nigerian military – Africa Prime News

Nigeria And USA Unite Against Boko Haram

By Winifred Bulus
Kaduna (Nigeria) — Nigeria is to collaborate with the United States Central Intelligence Unit to fight against Boko Haram insurgency and end terrorism in the country.

To this end, the US Director of Defence Intelligence Agency, Lt Gen Vincent Stewart with his delegation has met with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin at the Defense Headquarters Abuja to discuss on strategies.

Speaking, Stewart said their mission was “to meet with the top echelon of the Nigeria Armed Forces with a view to collaborating in the areas of security and to pledge more support for the military in order to engender total stoppage of Boko Haram from operating in Nigeria territory and denying them future freedom of operation.”

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin expressed gratitude to the US for assistance rendered in and hoped to work toward attaining the set goal of addressing insecurity issues in the country.

He also added that the Nigerian military has formed Human Rights sectors that will fight against war and hostility: as part of the international war law. This was done in hope of showcasing the willingness of Nigeria in receiving aid for its military by other Countries.

“This giant stride,” he stressed, “was believed to encourage the United States Government to render more assistance to Nigeria and its armed forces.”

Security in Nigeria has been threatened by Boko Haram for a long time and Nigeria’s military is looking for ways to end insurgency in the country by asking for assistance from other parts of the world.

Collaboration across Nigerian borders have also been made with Cameroon, Niger, and chad in hope of ending Boko Haram insurgency.

In the past year, the U.S. promised to assist Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram – the US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samantha Power, also spoke on this when she led a delegation of top U.S. military, intelligence, business and diplomatic corps to consult with the leadership of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad on ways of ending insurgency in the region.

Tributes on Lt. Col Abu Ali from Acquaintances

Can’t stop crying when I heard of the brutal murder of this gentleman, Lt. Col. Abu Ali.

Only those who were in Borno at the height of the Boko Haram’s inglorious territorial conquest that would understand, appreciate and then lament the exit of Lt. Col. Abu Ali.

His was a life, full of gallantry, sacrifice, love for Nigeria and ever willing to die in order to keep it one.

Quiet, considerate, compassionate and caring, leading by example was his trademark at the height of confrontation with Boko Haram terrorists.

Late Lt. Col. Ali was the soldier, who operated the most sophisticated of all war equipment deployed to the North East, traversed the North, Central and Northern Borno endlessly and tirelessly; recovered towns and liberated villages under control of the BH.

Late Ali it was, who during the day and night, come rain come shine, stepped on countless landmines that dotted Borno’s porous borders with Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria, cleared the paths for our dear soldiers, who rescued the weak, the kids, the women and the old from the clutches of the Boko Haramists.

Though smallish in nature, late Ali’s heart was like that of a lion, the king of the jungle; he never retreated, he never relented, he never compromised and he never gave up until the last hour.

Yes, he was, Ali the conquerer of the ambitious Abubakar Shekau’s Empire.

Ali’s short but eventful life will never be forgotten in the annals of Nigerian history. He came, he saw, he conquered and cleared the ruins for the next generation.

His life was akin to that of late General Mamman Shuwa (equally killed by BH in cold blood while in retirement), who fought the Civil War in the 60s, for us to have something known as Nigeria today.

Ali’s was a fight, the type the likes of legendary Gen. T.Y Danjuma waged for the sake of Nigeria, the giant of Africa.

Oh Ali, may Allah grant you Jannatul Firdausi, may He bless your kids and widow, cater for them and strengthen them. May Allah console your parents and your loved ones.

Indeed you’re a fallen hero!

Adieu Ali
Hamza Idris (a Journalist that covers Boko Haram in North-East for Years)
Johannesburg, South Africa
6th Nov. 2016
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Governor Bello mourns death of Lt. Col Abu Ali; Commiserates with Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has condoled with the family of Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom Brigadier General Abu-Ali (Rtd) over the death of his son Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali.

