Tag: Army

 

 

FOLLOWING the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, a new defining phase has emerged in the history of the Nigerian Army.

The new COAS succeeds Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who has been elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Shaibu’s appointment marks what many observers describe as a defining phase in the continued transformation of the Nigerian Army towards enhanced operational readiness, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to the defence of national sovereignty.

Born on Dec. 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi, Shaibu was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 41 Regular Course in 1989.

He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps on Sept. 17, 1994. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA, Kaduna.

The new Army Chief also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

He also holds three Master’s degrees in Public Administration from University of Calabar, Strategic Studies from University of Ibadan, and Security and Strategic Studies from National Defence University, Washington D.C.

Shaibu is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the National Productivity Centre’s Senior Executive Programme in Applied Leadership and Strategy.

Throughout his career, he attended several professional and leadership courses, including the Young Officers Courses (Armour and Infantry), Company Amphibious Operations, Junior and Senior Staff Courses, Battalion Commanders Course, and the Higher Defence Management Course at the National Defence College, Abuja.

He also participated in the Defence Resources Management Course in Kenya and the Counter-Terrorism Fellows Programme at the National Defence University, Washington D.C.

Shaibu has held several strategic, command and instructional appointments, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri; Brigade Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama; and Chief of Training, Army Headquarters.

Other appointments include Director, Coordination, National Defence College; Principal Staff Officer (Army), Defence Headquarters; Chief Instructor, Nigerian Army Armour School; Assistant Director, Peacekeeping Operations, Defence Headquarters; Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion, Monguno; and Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade, Yola.

He also served as Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, and Military Observer with the African Mission in Sudan.

His operational record covers major military engagements, including Operations HARMONY, BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIYA, LAFIYA DOLE, TURA TAKAIBANGO, HADIN KAI, DESERT SANITY, and LAKE SANITY.

Internationally, Shaibu represented Nigeria in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS), as well as in Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission to Liberia.

In recognition of his distinguished service, the new Army Chief has received several awards and decorations, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Command Medal, Field Command Medal, Distinguished Service Order (Liberia), Pass Staff College (psc), Fellow Defence College (fdc), Foreign Assistance Training Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal for gallantry in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

A family man, Shaibu is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan, and they are blessed with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza.

As he assumes command as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Shaibu is expected to bring renewed vigour, strategic foresight, and operational audacity to the Army’s transformation efforts.

Observers say his leadership will likely consolidate ongoing reforms, strengthen joint operations, enhance intelligence-led warfare, and promote innovation in defence technology, logistics, and personnel development. (NAN)

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The Headquarters of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army says that it is currently investigating the clash between soldiers and civilians along Nsukka-Igbo Eze South Road within Enugu State.

This is contained in a statement issued in Enugu on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni.

Ayeni said that the Division had taken note of a recent social media video of an encounter between its personnel deployed in the Igbo-Eze South LGA and civilians along the Nsukka-Igbo Eze South Road.

According to him, the incident occurred during a routine security check.

He said, “While such checks are crucial to enhancing security, the Division takes all reports of misconduct by its personnel seriously.

“Accordingly, a thorough investigation has been instituted to establish the facts surrounding the incident and the outcome will be made public.

“It is pertinent to add that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with military regulations if the personnel are established guilty.”

He reassured members of the public of the Division discharge of its constitutional mandate through professionalism as well as strict adherence to the existing Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.

“Additionally, the Division remains committed to transparency and accountability in its operations for the fostering of positive civil-military relations.

“We, therefore, appreciate the public’s vigilance and the media’s role in bringing the issue to our attention,” he said.

 

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The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, has graduated 120 personnel meant for special intervention mission from its special Company Strength Training at the Division’s Training School, Enugu.

 

At the culmination of the training at the Division’s Shooting Range in Udi near Enugu on Saturday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, commended the graduating personnel for their resilience and commitment.

Olatoye, who is also the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, code-named “Operation UDO KA”, said that intensive eight-week combat training was designed to enhance personnel expertise for both conventional and asymmetric warfare.

 

The GOC said that the training, which is an initiative of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, aligned with the COAS Command Philosophy.

Olatoye said that the COAS Command Philosophy is: “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a Well-Motivated, and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

 

He added that the training was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism, leadership and ensure combat readiness across all theatres of operation.

The GOC urged the graduates to apply the skills and knowledge acquired as they embark on future tasks.

 

He noted that the Division remained committed in building a formidable force through rigorous training, strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to national service.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. M.J. Abubakar, lauded the personnel for their exceptional endurance, teamwork and fighting spirit.

 

Abubakar emphasised that the training was designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios, with a strong focus on jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations and internal security tactics.

 

He noted that the graduating soldiers had been scheduled for deployment to a special intervention mission where they would apply the acquired skills in support of national security objectives.

The event featured demonstrations on rifle stripping and assembly, armed combat drills, presentation of certificates and a commemorative group photograph.

 

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The Nigerian Army has built and donated an industrial water borehole to check chronic lack of water in Ohodo community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government area (LGA) in Enugu community.

