Following the viral video of an assault on two traffic wardens by men on military uniform suspected to be soldiers, the Headquarters Nigerian Army ordered immediate investigation to identify and arrest the culprits.
Preliminary investigation has shown that the unfortunate incident took place on Friday, 7 January, 2022 at Adeoye Road by Ring Road, Ibadan.
The investigation is also already yielding results as one of assailants, a Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Army has been taken into custody.
Efforts are being made in collaboration with the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police Force to identify, locate and arrest the remaining culprits.
Even as investigation is still ongoing, the Nigerian Army wishes to dissociate itself from the very reprehensible conduct of the individuals seen in that video.
The vicious attack on fellow security personnel or any unarmed citizens in the manner seen in the video is not consistent with the ethos and professionalism of the Nigerian Army and therefore stands condemned in very strong terms.
At the end of investigation, anyone found culpable in the sordid incident will be made to face the full wrath of the disciplinary provisions of the Nigerian Army.
The President of Nigerian Army Officer’s Wives Association, NAOWA, Mrs. Salamotu Farouk-Yahaya has urged officers’ wives to take advantage of the newly-built skill acquisition centre to empower themselves towards becoming self-reliant and productive.
Mrs. Farouk-Yahaya stated this while commissioning a skills acquisition centre built by NAOWA at 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan.
She noted that her vision of sustaining legacies and upholding the tenets of unity and service placed premium attention among other things and would go a long way in assisting the Nigerian Army.
Mrs. Farouk Yahaya assured that the association would not relent in providing a peaceful and supportive atmosphere for families in the barracks while the officers engaged in the military duties.
Contributing, the wife of General officer commanding, GOC, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Gold Chibuisi, Joy Chibuisi said the newly-built skills acquisition centre was designed to assist the families of officers and soldiers, particularly widows, children and youths.
She said the idea was aimed at developing and harnessing the skill of women and widows of falling heroes to enable them to become self-reliant having leverage in the larger communities in Nigeria and beyond.
The NAOWA Chairperson of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, also gifted some widows of fallen officers foodstuffs and other household items to better their lives.
In his address of welcome, GOC 2 Division, Major General Gold Chibuisi pledged his continuous support to NAOWA in order for the association to achieve its vision and mission which was to maintain and sustain peaceful homes for officers and men.
Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Farook Yahaya, has reiterated the call for officers and men to exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties to defend the country.
He made the call at a Regimental Sergeant Majors, RSM, convention at the 2nd division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan.
Lieutenant General Yahaya said the convention for the RSM came at the right time the country is being faced with numerous security challenges.
He said RSM’s primary assignment was to assist their commanders in maintaining standards and discipline amongst non-commissioned members and act as a parental figures to their subordinate, hence the need to exhibit professionalism at all times.
Lieutenant Yahaya noted that RSM serve as the link to officers and soldiers and at the same time the custodians of the Army’s ethics, custom and traditions which are essential for efficiency purposes.
“I have urged them to do their best and everything to restore and ensure that Nigerian Army tradition to achieve the overall success of the military “
“A professional Nigerian Army will always be ready to accomplish assigned mission within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”
Contributing, General officer commanding, GOC, 2nd division Nigerian Army ibadan, major General Gold Ndubuisi said the convention for the RSMs became imperative to achieve the chief of Army staff’s vision which was to attain professionalism while restoring peace in troubled areas.
General Ndubuisi opined that the mission therefore could not be achieved without a professional and highly Regimental Sergent Majors, RSMs that are ready to discharge their duties with decorum at all times.
The GOC noted that the participants should see the convention as a platform to position themselves for the roles in actualising the purpose of the creation of RSMs formations.
“I urged you to embrace with all seriousness and ensure you return to your units and formations better equipped to perform your role adequately.”
On his part, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state who spoke through Chief of staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi said for the Nigerian Army to be in good shape, the senior non committed officers have to double their efforts.
Governor Makinde urged the current leadership in the Military to focus more on training and retraining of officers as well as getting state of the art ammunition to combat insecurity hindering the development of the country.
