held responsible for the bloody clash with the Nigerian Army last December, which led to the deaths of 349 people, including one soldier.

The report also accused the Nigerian Army of “disproportionate use of force contrary to its rules of engagement”, declaring that soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army who were involved in the killing of 348 members of the Shiite sect should be prosecuted.

The panel’s findings contained in the report said 349 people – including one soldier – were killed. “Out of the said 349 dead persons, 347 (excluding the soldier) were buried in a mass grave,” said the report.

The commission said it had received 3,578 memoranda – 132 letters and 3,446 emails – along with 39 exhibits and 87 witnesses’ testimonies in the course of the inquiry and the writing of the 193-page report.

“Members of the IMN owe absolute loyalty to Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky. He therefore bears responsibility for all acts of lawlessness committed by the organisation and should therefore be held responsible, fully investigated and prosecuted,” the panel said in its report.

Members of the sect and the army clashed in the Zaria when the latter blocked a major highway during one of its religious processions, in the process blocking access to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was attending the passing out parade of the army depot in the area on December 12, 2015.

The commission noted that “the number of casualities recorded during the incident was too high and cannot be justified”, stressing that “members of the Nigerian Army found to have been involved in the killings should be brought to trial before a court of competent jurisdiction”.

The panel also recommended that members of the IMN found to have been involved in the killing of one army corporal, Dan Kaduna Yakubu, during the incident should also be prosecuted.
It also advised the Nigerian Army to “intensify efforts in ensuring compliance with the rules of engagement and other legal standards” at all times during operations.

The panel in the report also challenged the government and law enforcement agencies to be alive to their responsibilities by investigating all persons allegedly breaking the law, even when such persons belong to powerful religious groups.

Credit: Punch

Plateau Crisis: Soldiers Open Fire, One Killed

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers serving with the Special Task Force on Jos crisis on Thursday opened fire on rampaging youth who blocked a road in Bokkos Local Government Area, in protest of the killing of a monarch and a night attack there Wednesday.

At least one person was killed and five others injured, witnesses said.

A witness, Mangai Haruna, said the youth refused to allow soldiers into the area, pressing them instead to produce the killers of their kinsmen.

“They shot on our people, one of them died instantly,” Mr. Haruna said.

Residents say there is tension in Bokkos town, as many have fled the area to seek refuge elsewhere. The weekly Thursday market in the town could not open due to the crisis.

A spokesperson for the STF could not be immediately reached.

Plateau State has enjoyed relative calm in recent times after years of ethno-religious conflict that claimed the lives of thousands.

The latest spell of violence began on Monday afternoon when unknown gunmen ambushed and killed Lazarus Agaei, a first class traditional ruler and the Saf Ron Kurele, alongside his wife, son and a police guard.

On Wednesday night, unknown assailants reportedly destroyed homes and attacked residents of the area.

In protest, youth barricaded roads leading to the area on Thursday morning, and blocked the convoy of the police commissioner of Plateau State, Adekunle Oladunjoye. Mr. Oladunjoye was later allowed in.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, Habila Joshak, is currently in Bokkos.

Mr. Joshak was deployed from Abuja to ensure the arrest of the killers of the monarch.

At Bokkos council police station where the youth gathered, Mr. Joshak sued for peace, and assured that perpetrators of the crime would be arrested and prosecuted.

He also visited the palace of the late paramount ruler where he pleaded for calm.

Credit/ Photo: PremiumTimes

Soldiers Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Fuel Suppliers

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers manning one of the entry checkpoints to the city of Maiduguri on Tuesday intercepted a large consignment of petroleum products being ferried by two suspected persons to Boko Haram insurgents in some yet-to-be identified locations, officials said.

The two suspects — the driver of the delivery truck, Muhammadu Adamu, and the supplier of the products, Tijjani Gambo, — claimed ignorance of the identity of their customers.

Sani Usman, the acting director of Army Public Relations, said regardless of the outcome of investigations into the matter, the suspects had by their actions flouted the ban on transportation of fuel in such large volume within and around the area where counter-insurgency operation is taking place.

“The Quick Reinforcement Force (QRF) of 251 Battalion, 7 Div Gar on routine checks arrested a truck loaded with 25 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other goods cleverly covered and concealed at Molai check point, outskirts of Maiduguri at about 8.00am on Tuesday,” said Mr. Usman in a statement.

“The driver of the vehicle, Muhammadu Adamu, claimed ignorance of the contents of the vehicle and called the owner of the goods, Tijjani Gambo to explain. He too denied supplying terrorists fuel and other items, rather he claimed to be a mere trader that supplies goods to customers in Damboa based on demand.

“However, preliminary investigation revealed that he has been sending PMS and other goods through the same route at regular intervals without an identifiable corresponding recipient in Damboa as alleged. Although investigations are still ongoing, it is suspected that it could be the means through which he had been supplying the terrorists with dire logistics in Sambisa forest. This is more so that there is a ban on the purchase and transportation of petrol in containers such as that within the theatre.

“Both suspects and the exhibits have been handed over to Joint Interrogation Centre for further investigations.

“In a related development, a dead body was dropped by an unknown persons and found by Civilian JTF at Ruwan Zafi MM Ali Filling station opposite NNPC Mega Station, along the Mafa-Dikwa road. The deceased whose named was given as Abba Aminu aged between 35-40, was married with 4 children. He was stabbed with a knife on his chest by his assailants. The matter was reported to Jere police Station for further investigation, while the body has been evacuated to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital mortuary.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

Soldiers Kill 8 Cultists In Rivers

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Eight persons suspected to be members of the Icelander cult group, were on Sunday, shot dead in Obelle community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State by the military during a shoot-out.
Also, five persons, who were reportedly abducted by the cult group at the weekend, in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state have regained their freedom.
It was gathered that the Army recorded the feat Sunday, after trailing the bandits to their camp in Obelle community, following the spate of cult killings and other criminal activities, threatening the peace of the community and its environs.
According to a source from the community, gun duel ensued when the cultists, who fled the neighbouring Ibaa community and camped in Obelle, opened fire on sighting the soldiers.
It was further gathered that the soldiers reinforced and pursued the gunmen under heavy firing into the Obelle-Elele forest, killing eight of the suspects.
The source said that when the cultists lost their grips on the community, five out of the six hostages escaped from their den.
The kidnap victims, it was gathered, were ambushed by suspected cultists in Port Harcourt, who whisked away six persons into a forest in the area.
Meanwhile, the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, has destroyed three camps, belonging to suspected cultists in Ibaa and Obelle communities in Emohua Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday, by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Captain Eli Lazarus, saying that five persons were killed in the operation.
Lazarus said the operation followed a tip off on the hideout of the cultists in the communities. He said two pump action rifles and 26 phones were recovered during the raid.
He assured that the current operation against cultists and other criminals in the State, would be sustained to safeguard lives and property of members of the public.

Credit: Sun

Soldiers Invade Tompolo’s Town Kurutie (Little London)

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers swooped on Kurutie (Little London), another community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, ?in six gunboats at about 4.30 am, today (Monday) , hunting for members of the Niger Delta Avengers.

The residents were asleep when they came, but many scampered into the bush when heard the sound of the gunboats. The soldiers, who quickly cordoned the community, embarked on a house to house search. “I am looking at the soldiers from a hideout in the bush, they are going from house to house. We know their tactics, so we ran away when they landed this morning at the jetty in the town, belonging to Tompolo’s father,” an informant said on phone at abot 5.30am.

Tompolo has repeatedly denied having any link with the Niger Delta Avengers, but the military seemed to disbelieve him , and were chasing him.

It was gathered that Tompolo’s father was not in Kurutie when soldiers stormed the town this morning, but an over 70-year-old man, simply identified as Do Good Ikekama, is among the citizens allegedly molested and forced to take the soldiers around some homes.

Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, confirmed the siege to Kurutie. He said that despite? the appeal by the Gbaramatu monarch, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, to the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (retd) that the soldiers should be professional in their duties, they were still harassing people. However, the soldiers, according to reports, left the community at about 6.30am ?.

Credit: Vanguard

Soldiers Arrests 92 Armed Herdsmen In Abuja

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Guards Brigade, Nigeria Army yesterday intercepted a group of 92 herdsmen while attempting to invade the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with arms and ammunition from different entry points, an officials statement said.

The suspected herdsmen, who claimed to be on legitimate movement to some parts of the FCT, could not explain what the arms and ammunition found in their possession were meant for.

Captain Bashir Jajira, the Guards Brigade spokesman, who issued the signed statement, said the weapons found in the vehicles used by the herdsmen range from pump action rifles to to knives and assorted charms.

According Captain Jajira, “A group of 36 herdsmen in Diana truck and Toyota with registration number ABJ KUj 994 FX and Niger SUL 541 XA were intercepted and arrested at 177 Guards Battalion by Keffi checkpoints.

In the course of investigation by the soldiers at the checkpoint, the herdsmen claimed to be going to Nasarawa local government area of Nasarawa State.

After thorough checking of the vehicles, the following items were recovered: One pump action; 19 cartridges dane guns; 118 Cartridges Ammo; 28 cutlasses; 3 jack knives; 14 sticks; 7 torchlights; Certificate C of O; and assorted charms and hard drugs.

Also yesterday at about 4pm, the Guards Brigade spokesman said another 56 herdsmen were arrested in Dantata, Gwagwalada general area, carrying 26 cartridges dane guns, 49 cutlasses and knives.

When interrogated, the herdsmen said they were on the lookout for those that stole their cows.

Captain Jajiri said the suspects would be handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.

Credit: Leadership

Read Details On Boko Haram’s Deadly Attack On Soldiers Today

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Boko Haram fighters attacked Nigerian troops early on Monday, the army said, after two suspected suicide bombers were shot dead near military positions. Army spokesman Sani Usman said in a brief emailed statement: “Boko Haram terrorists attack troops of 113 Battalion at Kareto, northern Borno state. “The troops have been battling the insurgents since the early hours of today.”

A soldier with the regiment told AFP the troops were ordered to the town of Damasak near the border with Niger and took up position in Kareto, some 38 kilometres (24 miles) away.

