COAS ENJOINS TROOPS TO TRAIN TO ROUT OUT INSURGENTS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General TY Buratai, has again cautioned troops to be wary of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers’ recent antics in the employment of propaganda particularly the spread of fake news. He gave the charge at a dinner for the troops of Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion (AFSF Bn) and Army Headquarters Strike Group in Maiduguri on Saturday, 1st December 2018. Speaking further, he stressed that the troops should be mindful of what they see and read on the social media as most of the stories are either doctored or fake. Believing these stories he added, would demoralize their fighting spirit, thus undermining national security. The COAS further stated that, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies were now fighting terrorism as insurgency has long gone; Boko Haram terrorists he said, have no claim to any territory in Nigeria. He therefore implored them to put to good use the tactics acquired during their special forces training in order to flush out the remnants of the terrorists. He emphasised that, adequate attention will be given to In-theatre training and intelligence gathering and capabilities of personnel would be enhanced. Lieutenant General Buratai also urged them to maintain the peace in the country, support other security agencies and defend the democratic system as every commander is already aware of what is expected of them especially, in the upcoming general elections of 2019. In his vote of thanks on behalf of the officers and men of both units after the dinner, the Commanding Officer of the AFSF Bn, Navy Commander GB Osuobeni, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the visit and the kind gesture of hosting them to a dinner. He said that the event signifies the Chief of Army Staff's appreciation and support of their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the north east under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The Commanding Officer stated that the occasion would remain indelible in their minds and that the troops of both units were highly motivated by the visits, interaction and the dinner. He further thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the rare privilege and assured that they would continue to do their best to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the border areas and other areas of the north eastern part of Nigeria. He further said that they understand the task ahead of them and pledged their unalloyed support to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. In her remarks, Miss Global Synergy Nigeria (Africa), Queen Stessey Nuhu, of the University of Maiduguri who graced the occasion, lauded the troops efforts in fighting terrorism. She commended them for their sacrifices in restoring peace to the North East and entire country. She also solicited support to launch her pet project with theme "Homeless not Hopeless".

YOU HAVE ALL IT TAKES TO FLUSH OUT REMNANTS OF TERRORISTS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai has told troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in the north east that they have what it takes to flush out the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they are hibernating. The COAS gave the charge today Saturday 1st December 2018 while addressing Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion at their base in Borno State. He added that, they were deployed in the North East to fill in observed gaps and make a difference in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. Addressing them further he stated that they have all it takes to do the job and they should work together as a team, stressing that, the Nigerian Armed Forces have done a great job in the North East in terms of degrading the Boko Haram terrorists. The attained success must be consolidated as they are adequately equipped, trained and with superior tactics than the terrorists. He implored them to dominate everywhere in the theatre and deny the terrorists freedom of action and movement. Later, the COAS had durbar alone with the troops in which they bared their minds where he provided answers. The Chief of Army Staff also paid similar visit to Army Headquarters Strike Group where he had one-on-one interaction with them. Later in the evening he had dinner with the troops. The visit to the troops by the Chief of Army Staff is coming at the end of the Chief of Army Staff's annual conference 2018 which took place in Maiduguri from 28-30th November 2018.

NIGERIA ARMY INVESTIGATES DISCOVERY OF MILITIA CAMP IN RIVERS STATE

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has ordered for a thorough investigation of the discovery of militia camp at NYSC Orientation Camp, Nonwa Gbam, Tai Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State by troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army, on Thursday 29th November 2018. It is pertinent to mention that so far, ten of the operators of the illegal militia camp comprising the camp Commandant and nine officials were arrested by the troops. They were handed over to the Rivers State Police Command. The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterates that it would continue to remain professional and apolitical in the discharge of its Constitutional duties. We reaffirm our determination to be responsive to the defence and safeguard of democratic institutions in this country and remain non-partisan in all our undertakings.

ARMY SENDS REJOINDER

1. The attention of the Directorate of Army Public Relations has been drawn to a news report trending in the online media published by the Cable titled “ARMY REPORTEDLY REMOVES TEXAS CHUKWU AS SPOKESMAN, RE-APPOINTS USMAN”. In the said story, the report stated inter alia, that "Army reportedly removes Texas Chukwu as spokesman, reappoints Usman". 2. The Directorate wishes to state categorically that the report is not only malicious but an attempt by the writer to tarnish the reputation of the senior officer which he has built over the years in the course of his career as well as misleading members of the public. 3. The write-up further alleged that his removal followed outcry from different quarters on his “inability” to manage information on counter-insurgency campaign, which is completely untrue and unsubstantiated. 4. Contrary to the report, the Directorate wishes to state that, the re-appointment of Brigadier General Sani Usman is a routine deployment in the Nigerian Army following his completion of the Strategic course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and not based on media management as alleged by the report. 5. It is also pertinent to state that Brigadier General Texas Chukwu will be proceeding to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos for his Strategic course. 6. Consequently, the Directorate wishes to state that the writer has only succeeded in exhibiting his ignorance or complete lack of knowledge about postings and appointments in the Nigerian Army. 7. The Directorate therefore calls on the authority of The Cable to advice the reporter to cultivate the habit of verifying facts as well as balancing his report before rushing to the press. The medium is requested to tender an unreserved apology to the senior officer as well as the Directorate of Army Public Relations through the same medium within 24 hours or be ready to face legal action. 8.