“I believe with the kind of leadership we have in Nigerian Army currently, they are ready to look at what is needed to have the Army that we use to have in those days”
Governor Makinde, therefore pledged his supports to the Army and other Security agencies to collectively achieve a crime free and secured Oyo state.
Representatives of other security agencies were present at the convention which has its theme as “Professionalism in a Regimented Environment:The RSM in perspective “.
The Nigerian Army says it will collaborate with other security agencies to strengthen the fight against cyber crimes, cultism, kidnapping and other social vices.
The Brigade Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Brigadier General Adewale Adekoya stated this at Sagamu, Ogun state while addressing participants in the one – day free medical outreach put together by the Nigerian Army.
The Sagamu medical outreach as part of the Brigade’s Civil – Military Cooperation, CIMIC, was the third in the series of the programme which had earlier been held in Ijebu North and Abeokuta South local government areas of Ogun State.
Brigadier General Adewale Adekoya said that the essence of the program was to promote affection and strengthen cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the citizens, noting that peace remained an antidote to insecurity in the country.
Brigadier General Adekoya who restated that Sagamu had witnessed various cultism activities in the past said the army would partner relevant bodies to check crime and criminal tendencies among the people, especially youths.
The Brigade Commander promised that the 35 Artilery Brigade would also continue to assist the people in meeting their health needs.
At the event, an expert in Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Mr Adewale Olanrewaju while speaking on the dangers of cybercrime, advised the youths to avoid using the ICT facilities for anything capable of tarnishing their names and putting their future jeopardy.
In another lecture entitled” General Road Safety” an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Sagamu Unit, Mr Ajibola Olorode encouraged the participants to uphold safety rules on the roads and support the Corps in a bid to reduce road crashes across the counrty.
Some beneficiaries of the free medical outreach, including Mrs Omobola Sokefun and Mr Gbenga lawal commended the Nigerian Army and expressed the hope that the gesture would be sustained.
In a remark, the Akarigbo of Remoland Oba Adewale Ajayi represented by the Onirolu of Irolu Remo,Oba Sikirulahi Adeyiga said the army had demonstrated it’s kind disposition to improving healthy living among the residents.
The beneficiaries were offered free basic medical checks as well as enlightenment campaigns against drug abuse, cultism and pipelines vandalism among others.
The chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru has reiterated the efforts of the military to reposition the Nigerian Army in effective operations to professionally defeat security threats facing the country.
Lieutenant Attahiru stated this while declaring open a 2 -day seminar for the senior brigade and General officers commanding at the 2 division Nigerian Army, Odogbo Barrack Ibadan, Oyo State.
Our correspondent Rasheedah Makinde reports that representatives from sister agencies were part of the participants at the seminar.
The chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru said in a bit to reposition Nigerian Army to professionally defeat all adversary in a joint environment, he had formulated strategic goals to ensure a better outcome.
He noted that, to end the emerging threats confronting the nation, the military must improve strategic communication, bridge gaps in force levels, and source for the support of other security agencies, ministries, department and international partners.
General Attahiru in view of all these, has directed and set a motion mechanisms to invigorate effective trainings and conduct operations to achieve a desired nations.
The chief of Army staff stated that the military was aware that the nation was facing formidable and unprecedented attacks from non state actors and from security threats that are unstructured, with their impact felt in the land, sea and cyber domains.
Lieutenant Attahiru ,therefore, promised Nigerians of a better nation through effective operations as the military had identified its weakness and was ready to rebirth a reformed and solid society.
General officer commanding, GOC 2 division Nigerian Army, Major General Gold Chibuisi said this seminar was first of its kind which would go a long way to addressing the issue of internal security affecting the nation.
GOC Chibuisi ,therefore ,called on the participants to relay the knowledge they would acquire at the seminar to their commands to collectively wage war against security challenges in Nigeria.
On his part, Chief of training, Nigerian Army, Major General Okodili Azinta said the seminar was aimed at the senior officers to gather knowledge from stakeholders and to identify what needed to be done differently to meet with the expectations of Nigerians.