 

Inaugurating the industrial borehole on Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said that the project was a high-impact project meant to “give back to the society”.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, the COAS said that the project was meant to honour Maj.-Gen. Patrick Eze (retired), former Commandant of Nigerian Army Ordnance School.

 

According to him, the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military-Cooperation Projects are meant to support retired Army senior officers’ communities and appreciate their communities for their illustrious son’s sacrificial service to the Nigerian Army and the nation.

“The idea of Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military-Cooperation Projects was conceived as part of efforts to support the communities of Nigerian Army senior officers, who through years of service and dedication attain the rank of Major General.

 

“The concept of the COAS Special Intervention Projects is to give back to the people as essential partners in progress and we have over 200 projects scattered all over the country done with consultation with the communities.

 

“The top notch basic amenities are provided to complement rural development efforts of the state government and communities as they serve to bring solutions to pressing needs, ameliorate hardship and enhance the people’s quality of life,” the COAS said.

 

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said that the industrial water borehole was meant to provide clean drinking and domestic water for the people of Ohodo community.

Chibuisi described Eze as a professional officer with an indelible and enviable service record to the nation spanning over three decades as well as being instrumental to successes recorded during his service.

 

“This project was executed by Maj.-Gen. P.I. Eze (retired) has a 30 KVA sound-proof generator, electricity supply, solar-powered security lighting, solar-powered digitalised security surveillance cameras, overhead tankers and multiple dispensers among others ,” he said.

Speaking, Eze commended the COAS for approving and funding the project and using him to bring the solution to the long time challenge of lack of potable water to his community and “making Ohodo people happy”.

 

He noted that the situation was “so bad that during the dry season my community people buy 1,000 litres of tanker water for N50,000’’.

 

The traditional ruler of the community, igwe Hycient Eze, thanked the COAS and the GOC for the “high-impact project” and assured 100 per cent community protection for the facility.

 

“We appreciate the Nigerian Army coming to bring a solution to the age long challenge of our community, as we bear great financial burden to get water,” the traditional ruler said.

 

An indigene, Mr Nicholas Agbo, thanked the Nigerian Army for reducing the hardship the community people face daily in getting water, adding: “The Nigerian Army is the only messiah we know”.

 

Highpoints of the event were the COAS handing over keys of the facility to the community’s traditional ruler as well as gift items presented to widows in the community by the Wife of Maj.-Gen. Eze, Mrs Regina Eze.

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The Nigerian Army has debunked false claims associating its personnel to unprofessional conduct of burning of homes, looting property and harassing civilians in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division of Nigerian Army.

Ayeni said that the alleged claims were not only false but also a calculated attempt to sabotage the Division’s efforts.

According to him, the populace is kindly advised to note that no soldier under the Command was involved in such misconduct.

“Our troops operate under strict adherence to the code of conduct in military operations as well as the rules of engagement; thereby, ensuring best practices.

“The allegation appears to be the handiwork of criminal actors who, in their usual style, orchestrate such malicious reports to smear the image of the Division.

“The allegation is meant to undermine its efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment within the area of operation.

“Their objective is to sow seeds of discord in order to erode the public trust that the Division has diligently built,” he said.

The army spokesman said that the Nigerian Army is a professional and disciplined force, committed to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and safeguarding law-abiding citizens.

“It is important to add that the Division will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations to identify, apprehend and prosecute those truly responsible for such violence and uncivilised acts.

“Meanwhile, the media is urged to rely only on verified information, as misinformation and disinformation are tools commonly deployed by criminal elements to undermine peace-building efforts,” he added.

 

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No fewer than 317 indigenes of Amechi-Uno community in Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA) have benefited from a comprehensive and free medical outreach by the Defense Headquarters on Thursday.

The outreach featured medical health and dietary talk, free sugar and blood pressure checks, medical consultations, free eye test, treatment and eye glasses, free dental checks, free insecticide-treated nets to nursing mothers/pregnant women and free drugs among others.

Making the symbolic presentation of two wheelchairs to two indigent physically challenged residents of the community, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said that defense headquarters would strengthen all its non-kinetic efforts.

Represented by a Director of Civil Military Relations, AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, the CDS said that the comprehensive medical outreach was part of a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Workshop held at 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.

According to the defence chief, we are not only winning all forms of insurgency and terrorism but we are winning the hearts of our people and letting them see the depth and sacrifice we can make for their security and sound health.

He said, “The Nigerian military is committed to the health and general well-being of the people.

“The defence headquarters is here due to our core values of being in the forefront of humanitarian services and we are here to strength our relationship with our people especially the residents of Enugu State.

“The outreach will meet the immediate health needs and condition of the community people and will help them in the long run as they have learnt how to take care of themselves through medical health and dietary talk.”

The CDS noted that the health of Nigerians remained priceless as a healthy people and nation is a wealth people and nation, adding that all the medical services, consumables, drugs and insecticide-treated nets are free; and free referral to 82 Division Hospital.

