By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports of killing of 20 soldiers by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East Theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Yerima via a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, said the information was false.

Yerima described the report by an online medium, titled; Nigerian Army Keeps Mum As Boko Haram Terrorists Kill “20 Soldiers’ In Borno” as false, fake and baseless.

He said the report was aimed at discouraging the public and demoralising troops on the untiring efforts in the overall fight against insurgency.

According to him, there was no attack where 20 soldiers were killed in the entire Theatre.

Yerima said the recent attacks on troops providing security for road construction workers along Goniri–Kafa on Feb. 5 and on Geidam on Feb. 9 were decisively dealt with.

He said that the attack on the troops along the road construction site and the attempt to infiltrate Geidam town by the terrorists were swiftly and professionally cleared by the dogged Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) and elements of 159 Task Force Battalion.

The spokesperson disclosed that soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while two others who sustained injuries were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

According to him, Boko Haram and ISWAP are on the run and desperate for foods, drugs and logistics from soft targets for survival as their camps, routes and enclaves have been destroyed, blocked and manned by troops of Operation “TURA TAKAIBANGO.”

He said that troops also overpowered terrorists mounted on eight gun trucks, motor bikes and foot soldiers who attempted attack on troops of 3 Battalion at Rann in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno on Feb. 9.

According to him, the troops held their ground and instantly destroyed one terrorists’ gun truck.

“With swift air support during the attack, the terrorists lost initiative and had to scamper for safety due to heavy aerial bombardments, while additional four terrorists’ gun trucks were completely destroyed as several of their members were killed while others fled with gun shot wounds.

“The situation within the Rann general area is under control by our troops and members of the community are going about their normal activities.

“Members of the general public are therefore requested to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Military to fight both the terrorists and peddlers of fake and unsubstantiated stories.

“We shall continue to remain focus and determined to perform our constitutional roles and responsibilities professionally in the protection of the sovereignty of our nation, ensure the safety of lives and property, while we clear the terrorists and their cohorts within the region,” he said. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The newly appointed Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, on Wednesday assumed office with a promise to ensure better relationship with the media.

Yerima took over from the erstwhile Director, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who had been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Kotangora, Niger.

He described his appointment as homecoming, saying he had come a long way with the media in terms of  professional relationship and patriotic duty to the nation.

The new army spokesperson said that he had devoted better part of his career in the military to relationship with the media to give the right information about the military and its operations to the people.

He said that the media had been helpful and friendly to him in his previous assignment as defence spokesperson, adding that providence had once again brought him back to working with the media.

“We shall be open to constructive engagements and criticisms that will support  military operations against  enemies of the country,” he said.

He gave assurance that the Nigerian Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, would value the partnership and cooperation of the media.

According to him, the COAS, who was once in this position, is ever so determined to sustain the enduring relationship with the media through trust, respect and mutual understanding.

“On my  part as the spokesman of the Nigerian army, I assure you that my doors will be opened at all times to respond to your enquiries.

“My team and I will do all we can to make your job of informing Nigerians much easier,” he said.

Yerima said that the Nigerian media was an indispensable partner with military in the protection and preservation of Nigerian project.

”It is our collective responsibility to ensure that through the patriotic discharge of our different constitutional obligations, our country remains secured, peaceful and progressive,”  he said.

He urged  the media to contribute their  quotas to ensuring that the military defeat nation’s enemies, who had the intent to destroy the country via insecurity.

According to him, nothing boosts the morale of the fighting troops more than the solidarity of all Nigerians, especially media reports that ginger their zeal and fighting spirit and sacrifice to the nation.

“So, I urge you to be very mindful of that and to always remember that their victory is the victory of all Nigerians,” he said.

The outgone director, Brig.-Gen. Musa, stated that throughout of his two years as army spokesperson, he was able to manage the image of Nigerian army diligently and professionally even at the critical time the nation was confronted with security challenges.

He commended the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, for finding him worthy to command the directorate.

Musa also thanked the current Chief of Army Staff for appointing him a member of the Training Team at NATRAC.

He also commended the officers, soldiers and the civilian staff of the directorate for their loyalty and numerous support for his successful tenure.

He,  therefore, congratulated his successor who, he described as his mentor and friend, Brig Gen Yerima and enjoined all  staff of the Directorate to support him to succeed. (NAN)

By Ibironke Ariyo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11kg with an estimated street value of over N32 billion at the Tin Can Port, Lagos.