“Today at about 6:30 am (0530 GMT), two suicide bombers approached us and we shot at them and they exploded,” he said. “As soon as the explosives went off, there were barrages of heavy artillery fired by Boko Haram, who came in large numbers with heavy weapons.

“We took up position in our trenches and fired back but they kept firing RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), which we didn’t have.

“We lost some men, I don’t know how many, and many others were injured. Some of us fled in disarray. We realized that we were outnumbered and outgunned.” The troops withdrew to Jeyimolo village and a fighter jet was deployed to Kareto while a search was launched for the dead and missing, he added. A local chief confirmed the attack but said further details were still sketchy.

Credit: vanguardngr

Troops Kill One Terrorist, Capture Three Others In Gwashari Village, Borno

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Troops of 254 Task Force Battalion, 25 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with vigilantes have conducted clearance operation of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists at Gwashari village along Damboa-Bale road.

During the patrol, the troops encountered some elements of the Boko Haram terrorists in which they killed one and captured 3 others. They also recovered 1 Dane gun, an magazine of AK-47 rifle, 2 knives, assorted drugs and the sum of N142,000 from the terrorists.

Troops Nab Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Along Daban Masara, Borno

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Troops of 7 Multinational Joint Task Force Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG) stationed in Baga and 118 Task Force Battalion, sprang an ambush along Daban Masara axis used by Boko Haram terrorists elements to convey logistics on Thursday.

At the encounter, one of the suspected wanted Boko Haram terrorists leaders who is serial number 95 on the first Nigerian Army wanted list of 100 Boko Haram terrorists leaders, was fatally wounded in the exchange of fire. He later gave up while receiving medical attention at the base, while other members of his team escaped with gun shot wounds.

The troops recovered 7 Jerri cans of 30 litres containing 210 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), motorcycles and food stuff in addition to arms and ammunitions.

Troops Kill More Boko Haram Members, Rescue Hostages

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Press statement from the Nigerian Army:

Troops of Nigerian Army in various sectors in Operation Lafiya Dole have been carrying out raids, patrols, cordon and search operations in a bid to clear remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in their respective areas of operations.

Yesterday, one of the patrol teams of 254 Task Force Battalion carried out clearance operation at Kubwa village, Borno State in which they arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram terrorists hiding among the community.

Another patrol team of the same unit, carried out clearance operation at Yakshari village, off
Wajiroko along Ajigin-Talala road and proceeded to Korode. It was here also that some suspected Boko Haram elements on sighting the troops, ran and abandoned 6 motorcycles and beans looted from the inhabitants of the area.

The same team also recovered 21 motorcycles and Boko Haram terrorists flag at Korode abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. Similarly, a civilian vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the area which badly affected it. The troops also discovered another IED at Mauvi village which was safely detonated.

In their efforts, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters Support Group and elements of Armed Forces Special Forces conducted a joint fighting patrol to suspected Boko Haram terrorists enclave in Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare, Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja and Marya towns in Mafa and Dikwa Local Governments Areas.
In the encounter, 5 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, an AK-47 rifle, 10 motorcycles and 1 logistic truck belonging to the terrorists were recovered. The troops also rescued 350 people held hostages by the terrorists. Among those rescued were 5 girls abducted from Cameroon.

In order to boost troops morale and to see things for himself, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu visited 26 Task force Brigade and commended troops of 121 Task Force Battalion for the successful joint clearance operations at Kirawa and Ngoshe with Cameroonian forces.

Thank you for your kind and usual cooperation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman Acting Director Army Public Relations

More photos…

Another ‘Lunatic’ Arrested With 18 ATM Cards In Ondo

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged man who appeared to be a lunatic in Akure, the state capital, on Monday with 18 Automated Teller Machine cards of different banks and some cash in his possession.

The suspect, who was said to be in his 30s, was arrested in the Ijapo area of the capital city by the residents of the area.

They later handed him over to policemen in the Ijapo Police Station, saying they suspected him to be
an armed robber disguising like a mad person.

According to a source, some residents of the area have been observing him (suspect) roaming around the streets and suspecting him to be using his appearance to deceive the people in the area.

On Monday, the source said the suspect was accosted by the residents, but his explanation was not tenable as he was reportedly incoherent while responding to the different questions put to him. He was arrested and handed over to the police.

The source said an undisclosed sum of money made up of different denominations was found on him and he could not explain how and where he got the money from.

The source said, “After carefully looking at the man, we discovered that he was a normal human being. How could a mad man be counting a huge sum of money and also has different ATM cards belonging to different people in his possession?”

Some valuables, including jewellery and neat clothes were also said to be inside the bag the suspect was carrying.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state police command, Mr. Femi Joseph, said the suspect would undergo some medical tests to ascertain his mental status.

He said, “We don’t want to presume that he is a mad man yet. There are medical tests he needs to undergo for us to believe him. We asked for his name, but he spoke incoherently to show he is insane. We have to do the test.

“If he is found to be a robber as it is being speculated, he will face the wrath of the law.”

Joseph commended the residents of the Ijapo area for their vigilance.

He urged the people of the state to always be vigilant and report any case of suspected criminality to the police.

Source: Punch

FG Deploys Soldiers To Niger Delta Over Pipeline Vandalism

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that the Federal Government had started mobilising the military and task forces to the oil-rich Niger Delta.

He said the step became necessary to stop the sabotage of oil facilities and kidnapping of citizens for ransom in the coastal areas of the country.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President spoke at a meeting he had with a delegation from the United States’ Institute of Peace, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari was quoted as saying that his administration is giving the highest priority to the resettlement of displaced persons and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the North-East, ravaged by the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

The President assured the delegation that his administration’s ongoing war against corruption would be fought within the ambit of the law. He added that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism.

“We attach great importance to human rights. If there are breaches, they will be investigated and dealt with,” he said.

Buhari also welcomed the growing international support, especially from the United States and Europe, for Nigeria’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President also expressed happiness with the support of Nigerians for the cardinal programmes of his government, the security of the country, the war against corruption and revival of the economy.

The leader of the delegation, Ms. Nancy Lindborg, applauded the progress being made by the Buhari administration in ensuring greater security in Nigeria.

She promised the continued assistance of the institute for the reconstruction and development work going on in the country.

Meanwhile, the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crusis has charged the Federal Government to look for the immediate and remote causes of Boko Haram insurgency and the pro-Biafran protests in the country and find possible ways of stopping them forthwith.

Speaking at a press briefing in Owerri on Monday, the Vice President of AMORC (Nigeria), Frater Prof. Jonathan C. Nwigwe, said that the economic meltdown, hardship, Boko Haram insurgency and pro-Biafran protesters were tantamount to destroying Nigeria.

Nwigwe said this at the beginning of the 40th Eastern Regional Conclave of the sectarian group in Owerri, capital of Imo State with the theme, “National Integration for Global Peace.”

He stated that there was no nation in the world that had developed in a state of disharmony. He said that unless humanity come together to agree on issues, there would not be peace.

Nwigwe, a lecturer at the Imo State University, Owerri, added that the hosting of the conclave in the state, which is 40 years in the East, was apt as the state celebrated her 40 years of existence.

Nwigwe advised Nigerians not to look up to government for all their needs, saying that government cannot do everything for her entire citizens.

He said, “It is high time Nigerians borrowed a leaf from the American parlance of, “Think of what you can do for America and not what America can do for you.”

Also, the National Board Secretary/Treasurer, AMORC (Nigeria), Frater Johnson Ikube, advocated for positive creativity and self-reliance among Nigerians.

He stated that gone were the days when graduates would think of white-collar jobs, adding that graduates thinking of such jobs now were living in a fool’s paradise.

He said, “Too much interest in white-collar job is what is causing unemployment in Nigeria. But once one is able to produce what others need, one is employed. Our youths should be re-trained and re-orientated on the circumstances of the time.”

Adding his voice, a member of the National Board of AMORC Nigeria, Chief Temple Owhonda-Wopara, said that the essence of the conclave was to educate people and turn them to know more about God and His laws.

He said, “Until humanity come together to agree on issues, there won’t be peace. We are billed to achieve peace and harmony in Nigeria through this conclave. In this regard, therefore, all hands must be on deck. It is not going to be achieved by AMORC members in Nigeria alone.”

He later called on the nation’s leaders to be very prudent in the management of affairs, as he said that any policy neglected or not well carried out would affect the nation and her citizens.

Credit : Punch

Group Demands Unconditional Release Of Brig.-Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti, Others

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A human rights group, Beko Rights Klub, has called for immediate release and reinstatement of Brig.-Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti and other soldiers sentenced to various jail terms by a military tribunal for mutiny.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group made the request during a protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Lagos on Wednesday.

The group, which chanted solidarity songs, blocked the entrance to the House until lawmakers persuaded them to be orderly.

The convener, Mr Debo Adeniran, said the protest was part of activities lined up to mark the 10th anniversary of the demise of renowned human rights activist, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti.

Adeniran said recent revelations in arms deal in the country attested to the fact that Enitan was not guilty of any act of mutiny.

“The Beko Rights Klub is utilising this occasion of the commemoration of Beko’s passage to call on the Nigerian government to grant Brigadier-General Enitan Ransome Kuti, son of our late hero, national pardon.

“Following his court martial after the Baga massacre by Boko Haram insurgents in 2015, Enitan remains in imprison till date, even though history has absolved him”, said Adeniran.

Adeniran, who is also the Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), said Enitan did not deserve any blame.

According to him, Enitan should be held shoulders high since his innocence has been proved by the ongoing Dasukigate.

“We are strongly convinced that the revelations reeled out from the arms procurement scandal and the Dasukigate confirm his innocence and patriotism.

“In fact, we believe, with those expositions, the actions of Enitan and others are justifiable, reasonable and dialectical”, he added.

The group urged the House to do all within its powers to work with the National Assembly in order to ensure the prompt release and reinstatement of Enitan and others by the federal government.

In his response, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Sanai Agunbiade, said the legislators shared the same sentiments with the group based on justice, fairness and rule of law.

Agunbiade said “the cause you are fighting for is humanitarian and just.