ARMY REPLACES SPOKESMAN

 Texas Chukwu has reportedly been removed as Nigerian Army's spokesperson - He is said to have been replaced by former Army spokesperson Sani Usman - Chukwu, according to reports, claimed that he was replaced because of a course he ought to attend at the NIPSS The Nigerian Army has reportedly replaced Texas Chukwu as its spokesman. The Cable, quoting a military source said, Chukwu’s removal followed outcry from different quarters on his “inability” to manage information on the counter-insurgency campaign. “Chukwu was not attune with media management and did not sustain the efforts already in place. "A good public relations officer always responds to critical national issues on time and provides solutions. His inefficiency did not only affect the army’s efforts but made the military a subject of embarrassment in the eyes of the world,” the source said. The source was quoted to have also said that former spokesperson Sani Usman had been reinstated as spokesman of the army. Recall that Chukwu took over the position in February. Chukwu is alleged to have managed several incidents of Boko Haram poorly. “Chukwu’s handling of the recent Boko Haram incidents did not help in managing the situation, thereby embarrassing the chief of army staff and the commander-in-chief,” the source said. Chukwu was also reported to have confirmed that he had been replaced. He was reported to have claimed that he was replaced because of a course he ought to attend at the NIPSS. “There must be progress. I’m going to NIPSS for study. You know there are some courses you would take before getting promoted to major-general. It’s true. I’m no more the army spokesman. SK Usman would take over. He just returned from course, too,” he was quoted to have said. Usman was also said to have confirmed his return to his former position. In a message sent to The Cable, he said: “I wish to on behalf of my family thank all those that called or sent congratulatory messages as I graduated from NIPSS, Kuru, bagged the highly respected Membership of the National Institute (mni) and inducted into the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) since Saturday 24th November 2018. “I also like to inform you that I have also been reappointed as Director Army Public Relations with effect from Monday 26th November 2018. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation. May God continue to bless and protect you and your family.”

US Govt places order for Nigeria's super Tucano Airplanes

The United States Department of Defence on Wednesday announced it has awarded the contract for the manufacturing of 12 A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force. The contract was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation, an American aerospace contractor, for an initial sum of $329 million. A clause, described as “undefinitised contract action (UCA)”, was, however, added that the contract sum could be varied, but not exceeding $344.7 million. A defence contracting explainer said the UCA involves contracts whose terms, specifications, or price are not agreed upon before work commences. This could be because the negotiation of a definitive contract action is not possible in sufficient time to meet the government’s requirements or a government’s interest demands that the contractor be given a binding commitment so that contract performance can begin immediately, and shall be as complete and definite as practicable under the particular circumstances. Six of the aircraft would be equipped with Forward Looking Infrared System, a technology that senses radiation which is then converted to video output. As part of the contract for the 12 Super Tucano combat jetliners, the Nigerian Air Force would receive ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment and alternate mission equipment, the U.S. defence department said. There would also be a contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support, and five field service representatives for OCONUS support for three years, the U.S. Defence Department said. The aircraft would be built in Jacksonville, Florida, southeastern United States, and is expected to be completed May 2024. “Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $220,167,735 are being obligated at the time of award,” the department added. President Muhammadu Buhari placed order for the aircraft in April, following extensive discussions with the U.S. government that led to the relaxing of a moratorium placed on military equipment sales to Nigeria. Mr Buhari said the procurement would help strengthen Nigeria’s national security, as well as timely end to the Boko Haram war. The Nigerian government transferred $469.4 million to the U.S. government in April, according to a letter he wrote to the National Assembly. Lawmakers immediately rejected the move, saying the president flouted the Nigerian Constitution in paying such humongous amount to procure equipment from a another country with appropriation. The president described what he did as granting “anticipatory approval” for an expenditure, a term the lawmakers argued was strange to the Nigerian Constitution and the principles of separation of powers. During the heated debates about the contract in April, a U.S. senior diplomat in Nigeria briefed reporters in Lagos, telling them, amongst other key benefits of the contract, that the Super Tucanos would be delivered by 2020, a claim that was then regurgitated by Buhari administration officials. It was not immediately clear whether the Nigerian government was aware the project would not be delivered until 2024, six years away, but went ahead with the narrative that it would come by 2020, anyway. Also it was unclear why the contract was being awarded for $344 million (N125.3 billion) when Mr Buhari said he transferred over $469 million (N168.8 billion) to the U.S. for the aircraft. That leaves a difference of N43.5 billion yet unaccounted for. Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, did not immediately return PREMIUM TIMES’ requests for comments Thursday night. An e-mail to the U.S. Embassy public affairs section in Abuja was not immediately returned. The Boko Haram war, for which the Super Tucanos are being procured, has seen a surge in recent months, with hundred of Nigerian soldiers being killed in audacious raids on their bases across the war-ravaged North-East. Only on November 18, at least 118 soldiers were killed when Boko Haram fighters overran the Nigerian Army 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State, which has been the heartland of the nearly 10-year jihadist campaign. The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, who had long amongst top government functionaries claiming Boko Haram had been “technically defeated”, acknowledged the renewed ruthlessness of Boko Haram during an address on Wednesday. He, however, said the military was reshaping its counter-terrorism strategy, and predicted a fast-paced end to the insurgency.

Discovery of illegal Militia Training Camp

Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) today the 29th November 2018 while on a routine surveillance at Nonwa Gbam, (NYSC Orientation Camp) in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, discovered an illegal militia training camp. The troops met over 100 recruits undergoing military type of training. Preliminary investigations into the discovery has commenced in conjunction with sister security agencies in the state to fish out the sponsors of the militia and the training camp. Recall that similar illegal militia training camps were discovered and disbanded in Benue and Taraba States earlier in the year and measures were promptly taken to forestall breach of security and safety of citizens. You are kindly requested to disseminate the above information to the general public for awareness. Thank you for your usual cooperation. AMINU ILIYASU Colonel Deputy Director Army Public Relations