The theme of the 2 -day seminar was “Enhancing the capacity of Nigerian Army Senior Level Field Commanders for optimal performance in a complex operating Environment”.
Security operatives have arrested the second-in-command to Ikonso, the neutralised commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Eastern Security Network (ESN) Awurum Eze.
Awurum Eze was nabbed by security operatives in Aba, the Abia State in the southeast region of the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, The Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
The Forty-eight years old Eze according to the statement, is a native of Umoneke Nta in Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
On Tuesday last week, the IPOB member was said to have escaped when operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was reportedly hiding.
“Intensive manhunt was, thereafter, launched towards tracing and arresting him,” said the army spokesman.
He noted that Eze was eventually apprehended on Wednesday, 12 May 2022, in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.”
Awurum Eze and others with Nnamdi Kanu. Photo credit Vanguard
According to Gen Mohammed Yerima, Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than three months.
Many of the arrested IPOB members were said to have mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind, and second-in-command to late Ikonso, the army spokesman noted in the statement.
“According to the arrested suspects, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have a direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu.”
He stated, “He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.”
On April 24, the army confirmed the death of Ikonson – the overall commander and vice president of the secessionist group – by a combined team of security forces.
The Brigade Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, Brigadier General Ehimwenman Amadasun wants stakeholders to support initiatives that will promote peaceful co existence among Nigerians irrespective of tribes, religion and ethnic backgrounds.
Brigadier General Amadasun made the call while kicking off the 2021 edition of Egba Youth Football Championship in Abeokuta.
The Brigadier General, who was represented by Major Wilson Omoregie, described sporting activities as one of the ways to address societal ills among the youths.
He said the Army would continue to build on the civil- military relationship to foster peace, unity and ensure that youths were engaged in meaningful ventures.
Brigadier General Amadasun encouraged participating football teams to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The initiator of the competition, Mr Olalekan Shoyinka said the competition was to develop sports at the grassroots level.
The Nigerian Army Operation Delta Hawk says it has arrested six suspected army impersonators in Okpanam area in the environs of Asaba, the Delta State capital.
This is contained in a press statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, which disclosed that the suspects were between the ages of 20 and 32.
According to the statement, the impostors had been handed over to the 63 Brigade Military Police Group in Asaba, for further investigation and prosecution.
The statement also notes one of the suspects known as Mr. Chidera had claimed to be a cadet of the southern Military School in Ughelli and had confessed to have gotten the military kits from one Mr. Hassan also known as Commander.
Items recovered from the suspects included a Mercedes Benz and a Toyota car, a Fabric Nationale bayonet and military fatigues.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command has partnered the Nigerian Army in retraining its newly launched anti-terrorism unit in fighting insecurity.
The State Commandant, Mr. Iskilu Akinsanya stated this while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievement during the last year.
He said though, the anti-terrorist unit of the command was not new but has not been functioning well, hence the need for the collaboration with the military in tackling the spate of criminal activities in Oyo State.
Mr. Akinsanya stated further that the command responded to over three hundred human trafficking cases, last year through agro rangers unit.
Mr. Akinsanya therefore solicited for the continued support of members of the public through information sharing for prompt response in addressing security issues.
Five hundred residents around the Alamala Barrack of the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta have received free medical treatments from the Nigeria Army medical personnel as part of the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile Six.
The empowerment programme and medical outreach held at the Army Children School Alamala was also used to empower thirty widows and orphans with freezers, grinding machines, hair dryers and sewing machines.
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Godwin Umelo while declaring the event open stated that the effort was to strengthen the civil military relationship.
He said the Operation Crocodile Smile Six focused on cyber warfare designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda on social media and to attune men of the Nigerian Army to other security threats aimed at disrupting the peace and security of the country.
The Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Brigadier General Emmanuel Amadasun while welcoming the guests noted that, the free medical outreach was facilitated due to lack of health facility in the area.