“This is a cause we also believe in and which every Nigerian who believes in what is right also believes in, therefore, we can assure you that your petition will be thoroughly looked into.”

Agunbiade, therefore, said the House would do the needful in ensuring that the right thing was done in what the group was clamouring for.

(NAN)

Nigerian Army To Court-Martial Officers, Soldiers Over Recent Borno Attacks

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army has set up a court-martial to try cases of misconduct, indiscipline, among other misconducts that led to recent deadly attacks on Dalori and other Borno communities.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Sani Usman, said the Nigerian Army had already begun investigations into the matter, noting that those found wanting “will be dealt with”.

“The recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes calls for concern.

“To this end the Nigerian Army has already commenced investigation into the attacks. All those found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act.

“A standing Special Court Martial in the North East has already been established by the Nigerian Army. All cases of indiscipline and related acts of misconduct including human rights abuse in the operations will be tried by the this Special Court Martial.”

The statement added, “In recent days there were speculations in the media, especially the online media, to the effect that Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been taken over by the Defence Headquarters and that soldiers are not happy about it. This is not quite unfortunate and figment of imaginations of the respective media which was aimed at distracting the military, create rancour and disaffection among the components fighting Boko Haram terrorists…”

Credit: PremiumTimes

Video: Man Gets Beaten Mercilessly By Female Soldier And Colleagues Because He Said She Is Beautiful

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

This guy was beaten mercilessly buy a female soldier and her male colleagues simply because the guy said she was beautiful. See video after the cut..

https://www.facebook.com/CoolFMAbuja/videos/733242053477853/

Fierce Gun Battle As Soldiers Repel Boko Haram Attack On Borno Village

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Residents of Dalori, a village barely few kilometers to the Borno State capital have been thrown into panic over a gun battle between soldiers and suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

Sounds of heavy gunfire filled the air late evening causing panic among residents of the university area and other residential areas closer to Dalori.

Spokesperson for the Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Mustapha Anka, has confirmed the incident saying the situation had been brought under control.

Details of the extent of the attack is still sketchy.

Dalori is home to more than 20,000 internally displaced people evacuated from Bama local government of the state.

Credit: ChannelsTv

Child Abuse : UN Uncovers Fresh Claims In CAR

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The UN rights chief Friday expressed alarm at new allegations of child abuse by foreign peacekeepers in the troubled Central African Republic, including cases involving European Union troops.

“Four of the girls said their abusers were attached to contingents operating as part of the European Union operation,” Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said, adding that he was “extremely alarmed at continuing allegations.”

Last year, allegations of sex abuse were levelled at soldiers serving with French and UN missions in the country.

Soldiers Arrest Two Suspected Pipeline Bombers

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers combing some communities in the Niger Delta geopolitical zone for vandals who bombed oil and gas installations in the area, have arrested two suspected pipeline bombers on Monday.

The Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj. Gen. Alani Okunlola, told journalists in Warri on Monday that the suspects, though claimed they were fishermen, were arrested around Gbasamadu community in Delta State while allegedly supervising oil exploration in the area.

Okunlola, who spoke at a gas pipeline in Egwa Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, said the action of the vandals was a ploy to sabotage the nation’s economy.

He said the military would not fold its hands and allow the perpetrators to get away with crime.

Okunlola urged the government and community leaders to give security agencies working in the Niger Delta useful information that could lead to the arrest of the vandals.

The commander assured Niger Delta residents of Operation Pulo Shield’s determination to wipe out all acts of illegalities in the region.

Credit: Punch

Falana Urges Buhari To Pardon Soldiers Convicted For Mutiny

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to pardon all soldiers convicted by various courts martial for offences of mutiny allegedly committed while prosecuting the war against Boko Haram in the North East.

Falana, argued in his letter dated January 15, 2016 and addressed to President Buhari, that the conviction passed on the soldiers and the summary dismissal over 3,000 of others amounted to grave injustice since they were only punished for demanding weapons to fight the terrorists.

The letter is titled, ‘Request for presidential pardon for all convicted members of the armed forces pursuant to section 175 of the Nigerian Constitution’.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who urged the President to exercise his prerogative of mercy in favour of the soldiers ?under section 175 of the Constitution, reminded the President of recent revelation of how funds meant for purchase of arms were allegedly diverted by the Office of the National Security Adviser under Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

Credit: Punch

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: See How Buhari Communicated With Soldiers At War Front (PHOTOS)

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Mohammadu Buhari marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day and fully participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square, today.

President Buhari went further to speak with Men of the Armed Forces working in the field via digital devices.

His official photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo, captured these photos and shared them on Inatagram. See pics below:

President Buhari speaking with Men of the Armed Forces working in the field via digital devices

President Buhari participates at the Wreath Laying to Mark the end of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Arcade, Eagle Square Abuja on 15th Jan 2016

Soldiers Raid Ex-militant’s Home, Allege Gunrunning, Kidnapping

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers have raided the residents of a former militant leader, Chief Solomon Ndigbara (also known as Osama bin Laden), for alleged gun running and kidnapping.

The soldiers were said to have stormed one of Ndigbara’s houses in Bua-Yeghe, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State from the 2 Brigade base of the Nigerian Army, at about 5.30pm on Sunday.

The soldiers also carried out a similar operation at the home of the ex-Niger Delta agitator in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Earlier, a group of armed policemen had also raided two houses belonging to an ex-militant leader and Caretaker Committee Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government, Mr. Soboma Jackrich.

Confirming the raid through a statement on Monday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Eli Lazarus, said Ndigbara’s supporters staged a protest against the raid.

“Men of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army relying on credible intelligence conducted a raid operation on Sunday 11 January 2016 on the residence of one Mr. Solo also known as “General Solo” in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Mr. Solomon Ndigbara is suspected of gun running and kidnapping activities. Sadly, supporters of the suspect mobilised and staged a protest against the raid.

“During the protest, several property belonging to the suspect and other innocent citizens were destroyed. Investigation into the suspected criminal activities of Mr. Solomon is ongoing.

“The Brigade enjoins all law-abiding citizens in the area to go about their lawful activities as the military will continue to work assiduously to ensure the protection of lives and property of all,” the statement read.

Sources said the whereabouts of Ndigbara’s wife, Kate, and his two younger brothers identified as Bariagan and Gabriel Ndigbara remained unknown after the soldiers’ operation.

It was learnt that the soldiers destroyed two vehicles; a Toyota Sienna and Lexus SUV, even as sources said that some rooms in Ndigbara’s Bua-Nyeghe home were ransacked while some property inside the rooms were damaged.

In his reaction, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Mr. Austin Sor, described the operation as an onslaught, shocking and unwarranted.

Sor said, “It is pathetic and a war declared on Chief Solomon Ndigbara and the people of Bua-Yeghe. To me, this is a political war.

“Yesterday at about 4pm, I was in the community field watching a final match when some of my community boys came to call me and asked if I am aware that Army has taken over the community.

“When I got there, actually, what I saw were heavily armed soldiers with 10 vans in the compound of Solomon Ndigbara. An attempt to get their attention to know who sent them was seriously resisted. Even the paramount could not access them.”

Military Release Statement Over Clash With Boko Haram Members In Maiduguri Yesterday

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Read the press statement released yesterday below…

This evening (yesterday), troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, intercepted and destroyed 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers at the outskirts of Maiduguri city. Contrary to earlier media reports and rumours flying around, 2 Boko Haram terrorists suspected suicide bombers earlier intercepted by vigilant troops disclosed their colleagues intent to enter the city with the aim of detonating bombs in selected public places.
Consequently, the troops laid ambush on the terrorists suspected routes along Damboa road and eliminated them. The suicide bombers were intercepted in 3 different locations approaching the city; Ajiri area towards Damboa road, High Court axis and the Eye Hospital Area. The Explosive Ordinance Device team have been mobilized and they are combing the general a area as well as clearing the debris. Normalcy has been restored to the general area and the public are please advised to go about their normal businesses and social activities. However, it is important to maintain more vigilance and security consciousness. Please kindly disseminate this information to the public through your medium. Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel MUSTAA ANKA Media Coordinator Operation LAFIYA DOLE

Army Loses Two Soldiers In Bama Ambush

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army says it lost two personnel on Thursday in an ambush staged by fleeing Boko Haram members in operational areas in Borno state.

A military official said the ambush occurred along Konduga-Bama axis of the state recently visited by a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Information, Mr Lai Mohammed.

The Commanding Officer, a Lieutenant Colonel and a private soldier were killed in the attack, the theatre commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Yusha’u Abubakar, told reporters in Maiduguri.

Major General Abubakar also said that the advancing troops, in an offensive operation, dislodged insurgents around Jakana and Alagarno axis of the state.

On Wednesday, Nigerian troops and the Borno Youths Empowerment, otherwise known as Civilian JTF on Wednesday foiled planned attacks by four suicide bombers in the outskirt of Maiduguri.

A military source said that at about 7.30am on Wednesday, four female suicide bombers were intercepted by troops and the Civilian JTF, ahead of a checkpoint about 25km away from Maiduguri the capital of Borno State.

Credit: ChannelsTV

National Human Rights Commission To Investigate The Army/Shiite Clash

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC on Tuesday, has set up a Special Investigative Panel to investigate the circumstances that led to the bloody clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiite Muslim sect in Northern Nigeria.

The clash, which took place during the weekend, took the lives of seven people and injured 10 others.
A statement by the commission, said the panel was set up by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, following a petition lodged against the Muslim sect by the Nigerian Army and some concerned citizens.
The statement signed on behalf of Prof. Angwe by Mr. Lambert Okpara read:

“In setting the panel, Prof. Angwe stressed the need for all the parties in the dispute to sheath their swords and assured that the commission will get to the root of the matter

“The Executive Secretary noted that the country is operating a democracy which demands that institutions must act within the ambit of the law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“In a democracy, the rule of law is supreme and it is important that we continue to remind everyone about the need to respect each others’ right.”

Angwe said the commission will thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to find ways to address the current issues and preventing future occurrence.

