PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS GENERAL ABISOYE

President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Major-General Emmanuel Abisoye (Rtd), former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2nd Infantry Division and 3rd Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army, who has passed away at the age of 81.

The President also commiserates with the government and people of Kogi State on the death of their illustrious son, a former Federal Commissioner for Health and member of the Supreme Military Council.

UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE AND INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS

Troops of Nigerian Army deployed on Operation LAFiYA DOLE and other Internal Security operations have been carrying out clearance operations, patrols and raids in suspected areas where Boko Haram terrorists, cattle rustlers and other criminals were hiding or sighted with success. It is in this regards that troops of 232 Battalion of 23 Brigade today conducted patrol towards Gombi, Guriki and Bobini towns in Adamawa State to prevent Boko Haram terrorists infiltration from some parts of Borno State. Similarly troops deployed in Garkida have continued to maintain blocking positions through patrols towards Jau general area to fix any fleeing Boko Haram terrorists. Other units under the Brigade have also conducted patrol to Wurolade village to prevent the terrorists infiltration through our border with Republic of Cameroon. While those deployed at Hong have intensified patrol at Mararraba Pella, Kalla and Shangui as well as Hong- Garaha road.

Troops of 120 and 159 Task Forces Battalions of 27 Task Force Brigade have maintained aggressive clearance operations.

UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: TROOPS INTENSIFY OPERATIONS AGAINST FLEEING BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS

In continuation with the clearance operations of the remnants and fleeing members of Boko Haram terrorists group, troops involved in Operations LAFIYA DOLE and HARBIN KUNAMA II have intensified the tempo of their operations in their various areas of operations.

The troops of 232 Battalion yesterday carried out patrols to Muchalla, Lade and Bodeno villages in order to prevent Boko Haram terrorists’ infiltration. Similarly, troops in blocking position at Garkida carried out similar exercise to Dzangwalla general area where they neutralized fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

On their part, troops of 23 Brigade Support Battalion conducted patrol to Kolkol village with the aim of dominating the area and preventing elements of Boko Haram terrorists infiltrating the area through borders with neighbouring Cameroon. Whereas the troops stationed at Forward Operation Base at Hong have assumed blocking positions in Mararrabar Pella, Kalaa and Shangui to dominate the area and fix any Boko Haram terrorists that venture that way.

NIGERIA AND CAMEROONIAN TROOPS CONDUCT JOINT CLEARANCE OPERATION

In order to clear fleeing Boko Haram terrorists hibernating within remote and border areas, Nigerian and Cameroonian troops have carried out another joint operation to weed out Boko Haram terrorists along Nigeria and Cameroon border.

The two days joint operation which was led by Col Dourai and Lt Col Mohaman of the Cameroonian Defence Forces had troops drawn from the Cameroon’s Battalion Rapid Intervention (BRI) and 151 Task Force Battalion of 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

TROOPS CLEAR BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS FROM CHIKUN GUDU AND CAPTURE GUN TRUCKS

Troops of 8 Task Force Division, Nigerian Army, on clearance operations under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East yesterday had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at Chikun Gudu, northern part of Borno State.

During the encounter, the gallant troops neutralized quite a number of the terrorists, while others escaped with gun shot wounds. They also captured gun trucks, arms and ammunition as well as 14 terrorists.

The troops captured 2 Toyota Gun trucks stolen from Niger Republic Defence Forces, 2 Toyota Hilux Gun trucks, one of which was taken by the Boko Haram terrorists from 153 Task Force Battalion location sometime back, a 25 HP Yamaha Outboard Engine, 2 Solar panels and 5 empty Belts of Anti-Aircraft Guns ammunition links.

EFCC, Nigerian Army Must Synergize For A More Secured Nigeria – Babalola

The South East Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Johnson Babalola, has described the existing relationship between the Commission and the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu as very cordial, robust and professional bearing in mind that both organisations have a mutual mandate of securing the Nigerian state.

Babalola made the assertion when the new Commander, Provost Unit of the Division, Col. D.A. Abubakar paid him a courtesy call on Wednesday February 15, 2017 at his office in Enugu.

NIGERIAN ARMY CONTINGENT TO LAGOS CITY 2017 MARATHON SMILES HOME WITH PROMOTIONS AND CASH GIFT

The Nigerian Army contingent at the just concluded Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2017, has beat its last year’s performance with improved records.