Speaking, Lt.-Col. Adeyemi Abolade, acting Commander, 82 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Enugu, said that the major sickness diagnosed among the residents of the community are upper respiratory track infection and malaria.

Abolade, who is the medical team lead to the outreach, said that the community members had been sensitised on need to sleep under insecticide-treated nets, eat balance diet and take enough water each day.

Responding, the Traditional Ruler of Amechi-Uno community, Igwe Daniel Nnamani, thanked the CDS and defence headquarters for coming to give “wonderful free medical outreach to his subjects.”

Nnamani prayed for all the personnel of the Nigerian military for God’s protection, guidance and blessings, adding: “As you are winning ill-health among my people; you will win all security challenges facing the country.”

The Chairman of Enugu South LGA, Chief Caleb Ani, appreciated the CDS, defense headquarters and the 82 Division for strengthen security and health services in the council area.

Ani noted that it was just barely a month, the Nigerian Army through the 82 Division carried out a free medical outreach in another community in the council area, adding: “In deed, God has favoured my council area through the military”.

The chairman also presented an appreciative plaque to Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and Force Commander of Operation UDO KA.

One of the beneficiaries, Ma Chinelo Ogbodo, who got one of the wheelchairs, thanked the CDS and defense headquarters for the gesture, adding: “The wheelchair will definitely aid my movement and assist me to move around like others.”

 

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The Nigerian Army has debunked an alleged protest in Ochima community in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State over discovery of live explosive on a farmland as untrue and falsehood.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, on Thursday in Enugu.

Unuakhalu said that the attention of Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, had been drawn to recent reports in certain mainstream and online media platforms alleging a protest in Enugu following discovery of a live explosive device on a farmland.

According to him, it is pertinent to state that the reports are unsubstantiated, misleading and lack any credible verification.

“Preliminary findings indicate that no such protest occurred, and the narrative appears to be designed to incite unwarranted fear and tension within Ochima and adjoining communities in Udi LGA of Enugu State.

“The Nigerian Army remains fully committed to the safety and security of all citizens.

“We have standard operating procedures in place for the employment, handling, and disposal of explosive ordnance whenever necessary, which entails checks and safety measures in collaboration with relevant security agencies.

“We, therefore, assure the good people of Enugu State and, indeed, the South Easterners, that our findings revealed no immediate threat or cause for alarm in relation to the unfounded story,” he said.

The army spokesman urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from disseminating false or unverified information.

Unuakhalu also called on media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of responsible journalism by verifying information with relevant authorities prior to publication.

He said, “The spread of inaccurate reports not only misinforms the public but also attempts to threaten collective efforts to maintain stability.

“The 82 Division continues to work in close collaboration with civil authorities to ensure peace and security across Enugu State and the entire South East.”

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The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the use of non-kinetic operational approaches will enhance general human security as well as build peaceful and resilient communities.

Musa said this in an address at the opening ceremony of a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Workshop being held at 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu on Tuesday.

The workshop is being organised by Defence Headquarters in collaboration with British Defence Staff.

Represented by a Director of Civil Military Relations, AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, the CDS said that the military was adopting better strategies to strengthen its non-kinetic operational approaches.

According to him, in a world where conflict and tension often cloud our perspectives, embracing non-kinetic strategies allows us to navigate conflicts with dignity, fostering dialogue and collaboration with the civilian populace.

He said, “The nature of today’s threats, including insecurity in various forms, calls for an approach that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

“The role of Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in National Development centers on bridging the gap between military efforts and civilian aspirations for peace and stability.

“By upholding human security values, we not only aim to neutralise threats but also to protect and support the civilians affected by conflict.

“This workshop will delve into the complexities of human security and CIMIC, providing participants with tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life.

“The success of modern military tasks depends not only on operational victories but also on our ability to enhance human security, build resilience, and foster peace and development in conflict-affected regions.”

Musa noted that the workshop was particularly timely “as we face multiple challenges to our nation’s security”, adding that responding effectively requires a “whole-of-society” approach, where every individual and institution contributes to peace and security.

“This approach, coupled with our commitment to non-kinetic strategies, is central to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and growth.

“Throughout this workshop, participants will explore frameworks that integrate human security into military operations, emphasizing the critical role of CIMIC,” he added.

A personnel of the British Defence Staff, John Sanderson, said that the workshop would expose the participants to the importance of human security and protection of civilians in every field of operations.

Sanderson, who is the lead facilitator of the workshop, said that the essence of the workshop was to build trust between military personnel and civilians in order to build a seamless relationship that work for all.

In a welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, appreciated the CDS and the British Defence Staff for hosting the important national workshop in the
Division.

Olatoye, who is also the Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, code-named ‘Operation Udo Ka’, noted that the Division had upheld respect for human rights in all its operations, adding that the workshop would further improve all aspect of civil-military relationship.

Participants at the workshop are drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, Nigerian Immigration Services, Customs, NDLEA and Nigerian Correctional Service among others.

The opening ceremony featured group photograph and exchange of plaques between the GOC and representatives of the CDS.