The panel made up of top management staff in legal, investigations and monitoring departments of the NHRC is headed by Mr Tony Ojukwu, Director, Monitoring Department.

Vanguard

Video: Nigerian Army Officers Begging Shiite Members Who Barricaded The Road In Zaria

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Staff Reporter

This video shows Senior Army officers appealing to Shiite members who barricaded a road in Zaria, Kaduna state, an incident that led to the clash between the Army and Shiite members that resulted in the death of over 60 Shiite members and the attack on the Muslim group leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

‘We Killed Seven Zaria Shiites To Save Buratai’ –Army

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army has said its men shot dead about seven members of the Shiite sect in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday while 10 other members of the group were wounded in the bid of the soldiers to ward off an alleged attack by the sect’s members on the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

The Army said the shooting by the troops accompanying the COAS convoy was “in line with the Rules of Engagement” to save the life of Buratai from “heavily armed” members of the Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky-led Shiite sect.

This was contained in the ‘Occurrence Report’, prepared by the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police and attached to a petition submitted by the office of the COAS to the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja on Monday.

The petition, dated December 14, 2015, with the title, ‘Letter of complaint against Shiite sect attack on the Chief of Army Staff,’ and with reference number NA/COAS/G1/52, was signed by Col. F.U. Mijinyawa on behalf of the COAS.

The petition was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Ben Angwe, who received the representative of the COAS, Maj. Gen. Adamu Abubakar, in his office in Abuja on Monday.

The petition stated that over 500 members of the sect rushed out to barricade the road while the COAS was on his way from Dutse to pay homage to the Emir of Zazzau before proceeding to attend the Passing Out Parade of the 73 Regular Recruit Intake.

The Occurrence Report, with reference number HQ NACMP/G1/300167, detailed how the Shiite group members “heavily barricaded” the road, allegedly preventing the convoy of the COAS from passing through for a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau.

The report stated that members of the sect were “heavily armed with dangerous weapons, ranging from long swords, knives, daggers, sticks, iron rods to catapult” at about 2.30pm on Saturday around the Polo/Golf Court on Sokoto Road, where they mounted the barricade in Zaria.

It added that the group defied the soldiers’ warning shots and allegedly started hauling dangerous weapons towards the troops while also planning to launch a “petrol bomb” attack against the COAS’ convoy.

The report added, “However, troops were wary of the group being armed with guns. Some members of the COAS entourage disembarked to approach the armed group to talk with them to remove the barricade to allow free passage.

“All entreaties fell on deaf ears as they insisted that they had to contact their leader, El-Zakzaky, before the COAS would be allowed passage.

“However, as this was going on, unknown to the convoy, some of the members of the group had positioned themselves at strategic locations around the vicinity. A few of the group members had started crawling in the overgrown grasses by the roadside towards the COAS vehicle, with the intent to attack the vehicle with petrol bomb.

“Subsequently, they suddenly resorted to firing gunshots from the direction of the mosque and hauling dangerous weapons towards the troops. Despite the troops firing warning shots, the El-Zakzaky’s group continued attempting to forge towards the troops.

“The troops immediately responded in line with Rules of Engagement as the life of the VIP (COAS) was seriously threatened.

“Troops had to shoot their way through up to the Zaria Post Office area by PZ to provide a safe corridor for the COAS and the convoy to pass through before the arrival of the reinforcement from the Depot of NA.

“Sequel to the above, about seven of the members of the group were shot dead and the COAS directed that the 10 wounded be evacuated to the Depot NA Medical Centre for treatment while all exhibit items such as swords, knives, cell phones be recovered from the scene.”

The report stated that the exhibit items were handed over to the Nigeria Police.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police Provost Admin Coy was directed to investigate along with the Nigeria Police,” it stated.

It added that a detailed report would be forwarded to the commission when the investigation was concluded.

Angwe assured the visitors that the NHRC would conduct detailed independent investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff said on Monday that he escaped the Shiites attack on his convoy by the special grace of God.

The Army chief told journalists in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the Senate Committee on Defence alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, and other top officials of the Defence ministry, that the Shiite members were really violent.

He said, “You want to know how I escaped? It was by the will of God that I was able to escape from that place. I think the NTA was there and it aired the clip; it was very clear.

“They were violent, definitely this is very clear, the clips are there. That was what happened.”

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Samaila Aliyu, said the ministry would pay N10.6bn as judgment debts but did not give details of the beneficiaries.

He said, “We have judgements that have been delivered against us. Some have gone up to the Supreme Court. One is for N8.5bn and the other is for N2.1bn. We have backed the request with copies of the judgments.”

Ghost Boats With Over 21 Bodies Appear On Japan Shores

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Ghost boats washing up on the shores of Japan are causing puzzlement, with indications that they come from North Korea. Since October, 21 bodies have been found on 13 otherwise empty boats, a spokesman for the coast guard said on Thursday.

“On almost all the boats there are indications that they come from the Korean Peninsula,” the spokesman said. A report from Japan said that the boats appeared to be from North Korea, although the spokesman said this was not confirmed. Some news reports said there were clues that they were possibly operated by the military, and the causes of death was not known.

They may have been soldiers who starved or froze after being sent on fishing missions as part of the recent drive by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to find more food for the resource-strapped country, some reports said. The boats were all found in the Sea of Japan- the phenomenon is nothing new, the spokesman said

Boko Haram Abducts More Girls In Borno

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

An unspecified number of girls have reportedly been abducted by Boko Haram members after an attAack in Bam Village which is about 7 kilometres away from Buratai village, the hometown of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai in Borno state.

A resident of Bam village, Ali Bam told The Nigerian Tribune that the sect members arrived their village in the early hours of yesterday November 29th, shooting and setting the place on fire. Four people were killed while an unspecified number of girls were abducted.

Boko Haram Kills 7 People Including A Soldier In Fresh Borno Attacks

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

In two separate Boko Haram attacks, seven people including a soldier, were killed in both Bam and Gajigana villages of Biu and Magumeri Local Government Areas of Borno State, while an unspecified number of teenage girls were abducted in Bam Village. Several more people were injured in Gajigana village after insurgents set ablaze shops and houses without confrontation.

A resident of the area who fled to Miringa town for safety, Mallam Ali Bam, said that the insurgents went to the village at about 3:30 am on the weekend and set the whole village ablaze.

He said:

“Boko Haram terrorists after separating a lot of teenage girls from married women in
Bam, set ablaze the whole village and fled with the girls unchallenged, as the attack lasted for some hours before they fled. I called on General Buratai to do something as we have been telling the soldiers that the Boko Haram were so close to the village, but they only went to Mangari village which is few kilometers away from Buratai and shot into the air and left. The soldiers don’t want to confront the terrorists, Buratai should better do something before they start attacking and sacking villages, as they were doing before.”

Then they attacked and burnt down Gajiganna village killing three persons including a soldier before stealing lots of foodstuff.
An eyewitness said that the insurgents who came at 8:30pm on Friday started shooting sporadically into the air to scare people, but they ended up killing one man, one woman and a soldier.
He said:

“I believe it was a revenge mission, because recently, we arrested over 17 Boko Haram insurgents in the community and handed them over to the military. I am calling on the Federal government and the military authorities to do something about the pockets of insurgents in the bushes and villagers before they regroup and start attacking big towns and villages,”.

He said that the attack on Gajigana could have been avoided if soldiers acted on the information that they were given rather when the insurgents came the soldiers took to their heels without fighting them.

Source: Vanguard

Boko Haram Suspects Dressed As First Aid Workers Arrested In Zaria

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Two suspected members of Boko Haram sect who disguised as members of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’iqamitis Sunna (JIBWIS) First Aid Group based in Zaria, Kaduna state, ?have been arrested and handed over to the police. Daily Trust reports that the Police Area Commander in charge of Zaria headquarters, Muhammad D.? Shehu, confirmed the arrest and said the suspects will be? transferred to the police state command.

“The first suspect was caught fully dressed in our uniform. Members of our First Aid Group (‘Yan Agaji) have their uniform. Following the military’s advice, we have introduced certain security measures. Through those measures, our members can identify themselves anywhere they meet. This was how we arrested the suspect and handed him over to the police. On investigation, it was discovered that the first suspect was operating under the leadership of one Hassan Mahauci who resides in Maigana, Soba local government. Of recent, the leader of our First Aid Group in Soba local government was matcheted to death. Therefore, the arrest of these suspects made us to believe that it was Boko Haram that killed him. We would continue to be vigilant and we want to advise all religious groups to do the same since Boko Haram have began to infiltrate our First Aid Groups.”he said

Nigerian Army Debunks Rumor Of Losing 105 Soldiers To Boko Haram

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has waved aside reports that about 105 soldiers prosecuting the war against Boko Haram terrorists met their untimely death when they failed to return in a bid to annihilate the terrorists in the North East.

The media had been awashed with news that about 100 Nigerian soldiers were missing after Boko Haram attacks in the epicenter of the battle.

But General Buratai in a telephone conversation with Vanguard said, “It is not true that our soldiers are missing. The soldiers went on a mission for the Nigerian nation and they have since returned and joined their Battalions”.

The confident Chief of Army Staff said that insinuation is a figment of imagination of the authors of the story.

Media reports had indicated that the Army may have lost about 150 of its men to an attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Gudunbali, Borno State.
It was claimed that the terrorists attacked at Gudunbali in Borno State, on Wednesday and as a result the 157 Battalion of the Nigerian Army could not account for at least, 105 soldiers including their commanding officer.

According an online media, the terrorists also captured a T-72 tank as well as several artillery weapons from the unit.
“Gudunbali was attacked this morning and some weapons were captured from the battalion. Two officers and 105 soldiers are still missing”.

The terrorists captured a T-72 tank from the unit and some artillery weapons were also captured. The commanding Officer (CO) of the battalion is yet to be seen but no one has been confirmed dead yet,” the source added.

Another source however said the T-72 tank was recovered after a prolonged fight with Boko Haram insurgents. The gunner and tank commander were injured in the process, he said.

