Johnson Eyiangho

<h1>The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) says Nigerian Army exhibited “acceptable restraint and discipline” in the face of provocation by politicians during the general elections.</h1>

Representative of IHRC Africa Office, Semaka Setuk, stated this on Wednesday at Army headquarters, Abuja, while presenting the Human Right Commendation Award to Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Setuk said that adherence to code of conduct by the troops deployed for elections played significant role in ensuring peaceful and violence-free elections in many parts of the country.

He said that the professional conduct of the army was “imperative and symbolic” for other African countries to emulate.

According to him, we note and view this achievement as a milestone and major revolution for democracy on the African continent.

”This is especially so, given that other civilisation has relegated Africa as a continent of nations without regard to human rights, especially during critical processes.

“Indeed, the Nigerian army under the leadership of Gen. Buratai and assisted by his lieutenants, have demonstrated the willingness, desire, determination, resolve and capacity to take Africa’s military by the hand and lead by example.

“On behalf of the International Human Rights Committee on civil military relations and foreign observers committee, I congratulate the COAS and the Nigerian army for such an achievement for Nigeria and Africa, and the UN.”

In his remarks, Buratai, who was represented by Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Maj. General Ali Nani, thanked the commission for objectively observing the activities of the army during the conduct of the polls.

He said that attempts were being made by mischief makers to discredit the army, but to no avail, and assured that the army would continue to discharge its roles as enshrined in the Constitution.

Representative of IHRC Africa Office, Semaka Setuk, stated this on Wednesday at Army headquarters, Abuja.

Elections: IHRC praises Nigerian Army for displaying professionalism

<h1>The Nigerian Army said it arrested no fewer than 24 suspects in connection with electoral offences during the Saturday Governorship and House Assembly elections in Imo, Abia and Cross River.</h1>

Giving a breakdown of the suspects in a statement on Tuesday, Col. Sagir Musa, the army spokesman said 15 were arrested in Abia.

Musa said of the 15 suspects, five were political thugs, arrested at Lokpanta while on their way to disrupt election at Lekwesi community.

The army spokesman said camouflage trousers, daggers and assorted charms were recovered from them.

He said the other six suspects were arrested at Osisioma junction while they were conveying already thumb printed ballot papers in a vehicle.

“On questioning, he-Enwereji, claimed the ballot papers were specimens for campaign,’’ he said.

According to Musa, investigation is on to ascertain the culpability of the suspects.

Still in Abia, Musa said troops also rescued an INEC staff abducted by hoodlums at Ohafia Technical College in Anna village.

He said that four suspects were arrested in connection with the case while efforts were on to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

Musa said that the four suspects had been handed over to the police for further action.

In Imo, the army spokesman said four suspected fake soldiers in military uniform (woodland camouflage were nabbed around Everyday Super Market in Owerri.

He said the suspects were “escorting a prominent female politician in a political party vehicle’’ at the time of arrest.

Musa said troops also intercepted and arrested suspected ballot box snatchers at Airforce junction near Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo during the election.

He said that on sighting the troops, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and ran into the bush.

“Items recovered include one Sienna bus, one pump action gun with 11 live cartridge, voter cards and assorted ATMs bearing different names.’’

Musa said in Cross River, troops on patrol around power plant substation, Odukpani Local Government Area, rescued one Mr Authur Nkama, kidnapped at Ikot Ansa in Calabar Municipal Area Council.

Thugs disrupting election process/illustration [nigerianeye]

The army spokesman said camouflage trousers, daggers and assorted charms were recovered from them.

Army arrest 24 for snatching ballot boxes during governorship elections

<h1>The Nigerian Army has restated that its role in the rescheduled general elections starts and ends with the provision of a secured environment for the exercise.</h1>

It said that none of its personnel would be involved in political campaigns or escort Very Important Personalities on political missions.

The army’s spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, said this in a statement on Tuesday.

Musa said that the Nigerian army’s rules of engagement and code of conduct did not assign any political role to its personnel.

He was reacting to the alleged involvement of an officer in politics in Rivers.

The army spokesman described the insinuation as “baseless’’ and urged the public to disregard it.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had consistently charged officers and men to uphold professionalism and be guided by the rules of engagement and the constitution.

“Therefore, any insinuation or assertion against this open declaration is not only mischievous but politically motivated with the intent to tarnish the reputation of the army which has been built on discipline and obedience to civil authorities.

“Members of the public are therefore urged to always ignore information attributed to the Nigerian army that is contrary to its core value of professionalism,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the army has vowed to deal decisively with anyone planning to disrupt the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections, no matter how highly placed.

