Tag: Army

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Nigerian Army has urged Enugu State residents not to panic on sighting heavy movement of troops, equipment and hearing of gunshots between March 17 and March 20. 2025.

The acting Deputy Director 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, in a statement in Enugu on Thursday, said that it would be a week long range classification activities by Nigerian Army personnel.

“In line with Army Headquarters Training Directives for 2025, 82 Division Nigerian Army will commence its first range classification exercise for the year from Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 2025.

“The range classification will be taking place at the Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) within the immediate outskirt of Enugu metropolis.

“The exercise is aimed at sharpening the shooting skill of officers and soldiers of the Division as well as to ascertain the serviceability of weapons of the unit not deployed in operations,” he said.

According to him, members of the public especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima and Onyohor communities in Udi LGA should not panic on sighting heavy movement of troops and equipment and hearing of gunshots on mentioned date.

“Similarly, locals are advised to stay away from the range area throughout the exercise as it will involve the use of live ammunition.

“Thank you for your usual cooperation and please accept the warmest regards of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigeria Army as always,” Unuakhalu added.

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Chief Imam of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, has urged Nigerians to use the month of Ramadan to draw closer to Almighty Allah (God) and shun materialism.

Eleje told newsmen on Sunday in Enugu that the month of Ramadan and its fasting opens up “the Mercies of Almighty Allah upon Mankind.”

He said that “Almighty Allah always showers us with His limitless bounties and generosity during Ramadan, even as the fasting disciplines one to feel the pain of hunger and emptiness as a mortal.”

“Sincerely, we all needed Almighty Allah’s help and grace to live above sins and personal shortcomings.

“The Holy month of Ramadan and its fasting help to draw us closer to obtain the generous mercy and grace of the Almighty Allah as well as His bountiful blessings on all Nigerians.

“We are also enjoined as Nigerians to use Ramadan period to pray for Almighty Allah’s wisdom and guidance on our leaders, as they needed our continuous prayers and support to excel,” he said.

The chief imam said that the Ramadan fast is made compulsory for every adult Muslim, who has reached the age of puberty.

According to him, Ramadan fasting is compulsory as Commanded by Almighty Allah. It is in fact, one of the compulsory five pillars of Islam.

“Ramadan fasting is compulsory for all except for little children or those sick and weak to observe it.

“Other persons excerpted from fasting are the aged, above 70 years who are weak; nursing mothers and pregnant women who do to their special condition cannot make it as well as those on long journeys.

“However, those that missed fasting during the Ramadan would have to do theirs when they are relieved from their previous condition or situation,” he added.

The Holy month of Ramadan and its fasting started on March 1 all over the country after Muslim faithful sighted the new moon.

 

Flowerbudnews
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says Divisional training schools remain bedrock of Nigerian Army operational successes and positive operational attitude of troops.

Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Sadiq Ndalolo, said this on Tuesday while declaring open the Division Training Officers’ Training Week 2025 at the 82 Division Dragon Officers’ Mess Abakpa Cantonment.

The weeklong workshop, which runs from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21, is themed: “Capacity Development of Division Training Officers’ to Meet Contemporary Challenges in a Joint Environment.”

The COAS commended officers in-charge of various divisional training schools for the operational successes witnessed in the previous years as well as the hard work and sacrifice they put to get officers and soldiers fit for various operations.

According to him, training and retraining has become imperative due to the asymmetric nature of the security threats we have in the country today and for the Nigerian Army to move ahead of these challenges.

“The workshop is aimed at providing a veritable platform for Division Training Officers to compare notes and come up with modalities to enhance training in their respective divisions,” he said.

The COAS commended the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army and all its operations to keep the nation and her people safe and secured.

On the theme of the workshop, Oluyede said it was relevant and timely as it would ensure that army mandate on training is maintained and the tradition sustained as well as ensure troops work in synergy with other members of the Armed Forces.

“You have to strive for greater heights and the Nigerian Army Headquarters will continue to support all its Divisional Training Schools.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of various divisions must support and ensure optimal functionality of Divisional Training Schools in their Divisions,” he said.

He said that the Nigerian Army would continue to perform its role professionally in accordance to the details of its mandate.

