Tag: Army

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By Biola Lawal

Flowerbudnews:  Troops deployed for special patrols to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all residents have eliminated a terrorist identified as a cohort of a notorious terrorist commander known as Buharin Yadi, who was eliminated by troops in a recent encounter.

An army statement disclosed that the terrorist met his Waterloo during a proactive move by the troops to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens during the ongoing Eid-El-Kabir celebration in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Army said further:

The terrorist met his end when troops projecting fighting patrol to Kidandan, a village in the Giwa LGA ,spotted him speeding off on a motorbike, in an attempt to evade the approaching patrol. The vigilant troops swiftly pursued the terrorist, causing him to abandon his motorbike and fled into a nearby settlement.

Undeterred, the troops continued to trail the fleeing terrorist until they successfully caught up and neutralized him while frantically trying to escape into the bush, at the outskirts of the community. Upon searching the area, the troops recovered the abandoned motorbike, two bags containing corn flour, and a mobile phone from the neutralized terrorist.

Further verification by operatives from the intelligence community confirmed the identity of the terrorist, as one Daushe, a known cohort of Buharin Yadi, who had been recently neutralized by troops in the same area. The swift and coordinated efforts of the security forces have once again prevented a potential threat to the community.

Currently, the troops are maintaining a strong presence in the area to ensure a smooth and trouble-free Sallah celebration in Giwa Local Government Area. (Flowerbudnews)

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The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army says its internal security Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ugwu-Onyeama is not the cause of a recent Enugu-Onitsha Highway accident that claimed four lives.

It would be recalled that the accident that involved seven vehicles was caused by brake failure of a kerosene-ladened trailer coming down a slope from 9th Mile axis of the Highway at about 7p.m. on June 11, 2024.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the acting Deputy Director 82 Division Army Public Relations, in a statement, gave the clarification on Thursday in Enugu to debunk allegations by mainstream and online social media platforms associating the unfortunate incidents to the FOB Base.

Unuakhalu said that first, “the Division wishes to condole and commiserate with the families whose loved ones were involved in the tragic incident” and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“The attention of Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to the news circulating in some media platforms attributing the Division’s FOB at Ugwu-Onyeama as the cause of an unfortunate and tragic accident that claimed four lives on June 11.

“On receipt of the information early this morning from an online journalist that sought clarification about the incident, he was informed one-off that the Division does not have a checkpoint there.

“The Division only has a FOB Base by the roadside to curb the incessant kidnappings the area was hitherto known for.

“This malicious and unfounded media report is inaccurate and full of falsehoods that are meant to tarnish the appreciable efforts of the troops. It is therefore necessary to set the records straight,” he said.

The Division’s spokesman recalled that the rehabilitation of the road was concluded in December, 2024 and the road opened in the first quarter of this year, adding that since then, the troops only had a Base and the barriers used for the checkpoint were totally removed.

Unuakhalu said that due to the steep gradient of the road, the road section where the accident occurred had remained problematic since the 1990s and before, during and after the checkpoints were removed.

According to him, the accident that occurred on June 11 happened about 300 metres ahead of the soldiers’ FOB Base.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to a brake failure of a trailer coming down a slope from 9th Mile axis. The trailer rammed into other six incoming vehicles from Enugu and not those coming from the same axis of 9th Mile with it.

“Hence, the crash was a head-on and not a rear collision. Thus, the soldiers never stopped any vehicle on the road for any checking but served as a responder to the accident.

“Also, while loss of any life is unfortunate, however, only two people died at the scene of the accident and not 25 cases being reported. Two persons later died at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu where the injured were rushed to.

“It is disheartening to accuse the military of causing the accident. The Division is not unaware of the efforts of the kidnappers and illegal miners in the area to get rid of the FOB Base.

“The law abiding citizens are once again assured of the commitment of 82 Division Nigerian Army to continue to serve them as the Nigerian Army remains the Peoples’ Army,” he said.

The Division’s spokesman enjoined the general public to disregard the report “as it is not the actual account of what happened”.

“The Division will continue to perform its constitutional roles of protecting lives and property within its Area of Responsibility (AOR),” he added.

By Flowerbudnews
The Enugu State Government, on Wednesday, assured the Nigerian Army of massive youths mobilization to fill its quota in the ongoing nationwide army’s recruitment.

Gov. Peter Mbah gave the assurance in Enugu during a sensitization parley on the ongoing recruitment between the Nigerian Army and traditional rulers, president-generals and youths in communities in Enugu State.

Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aka Eze Aka, noted that the state government was using all available enlightenment means to ensure that the state fully occupies its quota in the current recruitment.

He said that the government would use traditional means of sensitization and communication as well as the mass media – newspapers, radio and television – to ensure that youths get information about the ongoing recruitment.

According to him, we are determined and using all resources available to ensure that every youth in the state especially indigenes of the state get to know about the Nigerian Army recruitment; its requirement and steps.

“We are all out to ensure that the shortfalls on the number of our people being recruited due to few number of applicants in the first place is solved.

“Enugu State must get its quota this time without a single number dropping.

“We will get that through working closing with the traditional rulers, president-generals of communities, youth groups and extensive use of the mass media,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who lauded the state government for its support to the Nigerian Army, noted that the number of indigenes of the state joining the Nigerian Army had remained “very low”.

Lagbaja, represented by Brig.-Gen. Arnold Okoro, said that the state had continued to have shortfalls in number of youths applying during recruitment.

“The recruitment is part of the national cake, which Enugu State and her indigenes should partake in; a means of employment for our youths and a veritable tool to alleviate poverty in families.

“The youths recruited in the Nigeria Army are well taken care of, free medicals and opportunities to advance their educational pursuit also exist,” he said.

The State Coordinator of Army Recruitment, Mr Chukwudi Amah, called on youths to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment opened last Friday to better their lives and be socio-economically uplifted.

Amah said that youths should drop some unfounded misinformation that “it is only Igbo personnel that are being sent to theatres of conflict for them to die”.

“This is never true. Serving personnel have their turns to the theatre of conflict and at a time, they are redeployed elsewhere.

“I have a direct brother that have served in Sambisia Forest and have been redeployed from there presently,” he said.

He said that further information and requirement on the recruitment would be made public in newspapers, local radio and television with native languages.

Responding, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, appreciated the COAS and the Nigerian Army authorities for considering the state and her youths in the recruitment.

Asadu assured that the traditional rulers would take the message home and propagate it within every village and kindred that make up their communities and address youths about it.

“This is a golden opportunity for us to do the needful and check the marginalization our people due cry about in intake into sensitive and public-serve oriented organizations such as the Nigerian Army,” he said.

By Biola Lawal

Flowerbudnews: The Nigerian Army has recorded more victory against bandits as troops successfully foiled multiple kidnap attempts, neutralised terrorists’ threats and reunite victims with their families.

The successful Operations were conducted by the Army troops deployed for Counter-terrorism operations in the North East and North West on Tuesday 7 May 2024, an Army statement obtained by Flowerbudnews disclosed.

In a display of valour, the soldiers successfully foiled multiple kidnap attempts, neutralizing the terrorists’ threats and reuniting victims with their families, the Army stated.

”In Borno State, the troops in a rapid response to actionable intelligence had an encounter with ISWAP fighters in Kulukawiya Village, located in the Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.

”The encounter resulted in the elimination of a terrorist and the seizure of a loaded AK-47 rifle. In a subsequent pursuit, the troops rescued a child who had been abducted by the fleeing terrorists. The lad has been reunited with his father, Alhaji Musa”, the Army said.

”In another operation in Kaduna State, troops in their commitment to public safety, swiftly responded to a distress call from Agunu Dutse Village in Kachia Local Government Area, where residents were besieged by terrorists.

‘:The troops promptly arrived at the village and conducted a search and rescue operation leading to the successful rescue of six hostages, including two women and four children. The hostages were rescued unhurt and have been reunited with their families.

”Similarly, troops on fighting patrol were alerted to the presence of terrorists lurking in Amale village in Kaduna North Local Government Area. The troops in collaboration with local vigilantes engaged the terrorists compelling them to abandon their firearms. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a home-made gun, and a machete.”, it concluded. (Flowerbudnews)

By Biola Lawal

Flowerbudnews:  The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General, Obinna Onubogu, embarked on operational visit to 4 Brigade NA to further motivate and boost the morale of the troops.

An Army statement made available to Flowerbudnews said that the 4 days intensive tour, took place within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), from 30 April 2024 to 3 May 2024.

He was received at Ikiadalor, Ovia South LGA of Edo State, by the Commander, 4 Brigade NA, Brigadier General EO Oduyebo; who led the Chief Tiger to the Brigade Headquarters (HQ), where he was accorded the traditional military quarter guard reception.