In view of their wonderful feat at the event that fielded world class marathoners, and to encourage them, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has directed their elevation to the next higher rank respectively and donation cash gift of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (150,000.00k) to each of the athletes.

PHOTO NEWS: Nigerian Army Gears Up For 2017 Weapons Championship Inside Sambisa Forest

NIGERIAN ARMY: SOLDIERS THAT MOLESTED PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSON HAVE BEEN APPREHENDED

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip in which two soldiers were seen maltreating a physically challenged person for allegedly wearing a camouflage shirt.

We wish to inform the public that the incident took place on Tuesday 7th February 2017, at Onitsha, Anambra State.

In line with our zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline and unprofessional conducts especially in relation to violation of human rights, we wish to further state that the soldiers involved have since been identified and apprehended.

CLARIFICATION ON THE LIBEL ALLEGATION AGAINST THE PREMIUM TIMES - ARMY

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to erroneous impressions and insinuations on a libel case against the Premium Times to whip up sentiments .

Therefore, we wish to clarify that the issue at hand is purely allegation of libel in which Premium Times falsely and unjustifiably accused the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, of false declaration of assets, owning mansions and estates in Dubai and further stated that he was being investigated by Code of Conduct Bureau for false declaration of assets in their publication of 12th December 2015.

Consequently, concerted efforts were made to make Premium Times retract the story and apologize, to no avail. As a law-abiding citizen, he took appropriate legal steps of seeking redress through the courts.

NIGERIAN ARMY POSTPONES 76 REGULAR RECRUITS INTAKE ZONAL SCREENING

The Nigerian Army wishes to inform members of the public particularly applicants of 76 Regular Recruits Intake whose names are published in the Nigerian Army Recruitment website that the zonal screening exercise earlier scheduled to hold from 22 January – 3 February 2017 has been postponed. 

The exercise is now to hold from 5 – 17 February 2017 at various zonal centres earlier communicated. Applicants are to please report to their various zonal centres for the screening exercise accordingly.

TROOPS RECOVER BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS BODIES AND GRENADE - ARMY

Troops of 119 Task Force Battalion of 7 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE while on mop up and clearance patrol today, came across graves of Boko Haram terrorists that escaped with gun shot wounds and died after an encounter on 13th January 2017 and buried in shallow graves. 

Similarly, the troops recovered a 36 Hand Grenade and one 12.7 X 108mm round of ammunition concealed by the terrorists.

The troops have continued their patrols by dominating the general area of Baga, Kangarwa and Dogonchikun with a view to intercepting fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

SPECIAL FORCE BATTALION TROOPS KILL BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN KANGARWA, 3 SOLDIERS DIED, 27 INJURED

Elements of 119 Battalion and 133 Special Forces Battalion of 7 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, with the assistance of the Nigerian Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance planes dealt a decisive below on Boko Haram terrorists that dared attack on their location yesterday.
The futile attack which was launched by the terrorists group from the shores of the Lake Chad in the evening and lasted till later in the night.

The resilient troops repelled the incursion and in the process killed 10 insurgents and wounded several others.

Multiple explosions: Many feared dead as 3 suicide bombers attack Adamawa

Three suicide bombers have attacked Madagali town in Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria. Scores of people are feared dead following separate multiple explosions that rocked the area.

Eye-witnesses said the explosions which occurred on Friday morning, took place at a crowded motor park on the outskirt of the town. Madagali, is 300 km from Yola, the state capital.

Although volunteers and security men were seen evacuating bodies from the scene, the number of casualties are yet to be determined. This attack is coming barely two weeks after the Nigerian Army repelled an attack by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in Gulak village in the same Madagali Local Government Area.

LEGAL ACTION: WHY NIGERIAN ARMY TAKES PREMIUM TIMES TO COURT

The Nigerian Army has instituted a legal action against an online publication, the Premium Times over its failure to retract and apologize over false, subversive and malicious publications against the person of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian Army.

All efforts to make the medium make amend proved abortive.

Consequently, the Nigerian Army sent a letter to the management of the of the online publishers to retract and apologize before 31st December 2016.