The NDLEA Commander, Tin Can Port command, Mr Sumaila Ethan, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Mr Jonah Achema in Abuja.

Ethan noted that the agency had continued its offensive against drug barons and cartels in Nigeria with the latest seizure in recent times.

He said that the consignment containing the illicit drug was put under surveillance by operatives of the Tin Can Command of the NDLEA for some days until two clearing agents showed up on Feb. 8 to clear it.

Ethan said that the two clearing agents have been promptly arrested and the consignment, which was brought into Nigeria from Brazil on board a vessel marked MV SPAR SCORPIO, properly searched.

“After a thorough search, we discovered 40 compressed parcels, which after laboratory investigations tested positive to cocaine.

“The two clearing agents have been taken into custody while we continue with the investigation. The seizure is no doubt an attestation to the renewed vigour in the operations of the agency.

“We appreciate our Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who provided guidance all through the operations”, the commander,

Ethan stated that the Tin Can port seizure was coming on the heels of similar ones at the Lagos and Abuja airports as well as from the FCT, Edo, Katsina State, Nasarawa State and Benue Commands in the last three weeks.

He commended the commander, officers and men of the Tin Can Port Command for the operation.

“We will continue to do our best to motivate the officers and men of the agency, and we expect full commitment, dedication to work and discipline in return so that we can collectively achieve the goal of ridding our nation of illicit drugs,” he stated.

By Ahmed Kaigama

The Nigerian Air Force has inaugurated another batch of 203 Special Forces (SF) and Integrated Combat Operations (ICO) personnel to boost security operations of the country.

Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC) while inaugurating the course on Tuesday  in Bauchi said the training was another NAF’s leadership effort to boost capacity of its personnel.

He said the inauguration comprised a combined inauguration ceremony of Special Forces Course 8/2021 and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) Integrated Combat Operations Course 1/2021 in Bauchi.

Amin explained that  the objective of the Special Forces Course was to train personnel of the Nigerian air force to conduct special operations in adverse conditions within denied and semi permissive environments.

“They  shall be subjected to intense training which will cover physical fitness, weapon handling, unarmed combat, special tactics, repelling among other focused areas.

“Indeed, the training will be gruelling and only the fittest normally succeeds at the end.  Such training is required,  given the complex nature of our nation’s contemporary security threats,” he said.

According to him, the Nigerian air force has continued to synergise  not only with other services of the Armed Forces but also with other security agencies in order to operate more effectively and defeat our threats.

“It is therefore,  delightful that the National Intelligence Agency found it worthy to send its operatives to the RTC Annex Bauchi for the Integrated Combat Operations Course.

“It is anticipated that this course will serve as a platform for more collaboration between the NIA and the NAF toward enhancing national security,” Amin said.

He emphasised that the purpose of the course was to introduce the operatives to the Specialised Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of our Special Forces to enable them  operate better together in the field.

“I  wish to acknowledge the support of the NAF leadership for  consideration and sense of purpose toward improving the welfare and competencies of all NAF personnel.

“This is particularly most important considering the myriad of asymmetric security threats facing us as a nation today.

“To resolve these threats, the armed forces and indeed the Nigerian air force came up with some pragmatic approaches,” he said.

Amin commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for the priority attention given to the training, operational and other requirements of NAF.

“The support provided by the Federal Government has no doubt,  positively impacted on the Nigerian air force especially in the areas of training, enhanced operational efficiency and improved provision of welfare and other services.

“We assure the President of our unalloyed loyalty and reiterate our commitment to continue to support the Federal Government in its policy thrust of providing security, improved economy and fighting corruption in our dear country,” Amin said.

Earlier, Wing Commander, Khiende Akinyosade the Commandant Regiment training center Annex Bauchi , said that 514 NAF personnel were nominated for the special forces course.

“During the selection screening, 254 were reported to be medically unfit, 5 failed physical examinations,  61 did not report, 24 voluntarily quit and 4 were withdrawn on medical grounds.