The spokesman of the 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, gave the warning in a statement on Tuesday.

Iliyasu said that the Division had uncovered credible intelligence of “an unholy plan by some political actors within its Area of Responsibility (AOR) to arm and sponsor miscreants.’’

The Division oversees Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.

Iliyasu also said intelligence indicated that the political actors planned to use military-like fatigue dress for deception to cause pandemonium at polling stations for their political gain.

He, however, said efforts were ongoing to track the source of the weapons and agents involved, warning that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

It said that none of its personnel would be involved in political campaigns or escort Very Important Personalities on political missions.

Elections: Our role starts, ends with provision of security – Army

<h1>The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has vowed that the military will break the unholy alliance between the Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State West Africa or ISWA.</h1>

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai made the assertion on Monday in Abuja, when he declared open a two-day maiden “Career planning and management’’ seminar for senior officers.

He maintained that the army was making gains in the counter insurgency operations in the North East.

Buratai said: “I am glad to note that we are making strides against the Islamic State West Africa or ISWA in our bid to unhinge the unholy union between them and remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we maintain the momentum while motivating our officers and men through an efficient and responsive career planning process.’’

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Aliyu Nani, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Buratai, however, noted that the army was being “stretched’’ by its involvement in many operations nationwide, particularly in the North East.

He said such large scale involvement raised the need for good leadership and career planning and improve approach to human resource management to get the best from the officers and men.

“The career planning and management seminar is designed to avail you with contemporary approaches to human management.

“You would also be exposed to human resources management in a world of `Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity’ (VUCA),’’ he said.

According to him, the VUCA concept originated from attempts to develop strategic leaders at the US Army War College as a response to fourth generation warfare which is largely shapeless.

The army chief said understanding the concept would help the officers anticipate issues that shape events and give them a fair understanding of the consequences of issues and actions.

He expressed hope that at the end of the seminar, they would be better equipped to management security challenges confronting the nation and provide effective leadership that take into cognisance career planning of all personnel.

NAN also reports that the army chief again used the occasion to warn personnel to remain political during the Feb. 16 and March 2 general elections.

“Great efforts have been put in place by way of sensitisation lectures and briefings to ensure the conduct of our officers and men before, during and after the election remains professional and above board.

“I, therefore, urge you to uphold the highest professional conduct during the elections,’’ he said.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai

NAN reports that Buratai made the assertion on Monday in Abuja, when he declared open a two-day maiden “Career planning and management’’ seminar for senior officers.

Military will break Boko Haram unholy alliance with IS - Buratai

<h1>The Nigerian Army on Sunday warned those it described as mischief makers to steer clear of dragging it or its leadership into matters that are purely political.</h1>

It insisted in a statement issued by its Acting Director, Col. Aliyu Yusuf, that it is an apolitical institution and would continue to remain so while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Yusuf was reacting to an allegation by Timi Frank, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress – APC, as published by a section of the media.

He said Frank alleged in the publication that President Muhammadu Buhari and some INEC members held a nocturnal meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, with intent to rig the Saturday Presidential election.

He, however, said the army had reported the said Timi Frank to the Nigeria Police “for immediate arrest and prosecution for fake news and related offences against the leadership of the army.

Yusuf described Frank as a “disgruntled person, who has severally tried to malign the person of Buratai.”

“The deluded Timi Frank, who claimed he had incontrovertible evidence provided by sources in the know about the alleged nocturnal meeting, however, could not substantiate his accusations with any reasonable facts besides his concocted hogwash.

“For the record, as well as for the education of the likes of Mr Timi Frank, the President, C-in-C is at liberty to hold a meeting with his Service Chiefs at whatever time most suitable, which was not even the case here, as nothing of such happened,” Yusuf said.

Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai

It insisted in a statement issued by its Acting Director, Col. Aliyu Yusuf, that it is an apolitical institution and would continue to remain so while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Don’t drag army into purely  political issues – Nigerian Army

<h1>Col. Sagir Musa has been appointed as acting Director Army Public Relations.</h1>

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Musa replaces Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who voluntarily retired from the service on Thursday.

NAN also reports that Musa’s appointment is contained in a new redeployment of senior officers released by the Army Headquarters.

Until the appointment, Musa was the spokesman of 82 Division, Enugu.

Under the posting, Col. A.A. Yusuf, the Chief of Security in the Directorate of Army Public Relations was appointed Deputy Director Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian army.