Also reportedly captured by the insurgents were eight vehicles, a truck loaded with 60,000 rounds of AA ammunition and three artillery pieces.
Similarly, soldiers of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) stationed at Baga, Borno State also recently came under attack. The attack occurred in Geringiwa at about four kilometers to the headquarters of MNJTF, PREMIUM TIMES has also been told.

According to a source, the military has been unable to completely clear the insurgents from Baga and nearby towns due to inadequate equipment.
Boko Haram carried out a series of mass killings in Baga between January 3 and January 7, 2015, after the army headquarters there was sacked by the insurgents.

Although the military later liberated the town, soldiers stationed in the area have come under constant attacks from the insurgents.
.
The attacks on the military came on the heels of the suicide attacks on Yola and Kano respectively.

Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Apprehended On Aero Contractors Flight In Abuja

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Press statement from the Nigerian Army:

The declaration of 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists has started to pay the desired dividend as one of them was arrested as he attempted to flee. Today(Yesterday November 8th) at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, a man suspected to be one of the declared wanted suspected Boko Haram terrorists, Chindo Bello was apprehended by Aviation Security as he was boarding Aero Contractors’ Airline flight to Lagos.

The suspect has since been handed over to the military intelligence for interrogation and prosecution. We would like to thank those eagle eyed and patriotic security agents and good citizens for the tip off that led to the arrest of the suspect.

The Nigerian Army would like to reiterate the need for all well meaning Nigerians and those residing in our great country to be more vigilant and assist security agencies with information about the declared wanted terrorists, their sponsors and other criminals in our midst. Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman Acting Director Army Public Relations

“You Are A Noise Maker!” – Nigeria Army Chief, Buratai, Tells Boko Haram Leader

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Nigeria’s chief of army staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has dismissed as mere noise making the claims in a new audio by Abubakar Shekau, the elusive Boko Haram leader.

Buratai described the audio as `another desperate move by the group to find relevance.’

He said the group no longer has the capacity to hold any ground or plan co-ordinated attack on strategic locations or key public facilities.

“I think the new Boko Haram leader, in the latest audio is just trying to sound relevant; but as far as I
am concerned, he is irrelevant in the scheme of things, he is irrelevant to me.

“ Have you seen any of them coming out apart from the suicide bombings? You can see the number of terrorists that are escaping from their camps; he is just making noise to remain relevant,’’ he said.
The Army Chief who also reacted to Sunday’s bomb blast in Maiduguri, urged residents of the area to remain calm as measures were being taken to forestall re-occurrence.

He said the bomb attack had provided clues of the remaining areas the insurgents were operating from in the state.

“Sunday’s bomb blast will be among those that will be the last, you can be counting them, it has opened up another window where we can now focus where these attacks are coming from.

“It will not be possible for them to penetrate other areas; for now we have knocked them off areas along from Yobe and some parts of Borno.
“Immediately this incident happened yesterday, I gave directive and we will comb that area thoroughly to identify where they are operating from,’’ he said.

Source: Vanguard

Soldiers Kill 10, Arrest 64 Suspected Terrorists

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers of the One Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, have killed no fewer than 10 suspected terrorists in various joint operations code-named, “Operation Restore Peace II” in the North-West zone of the country.

Also in the operations, about 64 suspected terrorists and bandits were arrested.

Those arrested had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, according to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, One Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Col. Usman Abdul.

The One Division spokesman also said 7,119 cattle, sheep and goats were recovered from rustlers and bandits who had been terrorising people from the zone.

Read More: punchng

More Dismissed Soldiers Beg Buhari For Reinstatement

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Following the decision of Federal Government to reinstate 3,032 officers and soldiers, who were dismissed from the Nigerian Army last year by the General Court-Martial set up by military authorities, three groups of officers and soldiers, yesterday, appealed to President Buhari to extend the gesture to them.

The groups, according to their counsel, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), in a petition addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, are the 70 soldiers convicted and sentenced to death in September and December 2014 by two General Courts-Martial, whose findings have not been confirmed; scores of officers and soldiers convicted and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment by General Courts-Martial, and senior officers and soldiers currently being prosecuted in Special and General Courts-Martial in Lagos and Abuja.

The petition said: “The convicts and suspects under-going trial are alleged to have committed mutiny, cowardly behaviour, loss of equipment, failure to perform military duties and sundry offences…”

Read More: vanguardngr

Army Reinstates 3,032 Soldiers

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Out of 5,000 convicted soldiers, 3,032 soldiers were reinstated to their jobs after being convicted by military courts for various offences.

The reinstatement followed a recommendation by a military screening committee set up to review cases against the soldiers.

The officers and men were handed varying terms of imprisonment or outright dismissal for offences ranging from Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL), insubordination, indiscipline and theft among others.

Army Public Relations Acting Director Col. Sani Usman, who broke the news at a briefing in Abuja, said some of the convicted soldiers had their sentences upheld by the committee.

Col. Usman added that in some cases, the screening committee even made an upward review of years of imprisonment given to some of the convicted soldiers by the military courts.

Read More: thenationonlineng

Buratai, Army Chief Survives Boko Haram Ambush

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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.

Nigerian Army Vows To Punish Soldiers Caught On Camera Maltreating Civilian

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army has vowed to punish its personnel who were caught on camera Saturday mistreating civilians they said are suspected armed robbers.

A photograph of the incident was published in the Monday edition of Abuja-based Daily Trust newspaper.

The shocking photograph was made public at a time the Nigerian military is battling to extricate itself from allegations of gross human rights abuses.

The spokesperson for the Army, Sani Usman, a colonel, said the action of the soldiers caught maltreating civilians on Saturday has done incalculable damage to the image of the service, and is at variance with military ethics and professionalism.

Mr. Usman said the perpetrators had been identified and would be punished accordingly.

The Army spokesperson however criticised Daily Trust over what it called “poor and worrisome editorial judgement by giving this misdemeanour prominence in their paper”.

“Alerting appropriate Nigerian Army authorities would have been a better option that will be met with prompt response,” Mr. Sani said.

Read More: premiumtimesng

Rwandan Soldier Shoots Dead 4 Colleagues Before Turning The Gun On Himself

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Rwandan military revealed that a Rwandan soldier serving with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Central African Republic shot dead four Rwandan troops and injured eight others before committing suicide. The incident happened at 5.45am on Saturday August 8th at the Rwandan battalion headquarters in Bangui, the CAR capital.

A statement released by the Rwandan Ministry of Defence Spokesman Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita below…

“Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) with deep sorrow announces an unfortunate incident where one of its soldiers serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) shot dead four RDF soldiers and injured eight others. The soldier killed himself after shooting his comrades. The incident occurred on 08 August2015 at around 05:45. hours in Bangui, at Rwanda Battalion Headquarters (RWABATT 2) located at 5th Arrondissement SOCATEL M’POKO. The Casualties were immediately evacuated to Level two Hospital in Bangui. Investigations have immediately commenced to establish the motive behind this deplorable shooting of his RDF colleagues. We suspect terrorism without ruling out mental illness to be the cause. RDF sends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire RDF fraternity. More details will be communicated later.” ~Republic of Rwanda – Ministry of Defence.

Former Saudi Soldier Jailed For joining ISIS

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A former Saudi soldier was on Monday found guilty of joining ISIS militant group.

A special criminal court in Jeddah sentenced the man to 9 years in jail and fined SR5,000. Besides, a travel ban of 9 years has also been imposed on him, effective from the date of his completing the jail term.

The verdict was challenged both by the defendant as well as the public prosecutor. They have been given time to appeal the verdict and explained the procedure.

The former soldier was found guilty of disobeying the ruler and traveling illegally to Syria via Turkey, joining ISIS terrorist organization and communicating with some of the (terrorist) brigades and organizations fighting there.

The charges also included learning dismantling and assembling Kalashnikov rifles. He also provided shelter to his cousin, who joined him in traveling to Syria and taking part in the fighting there.

Death Row Soldiers Sue Army For Contempt

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers in the Nigerian Army who were recently sentenced to death by a military court martial have initiated contempt proceedings against the Chief of Army Staff over non-release of the record of proceedings that convicted and sentenced them to death.

This is just as the army, in a statement by its acting director of public relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, confirmed reports that the it had commenced an administrative procedure to review some recent disciplinary cases but dismissed insinuations that the review amounted to a recall of dismissed and deserter soldiers.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a correspondence making the rounds in some media regarding an administrative procedure to review some recent disciplinary cases in the Nigerian Army.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the Nigerian Army is reviewing all recent disciplinary cases due to the wave of litigations and petitions by some aggrieved personnel. The public should not misconstrue the recent directive to mean total recall of dismissed and deserter soldiers,” the terse statement read.

Read More: leadership

Military Colonel Fights Chad Officials Dirty For Attempting To Remove His Wife’s Veil

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

There was serious pandemonium in a district in Chad as a top military personnel fought law enforcers dirty over the full-face veil of his wife in public. The Chadian government had earlier on the 17th of June, 2015 banned the use of full-face veil throughout the country. The military officer and his boys descended on the officials who attempted to remove the veil off his wife. It was indeed a drama. See more photos below…

Al Shabaab Attack Army Camp Killing Several People In Somalia

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Several Somali soldiers were killed overnight Sunday when Shebab fighters attacked a base in the southern Kismayo region, officials and witnesses said Monday.

The attack is the latest in a string of assaults by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgents, who last week stormed a base manned by the African Union forces in Somalia (AMISOM), killing dozens.

Heavy gunfire was reported late Sunday for several hours, with the Shebab briefly taking over the camp near Kismayo and beheading some of those captured before looting supplies and leaving, witnesses said.

“There was heavy fighting that left several of the soldiers dead,” said security official Abdirashid Moalim, speaking from Kismayo.

“There were machine guns and rockets, and the fighting ended when the soldiers were overpowered,” said Abdi Bakar, a witness, who said he had seen nine bodies.

The Shebab is fighting to overthrow Somalia’s Western-backed government which is propped up and protected by the 22,000-strong AMISOM force.

On Friday, the Shebab attacked an AMISOM base in Lego village, 100 kilometres (62 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu, manned by around 100 Burundian soldiers.