This is contained in a condolence message issued by the Chief Press Secetary to the Governor, Petra Akinti Onyegbule today in Lokoja. Alhaji Bello described his death as unfortunate and “a momunental loss to Kogi State and Nigeria”

Governor Bello said the late colonel “was a gallant officer who served the nation with his all and paid the supreme price by laying down his life for the peace of the country. He maintained that the late Col. will be remembered for his sacrifice and commitment to the cause of the Nigerian Army to rid the Country of insurgency which has been a source of concern to every one.

“Kogi State and indeed Nigerians will never forget your gallantry as you led a ream of the Nigerian Army to recapture Baga from the control of terrorists and you death while in active service, gallant soldier” Governor Bello said of Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali.

Governor Bello extended his condolences to the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom over this devastating loss. Allah giveth and He taketh, from Him we came and to Him we return. May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

May Almighty Allah grant late Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen.

Signed: Petra Akinti Onyegbule
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
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STV_COMMANDCENTRE MOURNS NIGERIA’S LORD OF WAR; LT. COL. MUHAMMAD ABU ALI

Commandcentre on Silverbird Television Network mourns the passing away of a gallant, battle tested and trusted patriotic soldier of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali.

He served the nation with unwavering commitment and dedication, paying the ultimate price so that millions can sleep on their beds in peace.

Until his death, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali nicknamed “Sarkin Yaji; Lord of war” was the commanding officer of the 272 task force battalion at Mallam Fatori in Northern Borno State.

We are deeply pained at the loss of one so selfless and committed to routing the misguided terrorists from the North of the country

Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, a recipient of the Chief of Army staff award for exceptional bravery and excellence led the army units that recovered Gamboru-Ngala, Baga and several communities from the terrorists, he lost his life after a failed attempt by the terrorists to capture Mallam Fatori with four other gallant soldiers.

They however neutralized fourteen of the terrorists recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition from them.

Commandcentre is deeply pained as Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali did not only serve as the face of the campaign against Boko Haram which embodied commitment, loyalty, service and hope for a better, peaceful and prosperous nation but also a source of inspiration to us and millions of Nigerians praying for the speedy end of the insurgency.

At this point we pray for his family and the Nigerian Army that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali and others who have lost their lives in the ongoing campaign will never be forgotten

Long live the Nigerian Army
Long live the Nigerian Armed Forces
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Amadin Uyi

Obtain Permission Before You Enter Sambisa, Nigerian Military Tells Journalists

Kaduna (Nigeria) — Nigerian military has warned journalists against visiting and covering activities in Boko Haram region without military authorisation, saying taking such steps are dangerous.

A statement by Defence Headquarters spokesman, Rabe Abubakar says, the “practice is not only capable of jeopardizing the success of the on-going military operations in the area, but also poses great concern to the safety of the journalists concerned.”

The statement further says that the military is not trying to prevent journalists from doing their work, but to provide cover for them.

“Much as the military is not trying to gag the press from carrying out their legitimate duties, permission should be sought from the Armed Forces before embarking on such venture. This will enable adequate security to be provided for such journalists by the military,” the statement says.

Full Military Statement
It has been observed that certain journalists embark on coverage of security areas in the North East for documentary purpose and the likes without due authorization from the military authorities.

This practice is not only capable of jeopardizing the success of the on-going military operations in the area but also poses great concern to the safety of the journalists concerned.

Much as the military is not trying to gag the press from carrying out their legitimate duties, permission should be sought from the Armed Forces before embarking on such venture.

This will enable adequate security to be provided for such journalists by the military.

Even though Boko Haram has been substantially decimated any roaming journalist could be a target of unsuspecting fleeing Boko Haram member and this will not be in the best interest of media organizations and the nation at large.

It is therefore, advised that any journalist desirable of covering conflict areas should seek permission from the military hierarchy so that adequate security arrangement could be provided by the troops on the ground.

It is also the responsibility of the military to safeguard the lives and property of the Nigerian citizenry including law abiding journalists in the theatre of operation and in Nigeria in general.