BRIGADIER GENERAL SANI USMAN: Final fall of Boko Haram terrorists headquarters in “Camp Zairo” and others

TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY BRIGADIER GENERAL SANI USMAN, (CMH MSS GOM BA (HONS) MA MNIPR) DIRECTOR, ARMY PUBLIC RELATIONS AT ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM ON TUESDAY 3RD JANUARY 2017

1. Gentlemen of the press, welcome to year 2017 maiden press briefing. It is our first interaction to review our last year training and operational activities which led to the final fall of Boko Haram terrorists headquarters in “Camp Zairo” and subsequent Presidential commendation on achieving that noble feat. It will also enable us to project our plans for year 2017 with a view to defend the territorial integrity of our beloved country Nigeria.

2. The Nigerian Army last year conducted many training activities at all levels, this is in addition to other training exercises conducted by the various Nigerian Army training institutions across the country. Some of the major exercises include; Exercise SHIRIN HARBI and Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA. The exercises were apart from improving troops proficiency, testing of equipment, they also sought to address the prevailing security challenges in Bauchi and Zamfara States. The exercises were tremendous success. The continuous raid operations and patrols conducted by troops have seriously reduced these activities and resulted in the arrests of a large number of cattle rustlers and recovery of arms, ammunitions and rustled cattle.

PURPORTED BOKO HARAM VIDEO MERE PROPAGANDA - ARMY

The attention of the Nigerian Army is drawn to a video clip released by Boko Haram Terrorist group from an undisclosed location a while ago, showing its purported leader, making spurious claims.

While effort is on going to subject the video for further forensic analysis, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate that it has captured and occupied the last known stronghold of the terrorists group in the Sambisa forest.

We would like to reassure the public that this video is nothing but mere terrorists propaganda aimed at creating fear in the mind of people and to remain relevant.

2017: ARMY SETS SIGHT ON SAMBISA FOREST FOR TRAINING

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said Sambisa forest would serve as training ground for personnel of the Nigerian Army as from 2017.

Buratai said this in Damasak, Borno, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Gov. Kashim Shettima, three years after closure.

He said troops were already conducting a mop up operation in the forest after the last strong hold of the Boko Haram terrorists was captured.

President Buhari Confirms ‘Capture’ Of Sambisa Forest, Urges Troops To Locate, Free Chibok Girls

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the fall of Sambisa Forest, the last enclave of Boko Haram insurgents in north east, Nigeria.

Buhari said in a statement Saturday morning, “I was told by the Chief of Army Staff that the Camp fell at about 1:35pm on Friday, December 22, and that the terrorists are on the run, and no longer have a place to hide. I urge you to maintain the tempo by pursuing them and bringing them to justice.”

The president expressed delight at final crushing of the terrorists. “I am delighted at, and most proud of the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army, on receipt of the long-awaited and most gratifying news of the final crushing of Boko Haram terrorists in their last enclave in Sambisa Forest.”

Budget of Recovery and Growth: Part 2: #SaatahBudgetSeries MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This is the second piece in my 2017 budget analysis series. The first analysis focused on the budget of the State House (which was referred to as the Presidency in previous budgets).

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Today, we will take a look at the budget for the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence has a total budget of 465,488,229,573. Of this amount, 140,000,000,000 will be the total capital budget while 325,488,229,573 will be the total recurrent budget. The total overhead cost stands at 39,999,500,080 and the total personnel cost is 285,488,729,493.

The Ministry of Defence has 15 agencies under it and they are as follows; Federal Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), National Defence College, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre-Lagos, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Defence Intelligence School, Defence Intelligence Agency, Defence Missions, Defence Space Agency, and the Military Pension Board.

The “Rehabilitation of National War Museum Umuahia” will cost the Ministry of Defence 55,208,000. This does not look like it has a problem, but it does. This so-called rehabilitation of the National War Museum in Umuahia has been showing up in budgets for a while now and the tags change from “New“ to “Ongoing” once in a while, which is very odd. Firstly, in the 2014 budget, 30,184,902 was set aside for this item and it was tagged as a “New” project. In 2015, the previous government budgeted for it again, and this time it was given a tag of “Ongoing” with a sum of 27,054,330. In the 2016 budget, which happens to be the first budget of this administration, 28,300,848 was budgeted for it and this time around it was given the “New” project tag. This year, the “Rehabilitation” must continue by fire by force, so 55,208,000 has been budgeted for it.