“Therefore, 164, Nigerian air force personnel comprising 7 officers,156 airmen and one airwoman as well as 39 NIA staff comprising 35 male and 4 female counter terror operatives were inaugurated,” he said  (NAN)

By: Hamza Suleiman

The Nigerian Army has refuted some media reports that five soldiers were killed and others abducted by insurgents during repair of an electricity facility along Maiduguri-Damaturu road on Monday.

Col. Ado Isa, the Army Deputy Director Public Relations, made the refutal in a statement released in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Isa who described the report as “fake and misleading,” cautioned against unverified claims and reports capable of undermining the counter insurgency campaign.

“Contrary to the rumours making the rounds, nobody was attacked on that on Monday as the road was cleared for the maiden visitation of the Chief of Army Staff who visited troops of Special Army Super Camp Ngamdu.

“No work took place on the TCN facility as the workers were asked not to go because our troops who were sopposed to provide them with escort were busy preparing for the COAS visitation.

“To this end, the Nigerian Army wishes to unequivocally state that the claims contained in the disjointed reports on Nigerian Army troops are nothing but fake, malicious and frivolous,” he said.

The army deputy director public relations said the news reports were aimed at causing unnecessary tention and instilling fear in the the people.

“We, therefore, request the general public to disregard them in their entirety.” he added. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has appointed Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima as its Director of Public Relations.

Yerima replaces Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora in Niger State.

According to the profile released by the Army Headquarters, Yerima is a graduate of Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University.

He enrolled into the Nigerian Army in October 1989 and was commissioned into the Corps of Army Public Relations.

He served in various military formations and units such as Aide De Camp to the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) between 1990 and 1993.

Yerima was Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Army Officers wives Association (NAOWA), Office of Chief of Army Staff 1994; spokesperson, 81 Division from 1995 to1996 and PRO Nigerian Defence Academy 1996 to 2000.

He was also Military Spokesperson for the United Nations Mission in Siera Leone, 2000 to 2002; PRO to Chief of Army Staff, 2003 and PRO to Chief of Defence Staff, 2005.

The new army spokesperson was also Deputy DPR 1 Division Nigerian Army, 2008 as well as Chief of Staff and Coordinator at Directorate of Army Public Relations, 2007 to 2009.

He served as Director of Defence Information between 2009 and 2013; was also Deputy Director, Production at TRADOC from 2013 to 2017 as well as Deputy Director Reserve, Defence Headquarters before his current appointment.

Yarima is member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as well as African Public Relations Association (APRA) and Fellow of West Africa Society for Administration and Communication.

He was a participant at Senior Strategic Media Operation programme at Reach Cambridge and at Kofi Annan Centre, Ghana.

He also attended Senior Leadership Course at Sheringham United Kingdom and undertook a US-Embassy funded Media tour of Africom in Studgarf Germany.

By Hamza Suleiman

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, on Monday charged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to hasten the fight to end insurgency in the Northeast.

Attahiru gave the task while interacting with troops of Special Army Super Camp Ngamdu during his maiden operational your on troops’ locations in the theatre in Borno.

He charged soldiers to “remain focused and determined” to end Boko Haram terrorism in the country and work toward ensuring restoration of total peace.

“I know you have pushed this war this far, you will continue to do so subsequently. Mr President and Commander in Chief is aware of your good work that you are doing and he sends his greetings,” said the COAS.

He said that his visit was to have a first hand assessment of the Theartre as well as to interact with troops, officers and Commanders.

“The entire processes when you take over command is that you visit the troops and hear from them. Then you go back, articulate and make sure that the problems are revolved.

“I have met Commanders, I have  received briefs and they told me what their critical requirements are with emphasis to the Military effectiveness.

“We want to bring this war to an end, soonest. We are bringing out things. You can see the Operation Tura Takaibango successes been recorded. We want to cash on that to ensure total annihilation of Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria

“This we are working in tandem with the troops of the Multi National Joint Task Force of Cameroon.  Sooner, we are also giong to bring the Chadians for the total annihilation of insurgents in Nigeria; that is what I can tell Nigerians.

“It is not just the Northeast Theartre, we are equally ensuring our Operations in other parts of Nigeria. We will ensure that people do their job properly so that the insurgency becomes a thing of the past.

“There are challenges, they are not insurmountable and we are doing our best. I wouldn’t want to start elaborating on these challenges. They are challenges that reduced military effectiveness and we are going to address them sooner than later.