RABE ABUBAKAR
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information

Insurgency: Nigerian Military Go Spiritual In Makkah

By Bashir Bello

Makkah (Saudi Arabia) — In the face of Nigeria’s current security challenges in the North-East dreaded Boko Haram region, and Niger-Delta avengers in South-South region, pilgrims from the Nigerian Armed Forces in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia have gone spiritual to combat the challenges.

Leader of the team, Colonel Shehu Garba Mustapha on Sunday, while speaking with newsmen in Makkah said, they were praying for the country to overcome its security challenges.

Col. Mustapha called on other pilgrims to do same by praying for their leaders at local, state and national levels.

He described the stone throw timing arrangements by the Saudi Arabia authority to control overcrowding as a welcome development.

He said the new arrangement will cushion the difficulties faced by the pilgrims while throwing the stone at Satan.

According to him, “The new arrangement is a welcome development because it doesn’t violate sharia. It is in accordance with islamic injunction that whenever there is difficulties, you are allow to do things that you are not allowed to do under normal circumstance.

“Prophet was reported to have said that al-hajj arafat and this changes come after arafat. So, it doesn’t affect hajj rite,” he said.

On the state of the nation, he said “We don’t have any other country to call our own other than Nigeria. The present government need our prayers to succeed and we must pray for Mr President and his team. I use this opportunity to call on all Nigerian pilgrims to pray for our country, Mr president and the leaders and those who loss their life may Allah forgive them.

“Both the security and other challenges that we facing in our nation, we should make request to Allah to remove and uproot them from Nigeria. Anytime we to go pray, we should pray for Nigeria and Mr President,” Col. Mustapha stated.

Militancy: Military Goes Offensive On Criminals, Confirms Dead Of Three Soldiers

Asaba (Nigeria) – The Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), has said that it would henceforth go on the offensive to fish out militants and criminals operating in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

A statement made available to Africa Prime News on Monday by the JTF, signed by the acting Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt. Col. A. Ahmed, also confirmed that some suspected gunmen believed to be militants attacked 343 Artillery Regiment, a detachment of ODS, at Nembe jetty, which led to the dead of three soldiers.

It reads, “Some suspected gunmen believed to be militants at about 10:00am on August 8, 2016 attacked 343 Artillery Regiment, a detachment of Operation Delta S, deployed at Nembe Jetty in Bayelsa State.

“During the incident, three soldiers lost their lives. The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, has consequently deployed reinforcement team to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

He further warned that henceforth, Operation Delta Safe will go on offensive to fish out all criminals in the region.

“It should be noted that the attack by militants is as a result of the ongoing operations of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, aimed at flushing out all forms of criminality especially pipeline vandalism and destruction of illegal refinery within the region.

“The Command wishes to assure law abiding public particularly the Nembe Community that Operation Delta Safe is mandated to ensure conducive and safe water ways for legitimate businesses in the Joint Operation Areas.”

It was reported in the Nations that the Militants on Monday morning disguised in white-mourning outfits, attacked and killed three soldiers at a checkpoint located in Nembe waterways, Nembe, Bayelsa State and stole two gunboats.

250 Nigerian Soldiers Dismissed Over Parade, Plea Reinstatement

By Longtong Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria ) – A group of Nigerian soldiers Tuesday stormed the premises of the Nigerian Union of journalist in Kaduna calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerian Army to reengaged them, having been dismissed last Friday for coming late to the parade ground.

Spokesperson of the group, who requested anonymity, said, after their return from the north-east, they went through a six months re-training, awaiting posting, but when they were called upon, they arrived late, due to distance of where they were coming from.

He said, “They called for scale ‘A’ parade on Friday, so that names will be taken for posting, they have even started the postings. But from where we live, it is a 30 minutes trek to the parade group – and we don’t have vehicles. On reaching there, we were late and parade ground was surrounded by the Military Police (MP), there was no way we could enter. We were later asked to gather in a single place and write our names.