The Shebab later boasted of having killed 80 soldiers, and carried off the bodies of 60 of them.

Witnesses reported seeing dozens of bodies, but there has been no formal confirmation of casualties and the toll was not possible to independently confirm.

Under military pressure at home, Shebab is increasingly turning its attention to Kenya where it has launched a string of recent deadly assaults, as well as focusing on guerrilla style warfare in Somalia.

The Islamic militants commonly step up their attacks during Islam’s holy fasting month of Ramadan. On Wednesday six people were killed in a suicide attack in Mogadishu on a diplomatic convoy from the United Arab Emirates.

Soldiers In Gun Battle With Boko Haram Suspects In Kaduna

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A soldier was feared killed in the early hours of Monday during a gun battle between the military and two Boko Haram suspects at Ungwan Keke-B, near Danbushiya suburb in Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna, residents of the area told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday morning.

Witnesses who pleaded anonymity said the suspects, two brothers, moved to the area and lived in a rented apartment three years ago.

“We never knew that they are Boko Haram people.

“We just sighted a team of military personnel cordon the house, then gun shots filled the air at about 11:56 p.m. which led to their escape and the killing of one soldier after several hours of shooting.

According to witnesses, although the two Boko Haram suspects, whose names could not be ascertained, escaped, their wives were arrested by the security operatives after the gun battle that left their building shattered.

“One of the suspect got married to his wife who is from Bauchi eight days ago and brought her to Kaduna. Two of the wives have been taken away by the soldiers,” the witnesses said.

The Village Head of Keke B, Suleiman Mohammed, ?who confirmed the incident to journalists said he started hearing gun shots at about 1 a.m.

“The team of security operatives later announced that the neighbours should all come out of their houses and ordered them to leave the area,” he said.

The house was completely deserted, there were blood stains on the floor, but the security operatives had left the area when a PREMIUM TIMES correspondent left the vicinity Monday morning.

Efforts to reach the Deputy Director Army Public Relation of the 1 Army Division Kaduna, Abdul Usman, failed as his phone lines were unavailable. He is yet to respond to a text message sent to him.

The Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has caused the death of over 20,000 people with hundreds of thousands still displaced mainly in the north-eastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.

Credit: premiumtimesng

Four Soldiers Killed In Blast In Maiduguri

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Staff Reporter

At least four soldiers were killed in a blast that occurred at a checkpoint in Maiduguri, Borno state today June 4th. Eyewitnesses say a truck carrying firewood exploded near the gates of the Maimalari Barracks, killing the soldiers and injuring many others.

“At least four soldiers were killed and several injured,” one resident told AFP

Boko Haram Dismisses Nigerian Military’s Claim Of Victory

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The terrorist group, Boko Haram has released a video under the banner of Islamic State branch of West Africa claiming that Dikwa, Gamboru, Damasak and other areas are still under its control despite Nigeria’s military claim of victories in those areas.

The Islamic terrorist group says the media has been lying all along.
The speaker in the video says most of their (Boko Haram) territories are still under their control and displayed ID cards of military men killed by them.
He called Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, “the lying coalition partners

Anxiety In Military Over Likely Shake-Up

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

•Buhari meets NSA, heads for Chad, Niger

There was anxiety yesterday in the military over the impending shake-up of the country’s security apparatus by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This was heightened after the president met with National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki. The President has summoned the service chiefs to a meeting today.

Col. Dasuki arrived at the Defence House, where Buhari is still operating from, at about 1.51pm yesterday for the meeting with the President. He left at about 3.00 pm without saying a word to anxious reporters.

But sources said the meeting was part of a debriefing on the country’s security situation. President Buhari is being briefed by the NSA and the Service Chiefs before unfolding his plans of overhauling the security apparatchik.

Yesterday’s meeting might also be to prepare the President for his visit to Chad and Niger Republic to discuss the Boko Harm challenge with the neighbouring countries.

Apart from security, fighting corruption and fixing the economy are the other priorities he listed as priorities during the campaigns.

The President will from tomorrow make his first foreign trip – a two-day visit to Chad and Niger Republic.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Mallam Garba Shehu, said the two-day visit will focus on “matters of security”.

Buhari, who was sworn in last Friday, vowed to crush the terrorists’ group, which he described as “mindless” and “godless” in his inaugural speech.

The sect has continued its attacks in Borno and Yobe states.

A highly-placed source said: “Apart from what is in the handover, the President is conducting a debriefing to know the actual situation of the nation’s security.

“This was why he met the NSA, who has been coordinating the counter-insurgency in the Northeast.

“Buhari is a leader who will not rush to judgment on tactical, military and security matters.”

A top aide of the President said: “The meeting with the NSA was one-on-one; nobody knew what transpired.”

As at the time of filing this report, there was anxiety over a likely shake-up of the military and security agencies.

Another source said: “There is suspense everywhere on how the President may overhaul the nation’s military and security systems.

“The military and security agencies have also adopted a cautious approach in reacting to recent Boko Haram challenges in Borno and Yobe states.

“Everyone is waiting for the President to unfold his shake-up plans. We hope he will do so after the debriefing session.”

Apart from the NSA, the president also met with former Interim Chairman of the APC Chief Bisi Akande and Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

On why Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have not moved to the Villa yet, Shehu told reporters that renovation was still ongoing.

“They claim some renovation was going on. The place is being cleaned up for his occupation. The contractors are working probably at their own pace, if I need to know or if you need to know this, I probably we have to talk to someone.

“As it is at the moment, I am not saying he’s comfortable where he is at his rented house. But he is operating from there and the moment the Villa is ready, he will move”.

On when Nigerians should expect the ministerial list, Shehu said “I have no idea. But it is not something anybody will rush because you know that the National Assembly will have to approve the list of ministers. So, even if he (Buhari) has the list today, it is only when the National Assembly is in place that he can forward it. Unless you are governor Fayose, you cannot take your ministerial list to the outgoing parliament”.

Soldiers Harass, Detain Punch Reporter Taking Pictures Of Jonathan’s Home

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The spokesperson of the Joint Task Force in Bayelsa state, Isa Ado, a lieutenant colonel, has confirmed the arrest and subsequent handing over of a Punch reporter, Simon Utebor, to the police.

Mr. Utebor was arrested by soldiers for attempting to take pictures of President Goodluck Jonathan’s private home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State. Mr. Ado said the JTF Commander in the state has ordered for the release of Mr. Utebor.

However, Mr. Utebor told PREMIUM TIMES via phone he was yet to regain his freedom. “I have been transferred to the State CID, and I have written a statement on the incident and we are still waiting for the police authorities,” Mr. Utebor said.

Some soldiers deployed to protect President Goodluck Jonathan’s private residence in Otuoke, Bayelsa state, on Thursday had harassed and detained Mr. Utebor, for attempting to take pictures of the president’s house.

Mr. Utebor was arrested by soldiers from the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta and handed over to the police at Otuoke Police Station.

Mr. Utebor was reportedly accosted by soldiers on guard duty while taking photographs of on-going work on the palatial residence constructed while the president was in office.

Artisans were seen putting finishing touches to the premises consisting of multiple blocks of two storey buildings.

Mr. Jonathan is expected to be received on Friday by the Bayelsa Government at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre at 3p.m. and later in his Otuoke country home by his kinsmen.

Earlier efforts to speak with the Punch correspondent were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off.

When initially contacted the spokesperson of the Joint Task Force, Mr. Ado, had said he was out of station on official assignment but however, pledged to investigate the report and respond as soon as possible.

Credit: premiumtimesng

Nigerian Army, Britain Map Out 20-Year Development Plan

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Army, in conjunction with the British Army, is working on a 20-year development plan with a view to improving its service.

This was disclosed yesterday at a two-day seminar in Abuja by the director of Military Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Letam Wiwa, who is the chairman of the committee handling the development strategy.

According to Wiwa, the seminar was the offshoot of the series of meetings held by the committee over the development plan for the Nigerian Army, especially considering the current security challenges facing the country.

“ The aim, among other things, is to enhance the state of combat readiness and general national development in line with the development agenda of the federal government,” he said.

Soldiers Take Over Capital Oil,Scare Civilians And Load Drums With Fuel

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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After the announcement by Ifeanyi Ubah that Capital Oil would release 13 million liters of fuel to aid the suffering of Nigerians over the fuel scarcity,officials of the Nigerian Army on Monday took over the Ojodu Berger outlet of Capital Oil, buying petroleum products in drums, after scaring away thousands of consumers.
The armed personnel came in the guise of maintaining peace and order, but they soon abandoned their primary responsibility for fuel racket. They shoved, maltreated and sent away those who were on queue to be attended to, thereby gaining access to have their drums loaded with fuel.

As of press time, the unregistered white Isuzu truck they use for the ‘deal’ had visited the filling station for the fourth time.The fourth truck was being loaded as of 8:50pm.

The vehicle, on each visit, left with at least 14 drums and dozens of gallons filled with fuel.
The helpless consumers, some of who slept at the filling station, suspected the soldiers were feeding the growing Lagos black market with the product.

The military officials who were fully dressed had taken over the only two pumps that dispensed the Premium Motor Spirit.Those who protested the act were beaten and given scares on their bodies.

Meanwhile, consumers, who had spent the entire Monday at the filling station without getting the product to buy, had described the announcement by Ifeanyi Uba as a publicity stunt.
By 9pm on Monday, not more than a hundred cars left the station with fuel.
Besides the military, officials of the Nigeria Police Force and black market dealers took over the show while thousands of motorists who had crowded the place since 5am were abandoned.

Punch

Thousands Of Foreign Currency Found On Dead Boko Haram Commander

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian army says thousands of foreign currency was found on a Boko Baram leader killed during its operation in Dikwa, Borno state on May 23rd. Read the official statement and see the photos below…

Thousands of Euro currency was found on the body of a terrorist commander after troops successfully repelled a terrorist on Mafa towards the border. The terrorist who is also an Amir by status and believed to be of foreign descent, is among about 30 terrorist fighters who died in the encounter while many others fled with wounds. The terrorists also lost a number weapons and equipment including the captured 13 rifles, a machine gun, rocket propelled grenade tubes and several other assorted ammunition.