Col. A. D Isa is posted to Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole as Deputy Director Army Public Relations, while Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, who was the spokesman of the Theatre, moves to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, as acting Director Defence Information.

Others affected by the posting are, Brig.-Gen. N.J. Okah, from Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies (NAITES) to Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics as Acting Director of Engineering Services.

Brig.-Gen. M.A. Masanawa from Army Headquarters, Department of Army Policy and Plans to ACADA as Commander; Brig.-Gen. H.T. Wesley, from Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps to Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, as Director Clothing and Store.

Brig.-Gen. H.G. Tafida of Nigerian Army Central Workshop, Rigachukwu, to Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, as Director Engineering and Maintenance.

Brig.-General B.A. Ilori has been posted to Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy and Plans and appointed Deputy Director Equipment Procurement.

Also affected is Brig.-Gen. A.A. Adereti, to National Defence College as Directing Staff, while the new acting Corps Commander Nigerian Army Medical Corps is Col. S. Adama.

Others affected included Col. O.G. Olaniyi, from Nigerian Army School of Music to Nigerian Army Band Corps and appointed acting Director Army Band; Col. E.I. Okoro and Col. I.P. Bindul are posted to Army War College Nigeria as Directing Staff.

Operation Python Dance: Respect human rights, foster peaceful co-existence, Army urges troopsNigerian-Army

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Musa replaces Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who voluntarily retired from the service on Thursday.

Army gets new spokesman, releases new posting

<h1>The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday urged troops to clamp down on activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its splinter groups to prevent disruption of the forthcoming election.</h1>

Buratai, who gave the directive in Abuja, when he declared open the 2019 first quarter Chief of Army Conference, accused the banned group of planning to disrupt the election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unlike in the past the conference is tagged “the Chief of Army Staff Operations Conference.’’

According to him, activities of IPOB are gaining momentum ahead of the election.

“Their excesses must, therefore, be curtailed immediately,’’ he said.

The Federal Government, in September 2017 through an Executive Order of President Muhammadu Buhari, outlawed the Indigenous People of Biafra and its activities in every part of the country.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, thereafter gave judicial backing to the Executive Order.

The Acting Chief Judge of the Court, Justice Abdu Kafarati, granted the order proscribing the group.

The court declared that activities of the group constituted acts of terrorism and illegality.

The army chief also noted that the political clashes in Taraba and a few other states, called for enhanced liaison between commanders, the police and other security agencies.

He said the collaboration was necessary “in order to de-escalate tension as quickly as possible.’’

Buratai restated that there were intelligence reports on “subversive motives by some unpatriotic groups aided by foreign conspirators to scuttle the peaceful conduct of the election in some parts of the country.’’

He warned such detractors to immediately mend their ways.

“The Nigerian Army is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure an enabling environment for good citizens of our dear country to exercise their civic rights.

“In this regard, GOCs and field Commanders at all levels are to deal decisively with any form of security breach.’’

On involvement of officers and soldiers in the conduct of the election, Buratai said he had in the past one year given clear directives on the posture they should adopt during the exercise.

According to him, the need for the Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles has been stressed.

“All personnel must remain neutral, non-partisan and transparent in all their actions.

“I need to reiterate that there will be zero-tolerance for any action and in-action by commanders at all levels that is deemed tilted towards giving undue advantage to any candidate, political party, ethnic or religious leanings to the detriment of the unity and integrity of Nigeria.

“This include knowingly or unknowingly receiving any form of inducement from politicians or other entities, be it public or private.

“GOCs and Field Commanders at all levels are to warn all officers and soldiers under their command to remain forthright and not in any way deviate from the professional ethics of the Nigerian Army,’’ he added.

Still on the election, the army chief said he had issued operational directives for Operation Safe conduct for the general election.

“The Nigerian Army has also produced a Code of Conduct Handbook for personnel to guide them during the election and copies have been distributed to all formations.’’

He reminded them of events in the 2015 general election which subsequently led to the “sad exit of some fine officers, who were found culpable.’’

“I therefore enjoin you all to impress on your personnel to avoid a repeat of such occurrences,’’ he said, noting that the army’s role in support of the nations’ democracy “cannot be over-emphasised.’’

Nigerian army troops successfully cleared three areas occupied by terrorists. This happened after an assault carried out with the Nigerian Air Force. - Champion Newspapers

Buratai, who gave the directive in Abuja, when he declared open the 2019 first quarter Chief of Army Conference, accused the banned group of planning to disrupt the election.

Army to clamp down on IPOB, splinter groups to prevent election disruption

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