The Traditional ruler of the community the Onijale of Papa, Oba Michael Babalola thanked the Nigeria Army for the exercise, describing the programme as impactful.
Some beneficiaries applauded the Nigeria Army for giving back to the community noting that it would improve their businesses and well-being.
The beneficiaries were drawn from the communities around the Alamala barrack and widows within the barrack.
Pandemonium broke earlier today at the entrance of the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan after a clash between personnel of the Nigerian Army and Agbekoya group.
Our correspondent gathered that a member of the Agbekoya group allegedly slapped an army officer, which sparked an angry atmosphere at the main gate of the Secretariat.
The situation led to the reinforcement of army officials and personnel of the Operation Burst Team to the scene, who upon arrival, fired gunshots in the air to apparently disperse the crowd.
After insisting on the provision of the Agbekoya member who slapped the army officer, who had reportedly ran away, the security team arrested one member.
All entrances to the state Secretariat were temporarily placed under lock for over 30 minutes which halted movement in and out of the Secretariat.
Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that the army officials had earlier been stationed at the entrance of the state Secretariat to provide security in the vicinity.
The Nigerian Army has affirmed its commitment to the peace and stability of the country.
This is contained in a statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa.
TEXT
NIGERIAN ARMY REMAINS RESOLUTE TO THE PEACE AND STABILITY OF THE NATION
1. The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria. As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.
2. The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost. The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively. All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity.
Justice R.B Akintola of Oyo State High Court Ibadan has dismissed an application by Nigerian Army challenging the court’s jurisdiction in a suit filed by Ajobo/ Omilabu and other communities along Arulogun Road, off Ojoo, Ibadan over the effects of the shooting exercise of Nigerian Army, 2 Division, Odogbo.
The communities wanted the court to refrain the Nigerian Army from conducting their shooting range training in the area and also prayed the court to compel the Nigerian Army to pay damages in respect of property that had been destroyed as a result of the exercise.
In response to the suit, Nigerian Army and other defendants including Chief of Army Staff prayed court to dismiss the suit, saying the court lacked jusrisdiction to hear the suit.
According to the objection, Nigerian Army said every case or file that involved the Federal government or its agencies should be filed to Federal High Court and not State High Court.
Reacting to the objection, Counsel to the communities, Mr Emmanuel Adeosun opposed the motion and asked the court to dismiss it.
Ruling on the motion, the Presiding Judge, Justice R. B. Akintola dismissed the application on the ground that the claim in the matter was on the welfare of the residents and not against the executive officer of the agency which he said was major determinant in determining the jurisdiction of such matter.
The court also awarded the cost of twenty thousand Naira against Nigerian Army.
The 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army with headquarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital says its Operation Checkmate has arrested three impostors with army fatigue all in the month of May.
This was made known in a Press Release made available to Radio Nigeria, which was signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Office, Captain George Okukpe.
According to the statement one Mrs. Joyce Suleiman was arrested in Uvwie, in Uvwie Local Government area on the 18th of May, wearing military camouflage and she confessed to have illegally escorted vehicles conveying drugs and scraps. The statement noted it was the second time Mrs. Suleiman was being arrested following an initial capture for the same crime in 2018.
Similarly, Mr. Green Ogbonna, a native of Anambra State was arrested in Asaba, where exhibits such as military boots and pictures in army uniform were recovered from him.
Also, the Operation Checkmate of the 63 Brigade apprehended forty year old Mohammad Abdul, who was caught mounting a roadblock along Onitsha-Asaba Express way with a fake Identification Card.
The announcement warned that under the Section 110 sub-section (1) of the Criminal code, that it was unlawful for civilians to wear any of the uniforms of the armed forces and called on the public to report suspected impostors to the nearest security agencies.
The Nigerian Army
has launched Operation Crocodile Smile IV in Delta State to address various
forms of security challenges in the area.
The Commander 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Usman Bello, made this known during the flag off of a free medical outreach at the warring communities of Alaja and Ogbe-Ijoh, ahead of the operation in the state which will run from 8 November to 23 December.