 

Earlier, the GOC of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, said that the workshop would prepare the participants for the next training year putting into consideration lessons learnt from past training activities.

Olatoye noted that the challenges of current time had placed it on the Nigerian Army to ensure constant capacity building among its training schools and training officers.

“I commend the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his approval and support for this workshop at 82 Division and other numerous supports he had been giving the Division to remain outstanding in its operations.

 

“I implore the participants to participate fully and take notes; as I believe that at the end of the training workshop, you all must have been equipped to meet operational challenges in the schools and field of training,” he said.

 

By Martins Abochol

Troops of the  6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a Boko Haram Terrorist suspect in Taraba.

This is contain in a statement  on Tuesday in Jalingo, by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.

“Acting on actionable intelligence, on  January 26, 2025, troops successfully tracked and apprehended a suspected Boko Haram member  identified as Gambo Grema, also known as Gamboi, in Mai-Hula town, Bali Local Government Area.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspect confessed to being part of a syndicate deployed by Boko Haram to Taraba.

“He confessed that their mission was to engage in kidnapping for ransom as a means of financing their terrorist operations and to establish a new cell within the state.

“The suspect further revealed that the syndicate also harboured members of the Islamic State In West Africa Province (ISWAP), who were deployed from the Timbuktu Triangle to carry out other criminal activities,” he said.

Oni further said the  Commander of the brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley  Uwa, had directed more of such  operations to underscore the commitment of the army  in  tackling  threats posed by terrorists.

He  assured the public that the bridge remained resolute in its mission to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Oni equally urged members of the public  to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations. (NAN)/Flowerbudnews

 

By Flowerbudnews
Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye has taken over as the 39th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and Force Commander, Joint Task Force South-East code-named ‘Operation UDO KA’.

Olatoye took over from the outgone GOC of the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, who have been deployed to Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

Taking over on Monday in the Division’s Headquarters in Enugu, the new GOC charged officers and troops to brace-up, redouble all efforts and surpass all known operational successes.

Olatoye said that his job in the Division was to take the standard higher.

He called on all principal officers and commanders within component formations in the Division to ensure hard work, commitment and dedication of officers and soldiers under them.

“I appreciate the outgoing GOC for his strides in curbing crime and criminality within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR), which is the South-East and Cross River State.

“I noticed that the Division have effectively stopped the Monday Sit-at-Home in the South-East; as I clearly witnessed various businesses and human activities ongoing while i entered Enugu today.

“I laud the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for my deployment here and various support given to the Division leading to it current operational successes,” he said.

 

Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Dada appreciated God, officers and soldiers of the Division for bringing solution to the security challenges as well as choatic and problematic environment he met on ground as he took over about two years ago.

 

He noted that he led and supervised various special operations to check terrorists and criminal elements in communities, forests and major hide-out of notorious armed groups and criminal elements in the region.

“Division’s AoR witnessed several special operations and the people within the past two years witnessed peaceful yuletide celebrations and mass return especially the 2024 Christmas unprecedented mass return.

“I thank God that the Division witnessed few number of soldiers paying the ultimate sacrifice as they serve their fatherland and few personnel being hospitalised due to operational injuries.

“During my stay, I carried out lot of welfare projects, which included: building accommodations for both officers and soldiers; construction and reconstruction of schools; building training and recreational facilities and building health facilities within the barracks among others.

“I thank the COAS and Nigerian Army Headquarters for the support given to the Division and Operation UDO KA to achieve resounding successes these years,” he said.

Dada called on officers and soldiers to continue in their stride and commitment to rid the South-East of all criminal elements, adding: “I charge you to give full cooperation to the new GOC and Force Commander to excel as well.”

High points of the event were signing of the handing over and taking over notes by the outgone GOC, Dada, and new GOC, Olatoye, as well as handing over of the Division’s flag to Olatoye among others.

 

 

By Ndahi Maramma

Maiduguri:  Two days after the killing of 20 fishermen in the Gadan Gari fishing community of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State, on Wednesday, another attack by armed terrorists, suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP, has reportedly claimed the lives of a military commander, two senior officers, and 17 soldiers at a military base in Malam-Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area.