A Toyota Bufallo vehicle was also recovered from the terrorists. Two of their armored vehicles were also destroyed in the battle. The only casualty on the side of own troops was damaged equipment. Mopping up operations is ongoing in the general area. Meanwhile, the offensive on all terrorists’ hideouts is continuing in many fronts.

Soldiers Must Give Civilians The Chance To Rule – Kukah

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rev. Mathew Kukah, has commended the military for allowing the nation’s democracy to go grow.

He made the commendation on Friday in Abuja at the presentation and official launching of a book entitled “Destiny Calling My Name’’ the biography of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

The book was written by Prince Dotun Oyelade.

Kukah, who chaired the occasion, described the current transition from one government to another as `a great moment’ for the country.

He said: “This is a great moment for Nigeria’s democracy; we have made progress in our country, the military is truly subordinate to civilian administration at this moment.

“Nigeria is indeed truly in democracy and if you were ever in doubt look no further,

“I believe that most Nigerians must be very pleased that when it mattered, our military displayed a high sense of responsibility”.

Kukah commended Badeh for assuring Nigerians of the professionalism and democratic credentials of the military.

He however urged serving and retired military generals to stay away from the politics of the country.

He said that the military had taken away several years of the nation’s democracy and should allow civilians to grow the country’s democracy.

He said: “You know that the military has already taken away most of our years in this democracy, and as you have seen, they are still not yet through with us.

“After General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Muhammadu Buhari, how many more generals do you want to have as Presidents? Will civilians grow this democracy or will it be the duty of soldiers?

“My people, we must make progress and our democracy will grow. This is not anti-military rally but please soldiers, retired and serving, give us civilians the chance to rule.

“Let those soldiers who have retired enjoy the benefit of their retirement and let the soldiers who are serving remain in the military and do very well what they set out to do when they joined the military”.

Kukah said the book was a story of what God could do and traced Badeh’s journey from a village school through the secondary school to Defence Academy to his current position.

The Bishop commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the courage to accept defeat in the last elections.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Jerry Gana, who commended Jonathan for his political maturity, said the president’s acceptance of defeat saved Nigeria from avoidable crisis.

He commended Badeh for the success made so far by the military in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents.

In his remark, the CDS said he was fulfilled having served for many years in the military.

(NAN)

Cities In Sambisa Forest and Myths of Booby-Traps By Dr. Peregrino Brimah

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

With shallow graves of unveiled bones, rivers of shed blood, wounded homes and don’t-ask-for-my-dad babies of the living martyr mothers of Sambisa, it is a tale that will never be untold. Nigeria’s bloody six years; the never ending cold days and treacherous nights of 2010-2015. The long and short of this tale is that Jonathan and his Army chiefs lied to us. We were duped, fooled, defrauded and betrayed.

Boko Haram were never ghosts as Jonathan claimed. They were never an enemy he and the Nigerian Army could not pinpoint. As we now know from videos of Sambisa and numbers of liberated abductees, Boko Haram established cities and towns in Sambisa.

Far from being ghosts, they were a brazen nation hiding in clear aerial sight.

Nigerian air force jets and drones over the years took pictures and shot videos of inhabited expanses with camps that included buildings and hundreds of vehicles with human activity rivalling Nigeria’s fairly populated cities. The entire global intelligence departments saw these densely populated fossil fuel powered towns in Sambisa holding hundreds of Nigerian prisoners and realized Nigeria was in a mess too big for them to amend without sacking the country’s lying military and civilian ‘leadership.’ In disgust they resigned from helping to “bring back our girls” and did the best they should: denied Jonathan guns Boko Haram confidently relied on.

Was it booby traps or booby towns he meant?
And as we free the hundreds of pregnant, irreversibly abused, violated and abandoned Nigerian women from the cities of Sambisa and kill all the escaping male youth also imprisoned there, not being able to tell which male is ours or forcibly conscripted to theirs after abandoning them so long, we ask Jonathan, Ihejirika, Minimah and Badeh, where are the booby-traps you spoke of when you refused to bring back our girls and denied our brave and determined ex-servicemen, vigilantes, hunters and Civilian-JTF the permission to go into the cities of Sambisa and rescue our Chibok princesses?

Dr. Peregrino Brimah

http://ENDS.ng [Every Nigerian Do Something]

Email: drbrimah@ends.ng Twitter: @EveryNigerian

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates

Troops Retreat From Sambisa Forest After Landmines Kill Soldiers, Vigilantes

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Nigerian troops were forced to retreat from Sambisa Forest as they took the battle to the stronghold of Islamist sect Boko Haram, after a landmine blast killed one soldier and three vigilantes.

The Military said on Wednesday that soldiers were conducting offensives “in some forest locations” in the area after it was announced last week that the operations were imminent.

Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade said in a statement that a senior Boko Haram commander was killed, as well as a number of militants who attacked a patrol.

“The operations especially in forest locations are progressing in defiance of obstacles and landmines emplaced by the terrorists,” he added.

However, progress has been hampered by improvised explosive devices with which the area has been rigged by the terrorists, a civilian vigilante involved in the operation told AFP in an account backed by a security source.

“Boko Haram have buried landmines all over the routes leading to their camps in the forest, which is no doubt a huge obstacle retarding the military offensive against them,” he told AFP.

“We decided to turn back since the route was unsafe. As we were driving back, one of the vehicles carrying CJTF (Civilian Joint Task Force) hit a mine,” he added.

“A soldier and three CJTF were killed while another soldier was injured. We trudged along and made it back to Bama on Wednesday.”

The vigilante added: “There are no soldiers in Sambisa right now. We all returned to Bama after the horrifying experience of manoeuvring through minefields.”

“Boko Haram are in large numbers in Sambisa,” said the vigilante, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

“All their fighters who were pushed out of Bama, Dikwa, Gwoza and Damboa (in Borno state) all moved to Boko Haram camps in Sambisa,” he added.

The Sambisa Forest is located in Borno state, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the town of Chibok, where more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped on April 14 last year.

It has been claimed that the 219 schoolgirls still being held were initially kept in the former game reserve, although others have said they may have been split up and moved to Chad or Cameroon.

Boko Haram Kill 2 Soldiers, Injure 7 In Baga

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Two soldiers were killed in a Boko Haram rocket attack on a military vehicle in the northeast Nigerian town of Baga, residents told pressmen on Tuesday. Six other soldiers and a civilian vigilante were critically injured when their vehicle hit a mine planted by the Islamists just outside the town in Borno state on Sunday, they added.

Boko Haram seized the town on the shores of Lake Chad on January 3 and is suspected of killing hundreds in what was feared to have been the worst massacre in the six-year insurgency.

Nigeria’s military said it had recaptured the town in late February, as an operation also involving Chad, Niger and Cameroon stepped up to drive out the militants from occupied territory.

“Boko Haram fired a rocket-propelled grenade on a military van in an ambush in Baga which killed two soldiers and destroyed the vehicle,” said resident Karimbe Maina.

The soldiers were driving back to their base outside Baga to mobilise more troops to help drag an armoured vehicle stuck in the mud across town on the shores of Lake Chad, he added. “Following the attack which killed two soldiers there was a prolonged gun battle ?between soldiers and the Boko Haram gunmen, which forced the gunmen to flee,” said vigilante Haruna Shuaibu.

Boko Haram: Nigerian Army Acquits 57 Soldiers, Sentences 15

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Reports reveal that a special court martial of the Nigerian Army has discharged and acquitted 57 soldiers who were accused of losing their weapons as well as embarking on absence without official leave, AWOL, in the course of the war against Boko Haram insurgents.

The court martial, which sat at the Army Headquarters, AHQ, Garrison in Abuja, however convicted 15 other accused soldiers sentencing each of them to one year imprisonment.

Credit: dailypost

Court Bars Use Of Soldiers During Election

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Nigerian Armed Forces have no role in the conduct of elections in the country.

The court relied on a recent Court of Appeal ruling that barred the use of soldiers in the conduct of elections, stating that it was a violation of Section 217(2)(c) of the Constitution and Section 1 of the Armed Forces Act.

The appellate court had also relied on a judgment by a Federal High Court in Sokoto last January also barring the use of armed forces in the conduct of elections.

The latest ruling says the Nigerian government should not deploy soldiers at polling units, a plan that had generated controversy between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.

Details On: premiumtimesng

Lami Philips Blames GEJ For Her Deflated Car Tyres

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Sometimes I begin to feel a certain level of sympathy for Goodluck Jonathan, everybody seems to blame him for everything that happens to them.

Not to famous singer, Lami Phillips is now slamming Goodluck Jonathan over her deflated tyres.

If you didn’t know, GEJ was in Lagos yesterday, March 15, 2015 for “Showbiz Interactive Session With GEJ” event to get more support in the forthcoming elections.

However, this is one support he doesn’t have as Lami took to Twitter to share her feelings.

The singer said cars that parked along Adetokunbo Ademola in Victoria Island, Lagos, got their tyres deflated because GEJ was passing through the area.

Boko Haram Burns Houses In Bama As Troops Advance

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Boko Haram Islamists have set fire to homes in Nigeria’s northeast town of Bama that are under their control, forcing residents to flee as troops advance to recapture it, witnesses said Sunday.

The Islamists on Saturday told residents of Bama, 70 kilometres (37.5 miles) southeast of Maiduguri, to evacuate before setting fire to many homes as Nigerian troops inched closer in a bid to retake the town, residents told AFP.

The blaze forced hundreds of residents to flee towards Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, the group’s hometown and stronghold.

“They came into the town around 12:00 pm (1100 GMT) warning that anyone who wanted to leave should leave the town and soon after they began torching homes,” resident ?Umar Kaka said.

“Not all residents could leave because some are too sick or old to leave and we are afraid they were burnt in the homes?,” Kaka said.

The arson followed the sacking of the Islamists from nearby Boboshe and Yale villages by troops as they marched towards Bama?, said Kaka who arrived in Maiduguri on foot on Sunday.

“We learnt soldiers were coming. They advanced on Bama on two fronts and met some resistance at Boboshe and Yale but succeeded in crushing the Boko Haram gunmen,” said Bama resident Ibrahim? Kyari.