Before leading the GOC to the various locations within 4 Brigade AOR, Brigadier General Oduyebo, gave a detailed brief on the security situation and general activities of 4 Brigade, with specific emphasis on the Brigade HQ.

He stated that, armed banditary, cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes and other forms of criminality, constitute the security challenges the Brigade is being confronted with.

However, Brigadier General Oduyebo, informed the GOC, that, amidst the challenging circumstances, the Brigade under his command, has remained firm and resilient; determined to fight and eliminate all forms of crime and criminal elements in Edo State.

He said that, the recent release of kidnapped Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other travellers, was as a result of continuous synergy and collaborative efforts between troops of 4 Brigade and other security agencies, including vigilante groups in the State.

Accordingly, troops, most times conduct joint operations with other security agencies, to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols, which has led to several recoveries of various types of arms and ammunition.

Subsequently, the GOC left 4 Brigade HQ to other units and formations under the Brigade AOR.

These include; 4 Brigade Garrison, Ekehuan Barracks, 322 Artillery Regiment, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Sobe, FOB Ehor and 195 Battalion, (Rear), Wepawanu Barracks, Aganebode.

He was adequately briefed by the Commanding Officers (COs) and Officers Commanding (OCs) of the respective units and formations.

While receiving operational briefs from the COs and OCs, the GOC was presented with several challenges which grossly affect the general living conditions of personnel and their families in the barracks.

Some of these challenges include; lack of water, which in most cases stems from poor electricity supply to pump some existing boreholes, poor state of medical facilities, inadequate accommodation and poor road networks.

The GOC, made several interventions to proffer immediate solutions to some of the enumerated challenges. He donated boreholes, generators and also directed the repairs of unserviceable operational vehicles.

Also, he promised to present certain higher demands to Appropriate Superior Authorities (ASA) for considerations and necessary actions.

Major General Onubogu, devoted some of his time to visit NA Training Institutions and other formations located within 4 Brigade AOR.

He was at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), Auchi and Nigerian Army Military Hospital, Benin (NAMHB).

During his extensive interactions with the Commandants of NASST, NASEME as well as the Director, NAMHB, who are, Major Generals ND Shagaya, OO Arogundade and Brigadier General PO Aborime respectively, he emphasized on the need to prioritize growth and development of the NA, through deliberate positive actions which are geared towards achieving the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff. (Flowerbudnews)

By Biola Lawal

Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The Nigerian Army has announced commencement of recruitment for it’s 87 regular recruits intake (RRI).

The Army said in public announcement in Abuja that the RRI recruitment exercise is ‘:for Non-Tradesmen & Women has commenced. Application starts from 3rd May – 7th June 2024.’

The Army said that the application is online and free.

”Application Is Free at recruitment.army.mil.ng. Shortlisted candidates will participate in the State Recruitment Screening Exercise scheduled from 20th June – 3rd July 2024.

”Recruitment into the Nigerian Army Is FREE, Beware of Fraudsters,” the force warned (Flowerbudnews)

By Biola Lawal
Lagos (Flowerbudnews): Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a suspected human trafficker, Mrs Olushola Areke in Lagos.

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, that Areke was arrested troops of 65 Bn Nigerian Army (NA) operating under the 81 Division NA following actionable intelligence.

The Army said that ”the suspect was accused of kidnapping Miss Fayoke Kunle, a 22-year-old daughter of Mrs Ainor Kunle.

”Mrs. Kunle claimed she had voluntarily entrusted her daughter to the suspect, who had promised to secure employment for the young girl in Oshodi, Lagos.”

”However, instead of heading to Oshodi as promised, the suspect moved Miss Kunle to Kano, where the victim later discovered herself and overheard discussions about being transported to Libya.

”Miss Kunle courageously escaped from her captor and returned home on 23 April 2024.,” the Army said.

It stated that it was ”in response to this alarming report, troops reached out to Mrs Areke, and was subsequently arrested at the designated meeting point, where she intended to pick up her supposed other victims.

The Army said that both the suspect and the victim have been handed over to the Ajah Police Command in Lagos for further investigation.

The Army Division urged members of the public to continue to support the NA by providing timely information to aid maintenance of law and order.

” The NA remains committed to promoting peace and stability across the Division Area of Responsibility,” Lt -Col Ayeni assured in the statement. ( Flowerbudnews)