Bama is located in Borno Central, while Malam-Fatori, in the northern part of the state, lies near the border with the Republic of Niger.

A similar incident occurred a few weeks ago when terrorists invaded a military base in the Sabon Gari community of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, killing several soldiers, including officers.

Reliable sources reported that the attackers, who stormed the Malam-Fatori military base, wreaked havoc for several hours on Friday, 24 January 2025, before dislodging the 149 Battalion. Survivors of the deadly attack reportedly fled to safety.

Intelligence sources confirmed that the insurgents arrived at the base in multiple gun trucks, razing several buildings and military operational vehicles during the assault.

“Many soldiers were seriously injured, and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of personnel remain missing as of Saturday,” one source said.

“The commanding officer of the battalion, two senior officers, including the base medical director, were among those killed. This comes just days after the terror group launched a brutal attack on the military’s Forward Operating Base in Damboa, killing an unconfirmed number of soldiers, with many still missing.

“The 25 Taskforce Brigade was attacked over the weekend with heavy casualties. So far, over seven bodies have been recovered. The terror group invaded the FOB Sabon Gari camp around 4 am on Saturday, using various weapons,” the source added.

Meanwhile, in the Gadan Gari attack in Bama, Modu Ari, a member of the civilian joint task force, reported that insurgents stormed the fishing community on Wednesday at about 11:00 am, opening fire on fishermen, killing at least 20.

Mustapha Kachallah, a resident, said his child was killed in the attack, and they had buried more than 15 people.

The military and Borno State officials have yet to comment on the attacks.

Since November last year, there has been a resurgence of terrorist attacks across Borno State. Before these two incidents, over 40 farmers were killed in Dumba, a fishing and farming community in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The current situation calls for urgent action from the federal government and the Nigerian military to restore the relative peace previously enjoyed in the region. This is especially critical as the state government continues its efforts to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their ancestral homes.

 

Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola has assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Nigerian Army has urged its personnel to redouble their efforts in combating insurgency, terrorism and all forms of heinous crimes in the country in 2025.

The Special Guest of Honour to 103 Battalion Awukunanaw 2024 West Africa Social Activities (WASA), Maj.-Gen. Tagbo Ude (retired), said this in a remark during WASA to mark end of 2024 Operational Year for the Battalion at its Awukunanaw Barracks in Enugu.

 

Ude noted that the Nigerian Army and indeed the Battalion recorded mile stone successes in the discharge of their constitutional duties in 2024 “but there is room for further improvement.”

According to him, as a matter of fact, the officers and men of the Nigerian army have really given so much to the defense of our fatherland; they have participated in external and internal operations.

 

He said, “In most cases, officers and men stay very far away from their beloved families and loved ones.

“For the South-East, which I can confidently talk about, the Nigerian Army troops, which included troops of this Battalion, have performed exceptionally well in the fight against unscrupulous elements among us especially in Enugu State.

 

“While commending your efforts, I urge you (officers and men) to be exemplary, compassionate and empathic in the conduct of these operations.

“You should always strive for excellence in the discharge of your constitutional responsibility,” he said.

 

On the WASA, Ude said that it was an old heritage and event of the Nigerian Army that brings its personnel, their families, friends and well-wishers together and creates needed bonding.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for inviting him as a special guest of honour and giving him the opportunity to make remarks at the event.

 

Earlier, the Commanding Officer of 103 Battalion Awukunanaw, Lt.-Col. Waheed Shittu, said that WASA provided an opportunity for officers, soldiers and their families and friends to meet in a convivial environment to share love and understanding.

He said that the event also provided an avenue to appreciate, honour and reward officers and soldiers that had performed exceptionally well in the outgoing Nigerian Army calendar year.

 

“I want to commend the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for the approval to host this WASA and its funding.

“I will appreciate the General Officer Command (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, for his fatherly guidance throughout the operational year.

 

“I want to assure the COAS and GOC that the Battalion is ready to carry out any assigned task; while remaining loyal to constituted authorities,” he said.

The event featured various cultural cuisines and dance displays as well as masquerade parade, tug-of-war, special renditions and a bonfire.

The battalion also recognised and honoured seven exceptional personnel in its 2024 operational year with awards.