“They asked residents to leave which came to us as a surprise because they kept us captives all these seven months and would not allow us to leave,” Kyari said.

Bama, a strategic and historic town in the state, has been under the control of Boko Haram since early September.

“I left large groups of people including women and children on the way trekking towards Maiduguri while soldiers moved towards Bama,” said Kyari, who rode to Maiduguri on his bicycle?.

Boko Haram seized Bama, the state’s second main city, during the rapid capture of several towns and villages in northeastern Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states on the border with Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

The Islamists carried out mass killings in the town, forcing hundreds of residents to flee while others remained trapped there.

Nigerian soldiers aided by? troops from Chad, Niger and Cameroon have in recent weeks reclaimed most of the areas under Boko Haram control.

In Borno state, Bama and Gwoza towns were the only remaining towns still under Boko Haram control.

Nigeria vowed to reclaim all of its territory occupied by Boko Haram before the general elections which commence on March 28.

Chad, Niger Soldiers Killed as Boko Haram Loses Nigerian Towns

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

About 15 soldiers from Chad and Niger died in fighting to take control of two towns in northern Nigeria from Boko Haram, the first gains against the militants in a joint offensive launched at the weekend, military sources said on Monday.

About 30 Nigerien and Chadian soldiers were wounded in the clashes over Malam Fatouri and Damasak, a day after thousands of troops crossed the border to seize areas held by the Sunni Islamist group, whose insurgency has forced Nigeria to delay an election and neighbors to mobilize their armies.

A Chadian officer, who asked not to be named, said about 10 Chadian soldiers were killed and 20 wounded in fighting for the towns. Two sources with Niger’s military told Reuters five of its soldiers were killed in the clashes.

There was no official comment from the armies of either Chad or Niger. “We have kicked the enemy out of these areas and they are now under our control,” a Niger military officer said.

The advancing troops had seized large quantities of arms and ammunition as well as vehicles, he said, and were undertaking a clean-up operation in the area. “The troops have taken dozens of Boko Haram elements prisoner,” he added.

Damasak, the town furthest into Nigeria, is 10 km (6 miles) south of the Niger border, where Nigerien and Chadian troops had been massing in recent weeks before the offensive.

Read More: Yahoo

Nigerian Troops Kill 70 Boko Haram Fighters In Konduga

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Nigerian troops backed by civilian vigilantes on Tuesday claimed to have killed more than 70 ?Boko Haram fighters in a foiled attack to capture the strategic town of Konduga near Maiduguri.?

A would-be suicide bomber was shot and killed before he could ram his explosives-laden car into a military checkpoint in the town during the attack on Monday, witnesses said.

Around 150 Boko Haram fighters entered the fishing town with a large herd of cattle pretending to be ?herders and opened fire on troops stationed in the town, leading to a six-hour gun battle.

“At the last count 73 Boko Haram gunmen were killed in the foiled attack,” a civilian vigilante, Butari Mala, told AFP.

“Among those killed was a suicide bomber who was shot inside his car loaded with explosives before he could reach his target,” he said.

“The rest fled into the bush but were pursued and bombarded by a fighter jet that deployed from Maiduguri.”

A military source in Maiduguri, who requested anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed Mala’s account, including the death toll.

The attack happened at about 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and the gunmen abandoned the cattle as they approached a military post, said Konduga resident, Abba Kaka.

“Unknown to the Boko Haram gunmen herdsmen in Konduga had been asked to keep away from some designated no-go areas,” he added.

“So when the gunmen came in through these designated areas it was clear to soldiers they were not genuine herdsmen and they met the soldiers waiting for them,” Kaka said by telephone from Maiduguri.

Soldiers and vigilantes have repelled more than a dozen attacks by Boko Haram on Konduga, which is some 35 kilometres (21 miles) southeast of Maiduguri.

Troops and vigilantes have been stationed in Konduga to prevent it from being used as a launchpad to attack the Borno state capital, where the group was founded in 2002.

The latest defence of the town comes after a number of claimed Nigerian military successes, including the recapture of the town of Baga, on the shores of Lake Chad.

Soldiers, backed by armies from neighbouring countries have been involved in a fight-back against the militants, whose attacks have threatened regional security and upcoming elections in Nigeria.

APC Writes Jega, Jonathan to Bar Soldiers From Security Supervision During Polls

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

APC wrote a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega asking him to give heed to the judgment barring the involvement of soldiers in elections.

In the letter, APC called the attention of the federal government to a judgment delivered on January 29, 2015 by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Sokoto and another by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on February 16, 2015 which overruled the use of military in elections.

The letter read in parts, “I am sure all well-meaning Nigerians share your deep seated concern on the militarisation of our elections.

“It is therefore imperative your good office and commission ensure, henceforth, and until there is an enabling Act of the National Assembly, the court orders are obeyed and armed forces personnel are never again deployed in any form of security supervision of our elections.”

Read More: vanguardngr.com

29 Breathtaking Photographs Of Our Human Race

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The images below are sure to have your emotions fluctuating up and down the full spectrum of the human experience. Some are beautiful, gritty, real, inspiring, and some, are quite sad.. Here are 29 photos of the human race, without a bias or a filter. We are just saying “here they are.” All of the images below first made their appearance on Imgur, 9gag, and Subfeed. The Mind Unleashed makes no claim of ownership on these images. All credit goes to the respective owners.“I’M FED UP TO THE EARS WITH OLD MEN DREAMING UP WARS FOR YOUNG MEN TO DIE IN.”

"I’m fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in."

A BOY RESCUES HIS SISTER FROM UNDERNEATH THE RUBBLE OF THEIR HOME IN SYRIA

TOSHIMANA, AN APPRENTICE GEISHA IN KYOTOOwner of the rights to this image: Seiya Bowen

YEZIDI GIRL CARRIES AN ASSAULT RIFLE TO PROTECT HER FAMILY AGAINST ISIS

A MOTHER AND HER 3 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, WHO WERE ATTACKED WITH ACID BY THEIR HUSBAND/FATHER

GIRL THAT SURVIVED 11 DAYS IN SIBERIAN FOREST

BLIND ALBINO BOYS IN THEIR BOARDING ROOM AT A MISSION SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 2013

3 WEEKS-OLD NEWBORN WITH ALBINISM HAPPILY SLEEPING WITH HIS COUSIN IN KINSHASA, CONGO PHOTO PATRICIA WILLOCQ

SIBERIAN FAMILY MEAL

PUBLIC BUS PASSENGERS TRY TO RESCUE A WOMAN WHO TRIED TO COMMIT SUICIDE BY SLITTING HER WRIST WITH A FRUIT KNIFE

A BOY OF THE NOMADIC SURI TRIBE OF ETHIOPIA, IN TRADITIONAL FACE/BODY PAINT AND ATTIRE

IOWA COUPLE OF 72 YEARS FINALLY GETS MARRIED

13 YEAR OLD EAGLE HUNTRESS ASHOL PAN; MONGOLIA

THE FACE OF A CHINESE COAL MINER

A PALESTINIAN GIRL WITH A KALASHNIKOV RIFLE, AMID MILITANTS IN GAZA CITY

A Palestinian girl with a Kalashnikov rifle, amid Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza City

BEAUTIFUL EYES!

7 YEAR OLD SYRIAN REBEL

RICE FARMER IN SMALL VILLAGE, VIETNAM

AN 18 YEAR OLD IDF SOLDIER PAUSES AFTER A LONG RUN IN FULL GEAR AND BATTLE PAINT. BY ASHER SVIDENSKY

TEA TIME ON THE YAMAL PENINSULA

MALAGASY GIRL WALKS AMONG THE BAOBAB TREES

ETHIOPIAN GIRL FROM THE HAMER TRIBE

A MONK AND HIS BROTHER

A POOR FARMER’S SON GRADUATED

A GIRL FROM THE MINORITY YAZIDI SECT RESTS AT THE IRAQI-SYRIAN BORDER CROSSING IN FISHKHABOUR, DOHUK PROVINCE AFTER FLEEING ISLA

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

TAKING A BREAK AT BURNING MAN

ALCOHOLIC FATHER WITH CHILD

2 YEAR OLD OFFERING FOOD TO HER HANDICAPPED MOM

Soldiers Shoot at Gov. Shettima’s Convoy

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The convoy of Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima was shot at by soldiers in Maiduguri as it approached military garrison near the airport.

The governor’s protocol office is being held accountable for the incident, as they reportedly failed to inform military authorities about the governor’s intention to visit the military facilities.

Shettima was on his way to visit soldiers, who were wounded in the simultaneous Boko Haram attacks on Maiduguri, Monguno and Kodunga when the incident occurred on Monday. The state Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Bulama, described the gunshots as “friendly.”

Read More: punchng.com

Soldiers rescue 14 pregnant teenagers, 8 children in Abia- Vanguard

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Soldiers from 144 Battalion, Asa, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have rescued 14 pregnant teenagers and eight children from a motherless babies’ home at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Also arrested by the soldiers were six young men, who claimed to be staff of the home, and two girls, aged 16 and 25. However, the proprietress of the home, Mrs. Nma Charity, is still at large.

It was gathered that Mrs. Charity claimed to be running a government-approved home, but engages in child trafficking and hiring of men who impregnates the teenage girls.

Sources told Vanguard that on delivery, each girl got N20,000, while their babies were sold for between N80,000 and N150,000 for females and males, respectively.

One of the suspects, who was caught at Eke-Akpara in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, while trying to steal a baby, confessed that he had been in the business with Mrs. Charity for a long period, stating that his role was to steal a child and deliver it to the her, who in turn sold it to her customers.

Acting on the confession of the suspect, the Commanding Officer 144 Battalion, Lt. Col. Omolori Rasheed, ordered his men to raid the home where about 14 pregnant teenagers and six young men were arrested, while the proprietress of the home was away at the time of the raid.

A soldier, who declined to have his name in print, told Vanguard that the babies, between the ages of one and six, and the pregnant teenagers, would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP, while the other persons would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Credit: vanguardngr.com