Former Army Chief Tukur, Buratai gets new appointment

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai, has been appointed as the Chairman of Fire Prevention Week and Expo, as well as Nigerian Humanitarian Action’s (NIHA) international flagship programme in the United States.

Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals

The Nigerian Military has unveiled plans by terrorists to attack some critical national infrastructures in the country. This revelation was made public on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba. He, however, added that relevant security agencies have been put on standby to forestall such attacks. General Buba also called on citizens to rally support for security forces to defeat terror in Nigeria. Details later…

‘We Are In A State Of War’ — Army On Borno Suicide Bombings

The Nigerian Army has declared that the recent bombings in Borno State signify that Nigeria is slipping into a state of war. This was revealed in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Tuesday. He recounted the tragic events that led to multiple deaths in the Gworza Local Government Area of Borno State over the weekend. Buba detailed the terror attacks, which involved multiple Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIED), commonly known as suicide bombings, all occurring on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The first attack happened around 3:00 PM, when a female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, detonated an explosive device at a wedding reception on Mararaba Hausari Street. Shortly after, around 5:00 PM, as efforts were underway to stabilize and transport the initial casualties to the hospital, a second female suicide bomber detonated another device on the same street, close to the first explosion site. In response, troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to keep residents indoors and prevent further casualties. However, while enforcing the curfew, a third explosion targeted the troops. “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third woman strapped with an IED vest, killing a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces,” Buba explained. A fourth incident was averted when a suspect was identified early and detonated the bomb prematurely, resulting in only her death. In total, 20 people were killed, and 52 sustained various injuries and are receiving treatment. Buba emphasized that the armed forces regard every life lost, whether civilian or military, as a significant tragedy. “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for society, the community, and the nation,” he said. On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa, and all officers and members of the armed forces, Buba extended condolences to the victims’ families and those needing healing and recovery. He explained that the terrorists’ actions are a response to recent military successes that have weakened their leadership, resources, and influence. “The terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline,” Buba noted. He urged citizens to see through the terrorists’ tactics and remain vigilant and united, supporting the armed forces’ efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful future. “The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short, as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield,” Buba concluded.

Nigerian Soldier Shoots Self At Army Base Gate, Four Months To Retirement

An indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, serving in the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Imo state, has shot himself in front of the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) gate. Identified as Vitalis, a senior non-commissioned soldier, Command Sergeant Major (CSM), he reportedly shot himself without leaving a suicide note. Before his death, he served with the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack, Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State. According to security sources who spoke to The Nation, a thorough and discreet investigation is necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s suicide. Speculation or premature conclusions could compromise the investigation’s outcome, which is being led by the army’s leadership in the state. Notably, there were no reported incidents of domestic violence or disciplinary actions against the soldier prior to his death, suggesting that the motives behind his actions may be complex and require a thorough inquiry. The tragedy struck the military camp when the soldier, reportedly just months away from retirement in October, committed suicide after mysteriously disappearing without communication for two weeks. The sudden reemergence of the soldier, who apparently returned to the camp and then took his own life, shocked his colleagues and left many wondering what could have driven him to such despair.

Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

The Nigerian Army has clarified that contrary to claims, it is not involved in enforcing any court order related to the ongoing Kano Emirate tussle. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified in a statement on X that the troops are not engaged in the emirate dispute. He said instead, the Army has taken proactive measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order that might arise from the conflict. “The issue of paramount concern to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies is the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state, which could be taken advantage of by adversarial non-state actors. “The military would imminently intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police. “All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general,” the statement reads in part.

Heroes Return: Villagers Cheer Nigerian Soldiers Back From Successful Operation

Soldiers returning from a military operation in Nigeria’s Northeast were met with cheers and celebrations from local residents recently. The troops, who were on Operation Desert Sanity III, had been deployed to combat insurgents in the Sambisa and Timbuktu Triangle regions. The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a video shared on its official X account on Friday. The caption read, “In a heartwarming display of gratitude and solidarity, local communities in Nigeria’s Northeast region have extended a warm welcome to heroic troops of the Nigerian Army following a successful operation in the notorious Sambisa and Timbuktu Triangle areas.  “The operation dubbed “Desert Sanity III,’ aimed at neutralising insurgent threats and securing the region, culminated in a significant victory for the nation’s security forces.” PUNCH reports that troops of Operation Desert Sanity III rescued another abducted student of the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, identified as Lydia Simon, around Ngoshe in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State recently.  It was also reported on Wednesday that the troops captured a stronghold of the Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province in Borno State. The Army stated that both air and ground units of the operation conducted a clearance mission, targeting the terrorist stronghold situated along the Ngumne, Kawaran, and Mangu axes within the Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.

Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia

The Nigerian Army has begun an investigation into the death of a hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, in Abia State. Some soldiers were said to have tortured Etubi to death in Abia after an Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an investigation of soldiers allegedly involved in the torturing of the manager. Nwachukwu said the Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager. He said Lagbaja had immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable. Nwachukwu said the Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation. The statement read, “The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. “The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. “Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.”

Defence HQ declare eight persons wanted over death of 17 soldiers in Delta

The Defence Headquarters has issued a statement declaring eight individuals wanted in connection with the recent tragic killing of 17 military personnel in Delta State. The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, March 28. The individuals named as wanted by the military are, PROF. EKPEKPO ARTHUR, ANDAOWEI DENNIS BAKRIRI, AKEVWRU DANIEL OMOTEGBO (also known as AMAGBEN), AKATA MALAWA DAVID, SINCLEAR OLIKI, CLEMENT IKOLO OGHENERUKEYWE, REUBEN BARU, and IGOLI EBI. The incident occurred when a group of soldiers embarked on a rescue mission to the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state. Their mission was to engage in a peace keeping mission from the neighboring Okoloba community, amidst a longstanding land dispute between the two areas. Unfortunately, the soldiers were ambushed and killed by armed assailants and local mercenaries. According to a military source, the commander and his troops were taken by surprise while returning to the waterfront.

Breaking! Tinubu Offers Scholarship To Children of slain soldiers 

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday conferred national honours on 17 members of the Nigerian Army who were killed in Delta State on March 14, 2024. This was as he announced the provision of housing facilities for the surviving family members and scholarships for all their children to the university level. He also directed the payment of death benefits to the family members within 90 days. He announced these during the burial ceremony of the slain servicemen at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. Tinubu posthumously conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger on the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395) and Capt U Zakari (N/16348). He also conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290); LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079) and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).