“On issues concerning equipment and other logistics items, I have been briefed on it and we are making tremendous effort on it.

“As your Chief of Army Staff, I have reliably been told on the challenge of kitting. In the next couple of weeks, you will have your uniforms and protective gears.

“Furthermore, I know the issue of over stay in mission area has been a major problem. We will not do that almost immediately, but be rest assured that in the next couple of weeks and months we shall have a standard rotation plans that all of you will have to leave the Theater and be replaced by fresh hands so that we can continue the war.

“I see this war ending soon so that all of us can return home to join our families.

“The President and Commander in Chief is interested on what goes on in this Theartre and indeed any other Theatre of operation across the country.

“So, first hand information get to him and he will strive and ensure that those problems were resolved for the overall successes for the Nigerian army and the nation,” he said.

Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, The Theartre Commander, had earlier said that the visit of the COAS twice in one week indicated his concern and priority to welfare of troops in Theartre.

Yahaya said that the COAS was a one time Theartre Commander of the operation and now back as the Chief of Army Staff to deal with the insecurity.

“We hope and wish, and we are very lucky that all our problems will be solved,” said Yahaya. (NAN)

By George Odok
The Naval War College Nigeria has graduated 25 officers of the Command Level Officers’ Course 4 after a three weeks intensive training in Calabar.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Calabar, Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. Adeseye Ayobanjo, said that the course was designed to prepare select officers for command responsibility.

Ayobanjo explained that the course was aimed at enhancing effectiveness in command, leadership and management by focusing on self-awareness, ethics, communication skills, team work and command climate.

“I must state that this graduation ceremony in honour of Command Level Officers’ Course 4 participants mark yet another milestone in the annals of the College.

“It seems just like yesterday when you assembled here for the course, and today, after three weeks of vigorous training, extensive lectures from seasoned expert and resource persons from within and outside the military, you are graduating successfully.

“We have 25 graduating senior officers ready to go back to the field to contribute positively towards the achievement of the Nigerian Navy overall responsibility.

“Let me use this opportunity to state that the conceptualisation, planning and execution of this course are well in tandem with the vision of the Chief of the Naval staff, Rear Adm. AZ Gambo

“The vision is to leverage on all factors of national location, technology, training, team work and synergy to re-energize the Nigerian Navy and enhance her as a well-motivated and ready Naval force in the discharge of her constitutional mandates and other assigned tasks in fulfillment of national security objectives,” he said.

He explained that the Chief of the Naval Staff therefore envisions that the Nigerian Navy core values of team work, integrity and professionalism finds a more effective reference and meaning in a well-trained and motivated workforce.

He urged the graduands to see themselves as a privileged integral part of the renewed vigour towards attainment of the set goals.

He noted that the Nigerian Navy has been undergoing some transformation occasioned by contemporary threats in the maritime domain, changing operational concept, fleet renewal, advancement in technology as well as effects of globalisation and human development.

The Commandant, who congratulated the graduands for their successful training, cautioned them not to forget the basis of the knowledge based approach to leadership that they were taught in the College.

In his remarks, Rear Adm. Perry Onwuzulike, Fleet Commander, Eastern Fleet of the Nigerian Navy, congratulated the Commandant of the College and the graduands for their training and graduation.

Onwuzulike, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said that the College has carved a niche for itself as a centre of excellence.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the 25 graduands.

By Philomina Attah

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has graduated 446 officers from the Immigration Training School, Kano.

Spokesperson of the service, Mr Sunday James, said in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja that the officers went through the 45th Superintendent Basic Course.

He said the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, while congratulating the graduands, urged them to  remain guided by the trainings they had received and the agency’s rules of engagement, in their official conducts.

According to him, the minister further assures them that the ministry will continue  to  ensure  that genuine needs of all the Services  under its purview, are attended to for enhanced service delivery.

He said the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, in his remark, reminded the graduating officers of coming into an IT-Driven Service that placed high premium on digitisation, systems automation and professionalism.

According to him, Babandede states that the foundation of the Technology Building located at the service headquarters in Abuja, was laid in December 2018, adding that the “building is standing and awaiting commissioning.

“With the completion of the building, every activity and operation in NIS will be fully automated.

”Therefore, you need to reinvent yourselves and upgrade your skills to be relevant in the NIS of today”.(NAN)