“The parade ran from 6.00am to around 8pm, I can tell you that the names were even compiled using touch light, because it was dark.

“After writing our names, they told us to come back on Monday for clearance; upon coming back, they called our names one after the other and ask us to submit our identity cards and Uniforms then leave, that we have been dismissed by the Nigerian Army.

“It was after the six months training that we were told to come for the parade and reason for our dismissal was because we came late,” he added.

The spokesman noted that according to decree 105 and orders of the Nigerian Army, lateness does not warrant dismissal, as such they were ready to serve any punishment that will be given to them, even if it means going back to Maiduguri.

“I have spent 21 years serving in the Nigerian army, while others have spent more than that. We are calling on the Nigeria Army to help us; we have families, and do not know where to start from. We know we are late, but they should listen to our plea, we agree to serve whatever punishment that will be offer to us even if it means to be posted to Maiduguri, but lateness does not warrant our dismissal.”

He added that, they were from both the 1 and 2 Brigades in which among them, some have not been paid salaries after their accounts were closed when they were first dismissed last year.

Spokesman of 1 Division, Nigerian Army Kaduna, Col. Abdul Usman said, the army will ascertain the claims of the dismissed soldiers, adding that the Nigerian Army will issue a statement concerning the matter.

The complainants were part of the 3,000 soldiers dismissed in September 2015 over refusal to fight Boko Haram. They were later reabsorbed and sent to Jaji – Kaduna state for retraining and posting, but their redeployment was delayed. Since then, majority of them had been living outside the barracks, in rented apartments, among civilians.

Dec Deadline: Again, Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram

Nigeria has hired mercenaries to combat Boko Haram as military chiefs face a December deadline to crush the militants, according to senior military sources.

Turkish news agency, Anadolu Agency, reports that the mercenaries, estimated at around 250 personnel and hired from South Africa-based private contractor Specialized Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection (STTEP), are being deployed along with fighter jets in Operation Fire Force, a source at Nigeria’s defense headquarters said on condition of anonymity.

“The mercenaries have been reengaged and their platforms are being deployed,” the source said. “By platforms, I mean fighter jets, helos [helicopters], coms [communication], surveillance, medics, etc.”

STTEP includes veterans from the South African apartheid era who will work with and train a Nigerian strike force, according to the source.

Another army source confirmed the development to Anadolu Agency. “There is definitely something happening in that direction,” the source said, again on condition of anonymity.

According to STTEP’s official website, the company’s trainers and advisers are drawn from “conventional, clandestine, and covert units of the pre-1994 South African Defense Force”.

It claims to have a proven track record of success in Africa, the Middle East, the Far East and Central and South America.

Describing the use of mercenaries to fight militants as “shameful” during the March 2015 election campaign, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the practice. Buhari, a retired general, said the practice represented the depth of weakness of the Nigerian army.

Asked why the Buhari administration is again deploying mercenaries, the defense HQ source said it appeared to be the most practical option if headway was to be made against militants whose guerilla tactics are new to the Nigerian military.

Nigeria claimed significant success against the militants in the run-up to the March election, with some analysts crediting the mercenaries.

Boko Haram threat
Boko Haram has emerged as a serious threat in Nigeria. More than 1,700 people have been killed since Buhari took office on May 29, according to an Oct. 7 report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law. Since then, more than 100 have died in suicide bombings in Borno and Yobe states.

According to the army HQ source, the Buhari administration initially terminated the mercenary contract because it was “opaque and without accountability”. However, a new agreement was reached to boost the counterinsurgency operation.

“As it stands now, huge amounts of monies are owed to the contractors as fulfillment for the previous engagement,” the HQ source added. “So they are starting a new engagement for an initial period of three months. As for their outstanding balances, investigations are being carried out to ensure everything is above board.”

The Nigerian military did not respond to Anadolu Agency’s request for comment.

However, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu denied the government was engaging mercenaries again.

“It is true that the previous administration hired South African mercenaries to fight Boko Haram,” he said. “They, however, left with the government that brought them.”

Nigeria claimed significant success against the militants in the run-up to the March election, with some analysts crediting the mercenaries.

The Nigerian military did not respond to Anadolu Agency’s request for comment.

However, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu denied the government was engaging mercenaries again.

“It is true that the previous administration hired South African mercenaries to fight Boko Haram,” he said. “They, however, left with the government that brought them.”

Curled from Vanguard

Boko Haram: Nigerian Air Force Raid Sambisa Forest

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Nigerian Military says it has carried out several air bombardments on Sambisa forest in its resolution to incapacitate the fighting spirit of Boko Haram Terrorist Group,

In a statement, spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, (NAF), Air Commodore Dele Alonge, says the bombardment, came after several weeks of tactical plans using the reconnaissance/ surveillance aircraft.

The air strikes carried out by F-7NI and Alpha Jet fighter aircraft, as well as attack helicopters has resulted in the degradation of the terrorists capabilities and destruction of some of their strong holds, the spokesperson said.

The statement says “Intelligence report revealed that as aftermath of the strike missions, the terrorists have been confined and their capabilities greatly reduced, thereby restricting their nefarious activities to small scale attacks and suicide bombings.

“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar assures all Nigerians that the air efforts would be sustained until the Boko Haram Activities becomes a thing of the past. He further stated that, the Nigerian Air Force with their support is Willing, Able and Ready to meet up with current and future security challenges of the nation.”

On Thursday, the military had announced the deployment of additional platforms in fighting Boko Haram which include the F-7Ni fighter (supersonic) aircraft, Mi-24/35 attack helicopters, Augusta 109 LUH, Super Puma Combat Support helicopter and ATR-42 surveillance aircraft which hitherto had been away for scheduled maintenance.

Nigerian Police Seeks Collaboration With Military On Intelligence Training

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Nigerian Police has sought for collaboration with military on capacity training for its junior officers on intelligence.

Inspector-General of police Arase made the appeal with he received the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshall Monday Riku Morgan who paid a courtesy visit to the Police Headquarters in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by the Police spokesperson Emmanuel Ojukwu.

The statement says IGP. Arase made it known to the visiting Defence Intelligent Chief that “quite a good number of Police Officers have benefited from the Intelligence course offered by the Military Intelligence School.

It says the IGP “further urged the Defence Intelligence Chief to extend same opportunity to Junior Police Officers with a view to boosting the ties between the two agencies.”

Air Vice Marshall Monday Riku Morgan promised to support Nigeria Police “through an improved capacity building on intelligence gathering for Police officers with a view to enhancing National Security. He also expressed satisfaction in the leadership and management team of the Nigeria Police.” The statement says.

Boko Haram will soon be slaughtered – AFCSC Commandant

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), AVM John Chris ‎Ifemeje Friday says Boko haram will soon be slaughtered.

He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 174 Senior Course training exercise on electronic and manual war games – the final exercise for the Senior Course package of the college held in Kaduna.

According to him, the aim of the exercise was to provide participants the opportunity to plan, conduct and decide on deployment of land, maritime and air assets in a joint and combined war setting.

AVM John after declaring the exercise open simply told journalists who approached him for interview, “Be rest assured that when I finish training these officers, Boko Haram will be slaughtered”.

The exercise code ‘Exercise Sea Lion’ is the 12th since the college adopted the teaching of the manoeuvrist approach to warfare and its related concepts.

Addressing the officers he said “As future operational level commanders, you are required to understand how to skilfully employ‎ military forces to attain operational level objectives which, in turn, contributes to the attainment of strategic objectives.

“I believe that the series of presentations, lectures and tutorials you have had will help you in the planing.

“And conduct of the exercise, especially during the electronic and manual war games and justify what the college has put in within the limit of available resources for you to be well trained‎,” he said.

He charged the students to put in their best and ensure they complete the course successfully.